Sidharth's POV:

Kaira was settled in the bus, with her earphones on, she waved at us to go when Abhi tapped on my shoulder to get my attention but I was too much in thought to respond.

Who is she going to meet? Who is he? Krishna?

This place she is going- is not far. Will she be safe? Even though she is independent I'm worried about her, it's almost midnight after all.

I wish I could accompany her.

I froze at that thought.

Of course, I could accompany her! I definitely could make sure she is safe and if one can bargain into me knowing who this Krishna is, why would I back out?

As soon as I decided to accompany her, I ran back to our ride to get my bags. Abhi was startled by my sudden running as he ran after me calling out.

I started getting my bags off the roof which made all of them to shoot questions at me.

"I'm going with her." I answered at once putting a full stop to their queries.

"What?! You can't!" Karthik exclaimed.

I paused to look at them eyeing me with wide eyes. I shrugged and hung my bag on my shoulder.

"Take care, and drive safe Kabir. Text me when you reach Pune okay?" I instructed before I ran towards her bus which already started.

It took me a run for almost half a kilometer before I could catch the bus. Luckily enough, I asked for two tickets while booking.

Yup, better she sits alone than someone she doesn't know beside her- that's what u thought but now I'm using the ticket, I'm relieved.

"Ticket sir?" The conductor asked. Shoving my ticket under his nose I waited for him to verify. My eyes searching over the seats to find my lovely fiance, I smiled discreetly as I saw her looking out of the window.

Once the ticket checker lets me go to my seat, I walked over to her. Keeping my bags in the overhead compartment I slide in the seat beside her. She didn't realize there was someone beside her until I brushed my shoulder to hers.

Startling her eyes snapped to me and she froze. "Wha- what are you doing here?"

I grinned "Accompanying you, of course, wouldn't want you to be bored now, would we?" I winked.

She rolled her eyes "I'm serious Sidharth, why are you here? I'm anyway just going to sleep."

"That's right, we can cuddle up. The question is why are you going? And you didn't even think it was better to inform me?"

Her face painted in a smile, she shrugged "I didn't mean to worry you, it just slipped off my mind. About your question, don't you already know? To meet Krishna of course."

"Who is he anyway? Never heard of him. You said you'd be living with him, does he live alone or with family? And where did he go? How does he even look? What is he to..." I stopped as I heard her laugh softly.

"What!?" I snapped little too irritated.

She tried to keep the smile out of her face but couldn't and gave up to grin at me "You look cute when you are jealous."

"In case you don't want to burn in my jealousy, better tell me who is he!"

She laughed again.

"Kaira" I warned. I was getting impatient after all, she should know better than to test it.

"Alright alright. Yes, he is a boy. No, he doesn't live alone, he lives with a pretty big family. He went to army soon after his 12th, so finally, his training has ended and is coming back."

"Go on." I waved a hand wanting to gather more information, just in case I need to confront him.

She smirked "He is 20, brown hair, light brown eyes, thick eyebrows, pointed nose, thin lips, broad shoulders, pretty attractive build. Hmm, I guess he grew taller up to 6 feet or little more?" She shrugged "It was long I didn't meet him."

How does she remember so much details? Colour of hair and shape of facial features? Don't they change when one grows up?

I narrowed my eyes at her accusingly "Aren't you going to tell me what is he to you?"

She grinned "Nope. Find out. I'll tell you something else though, be careful, he is going to hate you."

Why is that? Wait, why do I care if some random boy hates me?

"I don't care about that." I declared asking the question bugging me "Is he important?"

"Pretty much, now that I'm going to greet him directly at airport, don't you think?"

"Hmm, so- how close he is?"

"Not as close as milkshake, because he won't dare to hit me, obviously, but pretty close enough. Hm maybe like some family members?" She concluded after a min of thought.

One corner of my mouth tugged up as I asked "I don't get it, why would you guys fight with kicks and punches when you both are good at arguments?"

