Chapter 22 : Endangering Past

Chapter 22 : Endangering Past

Priya fickle open her eyes, it was time to come out of her dreamless sleep. Stretching out her hands over her head she shrugged off the rest tiredness. Her mobile rests lifeless on the other side of the bed. Her fingers reached for the power button as soon as she held it in her grip. Coming to life it beamed up with missed call notifications from her mother and Jayesh.

She stood against the window while calling her mother. A bundle of lies to encounter her mom were stacked properly inside her brain. The line on the other side came live with the concerned voice of her mom. “When are you coming back Priya?” Shipra asked being unhappy with the suspicious absence of her daughter.

“Soon Maa.” She replied in a heavy voice.

“Are you sleeping?”

“Comeon Maa, if I am how could I be talking to you.” The reply was sarcastic. “I was sleeping.”

“And that was your important work?” Shipra asked.

“Maa, can you keep your anger aside for few hours. Let me freshen up and head back home. I know Kapoors must be offended with me but I had reasons to elope.” Priya justified her absence.

“Come back right now.”

“I don't own a teleporting machine, unfortunately.” Priya giggled.

“Priya!” scolded Shipra.

“Okay. I will be back within 2 hours or 15 minutes plus or minus.” Priya promised her mother before disconnecting the call.

“Coffee?” Meera extended a cup towards Priya. “I heard you speaking to Shipra ji.” She sat on a chair. “Everything's okay there?”

“Must be.” Priya sounded little interested about developments at her home. She sipped from her cup.

“May I ask you something?” Meera asked pretty seriously.

“Please.”

“Your marriage is in two weeks and nothing about business is sorted. How will you balance?” Meera looked at Priya.

“I think you changed your mind at the last moment. Isn't it?” Priya grinned ear to ear. “This may be a query but please let the kitty out of your bag. You are worried about my life post marriage particularly with Ram. Am I right?” Priya looked at Meera, who smiled in response. “Accepting your silence as a positive response, I am still clueless about my post marriage life with Ram.” She sighed.

“Priya, a girl after marriage is not only entrusted as a wife but with many other relationships and you are being into many of it all of a sudden.” Meera shifted her near Priya. “I am not questioning your abilities to cope with the changes but how will you live with someone whom you hate?” Priya looked straight to Meera as she ended. “You hate Ram right?” She asked again.

“Can we discuss this later?” Priya looked out through the window to nowhere.

“No, I am worried about you. You may have protected yourself by barring him from being physical to you, but emotionally how you will keep him out of you?” Meera stood up after Priya. “He may not be able to touch you, but his presence around you all the time will it not make any impact on you? Are you that tough to tame your heart? He may not have the permission to consummate this marriage, but how will stop him from affecting you, you will be with him 24X7. When he is all over you already?” Meera smiled faintly under her sigh when Priya looked at her perplexed. “Comeon I am the same person who trained you. You are the same Priya who loved Ram or I should say still love him as you said to me this afternoon.”

Priya maintained her silence, her eyes traced to the aimless horizon visible through the window.

“How will you cage your heart? What is your game plan?” Meera again poked Priya. “What is the plan to escape Ram’s love?”

“Do you think any plan will work?” Priya retorted. “Why you are reminding me every time that I still love him? I have no plan. I don't know how I am going to ploy his plans, what I know is, I can't do injustice to myself by loving him again, allowing him to love me again.”

“Injustice?”

“No one will feel what I felt that day. I was in pain Rajat left me with a scar for life. A scar that will remain till the last day of my life. But Ram left me with a wound that never healed. Everytime I see him, it deepens. I feel the pain of bearing it along. My heart goes back to that day when he asked me to wait for the right time. Right time for what?” Priya shouted. “Right time to say that I was raped.” She froze at her place.

“What did you say?” Meera turned Priya to her; “What did you say Priya?”

“Please let's not discuss this. Please.” Priya refrained from answering. She shivered at her place.

“No. You have to speak Priya. I have never forced you but now it's time you speak and you are going nowhere without telling the truth.” She held Priya firm in between her hands.

“Rajat did everything to tear me apart. Meera that time I graved it inside my heart. No one knew what happened with me. Do you think I was frail that time? No I was not. But how could I tell my parents, Jayesh Uncle that I was...” Priya’s voice broke. “So I found it easy to give up, but see my luck I was saved by Jayesh Uncle. Yes I denied a complaint that time because I was afraid that if my medical test will happen, they will know that I was sexually active, I and Ram had gone far, we have no secrets to hide from ourselves. I felt used when Ram didn't turn up. Ram forgot me like I never happened to him. So, I agreed to live a life that Jayesh Uncle wanted me to live.”

“But you did the same by hiding Rajat’s crime. You let him free.”

“Because I was afraid of the truth to get exposed. What I would have said to Papa. He would have died then only. I wanted to protect my family like Ram did.” Priya replied. “And I kept it secret from Jayesh Uncle because I knew if he comes to know about Rajat uncle would have killed him and Ram will not be spared too. I saved Ram by saving Rajat or you may say my hiding my truth.” Tears tickled down her cheeks. Meera hugged Priya. But her thoughts moved back to the day when Jayesh exposed the truth to her, but did he knew what Rajat actually did to Priya? Ashok’s words started echoing and re-echoing inside her head “he is living a life gifted by Jayesh Ji” What he tried to mean, she could smell the uncanny, a crime might have taken place. Is Rajat alive even? Her thoughts shivered her; she quivered thinking about her husband and Jayesh’s unforgivable sin if her assumptions come out to be truth. She felt the surge to meet Jayesh then only. The truth has to be told.

“I think you should leave for home. Freshen up I will drop you.” Meera turned to leave after coming apart from Priya and wiping out her tears.

“Are you hiding something Meera?” Priya asked in a very low voice.

“No. I am trying to feel what you went through. Priya I have a daughter too. I can feel what your mother would have felt if she knew the truth. But Priya covering a criminal... i just want to collect some courage to face you.” Meera looked at Priya. “Why you feared to speak the truth? What would have happened? Your and Ram’s relationship would have got exposed. Nothing more than it. Your parents, Jayesh ji they would have remain angry with you for a time. But tell me is it right to leave a criminal free? Did you do justice to yourself and if you have not done it with you, you should not blame anyone else for the same thing. Even if I try I will never ever feel what you went through what you go through when that day comes into your head. But I can't accept that you have let Rajat go free only to protect your false thoughts. I see no difference between you and Ram. He did hide in fear of his father then you did the same in fear of your family. He did injustice to you, but you cheated yourself. Why?” Meera came in front.

“I did what I felt to be right that moment.”

“So did Ram.” Meera retorted, “I am not defending anyone. The fact is both of you were kids that time. But I am sad that you denied justice to yourself.” She continued being distorted. While she pretended to be there along with Priya, Meera’s thoughts went straight reverse to the conversation from that night; she doubted Jayesh and Ashok and accused them hiding the truth from her. Before reaching to any conclusions she wanted to confirm their depth of information. Alongside she feared a crime that might have taken place twelve years back and still in shelves.

“Meera.” Priya’s touch made her shiver out of thoughts. “I need to head back home. Promise me you will not disclose this truth to anyone.”

Meera fixed her gaze on Priya without delivering an answer. She was supposed to reply but looking at Priya she failed to feel the horrific pain that Priya went through. The wound that will never leave her. “Please...” Priya quivered her pray. Meera took her into a deep embrace.

