Sana's POV

It's been TWO weeks I've shifted. To my own house. Sounds good right? It wasn't as easy as I had thought. Though I got a good 2BHK flat, but the furnishings left me penniless.

Thanks to my previous job, I had some money apart from the one Mummy had given me, it helped me getting an extravagant interior. I've spent all of it now.

I bought a medium sized Belgian roll arm lounger sofa set and an oval shaped glass topped tea table for the living room. A full murphy bed. A miller 3 door wardrobe. A square shapped solidwood dinning.

Talking of appliances I've bought an AC, a washing machine, a refrigerator and a cookstove and a microwave oven.
I bought a kitchen set. I didn't go for a TV though.

I am impatiently waiting for my paycheck these days because I've still got anonymous stuffs to buy. Damnn! It's not at all easy to live alone. The ambitious self in me now realised.

How can I forget to mention! My companions. They've helped alot. Meeti helped me with shifting, stayed with me for a couple of days, assisted me in settling the movables.

Sidharth was always just a phone call away. I sauntered around half of the city with him to purchase my commemdatories.

Also Vikas got me some cabinetwork at tolerable cost.
I've spoken to my parents about my new house, but sadly, I cannot invite them for now. I'll just have to wait till I am prudently deep pocket. To host them.

Mummy was calling me home, to celebrate Diwali with them. I also wished to go. But Adi's health ran-down. Once we three had gone to run some errands and got drenched in the rain. It left him feverish for 3 days. Meeti had freaked-out when his temperature ran upto 102°. I was worried too.

I celebrated Diwali in Mumbai consequently.
I enjoyed alot making rangoli in the office, with Priya & Isha. My underling colleagues and new friends.

Jay had suggested to make a building in place of flowers in the rangoli. As it would symbolize our company. He's bluntly humorous, I tell you.

I remember, we decided to have a Diwali meet up at Vikas's place. I was dressed in a black embroidered crop top paired with a golden long skirt. Adorned with silver earings. I bought a packet of sweets. Besan ke laddoo with me. Mummy had asked me not go empty hands. Vikas's bungalow wasn't just large. It was a huge and grand villa!

I met Mahi, Jay, Vishal, Rohan, Aliya and so many people there. Sidharth arrived a little late, VIP. The already handsome hunk looked stunning in a carbon black kurta pajama that had golden embroidery over his chest. His mother had also accompanied him looking elegant in old lace coloured saree. I was introduced to her there.

"This is Shehnaaz... She's the Creative in Vikas's team.. " Sidharth introduced us.

"Happy Diwali Mam!" I joined my hands to greet her. I felt esteemed to meet her.

"Happy Diwali Shehnaaz... Maine kafi suna hai tumhare bare me... " she momentarily looked at Sidharth and Vikas. I smiled.

".... I'm astonished by your work... " she complimented me!

"Thank you so much..." I felt so happy at that moment. Self-satisfied.

Once I got a moment, looking at Sidharth. 'Kaisi lag rahi hu?' my lips motioned. He simply gave smirk, raising his eyebrows in surprise. I gave him a beautiful smile.

Post dinner, we began bursting crackers. My favourite thing about the carnival. I was always a pro at this. While Sidharth and Vikas stood at the portico, kept glancing at us. I began with lighting up Anars and chakaris with Mahi.

Rohan asked me, "Sanaa! Phuljhari se kya khel rahi hai.. Bomb phodegi... Aaj hamare sath?"

"Oyee... Puchh kyaa raha hai... Maine har Diwali sabse zyaada bomb phode hai poore Amritsar me... Mujhe challenge karke dekhle...!" I announced pulling up my imaginary collars.

Just then Vishal challenged me, "Ek sath phatake jala ke bata to maan jaunga tujhe!"

"Abe nahi kar payegi vo... Uski dress kharab hojayegi na...! " Rohan said sarcastically. Sharing a high-five with Vishal while laughing.

"Kya karna hai?" I asked him. I had to prove myself now.

"Ye tiger bombs ko line se phodna hai... Baki phatako ke sath... " he said.

"Ha de.. "
I forwarded my hands to take that packet from him.

"Ye kya kar rahi hai..?" Mahi asked, when she saw me carrying a bag full.

"Dekhte jao bas... " I answered while walking across the road. I started placing the bombs in line. Top tiger... Anar... Chakari... Top tiger.. Anar... Chakri... was the order.

