Her brown eyes snapped opened, staring at the devastatingly handsome man in her arms. She couldn't believe that just happened. She could still taste him on her lips. Her face burned with furious blush and her head fall to his chest hiding her face.

Wow! How did this happen? One second they were wide apart having a silent war and the next second they were at each other in a happy bliss.

But she didn't thought that happy bliss wouldn't last for long.

"Marry me, Priya," he said again.

She pulled back and kept her head low. A shy smile decorated her features. She thought she misheard him before but no. Abhay Sinha proposed her.

"I..." she stammered. She couldn't help the smile on her face. She was glowing. "You didn't even say the words."

He gripped her chin and made her look at him. "Is my actions not enough?"

Her cheeks burned. "Don't you think it's too soon." She whispered.

"Never too soon baby," he responded. "Your father died while trying to save my family. I think this is fair. Beside Aisha loves you and I know you love Aisha too. So, I want this done as soon as possible."

Her smile dropped. What? This could not be true.

"Are you taking a pity on me, Abhay?" She asked. Her hopes falling at his words.

He gave her a funny look. "What? No," he denied, "Ok. This all went wrong. I didn't mean it that way."

"Then why?" She demanded.

He sighed. "Priya," he put his hands on her shoulder, "Even before I came to know about your father. I wanted to marry you."

"Why?" She repeated.

"Because," he shrugged one shoulder, "You are good to my Aisha. She needs a mother like you."

"A mother like me..." she repeated his words.

He nodded his head. "You don't know how long I have been waiting for you. The way you behave with Aisha... I know you are the one. Marry me. I'll protect you from everything."

She was silent. His face was in front of her looking expectantly. But she's lost in her own thoughts. Finally, she asked, "What about you?" Her voice soft and almost desperate.

"Me?"

She nodded.

"Of course, I like you," he grinned, not noticing her face fell, pulling her closer, "Didn't you feel how much I like you in my kiss." He leaned forward to kiss her again but she turned her face away. His lips landed on her cheek.

Priya couldn't believe how much naive she has been. All his actions... she thought he loved her. But no... This is all about Aisha.

She pushed him gently and jumped from the counter. Holding her tears, not wanting him to see, she said, "You should leave..."

He was silent. She dared a glance at him and found him staring at her bemused.

"And my answer is no," she said, wiping her lips, erasing the trace of their kiss but she knew it was all in vain. "This is a mistake and will never happen again."

"What happened?" He asked, sudden

suddenly angry.

He doesn't have any right to be. "Ask that yourself," she snapped.

He gripped her arm and pulled her close. Now, his touch burned her skin. "Leave me," she wiggled her hand.

"You didn't seem like you don't like me," he mocked.

Like? She wanted to laugh and scream loudly that, its love. But no! She's not going to give him that.

"Mr.Sinha," she said, reminding his place, "You got my answer. You should leave."

He didn't look like he's going to leave. But thankfully before he could say anything, the doorbell rang. She pushed him away and scurried out of the kitchen to open the door.

As she opened the door, she was relieved to see Madhu. Instantly, she hugged her tightly and was thankful when she hugged her back. She didn't notice Ramesh standing next to her until it was.

"Priya," Madhu coaxed, "Calm down yaar. Please." That's when Priya realized that she was crying. She wiped her face and pulled back. She noticed Ramesh looking behind her and there was no doubt that he's having a silent conversation with Abhay.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ramesh told me everything. So I thought..." Madhu trailed, her eyes darting between Abhay and Priya.

"Good," Priya smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes, "Mr. Sinha is anyway leaving. " she turned to him swiftly and said, "Thank you for your support today, sir. I am ready to say anything regarding Vineet case." She was looking at his chin instead of his eyes.

For a while he didn't say anything. He just stood their staring at her. She could say he was angry with her dismissal by the way he clenched his hands.

Then, he went inside and came out wearing his coat. Without a word, he pushed past her and went away. She didn't look back.

"Take care of her," she heard Ramesh say to Madhu and then his foot steps as he too left.

