Chapter-29

Chapter dedicated to DhrutyMody. Thank you alot for your support which brought me till here. Hope this love for TSL never fades away.

Dhruv, are you drunk?

Author's POV

"We met" said Sitaara. He lifted his head in shock and looked at her.

"We met?" he asked perplexed. She nodded.

"You remember hitting my car while parking in Adhi akka and Rishi baba's(bil) reception? You were so drunk and wasn't even able to stand still you wanted to drive. I couldn't see your face properly as your face was covered with beard and your forehead was covered with your hair and it was all dark" she said.

"I don't remember anything but from Aarya I heard that her friend brought me home with the help of Arjun but I didn't expect it be you. I wanted to thank you then but don't why I never met you. Anyways thank you" he said not meeting her eyes as if hiding something. She smiled nodding her head.

"Not only that, I saw you beating Eshwar, the boy who teased me in my college when I was 16. Why did you do that? We both never met personally. To be frank it was the first time I saw you, you were just 19-20, I guess, you were looking so boyish without this beard, have bouncy hair and were very thin with baseball bat in your hands, growling like a lion" she said. He blushed scratching his nape as the thing he is hiding came out.

"I...I..I don't know why I used to beat boys who were even behind you. Whenever I heard from Aarya that someone was teasing you, I used to make them run for miles and trash them badly. Truly even I don't know why I felt to kick those asses who were behind you, I used to feel very angry within me when Aarya used to tell about it, may be because my sixth sense was aware that you are my girl, will marry me at the end and want to keep you away from men. I used to think that woman shouldn't be treated that way and am just protecting you as you are also a woman and my sister's best friend. Once I even went to lock up for you, Sid know that" he said smiling sheepishly. She looked at shock and scooted closer.

"You really went to lock up for me? Why? How does Sid anna know about it?" Asked Sitaara with a amused smile. He looked up into her eyes and brought his fingers to her cheeks, caressing them with his thumb. She closed her eyes unable to decipher the feelings and why does she feel exactly like she felt with Viraj.

"Yes! I went in lock up for a day. No one know about it except Sid. We both used to hunt every male who were behind you untill you went to Mumbai for bachelors. When I was beating Kishore who touched your waist when you and Aarya went to science camping, Sid too came to beat him and he saw me. Since then we were friends but it was always a hidden thing from everyone. That's why Sid trusts me with you and forced you to marry me" he whispered huskily and tucked hair strand behind her ear.

"Though I did all those things I never saw you properly untill you fell in my arms at my office. I never even saw you getting teased, it was just I heard from Aarya when she used to share everything to us. I don't even know your name as Sitaara, she used to use only 'situ'. Sometimes, I specially came for you to your school, college, even to your penthouse in mumbai but our fate always snatched away the chance of seeing you" he said and pecked her tip of nose and continued "now you see, we are together and I can see you each and every minute of my life. My wait to meet you, see you was worthful". She moved back as her emotions kicked in.

"Sid called me 2 and half years ago to Mumbai to beat someone, he didn't tell that man's name, I immediately started my journey to trash that bastard who was behind you and we did it. We beat that man to death and I don't think he survived after that. Sid even used revolver at him. That was time when am drowning in my pain and Prerna aunty was dead" he said. Sitaara looked at him shocked.

"Where did you beat that guy? I mean to which place you took that guy to beat?" Asked Sitaara as something stroke in her mind.

"Mumbai outskirts, in between woods" said Abhi. Tears filled Sitaara's eyes.

"Viraj was dead 2 and half years ago. Raj had many bullet peirced holes on his body. We were told that his body was found in mumbai outskirts in woods. Did my own brother and my husband killed my Raj, my love? Abhimanyu is also involved in it? Because Mani is involved in it, anna got me married to him? So that I don't put up any charges on him as he will be my husband? Is that why Sid anna always used turn uncomfortable whenever I raised Raj's topic? Is that why even being a influencing man in our country, he couldn't find any evidences? Was he diverting the case? Is that why he never allowed me to go Mumbai after Viraj's death? So that I don't get associated with Raj's family? Anna killed my Raj? No! It's false. I know he would never approve Viraj, he even beat Viraj to death in school days but he can't stoop low to even kill my Raj. Please god make my assumptions false. Anna can't do that. Mani can't do that. Please!! But if my assumptions are true, I will surely push Abhimanyu Chowdary and Siddhanth Shetty behind bars. This is for sure!!" Thought Sitaara wiping her tears angrily.