"Mat kar Sana..." Jay said. Mahi had complained him. I glared her.

"I've been challenged Jay! Please mujhe roko mat.." I replied. Continuing my work.

After aligning them, I fired a matchstick and then bent down to lit the thread of the first bomb.

Suddenly a hand gripped my wrist. That's when I knew I was gone. It's Sidharth, the smouldering Sidharth.

"Have you lost it!?!" he shouted.
I look at him to answer, his gaze made me speechless.

"Arey... This is no that difficult as it looks... Tu dekhte jaa... " I said but he didn't leave my hand. Smiling slowly to convince him.

"Sidhaarth yaar... Meri izzat ka sawal hai... Kyuu meri bezzati kara raha hai... " I whined, to get nothing but glares from him.

"Chup chap andar chal... " he ordered. Took the match box from my hand and threw it away.

"Ye kya kiya tune..?!" I gasped out.
I heard soft giggles of Vishal behind my back, it just made me angry. I shouted at him while going to pick up that match box.

A beam of light hit the side of my face as I did so. It craned my head to see a sedan recklessly pacing towards me. I had not realised I was in the middle of the road.

I was immediately pulled back by Sidharth's strong arms. My face hit his ample sternum.

Horrified me tried its best to get a hold of him. My breathing rates had audibly accelerated.

I felt my back being rubbed by his broad palms. "You okay....?" he slowly pulled away.
Corrected my just now messed up hairs.

I nodded slowly. Not letting go off his hand.
"Chal andar.. " he took me back in the house, holding my hand.

Vikas offered me a glass of water, when I was sitting in his living room. I kept looking down bracing for the impact. I was going to get scolded in no time.

I could hear him yelling at Vishal and Rohan that they asked me to do this, well it wasn't their fault, totally atleast.

"WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING WOULD HAVE HAPPENED?" he shouted on the two.

"Me" I gathered courage to answer somehow. I didn't wanted anybody else to be blamed for what I did. It was Diwali and here everybody looked so dull, made me remorseful.

He looked at the otherside for some seconds before strolling towards me.

"Yeah... Definitely you... Who's the most careless among us? YOU!"
His voice boomed around. I looked down. Murmuring sorry. He chose to ignore.

"How old are you... 12 or 10?" he asked.

"Ho gaya na Sid... Ab se she'll be careful... Haina Sana?" said Vikas.

"Han... Sorry abse aisa nahi hoga.. Mai dhyaan rakhungi... " I replied immediately.

"Nahi.. Tum jao phatake phodo saare ek sath.. " he taunted.

"Aahhaan... Sidharth... Sorry bola na..." I immediately grabbed his arm. He tried to push me. But I had a good grip.

"Sorry na... Kasam lagge abse dhyaan rakhungi... " I hugged his arm, once he stopped resisting. He just hummed.

We all were leaving, Vikas gifted us all a hamper of dry fruits and sweets.

"Iske me badam zyada dena.. " Jay taunted me.

"Aapne hi usko bheja tha na?" I asked him.

"Usne khud dekha tha tujhe... Jab tu itne sare bomb leke nikali thi... I tried to hint you but you were sooo busy..." he sighed.

I made faces at him. Liar. I know inhone hi bheja hoga Sidharth ko.

Vikas pulled me into a hug at last. "Kaisi rahi pehli Diwali Mumbai me...?" he asked, pulling my leg.

"Dhamakedar! " I answer. Laughing loudly with him.

Thankfully Rita mam had returned after dinner itself. Otherwise it would have been so humiliating. Meeting her and then getting lashed out infront of her on the same date.

Rohan was coming towards me, probably to ask if I needed a ride back home. But he stopped on his way when he saw Sidharth.

Knowing that he's still a little mad at me, I didn't look up to him. Simply followed him to the car. I didn't speak for a while. But could it be me, if it didn't spoke?

"Di..dinner was amazing na?" I asked.
To get no reply. He looked at me, sharply.

"Sorry na... Mujhe kassam lagge aaj ke baad aise kabhi nahi karungi... Tu baat karna merese..." I whined.

"Gadhi ho tum!" he spoke finally.
He stopped the car, when we reached my house. Stepping out, I hugged him.

"Yaar.. Tyohaar vale din mood achha rakhte hai... " I told him.

