2 months later...
New Delhi...
Jai's house...
10 am...

Aayan was sitting on the dining table chair, staring at the vase placed on the center of the table...

He wore a blue t shirt, paired with grey sweatpants, he had dark circles under his eyes and he didn't shave over a month, his complexion got paler and he looked a complete mess...

Mrs. Kumar placed his breakfast in front of him, but he didn't seem to notice it...

'Baba, your breakfast...' Mrs. Kumar said, but Aayan didn't seem to hear her

'Baba...?' She called again, but he didn't reply and she worriedly looks at Ved and Sameer who were present there as well..

Sameer sighed at this and Ved gestured her to keep the breakfast and leave...

'The soup is really good, Aayan why don't you try it...?' Sameer says forwarding the breakfast towards him, but Aayan seems to be lost in some thoughts

Sameer looks at Ved who sighs and then looks around, and finds grapes on the table...

He picks a piece and throws it at Aayan which aims straight at his forehead...

Sameer and Ved expect an angry reaction from him, but he just looks at Ved and then sighing, pulls the bowl towards himself, and start playing with the spoon...

'It's worrying that, he hardly says a word now a days, forget about reacting to anything....' Sameer says to Ved

'Should we see a Counsellor or a Psychiatrist...?' Ved asks

'I am a certified clinical psychologist too... But a more professional help would be better... There is a lot going inside his head, it must get out...' Sameer says and Ved nods

'What do you suggest then...?' Ved asks

'Lets do a small test here, say something that he absolutely hates, and lets see his reaction...' Sameer suggests Ved and he starts thinking what Aayan hates

'He used to get angry on almost everything... What should I say in particular...?' Ved asks

'Something that he hated from childhood, like the things you would say to annoy him...' Sameer suggests and Ved thinks for a while

He gets what to say and gives a thumbs up to Sameer, while Aayan is busy having his soup...

'You remember Sameer ? When we all grow, we boys have a, 'Why I can't grow a beard...' phase...?'  Ved asks

'Yeah...?' Sameer looks at him bewildered

'Looks like Aayan still has that phase at age of 29...' Ved comments and Sameer chuckles

Aayan gives Ved an uninterested look
'Grow up man...' he says, his voice hoarse...

Sameer looks at him worried and so does Ved

'Looks like his emotions are dead...' Ved says and Sameer sighs

'Emotions are never dead... Maybe he doesn't care anymore that his beard growth is less than other men... Try something else that will make him crazy with anger...' Sameer suggests

Ved thinks for a while and then looks at Sameer intently, an idea pops in his mind, and he grins...

'Why are you looking at me like that...?' Sameer asks getting suspicious

'I got something that will make him jump with anger...' Ved says

'Really, what is it...?' Sameer asks excitedly..

'You'll see, just be ready to run...' Ved says and Sameer looks at him bewildered, but then shrugs his shoulders...

'Aayan you know, Papa called yesterday...' Ved began and Sameer digs in his breakfast

Aayan's eyes dart immediately towards Ved and he puts his spoon down in the bowl, and looks at him expectantly

'He says he is thinking to get Annie and Sameer married....' Ved says and Sameer looks up from his breakfast with a horrified expression on his face

'Ved !' he exclaims scared and then looks at Aayan who already fisted his hands

'What...!' Aayan growls and then looks at Sameer angrily

'No no no no no, Aayan ! he is joking... Ved ! Say it...' Sameer says getting up from his chair

Aayan gets up from his chair too and takes the butterknife in his hands and Ved looks at him scared, he stands too..

'You will marry my wife...? How dare you...!' Aayan growls and marchs towards Sameer

'No Aayan ! I am not marrying anyone...' Sameer says moving away from him

'Yes Aayan, I was joking....' Ved says scared trying to calm him down

'She is mine, do you get that...' Aayan says marching dangerously towards Sameer

'Yeah, she is all yours... Ved was joking...' Sameer gulps and takes a step back as Aayan pounces towards him

'Aayan noooo...! Vvveeeeddddd.....' Sameer shouts and starts running, Ved too follows them

'Aayan, I was joking, don't hit him...' Ved says running from behind

Soon they were chasing each other around the dining table, it looked like they were running behind one another in a circle..