She looked at me in eyes "We may be good at arguments but we babble out things sometimes should be left unsaid, especially while being angry sometimes we may say things breaking hearts. Physical pain would go in a few hours or even days but emotional pain is carved on the heart which just tears you apart more. That's why we'd rather go for physical fights."

Damn, never thought it like that.

"That's a good thought, but what if the blow is too hard?"

She grinned "That's the second side of this! If it's for me, I'll get used to hard blows which would be useful later and if it's from me, then I'm getting better at it and my confidence boasts."

I couldn't help but chuckle "You'll always look at the positive side, won't you?"

"Not always but I try to." She offers with a smile.

"So its only Abhi and your brother you fight with kicks and punches or someone else I need to beware of?"

"Hey, you forgot Ritz! He is good with punches, damn his knuckles literally try to cut your flesh!" She noticed my raised eyebrows and shrugged "He was skinnier before, gained fat in 2 years."

I shook my head, a smile never leaving my lips "Be careful, Kaira just- take care of yourself, I need you intact."

She gifted me a smile before tugging on my arm and leaning her head on my shoulder.

There was silence as we stayed mute before I decided to break it after a while of peace "Arav really suggested you meet this Krishna?"

She was still, I leaned forward to see if she fell asleep already. She hadn't. Rather had her bottom lip drawn in by her teeth. That way, I knew she was hiding something.

"Hmm?" I nudged softly.

She cleared her throat pushing away slightly "No, not really. I knew Krishna was going to come tomorrow from a week, I planned to meet him anyway."

I raised an eyebrow confused "What did Arav call for then? What happened home?"

She sighed "He had an argument with dad. Over- lohegaon plot, remember? Temperature is quite high back there. He said it would be better if I don't come right after. I suggested going over Krishna's. If things are still not at peace, I guess I'll stay over milkshake's."

"Why not mine?" I asked offended after a pause for contemplating her words.

She smiled "The small fact the girls shouldn't be staying over at her in-laws before marriage, didn't come to you I assume. Plus, I told you before, milkshake's home is my second house, it's natural I'd rather be there when I have problems with dad."

I snorted, my lips forming a pout nonetheless "But I want you in my home, living with me."

Her amusement shone in her smile as she said "I am going to live with you at your home from next year. December isn't too far."

I sighed extending my arm around her shoulder and pulling her in as I whispered "I can't wait."

I kissed her crown and we fell in silence. Warming up in each other's embrace, the days' tiredness draws upon us and soon we were fast asleep.

It was 6:15 in the morning when we get down the bus at the city bus junction.

Yawning, Kaira looked around then grinned when she read the big board telling her the place we were at.

"Let's go!" She chirped swinging her bags on her shoulder. I smiled at her happiness, carrying my bags I followed her.

"Wait. Where are you going?" I pulled her back by her elbow when I noticed her direction.

She blinked surprised "Uh- the taxi stand?"

I shook my head "We don't need that. Come on, this way." Taking her hand in mine I lead her towards the visitors parking.

I spot the white indigo immediately and walk over with Kaira beside me.

"Sameer Nagasta." I nodded at the driver in acknowledgement.

"Good morning sir, madam. Mr. Shirsagar has sent me for your service today."

"I got his message. Open the trunk and keep our bags. First, we would go to the airport." I order away.

"What is this Sidharth?" Kaira nudged me when we sat in the backseat while he kept our bags in the trunk.

"What is?" I asked not looking up from my phone.

"This- Ride and all."

"Shirsagar is our security manager of this city's branch. I had him send us a driver, thought it would be much convenient." I explained. She simply hummed and kept silent.

It wasn't long we were nearing the airport. Her excitement was increasing, so was my anxiousness and jealousy.

Once the car stopped we got out to go to the entrance. Kaira's pace increased as she saw someone, I quickly followed behind.

Two men were standing where she just ran and tapped on the younger one's shoulder with a grin.

He turned around and instantly smiled down at her before pulling her in a hug. Narrowing my eyes I walked slowly towards them.

Is he Krishna? He doesn't look 20. More like in his early 30's!

