Rishi and Ayush reached Rishikesh followed by Neelam. Although Neelam had previously boasted of not  being nosy and force any more decision on Rishi, she has been nagging Rishi since she has seen them packing their bags. Although Vikram had reassured them he would be there by the next flight and persuade Neelam to go back to Mumbai, Rishi knew in one corner of his heart that Neelam won't be quite before meeting the Gududev in Solace.

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Rishab had got the news of Rishi and Neelam's arrival. Although he knew he can easily prevent the Oberois from meeting Bajwa sisters, he decided to take away Lakshmi for a while. Shalu and Bani had left for Delhi that morning only and would not be back before 2 days. He looked down the terrace of his cottage and saw Lakshmi teaching the children at a far corner. Her face was glowing up. Her eyes were filled with hope. She smiled and laughed with the children. 

"Miss Bajwa, can we talk for a minute?"

Lakshmi's POV-

I was startled by the sudden masculine voice among the chattering of the little kids. It was Rishab Bajaj's voice. What the heck- how can I recognize a voice I heard only 3 times? it must be someone else.

I turned my head and saw it was him indeed. I never knew I had such a good echoic memeory.

"Miss Bajwa" he repeated. My name sounded so different from his mouth. It was calming as well as authoritative. My high school crush has irresistible looks, mysterious personality and such a nice voice. My choices  are always perfect. He called me Miss Bajwa. Somebody has addressed me with this name after so long. I was tired of hearing Mrs. Oberoi. Infact it made me sick. My dupatta is being pulled.

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"Didi he is waiting", said little Raj.

"Yes Mr. Bajaj."

"Can we talk somewhere else?"

"Yeah sure." Saying so Lakshmi hopped behind Mr. Bajaj and followed him to the lake side.

"I heard  about the death of uncle and aunty."

"Oh." Lakshmi's face fell.

"Don't be sad. Although it was a sudden death, they died together. Uncle did not have to be heartbroken. Don't get me wrong. I am saying this because after the death of your grandfather, seeing your grandmother's condition, uncle had once said that he would prefer dying with aunt than living without his soulmate. Back then I was too small to know what love is, now I get it."

"Thats right. Baba could not imagine life without ma. Well, my grandfather had died even before I was born, how come you still remember it."

  "Well I have a good brain you see."Rishab smirked, "but I was here to ask you for a help."

"Just say it once. I am at your service."

"I just hope you won't throw me down the stairs while trying to help me."

Lakshmi nervously smiled.

"I did not know about their death till now. I really want to go back and visit our village again. I want to see the house of my guardians once again. I don't even know if I get a chance again." Rishab saw Lakshmi was staring at him as if she was observing all the details on his face and noting them down in her brain. "So I wanted you to accompany me back in Punjab. A lot of things might have changed. It shall be better for me if you are there by me."

"You look quite hot when you talk so seriously" Lakshmi said dreamingly.

"Hmm?"

"Well I was saying", Lakshmi said stammering, "will Guruji allow me to leave Solace?"

"Don't worry I will look into it. Now go and pack your bags." Rishab started leaving.

Lakshmi shouted from the back, "I have told a Yes yet."

But Rishab turned a deaf ear to it and went in his own way, leaving behind a thoughtful Lakshmi  'What's wrong with this man? He was so much different seconds before. Oh God help me understand this man.  Where is Raj? I have to teach those kids.'