Hey my lovely readers.

How are you all?

Are you all enjoying the book so far?

Well, I am enjoying writing it a lot because... well I love writing Siya and Akash's scenes.

Before beginning I would like to thank all my readers for their wishes. I am very grateful to you all for all the support and  best wishes for me, most importantly for understanding me.

Let's begin with the chapter now and a very lengthy chapter ahead.

Siya's POV

The wedding went by and finally Mohit and Samaira di are married.

I am so happy for them.

Right now I am in Kriti's house as we attended the reception today and it was the best party I had ever attended.

Akash...what do I say about him, he's taking care of me like I am his princess.

Well, I am his princess.

I am dead tired now and Kriti's non stop bantering about me and Akash is still going on.

Yup, we both are sharing the same room.

Her mother gave me a separate guest room but Kriti was so adamant to not let me live in the guest room that she showed a fit and aunty had no choice but to agree with her.

"Hey girl, where are you lost?" she said, bringing me back out of my thoughts.

"Nothing" I said, shrugging.

"I know girl, what you're thinking about" she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Okay, tell me, what am I thinking about?" I asked her.

"You're be thinking about Akash bhaiya" she said, flicking my nose.

"No, I am not" I said but heat rushed my cheeks.

"Oh girl, your flushed face says otherwise" she said and started tickling me.

"Oh no Kriti, no" I said laughing.

She was tickling me while I was laughing hard.

"St..stop" I said, panting now, gasping for air.

"No, I won't" she said, laughing.

Then my phone suddenly started ringing.

"Kriti, leave me" I said, panting for air.

"No, let me see who's calling you" she said and took my phone and jumped out of the bed.

"Yes bhaiya. How are you?" she said, picking up my phone.

"No, she actually can't talk to you. She's busy" she said, eyeing me.

Devil.

"Kriti, pass me my phone" I said.

"No" she said and ran across the room.

"Kriti" I shouted and ran behind her and when she was in front of the bed, I tackled her down and snatched my phone from her and started tickling her.

"No, no please, leave me" she said in between her laughs.

After few seconds when her breathing came to normal, she said "hey babes, I know you love me but I would like to tell you that I am straight, please get off of me."

I immediately looked at our position and got off her.

"Don't get any wrong ideas, I am taken" I said to her.

"Yeah yeah, I know girl" she said dismissing me and walked off the room but not before saying "I am going to irritate Samaira bhabhi. Meanwhile please finish your lovey dovey talks with Akash bhaiya. When I come back, I want you all for myself."

She winked at me and walked off.

Shaking my head, I said on the phone "hey."

"Hey beautiful" he said in his husky voice.

Lying down on the bed, I took the blanket over me and said "I am not beautiful."

"Oh really? Then what are you?" he said.

"Ummm...your Siya" I said, whispering.

"I know" he said.

"Did you enjoy the party" I asked him.

"Very much because I got to see the most beautiful sight today" he said.

"What?" I asked.

"You" he said and I blushed.

"I am all yours" I said.

"Not yet. I am yet to marry you" he said. "Only then you'll be officially mine."

Listening to him about marriage, my face fell.

"What happened?" he asked after few seconds when I didn't say anything.

"Nothing" I said.

"I know what you're thinking Siya. You want to marry me right?" he asked me.

"Yes Akash, of course I want to marry you but I...I am scared" I said.

"I know Siya, it's difficult but just trust me. I want to know something from you before I take any step" he said.

"What?" I asked.

"Siya, I know convincing your parents, especially your mother isn't easy so I want to know whether you can stand by me, strong enough to help me convince them?" he asked, hopefully.

"Akash, I'll stand by you to try and convince my mother but I..I can't go against her" I said, truthfully.

"Siya, I won't ever ask you to go against your parents. I can never do that. I just need your constant support in convincing them" he said.

"Yes Akash, I am willing to support you" I said.

"That's the only thing I need Siya, rest everything I'll handle. Don't worry" he said in a soft voice, just like how a mother consoles her scared child.

