 
AND IN ANOTHER LIFE I WILL MAKE YOU MINE!

Dazzling Star

The Smashword's Edition

And In Another Life I will Make You Mine© 2020 by Dazzling Star.

All rights Reserved

Disclaimer: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the production of author's imagination or used in fictitious manner. Perhaps it doesn't support any act of violence or activities against the society. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Cover design: @Niki_Chase

DECDICATED TO ALL THE SILENT LOVERS...

" _The lesson that human must always need to learn is to love and to be loved!!"_

## CHAPTER ONE

I glanced at the mirror for one last time and picked the bunch of red roses kept on the table. Seeing myself on a suit and roses on my hand I was feeling awkward inside as I had never done that before. Finally, after two years I was going to confess my love in front of her.

Before walking out of my room I popped my head out to check if anyone was around. When I found no movement taking deep breath I secretly sneaked out of my room and walked out of the house as fast as I can, making sure no one to see me so that I need not to be embarrassed in front of them.

For the first time in a while I thought to walk on my foot leaving my bike behind. But going little further soon I regretted it when people passed strange stare on me. Why wouldn't they as it was their first time seeing a man like me carrying flowers on his hand. Trying to ignore them all I kept on moving feeling excited. But the excitement turned into nervousness when I was getting closer. My heart rate increased out so loud that I was able to hear its rhythm clear on my head.

When her house got visible I noticed that it was mould beautifully in amazing decoration with loud music playing on the background. I was surprised with the sight I was seeing. Her home premise was all filled with lots of people. I stood outside the gate for long time waiting to get her one glimpse.

After a while, a car decorated with flowers arrived just in front of me. I walked to the other side of the road and fixed my gaze at her home like the old times. People started to come out of the gate one after another. My gaze was totally fixed on the gate thinking she would emerge in any second.

Finally when a girl in bridal dress stepped out of the gate I went numb. I took a step back tightening my grip with my gaze fixed on her. Bride in red gown was none other than her. It was her. My crush, my lover, the girl whom I had loved for so long and for whom I was standing there with red roses on my hand.

She was looking so beautiful on red bridal dress but I wish she had worn it for me. I watched her every move from distance noticing her eyes which were so cold and tough. She was not shedding single drop of tears. Even though her parents were hugging her tight and crying out loud.

When she was about to get on the car her eyes suddenly fall on me. She instantly shifted her gaze from my face to my hand and back to my face. I hurriedly took my hand back trying to hide the flowers from her which she had already seen. And I didn't even know why I did so as she didn't know that the flowers on my hand was for her.

She looked deep into my eyes. I tried to ignore her gaze but I was not able to do so. Our eyes got locked up for a while until I noticed her eyes softening and tears welling up which drew me back to my reminiscence.

[*****]

Reminiscence!

It was my first night in my room returning from rehabilitation centre. Instead of thinking about my further life I was already thinking about drugs. I was just waiting for the dawn desperately so that I could go to my friend and take the shots. Whole night I twisted and turned not able to sleep.

Finally when sun began to peep through the curtains I immediately got up. I climbed down the bed, drew the curtains to the side and stood by the window stretching my arms and yawning. Suddenly my eyes fall on a girl walking on the pavement wearing black uniform. A handbag was tucked on her arms and she had long black hair nicely combed into ponytail.

I was not able to take my eyes off her. Her complexion was dark with dimples on either side of her cheeks. I found her as the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my life. I kept on staring at her until she completely vanished from my sight.

For the first time in my life I found myself longing to see someone more than taking drugs. When she was gone I wanted to see her again. I wanted to know everything about her. But sadly I was not able to find anything about her. I just kept on watching her every morning from my window and fall in love deeper and deeper.

[*****]

The sudden loud horn of the car pulled me back from my deep reveries. I looked around and found myself standing alone on the side of the road. Everyone including she was gone leaving me all alone. It was very difficult for me to figure out whether I was dreaming or not.

Girl who I had deep feeling for years got on the car as a bride and was gone for forever. I was feeling so weak to stand and I was not even able to hold the flowers. Roses dropped down from my hand and scattered making no sound just the way my heart which broke into pieces making no sound at all. There was a pain inside me but I was not able to figure out which organ was in pain.

I was feeling swore on my throat and my eyes were getting blur. I wanted to scream out loud but I was not able to utter single word out of my mouth. Words were suppressed so deep inside my throat.

Slowly and steadily I took the step but I was not able to balance my body. I was walking like a drunkard. More I took my steps more my vision blurred. When I stood still hot tears rolled down my eyes. I really don't remember when I last cried. I looked up in the sky trying to dry my eyes but I felt a drop of rain falling on my face one after another. The sky was crying with me.

Trying to handle myself I walked on that heavy downpour. Not caring about anything. But the road which felt so short a while ago now felt like the longest road I have ever walked. No matter how hard I tried not to recall the incident more it got refreshed on my mind again and again. She in bridal dress, her cold eyes which got soft and turning teary looking at me was all I had on my head.

I walked inside my house pushing the door hard which made it to hit the wall making loud bang sound.

"God, Steven you scared me" my mom shouted out in fright getting up from the couch.

Seeing my condition she got stunned and stared at me without blinking her eyes "Stev..." her voice was low filled with shock and fright.

My father walked out of the kitchen and the moment he saw me he exploded "See, I told you he is not the one to be given any chance. He really doesn't deserve any care and love. All this time we lavished him with our love and gave him everything he wanted but see the result again he is dozing with the addiction. Just yesterday he returned from rehabilitation center. I thought you would truly change this time as you yourself asked for help to get rid of your drug addiction but once again you proved me wrong like in past."

"Chris, stop it, please" my mother said in quivering voice. I was able to see tears walling down her eyes which made me remember about my love that left with same tears on her eyes a while ago.

I took a step towards my mom and hugged her tight "MOM..." was all I could say.

[*****]

I am Steven Powell only child of my parents. While ago I had a life, a life of addiction with lots and lots of fun. In that life I really didn't cared about anything or anyone. Well, everyone had a reason behind being drug addict but I had no reason at all. I used drug for fun and that is the reason I didn't quit taking drugs even after being sent to rehabilitation center twice.

That life was kind of mess I had nothing to stop me except my parents whose words I never took seriously. Then something happened. Sudden appearance of her changed my life entirely. When she came to my life no, no not came to my life I feel it inappropriate to say she came to my life as she was not the one who came to my life. It was me who saw her and fall for her without even knowing about her. Love at first sight what we say not even knowing her name. You heard me right. Love is blind we say I somehow found it to be true. I loved her for two years without knowing her name.

You may call me an insane but love did happen with me all of a sudden. It didn't ask for name, caste, family background, age, or anything. It just happened all of a sudden and trust me I had no control over it.

But now my life has collapsed and my heart feels so wounded. I was just about to confess my feelings for her and make her mine but sadly nothing happened according to my will. Everything that has happened till now is all beyond my thought. I was all happy with my addiction life had no intention of leading simple life but then my eyes fall on her and trust me I had no intention of falling in love but my intention didn't worked in the case of my heart which made me to have no control over myself. And soon she became high dose drug for me.

There was barely a time I didn't thought about her. The day when I didn't saw her face would be the worst day. I would lock myself inside the room and eagerly wait for another day to see her. For her I even changed and tried to get rid of my drug addiction. But now I have no idea what I will be doing. She is gone and there is no single chance of seeing her. Furthermore, I still don't know her name. I feel desolated but I still hope that in another life I will make her mine.

[*****]

## CHAPTER TWO

After two years

"Yeah, what is it?" running on the pavement I answered the call.

"Good morning, Sir there is a new case and you really need to see over it" Rose on the other side of the call replied.

"Come on rose you know very well how busy my schedule is. I really cannot come there. If there is a new case then talk with Arvin, deal with the procedure and..." before I could complete my sentence she interrupted.

"But Arvin sir is out in a leave and will arrive late this afternoon also this case is very different and in fact the rarest and newest in our center. And I have no idea how to deal with it."

I plonked on the bench and asked "okay go ahead what is the case?"

"So the patient is addicted to medicine and seem to be suffering from depression" she replied.

"If so then tell his guardians to see the doctor and cure his depression" I replied wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"Hello, Mr. Powell I really need to admit her in your center. Please try to understand" suddenly male voice came from the other side of the phone. It seemed like he had snatched the phone from Rose which I felt very impolite about him.

"Her? So it was female not male" I thought deep inside and clearing my throat I spoke out "If she is the victim of depression then we surely cannot help you out. We only take those who are addicted to drugs."

"Medicine is also taken as a drug if took excessively isn't it?" he asked.

"Medicine is itself a drug no matter how much amount is taken" I replied.

"Exactly... my wife takes excessive amount of medicine whenever she is depressed"

"If so then don't let her to be depressed it is very simple as that" I interrupted.

"No, no Mr. Powell you are not getting me. It is very complicated" he took deep breath.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and said "Okay, fine I will be there after a moment and see what I can do."

"Thank you... Thank you so much Mr. Powell" the call got disconnected.

I looked around the park. Everyone was busy with their own work. Some were going out with laughing therapy act which I usually find funny and laugh at them and my therapy is done. Some girls on the other corner of the park are performing yoga which makes me wonder how someone can have that flexible body. Some are running from one end of the park to the other end.

One year have already passed away moving to this city. In one year I have successfully taken over my dad's company and running it along with the rehabilitation center. Life is going on but my love is stuck on the same track where it was left one year ago. Though I am able to progress my lifestyle but deep inside I am not able to progress my love life. In simple I am still not able to get rid of her thought.

Probably not after the dreams which I am getting last six months about her. I see her almost every day and the strange part is I don't get a single chance to approach her. She just stares at me with the same soft and teary eyes trying to say something but as soon as I step towards her she disappears which really makes me worry about her. So every morning I pray for her and ask god to keep her in his blessings.

Every morning sitting in this park I think about her for hours and when it comes to the point where my love went incomplete I reallocate myself and run out of the park trying to ignore all those thoughts. And guess what I have still not known her name. I mean how could I? As I left my hometown the very next day when I saw her as a bride and settled in this new city all alone.

[*****]

"Where is he? I have to deal with him quickly and have to leave for urgent meeting" I said as soon as I stepped inside the centre.

Rose who was busy with her work on the reception desk immediately got up seeing me. She looked around and said "they probably must be back at the garden."

She walked out of the desk and I followed her behind. We got to the garden which was empty as it was meditation time for the patient. I stood at the staircase and watched two people sitting on the bench few meters away from us.

Rose pointed at them and said "there they are."

As I walked towards them the man wrapped his hand around girl's shoulder and I heard him saying "soon everything will be alright. Don't worry honey."

When I approached them hearing my footsteps he turned his head and seeing me standing behind them he immediately got up. He then stretched his hand towards me saying "you must be Mr. Powell. I'm James Brown."

I made a quick handshake replaying "yeah it's me."

I then walked in front of them and the moment my eyes got on the lady sitting on the bench I went numb. I felt like everything has stopped even time. I couldn't believe my eyes. One who rescued me from addiction of drug was now in my rehabilitation centre.

"She is my wife. I need to admit her here" the man leaned closer to my ear and whispered which made me realize that everything happening was real.

"What have you done to her?" I grabbed his collar and yelled looking deep into his eyes.

I don't know why but I felt so angry hearing him that I wanted to tear him apart. Only when Rose held my hand and shouted "sir..." I came back to my sense and immediately left his collar.

Arranging his collar I apologized "I... I am sorry."

The man swallowed hard maybe he was shocked seeing my behavior like the way I was. To hide my embarrassment I looked sideways not knowing what to say next. But thanks to god that he himself brought up the conversation.

"Should we talk?" he asked hesitantly.

"Sure" I nodded.

We walked to the side of the garden and stood facing towards her. She seems to be lost in deep thought. She was skinny and weak but her eyes were cold and tough like the last day I saw her. Her gaze was fixed on the rose plant few meters away from her. I was not able to take my eyes off her.

"Like I told you she is addicted to medicine. Whatever medicine she finds she eats it without any thought" I heard James saying.

"You said she takes it whenever she is depressed. Any idea about why she gets depressed?" I asked still my eyes fixed on her.

"Well I have no idea why she gets depressed..."

"You are her husband and you don't even know why she gets depressed... unbelievable" I said in disappointment.

"Yeah, she never says anything" he replied instantly.

"What do you mean by never says? It's your duty to ask her and figure it out" I said rolling my eyes.

"I wish I could but she is dumb" he replied.

I passed shocking gaze to him "You mean she cannot talk? She is mute."

"Yeah and God knows how to deal with this dumb people she is so difficult person. If I knew it before and her parents didn't lie about her then I would have never married a dumb."

"Mute... its mute calling someone dumb is not polite" I said controlling my anger glancing back at her.

There was a silence for a second until I asked "by the way you said she is addicted to medicines. Why do you keep medicine within her reach then?"

"Ah! I did it so many times I have hide all the medicine even threw them all but god knows from where she gets them back. I took her everywhere every hospital, every doctor but they say they cannot help and last time I took her to psychiatric who suggested me to admit her in rehabilitation center to make her get rid of medicine addiction. Your centre is my only hope" he said taking deep breath.

"I will see what I can do."

"It is very grateful of you Mr. Powell. I will deal with the necessary procedure and take my leave..." he said and walked away.

"Mr. Brown" I called him out. Hearing my voice he turned towards me before I said "I... I am sorry I grabbed your collar. She made me recall about someone so I happened to grab your collar in anger..."

"It's okay Mr. Powell" he turned back but I hurriedly asked him out "and by the way what's her name?"

"Lisa James Brown..." he replied turning his head and walked away.

Finally I knew her name but a thought of jealousy crossed my mind instantly "I just asked her name is it compulsion to attach his name with her."

When James left slowly I stepped towards Lisa trying to deal with my anxiety. Heart was pounding out loud with rhythm on my ear. I was swallowing hard. I had strange mixed feeling inside me. Was it the happiness of seeing her again or the sadness seeing her in that condition?

I sat beside her wanting to speak out but no words cracked on my head. I was mute like her that very moment. I was not able to take my gaze away from her. Despite her weakness she was still beautiful just the way I had seen her for the last time. When I was not able to take it anymore I felt tears rolling down my eyes.

I looked away from her but I felt her head on my shoulder. When I glanced back at her she had rested her head on my shoulder. I wiped my tears and took my hand towards her to touch her cheeks but my phone buzzed on my pocket which startled me. I hurriedly pulled my hand back and fetched my phone from my pocket and answered it.

[*****]

## CHAPTER THREE

Whole way to my office I thought about her, no matter how hard I tried but I was not able to divert my mind away from her thoughts. So many questions crossed my mind "why she is addicted to medicine? Why did she rest her head on my shoulder? Does she remember me? After all this time why did she ended up in my center? Is it some kind of signal from God to make her mine?" So many questions but answers to these questions were unknown.

