Chapter 43 : Lost Love and The Truth

Chapter 43 : Lost Love and The Truth

“Jay, will catch you in next few hours. Let's not talk right now.” Vihsesh said over the wireless headset.

“It's urgent sir.” Vihsesh's assistant, Jay begged, which was brutally ignored.

“I said not now.” Replied Vihsesh curtly ending the conversation in an abrupt.

Preoccupied with what he saw before leaving the place at Lavasa, he kept on driving towards the destination without even trying to make any particular conversation with Priya. He replied once in for all when she asked him to drive to The Taj instead of Kapoor Mansion. Inside his mind he has already jotted to request Priya to lend her car for he has to engage himself in an important work. Another time he engaged his eyes to look at the rear view mirror to get a glance of Priya. She sat leaning to the seat with her eyes shut tightly but peace eloped. Anyone could easily tell that she was stressed, her mind fully occupied with a certain thought. But Vihsesh chose not to intervene. Shifting his full concentration back to the road he pressed against the accelerator. The car zoomed through almost desolated road.

~~

Kapoor Mansion.

“I am happy that Priya is taking interest in Ram's affairs.” Sarojani said with a peaceful smile wanting her son and daughter-in-law to register their views in her favour. But nothing happened as such. Amarnath continued with the Newspaper and Krishna kept her undivided concentration on the fruits, those, she was peeling off and cut into pieces. Sarojani cleared her throat loud and clear trying to grab the attention; failing to that, she frowned. “I am saying a particular thing.” 

“Maa. Let the children be.” Amarnath said folding the paper into half and resting it on his lap. “We should not mind our business into them.”

“But why we look forward having a family if we should not mind our business in theirs?” asked the old lady curtly.

“He doesn't mean that Maa.” Krishna interrupted. “Right now both of them are fragile..” she stopped under Sarojani's scorn.

“I meant that only!” she said. “Both of them are fragile and their togetherness will act as a cure. I am happy that they chose to be together not staying away from each other.”

“Is it so Maa?” Amarnath asked raising his eye brows with a faint smile escaping his lips.

“If not then you tell me what I was thinking?” asked the lady sitting with her hands clasped near her belly expressing her anger prominently.

“End of the discussion please.” Krishna stood up serving the fruits to respective plates. “Please have the fruits and yes I am also happy to know that the newlyweds are taking time out for each other. I can feel they are laying the foundations of their married life and as parents and grandparents we should be happy and content.” Even when she thought it to untrue but she maintained a pleasant smile all over her face. Not impressed by her approach Sarojani denied the before lunch fruits and walked away. “You should be careful while choosing words for Maa.” Krishna said under a deep sigh without looking towards her husband. After a pause she continued. “She is looking forward to their relationships, we might get to understand the complexities but it will take time for her. She is getting old and if you lose your temper so quick it will become a bickering affair, which is not good for a household.”

Amarnath sat content in his thoughts. “And we should not forget about Rishab. A huge task is ahead. Maa will definitely throw tantrums once the wedding schedules get disclosed to her. The youngest son has opted for a court marriage will be a slap on her face.”

“We will think something about it. Right now let me do the damage control that you made right now.” Krishna left soon after that leaving Amarnath in deep thought.

~~

The Taj, Mumbai.

After allowing Vihsesh to take her car, Priya took the elevator to the floor where Meera was staying. She opened the door within a minute for Priya after she rang the bell. Welcoming her by a warm hug Meera asked her to be comfortable. Priya was also welcomed by a warm smile from Ashok. Then her eyes went down to the briefcase that he held.

“This is unfair.” Priya complained. “Why are you always on wheels?” she leaned back on the couch. “I don't remember when I had a proper conversation with you?”

“Well I would love to but I have an urgent work. It has to be finished with utmost priority.” Ashok said with a faint smile. “And I should not be intruding in someone else's official matter.” He said with his eyes directed to Meera. “Well I meet you later.” He smiled and walked out of the room.

“Okay now I get it you two had a fight and the reason is me!” she sighed deep thoughtfully. “And it is not good. You could have informed me about any prior commitments you had. I...” she stopped under Meera's screeching voice.

“Stop over thinking lady and concentrate on the reason you are here.” Meera said. After a brief pause she continued, “I seek your apologies in advance if I over step into your personal life anytime with my next words.” There was a long pause among them while they looked into each other's eyes. “I think you are neglecting a part of your life for the new addition in your life which is not going well with most of the board members and Priya you are the one to vote against the dynastic positions in the company when Jayesh ji wanted you as the CEO years back. It took three years for you to win the trust of every board member to get elected as the CEO and today again you are putting your place under scanner.” Meera sat by Priya and placed a firm hand over hers. “I know the responsibilities a marriage brings but that doesn't mean you will forget and let go the commitments that were already made to yourself.”

“I can understand what made them feel so and if I were one of them I would have thought in the same path. There is no other trajectory to it.” Priya said heaving a deep sigh. “Neither have I blamed you nor them. And if you really know me I am happy to have you in my life. You show me the right path every time.” She smiled slightly.

