'You liked it?' Shad asked once they came out from the five-star hotel. They had their food and Eifad had thoroughly enjoyed. Their dinner was a silent. Shad wanted to make her comfortable first.

'Perfect. Thanks' Eifad said wrapping her arm around his. Shad smiled and together they walked towards their parked car.

'Where is Tansen?' Eifad said looking around, she took out her phone from her purse him when Shad held her hand.

'I have asked him to go.' He said. When Eifad looked at him confused he leaned forward and wrapped his arm around her waist, this time when she trembled he didn't pull back.

'I want to spend some time with my girlfriend.' He winked at her. Eifad forced a smile and tried to move his hand but he didn't, instead led her to the car.

'I will drive.' Shad said taking out the key from his pocket. Eifad nodded, her expression looked frightened. This made Shad more determined. He opened the passenger seat door for her. Eifad took her seat, she looked relieved. Shad hurriedly went around the car and sat in the driver's seat.

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

'Deer park?' Eifad said surprised. Shad looked at her and smiled.

'Yes.'

'But it is closed.' She said.

'So?' Shad said. Eifad continued to look on confused as Shad drove to the parking lot. He stepped out. Shad opened the door for her and she stepped out.

'There is a place, we can sneak into the park.' Shad informed. Eifad doesn't say anything but simply followed him.

Shad took her at the bench near the lake, Eifad loves sitting here. She is overwhelmed with emotions. She looked at Shad.

'Thanks.' She said gratefully. Shad felt slightly guilty, but pushed back the thought telling himself that he is doing all this for her.

He held her hand and took her to the bench. They sat together. Eifad rested her head on his shoulder, he placed his arm around her.

'I am so happy.' Eifad said and looked at him. Shad smiled and moved little, he took her hand in his.

'You are looking so beautiful.' He complimented her looking into her eyes. With the intensity of his gaze, Eifad felt herself melt. She blushed lowering her gaze. He kissed the back of her palm, his eyes studying her face carefully. Eifad looked up at him and smiled.

'Thank you. Shad, I didn't know I would...we would...this would happen.' She said, her voice cracked. She took a deep breath and looked away, tears blurring her vision. She didn't want Shad to see tears in her eyes. Shad held her hand and she looked at him.

'Eifu...' he said concerned, he wiped her tears and hugged her. Eifad hugged him back.

'I love you.' she whispered closing her eyes.

'I love you too.' Shad said.

"But you do love her, you love her as a friend...she is your best friend." Rhea's words echoed in his head and he didn't feel a tinge guilt in saying what he said. Only he knows how pure his friendship is for her.

They parted, Shad looked at her and shifted little closer. Eifad shifted uncomfortably. He held her shoulder and pulled her closer.

'Sha-Shad...' she said nervously. Shad placed his finger on her lips and she trembled. Shad held her hand with one hand and placed the other palm on her cheek.

'Eifu...Now, we are not just best friends but also boyfriend and girlfriend, right.' He pulled her closer and Eifad stiffened. What she had feared is coming true. Her heart raced as Shad cupped her face and tilted his head. He closed his eyes. Eifad watched him, sitting there like a statue.

"What are you doing, Bhaiya..."

"Please Bhaiya...please..."

"Not a word, else..."

Eifad pushed Shad, he opened his eyes startled. 'We are getting late...' she said. Shad held her hand and she froze. Her heart in her mouth.

'What happened? First time?' he asked pressing on, he is determined to not let this matter drop. Eifad shook her head.

'So? We are in a relationship, right.' He said. Eifad nodded

'But I-I am not-ready.' She stammered.

Shad hit the dead end, if he presses on he will not only offend her but also come across as a despo and a pervert.

He sighed, and nodded. 'Okay...but...' he paused and held her hand tighter.

'Eifad... there is something I want to talk to about something.' He began. Eifad blinked at him urging him to go on.

Shad shifted little in his seat and looked at her, holding both her palms in his, 'There is a...Doctor...Dr. Malthi...I want you to meet her.' Shad said cautiously. Eifad frowned, but she didn't jerk her hand, that is the good sign.

'A doctor. Why?' Eifad said confused. Shad held her cheek

'Yes. Eifad. I sense there is something that is disturbing you. She will help you.' Shad said. Eifad looked offended. She was about to move her hand but Shad held her hand tighter.

'Please, for my sake. For sake of our love, our friendship.... please.' Shad said softly. He continued to look directly into her eyes, hoping she would melt. And she did.

'Only because you are saying I will.' She said. Shad smiled

'Thank you.' he said and kissed her forehead.

Eifad parked the car in front of Shad's apartment 'Thanks for tonight.' She said and hugged him. Shad hugged her back. He is more than happy, his plan succeeded. He climbed down the car. Eifad smiled him blowing a kiss at him. Shad smiled back. She backed the car and drove away. Shad watched her till she disappeared and took out his phone and texted Rhea.

"She agreed, plan was a success."

And as he climbed up stairs his phone beeped

Rhea: Yes! I knew you will do it.

Shad: it is all thanks to you. Your motivation and your belief in me.

Rhea: you always manage to flatter me.

Shad: I love you.

Rhea: I love you too. Now, Good night! this is just one step you have lot to do.

Shad: Yes. Good night.

Shad slept with a smile on his face, it is after many days he is finally getting a peaceful sleep.

Eifad paced in her room, Shad's words echoed in her mind

"We are boyfriend girlfriend, right. So?"

She wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed her arms. Then she recollected about Dr. Malthi and she wondered if the woman can actually help her. Perhaps, she will help her overcome her fears, her inhibitions.

When Eifad finally decided to sleep, she realized that going to a doctor wasn't such a bad idea.

***********

Next morning, Shad woke up and the first thing he did is call Rhea and asked her about her health and is relieved when he got affirmative response. He then called Dr. Malthi's clinic, a young girl from the reception answered. He confirmed his appointment for today; Shad had taken a blind leap and had made an appointment three days ago. That day, when Eifad had pointed a gun at herself, that was the last strand. He didn't have a second thought when he took the appointment.

'Aren't you going to work?' Aisha asked Eifad as they sit at the breakfast table. Eifad placed few cut apples on her plate. Aisha guessed it from her attire- high neck cold shoulder grey top, white jeans and white thong slippers, her hair neatly tied in a high ponytail. She looked casual for work.

'Yes, I have some work with Shad elsewhere.' She said pouring herself some orange juice. Aisha didn't enquire more, seeing Eifad's expressions and demeanor she decided best to keep quiet. They silently had their breakfast and then sat in the living. While Aisha sipped her tea texting her kitty party friends, Eifad sat crossed legs reading newspaper.

The door-bell rang, Eifad folded the newspaper and calmly walked towards the main door. Fromoutside she looked calm but inside she is nervous, very nervous.

By the time, she reached the door, Dheem Kaka had opened the main door and Shad had entered. Eifad smiled, she was nervous but on seeing Shad she felt better. Like nothing can go wrong. She walked to him.

'Come have breakfast.' She said but Shad politely refused stating he already had breakfast and they must hurry as they are getting late. Eifad nodded.

Shad glanced at her as they sat in the back seat of the car. Eifad had her palms clasped together, she is fidgeting with her fingers and looked nervous, she kept glancing out from the window. Shad extended his hand and placed it over hers. Eifad turned her head and looked at him.

'It will be fine. You will be fine.' He assured her. Eifad nodded and moved her hand away from him.