I parked my car outside the company and sat on the car for long time. I was so lost in her thought that I jolted when someone knocked on the window. As I glanced at the window I saw Baca my secretary standing outside the car. I got out of the car.

"Good morning, sir. Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Morning..." I replied hesitantly walking inside.

"You seem stressed. Is there anything I can help?" she asked following me behind.

"I am fine. Just get me my coffee" I said and got on the lift.

"Sure, I will be at your office in a minute" she said and walked towards cafeteria.

I absently walked towards my office not greeting back my staff which I usually used to do. As soon as I was inside my office I plonked on my chair and turned it around, towards the picture window which had the view of city.

The view which gave me so much positive vibes and let my heart to ease was now not enough to calm my heart down. I was in same place; same time with same view ahead of me but the person sitting here was entirely different.

He was not the person who took deep breath and got lost in his work right after he entered the office like any other day. He was not the person who didn't give his past any chance to hit his emotional spot inside his office. But now he was so lost in reveries that only knock on his door made him land back to his office.

"Come in" I said and turned my chair towards my desk.

Baca entered holding the cup carefully on her hand. "I brought you your coffee just the way you like black and strong" she said keeping it on my table.

"Thank you" I said staring at the coffee cup.

"Is there anything else?" asked Baca.

"No, you can leave" I said turning the file on my desk.

"Are you sure you don't..."

"Will you please stop irritating me and leave?" I said in cold tone which made Baca instantly turn around and leave in hesitant manner.

I glanced at the coffee she brought for some time and turned my chair back to the window and continued looking at the view. I didn't want to work anymore. I just want to run back to her and hug her tight. I didn't want to lose this chance like the last time. I really, really wanted to make her mine in this life. A life which had everything except her but sadly that is not possible at all as she is wife of someone else now.

"Sir Clients are here"

The sudden voice of Mandy startled me. I turned towards him with my furious expression but before I could say anything he hurriedly spoke out "I... I knocked twice but you didn't give any respond so I thought to come in. As it is urgent Clients are desperately waiting you at the conference hall."

"I.... I don't want to attend this meeting" I said feeling irritated.

He glanced at me with concern in his eyes and asked "Is everything alright? Baca was saying you didn't seem good today. You look lost."

Rubbing my temples I said "I am just having a headache."

"I can help to deal with the Clients sir. You just be present there otherwise they might think that we are taking them lightly and didn't want the deal with them" he said trying to persuade me.

I thought for a while and nodded.

[*****]

I took a deep breath before entering the hall. Everyone was already inside and they greeted me politely. I greeted them back and sat on my chair. I glanced at Mandy when he nodded his head gesturing he was all set I spoke out.

"Well thank you everyone for being here. I am glad you want to work with our company. It is really a big thing for our company. So to explain about the deal further I want my staff Mandy to present his presentation."

When everyone focused on Mandy he got up and started to explain everything. Though he was speaking out but I was not able to hear him. I was just hearing James. The things he said back then echoed on my ear one after another.

"Everything will be alright soon, don't worry honey"

"God knows how to deal with this dumb people she is so difficult person. If I knew it before and her parents didn't lie about her then I would have never married a dumb."

"I did it so many times I have hid all the medicine even threw them all but god knows from where she gets them back. I took her everywhere...."

"They say they cannot help..."

"Your centre is my only hope"

"I would have never married a dumb."

All the words of James made me realize that he didn't love Lisa. He was just into the marriage but didn't love her. Maybe that was the reason she was depressed, maybe her marriage didn't provided her the comfort and love which she was seeking for.

"Bravo... bravo..." when everyone clapped I came back to my sense that I was actually in a meeting.

Soon the meeting ended with deal being signed. Everyone praised Mandy for his presentation. I too appreciated his work and thanked him for his work. I then walked back to my office.

As more time passed more desperate I got. So late in the afternoon I got out of the office and thought to go back to center and check on Lisa. But as I got on my car and was all set to go a thought crossed my mind reminding me that she was only a patient to me now not more than that. I started my car and head back to my apartment with same desperate heart to see her.

I got inside my lifeless apartment. I thought to take a shower and freshen up so that it can help. But standing beneath the shower for an hour nothing happened I was same desperate Steven.

I came out of the washroom and plonked on the couch. I leaned my back and watched the ceiling thinking about almost everything related to Lisa. I don't know when I fall asleep.

When I open my eyes I found myself on a couch. I looked around it was already dark. I got up and switched on the light. I went to the kitchen thinking to prepare something to eat but I stood near the gas for long time not deciding what to cook just absently watching the flame.

I walked to the balcony and watched the city lit up in light. I so badly wanted to see her but something was stopping me. Just one reason I was trying to find out to go and see her. I was totally lost somewhere and when I came back to my sense fighting back to my thoughts I picked up the keys and got out of my apartment. Just once I wanted to see her from distance calm down my heart like the days in past. I got on the car and drove towards the centre.

As I got inside the gate I heard a scream. I was shocked and ran inside. I saw manager Arvin in the hall and walking towards him I asked "whose scream was that?"

Arvin in shock glanced at me and said "I was just about to call you sir. It's the lady admitted today."  
"You mean the girl addicted to medicine?" I asked in fright.

"Yeah..." as he just nodded another scream came. I was shocked hearing the scream coming from downstairs which was actually male section.

I glanced at Arvin and asked furiously "what is she doing downstairs?"

"I... I don't know sir it was Rose...." His sentence was interrupted with another scream. So without waiting for his explanation I ran downstairs. Following her scream I reached the room where she was.

I opened the door and went inside. The room was dark so I switched on the light and saw Lisa sitting on the corner of the room hugging her knees. She slowly lifted her head up and glanced into my eyes. Her eyes were filled with fright. Seeing me she stood on her foot and ran towards me.

I had no idea why she was coming towards me but before I could conclude with a reason she hugged me tight. I went numb. The girl who I had loved since so long and was wife of someone else was right in my arms. I was totally stunned.

[*****]

## CHAPTER FOUR

For a while I didn't make any move and stood still trying to embrace that beautiful moment I have been waiting since so long. But it didn't last long when I came back to my reality I pulled myself back. I gripped her arms and made her sit on the bed. My eyes fall on the plate full of rice which was kept at the side of her bed and in a second I got that she didn't ate it.

I called Arvin and told him to get her something to eat. When he left I took out my cell phone and dialed Rose's number.

"Hello" she answered in sleepy tone.

Trying my best to suppress my anger I said "Rose, why is she staying in male's section?"

"She who?" she asked lazily.

"The one who got admitted today" I said taking long breath.

She yawned and said "Oh! She... actually the female section is all packed. So I thought..."

"Great you just thought and did without asking me. Great very great all other time you irritate me asking things you already know and the important things like this you ignore and really don't bother to ask me" I was totally losing my mind.

"What was I supposed to do then? Female section is all packed up. Even I told you about it then what would you do? Will you take her to your home and keep?" her voice was furious.

"You know what that sounds great" I said and disconnected the call in anger.

I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to calm myself down walking back and forth in front of Lisa. After some time taking deep breath I called her "come with me."

I walked out of the room and when I turned back I saw her retrieving a notebook from beneath the pillow. Holding it close to her chest she came out of the room. I walked upstairs and went to my office. I fetched the key from the drawer beneath my desk and walked to my office's personal room.

It had been long I had not used that room. For some months after building up the centre I stayed there but when the work load increased at the company I moved to the apartment few distance away from my company. When Arvin came to my office with the food I asked him to send someone to clean the room.

"Eat it..." I said handing Lisa the plate but she ignored me. She was looking at the light for long time. I patted on her shoulder and took the spoon full of rice near her mouth.

Like obedient child she ate the food. When I feed her again she stopped and made me eat it. When I nodded no she pushed my hand towards my mouth. Probably, she was acting like a child and wanted me to eat with her. I had no other choice rather than eating with her. When I took the bite she glanced back at me. I made her eat another bite she obediently ate it. Seeing her behavior it was clear that she did took care of those who cared for her.

"The room is ready?" said cleaner coming out of the room.

"Thank you. You can rest now" I said him and took Lisa to the room.

I made her sleep on the bed and pulled the blanket over her body. I took my hand to switch off the lamp but she kept her hand on mine and shook her head gesturing 'no.'

"So, she was afraid of dark" I withdrew my hand back "goodnight."

Whole night I lied on the longue and watched Lisa. I know it is not good watching someone else's wife but no matter how hard I try I was not able to stay away from her. For me staring at her face was all enough I want nothing more than that.

[*****]

Next morning before she got up I walked out of the centre and went back to my apartment. After quick shower I got ready and hooped into my car. I left for company in hurry but due to headache I was not able to drive fast.

When I reached company I went straight to my office. I sat on my seat and tried to focus on my work but the headache was growing sever. I pulled the drawer beneath my desk to fetch a medicine and suddenly something stroke my head.

"No, no... no" I rushed out of my office in hurry.

"Sir I was about to..." Baca voice went low to mute but I didn't cared and ran inside the lift. I hurriedly pressed the button for numerous times until the door closed.

As soon as lift door open I ran towards my car fetching the key from my pocket. I hurriedly got inside the car and drove away. My heart was beating out so loud. My head which was about to explode with headache a few minutes ago was now filled with only one thought "please don't let her pull that drawer. Please, please, please..."

I stopped my car outside the gate and rushed inside. As I ran towards my office Arvin came in my way saying "I was about to call you sir..."

"Arvin not now..." I said and ran inside my office and headed straight to the room where Lisa was.

As soon as I got inside stamping my feet hard on the floor Lisa startled and dropped the medicine from her hand. She was actually going to eat the medicine. I hurriedly pulled her away but she tried to pick the medicine from the ground.

"Arvin...." I called out.

He rushed inside and I asked him to collect all the medicine from the ground and from the drawer and take it outside the room. Well he was collecting the medicine Lisa still tried to break free from my grip and reach for the medicine. I tried to make her look away from the medicine but her gaze was fixed on every medicine which Arvin was picking.

"Lisa... look at me... Lisa look at me" I gripped her cheeks and tried to make her look at me. But she was not turning her face towards me.

"Lisa..." my loud voice was finally able to draw her attention towards me but she was not lifting her head and looking at me. I gently lifted her chin made her to look at me.

I saw tears rolling down her eyes. I gently wiped her tears saying "Lisa listen to me... it is not good to take medicine. Are you listening?"

"Lisa..." I looked deep into her eyes and saw her soul which was wounded and broken. I tried to know more about her pain from those eyes but I was not able to do so. Luckily I was able to calm down her down.

I knew her condition very well. I have been through this before. I too was in rehabilitation centre. I too struggled hard to get just one shot of drugs. I know the pain, the addiction, the anxiety everything she was going through.

"I think it is better you take her out" said Arvin who was still checking every drawer of the room.

I wrapped my hand around her neck and took her out of the room. We walked to the garden. I made her sit on the bench where she was sitting with her husband the previous day. She pulled my suit when I looked at her she gestured me to sit beside her.

"Do you want me to sit here?" I asked. She nodded her head up and down indicating 'Yes'.

I sat beside her. She kept her head on my shoulder. Her gaze was fixed on the same rose plant. There was silence between us for long time. I wanted to speak out but I had no words to say.

She then slowly lifted her hand and pointed her index finger towards the rose. I was not able to understand what she meant. So I asked her "do you want that rose?"

She didn't gesture anything for a while. But suddenly spoke out "I know that plant."

I was dumbfounded hearing her voice "you....you can speak." I stammered trying to figure out whether I heard her or not.

"Yeah..." she replied without anything but I wanted to hear her more.

"But your husband... he said you cannot..."

"I feel it unnecessary to talk in front of him and for him" she said which I didn't understand.

"If so then why are you talking with me?" I asked to keep the conversation ongoing.

"There are numerous reasons" she replied.

"Like...?" I asked.

"You are only the one who lit up light in my life" she replied.

I remembered last night she was screaming and when I lit up the light she came running towards me and hugged me tight. So, maybe she was talking about it.

"And...?" I asked again.

"The way you feed me no one ever did it to me" she replied.

"And...?"

"You wiped my tears away and instead of getting mad at me you calm me down" she said taking deep breath.

"And...?" I wanted to hear her voice for forever.

"And your presence soothes me..."

For a minute I felt my heart stopping listening her. There was total silence for some time until I asked her "why are you addicted to medicine?"

[*****]

## CHAPTER FIVE

When I asked her she suddenly sat upright and got alert. I was surprised with her sudden action.

"What happen?" I asked but she didn't answered instead began to weep silently. This made me realize that so many things are there to understand about her and I was rushing over it.

She had just started to talk but here I was asking so many questions without caring of her emotional spot. How could I forget that though I had no reason taking drug but she might have big reason behind it?

"I... I am sorry. I shouldn't be asking you that right? I am really sorry you don't have to tell me if you don't want its totally okay" I said trying to persuade her.

Only then she wiped her tears away and my heart was in ease. The bell for breakfast rang and I got up.

"Let's go inside you must be starving."

"No, I don't want to eat" she replied looking sideways.

"But I want to. See yesterday I feed you now it's your turn. Come on don't you want to pay back the favor?"

"Was it just your favor?" her question hit my heart.

I wanted to tell her "no, it wasn't. It was my love for you which I have since so long."

But before saying anything I had to be very careful that now there was a line between us. She is wife of someone else and a patient of my centre. So no emotional attachment was possible.

"Um... I have nothing to say just the rules are strict here. If you won't eat now then you will not be getting any meal for today be it lunch, snacks or dinner" I tried to persuade her though there was no any rules like that.

"Do you think I can't survive? I am used to it" she said folding her arms.

"What? What do you mean by that?" I got alert and asked with curiosity.

"Nothing... just nothing I said nothing" she said getting up and added "let's go."

She rushed inside and I followed her in dilemma "What was she supposed to mean by that?"

I sat with her in large dining hall which had numerous numbers of chairs and tables. Most of the chairs were filled and they all were having their breakfast. I placed the plate in front of Lisa.

"Where is your plate?" she asked.

"No, I am good. You have it" I said looking at my cell phone.

"Here... take it" she patted on my shoulder.

I glanced at her then at the plate. I saw that she had divided the sandwich into two equal.

"No, no you don't have to this I am alright. You can have it. I am not starving" I refused.  
"If you will not have it then I too don't want this" she said pushing the plate away.

"Okay, fine" I took one half of the sandwich and took a bite. She took the other half and ate it smiling at me. I found a paradise seeing her smiling. Her smiling was soothing me.

"Sir..." I heard Arvin calling out for me.

I lifted my head and looked at him before he said "I need to talk with you."

"Have your breakfast and go to block B. I will see you in a minute" I said and got up.

She suddenly held my wrist and said "I will be waiting."

I glanced at her and nodded my head. Only then she left my wrist and began to have her breakfast. I followed Arvin and went out of the hall.

I was surprised seeing receptionist desk empty so I asked immediately "where is Rose?"

