Chapter 8

You want answers?

I want the truth!

You can't handle the truth!!!!

"I almost forgot how much I love this movie. Was it your choice Jiji?" Khushi exclaimed her eyes still glued to the final minutes of Few Good Men playing on the 86 inch screen stuck to the wall in front of her, "You deserve a big hug for this", she continued without waiting for Payal to correct her, and bent to her side to envelop her into a hug, eyes still not leaving the screen.

Payal giggled and tilted her head in response, placing a small kiss on Khushi's forehead and replied, "I wish it was Ku. But this was Di's idea. And Arnav Bhai is responsible for making it happen. They deserve this hug more"

Her voice sailed across the room. While Anjali just smiled and blew a kiss toward Khushi, Arnav's eye jerked up and connected with hers immediately. Khushi's eyes widened and a small smirk took hold of Arnav's face. He raised his eyebrows suggestively, almost as if daring her to do what her sister just suggested.

Khushi blinked few times and quickly moved her eyes back to the screen, unable to believe how a statement she intended to be an innocent one turned to this. The dialogues of the movie faded away as her mind replayed the last 15 days for the umpteenth time. She remembered feeling relieved when Arnav took several steps back and gave her the space she desperately wanted. Although they had spent every waking hours together, the blurring line between their personal and professional life was well and fully restored. She was happy with the way things were going. But something happened this morning. She wasn't yet sure what it was exactly. But the energy she felt around Arnav, which had managed to dull itself in last 2 weeks was back again. She felt it when he spent the entire breakfast sitting next to her, talking to her few times but, it was mostly his silence that sent jolt of something unknown through her body. She offered to make dessert for lunch, and once again found him next to her, helping her out. She tried several times to redirect their conversation to their office work. But every time he managed to steer them back to personal. By the end of the 1 hour they spent alone in kitchen, she had told him all about why she joined AR and her time in Wharton before that. She almost chuckled to herself by being so easily manipulated by him. He asked her personal questions, but kept them superficial enough that she answered them without feeling too conscious.

She took a deep breath trying to shake off the Arnav-like fog building around her, hoping for this sudden change in him toward her to be a temporary one.

---

The movie room of Raizada house was abuzz with excitement as the final credits rolled up on the screen and Akaash moved to que up the next movie that no one from his generation had heard off. Coffees, soft drinks and popcorn refilled, second movie of the day started on the screen.

Suddenly Shayam felt his pocket vibrate. He withdrew his phone and the moment he recognised the number flashing on this screen, he nudged Anjali softly. Eyes mirroring his worry, she nodded her head and slowly, trying her best not to draw any attention to herself she followed Shayam out the room, into the corridor.

"Yes... Of course.... Right... I understand... Yes...sure...", she registered Shayam's monosyllables. With every word, her heart thudding violently against her chest.

"Ok.. thanks", Shayam disconnected the line and then looked up at fidgeting Anjali.

"Well?"

"They confirmed it. It is definitely positive"

Her breath hitched, fresh tears forming in her eyes and within seconds she was in his arms.

Shayam hugged her fiercely, placing kiss on her shoulder, as she shook with emotions so strong that he could feel it everywhere.

"I am pregnant?", Anjali finally whispered. Her voice still stating it like a question

"Yes baby. They said your blood stats needs to be watched, but otherwise it is all looking good. You are 7 weeks along", Shayam whispered back, his hands cupping her face lovingly

"Oh my god Shayam. I can't believe it. After all this time"

"I know sweetheart", he brought her back in his arms fiercely, "I know"

After few long minutes, Shayam pulled back, placed a soft kiss on her lips and smiled, "Ready to tell everyone ?"

She nodded, wiping her face of any remnants of tears and clasping her fingers tightly in his smiled in response.

"I love you"

"I love you more.. both of you"

---

The moment they broke their news to everyone, a stunned silence followed. Eyes wide, mouth still agape with surprise, everyone stared, unable to form any coherent words.

Finally, after what felt like several minutes, a loud and happy shriek from Payal broke the stupor. She ran toward Anjali, hugging her tight. And immediately after, Anjali was engulfed in sea of arms. Nani couldn't stop her tears from flowing across her tired face, her mind already counting days to meet her first great grandchild. Amidst all the excited faces, Anjali's eyes searched for Arnav who was still standing behind everyone, dual expressions etched across his face. And she knew exactly what he was feeling. She moved toward him, gently cupped his face and smiled through her misty eyes.

