"Mama bear... Ale(are) you angly (angry) ?",  Siya asked, Akansha didn't say a word till now, she was silent throughout their way and even now... 

Akansha shook her head and silently helped Siya freshen up and change into her pajamas...

"Mama bear... You ale angly", the little girl concluded.

Akansha sighed at her daughter, no she isn't angry with Siya but her father. She is so angry with that man that she was afraid of bursting out on her daughter for the first time so she is not uttering anything but looking at her worried daughter, she couldn't stay silent anymore.

"No Siya bacha... Why would mumma be angry with you ?", Akansha questioned cupping her daughter's cheek... 

"Woh... (that...) I went out of school na mumma", she said as if Akansha didn't know...

"Yes you did, but it wasn't your fault Siya... jinki galti thi, unko mumma ne suna diya (And who so ever is at fault, mumma gave them back)", Akansha said...

"Then why ale(are) you silent ?", Siya questioned, while the mother-daughter walked to the kitchen, with Akansha cutting fruits into small pieces to feed her daughter after lunch. 

"I don't like it when you go to anyone's house baby... So, I was silent as I was upset", Akansha answered.

"Why mumma ?", Siya questioned... Her daughter is a question bank... She didn't understand how come she doesn't get tired of asking questions, nonetheless, she loved talking to her baby... Akansha always saw that zeal in her daughter to know everything, just like she used to find it in Shaurya's eyes... If there's something he didn't know, he would do anything to learn that... Her grip on the knife tightened as her blood boiled thinking about him, and a familiar ache appeared again. She shook away his thoughts and concentrated on her baby. 

"Because Mama Bear loves her Siya bear so much, I don't want anyone else to spend time with my Siya baby", Akansha said, Siya was about to ask another question but Akansha knew what was it... "Except for Richa Aunty, Maama(maternal uncle), & Nana-Nani(Richa's parents)", she added, the little girl nodded thinking of her next question... 

Akansha finished her job in the kitchen and walked out to the small dining table, made her daughter sit on it, and started feeding her. 

"So... Siya baby... where did you go ?", Akansha asked feeding her daughter while her daughter's whole concentration was on the mobile phone watching cartoons. Akansha never encouraged watching TV or phone for Siya, she always tried to engage her in activities, she heard so many complaints from the parents regarding their kids' phone addiction, and Akansha wanted to prevent it for her daughter. The phone or TV was allowed limited access to Siya and Akansha is happy that she has a very understanding and obeying child which is rare to find in Generation Alpha. 

"To uncle's house...", Siya said still watching her favorite cartoons with much interest... Akansha purposely asked her daughter about it while she watched cartoons as that would help her to reveal everything without much thought. 

"Uncle ?", Akansha got cautious... who is she calling uncle ? Akansha wondered 

"Haan... Mama bear... handsome uncle... he is so nice... so good... He gave gifts and prizes to all of us... he clicked photos with us as well", Siya went on and on about Shaurya forgetting her cartoons shocking Akansha...

"Siya... what's that uncle's name ?", Akansha asked seriously... She tried hard to conceal her harshness but Shaurya or his thoughts always brought the extreme side in her, whether it's love or now hate, her feelings for him were always limitless. 

"I don't know mumma...", Siya slowed down seeing her mother's changing demeanor... 

"Is he the one ?", Akansha asked showing his picture from the internet... 

"Yes... that's him... yayy... I played with him so much today... he is so nice... uncle is so nice", Siya said jumping, climbing on the dining table. Akansha stood stupefied seeing her daughter getting so excited and happy just by talking about him... What magic did he do in just a few hours that her daughter got so attached to him... Akansha wondered... Did he recognize Siya ? Akansha feared... no no, if he did, he would have come here with his battalion by now, Akansha very well knew him... he would never back away from protecting his family, he wouldn't let any of his family go away from his shadows, no matter how much he hated them. 

No, Siya is not his family, she is not his daughter, she is just hers... She wouldn't let him know about Siya's existence ever... Akansha determined... Looking at her demeanor and her anxious face, Siya doubted if she was angry... She suddenly got afraid... 

"Mama bear ?", Siya called...

