Part 12 : Darkness inside out .

A/N : Some incident will look like flimy, but it is just a fragment of the past that stands today in front. Adaptation of real life story doesn't mean that every thing will look real and natural. To spice up the story "fictional friction" is highly needed sometimes. Hope you enjoy. More revelations will be made in the upcoming updates. 

Part 12 : Darkness inside out.

When the mistress of the house instructs “do not disturb” no one dares to invade, other than unavoidable events, if any. The open terrace allows her to disconnect herself from the outer world, every time when she needs to be alone. Affected by Ram, she sits there cocooned within, without any thoughts and worries, she tried. Last few days went exactly opposite to her thoughts. She never ever thought she could get affected by Ram to such extent. In the past twelve years, amongst which first 2 years passed by when she tried to convince herself to forgot Ram, trained her to tame every emotions rest 10 years passed by as she wanted. After a long wait when she actually considered that she is ready to face Ram and make him dance to her tunes and shatter him to the worst as he did, she failed. Still the Love at heart hurts.

“WHAT?” quite offended to the caller she answered the phone that trembled her hands.

“When are you coming back Priya?” Meera almost whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” asked Priya.

“Because everyone is looking for you and …” the speaker could barely speak someone pulled out the phone from her hands and placed it against his ears.

“Where are you exactly?” asked Ashok, “And a place so much filled with lucrative offers doesn’t attract you how?”

“You said you will not be able to come then how come?” Priya replied with a smile, “And Meera didn’t say a single word about you. She is damn jealous I tell you about you and me.” She added with a laugh.

“Hey I heard some great news. Comeback soon, it’s hard to keep inside me for a long time.” Ashok said enthusiastically.

“I am afraid Ashok, I will not able to make it to the party. Actually I hate loud arrangements and your lame pranks.” Priya’s reply was quite dull.

“This is a Punjabi wedding and if you are looking for some peace darling then I pray to God your marriage should never happen to a Punjabi and coming back to my point I was not requesting you or playing prank to you, I was telling you what you will do next.” With a pause the man added, “Next you will ignite your car and drive back to the party right now.”

“You can’t order me!” retorted Priya.

“I can.”

“You want me to drive back to the party in pajamas?” her reply surprised the listener.

“Meera, only you can handle this mental case. I am done with her.” Pretty offended he handed the phone back to his wife and walked away.

“Now what did you tell him?” Meera asked.

“That I am in pajamas.”

“Oh! So you are skipping it!” Meera asked with a wary.

“Yes, and before you ask, not for that Mr. Kapoor but for myself. I need some peace.” Priya defended herself.

“No need to defend yourself. I will manage everyone, only if you care to come back here early tomorrow.” Advised Meera.

“I promise I will and thank you Meera for being there.” Smiled Priya.

“Have some food.” Meera said before wishing her Good night. Priya wished her back and disconnected the call. Neither of them spoke about Ram, but that somehow that stung Priya badly. Her subconscious part wanted to know about Ram, but the egoist in her wanted to look happy for managing her to avoid him. Closing her eyes she leaned back to the recliner. The past that stands with her all the time, just like the silhouette, suddenly started to get a shape. Slowly the thoughts started to get translated into the reality that happened way back when she was just of twenty. A sudden ethereal power held her back, disallowing to draw herself out of her thoughts. She cried and begged to it to set her free, but it captured her rejecting her repeated plea.

“Ram” she screamed as he fell on his knees covered all over with blood. The belongings from her hand fell on the floor one after another reflecting the shocked state of the owner. The scream was loud to pull out the warden from the adjacent room also. Some of the other girls, few juniors and few seniors screamed out in horror witnessing such dreadful scene in front.

“What is going on?” the warden only acted the way she should have then, “Why you boys are here and OH MY GOD” clasping her hands along her cheeks she looked terrified to see Ram in almost half dead condition. “Did you boys beat him up so inhumanely?” asking she ran to the wounded boy, “He needs medical attention.” Turning back she could see only Priya there staring at the mob clueless. “Priya call the ambulance and why you are standing like a rock?” She noticed no change in Priya, shouting her name was also of no use.

“YOU BLOODY SLEPT WITH HIM RIGHT?” Rajat screamed out every word piercing it into Priya’s heart and astonishing every other present there. “I AM ASKING YOU SOMETHING, ANSWER ME.” Pushing Ram by one of his legs he started approaching Priya.

“Stop you there young boy!” the warden’s warning went in vain. He didn’t stop, until he grabbed Priya by her nape and clutched her throat with his left hand. “WHAT YOU WERE THINKING I WILL NEVER KNOW ANYTHING?” Rajat almost spitted every word at her face. The warden now shifts her attention from Ram to Priya.

“Young man I warn you to leave her RIGHT NOW.” The warden’s voice now invaded the raging Rajat’s head, loosening his grip over Priya’s throat he looked back. “NOW!” the warden ordered.

“Ma’am, do have an idea where she was and what she was doing?” Dragging Priya to the warden, with his grip tight right on her nape he said, “Oh! How she can know? Right Priya!” a cunning smile pasted on his lips as he looked back, “You have not yet distributed your business card to everyone na. So what! I will inform her.” Looking back to the warden he added, “She was with her first millionaire customer.” And every other boy from the mob laughed in unison. The tears rolled down Priya’s  cheeks, the blurred vision didn’t allow her to visualize the monstrous figures in front.  

“RAJAT I WILL KILL YOU!” uttered Ram though in pain.

“SHUT THE BASTARD UP!” shouted back Rajat. Someone from the mob hit Ram hard he fell on the ground. He tried to move but the wounds didn’t let him do so. The securities were alarmed by few other students, seven security personnel along with two professors rushed to the spot, the horrifying visuals made them alert. Though their warnings went in vain with Rajat, most of the boys from the mob dispersed when one of them called the dean of the institution. With the fear of getting expelled  they dispersed within a second.

“I don’t fear anyone and Sir…” Rajat could now see Vikram rushing to the spot and behind him came in some attendants in white uniform, who wheeled Ram out of the spot. Still in Rajat’s occupancy Priya wanted to rush to Ram, she wanted to know who they are taking him away, but she stood still struggling freedom.

“Leave Priya, Rajat.” Head of the department of their trade ordered.

“Priya why don’t you give our professors your business card first, they can do a great favour to you.” Cunningly Rajat said moving his face near her.

