For the past half an hour I was looking for an outfit for our first date. We both came home early from office and he told me to get ready and we will be leaving in an hour. But I couldn't find a dress. I sighed in irritation. That's when my eyes caught the black saree Kavya gave me on my birthday. I picked it and placed across my chest and looked at mirror. I smiled. I hope he will like it.

It was a simple plain black georgette saree with a thin line of golden border and a little stone work here and there. I paired it with a sleeveless red blouse and a small diamond studs. I left my hair free with wavy curls. I looked at the mirror and was satisfied with my look. I took my purse and phone and walked out of the room.

I saw him waiting below the staircase wearing a blue jeans and white casual shirt with white sneakers. He was so into his phone that he didn't see me descending the stairs. I reached the bottom step and cleared my throat. He looked up to see me. He looked me from head to toe. His lips were parted and there were creases on his forehead. I looked down in nervousness. I think he didn't like my attire.

I bit my lips. "Hmm. Should I change? Is this not appropriate for the occasion?" I asked in a disappointed tone. "What?!! No. No. You. You look beautiful. It's just that... I haven't seen you in saree before. You are... stunning." He said and smiled at me. I sighed in relief and smiled back. He extended his hand towards me and I took it. We walked out of the house.

Arohi walked out of the lift just when we opened the door. She looked at us and frowned. Then her eyes caught our holding hands. I saw her jaw tightening. I tried to take my hand from his grip but he didn't let me instead he intertwined our fingers. She looked at us. "Are you going somewhere?" She asked. "Yeah. We are going out for a while. Don't wait for us for dinner. We will be late." He said with a smile.

"You went out in the morning too." She asked. She didn't try to hide her annoyance. Ved's smile dropped. "So?" He asked with a frown. His voice hard and his grip on my fingers tightened. "So, I am just curious that where you both are going." She said folding her hands across her chest and shrugging her shoulders. "Do I look like that I'm answerable to you? You are our guest. So behave like one." He said raising his voice. She let her hands fall to her sides and gulped, her eyes becoming teary. I squeezed Ved's hands. He looked at me I gave a small nod to him to stop. "I. I'm sorry. I was just..." She said in low voice. I felt bad for her and also I didn't want to ruin this evening for us. He left a hard breath and looked at her. "It's ok. We are leaving. Bye. Let's go." He said and pulled me towards the lift. I gave her weak smile before being dragged and I saw her gritting her teeth. I didn't give much attention to her and entered the lift.

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The car stopped in front of a small gate. We got out from the car. He came near me and gestured me to walk forward. He opened the gate and we were greeted with a small but beautiful rose garden. I looked at the beach house in front of us. It was small but beautiful. I smiled and looked at him amused. He led me further. It was an A-frame house. The front walls were made of glass, which gave a grant view of the living and dining room. We entered the house. The inside was decorated with golden and crystal chandeliers. The furniture's were made of teak wood and sofas were covered in cream leather cushions. The dining table was glass top and a beautiful golden square shaped chandelier was hanging above it. There was a open modern kitchen adjacent to it. I looked around and saw a staircase going up. I took the staircase and was welcomed with a cosy bedroom. The roofs were wooden and there was bed with cream colour sheets and small side table. The other end of the bedroom was of glass. I walked towards it and saw the sea glittering with evening sun. The view was breath taking.

I looked down to my waist when two hands snaked around it. I smiled when he rested his chin on my shoulders. "I know that you have taken a liking towards the sea. So I thought of bringing you here. And I guess now that you love it." He said with a smile. "How do you know that I like sea?" I asked. He smirked and nuzzled his head into my hair, inhaling my scent. His lips were on crook of my neck. I closed my eyes and let myself feel the tickling but sweet sensation caused by our closeness. I pressed myself more into his chest. "You might not know but I always see you Niha." He whispered and his lips brushing my skin.

"Would you like to go for a walk on the beach?" He asked. "Sure." I said and smiled at him. He held my hand in his and descended the stairs. He led me to the back door. He opened the back door. There was a small pool at the back garden. He guides me to a small wooden fence gate. He opened the gate and moved the grown bushes to a side with his hands so that I could walk through the gap. The path led to the beach.

There was no one on the beach since it was a private beach. We walk in hand in hand and the small waves wetting our feet's. The sun was almost gone. The sky was beautifully coloured in an orange and pink shades. We sat on a huge rock on the beach. I brought my knees up and hugged them. I rested my head on his shoulders.

"We were coming back from a party on that day." He said out of nowhere. I lift my head and looked at him. He didn't look at me. He was staring at the setting sun. "The day when the accident happened and Arohi fell into a coma." He said. His jaw clenched and his fingers formed into fist.

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

Flashback (7 years ago).

Vedant

I came back from the office. I unlocked our flat and went inside. I sat on the couch and rubbed my forehead. I was so disappointed that we lost the contract from SC Constructions. I know I am so messed up and I have to get out of the pit. I couldn't look at Sid today when he came to see me. I have to get a grip of myself. I know I am ruining the things that he too should enjoy. He told me that he will quit studying and will start working in the office if it could make me feel better. How can he be so selfless? He is ready to quit his studies for just make me feel better? Oh God, he is just 18. Why can't I just move on from his death? And that lady, she flew to US just after one week of the funeral. Did she ever love him? I sighed and pinched my nose. I have to become strong. I should stop being a selfish bastard.

