Chapter-18

Chapter dedicated to anjila2 for your constant support. Thank you alot for your part in keeping me motivated.

Am very much proud of you, Mani

Author's POV

10 day's later,

"Sitaara'' Abhimanyu shouted Abhi From his room while she was talking to Aman about company sipping their morning coffee.

"I'll come just now'' she said and ran to their room. He was pacing to and fro running his fingers in his air and looking at his phone. He lifted his face as soon as he heard creaking sound of door, Sitaara came inside panting.

"Why did you shout like that? I literally jumped at my spot. If you shout like this, someday your brain will pop out of your skull" she said placing her hands in his hips.

"What the fuck is this, Taara?" He shouted at her showing his phone.

"Don't shout, Mani. Everyone will hear us" she said moving to him.

"Its sound proof room and just fucking stop diverting the topic" he gritted though his teeth.

"Am not diverting the topic and about the thing you are speaking, yes I transferred the money as I promised you on the day we made deal. If you want more money, okay I'll transfer to your account" she said making him angry at her words. He walked to her dangerously and she took back steps untill her back hit the wall. He extended his hand to her neck and held her wedding chain in his hand pulling it out of her kurti.

"You see this? This says you are my wife, my responsibility and I don't need your damn money, don't you dare transfer them back. I'll transfer the money along with your first pay back to your account" he said and moved back maintaining distance.

"Keep them with you, Mani. It's my pay for staying here-"

"Fucking shut your mouth. Do you remember what my father told the other day- this is your mansion, you are the owner of it and everything in this house is yours. You don't need to pay for staying in your mansion, for using your things, for eating your food" he shouted at her cutting off her.

"All this is earned by you and your family, I can't own them just like that. It was your work hard, the dreams you people made into real together. Just because am eldest dil of this house doesn't make me owner of every damn thing and am dil of this house only for six months and now, only 5 months are left over and we are fake couple which don't give me rights to enjoy your hardwork" she said.

"Don't call it as only my family, it's yours too and though we all live together, everything from a spoon to this mansion was bought by your husband and you've rights to own them" he said glaring at her.

"I don't want any rights, Mani. This might be earned by you but the ultimate rights and owning will be your mom's, it's her right and only hers as she is the one who struggled all her life to bring you to this position and stood by you like a rock in your thick and thin. Am not saying this because am here only for 6 months but it's truth" she said. He stood there glaring at her.

"And what do you mean by you earned?" She asked. He sighed and sat on bed.

"My father being kind to everyone signed a contract as witness for his friend who wanted to start a company taking loan from a bank but that bastard friend of his ran away with huge amount of money after he got loan from bank. Being the witness the income tax people snatched away everything from us and we were left penniless with a very small apartment which was my mom's friend who is dead now. It happened when I was in my engineering 3rd year . i.e. at the age of 20, that's when I took up our business with a little shares of mine in my bestfriend's father's company. I worked for for my bestfriend's company investing best ideas ever which rose the worth of their shares, I sold those shares to my bestfriends father who happened to be CEO, inreturn of handsome amount for my own startup. Then, I started our 'Choudhary group of companies' at 21 being CEO of it but it was daddy and uncle who was in charge of it as I wanted to take everything in my hands only after I complete my masters. Doing my masters in US, I started my company over there with the help of my father's friend's, Uncle Jacob Mason, he invested in our company and handled it along with me and correspondingly, I completed my masters. Once I graduated M.tech, I came back to India and started running the company smoothly and all these luxuries are result of my hardwork and obviously my family's constant support" he said and had a faint smile at the end.

She smiled at him proudly and sat beside him. She though didn't want to, she took his hand in hers and squeezed it slightly.

"Am very much proud of you, Mani" she whispered looking at his face with a smile. He smiled.

''Trust me, it was very difficult phase for me. Like, seeing poorness for the first time in life, seeing my father mortified as he believed it's because of him we were pulled on roads, getting into business even before graduating, studying and also handling the business, starting a company in a country like US adding to all these I had my own issues which are really painful for me, which haunt me every second of my life'' he said and rested his head on her shoulder.