“Please Rajat don’t do this.” First time Priya spoke.

“Rajat!!!” the HOD spoke again, “LEAVE HER RIGHT NOW OR YOU WILL FACE IRREVOKABLE PUNISHMENT.” He warned the offender.

“Oh right! How can I forget she is girl, who has every right to offend, right?” Rajat pushed Priya. Tangled amongst her feet she fell on the ground after her head hit the corner of the chair that came across the projectile. Neha was also there, after knowing everything from one of the students she was the one to inform Vikram and arranged for the ambulance. She rushed to Priya. Making her sit, she held her forehead with a handkerchief, though it was just a minor scratch.

“Rajat! I want to meet you at my office. NOW!” the dean from behind declared, “You..” he pointed to Neha.

“Sir.” She responded.

“Give her first aid.” Pointing to Priya he said, “I want her in my office too. This is a college not a stage where you can showcase the drama stints. Gentlemen please come to my office, We need to take some decision.”

“I am not afraid of any decision. This way or that I will ruin you Priya.” Rajat frowned.

“A single word and you will be expelled Rajat!” the dean pronounced.

“That will also not stop me from ruining this whore.” Rajat smirked. “I will finish you, you little bitch!”

“You are expelled, a single word, I will make sure you end up behind the bars for rest of your life and Mr. Puri” addressing the HOD, “Call this girl’s parents now! I need them to know everything and what is happening here around. Is this a college or anything else? Call the securities and throw this young man out of my campus right now.” He waited till the securities showed up and dragged Rajat out. “What about Ram?” he asked while walking out. Almost at the exit he stopped, “You are suspended too Priya, and see me at my office now. I need an explanation.”

“Priya!!” Neha cupped her face, “Stop crying.” Hugging her tight she tried to consol. Priya kept on wailing. The warden sat by the girls with the first aid kit.

“I think you should take her to the dean. This is not good, whatever happened here, never happened earlier and this is serious. I don’t think this is going to be easy.” The warden said, “At least I didn’t expect this from you Priya. This is upsetting” she walked away.

“Neha!! I didn’t know how it happened and how Rajat did come to know about all this!” Priya kept on wailing, without allowing the first aid.

“Look what I heard from few seniors, that Ram and Rajat had an argument, and somehow Ram only broke it!” Neha stopped as Priya looked up, “I don’t know the truth, it’s half baked truth. We need to clear this from Ram.”

“Gosh! Why I am thinking all these?” Priya leaned forward with her hands covering the face drenched in sweat. “I have to stop this. Past should remain at its place.” Inhaling much needed air, she tried to flush out the wrong vibes out from her system. She tried to concentrate on other things, but as her eyes clasp the past invades. Failing to control it she decided to drive back to the wedding venue.

~~

“Is this a way to behave Krishna?” Amarnath Kapoor burned out the anger. “Did you see how embarrassed Priya look then?”

“Amarnath Ji..” Shipra tried to speak in between.

“Ni Shipra, I also didn’t like the way Ram behaved.” Sudheer expressed his views, which was pretty against the dreams of the two ladies. “Even if they are sharing a good friendship in this short time, it should not embarrass us like this.”

“I second you Sudheer ji. Even If Priya didn’t say a single word, tell me just one thing, have you seen her around since then?” Amarnath asked.

“Wo, she is in the Farm house.” Shipra added further, “She is bit a personal person and she must have gone there to have some time alone for which she is missing.”

“Look Shipra,” Sudheer added, “I am person with old school thoughts, I didn’t like whatever happened and neither will at any time, even if they come up now and say that something is brewing up between them.” He looked much offended.

“I think!” At last Jayesh spoke, “We all are over reacting!”

“What do you mean?” Sudheer asked his friend.

“Over  thinking. Every one of us. Shipra, Krishna Ji, you and Amarnath.” He looked around the room, “Look they just meet and what I know, even if Priya has found a certain level of match with his thoughts, she will never open up so soon, not even for friendship! So talks about what Shipra and Krishna ji are thinking I don’t think she will ever agree to it right now, future is unpredictable.”

Krishna cuts in immediately, “So why she agreed to take Ram around and today itself why she stayed back to take him along? Any answer?”

“Because I told her!” answered Jayesh, “Because she never says no to me. So stop over thinking.” He could read the pale faces of the ladies, “I don’t mean that there is no hope in future, but right now we should not think about it, at least now and Amarnath; Sudheer” he addressed the men, “What you guys are thinking, about that..” he paused for a moment, “Awkward act.. It might not be that. It might have occurred, casually. Let me speak to Priya and if she is offended, Ram must apologize.”

“I am not convinced!” Amarnath walked to the window, “He must apologize.”

“Oh! Come on Amarnath, ghari dekha apne bête ka.  Larger than his hands, and Priya, she is not so much accustomed with designer things, Shipra will second me on that.” He looked to her who nodded back, “It’s just an accident. Be rational and why you are so angry with him, most of the time.”

This time Amarnath didn’t respond back, he looked to his wife, who is also not pleased that the father son differences have caught a third person’s eyes. He refrained from speaking any further, “May be! But we need to discuss this.”

“I second him!” Sudheer said.

“Let the ladies handle this.” Jayesh looked up to the ladies in the room, “App dono hi samhalo and we trust you but please don’t bring this hook up thing between right now. If it is supposed to happen it will happen, how much friction it may face at the beginning.”

~~

Parking the car she walked into the venue which still had some people, to be correct few young people in one or two clusters. Her eyes roamed around, in search of familiar faces, at last she found Ashok walking out to the garden. He was certainly accompanied with someone, who still remained unidentified to her eyes. She paced up to catch him. Right at the middle of the garden seated on the garden chairs she became aware about that “someone unidentified” as “Ram”. Cursing herself, she walked to Ashok, to know about Meera.

“Mental tu?” Ashok stood up and embraced Priya in a warm hug, “I thought you will not comeback today. So you got so affected by my words.”

“Where is Meera?” Priya asked.

“Yaar tell me something tu meri adhi hain ya uski?” Ashok teased.

“That you know very well and I have no interest in this adhi business. I am ready to be your full, baat karlo apni biwi se.” Priya smiled, and no sooner they laughed aloud together.

