All Chapters of - Familiar Stranger: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

44 Chapters

Chapter 31 Erased

Third person pov The siren of the ambulance echoed through the streets. The sharp smell of antiseptic clung to the air. The hospital corridor was drowned in chaos, voices overlapping and footsteps echoing relentlessly Two stretchers carrying severely injured patients rushed past, doctors and nurses moving with practiced urgency. They were immediately attended to and wheeled into separate rooms. Sanjana povI woke up to the incessant beeping of machines and blinding white walls. The smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils. My body felt heavy, unresponsive. I tried to move my hand but failed. Turning my head slightly, I noticed an IV attached to my wrist.My throat burned with dryness. I reached for the glass of water beside me, but my fingers wouldn’t cooperate. It slipped from my grasp and shattered on the floor.The noise drew the nurse’s attention. She hurried to my side.“You’re awake.” She said gently. “Let me call the doctor.”With trembling effort, I whispered, “Water

Chapter 32 A convenient lie

Third Person POV At the end of the corridor, a dark corner that remained untouched by the hospital lights. Two silhouettes stood there, barely visible. Their deliberately hushed tones echoed in the corridor momentarily breaking the otherwise silent corridor “I have all the evidence proving that the encounter was fake.” A soft yet shrill female voice cut through the silence. “ If it is reported you could lose your job.” “I don’t care.” The commanding voice of the man in uniform replied. “I am an honest officer. I will not bend to your demands.” “Officer,” The woman said calmly. “You don’t know me. If you think that just because I don’t live here and I know nothing about you then you are mistaken.” She paused for a breath before continuing smoothly. “I know everything about you. Your beautiful wife. Your pretty little princess. I even have their pictures. See for yourself.” She opened her phone and held it out. His daughter was in her arms and wife stood next to her. Seein

Chapter 33 Before she becomes someone else

Third Person POV Later that day, Liam regained consciousness. The steady beeping of machines hummed through the room. His vacant eyes roamed around as if searching for something—or someone. There was a dull ache in his head, but the emptiness in his chest hurt far worse. His gaze finally settled on Kabir, seated beside the bed, holding his hand. Kabir sat with slumped shoulders, eyes rimmed red and shadowed by dark circles. Lost in his own world, he looked as though he had aged overnight. “Kabir…” Liam whispered. Speaking felt like an effort. “Did they find Sanjana?” Kabir didn’t answer. His silence was answer enough. Liam turned his face toward the window. The pale twilight, the greying sky, the slow descent of darkness—it all mirrored the storm churning inside him. Tears welled in his eyes. A hand came and brushed them away. “Kabir… I killed her. What will I do without her?” His voice broke. Kabir’s grip around his hand tightened. Kabir had the urge to tell him the truth, b

Chapter 34 The sound of his voice

Third Person POV“I am sorry, child.” The words echoed in her ears. White lights. A hospital room. A new face. A new identity. They swirled before her eyes like fragments of a broken reel.The world slipped away, leaving her numb and hollow.“Sanjana—!” She jerked violently.“Samantha! Wake up!” Her eyes flew open as hands gripped her shoulders. Harsh white light replaced the ceiling she had been staring at. Her chest heaved as she gasped for air.“You were screaming,” Hannah said, fear etched across her face. “You kept saying his name.”Samantha turned her face away, her heart pounding.Liam.Flashback EndsThe Following MorningAt breakfast, Samantha sat quietly, absently stirring her juice when Uncle Henry entered.“Good morning, Sam. How are you feeling today?” He pulled out a chair and sat down, lifting his glass of juice.“Good morning, Uncle. Is there something you want to say?” She asked, taking a bite of toast.“Yes.” He slid an envelope toward her. “I received an invitation

Chapter 35 Paired by Destiny

Third Person pov All the eyes turned towards her. Samantha bent quickly, pretending to dust her gown as if the broken plate were her only concern. Her breath came unevenly. Tiny beads of sweat formed along her temple. Before she could steady herself, Liam stepped forward. “Be easy, Miss. Accidents do happen.” His voice was calm, reassuring. He handed her a glass of water. Their fingers brushed. A spark. Not imagined. Not subtle. Liam felt it shoot through him like live current. His jaw tightened slightly. He had never reacted like this before ,not even with Rose. Except once. Except years ago. Only for one person. Sanjana. He pulled out his handkerchief and gently wiped the perspiration from her forehead. She didn’t move. Didn’t resist. Didn’t breathe. Their eyes locked. Something unspoken passed between them, a recognition without logic. Memory without proof. Helping her made him feel alive. And that terrified him. At the far end, partially hidden behind a pillar, R

