Standing outside Abhay's door and holding the mobile to her ear, Priya was saying it repeatedly, without letting the person at the other side to speak.

"I should..."

"I shouldn't..."

"I, probably, should..."

"I shouldn't-" Priya stopped and turned around as laughter flowed through the door and she glared, as she wondered out loud. "What the hell are they laughing so much about?" she gritted.

Then, she heard Madhu's exasperated question. "If you love him, then go and tell him that. Find out who that woman is. Why are you eating my brain, yaar?"

Priya bit her lip. Her friend was right. A helpless whine came from her lips as she turned away from the door. It'd been an hour since her boss and the beautiful Ananya stepped inside the office and since then she was left to endure their laughs and giggles. The only thing Abhay said before he closed the door on her stunned and baffled face was 'do not disturb them'. That's it. A pang of jealousy hit her and not after a minute she heard them laughing and then she instantly phoned her friend filling her up with everything. Even the morning incident with Riya. Hearing about Riya, Madhu was silent and the only thing her friend said was to gather up her courage and knock on the door.

"You are not helping," Priya said.

"Well. I am just being practical," Madhu responded.

Before Priya could respond, once again the office echoed with laughs and instantly her head shot up glaring at the door.

"You're right. I am going," Priya said.

"That's my girl," Madhu said and Priya could imagine her smile. "Call me when you are done, darling. Bye." With that, the line went dead.

Priya headed toward the door but stopped. What should she say when she goes inside? She started to pace in front of her desk biting her nails. Then, her eyes caught the file of Aisha's school list.

Yes!

Taking the file, she scurried to the door and knocked on it. Without waiting for the reply, she pushed open the door and went inside. First, her eyes went to his seat but he wasn't there. Instead, they were seated over the couch and their eyes were trained on her at present. They looked at her curiously.

They both were sitting next to each other, maintaining a distance, with Abhay turned slightly towards her and his one hand propped up on the couch. While the beautiful Ananya crossed her legs and had her hand landed on his hand. Priya's eyes almost bugged out staring at their hands.

"Priya..."

Priya sliced her eyes to Abhay but her gaze softened when she found his gentle eyes on her. He raised his eyebrows in question.

"I... I..." she stuttered, forgetting about her agenda.

His lips slightly twitched as if amused.

"School applications," she said finally, bringing the file in her hand up.

"You got them ready."

"Yup," she popped the 'p', glancing at the woman next to him and back to him.

He smiled. "Keep it on my table. I'll see later."

"Why don't you see now? I should send out the application."

"Later, Priya," he said.

Her lips twisted to the side a little as she glanced at Ananya. "It's Aisha's," she murmured to herself, as she moved to place the file on his table. For the first time, she's seeing him delay Aisha's thing.

"And sir," Priya started and turned around, "You have a lunch meeting with Mr. Dutta and later-" she stopped when Abhay spoke.

"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me?"

"Well..." she shifted on her feet, "You did. I thought-"

"Whatever. When is this meeting?"

"Lunchtime."

He nodded. "Anything tomorrow?" he asked.

Priya shook her head, saying, "No."

Abhay turned to his friend. "Are you free tomorrow?" he asked.

"I am always free for you," Ananya responded, giving him a wonky smile.

Priya's eyes shot up at her response. When she glanced at Abhay, he was smiling and shaking his head.

"Don't schedule anything tomorrow," Abhay passed an order to Priya.

Priya have no chance but to nod her head. "Anything else?" Abhay asked, raising his eyebrows at her.

"You both want coffee?" Priya asked.

"No..." It was Ananya that responded, and smiled at Priya. A genuine smile. Ananya turned to Abhay saying, "I should go now. Will see you tomorrow, Abhay."

Abhay just nodded his head. Priya watched as they both stood and hugged each other.

"Which way are you going?" Abhay asked. When Ananya said where she's going, Abhay offered to take her. "I am going that way. I'll drop you." Then, he turned to Priya and said, "You go home. Give the file to Anjali or Dad. They know what to do. And I'll go directly to the restaurant. You don't need to come. When your work at home is over, come back here."

Priya stared at him and when she realized he's expecting an answer from her she nodded her head. Her brows knit in jealousy as Abhay curled his arm around Ananya's shoulder and dragged her to the door, giggling like teenagers.

"Later," Abhay said, leaving Priya in a wounded state.

