Chapter 33 : A Cruel Past !

Chapter  33 : A Cruel Past !

In a private ward of a plush hospital Priya opened her eyes with a much trouble. For a long time her eyes were not exposed to light, it stung her and the pupils retracted. When she tried to lift her left hand she felt no sense other than a sheer pain. A muffled cry came out when she tried to lift her right hand. The pain increased on her left side. It slowly became unbearable. Wincing in pain Priya’s lips let out a loud cry. Her eyes tried to locate the lady who might be addressing her to calm down. “Ma'am calm down.” Now she can see a young lady dressed in a pink uniform, a surgical mask hanging loosely from the nape of her neck came and stood by her. Who the hell she is? Priya thought. “Who are you?” She asked trying to move away only to realise she is not in her bed neither the loveseat nor on the floor. She was alienated by the surroundings. To her right a couch lied behind it full length glass windows opened a view of the city. Priya looked around when the young lady bent a little over her head and pressed a knob two three times before coming back to attend her. “Ma'am calm down you met with a minor accident that's why you are here. Your family is right here outside waiting for you.” She said caressing Priya's head softly.

“Why my left hand and shoulder is paining?” Priya asked.

“Because we have to give 7 stiches on your torso. You had got some serious injuries there from pricking of glass pieces.” The nurse said. “But now you are perfectly fine.” She stepped back as a man in blue shirt and black pants entered the room.

“Hello Mrs. Kapoor how are you feeling now?” The man smiled. “Let me check your stitches once.” He pressed his hand on the wound which was covered with surgical bandages. Priya felt a pain. “It will pain for few days. The wound was deep and in your wrist too. The knife was pricked hard on your wrist. Well nurse check her stats and call her husband only and inform the police that she has regained conscious.” He instructed.

“Police? Why police?” Priya felt uncomfortable. “I fell on my own.”

“Ma'am we are professionals and we know how a person gets such deep wounds. Please don't try to cover up. And not we but your family has informed the police. Commissioner paid a visit last night that late too. After all you are Mr. Kapoor's daughter in law.” The Doctor said checking her wound that she got on the wrist. “You lost blood, two units have to be given to you, else, your wounds will heel up but it will trouble you for a week maximum.” He looked to the door and found Ram coming in. Standing he made place for the nurse who came to check Priya's stats.

“Mr. Kapoor you should tell her about police. She was visibly unhappy when I asked my assistant to inform Police.” The doctor said in a very low voice to Ram. “Otherwise she is doing well as I said.”

“Hmm..” Ram nodded back with his eyes fixed at his wife. “Thank you, doctor.” He said under a deep sigh. The doctor walked back to the nurse and checked with the readings she took.

“Seems good.” The doctor inscribed his notes and advice on the charts. “Mrs. Kapoor I forgot to introduce myself. I am Shashank Rathode. It's nice to meet two young and successful entrepreneurs. Wish you a speedy recovery and I am here always at your service.” He turned, flashing a smile to Ram he left and behind him the nurse vacated the room after checking with the medicines stored in the room.

“How I end up here?” Priya asked trying to sit.

“Aha..” Ram rushed and held her at right time. “Don't..” he stopped Priya. After Priya lied down he sat by her on the stool.

“How I end up here?”

“We took you here.” Ram said. “I found you bleeding profusely.” He stopped under his sigh. “I don't know what made me sleep so deep. I was dead asleep. Did you see his face?”

“Yes he tied an x ray enabled cloth around my eyes.” Priya mocked. “I only heard his voice.”

“He spoke to you?”

“He warned me when he was hurting me. But he did a mistake. Only a single one.” Priya said. “He spoke.”

“What do you mean? Is he Rajat?” Ram asked with his eyes wide opened.

“No.” Priya said angrily. “I don't know him but I can identify him anytime any place next time. The only thing he has to do is just to speak.”

“That doesn't go good with Police when it comes to evidence.” Ram averted his eyes from her. He looked clearly unconvinced with her confidence. “They will come soon to record your statement.” He walked to the windows and stood with his hands folded near his chest.

“Who informed them? I don't need police. I can...” Priya had to stop under Ram's voice.

“I need them. A man is accessing my home, our bedroom, my parent's bed room like a public park and you are saying there is no need to involve Police. Priya i could have lost you if...” Ram was visibly angry with her ignorance about police. “And only voice doesn't clarify that he can't be Rajat.”

“And who is Rajat?” The unknown voice reverberated through the room. He was the DCP, a stout man in his early thirties stood with his service cap held in his right hand. “Who is Rajat Mr. Kapoor?” He asked again sitting on the stool where Ram was sitting few minutes earlier. “Who is Rajat, Mrs. Kapoor?” he averted his interrogation to her. He pleasantly smiled.

“No one.” Priya looked away.

“Then why your husband took that name including it to the list of the suspects who can be the possible intruder and attacked on you last night?” He walked to the other end of the bed and sat on the couch. He maintained the smile.

“Are you here to investigate or to put your suspicions on me?” Priya asked angrily.

“The first one Ma’am you are the victim. But when a victim tries to hide a suspect's name knowingly it indicates to a deep mystery and to prove me wrong please enlighten me.” He looked to Ram and Priya one after another.

“If I am not willing to tell you who Rajat is, will that make a difference in the case?” Priya asked. She tried to sit. “Ram help me.” She called out for help.

“Priya.” Ram held her and forced her to lay down. “I said you don't try to sit until the doctor asks you.”

“Mr and Mrs. Kapoor...” The DCP spoke. “Time is precious and especially when she herself is a dignified and well established business woman and daughter in law to Amarnath Kapoor. Time is really precious. Only one name came as suspicion. Pilani. Your competitor in your new business back in Delhi and now the other one Rajat.. Rajat what?” He asked again.

“Why your record is stuck at Rajat?” Priya asked again trying to read out the name imprinted on the name badge.

“Manik Sinha, DCP.” He read out the name holding it up. He took pride in reading his own name. “Now please the full name of Rajat and your connections with him. Personal or professional.”

“Mr. Sinha mind your tongue. You are talking to my wife. Not a criminal.” Ram raised his voice. “She said to you Rajat is no one but to clear the air, I will give you the details, he used to be a common friend and his full name is Rajat Kapur.”

“Same as yours?” Manik said being heartless.

“No spell it KAPUR.” Ram answered.

“And common friend as in school college others.. what?” He asked again.