 “I am okay Meera. I have learnt to live with that wound. I am used to all the sleepless nights now. I am okay.” Priya came apart.

“I don't know......” Meera lost her words. “Come I will drop you back. I need few drinks to gulp this inside me. I am sorry but I am not okay Priya.” Meera said under her deep sigh.  

In sheer silence they drove back to The Sharma House.

~~

When Priya entered the hall, there prevailed a silence but a peaceful one though it was void of any occupants. “Kaka..” she called the chief valet of the house. Within a minute an old man came almost running to the hall.

“Ji beta.” He  stood there for further instructions.

“Where is everyone?” Priya asked.

The man updated Priya with latest developments. The Kapoors who were scheduled to leave for Mumbai next day has shifted to her place for a family get together and they will spend the night at Sharma’s place. All the butlers are busy in preparing the rooms for the guests and few in kitchen. About the family he informed Priya of them to be at the garden.

“Okay. Aap jayiye.” Priya asked him to leave and looked back when Meera stood just behind. “They will stay here today. Come.” Asking her to follow Priya walked to the Garden.

At the Garden prevailed a warm atmosphere. One unknown to the agitations took place few hours before could never guess that the alliance was in stake. Her eyes tried to find Ram, but neither he nor Rishab was there.

“There she is!” Shipra happily looked at her daughter. When Priya joined the families Meera excused herself stating her prescheduled appointment as a reason. Priya being grilled amongst her in laws was not able to counter Meera.

~~

JAYESH’S Bungalow.

Parking her car Meera rushed inside and with the piece of information from the valet she hurried to his bedroom where he sits with his back facing to Meera, smoking his pipe. She knocked for permission before entering. Averting his eyes towards the door, Jayesh gestured her to come inside. Before anything, Meera closed the door behind her.

“Now what is left to know?” Jayesh said still acquiring his seat. “I am on the verge of losing my daughter. Ram will snatch away her from me.”

“What is making you so insecure Jayesh Ji?” Meera asked. “What exactly you want? Priya to be happy in her life or Priya to be a robot?”

“You are unaware of the fact what Ram can do to Priya, he has done much harm to my child before.” Jayesh breathed heavy.

“Just answer me something Sir, Do you really unaware of what Rajat did to Priya?” Meera walked in front of him looking for an answer on the startled face. “I can understand Priya blaming him, she was a kid and still one, but you? How could you even think of Ram to be guilty and responsible for what happened then?”

“You don’t even have an idea what Priya went through! The horrific tortures….” Jayesh looked gloomily to Meera when she said that she is aware of everything.

“I know.” She said under her sighed, “I know it was not an attempted rape, but was a rape.” With her eyes closed and deep breathes, Meera stood in silence for next few minutes.

“Wh..Who told you?” Jayesh’s voice broke while he asked.

“Priya. She told me. But I don’t believe that you have let go Rajat so easily. Did you?” Meera noticed the red ragging eyes of a ferocious beast gleaming towards her. “No.. you can’t kill him.” The ruthless woman felt the earth moving aside underneath. “You can be a monstrous beast but you can’t commit such a crime.”

“Huh!” He puffed his pipe. “Your husband stopped me from doing so. He is living. He is breathing.”

“Where is Rajat?”

“In Asylum. He is a mentally retarded man now.”

“That is also a crime.”

“Prove it.” Jayesh challenged. “And now it is Ram’s turn. Yes I am using Priya to pick him up, but he did the same with my Priya. Rajat told me every truth. It was Ram, who made him believe that Priya is a whore, who ….” He threw the lit Pipe on the floor, which stopped after skidding few meters after hitting the side wall. “Ram also….” He clutched the head of the arm chair tight.

“How I wish I was right!” Meera said, “I thought you must be a rational man, but no you are the same; a father blind in filial love. You might have traced out her guilt did wrong to him, which is again another wrong.  And for you kind information Ram did nothing, Rajat manipulated you to escape adversity, which he guessed was wrong. He failed to escape. Ram and Priya loved each other. Yes they loved each other, and whatever intimacy happened among them was with full consent of Priya. Ram never forced himself on Priya. That doesn’t mean she became available for everyone.”

“HE FOOLED HER!!” he squealed.

“No he hadn’t. Ram still loves Priya.”

“He fooled my daughter now he is manipulating you too.”

“No he is not.”

“He is!”

“Jayesh Ji. Please open your eyes. He is not. He loves Priya with all his heart. But can we keep Ram and Priya aside for a while because till you will not see that love with your eyes, no one will be able to make you believe you the same. Can you please elaborate about Rajat?” Meera asked. When Jayesh continued with his silence, Meera almost begged to him.

“I told you Meera. He is in an asylum.”

“What you did to him?”

“Prove it! If I have done any harm to him. He is there for his sins.” Jayesh claimed calmly. “Prove it before accusing me, and as much it is concerned about Ram, I don’t see any reason to discuss him to you.” 

“Right, there is nothing to discus. I don’t know what is written for them in future, but it is Ram who can bring her back to life, but after this hell truth that lies naked, I fear will Ram ever could get her back. Rajat left her alive with a wound which is incurable. It will never heal. You, me, no one in this earth could ever feel her pain.” Meera said under her deepest sigh. “How much even Ram fights, he tries he will never get her back into life. He can never. He is fighting a battle with a dead! A battle which has already declared him as defeated.” She sat carelessly on the chair looking into nothingness.

~~

3 am. Sheer Silence prevailed all around. Having said the unsaid, Priya was unable to shut her eyes. Engulfing darkness everytime teleported her to the time when the beastly act torn her apart. Deciding not to sleep for the rest of night, or two hours left to start a new day, she pricked the silence and made her way up to the library that soothes her soul. Sliding open the glass door, she stepped out on the open terrace sheeted under the starry sky. Shifting her mind from the garden swing to the garden chair, Priya leaned against one of the two kept beside one another. Plugging her earphones, she turned on the music player with her favourite playlist.

 A moment or few minutes later,

“So you still love these songs.” Ram’s voice and his slight touch on her ear lobe made Priya aware of the presence of another person. She was caught in the frisson of the old thoughts that kept her grilled since that evening. When Ram moved closer to put the ear phone back to her ears she struggled a bit to keep him away but failed. Without permission Ram took his seat by her.

“Why are you following me?” Priya asked immediately.

“I am not following you. I was in the hall when you climbed up here like a crook. Out of my curiosity to know what my would be wife is doing in such wee hours took me here after you.” He said under her smile that irritated Priya utmost.

“Is this a joke? If it is let me tell you it is poorer to be labelled as lame.”

“Hmmm. I see.” Ram moved close to Priya. His hand made Priya to reflex back. After his eyes meet her it became tougher for to keep her breathes even and sorted. She quivered while shutting her eyes tight. She still felt his smile over her. Ram took the right earplug off from her and put it on his right ear before leaning back to the chair. “Relax I just wanted to share your earphone, this is my favourite song too.”

“Please go and sleep you have flight tomorrow.” Priya said without looking at him.

“I was neither sleeping before following you.”

“Why are you intervening my privacy?”

“Sharing an earphone? Does it imply cribbing privacy?”

“Ram! I need sometime alone.”

“Have it! Imagine I am not here.”

“Will you just stop it!”

“No.!”

“You are breaching your contract! We agreed not to intervene in one another’s privacy remember?” Priya looked straight to him.