Hearing me Arvin immediately turned towards me and said "she is the reason I wanted to talk about. She quit her job."

"What? When? Why?" I was shocked.

"I don't know. When I called her she just said she is quitting and before I asked for anything she disconnected. I called her again but she didn't answer."

Listening Arvin I fetched my phone from my pocket and dialed Rose's number. The ring went but she didn't pick up. Probably she was showing her attitude because I yelled at her last night. She always did that. Be it to increase her salary or get scolded because of her mistake she does the same stay at home and not show up until I convince her. Never in my life I had convinced Rose more than anyone else.

Keeping my phone back on my pocket I said "we need to get new receptionist prepare for it."

"Are you sure?" asked Arvin.

"Yeah, I am totally faded up with her dramas. Enough is enough. I am her boss not her boyfriend. I pay her to work not to show her attitude and stay home for every small issue. And make sure you provide her this month's salary to new receptionist as welcome bonus..."

Arvin smiled at me like he was just waiting for a day to kick Rose out of the centre "I will make all the arrangements as soon as possible."

[*****]

I went to block B looking for Lisa. I was not able to find her anywhere. I panicked and checked each and every hall until I saw her in the corner of hall number five painting something in a canvas. My heart eased seeing her.

While I was watching her my cell phone rang. I absently picked up the call tucked it on my ear without checking the caller id and said "Yes, Steven speaking."

"I know very well who is speaking you don't have to remind me my own son's name" mom's voice startled me.

I smiled and walking out of the building talking to her "hey, mom. How are you?"

"I am good. But it seems like my son is not good" she replied.

"It's nothing like that. I was just busy with something and didn't check the number before answering it" I said.

"Really, was busy with something or someone?"

Mom's question made me stand still with big curved formed on my face "How did she know that?"

"Bit of silence means definitely someone. Who is she?" she asked in excited tone.

"You are thinking too much mom. It is nothing like that. Anyway where is dad? How is he?" I changed the topic deliberately.

"Well he is fine as well. He has gone out for groceries shopping" she replied.

"Glad you both are fine. Okay I need to go mom. I will call you some other time when I will be free" I said tucking my hand on the pocket.

"Okay, Stev... take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well and sleep well. Don't take too much of work burdens. Love you..." she said and disconnected the call.

For a while I glanced at the screen absently. I regretted how I afflicted my parents in past. They are so loving that now they have completely forgotten all those things and taking care of me. I am really damn lucky to have them as my parents.

Leaving Arvin to handle other matters I left for my company. Before leaving I made sure to Arvin that he needed to get new receptionist as soon as possible and also told him to take care of Lisa.

Back in the company I felt my energy back. I was feeling bliss inside and I was longing to work hard like always. I attended all my meetings and went through the files which needed to be checked. I got so lost in my work that I took no notice when it got dark.

When I got out of the company I called Arvin but he didn't answer my call. I sat on my car and was about to call him back but before I could dial his number my phone rang flashing out his caller id.

"Yeah, I just called you to ask about Lisa. Did she have her dinner?" I asked as soon as I tucked the phone on my ear.

"Sir we are not able to find her. We checked the building but she is nowhere to be found."

Arvin's words skipped my heart "What do you meant nowhere to be found?"

"She didn't come for dinner. So I checked her room and other room in block A but she is not here."

I hung up the call and drove my car in full speed towards the centre. As soon as I reached I got out the car and rushed inside.

"How can you be this careless? Can't you take care of one single patient?" I exploded on Arvin.

He stood with his head down apologizing "I am sorry sir. I was just busy preparing advertisement for the vacancy."

"Whatever... did you checked block B?" I asked.

"Yeah, I send Janitor there to check but he said he didn't find her there" replied Arvin.

I wanted reassurance so I myself walked towards the block B. I went straight towards the hall number five where I had last seen Lisa. I opened the door and lit up the light. The hall was empty. I sadly turned to leave but I noticed someone on the corner of room behind the canvas easel.

When I walked towards it I saw Lisa was lying on the floor. So many bad thoughts crossed my mind. I slowly patted her cheeks and called her out "Lisa... Lisa."

I felt her cheeks were so hot. I kept my palm on her forehead which too was hot. She was suffering from high fever. I took her on my arms and walked out of the room.

I gently placed her on the bed and called for doctor. When doctor came and checked her he suggested me to try other remedies rather than giving her a medicine as she was addicted to medicine and it was good for not to take any medicine further.

Whole night I took care of her by putting wet towel on her forehead and changing it time and again. It was around four in the morning her fever decreased and I was able to fall asleep on the longue exhausted.

[*****]

## CHAPTER SIX

I opened my eyes blinking twice I closed it back. I then opened it immediately and sat upright. I looked around and found myself in my office. I had fallen deep asleep on the longue. Sun had already got on top of my head. I was furious why Arvin didn't wake me up even it was so late.

Rubbing my eyes I walked to the room where Lisa was sleeping but I was shocked seeing empty bed. I checked around the room but she was not there.

"Why do I always have to search for her?" talking to myself I got out of my office. But as I was about to head downstairs Lisa appeared with warm smile and dimples on her cheeks saying "hey, you are awake."

"Yeah, how are you feeling now?" without giving her a chance to replay I touched her forehead with my palm and added "how is your fever now?"

Lisa with same smile replied "I am fine now and fever is gone as I was taken care by a person whole night."

I couldn't stop myself from smiling at her when I heard her. But the smile faded away in no time when I recalled about the previous night "why did you stayed there? You should have come here when everyone did."

"I had told you that I would be waiting there. I didn't want to disappoint you" she replied in innocent tone that I totally melt down. I had totally forgotten that I had told her to go to block B and wait there. How absent-minded I was.

"I am sorry..." I said giving a smile full of regrets.

"It's alright..." she replied.

"By the way it is noon why didn't Arvin came and woke me up. I need to go to the company. And where the hell is my cell phone" I said searching my pocket.

I noticed mischievous smile on Lisa's face and asked her "You have it right?"

"Noooo..." she said with long tone but the smile didn't left her face.

"Please... Lisa give it back" I begged.

"Okay but in one, no two conditions" she said stepping backwards.

"What conditions?" I asked eagerly.

"Um... you have to be my friend and..."

I cut her in mid-sentence "am I not? I mean I have thought you as my friend."

"Have you? That is so sweet of you..." she replied pouting her lips which made her to look so cute.

"So what is your second condition?" I asked.

"You will not go anywhere today and stay by my side" she replied at once.

I was stunned listening her "you don't want me to leave?"

Her gaze suddenly turned intense and serious. The smile soon faded away. She then said in low tone "I never wanted you to leave..."

My eyes widened hearing her. I was surprised hearing her "what do you mean...?"

She lowered her head down not saying anything. This made me so desperate that I was not able to stop myself from stepping towards her. I asked her again "what do you mean by..."

"Sir..." I heard Arvin's voice behind me.

I turned towards him and said in disappointment "Arvin it's already noon and you didn't woke me up why?"

Arvin stared at me in confusion "sir you told not to disturb you isn't it?"

I was surprised hearing him "when did I told you that?"

"Um... I..." Arvin stammered.

"I told him" Lisa spoke out.

I glanced at her in confusion "Arvin you can leave I will meet you in a minute."

As soon as Arvin left before I could open my mouth to speak Lisa hurriedly said "I wanted you to take rest as you didn't slept well last night. I am so sorry if I offended you."

Offended? No, not at all in fact it is what I wanted all this time. I wanted her to take care of me the way she was doing right now. I was having goosebumps. I had never ever thought that the wish I had wished to happen for so long was finally coming true.

"Are you angry with me? I am sorry..." returning my cell phone she asked.

"No..." I said taking back my phone.

She glanced at me with her bright smile. I really didn't wanted to do anything offensive but each time I saw her smile it totally rejuvenated my soul and made me fall more in love with her. I was afraid that one day a day would come when I would love her so deeply that it would be hard for me to handle myself for staying away from her. And the saddest part was it was definitely going to happen when she would be taken back by her husband and I would be left all alone again.

I withdrew my gaze away from her and looked sideways. After minute of silence I spoke out "I need to get back to my apartment."

"Why?" her tone was filled with disappointment.

"I need to take shower and change. See since yesterday I am roaming in this cloth" I replied showing my clothes on my body.

"Fine..." she said and walked downstairs.

"Lisa..." I called her out.

She lifted her head and looked at me before I said "don't stay in block B waiting for me if I am late you should come back and wait me here. Okay?"

She just nodded her head up and down and left.

I stood there for a while and left for my apartment. Whole way I thought about her and that smile with the dimples on her cheeks. I was doing it again. Thinking about her and getting lost in her. All this time I had made a schedule that I would only think about her in the morning and in the evening but not on day. I used to keep my schedule pack that I wouldn't get a chance to think about her.

Now her arrival has somersault everything. I am not able to concentrate on any of my works. I am just onto her thoughts.

[******]

"This place is really amazing" she said spinning around standing on the centre of the basketball court. Morning sunlight was falling on our face slowly. I couldn't believe it was really happening. She was standing right beside me this early morning.

"You like it?" I asked.

"Yes, who would have thought that a rehabilitation centre would be this advanced" she said walking towards the bench and sat on it.

Sitting beside her I said "Yeah, I have been to worst rehabilitation centre in my life. So when I came out I made up my mind to construct a rehabilitation centre which would treat patients in such a way that, they would take up healthy habit and would never go back to take drugs. In my opinion forcing one to not take drugs is not an actual care of addiction.

Actual care is making the addiction totally go out of the mind of patients and make them realize that their life is worth doing many other things rather than dozing around in addiction searching for bliss. Make your life meaningful to live. I am sure you will find more bliss on it than taking drugs."

She stared at me for a while not even blinking her eyes "You have been to rehabilitation centre before?"

"Yeah" I nodded.

Slowly blinking her eyes she said "aren't you going to tell me about that?"

"Well I was trapped in drug addiction few years ago for which I went to rehabilitation centre for six months."

"You were not sent like me but went by yourself" she was surprised.

"Yeah because I found someone for whom I wanted to change..." I said taking deep breath.

"Really?" she asked faintly.

I felt awkward silence between us for a while. So sighing deep I turned towards her and said "actually it was a girl whom I loved for long time and wanted to..."

Suddenly she got up I was so shocked without giving me a chance to ask her anything she ran.

"Lisa..." I called out but she didn't stopped. When I ran after her I saw her hugging someone. I stood still and watched her standing few meters away.

Arvin came towards me and said "I had selected a girl as receptionist. There she is..." he pointed at the girl who was talking with Lisa.

I walked towards them and Arvin introduced me to her "Jessica he is our boss Mr. Powel."

"Good morning sir" she said tucking her hair behind her ear.

"You two know each other?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Yeah..." she nodded and got interrupted by Lisa "we are best friend Steven. Can you believe this after so long we met? I am so happy."

I could clearly figure out how happy Lisa was seeing her excitement and that big smile on her face.

"Seems, like you have a company now, I am finally free" I said though I didn't want to leave her.

"In your dreams I am not leaving your side. Probably not in this life" said Lisa with sinister smile on her face for which I rolled my eyes.

"Come I will so you around" said Arvin to Jessica but I stopped him "No, I will show her around you go and deal with other things."

Arvin nodded and left. Together with Lisa and Jessica I walked towards block B.

[*****]

## CHAPTER SEVEN

"So this block is where day activities take place" I said standing on the edge of the main door.

"Okay..." said Jessica looking around.

"Before showing you around I want to make you aware about the things that happens here" I stood facing towards them. When Jessica nodded being alert I started.

"So patients who are discharged from the room of first phase they are moved to normal dormitory. From the very next day their new life beings in our centre..." suddenly Lisa raised her hand like small kid as if she wanted to ask something.

I smiled at her and asked "What?"

"What is room of first phase? I haven't been there" she asked curiously.

"Room of first phase is the room where patients are kept when they are brought for the first time. It will be difficult for them to restrain their addiction for drugs all of a sudden so they are kept there for few days. You haven't been there because your addiction is different and vary from their symptoms..."

"What? Addiction?" Jessica was shocked hearing me. She glanced at Lisa saying "Li this is unbelievable what am I hearing? From when did you start using drugs? I know life has been..."

Suddenly she paused. I glanced at Lisa and saw that she was gesturing something with her eyes.

"What is it?" I asked in astonishment.

"It's been long time Jessica we haven't met. I have many things to tell you" Lisa said totally ignoring my question.

"Is it?" Jessica's expression changed.

I had no idea what to say "I think I will leave you two for a while and come back after sometime."

"No, no I am sorry I interrupted. You can continue" said Lisa in apologetic tone.

Curiosity raised inside me to know the things which Jessica was about to say. I knew she would know lot more about Lisa and I was looking forward to talk to her in secret but still I got back to my topic.

"As I was saying the patient's new life being after coming out of first phase room. From very next day they have to get up early and meditate for half an hour in hall number one. As you know meditation is very beneficial it helps to controls anxiety, reduces stress, enhance your memory power and many more but the most important thing is it helps to fight addictions. So that is why I kept it in number one list."

"That's impressive" Jessica said.

"So after meditation they have their breakfast and again come back to this block where they can explore their interest and hobbies. There is library, indoor as well as outdoor games, dance hall and many more. They are totally free to do whatever they are fond of enhancing their skills. Come I will show you the hall..." I lead them starting from hall number one.

[*****]

"So I will be leaving now. Arvin and Jessica you are on lead" I said and walked out of the centre.

As I reached the gate searching for keys on my pocket I heard Lisa calling me out "Steven..."

I turned around before I saw her coming toward me "Yes..."

She stood in front of me "so will I see you this evening?"

"No, I guess. My work is done here. I will sometime pay a visit here..." I replied.

"Oh! Well then have good day" she replied in low tone.

I nodded "thanks... you too have good day. Now you have your best friend by your side, enjoy. Bye"

"Bye..." she waved her hand.

I waved back at her and walked out of the gate. As I got on my car I glanced at her from the window she was still there looking at me. I smiled at her she smiled back. When I drove off I watched her from rare view mirror. Her figure shrank slowly as I got further and further. At certain point it completely disappeared and I felt sad. I wanted to turn around the car immediately and go back but deep down a voice arose 'Don't forget there is a line Steven. Now she is wife of someone else.'

I had to maintain distance as much as I can otherwise when she will be gone with her husband it will be very hard for me to come out of trauma. With so much difficulty I was able to move on before but this time I had no courage of losing her definitely not after getting close to her and knowing so many things about her. Without knowing her name I loved her madly and now knowing so many things about her I don't know how I am going to stay away from her.

I tried to know about her from Jessica but I stopped myself from doing it. It would not be right for Lisa if I ask about her with her best friend. Deep inside I was afraid I would know her darkest secret and wouldn't be able to let her go. So for that I thought to let it go and focus on my work.

As I had just got inside my office and sat on my chair Baca showed up.

"Ahem... um sir" she stammered maybe she was trying to figure out my mood.

