Veeraj sat beside Shalini, watching her sleep, his mind reeling with the story she had shared. He couldn't believe the cruelty she had endured, the pain and suffering she had faced. His heart ached for her, and he felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect her.

As he looked at her peaceful face, Veeraj's thoughts turned to her husband. How could anyone treat another human being with such cruelty? He felt a surge of anger and a desire to confront the man who had hurt Shalini so deeply.

But for now, Veeraj's priority was Shalini's safety and well-being. He knew he had to take care of her, to provide her with a safe haven where she could heal and recover.

He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch soft and gentle. Shalini stirred, but didn't wake up. Veeraj smiled, feeling a sense of protectiveness towards her.

He stood up, deciding to make some arrangements to ensure Shalini's safety. He would hire security guards, change the locks, and make sure that her husband couldn't find her.

As he walked out of the room, Veeraj couldn't shake off the feeling that he had just taken on a big responsibility. But he was determined to protect Shalini, no matter what it took.

Suddenly he heard her cries he rushed to her room ... And saw she was wincing and she was huffing in fear .. he woke her up !

No one is going to hurt you .. please..

She thought it was dev .. she pushed him away : don't come near me .. no noo .. don't hurt me don't !

Then he jerked her .. Shalini! It's me .. veeraj !!

She got back her senses...

Veeraj: Shalini don't think too much ; take rest please.. Sleep ..

( He watched her ..as she laid again)

Veeraj's eyes lingered on Shalini's face, his heart heavy with emotion. He couldn't imagine the horrors she had endured, the trauma that still lingered in her eyes. He felt a deep sense of sorrow and regret, wishing he could turn back time and protect her from the pain.

As he stood there, watching her sleep, Veeraj's thoughts turned to her husband. He couldn't believe the cruelty and brutality the man had inflicted on Shalini. Veeraj's anger simmered just below the surface, his fists clenched in a silent promise to protect Shalini from harm.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. He knew he had to be strong for Shalini, to provide her with a safe and nurturing environment where she could heal and recover.

Veeraj's gaze softened as he looked at Shalini, his heart filled with compassion and empathy. He knew that he had to be patient, to let her heal at her own pace. He was willing to do whatever it took to help her recover, to help her find happiness again.

As he turned to leave, Veeraj's eyes fell on the bruises on Shalini's neck. His anger flared up again, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. He would do everything in his power to protect Shalini, to keep her safe from harm.

Next day

Veeraj told his mother everything... Genuinely his mother was tensed about Shalini and veeraj.

His mom : veeraj; I am with you no matter what happens but .. you really need to find the identity of the guy who did the brutality with the girl .. but veeraj I believe you but .. veeraj is she genuine? You don't even know anything about her!

Veeraj: i don't think she is lying maa , I saw the scars and all .. and the nightmares she is going through i can't explain.. but we really need to know about her identity you are right .

His mom: veer ; just make sure papz don't know anything about her ! Otherwise it will be the headlines...

The famous singer ; his new gf late night parties you know na mom ..

Suddenly someone broke into their conversation.. hey veer bhaiya .. aww aunty i missed you so much !

Rohini, Veeraj's cousin, walked into the hall, unaware of the intense conversation that had just been interrupted.

Rohini: (excitedly) Aww, Aunty, I missed you so much! (notices Veeraj's serious expression) Veer bhaiya, what's wrong? You look so serious.

Veeraj's Mom: (quickly covering up the conversation) Oh, Rohini, beta, we were just discussing... uh... Veeraj's upcoming project .Yes, that's it.

Rohini: (skeptical) really? (looks at Veeraj) You're not in trouble, are you, bhaiya?

Veeraj: (forced laugh) No, no, Rohini, everything's fine. Just... just mom being her usual worried self.

Rohini: (smiling) Okay, okay. I won't pry. (notices the tension in the air) But, Aunty, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?

Veeraj's Mom: (hesitant) Oh, Rohini, beta... I...

Veeraj: (interrupting) It's okay, mom. I'll leave you two alone for a bit. (gets up and walks away)

Rohini: (curious) Aunty, what's going on? You and Veer bhaiya were discussing something serious, weren't you?

Time passed, and Veeraj was outside, determined to find Shalini's actual address and everything. He had been searching for days, but every lead seemed to end in a dead-end. Frustrated but not giving up, Veeraj decided to head back home.

Meanwhile, at home, Veeraj's mom was trying her best to hide Shalini from Rohini's cunning eyes. She had been warned by Veeraj to keep Shalini's presence a secret, at least for the time being. But Rohini was not one to give up easily.

As Rohini entered the room, her eyes scanned the space, searching for any sign of the mysterious woman. And then, she saw her. Shalini was lying on the bed, her eyes closed, and a peaceful expression on her face.

Rohini's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. Who is she? Why is she living with Veeraj and his mom? She turned to Veeraj's mom, who was trying to act nonchalant.

"Who is she, Aunty?" Rohini asked, her voice dripping with curiosity.

Veeraj's mom hesitated, unsure of what to say. "Mmm... she is... she is my..."

