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    Arthur lifts his lids open and stares at the darkness surrounding him. It’s the same each day, darkness blanketing everything from him, leaving him veiled with emptiness. He’s used to it द्वारा now, but soon all that will change. He’s दिया himself hope and with that hope comes the yearning to get his wish granted soon as possible. He’s getting agitated; ever since he declared his plans, he’s been unable to hold back his enthusiasm. He wants everything to be done quickly, to get it all over with. He knows he is asking too much, there’s much to be done before he can have his wish come true and it requires patience. Patience… now that’s not a word he isn’t acquainted with. He’s been patient all this while, another महीना will not hurt.
    Arthur smiles and thinks back to the promise he made to Guinevere last night at the apartment’s doorstep. It seemed Guinevere wasn’t convinced with his words when he promised to have his blindness corrected. She thought he कहा it to convince Elyan so that her brother will give his blessings. It surprised him at first, but knowing he had lied to her on many occasions, it doesn’t matter to him that she isn’t convinced. He promised her; his words are true and he had decided to opt for the operation because he wants to see her.
    He wants to be able to touch her, feel her skin, look into her eyes, taste her lips and watch her all दिन and night. He wants to protect her from danger, he wants to hold her close and whisper his प्यार in her ears. He wants to make प्यार to her all night and watch her sleep in his arms. He wants to lead her, not be led द्वारा her. Though she will be his spine, he wants to be her shell; her protection and her shield. And he can’t do that as a blind man. He needs his eyes and he can only get that from the operation. He knows he will be going back on his original words but he has no choice. This isn’t a decision based on his selfishness but based on the प्यार he has for Guinevere. She will understand, he knows it. The guilt might hurt, but it will die out eventually. That’s something he can live with. He wants Guinevere to be happy and will do anything to see to that. It’s all that matters to him and no matter what the consequences are, if the operation succeeds या fails, all he wants is just glimpse of her. If he is allowed that much, it would suffice. His words moved her and she trusted him. Apologizing for not trusting him, Guinevere promised to be द्वारा his side and कहा no matter what the outcome of the operation is, she will be his and his only. And those words are enough for him. He loves her and she loves him; there’s nothing else matters for them.
    Another smile forms on his face as he remembers her excited voice the moment he told about his decision. She didn’t expect it and he can understand why. He had decided on this a long time पूर्व but he kept this a secret from her, thinking of surprising her someday but yesterday’s रात का खाना was the correct timing to let the cat out of the bag. So he’s happy Elyan got to hear it as well. And now how happy his फ्रेंड्स will be if they learn of his decisions? Arthur knows Gwaine will be easy about it but Merlin, he will doing a dance of joy. And then there’s Leon whom Arthur believes will be happy as well. Arthur didn’t have the time to talk to his friend when he returned but he is planning to do so at breakfast. It will catch both his फ्रेंड्स द्वारा surprise but they will support him, he knows it. They have been good फ्रेंड्स to him and he doesn’t know how he will repay their kindness.
    Arthur rolls to his left, searches for a तकिया and finds a bolster instead and pulls it close to him. Perhaps after the operation, he will see his फ्रेंड्स are well taken care of. Arthur hugs the bolster and his mind darts back towards Elyan and acknowledges what a fine brother he is to Guinevere. He cares for her and Arthur can understand why Elyan asked him those questions. Any brother in Elyan’s shoes would do the same. It just went to दिखाना how concerned Elyan is about Guinevere. He didn’t want his sister to succumb to anybody but somebody who has the integrity he’s expecting. Arthur isn’t sure if he fulfilled Elyan’s expectations, but he knows he will ensure Elyan will not be disappointed. Arthur’s relieved the matter is now solved so that he can carry on with the rest of his life. His new life with Guinevere. He wants to marry her and have children with her. He wants to have lots of kids, probably a dozen. Arthur chuckles to himself. Wait till Guinevere finds out about his plans.
    “Something amusing there, Arthur?” Merlin asks, walking into Arthur’s room.
    Arthur rolls back on his back, his surprised to find Merlin in his room. But Merlin always checks on him in the morning even if he is on the run. But today isn’t Merlin’s working दिन so that means his friend is making sure Arthur is taken care of. Typical of Merlin. Arthur smiles and tells Merlin, “Just thinking about yesterday.”
    “Gosh, wake up and tell me about it… I want to hear all, nothing should be left out!” Merlin jumps onto the bed, sitting पार करना, क्रॉस legged beside Arthur.