"What is it?" I asked in calm tone.

"The business trip and site visiting for two weeks which was discussed some weeks ago is scheduled from tomorrow onwards."

When Baca's completed her sentence I was lost in deep thought "I have to stay out for two weeks which means I will not be seeing Lisa. While I hope it might help me to stay away from her."

"Sir..." when Baca called out loud I came back to my sense.

"Yes..." I said looking at her.

"I said do you want me to make the arrangements?" she asked in confused tone.

"Yeah, I will leave early morning tomorrow" I replied.

She nodded and turned around but I called her out "Baca wait... You didn't bring my coffee today."

She turned her head towards me. Smiling at me she replied "I will get it in a minute."

[*****]

Taking deep breath I got on my car. I was convincing myself to return back to my apartment. I started the engine. My heart was racing out loud.

"No, no you cannot go back to her. Head to your apartment Steven"

"Just for this time as I will not be able to get her glimpse from tomorrow"

"No" "Yes" "No" "Yes"

After having battle deep inside me I turned my car towards the centre. I was not even sure whether I was doing the right thing or not. But I must admit that I had never felt that much soothe in my entire life returning back to my centre. Thinking that I will get to see her gave me goosebumps inside. I noticed that the curve formed by my lips was not leaving my face.

Finally when I got close to the gate I saw Lisa standing on the same place where she was when I left that morning. There was big smile on her face seeing my car approaching her.

I got off the car and greeted her returning the smile "hey, still here?"

"I knew it you would come" she said with excitement mixed on her tone.

"Did you?" I was astonished. She nodded her head replying "Yes..."

"Did you stand here all day then?" I asked walking inside with her.

"I am not fool to stand here for whole day and hurt my legs. I do have my works" she said proudly.

"And can I know what work is it?" I asked turning towards her.

"You will know when I am gone" she said giving witty smile.

Her answer made me numb. I do know that she will be gone but hearing it from her made me heartbroken. I felt so helpless for not being able to make her stay by my side for forever.

Suddenly I don't know what force was it but it was pushing me towards her. Step by step I got close to her. She was stepping back looking at me.

"Do you really want to leave?" I asked and hell knows why I did so.

When she approached the wall she stood still and said in low tone "I wish I could tell you the answer..."

She lowered her head watching her for a while I asked her "why can't you answer it?"

She didn't reply anything so I gripped her chin gently and lifted it making her to look at me "tell me why you can't answer it?" I asked her again leaning closer to her face.

She stared deep into my eyes trying to say something "I...." my eyes fall on her rosy lips.

I leaned more close for the first time in my life I was that close to a girl. I was longing to touch her lips with mine. By now I saw she had closed her eyes which made me feel that she too wanted me to kiss her. As I was about to touch her lips with mine suddenly she looked away.

I hurriedly stepped back coming back to my sense and apologized "I... I am sorry... I didn't mean to... I am really sorry. I know this is not right. I am so sorry."

And without looking at her face I ran outside due to embarrassment. I was regretting it so much.

"What were you thinking Steven? You were about to kiss someone else's wife. You know it right? It is a sin. James had trusted you and left her by your side so that you can cure her. But you... you are not a person that can be trusted just the way your father said. You are a cheater."

"No, I am not... I loved her long before she got married..."

"Still you don't have any right to kiss her not even touch her..."

As I was driving towards my apartment a war was going inside me. When I was not able to resist it anymore I pressed the break hard and got out of my car.

"AHHHHHHHH...." I screamed out loud.

"Why God? Why?" I kicked the tire furiously.

"What might she be thinking? Indeed must be angry at me as I was going to take advantage of her.... How Steven? How? How can you make such blunder mistake?"

After yelling out for an hour in that empty dark road I calmed myself down thinking that at least I didn't kissed her but who knew it would be the greatest regret whole my life for not kissing her.

[*****]

## CHAPTER EIGHT

Two weeks passed out and I felt it was the longest weeks of my entire life. I was so embarrassed thinking about the incident. I wanted to apologies Lisa. When I was thinking about a way to ask for an apology coming out of the airport I saw florist shop at the other side of the road. Without thinking twice I walked to the shop.

I stood for long time watching each and every flower carefully. I had no idea which flower I should be giving her so that she would accept my apology. It was really a difficult decision to make.

"Can I help you sweetheart?" I heard a voice behind me.

As I turned around I saw a woman in her late forties smiling at me "um, yeah, actually I want to buy a flower to..."

She intervened without giving me a chance to complete my words "to propose a girl? Here take this one fresh red rose... It is just kept here."

I hurriedly pushing her hand away said "No, no... definitely not this one." I was already trapped in so much of thoughts I didn't wanted to add one more by taking a look at that red rose.

"That's strange" she said keeping the rose back to its place in astonishment "if not rose than which flower you want?"

"I... I am not able to decide that either" I said helplessly.

"If you don't mind can you tell me the purpose of buying the flower so that I can help" she said in friendly tone.

"Actually I want to apologies someone" I said touching the tulip gently.

"Well in that case you can take..." she said looking around scratching her chin with index finger "Oh! Here it is." She walked few steps ahead and picking the yellow rose said "this is perfect to apologies someone."

"Do you think this will work?" I asked not being sure about it.

"Yeah, it symbolizes friendship and can be used to apologies as well" she said packing it up. "Here take this one as well in case you want to write apology note" She handed me a small note card. I nodded and took the card from her "Thank you."

As I came out of the shop Mandy was waiting for me. I sat on the car and kept the flower gently on the seat.

"Should I drop you to your apartment?" asked Mandy looking through the rare view mirror.

"Um..." I thought for a while and replied "take me to the centre."

I took my pen out and wrote in the card "I am so Sorry- Steven" I then tucked the card in between the flowers.

I glanced outside the window and saw that the sky was all filled with heavy dark clouds with thunder and lightning time and again. It was clear that rain could start any second. I took deep breath. My heart was filled with so much joy returning back and the excitement thinking of seeing her was unexplainable.

As the car stopped in front of the gate my heart rate increased. Taking deep breath I got down from the car. As I was about to walk inside Mandy called me out "sir... do you want me to wait?"

"You can go. I will ask Arvin to drive me back to my apartment" I replied and walked inside gripping the rose tight.

As I saw Jessica on the receptionist desk busy with her work. I took my hand back making sure she wouldn't see the flowers on my hand. I wanted to go near her and ask about Lisa but found it inappropriate doing so. After all she was Lisa's friend I didn't wanted her to take me wrong or have any doubts.

So I looked around searching for a person who could help me and luckily I saw Arvin approaching me "sir you are back."

"Yeah, can you tell me where Lisa is?" I asked looking around.

"She is in her room I mean your office room" he replied.

Without saying anything further I walked towards my office. When I saw that the door was close I was about to make a knock but I was not able to collect enough guts to stand in front of her and give her the rose. So I kept the rose on the floor right in front of door, then knocked twice and ran outside.

Standing on the middle of hall I smiled to myself thinking about the stupid act that I did a while ago.

"Sir you are back. When did you get here?" Jessica asked looking up from her desk.

"Yeah I got here a while ago and now I need to go bye" I said and rushed towards the entrance immediately.

"But sir..." I heard her saying something but I interrupted her turning towards her and stepping backwards "not now Jessica. I am bit in hurry."

As I walked out of the main entrance suddenly something fall right in front of me. I lifted my head up and saw Lisa standing by the window. Seeing me she rolled her eyes and walked away.

When I looked down on the ground my heart broke into pieces. Yellow roses were scattered on the ground. Lisa had thrown them away. I thought she would forgive me but she didn't.

I walked out of the gate feeling so low. I don't know why I was being that much affected by her that her rejection made my eyes wet. One after another droplets of water fall on my body but I was not bothered with it. Instead I was having a feeling to get wet in that rain thinking it would wash all my pain away.

I know it wasn't possible but what is the use of falling in love when your mind doesn't think such stupid and impossible things.

[*****]

I heard my phone ringtone ringing continuously I tried to reach for it with my eyes closed but I was not able to find it on the table. I tried to open my eyes but I was feeling it difficult due to light. Still rubbing my eyes I opened it wide by now the ringtone was already gone.

I sat upright and glanced at my watch which was ticking half past six. My body was feeling so weak and head was so much in pain. When I was rubbing my hot temples I jolted hearing my phone ringing again. I looked around and lifted my pant from the floor. I took the cell phone from its pocket and glanced at the number. I was astonished seeing Jessica's caller ID.

Walking towards my balcony I tucked the phone on my ear but before I could respond anything Jessica spoke out "Hello, good morning sir."

"Good morning" I greeted back glancing at the city from my balcony.

"Sir actually I wanted to ask you can I take leave for today."

"Leave? Why did you called for this small reason? You could have talked with Arvin" I replied.

"Yeah, I did that but I want another permission also so Arvin sir told me to ask you"

"What is it?" I asked pinching my nose bridge due to unbearable headache.

"Actually I wanted to ask can I take Lisa out for today."

Her words made me surprised so I asked "why do you want to take her out?"

"Actually, it's her birthday today and I wanted to make her birthday special"

"What? It's her birthday" I said out loud.

"Yes, is there a problem sir?" she asked in confused tone.

I coughed out and said "no, no there is no problem at all. You can take her but make sure you will bring her back before four in the evening."

"Thank you so much sir" she disconnected the call.

Forgetting all my pain and weakness that I had a while ago on my body I walked back and forth "it's her birthday so here is my chance. I have to do something that can make her feel special and she could forgive me. But what can I do?"

I stood still for a while and dialed Arvin's number. When he answered the call after two ring I immediately spoke out "Arvin I want a favor from you."

"Good morn... favor?" he interrupted his greeting himself.

"Yeah today at five in the evening will you bring Lisa to my apartment?" I asked.

"Lisa?" probably he must be shocked hearing me so I hurriedly said "yeah, actually I am throwing a party today so I want you and Lisa to be here as you know I don't have that much friends and relatives in this city."

"What about Jessica?"

While I was surprised when Arvin asked about Jessica "while let's not involve her this time."

"Okay, I will be there by five with Lisa" replied Arvin.

"Um also I will send a dress for Lisa make sure she wears it. She might not have anything nice to wear"

"Okay..."

"And important thing don't tell Lisa anything about it. Keep it a secret until you two arrive here."

[*****]

## CHAPTER NINE

"Sir everything is sorted out. The decoration, cake, flowers everything is ready" said Mandy coming towards me.

"Would you like to drink some coffee?" I asked glancing at him.

He nodded his head. As I began to prepare coffee for him he asked "sir can I ask you something?"

"Sure" I said pouring the coffee on the cup.

"What is the reason behind all this arrangement? Is it someone special's birthday?" he asked.

I glanced at him but he hurriedly moved his gaze away from me. Maybe he felt offended asking the thing which he never did.

I handed him the cup and said "I will answer you only if you agree to keep it as our secret."

He took the cup nodding his head and saying "definitely it will remain as our secret for forever."

"It is for someone special but..." I paused taking deep breath "but saddest part is she doesn't know I take her as someone special."

"Oh! One sided love" he said in teasing tone.

I smiled and looked away from him.

He took a sip and said "if you want I can help you out to propose her. I have the best idea..."

I interrupted "I cannot do that."

"Come on boss. I know you can. You just need little bit of courage" he tried to persuade me.

"It's not about being courageous" I replied drinking my coffee.

"What is it then?" he asked out of curiosity.

"I cannot tell you that" I said turning away from him and walking towards the sink.

"Is it family issue?" he asked.

"Noooo..." I replied washing my cup.

"What is it then? You can tell me... it will be man to man talk" he still tried to persuade me.

"I am not interested in man to man talk" I said walking out of the kitchen.

He followed me behind "being frank this is the thing that I hate about you."

I turned towards him with my wide eyes and he hurriedly said "I mean the way you keep mystery hidden."

I took deep breath and said "she is married to someone else."

He was stunned hearing me. After all who would have thought that his boss would be in love with someone else's wife?

I turned back and walked towards the hall. In a while I heard him saying "extra marital affair?"

"No, no it is definitely not that" I turned towards him "I said you she doesn't know I love her."

"Oh! Sad one sided love story" he said.

"Now will you please stop interrogating me and help me out to recheck everything" I said rolling my eyes.

"Sure" he nodded keeping the cup on the table and came towards me.

"So did you use yellow and white rose?" I asked him.

"Yeah, the decoration is all done with yellow and white rose" he replied.

I looked around and found that the hall was beautifully molded with rose and balloons. He had arranged everything quite well. I sat on the couch feeling exhausted. I haven't worked much but still I was feeling so weak and exhausted.

"Sir, are you alright? You don't look good" asked Mandy standing behind the couch.

"My head feels heavy" I said rubbing my temples.

"Should I bring you medicine?" he asked in concerned tone.

"No, no I guess it will be fine after sometime" I said stretching my arms but I panicked when my eyes fall on the wall clock. It was half past four and I had not changed.

"Shit... I need to change. Mandy you stay here for a while and if you hear the doorbell don't open until I come back" I said and ran towards my room.

As I had just changed into my fine t-shirt and denim I heard doorbell ringing. I slightly pushed my hair backwards and walked out of my room. I saw Mandy was eagerly looking towards my direction. As he saw me he gave a smile.

"What?" I asked walking towards the door.

"I have never seen you on denim. You look good" he gave me a compliment.

I glanced at him raising my eyebrows and asked "are you a gay?"

"What? No... Why?" he asked hesitantly.

"No man ever passed compliments on me so I just think men don't compliment men" I said and opened the door.

I was shocked when I saw only Arvin standing at the door. Trying to look behind him I asked "where is she?"

Arvin cleared his throat and moved aside revealing Lisa who was standing behind him. There she was looking like an angle in that sky blue dress. I found her looking so beautiful in that color.

"Happy birthday Lisa" I said giving her warm smile but she rolled her eyes and walked away furiously.

I glanced at Arvin who was giving me shocked gaze "It's her birthday? You called us for the celebration?"

I nodded my head and said "can you help me out again... please?"

"God knows how many lies I have to tell her to bring her here. So, I am sorry I will not be able to help you out again..." Arvin surrendered.

"Fine..." I ran downstairs.

"Lisa.... Lisa...." I called her out looking downstairs and saw the she had not gone far.

I increased my pace and when I approached her I stood in front of her blocking the way "Lisa please listen to I am sorry. Please try to understand. I don't know why I did so I am sorry."

She stood folding her arms looking away "Lisa... please say something. Your silence is killing me. Please..."

"What should I say? I am totally out of words. Also if I say anything or do anything you will run away like in past and show up when it is too late"

I was dumbfounded hearing her "what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing..." she said pinching her nose bridge and said in irritated tone "fine what do you want me to do?"

"Just allow me to make your birthday special, please" I begged.

"But, why do you want to do so? Who am I to you?"

Well her question was absolutely reasonable "who was her for me to make her day special?" She need to know the answer but I knew it very well that it was totally useless to say her anything now.