∞∞∞

Priya smiled as Aisha showed her drawing excitedly to her. It'd been just fifteen minutes of her arrival and the little one didn't let her go.

"Aunty," Aisha placed her little palm over her cheek and asked, "Did you like it?"

"Of course, my dear," Priya pulled her in a hug and kissed her cheek. She loved the picture. Not just because Aisha drew it for her. It showed Priya how much she adores her. It was a drawing including Priya, Abhay and Aisha in the middle holding their hands. It's even more beautiful as Aisha drew it with her little hands. "I love it."

"Even Dad loves it," Aisha beamed.

He did? Priya wondered.

Presently he must be enjoying his time with Ananya. Who's she? She wondered. They looked cozy.

"Hey, sweetheart."

Priya turned around on Aisha's bed when she heard Anjali's voice. She was standing at the door, wearing her work clothes. Seemed like Anjali started working in AS Textiles. No one could miss the glow on her face.

"Hello Anjali," Priya greeted, just as Aisha exclaimed to her aunt, "Hi!". But the little one didn't make any move away from Priya.

She watched Anjali frown as she walked inside towards them. "Hi," she said looking at Priya and then turned to her niece. "Did you show her your surprise?"

Aisha gave her a toothy smile. "Yup."

Anjali smiled at her. "Did she like it then?"

Aisha bobbed her head while Priya murmured looking at Aisha, "More than anything."

Priya missed the look in Anjali's eyes as she was staring at the drawing and then at Aisha.

"Sweetheart! How about you go and tell Dadi to prepare lunch for your Priya Auntie?" Anjali suggested, dragging on the word 'Auntie' which made Priya knit her brows.

Squealing, Aisha jumped out of the bed and ran out of the room leaving Priya to stare at Anjali.

"So Priya," Anjali gave a small smile, "How are you doing?"

"I am good. Thank you," she's cut off as Anjali gave her a hurt look.

"Tell me. What's the matter?"

"About?"

"The long look on your face..."

Priya's hand flew up to her face. "What-"

"Did my brother say anything?"

Priya didn't say anything. Just stared at her. Was she that obvious?

"No..." Priya started to say. Anjali chuckled. "I'll tell you something Priya. My brother," she looked in her eyes, "is difficult. You know he's seen a lot. With my brother, Rahul bhaiya and his wife death and rejected by-" Anjali trailed off as her eyes widened slightly.

Priya frowned. She wanted to prompt her. But instead said, "Why are you saying this to me?"

Anjali gave her a funny look. "Are you seriously asking me this?" She laughed.

Priya's frown deepened as Anjali continued to laugh. When Anjali stopped, she said, "I am sorry. But... You are as clueless as my dumb brother."

Before Priya opened her mouth, Anjali swiftly turned to her. "Aisha adores you. And," she stopped and smiled. And? "When the time comes you'll understand everything. Now, spill out what's worrying that pretty brain of yours. Let it get some peace."

Priya blinked. "It's really nothing."

Anjali shook her head. "Fine. But whenever you feel like talking, Know that there is a friend here," she squeezed her shoulders. Priya couldn't help but smile and nodded.

"Shall we go now?" Anjali asked.

"Actually there is something I wanted to ask about," Priya hesitated.

"Tell me.," Anjali urged.

"Well... If you don't want to... Then no problem."

"Spill it already."

"How exactly did your brother and bhabhi die? I know that they died in a car accident."

Anjali's face fell. "Why do you ask now?"

"I am sorry. I thought," It's important for her to know. "Can you tell me? Please?"

Anjali watched her with a scrutinizing gaze. "I didn't ever want to recall that day. But... Okay." She took a deep breath. "We all love Rahul bhaiya very much. And Ramya bhabhi. When they both died it took a heavy toll on us all. Especially with Aisha."

"When did this happen?"

"November 8th. It's been almost over five years. Just a few weeks back we have done their anniversary."

Priya's mind just stopped at the date. November 8th?

"Is it morning?"

Anjali knitted her brows slightly. "Yeah. How do you know that?"

Priya didn't answer. "How did they die?" she continued.

"Hit-and-run..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. That's what we are told."

"Didn't you opt for an investigation?"

"We tried-"

"Is there anyone else involved in the accident, apart from your brother and bhabhi?"

"You are freaking me out."