    “Can I have my coffee first?”
    “No… I want to know what happened first… all of it.”
    “All of it?”
    “Everything,” Merlin says with determination.
    “Well… it went well. Better than I expected and… I made peace with Elyan.”
    “You told him the truth?” Merlin is shocked. ‘Arthur can’t be serious,’ he thinks.
    “Everything! I didn’t want to hide anything, Merlin. It didn’t feel right, not especially when I was seeking his trust. Confessing seemed to be the only wise option left so… I did.”
    “And how did he take it?” Merlin asks, leaning closer.
    “Better than I expected,” Arthur says shortly.
    “Good… So how is he, Gwen’s brother?”
    “He is understanding, a loving brother to Guinevere and very caring one as well. He is protective of her… something I found to be very interesting indeed.”
    “Why is that? Most brothers are like that, aren’t they? What is there to be surprised about?”
    “He’s different, Merlin. He goes to great lengths to ensure his sister is taken care of. He’s very meticulous with details and seems to take his responsibility seriously. He asked me lots of questions, cornered me with सवाल marks over my own abilities, but I understand why he did it. He was protecting his sister. I am not sure if I could be like him, if I had a sister.”
    “Maybe his father’s death changed him, Arthur. He probably feels और responsible over Gwen. Remember she’s the only family he has and he has to shoulder the responsibility as both a brother and a father? And it’s never easy… I might not have siblings, but I have seen many orphaned siblings where the eldest in the family has to act as the patriarch to protect the ones under their care. Elyan’s situation is similar, and who can blame him if he’s sensitive about his sister’s choice of boyfriend?”
    “Yes, I thought so, too… but I like him, Merlin. Despite everything he asked, I still like him. I might not have seen him but I have an idea of what he looks like… he’s great.”
    “And what else happened?”
    “Well, I met Elyan, and Percival.”
    “Who’s that?”
    “Elyan’s good friend, someone Guinevere looks up to. He’s great too.”
    “Oh. Carry on, carry on… don’t stop! This is getting exciting!” Merlin rubs his hands together.
    Arthur laughs and cradles his head with his hand. “Met them both, ate a great dinner…”
    “Yes, yes…”
    “Patience, Merlin, I’m getting there,” Arthur laughs. “I apologized for Guinevere’s father’s death. I told Elyan the truth and almost did something stupid.”
    “I should have known better,” Merlin sighs. “And what was it this time, may I ask?”
    Arthur senses the annoyance in Merlin’s voice. “I felt guilty for their father’s death and how distraught Elyan was so… I almost told Guinevere to forget me if her brother feels I’m not suitable for her.”
    “WHAT!!” Merlin’s eyes widens, threatening to come out.
    “I know, Merlin. I kept reminding myself how lucky I am now that the thing is resolved. I almost screwed up… almost,” Arthur shakes his head and covers his face with his hands. “I don’t know what was going through my head.”
    “You’re stupid, Arthur. That’s all I can conclude!” Merlin picks a तकिया and whacks Arthur with it. “What on earth were आप thinking?”
    “Elyan was asking me about myself, my past education, my career and so on, and I felt guilty. I felt as if I was ruining Guinevere’s chances of a happy life and with all the guilt plaguing my head, troubled with Elyan’s questions; I felt helpless. I just blurted out and thankfully I retracted what I said.”
    “I’m surprised Gwen didn’t kill you!”
    “She would have if I had continued. But something struck me and I knew I was making mistake. I know if I let her go, I’ll die, and told Elyan about my feeling for Guinevere, made him understand about my प्यार for her,” Arthur says and licks his lips. “Thankfully I convinced Elyan and he gave us his blessings.”
    “Arthur, why… why do आप have to screw up when everything was going so well?” Merlin scolds Arthur.
    “I’m sorry, Merlin, I just wasn’t thinking, I suppose.”
    “You’re a twit, Arthur.”
    “I know, and I’m sorry,” Arthur apologises.
    “It’s yesterday’s story, Arthur, there’s no need for apologies. But if आप repeat this another time Arthur, I swear I’ll kill आप myself,” Merlin threatens.
    “I’ll remember that.”
    “You better!” Merlin warns and sighs. “So… what else did आप guys talk about? Apart from his father’s death and your involvement in it… anything normal?” Merlin asks.
    ‘Ouchhh!!!’ Arthur knows it is a tease and really hits the spot. “Nothing much I suppose. I found out about his work, what he does and his girlfriend. And some about Percival…”
    “Just that?”