"I'm glad you came Kaira." The guy said pulling back. Just as I stood by her side, both the men gave me attention.

"Sidharth this is Randhir Uncle, my dad's elder brother." She introduced the elder male.

I caught the hint in her voice and bend over to take his blessings.

'Be careful.' It clearly meant.

"And this is Rishab Bhai, his elder son."

"Hey." I said and we shook hands.

"Oh look! The flight has arrived" Kaira exclaimed interrupting her uncle's interrogation. Chucking at her enthusiasm, her uncle divided his attention to the entrance rather.

We didn't have to wait long before the passengers started walking out and Kaira caught a glimpse at her cousin coming towards us.

Cousin. How stupid am I? Couldn't even join the dots last night, she clearly gave the hint.

He was just as she described. Pretty tall, well built, tanned, and all. As soon as he was near us, Kaira jumped in first to hug him.

"Kaira Di!" He exclaimed as he pulled her up to his height.

I chuckled softly at their height difference. Kaira was tall, she came till my neck, but her brother was taller by a head over her.

"I missed you too." She grinned when they let go.

It didn't take long from then, Kaira stood beside me while Krishna met his brother and father and we were on our way to their home.

As she said last night, Krishna actually did hate me. He didn't say as much but his expressions were clear enough.

"So? You still jealous of my brother?" She asked me when we were in our car following behind theirs.

I narrowed my eyes at her as she winked "Why didn't you just tell me he was your cousin?"

"Now where is the fun in that? You are cute when you are jealous, I didn't want to miss the entertainment."

"Entertainment huh?" I leaned towards her with my smirk "Entertain yourself as much as you want. Once I have things in my hand-" I let it hang and pecked her cheek.

Her uncle's house was big enough. When we reached, the ladies were at the door. Kaira softly whispered everyone's introduction as we stood behind.

Krishna's mother Sangeeta aunty, was leading everyone. To the right of her was Pragya bhabhi, Rishab's wife. To the left of her was their family's head, Kaira's grandmother. Behind them were a few helper maids.

Once their emotional reunion with their son was done, they noticed us. Smiling broadly they welcomed us in.

As it was still early in the morning, Rishab's kids, yes he had twins, were still in bed when we came and graced us with their presence when we were settled in the living room.

They were the most adorable 6yr olds I've ever seen. Both boys loved their uncle (Krishna) and soon to be uncle (of course, me).

It was a pity, they had to get ready and go to their kindergarten, so they promised to play with us once they come back and ran to their room.

Suggesting we shall meet for breakfast once we freshen up, the ladies lead us to the guest rooms. Luckily Kaira's was beside mine and unluckily Krishna's room was beside hers.

I was in my allotted guest room taking out fresh clothes when someone knocked.

"Yes?"

Krishna peeped his head in followed by the whole of him and closed the door behind him.

"Sidharth." He acknowledged "I heard Di is already engaged to you. I hope you treat her as she deserves-"

I turned to him and let him complete yet he gets interrupted. Not by me, but his sister.

"He does." Kaira nodded as she walked in "Seriously Kanna, is this the way to treat your guest, especially when your guest is your soon to be brother in law?"

"Di, I was just talking to him." He defended immediately.

She narrowed her eyes at him but before she could say anything I opened up "Yeah Kaira, we were just talking. Even I would be cautious around the boy marrying Preet, it's okay. You've been tired of traveling, go and take your hot shower, we'll be good."

She frowned at me "Sidharth-"

"We'll be good." I insisted again.

"Fine." She sighed and walked out of my room not before warning her brother again.

"She's just tired of all traveling. You were saying?" I chuckled when she was out.

"I still don't like you. For Kaira Di's sake I'd show respect, but don't expect it." He glared and marched out of my room as well.

I stood there for a few seconds contemplating, shrugged and took my belongings to the washroom.

As long as I have Kaira by my side, I don't care if anyone likes or doesn't likes me.

It was then I didn't know how wrong was I.

The breakfast was rather a cheerful affair. The ladies welcomed Krishna and me with equal love and adoration.