''Mani, did anna kill that guy?'' Asked Situ. He looked at her.

''We don't know. After Sid shot him we left from there. Sid told he had something important to do and even I had important things to do in Mumbai with Kashyap's so we parted our ways. After that we never raised that guy's topic but to speak honestly, I don't think that guy survived. I don't think it is a new rivalry between Sid and that man. They must have rivalry since years" said Abhi. She looked at him rage.

"How can you kill a man, Mani? Who gave you fucking rights to take someone's life? Yes, sister's love must have blinded him but you were with anna, you would've stopped him, you would have knocked some sense in his dickhead" shouted Sitaara on his face holding his collar.

"Hey! Calm down sweetheart. Sid isn't an immature guy and isn't a guy who loose control just because the guy intrested in you and shot someone simply, he must have reasons for it. You know your brother more than I do. How can you judge him with your assumptions? If he really wanted to kill the guys who were behind you, he would have done it long back. But he didn't. Seems like there was something more to it making him kill that guy. Please don't misunderstand and hurt him Sitaara. He loves you and whatever he did is for you. Before coming into conclusions just think about your brother's nature" said Abhi. Sitaara left him as his words made sense.

"Please god, I don't want to hate my brother. If he really killed my Raj, I won't leave him and will kill my own brother. I should reopen the case. Without Sid anna's involvement. It's time to fight for justice. There is something more to it and need dig deeper to know what happened 2 and half years ago. Till then I should be careful and shouldn't let know Sid anna that am doubting in him. If he did that, he will surely manipulate everything and make sure he and Mani don't get caught if they are the culprits. Need to tell this to Arjun and Vikram. Love you Raj. Will surely bring justice to you this time" thought Sitaara looking at sky.

They both sat in silence again, his eyes started tearing up again.

"You wanna see my best friend Samhith?" He asked. She nodded vigorously. He fished out his phone from his pocket and showed pictures of Samhith.

"He is very handsome and looks innocent too. Trust me he is just hot" she blurted out. He snatched the phone away.

"Don't I look hot to you?" He asked with jealously dripping from his voice.

"No!! You look like king of hotness!!

Very handsome and...and..se..sexy!!" She thought studying his every feature with a shy smile.

"Anyways, leave it. I know I look like king of hotness, very handsome and...and...se..sexy" he said smirking.

"Did I say it loud?" She muttered flushed face looking at her lap.

"You did" he said chuckling at her cute funny faces. She hit his arm with her tiny fist, he held her wrist and pulled her to him and hugged her.

"You remind me of Samhith in every sense. You have same smile like his that's why I like your smile" he said as tear drop fell on her shoulder. He pulled back and palmed his face crying.

"Am sorry ra(man!/dude). I am extremely sorry ra Samu. Because of me you fell for her... because of me you are dead... because of me uncle had heart attack... because of me aunty went into coma... because of me uncle's dreams shattered...I killed you...I killed your parents, your family...am responsible for everything ra Samu... am a murderer who killed you and your happy family... If only I was in India...if only I didn't stop contacting you that month...if only I came to India when you are accused as a rapist... You would have been alive today...I failed as a best friend" he cried palming his palming his face.

"No, Mani. You didn't fail as a best friend. Infact, you are making those those bitches pay back, you brought justice to him, you tried your level best in saving him from a toxic relationship but luck wasn't with your side as you, yourself got into one. Now, crying isn't going to bring back him. You know, I always beleive whatever happens in our life it has a cause. Likewise, Samhith anna death brought himself peace that this world couldn't give him, although suicide was a sin. But, try to look at the brightest side, Mani, Now he is with his parents all alone enjoying the love they showering on him. Aunty must be pouring all the love which she couldn't do on earth. He must be resting his head in her lap happily, carefreely like a kid. Uncle must be happy without any tensions anymore and taking care of his little family. You wanna cry and make them sad?" She asked him like he was a kid placing her hand on his shoulder. Abhi shook his head in no vigorously.