''Didn't your hardwork pay off? Today you became one of the top business tycoons. Your company stands in top 50 in the world. You receive huge respect from people. Many youngsters look at you with admiration and consider you as their role model. You must be knowing many more great things of yours other than what I listed out. Even now, you feel that was difficult phase? That was a beautiful phase of your life, Mani, which paved this path and made you who you are today" she said.

"I always used to wonder that did I marry a kid, but no! Today I believe it, I married a woman who is really 24 years old" he said chuckling. She shrugged her shoulders making his head fall off her shoulder.

"Mani" she called smiling turning to him completely. He looked at her raising his eyebrow. Her eyes held admiration for him, a pride and happiness for him and his success.

"Am really very very proud of you, Mani. I mean you are really brave to take up business all alone even when it was hopeless situation for you people that time. Taking care of huge family along with working your ass off and studying is really so admirable" she said overwhelmed at her husband's way of handling everything on his own when he was just 20.

"Well, all the credit goes to my grandfather, father and uncles who used to train us about business since we are kids above all that, my mentor, my father's best friend was my constant support. He is my inspiration. His and mine story is alike but the only difference is I started business with shares that I own though it was worthless before I worked hard for that company whereas uncle had started at 21 without any help" he said remembering his mentor.

"I want to see him, will you take me to him?" She asked excitedly. His smile fade away and tears formed in his eyes.

"He is no more. He passed away four years ago" he whispered holding his tears back. Sitaara thinned her lips.

I killed him, taara.

I killed him who was like my father.

I killed him mentally and physically.

"Am sorry" she said. He squeezed her hand assuring that he is fine.

"You have a painful past, I know that. A very painful past" she whispered looking into his eyes.

"How did you get money to transfer them to me when you don't work? Did you take them from your maternal house?" He asked last part gritting his teeth trying to divert the topic.

"It's been only a month we got married though not a real one but we are friends which is absolutely real. If you ever want to share with me you can and I promise I won't judge you, you can trust me on that. Don't bottle up the pain inside you. Take your time to trust me and to open up, we have 5 months more" she said smiling as she understood that he changed the topic not feeling to share his pain.

"And for your question, no I didn't take them from my father. Untill they give me something out of love I can't accept it because they trusted you with me and I don't want them to get disappointed with you and also I don't want you to feel inferior unnecessarily in front of my family because of me asking money from them" she said.

"As I told you before you don't know me and you don't need to know how I make money, it's a top secret for whole world but don't worry I'll reveal soon to you and only you" she added.

"Did you hit your head somewhere?" He asked. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and pouted her lips.

"You are talking like a matured woman whereas I never expected you to have a mature bone in you at all" he said.

"Mani" she yelled hitting him on chest while he was laughing carefreely at her funny faces.

"You are so cute" she said pinching both his cheeks shaking his face left and right horizontally.

"I would prefer handsome or hot rather than cute" he said. She rolled her eyes.

There was a knock diverting their attention. Sitaara walked to door followed by Abhi and opened it. Disha was standing bouncing on her toes happily. Abhi looked at her confused.

"Anish bava(bil) and Rishi anna here for you" she chirped excitedly.

"First, stop bouncing like a frog and second, ask them to meet me in my study" he said.

"They have a surprise for you and want you to come and see it yourself. We already saw the surprise, it's so thrilling" she said.

"Come let's go Mani. I want to see your surprise" said Sitaara bouncing on her toes like Disha.

Did I say she is matured woman earlier?

Scratch it. She is still a kid.

May be a matured kid or a woman with mixture of maturity and childishness.

I like her childishness and her maturity too.

In total, I like her. Very much.

"Your wife isn't going to disappear if you avert your eyes. Stop looking at her like a creepy lover boy and come lets go down" said Disha.

Did I really behave like a lover boy?

Lover boy Abhimanyu!

Eww... Sitaara's madness possessed in me.

"Is he sleeping with open eyes? Could we slip into sleep standing and that too within 30 seconds?" Asked Disha looking at Abhi.