“Mr. Manik Sinha.” Priya took the charge. “I am not going to talk you. I want to see your senior. You are disgracing me. I am the victim not the criminal. I am a righted handed person not a left handed person that I can use my left hand to cut off my flesh from the right hand. Now leave and inform your seniors that I will not entertain you at any cost. And you take care of yourself. I don't need any police assistance if they are like you.”

“Ma'am, keep this threats with you. I have seen a great many like you. People like you and your threats can never keep me away from finding the truth. Go ahead and complain about me. I don't care. It is now evident you are trying to hide a suspect named Rajat for your own interest while I was trying to get the details to help you.” The DCP who was there to help suddenly charged Priya. His boot made sounds against the floor as he walked out.

“Happy? Now he has to be taken care off. Isn't it enough that your and my families know about the past? Do you want the world to know it too?” Priya said.

“Priya. I don't want anything. I want this intruder to get caught. There is a major security lapses in my home. This time he fixed a bug in the cctv system. The same record loop went on and still it has not been recovered. There is someone from my security system helping him.” Ram said showing his concerns. “Otherwise it is not so easy to get into Maa Bauji's room. And just tell me he came tied you, made an half inch deep and an inch wide cut on your wrist and you only realised when he was done with it and I felt nothing, how? How can it be possible?” Ram said. “He is either very much known to us or he is our biggest enemy.”

“I just give it a fuck!” Priya spoke. “You did every possible thing to expose me and my past.”

“Why you are afraid, Priya?” Ram asked. “He must be punished.”

“And me too!” Priya said under her sigh. “But doing all these drama dragging my past, do you want me out of your way to get your “her” into life? Tell me then Ram I will walk away making you a free man.”

“Shut up Priya!” Ram shouted.

“This is hospital Ram and Priya you too.” Amarnath strode into the room. “Why you want a replacement to Manik. He is the best man in this field as much I know and where is the problem in giving details of Rajat. Meera could be right. It can be Rajat.”

“No bauji it can't be Rajat.” Priya said.

“How can you be so sure about it?” Amarnath raised his eye brows.

“This can be answered by Jayesh Uncle correctly.” She averted her eyes from him. “He is the best man to answer. And if that DCP is the best man in this field then, ask him to come I will answer to his queries.”

“I will ask him to come this evening. Ram be with her. I am going to Kapoor Mansion for a while.” Amarnath walked out soon after that with his phone pressed against his ears. Priya knew whom he was calling.

~~

“What you are hiding from me Priya?” Ram asked.

“Nothing!”

“Where is Rajat? Do you have an idea about him?” Ram asked again.

“He must be in the asylum.” Priya said avoiding an eye contact from him.

“He is not there. He fled away one night, since then no one has an idea about his whereabouts. Speak the truth I have that much details.” Ram said moving her head to him holding her chin.

“His family business has been destroyed by Jayesh Uncle. He had only his mother as family. I don't know about her either. But bankruptcy and being demeaned and knowing that Jayesh Uncle knows the truth and he is behind him and his family he went into deep trauma and depression which lead him to mental disorder. And my uncle had put him into the best possible hospital in name of helping him but the motive was to make him a permanent retard and then one day the management came to him with the news of his elopement.” Priya looked up. “That's all I know.”

“And you are sure that he can never be that man, how?”

“A retard can never climb up to the terrace, open the lock of the French Window without tampering it or breaking it and slit my wrist with letting you know. It can't be him.” Priya said confidently.

“He might have recovered.” Ram said.

“How? Doesn't it take time and money? I know he had time but money, I think he has not turned into rich from rags. If he had I would have an idea. I am not new in business.” Priya was still confident about the intruder not to be Rajat.

“Don't get hyper. I am trying to judge and a get a clue about the intruder.” Ram said thoughtfully. Ram sat on the couch, leaning forward, with his hand under his chin with elbows on his knees. The jacket hung loose giving a better view of the t shirt he wore.

“Come here, near me.” Priya gestured him to come to her.

“Why?” He looked around to check if there is any development around that he missed.

“I will not eat you up Mr. Kapoor!” Priya mocked a reply. “Can I have my husband here?” she asked. “Until I don't allow my husband's her to have him away.”

“Shut up!” Ram stood up and walked to her.

“Closer Please.”

Ram took two more steps closer to the bed. “Is it okay now?” He snorted.

“Aha! No. More.” Priya said animating her instructions.

When he came into her range, Priya clasped his jacket in her hand and pushed it back. “What is this?” she held Ram's t shirt and pointed out to the blood stain.

“Nothing.” Ram tried to move back, while Priya pulled him. He tripped on the bed frame and managed to keep his body weight away from Priya. “Priyaaa..” he frowned. His throat went dry when his eyes fell on hers. He felt like drowning in her deep brown eyes. The eyes he always loved, loves and will love. His adam's apple danced against his throat.

“Since when you are here?” Priya asked.

“Priya leave me this is not our bedroom.” Ram tried to pull back himself.

“Answer me Ram.” She had an authority in her voice.

“It doesn't really matter.”

“It matters.” Priya turned his face to her. Making an eye contact she demanded an answer.

“If it really matters, then answer me why?” Ram asked back.

“I will.” She answered. “But only after you.”

“Okay but leave me first.” Ram requested.

“Answer me. NOW!” Priya scowled. “Without a further drag.”

“Okay. You won. I am here since last night.” Ram felt her grip to get loosen around his collar. “Why it mattered to you?”

“Because when I started thinking otherwise you proved me wrong, I still have some importance left. I thought your “her” has all it.” Priya answered lowering her voice.

“For God sake Priya. She is important but not more than you.” Ram said. “You are my first priority.”

“I don't want to be any one's priority. I am not a part of a duty. Priority is a term used to order preferable choices. Would you do that same with Family? If yes then stop it now! Family can't be a priority it is not a duty. It is imprinted in us. It comes as a part of us. Like that I don't want to be your priority.” Priya looked straight into his eyes. Ram felt her grip to get tighten against the collar of the jacket. “Do you get that? Don't put me with the preferable choice list along side with your her.” She fumed.

“Priya, for whom you are getting insecure of?” Ram carefully placed his one hand on Priya's cheek. “She is a kid.”  

“Oh! That's why you hide her from me? A kid, hidden from me and how old she is? You allowed a kid to operate a mobile?” Priya asked one after another.