"God take away people who are too good for this world. He don't want to hurt them more. He don't want them to become a scapegoat in this cruel world" she said looking at stars which are blinking as if agreeing to her. She turned to him whose face was illuminating his features due to the only source of light, moon.

"Never cry again on the death of Samhith anna. Just understand that he is in safe hands, safest place hoping the good in his 4 bestfriends lives. Will you?" She asked putting her hand on his cheek and wiped a lone tear that escaped his eyes.

"I will. I promise, for sake of Sam, my bestfriend, my brother" he said smiling. She too smiled and kissed his forehead making the peace settle deep down in heart.

She pulled back immediately realising what she did. Suddenly he kept his head in lap starring at the sky filled with stars. Cool breeze touching his dried up cheeks assuring them it is taking away pain with it from his life. Sitaara startled at his sudden gesture but relaxed when his eyes met hers with a beautiful and rarest smile adorning his lips. She smiled back pushing away the uncomfortableness she is feeling.

They both fell silent while his hands playing with her right fingers and her left hand caressing his hair. Though she didn't want it to happen she felt it right. She felt the same warmness, same assurance, same things she felt with Viraj.

"Taara" he called. She titled her head to look at him. He pointed to the three stars which are together. She looked up and smiled anticipating his thoughts.

"My bestfriend, My mentor and godfather, my second mother are together smiling at us again and again" he said and got up standing on his feet. He pulled Sitaara to stand beside him and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"You see this beautiful woman, Sam? My wife!! Mrs Sitaara Abhimanyu" He said and looked at her with a smile. Turning back to stars he continued "Dada(Vaibhav) your first dil, Sitaara, am married, I've got a beautiful and understanding companion like you got aunty(Prerna). Aunty, just like you she always runs behind me to keep my things organized, won't let me work for long hours and just like you became strength to Dada, she became mine" he said smiling and looked at Sitaara who was frowned at his words internally. She sensed something different in the way he look at her, his voice held an intensity which she can't describe.

"I won the bet, ra(man/dude) Samu. I married before you got did. You missed my wedding, Sam! You failed to stand on your promise. Remember? You promised me you will dance infront of my baraat car till your legs give up?" He said. Sitaara smiled.

"May be you are true, he wasn't at our wedding but he surely seen from sky. He must have celebrated in heaven. Aunty and uncle must have showered thier blessings on us. He don't need his physical attendence because he is here ( pointing at his heart) and he is happy that you won the bet" she said giggled at the end. He looked at her with so much of love.

"She is just you Sam, a lady version of Samhith. Same smile. Same nature. Same thinking. Same mingling nature like you. She same kind hearted. Same stupidity too" he said and chuckled when she punched his biceps.

"Not to forget her punches, they are very hard like yours, she can become next Mary Com" he said. She started hitting his chest. While he hugged her laughing. She hugged him seeking the comfort, the love, the warmness, the attention which only Viraj could give and now Abhi. He kissed her crown.

"I miss you, Raj. Why did you leave me? Am badly missing you. The words I used to console, Mani felt like I am convincing myself more than him still ...I can't let you go. I will come to you soon, baby. Love you Raj" she thought as a tear escaped her eyes.

"Shall I confess my love now? No! What if she says yes out of pity? I don't want anyones sympathy, I need love which only my sweetheart can give me. Plus, she doesn't know completely about me, if she know more about me she will leave me surely. I can't take that chance. Am sorry Sweetheart, I'll tell you soon about the actual Abhimanyu but...am scared to loose you...I want you in my life...I need you...I can't tell my other story now and let you go. Never...in my life I'll let you go away from me. I love you, sweetheart" he thought smiling and kissed her crown again caressing her butt length hair.

"Shall we go home? It's 11:30" she said pulling back. He nodded. She picked up the bottles and dumped them in the cover. She hugged Renu and bade adieu to her. Throwing the bag in garbage can outside the orphanage she sat in car and started driving.

"From when you started coming here?" He asked. She laughed out loudly making him perplex.

"I own this orphanage, it's mine. I started this with my own money" she said.

"Yours?" He asked shocked. She nodded chuckling at his reaction.

"I started it 1 and half years ago. I provide the kids here schooling and basic needs looking after them myself. The NGO is for the rape victims, domestic violence victims and the widows" she said 'widows' in whisper with teary eyes.