Priya held her shoulders and shook lightly. "Please tell me."

"No," Anjali's voice trembled. "Will you tell me what this is all about?"

Priya bit her lip. Should she say it to her?

"Anjali..." she started and looked her in the eye. "The thing is..."

"Hey, Anjali."

Both the ladies turned to the voice. Priya's eyes widened slightly seeing the unexpected person at the moment.

Vineet!

"Hey," Anjali said, a little surprised.

Vineet smiled and turned his gaze to Priya. His smile turned more sinister. "Hello, Ms. Priya."

Priya nodded saying, "Mr. Vineet."

Vineet pulled his brows together looking in between them both. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all," Priya spoke too fast, glancing at Anjali. Anjali looked at her baffled but didn't say anything.

"I am just passing by. Thought I will drop by," he said, clasping his hands in front of him.

Anjali chuckled and moved toward him, "Well hello cousin! There is a lot to catch up on. Let's go down," she suggested.

"After you," he said, forwarding his hand.

"Priya? Are you coming?" Anjali asked.

Priya nodded, forcing a smile. Anjali already started going while Priya turned to pick her bag. When she turned around, a gasp escaped her lips, when she saw Vineet standing in front of her, too close to her comfort.

"We didn't get a chance to know each other, Priya," Vineet said. His eyes dark, face set hard but there was a sinister smirk on his face.

Priya's heart pondered with an unknown fear but she didn't let it show on her face. "I think it isn't necessary," she said simply and tried to side him. But he blocked her.

A dark chuckle escaped from him. "What were you saying to Anjali?" he was casual. But she guessed he already knew what it was about.

"None of your business," she said.

"It's purely my business, Priya." He caught her intention and the cool facade she'd seen before disappeared. "It's better if you keep your business to yourself. That will be better. Both for you and for your beloved ones."

"Till now, I just had my suspicions Mr. Vineet," she said. Anger gripping her heart at the realization of truth. "Now I am perfectly sure. You killed my father," the last words a small whisper as her eyes turned moist.

He started laughing. "Bravo. You finally found out," he said, clapping his hands. Then there was a loud smack in the room. Priya's hand touched his cheek with a brute force. His head turned to the side.

"What a sick man you are? You are laughing. How can you laugh? What did my father do to you?"

Vineet straightened. He gave a sarcastic chuckle. "I don't have anything with your father, sweety. It's just your bad timing that you were there in the wrong place." He said, sounding very casual.

"Sick man you are," she yelled.

He clamped her mouth immediately, pulling her closer, by encircling her waist. Her eyes widened and she felt disgusted.

"Lower your voice. You don't want an audience," he gritted menacingly.

She struggled to get out of his hold and pushed his hand. "Let them know. They have every right to know what a cruel man you are. What you did to my father? What you did to their son and daughter-in-law?"

"You think they'll believe you," he smirked.

"Even if they don't, I am gonna tell everything to them," she said.

"Well go on," he threw his hand toward the door. "Even Abhay is waiting down." Priya was surprised to know Abhay was here at the time. Perfect timing! She would say everything to him. He has to know what a cruel bastard his cousin was.

"But don't blame me that I didn't warn you," he smirked.

Priya didn't waste a minute and almost ran down the stairs. When she was at the last step, she saw Abhay, Aisha and everyone in the living room. They were all looking happy, laughing over something Aisha said and teasing Anjali. She pondered whether it was the right time to reveal the bitter truth.

It's now or never. That man's shadow shouldn't loom over this family.

She took a deep breath and took a step forward and her eyes collided with Abhay's. He was smiling at her warmly. Oh God! Now, that smile won't be there when he hears it.

"Look who comes," Anjali said, seeing Priya and looking at her brother teasingly who scowled back at her. Aisha instantly latched onto her.

"I thought we could go together to the lunch meeting," Abhay said, looking at Priya with a smile.

"I... I... There..." she stopped when her mobile started ringing. She excused and saw the caller ID, which was a new number. She attended it and frowned when she heard the person speaking.

"Hello. We are calling from DM Hospitals. Is this Priya Malhotra speaking?"

"Yes."

"Is Aditya Malhotra your brother?"

Her heart gripped with fear. "Yes."

"Your brother was in an accident. He is in the emergency room now."

"What?" She exclaimed, her fears coming back ten-fold. "No... No... No..." It couldn't happen. Not her brother.