“Sorry, don’t mind Ram, we share a little awkward chemistry.” Ashok added to Priya, “You stay here. I will find my full biwi. I think she must be with other ladies as you said you will not come back she adjusted herself with them” smiling the man walked out.

“Sit! Please.” Ram spoke after Ashok left. Priya sat back on the garden chair which was occupied by Ashok previously. “So you took my words seriously! I mean you changed into pajamas to look unattractive but you are grabbing attention more than that.” The bad look galore at him. “Sorry I mean to say boys will gawk at you more now.”

“Yes, in their dreams. Look around Ram and then speak.” Priya tried not to sound irritated.

“I mean tomorrow morning they will see you nah!” Ram tried to defend.

“So you think tomorrow morning I will come out in pajamas? How long you were with me?” Priya asked suddenly, “As a so called friend for about one year and two months and as ..” she paused, “three months.”

“Please complete as..” Ram insisted.

“Leave it Ram!” she leaned back.

“I insist.”

“My destructor !!!!” She sounded perfectly pissed off.

“Why you behave so rudely with me every time?” asked Ram, “I mean, I want a single chance from you, and you are not even in a mood to give me a chance to clarify my act! Is this you really?”

“Okay! Suppose, if I give you a chance even to explain, how will you explain, our last meet, which was definitely at your uncle’s place, in that bed. According to Rajat with my millionaire customer.” Priya sounded angry.

“Stop it Priya!”

“Now I should stop right!” Priya stood up, “Did you ever tried to meet me after what so ever happened? Not for a single time Ram, when my father cursed me to be his daughter, when I managed to gulp that amount of pills that were sufficient to take my breath away. If Jayesh uncle was not there, today I guess, I would have been remembered as the loser Priya Sharma, the bitch, the whore with a business identity.” She managed to irk Ram this time.

“STOP IT! I was not saying a single thing from the first day, because I know somewhere what ever happened was only because of me. If that night I would have not taken you to my uncle’s place..” Ram stopped, “Priya just a chance; I can explain everything to you. I am not asking for forgiveness, I am asking you to give me a chance to speak why I didn’t came back, and when I did you were already gone. Please” plead Ram.

“ ’Of no use Mr. Kapoor. This past haunts me even today. I can’t close my eyes. Whenever I do that horrifying day takes all over me.” She looked back to Ram, “And we must stop this now, I don’t want Ashok to know everything.” Priya seized the conversation noticing Ashok accompanied by Meera approaching them.

~~

“What’s the matter I thought you were serious.” Meera said as she walked along with Priya.

“I also thought so. But, something is haunting me.” Aimless eyes alarmed the listener, “The past is not letting the peace in”

“When the past itself is standing infront, how can you not think of it!” Meera said under her breath. “I think we shouldn't go for the deal and I remember from deal, what made you book a pent house in Mumbai?” Nothing remains hidden from Meera being the CFO of the organisation. She is the first one to get notified about the assets acquirement of the top members.

“I were about to inform you.” Defended Priya.

“And exactly when? Are you waiting for shub muhurat?” the offence made her annoyed. “If you wanted another property you could have acquired one in Delhi, what was the need to have one at Mumbai? What is cooking inside your head?” Meera’s restlessness came up.

“Why are you over reacting? It is just another investment. After farm house I haven't made any investments and having this project almost on board you or me even Jayesh Uncle has to travel to Mumbai often and you know how much I love Hotels.” She looked to Meera, “ And keeping the game plan I thought to have a pent house there, at least we can have a feel of home there and don't worry Ashok has made all the arrangements so I am happy with the deal!” Priya was casual with her answer.

“Past is haunting you or you are inviting past to you?” Meera’s question shocked Priya. Quite disgusted Priya looked back with the annoyance clearly reflecting on her face. The “I am not pleased” looks even don’t bother Meera, Priya is just a reflection of hers. “I asked you SOMETHING?” stressing to something she seized her walk. “Stop Priya there only.” She ordered.

“What should I answer?” Priya retorted, “How many times I have to say I have moved on.”

“Priya before it gets out of your grip, stop! I can find a million way to cancel this deal, in this way no Ram Kapoor no more haunting.” Meera sounded confident.

“For my personal comfort I can't thrash the hard work that my team had put together. If I am not wrong they are working since a year and you want me to drop this.” The sensible boss spoke out, “No Meera I am not that selfish, though I look like one.”

“Even if I manage to make me agree with you about the professional front, I don’t support you acquiring the pent house in Mumbai.” Declared Meera.

“Just an investment. If I don't like it; You don’t like it..” stressed Priya, “ I will revoke it.”

“What about the advance that you paid?”

“I will definitely get it back!” She spoke casually.

“Really??? 40 lakhs!! They are going to give you a zero penny back.” Scolded Meera, “You are sure of having it that’s why You have gave them the cheque.”

“Post dated!! I can stop it if I want.” Priya tried to announce her protection plan.

“Like they will let you go without a legal challenge?” The lady demanded an answer, without letting Priya answer, Meera further added, “You are pretty sure about acquiring it !”

“Meera!!” Priya tried to stop her.

“This discussion is over!!” Priya’s sudden decision rankled Meera.

~~

Next Morning, pretty early Shipra knocked her daughter out of her sleep. That pretty early was about 9 am. “Priya why are you behaving like a sleepy head?” pulling up her by hand Shipra scolded.

“Mom!! This is like a mini vacation for me. Please let me sleep.” Dropping her to the pillow she said.

“Dristhi is quite upset that you left the party yesterday!” Shipra was actually there for “disaster control”. “See who is here.” She welcomed Krishna Kapoor and alarmed her daughter.

“Good Morning Aunty!” suddenly the sleep vented from her.

“Good Morning beta.” She smiled and took her seat by her, “beta, I am here to say sorry for my son’s behavior yesterday. I think that only refrained you from coming to the party!” care and tension in the elderly lady’s voice was clear.

“Aunty! Please don't feel so sorry, Mr. Kapoor and I have a talk about that last night, after I came back. We have sorted out the matter and just the net of my pallu got stuck in his sherwani that’s it.” Priya lied taking the elderly lady’s hand on hers.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes absolutely and please don't feel sorry, If you need to speak to me anytime call me, I will be always there “Tearing out a paper from the notepad she scribbled her phone number and handed to Krishna. “This is my personal number; feel free to call me anytime. You are elder than me why you will come to me? If you need to talk, I will come to you.” She smiled.