After standing silent for a while I said in low tone "I thought you called me your friend once."

Her eyes softened hearing me she then nodded her head and said "okay fine then I will take this as a favor from a friend. Okay?"

I nodded my head though I was not that satisfy with her answer. Both of us walked upstairs and when we stood by the door before pushing the door wide open I stretched my hand towards her and asked "if you don't mind can I walk you in?"

She kept her hand on mine and nodded her. When I pushed the door and walked inside with her hand on mine suddenly flowers began to shower on us.

I was surprised because I haven't planned that. When I look around I saw Mandy and Arvin smiling at me. It must be their idea anyway I admit that it was good one.

Leaving my hand Lisa spin around giggling like a small child. She was so happy when flower was showering on her. She then stood on the middle of the hall and said looking around at the decoration "is this all for me?"

Nodding my head I said "Yes, it's all for you, Happy birthday Lisa."

She suddenly ran towards me and hugged me tight "Thank you Steven. No one has ever done this for me. Thank you so much" she whispered.

All the evening we all had lots of fun. When it came to cake cutting ceremony Mandy, Arvin and I smeared Lisa's face with cake. She was looking mess but instead of being angry she laughed out loud. She was really enjoying that moment the way I was enjoying seeing her happy. My heart was in ease seeing that smile on her face and I was ready to do anything for her smile.

I still can't believe Lisa and I had that romantic couple dance in my favorite song

" _I found a love for me_

Darling just dive right in and follow my lead...

Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me..."

[*****]

Mandy got on his car and waved at us "bye."

"Bye..." Lisa and I waved back at him.

"Once again thank you for everything" Lisa said turning towards me.

"It was my pleasure to make your day special" I said smiling at her.

Arvin stopped his car in front of us and called out for Lisa.

Lisa suddenly leaned closer to me and planted a kiss on my cheeks "you look more handsome in denim than suits" she whispered loud enough for me to hear.

I was shocked as well as happy when she planted a sweet kiss on my cheeks. Not only that, she even passed me the compliment. It took me a while to come back to my sense by then she was already inside the car waving at me.

I waved back at her with big smile on my face. When Arvin drove away I my eyes suddenly blurred and I felt weak to stand. I rubbed my eyes to get clear vision but it went more blur. I fall on my knee then my body collapsed on the cold ground everything went blank.

[****]

## CHAPTER TEN

I felt someone was caressing my hair. I slowly open my eyes and saw someone's hand kept upon mine. I blinked twice and slowly moved my gaze from my hand to the face of the person. When I saw Lisa smiling at me I thought I was dreaming so I closed my eyes back thinking that I could come back to reality when I open it again.

But when I opened it again she was still there. I got up hurriedly, looked around and found myself inside hospital room.

"How did I got here?" I was confused because the last thing I was able to remember was that I see off Lisa and Arvin when the car went little further I collapsed on the ground falling unconscious.

"How are you feeling?" asked Lisa keeping her hand on my shoulder.

"I... How did I got her?" I asked in astonishment.

"Arvin and I brought you here. When I looked back from the window I saw you were laying on the ground" she replied.

I nodded my head absently "Oh!..."

"Now you tell me why didn't you told us that you were suffering from fever?" asked Lisa being little annoyed.

Leaning my back on the well I replied "I didn't want you to get worried in your special day."

"What would you do if I were in your place?" she asked folding her arms.

I gave witty laugh and said "I would be angry with you."

"So am I" she got up and walked to the door.

"Wait, what? No, you cannot do that. We have just started talking" I said.

"Yes, I can. How can you be this careless then?" she turned towards me.

"I am sorry. I won't do that again. Please don't go" as soon as I said that her eyes softened and before I could notice any emotions in them she looked away from me.

"You are awake" Arvin stood on the door and said looking at me.

"Yeah, I need to go" I said and got down from the bed.

"Wait let doctor come and examine you. When he says you can leave only then you can go" Lisa walked back and sat on the tool beside the bed.

"But Lisa..." I glanced at my watch and sat upright being alert I said "Oh! God it's already ten. I need to attend board meeting today."

"Steven" she gripped my wrist "your boards are not running away. You take rest for today. Health comes first."

"If so then why don't you apply it on your life? Why doesn't your health come first in your case?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

She looked away without replying my answer. I wanted her to answer my question but she didn't replied anything. So when I was about to ask her again doctor came in and interrupted "Mr. Powel how are you feeling now?"

He started to examine me but my gaze was fixed on Lisa who was sitting lowering her head playing with her finger.

"When can he get discharged?" Arvin's voice made me look away from Lisa to doctor.

"Fever seems to be gone and there is nothing complicated so you can deal with the procedure and get him discharged from here."

Arvin and doctor together left the room leaving Lisa and me alone inside the room. I took the chance and asked her again "Lisa answer me, please I want to know."

"Know what?" she finally lifted her head and stared at me.

"That..." before I could repeat my question she interrupted "You tell me something. Who am I to you? What relation do I have with you? Is it that close that I could share everything?"  
I was astonished "what do you mean I am your friend isn't it?"

"Exactly, we are just friends isn't it? So don't you think you are asking questions which are to be known by only the one who are more than friend?"

Her words got straight to my heart. I felt like my heart was been pierced and it was bleeding. I swallowed hard not able to say anything.

She got up and said "so it is better for both of us to know our limit and know about each other only to the point of being friend not more than that."

She walked out of the room leaving me heartbroken but it was totally not her fault. I mean how could it be? She was not the one to love me it was me. And I was been punished for trying to cross the limits. But I got angry at her. She said the thing which I didn't wanted to hear and maybe it hurt my ego.

[*****]

"You take her to the center" I ordered Arvin who helped me to get out of the car.

"No, I will come with you" Lisa got off the car.

"Arvin I need to stay alone please take her away from me" I said and walked inside the building.

When I went upstairs and got inside my apartment I exploded out. I kicked the door, wall, couch almost everything in anger. The decoration done for Lisa was still there I grasped the flowers and balloons and threw it on the floor.

"Why... why always it has to be me? Ahhhhh?" I screamed.

Lisa's words were echoing on my mind one after another. I was feeling so miserable. I walked to the window and glanced outside checking if they had left or not but I found Lisa was still standing outside and Arvin was saying something.

I walked out of my apartment in anger. When I approached Lisa she was smiling at me but without returning the smile and responding anything to her I glanced at Arvin "call her husband and tell him that his wife is discharging tomorrow. She has recovered now."

Arvin nodded absently and as I was about to head back to my apartment Lisa suddenly gripped my wrist "No, Steven, please I don't want to go back. Please don't send me with him. I beg you."

I grasped her hand and throwing it aside said "Lisa you are wife of someone else and I have no relation with you. So please be on your limit. You can go back to your home tomorrow."

"I don't have any home" she said with her head down.

"But you do have your husband. My center doesn't feed the patients who have already recovered" I said ferociously.

She lifted her head and stared at me with her eyes full of tears "I... I... Steven... please..." She stammered to say something but I didn't gave her any chance.

I rolled my eyes and gripped her arms tight. Opening the door I pushed her inside the car.

"Steven, you said we are friends..." she tried to get down.

"Exactly being friends we have limits so don't try to cross that limit. Go to your husband and live with him. You are absolutely fine now so my work is done. You can leave" I said and closed the door hard.

Arvin started the car and Lisa glanced at me one last time. When car went away I watched it shrinking and disappearing completely. When my legs felt weak to stand I fall on my knees. Lifting my head up in the sky I yelled out loud.

[*****]

I lied on the couch supporting my head with my hands. So many thoughts were crossing my mind. I don't know why I reacted so hard on her. For a minute I was happy that I would finally get rid of her but no I was so wrong. She was in my heart and now on my head. Her thoughts were bothering me so much.

"I really shouldn't have been that harsh on her..."

"Relax now she will be gone..."

"I know but how am I supposed to live. I have become habitual of her..."

"Just the way you lived all this year. Remember you were habitual to her but still you survived without her..."

I was talking to myself until the phone on my pocket buzzed and startled me bringing back to sense. I retrieved my phone from my pocket and glanced at the number. Taking deep breathe I pressed the answer button and tucked it on my ear.

"Hello..."

"Steven, your dad..." mom's quivering voice made me shocked and I got up immediately "what happened to dad?"

"He is been admitted to hospital. He got unconscious all of a sudden. Please come back Steven" her voice was broken and she was crying which gave pierced to my heart.

"I am coming" I disconnected the call and dialed Baca's number hurriedly "Baca I need to get back to my home immediately so book my flight."

"But sir why?"

I rolled my eyes and said "do as I said. I need to leave now."

"Okay...I will get back to you in a minute" she replied hurriedly.

[*****]

## CHAPTER ELEVEN

I plonked on my seat and retrieved my phone from my pocket to keep it on flight mode but suddenly Jessica's call came in. I cleared my throat and pressed the answer button.

"Hello" I said tucking it on my ear.

"Hello, sir I called for Lisa. She..."

"Is he there to pick her up?" I asked interrupting her.

"Yeah..." she said in astonished tone.

"You can send her with him. She has recovered now" I said straightforward.

"But sir..."

Hostess coming towards me saying "Sir we are about to take off therefore I request you to fasten your seatbelt and keep your phone on flight mood."

I nodded my head and said to Jessica "do as I said and tell Arvin to handle everything until I return. Bye" I disconnected the called and turned on the flight mood.

I leaned my back and closed my eyes. So many things were happening at once. My heart was beating out loud. Whether it was for my dad's condition or for Lisa I was totally not able to figure it out. My head felt so heavy. I just wanted a bit of peace.

But seems like god was still not done with me as I was trying to have some peace I felt cold on my chest like someone had poured cold water on me. I hurriedly opened my eyes and found that hostess was standing in front of me with apologetic expression and before I could say anything she apologized "I am so sorry sir..."

"Yeah, you better be now go and get me another drink" lady sitting beside me said in rude tone and grabbed tissue paper.

"I don't know what she was thinking of herself. Let me clean" she tried to clean my shirt.

But I hurriedly stopped her "no, it's alright. I will clean it myself."

"Are you sure? I am afraid stain may remain" she said looking at my shirt.

I got up and walked to the washroom. After sometime I returned back to my seat still with the smell of whisky on my body. As I approached my seat I saw that lady took the whole whisky bottle and a glass from the hostess.

As I sat on my seat she said "smells good, wanna try?"

I shook my head refusing her "no, I don't drink."

"What? Really?" she said in astonishment.

Nodding my head I leaned my back and closed my eyes trying to indicate her that I didn't wanted to talk with her.

"Actually, I too don't drink. I mean I drink but not in this amount. But today I am compelled to" she said and drank the whisky from her glass in one gulp and filled the glass again.

I was stunned seeing her drinking in that manner.

"No, matter how hard I try but he... he doesn't understand" she said gulping another shots. She glanced at me and rolled her eyes "come on I wanted to be a mother and I had done so much for her. So can't she give me one single child? But instead she is trying to snatch my husband. So, guess what...?"

She laughed out like paranoid and said again "Finally after so many efforts I was able to send her away from our life but today he went to bring her back. I told him not to bring her back but he was not ready to listen. I really cannot figure out what she has that attracts him? Even though I am way better than her except the fact I cannot give birth to a child. But even though she too had flaws but why does he care about her more than me? Why?" she started to cry.

Literally, I had no idea what she was talking about and trust me I was so irritated hearing her. I knew it was not her who was talking it was that whisky which was making her to chatter out the things about her personal life. So I took the bottle from her hand and called the hostess who was standing few meters away.

"Please take it back" I said handing her the bottle.

"Wait I am still not done. I want to drink that" lady tried to reach the bottled but I gestured to take it away.

"You send it away" she said in disappointment.

"Yeah, tell me one thing. Where are you going now?" I asked.

She gave a laugh and said "I am going to her parent's house. To tell them..." she pointed her index finger in air and said "you take back your daughter or give back my money which I spend on her studies."

"So, to do that don't you need to be on little bit of sense or not? If you drank all that whisky you will lose all your sense and think who will take you to her parents' home. Even if you got there do you think they will listen to a drunkard" I tried to persuade her.

She thought for a while and pointing her finger towards the tip of my nose she said "um... you are actually right? But don't call me drunkard okay..." I nodded my head and suddenly she gave a silly laugh and looked away from me "I will show them who really I am?"

Though I was able to stop her from drinking further but I was not able to make her to stay quite. She kept on blabbering things which was difficult for me to understand. And finally when there was announcement "passengers please fasten your seat belt we are about to land" that was the happiest moment for me.

I really don't remember when I got that delighted hearing that announcement before and guess what as soon as the plane landed I walked out of the seat without looking back at her. I heartily wished not to meet her again in my life.

[*****]

"Mom" I called out rushing towards her. Hearing my voice she turned her head towards me and got up from the bench immediately.

"Steven" she hugged me tight and cried out loud.

"I am here don't worry he is going to be fine" I said rubbing her back to console her. It must have been hard for her to handle the things alone.

I made her sit on the bench and sat beside her. I held her hand and asked "what did doctor said?"

As she was about to say something doctor came out of the room where dad was kept. I hurriedly got up and rushed towards him "how is he doctor? What happened to him?"

"Steven it's all because of high blood pressure seems like he is not taking his medicine in regular basis" he said keeping his hand on my shoulder.

"It had been just two days. He was about to visit the pharmacy today" mom said in quivering voice.

"For the patient of high blood pressure two days is way long time Mrs. Powel" he said glancing at my mom.

"How is his condition now?" I asked.

"He is out of danger now but this must not be repeated again or else..." said doctor taking deep breath and walked away.

"It's my fault entirely I should have forced him to bring his medicine. How could I be this careless?" mom plonked on the seat sobbing out.

"Mom" I sat beside her and tried to console her embracing her in my arms "don't blame yourself he will be alright. Don't worry."

"Steven..." she suddenly pulled away from me and stared at me with her wide eyes "are you drunk? I am smelling alcohol from you."

I hurriedly got up and said "no, mom I am not drunk I swear. Passenger sitting next to me was drinking whisky and hostess spilled it on my shirt mistakenly well serving her."

"Is it so?" her eyes softened.

"You don't have to worry about me anymore. I will never go back to that place trust me mom" I said holding her hand kneeling in front of her.

"I trust you Steven. I just can't imagine losing you again..." she said taking deep breath and caressed my cheeks.

"You will not lose me I will always be with you. Now" I wiped her tears away and said "tell me have you eaten anything or just sitting ideally here?"

"Forget about me have you eaten anything or not? You came long way" she cross questioned me.

"No, I haven't and I guess you too have not eaten anything. Tell me what you want to eat? I will get it for you" I said standing on my feet.

"I am fine. You go and eat."

"I will not eat unless you agree to eat with me" I said folding my arms.

"Steven..."

"Mom..." I said after her.

"Fine bring whatever you want to eat I will accompany you" she finally agreed.

