Part 16 : A Shot in The Dark

A Shot in The Dark

Meera Kumar..

Priya, how can I allow you to entrust your faith on me? I am forced to keep the mystery sealed inside me, which waits with a pernicious course of unknown magnitude unnoticed to its creators.

Just this evening when I thought to reveal the truth to Jayesh Rawat,; he left me aghast, with the bombshell. When I thought your destiny is on the driver’s seat making everyone of us helpless and forcing to surrender to it; I found the reality some forces are superior than it. Your Destiny is being controlled and manipulated or better to say experimented by Jayesh Rawat and Ashok Asundi.

Few Hours Back......

“You..” Meera turned to the silhouette.

“Yes. Me.” Leaving behind the darkness the silhouette appeared in its shape. The tall stout figure was none other than her husband Ashok Asundi. “I know you never expected me.” He smiled while walking towards her filling the gap.

“Do...yo...” Meera felt the dryness in her throat. Shocked by the revelation her brain stopped working. It refused to respond to the external stimulus.

“Yes I know. Everything since the day I saw Jayesh Ji in hospital 13 years back. I helped him to dig out the truth from the trench.” With a straight face he answered walking away from Meera. Looking back to his amused wife he smirked, “I thought you to be an intelligent woman Meera. But you disappointed me. Both of us..” he now looked to Jayesh, “knew other than us, you will be the third person to know the secret but there was a deal amongst when time will come.”

With Meera listening to him carefully he continues to amaze her, “I thought you will catch me when I shared about the pent house matter; But...” he said under a deep sigh, “You disappointed me a huge time. Though it was good for our plan, but tell me how did you agree that I will not have the details of the owner or may I say the previous owner?”

Meera followed her husband's every step trying to judge his body language. She never felt him so mysterious earlier.

He adds further under his persistent cunning smile, “You call yourself a wicked bitch, right? But you forgot you married a man who is defined as ruthless bustard.”

“Why you two are playing with Priya’s Life?” May be the first time she felt helpless. She called for mercy as alms for Priya.

“We are not playing Meera.” The old man voiced, “We are trying to make her smile again.”

Frustrated by the monotonous answer she barged back, “Getting her married to a man whom she hates the most. Who destroyed her!”

“We hate that person the most who we love with all our heart. The people whom we don't love, we never carry the hate forward with us.” Jayesh said with a smile, “He was the man who made a mistake, supporting a blunder. But he is the man who can make Priya smile again, live again.”

“Oh! Wow. I am amused by your thoughts.” Meera’s mirthless smile expressed her disagreement. “THE MAN BEHIND HER MESSIRIES WILL MAKE HER SMILE!! I MEAN WHO AMONGST YOU TWO IS THE AUTHOR OF THIS NON SENSE?”

“Definitely this old man.” Jayesh said after asking Meera to settle down. “Yes, Ram is to be blamed but there is someone who must be blamed also. You should know the complete truth.” Briefing the past Jayesh sighed deep as he sat.

The room muffled with steer silence for many minutes. Meera never tried to reach that deep respecting Priya. Jayesh’s words kept on ricocheting inside her head. That girl, whom she groomed into a ruthless creature knowing, that she has a past. It became tough for her to face her again. The twinkling eyes hide such pain inside, she never guessed.

“May I ask something?” her words echoed around the room breaking its melancholic atmosphere. Without waiting for an answer she shoots the question expecting the dead horror. When two ruthless men join hands the worst of worst can be expected. “What happened to Rajat?”

Smirked, Ashok cleared his throat subtlety to answer her, “He is living a life gifted by Jayesh ji.”

“Does he deserve that?” Meera searched for an answer.

“Until he wants and unless Priya gets out of that past and that only Ram can do.” Ashok said looking at Jayesh, “Only Ram can take her back to the life she was living.”