“God bless you beta. Tumhe pata bhi ni hain kitna bada bhoj uttar diya tumne.” Blessing her she stood up to leave, dialing Priya’s number she dropped a missed call. “That’s my number.”

After the ladies left to give the news to the gentlemen who were more tensed than them, Priya got fresh and went downstairs to take part in the different ceremonies of Dristhi’s marriage.

~~

“ Priya don’t you think you should get married too. You are accomplished with whatever you want. I think a perfect man is only left to complement you.” Dristhi said trying to get hold of the juice glass which her cousins took away after teasing, “But remember my advice no social marriage. My dhule raja is spared from everything and I am here trying to do every ritual perfectly. What a fool I am?”

“Shaadi se pehle yeh haal shaadi ke baad kya karegi?” chewing some dry fruits Ram joined the ladies. “See Priya how much nakhre she has.”

“I’ll definitely see what you do when you will get married. Krishna aunty should get a match for you soon.” Dristhi said under her smile,”waise I heard that you two are working together; is that true?”

“Yes. Almost.” Ram answered.

“Only if the deal cracks!” Priya added. Ram smiled back only allowing Priya to speak further, he walked off from there leaving the ladies alone with their discussion. At the furthest corner he settled himself on a garden swing. Stretching his hands out on both sides he sat leaning head back with eyes closed. The swing rocked with little oscillations.

“Why you are bothering your mother Ram?” the sudden voice made him look up. Priya stood there with her hands crossed against her chest. “Spare her.”

“I am sorry to sound rude but I can take care of my mother.” Ram replied back.

“That’s why she today came to me and said sorry for her son’s deed.” Priya asked her back, “Right?”

“What?”

“For the last night. But I am not insensible and insensitive like you or the way I look like. I can't let an elderly lady to bend down to me.” Priya said. “Ram stop this non sense. You have lost me.”

“Please don't start that recording again. I know I am fully to blame but you are only happy with your side of story so I am happy with the other side of the story.”

“Do you have anything true to explain?”

“I don't want to explain anything because no explanation can bring back that day back to our lives so that I can correct the wrong. But sharing, I want to share what I went through, my insecurities, realization, apology that was never said, my love for you. I JUST WANT TO SHARE.” Ram’s eyes reflected the truth.  His eyes calmed down Priya for few minutes.

“Please come and seat here. I know I have lost my every right over you. Whether it is friendship, love, to laugh along to cry along.” He pushed himself to one side of the swing and stopped it from rocking. “At least for the professional relationship we have or according to you that we will be sharing in near future.”

“You have learnt to deliver a perfect speech. I am still not convinced.” Priya replied to his offer.

“Who the hell is trying to convince you? You and I both know that if I want you to hear to the my side of story, I can do it in a second and you will never be able to escape me. You don’t have any co-ordination between your eyes and words. They fail each other.” Ram tensed Priya. “But I will not do that, I want you to realize and give me a chance to explain. Please come and sit. If your body guard sees you like this she will again fight with you and if you are uncomfortable having me around..” He stood up, “I will take my leave.”

“No… please sit.” Priya sat on one side of the swing. Looking at her little tensed with the after math of his act, he settled on the other side. His weight startled the swing for a moment.

“Tell me one thing how do manage to spoil your hunk look.” Sudden attack from Priya made him smile. Making an annoying face, “What made you smile?”

“No nothing but you know at Orlando girls used to find me sexier…” Priya cuts in laughing, “Sexy?? Really??” she said under her laugh, “Either they are blind or behind your money.”

“None of which is applicable for you right!” Ram responded back only to record Priya’s reaction. Where he thought to get a tensed reaction from her, she laughed out.

“Money or looks nothing bothers me. It's the heart that really bothers me.” Her answer pierced him badly. “Don't mind I don’t find anything sexy or attractive in you.”

“I know; you are a tough lady to impress now. But your transformation is too hard to handle. Didn’t you get any proposal?” Ram asked.

“Eleven. My family tried to hook me up eleven times and I failed them 11 times.” Her answer was sharp.

“Eleven!!” exclaimed Ram, “And no one was able to hit the bull’s eye?”

“And no one will be.” Replied Priya confidently. Ram wanted to answer but he held back his words to avoid any situation that can lead her out from there. “What about you?” Priya asked him.

“My parents never got a chance. I used to visit my country once in 5 months, for only one month and after you I lost interest in girls. Yes media had and still attach me with girls but I have no interest in them.” said Ram.

“Why? You turned yourself into Gay?” shrugged Priya as Ram’s stern look fell on her.

“You are crossing your limit.” Said Ram, “As you said we have nothing other than professional relation and this Priya don’t believe in the old time sake things then why we are discussing all these?”

“Right ….” Priya stood up, “Our families must have launched search operation for us, so we must go and surrender.”

“Can we walk back together?” asked Ram.

“After you?” she paved way for Ram.

“Why?”

“Be my guest.”

Ram didn't revolt back, at heart he felt somehow they started connecting again. They particularly had some quiet and peaceful talk for the first time after they meet in their second innings. He was in no hurry to jump into a conclusion neither he wanted to move in a sloth’s pace. Together they walked back to the gathering. The groom was circled by the ladies performing some rituals. Jayesh from a distant saw Ram and Priya together, when Ram was trying to make Priya understand something pointing to the groom. He smiled and tapped on Amarnath and Sudheer’s shoulders, as they looked back their eyes fell on the pair in distance smiling, enjoying each other’s company. Now they stood tangle within themselves and the ladies, who were definitely not wrong to certain point. Before they could think more Jayesh reminded them about their discussion from last night.

“Priya!” exclaimed Meera, “there you are, I need a help.”

“Ya sure!” Priya excused herself and as she started walking away,  urgency to speak further invaded Ram, impromptus he spoke, “Priya!!” there was certain belongingness in his voice. It was pretty hard to ignore. With Priya looking back he added, “You looked beautiful yesterday in saree. I was just trying to be protective.” he corrected himself at the right time. The word “possessive” might not have go good with her and her body guard at that time.

“Thank You.” She said with a smile, Ram saw her walking out from his sight slowly but her response made him smile but irked Meera.

“Thank You??? Beautiful???? Complements and courtesy are getting exchanged wow!! Aur kya kya chal raha hain madam?” irritated by Priya’s behaviour she said.