“The same contract stated that if one among us wants to take care of the other, there should be no friction from the other one, and Miss Sharma.” Ram looked back straight to her this time, “I am here to company your weird behaviour in the middle of night. If I asked you what is keeping you awake or why you cannot sleep, then there would have been breach of contract, because those are personal. You cannot stop me from accompanying you to take care of you in these wee hours.” He smiled after he ended.

“Ram I am not sleeping today. Few days are there when I can’t sleep, so you don’t need to make yourself busy by thinking about me. Please go and have some sleep, you will be travelling this morning.” Priya tried to send him from there.

“I am not travelling for 14 hours. I will be travelling for 3 hours and half approximate in first class. I think there is no chance of getting sickness anyways. I travelled a lot when I was at Florida and still travel a lot.” Ram countered.

“Okay Fine!” She leaned against the chair. A moment later into the silence Priya shivered and jumped up to a straight sitting posture.  When ever darkness engulfed that night came infront.

“What happened?” Ram came parallel to her, after her sudden unwanted reflex. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah!” She gulped air in her throat. “Please leave me alone.”

“Not possible. At least here. Come along, once you will be in your room I will leave you alone.”

“Why don’t you understand I need sometime alone?”

“Is there a second person in your room?”

“No.” Priya answered annoyingly.

“Then where is the problem. Your room is the solution to every irksome creature around you. Once you will be in your room, there will be no Ram Kapoor, no nagging, no more lame jokes etc etc. I am offering you a good deal.”   Ram stood up extending his hand towards her.

“What do you think will we be happy?” Priya asked Ram out of the context.

“What?”

“Will we be happy after marriage?” she asked again.

“I don’t know. Happiness has its definition that varies from person to person. For someone seeing the beloved beside is happiness, for some other one talking to beloved all long without getting bored is happiness, and so on so forth. I don’t have an idea if we will be happy or not together, but we may find happiness in moments.” Ram smiled.

“And if we don’t go along well. What will you do? Compromise?” 

“Compromise? Hmm a very complicated word. Priya, once I had compromised and both of us know what happened next. So I will not compromise this time, neither I will allow you to compromise.  If this alliance fail to work and keep on hurting our families and us constantly trust me I will be the first one to call it off because it is not possible for me to see you in adversity again.” Ram paused and looked to no where after realising what he said. “Now please come along, go to your room and also spare me to be the accused as a stalker.” He once again held his hand stretched out towards her.

“I said no.” Priya leaned back folding her hands near her belly.

“Please Priya stop torturing yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern but I am not!”

“Priya this time I am giving you the last warning. If you will not come willingly I will pick you up and don’t mind if anyone from your family notices me doing so.” Ram warned.

“Why you are always ready to pick me up?” Priya stood up this time.

“Because I love to flaunt my muscles!”

“I am not going anywhere.”  She replied adamantly.

“Okay fine! Rest you will be responsible.” Saying Ram and without giving her chance to react, Ram scooped her up in his strong arms. Priya struggled for her freedom, which went to vain. “Poor baby, you can’t fight my strength. I gave you my hand to hold, and if I have to make you obey me for your welfare  and health I will go any further, register this into your intelligent brain.”

“Ram. I warn you put me down .”

“Else?” He said sliding the glass door aside with one of his feet.

“I will shout!”

“Go ahead. We are engaged will be legally married in two weeks, so no one is going to yell at me for this and if you want to make this more embarrassing for you go ahead.” Ram said walking out of the room downstairs, when Priya kept struggling for freedom.

Still few hours to go to welcome a new morning, silence prevailed around the Sharma House.  Ram’s footsteps echoed against the walls of the mansion. The person looking for Ram around the mansion and was about to raise an alarm with the news of him to be missing, headed towards the footsteps. Shell shocked with the view in front, the person, Rishab Kapoor smiled broad.

“I have not seen anything.” He turned back. “Actually I am walking in my sleep.” Averting his eyes he winked to the couple standing behind equally shocked to have a witness of the drill. “Good Night Bhabi  and Bhai  please come to room before dawn.” He said mischievously before leaving.

It took good few minutes to summarize the unwanted event happened in form of Rishab for Ram and Priya too.  “Now put me down.” Priya jerked Ram clutching his collar. This time Ram obeyed her.

As soon as he dropped her down, Priya tried to make an escapade towards her den again, only to be blocked by Ram. “That way Ma’am.” He pointed towards her room. “And if you try to reproach trust me I will carry you on my shoulder and I give it a damn to Rishab or anyone else.”

“FINE!!!!”  She scorned and left. After her Ram left to the room shared by him and Rishab.

“Ayi haye Bhai! She is melting!” Rishab jumped to his brother.

“Rishab, remember she is your sister in law, respect her and never cross your limit because I trust you and rely on you the most. Let something be within me and her only. I want you to be that brother on whom she can rely on.” Ram said holding his brother between his hands, but the reason behind it remained unknown to both the brothers. The Younger one never showed the courage to ask and the elder brother said it in spur-of-the-moment.

Until We Meet

Love

NB

  

Chapter 21 : The Unwanted Events

Chapter 21 : The Unwanted Events.


Ram cocked his head towards Priya. He cast his eyes over her lost eyes. Maintaining a balance between the road and her he kept on driving through the desolated road that connected the peaceful celestial abode with the main city and its dusty air, the unhealthy breathes, honking of cars, traffic lights chaining the motion of the wheels and many many more. His eyes dropped down to the mobile that lied calm beside till then. It screamed to its loudest volume. Rishab was the one who was calling. He let it ring, muting the device with a click on its power key. Exhausted by the first ring, it rang for the second time and he repeated his action when it rang for the first time. Looking towards Ram once, Priya glanced her eyes back on the road. Third time when it rang, her lips arched down in irritation, throwing a bad look on Ram she asked him to pick the call after parking the car aside. Ram obeyed. Picking up the phone he let the seat belt go and received the call once he was out of the car. With the glass of the car still up with the air conditioner still on full flow with car’s engine still ignited, Priya was barred from listening to Ram’s conversation with the caller. She never looked for the callers’ name on Ram’s mobile screen.

After 4 or 5 minutes Ram came back inside the driver’s seat. “Sorry.” His voice had a sense of apology for making her wait unwanted.

“It’s fine. Please be fast I need to clear out the mess.” Impatient by the receipt of the message Priya said out loud.

“If I am not wrong you are not happy with this marriage then why you are bothered?” Ram asked her while wheeling the car out from the parking.

“Am I doll?” Priya scorned. “What you all think? You all will drive me like you will want and expect me to listen to all these shits.” She definitely sounded upset. “There are still more than 70 messages unread in my phone’s message box and thousands of mails in my mail box with congratulations messages after last night and now for some weird kundali thing Jayesh uncle is stalling the marriage when he forced me to say yes for this relationship. I have a lot to ask. Please drive fast.” She shifted her face to the road again.

“You still look beautiful in anger.” Ram tried to tease her.

“And you are looking ravishingly handsome.” The sudden announcement made Ram little nervous.

“Priya are you drunk?” Ram hesitated but asked trying to balance his concentrate between the road and her.

“Is this a situation to flirt?” Priya frowned. “Do I still look beautiful or not when I am angry does it matter right now? Please concentrate on driving.”

“Okay..” Ram sad face made Priya glance at him.

“Still a flirt.” She whispered which when reached Ram’s ears  made her lips curled to a pleasant smile.

~~

Sharma House, New Delhi.

