GUYSSS!! I’That night, while Lirio was caressing his head, she felt his temperature rising rapidly.

Even after taking medication, Daniel slipped into a high fever that lasted for five days. Concerned, Lirio decided to take him with her to Spain.

He resisted not wanting to leave the same place as ritisha but at the same time, seeing her in pain was breaking him apart.

Months passed. Daniel, unable to cope, turned smoking to a habit but he was wrong, it only consumed him further.

He built a cocoon around himself, shutting everyone out, not even allowing Lucas close.

One day, Lucas came to meet him.

“Hey, my love! I thought you would be back with my bhabhi!” Lucas ran to him and wrapped him in a bone-crushing hug. But Daniel didn’t respond.

“I ruined everything,” he muttered

the only words he had spoken after days of silence.

And Luca knew something was very big wrong this time .

No matter how hard Lucas, his parents, and Lirio tried, they failed to bring him back to himself. In the end, they gave him space.

Daniel threw himself into hospital work and found refuge in the sea.

Every evening, he would walk to the beach on his way home, letting the salty fragrance of the sea and the crash of waves calm his restless soul.

The sound of the waves became Ritisha’s voice for him,not her presence, but a reminder of her. Just like her voice, they had the power to soothe his anger and bring him peace.

It became his daily ritual.

Meanwhile, Ritisha was drowning in her own silence.

“Rituuu,” Sam said softly, hugging her from one side while Swayam clung to the other, “I don’t know exactly what happened between you and bhaiya, but I do know he has stopped talking to anyone. He’s pushed everyone away… except me. And even then, it’s only to ask about you. Sirf tere bare mai puchne ke liye” she emphasized on the word sirff tere.

“Ritu, let go of the past. I know you need time, but it’s been six months. You’ve changed. Your laughter, your smile… everything seems gone,” Sam continued

Swayam added in his typical teasing tone, “And our wedding is coming up. Look, if that idiot hurt you, then let’s get married and hurt him back.”

“SWAYAM!” Sam shot him a glare.

“What? I mean, don’t overthink. We’re here for you. Just don’t take so much time that by the time you decide, our kids already start calling you ‘aunty’, Kya pata tu dadi bhi ban jayegi

he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Hmmm…” was all Ritisha could manage with dull eyes.

“Forget all this,” Sam brightened, pulling her into a tighter hug. “I have good news for you.”

Swayam smirked. “Don’t worry, I didn’t make your best friend preggo preggo. ..we use condo..”

“Shut up!” Ritisha slapped his shoulder, rolling her eyes.

“Okay, okay, listen. Your dream is finally coming true!” Sam’s voice was filled with excitement. “You’ve been selected for the London medical conference… and your idol, Dr. Shaswat Joshi himself, is going to be there!”

For the first time in months, a small smile tugged at Ritisha’s lips. Years of dedication had finally brought her to this moment.

Later that night, when Swayam left and Sam walked down with Ritisha, she stopped and looked at her seriously.

“Rii, you’re smart. You’re strong. But you also need to hear this what happened between you two… you only know your side. You don’t know his. Ivaan bhaiyaa… he worshipped you, Rii. Do you have any idea how many things he still does for you, even now?”

Ritisha frowned. “What do you mean?”

“The groceries that keep arriving at your door? During the periods too, That’s not me it’s him. The shelter home near the apartment ? He did that when you were upset after that dog-law incident? Him again. All those little comforts you never questioned he made sure of them. And no matter how far he is, he calls me almost every day just to ask about you.”

Ritisha’s eyes widened. “You never told me any of this?”

“How could I? You were already dealing with too much. If I told you then, you would’ve reacted in anger, and it would have hurt him even more.”

“Then why now?”

“Because, buddhu,” Sam smiled sadly, “you’re leaving for your dream conference tomorrow. I don’t want you to go with this negativity inside you. Even if you don’t want him, at least don’t hate him blindly. He doesn’t deserve that.”

Ritisha stayed silent, her heart tangled in confusion. She wanted him but she was upset.

Ever since that day, I’ve tried to keep myself away from him. But every memory of us lingers, haunting me day and night. I should despise him… but I can’t.

He knew from the start who I was. He hid it from me, while I… while I was falling for him without even realizing it. That betrayal hurts more than anything. And yet… I can’t erase the way he made me feel.

For a week, I felt sick, as though my body mirrored the storm inside. Sam and Swayam stayed by my side, taking care of me through everything. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. They became my strength when I was weakest.

Still… a part of me keeps searching for answers. What do I want? What do I feel? I don’t know. But I’m trying to figure it out.