"Di" he murmured

"I know", she hugged him then, "I miss them too. So much"

Arnav withdrew and placed a quick kiss on her forehead, and smiled.

"Congratulations Di. I am so happy"

Another pair of hands came from behind and he turned to return hug to Shayam, unable to contain the joy he felt for the two of the most important people in his life. He remembered what they went through few years back when Anjali and Shayam realised that having a child of their own might not be a straightforward thing in their case. Few times over the last year, they had spoken about adoption. They were almost at the decision point. In fact, he had already started vetting few of the agencies that they could use. But, to be able to be part of this change in their life was so beautiful, that when he saw Anjali being pulled into Shayam's arms again, disbelief still sparkling in both their eyes, he sighed with content, knowing that no two people he knew deserved this more.

---

After the initial excitement subsided, everyone decided to move the celebration to the private club they were regulars in.

Spread on 22,000 sq. ft The Elitist club was one of the most exclusive club in India. Luxury here was a norm. A club so exclusive, that the membership was invite and referral based only. And the select few who did managed to get through its main gates, they were waited on hand and foot.

Through the brass-lined door at the entrance, the doorman redirected the Raizada clan to one of their private lounge in left wing of the building where they found 3 servers already waiting for them. One of them holding the tray full of champagne filled crystal flutes and fruit juices, another one holding assortments of bite sized, slightly pretentious appetizers, and the third one taking care of their jackets and coats. While everyone occupied different areas of the huge wall to wall black leather sofa, the room around them glowing with soft hue from a very dramatic looking fireplace in the corner, Khushi quietly gestured Payal and then excused herself to go back to the small library she spotted at other corner of the club.

Breathing the musky scent of old wood and books around her, Khushi scanned some of the early editions that filled the beautiful mahogany panelled case that was placed in between the huge hall full of luxurious looking chairs and couches. She gingerly picked the second edition of one of the Oscar Wilde books, and moved to occupy the couch in the corner of the room. She sat down with a sigh, her eyes closing with relief to be finally alone.

She knew how great Raizadas were. She had seen throughout the day how closely connected everyone were to each other. She felt ecstatic knowing Payal had this warmth and love in her life now. She could also see how easy it was to get use to all the care they showered not just on their family members, but also on outsiders. And that is what made her uncomfortable. She could feel a war raging inside her. On one hand she longed to put down her guards and let them take care of her, like they did for others, but on the other hand, her insides shook, knowing how will it feel when this will get over. And she knew it will get over. The fact that she was even thinking about the possibility of revelling in this warmth for longer than she should, scared her.

And so, after hours of being around them, she had to get away. These were lovely people, who sucked all the air around her and she knew she had to pull herself away from them to retain her sanity.

She chuckled darkly at her thoughts.

Who was she kidding. She was not running from them all. Although very imposing with their love, none of the Raizadas were as dangerous as the dark-eyed Adonis, who unintendedly occupied all her thoughts. His presence itself demanded too much of her energy and half day in, she already felt drained. So, she did what she knew best, run and hide. Hoping for the evening to end soon and prayed for herself to come out of it unscathed.

---

"The whole point of coming here was to relax Akaash", Arnav said, plopping down the chair tiredly

Akaash groaned as the crick in his neck vibrated with pain, "I did. I was trying to"

"Doing butterfly strokes for 10 laps especially when you have been out of practise for so long is not relaxing"

"What happened, how did your swimming go?" Payal eyed her husband with concern

"Show off here thought he was swimming in Olympics is what happened"

Akaash rolled his eyes, as another spasm of pain washed over him, "Oh come on. You made a bet with Harmon that I won't be able to do it"

"Harmon?" Anjali asked with raised eyebrows looking in between her two brothers

"One of the partner in the club", Arnav supplied helpfully

"But why would you even take such a bet" Anjali questioned, shaking her head as if chastising a child

"Hyper-competitiveness", Arnav smirked

Akaash opened his eyes then and looked at Arnav's smiling face and threw the towel he bought with himself & answered with a matching smirk, "Hi Pot, I am Kettle"

Everyone around them laughed this time making Arnav roll his eyes, "Come on, you were suppose to help me tease him, not turn on me. I cannot believe you people", Arnav dramatically placed his palms on his heart, which made everyone chuckle harder.