“She is of 21 only Priya.”

“Okay okay. Young blood not a kid.” She mocked.

“Priya I have nothing for...” He stopped and held his head high to look back. Someone from behind cleared throat to get attention. It was the same nurse. “Sorry..” he hurried and stood back straight.

“Sorry Sir. But you can't get near her in such spoiled clothes. Her wounds are still fresh and painful. She can get infections. So, even you are her husband I can't allow you near, atleast such closeness. Pardon me.” She smiled and said while arranging the medicines in the drawer. “And I will suggest you to go home and get fresh. Have some food and sleep too. You are here from last night.”

Ram stood quiet. Priya coughed a bit. “I think she is right. Have some rest. I am secured here. Atleast ...” Priya stopped. “Sister in which floor am I?” she asked.

“7^th.”

“Seventh you heard Ram.” Priya smiled. “I fear if has Spider-Man’s powers too and it will be too filmy if he disguises as a doctor or ward boy to get an entry here.” She laughed.

“Shut up.” Ram whispered back the reply. “I will be back soon.” He walked out of the room after looking back two times to Priya.

~~

“If you don't mind can I ask for a favour, Miss...” Priya addressed the nurse.

“Mona.” The nurse replied. “Yes please. If it is within my limit and power.”

“Can I borrow your phone for while only.” Priya said.

“Sure. You want to call your husband. I have his number. Actually he gave it to me this morning. He was so worried about you. He called me atleast 30 times when he was not allowed to meet you.” She took out the phone and dialled Ram's number without Priya's consent.

“No.” Priya replied. “No I want to call some one else. Please can you help me with it.”

“Okay.” Mona disconnected the call and gave the phone to Priya. She waited while Priya dialled a number, and said only six words. “Hello, Priya Here, Meet Me, Now.” The call ended within seven seconds and Priya thanked Mona for her gesture.

~~

It was not tough for Vishesh to get an entry to the hospital. He also have contacts. Knocking at the door he came in after few seconds.

“Yes.” Mona stood up looking up from the magazine she was reading then.

“Ma'am called me few minutes earlier. I am her body guard.” Vishesh said maintaining a smile.

“But she is...” Mona looked as Priya opened her eyes followed by a yawn.

“Oh! Vishesh..” Priya looked at Mona. “Mona can you leave us alone for a while and please do something with this bed, I am done with lying.”

“Hmm..” Mona lifted up the bed few inches from the head side “Only this much I can do now.”

“Thank You and you will be called back quick.” Priya said and waited for Mona to leave. Latter left almost unwillingly.

“Vishesh, where is Rajat?” Priya asked immediately after Mona left.

“Ma'am I don't know.” He replied.

“Vishesh I am not asking you to say what you promised me. But the truth.” She rebuked.

“Ma'am you missed the shot not the bulls eyes.” He said looking down to the floor.

“But the bull's eye was it really been hit that day?”  

“Ma'am. Yes it was hit that day. The truck followed your instructions. I don't think anyone could ever survive such horrific accident.” Vishesh said confidently. “He is no more.”

“Then who is this man? Find out who it is. Does anyone come up to take revenge from me like it happens in a movie? Find out please. And get an update about Rajat and his family too.” Priya scowled.

“We have started out voyage. We will track down him soon.” He said.

“Do it now.” Priya almost shouted. “And Leave.”

 Vishesh, fled Rajat from the asylum when he had recovered. Priya wanted to kill him only when he will be mentally stable and will be able to know why he is getting killed. Vishesh was the one who took him to the desolated road. Priya only aimed the gun to him. Point blank. She laughed when Rajat gave her threats being on the gun point. She promised him to give a death, a painful death, that will curl up his soul. That will stir his soul making it shiver to rest back on earth. Taking few steps away Priya aimed the gun, her ears took in the presence of the racing vehicle few metres away. She smirked. “Good bye Mr. Rajat Kapur. I will smash your male honour that dishonoured me.” Priya pointed gun between his legs. She shot but nothing happened. Rajat laughed hysterically on her but she maintained a grin. Another shot and the racing vehicle could be felt then. Nothing really happened but Priya turned and rushed away, the ricocheting of her boot got muffled under Rajat's laugh; who thought Priya getting embarrassed to miss the shots. But the plan was about to get executed. The racing vehicle knocked him down and it ran over his limbs and lower abdomen. He fluttered in pain. Priya asked Vishesh to get him jeep. He ran and took it from the desolated end. Climbing Priya and Vishesh zoomed away from there leaving Rajat fluttering in a pool of blood. There was no mercy in her eyes.  

It was ordered to the drivers to run over Rajat two times, but not by the same vehicle. When the first vehicle ran over him she was present there but did the second one ran over him? After two days she only read the report of an accident on the same road. But never cared to check, she rested the matter taking the cadaver to be of Rajat.

Was it a mistake? Did he survive the brutal incident? Priya looked aimlessly thinking about the intruder. “Is he back?”

"But is it Possible in any manner?" 

Until we meet

Love

NB

Chapter 32 : A Deadly Turn

Chapter 32 : A Deadly Turn

“Maa please.” Priya sat on the love seat. She was pleasantly unconvinced by her mother's accounts justifying Ram as the guilt. “Come on please don't be such a spoil maa. He is not the only one who kept this a secret and if he wanted to continue with that charade he could have done it without any particular try. I was in the favour to continue to hide it. He is the one who called you here and spoke the truth knowing how my parents are going to react. I know Papa must have reacted the worst.” She sat closing her eyes leaning to the love seat.

~~

Few hours earlier.

“Is any thing serious?” Jayesh asked taking his seat on the Kapoor Mansion's living room. “Why Ram summoned us in urgent?”

“Uncle I have something to share with Maa and Papa.” Ram sat with his eyes glued to the floor. “Papa...” He moved close to Sudheer and knelt in front. He wanted to speak but the fear of getting the worse in return stopped him. Ram knew after the truth, he will loose every place in their heart. But, they being Priya’s parents should know the truth. Taking a deep breath he held his father in laws hands firm under his.

“Ram you are confusing me and I am getting nervous too.” Sudheer said trying to look at Ram's eyes. “Ram tell me. Is Priya okay?”

“She will be. I promise you she will be.” Ram said in a feeble voice. “She will be.”

“What do you mean?”