“Answer me another thing, just the last thing I will ask and Jayesh Ji please you answer this.” Meera waited for Jayesh to respond. After he looked up she asked, “Why you are playing with Priya’s Life? What wrong she did? She loved only and still loves.”

“She has to live again. She has to smile again. She has to laugh again. Call me greedy but I want my daughter back and only Ram can give me my Priya back.” Tears bobbled in his eyes, “Did you ever notice her with Ram? I did. She smiles just like my little girl used to, she laughs just like my bubbles used to. The spark in her eyes echoes the happiness she feels when he is around. I just want my baby back. Is it much I am asking for?” tears ran down his cheeks. As he closed his eyes tight the tears spread across. Wiping them away he looks up. Blood ran through those moist eyes suddenly, “And trust me if Ram fails, I will laugh on his grave.”

“I don't understand you. I can't forgive Rajat ever. I don't want to know what dangerous plan you two have already chalked out what I know is Someone has to be with Priya in this madness and I will be with her till the end.” Meera turned to leave.

“Dare you Meera!” Ashok raised his voice, “You know your husband pretty well. Jayesh ji is just a step away from achieving what he wanted. Dare you ruin it.”

When Meera turned back, Jayesh gestured Ashok to step back and stay out. Walking to her the old man sighed. “You know why I handed Priya to you 13 years back? Because I know you will be the best one to support her and train her to fight with every emotional shift. I know I am gambling with my baby. But I have to take risk for her better future. Like this, she will not go far. She will push herself into dark which I definitely don't let happen. I will not stop you from protecting her but I request you not to tell her any of this. I want my daughter back and if you do expose us I have to manipulate her against you and what I can do is just clear to you now.”

“You are threatening me!!” She exclaimed.

“Two choice. One just stay beside her and protect her if any danger she faces. Two tell her everything and get ready to face her hatred. Choice is yours. But what I decided is final.” Jayesh confused Meera more.

“I have to bite the bullet!!” under her deep sigh she replied. Shaking her head side to side she walked away. This time none of the men stopped her but Jayesh voiced, “This Sunday is her engagement just for information to you and her.”

Meera wanted to stop and respond but her foremost concern was to be there with Priya, who stands most vulnerable to the emotional ripple heading.

Having a faint sight of Meera walking out from the gate, Priya jumped out from the car and almost had a sprint to her. “Does he agreed to you?” the immediate query landed. Looking to the curious eyes Meera found her lips to be sealed. “What he said?” Priya asked again but this time the anxiety showed up. Gulping a lump in her throat Meera looked around. “YOU FAILED TO CONVINCE HIM; RIGHT?” she asked. As Meera avoided Priya’s eye the later knew the answer.

“I knew it!!!” Pressing her hands against face Priya spun once at her place and took back her position facing Meera. “Will you say any thing Meera? I hate this silence.”

“Even I do.” For the first time Meera spoke. “Let’s go from here first. I have a piece of news for you.” She started walking to the car. Adjusting the seat belt after she took the seat by the Driver's seat Meera ordered Priya to drive her back home.

While in traffic Priya asked Meera about the news. And her answer made Priya to halt the car with a screeching sound. “Are you gone mad??? ENGAGEMENT. THIS SUNDAY.”

“Yes.”

“Are they going to get married to Ram or I?”

“You.”

“I know.” The answer came with an annoying look to Meera. “But why they are not consulting me. I mean they are ruining my life without my decision.”

“I think they have taken your last actions in account and are not ready to take any risk.” Meera tried to plot her answer.

“Wait a minute.” Unfastening her seat belt Priya turned around to face Meera, “Are you hiding something from me?”

“No.” Meera kept herself content. “I am not Priya. I am just worried if Jayesh ji comes to know about the truth then...”

“Ram will be finished!!” Priya answered and added involuntarily, “and I don't want that to happen.”

“Why?”

“Because I don't want.” Priya shrugged of her shoulder and ignited the car. “I have to think something before time runs away from me. I can't and will never surrender to Ram.” The sudden acceleration reflected her emotional state. Meera looked to the lady cocking her head to the right. She definitely loves Ram but will never accept it back. The most dangerous game is yet to begin she thought.