The hall was the busiest place when Priya rushed inside. Three pandits were discussing into a matter so seriously, like it is an issue of national crisis. Ram walked in and stood next to her, hovering his eyes around the hall he stood calm. Priya’s unusual breathe and sighs reflected her emotional state. Ram’s eyes scrutinised her from head to toe. She was controlling her anger. Hands clenched into a fist she breathed very fast.

“Priya..” Shipra’s eyes fell on her daughter and in her first sight she knew her daughter was extremely annoyed to see the pandits around. “Ram come have a seat beta.” Shipra welcomed her would be son in law and pushed Priya to a corner smiling inwardly to Ram.

“Priya. Don't over react.” Shipra pressed her hands under hers. “This are all done for your well being.”

“My well being? You know how much I hate these people.” Priya furrowed her eyes grinding the words under swallow breathes. “I don't care who is here I need a clarification.” Without allowing her mother to speak any further Priya headed towards the gathering and stood straight by Jayesh.

“I need to talk to you uncle. Alone.” She waited for a second or two before expressing her will through the last word.

“Beta, we are in the middle of something important related to your marriage wait for a while.” Jayesh ignored her plea.

“I am also here to speak about it only.” Her eyes moved across the hall to see few pair of eyes glancing angry look on her. “Please uncle I want to talk to you now. In private.”

Smiling nervously Jayesh excused himself and directed Priya an angry look of acceptance to her unwanted demand. Both of them headed to the study.

~~

“Is it a way to behave?” Jayesh made an angry stance to Priya.

“This is also not a way to treat me.” Priya didn't move back from the purpose for which she got in bad book of everyone.

“What do you mean?” Jayesh looked back in surprise.

“What you think I don't know? When I turned down the proposal you blackmailed me into this and after yesterday's sudden announcement you want to push back the marriage why? Why you want to stake my reputation?”

“I want to stake your what?”

“Look into my mail box and message box you will find how the news along with the date spread like a wild fire.” Priya pushed her mobile towards him sliding it over the wooden top of the table. “And I don't want to answer people why the marriage got cancelled!”

“I am postponing it not cancelling it.” Jayesh replied.

“I know you very well. That instance you found it a good deal to marry me off to Ram and now you for any reason find that it is not good decision so you pulled up this drama. What do you think uncle what I am? A play doll or a doll with a remote I will behave in the expected and directed way.” Priya looked disturbed and stressed.

“What do you want?”

“I want to keep my hard earned name clear. I fought a lot for the status that I acquire and making the Kapoors upset is not a good idea. You are forgetting they are our ticket to the fortune.” Priya answered and waited for Jayesh’s answer.

“So what you expect me to do?”

“Ask your framed pandits to give some remedy so that wedding may take place on the date. That's it.”

“These all for your name and future only?” Jayesh asked Priya casting his eyes straight into hers.

Firm on her stand she answered confidently, “Yes and stop playing with me. Trust me if any day any thing unwanted happens out of this relationship I will be responsible. No one else and I will never head back here. And if you will not do what I want I can't promise you a better me after this thresh.”

Jayesh looked at Priya and tried to convince him that Ram is having no effect on her, but he failed in that horribly. Suddenly he felt loosing her to Ram. He can not let Ram snatch away her from him so easily. “I will not bend in front of you Priya. I know how to tame you.”

~~

“Jayesh. There is no moving back now.” Amarnath spoke the moment the former stepped back in the hall. “I am sorry my family from Jalandhar will be here this evening and Rishab has booked tickets for Ram’s Mama and his few friends from Florida and other parts of the USA. Even if I keep this part aside, my family what I will tell them?”

“Look Amarnath I can understand but Kundalis are telling the most difficult things.” Jayesh looked at Priya, who’s eyes furrowed after knowing that Jayesh has thrashed out her threats under his merciless demeanour. Shipra held Priya’s hand in hers trying to make her calm.

“Amarnath...” Sudheer stood up. “This wedding will happen as pre-decided and Jayesh we will find a way to this. Let's stop making this worse.” He ended with a smile and left.

“Excuse me.” Priya left behind her father ending the high end created drama.

~~

After a while Priya turned up again to the hall and her eyes fell on Meera. Putting the phone back inside her wallet she walked to her. “I was calling you only. I need to discuss some official matter can I come to your place?” Priya’s sudden surge to leave with Meera, made Shipra little difficult to accept.

“Priya work can wait.” Shipra tried to suppress her displeasure under her fake smile.

“Its important Maa. Meera you tell can it wait?” Priya’s demeaning smile shanghaied Meera to elaborate the same lie. And this was not the first time, she coned her parents a number of times in the same manner.

Meera’s eyes meet Ram’s interrogative eyes, which pleaded to allow him to come along. She felt a certain surge to include him but surreptitiously. While walking out Meera dropped a message to Ram in that moment when Priya went to take permission from Sarojani. Blinking at the message Ram quickly glanced a smile that involuntarily crept on to his lips.

“Now what is the matter? What made you escaped from your own house?” Meera asked paddling slow on the accelerator.

“I am escaping from myself.” She sighed deep. “Can we discuss this later. Please.” She meant no discussions please until I initiate.

With Priya sat on one side, she traced a car following hers. The rear view camera gave her access to its number plate. Noting it on her mobile carefully Meera hit the sent key. “Ah please Meera if you have to do this in urgent, stop the car aside.” Priya expressed her nag over using the mobile while driving particularly.

An answer Yes came that didn't need her to swipe unlock it. The message jumped itself on the mobile screen. Technology boon. After a quite drive of about 35 minutes, Meera drove into her bungalow compound. Hailing from a renowned family and established she gives complex to many famous celebrities when it comes to choices. Her bungalow, L in shape stood surrounded by Blue Jacaranda trees at one side and different seasonal fruit trees on the other. The cobblestone pavement that lead to the guarded entrance of her house has Tamarix tree cut into a perfect shape on its both sides.

“I love this place for its serenity.” Priya said coming out of the car. “Your delicate choice made this place a heaven, a peace in between the tantalizing vandalism of the city. That takes me here.”

Meera casted her eyes on the gate. The car had stopped just there barred an entry by the security. “Ah! You go and relax. Let me check out the nuisance over there.” Priya followed her finger that was directed towards the gate.

“Are you sure? I mean to say like the last time I will not be welcomed by the wanted personal belongings of you and Ashok right?” Priya smiled creepily. “You cleared the room nah!”

“Ashok is out of the town so there is no chance of such things to be found. Now go. Let my turn come then you will also know what tease is.” Beaming a sweet smile to her Meera waited for her to go inside. When confirmed that Priya has gone out of the view, upstairs, she hurried to the gate and allowed Ram to come inside. She ordered her driver lazing around to drive Ram’s car into garage.

“I don't know why I agreed. But Ram I want to share something with you. I want to know something from you too. But before that I am going upstairs and follow me keep yourself out of her sight and listen. Again I don't know why I am letting you do this.” Saying Meera turned to her head cook and asked him to send coffee for Priya and her. Turning to Ram she asked him to order for himself without hesitation. He in turn ordered a glass of water only.

~~

“I ordered Coffee. You will have nah?” Meera got in to the roof top terrace that opens its view at the beautiful flower garden at the back of the bungalow.

“Why you kept this hidden?”

“Priya! What is bothering you?” a soft touch on her shoulder made Priya attempt to look at her but she stopped with the intervention of a butler. He rolled in a serve table and waited for the mistress to instruct.