“You remember she tried to give up her life for a boy?” Ram asked. Without waiting for the reply he added. “I am that boy. I knew Priya from college days. We were more than friends.” He sat looking on the floor. He felt Sudheer's hands to slip off from his grip and felt a tight slap against his left cheek and next on the right one after another.

“Did you know what she became then?” Sudheer screamed out in pain. “Did you know everyday, she wanted to kill herself? How dare you again enter my daughter's life? You were also with that other fellow molesting my daughter.” Sudheer clutched Ram's collar. “Tell me.”

“I can never think of it.” Ram said in a low voice. “And.. it was not..” He stopped under Jayesh's voice.

“Enough!” Jayesh stood up. “How dare you Ram?” he took leaps and stood infront of Ram. He stood up and faced Jayesh. Putting his gaze in Jayesh's eyes Ram stood fearless.

“Don't dare to speak! If Priya is heartless today it is because of you. You have killed her innocence. You are a killer and before muffling my voice under yours tell me one thing do you have the guts to deny that you knew who am I? Or may I say knowing who am I you plotted our marriage and tried to sleeve it off when you feared that I will make sure Priya returns to life.” Ram shouted back on Jayesh.

“Jayesh!” Sudheer stood in shock. “After knowing the truth you wanted my daughter to marry this demon?”

“Sudheer, he is manipulating you.” Jayesh tried to defend.

“Come on. Stop this drama. I have lost everything that's something else. But today I will make sure you also loose every respect. I will pull off the mask from your face.” Ram challenged. “And I know you have sent that intruder behind me, you are trying to kill me.” Ram suddenly moved closer to Jayesh. “Do you have a gun?” he whispered into Jayesh's ears. “You should have one! Take that out and shoot me here...” He pointed at his forehead. “Here here..” He knocked at the temple of his forehead. “Shoot and everything is over. Stop killing her. I will not let you go.” Ram said grinding every word under his teeth.

“What intruder? Who intruder?” Jayesh denied every allegation. “And if I would have hired someone then I would have done it pretty earlier. I would have not waited for this marriage to happen. Do you understand that?”

“Don't lie to me!” Ram stepped closer.

“Stop all these!” Sudheer shouted. “Just stop it Ram” he turned to his son in law. “If you are thinking that shifting my concerns from you to Jayesh will let you go free then you are living in an illusive world. I know the truth and I will not let my daughter to spend a single second over her. Especially with that man who forced her into something unusual that demeaned her to masses.” Sudheer said trailing his eyes all over the hall reaching every one present there. “Shipra!” he called out his wife's name. “Pack Priya's bag. She is leaving with us.”

“One minute.” Rishab spoke.

“Rishab stay out of it.” Ram ordered knowing his brother's threshold has been over.

“I will.” He said under a sigh. “But I need five minutes before they take bhabi with them.” He said. “Can I get five minutes please.” Rishab looked at his elders and walked upstairs. Within three minutes he showed up. Striding back to the living room he stood infront of Sudheer. “Go thorough this.” He handed a stack of files to him. “Go through this once.”

“It doesn't matter to me!” Sudheer threw those files on the floor.

“It does matter. It does.” Rishab spoke in a high voice. “It does because my brother lived a life trying to kill himself. Alcohol, drugs, trying to get over doses of the latter, what not he did. He spoiled his heath perfectly. Until he was forced to be at an asylum. Hands tied, blind folded, gaged he was put there. Only with one name all over her. Priya. My Priya.” He gasped for fresh air. “I know what happened with bhabi is unexplainable. Her pain can’t be realised but my bhai, he has also went through hell for the guilt he was and still living with and now with a guilt that he can never recover from. Pain of your daughter is unbearable but that doesn't mean that my brother lived a selfish life.” He looked at his mother then to Shipra.

“Aunty you had your daughter with you. You could stand by her when she fought with the difficult phase of her life. But my mother she only cried and waited when her son to show up. When he will be back? Time was cruel. We were not even allowed to meet him. Time was worst when Reshma has to keep him sedated. Reshma, she was the one who gave bhai a reason to live, the reason that bhabi had as a long term goal. He worked day and night just to accomplish it. He lend his ideas to mama ji and other firms in a minimum cost because his and my father denied any help to an addict son who visited asylum and a rehab. Isn't that cruel? I know bhai's pain is much less than bhabi's but that doesn't mean he lived happily. He had worst life too. Don’t blame him so selfishly.” Rishab covered his face and started sobbing. “I was the one who saw him closely to let his heart out every year, on her birthday. I have seen him celebrating her every success. How can you call him so selfish?” Rishab's sob got louder. “I have seen him cry like a baby whenever he realised bhabi is not around him, when ever his dream broke he searched for her like a mad dog. He was living a worst life too Sir. She was along with her family having everyone around to support. But he... he had no one, but back home a father who looked at him as the biggest failure of his life and a mother who only cried and prayed that one day her son will be back and I am sure they are both at the same place still today. One still hating Bhai and one still hoping he will be back and you are blaming him to have a peaceful selfish life.” Rishab broke down this time.

“I beg your pardon on behalf of my brother.” Ram stood clasping his hand.

“Shipra do what I asked you do!” Sudheer ordered again this time looking at Ram and Rishab in particular.

~~

Present Time.

“Beta, come pack your belongings we will be leaving by tomorrow.” Shipra said.

“No..I am not going anywhere. I have a lot to ask Ram and one thing he has not disgraced me. Maa i was not a kid that he forced himself on me and I submitted. We were adults. Both of us. What ever happened was with my full rightful concerns.” Priya said. “It was Rajat who forced himself on me and was successful. He did everything to destroy me. Everything means everything maa.” She looked at Shipra.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Shipra ji, she is the victim of the most gruesome crime ever can happen to a woman.” Meera said from the door.

“What you two are trying to say? Speak clearly.” Shipra looked at the ladies present there. “I am bad with riddles.”

“I was raped!” Priya sat closing her eyes.  

“What????” Shipra flumped on the bed. Her world seemed to shut around. She knew that Priya was molested and she stood affirm with Priya's decision not opting for police complain. She feared humiliation from the society she lived. Shipra even agreed to Jayesh's offer to shift to New Delhi without giving any second thought to it. Only the news of molestation made her took decisions in hurry if she knew that news in past, there was no reason to live further. Shipra felt sinking in her own guilt. “And we never knew it? Why Priya why?”

“If you don't remember then let me remind you only the news of my molestation made you and papa feel like the creepiest creatures present on the world you two would have died knowing the truth.” Priya squealed.