Pragya, I gathered, was around Arav's age and had a cheery personality like Shreya. She was sorry for they couldn't make it for our engagement but we didn't let it ruin the breakfast.

I was good knowing that her family was in support like they should and the best part was that she was happy. I didn't need anything else than that anyway.

Though Krishna's indifference wouldn't affect me, it somehow did affect Kaira. She would frown whenever she caught Krishna glaring at me when I would lean closer to Kaira to whisper something or when accidentally we were close enough to touch and our skin brushed.

Actually it wasn't that hard to brush against her accidentally, she was beside me and loved the chutney kept on my side, so she would either ask me to pass on or she would try to take it by herself.

It didn't take us long to end up chatting in the living room while the ladies were off to their part of the house, possibly gossiping. It was just Kaira's uncle, her cousins and I.

It looks more of an interrogation for interview. Damn, I haven't been this nervous in months.

Rishab was a lawyer and took over his father's law firm long ago. His questions would be both professional as well as personal views. He was easier to talk to among them.

Krishna, as Kaira told, went in army training once out of school. He says it was his dream from childhood to serve the country. I was happy for him until he started shooting questions on my personal life letting me use my polite professionalism.

Randhir uncle is elder to Kaira's dad but had a similar thought process and idols, I understood it immediately while talking with him. We mostly talked about professionalities, my business, Kaira's father's business, their procedures, their interests, the stock market and all.

Time flew and it was already quarter to 11. Rishab had to take a leave an hour ago which made me the target of both father-son questions. That wasn't my concern anymore. My concern was my meeting with the board of my company at dot 11, which in any case cannot be delayed.

I started to cut off from their talks and tried to tell them I have something important to attend but I couldn't.

Why? Because Krishna made sure I didn't get a chance to speak.

It was in his eyes I saw the glint of happiness he got from seeing me suffer.

Damn It. What do I do?

That was when my angel came to my rescue. Kaira walked in with a charming smile adorned her lips and carrying the newspaper.

"I'm sorry I'll have to pause your discussions here uncle. Arav Bhai had called and wants to talk to Sidharth about something important, I'll have to take him upstairs, Bhai is on call right now." She explained with a worried look.

Arav wants to talk to me about what?

Her uncle believed her immediately, but her cousin didn't by any chance.

"Arav bhai is online? Great! I haven't seen him in years, I'll come with you as well!" Came Krishna's immediate cheery response.

"Kanna, Bhai said he wants Sidharth's quick decision before he goes to his conference. He told me he'd call when he is back home with rest of the family, okay? Chill. He would be waiting, we should head up now." Last part she addressed to me and I was on my feet without a second thought.

Anything to get away from here. I can call Arav back after my meeting, I just need to get out of here anyway.

"What does he want? Can't I call him back afterward?" I questioned as we climbed up the stairs. Kaira was in front so I couldn't see her expression, but from her voice that responded, indicated her amusement.

"Don't worry about that."

We were almost near the guest rooms we occupied when I caught up and turned her towards me confused.

"So I don't worry about calling him back after some time?"

She chuckled, freeing her arm from my grasp "Of course not. Did you really think Bhai would pause his work to discuss anything with anybody? Please, my brother is more workaholic than that. I gather you have a meeting at 11 so better hurry."

Startled I questioned how did she know about the meeting for which she pulled out a phone from her pocket and waved at me, I realized a moment later that it's mine.

"You left it in your room for charging. I happened to walk by your room when it was ringing. Layla was trying to reach you, it rang again when I was bringing it to you. I thought I could see what she wanted and picked that's when she told me about this meeting. I know-" She was cut off when I stepped forward and squeezed her in a hug.

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you." I whispered and kissed her cheek before letting her go. Gifting her a smile I turned to open the door of my room we were standing before.

That was when I realized something and cursed under my breath "Shit I need a tie!" I mumbled running my palm through my hair as I walked in. Kaira chuckled after me.

"Get by your laptop, I'll get you