"Yes ?", Akansha answered, though she tried to conceal the harshness, pain, ache, betrayal, and hatred that man gave clouded her... 

"You ale angly again...", Siya said slightly afraid of her mother and Akansha sighed taking her baby in her lap...

"You are such a good baby, you won't hide anything from Mumma, right  ?", Akansha asked, she was afraid her baby would get attached to Shaurya. His personality is such that anyone could get attached to him in a short span and Siya is his child, his blood, and Akansha feared that connection would get them closer. She just wants to be sure that her daughter won't hide anything from her but she didn't realize the same protectiveness will push her daughter to hide things from her in the future.

"Yes Mumma... I won't", Siya nodded

"then Mumma can never be angry with you", Akansha said with a smile...

"Thank you mama bear... Now give the phone... I want to see uncle's photos more", Siya asked getting excited to see Shaurya's pictures and just like that Akansha's smile disappeared.

"But you are watching your favorite cartoons...", Akansha tried to play the cartoon video again but Siya protested.

"No mama bear... I want to see uncle's pictures...", Siya whined... Akansha's face paled, was she late  ? Did Shaurya succeed in making a place in her daughter's heart  ? No way... That's not possible... Akansha tried to assure herself but her fears got the best of her making her commit the mistake she think parents often do with their children. 

"Siya... Do you love Mama Bear ?", Akansha asked suddenly

"Yes, Mumma... Yes yes yes", Siya nodded her head frantically... 

"Okay... stop it, you'll hurt yourself", Akansha said holding her neck and head halting her frantic head movement making Siya giggle... "What happened ?", Akansha asked and immediately regretted asking that after hearing her daughter. 

"Uncle too did like this... you both are same same...", Siya said and Akansha became more determined to do what she thought of... 

'We both are not the same Siya... Only mumma loves you, you are her life, that man doesn't deserve to be even called your father', Akansha thought... 

Siya felt the care and love her mother showed just now similar to what Shaurya did just a few hours ago... Their innocent heart never fails to recognize if someone shows them pure love. 

"Siya bear... Mama bear wants you to promise her that you won't meet that uncle ever... Mumma doesn't want you to meet him again... Promise me", Akansha asked...

"No mumma... I like uncle... Uncle plomised (promised) to meet me again", Siya said, even the thought of not meeting Shaurya seemed very unsettling to the little heart. She loved him... Akansha's heart broke seeing her little daughter denying her for the first time... The fact that Shaurya was responsible for that made her hate him even more... Akansha's eyes welled up in anguish... He snatched herself years ago and now is back to snatch her daughter... 

"Mama bear...", Siya hugged Akansha tightly seeing her mother's welled-up eyes... "Don't cly (cry) mumma... what happened ? Did you get hut (hurt) ? Is it paining ?", Siya asked worried for her mother... She only knew that anyone cries only if they get hurt physically... 

Akansha concealed her emotions and put on a smile... She didn't want to guilt-trip her daughter and make her promise...

"I'm fine baby... have your food and then nap for some time, hm ?", Akansha said feeding her daughter... 

"Mama bear... but why did you ask me to not to meet uncle ? He is very nice, You'll like him too if you see him", Siya said and Akansha sighed... 

"Eat Siya...", Akansha said and Siya understood her mother was upset but didn't understand what made her so... 

That night, Akansha's sleep was evaded, the fear of losing her daughter kept her awake. The way her daughter refused to promise her kept running in her head like a reel, if this was the case when she wasn't aware of him being her father, what would happen when she gets to know the truth ? Akansha's heartbeat raised even thinking about it. She felt a little guilty whenever Siya addressed Shaurya 'uncle', but then she instantly told herself that it's all his doing that led them to this situation. 

The next day, Akansha got herself and her daughter ready and started their journey to school. 

"Siya... From today, you won't be meeting anyone without my knowledge, understood ?", Akansha said sternly, after kissing her outside the school... Akansha barely used that stern tone with Siya and when she did now, Siya got the seriousness. 

"Yes Mumma...", Siya said and walked inside and Akansha followed. She had to toughen her mind to be so stern with her daughter, but she had no choice, she needed to keep her daughter from HIM. 

