Nishant Naik, billionaire MD of Naik Builders gets engaged but without love. Disillusioned, he gives up when a chance encounter leaves him intrigued and confused. For him, loving someone is giving your soul to her. Will he ever find someone to love...
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Dhruv stretched on his bed and rubbed his eyes as the light in the room woke him up. He got up and straightway went to Nishant's room. He hadn't looked well the other night.
But as he neared the room, the half-open door alarmed him. He rushed towards it and opened it fully, finding the room completely empty.
"Nishant?" Dhruv called out but didn't get an answer.
He called out again but still nothing.
Panicking he hastened towards his own room to fetch his phone. But as he picked up the phone, his anxiety increased by manifolds.
There was a yellow stick-on note on the phone and it took no rocket science to recognise the striking scrawl on the paper.
'Tosh.'
Panic rose inside him the moment he read that. Without even thinking twice, he picked up his phone and dialled Nishant's number. At first, it came not reachable, raising his heartbeat higher than usual. Then, when he dialled again it gave a switched off message.
Dhruv collapsed on the bed not able to think anything else than the worst.
*************
Nishant braked and the car stopped in front of the petrol station at Mandi. He got out of the car and stretched. As he told the guy at the station to fill up the tank, he avoided looking at his favourite mountains. He did not need any more reminders of her; his mind was enough.
The moment the tank was full; he paid the guy and sat inside the car. Just as he closed the door, his phone fell under the seat with the impact. Sighing, he reached out and picked it up, and instantly saw the flashing indicator light. As he unlocked his phone, he saw there was no signal and there were some missed call messages from Dhruv, Sid, his family and Siraj.
Nishant breathed hard as he tried to control himself from being irritated as he understood their panic-stricken hearts. He got down from the car and narrowed the phone booth near the petrol station.
*************
Dhruv was pacing up and down the room as he waited for Siraj to trace Nishant's car. Just as he was about to question him, he heard his phone ringing.
He looked at the number and his heart plummeted to the lowest levels of fear. With shaky fingers, he answered the call, expecting the worst.
"It's me," he heard Nishant say and instantly every little anxiety vanished but anger took its place instead.
"What the hell! Couldn't you have talked to me? Dammit, Nishant. Do you realise how worried we have been?"
On the other side, Nishant sighed and said, "I would have if you hadn't been sleeping. And, this is not the first time I am going to Tosh alone. So, why the worry?"
"After what happened last time, you are seriously asking me this?"
Nishant opened his mouth to retort then stopped himself. Breathing hard, he calmed himself down and then answered, "Last time won't happen again."
"Ya, right, Nishant, as if I don't know."
"Listen, I am okay. So, stop worrying."
"I don't think I can. I am coming there."
Nishant clenched the receiver hard just as he heard Dhruv.
"You are doing no such thing. I need you there. And, Dhruv, nothing is going to happen to me. I'll be fine. I just need to be alone for some time."
"But, Nishant....."
"No buts, I have to live, if not for me then for her. And, one more thing, if something happens to me, don't let her know. Bye, I'll call you once I reach."
Dhruv heard the line go dead instantly before he could say anything. He pressed his temples in irritation and turned around towards Siraj.
"Tell everyone he is okay."
As he heard Siraj calling the others, Dhruv brows narrowed with determination.
I am not letting you have your way this time.
************
It was already evening when Nishant reached Tosh. For once he had not taken the trek road; instead, he had driven all the way to the last stop. And, he was thankful it was dark because one look at the road would have reminded him of her. He locked his car and got down. The cold air welcomed him with open arms and he inhaled hard taking it in. Opening his jacket, he shoved it inside the bag and stretched his arms letting the cold get to him. But somehow even the cold air of the Himalayas couldn't calm the raging fire inside.
As Nishant opened his eyes, he saw Lakshman approaching. He sighed and gave him the bag, and followed him towards the guest house.
As he entered the house, he saw some boarders sitting in the hall chatting. They looked at him and smiled, however, he just ignored them. He entered his room and straightway went towards the terrace. The curtained canopy was still there but someone had placed a huge sheet on it hiding it completely.
He sat down on the recliner and slanted his head on the pillow. The sky was overcast meaning it might rain at night. Nishant smiled sadly as he looked at it.
You are a reflection of my heart; overcast and heavy, cannot let go yet cannot hold it in.
"Nishant Bhaiyya?" Lakshman's voice interrupted his thoughts and he sat up.
"Should I get something to eat?"
"No, Lakshman, I am not hungry. Just get me a glass of milk," Nishant replied feeling reclusive.
Lakshman looked at him and nodded, and then started to leave but stopped near the door.
"You shouldn't sleep outside tonight. It might rain."
"It's okay, Lakshman, I'll be fine."
As Lakshman was stepping out, he heard Nishant say, "And Lakshman, I don't want to be disturbed...at all."
*************
A man crossed the road and climbed the stairs one by one. As he neared the door, he heard voices from inside and stepped back. Someone was standing quite near the door. The door knob turned and someone stepped out. A woman and a man came out and started locking the door.
Not willing to be discovered, the man disappeared into the shadows. She is not there neither is the child so he has to wait till morning. As the couple left, the man slowly stepped down the stairs and crossed the road again. But before he again disappeared into the dark night, he looked towards the house and smiled satisfactorily.