Meera looked down to her entwined hands and sat occupied in deep thoughts. She looked up as Priya asked about her worries. “I am not questioning but I am also equally worried about your married life. You and Ram need a fresh start but how ...” She stopped suddenly remembering her words to Ashok. She remained calm for several minutes next. “Priya I am concerned about you. Everything about you.”

“Yes. I know.” After heaving a deep sigh Priya smiled faintly to the other lady. “Now can we discuss some work.” She added diverting the discussions towards her wanted path.

~~

7 pm Kapoor Mansion.

When the car from the Taj honked at the Mansion gate the extra cautious security showed a red signal to it. Asking about the reason of visit he looked towards the rear seat to get the view of the passenger. “Sorry Ma'am" he bowed down to Priya and scampered towards the gate to make way for the car.

After rewarding the chauffeur generously Priya rolled her trolley to the main entrance a valet came running to take it from her and behind came Krishna Kapoor with a straight face. She was unsure about how to react.

“Beta, it is a pleasant surprise but where is Ram?” She looked towards the porch but noticing no one behind she came back and looked straight to her daughter in law. “If I am not wrong, you and Ram were scheduled to come back after the prayer meet, right?” Krishna asked.

“Yes.”

“Then?” Krishna frowned. “Is everything fine Priya?” there was a hurry in her voice.

“Yes Maa. I was compelled to return. My board members wanted me in the inauguration scheduled on day after tomorrow and turning them down is equivalent to saying no to the company.” She said without looking towards her mother in law.

“Hmm..” Krishna nodded but some where she felt it as an unwanted move by Priya. “Riyah's parents are here. Rishab and Riyah want a court marriage and we have to do it from Delhi, native of Riyah's mother.”

“I will take care of everything but Maa, has Dadi agreed to it?” Priya asked snatching Krishna's words.

“We have less than 15 days to make her understand.” Krishna sighed.

“Priya??” Amarnath stopped near the ladies. He came to call his wife who left the guest waiting. “So this is what the security said over the phone? We will talk later come Priya it is good that you are here.” Without letting any of the women to speak further he almost escorted Priya to the garden where the guests and family were seated.

Sarojani was missing from the place that was the first thing Priya noticed. She smiled broad as Riyah came and hugged her with all the warmth. Priya reciprocated back. Greeting Riyah's parents she sat by Rishab. Rest of the evening went engaging and productive discussing about the young couple whose wedding date was scheduled in next twenty days.

Same night when, Priya was retiring to her room Rishab stopped her just at the door steps. “Bhabi..” He called. “Please don't tell anything to Bhai. I want to give him a surprise. I want to see his smile again.”

That moment Priya remembered she has completely blanked out about calling Ram after landing back to Mumbai. She smiled faintly and approving Rishab's request Priya walked inside her room. Pulling out her phone she found no missed call notifications. Little sad she dialed Ram's number and waited for him to answer it.

“Hi Priya.” Ram answered the call.

“I am sorry I just lost the track and forgot to inform you.” Priya didn't realize that she was actually apologizing to him.

“I got your every update first from Vihsesh then Meera and lastly Maa.”

“Oh! I see.” The disappointment in her voice was evident.

“What happened? Did I disappoint you?”

“No.”

Both of them lost their words momentarily. “Priya if there is something I am failing to understand make me understand please.” Ram pleaded.

“There is nothing Ram. And I am tired and want to take a good nap. I have a lot to do tomorrow and day after tomorrow too. So better I should take some rest. Good night Ram.” The abruptness in her voice hurt Ram but he didn't react.

“I also agree.” Instead he agreed and dropped the phone on the bed after disconnecting the call with Priya. He wanted to seek apologies from Priya for suspecting her, he wanted speak his heart out but nothing such happened. Agonized he sat quiet in the room.

~~

“Is this about the same couple?” Vihsesh asked without looking up from the papers. “How can you miss such a big point? This is a perfect example of over confidence Jay.” He scolded the well-built man standing in front. “Any other lead?” he asked.

“Sir, I suggest you to ask Kapoor Sir to cancel the adoption application of this family.” Jay said with his head hung low. “And I am sorry for delivering the late information.” 

“Why do you suggest that? Is there anything else in addition to this?” Vihsesh asked this time looking straight to his assistant.

“This illegal business of sex determination and abortion has come to light but we still don't have any tangible proof. I will get it soon but there is another case registered in their name though they were acquitted.” Jay paused and looked up to his boss. His raging eyes were enough to tell that Vihsesh is not in a mood to converse. “They were arrested with the charge of child labour and child abuse. But they were acquitted.”

“Don’t they do a police verification?” Vihsesh asked himself but loud enough for Jay to hear it.

“Sir, they came out clean but I doubt them and people like them can easily bend and mend things according to them. For their good.”

