In the Hope of Love

Through the Cracks

The morning sun casts a warm glow over the garden as I answer Uncle Vijay's call, "Niha, beta, I've arrived in Mumbai for a meeting with the Party President," he announces cheerfully.

"Oh! Chachu, that's great. I will be at your mansion in an hour," I reply eagerly, excitement bubbling within.

"Don't forget to leave without your security." He warns me as usual, and I roll my eyes. Nevertheless, I know that he is worried for me. I am still on the call and see Dev coming towards me. I wave at him when Chachu speaks on the call,

"I hear that you went to the racetrack yesterday, that too without security."

I huff at his words and reply, " But Chachu I'm not alone, Dev and Anurag are with me all the time."

.....

"Nothing happens to me, Chachu. How could anything happen to me when Dev is with me?" I say and end the call.

Dev stares at me in astonishment. His eyes hold different emotions which I cannot depict. Due to sunlight, those honey orbs shine in golden colours.

"What's the call about?" he asks, raising his brows.

"Chachu is coming to Mumbai, so I am going to his mansion. Also, I may be late while returning."

He nods after listening to me and asks, "Ok. How many days will he be staying here?"

"Most probably, he will leave tonight only. He has some work here and also wants to check on me."

I chose to wear a peach kurta and jeans paired with rose gold hoops. I don't forget to wear the bracelet that Chachu gave me.

I always cherish this and our bond. It's the first gift I have received from him, and I used to draw strength from it in my horrible days. Whenever I wear this, I convey that I respect him and he is my courage, which he understands without words.

I go downstairs, and I am about to call my security team but, I am interrupted by Mohan Uncle.

"Niha beta, I hear that Vijay is here and you're going to visit him," Mohan's uncle asks me.

I nod, "Yes, Uncle."

"Ok. Then even I would like to catch up with my best friend. Wait for me, we'll go together. "

I agree, and he leaves, ordering Dev to tag along. Dev grumbles something under his breath, probably cursing his fate.

I chuckle at his antics.

Dev gives me a questioning look, creasing his forehead. I walk to him and tenderly stroke his brows to smooth his furrow. He closes his eyes, and his lips stretch into a smile.

"So, what are you going to do with the money you got yesterday?" He asks.

I smirk at him as I already have thought about it and give him a wait-and-watch look. His face turns into a scowl again.

"Are you a frowner by nature or are you born with it?" I ask as I giggle at him. "Frowning too much can form wrinkles and make you look older, Mr.Obhodro," I warn.

He looks amused at my comment but starts chasing me.

"You little vixen," he calls out between laughs, his voice teasing but fond. "You always know just how to get under my skin."

We halt when Saurabh Bhaiyya's voice booms in the hall.

"What's happening here?"

He looks at us with his scrutinizing gaze. I give my most innocent eyes and say in a sweet voice,