"Naila?" Saim looked at me shocked.

People were gathering around to tame their curiosity about us.

"Won't you invite us in? I guess we have unexpectedly invited quite an audience." Kaif smirked.

Arshia got out of the way letting Kaif in. He took my hand pulling me in with him as my shocked gaze were fixed on Saim and her.

"Neha, beta go inside for now. Mummy needs to talk to the guests." She said to that little girl sending her in.

"M...mummy? She's your daughter?"

She went in but was still peeking through the door.

"Have a seat." Arshia said not soo welcoming.

The child curiously came out again and grabbed Saim's hand.

"Daddy, who are they?" She said meekly.

The ground almost slipped from underneath my feet.

"D...d ....daddy?"

I sank down on my knees and stretched out my hand calling the little girl to me with a smile.

She hesitantly walked towards me.

"how old are you sweety?"

"I'm 3 and a half years old." She said proudly grinning by showing her tiny milk teeth.

My eyes widened.

3 and half? That means Arshia must've gotten pregnant about 4 years ago. That's when I left college right? They must've still been in 2nd year. There's no way they could've married soo soon. Then does that mean....

"Neha, go outside and play." Saim smiled at the little girl and she obliged.

No way....NO!

"How could you?" I whispered.

I stood up gathering my strength. It was such a huge shock that I could hardly stand straight. Tears blurred my vision as I walked towards Arshia. By blood was boiling in my veins.

"You were my best friend. I loved u like my own sister! I trusted you....and this is what you did behind my back?!" I almost yelled out the last line.

She didn't seem guilty at all. Infact, she looked angry and irritated.

"ANSWER ME!" I Screamed.

She said nothing. I turned to Saim.

"How many.....after me....how many girls have you slept with? HOW MANY GIRLS HAVE YOU RUINED YOU BASTARD!" I fisted the collar of his t-shirt.

He grabbed my wrist and pushed my hand away.

"Ruined? They all came to me readily including you. Don't act like a victim now that your so called husband is here."

"Huh! You haven't changed a bit have you?" I asked appalled by his audacity.

"Don't come here and scream at our faces like that. Go back to your perfect Castle and luxury life." Arshia said like spitting poison.

I went to her and grabbed her shoulders hoping to see my old dear best friend in her somewhere, but all I saw in her eyes was hate.

"What happened Arshu? You were never like this. We've always been together, we've always supported each other. Then what happened?

"It's because of YOU!" She bursted.

"It's all your fault!" She cried.

"M...me?"

"Yes, you! You've always been Miss popular. You were always so kind, sweet, beautiful and you didn't even had to try for it. It always came soo naturally with you. Everyone always adored you, Liked you no matter what you did. I always had to be your side kick. Every guy that I liked fell for you and came to me for help. Even Saim. Imagine how hurt that might've made me feel? I liked him first, I saw him first yet he fell for you. For 3 years I had been torturing myself seeing you 2 together. I have had enough of it. When I found out you 2 were going to do it, I was furious. I wanted you out of his life at any cost."

I was shocked, this is what my bestie thought about me? Why couldn't I see it before?

"I'm so sorry Arshia, I didn't know...."

"Don't apologise yet, won't you ask her who started all the rumours about you?" Kaif said keeping a hand on my shoulder.

I gasped as realisation hit me....."no way... Please don't say it....no." I begged.

"It was me." Arshia admitted. I felt like someone punched me in my ribs. It was my Arshia who made my life miserable, who made the world hate me and made my parents desert me?

"All just because she was jealous of you." Kaif added.

I shut my eyes trying to escape from this dream. It was all a dream right? How can all this be true?

"Although, even after you this man went after another girls until he finally came to me." She pointed towards Saim angrily.

"I was so stupid and dilusional that I believed in him and.... I got pregnant. Our parents found out and they forced us to get married to protect their names and then they kicked us out." She wiped her tears.

"And we came here. I had to leave college and give up everything to take care of the child and he struggled for jobs. Right now, he works as a simple accountant in a small factory. Which...." She sighed and darted her eyes at Kaif.

".....is owned by your husband."

I looked at Kaif shocked and he nodded slightly.

"It's all your fault Naila, it's your fault that we are ruined like this. You are the one res...."

I slapped her.

She looked up at me shocked holding her cheek.

"Enough! That's enough Arshia! I won't endure to your blaming me for everything anymore. It was your stupidity that even after knowing what kind of guy he was, you still went to him just so you could have your revenge on me by sleeping with my ex. Do you have any idea what hell I have to go through because of you? You ruined my reputation, you ruined my life, you RUINED ME!

I didn't do anything on purpose, being kind and gentle and stupid, I wasn't acting! It was my nature. I was to simple and naive to understand you guys. All the signs were right in front of me yet I was to stupid that I trusted you all soo blindly to unsee all those things. You always hated me while I always loved you both!