"We can!! I mean I can slip within 30 seconds but I never tried sleeping with open eyes and will never try to sleep standing too" said Sitaara giggling.

"Anna'' yelled Disha in his ears bringing out of the trance.

"Come lets move" saying this Disha dragged Abhi with her while Sitaara followed them excitedly.

Suddenly his eyes were closed from behind as he moved further after his last step.

''Guess who is it?" Asked the person. Abhi lips broke into huge grin recognising the person.

"Anika" he shouted turning back and hugged her.

"Abhi" imitated Anika hugging back. He twirled her in air laughing.

"Oh god! I just can't believe that you are right here, infront of my eyes. I thought your husband took you to Mars so that we can't see you again" said Abhi chuckling making her stand on her feet and pulled back.

"Actually he planned it but remembering the threaten my four best friends gave him, he backed off or may be he can't win over me" said Anika giggling.

"You know am so happy. Indeed it was a best surprise" he said twirling her in air again.

It was the first time Sitaara seeing this side of him. She saw him laughing and smiling though rarely and only with her but now, it was completely different. He don't seem that dangerous and scary Abhimanyu but a carefree and jovial Abhimanyu. She unknowingly smiled seeing him happy. After Viraj's demise she flashed a genuine smile for the first time excluding her times when she thinks about Viraj.

"Where is your husband Rohan?" Asked Abhi putting Anika down.

"You will see me if you acknowledge other persons other than your bestfriend" came a voice from behind.

"Rohan!! Man! How are you? How is my best friend treating you?" Asked Abhi giving him a manly hug. Rohan reciprocated the hug happily.

"For the first time after my marriage someone asked me correctly. 'Rohan how is Anika treating you?' Orelse everyone would ask only this ' Rohan how are you treating Anika?' "said Rohan chuckling making others laugh.

"Well, answer for your your question she treats me.."he tailed off looking at Anika who stood behind Abhi"... like me am a punching bag. She gets angry; then it's me who gets punches from her. She gets sad; punches again. She gets irritated; kicks this time "

Everyone laughed while Anika pouted. Rohan pulled her to him and kissed her crown.

"Happy Life, Abhi. Though our start was horrible with many fights and my many ugly mistakes, now it's going smoothly" he said looking at Anika with a smile.

"Love is in air" sang Rishi and Anish together. They blushed.

"Where is your wife? I want to see her directly. I heard a lot about her, her cheerfulness and her beauty too" said Anika. Abhi smiled and looked at Sitaara.

"Taara" he called gesturing her to come to him. Sitaara came to him smiling.

"My wife, Sitaara Abhimanyu Chowdary" he said wrapping his arm around Sitaara's shoulder.

"Taara, this is my bestfriend, only girl in our gang. Not to forget a complete nut case and he is Rohan Nanda, Anika's husband, a businessman like me" introduced Abhi while Rohan stood rooted at his spot trying to figure out where he saw Situ in past.

"God! She is freaking gorgeous, Abhi. You are such a lucky man" shrieked Anika pulling Sitaara in a bone crushing hug. Sitaara too hugged back blushing with a smile and shook her hand with Rohan with a polite smile.

"Am Anika, Abhi's best friend and his sister too" said Sitaara.

"Am Sitaara, Abhimanyu's wife. You can address me Situ said Sitaara" Anika nodded her head smiling.

"Seems like I have seen you somewhere? Mumbai? Doctor Vir-" Rohan was cut off by Aarya. As Rohan's mom was patient of Viraj and Rohan's family know about about Viraj's love intrest. So, there might be chance of revealing Sitaara's love matter which he almost did it now.

"Yes, she studied in IIT Bombay but you might not see her as she was always studious and rarely steps out of our her room" lied Aarya about Sitaara as she used to party all the time and would used to stay back at their penthouse rarely as she and Viraj always used to glue together all the time.

"And..she is one of the top graduates of both IIT Bombay and MIT" added Aarya.