Now, on the eve of my flight to London tomorrow, nervousness coils in my chest. Dr. Shashwat the world’s best cardiac surgeon, my idol is going to be there. To learn under him is nothing less than a blessing.

As I packed my bags, the doorbell rang. I frowned at 9 p.m.? Who could it be? Sam and Swayam had gone out on a date.

With a sigh, I opened the door.

“Lila Ma’am?” I blinked in surprise. But how could I forget she started coming to my home frequently after we returned from the trip . As if to make sure I'm Kay

“I won’t come inside if you call me ‘Ma’am’ again, beta,” she smiled warmly. The word beta made my heart soften.

“Please, come in,” I said, stepping aside.

She took my hand gently and entered.

“Baithiye, I’ll make some tea. Or do you prefer coffee?” I asked nervously, my mind spinning with questions I didn’t know how to face.

“Do cup masaledar chai,” she replied with a smile, and despite my protests, she followed me into the kitchen.

"Waise beta, congratulations. Your dream is about to come true.”

"Thank you,” I whispered. “Aap ki wajah se I got selected.”

She shook her head. “No, thank me later. This is all because of your own dedication and hard work.”

Her genuine words made me smile.

“Waise, I came to give you something… and to tell you something,” she said.

She handed me a small bag.“You’ll be gone almost a month. I don’t know if you’ll get good home food there, so I packed a few things just to make you feel at home.”

I opened the bag and found several items inside, like mixtures, home made cookies , sweets but my eyes immediately caught the chikkis.

Memories flooded me how I used to hate them, but Kaka would always send them for me and Ivaan. Me and Daniel.

The time we came back from our trip.

“These chikkis,” she explained softly, “Kaka specially made them for you, at my request.”

My eyes burned with tears. For six months, I had felt hollow, but Lirio always found ways to spend time with me, to make me feel like I still belonged.

Despite how I had ignored her, despite how I had treated her grandson, she was still here loving me, caring for me.

I hugged her tightly as tears slipped down my cheeks. She hugged me back, stroking my hair.

“Everything will be fine, my baby girl. Love you.”

I closed my eyes, letting her words sink into me, wrapping around the cracks in my heart like a balm..

For the first time in months, I felt a flicker of peace maybe, just maybe, things really would be fine.

We were sipping tea when she suddenly reached into the bag and pulled something out. She placed it in my hand it was a key.

“You and Lokesh are going for the conference from our hospital,” she explained gently.

“His stay has already been arranged, but due to some last-minute changes, your accommodation ended up in another hotel… quite far from the venue. And honestly, Mai nahi cahhti tum kahin aur ruko we already have a home there.”

I wasn’t shocked I knew their family owned an apartment in London.

“My daughter’s sister-in-law also lives nearby,” she added casually. “If you need anything, you can always let me know.”

She didn’t mention anything about Ivaan.. I mean Daniel .

“Nahi, nahi… main kaise reh sakti hoon waha?” I protested softly.

“Arey, tum meri beti ho… bilkul reh sakti ho,” she insisted with a smile. “Main tumse Ma’am karke nahi, tumhari apni Nani ban kar keh rahi hoon.”

“In a strange city like London, I can’t let you feel unsafe. I’ll make sure everything is ready you just need to feel comfortable there.”

“The house isn’t very big, but you can stay in any of the rooms you like… except the last one. No one has the key to that room, so it can’t be opened,” she added casually.

I felt a flicker of curiosity but decided not to ask.

“Mujhe samajh hi nahi aa raha main aapko kaise thank you bolun… aap bahut hi acche ho,” I whispered, hugging her again. This time, she kissed me gently on both my cheek and forehead.

“Mahadev meri beti ko hamesha khush rakhein… best of luck, meri jaan,” she blessed lovingly.

Next day

I reached London safely ell home time I was nervous my first time flying alone that too a new country . I felt like getting deja vu but that time I was with my parents this time all alone .

But I didn't feel that much of loenly I used to feel in London .

I think I don't know what I am thinking but this Daniel " Adhe gore pakore "Rodriguez has really played my mind well.

I landed and then on the airport I saw a placard of my name and “ babygirl “ written on the other side .

Oh my god , this Lirio .

Oh I have started calling ehr Lirio cause she told me not to call ma'am and eventually I learned to call her Lirio .

A beautiful girl was behind the placard, I can see she is a beautiful blond with blue eyes . I felt like having a crush at her .

When she noticed me she instantly knew it's me ….

“Babygirllll…” she hugged me before I could do or say anything.

“Entonces eres mi cuñada I mean, my cute luna.”