"Will return in a minute" I said and walked away.

[*****]

## CHAPTER TWELVE

I and dad were watching WWE when mom came and handed the medicine to dad. Dad ignored her and kept on watching the TV. Mom walked and stood in front of TV.

"Mom..." I said in disappointment.

"Tell your dad to take his medicine or else I will keep on standing here" she said standing still.

"Why me? He is not taking his medicine but you are not letting me to watch the TV" I said rolling my eyes.

"You are also not listening to me" she said snatching the remote away from my hand. And she turned off the TV.

"Wait... no. What did I do?" I said in annoyance.

"Here, Chris have it and both of you get up. We are going on a walk" she said handing dad the medicine.

"You are really..."dad paused taking the medicine from mom.

"Really what?" she asked folding her arms and staring at him with her wide eyes.

"So stubborn" he completed the sentence and drank the water along with the medicine swallowing hard.

"Yeah, he kind of cannot defeat mom in conversation" I smiled inside.

"Yeah I am as I cannot afford to stand for an hour in that hospital again" she said looking away from him.

It had been a week since dad got discharged from the hospital. Though he recovered well but doctor have strictly warned us to make him take his medicine in regular basis. And here they are both having this cute little fight. I never had realized that I belong to such an amazing family.

"Mom... he ate his medicine. Now, can I have that back?" I asked stretching my hand trying to reach the remote from her hand.

But she took the remote away and said "no, now it's your turn. What have I told you two? Get up we are going for a walk."

"I am not going anywhere" dad said folding his arms.

Mom walked towards him and pulling him up she said "Yes, you are coming." Though, dad didn't want to go but mom pushed him towards the door forcefully.

I took the chance and grabbed the remote but before I could turn on the TV mom called me out "Steven... do I need to push you as well."

"Coming mom" I shouted back keeping the remote back on the table and walked out of the house following them.

[*****]

I followed mom and dad from the behind walking slowly but when mom and dad were about to take a turn to the street number three which lead to Lisa's home I hurriedly rushed towards them and standing in front of them stopped them "woo... not this way."

"But, why? There is new beautiful park this way and I know you will love it" my mom said.

"No, mom lets go there some other day" I said and walked away from there.

I really didn't want to get close to her home and recall about my past.

"Fine" mom and dad both followed me.

But after walking few steps mom suddenly called out "Steven you need to move on son."

I didn't get her and looked back "I am moving on mom."

"I don't mean that" she said with a smile on her face but I was not able to understand her. So I stared at her in confusion.

"See your dad and I are old now. We do want to see our generation flourishing."

I rolled my eyes and said "mom please don't start again. It's already a week since I came here but this is the tenth times repeating this topic."

"That is why I am telling you are not listening to me. Son you are grown up now. Stop dwelling on your past rather try to focus on your future" she said putting her hand on my shoulder.

"What do you want mom?" I asked rolling my eyes.

"I want you to live Steven" she replied.

"I am living mom. See I am breathing."

"No, you aren't I mean you are living by breathing but son I don't count only breathing to live. You need to live your life like you are really living. Try to socialize with people, get yourself a girlfriend, go on a date, get married have children, start your family. See there are lots of things that you need to do to live."

"I am trying mom" I said looking away from her.

"No... you" mom was going to say something but dad stopped her "don't force him. As you said already he is grown up now. Let him take his decision."

I was so touched when dad said that. While till now I thought that it was just mom who understands me but hearing my dad I got to know how wrong I was. He did understand me as well. It was I who was turning blind eye.

I hugged them both and said "I don't want to start my family you are my family."

"If you think you are going to get away from these sugary words let me tell you that you are mistaken" mom gave a witty laugh.

"I know you will come over that topic again but before that I will be gone" I said giving sinister laugh for which mom gave disappointed look.

[*****]

Spending two weeks with my parents I got back on plane. I got alert and checked passenger sitting beside me praying not to have irritated partner like before. And luckily this time there was old man sitting beside me who kept on reading his newspaper not even giving single glance at me. Good for me.

I thought about these two weeks spending with mom and dad and felt so good inside. They did rejuvenate my soul. I had never known my family from this close as I was always busy with my own stuff. But gradually I was getting onto it. Being around family did give me strengths as well as soothe which I never felt before.

"Don't get happy this early you still need to pay for your deeds" the old man sitting next to me said all of a sudden.

"Ahem, did you say anything?" I glanced at him and asked but his face was still buried behind the newspaper.

I was surprised for a while but ignored him when there was no response from him.

"Remember the deeds in your past life" he said again.

"I beg your pardon" I said it loud enough to hear him.

Only then he glanced at me with his serious face "you were not this before am I right?"

I was stunned hearing him "what do mean?"

"Remember, your one wrong move had destroyed someone's life you soon need to pay for it. Do something before it is too late."

"What?" I was astonished.

"Excuse me" he got up and went towards the washroom. I watched him trying to figure out what he was talking about. Going further he turned back and gave me a smile. He then walked inside the washroom.

Time passed but he didn't return back. I was so desperate to ask him what he was talking about but there was no sign of him. So I looked around and called for hostess. When she approached me pointing towards the empty seat I said "an old man sitting here went to washroom long time ago but he has not return yet. I think..."

Hostess gave shocked glance at me and interrupted "you must be mistaken sir. The passenger of this seat didn't arrive and we left without him."

"What?" I went numb hearing her "there should be some mistake. He was here with me a while ago. Please stop talking nonsense and check the washroom."

"No, sir I am telling you" I got up and without listening to her walked towards the washroom.

I pushed the door but it was locked. I gave a glance at hostess who had come following me. I knocked the door twice "sir... you are in there right?"

In a moment door opened wide but the person who stepped out was not him. It was a woman who gave me shocked stare and said "is there anything wrong gentleman?"

I was speechless. What was happening with me?

"No, ma'am you can head back to your seat" hostess voice brought me back from my deep thought.

I glanced at her in embarrassment but she said in polite tone "probably there must be some mistake sir. I would like to request you please get back to your seat. We may land in any minute."

I nodded my head absently and walked back to my seat in great shock. I felt like I had a nightmare just now.

"Who was that man? What was he saying? Where did he get lost all of a sudden? Was he trying to indicate something?"

So many questions crossed my mind which had no answer. Time and again I glanced at the empty. It was better to travel with that drunkard lady than with an empty seat. At least she was not a mysterious like the empty seat beside me.

[*****]

## CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I absently walked out of the airport lost in deep thought. I was still thinking about the old man and his words. What was he trying to say?

"Sir" Mandy's voice startled me.

I glanced at him and he gave me a smile. I returned the smile weakly and got on the car.

Mandy sat on the driver seat and asked "are you alright sir? You seem lost somewhere."

"Yeah, just exhausted" I said leaning my back and closing my eyes.

"So, you will be heading back to your apartment right?" asked Mandy not being sure.

"Of course, I am do you have any other plan?" I asked still with my eyes closed.

"No, I just thought you might like to visit centre before going to your apartment" he replied.

I opened my eyes and said "why would I do that?"

"Because it's been long so I thought you would like to see her first."

"Mr. Mandy seems to think too much these days. Tell me one thing why would I like to see someone else's wife?" I rolled my eyes.

"Why would you celebrate someone else's wife's birthday?"

I widened my eyes and said furiously "should I kick you out of the car. It is better you concentrate on your work rather than on my personal stuff."

"I am sorry" he apologized quickly.

"You better be" I said and closed back my eyes trying to take some rest but Mandy's words drew me back to Lisa's thoughts.

"What would she be doing now? Maybe, living happily with her husband. But she didn't wanted to go back. Whatever it is it's none of my business she have different path to walk so do I. I should no more be affected by her."

"Sir, we are here" Mandy brought me back to my sense.

I opened my eyes looked around before getting down from the car. I walked to my apartment and plonked on the couch. I was back in my lifeless apartment. I looked around my apartment thinking about the beautiful moments spend with Lisa on her birthday.

I got up and stood by the window trying to control myself from thinking about her. But glancing down from the window made me recall how I chased Lisa away. She was not ready to go but I forced her to go. Her eyes before leaving flashed on my mind.

I was no more in control. I grabbed my keys and walked outside. I drove my car towards the centre without knowing what I was doing. She was gone like in past but this time it was I who chased her away.

At least last time I had a feeling that I tried but it was too late. So, in another life I would make her mine. But this time I was regretting it. There was guilt inside me "why did I let her go?"

I got down from my car and walked inside. But as I reached the hall I was no longer able to take any steps further. The feeling of her not being there was making my eyes wet. So I turned around and walked outside. I sat on the staircase absently watching at the gate where she used to stand and bid me bye.

Tears rolled down my eyes and I was letting it go. I had no thought of wiping it away and getting up trying to be strong. I was fade up showing how strong I was because no matter how hard I tried I would always end up being the weakest.

"She is gone..."

I jolted hearing Jessica's voice. I had no idea when she came and sat beside me. I hurriedly wiped my tears away. I didn't want her to see me crying.

"I know you had feelings for her so you don't have to hide your tears. I know it long before when I first saw you with her and the way you looked at her explained how much you adore her. So this moment I am taking myself as your friend and want to share something about her with you only if you don't mind."

I glanced at her and nodded my head.

"Lisa was the most talented student in our grade. She was so active and great artist as well for which she got a sponsor to take the responsibility of all her school expenses. Along with being good on study she was good at loving as well."

I passed a shocked gaze at her with my wide eyes.

Nodding her head she continued "yeah, you heard it right. She was so madly in love with a boy. But saddest thing is she never got any chance to say that boy how much she loved him. It was our last day of high school our exams were over and she said that she was going to talk with the boy that day. I was happy for her and prayed that she would succeed.

I didn't knew it would be the last time seeing her because the very next day I was sent to another city by my parents to prepare for my further studies. When I returned back I got to know that she was already married. I didn't knew who she was married to I just came to know that she was forced into that marriage."

"Why was she forced?" I asked.

"I have no idea. When I met her again here she never talked about her marriage. All I could feel was she was having very hard life."

"And what about the boy she loved?" I asked out of curiosity.

"She never said who he was. She was very good at keeping secret. She told me she loved someone but no matter how much I tried she never revealed his name. Not even after meeting each other after so long. She just said one thing." She looked away from me.

"What?" I asked swallowing hard. I knew I was very close to break my heart again.

"Whenever you were with her she said she felt like she was with him. Your presence gave her soothe and fulfilled the blank space she had in her heart."

I got up feeling hard to breathe and walked towards the gate.

"Don't you want to know who he was?" her question stopped me.

"Why?" I asked without turning back.

"Who knows if you were chosen one to light up her life? Though she never said anything to me but I know her she might have left some clue" she replied.

I thought for a while and said "she is no one to me why would I light up her life. I have no interest in searching for the clue" I tried to walk away but Jessica spoke again "she was not ready to go with James but James raised his hand on her and forced her to get on the car."

I tightened my fist hearing her but still I managed to get close to my car.

"Remember your one wrong move had destroyed someone's life you soon need to pay for it. Do something before it is too late."

Old man's voice echoed on my head as I was about to open the door.

"Was he trying to indicate this? But how can my moves destroy her life? I had no direct connection with her."

I leaned my back on the car and watched the place where Lisa used to stand which drew me back to the flashback.

" _I am not fool to stand here whole day and hurt my legs. I do have my works."_

" _And can I know what work is it_ _?_ _"_

" _You will know when I will be gone."_

My eyes widened and I hurriedly rushed inside.

"What is it?" Jessica asked.

"Get back to your work I remembered something I need to deal with" I said and rushed towards block B.

I went to the hall where Lisa was drawing something on the canvas last time. As I entered I saw the canvas was still on the easel. I slowly stepped toward it and glance at the painting. I went numb when I saw the painting of Lisa and me sitting on the bench. Her head was lying on my shoulder and my gaze was fixed on her.

I slowly lifted my hand and touched the painting trying to feel her on that canvas but that was not possible at all. I looked away when my eyes were full of tears and my vision got blurred. I walked out the hall and walked to my office.

I plonked on the chair and watched the room which I had provide to Lisa. After some time taking deep breath I walked to the room. I pushed the door wide open and walked inside. I slowly began to touch its wall, table, bed trying to feel Lisa.

I sat on the bed and supported my head with my hand. I tried to calm myself down but the fact that she was in love with some other boy made my heart race loud. I felt like I was not that much hurt when I saw her in that bridal dress that day.

I touched the pillow gently where Lisa rested her head but suddenly I noticed something beneath the pillow. I lifted the pillow and saw a notebook. It was the same notebook which she was carrying last time.

I took it on my hand and slowly flipped its page.

"Lisa" was written in very beautiful 3d style. I touched the name and turned the page. But the page was empty I turned to another page which too was empty. I was astonished. But as I flipped it desperately something fall on the ground.

As I picked it up it was the card which I had given her few days ago with the yellow rose asking for her apology. Though she threw away the flower in front of me but she had kept the card with her.

As I began to flip the page randomly somewhere in between the page I felt like I saw something. As I carefully made the turns I found a sketch. I was dumbfounded seeing the picture of a boy standing behind the window. Was it me?

I flipped another page and there was a sketch of a boy standing on the side of the road and watching at something which remind me of the days when I used to stand on the side of the road in front of her home. When I flipped the third page the sketch of a girl with her hand on boy's shoulder drew me back to a flashback.

[*****]

## CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Flashback

I stood on the pavement with my eyes fixed on the road waiting for Lisa to show up. With all my courage I had made up my mind to talk to her. When she finally showed up I felt my heart beating up loud and I was feeling nervous. Step by step she was approaching me but I began to tremble.

At first I thought it was because of nervousness but gradually shaking increased. I was having chills and my heartbeat pounded loud. I felt sweat on my body including on my forehead.

" _No, no, no... not now please not now" I was getting the anxiety attack for a drug which was impossible to control._

I found it was not the good time so I turned to leave but all of a sudden I felt a hand on my shoulder. I bent my head down not willing to turn back but I had no other choice because I wanted to know whether it was her or not. I slowly turned my head back and saw it was really her.

She had a smile on her face but I was no longer able to control my anxiety. So, without giving any response I ran away from her. I ran and ran not turning back. For the first time I hated myself for taking drugs. I had thought to quit it completely but it was not possible at all. I was in the point where willingness no longer worked.

As I reached my home and closed the door leaning my back on the door I called out loud "MOM DAD."

_Both of them came running towards me and before they asked for anything I said helplessly "please help me I want to quit drugs, please."_ I collapsed on the floor.

The flashback ended and I was drop down back to the place where I was standing with Lisa's notebook on my hand. With shaking hand I flipped another page and when my eyes fall on the sketch on it notebook dropped on the ground. The sketch of boy holding flower in his hand totally made me realize that it was totally me. She had made the sketch of me which means she remembered me.

Somehow I tried to handle myself and bent to pick up the notebook. The notebook was now flipped on the page where there was sketch of me. I picked it up and walked outside.