"May be you've seen her in campus placements" said Aarya smiling nervously. Rohan nodded smiling warmly understanding what Aarya trying to hide. He understood that no one knew about Sitaara and Viraj's love matter.

"Anyways join us for breakfast" said Sitaara immediately. Just then Naman was descending the stairs buttoning his coat.

"Situ Vadhina(sil), I asked you to help me in the presentation. Did yo-"

He stopped in the middle as his eyes landed on Anika who was in saree, mangalsutra, vermillion in her hair line looking like a married woman. Tears formed in his eyes. Words struck in his troath and he felt like someone choking him. He averted his gaze off Anika immediately.

"Did you get my presentation ready, Vadhina(sil)?" He asked trying hard not to look at Anika but couldn't. From corner of his eyes he saw her lips frowned and moistened eyes.

"I prepared it and stored it in pendrive. First, have breakfast. I'll get it after that" she said.

"No! Am leaving. I've have pending work to take care of" he lied which Sitaara caught it immediately as she studied him very well.

"Am not sending you to office without making you eat breakfast and don't you dare deny my order" said Sitaara and pulled Naman to dining room.

Sitaara served every one and sat against Naman and beside Anika. She saw Naman and Anika stealing glances at each other now and then.

"How are you Namm..uhm..Naman?" Asked Anika looking at him.

"Fine" replied Naman curtly not looking at her. Anika hummed thinning her lips.

"You don't eat tomato chutney in idli Naman. Then..."trailed off Anika.

"Habits change just like people change, as time passes" this time he lifted his face and replied looking into her eyes with hurt and rage clearly visible in his eyes. Anika stayed silent. Sitaara found Naman behaviour unusual as he never speaks rudely to anyone and getting angry is a rare thing that she never witnessed in last one month.

Anjali was about to serve Naman more, he stood up showing his hand saying that he is done. He washed his hands and came to Sitaara.

"Vadhina(sil) I'll be in my room, once you are done with your breakfast please get the pendrive to me" he said and left to his room after giving a polite smile to Rohan and a tearful glance to Anika.

Sitaara washed her hands and went to Abhi's study to get the pendrive as they both worked together last night. Opening the drawer of the desk, she picked up the pendrive and walked to Naman's room. She heard a clashing sound making her flinch. She softly knocked the door, Naman opened it after five minutes. She looked at his face and saw his eyes bulged and looking red. His cheeks and nose turned pink, clearly telling that he cried.

"Can I come inside?" She asked.

"You don't need to take permission, Vadhina(sil). You are always welcomed" said Naman with a faint smile and moved aside. She looked around his room, it was painted with royal blue and cream looking neat and peaceful unlike Abhi's which always looks scary even now and messy before he got married to Sitaara.

She sat on couch placing pendrive on teapoy infront of the couch. Naman sat on bed.

"You play football?" She asked looking at the frames that hung on wall.

"State level football champion, south india top most champion and was placed in National sports academy, delhi for international matches" he said with a smile.

"Wow!! That's amazing! I didn't know you were such a good player, Naman. I..I just can't believe it" she said shocked yet happy.

''You would know if I ever played international matches, Vadhina(sil). Anyways, leave that" said Naman gulping his pain blinking his tears away.

"Why did you leave your passion, Naman?" Asked Sitaara. He shook his head his in nothing blinking his tears away.

"Am you sil, Naman. A mother after your mother. You can tell me if you want" she said.

"Anika Ahuja, and now Anika Rohan Nanda" he whispered as tears started streaming down his eyes. She gave him a confused look.

"My first love and only love. She was the only girl whom I noticed in all my life, she was the first one who grabbed my attention" he said.

"What's link between Anika and you abandoning football?" Asked Sitaara.

"Actually there is no link between my love, Anika and my passion, football still I always feel I was made leave my passion just because my love broke my heart. Am not blaming her but the that day my passion and my love both were destroyed make me feel that way" he whispered wiping his tears with back of his palm. Her curiosity grew more. He took a deep breath.