    “What do आप mean द्वारा just that?”
    “You went there to clear your mind about his father, apologized, and that’s fine with me. Then आप mingled with her brother and his friend, that’s all right with me too. But don’t tell me that is all आप guys spoke about, Arthur. What about आप and Gwen? Didn’t आप talk about yourselves at all? And for me, that is the sole reason of the dinner! आप were supposed to be meeting her brother and vice versa. Not talk about your past and guilt!”
    “What is there to talk about me and Guinevere? Elyan knows about me and Guinevere and…”
    “That I know Arthur!!” Merlin snaps. “What about your future with her? Didn’t आप discuss it with Elyan? Didn’t I remind आप before आप left?”
    “Oh… that!”
    “Finally…” Merlin remarks in annoyance. “So?”
    “I didn’t exactly get into the marriage issue though I did mention it a bit, during certain parts of the conversation.”
    “During certain… what the!!!” Merlin heaves another तकिया at Arthur. It lands squarely on Arthur’s shoulder.
    “Come on, Merlin, give me a break, will ya’? It’s not as easy as आप think. I had to insert it into the conversation…”
    “Arghh… save me the explanation Arthur. What did they say?” Merlin is annoyed.
    “Don’t be angry, Merlin,” Arthur sits up and crosses his legs. “I had no choic…”
    “WHAT did Elyan say?” Merlin repeats, gritting his teeth.
    Arthur sighs. There’s no way he can reason with Merlin when the latter is angry. Merlin hardly gets angry but when he does, it’s quite hard for him to calm down. Looks like he may have to deal with this situation for a while. “He’s fine with it, just like Guinevere.”
    “You proposed?”
    “Not exactly… but it came out of nowhere. I talked about it and she echoed… no one realized we are talking about marriage. It just sort of breezed द्वारा the conversation,” Arthur explains.
    “Are आप planning to propose to her?”
    “Yes!” Arthur straightens up and his face glows with enthusiasm. “And this is where I need your help, Merlin,” Arthur grabs Merlin’s hand and holds it tightly. “I want to propose to her in a really special way and I want आप to help me.”
    “All right… how?”
    “Help me द्वारा choosing a great ring, first… then I need to propose to her followed द्वारा celebration and then perhaps we need to sit down and get into the wedding details and…”
    “Whoa!!! Hold it there, mate! That is a lot work and do आप know what आप are asking, Arthur?”
    “Yes, I do, and I trust आप completely… there’s no one else who’d do this for me… please, Merlin. I really need your help.”
    “Of course I’ll help you, Arthur, but… proposal is fine with me, but the wedding? So soon? I’m not so sure about the idea. Have आप thought thoroughly about this?”
    “Yes Merlin, I have.”
    “Look… don’t think I’m discouraging the idea, it’s a great idea, in fact, I’m the happiest of the lot with this news but…” Merlin pauses. Is it wise to tell Arthur about how he feels? He has no qualms with the wedding but what disturbs him greatly is Arthur’s life with Gwen. He likes Gwen a lot and has wanted her to be Arthur’s wife from the दिन he found out she is in प्यार with him but she also deserves happiness. Arthur can provide her happiness, but Merlin doesn’t want Arthur to be Gwen’s burden all her life; though he realizes Gwen may not think it that way. Arthur needs his eyesight and despite being advised द्वारा various parties, Arthur is adamant not to have his operation. But how will he give Gwen the happiness she deserves without his eyesight? He can’t afford to be her burden throughout his life; he needs to be sharing their burden. But… will he listen if Merlin tells him now? Merlin is thinking about asking Gwen’s help in advising Arthur, but will Arthur listen to her?
    “Merlin!”
    “Huh? Oh, sorry,” Merlin sighs and bites his lip.
    “What happened?”
    “I was thinking… about you.”
    “The wedding, isn’t it? I know you’re troubled द्वारा it from the moment I told you. Aren’t आप happy, Merlin?”
    “I am happy, Arthur, but… look! There’s something I need to tell आप and just listen. For once just listen. I know आप will not agree with me but this is for Gwen’s sake.”
    “Fine, what is it?”
    “I want this wedding to take place but before it happens, I need आप to tell me something first. आप प्यार Gwen, don’t you?”
    “With my life.”
    “And will आप do anything for her, for her happiness?”
    “Anything.”