****Present Time****

“I wrote my name in the list of people who is playing with you Priya...” Meera sat in dark.

~~

Mumbai.

Knocking at his parent’s bedroom door he waited for the permission to enter. In between he convinced himself to convince his parents to postpone the engagement. He wants some time to settle down the emotional turmoil that Priya was facing that moment. Somehow he felt her emotions. His father’s voice took him back to where he belongs.

“What's bothering you Ram?” Amarnath’s voice pulled him out of the thoughts.

“I need to discuss something relevant with you bauji.” The courage he gathered is converted into a free energy.

“Come inside.” Ram followed his father inside only to find his mother and grandma accompanying him that moment. “Ram has something to discuss relevant. Go on my boy.” Amarnath said taking his seat on the couch.

Ram knew he has to face displeasure from the ladies. But he can't just let them intimidate him more. Clearing his throat he tried to concentrate on the matter he was there to discuss. “Bauji  I need time. I mean, I hardly know Priya and I want to know her a bit before getting engaged. I am okay with marriage dates.” He assured his grandma who definitely threw a stern look at him in between his announcement. “This weekend is just too fast. I mean think about her. For a girl it is the most difficult phase and she hardly knows me as a person. I don't want to busy her by hurrying into this relation. At least give us a seven day time. Is that so difficult?” Ram observed his elder’s reactions to guess the conclusion he was going to be rewarded with. The scrunch sound drew his eyes to his father. He moved at his place and was looking down in deep thought. What he was thinking? He asked himself. 

“Hmm...” now Amarnath looked up to his mother, “I think this time Ram is right.” He surprised his son. “For Priya it is pretty difficult. We should wait for a while before this engagement.”

“Okay. I have no problem but we have informed the Sharmas, so they might get annoyed if we postpone. But we can give it a try.” Sarojani said.

“ That's not an issue I will speak with Sudheer and Jayesh when they will be here.” Amarnath showed his confidence. “The few guests I will take care of them even.”

“But as decided wedding will take place just a month gap from the date of engagement.” The elderly lady spoke authoritatively.

“I have no problem with it and I will convince Priya for it.” Ram said. He looked up to see happy faces including his grandma.

~~

Friday, Mumbai.

Meera looked at Priya and tried to guess her next action. But after that night she hardly spoke; even not to her mother, who had a long list of demands. When Ashok revealed that he will not be coming along, Meera guessed another conspiracy but helplessly she had no other choice else to wait for their next move. Just before their flight will land, Meera looked at Priya for another time. She maintained a flat expression all through which she still sported. Shipra was trying to cheer her up constantly but her every try went in vain. At last the flight ran across the runway and parked on the bay. Time came Priya will now face her would be in laws, the business partners who turned into family over night.

“Priya!!” Meera held her hand back. “What is going on?”

“What?” she retorted.

“What you are planning to do?”

“Nothing, neither with the Kapoor family nor with me. I will ask Ram to step back.” Saying she walked away as if nothing happened.

“Priya....” Meera paced up to catch her, “What if he denies?” she whispered.

With a cunning smirk she squinted to the other lady, “What do you think what I was doing all through yesterday? Mourning over my ill fate. Come on Meera you should have a little faith on your student. Don't worry either Ram will agree with me else I will make his life hell in particular. Now I can see the Kapoors here, so stop looking nervous lit up your face with your usual stunning smile and follow me.” Putting on her glares Priya headed to the particular spot where the elders are exchanging wishes. She saw Ram in his usual business attire. He took blessings from her elders.

With a smile Priya only touched Sarojani’s feet when her phone rang. “Excuse me.” Walking to a safe distance she answered the call. “What!!!” turning to Meera she gestured her to join. “This is just not acceptable Kavi. You are the one I entrusted with every responsibility.” In dejection Priya stood. “I am heading there. We have to rectify it by tomorrow I will be working with you guys whatever happens.” She disconnected the call.