"Why are you still sitting here? Go and get ready fast. The party will soon begin." I heard Arohi. She was coming out of the bedroom wearing a sleeveless V-neck red gown with a high slit on the left side. She was trying to wear her watch while walking towards me. I frowned at her. "Where are you going? Which party?" I asked. She sighed in irritation. She kept her hands on her hips and tilted her head and gave me questioning look. "I don't believe you forgot. The party organised by my dad, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Now get up and get ready fast." She said annoyed.

I sighed. "Look Arohi, your dad doesn't like me. You know he hates me right. You go and enjoy. Anyway I'm not in a mood to party." I said and got up from the couch and walked towards the bedroom. "What is your problem? It's not him. It's you who don't like him. I told you yesterday about the party and you promised me that you will come with me." She said raising her voice.

I gritted my teeth and sighed. We were in a relationship for almost 4 years now. We met in US when I went there to pursue my master's. We were classmates and became friends at first. I was kind of introvert and other was not many friends for me. One day she came to me and introduced herself and eventually we became friends. But then on valentine day next year she was the one who proposed to me first to become her boyfriend. Even though that was surprising and shocking but then I thought it will be ok since we were friends and know each other, so I accepted her proposal. She can be very mean and demanding sometimes but she had a sweet and childish side of her that I like. And she is kind enough to put up with my shit for the past three years. Her dad took an instant dislike on me when we met 4 years ago. He was very much against us living together. It was her who insisted that she will move together with me after I left my house. But I think it was a bad decision to make since we were fighting mostly all the times now a days. I know I was giving her a hard time after my dad's death and it's surprising that she still hold on to me for the past three years. But her possessiveness and obsession is irritating now. She doesn't even like Sid coming here and she never tried to cover her annoyance. I sighed thinking all that and turned to face her. "Fine I will come with you." I said. She smiled and hugged me tight. I tapped her shoulder. I got changed into a black suit and went out with her.

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I sat on the corner of the bar when the functions started. I saw them cutting the cake with Arohi beside them. She was looking around and I know she was looking at me. Her father whispered something to her and her face fell instantly. I took a sip of my drink and looked away. I sat there for a while. "You were here?" I turned around when I heard Arohi. "Dad was asking about you. Come and meet him." She said. "Why? So that he can insult me again?" I asked with a annoyed face. I know I was getting drunk. "Ved please, now don't start. Just come and wish them." She said. I sighed and walked with her. I feel a little tipsy.

Her father was standing with group of people and talking. He was wear an Armani grey suit and was holding a glass of champagne in his hand. "Father." Arohi called him and he turned around to look at us. He gave her a warm smile and hugged her. Then he turned to look at me. He gave me judging look. His lips rose to a corner and teasing smile appeared. "Oh. You came." He said. I gave a tight lipped smile and nodded. "Happy anniversary Mr. Mittal." I said in monotone. He raised his eyebrow and looked at me with scorn. "Thank you. So how are things going on in your company?" He asked. I knew this was coming. I gulped. I took a deep breath. "Everything is fine." I said looking away from him.

He scoffed and moved close to me. He put his hand around my shoulder and walked to a little away from Arohi and others. "I know you lose the contract. That was the last hope for your company. You are good for nothing just like your father."He said with disgust. My jaw tightened and my knuckles turned white. "I don't know what my daughter sees in you. Why don't you sell your company to me and become our live-in son-in-law? So that she will be happy and you can live a comfortable life, unlike your father. You can handle the company under me. You know I can guide you perfectly which your father failed to do. He was a pathetic jerk." He said with a smirk. But I wiped that smirk from his face with my fist.

Everyone in the hall went silent. I held his collar and yanked him towards me. "One more word against my father you will be dead." I yelled at him gritting my teeth and pushed him back. I stormed out of the hall and went to my car. "Ved." I heard Arohi shouting my name. I sighed and tried to control my anger. "Go back to your father and don't ever come to see me. We are over. As he told I'm not a right choice for you. I'm sorry for giving you a rough time." I said turning around. She gasped. "What? You can't breakup with me like that." She said. Anger in her every word. "And why not? You yourself know that we are falling apart. We are quarrelling every time. I'm a failure Arohi. And I don't want to burden you with my baggage. So let's not drag this more. Good bye." I said and got into the car. She immediately got into the passenger seat. I sighed and gritted my teeth. "Arohi get out." I said. "NO." She said stubbornly. "FINE." I yelled back and took off the car.

"Why did you hit my father?" She asked furiously. My grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Ved I am asking you. Why did you hit my father?" She asked again. "Because he told me to sell my company to him and asked me to be his live-in son-in-law." I screamed. She gasped at my outburst and went silent. "Why don't you do that? It is comfortable for you to right. You know you are not able to handle the company. You are not over your father's death yet." She said after a moment. "What? You expect me to do that? It's my father's company Arohi and it doesn't belong to me alone. Sid has equal rights on it. How could you even think like this?" I asked unbelievably.