    “Then आप must get your eyesight restored, Arthur. I know this will not go down well but… this is…”
    “I am planning on having the operation, Merlin,” Arthur says with a smile, cutting off Merlin. The latter gapes at him.
    “You have got to be joking, Arthur. Seriously?”
    “Seriously, Merlin. I have दिया it a lot of thought and I want to see her. I want a normal life and you’re right, Merlin. She deserves happiness and I owe her that, after what I took away.”
    “Oh, my… Come here आप rascal!” Merlin shouts in happiness and reaches to embrace Arthur. “This is the best news I’ve heard today, after the proposal decision. Thank आप Arthur, thank आप so much,” Merlin adds, releasing him.
    “No, thank you! I don’t know what would I do without आप and the lads. Now, will आप help me या are आप still uncertain about my decision to marry Guinevere?”
    “We need to get आप the best ring… something that’ll sweep her off her feet. Hurry… go and get yourself ready. We are heading to get your ring and we’ll meet the boys there. And then we’ll get breakfast and discuss where to hold the proposal, how and then there’s the wedding… so much work and so little time. Hurry, Arthur, don’t waste time!” Merlin instructs and slides off the bed, hurrying towards Arthur’s wardrobe. “I think आप should wear something light today, the weather’s fine. Oh… maybe later, we can drop द्वारा at the hospital to set your appointment,” he adds.
    “Merlin!! Now, who’s और excited; आप या me?” Arthur says and laughs.
    “I’m geared up, Arthur. Nothing can stop me now… come on, don’t waste time. The lads will be waiting for us,” Merlin helps Arthur down the bed.
    “Wait… lads?”
    “Leon’s coming घर today and Gwaine went to pick him up.”
    “What? But…”
    “That’s a long story and I’ll tell आप on the way to the airport… now, off to the शावर, शॉवर with आप while I get myself ready” Merlin finishes and before Arthur can protest, he helps Arthur into the bathroom and rushes off to get himself ready.


A week later …

    Gwen is happily arranging the POS keyboard on the shelves when Lancelot and Gaius walk in. Gwen hardly notices them as she seems to be involved in her work.
    “Morning, Gwen,” Gaius greets her but gets no reply back. He looks at Lancelot beside him and expresses his surprise. Lancelot shakes his head. Gaius turns back at Gwen. “Morning, Gwen.”
    Still no reply as Gwen is really लॉस्ट in her work. Gaius smiles at himself and elbows Lancelot softly.
    “I don’t think she heard you,” Lancelot tells Gaius.
    “I think not… have आप noticed her recently? She’s seems to be in a world of her own, smiling and laughing to herself, her face is always glowing with happiness… I think she’s in love, Lancelot.”
    Lancelot smiles. “Have आप asked her that?”
    “No, of course no! What sort of a man I’d be if I go barging into another person’s private life? If she’s truly in love, I’m the happiest of the lot but if she has another reason for this happiness, I’m happy for that, too.”
    Gwen hears voices from behind her and turns around, only to notice Gaius and Lancelot in conversation. She smiles, wipes her hand and walks towards them.
    “Good morning Gaius, Lancelot. What brings आप here?”
    “Morning, Gwen,” Lancelot greets with a smile.
    “Morning, child. Finally आप realized we are here?”
    “Finally? What do आप mean, Gaius? आप just walked in, didn’t you?”
    “Didn’t I tell you, Lancelot?” Gaius elbows Lancelot’s arm again and smiles at Gwen. “We have been standing here almost for five minutes. I even greeted आप twice but आप didn’t reply.”
    “I didn’t… but, I… ohh!!!” Gwen clasps her mouth and looks at both of them shyly. She didn’t hear them nor the greetings, but Gaius doesn’t lie and if he says he’s been here, then he’s been here. Perhaps if she hadn’t been thinking about Arthur so much, she’d know who’s around her. “I’m sorry Gaius,” she apologises.
    “No, it’s all right child. It really doesn’t matter.”
    “No it does, Gaius… I didn’t know आप were here, oh how stupid I must have seemed.” Gwen shakes her head in shame. Gaius nears her, wraps his hand over her shoulder and comforts her.
    “I know आप are happy and that’s enough for me. I need nothing, else so… stop blaming yourself. Lancelot, help me would you?”
    “Gaius is right, Gwen. We know आप have been in your own thoughts, but it’s fine because those thoughts must have been good ones या else your face would have shown it.”
    “Thanks Lancelot… Gaius.”