"I love you Akash" I said.

"I love you too. Now since you're ready to support me, I want you to meet my family tomorrow" he said, probably grinning.

I was in shock.

"Excuse me" I said after a few seconds of silence.

"You heard me. Since we both are in the same city where my family is, I don't want to waste anymore time. I'll introduce you to them tomorrow" he said.

"No way" I said.

"Yes way" he said, chuckling. "I know you aren't mentally prepared and you must be thinking it's too rushed but you need to understand Siya, you'll have to meet them one day, then why not tomorrow?"

Taking a deep breath, I said "Akash, I know you want to take this relationship further and I am not denying it but.."

"Please Siya. I know you love me and I love you. Besides, I am not asking you to marry me now, neither I am asking you to get engaged to me. I just want to introduce you to my family" he said.

"Akash, there's nothing wrong in introducing ourselves to our respective families but...will they like me after they know what I did to you" I asked.

"They'll always support you Siya. I've told them everything" he said.

"You what?" I shouted and sat on the bed.

"Yes Siya. They know everything" he said.

"What would they think about me" I said, keeping my hands on my head.

"They're proud of you and are eagerly waiting to meet you" he said.

"Are you sure they aren't...disgusted at me or something?" I asked him skeptically.

"No, of course not. Why would they be?" he asked.

"I..I don't know. I am just scared to meet them" I said.

"You don't have to worry about anything. Just relax and let me handle everything" he said.

"Okay, as you say" I said, sighing.

"Don't worry. Just trust your Akash. I'll never let anything bad or anything uncomfortable happen to you" he said.

"I know Akash. It's just that I want them to like me. I want them to have a good impression of me" I said.

"Believe me, you will" he said encouragingly.

"Siya, there's something bugging me since the day Kriti told me about...about the abuse" he said, hesitatingly.

"You don't have to hesitate asking me anything Akash. You can ask me anything" I said, sensing his hesitation.

Taking a deep breath, I heard him asking "when you were being...beaten, didn't your father try to protect you?"

"He tried Akash. He tried a lot. My father was never in favor of physically or verbally abusing when it came to making me understand something. He always tried to be polite and talk to me instead of ordering me around, like my mother" I said.

"Then how didn't he stop your mother?" he asked me.

"Unfortunately when I went my hometown, papa had an audit in his office for which he had to travel Delhi. So he wasn't aware of the abuse I went through till the time I told him that was after almost a year later when my session with the psychiatrist was over" I said.

"So didn't he say anything to your mother?" he asked.

"Even my papa was very furious at the pictures that was in newspaper but he was never in favor of physical abuse" I said.

"So when he came to know about it, he was very furious at mummy and he constantly asked for my apology but none of this was his fault, so I told him, it was okay. Since then, mummy papa don't share a very good relationship, more like they're drifting apart" I said.

"Don't worry Siya, I promise I'll never ask anything about it. These were the only questions bugging me and I've got the answers now" he said.

"Oh my god, you're still on the phone" Kriti suddenly opened the door and launched herself on me making me shriek.

"Sorry Akash bhaiya, your time's up. Yes don't worry, I'll ask her to be ready tomorrow at sharp nine, now bye" she said and hung the call.

"Be ready tomorrow at nine, bhaiya will pick you up and take you to his home and pack your bags as well. He'll directly take you to airport from his home along with Sid and I will come to the airport directly" she said.

"Okay" I said and there was a ping on my phone.

'Gn sweetheart, dream about me. I'll pick you up at sharp nine' was his message.

With a small smile on my lips and replying 'gn, I love you' I slept, waiting eagerly for next day.

Akash's POV

I had a contented smile on my lips after the phone call was disconnected.

She's ready to be by my side. That's more than enough. That's the only thing I need from her.

The next day came quickly, and I woke up much earlier than usual, because the anticipation of meeting my girl and introducing her to my family kept me awake most of the night.

Getting ready quickly when I was making my way to the garage, I was called by my sweet mom.

"You going so early beta?" she asked me.