“Am I alive now? Can I continue to live after knowing the truth?” Shipra asked.

“Why not Shipra ji? Where is Priya's fault in it?” Meera was pretty shocked to dissolve Shipra's reaction.

“Because society don't accept a rape victim. And Ram? He did all these right?” Shipra held Priya between her strong grip.

“No. No maa. He never disgraced me.” Priya jerked her mother's hands off. “He can never do so.”

“Then why you blamed him for that suicide attempt?”

“Because I was not within me Maa. I wanted him to help me but .... “ Priya looked at Meera. “He is not to be blamed.”

Meera knew why Priya looked at her. At last she accepted the truth once said by her.

“Then what you were for him?” Shipra asked.

“Everything.” Ram answered from the door. He came inside with a bag in his hand. “She was, is and will be everything for me. And yes I am to be blamed for what happened that day. My actions provoked Rajat. If I had not taken her to my Mama ji's place nothing would have happened.”

“What ever happened that was not in our control... please let's not discuss it please.” Priya looked at Ram. “And what that bag is doing with you?” she asked.

“Papa wants you to leave with them. It has some of your important belongings that Maa gave me to give you.” He stretched out his hand to Priya. “These are all yours.”

“Ridiculous I am not going anywhere.” Priya dashed out of the room straight to living room.

“Papa. Please calm down.” She addressed her ragging father who turned his ears deaf to Amarnath and Sarojani too. Krishna sat hopelessly on a couch with Rishab by her. “Papa, why you want to take me with you because Ram hide that we know each other? Otherwise I don't see any other reason behind it.”

“He is the reason we could have lost our soul daughter.” Sudheer rebuked.

“Who said he is the reason? Me then...” Priya laughed. “Come on papa. How can you take me seriously then. I was traumatised and only because he didn't turn up to help me that doesn't mean we can say he is the reason. Even I stood calm there when he was beaten up badly and left to die in a pool of blood. Are Maa and Bauji accusing me of their son's half dead condition? The answer is No. Not for a single time they accused me of that.”

“But his wounds are not deeper than yours.” Sudheer said.

“The point is if you as parents suffered, they also suffered Papa. They almost lost there son too. He was beaten up badly. And anything could have happened if Neha and Vikram were not there to help him.” Priya tried to make Sudheer calm.

“Who was there to help you?” Sudheer's question made her look down. “You had no one. If Jayesh was not summoned there and had he not reached on time, we would have lost you.”

“Papa...”

“Not a single word. You are coming with us to Delhi. And we will file divorce from there.” Sudheer said under his sigh.

“No.” Priya said under an uncomfortable smile. “I mean what did you say? Divorce? Why? Papa I know you are angry with Ram but that doesn't mean you will stop thinking rationally. Neither I am coming with you nor will I file Divorce.”

“Is this your final decision?”

“Yes.” Priya stood averting her eyes from her father. “If Ram's fault was that he had hide our past relationship from everyone then Jayesh uncle is also guilty for the same. Knowing our past Jayesh uncle made sure this marriage should happen by blackmailing me, forcing me to accept Ram as my husband. What is his punishment Papa? If divorce is Ram's punishment then what is Jayesh Uncle's punishment for the same sin?”

“Priya...” Sudheer raised his hand. “Don't forget he is one who gave you this life.”

“Not for the cost of my self respect. He pushed me every time when I denied marrying Ram and then tried to push me again when he suddenly changed his mind to end this relationship. Remember the sudden drama of the Kundalis?” Priya looked at Jayesh having a mocking smile over her face.

“He has a good motive behind it. I trust him.” Sudheer said looking angrily to his daughter.

“And not your daughter? How nice?” Priya laughed. “And if not, I am not coming with you!”

“Is this your final decision?”

“Yes.”

“I can't dethrone you from the empire you built but whenever you come to Delhi next time, care for your own place!” Sudheer declared before walking out of the mansion.

“Sudheer ji..” Meera ran after him.. “Sudheer ji..” she started walking by him once their rhythm matched. “Priya loves Ram. Please don't force her to revert her decision.”

“I can never forgive Ram. Never. And as long as she continues to be with him, I am not going to allow her to enter my house.” Sudheer slipped into the car's rear seat followed by Shipra and Jayesh. Meera watched the car to leave the Mansion gate.

~~

Same Night.

Priya in her night suit sat on the swing at the terrace. She sipped to the cup after taking the fragrance of the coffee.

“Hi.” Ram came and stood by the swing.

“Come seat.” Priya made space for him.

“You should have left with your parents.” He said.

“You remembered what bauji asked us to give a re- think about our relationship. If any day I feel to leave you, I will but not for anyone else, even not for my father.” Priya said sipping her coffee.

“Priya he is your father. He knows what is good for you and what is bad. You must not have behaved rude with him.”

“Is it because your interest grew deeper somewhere else?”

“Means?”

Priy smirked, “Your weekend gateway. Your her. Your Shrestha.”

“How..how do you know about it?” Ram looked surprised. “And the name? How do you know Shrestha?” Ram stole his eyes.

“I don't know her but I would like to before leaving you forever for her. Love is just like preferences. It changes with time.” Priya stood up took few steps to the French window.

“Wait.” Clutching her wrist he pinned her to French window. The glass behind rattled. “What did you say preferences? You paired it with my love.” He moved closer to her. “Priya my love for you is not a preference that I liked once! You were the first and last girl in my life. If there is Shrestha there is a reason behind it.” He came apart from her. “Let the time come I will share everything with you.”

“You are really desirable.” Priya smirked. “Look who's calling?” she pointed to the phone laying on the swing. “Shrestha with a smiley after her name. Cool. Be comfortable I am leaving.” Priya walked inside.

“What!!!” Ram shouted over Shrestha on the phone.

“Why you are behaving so weirdly with me?” Shrestha complained from the other side. “Am I bothering you?”

“Do I need to say that? And how many times I have to remind you don't call me when I am with Priya and for your kind information I have taken an update about everything over there including chotu and you from Reshma. Now please leave me alone.” Ram raised his voice.

“But I need to talk to you. It is almost two weeks I have not spoken to you. And you promised me that nothing will change between us even after Priya Ma'am returns back into your life.” She spoke innocently. “And as much I know we don't share any discrete relationship. Why can't you be the same like earlier? Why can't you share that with your wife? Is she so authoritative? Will she oppose our friendship? Then she must go against your noble work too.”