The second the door closed, Priya broke down completely and curled up on the sofa with Madhu on her side.

***

Two days passed with Priya avoiding Abhay, except the times in office when she needed his signature or to notify him of his meetings. Everytime when she had to face him, she made sure there was someone in the room.

After their last meet, she couldn't face him or look in his eyes. Oh God! How could she after she had kissed the boss? She had to go far away from him. From everything that reminds her of him.

She's going to go away, she decided. Later when the case with Vineet was closed. Ramesh said to her that someone from his gang, an old acquaintance, had been caught during their attack. And was using him as a bait to Vineet. Added to that, Priya's statement would also be helpful. L

They were just waiting for a right time... Yes! And the bastard will get what he deserved.

Preparing Abhay's coffee, Priya went to his cabin as discreetly as she could. She knew he wouldn't be here in another five minutes. So she'd just keep it on his table and exit the room.

Simple...

Keeping his cup on the table and arranging the papers scattered carelessly on it, she turned around to leave. But jumped back with a hand on her chest. God! This man will never change, she thought once her breathing became stable.

His massive frame filled the doorway as he stood their with crossed arms. His face was blank as he stared at her. So she couldn't fathom what he was thinking.

Let him think whatever he want. She started forward toward him to leave the room. Passing by him, she mumbled a good morning because he's still her boss. But her steps halted when he gripped her arm. Her eyes widened a bit feeling anxious.

"Leaving already..." he whispered in her ear, making a shiver travel down her spine.

"You need something?" She asked, as calm as she could.

"Well... only when I need something you'll stay huh..."

"What am I here for?" She asked sarcastically.

He hummed and walked forward

forward, dragging her along. She stared at him baffled stumbling backward with his each step. She huffed when he left his hand and rounded his table.

He lifted the coffee cup to his lips and looked at her. He took a small sip and scrunched his face. "No sugar. Get me another one." He said nonchalantly.

She frowned. "I added two spoons. How is it possible?" She asked.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Why don't you see?" He asked, extending his coffee toward her.

She tilted her head back. No way! She took the coffee cup from him. "I'll make another one and get for you." With that she moved out fast and returned back with a fresh cup. He was still standing in the same place with a hand on his hip. Instead of giving it to his extended hand, she put it on the table.

She ignored his furious frown and stood silently for his instructions.

He once sipped and spit the coffee. "Too much decoction."

Priya grinded her teeth. Could this man be anymore arrogant?

"Fine," she spat, taking the coffee back and went out. When she returned she was carrying a tray filled with milk, sugar and tea and coffee bags. "Serve yourself," she smirked.

He glared at her and took a step toward her. "You are avoiding me," he said.

She inhaled deeply, not ready for this conversation. "I am not..." she lied, "I think it's the way it should be."

"What if I say you are thinking wrong?" He challenged.

She sighed. There was no way she could argue. She gave him a sad smile and turned to leave but he caught her arm. Her breath stuck at her throat and the image of their kiss flashed in her eyes. No... she's not going there. She didn't face him even though he pulled her closer.

"Tell me, what's the matter..." he said softly.

"You really want to know..."

"Of course, " he said determinedly. "Tell me..."

"I dont want to be a choice."

"What?"

She breathed, closing her eyes. "I am a choice to you."

"Bullshit," he roared.

"You want to deny it?" She asked, as she turned to face him. "Say me something. Would you have thought of me if I wasn't good to Aisha?"

He opened his mouth and stopped. He looked a bit confused. "You know I like you..."

"Like?" She smiled. "That's not enough for me, " she said honestly.

His grip on her arm tightened and pulled her closer by both hands. "What do you want?" Their were inches apart and she could feel his body heat.

"Ask yourself..." she patted his chest where his heart was caged.

They were staring at each other and his eyes darted to her lips. As he started to lean forward, there was a knock at the door and Priya jumped back.

The door opened revealing Anjali. She smiled brightly when she both of them together. "Am I interrupting something?"

Priya casted her eyes down embarrassment while Abhay asked rudely, "what the hell are you doing here?"