“What happened?” Meera asked.

“Coding went wrong.”

“How?”

“The calls are getting dropped within 2 secs may be a bug I guess. I have to rush. Take care of everything else. I don't know when I will be back.” Priya took a deep breath and pace to the families.

“All okay beta?” Sudheer asked.

“No papa. I have to rush back to Delhi. I am sorry but I have to. There is an emergency.” Priya looked to Ram this time, “It's about the project.”

“Exactly what happened?” He asked.

“Until I don't see it! Can't explain. Excuse me.” Priya headed to the booking counters. She found Ram by her side when she inquired about the flights to Delhi.

With a confirmed ticket back to Delhi she walked back to the elders. The displeasure in the eyes of her mother and other two ladies were clearly visible. “I am really sorry. This is my life since last few years. I am sorry once again if I have offended you. But I have a responsibility entrusted with me and I can't ignore it for any personal commitments. They are working hard that is the reason I stand here in front of you all with my head held high. I have to go.  Maa please understand.”

“Priya we are here for some important decision and events lined up. You just can't abandon everything and move back.” Shipra retorted.

“I am not moving out Maa. I am just attending which is important right now. I don’t want people to point to Mr. Kapoor and say that he has staked his future for his would be wife. I am not such selfish person. I don't want him to take any decision emotionally.” Priya looked at Ram before she continued, “My flight is in three hours. It will be difficult to come back on time if I come along. Meera will be here and I promise you Maa I will be back on time.”

Jayesh the spectator of the whole drama spoke for the first time. “Priya just carry on. I or Amarnath or Sudheer know the importance. And Shipra, Krishna ji and Aunty I also don't want her to lose her identity for any personal commitment. It is hard earned by her. I respect it. Please let her go.” He folded his hands to the Kapoor seniors.

Priya felt a jerk over her hand as she stepped to answer. Meera shook her head side to side gesturing her not to speak.

“Jayesh. Don't do that. I understand the hurry too. Please don't do this. But when she will be back?” she asked.

“Be back as soon as you wrap it up Priya.” Jayesh instructs. She nodded back in response.

While the Sharmas left with the Kapoors Ram stayed back with Priya with two intentions in particular. One to confront Priya Two to know her emotional state about being getting married to him.

~~

“It is unexpected Priya.” Ram  said looking at her.

“Are you happy?”

“I am clueless. Why this is happening with us I am really clueless.” Responded Ram. “I know you hate me so sharing life with me; I know how tough it will be.”

“Then why don't you step back?” Priya surprised Ram.

“Sorry.”

“Why don't you step back? Say no to your family.” Suggested Priya.

“I can't.  Why you agreed?” Asked Ram sounding annoyed.

“I am grilled. I can't. Why you can't ?” Asked Priya.

“I just can't. I have made many mistakes in past that made bauji enough upset. I have already agreed with him wishing that you will say no. You bombed a naked bombshell on me when darling came with the news that you agreed to the arrangement.” Ram said.

“One minute.” Priya received the call, “Yes Kavi.”

From the otherside, Kavi her Technical Head responded humbly, “Ma’am if you don't mind can you please monitor the issues from their end. I mean to say I am working on it since yesterday but I think there are some issues at their end. As you are a technical person too you can help me by tracing the fault.” He sounded much humble while requesting.

“Hmm.. fine.” Under her deep sigh she said looking into the ticket she just bought. “I will call you once I will be there.”

“Thanks Ma’am.” Kavi dropped the call with his boss’s permission. Priya kept on playing with the ticket after the line went dead.

“Any issues?” Ram showed his concern.

“Unwanted drainage of money. None of your business. Let's get back to the discussion.” Priya folded the ticket in her hand. “I agreed to the arrangement because of uncle. I am forced into it. I have no option left with.” She sighed.

