Part 15 : The Trap

THE TRAP!!

***JAYESH RAWAT ***

“It was not really tough to trap the young man. He behaved exactly as I wanted. But never thought my little girl to behave in the same tune. I must not complain. I am just a step away from accomplishment. This calls for a celebration. I wish He was also here. I can't thank him enough to help this old man right from that day.” He stood up; with his hands entwined behind he strolled around the room. “Ever did I try to forget that day?” he furrowed. “How can I do that? How I can forget when I carried my child pale and lifeless in my arms. How can I forget that moment which remains buried inside me, when doctors flushed her system and tried to revive her?” He poured a drink for himself. Gulping it in a gasp his fist got tightened against it, “How could I keep myself away from knowing the truth Priya? I was the first one to hold you; even before your father when you came to this world. What will you know how it feels even thinking of a life without you?” Jayesh emptied another drink from the glass.

“This is not a deal for the company Mr. RAM KAPOOR. This is a deal of life or death. Your life is now at stake.” He threw the glass on the opposite wall, which shredded into pieces, unrecognisable.

****** Flashback ******

“Can you just tell me where my daughter is right now?” Jayesh demanded an answer from the registrar.

“We don't know. After we called you she went missing.” he defended.

“You want me to listen and believe to your utter nonsense?” Jayesh stomped his fist against the glass top, gifting a crack on it diagonally, “And who is that boy, whom you are trying to hide?”

“Look Mr. Rawat he is our trustee’s son and we can't let his name leak.” He tried to convince.

“Even if he hides in the deepest trench tell him I will wait with the final stroke of death if any thing wrong happens to my child.” His eyes flushed blood red in anger.

“Please mind your tongue. Your daughter is also to blame.” The registrar defended Ram. “She is a girl and she must know her limits.”

“What did you say? A girl and she must know her limits. Brace yourself Mr. Who so ever you are and your trustee is, this girl will definitely come back one day; and I Jayesh Rawat is giving you word.” Jayesh stood up pushing the chair back. “No one can make me stop from finishing that boy.” He stormed out.

Neha and Vikram were waiting for him, but after what they heard; they were intimidated by the raging father figure, the local guardian. Without facing him they rushed out to inform Ram about the glooming situations.

He searched around for Priya thoroughly throughout the campus. But there were no trace of her. He failed as a father. Whatever happened can be corrected, but her safety was the foremost concern for him. “Where are you baccha?” He bawled.

~~

In a deserted store room, Rajat locked him with Priya.

“There is no one around you little bitch.” Rajat stepped close. “Ram has undergrounded himself intimidated by your uncle and college authorities are so keen to save him and your father like figure what’s his name haan Jayesh.. Jayesh he will never find this place unless I will dump you out.”

“Please Rajat leave me.” Priya pleaded as tears rolled down her hot cheeks.

“Leave you why? I should have done this way back. Then only you could be trapped. You bitch, how Ram was on bed. Was he fun? Who was more aggressive? What you loved about his size?” Rajat stepped closer, “Was he fast? How desperate you were to get him inside you bitch? Why not me then? I must get that chance. I am your boyfriend.” With a cunning smile he started to unbutton his shirt.

“You are an insane beast!” Priya yelled help. After few unanswered yelps, she tried to flee away. But Rajat was stronger than her. Groping her he started soiling her soul with his filthy hands strolling around her petite figure. “Stop this!!” She tried to push him away.

“What he did first? Did he undress you or you helped yourself?” Rajat tried to grab her in his beastly grip. “But I will do none of it! I will tear this off from your body.” He grabbed the hem of her shirt.

“I have to get rid of this beast.” Priya said to her. With all her might she pushed Rajat back. “You are a beast!”

“What is Ram then?”

“I love him and he also loves me.” Priya said.

“He loved your body and when he can get it so easily why not me? And I do get what I want!! Tonight I will destroy your soul and you like you did to me.” Rajat growled.

“You can't....” Priya tried to get hold of the door.

“I will you...” grabbing her by fistful hair he pulled her back and his other hand travelled to her front. She struggled to get rid of him, but she failed. Troubled by her struggles he pinned her to the wall and continued his monstrous act.”

“Please Rajat....” she wailed loud.