“Leave.” Meera softly instructed.

After he left Priya glanced her eyes on her. Red as blood her eyes gave up under the torment to hold back the tears from a long time. “Priya!” Meera didn't think for a second before embracing her into a deep hug. Her right hand started  stroking her soft hair lovingly. Her attempt to calm Priya back fired. Priya started sobbing pretty loud. That made Ram peep out to see her from one side of the door, which lead to the terrace and which had become the secret hideout for him. I wish, it was me than Meera.

“What exactly is bothering you?” Meera asked pulling Priya apart from her. The loud sobs made her loose breathes. Her beautiful face looked devastated after the flood gates of her eyes traced the open path. Though Meera wiped her tears, the more salty water made its way. “I know you are here to tell me. So come on open up. I am not familiar with this Priya, I shaped out a strong woman from that little girl then. So you have to shed out your heart to me.”

“Everyone is selfish Meera. Every one.” Priya dashed towards the ledge. “I am a doll to play with. I am robot who has no heart at all.”

“Open up!”

“First time in my life I am finding Jayesh Uncle weird. He is using me to satisfy his ego. I turned down this proposal, to marry Ram, on the first hand he blackmailed me to agree. Now any how he feels or fears this relationship’s future so he has decided to plug it off tactically and Rishab, my would be dewar I don't know what problem he has, he keeps on mocking me every time. And foremost my would be husband. My pati parmeswar he is coming up with new ideas to make me weak and accept in public that I love him. Yes I do love him. I do.” Priya stomped her feet on the floor out of the anguish. “Kya karu I can't think beyond him but I am not ready to accept him back and he is definitely in hurry to own me again. Can't he see I am torn apart? After what he did. Am I something to play with? What I am for Jayesh uncle Ram and his brother? An experimental bride?? Who will act just like its owner will want her to?” Priya asked Meera. “I am feeling the walls are closing in once again Meera. I am getting suffocated. I need to breathe but no.. no no... how could I? Priya is expected to behave the way her masters want isn't it?” she looked down nowhere with Meera stepping to her.

Priya shook away Meera’s hands when she wanted to take her in a hug. “Stop it.” Meera snatched Priya away from her stubbornness and engulfed in a deep satisfying and calming hug. With her face dug in Meera’s bosom Priya nestled closer.

“Have a sleep! You will feel better. We will discuss this later.” Meera took Priya inside, Ram stood there perplexed hidden from Priya’s eyes while the ladies walked past him. Almost after quarter minutes when Meera came in search of Ram, she found him standing on the terrace looking up towards the sky.

“Ram.” She called.

“Before you ask me anything can I see her once?” Ram asked before she could say anything. “I will not disturb her. I will see her from the door.”

“She is sleeping.” Meera turned gesturing him to follow her. Within a minute Meera stopped near a wooden door clasped closed against. “Don't wake her up. I leave you alone with her only for 5 minutes. But please don't wake her up.” Softly she pushed the door open. Ram’s pace froze after first step. He looked back. “Don't wake her up.” Meera warned him again before leaving.

Knowing he has only 5 minutes he went near her and knelt by the bed side. Covered by a AC comforter until her neck, Priya slept there with the twirls and swirls of her disposition stamped all over her face. Scores of traces of dried tears along her face made him gasp. On his knees Ram walked near her. Lifting his hands he brought them near her head and stopped. His lips quivered feeling the pain she was in, is in. The empty gulp made a nervous sound, an attempt to stop him. His hand stopped just a millimetre away from her. His eyes fell on her fragile but peaceful face, before he started stroking his hand against the air, without letting them touch her. Slowly he tamed his hand to react like his brain wanted. A lone tear escaped as he moved back with his hand collected near him in a fist. He turned with a touch over his shoulder. He tried to convince Meera with a smile and with an immediate action to wipe out the tears.

“Come. She will be fine by tomorrow.” Meera lead Ram outside.

“I never wanted to hurt her.” Ram’s words made Meera look back soon after she closed the door. “I never.”

“Come.” Without reacting she walked asking Ram to follow. He obeyed.

~~

“I trust you. But what happened in the past; is it acceptable?” She asked Ram sipping into her coffee. When Ram decided to continue with his silence she asked further, “I am not questioning your loyalty towards her, I am asking you what you think was is right?”

“Is there a chance to call it right?” Ram stopped suddenly, “Wait, you know everything?”

“Yes.”

“Who told you? Priya?”

“No. Jayesh ji.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I tried to advocate against this marriage alliance and he knows everything about you too.” Meera looked up and found Ram smiling instead of being surprised. “Are you not surprised that Jayesh Ji knows everything?”

“No. He threatened me to dare hurt Priya again.”

“God what this man wants?”

“I don't care about anybody. I care about Priya only. Only her. I can't see her like this. I can't see anyone playing with her and do you think if I step back from this alliance it will bring good fortune for her?” he looked up for an answer. Meera gave no response. “Will she be happy without me? Tell me?”

“The answer is surprising to me too but my brain is ricocheting the same, since morning. No she will be not happy without you. But can you keep her happy?”

“No.”

Meera’s sudden stance fell on him.

“I know what you are about to ask me. But her heart has no space for love. Hate and anger is all over. Her pain yield her the same. Till there is pain there will be no love, no love.” Ram’s eyes casted towards an unknown destination, “She has to drain out her pain. She has to live again. Only then she can love and feel loved. I can't make her happy suddenly.” Ram answered her unasked question.

“Priya has changed a lot in all these years Ram. She has a hollow. There is no pain, no hate and no love. What do you think if she hated you she ever said yes for this marriage alliance even after getting blackmailed by Jayesh ji? No, if Jayesh ji is a player she is too. Koi na koi tod nikal hi lati. This way or that she would have thrown you out forever. She is deluding herself thinking that Jayesh is forcing her to marry you when the truth is something else.” Meera chuckled. “But she feels that love when she wants to. There is a conflict between her heart and brain. Who will win that depends on you, you will be the writer of this story. You have to decide will it be forever after or never meant to be.”

“I never expected you to tell me all these.” Ram said under his astonishing smile.

“Trust me I am much more surprised than you after what I said to you, but that is the truth.” Meera replied firm.

“Can you do me just a favour?”

“What?”

“Give me Rajat’s whereabouts.” Suddenly Ram’s eyes turned red. “I want him.”

“Even I do. But I have no update about him either, if anyone can help you in this, is Ashok.” Meera stood up and walked to the ledge.

“Ashok?” Ram was shell shocked by the name.

“You thought me to be Jayesh Ji’s partner in crime, but no it was and is my husband who is playing along with him. I was fooled. I forgot that he can be creepiest and cruellest possible creature if needed. He is the one who can help you with Rajat. But revenge can wait but Priya can't. Bring her back not for anyone but for her for you, for both of you. Be selfish be that man whom she loved and still loves.” She turned towards Ram.

“Can I ..... can...” Ram didn't wait he hugged Meera overwhelmingly. Smiling she moved her hands up and kept one on his back other over his head. “Now you don't start sobbing. Tears don't suite me you know. Atleast not to a bodyguard.”

Ram laughed after Meera as they came apart. Taking her hands in his, Ram stared at them. “I don't promise anyone anything but I promise you one day I and she will be we.”

“And that should be soon.” Meera smiled resting her hand on his cheek caringly.

Sameday evening.  Sharma House.