Laughing still, Anjali got up to sit near the elders who again got busy with the game of monopoly they were engrossed in, and Shayam helpfully escorted Akaash to the resident pharmacist to get him some painkiller.

Alone, Arnav finally turned toward Payal and asked her what he was dying to from last two hours, but was stopping himself.

"Where is Khushi?"

"She wanted to check out the books they kept here. She should still be in the library"

Arnav raised his brows in question and Payal sighed, her fingers playing with the edge of the magazine in her lap, "She wanted to be alone for a bit. Umm, it has been an overwhelming day"

"Overwhelming? I didn't know we were this bad", Arnav replied

"No, not bad. You need to understand this is all different for her Bhai. She...umm.. how do I say this...she is not use to having so many people around her for so many hours. And let's face it, when we are all together, we love to encroach on each other spaces and enjoy it. For anyone else, it can be intimidating"

Arnav sighed, as he nodded his head. He knew how his family was. They all led such a busy and different lives, that the times they were together, they really did made a point to be all in. But obviously not everyone was used to this dynamic.

"But...", Payal spoke, making Arnav's eyes snap up, "It's time to get her back"

Arnav nodded as Payal moved away, unsure if she was making the right move.

---

Payal found Khushi with her nose still stuck in the Oscar Wilde book.

"Ku..." Payal whispered, making Khushi jump.

"Jiji...are we leaving now?"

"No, we were going to have some snacks, let's go"

"Umm.. I am not hungry"

"None of us really are. But, come on, it will be nice if you join everyone. Please?"

She knew she couldn't hide from the people she came in with forever. She still hoped to ride out this evening in this tiny sanctuary she found for herself. She opened her mouth to refuse again, but looking at Payal's hopeful eyes, she couldn't help but nod.

After few minutes of eating and more talks, everyone decided to disperse again. Shayam and Anjali made their way to the spa, and elders decided to hang around the lounge and have a lazy evening.

Khushi got up and stretched, hoping to do something other than sitting and talking.

"They have squash court here right?"

Akaash looked up & nodded.

"Great. Jiji, come on, it's been so long. One game, please"

"No, i cant. I can't even move after all that food. I need to sit here and do nothing"

Khushi exhaled with disappointment, and turned to Akaash next, "Jiju, how about you?"

Akaash groaned in response, "I wish Khushi. But, my shoulder is out of commission for next few days i think. Sorry"

"I am free", came another voice almost simultaneously, making her breath hitch.

She closed her eyes, her mind already churning viable reasons she could use to say No. She then turned back, coming face to face with Arnav who tilted his head and smiled, almost as if goading her to say yes.

She narrowed her eyes. She knew what he was doing. She opened her mouth, ready to say no, but, what came out was a soft yes. Something that shocked her, and as she could see from his expressions, him too.

---

"Ready?"

Khushi nodded her head and the ball came rushing toward her. Both started with hitting cross-courts to each other and warming up.

Few minutes later, they started the actual game with Khushi serving first.

The rally kept going as they both danced around each other, trying to score as many points as they could. Almost 30 minutes later, Khushi exclaimed as she won the game by 2 points.

Almost immediately they started the next round, which this time Arnav won by 5 points.

He knew how her mind worked. They could have stopped then. They both won one game each. But, looking at his score, he knew that won't happen. Her need to win was almost at par with his. And so he smirked at her. Trying to gloat without using any words. And before he could say anything he heard Khushi saying "Best out of three?", with a frown.

"That's what I was thinking" Arnav replied with a wink.

Next game was aggressive.

They were both relentless, refusing to back down. Every shot seemed like a power shot. But, even though they both were gasping for air, Arnav made it a point to still talk. Nothing in particular - he spoke about anything and everything. As his shots got fiercer, his tone with her became gentler.

She could feel her skin burning, blood pumping in her ears, as she tried to keep up with him. She knew she was in great shape. She religiously dedicated 1 hour every morning to intense cardio and strength training. But, that squash box felt like a death trap. The sensation crawling through her body was not just her mind trying to keep up with her aching body. It was his words and presence around that did it. She tried to engage in the conversation with him, just like she did the entire day today, but in that moment, with her body pushed to extreme, she could feel her guard slipping. And, so the more he spoke, the quieter she got.

After almost 90 minutes, the game closed with a draw. And before he could suggest few more rounds, she opened the glass door behind her, and with eyes downcast, breath still coming in pants, she ran out.