    “It’s fine, dear… now, back to business. I need to implement a new program for the new outlet… have आप got it readied?”
    “We have the layout and the story boards… we will ready the program द्वारा this week,” Lancelot informs.
    “Good, and please implement the barcode scanning as well.”
    “Sure,” both Lancelot and Gwen tell him together.
    “Good… good. Now, I’ll let आप both get back to work and if आप need anything, let me know.” With that Gaius leaves.
    Gwen waits until Gaius has disappeared before she rushes towards Lancelot, grabs his arm and shakes it. “What happened? Tell me!”
    “Tell आप what Gwen?”
    “What was I doing when आप both walked in? What did Gaius do? Tell me please!”
    Lancelot laughs.
    “Come on Lancelot… please!”
    “All right… all right. Gaius greeted आप twice and both times आप ignored him.”
    “I did… why?”
    “Why? How am I to answer that? आप were in your own world and seemed not to care about anything, so आप tell me?”
    “Lancelot,” she leaves his arms and grabs her forehead, whacking it softly. “I was thinking about Arthur and didn’t realize आप walked in. I swear I didn’t hear Gaius. Oh, that must have made me look stupid, right?”
    “A bit,” Lancelot smiles.
    “Thanks Lancelot, आप made me feel better.”
    “Now, don’t get this wrong, Gwen. I was just joking. Gaius understands why आप didn’t greet him back and he didn’t care a bit. But he’s happy with your progress.”
    “What progress?”
    “That आप are smiling और often now and he suspects आप are in love.”
    “Really?” Her cheeks colour tellingly.
    “Yup, but don’t worry, I didn’t tell him. आप do that yourself.”
    “Thanks Lancelot… आप saved me blushes.”
    “Pleasure’s all mine. So tell me, is everything fine between आप and Arthur? Got your problems solved?”
    “Yes!” Gwen’s eyes sparkles at the mention of Arthur’s name. “We talked and confessed and finally got everything settled. And I brought him home, to meet my brother Elyan. And my brother is smitten द्वारा Arthur as well… and he gave us his blessings.”
    “I am so happy for you, Gwen.”
    “I know… I am thrilled myself and आप know what other matter makes me happy and is the sole reason why I’m losing myself in a world of my own?”
    “What?”
    “Arthur spoke about marriage! And Lancelot, do आप know what that means? He might want to propose to me!” Gwen jumps in joy.
    Lancelot laughs, shaking his head. “Now that is news,” he adds. “I’m happy for आप Gwen. I really am… आप deserve all the happiness in the world.”
    “Thanks, Lancelot. You’ve been a really good friend to me, just like Morgana. Now, if only I can share all this news with her,” Gwen tells him sadly.
    “She isn’t back yet?”
    “Nope… Modred is still in the hospital though he’s woken up. He’s still weak after those traumatizing events and it will take some time before he is fully recovered. Morgana is there to give her sister the strength because Morgause is devastated द्वारा the turn of events.”
    “Do आप want to pay them a visit?”
    “Are आप planning to do so?”
    “I am thinking of it, but I don’t know where Morgana is staying. Perhaps if आप are coming along then we can go together.”
    “Sure… I can direct आप there. Let me know when and I’ll come with you,” Gwen says with a smile.
    “Sure will and… when are आप going to bring Arthur over here? Introduce him to all of us?”
    “Here?”
    “Yeah, why not?’
    “Hmm…”
    “Come on, everyone will be happy to know आप have found someone… and it’s time Arthur met us, think about it, yeah?”
    “Sure…” Gwen smiles.
    “Let’s get back to work… I have to escort Gaius to his friend’s घर later this evening and we need to get this prepared द्वारा then.”
    “Right…” Gwen agrees and gets to work.


    “Are आप sure this is the right amount? I thought the dress was on discount?” Elena argues at the cashier counter as Camille stands beside her, watching silently.
    “It is ma’am,” the cashier replies.
    “But the signage there clearly states the dresses there are on discount. I took it from the rack underneath the sign!”
    “I know ma’am… the sign isn’t wrong and neither are you, but this dress is the newly arrived piece and just a single one because it’s limited edition. Someone must have put it there द्वारा mistake. There is no discount for this dress… the code states it here,” the cashier shows Elena the tag hanging at the कॉलर of the dress. But Elena isn’t interested in knowing that. She still wants the discount and is adamant in getting it.