Ram stopped when his eyes fell on a strangled Jayesh in his own plans. Confirming the isolation he silently walked towards him. With Ram’s first sight Jayesh froze at his place.  His eyes went into shock for a moment but a man like him can’t be threatened so easily.

“You may find you a winner right now but not for long.” He uttered.

“What happened to you? For what you are competing?” Ram asked the other man.  “Do you even realise what she is going through for all these drama?”

“If you realise that, why don’t you leave her alone?”

“Why you brought me back into her life?”

“I was wrong.”

“One day you will consider this to be your best decision I promise you.”

“Never”

“Forever!” Ram turned back with a smile. “She is my love, a part of her rests in me. Whatever happens a part of me will always tread with her.” He said before leaving.



Until we meet

Love

NB

Chapter 20 : Let the Game Begin

CHAPTER 20

“Let the Game Begin.”

“So this was the emergency?” Priya rolled her eyes over Meera, who denied involvement in it.

After the emergency alerted by Ashok both Ram and Priya rushed back to the banquet and latter stood shell shocked with Ashok’s announcement. He surprised her with the most shocking announcement of that evening. Moral of the story “She hates unwanted surprises of any kind.” Still annoyed Priya forced a smile to lit up her face as Ashok makes an announcement inviting the Kapoors and Sharmas to the temporary pedestal in the banquet. She joined the chorus clapping with a fake smile painted. Then there was an announcement made by Sudheer which made her smile for real. He asked Jayesh to join them on the dais.

Amidst the announcement, many came and congratulated Priya and Ram separately as they stood few meters apart. Pushing the excited gathering aside Rishab reached Priya. “Hi.” He beamed a smile which was not at all pleasant.

“Why I am sensing something is cooking?” Priya whispered her words.

“Actually not me it's you who should be asked with the same.” Leaning closer to Priya and maintaining the smile as a token of gesture he whispered back. “If bhai haven't then let me inform you I am his Keeper of his Secrets. Stop putting your nose and money into his business.” Rishab moved back as Priya’s stern look fell on him. “Ohh hoo..” he chuckled. “I know you are going to be his wife having the full rights on him but I know pretty well what is cooking, and before you ask how I know....” he paused as a man in white suit walked to her. After he left conveying his wishes few more came and left and one of them stood by Priya. “Bhabi come this side.” Rishab points to a particular place.

“If you have something real to speak other than those shit tell me hear only. He has no interest in our conversation.” Priya said pointing her index finger to the man without letting him know.

“Okay if this is good for you...then listen..” Rishab looked to his would be sister in law. “I will be signing as a witness in the prenuptial agreement and stop doing shitty things with my brother. Ask your detective to stop his investigations because neither he will find anything nor you will get to know his past by this way.” He looked at her surprised face. “Only way to know his past is knowing him. There are no short cuts.”

“So you have already traced my private detective. Impressive. But let me tell you something!” Priya turned to Rishab with her hands folded near her belly. Her lips curved with a cunning grin and eyes squinted. “I should not get troubled by a novice. I know where and when to do what!”

“May be.” Rishab sighed. “But this novice is not over confident. And now maintain a smile bhai is heading this way.”

As Priya turned her eyes, they fell bluntly on Ram’s extended hand. Her eyes trailed up and she found Ram to be equally nervous as her. “Come.” He stepped closer. Looking at Priya he could guess for any reason she has missed the announcement. “Uncle asked us to join them on the dais.”

“Yeah!” her voice could hardly be heard as her hands slipped into Ram’s. With her touch suddenly everything around him went numb. There came a huge shutdown. His nerves failed to reciprocate. Keeping his eyes fixed on their hands Ram gazed. The lowered eyes reflected sudden satisfaction and calmness. Caught in Priya’s gaze, Ram smiled unknowingly. “Ram.” Priya called him placing her hand firm on his upper arms. “Let's go.”

“Yeah!” Ram tried to smile out his nervousness. “Rishab you come too.”

“Yeah sure bhai. I am the happiest person today. Right bhabi?” he teased Priya. “I am watching you and your every step.” He whispered into Priya’s ears.

“Any problem Rishab?” Ram asked him finding him suspicious.

“No. Nothing bhai.” He smiled, “I was just saying bhabi how you reacted when you saw her for the first time today.” Smiling broad he dropped an atom bomb. Walking fast he joined the families before them.

Soaked in the deep embarrassment Ram’s feet froze and his eyes right towards the marble flooring. “They are waiting Ram.” With Priya’s voice Ram breathed a deep sigh of exhaustion. Obeying to her, he walked to the dais where the elders made some more announcement along with the wedding date, exactly after 20 days.

While guests and families showered good wishes to the new couple and the prospective biggest business alliance, they stood in silence for next several minutes failing to find a way to react.

Just then Ram’s mobile beeped with a message and with his finger print the message jumped into the screen. “Meet me at my bungalow alone today after the party alone and no one should know about our meeting..” Sender’s name was Jayesh’s. Turning his face towards Jayesh’s direction Ram find him shaking hands with few delegates from different business house. Confused he tried to guess the reason for the secret meeting.

~~

Jayesh’s Bungalow. Almost 1 am.

Before pressing the bell Ram dailed Jayesh’s number and he got a busy tone instead just after the first ring. “aayiye sir is waiting for you.” A man in his late sixties opened the door for Ram. Leading him to a bedroom he silently left closing the door behind. The click sound made against the ledge made Ram look back.

“Welcome son.” Jayesh’s voice startled him.

“Hello uncle.”

“You look confused!” Jayesh smiled taking his seat on a couch. 

“Yes. I mean you asked me to keep this meeting secret. If I may ask why?” Ram asked looking at the man in front carefully.

“Sit!” Jayesh said while he stood up. “Sit Ram.” He ordered this time. “Please sit. I need to talk to you.”

“About Priya?” asked Ram.

“About you and Priya. I know every thing she is doing. I think she is doing the right thing.” Jayesh smiled inwardly.

“I would have been left surprised if you don't know about it.” Calmly Ram answered, “May I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why are you getting her married to me when you know I am the one who is to be blamed for everything?”

“So you know about me.”

“Yes. You may think that I have managed an escape from you 12 years ago. I failed to find you then but I remembered you name and when you again came infront it was not tough for me to know who you are?” Ram answered back. “And I can easily guess you have every update about me then why me?”

“You have no idea what I did know about you. I have an account of your every breath. From flourishing Mittal’s business at Florida to your return to India and your involvement with the Reshma’s trust or better to say your trust run by Reshma.” Jayesh walked towards Ram making him little clumsy, “Ram I chose you because I believe you are the one who can get me my daughter back.”

“So you are the most selfish person.” Ram replied straight to him with his eyes locked with Jayesh’s raging eyes. “You are actually using me to get your daughter back. You know only my love can bring her back. But let me tell you, right now she is yours and everyone else's the moment she will start loving me again trust me no one will matter more than me to her.”

“I want my daughter’s smile back.” Jayesh shouted. “Which you snatched away killing her innocence brutally.” His red bobbing eyes traced his anguish and pain right on his face. “That day you have an idea what happened to her?”

“Priya told me accidentally that Rajat groped her and tried to....” clasping his hands over his face Ram stopped.

“bas itna hi bola” Jayesh clutched the glass tight in his hand. Ram looked up to find the old man furiously breathing. “She has been nearly raped!! And that's for you and your cowardness. You had a reputation but not my child. You had the responsibility to protect your father's reputation but not my child’s. Since then she has not smiled, she has not cried, she has not laughed. She is dead.” Tears ran down his cheeks. “And you are the reason behind it.”