As soon as she entered the staff room, the peon informed that she was being called o the principal room, she exasperated a sigh before informing him that she would be there. She knew she is gonna hear for her threat but she didn't regret it, what the school did was wrong and she would go to any lengths for her daughter, there was no doubt about it. 

------------------------------------------

"How are the pictures ? Isn't she cute ?", Shaurya said into the phone...

"Yes, Shaurya... She is so cute... Omg... this video is too cute... I wanna meet her...", Rachna squealed into the phone looking at the pictures and videos, he shot the previous day. He sent to Dev's phone and the Bisht couple is watching the cute girl unable to take off their eyes at her cuteness. 

"Agreed... this coloring video of hers and her cute questions is so adorable...", Dev said...

"I didn't want to let her go, it was very difficult but I had to...", Shaurya said, his tone taking a disappointing turn... "But I will meet her soon, she took a promise from me...", he sounded happy again... 

"Great... this time introduce us too", Dev said and Rachna nodded...

"Slow down people... I don't want to share her time with you guys... I want my little girl's time only for me, especially when it's limited", Shaurya said...

"My ? If her father hears you, he would thrash you to death without even bothering that you are the chief minister", Dev said...

"Well, she will be his little girl always... I feel bad thinking about that unlucky man... he missed time with such a cute child... he passed away it seems...", Shaurya said, his heart going out to the little girl whenever he thought about how she missed a father's love and how much she will miss it in the future... 

"Oh god! poor soul... my heart goes out to the little girl... At times like this, I feel god is so unfair", Rachna said and Dev expressed his sympathies...

"It must be so tough for the little girl and her mother...", Shaurya said

"Hm... I was thinking of the future challenges Siya would face... she is still so young and there's her whole life ahead of hers, she would need a father...", Dev trailed...

"I would be there for her whenever she needed a shoulder to lean on, the little girl deserves the world and I'm sure her mother would give her that, but I would try to be there for her, I have decided it the moment she accepted my friendship... I don't know what connection I feel for this little one but I would try my level best to be her friend and support her every time", Shaurya said and Rachna gave him a smile but Dev frowned...

"You are the chief minister Shaurya, you won't have so much time to do it, I know I sound very rude and heartless to say this, but what you are saying is impractical. I'm your best friend and an adult, still you don't have time to meet me, you barely meet me once in half a year, your work is that hectic, I hardly doubt you could meet the little girl frequently or offer your presence whenever she needs, especially considering her age, you need her mother's permission to meet her every time", Dev said, he didn't want to be so blunt but he can't let his friend have unrealistic dreams.

"It isn't like that Dev... I...", Shaurya started but he heard a knock followed by Shweta's voice. 

"Sir... The cabinet ministers are waiting for you...", she said...

"Yes, I'll be there...", Shaurya said, Shweta nodded and left from there.  "Okay... I'll talk to you both later...", he said and hung up...

--------------------------------------------

"Can't you be a bit polite ? Didn't you see how his face paled, you are such an idiot Dev... Poor Shaurya, I saw him a little happy again after many years... I almost forgot how a happy Shaurya sounded...", Rachna rebuked her husband

"And that's why I said what I said... I agree the little girl is making him happy, but he needs to get a reality check, he is a chief minister, he can't be present for the little girl whenever she needed him, if he did, he had to make sure he wasn't spotted by media, if he did, they would blew things out of proportion and it could cost him his whole career...", Dev explained...

"I don't understand these political games... Now, I'm sick of it", Rachna said and walked away leaving Dev to take a deep sigh... He was just looking out for his friend and both his friend and wife had to get mad over it... huh...

---------------------------------

"I got to know what you said to the principal Ms. Akansha...", the chairman started...

"Yes sir... and I don't regret it", Akansha said... 

"You don't have to... the fault lies with the school authorities, when they sent the message intimating all the parents, it should have included you too but they didn't... So, I apologize on the school's behalf... But I don't appreciate the threatening part though you were right... just refrain from doing it next time...", The chairman Mr. Goyal said surprising Akansha... she realized that the principal Mr. Joshi was surprised by his words too...

"Yes sir... I won't... provided I was informed of my daughter's whereabouts before taking her anywhere out of school", Akansha said, her tone polite but with conviction...