“Till you don't satisfy me I will not!! You will be free to die even after I get you.” Rajat continued.

Priya with her all might stomp her heel on Rajat’s foot. In pain he has to step back in that moment, she escaped from that desolate place. “Go where ever you want. This is recorded darling and where ever you go any one of my boys will surely enjoy you. I will finish you and your family and Ram is least interested about you.” Shouted Rajat behind her.

Walking inside her hostel room hiding from everyone, she tried to call Ram but every time she found it switched off. Finding no other way she dialled Vikram’s number. With Neha’s voice on the other side, she pleaded to her. “Please Neha I need to speak to Ram once! Please. Help me. I need him Neha.”

“Priya this is not the right time!” Neha surprised her, “Look your Uncle is not in a mood to forgive him. We saw blood raging through his veins. We think Ram need safety. Seeing you; definitely not a good idea.”

Taking the Phone from Neha Vikram spoke next, “Look Priya, Ram is injured he needs rest. If you want to talk to him we will make you speak once he agrees to speak.” Vikram paused, “Please try to understand if you are in danger then he is too and most importantly he has a name to protect.” His last few words went straight into her heart. “Try to handle the situation once everything gets settled we will sit and talk..” Vikram looked at the phone as it went dead.

“What Happened?” Neha asked.

“She disconnected!!”

“I want to go to her but what will happen if bauji comes to know about all these. I fear he will harm himself for me. I put his reputation to stake.” Ram bawled.

“Ram.” Neha sat patting his back, “Look babu nothing happened that will defame your father, but it is represented pretty worse. We need to wait for the right time. Stop blaming yourself. I know Priya; she is a brave girl and more mature than us she will handle the situation and will understand why we denied helping her.”

“I am not convinced.  I should be there with her. Rajat is still behind her.” Ram stood up and trembled. His wounds rumbled him back on the bed. He winced his face in pain.

“Ram, try to understand you need rest. Priya will handle everything.” Neha said hugging wailing and helpless Ram.

Back in the hostel, the sharp knife and the aspirin tablets which belonged to Neha lied by her. Her aimless eyes shredded silent tears. That saline water soiled her beautiful face for one last time. She looked at the picture of her parents that she placed on the wall at the very first day of her college. “I am sorry Maa, Papa. I can't let Rajat harm you. He has soiled my soul but I can't let him do the same with you. I am quitting. The man whom I trusted, the friends I thought to be the greatest treasure thrashed me like I never happened. Yes Rajat was right, Ram wanted to spoil me physically. I am a sinner. Please don't cry after me.” Priya gulped almost fifty tablets together and to make it sure she don't escape the process the deep zig zag lines adored her wrist. Blood ooze out her vein. In pain she fell on the bed. Her only mistake was leaving the room unlocked and rescue came in; on time in form of warden and Jayesh.

****** Present Time******

“How could you think Priya, my sweet heart, I will not try to find out what happened actually? How can a father keep away from the truth? I just faked my promise to you. I wanted you to be safe. To believe that I am exactly doing what you want me to do.” The sad eyes of Jayesh bespeak his filial love for Priya. “If Rajat was sinner Ram is more than him. He has to pay back.” He raged.

“I definitely gambled with my luck about convincing the Kapoors, your family, Ram and about your status what you do and what you not; I have a balance sheet against your every breath.”  Jayesh smiled victorious. “And Priya my child. 11 previous gambles with you, I had so confidence over you and if in any case you would have liked any one; it would have taken few seconds to throw them away.” Jayesh looked at Priya’s picture that ornamented one of the walls of the living room. “You never knew how you helped me to trap Ram more into my web. You made a permanent place at the heart of Ram’s mother and dadi. Amarnath is also getting fond of you. But..” Now he picked up the picture of Ram and Priya from their college days, to which he was talking to “if you make my child cry again or fail to make her believe in love again, trust me Ram, I will be the one to shoot you right at the middle of your head.”

“That night I saved Priya just on time. But at the cost of her smile. She is just breathing for us. She thinks time has healed my pain, the wound that you left deep at my heart Ram. It took me twelve years to execute my plan; to trap you. I am going to gamble again with my child. I hate you Ram, but you are the one who can make her smile again, live again. If you dare to prove me wrong ...” his fist hardened. “See you soon Mr. RAM KAPOOR, son in law. Welcome to the family... Welcome..”

