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"I grew to understand that people don't always build walls to keep others out. It's done out of necessity to protect whatever is left within." Xander said and took a pause, he held Naina's hand and looked at her whose eyes were perplexed.
"There's a lot Sameer has gone through, which has made what he is at present. I don't know much about you, kiddo. When my mother died due to a few health complications, Dad was in a fix. He loved her,loved her more than anyone. He wasn't able to live in that home as memories started to haunt him. Vivek uncle who was a really close friend of Dad asked him to stay in his mansion. Dad sold the house and arranged for us settling in abroad. That's when I met Sameer who was son of Vivek uncle and Vishaka aunty. Dad and I stayed there for a week. Once Nanaji had brought a little baby to their house and that was you. He said that you were his friend's kid and your father had some work so he left you with Nanaji. Vishaka aunty was too fond of you and I remember she was really tensed about something when Nanaji had said her something, which was mostly related to you. Sameer and I were never great friends because of difference in our behaviour. He was cheerful and a prankster while I was always into my books. I don't know how but you got close to me. It was really difficult for me to leave you that day." Xander said while Naina nodded her head in a way of understanding.
"Do you know what happened that changed Mr. Maheshwari?"
"I don't know Naina. He never speaks about himself."Naina hummed in response, lost in her thoughts. She was the one who urged Xander to tell about him and how he met her. Xander raised his arm and rubbed her head softly.
"Don't think much, kiddo. Sometimes it takes time to heal old wounds. You just have to give that person some space."Xander explained.
"Did Mr. Maheshwari call you? It's been a week since he hasn't returned home."
"I did try but he isn't picking. He would be safe as a few guards are with him. Do not stress yourself as you are not well."
"Xan, I am fine. I don't want to drink this." Naina cribbed.
"Fine, really? You have puked two times today and just a moment before you were crying as your stomach hurt. This is all because you eat a lot of sweets." Xander spoke, giving her a cup of some traditional tea (khada) which he had made for her. She gulped it making faces only to earn Xander's hearty laugh.
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Sameer strode in the room,slamming the door behind. His each breath varied while beads of sweat rolled down his face. He went back to where it happened.He gulped a lump of saliva and pressed brows in order to calm himself but failed miserably. He stared at the room,which he dared not to enter these years. Subconsciously, his eyes darted towards the fan where he saw a person hanged."Maa.." He whispered more to himself, as he walked towards the strangled dead body.