“Arey why you are over reacting?? I was just…” Meera stopped Priya only to inform her that she has seen them together in swing too. “That doesn't mean anything Meera.” Scolded Priya.

“Only if he was not the one you loved. And if everything he did then is justified I would have already pushed you to him. But no Priya at least remember how he threw you out of his life. Did he ever care to know about you???? Ask yourself before you lean more to him. I am not your enemy neither a girl having crush on Ram Kapoor. I am your well-wisher. I want the best for you. Having said that though I know Ram is best for you but his past action makes him worthless especially for you.” She again raised an alarm to Priya.

“I know. It was just a gentle gesture nothing else. Nothing really matters. Trust me.” Said Priya.

“I believe you. I have something to share with you. Just now Jayesh ji called me and asked me to inform you” Meera made the environment more tensed.

“And that is?” Priya  waited for answer.

“The good news is Vikram has given a nod to the technical part and the deal is on….” Smiled Meera. The excitement knew no boundary for her and Priya. “But..”

“Now what but Meera?” Priya cursed her for spoiling the excitement.

“Kapoors want us to come to Mumbai for the final deal sign and after one week we have to proceed with our implementation phase there.” Meera said.

“What's the big deal? And you were cursing me for buying that pent house; see how much in profit we are.” Priya looked casual.

“Next week Amayra is coming back from London and I already had a vacation planned. If you remember!!” said Meera reminding Priya about the arrival of her, just turned fourteen, only daughter during summer break.

“I will be there. Don’t change your plan with Amayra for this stupid official matters. I will take care of it myself Madam, but I want you to carry on as planned.” Priya answered Meera. They congratulated each other for the great success achieved.

Mumbai; many unheard feelings are yet to be heard. With no Meera around will Priya go weak and let Ram enter her life again.

Until we meet.

Love

NB

Part 11 : Sweetly Messed !( I don't want to be with you but around you)

Part 11 : Sweetly Messed !( I don't want to be with you but around you)

Next morning, while on the road, Amarnath Kapoor was pretty angry for Ram not joining them along. He even rejected every call from his father, and just dropped a message saying he will catch them before it gets late.  Now the elderly man sits with his hands embracing cheek; when he was gaining back faith in his son, he broke it like nothing has changed since he suddenly dropped his college and zoomed out to USA.

“Are you okay?” asked his wife, “I think Ram got stuck with Vikram.”

“Do you really think that?” retorted the old man, expressing his unwillingness to forgive his son this time, “Every time, Krishna, every time a little I gain faith in him, atleast when I manage to convince myself to believe in him again, this boy strikes again. I really hope you are right.” Both of them stayed quiet, “You remember that day, when he …”Krihsna stopped him holding his hands, he needed that, “which father could see his child wrapped in bandages, he sealed up to say anything , college issues and he has been suspended for 3 months. That’s all he said us, you remember. If I don’t love him that much, I would have definitely crossed his promise and try to fetch out the truth.” He was surely disturbed.

“Look, I don’t know if it is the right time to say or not, I think we should settle him down.” Pretty sure about what she was about to declare, Krihsna Kapoor said.

“And ruin a Girl’s life!”

“Why?” asked back the lady, “Why you are thinking about that? He will make a good man. Just he needs to calm down.”

“Did you just forget how badly he drinks? Didn’t I share every incident with you? If he was not my son then he would have been serving sentence in any of the jails.” Scolded Amarnath, “If he has already messed up someone’s life let him mess her up, don’t try to mess up any decent girl’s life at least. You remember how badly we wanted a daughter and we never got one, neither will.”

“He is not the same. He has changed a lot. He is much mature now than then.” Krishna tried to calm her husband, “And he is not seeing anyone either.”

“How do you know that?”

“I feel that and that is the reason I want to share my wish with you.”

“What is that?”

“I want Ram to..” she paused for a while and said under her breath, “I want Priya as his bride.”

“Are you serious?” surprised, her husband replied, “You want me to get that girl’s life turned into hell? No Krishna never. She is a pretty girl, and she is very sweet, but Ram is not eligible for her, she deserves better than him.”

“Why? Why you always do down our son, just for that one incident which neither he spoke about nor you tried to grave into it. You have that powers to find out the truth, but in filial love you never wanted to know the truth because your son chose to blackmail you.” Said Krishna, “You are the one who perfectly spoiled our son, and if he had then express his willingness to shift to USA leaving everything behind, it was you who let him go. Without your money he was nothing then and now when he has managed to destroy himself to worst you want him to behave like you want and coming to Priya, you might have missed but I have seen how easy he goes around with her. I am the mother. I saw him smiling in real that night, which I never saw in last twelve years neither in photographs, he used to send or over video chat nor when we barely or rarely meet him. He was smiling that day and Priya is the reason, then what’s wrong I did considering her as his bride.” Asked Krishna.

Amarnath knew that it was not the best place to drag the discussion, having the chauffeur with them, it was not safe to discuss such sensible matter in details. “Krishna” he toned down his voice this time, “I think we should discuss this later” he pointed to the presence of the third person there. His wife calmed herself down, all through the journey she preferred to avoid her husband.

~~

“Shit!” Ram sat up on the bed, “I need some nimboopaani” he said with his hand clasping around his eyes.

“Good Morning!” Vikram said throwing Ram’s phone to him, “Uncle was calling uninterrupted, so I chose to text him that you will be with them before it is late.”

“FUCK! Why didn’t you wake me up?” Ram cursed him checking his phone. “Shit man I was supposed to be with them.”

“At last I could see that sensible elder son of the Kapoors!” Vikram sipped into his coffee, “Ram, you are messing around Priya, I thought a lot last night  she can never be yours again bud!”

“Shut Up or I will Kill you.” Retorted Ram, calling the room service after ordering a lemonade he sat on the couch, “ She is angry that’s it! If somehow I can calm her down, let her listen to what I went through, I will win her back!” He pressed his head from both the sides with his hands.

“And you said that you have stopped drinking?”

“Priya! She is the reason I got drunk. I wanted to get drunk as much as I can,  tank up and then go to her and say her how much I love her. How much I missed her! MY HEAD!!” Ram inclined back.

“And that after she thrashed you under her feet last night!” Vikram opened the door as the bell rang, when he thought it to be the room service he stood gulping the liquid that he sipped just then from the coffee mug to find Priya there.

