My useless yet very talented (unfortunately best) friend bushrafaris  made the cover you can see above!! Jazaki Allahu khairan bushy!  I love you!!! 

Also I changed the cover of this book!  What do you guys think about it??

Feel free to point out errors in the chapter! 

Enjoy:)

“What is it?” Kabir asked as soon as he answered the call. Ali had entered the lift so Samar closed the door and came back in the living room where his brother was.

“Kabir.” Anya said softly.

Kabir frowned. “Why do you sound scared?”

“I am scared.”

“What happened Anya?”

“I should have not called you, but I didn't know who else to call.”

“What happened?”

“I don’t know ,and I am not sure.”

“If you are not sure then it is not worth being scared.” Kabir looked at his brother who asked him what happened. He shook his head to assure him everything was fine, but Samar did not believe him. He sat on the chair, and patiently listened to their conversation. “Anya.”

“I am overreacting like always but.”

“When you know you are then what’s the point in worrying?”

“What if it’s true?”

“Then we will deal with it.”

“Of course we will but.”

“We will deal with it when the time comes. For now you are not sure what it is, so assume everything is fine.”

Anya closed her eyes and took a deep breath.“That sounds good."

“Everything is fine. Now calm down and sleep. We will discuss it later.”

“OK. Goodnight.” Anya disconnected the call without waiting for his reply.

“What happened?”

“It did not seem like she wanted to share so I didn’t force her.”

“That’s fine. But is she fine?”

“She will be. You know her. At times she creates her own problems and gets scared. Don't worry I will talk to her when I meet her.”

But then Kabir could not meet Anya for four days. Kabir had to work with Baskar on a project and he did not have the time to meet or see Anya and then it was weekend. Everyone in the office was busy not just professionally but personally as well. None of them had time to talk like they normally do.  Anya did not get a chance to tell them what was disturbing her. Without her realising she was back at the office after the weekend. She didn’t know where the weekend went. She smiled when one of her colleagues entered the lift.  It was Monday morning and no one was in the spirit of work.  Everyone in the lift quietly stood until it was time to leave. Anya and her colleague did not talk but said goodbye when they left the lift together.  They worked in different departments hence headed in different directions. Anya walked as slow as she could towards her cubicle.  She did not feel like working,  but that was quite common.  She hardly felt like working these days.

“Good morning!"Anya looked up to see who it was.  She frowned when she found Ali walking along with her.  “I do not understand how people can be energetic in the morning.”

“Technically people are more energetic in the morning than in the evening.”

“Not when you did not have a good sleep.”

“Looks like you never had a good sleep.”

Anya looked at him and narrowed her eyes. “I know we are meeting after four to five days, but did you forget me?”

“I did not, and I know you are mentally prepared to kill me.”

“Then why are you talking to me?”

“Because I wanted to inform you about something.”

“What did you do now?”

“I told Himani about Dia.”Ali whispered.

“That’s fine.  That’s actually good.  I wanted to talk to her about something.”

“But there might be a problem.”

“What?”

“She told her husband.”

“Why!? Why do married couples do that?  Why can’t they know something without other one’s knowledge?“

“Ah. I don’t know. Probably because they are best friends.”

“I absolutely hate this. I will never understand couples.”

“I generally agree with you when it comes to couples, but my parents used to do that and I found it sweet.”

“My parents did it too, and I found it annoying.”

“Cannot expect much from you.” He whispered.

“Anya!” Anya and Ali stopped in their tracks.  They did not turn to see the face, but they knew who it was.  “What are the things that will make me lose my job?” Anya asked Ali.

“Everything that is in your head right now.”

“Life is so unfair.”

“When will you learn how to work?” Rohit asked Anya while walking towards her.  Anya turned around and Ali followed. “The day you learn how to behave.” She whispered loud enough for Ali to hear but not loud enough for anyone else.

“You cause so many problems.  I do not understand why they still have you.”

“What do you want?” Anya asked calmly.

“Go to your desk and I will my laptop there.  You really need to learn how to work in a reputed organisation.”

“Why?  Why is he always after me?” She asked Ali once rohit was gone.

“You are his biggest competition.”

“I will be his biggest regret one day.”

“You were nice to him.”

“I do not know what I was thinking when I promised Nani to be rude only twice a week. Twice is just too less when I have to work five days a week with him.”

“I cannot agree more. But the week just started. You still have two chances.”

“Saving it for later.  I had a reply which would have made him shut up, but I know I can do better.”

Ali smiled. “Do not fight when I am not around.”

“Don’t worry I will make sure it gets broadcasted on TV.” Anya said before she started walking. She went to her desk and had to deal with Rohit for a long time.  He kept nagging her and kept criticising her.  Anya and everyone around her including Rohit was surprised that Anya had not snapped once.  I reached a new level of patience,  she said to herself proudly. It was only when it was time for lunch when Rohit left Anya alone.  Anya was the last one from her group to go to the cafeteria that day. 

“I do not believe I did not yell at him.  What is wrong with me?  Am I losing my touch?” Anya said while sitting down on a chair.

“Anya, my dear friend.” Ali said dramatically. “You are losing your touch.”

Anya frowned and looked at Himani. Himani shook her head. “He is joking. That is not true.” She reassured her.

“I am already having bad days Ali. Why are you making it worse.”

“Sorry,  sorry.”

“You never told me what happened that day.” Kabir said to Anya.

“ I have been stressed because of that. So much.”

“Which day?  What happened?” Ali asked.

“Anya?” Kabir said. 

“If you don’t want to say then don’t.” Himani said this time.

“It’s not something to hide.” Anya said. “I am just not sure. I am too scared to ask.”