But before she could finish, Veeraj walked into the room, a mischievous glint in his eye. "She is my wife!" he announced, a sly smile spreading across his face.

Rohini's eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping in surprise. "What!!!!!!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the room.

Veeraj burst out laughing, holding up his hands in mock defense. "I am just kidding, Rohini! She is my friend... she had an accident, and that's why she is living with us for a few days. Her husband lives outside the country, so we are taking care of her."

Rohini's face fell, her expression softening from shock to relief. But beneath the surface, a spark of jealousy flickered to life. Who was this woman, and why was Veeraj being so protective of her? Rohini's mind whirled with questions, her eyes never leaving Shalini's peaceful face.

Moments later ...

"Shalini, please eat something," Veeraj's mom said, concern etched on her face. "You haven't eaten all day."

Shalini shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I'm not hungry," she whispered.

Veeraj's expression darkened. "Shalini, come on. You need to eat. I am gonna throw you on road !

Shalini shook her head again, and Veeraj's anger boiled over. He grabbed her arm, his grip tight. "Fine. If you won't eat, then let's go for a drive. Maybe some fresh air will do you good."

Rohini and Veeraj's mom exchanged shocked glances as Veeraj almost dragged Shalini out of the house.

"Veeraj, wait!" his mom called out, but he ignored her.

"Get inside the car, Shalini!" Veeraj commanded, his deep voice brooking no argument.

Shalini hesitated, but Veeraj's grip on her arm tightened. "Get inside," he repeated.

Shalini reluctantly got into the car, and Veeraj started driving harshly. He stopped roadside, the tires screeching in protest.

Shalini looked at him warily. "What happened?"

Veeraj took her hands in his, his eyes burning with intensity. "You said we're friends, right? So listen, Shalini. There's your whole life to lead. Why are you so negative about your life?"

Shalini shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know..." she whispered.

Veeraj's expression softened, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. "We'll figure it out together, okay?" he whispered back

Surprisingly he took her near a river side .. cool breezes she was looking like an angel in the moonlight... He dragged her and sat with her near the riverside on the blocks ... Suddenly he splashed some water to her face ..

Shalini; now please get over of your past !

Shalini's eyes widened.. at first she thought he was really going to throw her out she slightly smiled at him and looked back to the river.

Shalini's eyes sparkled with surprise as Veeraj splashed water on her face again. "Don't do this!" she laughed, trying to shield herself from the next splash.

But Veeraj was relentless. "I will do it again!" he said, grinning mischievously.

And he did. Again and again, he splashed water on Shalini's face, until she was laughing and trying to defend herself.

Finally, she had had enough. With a playful glint in her eye, she turned to Veeraj and splashed a handful of water right back at him.

Veeraj yelped in surprise, but he quickly recovered and splashed her back. And then, they were off, splashing water at each other like a pair of playful children.

Their laughter echoed across the river, mingling with the sound of the water lapping against the shore. For a moment, they forgot about their troubles and just enjoyed the simple joy of being alive.

As they splashed and laughed, Veeraj couldn't help but notice the way Shalini's eyes sparkled in the moonlight. He felt a pang of attraction, but he quickly pushed it aside. He was just trying to help her, after all. But as they continued to play, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them.

As they continued to splash water at each other, the atmosphere between them began to shift. The playful energy gave way to a more intimate, charged tension. Veeraj's eyes locked onto Shalini's, and he felt an overwhelming urge to be closer to her.

Shalini, sensing the change in atmosphere, relaxed into the moment. She started speaking about her childhood, her voice soft and wistful. "You know, when I was young, I used to play with my friends near a riverside in our town... "

But Veeraj wasn't listening. He was too captivated by Shalini's serene face, illuminated by the moonlight. He felt drawn to her, like a magnet to steel. Without thinking, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a soft, gentle kiss.

As he suddenly kissed her Shalini.. pushed him away with a gentle force and wiped off her lips ...

She was so ashamed of kissing another man .. she couldn't meet his eyes ..

Veeraj came closer and took her ..

Your lips are so soft .. and your heart too ... And I need this softness in my life ... Shalini.dear.. I am ready to accept you as you are .. I don't care if you are married or not ; I don't care if you have any children or not ! I am ready to accept you !

"Agar tum apne bachho k v saath aati to bhi main tumhe itna hi apnepan se aptana "...

Suddenly he sat on his knees... Grabbed her hands .... Will you be my lover ? Will you be the love of my life ?

I know maybe it's unbelievable for you .. but Shalini these days ... What I have felt for you ,I can't express that in my words will you be my forever??

Shalini's eyes welled up in tears ...

(It's impossible.. you belong to a high class society... Your life is different.)shalini in her thoughts

She was surprised what to say .. in reply ...she just said ...in a low voice ..

And ....

I am still married.. ....to him ... I still love him ! Is it so easy to forget someone you love ?

Veeraj: Maybe not .. I am not forcing you ..but remember love can't be completed without the involvement of both sides! He didn't love you at all !

Shalini's heart ached at his tough words .. so you are .. I don't love you at all .. you said you were my friend.. maybe.. that will be best for us ! ....