Sanyukta entered the mansion in hurry. With her eyes glued to her watch she rushed towards the staircase. Just as she raised her head she dashed into someone. Her feet hit his and she slipped into his arms; her handbag fell on the floor.

Randhir couldn't believe after so long Sanyukta was in his arms. Unlike before, this time both felt awkward and quickly straightened, looking away. Sanyukta adjusted her sky-blue blazer while Randhir carelessly ran his hand at the back of his hair. Their gaze fell on the handbag and together they lowered to pick it up and their foreheads collided.

'Ouch.' Both exclaimed in unison. They rubbed their foreheads and looked at each other. Their faces inches apart. They stared for a minute before Sanyukta broke the eye-contact and grabbed her handbag. Both straightened.

'I am sorry.' Randhir said. Sanyukta looked at him, disinterested.

'Why are you here?' She asked in a dry tone.

Randhir was reluctant as he replied, - 'I had come to meet Parth.'

'Okay.' Sanyukta nodded. She began to walk when Randhir interrupted her and she stood still.

'Actually-I had come to meet you.' - He decided it was now or never, - 'I-wanted to-give you-this.' He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Sanyukta watched as he took out a small card. He forwarded it to her. Perplexed, she took it from him. She frowned reading the card,

Dr. Kriti Suberwal,

Psychologist

'Why are you giving me this?' Sanyukta asked.

'I-found about your-your phobia,' - He paused noticing her changed expressions, - 'And I wanted to help you come out of it.' He finished. Sanyukta clenched the card and pressed her lips tight together.

'Why?' She asked sternly.

'Because I am the one who caused all this mess and I-want to correct it.' He said seriously. Seeing his determination and recollecting last night, Sanyukta's expressions did soften for a second before she made a stone face expression again.

'Well,' - She held his hand and slammed the card on his palm, - 'It's too late. First, you cause pain and then try to correct yourself,' - She paused, her tone changed as she spoke, - 'I have given you enough chances, Randhir and every time-every time you break my trust and heart... and guess what? Now, my heart has turned into stone. I am not interested in you nor in your redemption.' She spoke confidently though her voice wavered. Before Randhir could reply Sanyukta had turned around and swiftly walked away.

Randhir was very dejected. He hadn't expected Sanyukta to reject him. She had always forgiven and forgotten things that he did, in his immaturity and impulsiveness. But now, he had gone too far, and her patience level has run out. Indeed, he had taken her for granted. Like always, even this time he assumed she will forgive him and come back to him. Recollecting Parth's words, Randhir grew insecure and scared. For the first time he truly felt threatened, he truly realized he might lose Sanyukta.

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

Sanyukta had just opened the car door when her phone began to ring. Quickly, she got into the car and fished out her phone from her handbag. It was her father calling.

Sanyukta: Hello, Papa.

Kishore: Where are you, beta?

Sanyukta: I am on my way, Papa. (She gestured the driver to start the car)

Kishore: Hurry up, Beta. We have to go to the airport as well.

Sanyukta pressed her forehead as she realized that she had forgotten about it. She replied she will arrive soon and cut the call, then she asked the driver to hurry up.

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

Kishore was all smiles as he and Sanyukta waited outside the arrival department of the airport. He kept glancing at Sanyukta, who was busy working on her phone. He felt irritated with her lack of interest.

'Beta,' - He snatched the phone from her, - 'Stop working for once.' He said. Sanyukta protested but he glared at her and dropped the phone into his coat pocket. Sanyukta sighed and looked away. She began distracting herself by fidgeting with her watch.

As the father-daughter wait for their special guest both were oblivious that someone was watching them. Among the crowd, at safe distance from them stood Randhir. He watched them carefully. Every time a young, good looking man walked out of the terminal, Randhir would get slightly anxious and every time, they walked away he would let out the breath he kept holding.

Fifteen minutes passed by, both Sanyukta and Randhir grew restless. Kishore kept assuring her to keep patience.

A while later, Kishore squealed in excitement, - 'There he is.'

Sanyukta turned her head to look at the direction her father was pointing at. She saw a tall well-built young man in his casuals walking towards them. He raised his hand and waved at them. Kishore held Sanyukta's hand and squeezed his way through the crowd. Randhir stood on his toes and hurriedly followed them.

The young man removed his sunglasses and tugged it in the neckline of his cream-white Tee.

'Adhiraj, beta, welcome.' Kishore welcomed him with open arms while Sanyukta stood awkwardly behind her father. The two men hugged. The young man was towering tall around 6 feet and was very well built. Kishore got almost engulfed in the hug.

'Namaste, Kishore Uncle.' He said and bowed down to touch his feet. Kishore beamed as he gave his blessings. The man, Adhiraj, straightened. His gaze fell on Sanyukta and he smiled broadly at her. She just flashed him a small, awkward smile.

'Hello.' He extended his hand.

'Hello.' Sanyukta shook hands with him.

'Adhiraj.'

'Dr. Adhiraj.' Kishore corrected him. Sanyukta frowned at her father. She looked away when Adhiraj gave out a small laugh.

'Yeah, Yeah. Dr. Adhiraj.' He said.

'Sanyukta.' She replied not meeting his gaze. Kishore smiled and placed his arm on his daughter's shoulder.

'He is a very famous and successful heart surgeon in the US yet he is so down to earth. Such maturity, such humility.' Kishore gushed happily. Adhiraj blushed with the compliment while Sanyukta could only manage a small smile. She had gotten a hint at what her father has planned.

Kishore gestured Adhiraj to walk front. As he walked away, Sanyukta called her father but he deliberately avoided her and kept walking. Sanyukta sighed and silently followed them.

Randhir glared at the duo as they chatted and walked past him. They didn't notice him but Sanyukta did. Randhir didn't see her as he was busy glaring at Adhiraj. She was stunned to find him here. She looked towards her father and Adhiraj and back again at Randhir. She became worried, - 'Oh no, Randhir. He might mistake all this and-and again impulsively do something that he-and I will regret. Oh, god! I hope he doesn't create a greater mess than what he has caused already.'

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

What you do, Kishore Uncle.

Hmm, Adhiraj. Sorry, Dr. Adhiraj. What are your thoughts about him, guys? Seems interesting or boring character. What turn will Sandhir's love story take with this new entry? Will Kishore succeed in his plans?

Stay tuned to find out *wink* *wink*

Important Note:

Updates will be slow. Sorry for the inconvenience, guys. And thank you for your patience, love, and support. It means a lot, guys *flying kisses*