    “Look, I am not interested in knowing what the sign stands for या not! I just want to know why is the dress over there when आप say it’s not supposed to be discounted?”
    “Perhaps someone must’ve placed it there द्वारा mistake.”
    “Then that is not my problem! I don’t it see that way… I found it on the rack and it states there’s discount for everything sold in that area so… give me my discount!”
    “I’m sorry ma’am, I can’t do that.”
    “Look, I am getting irritated द्वारा your character. Get someone to check on this matter या I might need to call the management to look up your service.”
    “Is there a problem?” Gwen asks, as she arrives with her USB keyboard and mouse. The cashier looks at Gwen pleadingly but with relief.
    “This customer found this dress under the discounted area but this is new arrival. I don’t know how it got there but she wants the discount… I can’t get in touch with Gaius या Kay. But thankfully आप came by… can आप get someone to talk to her या maybe आप can negotiate?” the cashier asks.
    “Gaius has left with Gilli to the new outlet and Kay has left for bank but I will talk with her. Leave her to me,” Gwen assures the distraught cashier, pats her shoulder and turns to meet Elena.
    “Are आप in charge here?”
    “Yes, at the moment… can I help you?” Gwen asks politely, her smile warm.
    “Yes… I believe the girl told आप about my problem so… I just want a quick solution because I can’t be here all day.”
    “I understand, and first I apologise for your inconvenience. This is truly our mistake and none of yours. And we can help आप to rectify the situation but we also could use some help from your side.”
    “My help?”
    “Yes, since आप found the dress under the fifty percent discounted area, I can’t approve that much but ten percent will have to do.”
    “Just a mere of ten percent discount?”
    “Yes… and let me tell आप why आप should take this discount and forget about asking more. This is a special edition dress and only five stores in Camelot sell this dress. And since the price is steeper than any other dresses sold in Camelot, it’s not easy to get a discount for it. And we also have an unusual contract for this dress with its maker. They have released only five pieces and if it’s not sold in a month, we have to give it back to them so that they will do what they seem right. So, if आप are to go to any other store holding this dress, आप will not get any discount for it no matter how hard आप try या plead. So, you’re lucky we made a mistake and are willing to consider to give आप a discount but if आप choose not to accept it, it doesn’t matter because we are not in any haste to sell it away. The ball’s in your court ma’am,” Gwen informs.
    Elena gapes and looks at Camille. “I think आप should take it,” Camille says. Elena thinks a while, nods at Camille and turns back at Gwen.
    “Sure.”
    “Would आप like to see our agreement letter?” Gwen asks.
    “No, it’s fine. I think your offer seems generous enough. I will take it, thank you,” Elena says, fishing out her wallet from her handbag.
    Gwen smiles and turns to the cashier. “Key in ten percent discount, all right?”
    “Thanks, Guinevere,” the cashier उत्तरों with gratitude and gets back to her work.
    But the name stuns Elena and she drops her wallet on the ground. Her eyes are fixed on Gwen as Camille bends to pick up the wallet. The cashier looks at Gwen, surprised as well but Elena is petrified. The name seems familiar. She has heard it before but where? Elena digs deeper into her brain to fork out the name and its origin but she can’t. Guinevere… Guinevere… why does it sound familiar?
    “Elena?” Camille shakes Elena’s hand but the latter is still फ्रोज़न to the ground.
    ‘Guinevere… wait! Isn’t that the name Arthur mentioned to her weeks ago?’ Elena thinks rapidly. Her eye widens. ‘Yes!! That’s the name. That is it… she is the one! The one who took Arthur away from me, left me in tears and shattered. The one who broke my दिल and destroyed my life!! This is the girl, then… Guinevere!’ Elena thinks loudly. ‘What a small world indeed?’ she thinks again.
    “Are आप all right, ma’am?” Gwen asks, leaning closer.
    “Yes… I am, now,” Elena tells her and looks around for her wallet. Camille hands it to her and with her trembling fingers, she fishes out a couple of notes and hands it to the cashier. Gwen helps the cashier to pack the dress into a paper bag and hands it over to Camille.
    “Thank आप and please come again,” Gwen उत्तरों with a smile and turns her attention back at the cashier.
    “Your name… is Guinevere?” Elena asks once she has regained her strength. She knows that’s the name but she has hear it herself. From Gwen itself.
    Gwen looks back at Elena and smiles. “Yes, do I know you?”
    “I’m afraid not but I think आप know someone close to me, Arthur?”