"Lekin dusro ka kharaab kar sakte hai?" he asked, taunting yet again.

"Aahaan... Tu aise kyu karta hai...? Teko pata aaj maine kitna miss kiya apne ghar ko... Shehbaaz ko... Aur ab tu bhi aise baat kar raha hai... " I looked down, blinked my eyes to avoid tears.

He held my face, craned it up to look into him. "Baat ki unse?" he asked.

"Han.. Subha ek baar fir shaamko bhi... " I answer. He hummed, wrapping his hands around my shoulders.

"Andar aayega?" I asked him after staying in the hug for a minute.

"Nahi... Raat bohot hogayi hai.. Tu jaa.." he sat back in his car.
He didn't leave, till I waved him from my balcony.

Here I am at Meeti's place, having breakfast. That's our Sunday schedule by the way. I've just finished narrating her, the Diwali episode. She's laughing.

"I'm so grateful to Sidharth... Iss bande ki wajah you didn't get into any trouble..." she praises him. I can't help but smile. It's true.

Sid's POV

The festive season kinda diverts your mind. You've got to look after your own house and family, then the office and people.

While I helped Mom getting our house white washed. She herself handled the sweets department. On the other hand, I had to look after the incentives, we give to our employees every year.

Decorations, personally, I don't like. Getting a building decorated, disturbs the whole unit. I think dusting and cleaning are enough.

Well, the festival itself asks for a break. A lot of people took leave, to celebrate with their families, visit their home-town.

Preeti-Ajay had gone to Dehradun. For a little longer this time.

I was in-charged to look after her office as well. Adding to my workload, I cannot ask Yash to accompany me with everything, he's got a pregnant wife to take care of.

And keeping this in mind, I've given him the liberty to take leaves frequently.

I was so worn-out, on the Diwali day. But all of it vanished, when I saw Mom making rangoli. Every year Preeti made it. Now that she was absent, I called one of our maid's daughter to get done with it. Asking Mom to leave it.

"Yadi aaj aapki shaadi hogayi hoti... To rangoli ki chinta nahi karni padti... Mam ko madat karne wali koi hoti... Lekin aap kaha maante ho baba... " Lata (cook) taunted me.

"Aisa kya Tai? Vaise to mujhe lagta tha... Aap madat kar doge Mom ki... Lekin abhi aapki bhi umar ho gayi hai..." I replied. She left murmuring something to herself.

I dwelled into the sofa, beside Mom. She slowly ran her fingers through my hairs.

"Thak gaya na bohot.....?" she asked.
I hummed.

"Aaja sar daba duu..." her soft hands now massaged my stiffened shoulders.

"Aap bhi thak gaye hoge naa....?" I asked her, looking at her eyes. They looked heavy. She was looked tired too.

"Han thodi bohot... " she answered.

"Jao so jao thode der... Mai bhi sojata hu... Fir fresh hokar shaamko Pooja karenge... "

After the pooja, we just attended a few calls, exchanging wishes with the near and dear ones. We were invited by Vikas, for dinner. A Diwali get-together.

There I introduced Mom to Shehnaaz. She had told me she really admired the journey, where my Mom took care of her children and the business altogether.

I felt proud to be her son, I had told Mom that she would meet her fan at the dinner. There was a hint of contentment that I felt within, when Mom met Shehnaaz. May be because Mom liked her work. Or, because she idolised Mom.

Have you heard, people wishing each other saying - enjoy your day! Have a blast!
I think Shehnaaz took it seriously that day.

She was actually going to put bombs on fire, in a line, and then run away quickly. This was her plan. Like seriously! Stupid girl!

And yeah, adding more to this, she walked into the middle of the road. Not for once did she look around.
She had no idea, how hastily the car was coming. I don't want to say what could have happened if I was not there.

And there she made a kid like face, so that I don't scold her. She often does that. Slowly drawing her upper lip out and looking at me meekly, her appealing eyes asking for forgiveness. Something I just cannot ignore.

"Kaafi time lagaya? Tu bhi phaatake fod raha tha kya?" Mom asks, I came back a little late at night. However, she knows I don't like bursting crackers.

"Phatako ka naam mat lo..." I sigh. Sitting on the dinning infront of her. I told what took me long there. Shehnaaz ke karnaame.

She smiles at me, "Thank God you were there... Is she fine now?" she asks concerned. "Ha.. She's good... Has rahi thi baad me... " I scoff.
She chuckles.