“Shut up. Don't speak about Priya. You know nothing about her.” Ran reacted.

“Exactly. Like me, she also doesn’t know about me. It is your duty to tell her about me.” Shrestha disconnected the call. She hunched while tears ran down her cheeks. Ram on the other side without any clue stood under the night sky.

~~

Priya felt a touch. A touch that gave her a sheer pain. Through the stimulus it reached her brain. She tried to open her eyes but everything was black all around. She felt her hands tied. And a thick layer of fabric around her lips. The pain increased as time passed by. As if someone is engraving a tattoo on her hand with a sharp needle. She tried to move from the love seat. Just then someone grabbed her by hair. SHHHHHH she could hear only. “Do you want your hands to get ripped off baby?” that unknown voice whispered. She has never heard that voice earlier not even for once. The voice, face, touch, everything get imprinted on her mind from a single meeting, just like his which got imprinted right then. The intruder will not be spared next time. Even if she meets her in broad day light in a completely different set up she will identify him. Right then she struggled and the man moulded something on her hand. “See you soon baby..” He whispered again. Then there was a silence... a sound as if someone jumped from the terrace. Thankfully her feet were left untied. Failing to stand up she fell from the love seat rolling right on the glass jug and glass that she kept on the floor. It shredded into pieces. Being gagged her cry muffled. The glass poked on her torso. She tried to shift her body weight from the pieces of glass but failed badly. The glass piece went deep into flesh leaving her bleed profusely. Soon she lost her conscious.

Until we meet.

Love

NB

Chapter 31: Collecting her Pieces!

Chapter 31: Collecting her Pieces!

Meera and Vishesh stood stupefied. Priya in a palazzo and batwing top came out from the driving seat of her car.

“Hi. Good afternoon Meera, Vishesh. And Vishesh, I have a meeting at Malad, here is the address please co ordinate. I will leave in half an hour. Just need to change this attire.” Priya said casually.

“Where you have been?” Meera asked pushing back Priya little. “Did you know what blunder you did?”

“Arey ! Why you are reacting?”

“Without any information, roaming around the city when you know someone is intruding then and now, do you think it is a good idea?” Meera squeaked.

“Without any information? I left a note for Ram. Didn't he share that?” Priya was surprised.

“He is....” Meera stopped failing to find a way to react. “Why you went to the Airport?”

“I had an appointment. Personal.” Priya averted her eyes.

“When the life of our CEO is in stake, there can nothing personal. Vishesh is here to accompany you every where.” Meera's raised voice reverberated.

“I have my personal space and my life is always in danger. Why mine everyone's. Meera, I am getting late I have to be there in the meeting. I promised.” She tried to dodge and walk past into the mansion.

“Wait!” Meera pulled her back. “Who in this casual outfit goes for a pre scheduled appointment? Please enlighten me Madam.”

“Meera I said it is personal. I can't tell you about it right now. I have another appointment linked to the previous one and on successful completion of that I can only share with you. Now if you excuse me please.” Priya again tried to walk away and this time after a little fight she came out to be successful.

Walking into the mansion her eyes went straight to her husband, who sat with eyes shot aimlessly and face covered with tears with Neha and Vikram by him while her mother in law and grand mother in law where still sobbing. Amarnath and Rishab were on phone giving instructions while they moved around the concourse animating out the frustrations.

She cleared her throat. Everyone including the two men on phone looked to her direction.

“Priya.” Ram almost ran to her and hugged her tight in front of elders putting her into embarrassment. “Where you have been?” he asked in sob muffled voice. Priya stood there stupefied with no reaction but embarrassment suffused all over her face. When Ram continued to sob louder she hugged him back and patted softly on his back.

“Ram.” She called out his name lovingly. “I left a note for you on the coffee table, you panicked for no reason. I am fine. I had a pre scheduled appointment. I left around 6 am when everyone was sleeping so I thought not to disturb with my concerns and left. But now I can feel the blunder I made. I am so sorry for all these. It's my mistake.” Priya said with a smile. When Ram didn't leave her even after repeated consolations, she moved her face closer to his ears and whispered out. “Ram you are embarrassing me. This not our bedroom.”

This time he opened his eyes and came apart from Priya. “Hey. I am sorry.” Priya said with a smile. “I said sorry. Chup ho jaa yaar, you look pathetic when you cry.”

“Priya..” Krishna spoke from the other end of the hall. “Come here dear.” Looking to Meera for a while, Priya walked in baby steps towards her mother in law. Priya knew the behavioural shift is not a good sign. No mother can transform so quick forgiving her son's presumed accused. “Forgive me Beta.” She broke into loud sobs clasping her hands in front of her. “I am so sorry Beta.”

“Maa. Why you are talking like this?” Priya held Krishna’s hands under hers. I am not so capable that you will stand like this in front of me. I may not be a mother, but I can feel what a mother goes through when it comes to her child. Don't do this.”

“But I have not thought about you, what you went through.” Krishna hugged Priya. “I know I am mother but nothing is important than a woman's honour. I am a woman first, than any of the relation I am bestowed with.”

“Maa nothing as such happe..” Priya’s voice got jacketed under Ram's squeak.

“Why you are saying nothing happened? I became so insignificant Priya.” He strode towards her. Arresting his wife's eyes under his strong gaze and pulling her close he asked, “I know I left when you needed me the most. But, Priya you never thought for a while that giving up will let that bustard free. Didn't that ever crossed your mind? Tell me Priya. Tell me.” Ram shook her out of her daze.

“Ram. Wh.. what are you speaking of?” She tried to smile. “Ram stop this..” She whispered. Priya feared about the past that she kept blanketed for a long time. “Please.”

“What please? Why you fear about it? Was it your mistake? Is that you think?” Ram was visibly not happy with Priya's reaction.

“Nothing as such happened. Don't create a scene here. We will talk later Ram.” Authoritatively she said taking off Ram's hands from her. Once out of her husband’s hold she walked towards the stairs.

“We know the truth!” Ram said in loud and clear voice. “We know every bit of it! Not the half baked truth you fabricated to me that day.”

Priya stood glued to the floor. Her breathes became uneven. She closed her eyes trying to gather herself back. After turning back she tried to look confident. “What truth? I have already said you the truth and yes I hide it from everyone but some truth hurts. There nothing other than what I said to you.”