"Sure Akansha... rest assured...", Mr. Goyal said

After that, the trio discussed the upcoming Sports Day and then, Akansha left for her class. The principal understood Mr. Goyal's game but stayed put as he didn't have much right to question the old man. He is too ambitious for his good Mr. Joshi thought. He knew the old man wanted to use Siya and keep meeting the chief minister. He understood his tactics when he asked for the photos of Siya and the CM in the Annual Day function to send them to the CM's office. Shaurya's admiration for kids especially Siya wasn't hidden from anyone in the Annual Day function. But, Mr. Joshi chose to stay silent and just observe Mr. Goyal's games. He is going to get barely successful at it anyway, he thought as the idea of getting close to the CM of a state using a little kid who is nothing to the chief minister seemed absurd to him but only if he knew. 

------------------------------------------

Days passed and Siya kept asking her mother to let her meet 'uncle' but every time Akansha refused, citing one or the other reason, the little girl also observed her mother getting angry every time she expressed her wish to meet her 'special friend', that's how Siya liked to call Shaurya which increased Akansha's blood pressure. Being the smart child she is, understood her mother's reluctance to let her meet her new friend, so she decided to find a route for herself. 

"Siya bear... You sure you'll be fine  ?", Akansha asked for the nth time... 

She was called to school on a Sunday by the sports committee which she is chairing along with the PT teacher of the school. He would manage the sports side of the event while she took care of the administrative and logistics part. She couldn't deny the responsibility as the principal was still mad about her little threat not so long ago and even before she tried to refuse the role he closed all the doors for her by making a valid point, mentioning how she said she couldn't be a part of the Annual day celebrations and she was allowed to walk out of it. This time she couldn't ignore the job and let it affect her career, the job pays decently and a pay rise would help her in fulfilling her daughter's wishes better. So, Akansha had to take the job of handling the upcoming sports event though unwillingly.

"Ansha... This is the 100th time you are asking her this... Didn't I tell you, I'll take care of Siya and it's not the first time", Richa said

"That is exactly why I'm worried, my experience taught me not to trust you with my child especially at my home, every time I leave you two alone in the house, you create a ruckus", Akansha said

"God, Anshu... We'll be on our best behavior, right Siya ?", Richa uttered the last part looking at the little girl who nodded innocently, making her mother look at her with suspicion.

Her daughter is sure a calm and less troublesome kid but innocent  ? No... She is the same as her father and every time he gave her that innocent look, he did something mischievous...

"Shaurya... Where are you taking me  ? Shaurya... Will you answer me now ?", she asked getting frustrated with his silence but he didn't say a word...

"It's a surprise Akansha... Walk with me calmly...", he said in his ever calm and controlled tone...

"Shaurya... This better be a pleasant surprise... I can't even imagine the drama that would unfold at my place if my mother realized I was out of home at this time of the night", she said and her body tensed up imagining her mother's taunts, though she succeeded in masking her apprehensions on her face, her stiffened body gave away her fears.

"Akansha... Relax... Your mother wouldn't find out, Akash would manage, don't worry", he said surprising her...

"Akash... You involved my brother  ? Shaurya you are so stupid... I wonder how are you gonna manage the youth wing of your father's party with this pea-sized brain", she taunted him...

"Excuse me  ? Did you just doubt my skills  ?", he sounded offended and Akansha couldn't stop the smile that formed on her lips looking at his face.

"Yes, I did, what would you do  ?", she asked not knowing she would regret asking him that question in a couple of hours...

"Nothing... What could I possibly do  ? I become powerless in front of you Ms. Dixit... And you very well know it", Shaurya whispered into her ear putting on that innocent face. His strong breaths on her face didn't let her focus on anything else and oh! The innocent face of his... It's so adorable that she didn't feel like questioning it...

"We are here", Shaurya's tone brought her back from his spell...

Her face was filled with confusion looking at the surroundings...

"Where are we  ?", she asked him the obvious question...

"You and Akash couldn't focus on your studies at home because of various distractions. So, I thought of this... This belongs to one of my friends, he lives in Australia and visits once a year or two but is unwilling to rent this property, so it's empty, you both can study here, I have made all the arrangements inside... Go have a look, and let me know if you think is required there...", he said and his gesture overwhelmed her.