“Even me.”

“Why?”

“You tell me why?” Ram asked in hurry.

“I can't.” Priya answered.

“Then don't force me to change my decision.” Ram gave a straight reply.

“Okay. I will find out a better way.” Priya smiled wickedly.

“What you are planning to do now Priya? Dare you think about harming my family. Don't you dare!!” Ram warned her.

“I don't repeat Ram. For the last time I am saying you, I am not mean like you. Whatever's happening or will happen is between us and will remain among us only. I expect this much sanity from you.” Priya said with much control over her anger.

Both of them sat in silence for several minutes until Priya broke it by clearing her throat. “I need to head to your office there is a minor problem in systems. Kavi is checking it from our end by I need access to your server.”

“And why should I give you that?”

“I don't want either. Just ask Vikram to give me access to the server space where our software is being installed. That you are liable to give as per contract.” Priya reminded him about the paper works.

“But you are supposed to leave...” Looking down to his watch he said, “In 2 hours.”

“Not now. I need to fix the minor fault.” Priya stood to leave, “Will you please or should I help myself?”

Tormented by Priya and learning the truth about the relationship he was heading to with Priya; Ram pushed his chair in dejection. The force expert on it made it tumble on the floor. She looked up from the phone when one staffer of the café was already there. Her eyes followed him when he walked out from the café with a pace more than normal.

~~

Kapoor Mansion.

“But Amarnath, our guests will be here by tomorrow.” Sudheer said.

Pretty humbly the Kapoors asked the Sharmas to delay the engagement. They even consulted Pandit ji and the auspicious day after Sunday was on following Friday.

“Few of them will be here by this evening. It will be a great trouble for us.” Jayesh added after Sudheer. “Does Ram has any problem?”

“No. He doesn't.” Sarojani over voiced her son, “He was feeling for Priya. He thought Priya will feel uneasy.”

“Oh!! No no no...” Shipra said this time, “Never aunty ji. She is fine with it.”

“But she is heading back to Delhi Jayesh.” Sarojani showed her concern.

“No. She is not. I just had a talk with Kavi, our technical head, he informed me that Priya will help him to find out the fault that may have occurred here. I wish that it gets wrapped up soon.” Said Jayesh in his reply.

“Then what is to be done?” Krishna Kapoor asked, “We also need to act accordingly.”

“They are getting engaged this Sunday as scheduled, if Aunty ji permits.” Jaysesh smiled kindly to the old lady.

~~

Neha & Vikram’s Nest

“What?” Neha exclaimed after Ram briefed the details. “She has gone mad and what better way she is talking about?”

“I don't know.”

“Ram she is doing this enough!” Neha sits by Ram and held his hand on hers. “Look we need to know why she is behaving ruthless. She was not like this. We need to know Ram.” Neha shivered him out from the thoughts. “Are you listening what I am trying to say?”

“I don't know anything. What I know is I am heading towards a black hole. I should have denied marrying her.” Ram sighed.

“That is not a solution. You have never moved on Ram. Should I show your Pent House to her?” Neha asked before she sat in complete silence, arching her lips into smile her eyes twinkled, “That's a great idea. You should show her the Pent House. She will definitely know that she is wrong and how much you love her.”

“I am not doing anything like that. It is not the right time. She will misunderstand me.” Ram disagreed.

“Then...” after a thought she said, “Bring her here.”

“No let the matter be between us.”

“Us?” Neha asked, “Do you really think it is between you two only? Just remember before she vanished with her uncle I and Vikram denied her meeting you. We are also involved between you two. I need to clear something to her. For my sake take her here today.” Pleaded Neha.

“I am not going office today. I have had enough of her.” Walking to the terrace he looked up to the dull sky. “I think it will rain today.”

“Yes definitely it will.” Neha said.

~~

Saturday || 2:00 am.

“You are still a genius with the codes and numbers Priya.” Vikram acknowledged her skills.

