Lahat ng Kabanata ng - Familiar Stranger: Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

Samantha povAfter taking an early dinner, I went to my room. Uncle Henry and Hannah won't return till next afternoon. As I lay on the bed my mind wandered off to today’s events. The rehearsal of the interview went as expected. But Kabir’s arrival in my house was quite unexpected. Why did he come? Is he suspicious? I need to control my habits around these guys. They know the inside out. I need to be very careful. I didn't realise when sleep took over.My eyes opened when the light from the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains. After stretching out a bit, I went to the kitchen for a cup of coffee and took my tablet to review the questions to be asked.At the correct time I reached the studio and straight away went to the recording room to check the settings. Everything was perfect. I checked the lighting and the microphones one final time. The interview was being broadcast live, and there was no room for mistakes.My head throbbed from lack of sleep and everythi

Samantha Pov Liam remained silent. He opened his mouth but didn't utter a single word. He looked towards me and then moved his head in all directions as if analysing what could be his answer. After a moment, he spoke. " I think it depends." His voice was soft and slow. A frown appeared on my forehead. " Can you elaborate what do you mean by depends? ” I asked. " It depends whether the person deserves forgiveness or not. ” Pin drop silence filled the studio. The audience, waited for his answer holding their breathe. Liam leaned back in his chair, adjusting his elbows on armrest. He sat in a comfortable position. " There are some mistakes which can't be forgiven.” His voice was calm, but there was something heavy beneath it. “Sometimes people make choices that hurt others beyond repair.” His fingers tightened around the glass which he had picked up while answering. “But sometimes…” He paused took a sip and then continued. “Sometimes people lose thing s because the

Samantha Pov I sat on the bed for several minutes, staring at nothing. Finally, I made up my mind.I stood up, washed my face, and changed into a floral sundress. After applying a little makeup and slipping into my sandals, I grabbed my handbag and headed downstairs.I needed to talk to Uncle Henry. This was my last chance, and I didn’t want to let it slip away. A strange mix of nervousness and determination settled in my chest as I searched for him.“Uncle?” I called out. No answer.Frowning, I checked the living room and the study before heading toward the kitchen.“Hannah, have you seen Uncle Henry?” I asked as I walked in.She looked up from the counter and studied me for a moment.“Are you going somewhere?” Instead of answering my question, she asked one of her own.I hesitated.“Yes... and no. I guess that depends.” My voice carried more desperation than I intended.“Please, Hannah. Where’s Uncle?” I asked one more time.“ I saw him walking towards the study.” I nodded and wit

Liam PovThe moment Rose started shouting, Samantha got up. Tears formed in her eyes, and her body trembled. She shot one last sharp look in our direction, picked up her bag, and hurried toward the entrance.I leaned near Rose and hissed," Rose, enough. You’re misunderstanding the situation. It is nothing like you are thinking.” “ I don’t believe you . You are cheating me with this journalist. How can you?” She lifted her hand to slap me but stopped mid air and instead pulled me by my collar.“ Leave me . You are taking everything in a wrong way.” I removed her hands from my collar. “Samantha.” I called after her, but she didn’t stop. Ignoring the curious stares around us, I hurriedly started following herMy mind was in complete turmoil. Samantha was just a journalist I had met a few days ago, yet she affected me in ways I couldn’t understand. Seeing tears in her eyes had sent an ache through my chest, as though someone had driven a knife straight into my heart. Rose is my

Liam pov Seven days had passed since Samantha had returned to London, yet she refused to leave my mind. I couldn't understand why my heart had been so restless ever since our last meeting . Not only that, the past that I had buried long ago had begun resurfacing.Her eyes , her habits, even the little things she did reminded me so much of Sanjana. Ever since I met Samantha, I had started missing Sanjana more than ever. The memories I had spent years trying to bury now haunted me at every turn.With a heavy sigh, I opened the hidden drawer of my desk and pulled out a small photo frame, one of the few treasures I had never allowed anyone to see.Carefully, I wiped away the thin layer of dust with my handkerchief before letting my fingers trace the edge of the frame.A faint smile tugged at my lips as I looked at her photograph."Why did you leave me, Sanjana?" I whispered."Do you know that living without you has been a punishment I serve every single day? Sometimes I wish th