"She's sweet... " Mom says. I smile.
Mom being a businesswoman met many dupery people during her course. Who would look kind and caring, being all flattery to ambush her.

Now, it's like, she can sense if the person is actually considerate or not.

Getting back to office now, normal routine. Walking through the entrance hall, my eyes fell on the rangoli made by some of our female employees. It reminds me of those made by Shehnaaz. She had sent me 2 pictures on whatsapp, at her place and office. Those were beautiful!

I enter my cabin. Riya follows me in.
"Good Morning sir...." she hands me a mug of coffee. I make myself busy in laptop. Going through the latest updates of the upcoming product to be launched. I sip my coffee, so much sugar!

"Get me another one... "
I look at Riya, she's lost somewhere.

"Riya!"
"Yes sir... " she replied immediately.

"If you remember I prefer a strong coffee..." I say, she nods, immediately picks up the mug and leaves.

She comes back within the next minute murmuring sorry.

"Sir... Aaj shaam ki presentation ready hai..." Yash entered with a file.

"Hm... What's the status of the executives?"
I enquire.

"Sir unke coordinator se baat hui... Mr. Bhatt will be here by 6p.m. sharp... Vo apni management team ke saath ayenge... " he informs.

"Okay... Be attentive then... Riya.. You'll get me everything into bulletins by tomorrow ?" I instruct.

"Yes sir" they get back to work, into the final preparations.

As the evening approaches. I get a whatsapp text from Shehnaaz.
"Midnight blue or Prussian blue? " she asks.
"What?" I'm confused.
"Milke bataungi..Abhi choose kar.." she says.
"I havn't evn seen these colors!" I tell her.
"Ruk... I'll snd u a shade card.. "
She sent a square grid of 10 x 10. All blue!
Damn! How on earth so many shades of only blue exist!

"Ab bataa!" she again messages.
"What r u up to?" I ask. There's no reply to this. She's directly calling me now.
"Ha.." I receive.
"Choose karna baba..!" she whines.
"Ye dono colors same hi to hai!" I complain.

"Nahi hai... Prussian blue is darker.. Like navy blue.. But not same as navy blue... Jabki midnight blue is like the sky at night... But it's still lighter than prussian blue and much lighter than navy.. Samjha? "
She explained. And I didn't get any of it!

"Abe yaar... Mujhe kuch samaj nahi ayaa.. Tu dekhle.. Jo sahi lage lele.." I got irritated.

"Thik hai.. Tu kab free hoga?" she asks further.

"Abhi meeting hai meri... I'll be working till late I guess... Kuch kaam hai?" I tell her.

"Nahi.. Kal call karti hu... Byee!"
"Ya bye" Pata nahi kya kar rahi hai ye ladki?

As the clock strikes 6, Riya enters my cabin.
"Sir... Can I take off for the day..?" she asks.
How can she go, we've a meeting right now!

"What happened...?" I asks. She's sweating a little bit.

"I'm...I'm not feeling well.. Headache bhi ho raha hai... I'm so sorry I won't be able.."

"It's okay... You may leave.. " I permit.
she actually looked disturbed.

"Th.. Thank you sir... " as she turns to leave, just then, Yash enters. They collide, as a result her phone dropped. They both bend down to pick it up.

At the same moment, it starts ringing. She snatches it away and turns to leave.
Strange.

As we make our way to conference room, I am shocked to see Shehnaaz standing in the corridor.

What is she doing here? Why didn't she call me before coming? Well, she called me but didn't inform that she was coming!
Before I could ask her, she comes forward.

"Tujhe kuch batana hai.. " she says.
"Bolo... "
Riya tries to interrupt. But she held her hand,

"Sidharth se mai baat kar rahi hu na.. Tu tension mat le.. " assured her.

Looking back to me, she said,
"Tera client... Riya ko blackmail kar raha hai... kuch photos hai... Leak kar dega bolta hai... "

I look at Riya. Froze at my place. She's crying silently. Shehnaaz pulls her into a hug.

"Why didn't you tell me before...? Is this the reason you were leaving? I ask. She nodded.

"He.. He used to call me often... Asking if we could meet at his place... Maine mana kar diya.. Unka number bhi block kar diya... To ek naye number se mere kuch pictures bheje unhone... " she revealed.

"....he said... If I told anybody about this... He'll leak them... " she completed.