"Yes mom, I want her to meet you all as early as possible," I said with a small smile.

"Well even I want to meet the girl who has kept my big baby's heart captivated for so long," she said, teasing me.

"Mom, you've seen her" I said to her.

"Of course, baby, but that was almost four years ago; it was a video call when you were admitted to the hospital and she was looking after you. I never got a chance to meet her in person, "she said.

"Well, you'll meet her today," I said, smiling.

"Okay, now go and get here. I'll prepare breakfast by then. Ask her not to have breakfast there. She can have it here with all of us, "she said.

"Okay maa. Bye "I said and kissed her cheek before leaving.

When I was in the garage, I was thinking about which car to take as Siya would not be comfortable in a luxury car as she isn't used to it, but then, one day or the other, she has to get used to this luxurious life. I think I should start with it now.

Taking one of my favorite cars from the collection, which was the latest Maserati MC20, I drove to Mohit's house.

(Akash's car)

I must say, Adarsh has a great taste for cars. I don't know how he always manages to get the best cars when they're not even on the market. I'll never get to know it.

Once outside Mohit's mansion, I entered the gate once the security guard gave me a green signal. Of course, he has kept the security quite tight and no strangers are allowed.

Parking my car, I entered his mansion and when I made my way to the hall, I saw Samaira and Mohit descending the stairs.

"Hey Akash, how are you man? Kriti told me about your arrival "he said to me with a firm handshake.

"Yeah, I am taking Siya with me today to introduce her to my family," I said with a small smile.

"Okay, you're pretty fast huh" Samaira said, teasing me.

"Oh come on you two" I said.

"Oh my god, Akash is blushing" she said, pinching my cheeks.

"Samiara, at least now, behave like a mature woman. You're married "I said.

"Why? Where is it written that even after marriage, I need to act mature? Moreover, one should always be a little childish, "she said.

"Yeah, yeah" I said, rolling my eyes.

I then saw Kriti and Siya coming out of their room, which was on the ground floor.

My breath hitched looking at the beauty in front of me.

(Siya's look)

How can someone look so good without even doing anything?

She had no make-up on but still she managed to make my heart skip a beat.

"Please Bhaiya, stop ogling at her" Kriti's voice brought me back from my dreamland.

"Huh?" I asked. Where was I again?

"I said, stopping ogling at her, she's all yours, bhaiya," Kriti said as she pushed her towards me, landing on my chest. She was about to fall but I held her tightly by her waist.

Securing a strand of her hair behind her ears, I asked her "are you okay?"

She nodded and looked down.

"Ahem ahem" a voice interrupted us and it was Samaira.

She immediately freed her from my grip and made a safe distance between us.

I narrowed my eyes at her and she grinned.

Idiot.

Shaking my head, I looked at Mohit and said "Mohit, I'll be taking my leave now. I am taking Siya along and I'll take her to the airport along with me and Sid. "

"Okay, fine by me. I'll drop Kriti at the airport, "Mohit said.

"Actually bhaiya, can I come along with you if that's not a problem?" Kriti said.

"Of course, why would it be a problem? Actually, that would be better as Mohit wouldn't have to drop you off and we four could go to the airport and have fun, like old times, "I said.

"Yeah, that would be so much fun" she chirped.

"I'll just get the luggage alone," Siya said.

"No need girl. I've already asked one of the workers to get the luggage settled in Akash's Bhaiya's car, "Samaira said.

"All right, then, we'll leave now," I said, and the girls quickly followed.

Once outside the mansion near my car, we all stopped.

"Bye baby, take care" Mohit said, kissing Kriti's forehead.

"Bye my baby" Samaira said, kissing her cheeks and pinching them after.

"Owww bhabhi" Kriti said, whining.

I saw Siya was looking at them with longing.

She's the only child and she never had friends apart from Kriti. I think she also wants to be loved by someone older than her.

I went to her and keeping my hands over her shoulder, I said "Hey baby. You've got me. "

She smiled which didn't reach her eyes and then looked at them again.