Chapter 36 A step too familiar

Third Person POVShe was the last one to step forward.The moment she unfolded the chit and said, “Liam Turner,” the lights dimmed. Soft music flowed through the hall like a quiet invitation. One by one, couples moved toward the dance floor.Kabir extended his hand towards Rose. She ignored it. Instead, she stepped ahead without touching him. Kabir moved quickly and caught up with her, gripping her hand firmly before she could pull away. He forcibly placed her hand on his shoulder and rested his palm at her waist.“Don’t you dare cross your boundaries.” She hissed, her nose scrunched, jaw clenched. Her nails dug sharply into his palm. Kabir winced but said nothing.Rose’s anger doubled when Kabir twirled her and her eyes landed on Liam and Samantha.On the far end Liam walked toward Samantha slowly. His steps were neither casual nor playful.He studied her eyes as though searching for something buried deep within them. A familiarity that he can’t quite place.When his hand settled o

Chapter 37 When memories return

Liam Pov The dance halted when the music changed.Samantha gracefully slipped her hand out of mine and walked away. Yet the warmth of her touch lingered on my palm. The moment she left, my hands felt strangely cold.I loosened my tie and walked toward the bar.After taking my drink, I chose a table that was a little away from the main crowd. Sitting there, I kept gazing at the amber liquid in my glass.Why does she feel so familiar?The moment she placed her hand on my shoulder, it felt like a homecoming. Her touch sent a warmth through me that travelled straight to my heart and eased something deep inside. And the way she clapped her hands before twirling, hitting my palm mid-spin as if we were playing a high five. Just as Sanjana used to do.My chest tightened. Her touch had felt too familiar. When she leaned against my chest during the dance, it felt like a balm to my aching heart.I have danced with countless women, but I have never felt this way with any of them. Not even with

A step too familiar (continued)

Samantha PovWith slow steps, I walked toward the podium and stopped near the bowl.My hands trembled slightly as I reached inside and picked a folded chit. My heart was beating rapidly. The moment I read the chit, my body shivered. For a brief moment countless what-ifs rushed through my mind.What if he recognises me. No. This can't happen. Not now.I quickly pushed the thoughts away.Don’t forget , you are Samantha and no one knows who you are . I reminded myself firmly.This single thought was enough to calm my racing heart, but still my body stiffened. I carefully read the name aloud.“Liam Turner.”The moment I announced the name, the lights dimmed and soft romantic music filled the hall.With low and hesitant steps Liam walked toward me and took my hand. Together we moved slowly towards the dance floor.The moment his fingers touched mine, a shiver ran down my spine.His touch revived those memories that I had buried deep inside my mind.Memories of Kashmir.The good old days

Chapter 39 Echoes of the past

Catherine PovSamantha was right the dance step could be performed by anyone. That can’t be the basis for accusing anyone. I was scanning the room when my eyes landed on my son Liam who was looking restless and was explaining something to Kabir who was sitting next to him . All of a sudden, his gaze shifted and halted. I followed his gaze and was shocked to find him looking intently towards Miss Blake who was holding his gaze. But why is he so interested in her. What is it that has attracted her. I need to find. Things are not so simple as they look on the surface.I scanned the room once again and found a corner which was slightly less crowded . Picking my belongings I went there and dialled a number. At first, it was not answered. I tried again, this time the call was connected . A sharp baritone voice boomed from other side.“ Hello, good evening, madam.” His voice was steady and controlled.“ Daniel where were you? I was calling you.” I asked, irritation slipping through desp

Chapter 40 The name that Slipped

Liam Pov The journalists took the cue and began dispersing. Guests slowly moved towards the banquet hall, their conversations were a low murmur that filled the room. “Why don’t you join Mom and the others for dinner?” I said, gently removing Rose’s hand from my arm. “I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.” “I’ll wait for you.” She replied, her fingers tightening slightly as she placed her hand back on my arm. “We can have dinner together once you’re done.” “Just do as I say,” I cut in, my tone sharper than intended. The politeness that I was holding was long gone. I pulled my arm free and walked away without waiting for her response. I could feel her displeasure without turning back. But I didn’t stop. I walked aimlessly through the hall, my steps slowing as the crowd thinned. Why was I still here? Why hadn’t I left? I didn’t have an answer. My gaze moved across the room, restless, searching for something that I can’t even name . And then my gaze stopp

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