~~

“What happened Mom? What is going around? “ Priya said looking at her over enthusiast mother.

“Priya. She is in cloud nine for some beautiful news surfaced in this evening..” Her father replied, “Jayesh asked you to meet him today only. He has some news to share.”

“Right now?” Priya looked at the watch.

“Yes. Go and meet him. He is little worried.” Sudheer said.

“Okay then...” Priya walked out and drove to Jayesh’s place. In next few minutes, walking inside, she found Jayesh at the bar counter. As a teetotaller she disapproved drinking.

“Not again uncle.” Taking away the glass from his hand she tried to judge his mood. “Are you crying uncle?”

“Yes. I was. This old man is very happy and very sad.” Jayesh replied, “You know when I held you in these hands for the first time, the emptiness that I had in my heart, vented into thin air. That was the moment I asked your father to let me your God Father. With you my world got complete and now someone is so perfect for you, I couldn't stop myself from agreeing to give you to him”

“I fail to understand uncle.”

“Sit!”

After Priya took her seat, Jayesh sat straight facing her. “I chose someone for you.” He smiled.

“What!!” Priya yelled, “Uncle please we discussed this earlier; after the last one. I don't want to get married.” She tried not to look baffled.

“Yes I remember. But this man is definitely a perfect match for you and this time I don't want any dirty tricks to soil this beauty.” Jayesh said warning her. “And we have decided Priya. This time there is no looking back. We have decided and you have to abide by it.”

“May I know whom you chose for me?” She looked down.

“Yes off course!” Jayesh smiled before announcing the name, “He is Ram... Ram Kapoor.”

“What!!!!!!” she yelled at her topmost pitch. Suddenly she remembered the past. How she took words from Jayesh not to find anything about the boys related to her. Now she can't let the best kept secret out!. “Uncle he is our client. How can you??? It's impossible! I can't marry Ram.”

“I am not asking for opinion. I was conferring my decisions.” Jayesh turned down her plea.

“Only yours and my parents’ opinion doesn't matter. Mr. Kapoor’s family's opinion matters.” Priya pulled out the joker which was of no use in the pack of cards.

“Good try. But do you really think without their opinion I took such a big decision?” Jayesh grinned, “Every single member of his family is fond of you and Krishna and Sarojani ji have started dreaming about the grand wedding along with Shipra off course...”

“Please Uncle...”

“No more pleading Priya and dare you call Ram after this. If you do call to manipulate him, today will be my last day.” Jayesh blackmailed Priya.

“This is blackmailing! A punishable offence.” Priya reminded him.

“Really!!” He asked, “I am barred from healing your heart for this blackmailing only by you. I don't want to talk past Priya.” Jayesh said. “You need to promise me you will not call and manipulate anyone from Kapoor family. I want you to marry Ram. And that's an order. Profession is at its place and you will not be barred from anything.” Authoritatively Jayesh ordered. “You may leave now. I have said what I had to. You have expressed your worries and I have solution to every single one of it. So stop worrying just follow my orders.” Least interested in the conversation he walked upstairs to his room leaving Priya behind.

Mumbai, Same Night....

Knocking at Amarnath’s Study Room door he got a little chance to think about the sudden summon. He stepped in and stood in front his parents and grandma. 

“Sit.” Said his father.

“Is everything okay?” he looked around to guess the mood.

“Sunshine, don't get anxious. We have gathered here to discuss an important issue.” Sarojani said under her smile. “Now I will ask you few questions, be truthful to yourself.”

“Okay.” Ram was definitely getting nervous. He never faced any interview and suddenly he was getting a feel of that.

“Shall I start?” asked Sarojani again.

“Yes.” Ram sighed in nervousness.

“So, have you thought anything about your future?” She started.

“As in”

“Are you seeing anyone? Do you have any girl friend?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Just don't need one.”

“Are you a gay?” giggled the old lady.

“Darling!!” Ram’s eyes bobbed out. “I am not a gay.”