[So you are my sister-in-law? I mean, cute moon.]

For a second, I thought she was calling me something else. She’s…?

And as if she read my mind, she quickly added

“I’m Dani’s sister, Elena. You can call me Elii.”

The way his name rolled off her lips made my whole body freeze, but I managed to compose myself and introduce politely.

“Nice to meet you, Elii. I’m Ritisha.”

“And I can call you Riiii!” she squealed, bouncing with happiness like a child who just spotted chocolate.

She reminded me so much of Sam.

“Eres tan hermosa como dijo mi hermano.”

[You’re so beautiful, just like my brother described.]

I swallowed hard, he’d been describing me to his family? Beautiful?

“W-well, sorry again. I’m… kind of acquainted with Spanish so…”

“Está bien. Tú sabes español, así que podemos hablar en español entonces.”

[It’s okay. You know Spanish, so we can speak in Spanish then.]

She looked at me, eyes wide with shock.

“Nena, sabes español? Oh, espera… hablemos de esto después. Cuando lleguemos a casa, mamá nos está esperando.”

[Babygirl, you know Spanish? Oh wait, let’s talk about this later. We’ll talk when we get home, Mom is waiting.]

Before I could react, she snatched all the bags from my hands and placed them in the car with surprising strength.

“I’m so happy you know Spanish. You’re amazing, babygirl. So multi-talented. I love Lilsss, I mean, your Lirio.”

“ Lilss” I laughed at the nicname .

“ Yes when we were small we couldn't pronounce Lila so brother called Lirio as Lila sounds like Lily and the same reason I called Lils.”

And then we chatted and I can't trace the time when we reached home .

The apartment is such a beautiful place surrounded by greener in front . The apartment is not crowded as others .

The London breeze when his my nostrils, I felt refreshed and I was calm with everything than before .

She took me upstairs, and that’s where I met another stunning lady so graceful, with features so similar to Eli’s that I immediately knew she had to be her mother.

“My girl… you are so beautiful,” were the very first words she said before pulling me into a warm embrace.

“How was the flight?”

“Good,thank you” I replied with a shy smile.

“Perfect. Go freshen up, I’ve arranged almost everything for you. We’ll meet properly later ,I have some work to finish with Eli. For now, she’ll give you a little tour of the city.”

She hugged me once more before leaving, and already, I could feel this homely warmth settling around me, like I’d known them for years instead of minutes.

“Babygirl, go get freshened up. I’ll arrange the food, and then we’ll tour the city. Maybe even buy a few more things for you,” Eli said with her usual sparkle.

After a quick shower, I slipped into a casual top and cargo. As I stood combing through my damp hair, I noticed Eli in the mirror, staring at me with wide eyes.

“Oh my god, your hair… it’s so long, so thick. Not only my brother, but even I would marry you if I could. I swear, I’m literally obsessed with your beauty obsessed with you.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks at her blunt confession.

“Thank you… but honestly, you’re the prettiest one I’ve ever seen. Your eyes are just… stunning.”

“You can see the ocean in my eyes, right? Be careful, babygirl… if you drown, don’t expect me to save you.”

“pero tu hermano sí lo hará.” Her mother said from behind before going . I couldn't hear properly.

[No need , your brother will save her ]

Her laughter filled the room, sweet and infectious, and soon we were lost in gossip.

Time slipped away without us realizing until we found ourselves done shopping. .

She led me through charming little corners of the city, then to a mart where we grabbed snacks and essentials.

Of course, she wouldn’t let me pay a cent.

“When we go to India, you can spoil me, but for now, let me, babygirl,” she insisted with a playful wink, pushing my wallet back into my bag.

And somehow, with her beside me, the city already felt less foreign.

The whole family has a habit of calling me babygirl and I love it every single time.

After a long, tiring day, I came back home and arranged the remaining things.

I still couldn’t believe Lirio had called this a “small house.” Nothing about it was small not even the balcony.

I walked to the little kitchen cabinet, brewed myself some chai, and carried it out to the balcony.

My heart was restless. Against my better judgment, I dialed Papa’s number. I knew I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t stop myself.

He picked up after two rings.

“Namaste, Papa.”

"Ha, kuch paisa chahiye? Maine bhej diya hai.”

“Nahi, woh… main keh rahi thi, main London pahunch gayi hoon.”

“Sahi baat hai phir. Waha pe sab cheezon ka intezam ho gaya hai na?”

“Haan, ho gaya hai.”

“Chalo, theek hai phir. Kuch chahiye toh call karna. Main ab rakhta hoon.”

At his words, hot saltwater tears spilled down my face. I wondered would he really come if I needed him?