She didn't tell him the problems she faced at her home, she didn't like sharing them but he knew the basic reality of her life and it was obvious how her parents preferred their two other kids over her. And Akash trusted Shaurya just like her and he didn't shy away from admitting how wrong their parents were and how unjustified their behavior towards his sister was. So Shaurya knows bits and pieces of the reality but never did he comment on her parents or speak ill about them, he was there for her, supported her but never demeaned her parents knowing she wouldn't like it. And his same composure made her love him even more if possible. He hated them for their unfair treatment towards her, she could feel it but he still maintained his dignity.

"So... Let's go in... Hm  ?", Shaurya said

"You didn't have to do all this Shaurya...", Akansha said, she didn't like taking anyone's help, she was always self-sufficient, and taking someone's help made her feel incompetent and downright uncomfortable.

"I did nothing... In fact, my friend was more than happy to lend this place to you guys to study, he was worried the place would start looking ghostly if left unattended, so it's a win-win situation, not any help, he was thanking me for finding a solution to his problem instead", Shaurya said trying to ease her worries and got successful to some extent.

"So What do you want in return Mr. Shekhawat  ?", Akansha asked him with a tinge of mischief in her tone...

"Oh I want many things but they can wait... For now, fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a doctor, complete your Ph. D, become Dr. Akansha...", Shaurya said and Akansha nodded with a smile...

"Now if you are done talking, can I have the privilege to put your mouth to better use  ?", He asked

"God Shaurya!... You and your strange ways of asking for a kiss", she said turning her face away to hide her blush as it didn't go with her personality and he chuckled at it. He made her turn to him and placed his lips on hers without wasting a second...

His phone buzz brought them out of their romantic world... He broke the kiss and texted something and in the next few minutes, Akash walked in from the door shocking Akansha...

"What are you doing here  ?", Akansha asked with wide eyes...

"He called me here...", Akash said pointing towards Shaurya and Akansha looked at Shaurya with accusation.

"You said Akash would manage the situation at home", Akansha asked him.

"Yeah... I thought so but you believed the idea was stupid, so I backed out", Shaurya said with the same innocent expression...

"What  ? Shaurya... You can't be serious", Akansha screamed before lunging at him, but he was quick to run away with Akansha chasing him...

"Di...", Akash called but she was busy chasing Shaurya... "Di... Ma is calling", Akash's tone sounded alarmed which made her steps halt.

And after they went home, the siblings had to hear a lot from their mother. They told her that they were out on a midnight ice cream adventure which was trending then, well that got them off of their mother's suspicious glares but her verbal torture was still there... They had to hear an hour of lecture and Akansha tortured Shaurya ten folds of what she and her sibling had to bear from their mother.

Shaurya felt guilty about it, he didn't know how her mother was till then, he only thought she was less attentive towards Akansha and saw her more as a breadwinner of the family than a daughter but in the later days, he got to know what kind of woman she was and how she often doubted Akansha and checked her phone to know if she had a boyfriend, fearing she would marry him and leave them to their fate. Shaurya felt disgusted with the woman's thoughts, he realized every day was hell for Akansha in her home, and he decided to upgrade his plan, his betrayal would hurt Akansha but he knew it was inevitable, and he felt she deserved the pain if she could give the same pain to his sister. But still, he couldn't understand the protectiveness he felt towards her, the urge to bring her out of the hell she called home despite his complaints against her. The step is gonna shock his whole family and his father wouldn't be happy with it but he has decided and he would do anything to bring his plan to action. 

Dev kept telling him that his little act had turned too real and he fell for Akansha badly but Shaurya denied his feelings at least in front of his friend but he couldn't deny them in his heart. He knew he loved her and the very feeling disturbed his sanity as he felt he was betraying his sister and demeaning her sufferings. But only when he lost his wife did he realize how much of an idiot he was and he not just lost Akansha but his peace too. 

"Siya... I expect you to follow your routine, yes bacha  ? Don't miss your fruits", Akansha asked ignoring the past she just reminisced.

"Okay mumma", the little girl affirmed

"Promise?", Akansha asked warily, still not trusting her daughter and best friend together could be at their best behavior.