As I was near the receptionist desk Jessica lifted her head and with shock she asked "What... what are you doing with that notebook? Where did you get it?"

"Do you know about this?" I asked in astonishment.

"Of course I do. Lisa had picture of the boy who she loved in that notebook but she never showed it to me."

"I need your help" I said taking deep breath.

She stared at me in confusion. I placed the notebook in front of here. She slowly picked it up in astonishment and began to flip through it. When she saw my sketch she glanced at me with her wide eyes.

"It was you. It was really you. How could I not understand this? Lisa who never got close to any boy was so close to you. She even gave me the clue saying that being with you she feels like she was with him. She gave me the clue to understand but how fool I was. Shit."

She plonked hard on her chair. She seem to be lost in thought so I called her out "Jessica... will you help me out?"

She just nodded her head absently. Maybe she was not able to come out of the shock like me.

"Please give me her address" I asked.

"I don't know" she replied.

"What? How..."

She interrupted me "I never asked for it. I have no idea where she is married."

"Damn how am I supposed to find her now?" I pinched my nosed bridge in irritation and suddenly I remembered.

"Check the patient's details it will defiantly be there" I said to Jessica and she hurriedly started to check it.

[*****]

Late in the evening I pressed the doorbell desperately for the fifth time and heard someone opening the door "I said I am coming stop ringing the bell... again... Sir" Rose stood still staring at me with her wide eyes in shock.

"Rose what is the password?" I asked trying hard to suppress my anger.

Rose gave a big smile and leaning on the door said "Oh! I was thinking you came to see me to provide back my post."

"Rose don't fool around please tell me the password" I requested politely.

"I am not the one who is fooling. It's probably you fooling around standing in front of my door late in the evening" she chuckled.

I signed and said "for god sake please tell me the password. I really don't get this why the hell do you need to passport protect the patients details."

"As you can see it's definitely for this reason" she folded her arms.

"What do you mean?" I asked in astonishment.

"One day when you kick me out of your job without thinking twice you would come back to me, stand on my door and beg like you are doing right now."

"Stop being unreasonable I didn't kick you out. It was you who quit the job now stop wasting my time and tell me the password."

"I won't do whatever you want I am not giving it to you. My one month salary you gave as a welcome gift to that new staff right? Now go to her and tell her to crack that password."

"Rose"

She slammed the door on my face. I knocked the door hard but she didn't open. I took my cell phone out and dialed Arvin's number.

"Any progress?" I asked immediately when he answered the call.

"No, sir he is still trying to crack the password but he says it seems impossible to do that" Arvin's reply made me more upset.

"What about Jessica?" I asked with little hope on my heart.

"She is still here trying out..." 'Jessica' he called out and I heard him saying 'tell your progress to sir."

"Hello..." As soon as I heard her voice I asked "what is the update?"

"I called out my brother and asked him to visit Lisa's parent's home but he said they are out of town since last week."

"Shit..." I kicked the wall hard and asked again "Any idea where might they be gone?"

"No, they didn't said anything to any one. They just left" replied Jessica.

I disconnected the call and took deep breath. Rose was only my hope now. I stared at the closed door for a while and walked to the lawn.

Looking at the house I yelled "Rose, please I am begging you. Please..."

"Go away I am not telling you" she yelled looking out of the window.

"I will not go anywhere until and unless I get my answer" I yelled back.

"Then stand there for forever" she replied back loud.

"Rose come on don't be that rude come on tell him yes. I have not seen anyone begging you like him..." a voice came from neighboring house.

"Shut up mind your own business" yelled Rose looking at the house and glancing back at me she shouted "go away and let me sleep peacefully."

She then slammed the window as well and drew the curtains. I watched the window and kept on standing still. Told you it was way hard to persuade Rose. I really wonder if I ever would convince my wife like Rose.

Time passed the light went off in her room. I was all alone on the lawn absently staring at the window with just the light of lamp lit up on the either side of the gate. I had no idea what time it was or for how long I was watching that window. I just had one sentence repeated on my head "I need to do this for Lisa, I need to do this for Lisa."

I rubbed my arms to keep myself warm but it was not helping out. The chill air was passing through my clothes making my body to tremble. But I had made up my mind I wouldn't make single move from there.

Finally after so long the light in her room lit up and I heard her "What the hell?" Rose opened the curtains and opened the window wide. She glanced at me for a while trying to say something but she turned back.

In a while the door opened and she said in angry tone "You are still here its already late night. What are you trying to prove?"

"I am not trying to prove anything Rose. Just please give the password that is all I want. I will do anything you say."

"Anything?" she smirked.

"Yeah..." I replied.

"Will you give back my job?" she asked.

I thought for a while and nodded "yes, I will."

"Come on in..." she invited me inside.

I walked in following her.

"Take a seat I will prepare coffee for you" she said and walked to the kitchen.

Looking around I sat on the couch. It seem like she lived alone. In a while she came back with two cup in her hand. She handed me one and sat beside me.

Smelling the coffee she asked "so tell me is it about a girl?"

I glanced at her in confusion she rolled her eyes and said "come on I have seen in movies man standing in front of her house whole night asking for the answer."

"Um... I..." I stammered.

"Relax... I know you definitely not stood out with such intention. I am just asking you does this have any relation with any girl" she said and sipped the coffee.

"Yeah...." I took deep breath.

She widened her eyes and said "it's someone who got admitted at the centre is it?"

I nodded my head.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Lisa..." I replied but she stared at me in disgust for a while "it's the same girl because of whom I was kicked out..." she said sipping the coffee.

"I am sorry I yelled at you that night. I shouldn't have done that" I apologized.

She just nodded her head and drank her coffee.

After drinking the coffee I got up "I will be leaving then."

"I will see you in the morning at the centre but make sure you give back my job" she said standing on her feet.

I glanced at her and nodded my head. I walked out of her house and got on the car feeling little bit of ease on my heart.

[*****]

## CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As soon as I stepped inside the hall I asked Arvin "is she here?"

Arvin shook his head "not yet."

I glanced at my watch it was already ten. Did she lied me? I had question on my head. I glanced at Jessica who was working at the receptionist desk. I felt sad to tell her that I was going to give her position back to Rose.

How was I supposed to do that? She had helped me a lot and in return I was going to fire her though she had done nothing wrong. I was about to step towards her but suddenly Rose entered yelling out "I am back..."

She had excitement and happiness mixed on her voice. She walked straight to the desk and said "you better pack your things up. Now this job belongs to me."

Jessica glanced at me in confusion. I was helpless as well as speechless. She got up and walked out of the desk. Rose immediately sat on her chair giggling like a small child.

"What is going on sir?" Arvin asked in disappointment.

"She kept her condition to give back her job or else she wouldn't tell the password right?" said Jessica before I could say anything.

"I am sorry Jessica I had no other option" I said with my heavy heart.

"It's alright sir I know you did it for Lisa and if I was in your place I too had done the same thing" Jessica's words lifted the heavy stone on my heart.

"Sir..." Rose called me out.

I walked towards her and she handed me a piece of paper "I have wrote the address here."

I took the paper and glanced at it.

"Hello... whatever your name is please, clean up my desk" Rose said looking at Jessica who was standing beside Arvin.

Though Jessica had no sadness in her face but Arvin had gloomy face. I could feel how he might be feeling right now. I glanced at Rose and then at Jessica who had started to collect her belongings on the box.

"Jessica..." I called her out. She glanced at me and I said "you don't have to do that."

"What do you mean? Don't double cross me sir please, I hate to say this but I desperately need this job. All this time I tried numerous job but no one treated me well as you did. I promise I will give my hundred percent this time."

Rose who was so unreasonable and hard to handle was now talking this all. For a second I was not able to believe what I just heard. I glanced at Arvin and found out he too had same expression on his face like I do.

"It's alright sir. Seems like she needs this job more than me" Jessica said out.

"No, no I am not telling that Rose will be leaving. I am just telling that Jessica will carrion with her job and Rose what if I give you some other job. You are experienced now."

Rose eyes lit up and said "are you serious?"

"Would you like to work in my company?" I asked.

"What? I mean yes... I definitely would like to work there... It's kind of dream job for me to work in a company."

"Okay then I will talk with Mandy and Jessica put back your belongings you are not going anywhere" I said giving a big smile.

Jessica smiled back at me and said "thank you."

"I am sorry about the harsh words I said to you" Rose apologized to Jessica.

"It's alright" Jessica said keeping back her things.

Rose suddenly hugged her tight and said "you are so good."

I walked towards Arvin and said "are you also in need of same hug?"

Arvin excitedly was going to hug me but I stopped him "it would be better you hug Jessica."

He halted back and gave a smile.

"Take Rose to the company I will call Mandy" I said and prepared to leave.

"Where will you go?" Arvin asked before I walked away.

"To see Lisa" I said and smiled at him before leaving.

[*****]

'Stardust Way, Street number 21, Mr. and Mrs. Brown Vila' I read the address written on the piece of paper and set my goggle map.

I started the car and drove towards my destination. I was so excited that I was going to see her again and this time I would hold her so that I would never let her go away. I don't know why I was that happy to see someone else's wife.

As I was busy driving the car my cell phone rang flashing the caller ID name 'mom'. I pressed the answer button and turned on the speaker.

"Hey mom"

"Steven what are you doing?" she asked straightforward which surprised me.

"Why mom?" I asked in astonishment.

"Actually I had set a date for you" she replied.

"Mom...." I rolled my eyes "first thing I am not ready for making girlfriend or dating and second thing I am not in the town. I am going somewhere to do an important job."

"What you are not in the town? Where are you going?" she asked in shock.

"I will tell you when I will be back in the town. For god shake till then please stop fixing random date and all. When I will be ready I myself will find a date."

"I know that day is never going to come" her voice was full of disappointment.

"I will call you when I will be back in town. Bye" I disconnected the call and took deep breath.

'Your destination is twenty minutes ahead' Google announced.

Heart began to pound loud. The excitement gradually was turning into nervousness.

"What would I tell her? How would be her reaction when she sees me? Most important thing what would I say to her husband James?"

Many questions were crossing on my head making me more and more nervous.

"You will reach your destination in five minutes" Google announced again. I slowed the car.

"You are here" finally the Google made its final announced.

I parked on the side of the road and got down. I looked around and found myself in a society which had similar Vila. I walked towards the Vila and checked the name plate 'Mr. and Mrs. Pasak".

I walked to another Vila and checked the name plate again 'Mr. and Mrs. Brown'. I sighed "it's probably Lisa mentioned in this name plate" I thought and walked to the gate.

The gate was kept open so I walked inside and pressed the doorbell. In a minute the door opened.

"Yes..." an old lady standing on the door said looking at me in confusion.

"Um... I am here to meet someone" I said.

"Sorry gentlemen Mr. Brown is not home and Mrs. Brown is not excepting any guest today" she was about to close the door so I hurriedly said "yeah, I know but I came from Rehabilitation Centre to check on my patient Mrs. Brown. Would you mind telling her that I am her?"

"Who is it Nan?" someone asked from the inside.

"I don't know him Mrs. Brown but he claims to come from some sort of centre..."

"Rehabilitation Center" I said her and she repeated after me "Rehabilitation Centre..."

"What?" I heard the voice of the lady which was not familiar to me.

"Send him in" she shouted.

"Please come in" old lady invited me in and guided me towards the hall.

"Please have a seat. Mrs. Brown is having her lunch" said the old lady and walked away.

I sat on the couch looking around desperately waiting to see Lisa. In a while old lady showed up again and said "Mrs. Brown asked you to come to the dining hall. Please follow me."

My heart beat out loud following the old lady. As I stood on the door of dining hall I saw a lady wiping her mouth with a tissue "he is here Mrs. Brown" said the old lady and when the lady turned towards me I was shocked seeing the drunkard lady from the plane.

"You... you are Mrs. Brown?" I asked in confusion.

"Yeah... is there any problem gentleman?" she asked getting up from the chair.

"No..." I said absently.

"Clean up this table. How many times do I have to tell you? Be here as soon as I get up from the chair" she yelled looking towards the kitchen.

The things which she told me in the plane were echoing on my head one after another:

"Finally after so many efforts I was able to send her away from our life but today he went to bring her back. I told him not to bring her back but he was not ready to listen. I really cannot figure out what she has that attracts him? Even though I am way better than her except the fact I cannot give birth to a child. But even though she too had flaws but why does he care about her more than me? Why?"

"Take back your daughter or give back my money which I spend on her studies."

There was a question on my head "did she remember me?" but seeing her cool expression I become sure that she didn't remembered me.

"Oh! Sorry where was I? Um... yes you came from where?" she asked walking towards me.

"Um, I..." suddenly my eyes fall on a lady who came out of the kitchen and started to clean the table.

As she held the plate and was about to walk back to the kitchen I called her out "Lisa...?"

She glanced at me, seeing me she dropped the plate on the floor. She had ragged clothes, her hair was a mess, lips were cracked, and dark circles on her eyes and face seem to be exhausted. In just some weeks she has lost her weight and looked so skinny than before.

Our eyes got locked for a while until Mrs. Brown shouted out "What the hell? You broke the plate Lisa. Can't you be careful?"

She walked towards Lisa stamping her feet hard on the ground. She raised her hand and was about to slap Lisa but I rushed towards her and held her wrist stopping her.

"You are not allowed to raise your hand on any innocent like this Mrs. Brown" I said throwing her hand aside and standing in front of Lisa.

"Who the hell are you? She is my maid and you have no rights to..."

I interrupted her saying "Maid? But James Brown introduced her to me as his wife..."

Her cold expression changed into panic when she heard me "you... are?"

"I came from Rehabilitation centre to check on my patient and her progress after leaving the centre but I see something else is going on her. I should call the police and..." Lisa gripped my jacket and stopped me from talking.

"I... I am sorry I didn't know you came for her" she lowered her head down in embarrassment.

"I would like to have a talk with my patient" I said in cold tone.

"Sure..." she said in low tone.

[*****]

## CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As I walked inside the room Lisa came following me.

"Please close the door" I said turning towards her.

She glanced at me in confusion.

"Do as I say..." I said raising my eyebrows.

She nodded her head and closed the door. When she turned around she stared at me for a while and looked sideways. Maybe she was speechless like I was.

Without thinking about anything further I stepped towards her and embraced her tight.

"I... I am so sorry Lisa. I should have stopped you. You gave me so many clues but I was fool to not get any of it. I am so sorry"

"Steven... I..." she tried to say something but I pulled myself back and gripping her both cheeks I said "I have always tried to tell you this Lisa I have always loved you, I still love you and will always keep on loving you for eternity."

Lisa's eyes were filled with tears "I..." she tried to say something but it seemed like she was not able to say a word.

So I helped her out "I know Lisa I know you too have loved me. That day you came to confess this to me but believe me I too was there to confess it to you. But I was compelled to run away because I didn't want you to see that side of me."