Arnav looked at her retreating figure and with a deep exhale sat down on the floor. He knew it. Somehow he knew he had pushed her to a place she didn't want to go. He could feel the cracks developing in that perfectly polite air she always maintained around herself. And that is what he was after from morning. He wanted to witness her limit. He wanted to see to what point she will let him get comfortable with her before snapping. He wanted to... no needed to understand which topic ticked her off, or was it him who did that. Somehow he felt that this would help him see the reason she hid behind that giant wall. And the way she had walked away, he had a feeling that he would soon get some of the answers he was after.

---

Deep frown marring her face, Khushi made her way out of the shower room. Her heartbeat was still no where close to normal. She had her eyes on the ground, her mind millions miles away, that before she could sense it, she ran into Arnav, who too coincidently got out of the men's shower located next to the women's.

Arnav's hands shot out instinctively to hold Khushi and prevent her from falling, but before he could stabilize her, her palms came to his chest and with all her might, she pushed him away.

"Khushi, you alright?", he asked, his hands moving once again to touch her shoulder. But, the way she flinched and stepped back, he regretted it immediately.

"I am fine, I...", she took a deep breath, "thanks", and tried to move around him to get as far as possible from him

"You sure?", he asked again. Still pushing her. Wanting her to let go.

And that's exactly what happened. It was like the cork came off of a bottle, "Stop doing this. For god's sake", her voice quivered.

He opened his mouth, but she continued, "No, don't say that I am Jiji's family. Just don't. We have talked about it, isn't it. I thought we agreed. You are my CEO. And if you want to talk about AR, you want to talk about the next ten years strategy I would love to do that. You want me in a game of squash with clients, I will be there too. But, this... this I cannot. I....", she heaved, "I will not do this"

"Khushi, calm down. I just wanted to..."

"Wanted to what? You... what is your agenda?"

"Agenda? Come on Khushi, you know I have no agenda. We have already established a great working relationship, I just thought we could be friends"

"No, we can't. I am not here to make friends. I don't know how else to say this. I don't want to have any relationships outside the AR walls. This was a mistake. This whole day was a mistake. I should have said no to Anjali when she invited", she wrapped her hands around herself, almost as if trying to protect herself, trying to reign her voice in, "I am sorry Arnav. I am really really sorry. But, I cannot have this conversation again. Please, leave me be. I don't want to be rude. Please ignore my tone if that's how it sounds, but I need you to leave me alone"

Irrespective of her arms around herself, she was still shaking, and before Arnav could contemplate his actions, his arms came around her again, hoping to calm her down.

But the moment he touched her, the barely restrained calm she had broke free. Inside her mind fear and fury chased one another, obscuring any and every rational thoughts. She closed her eyes tight, praying for herself to not cross that line, but before she could stop herself, words came tumbling out, "DO...NOT...TOUCH... ME... EVER... AGAIN" she enunciated every single word with so much rage that Arnav took a step back.

Her body still shaking, she walked away, only this time he didn't follow.

Fuckkkk.... he bit, kicking the stones next to him. His fingers tearing through his hair, he took deep breath hoping to calm himself down.

Had he made a huge miscalculation? There was nothing unusual about the day for someone normal. The fact that kind words and gestures had managed to push Khushi to this point meant something was really really wrong. He couldn't, for the life of him imagine why. He just had no energy left to think anymore. The roller coaster of the interactions with Khushi had left him devoid any thoughts. Groaning another curse, he decided to make his way to his family. He knew he had no way to get his answers. He just needed to get away for now. For the first time, he needed the day to get over.

---

"I am going to talk to the owner and thank him for today, and then we should leave. It is getting late, and if Nani still wants us in temple tonight, we need to get started now", Arnav spoke hurriedly, his eyes trained on his phone, body still stiff with emotions coursing through it.

Anjali frowned, she knew him too well to sense his moods. Her worried eyes connected with Shayam, who too looked taken aback with Arnav's tone. He shook his head, trying to tell Anjali that even he was as clueless as her.

Shayam then cleared his throat, and spoke softly, "Do you want to some dinner? Or, may be get them to pack something for you for later?"

Arnav shook his head, "I am not hungry. I do have an important call with our Europe branch though. So, why don't you all take your time, and I will see you all at home?"