“I want the report in two days with proof and till then I will be requesting Mr. Kapoor to keep the adoption application on hold and I hope I am not late this time.” Vihsesh said angrily. “And now you can leave.” Just when Jay was about to leave he was stopped by his boss. “Jay, I want the list of the candidates, the physically handicapped candidates whom we have trained in past 9 years. All the applications in hard copy, the first two years by tomorrow morning, rest by the evening.”

“Sir, we have the records of the last seven years in our database. You can..” Jay was cut short by Vihsesh.

“I know that is the reason I relaxed you with the last seven years records.” Vihsesh replied curtly. “And now please get to work and let me too.” He hovered over the computer screen and played the CCTV footage from the night when his car was damaged by the intruder. Freezing the frame, where his side profile can be seen and he can get the best view of his eyes and nose only, he looked closely. He wanted his instincts to be proven wrong but the man he saw in Ram's charitable trust resembles the most. He again concentrated on the screen and he again came to the same conclusion like the previous one. Frustrated he leaned back on the seat and stayed there in the same position for a long time. The bell of the clock alarmed him about time. He was running out of time and he has a mountain to climb. Logging into the confidential folder of the candidate database he started searching the face that he saw last in Lavasa, his prime suspect.

~~

Late night, Kapoor Mansion.

It was the umpteenth time Priya checked the time. The clock's hands seemed to be frozen and it was arrogant to move. She sat up on the bed and hover her eyes around the deserted room. When she wanted to keep up with Ram around sleep glued to her but when she got the solace of being alone like her spinster days, sleep eloped. Sitting up on her place she switched on the bed side lamp. Fear and fright took all over her. She realized in the middle of the night she was wide awake like an owl with nothing to do and soon a fear took all over her. She looked towards the terrace then to the love seat towards the changing room everything started haunting her. Taking deep breathes she picked up the phone with trembling hands and pressed the call button twice which redirected the call to the last called number when she was trying to call Meera and she realised it when Ram said hello from the other side. For once she decided to disconnect the call but the next moment she didn't want to be so much rude with him. Her trance broke when Ram kept on her name repeatedly. At last in a very feeble voice she replied to Ram.

“Is everything fine?” Ram was concerned and worried about her. A fear engulfed around him for a moment. He stood up at his place praying to almighty to keep his love safe. This time when he took Priya's name under his trembling voice she spoke almost inaudible. “Yes. I called you by mistake.” Without giving time to respond Priya hung the call. She was breathing heavy, almost loosing breathes. Realising to be in the desolated room her agony started to increase again. Just when again she started to panic, her mobile phone rang loudly echoing through the room. Pressing her hands against ears Priya sat trying hard to ignore the incoming call. Slowly she felt that the rings faded away and the phone fell silent. Gasping when she let out a sigh of relief the phone again bothered her with its indecent ringing. She wanted to throw it to death but the name flashing on the screen stopped her. With trembling hands she picked up the phone and answered to Ram.

“Before you hung up again, just tell me what is bothering you?” asked Ram straight. But when he received no reply Ram again insisted on getting a reply. After a few tries he became successful and Priya spoke.

“I...I...I am a..af...afraid.” she stuttered.

“Of what?”

“Of this loneliness.” She said surprising Ram. When she got no reply for next several minutes Priya almost shouted over phone. “I am missing you.” There was a pause again and then she continued, “I know I am sounding weird but I am not enjoying this most awaited lone time, the me time which I always used to enjoy before you jumped into my life again. You and your naggings have made a permanent place in my routine without being practiced. I am actually missing your presence by me. I am actually not being able to trust myself, I feel safe when you are around. I feel...” she breathed heavy before ending what she started to say. “I feel alive with you around.”

None of them spoke for a long time. Both of them maintained the silence listening to eachothers breathes. It was Ram who broke the silence. “I am happy and sad to know it at the same time. Sad, because I don't want to see you in such pain, losing your self-confidence and happy, knowing that a little but I have gained some importance in your life.” He smiled under a sigh while Priya remained silent. “Priya, I am here for you. I may not be able to reach you but I am there by you. You may not be able to touch me see me, but close your eyes you will be able to feel me. Do it. Feel my presence by you. I am with you.”

After a brief paused he continued. “ Priya it is pretty late you must sleep now.”

“I can't” she replied feebly. “My sardonic heart is giving me a tough time. When I used to enjoy my loneliness the most you came and disturbed it, but now again you are disturbing it by leaving me alone. Why can't you give me some peace? Why Ram tell me why?” She shouted over the phone.

Smiling a little in response Ram left out a faint sigh. “Lie down Priya.” He said.

“What?”

“Lie down Priya but don't disconnect the line.”

“What are you asking me do?”

“Just do it what I am asking you do.”

Though not willing to do, Priya did as instructed by Ram. “We are not college going kids.” Scolding him in the end.

“Interestingly we never did this in college.” Ram chuckled.

“We did. I used to fall asleep every time, even snore over the phone, as you said though I remember nothing, but you never slept in between the conversations. I remember.” Priya smiled.