I missed my old Papa, the one who would do anything to make me smile. This Papa was different… distant.

Ever since Mumma died, he drowned himself in alcohol to cope with the loss. But what about me?

He never tried to learn how I was coping. Alcohol became his partner. Who was supposed to be mine?

He thinks because of me mumma died but he never understood I was just a kid .

The cold London breeze wrapped around me like an embrace, and I let myself melt into it. I didn’t realize how quickly time passed.

Sometime later, my phone rang a video call from Sam and Swayam. Their faces lit up the screen as they told me how much they missed me.

They teased me with talk of a surprise they were sending, though of course they wouldn’t reveal what it was.

Smiling faintly, I went inside and finally fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up, made myself some bread, butter, and chai, and then took a cab straight to the conference.

I was super nervous yet excited. I met Lokesh sir outside the conference hall.

“Ritisha, ache se pahunch gaye??”

“Ha sir, aur aap?”

“Haan, main toh ache se pahunch gaya. Baki don’t worry, I’m here. Kuch chahiye ya problem ho toh batana. Lila ma’am se pehle mujhe batana, warna woh mujhpe gussa karengi.”

“Nahi nahi sir, aisa kuch nahi hoga,” I replied with a gentle smile.

“Chalo thik hai, let’s go.”

And we went to the conference and got seated.

Today there was a lecture by some other professor, not Dr. Shaswat. So, I was excited but not that nervous.

There was this round table where I was sitting, near the board.

Soon a man joined beside me. He was good-looking and looked familiar.

Can I take a seat?” He pointed to the chair beside me, and I nodded with a smile.

“Hello, I’m Ajey from Odisha. And you are?”

Hearing the name Odisha from him made me smile.

“Odisha???”

“Hey, I’m Ritisha. Ritisha Bhardwaj. Half Odia.”

“Whattt?” His eyes widened just like mine.

“Odisha ru??? You know how to speak in Odia?

“Haan, kana Odia re kahibi? Kuhantu, mu translate karidebi.” His lips curved into a genuine, beautiful smile.

[ Yes , what should I speak in odia ? You just say I'll translate ]

Are nahi nahi… mane, emiti ajana desha re suddenly nija area ra loka dekhi le bahut khushi lage.”

Arehh no no , I mean , being in a strange country for the first time and suddenly you met someone from your locality makes me very happy ]

“By the way, kouthi rahuchhanti apana ebe pain?” He asked .

[By the way z where are you staying for now?]

“At a close relative’s house,” I said, not wanting to reveal the whole story behind it.

He seemed to think about something for a while, while I looked around the room. Everyone was busy with introductions, waiting for the host to finally begin.

The host was late as always. It reminded me of those boring principals who made students stand in the sun for hours.

Sometimes they didn’t even bother to show up themselves, sending vice principals instead. I could sense something similar happening here.

“Acha, so let’s go for dinner sometime. I don’t think they’ll give us much break for lunch. Or else, we can go on the off days?”

Wait… is he asking me out?

A sudden nervousness rushed through me. I grabbed my glass of water, hoping to calm myself, but the moment I took a sip, the door flung open. Everyone’s attention shifted instantly.

A man entered. Handsome. Beard like a cowboy’s, like a mountain man, like he has been in forest for years, hair falling over his forehead, giving him the look of someone dangerous, almost mafia-like.

Wait. No…

He roughly ran a hand through his hair, and when his eyes lifted, they locked directly onto mine.

In that exact moment, the water in my throat decided to betray me. Instead of flowing smoothly, it “danced” down the wrong way into my windpipe.

I coughed loudly, drawing every eye toward me before they could fully admire him.

Right now I could have died of choking. I mean the water .

Their fangirl moment , ruined by me.

I covered my mouth with one hand, embarrassed beyond belief, while Ajey quickly snatched the glass from my hand.

His other hand gently brushed my hair back and caressed my back to calm me.

I hate the touch of any other man but right now someone is hating it more than me I guess…. Saying from my instinct.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Hey Mahadev, aapne mujhe kaha phasa diyaaa, I cursed myself silently.

When I slowly lifted my eyes, I saw not just Ajey’s worried face, but also his, that mysterious man.

He was fuming, his gaze burning, as if he could kill the person sitting next to me right now.

Please… let this be a dream. If it’s reality, then someone please just book me a flight back to India.

It was all too much. Too sudden. Too overwhelming.

I wasn’t prepared for this.

JLADI JALDI BATAO KYA KARUUU.... BACKSTORY PURA LIKHDU YA PRESENT KE SATH SATH