"That's great, Tara but you don't work, then how?" He asked. She laughed again.

"I work. In your company. Mumbai branch. Mine is work from home. Remember? On early days of our wedding I told you 'you don't know me' when you barked at me that I don't have a job. I work for your company, Mr Mishra and Mr Sinha, sold our tender details, I worked for that team" she said while he looked at her shocked. She laughed at his reaction.

"Don't be shocked. I am mysterious beyond your expectations" she said.

"I can see that. BTW, how can your single job is able to run this orphanage?" He asked.

"I do many online jobs, Mani. And yeah..still it won't be sufficient to run the orphanage that's why Sid anna releases funds but I was the one who established with my own money. Don't judge me, I even worked as waitress at US during my masters and I did many more jobs which obviously a daughter of billionaire won't be doing" she said. He looked at her amused.

"I always thought myself as mysterious creature but you are more mysterious than me" he said chuckling. She giggled. Soon they reached home by 12:00 and found everyone asleep.

"Come" he said holding her hand. She looked at him raising her eyebrows.

"Surprise" he said and dragged her to their room. Standing infront of their room, he blindfold her eyes.

"Mani what are you doing?" She shrieked.

"Shh...my baby. Stay silent and just walk ahead trusting me okay?" He whispered. She hummed holding his hand. He slowly made her walk ahead and they reached the balcony.

Standing behind her he hugged her tightly resting his chin at the curve of her neck making her go stiff.

"So, shall I open the blindfold?" He asked. She nodded smiling getting excited. He slowly released the blindfold and she opened her eyes and saw highly resolved telescope infront of her. She cupped her mouth in shock.

"Liked it, sweetheart?" He asked. She turned to him throwing her hands around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"This is what I wanted to buy since many days, Mani. But...but I couldn't" she said.

Now, I can see my Raj clearly. Since years all my savings went under orphanages leaving not even a single penny with me but today, my Mani bought it for me she thought grinning.

"Anything for you, Taara" he whispered hugging her to his tightly and kissed her crown. She pulled back excited and peeked into telescope to look at stars.

"Raj" she whispered with tears seeing the stars which are looking like they are just before her eyes.

''Sitaara'' called Abhi. She turned to him tucking pallu of her saree at her waist and grinned at him. He placed an envelope in her hands and gestured her to look into it. She excitedly opened her the envelope and saw a sheet. Lifting her face she looked at him wriggling her eyebrows. He smiled crossing his arms across her chest.

Pulling out the sheet, she looked at it and her eyes filled with tears.

"It's a proof that a star one among the billions of it is named after you. The star which you saw through the telescope is the one which is named after you'' he said smiling. She looked at him with tears.

"Why?" She whispered.

"I'll tell you soon but what you need to know is, am not doing all these expecting something from you, Taara. This is how I show my feelings for people, I don't talk much and I prove how much they are important to me like this" he said. She smiled walking to him and cupped his cheeks.

"Thank you, very much" she whispered. He placed kiss on her palms holding them against his cheeks and smiled at her.

"How much does this telescope cost?" She asked.

'This is all you ask inbetween our happy moments?" He asked chuckling. She smiled.

"I know this one cost in crores, but you shouldn't have spent it on me" she said. He looked her with hurt which didn't go unnoticed by her.

"No, don't be sad. I loved this very much. A lot. You literally brought me the thing which I wanted to get from 2 years. In past 2 years, this is what which really made me happy'' she said. He smiled at her and kissed her cheek tightly cupping her neck making a pop sound. She smiled awkwardly pulling back and peeked through telescope again.

"Shall we sleep now?" He asked. She nodded and they walked inside.

Without changing their clothes they laid on bed. They both were facing eachother smiling. He tucked hair strand behind her ear.

"I planned many more, Sitaara. Sorry, I couldn't make them in real" he said.

"Don't be sorry, I really felt special today, you opened up so that I could see your pain and try to heal it, your surprise, you standing for me again, your trust on me to reveal your past, everything and every second with you, I enjoyed, Mani" she whispered. He smiled and closed his eyes.

With a peaceful heart after 8 years, he dozed off.