“Thanks. Vikram.” She stretched her eyes to keep them open, “Can you do me a favour?”

“Yes.”

“Can you drop me to the Pent House?” Priya now rubbed her eyes those were behaving against their natural habit. “I need to sleep.”

“My house is near. Even Neha called me few hours back. I had words with Meera ji she said that The Sharmas and The Kapoors went out for dinner, accompanied by her and her husband.” Vikram said, trying to judge. “Neha was keen to meet you and my elder one too. He used to listen many stories about you from me, Neha and Ram.”

“Ram?” the sleep deprived eyes tried to look. But the heaviness made her eyes dance but failed her to cover the smile. “Ram..” she said under her smile. 

“He is fond of Rahul, my elder one.”

“Okay. I will love to meet him too. But, going to your place this time. I feel it awkward.” Priya  said turning down the invitation, “You better drop me to the pent house.”

“Even If I drive in the top notch speed it will take at least 30 minutes to reach. So it will be much late.” Vikram said, “Aren't we friends any more Priya? Even if you don't consider us, come along for my wife for once, who still finds her in guilt. Please.”

Looking towards Priya found him pleading.  A little calmer her own self found it no worry to meet one of the good friends for once. She agreed to come along.

~~

“RAM..”Neha called from the bedroom while nursing her younger one, “I think Vikram is here. Please open the door.” With humming of the bell for fourth time Ram opened the door wishing it to be Vikram. He stood stunned cursing his friends for planning this surprise. He was in no mood to interact with Priya. Any conversation he strikes will end in a cruel and unwanted note is very obvious.

“Priya!! Come.” Neha grabbed her and pulled her along till they vanished inside the room.

“Why you brought her here?” Grabbing Vikram’s collars Ram asked gritting his teeth.

“It was Neha’s plan. I just executed it. I need to go.” Ram turned back only to find Neha and Priya observing his actions and his words.

“I think I am the unexpected guest. Book me a cab I will leave.” Priya tried to move from her place only to find her hand interlaced with Neha’s.

“VIKRAM CLOSE THE DOOR.” Ordered Neha. “AND NO ONE IS GOING ANYWHERE!!”

“Neha ..” Ram was disallowed to continue.

“What you two think? And specially you Priya?” Neha turned to her. “Every time you just keep on saying that you don't want to talk about the past. Then you have no right to blame Ram for an unknown sin.”

Priya stared at the floor aimlessly without any reply. The cold breeze hit her back. Tracing its path she turned back and walked to the terrace. 

“Don't run away.” Neha blocked her way. Ignoring her presence she kept on walking to the terrace. Looking at her aimless walk Ram pushed back Vikram and called Priya by name. He raised his voice to stop her. But she didn't.  She stopped at the ledge. “Priya. Come back.” Ram said loud and clear.

“Priya don't think about blackmailing us.” Neha warned.

“Priya we can have a talk, please come back here.” Vikram joined Ram and Neha.

“When you guys denied talking me to Ram or I may say Ram denied talking to me, you know how I felt.” Turning to them with bobble eyes as red as blood Priya said. “I felt betrayed. I felt neglected, left out, used and just like a peel in the trash can.”

“Priya we thought you to be sensible.” Neha tried to speak.

“Sensible in what? If I would have left a note behind, for you. Jayesh Uncle would have finished you guys. I took you two as my friends for life and him my life. When my life threw me out I felt it worthless to live a life just to breathe without any purpose.” Tears rolled down her hot cheeks. “When my friends made me feel like a parasite why should I have continue living?”

“We are still not aware of what you went through?” Vikram voiced.

“If I say, can you guys mend it for me?” Asked Priya with a sudden rage flowing through her blood reflecting the same on her eyes.

“We can Priya. Trust us We can.” Neha stepped. A spectator Ram moved aside expecting the worst from her. He guided him away from her eyes and moment after he is on the same terrace as Priya. He stood in silence.