“Good Morning, May I?” Priya asked. She looked back as the room service guy appeared with the lemonade. “Oh! Things got so worse last night! Please make your way.” She stepped back to allow the guy to complete his duty assigned. After he left she walked in.

The whole liquid sprinted out that Ram gulped from the glass, “What the…” he stopped.

“FUCK.. atleast learn to complete the sentence that you started!!” Priya dialed the room service number and ordered another lemonade.

“And how do you know the Room service number so correctly!” Ram asked surprisingly.

“First! Vikram..” she called, who was still standing at the door, with its latch secured in his grip shocked, “You can shut the door and come in and” now she turned to Ram, “secondly that..” she pointed to the receiver and continued, “is none of your business, but only to crave your curiosity, let me inform you one suite always remains booked in my name here, for emergency.”

“Okay!” Ram drank the rest of the liquid from the glass, “What brought you here again? Is there anything you left to say?”

“It is you who brought me back here.”

“Me!” Exclaimed Ram.

“Vikram will you please stop staring at me like I am an ET.” Priya was pretty pissed off by the behavior of him.

“I..I should get shower and get ready. I am late for my  schedule.” Dropping the coffee mug on the table he rushed inside.

“Ram, did you know what I put myself into entertaining Jayesh Uncle’s order first day?” She asked, “Into my own grave, and you ..” she screamed come in as the door bell rang. This time the same guy came to serve. “Can you please take all these mess out?” Pointing to the three – four liquor bottles she said. He obeyed her, clearing up he left the room, closing the door behind.

“Ram, today you missed to join your parents and I was forced to miss mine.” She said.

“What?” asked Ram again.

“Ram..” She sounded bit irritated, “Forget it! Can you please do a favour to me?” Ram looked pretty defending this time, “Please have a shower, clean yourself up. You are looking like you have fucked yourself up!!”

“What!!” pretty loud and clear he shouted.

“WHAT?? WHAT?? Why the hell you got your tape stuck there in WHAT and WHAT and WHAT!!” shouted Priya.

“Why are you so irritated?” making a child like face he said.

“Because you have successfully ruined my day, when I should be half way to the destination, I am here taking your shit! Why ?”

“Why you agreed? You could have denied on first hand.” Ram said pulling out the tucked shirt.

“I can’t and are you going to undress yourself in front of me?” annoyed she retorted.

“Why? As if I have not done this before?” Ram smiled cunningly without letting her know, he continued to unbutton his shirt’s button.

“Good God help you!” She rushed to the door, “ I am in the café, please be there in half an hour.”

“Yes Darling!” Ram knowingly threw the shirt towards her. She slammed the door behind her and dialed a number, missing out something from her to do list annoys her most these days. Her perfect idea of starting the day has been spoiled by Jayesh, when he wanted Priya to pick Ram up from the hotel where Vikram was staying. She denied to know the exact place, but got trapped when it turned out to be the Taj Palace where almost every people know her. “Yes uncle I got him, we will be leaving within half an hour.”

Jayesh looked back to Shipra and asked her to inform Krishna Kapoor that Priya will be getting Ram to the venue. She happily dialed the desired number. “Krishna Ji, Priya will take him along.”

“Thank You so much Shipra ji and thanks to Priya too. We should think about what we discussed lately!” Krishna Kapoor said, but her husband who was seated by her was not at all impressed he noted her to drop the call and answer him, “Shaadi mein milte hain!” She disconnected the call.

“Why and when did you called the Sharmas?” demanded an answer the senior Kapoor.

“When we took a halt at that dhaba!” replied the woman victoriously.

“ Why you are behind Priya? Why you want to ruin her life? She is a very sweet girl, she is just like our daughter! Don’t do this with her.” Amarnath responded pleading this time.

“If she is not liking Ram’s company tell me one thing, why she stayed back and agreed to take Ram with her?” she shoots the question to her husband, which went unanswered and made him think too. “She is liking Ram too.”

Amarnath chose not to argue more. He looked back consoling himself in his thoughts.

~~

“Why Priya is here?” asked Vikram, coming back to the room, “and why you are half naked?”

“There is something called bath that I want to take and Priya is here to take me along.” Ram said walking inside, “And please don’t mind if I empty your perfume, I have to wear this alcohol stinging shirt and pants all the way to the venue only then I will get something real to wear.” He shut the door behind.

Looking at Ram, who just came out of the washroom, the other man expressed his opinion, “You really looked messed up!” Vikram made faces, “If you were the same from college days you would have got perfectly fit into my clothes.”

“Thanks for your wisdom, now can we leave! You for the office and I for the Madam, who has given me a half an hour dead line.” Replied Ram. Both the men walked down, Ram saw a man, must be the chauffeur appointed by Madam Priya or Madam Meera he thought, having Vikram’s name on it. “There and please make the points clear which we discussed earlier at Mumbai.” Shaking hands they walked to their own destinations.

~~

“You really sting!” Priya said looking straight to the road.

“I know and you know what! I really feel fucked up right now!” Ram snapped back.

“This smell.. Yuk!” Priya made face like she is going to puke, “What ever perfume you bathed with and alcohol, Yuk yuk.. Vikram could have lend you something from his wardrobe!”

“Ha ha ha ha very funny. Vikram don’t make clothes, he wears it and Me having this size!” Ram pointed to himself continued, “Will never get into any of his, so Madam if you are trying to mock me or trying to really mock me hard, please keep your advice to yourself.”

“SHIT!!” Priya uttered.

“NOW WHAT!” pretty loud and clear Ram said back.

“Jayesh uncle gave me your bag!” Priya screech halted the car, “I forgot!” she got down from the car.

“This lady…” Ram stomped his feet in annoyance.

In a while Priya came to his side with the bag, throwing a bad stern look at her Ram came out. “get something from here and change.” Priya said and turned back.

“I don’t believe this! In middle of the road I have to change!” Ram laughed in anger.

“I am not asking you to change your pants!”

“So!!!!! You are asking me to change, in between of the road entertaining the people for free with a half naked man?” he really sounded upset.

“Nothing such in you that people will cherish their luck to see a half naked man! Please change into anything you grab first hand. I am not going to drive a single millimeter if you don’t change.” Arrogantly Priya replied.

“OKAY FINE!!” shouted back Ram. He took out a T shirt. Throwing the coat and shirt right near Priya he put the T shirt around.