    “Arthur?” Gwen says in with half surprise and half bewildered. “You know Arthur?”
    “Yes but I think I should be asking आप that since I have practically grown up with him,” Elena says, her voice laced with anger and mock. ‘You took him away from me and now आप shall pay!’ she thinks silently.
    “Grown up… wait, Elena? Is that you? Arthur told me all about you. आप are the daughter of his father’s friend, right? Oh this is great! I didn’t think our paths would पार करना, क्रॉस and here of all place! Pleased to meet आप Elena, really the pleasure’s all mine,” Gwen says, her eyes sparkling. Now its Elena’s turn to be amused.
    “Arthur told आप about me? What did he say?” Now this is new. She didn’t anticipate this. As far as she knows, after what went on between them, Arthur will not have any good impression about her but here she is, listening to the girl, who destroyed her life; that might happen to have only good thoughts on her.
    “Everything good of course. He told me how dear आप are to him, that आप are his best friend and have always defended him when he was still a young boy. He holds great memories of your friendship and will never be able to forget you,” Gwen tells Elena.
    “He told आप that?” Elena सवालों Gwen, unable to believe Arthur would tell that after what has happened between him and Elena, weeks ago.
    “Yes and he’s proud and privileged to be your friend, Elena. I have never seen anyone speak of their friend the way he does. I mean, he always praises Merlin and the rest of the lads but he told me आप are different. That आप hold a special place in his heart.”
    “Ohh…” Elena doesn’t know what to say anymore. She has prepared some ferocious verbal attack on Gwen but the latter seems to be heaping praises on her instead. And suddenly her दिल softens. Listening to Gwen, the statement about Arthur’s view on her and their friendship; it all seeps right to the root of her दिल and is stroking the strings of her emotion. She feels ashamed, standing in the presence of Gwen. She feels horrible, thinking how she blamed Arthur for her miseries. And now she feels terribly guilty for trying to ruin Gwen’s life with Arthur. She may not know Gwen well but after meeting her and having little conversation, Elena can’t blame Arthur for taking interest in Gwen instead of her. Gwen is likeable and it is visible from the way she approaches her फ्रेंड्स and colleagues. She’s also spirited, friendly and completely at ease with herself. But what’s important is Arthur loves Gwen. And Elena is pretty sure, Gwen loves Arthur too.
    ‘What am I doing? Arthur ruined your life and आप should be punishing him, not resign in defeat? This girl, Gwen is your enemy. She is the reason why Arthur left आप in the first place but instead of making her pay for your agony, आप are praising her?’ Elena’s mind lashes out bitterly. ‘Have आप gone soft Elena?’
    “Elena?” Gwen calls out.
    “Huh? Oh, sorry… I didn’t know Arthur holds me dear to his heart,” and that is the truth.
    “He does and he will always. आप of all people should know how closely he holds his फ्रेंड्स and आप are one of them. He never ends any conversation without mentioning your name.”
    Elena is दिल broken. She wants to leave. She wants to seek out Arthur and hear all this from his own mouth. Someone tugs her sleeve. She turns around and Camille is urging her to leave.
    “We need to leave, Elena,” Camille says.
    “Yes, in a minute, Camille.”
    “But…”
    “I कहा in a minute, Camille!” Elena hisses and with that Camille stops bothering her. Elena turns back at Gwen. “Guinevere?”
    “Call me Gwen… it’s simpler and shorter,” Gwen उत्तरों with a smile.
    “Gwen… urmmm…” Elena is hesitant over her अगला question. “How much did Arthur actually say about me?”
    “Everything he knows. Like I said, he holds आप close to his heart.”
    “Then, did he say that… that I… urmm… that I…”
    “Loves him? Yeah, he did,” Gwen gets to the point.
    Elena’s shocked. ‘Arthur told her? Why?’