"Sid. Sid. Sid. Is there anyone else in your life other than Sid and your father? Do you even think of me for a moment? I have wasted my three years for you and this is what I get back?" She shouted. "That's what I said we should stop this. We were never made for each other. There were always problems between us. You were too possessive that I had to keep a distance from everyone, even from Sid. You always wanted everything in your way. I tried. I really tried Arohi.But I'm fed up now. I held it back because we were friends before and I didn't want to lose it. I'm already a mess and I don't want to drag you in to this. Arohi let's just end this." I said trying to be polite. It started to drizzle and soon heavy rain was pouring down.

"Possessive? Is it that bad? Every girl is possessive about their boyfriend. I also want you to spend time with me. I don't think it's a crime." She said tears following down from her eyes. I sighed. It is too difficult to argue with her. I tried maximum to make my voice soft. "Arohi. There is difference between being possessive and being obsessed. You are just obsessed with me. This is not love. I know I should be blamed to start this relationship but I just didn't want to upset you. You are a good friend but that's it. We won't work as a couple. Try to think about it Arohi. See how our relationship was? It was toxic, if I must say. And your dad hates me for what I don't understand. Let's stop it." I said. I was thinking to tell her this for a long time but I was afraid how she would take it. She was the only friend I had when I was abroad and she was there for me when my dad died. And I'm grateful to her for that. But as a couple I don't think it is working between us. My regret for starting this relationship was growing every day and I feel sorry for hurting her feelings. But it is time I think.

"So this is it? We were ok before your father's death. You were the one who started to distance yourself from me. I don't understand why you are still mourning over your father. He was a coward who took his life by himself instead of fighting for his company. He put a drowning company on your shoulders and you are struggling now." She shouted at me again. Rage consumed me I held her throat with my left hand. "Don't talk about my father like that." I screamed. "You don't know anything so don't talk about it." I said through my gritted teeth.

She was terrified. She struggled to get herself free from my grip. That's when we heard a loud horn and I turned to face the road. I saw a huge truck coming and its light blinding us. I tried to turn the wheels to my left but it was too late and the next second I felt the car skidding and rolling over upside down. I felt the blood running down my cheeks and my eyes becoming heavy.

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I could hear the beeping sound of a machine and my whole body was aching. I tried opening my eyes but my eyelids felt too heavy to lift. After struggling for a few moments I finally opened my eyes. My head ached. I held my head in my hands; my head was covered in bandages. I closed my eyes and waited for the pain to subside. I saw Sid sleeping on the couch in the room. "Sid." I tried calling him but my throat was dry and my voice sounded hoarse. I cleared my throat and Sid woke up instantly. He sat on the couch and rubbed his eyes, and then he looked at me and left a sigh of relief and gave me a small smile. I smiled back. He got up from the couch and walked towards my bed. He poured a glass of water and held it in front of my lips. I drank it and tried to get up from the bed. He immediately kept the glass on the side table and helped me to sit straight.

"How do you feel?" He asked. "I feel like I was hit by a truck." I said. He chuckled. "Yeah. You were hit by a truck." He said. "You know, you scared the hell out of me. Please don't scare me like that again. You were unconscious for three days. I. I thought I lost you too." He said. I know he was trying to be okay but his voice was trembling. "I'm sorry." I said pulled him for a hug. We stayed like that for a few moments.

"How... How is Arohi?" I asked him. He looked at me and then averted his eyes from me. I frowned. "Sid. How is Arohi? Where is she now? Is... Is she okay?" I asked. Fear, that's what I was feeling now. My heart was beating fast. I know it was my fault. I shouldn't have let the anger take over me. I caused the accident. And I hope she is fine.

He gulped and looked at me. "She is still in ICU. She had an internal bleeding in her brain and she was in a critical condition. That's all I knew. Her dad is not allowing me or anyone connected to you see her or let us know any information about her." He said. I breathed hard. Please, let her be safe. I tried to get up from the bed. "What are you doing? Stay in the bed." Sid shouted and tried to keep me on the bed. I struggled ignoring my paining body. "I have to go. I have to see her. Leave me Sid." I yelled at him.

"Ved you just woke up. The doctor should do the check up on you first. I'm sure she will be fine. Please Ved." He pleads. But I was in the edge. Guilt and regret clouded my mind. I remembered our conversation before the accident. Her terrified look and tear filled eyes came back to me. If something happens to her I couldn't forgive myself for my entire life. Got up from the bed, my head was spinning and I held the bed to regain my composure. I pushed Sid away walked towards the door. A doctor and a nurse came through the door.

"Sir, you should not walk now. Please go back to your bed and let me to the check up." The doctor but I couldn't care less. They tried to make me go back to my bed but I pushed them aside and walked past them. I came out of the room and searched for the ICU. I asked someone in the corridor and they showed me the way. I could hear Sid shouting my name and running behind me. But I didn't stop myself. I walked towards the ICU as fast as I could with my aching body.