“I am not going to pick this up!” Priya turned back.

“Neither do I want those! Can we leave!!”

“Yes..” Priya said gritting her teeth.

Putting the bag on the back seat, Ram secured the front seat, he said “Let me drive.”

“Why? I can drive, you know that.” Refused Priya as she ignited the engine.

“wo kya hain naa I am still a bachelor.” Faked a smile Ram.

“Stop being misogynist!!” scolded Priya.

“And I should be fine with you being sounding and hunting me like misandrist.” Retorted back Ram.

“God Uncle why you are trapping me with this man!!!” she cursed her luck to be jammed with Ram and partially cursed Jayesh.

~~

After a drive of two hours and half Priya and Ram reached the venue. Beautiful decors made the place look Divine. For the marriage being a day later there remained some chaotic drills all around. Getting out of the car Priya could neither see her family nor Ram’s. “bhaiya” she stopped a passer by, “ Where is everyone?” He  informed that every one to be in the garden, where some kind of ritual is taking place; asking for the way, she walked towards without even bothering about the guest she had.

“Arrey” uttered Ram as he found Priya walking away, “ Did you forget that I am here with you?” scolded Ram, ignored Priya. Now she could see Dristhi sitting in the middle and ladies are circling her around. Her mother and Krishna Kapoor were also included in the troop. “ Will you just shut up!” annoyance of Priya is expressed. She tried to walk close to her mom but few other ladies blocked her way. While Priya was busy in some kind of her secret mission, Ram walked to his father who was seated with Jayesh, Sudheer and two unidentified person. He have to say sorry for his deeds.

“Bauji.” He called his father standing by.

“Amarnath, so this is your son !” one of the two unidentified men spoke, “ How are you doing beta?” asked the man extending his hand towards Ram. “Good Uncle.” He shook trying to smile.

“This is Mr. Brijesh Jalal, one of our greatest clients and one of my closest friend Ram.” Amarnath introduced them formally. Though he found his father calm and cool, Ram knew that he is going to have tough time ahead. As soon as he found his father alone, he expressed his will to say sorry for the unfortunate miss he did gave to his family that morning.

“Ram.” Holding his son by shoulders Amarnath the caring father spoke. “ Your mother is thinking something beautiful for you. Please don’t let her down. I don’t know what is stored in for future; I only know she has much faith in you. She trusts you blindly and calls me blind in your love. Lets not talk about it, about business I have faith in you more than I have in myself, but as a person, as a man if anyone calls me to rate you..” he paused and found his son looking down, “I will deny to rate you… the man who hungs his head, he has already rated himself. I told you then, first time you left for college, fail in everything but not as a human. Today when I wish to get my son back, I again want to remind you something; rise like a human.” The old man sighed and walked towards his destination.

~~

“Maa” at last Priya got hold of her mother, smiling to the random ladies around she dragged her out of the crowd, “Did you bring my saree?” she asked.

“Arey! Bhool gayi mein. Sorry.” Shipra replied with a tensed smile.

“Maa” Priya raised her voice in annoyance, “ Now what will I wear that Salwar that you I packed for regular daytime wears or the night suits?”

“Take something from my wardrobe.” Replied Shipra in most casual manner.

“From your wardrobe..” poked Priya, “ Did you ever tried to look into it, how loud and bright the colours are? I am not going to touch it anyways.”

“Why you get so hyper? Tang kheechne ka mauka mila toh aise hi jane deti?” laughed Shipra, “I have packed it in my suitcase. First floor, second room go and get it from there.”

“Thanks.” Priya walked upstairs. Before going inside she noticed Ram who was strolling alone in the compound and to her surprise he walked out of the gate and kept on walking to the undecided destination. She pulled out her phone and called him, four times he rejected her call and before she could call for the fifth time, a message from him dropped in, reading, “I respect your privacy and I expect the same from you Ms. Sharma.” Priya felt it rude for a minute or two and then she realized  she has no right to feel anything for him, she has barred herself from crossing the boundary. As her eyes fell on the other side, she found Dristhi to be accompanied by few ladies, including her mother towards the car. One after another the cars zoomed out, she sighed and walked inside the room, bolting it she dialed Neha’s number to keep the promise she made to her last night.

When the phone rang with Priya’s number, she asked her baby’s nanny to take care of the new born and received the call.

“Priya” there was a sudden silence in her voice.

“Neha, it’s been a long time I heard your voice. How are you?” responded Priya.

“How are you?” asked back Neha, “Whatever happened that time, I know how much in pain you are.”

“Thank you for the concern Neha, but..” with a pause she added, “I am really sorry if I hurt you but I have moved on, that day is one of the many pasts that lie in yesterday. I believe in living today, this moment, what has been done or did take place, I take lessons from it that’s it!”

“But you must know something!” Neha spoke, “About Ram.”

“Please Neha. Now a days either him or his name keeps on going around me every time, more than this I don’t want to listen.” Priya paused for Neha spoke from the other side.

“If you were in pain that day, he was also in pain. You know that. He was afraid. We were afraid of getting thrown out. We were not as matured as you were.” Neha tried to gather confidence to speak further, “He still loves you Priya. He still blames himself for whatever happened to you.”

“But I don’t…” Priya uttered.

“What you don’t? You don’t love Ram anymore. If you are going to say this; please keep that as a consolation prize for yourself.” Neha sounded pretty irritated.

“Neha, you are still having mood swings I guess.” Smiled Priya. After Neha uttered shut up Priya continued, “Neha you should take care of yourself and your baby. That must be your top most priority now and about me and Ram, we are over. I will not lie that I don’t love him anymore. I do.”

“Then Problem kya hain meri maa.” Neha cuts in, “Listen to him once.”

“But I don’t blame him or anyone of you for that day, I can understand  you all were afraid about your family reputations and getting bitten up by the families, but I stood by the truth Neha, I had a moment with Ram, that will last forever but not as a sweet memory, but as something that spikes me every moment. I blame myself for whatever happened with me. I was the one who let Ram conquer me, I let Rajat to destroy me emotionally. I don’t blame Ram, I blame myself, I hate myself when I think about the day when I let Ram own me.” Priya waited for Neha to respond, crashing the silence she added, “Today I am happy, the way I am. Let me be happy.”