“You can?? You can??” repeating she laughed hysterically. “You can.. Can you free me from the feeling of getting raped? Can you make me free of feeling Rajat’s hands around me trying to grab my flesh hid under my fabric?” Priya looked straight to Neha, who stood awe struck with eyes bobbing out and mouth left open making a shape of alphabet “o”. “Okay let it be. Can you free me from his voice getting echoed inside my ears about how much I wanted Ram inside me? Can you...” Ram shouted from the other end..... shivering Priya at her place, “STOP IT!” With Priya facing him, he gasped in need of air. Flexing his clenched fist he looked horrified by the revelation.

“Why Ram why should I stop? Is that making you feel to call off what our parents decided for us? Can you visualize me with Rajat?” Priya provoked Ram.

“For God’s Sake stop this Priya. I am thinking nothing!!” under his hoarse voice he said.

“He didn't stop there Neha. He left no stone unturned to blemish my soul. I wanted you guys by me. I wanted Ram to save me. Is that much I wanted Vikram?” Priya looked at Neha and Vikram.

“Pri..Priya I didn't know...” Neha felt her stammered voice fading into the air. She was losing her voice. “Ra..Ram we never... we only knew she hide herself from her uncle.”

“I am sensible right! Sensible to handle an attempted rape!!” Priya sat straight against the glass ledge. “Priya...” Neha tried to approach her. “Stop there.” Priya warned. “Just stop there. I don't need a friend like you.”

Droplets of rain hurried on the earth failing its race against the gravity. In a moment less than a second it started pouring heavily.

“Priya come inside.” Ram didn't hesitate to move close to her. Rejecting his touch Priya hunched. “Please Priya. I can mend everything. Everything.”

“How??” clutching the edge of his coat she jerked him. Tears have already spoiled her beautiful face. The charade she carries along everyday lay naked. “Tell me how? How can you free me with the filthy feeling of his hands? I still feel it Ram. I still feel it.” Dropping her head on his chest she wailed. Neha stepped back and stopped only when her husband stood wrapping his arms around. “I never....” with incomplete phrase Neha hugged Vikram only to hide her bawling.

“Please come inside. Please.” Ram pleaded to Priya with Neha and Vikram watching him to try.

“You even faked your love to me right? You only wanted me on your bed. I should have known that.” Priya accused Ram. Neha wanted to answer; she stepped only to get stopped by Vikram. He nodded his head side to side gesturing her not to speak between them. 

Pushing back Ram, Priya stood up. Ram struggled a bit to stand back on his feet. “You just wanted me to be your play doll. You played with my emotions. You wanted my skin and you got it so easily. That the kind of girl I was checking boys’ size.”

“Priya you are not in your senses. Please come inside. You are drenched badly. You will catch cold.” Ram maintained his calm all through. He stepped close to her.

“Don't come near me you pervert!” Priya shouted.

“Okay. I will not. But please come inside.” Ram looked up and found her stepping back. She is just a step away from the ledge which can tumble her off from the terrace. “I will not. Just step here.” Ram took a step back trying to assure her.

“Why you are ordering me?” Priya took another step back. Her heel made a click sound against the ledge. “Are you my boss? Am I your servant? What you think about yourself? What....” she took another step behind only to tumble. Ignoring every action on its way, pulling Priya into him, Ram locked her in a deep embrace. He could hear her curse in form of blabbering. He deepens the hug trying to melt her anger under the warmth of his unspoken love. Ram stood there with her, until he found her still and pacified to a certain extent. Walking inside he looked at Neha and requested her to change her clothes and make her sleep. “She will not react, Neha. She is numb. Please call me once you are done.” Ram said affirming Neha after shifting Priya to her arms.

When Neha went inside with Priya, Vikram asked Ram to change too. Clutching his hand Ram said with his gaze strong at the direction to which Neha took Priya, “I WANT RAJAT.” His red eyes reflected his wrath.

Until We Meet.

Love

NB