Next day,

Abhi woke up due to constant ringing of the phone. He frowned at the disturbing ringtone and looked at clock to see it 7:45 A.M.

Great!! I skipped jog and gym!!

Rubbing his eyes he took the phone and saw it is from his Vinay. He slowly made his way to balcony lifting the call. He leaned on the railing facing the glass door of the balcony looking at his wife who is sleeping peacefully like a panda. He talked to Vinay for sometime and informed him that he will come to office in the afternoon.

He went back to bed and scrolled through the news in his phone with hand under his head. His lips stretched into a grin looking at his and Sitaara's picture from yesterday walking into restaurant hand in hand. They both were looking beautiful twinning in black colour. He saw many comments like 'beautiful couple', ' made for eachother', 'lovely couple' and many more. Keeping phone back on night stand he turned to her. He was looking at her with a smile.

"Fair complexion, perfect eyebrows, long eyelashes, cute button nose, chubby cheeks which has a natural blush all the time and...and perfect pink plump and juicy lips" he whispered smiling. He moved closer to her and smiled finding her face cute, beautiful with a closer look. Their lips were only inches apart. He closed his eyes and moved more to her. When they were about to brush, his subconscious knocked some sense in him making him move back.

"Idiot!! Asshole!! Dickhead!! How can you take advantage of her? Don't you know she is your wife? Where are your your morals and ethics?" His subconscious scolded him.

"She is my wife" said Abhi.

"Yes!! Exactly, she is your wife not some toy to behave as you like and don't behave like sex starving man" said his subconscious.

"Am sorry" he said and turned to Sitaara who is sleeping like a log.

"Am sorry, sweetheart. I won't go further untill you willingly give yourself to me. I love you" he whispered and placed a peck on her forehead and pulled back. He spent his time looking at her.

Dining room,

All their family members were suprised see sitaara's absence who runs all around the mansion looking after everyone's need.

"Sakshi, where is Sitaara and even Abhi isn't seen anywhere?" Asked Vijay, Abhi's Grand father.

"First of all did they both come back yesterday?" Asked Aman furowing his eyebrows.

"They must have come back, Daddy. Anna's car is parked" said Naman taking his seat.

"Hey! Good morning guys! Did you see Anna's and Vadhina's (sil) picture? Damn! Though it was a candid one, they both are looking beautiful together" said Dhruv taking his seat looking into his phone.

"See the comments, Dhruv! Everyone are praising the couple" said Aarya peeking into his phone.

"They both are so adorable and I haven't seen Anna this much happy since years" said Naman.

"God! Just look at him, he is smiling like a manaic" said Disha. Everyone looked into the phone and smiled.

"Geetha" Sakshi called the maid. Geetha came running to Sakshi.

"Did my son and dil come home yesterday?" Sakshi asked.

"Yes, Sakshi madam. They both arrived at midnight at twelve. They looked worn out" said Geetha. Sakshi nodded dismissing her.

"It's first time am seeing Abhi getting out of his schedule after literally 8 years" said Suman.

"It's all his wife's spell on him" said Anjali giggling.

"May be they were having the fun last night" mumbled Dhruv. Naman poked fork in his thigh.

"Shut up! You shouldn't speak like that. They are your brother and SIL" said Naman in whisper before Dhruv yelp in pain.

"Anyways, Dhruv go and call your them, it's 8:30. Because Sitaara didn't help us even we are late" said Sakshi serving.

Peddha mommy:- aunt/ badi ma/ father's elder brother's wife

"Peddha mommy? me?..uh-huh? Er... send someone" he said hesitantly.

"Why? I heard that you are expert in waking up your sil" said Sakshi. His brother and sisters chuckled remembering how he woke up Sitaara.

"Vadhina! Vadhina! Vadhina!

Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!

It's morning! It's morning! "

They imitated Dhruv together and laughed. He rolled his eyes and was about to stuff his idli, Anjali swatted his hand.

"Mummy-"

"Go and call your brother and SIL before you touch food" said Anjali.

"Am still 22 years old" he mumbled blushing. All the elders didn't get what he was trying to convey whereas youngsters understood Dhruv's stupid thoughts and they tried to stifle laugh seeing Dhruv uncomfortable who always makes others uncomfortable with his stupid talks.