“How I can forget your snoring. Even Vikram used to have nightmares from it.” Ram laughed. “I used to keep the phone on table and on speakers until it woke up Vikram and every time as a reward I used to get a series of abuses.” Ram laughed and could hear Priya laugh too.

“But I never snored, if I used to then why Neha never complained about it? You lied that time and now too.”

“Neha, she is another khumbhakaran, the female version of the evil. How could she complain?”

“So, you want me tell I never allowed you to sleep with my snores all these days.” Priya asked.

“No, actually I missed your snores. Not for a single night in the mansion you snored.”

“Because I never snore. Neither then nor now!” she replied confidently.

“That means I am lying?”

“May be.”

“Okay then let me tell you one time you have embarrassed me too with your sleep talking. Yaar who speaks private moments in sleep. Vikram almost heard everything. It was my good luck that I acted faster than his reflexes. Else you would have presented him with the full descriptive knowledge of our intimacy. Now before you say it is also wrong...” Ram stopped and smiled. He was successful in putting Priya to sleep. To confirm he took her name for more than three times. After being assured of  Priya being in deep slumber he plugged in the headphones and lied down too. He closed his eyes but he remained wide awake.

~~

Vihsesh's office.

No such face he found in the seven years database. He looked at the time. It was almost close to dawn then, his efforts fetched him no result. Now his luck depends on the first two years records but what if he failed to find that particular face there too. It made him thought. After a deep thought he quickly searched for few names over internet. Before him there were three such organizations in Mumbai who trained people with self-defense. He noted down the address quickly and chalked out the complete plan inside his head. He called Ayub the most trusted trainer, body guard of his organization that late and gave Priya's number and instructions, at the same time he e-mailed Priya's complete schedule to him.

Sleepless he leaned on the chair. He waited for the morning, he has to excuse himself from Priya for few days for her good and for Ram's good.

~~

Lavasa, same night.

Ram looked towards the door. Someone kept on knocking until he opened it. “You?” Ram exclaimed. “This late??”

“I have to be here. I have a news. I have failed to find Rajat.” The man said.

“And who withdraws the money sent to his mother?” Ram asked.

“That startles me the most.”

“Come on stop this melodrama and tell me who?” Ram asked impatiently.

“Vihsesh” he said and after a pause he continued. “Else Priya.”

“WHAT??” Ram moved back. His back hit the wall behind. It is hard to believe what he hard but the man standing on the other side, who stood by him all these years can never be wrong. He looked up to Ashok and asked. “But Why? Why she? What she has for that monster who destroyed her life. Why she is so sympathetic towards him? What she shares with him Ashok? What she did to him Ashok? What Priya did to him, Ashok? What you are hiding from me?”

“Sadly, we never hide a single thing from you...” Ashok fell silent under Ram's voice.

“Don't say that. Haven't you hide the horrific news from me about Priya? If I knew it I would have killed that bustard.” Ram screamed.

“That was the only reason Jayesh ji hide that from you. Priya rose from ashes after a long try of 12 years Ram and it took seven years for Jayesh ji to make her believe that she can never belong to anyone. Every time a prospective groom came every one was confident that he will click for her but only Jayesh knew he is making her step closer towards you. He wanted to keep you and Priya safe. But I fear if Priya is really safe.” Ashok said under a deep sigh.

“What do you mean?” Ram asked.

“Either he is back and is behind Priya else...” Ashok fell silent.

“Else what??” Ram asked.

“I am looking forward to be proved wrong, I will get the confirmation soon. But we highly suspect if even Rajat is alive and we suspect Priya to be his assassinator and Vihsesh has helped her in the process.” Ashok heaved out a deep sigh and gasped before surrendering to the deadly silence prevailing around.

Ram trembled and looked at the phone which lie on the bed. He rushed towards it, Priya was not on the other side. When he unlocked it the home screen popped up. Has she listened to their conversation, he thought before dialing her number. But all the times it went unanswered. Feeling uneasy he chose to wait for the morning to invade.

Until We Meet

Love

NB

Chapter 42: Tangled in Love.

Chapter 42: Tangled in Love.

Every single time Ram looked at the pale face of Priya lying crumbled in her sleep he tried to make himself calm but the next moment Manik's allegations seemed to be true when his brain got triggered with the last few words. He failed to find any palpable reason for Priya being in touch with Rajat's mother. He remembered clearly how awkward she felt when Rajat forced her to speak with his mother. It never changed in past though. Or has it changed. For the rest of the night he sat straight on the chair facing the terrace after he successfully put Priya into sleep. Sleep was elusive for him. He took a deep breathe when his eyes fell on the clock that gonged. Cocking his head he found the time to be 4:00 am. For any reason he was suspicion about Priya, and soon he needed to speak else that suspicions may end hurting her sentiments. But with whom, he thought as he stood up at his place. Stretching his hands above head he yawned. Once for a moment he wanted to throw himself on the mattress but he changed the idea and walked out to the terrace. Manik's words became a drug to him, whatever he tried to think went in vain and of no use. He ended up thinking about Rajat and Priya. Impatient he felt the agitation building up inside his head. A gong was hitting him inside. Desolating Priya he walked out of the room, little does he noticed that Priya was wide awake then.