"Anika Ahuja is from North india, Jaipur, elder than me by 2 months and younger than anna(Abhi) by an year. She is an orphan, she grew up under uncle and aunt who don't like her at all. Though they were rich they never let her enjoy the luxuries. She studied hard to get away from that hell hole and got seat in BITS Hyderabad. There she met Abhi anna and his friends. They all became best friends in a short period of time. She used to visit our mansion very frequently as mommy and Anjali pinni(father's brother's wife/ aunt/ chachi) like Anika alot. Since I used to stay out of the house due to football practice, I never acknowledged her presence. Once I was practicing for the match in our foot ball court in backyard, she came to me and initiated conversation. We both didn't stop there, it continued for days, weeks, months and years, soon we realised that we are in love but neither of us expressed ever" he said and chuckled before continuing.

"She used to attend my every match even when the match was held out of the state. During summer holidays I used to go to Jaipur to visit her. We both used to explore all the city from dawn to dusk. But none of our families knew about it as I used to tell them that I was going on a match. Crazy teenage things we do in love. Things didn't stop there, we both even got into physical at 20 itself but never confessed our love.

It was her last year and her exams started. I went on a match during her last exam. On that day, before I went on a match, she confessed her feelings for me but I didn't as I wanted to make it special for her, giving a smile to her I left from there. By the time I was back, she completed her exams and went back to Jaipur. I planned to confess my feelings for her and tried to contact her. I don't know what happened, she cut all her ties with me. I even visited Jaipur and sneaked into her mansion and saw her and Rohan kissing like there is no tomorrow.

With a broken heart I came back to Hyderabad without confronting her. Next day we received a wedding card of hers to our mansion. On her wedding day I had a match in mumbai where her marriage was held. I was so much depressed about happenings around me and that day I got into fight after winning the match with one of the national football board member. Taking advantage of my situation my criticizers, my enemies threw many allegations at me which made me banned from football forever. I was behind bars but Abhi Anna's mentor, brought me out of jail" he said and cried. Sitaara hugged Naman who was crying like a baby in her arms.

"I love her. It's been 6-7 years she got married still I couldn't forget her. Seeing her as someone's wife is killing me. One single day ruined my years of love I had for her and also my football career which was my life" he cried and got up furiously. He went into closet and brought a big box.

"Look into the box, Vadhina(sil). Look at my trophies, shields and medals, you will understand how much football meant for me. Look into that album, you will understand how much I and Anika were in love" cried Naman falling in his knees. Sitaara went on her knees before him and cupped her cheek wiping his tears.

"Did you ever confront her apart from the engagement day again? She asked. He nodded and smiled sheepishly with tears.

"On her wedding night. I sneaked into her room as I don't want others to share what's mine and confronted her. All she told was she used me for my money and my looks. You believe that, Vadhina(sil)? How can she call herself a gold digger? She is a pure soul and would never do that. Even today she looks at me with the same love she had for me years ago though she is in love with her husband now" he said.

"She asked me to forget her and never cross her path, she told that is the only thing I could do for her if I love her truly" he added.

"So you did that?" She asked.

"I never crossed her path but I couldn't forget her" he said.

Suddenly door bursts open revealing the unexpected person. Naman and Sitaara were shocked.

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

Abhi is angry at Sitaara! He is indirectly giving her hints that she is queen of his heart and his house too.

Dumbo Sitaara!!

Abhi's hardwork! That's really great isn't? Do you think was it really rough phase for him?

Finally! His other bestfriend made her arrival. Abhi is very much happy.

Rohan knew Sitaara's and Viraj's love. Seems like Viraj has many connections in Mumbai, don't you guys think?

Anika and Naman? Another new pair.

Painful past of Naman, isn't it? He has gone through a very emotional ride loosing his love and his career in football.

What do you guys think about Anika breaking up with Naman abruptly? Do you think she cheated on Naman?

Who is that unexpected person?

Let me know your views in comments section. Do not forget to vote me chapter.

Hope you guys loved the chapter.

Precap:- The unexpected person's reaction at Naman's love matter. Aarya's and Rohan's talks. The good news from Shetty's.

Surya.