"Plomise", Siya is quick to promise which raises Akansha's suspicions but she ignores it.

"Okay... Take care, both of you", She said and walked out... 

It's been a few hours but Akansha hasn't failed to take updates on the both of them, she pinged her every 15 minutes, called her every 1 hour which irritated Richa. 

"Akansha, I'm warning you... If you call me one more time, I'll take Siya out and give her all the junk food", Richa said into the phone... 

"Richa, Relax... You'll be called to work anytime, so was just checking if you have to go, then I would come back or arrange something else for Siya", Akansha said

"No, How many times should I tell you, I have no work for today and I'll not receive any work calls, do you understand ? Now do not call me again or I'll switch off my phone or even worse block you", Richa said and hung up...

Akansha looked at her phone weirdly, her friend's temper was worse than hers. She shook her head and got back to work. 

Richa was taking a nap while Siya was playing the painting game on Richa's phone, looking at the digital color palette, she remembered the one Shaurya got for her and how they painted together... She missed him, she remembered his phone number, so dialed it without much thinking... 

Shaurya was in a meeting with his immediate staff and some of the ministers regarding the investors' summit when his phone rang... He thought it to be his family or Dev and silenced it, but it suddenly stuck him, now the number is with the little girl as well, he quickly took a look at his phone and noticing the unknown number, he was surprised. 

"Um... Guys, I'll have to take this call... will be back in a minute", he politely excused himself and picked up the call expecting the little girl who filled his life with peace again in just 2 meets. 

"Hello... Who is this ?", he heard her little voice making him chuckle...

"Wasn't it supposed to be my question my little friend ?", Shaurya asked

"Hehe... uncle... How ale(are) you ?", Siya asked

"I'm good, how is my Siya bacha ?", he asked

"She is good... uncle, you plomised(promised) you would meet me again, but you didn't...  Siya is angly(angry) with you", Siya said making Shaurya go 'awe'

"Arre baapre... (oh no!) this is a big problem... What should I do so that my Siya bacha forgives me ?", Shaurya asked imitating her cute tone...

"Um... take Siya out... Play with her", Siya said and Shaurya laughed at how she talked about herself as a third person... 

"Siya bacha... actually, I'm a little busy today... Maybe next week ?", Shaurya asked and he could hear the sniffle from the other side, he realized the little girl is at the verge of tears and for reasons unknown, his heart ached badly... he didn't want to see her tears ever... "Arre... I was joking, of course, I'll meet you, but we can't go out, we'll enjoy at my home, what's say ?", Shaurya asked and Siya giggled...

"Yes... Yes... Okay...", Siya jumped squealing happily...

"Okay, now give the phone to mumma, I need to take her permission to take Siya out", Shaurya said

"But Mumma went to school", Siya said

"Oh! then whose phone is this ?", Shaurya questioned getting worried for the little girl...

"Licha aunty's... she is sleeping...", Siya said, Shaurya remembered Siya mentioning about this lady when he asked who lives in her home, before he could ask who is she ? They were interrupted then... 

"Okay... Give her the phone...I'll talk to her...", Shaurya said

"No... no... she won't aglee(agree), she tells to mumma... No...", Siya said and Shaurya frowned at it... Was her mother unwilling to let her child meet him ? Is that what Siya's fear meant ? He understood common people's apprehensions about the state leaders and he could talk to her... but only if Siya lets him...

"Siya bacha... try to understand, I can't bring you here without taking their permission...", Shaurya said...

"Why ?", Siya asked innocently

"Bacha... because I'm not your family... I need to take permission from your parents or family", Shaurya answered, he didn't know how to make her understand...

"Why ale(are) you not my family ?", Siya asked with her welled-up eyes, slightly sniffing, she understood Shaurya wouldn't pick her up without talking to Richa or her mumma, and the chances of them agreeing is slim, so she realized she can't meet him and that thought brought tears to her eyes...

Her question stunned Shaurya... Why isn't he, her family? he had no answer to that question, what would he answer her ? Her sniffles brought him out of his thoughts...

"Siya bacha... please don't cry...", Shaurya's voice sounded pained...