Ram stopped once he reached the ground. The restless inside brewed up. Once in all he has to get answers. The allegations made by Manik were not answered by Priya either, that makes him more startled. Agitated, aggravated in search of an answer he sat on the bench. He was breathing heavy. Ram looked behind when he felt a touch on his shoulder.

“You!” he was surprised to see Vishesh that early.

“Sir, this is my routine.” Vishesh said half breathing. He settled down by Ram. “But what brings you here this early?” he asked wiping off the sweats beads from forehead. There was no response from Ram's side. He sat in dead silence. Vishesh heaved out a deep sigh. He has a great observation power and his eyes never failed to arrest the anxiety he was in since the conversation with Manik. “Sir I know what you are thinking. Manik's words left a deep impact on you. I can see it, I can feel it!”

“Shouldn't it?” Ram was loud. He leaned back, his hands on eyes. When he removed it his eyes were glistening with tears. “I don't know Vishesh why even I thinking about it!” But I can't stop myself from doing so either. It is not that I don't trust her. I trust her but something is there that I don't know and that is eating me up. Eating up our comfort.”

“I can understand. You two are in such a relationship that needs clarity. Every relation is built up on the faith and trust. If it breaks the relationship falls straight on its face. I may not be able to enlighten you about her complete past that you missed but all that I can say is there is no truth in Manik's allegations. They are just few information that his informers could dig out and claim to find clue to the case.” Vishesh said.

“But is she really was in touch with his mother?” Ram asked.

Vishesh looked down. He was the one to take Priya regularly to Nashik after the deadly incident. He looked down with a deep sigh followed to it. “I must not intrude. But what I feel, you are doubting her.”

At first there was no reply. Ram sat straight this time. His eyes were locked at the horizon.

“Do you see the moon?” Vishesh asked. Ram looked with a worry towards him. “The moon!” Vishesh pointed to the sky this time but the other man glanced confusingly towards him. “For few days every month it is gone! But did we ever doubt its loyalty towards us? Did we ever ask if it is finding another orbit a better one?” Vishesh smiled faintly. “I may sound silly, but she is that moon! She might be out of your sight for a time but she was always there. Watching you, loving you and caring for you.”

“But why she was in touch with Rajat's mother?” Ram asked again. “Is it normal? What she is hiding from me Vishesh?”

“Sir, I am a third person to comment.” Vishesh stood up this time. “It will be better if you ask her straight.”

“But I can't. If I could I would have.”

“I am a novice when it comes to relationships.” He laughed. “I am no one to suggest you how to confront her. But what I understand is intervention of a third person makes the things complicated.” Suddenly he seemed to be in hurry to leave.

Ram stood up and looked back, where Vishesh was looking that moment. An awful guilt struck him, the moment his eyes met Priya's. He found the other man to jog away while his wife left a deep sigh before turning back and walk away ignoring his request to stop. Ram followed her. He locked the door and pulled the curtains of the room to find some privacy. The wall length windows opening to the corridor prevents privacy, he knew, and he was not in a mood to share his privacy with anyone there.

Mumbai, Same day.

“So at last we will meet our CEO after a long gap.” Exclaimed a broad member to Jayesh happily.

“No.” Jayesh rectified immediately which made many to raise there brows to show the unhappiness. “I mean to say she will not be available for the inauguration but...” he has to leave his words incomplete when the first board member wished to intervene.

“Jayesh, I fear she has lost her interest in business lately.”

“Oh! Come on.” Jayesh laugh off the comment. “She has already informed about her unavailability for two months. You can't be so presumptuous.”

“I know. But she has promised us to be available over phone which we find her barely.”

“You are over thinking.”

“And you are protecting her.”

“What do you mean by that?” Jayesh felt infuriated by the direct allegation.

“I mean to say we need a new head. Let her enjoy her marriage and Kapoors are...” He stopped as Meera interrupted.

“Sir.” She looked apologetically. “She will be there and I will speak to her personally. I don't mean to offend you but just not keeping a word doesn't disqualify the hard work she has put; towards this company; to pull it up from there to here.” Meera pointed to the ground then to the air imitating the growth of their organization.

“No one is putting her efforts under scanner but an organization can't run under emotional influence of an individual.”

“Sir, Priya will be there at the inauguration.” Meera stood up to leave.

“Nothing can be forced on others.”

Meera sighed sharply. “Sir, she will be here.” She walked out of the room.

~~

Lavasa

“You could have asked me Ram.” Priya stormed to the other side away from Ram.

“I have no intentions to hurt you Priya and I was not asking him. I was sharing...” Ram paused under Priya's hurried reactions.

“I think I am the best person to share that words. Isn't it?” Priya scorned. “I never ever thought that Mr. Sinha's words would have made you believe that I was and am having an affair with Rajat.”