'Mummmyyy....' Sameer shouts horrified

'Come here you...' Aayan growls

'Aaaayyyaaannn......' Ved shouts too

Jai walks downstairs hearing the commotion and finds the trio chasing each other around the dining table

'What game is this...?' Jai asks

Sameer sees Jai and runs towards him

'Uncleee... Save me please... Your son will kill me...' Sameer cries and hides behind Jai

Jai looks at him bewildered and then gasps seeing Aayan marching towards him as an angry bull carrying a butter knife...

'Aayan...! Put the knife down... Beta, put the knife down...' He says horrified

'He said he will marry my Ananya, I'll kill him...' Aayan says angrily and Jai moves back, protecting Sameer and himself

'No I didn't Ved said that...' Sameer defends himself

Ved catches Aayan from behind and throws the butterknife away, while Aayan pounces on Jai and Sameer, but Ved holds him back...

Naina walks inside the house carrying a casserole of food and gasps looking at them..

'What's going on...?' She puts the container on the table and rushes towards them

'Maa, I said a joke to anger him, but he got aggressive...' Ved says pulling Aayan back

Naina walks between them and stands right in front of Aayan, who looks at her and relaxes visibly

'Why you want to hit him Aayan...?' Naina asks patiently

'He said, he will marry Ananya...!' Aayan said angrily glaring at Sameer

'I didn't...Ved said...' Sameer says, hiding behind Jai

'I was joking...' Ved said, holding Aayan back

'You think I will let that happen...?' Naina asks Aayan and his expression softens at this..

He stops struggling, and then takes a deep breath

'I am sorry Sameer...' he says guiltily and Ved leaves him, while Sameer and Jai relax too

'It's okay Aayan...' Sameer says, still maintaing a safe distance

'Come kids, I brought breakfast for you...' Naina smiles

'I am not hungry Mom...' Aayan says and walks upstairs, they all sigh and walks towards the dining table

'I think his senses are fairly working, He just needs counselling for anger management...' Ved mutters and Sameer glares at him

'Yeah, he needs counselling, but you need a psychiatrist ! You almost got me killed ! That too with a butter knife ! Are you crazy ?' Sameer hits him

'Hey ! It was your idea...!' Ved hits him back..

'So ? you will sacrifice me....?' Sameer hits him again

'Boys...! Stop fighting, come here and have breakfast...' Naina orders them and they glare at each other fixing their t shirts and then take their seats

'Sameer I hope you like waffles...' Naina says, offering him the plate

'I love them Aunty...!' Sameer exclaimed and happily takes the plate

'Give me Aayan's plate, I'll go and feed him...' Jai said but Naina stops him

'Have your breakfast first, you have to take medicines, Sameer or Ved will give him the breakfast, after they finish theirs...' she says and Jai nods

'He is been like this from weeks...! What do we do...?' Jai asks worriedly

'Don't worry we'll figure out...' Naina says

'Whatever is happening Naina, is not right... My boy doesn't deserve this agony, this time he is not wrong...' Jai said with sadness in his voice..

'I know Jai, but good thing is, he has you by his side, this time... He will be okay...' Naina smiles and Ved - Sameer nod at this

'Yeah...' Jai says and recalls what happened 2 months back

The day Aayan was arrested...

'At least stand by me for once !' Aayan yells and Jai looks at him shocked

It's true.. I never took his side... Jai thinks

'What are you guys doing, leave him...!' Naina says, when Arjun pulls her back

'Mom, please tell him I didn't do anything, please tell them...!' Jai sees Aayan pleading Naina and she looks helpless...

'Arjun you are committing a big mistake...' Naina says

Jai realised that if Naina is taking his side, he definitely wouldn't have done anything wrong...

'For once in your life, think about the girl you have birth to, and not your godson...' Arjun says and Naina looks at him teary eyed

She gets out of his hold and rushes towards Jai...

'Jai ! Please, please listen to the boy, he can't do something like this... Please behave like his father, who will always stand by his side, for once...!' she says to Jai and Arjun huffs at this

It took some time for Jai to sink in her words and then he rises from his seat..

'Ved, do me a favor, please drop me at the police station... I want to save my son...' Jai says and Arjun looks at him shocked

'Yes Bade Papa...' Ved says

'Ved Thapar...! You are taking your that guy's side who ruined your sister's life ! Have you lost your mind...?' Arjun exclaimed

Ved who got scared from inside, kept a determined face and turned to his father

'I am doing what is right Papa....' He said and Arjun - Vansh glared at him

'Okay then, stay with your Aayan... Don't come near my daughter...' Arjun spat..