“Okay.. okay.. sorry.” The lady looked around finding her counterparts smiling too. “So if we find a perfect match for you, is there any problem?”

“I want to wait for another 2 to 3 years.”

“No. You wanted time. I gave you.” Amarnath scolded, “And she is perfect for you. You two belong same age group; she is intelligent, beautiful even you two look good together.” He looked at his nervous son, “And your mother thinks you like her company too.”

Ram looks up. He thought about the girl, who can be it. Wait.. his eyes rounded, “Maa are you thinking about Ms. Sharma?”

“See now he made our work easy.” Sarojani smiled.

“Wait wait.. she is a wonderful woman. But I don't think she will ever agree to this.” Ram looked startled.

“We wanted to know your decision. What she opines will reach us through her family. You tell us about yours.” Krishna asked Ram about his decision.

Ram maintained his silence. He thought about Priya, her reaction when she will learn about this proposal. She hates him with all her heart. She will never agree to these arrangements. He shivered out of his thoughts with his father’s voice.

“Do you have any problem? If you have please confer. I don't want to face any humiliation.” Amarnath was not happy.

“I don't have any problem.” He tried not to show his nervousness.

“Are you sure?” Krishna asked.

“Yes maa. I am. I have no problem. She is a sweet girl, as you said beautiful, intelligent and smart. I have really no problem. If she does agree.” Confidently Ram said.

“You don't need to think about her, we will take this forward only when there will be a positive response from their end.” Amarnath repeated, “You may leave now.”

Ram sighed deep before he stood up. Just when he turned to leave. Amarnath voiced again, “I want you not to speak to Priya about this. Let us decide first. You will definitely get chance to discuss your future with her.”

For the first time, Ram agreed to his father. He also found it not the right time to speak to her. He also knew that his parents will be saddened by Priya’s decision. He walked out towards his room.

~~

New Delhi, Same Night.

Priya changed her position lying on her bed. When she came back her parents were already informed by Jayesh about his decisions, framed as hers. Shipra’s excitement knew no boundaries. Priya even learnt that her parents will be visiting Mumbai with her this time. She has to stop this before it goes out of her hands. The rumbled emotions made her restless. Leaving her bed, she started strolling around the room. She needed Meera by her side that moment. She is the only one who is aware of the truth and is with her. Meera is the only hope for her. But she is not heartless that she will end Amayra’s awaited vacation in hustle selfishly. She has been trapped at the right moment by Jayesh when she is most vulnerable. “Should I call her?? No... but if Jayesh Uncle informs her...” Picking up the phone she called Meera in such wee hours.

“Hello Priya. You definitely choose wrong time to call.” Meera was unhappy with the call.

“Sorry Meera, I know I might have spoiled your sleep or maybe you are in between a drill but I need to talk. I need you.” The worried voice of Priya alerted Meera. She sat up on her position. Priya could hear Ashok’s voice who was asking his wife to come back. Scolding him, she spoke back to Priya. “I am listening to you Priya. Tell me what is it!”

“I am trapped badly. Jayesh uncle wants me to marry Ram.” Priya disclosed.

“What???”

“Yes and I can't tell him the truth. He will ruin Ram and his family too. I don't want that. Please help me.” Pleaded Priya.

“Don't worry. I think you have forgotten we are coming back tomorrow I mean today. The first thing I will do is to talk to him. I will not let this happen.” Meera said.

“Maa Papa and Jayesh Uncle all are coming this time with me to Mumbai. You know what that means?” Yelled Priya.

“Calm down Priya. I know what that means. I know.” Meera has to stop, allowing Priya to over voice her.

“I am so sure; Ram will not let this chance go out from his hand. He is waiting for this day only.”

“I will not let his plan go successful.” Meera affirmed. “Do one thing; pick me up from Airport tomorrow. I guess we will be back by 7 pm.”

“Okay. But what if I have to marry him Meera.” Priya sobbed.

“Priya stop crying. You are not used to this. You are a winner. And if anything worse happens we will take care of it together. Just stop over thinking and meet me at Airport tomorrow.” Ordered Meera. “And now you will sleep. That's an order.”

“I will try.”

“No trying Priya. You will.”

“I will try Meera. Don't force me like Jayesh uncle is doing with me this time.”