“What???” Ram exclaimed. “When did I say that?”

“Sometimes silence is enough and for your case you were loud and vocal all the time.”

“Priya is this rude. You are blaming me being presumptuous. Did I ever behave rude to you for suspecting me?”

“At last you said the desired and designated word that lit up this conversations and thank you for that. Next Mr. Kapoor I never went on sharing those with random people around.” Priya accused him straight. “I have the courage to blame you at your face. At least I was honest with myself even if every time I was proved wrong. You never stopped me loving..” Priya stopped under her words. Her trance was fixed on Ram realising what she just declared was an indirect acceptance of the love she still have for him and the realisation of her heart. Sighing sharply she turned her back to Ram.

“Why did you stop?” Ram asked softly. When he got no answer from the person concerned he smiled faintly. “You have every right to be mad at me Priya but I shared those with Vishesh being concerned about your safety not being suspicious about you.” His steps towards Priya made her stiffen. She closed her eyes when Ram's warm breathes fell on her shoulder. “I am worried about you. I am not suspicious about you. Even if you try to hate me I know you will end up loving me every time. But I strongly feel Rajat is the man behind all these and I am still waiting to know what made you visit Rajat's mother constantly and keep her funding every month! Is she blackmailing you?”

“NO!!” Priya abruptly took a sharply U turn. Without any gap among them Priya managed to plaster her feet on ground with a little help from Ram, being hold by him against arms and her self help by clutching Ram's T-shirt tightly under her fists. Their eyes meet with each other. None of them neither tried to move away nor tried to break the trance. Priya gasped when she felt Ram's hand moving down her arms. She can easily push away him but she did the opposite arrested under Ram's unsaid words and eyes. This time as Ram placed his hands on Priya's, she closed her eyes breathed heavy.

“I can never forgive myself for doubting you for those few moments Priya. I can never look into your eyes for putting your love for me under scanner.” He held tightly her hands under his. Placing his forehead on her he breathed shakily. “How can I even cry seeking apology from you? I am ashamed of myself.” He looked up gasping when he felt a jerk. Snatching out her hands Priya pushed him back. “Priya..” He tried to step in. He knew those reactions to be punishment for saying the truth.

“Just go away...” she said when tears made its way down along her cheeks. “Just Go Away...” she repeated again this time looking down to the floor stepping back from Ram rejecting his approach.

Shoving his hands into his pants' pocket Ram turned back. Before leaving he waiting for few minutes expecting a melt down. But as minutes passed he realised this time he has made a blunder. Only hope he had was his confession that might have made her mad momentarily but with time she may forgive him. He agreed to his self to give her time and he knew it will not be another 12 years. Sighing deep he walked out of the room as desired by his wife.

Priya walked to the bed and sat with a thud trying to dismiss the recent event between them as a dream.

~~

Mumbai.

“Meera what are you doing?” Ashok tried to stop her. “Sit at a place and think. She might be busy with family.”

“Do you have any involvement in the company and I am enough mad over you Ashok.” Meera snapped. “And about this.” She pointed to her phone this time. “I know what I am doing you don't have to advice me.”  

“Meera but she is the boss you can't...” Ashok paused under the angry gaze of his wife. “Okay fine do what ever you want.”

“Good for you. Make it a deal Ashok I am not putting my nose in the destructive drama you and Jayesh ji carrying on in return do me a favour never try to interfere in my official involvement.” She dialled back Priya's number. “Where the hell you are!!” Meera stomped her feet loud on the floor. She threw the phone on the bed and took her seat on the couch placed by it.

~~

Lavasa.

Ram slowly walked towards the boys’ dormitory. Standing infront of the door his eyes went to the empty bed which was neatly done. The toys those once used to get life with Chotu lending his voice to them were kept at place but lifeless forever. The bed squeaked as Ram sat on it. The room was empty that time except the cleaner in her regular duty only noticed him to saw weeping covering his face. His muffled cry echoed through the room. Seeing the boss fragile she got disturbed and chose to hurry out of the place to inform Reshma. But Ram hadn't to wait long, Shrestha learning the same from the maid choose to intervene.

“Hi.” Shrestha sat by Ram. With blurred vision Ram looked up. He gasped.

~~

Collecting herself Priya managed to bring back to her normal self. Looking to the clock she realised that there might be some calls and emails she missed. But she didn't recall the place she might have left her phone last night. But she didn’t have to struggle much. Her eyes fell on the bed side table. Her phone lied there connected to the charger. Picking up the phone she got shock of her life finding 69 missed calls from Meera. Her heart started beating fast when the phone started blinking notifying incoming call from Meera again. She feared some bad news is waiting.

“Hello.” Priya said in shaky voice.

“WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE????” Meera screeched. “And you have not kept your words. I waited for you a whole hour and made fun of myself. DO YOU REALISE THAT?”

“Who made fun of you?”

“Oh! Does it really matter to you??” Meera continued to complain. “You made fun of me Priya. You on this earth has that guts to do that not even Ashok is allowed to do so.” She snapped in anger to Ashok.