Anjalu rolled her eyes at his tone. "Duh! I came to borrow Priya for the whole day." She said coming inside.

He snorted. "Why?"

"Spa appointment and then evening mehendi function. Please don't say you forgot. I already told you that I want Priya until the marriage by my side." She narrowed her eyes.

"Take your own assistant with you," he said.

Anjali glared at him. "Its different to my friend with me."

He groaned and turned to Priya. "You want to go with her?"

"I can stay if you want me to," she said.

He sighed. "Ok. Go. But..." he turned to Anjali, "Dont stay out too late."

Anjali jumped up and hugged her brother. "You are the best," she beamed and turned to Priya. "Let's go Priya. Before he changes his mind."

Priya smiled as Anjali took hold of her hand and dragged her to the door. As the door was about to close, she glanced for once behind and found his staring at her.

***

"He did what!" Anjali exclaimed, and hissed when the nail filer digged in her nail slightly. She gave an apologetic look to the girl doing her nails and turned her attention back to Priya.

Priya was leaning forward in her seat, with her elbows propped up and her hands cupping her cheeks. She nodded her head. Next to her chair, Madhu sat silently, already knowing everything yesterday.

"Oh! Finally he did." Anjali grinned to herself, not hearing the whole part.

"And I said no," Priya said, making Anjali's head snap.

"What? WHY?!" Anjali almost shouted.

Priya shook her head and palmed her face.

"Why the hell not Priya? I know you like him." Anjali provoked.

"I don't just like him. I love him," Priya screamed, "Like hella lot."

Anjali's jaw dropped open while Madhu smiled sadly. She knew exactly what her friend wanted and was in complete support of her.

"Then?" Anjali asked softly.

Priya eyes welled up slightly. "He wants to marry me for the sake of Aisha." And he pity me... she thought.

"Why do you think like that?"

"He said so," she said, wiping at the end of her eyes.

Anjali sighed. "My brother can be an idiot sometimes, " she muttered loud enough for only them to hear.

Priya laughed. "Only sometimes huh?"

Anjali shrugged and winked. "So, is that your final decision?"

Priya nodded. "As much as I love Aisha, I can't compromise when there's no love..." it suddenly hurt to say those words.

"I know my brother, Priya. He might not realize but he definitely loves you. "

She shook her hand. "I don't know..." she groaned not wanting to think anymore of it.

The sound of her mobile ringing made her sit straight and grab her phone. Looking at the caller ID, she smiled when she saw it was her mother.

"Hi Maa," Priya said, suddenly missing her mother.

"Hi Priya. How are you dear? Is everything fine at home?" Indira asked. There was a little anxiety in her voice.

"Yes. I am missing you both."

"You want me to come back?"

Priya wanted her to but not now. "No, mam. Just a few more days. Y

You need rest. And why is Adi coming back?"

"He wants to stay for a few more days..." there was a pause at the other side.

Priya furrowed her eyebrows. "Do you want to say something?"

"Don't be mad," Indira started slowly, "

I have seen a guy..."

"Maa..." she groaned, making Madhu and Anjali look at her curiously.

"Listen first," Indira admonished, "He is son of my friend. I met the boy two days back and he looks good and well-mannered. He is also well settled there only and works in a construction company as a Managing director. I am not forcing you-" she was cut off when priya blurted.

"Okay..."

"What?" She could hear the shock in her mother voice.

"Okay Maa. I'll meet this guy," she avoided looking at her friends, knowing full well that their eyes were on her.

"Are you serious?"

"You want me to say otherwise?"

"No!" Indira exclaimed, "Finally I am glad you are thinking about yourself. I'll tell my friend. The boy already has your number. So you can expect a call from him."

Priya raised an eyebrow at that. "What's his name?"

"Rithik," with that Indira ended the call.

When Priya finally dared to look up, she expected her friends pointed looks but they were looking at her sadly.

"So, that's it?" Anjali asked as Madhu placed a hand on her shoulder.

Priya shrugged. "I have to start somewhere. I can't keep waiting until Abhay realizes right?"

***