And this fucking manwhore...fuckboy...."

"Hey! Who are you calling a man whore? At least I'm better than this husband of yours. At least whatever I did, I did with their consent, unlike him who forced himself on a woman that fucking ra...."

,

She slapped him hard silencing him. I think he kinda dislocated his jaw by the look of how he was holding it. Whoa! I haven't even punched anyone that hard in my life and the way she looked at him with such fire in her eyes that it even made a shiver run down my spine.

"No one dares to talk about my husband like that! And don't you dare compare him to a filth like you!" She warned him. I watched her in awe. Did she really just, take my side?

"By bringing out someone else's fault doesn't make you less guilty. A bastard like you doesn't even have a conscience at least he has some. He feels guilty....what you did to me was no less than rape? Even though I went with you willingly that night, you forced yourself on me, threatened me and made me do things I never wanted to. Isn't that rape. Shall I sue you for that? Shall I sue you for blackmailing and metal and physical abuse too?

And you Arshia, you spoilt my character, shall I sue you for that too? Shall I ruin you more than you are right now?"

Whoa! Who is this woman? Where did that scaredy cat Naila go? She's not only standing up for herself, but she's also threatening them! Wow! I'm impressed. All this brought a satisfied smile on my face.

They both looked frightened now and that Arshia started crying clinging to her arm.

"I'm sorry Naila.... please forgive me. Please don't do anything like that. I beg u.... please.... forgive us."

"I.... I'm sorry Naila." The man said too in tears ....he seemed sincere.

Naila shook her arm getting rid of the woman. Then without a word she grabbed my hand and darted out. I just followed her awestruck.

She stopped in her path and looked down at the little girl who was playing with other kids.

"I don't know if I could ever forgive you for what you 2 have done but.... I really hope, and I'll pray that your daughter won't have to face the punishment of your sins. She doesn't have to go through the same fate I did."

She gave them one last look and turned to her heels dragging me with her.

She got in the car with me and just sat there emotionless.

"Hey...." I wanted to ask if she was ok after such a huge shock but she just said....

"Let's just go home. I'm tired."

I didn't say anything and started driving.

###

We got home and she just stormed into her room. I quietly went after her and stood outside the door.

I could clearly hear her cry. I sighed and went in.

I said nothing, just stood there beside her giving her some time. I really must've been a huge shock to her, but it was necessary. Knowing the truth was necessary. She couldn't just keep on crying all her life. Today's tears will make her strong for tomorrow.

I stood there for quite a while, but when she didn't stop I turned to leave. Suddenly she grabbed my sleeve and when I turned to her she finally looked up at me, her eyes red with all the crying.

She tugged at my sleeve a little and I sat beside her.

"Thank you."

"What for? All I did was to take you there, rest of it, you were the one who did it." I said. "And....it was pretty impressive."

She smiled looking down.

"Saim was my first love and Arshia was my first friend. I trusted both of them more than myself.....and look how they betrayed me." She said.

I scowled.

"Don't call him your first love, he doesn't deserve it."

Idk why I felt soo irritated and angry hearing her say that.

"It wasn't love. It was lust. You need to experience real love to be able to use that word." I said.

"And whom should I experience that with....you?" She said sarcastically.

Our eyes met as she said that and my heart skipped a beat. Love? With...her? I'm crazy to even think about that possibility right? And I'm even more crazy to even imagine to think about it. But her deep eyes just stayed locked with mine.

I cleared my throat and looked away.

"I didn't mean me u idiot. I meant u can always meet someone else. You're agreement with Mom to be my wife is just for a year after all.

"Ah, right!" She said. "Sorry."

She took a deep breath.

"You know, I feel soo relaxed right now like a huge boulder is off my chest. I really wanted to give that jerk a piece of my mind."

"Looks like you were holding back a lot because that slap....wow! You almost dislocated his jaw. I should be careful from now on not to mess with you." I said impressed.

She giggled.

"Can I ask you for a huge favor?" She asked.

"Sure."

"That little girl, their daughter. She doesn't deserve to be punished for her parents' sin. They're having a hard time but that child is innocent. As much as I know Arshia she was a bright student. Her daughter must be the same right? I feel like her talent will be wasted if her cannot afford the level of education she deserves. So..."

"So can we take care of her education facilities and get her into a good school? That's what you want?" I completed her sentence. She nodded hopefully.

"That's a good plan, to keep those 2 indebted to you for life."

"Um....that wasn't my intention." She shook her head.

I smirked.

"I know, but it's mine. Let's do it. I'll talk to Desai tomorrow about it."

She nodded smiling brightly. I have never seen her smile with her eyes like that before. The sadness in her eyes that I usually see, it's almost non-existent.

It somehow made me happy.