“What you feel Priya?” Ram made his grip stronger against her arms. “What you feel? People will hate you for what happened with you? I will hate you? Tell me Priya?” He jerked her in anger. “Bol Priya, speak up!”

“I have an appointment Ram. I have to go.” She moved out of Ram's grip. “Meera I don't know what made you speak the truth, but I let it rest. Please ask Vishesh to get my car ready, it will take 15 minutes for me to get ready.” Priya said before walking upstairs.

“Wait Priya. Tu kahin ni jaa rahi hain.” Ram instructed.

“I made a commitment which I can't back off from!” she turned and left for her room.

With a deep sigh of anguish Meera sat on the couch. “This is not good. Ram this is not good. She has not reacted even for a moment. Stop her! Do hell with her appointment. Just stop her I said.”

Reacting to Meera, Ram strode back to his room and knocked vigorously on the changing room door. “Priya open the door...” He knocked at the door. “Open it else I will break open it.” He warned two times before trying to break in.

“Stop it !” Priya came out in a navy blue saree. Staring a glance on him she walked to the dresser and picked up her watch, opening the first drawer she pulled out the power bank. “I am done with all these. I am done with Meera. Why you guys don't leave me alone?” She somehow managed to connect her phone to the power bank. Waiting for a moment she tried to get her phone back to life. “Dead! Now don't scamper around crying that I am not picking up the calls. This is Vishesh's card if you really need to know or better to say keep an eye on me, call him he is the best man to be your spy.” Priya threw the card on the bed and tried to walk out.

“Stop there Priya.” Ram blocked the exit. “Why you are not willing to discuss about it? Why don't you want Rajat to get punished for what he did?”

“Because I managed to live a life that is left with me. I don't want to die again remembering that day. Yes he raped me. He tore off me. “Agar tu Ram ke saath so sakti hain mere saath kyun nahi?” this is what he said. Every single time he touched me inappropriately he repeated that few words and every time attached with an adjective synonymous to whore. Thanks to God he didn't record it, or his friends waiting outside missed their turn to ..... remember Rakesh, Ridhan and Lokesh, they were waiting for their turn. It was my luck I fled away on time and managed to slit my vein. I should have slit my throat. And more you want to hear, will that give you peace? Then okay, I will tell you every details how he groped me, from where he touched me, how he gagged me how he tore my clothes apart, how he forced him inside me....” Priya stopped under Ram's scream.

“STOP IT PRIYA!! STOP IT. JUST STOP.” Ram knelt covering his ears with both his hands. “Just stop!”

“Then think I went through everything. And you...” Priya turned and strode downstairs.

“Bauji I will be back in three hours. After that....” She sighed out a deep breath. “After that any thing you all want from me. I will be acting according.” Walking to the door her eyes once meet with Meera. “Thank you!” Priya walked out turning ears deaf to the elders.

~~

Vishesh opened the door for Priya. With whom she meet urgently was never disclosed. The meeting went well. Walking out of the restaurant she maintained a smile and waved off the hosts. Once she got back into the car, the fear of facing Ram, her friends and family engulfed. Her thoughts broke when he heard the door to open and close simultaneously. It was Ram who slipped in.

“Are you following me?” Priya asked.

“Driver, take to Kapoor Mansion now.”

“Driver, take to the airport.”

“Driver, do what I asked you to do.” Ram said in an angry voice. He frowned looking at his wife.

“You can't force your decision on me!” Priya scowled.

“Your family will be here by this evening. They should know who their daughter’s culprit is. Now stop this and come with me. I know you have fever. You need to take rest. Keep this temper with you. And I will take care of Rishab and Riah. You will do what I will ask you to do.” Ram said animating an instruction to the driver. The car wheeled into the traffic. Amongst Vishesh sat quiet being a deaf spectator.

“How do you know I am with Riah? Are you keeping an eye on me?” Priya raised her eyebrow.

 “I am your husband and I have the right to know where are you and with whom you are especially when someone is behind you badly.” He said looking out through the window.

“Husband?” she smirked.

Ram looked at her but didn't register his reactions back to her. “Driver, straight to Kapoor Mansion. Take the shortest route.” Instructing he sat quiet along with his wife.

Vishesh : Why you missed the shot?

A smirk. I missed the shot! Not the bull’s eye. Turning back taking few steps ahead the raging being stopped. Vishesh never knew that it was a part of the plan, the truck ran just over his limbs. Smashing those leaving him in pool of blood.

I said you I missed the shot, not the bull’s eye. Let’s go. The boot tapped against the road, clouds ragged above. It started raining soon. The revenge has been taken, he met his fate.

~~

“I will not go inside.” Priya stood blotted at the door. “I will not.” She said clutching her saree.

“Priya come inside no one is going to speak about it. Have some food, no one had lunch everyone is waiting for you. Just have some food and a good nap. I will also not speak about it if you don't want. Trust me.” Ram said threading his hand with hers.

“No I will not.” Priya stepped back from her place. Her hand slipped out of Ram's. “I can't face them. I can't face myself. Please let me go.” She turned and before she could go back into the lobby Ram pulled her into his arms.

“Priya listen to me. Trust me. No one is going to talk to you about it. No one. Just come inside.” He said pulling her closer to him. “Please ek baar sun le meri baat. Please.” He cupped her face. He tried to pull up her face. The sudden alteration in her behaviour tensed Ram more than anything. How true Meera was; Priya needs help. She is not doing well. “Priya look at me. Not the husband not that man whom you loved, not the man whom you hate, but for that friend trust me for once. No one is going to ask you anything. I promise you.” He said in a low voice.

“Pro..promise...” Priya looked up. There were no traces of tears in her eyes but there was pain, confusion and freight.

“Promise.” Ram replied with her face still cupped within his hand.

“Can I go to .. my room?” She asked with much difficulty. “Can I sleep?”

“Yes you can. But have some food please.” Ram requested knowing that any more obstructive instruction can make her more fragile.

“I ... i don't want to eat. Please take me to my room. Please. Please.” She started pleading all of a sudden. “My head is stuck... please...”

“Okay.. okay...” Ram affirmed her. She threw herself in his arms. For the first time he felt her. She was truly and deeply hugging him. He held her tight along her shoulder while they walked in. Krishna stood up along with Meera on their first site but Ram animated an instruction to keep quiet. Meera could feel the moment. She held Krishna’s hand and stopped her from intervening.