“There was a situation where I was scared to ask someone something and my brother adviced.” Kabir paused for few seconds. “He said either ask that person or forget about it. I would say the same to you.If you do not want to ask then don't kill yourself for it. And if you want to ask then don't torture yourself with curiosity.”

“I will have to ask. Even if I don’t ask it will be out soon.”

“Then make a decision.”

Anya thought about it for some time before shaking her head. “I will ask her today.”

“Good.” Ali said.

They were quiet after that.  They ate quietly for few minutes before Anya looked up. She looked at their faces one by one. They were nice for not forcing her which made her feel bad for not sharing her worry with them. She took a deep breath before saying, “Dia did not bring a lot of stuff with her.  Just a hand bag actually.”

“She should have brought her documents. Certificates and everything.”Himani said.

“That would have arose suspicion. It would have been clear that she ran away. This way at least she is innocent.” Ali said.

“He is right." Anya said. "Now that I think about it, she should have brought her documents. I mean what if she wants to work now?  She will need them.”

“Get back to the point.” Kabir said softly.

“Sorry.” Ali said.

“Yeah so.  Where was I?

“I don’t know.”Ali replied.

“She just brought a bag and nothing else.”Himani reminded.

“Yeah that bag!  So that night it fell down from the table. It was dark, and I did not see it so accident it fell down.  Dia was sleeping and I knew I would do something like that again, So I took it to the living room with me. There I accidentally dropped it again and this time a file fell out of it.” Ali shook his head disappointingly. Anya narrowed her eyes at him.

“What was in that file?” Himani asked.

“It was a medical report.”

Ali’s eyes widened immediately, but he did not say anything. Anya saw that and could not stop herself from asking,  “Why did you do that?”

“No reason.” He replied immediately.
“I want to know what you are thinking?”

“Nothing.”

“What’s in your mind Ali?”Kabir asked this time.

Ali hesitated for some time, but they all kept staring him so he said slowly, “That she is really sick.” Everyone turned to Anya. She shook her head in a no. “She is fine.”

“That’s a good news.”Ali said immediately.

“Then what was in it? Property?”Himani asked.

“I wish. But it’s not that.”

“Then?” Ali asked.

“It was a pregnancy report.”

Himani's eyes widened immediately. “She is pregnant?”

“With his child?” Ali asked which made Himani frown.

“What do you mean Ali?”Himani asked.

“As bad as it sounds I would love if it isn't his.”

“She is expecting. Oh God.” Himani said.

“Plot twist at its best.”Ali said.

“I am not sure!  I did not check it. I was too scared to look. The only reason I know it's a pregnancy report is because I met my pregnant friend and saw her report that very day. When she was talking on phone I read the report as I had nothing else to do. Dia's report had all the same matter and coincidentally same doctor.”

"Maybe it's not a pregnancy report. " Ali said. 

“Then make sure. She needs care if she is expecting.” Himani said.

“I don’t know how to bring it up to her.”

“But you have too.” Himani said.

“I Guess I should. I am just so angry and upset about that.  If she has his child then he would always be a part of her life.”

“She can get divorced and raise the kid herself.”

“But the kid is his. He would be part of the baby and will ultimately become a part of her life too.  Even if not as her husband. And maybe she will go back to him just because it’s his child.  Until and unless she decides to live in hiding her whole life there is no way she can get rid of him.”

“That is true.”Himani said. 

“I really thought her life would be better now.”

“Talk to her Anya.”Himani said “Find out if this is really true or not. But.” Anya looked at her.  “Don’t go with that face. No one deserves to get sorrow in return to this news. If you cannot put up a happy or a normal face then don’t talk to her at all. Ask your nani to talk.”

Anya shook her head. “OK.”

“Do not be so worried. Everything will turn out fine. I am sure.” Himani said with a smile.

“I really hope so.”

“We need to get back to work."Kabir reminded them.

“Yeah let’s go back.  It’s a busy month after all.” Ali said trying to change the topic.

“Let’s go.” Anya said while standing up to leave.

Time to go home came faster than Anya has anticipated. Before she could understand how the time was flying so fast she was already standing in front of Dia. “Why are you staring me?” Dia whispered.

“Ah. How are you?”

“Fine.”

“That’s good. I am happy you are fine.”
Dia looked up at her.  She wanted to frowned and ask her cousin why she was acting like that, but she did not.  She did not talk anymore except for one or two words a day, and it was now out of her comfort zone to talk freely. She looked down quietly and said nothing. Anya who was standing till now sat down on the bed. She looked uncomfortable. Dia wished she could help.

“What do you like?”Anya asked abruptly.

“Huh?”

“What would you like to do? Let’s do something fun.”

Dia blinked twice. Anya smiled awkwardly. Something is odd, Dia thought.  “Let’s order food today. What would you like to eat?” Dia shook her head without saying a word.  Anya smiled again. “We will order later.” Dia nodded her head.  Anya smiled again. This time Dia turned her head in the other direction as Anya’s smile was making her feel uncomfortable.  “Dia.”Anya said.  “I have a question to ask.”Dia looked at her. “If you don’t mind can I ask you something? “ Dia nodded again.  “Few days ago your bag fell down accidently and I saw something.” Dia didn’t change her expression or say anything. Anya was hoping for some support from her, but that did not happen. “There was something. A file.” Dia did not react. She was sitting still. Not what Anya expected. When things go against Anya’s expectations she goes against her nature and acts different. She smiled again. “Is there anything to worry about? “ Dia shook her head in a no. “Really? “She shook a head in a no again. Anya stood up from the bed and started walking back and forth in the room.  “Dia. I have a weird question.” She pointed at her. “scary though.” Dia nodded. Anya frowned this time.  She was getting angry. Let’s get over with this,  Anya told herself.

“That was a pregnancy test, right?”

“Yes.”

Anya pressed her lips together.“Positive?”

Dia nodded her head.”Yes.”