"You at AR work so much. Even Khushi left ten mins back so she could attend a call", Madhumati, who was sitting nearby spoke, without knowing that her words acted like a slap on Arnav's face.

Arnav's fingers tightened around his phone, as he felt his temper flaring up.

Of course she chose to leave, he thought bitterly, but then almost laughed at himself for expecting anything different. For the first time in the short span of knowing her, he had seen her this enraged. She had been irritated at times. But, never downright angry. And although her body vibrated with anger, he still saw deep pain swirling in her eyes. She looked distraught.

He snapped his phone shut, frustration pulsing through his veins.

She was gone now, and if he had understood her at all in these few weeks, he knew by tomorrow that mask of hers will be back in place, possibly with an apology for her behaviour today.

Back to fucking square one! Irritated still, he walked out of the lounge leaving his family behind.

---

"Think we are all set now. Did you take those clothes I wanted to donate Anjali?", Nani asked as they all ran around the Raizada house,

"Ram has kept everything in the car Nani. Lets go"

Nani nodded her head, as everyone made their way out of the house, including the housekeepers, cooks, and guards they employed. This was that one night, when Nani made a point to have everyone who lived under the Raizada Mansion’sa roof to sit together in prayer.

Three cars lined behind one another filled up with people and that is exactly when with a loud pop the entire mansion engulfed in darkness.

"What happened?", Madhumati asked

"Mahesh?", Arnav called

"Something is wrong with the nearby transformer I think", Mahesh called back from the back of the line of cars.

"Why are our generators not kicking in then?", Akaash frowned

"Not sure sir. There were some issue with the main battery, but we resolved it. I will go and check"

"No...no, leave it Mahesh", Nani shook her head, "We are already late. Look at it when we come back"

Mahesh looked at Arnav and getting an acknowledging nod from him too, everyone got themselves in separate cars and set out for the night.

Arnav, who was driving his favourite Bentley, made a point to ask Nani, Mama and Mami to sit in his car. He knew if got in the same car as Anjali, she would grill him about what happened back at the club. And, he still wasn't in the mood to discuss it.

Even after coming back from the club, Khushi had made sure to not come face to face with him. He could hear her voice around his house, but she tried her best to avoid him. He expected exactly this, but still it bothered him. He had no idea how to reach out to her now, and after what went down between them, he knew the door he thought he saw was firmly closed shut by her with no access at all for any outsider, least of all him.

---

"That piece of red cloth was with Payal Nani, give me a min, I will ask her to get it", Anjali said while they took their place in the huge hall that was being used for the night's vigil. She dropped her bags near Nani and turned back toward Payal and called her, "Payal, can you pass the red cloth please?"

"I don't have it Di. Oh yes, Ku had that bag", Payal replied. She then looked around her and frowned, "Wait where is she?"

She then got up to crane her neck, trying to locate Khushi

"Did you find it?", Nani asked, but as soon as she took in the worried face of Payal, she stopped

"Ku... Nani, was she in your car?"

"No, we thought she was with you?"

Payal gave out a gasp, that finally drew Arnav's attention, "Payal, what's wrong?"

"Ku... where is she?"

"Umm, I haven't seen her. Wasn't she in your car?"

Payal's face paled, and Arnav narrowed his eyes, unable to understand why was Payal panicking over something so small.

"Calm down Payal, did you call her?", Arnav said, whipping his phone out and calling her number.

"That's strange, the call is not connecting, must be some network issue. Where did you see her last?"

"I asked her to get the red piece of cloth that Nani wanted for today. I didn't see her after that"

"Oh yes, she asked me about it. I asked her to look in the basement", Anjali replied

"Oh god", Payal wailed this time, as she frantically moved toward Madhumati, "Buaji...Khushi...", she hiccupped, her body shaking with fear, "Basement...dark", tears now flowing across her face.

Madhumati almost stumbled with fear, as she too dialled Khushi's number, hoping for the phone to connect.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on? She is a big girl Payal. She will call you, in fact, she knows the address of this temple, she might be on her way here", Arnav spoke, disturbed by Payal's and Madhumati's tears. He was about to suggest another call to her, when soft strings of words came out of Madhumati's mouth, that made his entire body lock.