"Priya. What happened?" Abhay asked, seeing her eyes moisten and panic in her face.

She turned her eyes to him and whispered. "My brother is in the hospital. I should go."

"What?" Abhay was alert while everybody was shocked to hear. He tried to comfort her. "Don't worry. He'll be fine. Come I will take you." Saying, he took her hand and started to lead her out. On the way, her eyes met Vineet's and she knew instantly that it was his doing.

As soon as she answered the call, her mother voice boomed over the phone. "Come right this instant to home, Priya."

"Maa?"

"If you don't. You will not see your Maa again," saying her mother hung up.

Priya looked at her phone in shock. Why would her mother say something like that? There was a quiver in her voice when she spoke.

"Everything alright?"

She looked at Abhay. "Yes. Sir? May I take my leave now sir? I must go. Please."

Abhay instantly nodded. "Let me take you," he offered. She started to shake her head but Abhay ordered firmly. "Don't deny it."

She sighed. As she turned, she saw Vineet standing at the bottom of the stairs smiling sickly.

∞∞∞

"Di! I am perfectly fine. See," Aditya said, flexing his arm muscles, trying to lighten the moisture.

Priya continued to tear up as she looked over her brother. He have a few abrasions over his face and hands. Nothing major, thankfully. He was coming home with his friend from college, when a truck tried to hit them. Fortunately, his friend had quick reflexes and dodged the truck, but they both still ended up with minor injuries. She glanced at Aditya's friend and felt sorry for him.

"I am sorry," she said to the guy and he just smiled in assurance.

Abhay was observing her face and felt his heart tighten seeing her tears. "Priya. Calm down. The doctor said it was minor wounds and will be healed in a few days," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Aditya glanced at Abhay and at his hand and frowned. But did not say anything.

"You can take the patients home," a nurse said, and handed them his and his friend's discharge form.

"Finally, thank god," Aditya said exasperated, getting down from the bed and taking his jacket and college bag. He raised an eyebrow when Abhay took his college bag from his hands and carried it. He nodded like 'okay' and let him do so.

As they walked out of the ER, Priya got a call from a private number. She frowned and answered the call.

"How did you like my surprise?"

She instantly recognized the voice and she felt rage. She was about to shout when she noticed Abhay and Aditya staring at her. "You guys go ahead. I will join you," saying she walked away and gritted, "How dare you?"

He just chuckled. "This is just a sample. If you say anything to anyone, next will be your dear friend, Madhubala."

Her eyes widened. "Don't you dare do anything to her."

"It's hard to listen to you. She has one beautiful figure," he said sultrily and she felt rage.

"Shut up! I won't leave you if anything happens to my friend."

"It depends on your actions," he said and his next words shooked her to the core. "I believe you are your mother's daughter. Learn something from her. Like how to keep your mouth shut." Then, he hung up.

She stared at her mobile in shock and fear. Her mother? What does she have to do with him?

She walked back to the car deep in thoughts and hopped at the front. She did not respond to Aditya's jokes or utter a word until they reached home. First, they dropped Aditya's friend and then headed to Priya's home. Both Aditya and Abhay sensed her being distracted.

When they reached home, Aditya thanked Abhay and walked inside the apartment. As Priya started to go in, Abhay stopped her. "You wanna tell me what's happening?" he asked.

"Nothingm" she tried to smile.

"That phone seems like nothing," he sounded serious.

She was silent.

"Only if you talk, I can help," Abhay said.

"I don't think I can say anything now," she said.

He sighed. "You know I can't sit still seeing you worried," he said a little impatiently.

She looked at him as she felt a tug at her heart by his words, "Why?"

"What why?"

"Why are you worried?"

"I said right, I can't see you worried."

"Why can't you see me worried?"

"Because..." he stopped as if something struck and stayed silent.

"Because?"

He turned his head away. "Because you are my friend."

"That's it?" she asked. Why did she sound disappointed?

"Yes," he clipped, "What did you expect?"

She turned away. What did she expect? He was just being nice. He wouldn't possibly like her?

"Who is the woman in the morning?" she asked quietly. There was no answer. When she turned her face, he was looking at her as if amused.

"Curious?"

She cocked up an eyebrow. "Why will I be?"

He shrugged one shoulder. "I don't know. You tell me."