Once the couple went into their room, Krishna wanted to follow. “Krishna ji...” Meera stopped her. “Let Ram handle her. I don't think every thing is fine. She couldn't forget that day. It is imprinted on her mind badly. Let him take care of the situation. I don't know what this man wants. I can't even think how Shipra ji and Sudheer ji will react to this. I just wish they don't take Priya along with them after knowing the truth.” Meera let out a deep sigh.

~~

“Will you care to change?” Ram asked.

“No.. Ram..” she stammered. “Ram I...I...I loved you, I went along with that moment... I never knew Rajat was an infatuation. I only love you... Don't hate me...” She broke into tears, declaring the truth to her husband when she used love instead of using loved.

“Priya, I can never hate you and both of us went along with that moment. We had not made any mistake that was not lust that was our true love! Never blame yourself for anything that happened in past. You did no mistake.” He said lovingly to his wife. “Please calm down. Please shant ho jaa.” Hugging her Ram held her head close to his heart. The pain she is in still neither can’t be ignored nor can be felt. While Priya sobbed badly hugging him.

Neha who was still there in the Mansion looked down to her phone that vibrated. “Ram.” She read the name popped up on the display screen. Receiving the call she responded to the call with a yes only. “He is calling me upstairs.” She looked towards the people.

“Go quick.” Meera said on behalf of everyone.

Neha knocked at their bedroom door and waited for few minutes after that Ram opened the door for her. “She is sleeping. Stay with her. If she reacts or screams call me immediately. I am coming back in 10 minutes.” He stepped out of the room. “And listen..” Ram looked back to Neha. “Don't touch her. She will wake up. Just keep an eye on her and make sure no one intrudes.” Ram left once Neha gave him a nod of assurance.

Neha half sat on the chesterfield and looked at her fragile face. How cruel they became then, they never wanted to know what made her beg for Ram. What made her beg to them. How she managed to survive all these years? While she could never think about Vikram, her husband, forcing him on her it was another man who raped Priya. Will she ever be able to forgive herself for what happened to Priya? Neha couldn't hold back the tears when Priya let out loud cries arrested under hypnogogic jerks. Covering her mouth to supress her cry, Neha ran out and almost bumped into Ram.

“What happened?” Ram asked her.

“She is getting sleep starts Ram. It's horrible to see your friend suffering.” Neha said in a muffled voice under her sobs.

“I know. Excuse me.” Ram walked inside with the food tray in his hand. He closed the door behind him.

~~

Keeping the food tray on the coffee table he sat on Priya's right. “Priya..” Ram took her name tenderly. “Priya... Priya...” his repeated try made her look up feebly. “Get up, I brought our food here. Have some food and then sleep.”

“I am really not hungry. Please let me alone.” Priya turned her back to Ram.

“Priya I know you want to be alone but I can't let you alone. I am here to stay. I am here to share what you have in your heart. I am here to listen. Please talk to me. Please.” Ram pleaded.

“I don't feel like talking any more and let me move out. I can't face your family anymore.” Priya said. “How can they have a ....” She stopped under her sob.

“My Family? Isn't it yours too? You are a part of this family Priya, even how much we fight slashing legal documents on each other. We are part of each other’s life Priya. Accept it!” Ram walked and knelt in front of her. “You don't want to face them okay. You don't have to do it. They will wait for you. But share with me. I am here to be with you always. How long will you keep those inside your heart? I can't allow you to punish yourself like this! No Priya. No.” Ram’s eyes had said the truth.

“Please leave me alone.” Priya again turned away from him.

“I can leave you alone only if you agree to have lunch.” Ram stood up and sat on a chesterfield serving food in two plates. “Come here, have your food and I promise you I will not bother you, unless it is needed.”

Known Ram by his arrogant nature, Priya knew it was not her cup of tea to divert him. She sat on her place and leaned to the head rest of the bed for next few minutes. Taking a deep breathe she walked feebly and sat on the chair vacated by Ram. Emptying some rice back into the bowl she hardly ate. Four table spoons of rice, two pieces of Paneer and a slice of cucumber, she is done with the lunch. Ram observed her only all through the time. He did it for a reason, he had seen Reshma to conduct her sessions with many girls even he remembers his session with Reshma too. Unless the victim or patient choose to open up it is not possible for one to address the problems the former face. And a professional only can pull Priya out from the cocoon and Reshma is the perfect one for her. Though, he is yet to discuss the same with Reshma.

“Stop.” Ram gripped Priya's hand tightly under his hand and took away the sleeping pills from her hand.

“I need it Ram. I need to sleep this off. Please give it back. Only it can put me into sleep. Please give those back.” Priya pleaded.

“Three of them together will do the needful! Wow!” Ram let out a smile mockingly. “You are not going to take even a single of it. If that happens to gift sleepless night to you, I am okay with it. I will remain awake with you. I will be there with you.”

“Ram why don't you understand I want them else I can't get back to my self.” Priya begged. “I will not be able to regain confidence.”

“You can and you will without these.” Ram threw them in the bin. Pulling the drawer he found two strips. One after another he emptied the strips and threw the pills in the bin. “Now lie down I will help you to sleep.”

“Please keep away from me.” Priya moved back in anguish. Back of her feet hit the bed and she fell on the bed.

“Good.” Ram made her lie down properly and climbed to the bed on the opposite side. “Now close your eyes and sleep.” He caressed her head. “And not a single word please. Sleep.” He kept on stroking her head trailing his touch starting from her eyes to head. His try came out to be fruitful after trying for almost an hour. Ram stopped and came closer to her face once she slept. Planting a soft peck on her forehead he came apart. “I will bring you back Priya. I will bring my love back. I know whenever you close your eyes that deadly day and it's visual give you hypnic jerks. I promise you I will snatch it away from you, only me and my love will invade you when ever you will close your eyes. I promise you and this time it's a promise to keep.” He leaned on the head rest placing his palm on Priya's head and closing his eyes. Soon he also drifted off to a deep slumber.

Time, Priya didn't know when her sleep interrupted for a while. Ram’s voice was clearly audible to her. She heard few things in her sleep. “Shrestha…. I can't talk….. It is not the right time to talk…… Priya….. Not understand our relationship….. I will tell her soon…...” Some unknown power pulled her in sleep again, when she wanted to wake up and confront him.

Until we meet

Love

NB