I wrapped my hands around him and pulled him in a friendly hug and he stayed still. His words have lifted a huge burden from my shoulder but reminded me of someone...some who used to be important and to this day that person is still important.

I wondered how can be someone so nice and understanding to a person whom he just met 10 days ago? Although, I thought about his mother, I understand her concern for her son.

"Anuraag? Would you do something for me?" I asked.

"Anything.."

"Apologies to your mom, and tell her how or why we got married." I pulled away from him.

"I will.," he said.

——

Next day:

"What are you cooking?" I leaned by the counter and folded my cane.

"Fried rice."

"Sounds good, Where did learn cooking?" I asked casually.

"When I moved out at the age of 19 and came here. I hired a teacher for me so I can learn how to cook for myself." He replied.

"That's amazing."

"If you don't mind, what do you do for a living? Last time when we were at the airport, a bunch of people surrounded us?" I asked hesitantly.

"Oh that, well I am the CEO of Agnihotri Enterprises and corporation. I started my business after I completed my studies in business.

Few years later I merged my company with my dad's company.—you must be also wondering why do I live alone here?"

"Is it that obvious?" I narrowed my brows.

"Kind of, But honestly, I am also curious about your life too?" He chuckled.

"You can ask me whatever you want to know?" I said as he led me to the dining table, and served the food.

He settled next to me. "Umm lets start with easy questions..shall we?" He asked with a slight hint of mischief.

I nodded at his suggestion as I sip the water

"When were you born and where?"

"On 3rd of March 1997, in Mussoorie, Uttarkhand, a few months later my parents moved to Shimla and since then I lived there until now," I answered.

"Oh. I was 7 years old when you were born, anyway, in 2000, I vividly remember, Sivan used to go elementary with me, then how come I didn't see you?"

My heartfelt heavy, I didn't know how to tell him why he didn't saw me.

"What's wrong?" He caressed my hand.

"When I was 3, my parents died, on 9 August 2000. My dad, my mom and I, were going to visit my uncle's family who lived few towns away from our town, it was snowing and the car's tires skidded when my dad pushed the brakes...and hrs later they were dead— that day I just didn't lose my parents but also my eyesight too..." before I could finish telling him he pulled my chair and embraced me in a warm hug, my tears soaked his shirt.

"My maternal Uncle's family raised me and my brother lived with my father's family. And maybe that's why we never met" he let me go but still held my hand.

"I am sorry...I should haven't asked that." He said, with guilt.

"No it's okay, it's been a while since I talked about my parents.and after all you are my friend," I replied.

"Of course,"

After finishing up our food, Anuraag took us to a nearby park, for a walk.

"Oh my god! Is it raining?" I tried to cover my head with my scarf as droplets of rain showered.

"Welcome to Canada!" He said in a sarcastic tone.

"What? It's like December? It's rains here and What about snow, last I heard was, it snows here?" I baffled.

"Yes, actually both rain and snow together, you didn't know?"

"No, your family should have moved to Pondicherry!" I suggested.

"I will consider that...or not! I heard it rains there all the time." He chuckled, giving it a thought.

"How far are we from your building?" I asked.

"Few blocks..."

"Hey—don't walk too fast, you will trip," he warned.

"well, the rain is getting heavier..ouch!" I screamed a bit as a stumbled on something in my way.

"You should have listened to me, Diya"

He scooped me up in his arms, I gasped at his swift action. "I got you!" He whispered in my ear.

I leaned my head on his chest as he bundled up me close to him. I listened to his heartbeats carefully as it was so calming, that I almost fell asleep, strangely I felt safe with him, he makes weird. Who is this man?

I wish I could see.

" We are almost there, don't fell asleep on me, you need to change your wet clothes and then later, we have to call your family in India, to inform them about us." His word echoed in my ears.

"I am not, falling asleep." I denied.

"Yeah, sure. But I don't believe you Angel, admit it you fell asleep." His words sounded flirty rather than friendly, but I could be wrong...right?

"Hey stop tickling me, stop stop." I laughed trying to push his hands away but he tackled me and he lifted me, his laughter was kind of sexy.

"Okay, okay stop!..I admit...Anuraag that you are soft bear and I felt asleep on you..almost." I said controlling my laughter.

"Soft bear huh?!" He sounded amused.

"Let me tell you something, I am anything but a soft bear?"

"I find that hard to believe." My hand rested on his arm.

"And why's that?" He smirked through his words.

"I-I think I should get changed or else I will catch cold..and you should do the same." I said changing the subject.

"Yeah, of course.." he shifted.

————

I look through my baggage, but I didn't find anything to wear, the clothes I was wearing for past two days were arranged by my cousin, Renukaa. She packed my clothes in different small bags. But now I can't find anything, without anyone's help.

"Need a hand with unpacking?"

"I-I-I will manage—hey—what are you doing?" I protested as he dragged me and made me sit on the bed.

"Stay here, I will put your clothes in the closet." He order firmly.

"I can't, my clothes are still wet remember?" I stated.

"Well in that case, you can wear my T-shirt and pjs..if you don't mind." He said placing his clothes in my lap.

"Thank you,"

"You need to stop saying "thank you" all the time, it's boring plus too formal between friends." He mimicked me.

"You got it." I reassured him and found my way to bathroom with the support of my cane.

Later that evening, we both settled on the couch and called my family in India.

"Mami ji Namste! How are you and all?" I asked.

"We fine dear, how are you and Anuraag ji?"

"We are good too!" I replied.

"I hope you are settling in well,"

"Yeah, I just miss you and Renukaa so much, hope you guys are doing great as well." I said.

Suddenly Anuraag's phone buzzed, he got up quietly and went somewhere quite to attend his call. Meanwhile I talked to my family in the living hall.

"...be honest with me dear, does he treat you well?" My Aunt asked.

"Yes, he does."

"Okay, good," she sounded relieved.

We talked a bit more until our conversation came to an end.

"Anuraag?" I called him, from where I was sitting.

"Yes?" He asked from other room.

"Are you going to bed?" I asked.

I heard footsteps coming in my direction and stopped. "No, I am going to be awake for a while, I have to work on a project. My manager just sent me the details." He replied.

"Is it due early?" I asked.

"No, actually next month."

"Then I think you should sleep and work on it tomorrow." I said as I got up from the couch and unfolded my cane.

" By the way, where is your room? Is it some kind of secret room hidden in a wall?" I raised my brow.

"Actually I would have loved that but no. I sleep in here."

"Here? As in living room?" I asked.

His silence confirmed my doubt.

"I am sorry, I stole your room. I thought this condo is so big that must contained at least 2 rooms, but misjudged it"

"It's just fine, the couch is not that bad either." He shrugged with his words.

"Oh yeah?! Then I must take the couch and you should go take the bed." I laid down on the couch.

"No.No way! Seriously I am fine, thank you for consideration but no actual need to fulfill it." He said.

"Sorry Sir already taken!" I chuckled, throwing my hands in air.

"Diya don't be ridiculous. Go to the room. I don't want you to suffer from back or neck pain." He said, concernedly.

"Exactly, my point, it's applies on you as well."

"Okay fine! But you are not sleeping here either." He stated.

"Then where?"

"In the room, with me."