"Khushi has phobia of darkness and closed spaces. She gets panic attacks, She went in depression long time back and her physicians asked us to be specifically careful about dark enclosed spaces"

Even before Madhumati could complete her statement, Arnav was already running toward his car. He drove with as much speed as he could. Hoping the worse that Payal and Buaji were imagining was not what had happened, that she was ok. Their words running on repeat in his mind, 'she gets panic attacks, she went in depression', his car groaned as he pulled on to the highway, 'Please be ok, god! please be ok'. he kept chanting.

In around twenty or so minutes, his car finally came to a halt with a screech and he ran towards the main gates, desperately trying to get to the basement. He pulled the emergency lights out of drawer to light the room as much as possible.

He carefully pushed open the door at the end of the staircase leading him to the basement. He softly called her name, his eyes wildly scanning the area around him and then he saw her - sitting in one of the corner, the red cloth still clutched in her hands, arms wrapped around herself, and eyes shut. Her breath was coming in pants, and she looked pale like a ghost.

Within seconds, Arnav was next to her.

"Khushi... Khushi, are you ok? Look at me please", Arnav cried, as he took hold of her arms. Her eyes opened, but it almost felt like she looked through him. It was as if she couldn't see him.

Arnav cursed loudly, and gathered her in his arms. His fingers taking hold of her neck, his lips falling on her shoulder, he continued to talk to her. Hoping to get some reaction out of her.

"Come on sweetheart.. say something. You are ok. I am here. Please, Khushi, please"

He then withdrew slightly, one arm still around her, he pulled the emergency light near them, hoping for the light to do the trick.

"Look at me Khushi" he whispered again. He then bent to place a soft kiss on her forehead. He brought her back to his chest, and continued, "I am sorry Khushi. Please sweetheart, please"

He didn't even know what he was asking for. He also didn't understand this insane need he felt to make sure that she was ok. He just wanted her to react. He didn't know for how long they kept sitting there on the floor, when finally he felt her twitch.

The first thing she heard was the faint sound of that beautiful voice she had come to know like her own in last few days. She then felt strong beating heart next to hers, and then she sensed the warm breath fanning her face and hair. She still had her eyes closed, but somehow she knew who she was surrounded with. Almost instinctively, her fingers curled on his side, clutching his shirt with desperation of a drowning person. She felt safe, to a degree she never ever felt before in her life. She tried to take big gulps of air in, as she felt her heart rate coming back to normal.

And that's when it happened. The knowledge of being safe in his arms, suddenly flipped on its head. And all she now felt was panic. The years of practise and training that went into teaching herself to rely only on herself and never to trust anyone came crashing in. And before she knew it, her body went into the self preservation mode, and started struggling, trying to move as far away as she could from the caring warmth.

Arnav felt her move a little, and frowning to himself, he pulled back.

"Oh my god! Khushi...you are ok. Thank heaven, you are ok", he chanted and bent down to drop another kiss on the side of her head.

Immediately, Khushi went rigid in his arms. And before he knew it, she jumped away from him, and stood up. Her eyes bloodshot, her knuckles closed tight and her nails poking her palms.

And then she said something that managed to punch all the breath out of his body.

"How dare you. You think you can abuse and take advantage of my vulnerable state. You think my helplessness gives you the right to do whatever you want. I never want to see you near me again. Ever"

With that, her body still shaking, she ran out of the basement, her cries still echoing so gut wrenchingly in the background, that Arnav just collapsed on the ground.

Out of everything she said, one word lodged itself in his brain.

Abuse! Did she use the word abuse? Arnav felt physically exhausted. This was much bigger than he imagined. The pain he kept seeing in her eyes was so much more deeper than he could fathom. Why was she in depression? Why the panic attacks? Questions after questions slammed through him. Her face when he found her flashing across his mind. She looked so closed off in that moment. It was almost as if her mind had abandoned her body. That women was not the beautiful, vibrant and intelligent Khushi he had come to know. That was just a shell.

Closing his eyes, he concentrated on breathing. In. Out. In. Out. After few agonising minutes, he could breathe without struggle again. Determination talking firm place in his mind.

He would get to the bottom of this. He had to. For his own sanity. And the only way to get started was to talk to Payal!

---

Note: Hiya my dearies! Sorry for being late with this post. Had busy few weeks at work. Hope you are doing well in these crazy times.

To everyone who liked & left their comments last time - thank you so much my lovelies!

To the silent & new readers - If you are here and liked what you just read - can I ask you to take few more seconds to hit like and please leave your comments - so I know what you thought of the story so far.

Until next time! :)