"Hey my favorite girl, where are you going without meeting me?" Samaira said and hugged Siya tightly.

Siya sniffed in her arms, and Samaira broke the hug and said, wiping her tears, "don't cry, my baby. "Whenever you need someone older to talk to, I am always there for you."

She kissed her forehead and Mohit came to her.

"You shouldn't cry now Siya, You've your world beside you. He'll never let you cry. Smile now "he said, pinching her cheeks.

She gave him a smile and hugged him.

I felt a little awkward, but then I reminded myself that Mohit is married now and, moreover, in love with his wife. I shouldn't let jealousy take over.

I was also sure that they both share a friendly bond now, so I shouldn't be much bothered.

"Come Siya, let's go," Kriti said and dragged her to the car.

"Oh my god" Siya said, looking at the car.

"What happened?" I asked her.

"Akash I.... I am not very comfortable in this car," Siya said.

I opened the passenger door for Siya and made my way to the driver seat.

Kriti made her way to the backseat.

As soon as I sat in the car, Kriti squealed "Oh my god."

I just laughed at her.

"Wow bhaiya, this car is so cool" she said, inspecting it from the inside.

"You like it?" I asked and turned to look at her.

"Like it? I love Bhaiya. "When I earn enough money, I'll buy the same care," she said, smiling.

"Of course you'll," I said and looked at Siya, who still wasn't comfortable and looking at the car keenly.

"Relax Siya, you'll get used to all of it," I said and she looked at me.

When she nodded, I made my way home.

"Bhaiya I am not at all sorry for interrupting your lovely dovey time with Siya, but I wanted to leave Mohit Bhaiya and Bhabhi alone so that they could spend some alone time. I know I am a third wheel wherever I go, but sorry, you both got to deal with it, "Kriti said.

"I know well you want to spend time with Sid, that's why you made a sudden plan to come along with us," Siya said.

"What? No" Kriti screamed and we both chuckled.

With their usual bantering, we reached my home and Siya's mouth hung open.

"Welcome to my home" I said and jogged to her side to open the car door for her.

"Akash, this is so... big" her eyes bulged out of the socket.

"Close your mouth Siya" Kriti said and rolled her eyes.

Once inside the mansion, I called out for mom.

"Mom, I am home" I shouted and my whole family came followed by Sid.

"Namaste aunty" Siya said and touched all the elders' feet one by one.

"No beta, daughters don't touch their feet" mom said and hugged her instead.

After releasing from the hug, she touched everybody else's feet but they all hugged her.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw dad having a content smile on his face, which was a big relief for me.

"Mom, this is Kriti" I said, introducing Kriti as well.

"Oh yeah, we've met before," mom said and hugged her.

We all made our way to the dining table.

"I've specially made all this for you beta. "These are all your favorites," mom exclaimed, and Chhotimummy nodded.

"Hope you'll like it," Chhotimummy said, smiling widely.

I saw tears welling up in her eyes, but then I squeezed her hands from under the table.

When she looked at me, I gave her an assuring smile.

She returned their smiles and said, "Thank you so much aunty, but you didn't have to do anything extra for me."

"Nonsense, we always make our children's favorite dish when they visit us. How could we not make your favorite dish? You're also our child after all, "mom said, smiling.

She started sniffing, which immediately made Mom and my aunty worried.

"Oh dear, did I say anything wrong? I am so sorry if I hurt you "she said and came to Siya.

"No please aunty, if anything, I should be thankful to you for being so considerate even when you all know what I did with Akash," she said and looked down.

"That's all in the past dear. We should never hold on to bad memories. It does nothing but just makes you worried and sad for no reason. Just think about the present and future, "my aunt said to her.

"Thank you for being so generous," she said and hugged them one by one.

"Beta don't worry about anything. Just enjoy it while you can. Life's too short to regret anything. I am glad you both are together again in spite of all the problems, "dad said and patted her head.

"Let's not talk about the past now. What's happened, we can't change it, but we can certainly make