“Why did you let me live then?” Ram looked up with flooded eyes. “Why did you?”

Jayesh laughed hysterically, “After Rajat I wanted to finish you too. But Priya is the reason you are sitting here hale and hearty. When ever I used to see her alone I could feel her love for you and whatever she speaks now that she hates you and all that, are just some big lies. She can never hate you never. She loves you more than anything and that is her biggest mistake. You don't worth her love. A man who thinks to protect his reputation his father's reputation thrashing a girl to get raped to be stamped as a ....” Jayesh couldn't stop his tears. “I carried her in my arms Ram.” He looked down to his hands. “Lifeless. Pale...” his voice cracked as his hands shook. “With the fear of loosing her forever. With the fear of loosing her forever. ...” he repeated.

Ram sat in silence head hung eyes aimed to the maple wood flooring. A lone tear drop escaped his eyes. Realising he closed his eyes allowing the saline water to dance along his cold face.

“You know she denied to take your name to me. She denied a police complaint because she knew with Rajat you will get exposed too. She made me promise her that I will never try to find you that was the cost of her life. She threatened me if any day I find you out to punish you, she will end her life.” Jayesh raged to the man in front.

“And where is Rajat?” Ram asked under his deep sigh.

“At his place. In his grave.” Jayesh answered.

“You killed him?”

“Wanted to but couldn't. He is peacefully living the life that I gave him.” Jayesh’s words had a coldness and horrifying calmness. “That's not a place you need to concentrate, young man.” He stood in front Ram, who stood up and looked straight into Jayesh’s eyes. “I want you to know something. If my daughter gets hurt again. If you fail to make her smile again. Be ready to die.” Jayesh declared.

Ram laughed in return. “You forgot..” He continued under his deep sigh, “I told you I know everything about you and about Priya, I loved her I love her and will always love her, even if any day I have to leave forever. Two things, one I will do every possible thing to make her love me again, anything, I just don't care who you are. Second thank you for not killing Rajat because I will find him to take his breathe away and before smiling again Priya has lot to cry.”

“Dare you Ram.” Jayesh warned.

“Try me. I knew about you and knew that Priya is being guided by you. But I failed before your intellect that time. I came to know about you and her when Priya has already became a name. In the starting years before leaving for Florida I hunted for her every where except Delhi. I never thought you will hide her in this city only.” Ram paused to inhale fresh air. “And then I saw an interview, Priya’s first one with you and everything lied naked in front of me. The Jayesh the reckless uncle, her local guardian has a face then and a little research I found out everything and it was not tough to guess that the reckless uncle who threatened everyone then don't have an idea about Ram Kapoor.”

“Well your intelligence must be applauded. But you are not spared. You will give me my daughter back. You will and dare.....” Jayesh stopped after Ram started laughing.

“She will definitely live again. But that day she will be mine, she will love me again. You can't use me and our love for your selfish ego. If you want her to stay yours only then stop me now after she will be official mine it will just a matter of time.” Ram looked straight into Jayesh’s eyes fearless and as ruthless as him.

Turning back, he walked to the door. Pulling it towards him, Ram looked back for the one last time to Jayesh. He smirked before leaving.

Being over casted by the ruthless nature of the accused, Jayesh was left in deep thought. He thought to tame Ram but he is the biggest challenge now. When he thought to have every idea about Ram, he landed in a shock to know his plan to lie naked to Ram already. Taking out his phone he immediately called Sudheer.

~~

Next Morning. PRIYA’S FARM HOUSE .

“Good Morning.” Meera sat with a smile, “kya baat hain someone is so happy.”

“See this!” Priya held a paper to Meera.

“What the hell is this?” Meera asked after going through it.

“Some childish agreement to tame me.” Priya answered.

“How did you agree to the 3rd clause?” she asked curiously.

“Yeah. I am thinking the same. Will sort it out later. I have a bigger problem than this.” She sighed “Rishab.”

“What he did now?”

“Aunty said me something shocking yesterday. Ram who never touched alcohol became a drug addict. I hired Vikash to find it out his past and Rishab already got a clue about it. He is pain in my ass. Once he is out I can get hold of Ram. The all of him.” Priya replied with her eyes aimed to nowhere.

“Why I am having the feeling that some one is falling for him?” Meera smiled when Priya snapped a bad look to her.

“Shut up!” Priya scolded, “I wanted to know his past 12 years in details. About business I just know he was doing something in Florida but what and why he became an addict? Am I the reason?” she sounded lost. The phone rang beside failing to reach her ears. She shivered with Meera’s touch. 

“Ram along with his lawyer and Rishab and Aditi is here. As discussed earlier prenuptial agreement has to signed today.” Meera reminded her.

“Yeah I remember. Call them.” Priya stood up avoiding Meera she excused to her bedroom.

~~

“Meera. Check this one again. Priya’s business and Properties as I mentioned and her net worth.” Aditi handed a copy to Meera. “And this is yours.” She handed other to Nikunj, Ram’s Lawyer. “I have gone through it a number of times but you guys go through it, and confirm. If there is any rectification needed I will in corporate the same today itself.”

“I trust you Aditi. Till date I have failed to find a mistake in your drafts and I believe this has been done by you.” Priya in a combination of black  and white came and sat there. “Then also Ram you go through it. You are working with her for the first time. Take your time.”

“It's fine from our side.” Meera handed it to Priya. 

“I am also okay with it. If you and Aditi are fine with it.” Priya dropped the paper on the table in front.

“Done. I am also okay with it.” Ram said after his lawyer gave  a nod.

Along with the witnesses Rishab and Meera the Prenuptial agreement was signed by the future couple. Aditi confirmed Nikunj to hand over Ram’s copy by the day’s end at Mumbai. After they left it was Rishab’s turn to play, just when he opened his mouth to speak Ram dragged him to a corner and whispered some instructions to him. Half heartedly he had to agree with him. Before leaving his eyes meet Priya’s who definitely was happy to get Ram alone.

“I will take your leave also. I have some work back in town.” Meera walked out leaving Ram and Priya alone.

~~

“So...” Ram initiated the conversation. “Do you think we will make a good couple?” he stood by Priya.

“Never.”

“Are you sure?” 

“Do you have disagreement?”

“Yes I do.” Ram leaned to the banister. Shifting his body weight on it he smiled. “We look great together so you can't say that we will not make a good couple. We will be but not as husband and wife but just as eye candies.”

Priya’s heart stopped beating suddenly, she felt an ache. What is happening to me? Why I am feeling bad? She asked herself. With her eyes fixed on the other direction she remained consumed with her thoughts. While Ram smiled looking at her. “I think I should leave too.” His voice shuddered her. “I think I must leave too.” Ram repeated with a smile this time.

“I have a problem and we have not discussed about it yet.” Priya stopped him.

“Tell me.”

“Can we have lunch together?”

“Sure. But who will cook? You?”

“Do you think I don't have anyone to look after this farm house in my absence? He will bring food from a near by dhaba and now don't tell me that you have problem with Dhaba ?” she asked.

“No why should I?”

“And this is that dhaba where we used to visit often.” Priya opened a door for Ram. “Come this side.” She lead him to a open space. The greenery surrounding made it celestial. Ram looked all around, “Beautiful!”