I was soo wrong about her all along. I thought she was selfish and greedy, only after money but....this girl genuinely cares.... even after the daughter of the people who destroyed her life, without any ulterior motive. How can she be like that?

###

All the arrangements for the little girl's new school were done. Her parents were too grateful to us but Naila didn't care to respond to them. She really has changed in just a few days.

Our company was having a launch party for our new product. Thanks to Naila the product was the result from the partnership of the Japanese company with whom she helped interpret. So she was specially invited.

I was supposed to wear a saree for tonight's party. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. I had never been to such a grand party. In this party I was about to be specially introduced to the board and to all the company's stakeholders. I was..... scared. Like literally. What if I mess up?! Even my stomach was acting up thinking about it all.

3 parlor ladies and 2 designers came to dress me. A long line of designer sarees were ready for me and I had to choose just one. So unfair. They were all so gorgeous that I was getting greedy now.

Right from painful waxing, threading, manicure and pedicure to hairstyling and make up everything was being done to me. Kaif was busy with his meetings and left me home alone to be tortured.

Beauty is painful....

I was finally ready after 4 hours and I literally couldn't recognize myself in the mirror. It reminded me of my wedding day. I was receiving similar treatment. To increase the beauty of my look, a beautiful diamond set was sent by Mom.

"Ma'am, sir will go crazy once he sets his eyes on you. You look soo stunning." The designer said giggling.

I felt heat rising in my cheeks. Huh? What's going on? Why am I soo happy at that thought?

"Looks like there's no need for some blusher. Ma'am's cheeks are already too red." The parlor ladies giggled. I looked down embarrassed.

There was a knock at the door and the maid came in.

"Ma'am, sir is asking if you're ready. He's waiting for you outside to leave.

Huh? He's ready already? When?

"Yes, I'm coming. I'm all ready." I smiled at her. She smiled back and went.

I took a deep breath clutching my purse. When he sees me, how will he react? Will he like it? Will he make fun of me? Why was I soo excited for his reaction?

I walked out and the sound of my heels clicking was quite prominent in the quite living room. He was sitting on the couch facing his back towards me.

"I'm ready.... let's go."

"Great....fina..." He paused as he looked at me. His eyes widened and mouth opened slightly as he just kept gapping at me. Idk why I felt so shy and..... happy.

"Um..." He cleared his throat looking everywhere but at me.

"Let's go already, or else the guest will die waiting." He just can't resist being sarcastic can he?

###

We reached a grand hall where the party was being held. I gulped nervously seeing all the cameras and grandeur.

He got down first and offered his hand to me. I took it and holding the plates of my saree carefully, stepped down. The cameras were clicking non stop and there was a red carpet below. I felt no less than a celebrity.

He walked me in front of a big board with Alam group's logo and the media and camera men were asking us to pose and look at them to take pictures. I was on the verge of getting an anxiety attack.

Maybe he noticed it. "Thank you." Kaif said to them and wrapping his arms around my waist started walking in. Our bodyguards were right behind us.

I saw Mom and Dad and I immediately went towards them. Mom smiled seeing me.

"Masha Allah Naila beta, you look soo beautiful." She said holding my hands.

"Thank you Mom." I smiled.

Kaif said Salam but she just answered him monotonously. His smile almost disappeared and I really felt soo bad for him.

I was being introduced to a lot of important people and they were all complementing me as to how beautiful I looked.

"You really are quite popular today. Even more than me." Kaif whispered in my ear.

"I'm like celebrity, aren't I? BTW, will there be any celebrities?" I asked excitedly.

"Definitely not Varun Dhawan." He said bursting my bubble. I pouted.

The product was launched and I even met the Japanese delegates I met that day. Mrs Sato and little Nanako were quite happy to see me.

Among all those famous people my eyes went on my father and tears came to my eyes.

"Daddy." I whispered.

Kaif looked at me.

"He came back from his business trip yesterday."

"Oh." I smiled. It was soo nice to see him after so long.

"Go meet him if you want." He said.

"Really? Can I?"

"Of course. The product launch is over anyways." He gave a slight smile.

I nodded and walked towards daddy.

Suddenly I heard Kaif scream.

"Naila watch out!"

I turned back and he was running towards me. Huh? What's wrong with him?

All of a sudden he jumped on me and we both fell on the floor rolling to a side the very next second I heard a loud noise of like a 100 pieces of glass shattering.

I gave out a squeal and grabbed into Kaif's coat digging my face in his chest as he covered himself around me protectively. I heard people screaming around us.

I was soo scared that I was shaking. After a min, he lifted his face meeting mine as his hand cradled my head.

"Are you alright!" He asked with worry and fear on his face. My eyes finally caught a glimpse of the chandelier that was fallen just inches away from us. My soul almost left my body.

Kaif saved me!

He looked beyond me and something like a shock and horror struck on his face and he murmured....

"Ridhima?"