"Dhruv, are you drunk?" Asked Anjali sniffing him. He widened his eyes.

"God!! Mummy from where did you get those thoughts? Daddy, did you hear what she asked me early in the morning?" Dhruv looked at Suman complaining about Anjali.

Suman raised his eyebrow. "As far as I know, your dean complained me that you were having Vodka in your first class itself mixing it in your water bottle. So no need to get offended now, son and I really don't deny your mom's doubts" said Suman eating his breakfast. Dhruv closed his eyes.

"IDIOT!! DHRUV YOU WERE HAVING ALCOHOL IN COLLEGE? SUMAN YOU ARE BLOCKING HIS BANK ACCOUNT FOR A MONTH ORELSE I'LL MAKE YOURS NILL" said Anjali and smacked Dhruv's head from behind hardly.

"Mummy isn't daddy's bank account already nill?" Asked Disha and gave a hi-fi to Suman. Anjali glared at her and she looked at Suman who showed his tongue at Anjali.

"God!! My parents are so romantic" cooed Dhruv like a girl. Everyone chuckled.

"Enough! Dhruv, Anjali asked you as you were talking stupid and unrelated stuff plus you seemed slurry" said Sakshi.

"Am not drunk. Okay?" He stated faking anger.

"Okay!! Now go and call them. Mridula asked me to send her home for two days" said Sakshi. He nodded reluctantly and stood up. He was taking baby steps which irked Anjali, she smacked on his butt with spatula making him wince.

"Run!!" She ordered chuckling.

"Do I have a choice? You people are on my throat to call your dil as you people didn't get a glimpse of her" he said annoyed making them giggle

Abhi's room,

Abhi stood up to go to wash room. He went into bathroom and did his morning chores. He came out without a shower as he don't want to leave his wife today. He was only half dressed, his hair was messy with water droplets at the end of his locks. His eyes were red due to last night crying session. He unbuttoned his pants to change into shorts.

As he was about to get rid off his pants, he heard a door knock continuously. He saw Sitaara stirring in sleep, he ran to door not caring his looks so that Sitaara won't be distributed. He opened the door and saw Dhruv with his back facing him.

"What is it, Dhruv? Can't you wait for a second? You were literally banging the door disturbing us" yelled Abhi in irritated tone.

"Anna, it's morning" said Dhruv still facing his back to Abhi.

"Wow!! Such a great discovery, Dhruv said Abhi sarcastically.

"I didn't discover it, anna. Morning comes everyday" said Dhruv not getting Abhi's sarcasm.

"Anyways come...f..or..break..fast" he stuttered blushing.

"Dhruv first of all turn towards me and talk. Second, why the hell your ears and neck is red?" Yelled Abhi.

"Mani" called Sitaara in her half sleep as she was disturbed by his yells. He turned towards her.

"One minute, Sweetheart. Am sorry for the disturbance. Close your eyes" he said which went unheard by her as already drifted into sleep again. He turned to Dhruv who was still facing his back.

"Will you turn to me, Dhruv? And what's wrong with you, Man? Look at your ears and your side profile, it's so red" whispered yelled Abhi.

"Anna come soon for breakfast" said Dhruv without stuttering this time.

"I and Sitaara are exhausted due to yesterday's events. I'll go to office in the afternoon and Sitaara will join you people after sometime. AND LOOK AT ME WHEN I SPEAK" he yelled last part making Dhruv turn swiftly.

When Dhruv observed Abhi's state he screamed.

"Ahh... no no no" screaming Dhruv ran downstairs with flushed face.

"Crazy guy" muttered Abhi closing the door and changed into his shorts. He laid beside Sitaara and drifted into sleep.

****************

Abhi was behind Sitaara since years? They both met eachother many times still never met personally.

Viraj death isn't a normal one! It's a murder!

Did Sid and Abhi really kill Viraj Sehgal? What do you guys think? Connect the dots from previous chapters to clear your doubts.

Sitaara is started feeling for Abhi?

Dhruv's college incident? It's true a incident! Few boys in my college did that and caught by the lecturers and Prinicipal.

Dhruv's misunderstanding? What do you guys think would happen next?

Let me know your views in comment box.

Precap:- Abhi's beast behaviour. Aarya angry at Abhi.

Surya.