    Gwen smiles, walks around the counter and nears Elena, placing her hand on Elena’s elbow. “Elena, I know what happened. Arthur didn’t hide anything from me because he doesn’t want me to be in the dark about his life and his past. I appreciate that, but I’m sorry for what happened between आप and him. I know I don’t have the authority to say या advise आप of anything because I am partially to be blamed for your misery as Arthur is. But sometimes life is unpredictable. I didn’t expect to meet या fall in प्यार with Arthur; it happened out of blue. It’s the same with आप and him. He felt guilty for hurting आप and couldn’t stop blaming himself for it. He कहा all these while he loved you, but not as आप expect, only as a friend and he has lots of respect for you. But he can never bring himself to see आप in the light आप want him. He told me he will never make आप happy because his दिल belongs to me and he doesn’t want to give आप false hopes. Elena…” she squeezes Elena’s hand, assuring. “Neither Arthur nor I want to hurt आप but this is life. God has made his decisions for all of us and perhaps yours doesn’t lie with Arthur. But that doesn’t mean, HE has abandoned you, Elena… maybe he has bigger plans waiting in the wings and only आप haven’t realized it. I’m not trying to correct my decision but I don’t want आप to be unhappy. I swear to God, I didn’t know about आप when I first met Arthur and if only I had known; I would have backed away. I never want to hurt another for my own happiness. So, please forgive me, Elena, and forgive Arthur. Despite all happened, he still respects and holds आप dear,” Gwen finishes.
    Elena swallows and chokes back the emotion in her heart. She feels tears logging at the back of her eyes but she doesn’t want to cry here, in Gwen’s presence. No! No one should watch her cry. She is Elena, daughter of Lord Godwyn and she has a reputation to uphold. She mustn’t be seen as vulnerable या fragile; though she is one in heart. Her दिल is throbbing. One part of her is angry with all that has occurred with Arthur and now Gwen, but the other part is slowly absorbing the respect and honesty of this girl, Gwen. Elena wants to like her, she wants to be her friend and know her better, yet she is still angry for the agony left द्वारा Arthur. What should she do? Her head is throbbing like mad, her दिल is aching and her emotions are tugging underneath her skin. She wants to get back home, lock herself in her room and cry. She wants to release that pain and ache in the serenity of her own compound. Only then will she be able to make up her mind.
    “Elena?” Gwen calls.
    “I have get back home, Gwen. Nice meeting you, and see आप later,” Elena says quickly, pulls up the straps of her bag and wheels around only to bump into a strong body. She almost loses her balance and falls back but Lancelot catches her द्वारा the waist and stops her from falling back. His eyes meet hers and Elena gapes in shock, watching him; still in his clutches. For a सेकंड या two, no one moves या speaks. Lancelot’s breath is hot on her skin and he is merely an inch away from her. Elena, still dazed with the revelation from Gwen, can’t take her eyes from him. She trails her eyes from his, down to his nose, cheek and lingers at his lips. His grip on her waist tightens and she feels her pulse racing as his fingers arrange neatly against her fabric. Only after Camille’s low shriek did Elena realize the compromising position she was in. Quickly both she and Lancelot resumed back to their position. Elena arranges her dress while Lancelot looks shyly at the smiling Gwen and the cashier.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t see आप coming,” he apologises.
    “No, I’m sorry, too… I was in a hurry to leave and should have watched where I was heading,” Elena says, pursing her lips.
    “I’m Lancelot,” Lancelot extends his hand and surprisingly, Elena accepts it.
    “I’m Elena, nice to meet you, Lancelot.”
    “Elena, we must leave,” Camille urges again.
    “Sure… goodbye, Lancelot,” Elena says and leaves. Lancelot watches her leave and turns back towards the cashier and Gwen; both can’t stop smiling.
    “What?” he asks.
    “Nothing…” Gwen says, picking up her माउस and keyboard and preparing to leave.
    “It was an accident, yeah.”
    “I didn’t say anything, Lancelot,” Gwen says again, still smirking.
    “Gwen… please don’t tell this to Gaius.”
    “Why?”
    “He’ll make fun of me for this for the rest of my life. Please?”
    “Sure… but आप owe me, yeah.”
    “I know… one दिन I will repay you, I promise.”
    “But that was hilarious, Lancelot,” Gwen reminds him, laughing softly.
    “Gwen!!”
    “All right… all right!” Gwen laughs. As they pass the cashier, the girl stops Gwen and thanks her for the help.
    “That was a quick one Guinevere, wherever आप did आप get that idea?” the girl asks, smiling at Gwen.
    “Sometimes when आप have customers like this, it’s best आप keep ideas at खाड़ी, बे because आप may never know when आप need them. The arrangement never existed, आप know, that don’t you? But if I don’t tell her that, she’s going to get आप in hot soup,”
    “I know. Thanks. I owe आप one as well,” the girl admits.
    “It’s fine, dear,” Gwen winks at the cashier and moves on.
    “What was that all about?” Lancelot asks, walking beside her.
    “That… well, that was something between the girls,” Gwen says with a shrug as they head off to get their task completed.