"Siya ? Who are you talking to ?", he heard a voice, that must be her 'Licha aunty'... "Is it your mumma again ? Ansha... this is the limit", he heard her shout... he frowned at it... why is the lady irritated ?

Richa came to Siya and looking at Siya's red nose and eyes welled up, she is shocked... 

"Siya baby... What's wrong ? Is mumma scolding you ? hm ?", Richa asked taking the phone from her...

"No... Not mumma...", Siya said but Richa didn't hear it...

"Ansha... you...", Richa started but is surprised to hear a male tone...

"Hello...", Shaurya cleared his throat to speak further...

"Who is this ?", Richa asked quickly noticing a very familiar tone... But before he could say anything, Richa started speaking to Siya... "Siya bacha... did you call someone in the contacts ?", Richa asked Siya, the little girl shook her head... "Hello sir, I'm so sorry, my niece called you accidentally... I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused...", Richa spoke into the phone, in a hurry to hang up...

Shaurya stood shocked, whoever this lady was, must have learned only to speak, and not to listen... 

"Will you please listen to me ma'am ? The call wasn't a mistake, Siya called me to talk", Shaurya spoke into the phone and he felt as if the lady calmed down... Richa looked at Siya who was biting her nails...

"May I know who is this ? and how do you know Siya ?", Richa asked in a stern tone, getting protective of the little girl...

"Oh yes... I'm Shaurya, Chief Minister... I met Siya...", he trailed but Richa's cautioned & respectful tone interrupted him...

"Sir... I...I'm extremely sorry, I didn't know it was you...", Richa said...

"No problem Ms. Richa... Right ?", Shaurya asked to confirm if he was pronouncing her name right...

"Yes sir, Richa...", Richa said

Shaurya explained the whole issue in brief and Richa said she would get back to him in 5 minutes, if that's not a problem. Shaurya responded politely and hung up... Richa was impressed with how Shaurya introduced himself humbly, there wasn't a tinge of arrogance in his words... She realized it the very first time she met him at Dev's farmhouse, thankfully he didn't realize who she was or so she thought...

------------------------------------------

"Mr. Sharma... get the info about this number", Shaurya asked before getting back to his meeting... He instantly recognized Richa's tone... He couldn't forget it, he heard this voice talk against him and his party several times in the news, he couldn't be mistaken and in the next 10 minutes, Mr. Sharma confirmed his doubts... 

"Sir... It belongs to Richa Upadhyay... she...", Mr. Sharma started but Shaurya stopped him...

"I know who she is, thanks for the info, Mr. Sharma... now let's get back to work, we need to finish this quickly... I need the next few hours of my schedule free", Shaurya said and Mr. Sharma nodded with a gentle smile knowing the reason... 

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"Siya... now tell me, how did you become friends with him ?", Richa asked and the little girl detailed the whole story, she also told how her mother refused her requests to meet Shaurya several times. 

Richa knew how much Akansha hated politicians especially Shaurya, so it was obvious, she wouldn't allow Siya to meet him, but Richa didn't find anything wrong in Siya meeting Shaurya, in fact, she always thought Akansha's hatred was prolonging too much, Richa knew how much she suffered that day because of Shaurya or his party workers but it was nowhere Shaurya's fault, he didn't order for it. Richa tried to make Akansha understand this several times but she wasn't ready to hear her. 

"Siya bear, how can I send you to him without letting your mumma know ?", Richa asked but Siya started throwing tantrums and that was a first, Richa was surprised by Siya's behavior, she even cried and her tears melted Richa... She thought of dropping Siya but then she received a call from her boss to cover a case and she had to leave urgently... So she called Shaurya and let him know about Siya's arrival. Shaurya promised his security personnel along with his secretary would pick her up and being a journalist herself, she is aware of the Chief Minister's head of security and his secretary, so she could identify them. 

Richa got Siya ready, and Shaurya's staff picked the little girl up... After giving her spare mobile to Siya and taking Shweta's as well as the head security personnel's contact, she bid bye to the little girl. Richa called Shaurya to inform him that Siya started with his staff... He responded with a polite 'I know'. She felt surprised to see Shaurya so down-to-earth. She didn't think he would be so attentive and would pick up her call every time but his attitude surprised her a lot. He also informed her that he would get Siya dropped at their place in 2 hours, but Richa said she would pick her up from his residence and Shaurya agreed. 