“Why would I do that?” Priya scorned. “You know what you mean to me.”

“Really? Then tell me where you are and why you are not showing any interest in my calls?” Meera said.

Priya heaved a deep sigh. “Look Meera I am really...” she stopped under the other lady's rude commands.

“Cut that crap Priya just answer me.” She sounded really upset and angry at the same time.

“Lavasa. I am in Lavasa. I overslept and as my phone was in silent mode I missed your calls. I just looked into it and realised my mistake and Meera you have to take care about everything about the inauguration.” Priya stopped as Meera started laughing hysterically. “What's funny in this Meera?” Priya asked angrily. 

“Listen darling you are allowed to over sleep.” Meera said while laughing and continued. “Especially being just married. But..” she sounded pretty serious suddenly. “You are not allowed to miss the inauguration.”

“Meera I said you I am in Lavasa and I...” Priya stopped as Meera interrupted again.

“I am not conferring I am asking you to do or better to say I am asking the owner to behave like a owner. More precisely I am asking the CEO to look at her own self and ask herself if she is so incapable that board members have started to think about an alternative and her impeachment.” Meera was breathing heavy after completing her words. There was a pin drop silence for next several minutes. “Should I say straight on your face? Which, I really don't want!” She added.

“I am coming back. Today.” Priya sighed deeply. “Now.”

“I will be waiting for you. 4023. The Taj Mahal Palace.” Meera replied.

“See you soon.” Priya disconnected the line and sat back on the bed.

~~

“What are you doing here?” Ram asked Shrestha showing his discomfort.

“That I should ask you adding without Priya di?” She replied back instantly and knew that Ram was not in a mood for question answer session or in a funny mood. “Okay sorry I was just trying to cheer you up.”

“Sorry. But, Ram shedding tears is not a solution. Kids need us. After a lot of try I and Reshma could get them out of this room. If you have lost a son they have also lost their friend. They are equally sad.” Shrestha tried to make Ram speak. “Have decided not to speak Ram?”

“I have decided nothing Shrestha. I have messed up everything that I have in my life. I failed to save Chotu. I have made Priya gravely upset and I have already lost my family way back. I only had Priya and I am doing every possible thing to lose her forever.” Ram wiped off his tears. “And you, haven't I used you? Yes I did and never thought where I am pushing you towards.” He was breathing heavy. “I am plastering my thoughts, my needs on others.”

“No you are not. You are a true hero of every single person present here and in their homes right now.” She said putting her firm hand on his shoulder. “And I don't think you can ever lose Priya di ever.” This time when Ram looked up Shrestha was having a bright smile on her face. “Trust me.” She said with that big bright smile. Ram sat quiet there caressing the bed, closing his eyes trying to recall those sweet moment he spend with Chotu.

“Well if you don't mind can I ask you why you again had a fight with her?”

“How do you know??”

“Hmmm.. kind of I know you. I have copyright over your thoughts.”

“What??????” Ram asked.

“Sorry..” She hit softly on Ram's arm. “I am joking. You know I can somewhat read you. I don't know how but I can...” Shrestha smiled.

“You never fail to amaze me.” This time Ram smiled.

“You also look good with smile.”

Ram looked down smiling again. He nodded his head and looked at Shrestha and placed his hand caressing her head. Both of them turned their head to the door with the first knock on it. It was Priya who stood there.

“Priya?” Ram stood up and walked to her. “Where are you going?” he asked looking to Vishesh who stood with bags behind her.

“To Mumbai.”

“But why?” Ram moved closer.

“Because it is urgent and my position is on stake.”

“You are doing this for the morning incident right?”

“No. I am not. I am doing it for myself; trying to save my own ass.” Priya looked straight to Ram. “I am sorry I have to choose between staying here and be there in the inauguration and I chose the second. I have to.”

“I know you are doing this to punish me.” Ram clasped his hands over Priya's.

Priya smiled broadly. “We punish them whom we need to correct. And we correct them who are our own. Whom we consider to be a close one. With whom we are connected at heart. Which one of the following I am designated Ram to you? Who...” She paused and gasped. “I am going back for my own benefit that has nothing to do with you. Bye.” She looked to Shrestha and smiled again. “Bye Shrestha.” Turning back he walked away with Vishesh following her.

Near her car when Priya was about to get into the front seat a familiar voice stopped her. It was Vikram.

“Hey! Hello.” Priya greeted.

“Hello but where are you going? You are leaving already.” Vikram said.

“Yeah have some work that cant be ignored. How long you will be here?” Priya asked.

“I thought Ram would be upset and an old friend can help by just offering a shoulder that's why I am here.” Vikram said.

“A friend, like you, is a treasure for life.” She smiled. “Take care of your friend. Work beckons I have to be at Mumbai. There is no two ways to it.”