I took a deep breath and continued "Lisa I was drug addict and that day..."

"That day you got anxiety attack for drugs so ran away from me" she interrupted me. I was dumbfounded hearing her. I took a step back in disbelief "you knew that?"

"Yeah... Steven yes" she nodded her head "I knew everything about you. But I was not able to hate you. I had always loved even with all your flaws but I am very disappointed with you for showing up so late? Why Steven why? That day if you had the courage to carry that flower to me and confess your love in front of everyone I would have happily accepted you. I would leave everything for you and come after you."

"I was in Rehabilitation centre for all that six month Lisa but trust me the very next day I came back from the centre I set off to your house to confess my love but I found I was too late. I am really sorry for that. But now I will make it all right come with me..." I gripped her wrist and pulled her.

But she held back. I turned towards her and asked in astonishment "what happen?"  
"I can't come with you Steven" she said keeping her head down.

I left her wrist in shock "what do you mean can't come?"

"I am wife of someone else now" she said.

"No, you aren't they are just using you until you have a baby for them."

She lifted her head and widened her eyes "how do you know that?"

"I know everything Lisa. You were forced into this marriage and you had no other choice because she was your sponsor who paid all your educational expenses. So, in return she asked you to marry her husband and have a baby for them. But Mrs. Brown didn't liked her husband getting close to you."

Lisa fell on her knee and I rushed towards her. I held her tight on my arms. She began to cry out loud saying "I was depressed getting into this forced marriage by my parents. They didn't care about me instead forced me to marry him for which they got lots of assets from Mrs. Brown. I wanted to be yours only yours but circumstances forced me to marry him. I tried every way possible to stay away from him. Didn't even talk for years for which he went to my parents and tortured them for making him marry a dumb. As time passed my depression increased I started to get lost in your thoughts that I began to take medicine to calm myself down. But gradually the addiction for medicine increased in me and I began to eat any medicine I got. I fall sick for many days for which James felt pity on me and took me to your Rehabilitation Centre. He does care for me."

I rolled my eyes and said "he raised his hand on you Lisa. How can you say he cares for you? This is not right you need to stand and fight back."

"For whom?" she glanced at me.

"For yourself no one has right to ill treat anyone. The thing James is doing with you are just to get what he wants which Mrs. Brown can't give."

"A baby..." she said looking away from me.

"Exactly, you give him a baby and what after that? He will have his mission accomplished and Mrs. Brown will have a permanent free maid for life time. Don't mistake by thinking they will treat you well after getting what they want" I tried to persuade her.

"What am I supposed to do then Steven? I have nowhere to go and no one to rely on."

I got up and stretched my hand towards her "come with me I will hold your hand tight and make you so strong that you don't have to rely on anyone. You just need to stand for yourself and collect all the courage. I cannot let you live in this hell. Probably, not until I die."

She looked away for a while. I felt sad and was about to take back my hand but suddenly she lifted her hand and kept on mine. I pulled her up and holding her hand tight walked out of the room.

"Lisa, where are you going? Stop I said stop" Mrs. Brown yelled out for which Lisa stood still.

"One second" she glanced at me and said. I nodded my head and left her wrist.

She walked towards Mrs. Brown. I had no idea what she was going to do. As I was thinking all of a sudden she slapped Mr. Brown hard.

"You supported me for my studies this doesn't mean I am your slave and I have to do everything you say. I was a fool to think I am not strong enough to go against you. Now I know what I am capable of doing" she then turned around and walked towards me.

"You cannot go. James bought you from your parents" Mrs. Brown said with her palm on her cheeks.

Lisa turned around and said in astonishment "it wasn't you. It was him who gave my parents lots of assets."

"Yeah, he was the one. He wanted a baby anyhow. When he knew I had supported a girl for her studies in the past he forced me to make him marry you by hook or crook. I never wanted you in our life Lisa, never. I too wanted a baby but probably not in this way but it was him for whom I was compelled to do things. I tried every way possible to keep you away from him. Be, it keeping the medicine in front of you knowing that you cannot control yourself seeing the medicine but when doctor told him that you cannot get pregnant until you get rid of your addiction he sent you to Rehabilitation Centre.

After a while when he got a call from centre that he can bring you back I had big fight with him. I didn't want you to come back. I even went to your parent's home to threaten them so that they can keep you with them but they were not there. I got to know that your brother got job in another city and he took your entire family member with him. They just left you behind all alone and I got a free maid for my home. So I cannot let you leave knowing the assets that James showered on you."

"He bought me from my parents not from myself. No one not even my family has right to sell me. I am not a goods tell him that" Lisa completed her words and holding my hand walked out of the house.

[*****]

I glanced at Lisa time and again. She was taking her hand out of the window and swinging it on the air. Sun was about to set on its nest and I found my heart was in ease. I looked around and parked my car at the side of the road.

"What happen?" she asked in astonishment.

I walked out of the car and opened the door for her "Come..."

She got down from the car still in confusion. I sat on the hoods and called her out "let's watch the sunset..."

She smiled and climbed on the hoods. Together we watched the sun slowly setting down. The sky was clear and colored on sun set orange giving the mesmerizing views. Cold breeze was blowing and there was total silence around. I glanced at Lisa feeling so good inside.

"Please don't look at me that way. I am looking mess" she said tucking her hair behind her ear.

"You are the most beautiful lady I have ever seen in my life" I smiled at her.

"Wish everyone thought same way" she replied.

"If so then I have to fight them all. It would be very tough for me to win you" I said taking my eyes off her.

"Still my heart would always be yours" she replied which gave me a goosebumps "I cannot believe I am left behind by my family" she added taking deep breath.

"I am very sorry to hear that" feeling sorry for her I said.

She kept her head on my shoulder saying "No, you don't have to be after all they never took me as their daughter. I was just burden for them."

I glanced at her in astonishment and said "no, you weren't. I saw them crying for you that day."

"It was just an act to show that they cared for me. If they did care for me they would never force me into this marriage. They would stand by my side. Anyway I am free now so let's not upset ourselves. So can we celebrate?"

"Sure..." I said looking at the sunset and smiling.

[*****]

## CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

"Hey, wake up" I said in low tone keeping the tray on the table.

Lisa rubbing her eyes said "good morning."

"Good morning, I brought you the tea" I said sitting on the bed.

She got up stretched her arms and said "You really shouldn't have to."

"It's alright. Here" I handed her one cup.

"Thank you" she said giving a warm smile.

"I have called Jessica, she will be here after a while and most important you I have talked with my lawyer today" I sipped the tea.

"Lawyer" she glanced above the cup in astonishment.

"Yeah, you need to file a case against them. Whatever they did is not reasonable so they need to be punished."

She thought for a while and said "is it necessary to do that?"

"Of course it is. One year Lisa for one year... they destroyed your life" I said persuading her.

"But I don't want to get in this type of matter."

I stared at her for a while and said "ok I won't force you onto it. I know you should be given a chance to take your own decision. Whatever you say I will always support you but Lisa one thing you always keep in your mind that I would prefer Lisa who fights for her right."

I kept the cup back on the tray and got up. She suddenly held my wrist and asked "you still love me right?"

Sitting back on the bed I said "Of course, I do. I have loved you always and will love you for eternal." Her expression softened. I leaned towards her and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Thank you for everything" she whispered.

I smiled at her and wanted to kiss her rosy lips but I had to withdraw that thought because of the doorbell.

"You freshen up and come to the hall" I said and walked out of the room.

I opened the door and found Jessica standing outside carrying some bags.

"Good morning sir" she said as soon as I opened the door.

"Good morning, come on in" I invited her.

When she walked inside the hall I said "Lisa must be in washroom. You can go and meet her."

"Sure, I brought some clothes for her" she said showing the bags to me.

"She is in that room" I pointed at the room where Lisa was.

She nodded her head and walked to the room. I walked to the kitchen and started to prepare the breakfast.

After sometime Jessica walked into the kitchen and asked "I can help if you want."

"No, I am good. You are my staff so I find it rude to make them work in my kitchen" I said placing the omelet on the plate.

"You are so nice. I bet I must have done some good deeds in past to get boss like you" she said giving a witty smile.

"Oh! I am flattered hearing your words in this early morning" I quipped.

"No, really you are a good person" she added again.

"Thank you" I bent my head a little and said "by the way where is Lisa?"

"She said she will be here in a minute" she replied.

I served the breakfast on the table with the help of Jessica and waited for Lisa but she didn't show up since long time.

"I will go and call her out" Jessica got up from her chair.

"No, no I will go" I said and walked out of the dining room immediately.

"Lisa..." I called out from the hall and saw her standing on the balcony.

As I was about to walk towards her the doorbell rang. I walked to the door and opened it before James walked inside yelling "where is she? Tell me where is she? I have come to take her."

"Stop it James. She will not go with you. She has made her decision" I replied him.

"Who are you to tell that? She is my wife and she has no right to run away like that. I own her" he grabbed my collar and said.

I couldn't stop myself laughing out loud hearing him "What do you mean own her? She is not a property to be owned James. She is a human. She deserves to be free and take her own decision."

"As long as she is my wife she don't own any such right..." he said and pushed me.

He looked around and saw Lisa standing at the balcony. He rushed towards her. I ran after him.

"Who gave you the right to walk away from me?" James pulled Lisa back and was about to slap her but Lisa held his wrist and stopped him.

She pushed him back and said "I am no longer your wife. It would be good if you had tried to win my heart James. But you didn't you don't deserve me go away."

James got shocked hearing her "you really can talk?"

'Yes, I can. Why feeling sad that you no longer scorn me in the name of dumb? I can talk James and I now can fight for my rights" she said proudly.

"I am telling you come with me or else I have many other ways to take you with me" he tried to grip her again.

I walked towards him and pushed him aside. I stood in front of Lisa and said "You heard her decision. Now get out of my house."

"I am not going anywhere without her" James tried to reach Lisa but I blocked his way standing still.

"Lisa... come with me" he somehow was able to grip her wrist. But I held his hand not letting him to go.

Suddenly he pulled Lisa with all his force towards him and pushed me off the balcony. I fall down the balcony watching Lisa looking down at me and hearing her scream "Steven...."

My body landed hard on the ground and when it came in contact with the ground I heard the breaking of my body part. I sensed shiver pain on my body and soon smelled blood. Blood started to flow from my head, mouth and nose. My eyes were growing blur.

"James... James..." I was hearing someone calling out my name. I tried to see the person but was not able to.

Soon I felt someone picking me up and heard "no, no, no Steven no..."

"Lisa... Lisa... is that you?" I stammered trying to see the person's face.

"Yes, Yes Steven it's me your Lisa..." she said in broken voice.

Trying hard finally I was able to see her with my blur eyes. I lifted my hand and kept it on her cheeks.

"Lisa remember always stand for yourself. This life separated us but my heart will always love you for eternal, my soul will always yearn for your love and in another life I will make you mine..."

"Steven, no, no, no you cannot die..." I heard her quivering voice. I then felt her lips on mine. It was our first kiss probably the last one as well. Feeling her lips on mine I closed my eyes and everything went blank.

[*****]

## EPILOUGE

I opened my eyes and got up immediately. I looked around and found myself in front of the gate. Behind me was a tall building in which I had my apartment. But there was no one around. I stood on my feet and called out "hello..."

There was no reply only the echo of my voice. Suddenly I falling from the balcony came to my mind. I panicked.

"I... don't get this... what is happening?" I spin around.

Suddenly I saw a man standing behind the gate and looking at me. I walked towards him and asked him "um... who are you?"

The man gave a familiar smile which I had seen before. Gradually, his face skin started to change appearing wrinkles on it and his black hair began to grow white.

"You... I know you... you are the man from the plane" I said in disbelief.

"Yes, gentleman" he replied.

"I don't get this you said because of my one wrong move someone was suffering. I sent Lisa with her husband forcefully that was my wrong move but I had omitted my mistake so why did this happen?"

He kept his hand on my shoulder and said in calm tone "you got me wrong gentlemen. That was not your wrong move."

"What?" I widened my eyes in shock.

"The wrong move you took very long time ago by choosing the wrong path which had addiction only. Despite your parents numerous attempt you didn't changed your path for which Lisa that innocent soul got to be punished" he said and turned around. He began to walk away.

I followed him back asking "how is that possible?"

He stood still and said "Lisa that beautiful soul was never meant to be married to someone else."

This answer gave answers to my entire questions.

"If I had never taken the drugs Lisa and I would be together. Taking drugs was greatest mistake of my life and Lisa had to pay for it..."

"Yeah, and you cleared the due now" said the man taking the steps.

"Cleared the due?" I got confused.

"You paid her with your life" said the old man still walking on.

"So, now what?" I asked the old man.

"Now, it will be her decision whether to stand on her feet and fight or lie on knee and keep on serving other" he replied.

"Can I ask you a favor?" I asked not being sure if he would listen me or not.

"I know you want to see her one last time right?" he turned towards me.

I nodded my head in astonishment. He could hear my thoughts.

"Turn around" he said.

"I beg your pardon" I thought I heard him wrong.

"I said turn around."

I absently turned around and found myself in the same place where my body fell. Lisa was weeping out loud hugging my body on her arms. She was surrounded by the people. Jessica was sitting beside Lisa trying to persuade her but she too was not able to control her tears.

I walked towards her and was about to touch her shoulder but old man stopped me "stop..."

I glanced at him confusion and he continued "be careful before you touch her think about the last touch you had with her."

"She kissed me on my lips... that was the last touch" I remembered.

"If you want that feeling of touch until you meet her again I suggest you not to touch her. Or else that touch will be replaced by your touch on her shoulder with your transparent hand. And believe me it will be the useless as you cannot feel anything as a result you will have zero sense of her touch..."

I nodded and took a step back from her "Goodbye Lisa..." I bid her my final farewell glancing at her face for one last time before walked after the old man.

[*****]

## FROM THE AUTHOR

"Thank you for reading it! If you enjoyed this book or found it useful I'd be grateful if you would post a short review about my book. Your support really does make a difference and I read all the reviews personally so I can get your feedback and make this book even better. If you want to know more about me do follow me on Instagram "Dazzling_star_2828" or email me on lamupasang111@gmail.com

Thanks again for your support!"

OTHER EBOOKS OF DAZZLING STAR

Together Again!

Would You Still Love Me The Same!

You never got out of my heart!

Reciprocate!

## ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pasang Lamu Sherpa who goes by the pen name Dazzling Star was born in Nepal on the lap of Himalayas. Growing up she always dreamt of being a journalist but she was not that lucky enough to fulfill her dream. She had the habit of creating stories since her childhood and loved writing stories but due to lack of opportunities she was held back. She once quit writing and worked as teacher for two years but the habit of reading novels during her leisure time made her longing to write her own novels. She prefers to write fictional stories where she can spread her wings and fly up high getting lost on the clouds of fantasy.

" _I will shine not today but definitely someday!!"_