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Siya entered holding Shweta's finger but as soon as she saw Shaurya waiting for her in the hall, she ran to his arms... Shaurya kneeled on the floor taking the little girl into his arms...

"I missed you so so so much uncle...", Siya squealed...

"how much ?", Shaurya asked and Siya showed stretching arms...

"This much", she said making him chuckle...

"Well, I missed you more then... This much...", he said stretching his arms which were obviously much bigger than her little ones...

"Cheating... this is cheating", she said and he laughed at her cuteness...

"God! Siya... You are so cute...", he said making her smile shyly... 'Your family and mumma are very lucky to have you Siya bacha', he told in his mind... 

Then, Shaurya took her to his ground-floor office which is more like a big hall where he held meetings with the government organizations, the union leaders etc. Both of them started spending their quality time, but Mr. Sharma interrupted them as he had something important to discuss with Shaurya... 

Siya was lying on the floor with all the color books, palettes, color pencils, crayons, and other things lying messily around her on the floor. Shaurya didn't want to disturb her fun by holding a meeting in the same room though it's huge, so he walked to the door and talked to his Principal Secretary there. 

Siya finished her drawing and waited for Shaurya to come and appreciate her but he seemed to have been involved in a deep conversation... So, she decided to explore the big room herself... She reached Shaurya's mahogany plywood desk and the slightly ajar drawer caught her attention. She opened it and what she saw surprised her... It's her mumma's photo and he was beside her holding her shoulder... both are smiling at the camera... Siya waited for Shaurya to ask him but he was still talking to Mr. Sharma...

Shaurya saw Mrs. Sudha walking towards his office with Siya's chocolate shake and snacks... 

"Siya... Mrs. Sudha is here with your favorite shake, have it bache, you can play later...", he said from the door without noticing where she was... 

Siya put the frame inside the drawer and ran to the entrance for her chocolate shake forgetting about her mumma's photo frame along with Shaurya and What was he doing beside her mother in it ? 

Mrs. Sudha handed her a chocolate shake and snacks, while walking away, she saw the drawer keys hanging to the drawer and the drawer slightly open... Mrs. Sudha feared Shaurya would get upset as he always made sure the drawer was properly locked and the keys were at their usual place away from everyone's eyes but Mrs. Sudha forgot to lock it when she cleaned it in the morning... She quickly locked the drawer, put the keys safely in their place, and walked away. 

Shaurya walked in after his discussion with Mr. Sharma... He smiled looking at Siya drinking her chocolate shake with much interest. Seeing Shaurya, Siya remembered about her mother's photo. 

"Uncle... How do you have my mumma's photo ?", she asked shocking Shaurya...

"Huh ?", Shaurya was confused...

"You were also there in the picture...", Siya asked and Shaurya smiled at the little girl... His ground-floor office is filled with his interactions with people, there are hundreds of images around the office displaying all the public events he attended, including the school functions, in fact, the picture he had with Siya's school staff was also in the lot, so he thought Siya recognized her mother in the lot...

"I'll tell you but you have to show me where you have seen your mumma, hm ?", Shaurya asked

"Thele(there)", Siya pointed out to the table, Shaurya saw the photo frames Shweta recently hung behind his table, and it had his picture with NPS School(Akansha's school) staff as well.

"Oh! That was when I came to your school Siya",  Shaurya answered

"But mumma looked vely(very) small in it", Siya asked sipping her shake... What she meant was young but she couldn't word it properly and Shaurya thought of the size as there is a whole staff in the picture, her mother's image must have been very small in the lot and the little girl is offended by it. Shaurya laughed at her words...

"Okay, you can show me your mumma in the picture and we'll get it big, but before that have these snacks...", Shaurya said and looking at the snacks, she remembered the promise she had given to her mother... 

"Fluits(fruits)... I plomised mumma I'll eat fluits...", Siya said...

"Oh! Not a problem... I'll cut fruits for my Siya bacha... come with me", Shaurya said, picking up Siya, he walked to the kitchen forgetting about the picture... Only if he hadn't... 

Precap - Akansha - Shaurya face off in the most unexpected way...