Ved looks at him shocked and then to his mother, who gives him an assuring look

'I will stay by my best friend no matter what, because I have faith in him... But it doesn't imply that I don't love my sister...! You guys will realise this very soon...' Ved says and then walks out with Jai 

Police station...

'We are here for Aayan Varma's bail...' Jai says to inspector and Aayan's lawyer, Virat gives the paper to him

'The victim gave her statement when she was sedated, she gave a half statement and my client's name was not taken as well, and also no official was present there to record that... So this arrest is anyway illegal...' Virat says

'Moreover my client is not prima facie suspect here, as the reason for this so called attempt to murder is not established, again because the victim did not give her statement... He is her husband, why will he do that...!' Virat reasoned

'Why won't he...?' Inspector countered

'That's for you to investigate...! Catch those goons and if they take my client's name, then arrest him, but right now... Please...' Virat says pointing towards the cell where Aayan was kept

Inspector huffs and reads the bail papers, and gestures the constable to release Aayan...

Aayan comes out of the cell and spots Jai and Ved looking at him teary eyed

He runs towards Jai and hugs him tightly and began sobbing, Jai hugs him back and sushes him

'Thank you for listening to me Papa...' Aayan cries and Jai kisses his head

'I trust you my son, I know you won't do this... Don't worry... Your Papa is here with you...' Jai says and Aayan nods

'You can't leave the country until the investigation completes...' Inspector informs Aayan

'He won't...' Virat answers on his behalf 

'Papa, Ananya..?' Aayan asks teary eyed

'She will be fine beta, and as she gets better, I'll convince Arjun to let you meet her once...' Jai said

'Why will he stop me...!' Aayan exclaimed

'Because they think you did that to Annie...' Ved replies and Aayan turns to him

'Do you think that too...?' Aayan asks Ved

Ved looks straight into his eyes and holds his hands

'Did you do that...?' he asked Aayan

'No...' Aayan replied instantly without blinking

'Then I believe you...' Ved smiles and Aayan hugs him too

'You went against Big dad for me...?' Aayan asks

'Yeah, and I think this is the right thing, I did in years...' Ved smiled and Aayan sighs hugging him tightly

Present...

'How long will this go on Maa...?' Ved asks Naina who sighs

'Let your father and brother's anger pacify...' Naina replies

'I wish we could know what Ananya wants...' Jai sighs

'I can tell you that...' Sameer said and they look at him bewildered

'How...?' Ved asked

'Because Vansh allowed me to see her tomorrow...' Sameer smiled

Mumbai...
Vansh's apartment...
2:00 pm..

Arjun and Ananya returned from market carrying huge shopping bags of different clothing and shoes brands

Vansh who was cooking in the kitchen with Mary's help sees this and chuckles

'Looks like someone brought an entire shopping mall...' He comments, while Mary instructs him about the cooking

'Yeah, we had fun today... A father - Daughter day out...! Isn't it Princess...?' Arjun asks Ananya, who keeps her bag and plumps on the sofa

'Yeah, it was fun...' Ananya replies weakly

'Mary, please get some juice for Ananya, she seems tired...' Arjun says and checks Ananya's temprature

'I am fine Paa..' Ananya says and rests her head on Arjun's shoulders

'What did you buy...?' Vansh turns off the stove and comes to the living room

'Paa bought shoes...' Ananya said excitedly

'For him...?' Vansh looks at the bags

'For Me..!' Ananya exclaimed and Vansh looked at Arjun shocked

'What...!' Vansh exclaimed

'Yes, he chose the pattern, perfect size, and the brand and got it at a decent price...' she says and Arjun leans back on the sofa

'Today I realised I have another talent of choosing perfect shoes size and dresses for females...' he said proudly

'You should've been a salesman than...' Vansh muttered

'What...?' Arjun looks at his son and he quickly shakes his head left right to indicate nothing

'For your information, I worked in sales department of decent companies in Boston and New york... I was one of their best interns....and ' Arjun began and Vansh - Ananya rolled their eyes

'I have to freshen up...' Ananya gets up and goes to her room

'I have to cook...' Vansh also gets up and runs to kitchen

'They never let me finish this story...' Arjun huffs

After sometimes Ananya walks out in her PJs and hops on the sofa, while Arjun was watching news...