“Happy” Neha said under her smile, “Happy who is happy you, Ram. No one. You are living in a world of illusions that you don’t want to come out of and he is living in the world of his Priya where only love is there. Tone down Priya before it is late.”

Priya could hear the baby’s cry over the phone, which gave her an excuse to hung up. “Neha I think you should be get going now. You can scold me later, now your baby needs you. Don’t spoil his health for anyone. You don’t have the right to do so.”

“Okay I am going now, but promise me you will come to meet me. Now as you’re The Priya Sharma, a flight ticket from Delhi to Mumbai and back don’t cost much for you.” Neha said.

“Soon, that I can promise you.” Priya assured, though Neha didn’t want to hang up, wailing of her baby let her to do so. Priya walked to the balcony that opened on the road side. She could see Ram walking to and fro within a certain place absorbed in deep thought. The honking of the cars took him back to reality, he stood at a side. She could see a car stopping just by his side, from there came down his mother. Priya noticed how the elderly lady caressed his head, he looked calmer then. She couldn’t hear a single word that they were exchanging, but reading the body language Priya felt though at first he denied to come in later his mother managed to drag him inside holding his hand in hers. Priya called an attendant from the resort and asked him to get the luggage from her car’s back seat and hand over the same to Mr. Ram Kapoor, to clear his doubt about the person of the name, she pointed to Ram from the open space. He nodded and acted as ordered.

~~

Cocktail dinner.

Ram, clad in a maroon sherwani was accompanying his father from the beginning, Jayesh and Sudheer were also with them. He was getting introduced to many new people from his field. Many of them were enthrall to meet him, a very few who can be counted on one hand, had no effect. He was least interested about meeting new people or the party that is going around, his eyes were trying to spot Priya and when at last he spotted her, his eyes popped out and jaw dropped making his mouth open in a shape of capital “O”. He tried to divert himself from the informal meetings and tried to get through to Priya but every time he was stopped by somebody. At last he managed to reach her.

“Hi!” Ram addressed Priya who didn’t respond back, “can I get a hello in return.”

“As if we are meeting for the first time.” Priya was rude.

“If that pacify your temper then yes.” Ram smiled back. “So Hi!”

“Stop trying to crack jokes especially lame jokes.” Retorted Priya.

“So..” Ram tried to speak out his mind, “I mean..” he turned around and found many eyes checking out Priya. “Is this the only thing you have for this night?”

“What do you mean?” Priya gritted every word expressing her annoyance clearly.

“Just look around, every one is gawking at you.” Ram pointed to the surroundings covering as much he can.

“I think not everyone it’s you who is gawking at me and Thanks for complementing me.” Priya started walking away from him.

“Ek Minute!” Ram blocked her way. “Now what!” shouted Priya grabbing the eyeballs of few other guests. “Why are you shouting?” whispered Ram, “ I am telling you the truth!”

“That I am looking awkward! Wow I must say in these years you have perfectly learned how to spoil a girl’s evening ! That’s what you learned in Orlando.” Priya threw a stern look at him.

“One minute!” Ram couldn’t help but smile broad, “How do you know in which city I used to stay in Florida? Is this available with Jayesh Uncle?”

“A..a…I just guessed.” She tried to avoid any eye contact with him.

“Wow your guess is so accurate. Orlando..” He smiled knowing the half baked truth, “waise sach mein aur kuch ni hain tumhare pass.”

“Stop this nonsense. No one is here to gawk at me. It’s you who is over thinking.” She continued to go out from the place.

“Please Priya listen to me once. I think you should change this..” he now held Priya’s Pallu that hung till the ground from her shoulder. With the pull she stepped back, “PLEASE..” this time her voice was much loud to grab attention of many around. Among those many, were both the families. With the elders looking surprised at their behavior, Ram immediately dropped the pallu . Looking around the situation Priya walk out of the hall. Followed her Ram.

Shipra who was smiling broad looking at the prospective couple thanked God for putting everything in place, slowly. She looked at Krishna Kapoor, who was also smiling at the same time. Though this act went light and good with the ladies, it doesn’t go good with the three men. The discomfort was clear in their eyes.

~~

“Arey rooko yaar..” Ram still tried to hunt for Priya.

“Stop Mr Kapoor” Now this familiar voice is the most hated one to him, Meera said from his behind, “Let her go. Don’t you think you have done enough to spoil her evening?”

Troubled by the lady he tried hard not to show his frustration but he failed, “what is your problem?” he turned, “I know I am completely to blame what happened to her, what she did in past but God even give one chance, but you and she has declared me as a Satan.”

“Oh! Nice to hear that” said Meera under her breath, she looked as Priya drove out. The honking of car grabbed Ram’s attention too.

“Where? Where she is going in this wee hours?” Ram wanted to follow her.

“I said stop!” She said strictly, “I know where she is going and she will be safe there and you know what at least she will find much needed peace that you snatched away from her.”

“Meera!!” someone called. “You are here and everyone is asking…” the man stopped knowing the presence of unknown person, “and he is?” asked the man.

“Oh! Let me introduce..” Meera said, “This is Mr. Ram Kapoor. And this is Ashok, my husband.”

“So you are Mr. Kapoor’s Son, the successor. Nice to meet you.” He extended his hand for a shake, Ram reciprocated. “If you are wondering how I know your father, let me reintroduced myself, I am Ashok Asundi, Editor in Chief of The Economic Business News Channel. I admire your father and his thoughts I hope you will take that legacy ahead in the same manner.”

“I hope so.” Ram shake his hand with Mr. Asundi again. “wasie you Asundi and she Kumar? How come?” Meera was mocked by Ram.

“I believe she has made her own identity and I have my own, there is no need for her to be known as Mrs. Meera Asundi to get any perks. She is well capable of getting it by her own.” Smiled the proud husband embracing her along her shoulder. “I believe in equality.”

Ram’s plan got perfectly back fired to him, but Ashok came as his savior only when he asked about Priya, “Where is that retard?”

“She ..” Meera looked at Ram who was trying to suppress his laugh under his hand. “Your retard is out for her farm house. She will be back soon. Let’s go inside. Come.”

“Come, Mr. Kapoor.” Ashok gestured to Ram as he walked inside with his wife.

“Farm House. Aur kya kya hain madam ka?”  Ram thought, “And why the hell she went there.” He stood there occupied with her thoughts.

~~