"Don't worry I'll take care of it... " I assured her, asking Shehnaaz to take her to my cabin.

The door of the waiting room opened, letting Bhatt and his people in. I was waiting here with Yash.

"Mr. Shukla... Kaise hai aap?" he shook hands with me. Then looked around momentarily, he must be looking for her.

"Kise dhund rahe ho?" I ask him.
"Uh.. Kisi ko nahi.. Aapke employees kuch kam lag rahe hai aaj?" he asks. Bastard.

I raise my eyebrows at him.
"Your secretory... What's her name... Riya?" he asks me slowly.

"Yeah... She's in my cabin.. " I tell him. He grins at me. We walk back to my cabin.

As soon as he opens the door, his hand gets captured between handcuffs.
He looks at me baffled.

"What the fuck is this Shukla!?" he shouts.
"Mr. Rajeev Bhatt... You are under arrest against blackmailing charges... You blackmailed Miss Riya..." the inspector I had called arrested him.

"This is bullshit... Maine aisa kuch nahi kiya.." he tends to defend.

"We have proof.. Those pictures you sent her... " another lady cop spoke.

"She's lying... I didn't sent her those... She's a fucking slut... She sent them herself... " He retorts.

"Shut up... Just shut your filthy mouth... We've all those call recordings.. Jinme tu usko dhamki de raha hai... And the clip from the café where you were found following her..!" Shehnaaz shouts at Bhatt. Looking at him with repugnance.

"Inspector le jaye iss ghatiya insaan ko yaha se.. " she said fearlessly.

For not even once did she leave Riya's hand. There's something different in her eyes today. They aren't soft. She isn't just angry. I feel agony it is.

I aksed Yash to drop Riya home. While I am giving Shehnaaz a ride, she's sitting silently. Is this her?

"Aaj to tune bada achha ka kaam kiya... I'm impressed ha!" I praise her, honestly.
She smiles.

"Tu aur Riya friends kab bane? Usne tujhe kab bataya ye sab...?" I ask.

"Ha.. Jab tumlog aate the na mere office.. Tabi hamari friendship hui thi... Fir instagram pe bhi connect ho gaye..." she answers.

"Ek din grocery store pe mili thi Riya... Hum vaha se pas vale cafe chale gaye... Usko koi bar bar call kar raha tha.. Vo ignore karti rahi... Fir vo pictures aaye uske phone pe...
Aaj fir usne Riya ko dhamki di... Aur vo bohot dari hui thi... Isiliye mai tere office hi aagayi... " she recounted.

"Suna hai vo banda powerful hai... Vo bahar aa gaya to?" she looks at me with hope.

"I'll make sure he's being punished.. " I reassure her.

"...tujhe pata hai.. Riya ka favorite actor bhi Kartik Aryan hai... We share memes also... " she said. She's back to her normal self now. I'm glad.
Fresh and engaging. Smiling as usual.

"Oyee... Puch mai colors kyu choose karva rahi thi?" she excitedly asks.

"Kyuu?" I ask obeying her.

"Surprise hai.. Ghar chalna.. Dikhati hu.. "

"Fir puchhne kyu boli.. Jab ghar jaake dikhaayegi..?!"

"Taki suspense bana rahe.. " she laughs on her own line.

Once we were inside her house, she ran towards her room. To fetch those things she bought. To my surprise, it was a dark blue linen shirt, she bought for me.

She looks at me, asking if I like it. "What colour is it?" I ask.

"Prussian blue.. " she answers.

"Aur ye kis khushi me?" I enquire.
"Aisehi... Isko dekh k teri yaad aagayi.." she says. I chuckle.

"Actually mai apne liye dress lene gayi thi... Party me pehenne ke liye kuch achhe dress nhi the mere pas... Fir ye shirt dikhi mujhe.. Mere dress se matching..
Dikhau meri dress?" she beams.
I nod. Holding my gift.

She took some minutes, to reappear. Dressed in the same coloured V neck one piece. HOT!

"Kaisi lag rahi?" she's almost jumping.

"Nice" I reply casually.

"Yaar Sidhhaarth!! Sachi sachi bol...!" she compains.

"Abe... Bohot achhi lag rahi hai... Lekin kaha jayegi party me..?" I wanna know.

"Rohan ki birthday party me.. Kal birthday hai uska... " she said and it took away my smile.