'Annie... Come help me in serving food...' Vansh calls from kitchen

'Coming Bhai....' Ananya gets up, but her head starts spinning and things start turning hazy...

She collapses on the sofa and Arjun panics seeing her, fall down..

'Oh my god Princess...' Arjun holds her, and makes her sit

'What happened...?' Vansh comes running out of the kitchen 

'Get some water and ask Mary to make some juice...' Arjun says to Vansh and he nods

'Princess are you okay...?' Arjun asks

'Yes Paa, it was probably a head rush...' Ananya says rubbing her temples

'Did you take your medicines...?' Arjun asked

'No... I forgot...' Ananya replied..

'Don't miss on your medications princess... It's probably because of that... Your head injury has not recovered yet...' Arjun says softly massaging her head and she nods

'Here...' Vansh hands her a glass of Juice

'Get her medicines... She didn't take one...' Arjun says

'God Annie...! I did remind you before you were leaving with Paa.. You never listen to me...' Vansh scolds her

'Sorry Bhai...' Ananya says weakly and Mary gets her medicines

She gulps the tablet and lies down on the sofa, placing her head on Arjun's lap and he caresses her hair

After sometimes Vansh walks towards her carrying a tray having a big cassarole and bowls, while Mary follows him with a jug of water and glasses...

'See what I made for you...!' Vansh says to Ananya and both of them look at him bewildered 

'What...?'  Ananya asks

Vansh grins and  gives her a bowl of noodles

'OMG... Noodles...' Ananya exclaims and sits up

'You made it...?' Ananya asks Vansh

'With my magical hands...' Vansh says proudly and Arjun chuckles

Ananya excitedly takes a bite of it and moans...

'Ummm Bhai.. It's awesome...' She exclaims and then digs in

'I know...' Vansh says

'Give me some...' Arjun says

'You don't like noodles Paa...' Vansh replies looking at him shocked

'I can try, because you made it...' Arjun smiles and Vansh gets happy at this and serves him the noodles

After taking 2-3 bites, Ananya feels puckish, she keeps the bowl on the table and runs towards the bathroom, they look at her confused and Mary follows her 

'What the hell did you make....!' Arjun scolds Vansh

'It's good, I swear.... I tasted it... Ask Mary or you taste it yourself...' Vansh stammers

Arjun narrows his eyes at him and then takes a bite of the food

'Yeah... It's good... Then why did it she throw up...?' Arjun says

'She is not having proper meals now a days Paa... And that head rush, this is the 4th one in this week... We should probably consult a doctor, this all depression and shit is taking serious toll on her health...' Vansh said

'Yeah you are right, I mean she went out of the house after a month ! And was not excited for shopping at all ! That's very unlikely of her...' Arjun says worried

'That Aayan changed her... He surely had his impact on her..' Vansh said 

'Don't take his name...' Arjun gritted

'Paa, he is still her husband, and police also didn't find any evidence against him... Are we doing the right thing by keeping them away...' Vansh asks unsure

'Few moments back, you just said that Aayan was not good for her..!' Arjun says angrily

'Maybe his absence...' Vansh tried to reason

'Shut up ! Marrying her off to Aayan was my terrible mistake... And I will rectify it very soon... My daughter will be freed from him...!' Arjun said determined and Vansh looks at him scared

Ananya's room

Ananya walks out of the bathroom, after freshening up and opens the drawer to find her medicines for upset stomach..

She sees her mangalsutra placed carefully near the first aid box and tears filled her eyes..

Memories of her marriage flashed in front of her eyes, their fights, his efforts, their love, his sacrifice and ultimately Aayan's last words to her over that recorder

What made you think I changed..? You stupid girl...!

She closes the drawer with thud and sits on her bed, tears started rolling down her eyes

'He said he loves me... Then why would he do that to me...' She says and remembers the last time she saw him at the Bangalore Airport, when Arjun and Vansh were bringing her to Mumbai

1 and a half month ago...

Ananya was sitting near the baggage check in counter, wheras Arjun and Vansh were giving the baggage for check in

Suddenly someone grabbed her hands and she looked at the person and was shocked to see Aayan there...

'Babe, don't leave me please...' he cried and tears filled Ananya's eyes too, he looked miserable right now...