“Okay. But please calm down. Nervousness will not fetch anything.” Meera tried to calm her down.

“I will try. Good night... I am not feeling to talk...” Priya sighed, “Don't misunderstand me. See you tomorrow.” Disconnecting the call she pressed a cloth against her face to rub away the sweat beads and tears.

“What happened?” Ashok asked, “Is everything fine with Psycho?”

“They have fixed her marriage with Ram.” Lost in her aimless destination Meera replied.

“Wow.... That's great. I mean just wow.” Ashok smiled broad; “The biggest wedding of the year Meera. I am so happy for Priya. She deserves someone like Ram Kapoor not any changu mangu.” He stopped at his wife’s glare. “What am I wrong?”

“Good night!!” Meera slipped under the duvet confusing her husband more.

Shrugging off his shoulders he also lied down.

~~

Next Morning, Mumbai

“Sunshine.” Sarojani walked inside Ram’s room. Looking up from the tab, he wished his Grandma and touched her feet. “Wah! You are getting back your manners. Good.”

“Nothing like that darling. I felt like doing it.” Ram tried to defend.

“Okay. Okay. You are allowed to blush.” She smiled. “Show me your right hand.” She ordered.

“Why?”

“Sunshine.!!!” She scolded.

He extended his hand obediently. Ram found Sarajoni to put a wristlet around. “Keep this until your engagement day. This is your great great grandmother’s gifted by her husband your grandfather, great great one. And since then this is a ritual amongst the Kapoors. This is for Priya.”

“But.. engagement. I mean I want to talk to her once at least and this was with Mom if I am not wrong.” Ram said bemused pointing to the wristlet.

“Yes. Your mom will give this to her grandchild when he or she will get engaged. This is the informal ritual started by your ancestors.” Sarojani said, “And you will get time to speak to her. She has agreed for this marriage. So we thought to get you two engaged this weekend because we need sometime for marriage, after almost a decade Kapoor Family will welcome their eldest daughter in law. We need time to have preparations. You two will get almost 1 month and half”

“1 month and half ??” Ram screamed.

“Why is it much?”

“Darling; it is pretty fast. I mean I don't know her. I have to get accustomed with her and I am sure she will need too.” Ram lied. “I mean at least 1 year courtship is needed.”

“Courtship. 1 year..” Sarojani pulled Ram’s ears, “No courtship is allowed among us. You do agree to this so now I am giving you 45 days and that's enough to know her and then you have a whole life to know her and she too.” Ram was disallowed to speak, “That's an order. Sharmas also don't have any problem. Priya has no problem then why you? Are you unhappy Sunshine?” Sarojani asked dearly.

“NO darling. I was thinking about her. I mean she is going to share her life with a stranger. Doing business and sharing life is different. For a girl it is more difficult. I will try to keep her happy but ....” Ram enacted his part so well that it was hard to catch him misleading.

“You will definitely keep her happy.” Smiling Sarojani left the room.

“Shit!! Priya will definitely think that I am manipulating the whole thing.” Looking at the wristlet he sat quite.

Same Day Evening, New Delhi.

“You don't need to come inside. Stay here.” Meera instructed Priya. “If needed I will call you.” Priya’s eyes traced Meera as she walked inside.

“Welcome Meera. Welcome.” Jayesh spoke.

“You knew that I will visit you?” She asked.

“Yes.”

“But I am here not to discuss anything official Sir..” Meera tried to startle him but in turn she stood bewildered.

“You are here to discuss about Priya and Ram.” He spoke louder.

“Priya pleaded to me not to speak all these. But you should know who...” Meera has to stop and remain bemused again.

“That who Ram is? He is that boy who is responsible for everything that happened 12 no 13 years ago.” Jayesh turned to her with a smile, “What do you think I don't know anything? I am not that father who will get blackmailed by daughter who tried to kill herself. Will you do that? Will anyone do that?”

“But she can't be happy with him.” Meera kept on trying.. “I have seen her in pain sir.”

“So what do you think Jayesh ji haven't?” the silhouette appeared behind her. “He has too. I have seen him through it.” The voice is known to her. In her disbelief she turned.

“You” Perplexed she failed to react.

Until We Meet.

Love

NB