Bhumi's POV!

"Bhumi, talk to Aryamann once before coming to any conclusion," Siddharth bhaiyya said, sitting next to me and placing a hand around my shoulder.

"I don't want to talk to him," I said, the hurt slicing through me in waves.

He was in no way obliged to stay celibate during the years we were apart. He wasn’t even obliged to do that while we were together.

The contract we signed had made sure that he was free to have relationships with any woman of his desire.

I can't even blame him.

But I had started hoping. Hoping for a life filled with love.

"Honey, I know Harini. I have known her for years. I am sure Aryamann wouldn't make the mistake of getting involved with Harini. No matter what," Siddharth bhaiyya said with so much conviction.

"Why? Why are you so sure about it? Who is Harini? Why is no one ready to answer that one question? Three years ago, I asked the same question. Aditi refused to answer me. Aryamann too. What is with her that everyone keeps themselves from answering me?" I asked furiously.

"It's not about Harini, honey. It's about Aryamann. It's Aryamann's story to tell you. And I am sure, after what happened today, he will definitely tell you," Siddharth bhaiyya said.

"Sid Mamu, Sid Mamu. Want ice cream?" Abhi and Sammy came running to us.

"Good idea. Come on, Bhumi. Let's go out and have some ice cream," Siddharth bhaiyya said.

"I don't want to. You all go. I just need to be alone," I said, and Siddharth bhaiyya stared at me unsurely.

"I am not going to commit suicide, brother. I have two little boys to think about. So, don't worry. Go ahead. I just need a little time to gather myself," I said.

"I know you are strong, little one. We will be back soon," Siddharth bhaiyya said and held the hand of each boy and walked out.

As I was alone again, thoughts of Aryamann and Harini plagued my mind.

Who is Harini?

Why does she still hold so much importance in Aryamann's life?

I still remember Aryamann's words from three years ago. After he accused me of being a gold digger. He said it was because of some video Harini showed him.

'When Harini showed me that video, I felt betrayed. I shouldn't have believed that. That was my fault.'

Those words kept ringing in my head.

He believed Harini over me back then.

And now again Harini is creating problems in our life.

Why is he letting her do that?

Did he really have sex with her? Are they really having a baby?

And the thought of Aryamann accompanying Harini into the OBG office for a scan. How could he do that to me?

The ringing of the doorbell brought me out of my thoughts on Aryamann.

Who could it be?

Madhuri bhabhi is in the Pune for some official reasons.

Siddharth bhaiyya just went out with the boys. Did they forget something?

The bell kept ringing!!

"I am coming!! You have the key, right Sid bhaiyya? Why are you-" I stopped mid-sentence seeing who was at my door.

"Aryamann," I whispered, my eyes filling with tears.

"Why Bhumi? You didn't expect me to come for you just like what you thought the last time?" He asked and I could see the hurt in his eyes.

"I- you. What!! Why!!" I stammered not knowing what to say!!

"Won't you let me in, Bhumi?" He asked.

"Yeah, sure. Come in," I said.

He took my hand and walked me towards the couch and made me sit there.

"Couldn't you just confront me for once? Why do you always run away?" Aryamann asked in exasperation.

I just looked away.

"Bhumi. Look at me," he said and turned to me so that I was facing him.

"Aryamann??"

"Hmm!!"

"Why are you here?" I asked in a low voice.

"Where else should I be? If not with my wife and babies?" He asked.

"I saw that tabloid news, Aryamann." I said, feeling the pain of a knife thrusting into my heart.

"I figured as much," Aryamann said.

"I just couldn't bear to stay there anymore," I admitted.

"I know, my love. I know what you must have felt seeing that. But do you trust me?" He asked.

I remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"You remember the way I reacted three years ago. When mom asked about a grandchild?" He asked.

Of course! How can I ever forget!

Those words have played through my head a million times, causing more pain each time I remember them.

"When mom said about wanting a grandchild, the pain I went through once came back in such a force that I took it out on you! I am really sorry for that. Will you forgive me, Bhumi?" he asked, taking my hands in his.

"What pain?? Why does the thought of a baby bring you pain!!" I asked as I needed to know. I needed to know why he had hurt me in such a way.

"You know a little about my childhood, right? Mom and dad were never there for me when I was a child. I never knew what love was!! They were busy with building the business and I sacrificed my childhood for their career," he said.

"I know. But they regret that now. They want to make it up with you," I said.

"I know. And I am trying hard," he said.

"What else is there? Something else had hurt you badly in the past, didn't it??" I asked.

"Harini!!" He whispered and my heart skipped a beat.