“Come seat.” Priya pointed to the garden chairs. “Shakti....” She raised her voice to call the attendant of her farm house. A boy in his early twenties came running to her.

“ji didi.” He asked obediently.

“Ram what will you have?” she asked.

“As you wish.”

“Two veg fried rice, one paneer malai kofta and chilli paneer and one .....” Before saying she looked once at Ram. “Chicken Butter Masala and order for you what ever you want. I will pay kaka ji later. Go now.” She sat abruptly on the chair.

“Didi, non veg?” he asked soberly.

“Yes. For this gentleman. Now go and after that you should leave I think you have evening classes.” Priya’s voice stiffened.

Nodding he walked away from the garden.

“You want to spend alone time with me?” Ram smiled wickedly.

“What???”

“No you asked him to leave after delivering the food. I thought so.” Ram leaned back. His smile annoyed Priya.

“First, I think you didn't hear what I said he is a student and has evening classes. Second, He works here to help his family and he used to study here. In peace away from the crowded city. Can we come back to the point.” She scorned.

“Okay.”

“Ram. I want to make one thing clear to you. I am okay with every ritual of marriage and after marriage rituals too. I don't want to hurt your family. They are very sweet. But, you have to promise me something.” She looked disturbed.

“What?”

“There will be no honeymoon.”

“What????” Ram laughed hysterically. “Sorry.” He said under his persistent laugh. “What made you think about honeymoon? If may I ask.” He said while laughing.

“Your brother.” Priya looked to the other side. “And now will you please shut up!!!” she squeaked.

“Okay.” Ram took almost two minutes to get back to his normal self. “Okay. Trust me Priya I have never thought about it. I don't have any such plan either. But if our family insists us....” he paused under Priya’s voice. 

“If you will not deny I have to and please don't assume then that I wanted to hurt your family’s emotions.” Priya sounded restless.

“Do you think after all these drama I am ready for honeymoon? “Ram’s voice stiffened gradually, “There is no need to spend time alone in isolation if there is no love. Isn't it? Don't worry before you I will disapprove the idea. What if it comes from your end?”

“I have already shifted my many appointments and scheduled meetings to dates post marriage which includes a tour to South Africa. So there is no chances of them to pressurize us. Meera left today for that purpose only. I and she will be going there for the new venture.” Priya kept her busy schedule open in front of Ram.

“Okay so you will continue to stay at Delhi after marriage?” Ram asked half heartedly.

“I don't know. But I am going to have a tough time ahead that can be easily predicted. Don't worry I am not going  to make you  ghar jamai.” She scuffed.

“Dare you think that.” Ram paused as Priya’s stern look fell on him. “You still fund students.” He changed the topic abruptly.

“Not really. But a few. After the hectic schedule I don't get time. Till date including Shakti , two. Don't change the topic.” Priya replied.

“I am not changing the topic. I wanted to know the same. Because I thought you will be happy to know that Sanjay is now working as Chief Accountant in our Pune Office. He got married too.”

“That’s wonderful.” Suddenly Priya’s eyes twinkled. “But please don't call him in our wedding. He may end up spilling the beans. I can't afford....” she stopped just there, her throat dried up. What was I going to say? She asked herself. Her eyes stopped dancing, and why?

“Afford what?” Ram looked at her fixed gaze. “Priya.” His touch almost felt like high voltage shock that hit her spin with its full intensity. Priya shivered like a dry leaf under his touch. “What happened? What you can't afford?”

“Nothing important. Let me make a call to kaka ji.” Priya stood up to leave.

“Stop Priya.” Ram stood up behind with her hand strongly in his grip. “What you can't afford?”

“Leave me Ram.” She struggled for her freedom. “That's not important. I have to make a call. Please leave me.”

“Your call can wait. But I can't.” He pulled her to him. She safely landed into his arms. Her view got guarded by her scattered hair. Locking her one hand behind her back and pushing other one away from him safe in his strong grip. “I will not let you go if you will not speak. Tell me Priya what you can't afford?”

Priya felt his warm breathe over her face. She struggled to look straight caught amongst the loose hair locks. It was not difficult for Ram to capture her other hand behind in his one hand. He cleared the mess from her face, she can be easily forced to accept the truth Ram thought looking at her disturbed face. “Tell me Priya.” His voice has an unnatural calmness.

“You are... you are ...” Priya failed to pick the phrases at first. “You are violating the Prenuptial agreement. “ she tried to warn ending up in making Ram smile.

“We are not married yet.” Ram whispered into her ears. “Now come-on tell me what you can't afford else I will not grant you freedom.”

“I can't afford hurting your family...” suddenly that deadly spark flashed back on her face. She was all over again. “I can't afford to see them suffering.  Your mother is the humblest person I ever meet. Your father is the kindest gentleman I ever saw. Your grand mom is the sweetest human being. But you two brothers are ....” with all her might she kicked Ram on his foot. He didn't stumble. Repeating her action she thought Ram backed off in pain when the reality is Ram stepped back from his stand. He smiled after Priya gained back her freedom.

“I am happy to know that you love my family this much. But Rishab is looking forward to as his loving bhabi. Trust me if any day you wake the beast in me. Which I fear you will, he will be the one to stand with you not with me.” Ram said  stepping back. “I am having a look around. Drop me a call or message when lunch is here.” Turning back Ram paced out from there.

~~

Sharma House New Delhi .

“But Sudheer we have declared the dates yesterday.” Amarnath said unhappily. “And none of us believes in this kundali things. I really don't think this has to be a reason to push back the marriage.”

“But pandit ji has suggested the same to Jayesh and trust us Amarnath this for the good being of our children.” Sudheer tried to convince him.

“I don't think so.” Amarnath said under his sigh, “If you have any other issues please elaborate.”

“I think you are not happy.” Jayesh interrupted.

“How can be Jayesh? Back at Mumbai and here at Delhi look at the social media platforms too, Priya and Ram’s wedding has spread like a wild fire. And now suddenly you people are asking to push the dates. Is it considerable? I don't believe in superstitions.” Amarnath’s anxiety reflected clearly.

“But...” Sudheer stopped as Sarojani spoke.

“Dekhiye I can understand what you people are thinking is rational. But we want to show the same to our Panditji too. I think you have no problem in that.”

“But Maa..” Amarnath tried to speak.

“ek minute.” Sarojani gestured her son to stop. “Till then we are not considering the prospective marriage date. But Jayesh, if you people have such thing in your mind then you should have shared it earlier. I think this is a harassment.”

Amarnath leaned back knowing that his mother is equally unhappy with such sudden changes. Where as Krishna and Shipra sat as a mere spectator.

~~

Farmhouse

When Ram and Priya were having lunch, latter’s mobile buzzed with Meera’s call. “Yes Meera.” She answered. “What!!! When and why?” Ram looked up as Priya’s eyes fell on him.

“What happened?” he asked as Priya dropped her mobile on the table. “What happened?” he demanded an answer impatiently.

“We have to head back. Our wedding has been stalled and our families are in disagreement for a certain reason. Meera went to have some signatures from Jayesh Uncle. She asked us to return immediately.” Priya also sounded nervous.

“What are we waiting for?  Give me your car’s key, I will drive back.” Ram hurried out picking up the car key from Priya’s hand. Before leaving he smirked looking at Priya. “Mr. JAYESH the game has just begun. Now you can’t stop me from making her mine again.”

Content he walked out towards the parking peacefully .



Until we meet.

LOVE

NB