'Aayan... What are you...' she says her voice cracking

'Ananya please trust me, I did not send those goons...' he says tightly clasping her hands

'Hey...! Leave my sister..' Vansh shouts from the counter and walks towards them angrily

'Ananya I love you, please please listen to me... I didn't do anything...' Aayan begged

'But I heard your...' Ananya began, but Vansh cut them off in between

'How dare you come near my sister...!' Vansh pushes Aayan away from her, while Arjun pulls Ananya behind him

'She is my wife and I need to talk to her..' Aayan said

'You will stay away from her, you lost all the rights of being her husband, the day you sent goons to kill her...' Arjun said coldly

'I did not send any goon... Why don't you guys believe me... I did not do anything..let me talk to her...' Aayan tried to push Vansh, but he pushed him back so hard that he was about to fall on the ground, but Jai caught him

'Son... Are you alright...?' he says, helping him stand

'So someone is taking side of their killer son...' Arjun taunts

'I am being the supportive father of my innocent son...' Jai replies calmly, pushing Aayan behind him

'He is the culprit...' Vansh says angrily and marches towards him, but Ved comes in between them

'He did not do anything, dare you put your hands on him...' Ved warned and Vansh glared at him

'Ask him to stay away from my sister..' Vansh said angrily

'My sister is his wife and I won't stop him for anything...' Ved countered

'Okay then... You be your best friend's side, I'll be on my sister's side...' Vansh said in a taunting manner

'Sounds like a deal to me....' Ved shot back

'Ved Bhai ..' Ananya calls from behind and he looks at her teary eyed

'Are you leaving me...?' She asks him tears rolling down her eyes and Arjun sushes her, glaring at Ved

'I promise to bring back your happiness to you Annie...' Ved says, tears rolling down his eyes too

'Let's go...' Arjun pulls Ananya towards security check

'Ananya... Listen to me...' Aayan marches forward, but Ved stops him

Jai and Ved pull him towards the baggage check in counter, while Vansh and Arjun takes her away towards the security check...

(Filmy ho gya... I know...)

This was the last time they saw each other...

After that Arjun didn't allow Ananya to receive his calls and changed her number, which no one had except him and Vansh...

He made sure that no one meets her, especially Jai and Ved, while Naina was still allowed to see her, because of course, she was not going to agree to Arjun's stupid conditions...

They were separated from each other and both lost touch with the outside world, including their work...

Ved was taking care of Aayan's ailing firm and Ananya resigned from Joshi's office...

Arjun's life and Jai's pride were separated from each other and things didn't seem to be getting back to normal anytime soon...

New Delhi...
7 pm...
Aayan's studio...

Sameer walks inside Aayan's mini studio and finds him sketching, yet another sketch of Ananya...

'Wow ! This is the fourth one in this month... And looks better than the previous one...' Sameer comments seeing the latest work

'Hmmm...' Was all Aayan could reply, and he continued sketching her

'You really loved watching her sleep, didn't you...?' Sameer said amused looking at the sketch, in which her eyes were closed and Aayan chuckles

'Yes..! That was the only time, when she didn't fight with me and looked peaceful and harmless....' Aayan said and Sameer laughed

'Well, that's true, she looks better when she doesn't fight...' Sameer said and Aayan puts down the charcoal block and leans against the desk

'Are you okay...?' Sameer asks

'My stupidity ruined everything...! Sometimes I wonder, if this is how it was supposed to end, then why did I ever meet Ananya...' Aayan sighed

'This is not the end brother... You can see this as the bad phase, and once it ends there will be happiness all over again...' Sameer said holding Aayan's shoulder

'Please make this phase end brother...' Aayan said tears filling his eyes

Sameer hugs him tightly and Aayan sobs in his arms

'Please make this end Sameer, I can't take it... I... I can't live without her Sameer... Do something please...' Aayan cries and Sameer holds him tightly

'I will brother... I will...' Sameer said determined, while Aayan continued to cry..

The new phase was about to begin in Aayan and Ananya's life...

Let's see them uniting after facing their own families as the challenge...

TBC...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N
Hello folks..!
Hope you liked it..

Next update : Maybe after 31st Dec or on that day itself...
Because I have 3 tests lined up back to back :(

So see you soon, or maybe next year 😂😂😂😂

Love
ASM