“I can understand. Take care.” Vikram walked towards the entrance. Priya looked to be in deep thought as if something familiar from past surfaced in. Heaving a deep sigh she shoved into the car seat. Finding Vishesh still standing holding the door open with his trance fixed to distance she honked the car horn. Vishesh’s trance broke and he got transported back to the time. He looked back with an apologetic face.

“What happened? Is there anything bothering you?”

“No ma'am.” He got into the car seat and took the car out of the compound. On the looking mirror he could see Ram still standing at the entrance looking to wards them while his friend stood by him looking to the other side.

~

“Ma'am even if I am not allowed, I would like to say that Ram sir has not inquired anything unwanted about Rajat.” Vishesh said.

“I am not leaving for the morning fiasco Vishesh. I am leaving owing to prior commitments which are completely official. So, please don't drag that into this.” Priya was audibly unhappy.

“I am sorry ma'am.”

Priya chose to keep quite as a response.

~~

Lavasa.

“I can easily tell there is nothing right between you and Priya.” Vikram said. “Come on buddy tell me what is it!!”

“It is nothing.” Ram scorned walking away from Vikram.

“I can bet my life on this. You are badly stuck!” Vikram paced up to catch Ram.

“YES I AM. I have done enough to get my ass into pain. I have done every possible thing to make her upset. I doubted her. I, who, know the every truth about her past.” Ram retorted angrily.

“Ram what you did? Please explain.” Vikram requested to which Ram kept mum. “Otherwise it will be impossible to for me to comment.”

“Who is asking you to comment?” irked Ram.

“I am asking you because I can’t see you in such pain.” Vikram countered. He waited for Ram to break the silence and speak. And it happened after a brief wait. He narrated the whole episode starting with Manik implanting the questions in his mind to his confession of doubting Priya to her in brief. Listening to him Vikram sat in silence conserved in his own thoughts while Ram had no reaction for him.

“Look Ram, you have pushed yourself into a grave.” Vikram said and soon he got a bad look from his friend. “I will not lie it is the truth. But you can amend.” Vikram knew Ram wanted to know the remedy. He looked eager. “Bring back that lost spark! Bring back that x factor you two used to share. Tell her how much you love her, how much you missed her. I am sure she will not remain angry anymore. Take her for a trip alone. Spend some time alone. A lone time with her.” He looked concerned to Ram. “Try to understand what I am trying to say. Sometimes we need to say and express the feelings we have in our heart. We have to. Just do it.”

Ram sighed deeply. “I can understand what you are saying and I also know where it can end.”

“What is wrong in that?” Vikram asked.

“Vikram I know her. She is mine. I know her heart and Vikram she is still in the trauma of that wound which Rajat craved inside her heart. It is not at all easy for her to give in even if she wants to.” Ram said.

“What does that means?”

“It is a long story. But what I can say to you, she is still in trauma.”

“And who has to pull her out of it?” Vikram shoved his hand around Ram. “You my brother.”

“I wanted to start her counselling sessions with Reshma but..” he gasped.

“Then talk to her.” Vikram advised. “If she says it is fine then....” But soon he realised that his friend is not interested in it. “Okay don't do it. But what is the problem to take her to a trip alone? Do you fear that you two may end up getting physical or you doubt yourself?” he asked quiet provocatively.

“None of it! The matter is she will not agree to come.”

“Give it a try atleast.”

“I will see. First and foremost concern is her recovery for me not anything else.” Ram turned around to leave. But he froze to his place finding Reshma there.

“Sorry to listen to you two deceptively but I agree with Vikram partially. There is no risk in spending time alone with her. It will help you to win her trust back and invoke confidence in her back for a relationship.” Reshma said. “Look she has to get back her confidence and have to trust you. And you have to take careful steps towards her for getting that back. No one else can do that.” She said. “Atleast make her feel safe with you around. Spend some time with her. Lunch, a walk, coffee, a dinner date these kind of little steps will affect her a lot.” She knew Ram was still unconvinced. “Think about it and if you ask an expert this is the start of it. A first step towards cure.”

“Yeah.” Ram nodded his head. “Yeah. I think I must act to get her back and I will.” He at last had a smile. “I can't cry only waiting her to come and say hello to our togetherness. I have to get it back. I have to give it back to her and I will.”

“Good.” Reshma smiled. “Ah.. Ram I came to say something else.”

“Yeah what?”

“That family called again. If we can do the needful after the prayer meet and rituals I think it will be great.” She said.

Ram thought for a while. After the first instalment of the reports from Vishesh that couple was indicated to be a great one for the girl. So he agreed. “Okay call them. I have reports they are best for her.”

“Great. So day after the prayer meet?”

“Yeah.!” Ram gave a nod.

Reshma smiled and left calling someone leaving the two friends behind. Vikram kept on trying cheering up Ram animating different expressions to him, sometimes he was successful also.

~~

Something bothered Vishesh. Suddenly he pressed the accelerator. The car moved forward in an unusual speed. Something that he saw disturbed him, startled his head. Something he need to find out soon.

An end is heading close. He has to do everything to protect Ram. And just then his phone rang...

Until We Meet.

Love

NB