Chapter 42: Tangled in Love.
Every single time Ram looked at the pale face of Priya lying
crumbled in her sleep he tried to make himself calm but the next moment Manik's
allegations seemed to be true when his brain got triggered with the last few
words. He failed to find any palpable reason for Priya being in touch with
Rajat's mother. He remembered clearly how awkward she felt when Rajat forced
her to speak with his mother. It never changed in past though. Or has it changed.
For the rest of the night he sat straight on the chair facing the terrace after
he successfully put Priya into sleep. Sleep was elusive for him. He took a deep
breathe when his eyes fell on the clock that gonged. Cocking his head he found
the time to be 4:00 am. For any reason he was suspicion about Priya, and soon
he needed to speak else that suspicions may end hurting her sentiments. But
with whom, he thought as he stood up at his place. Stretching his hands above
head he yawned. Once for a moment he wanted to throw himself on the mattress
but he changed the idea and walked out to the terrace. Manik's words became a
drug to him, whatever he tried to think went in vain and of no use. He ended up
thinking about Rajat and Priya. Impatient he felt the agitation building up
inside his head. A gong was hitting him inside. Desolating Priya he walked out
of the room, little does he noticed that Priya was wide awake then.
Ram stopped once he reached the ground. The restless inside brewed
up. Once in all he has to get answers. The allegations made by Manik were not
answered by Priya either, that makes him more startled. Agitated, aggravated in
search of an answer he sat on the bench. He was breathing heavy. Ram looked
behind when he felt a touch on his shoulder.
“You!” he was surprised to see Vishesh that early.
“Sir, this is my routine.” Vishesh said half breathing. He settled
down by Ram. “But what brings you here this early?” he asked wiping off the
sweats beads from forehead. There was no response from Ram's side. He sat in
dead silence. Vishesh heaved out a deep sigh. He has a great observation power
and his eyes never failed to arrest the anxiety he was in since the
conversation with Manik. “Sir I know what you are thinking. Manik's words left
a deep impact on you. I can see it, I can feel it!”
“Shouldn't it?” Ram was loud. He leaned back, his hands on eyes.
When he removed it his eyes were glistening with tears. “I don't know Vishesh
why even I thinking about it!” But I can't stop myself from doing so either. It
is not that I don't trust her. I trust her but something is there that I don't
know and that is eating me up. Eating up our comfort.”
“I can understand. You two are in such a relationship that needs
clarity. Every relation is built up on the faith and trust. If it breaks the
relationship falls straight on its face. I may not be able to enlighten you
about her complete past that you missed but all that I can say is there is no
truth in Manik's allegations. They are just few information that his informers
could dig out and claim to find clue to the case.” Vishesh said.
“But is she really was in touch with his mother?” Ram asked.
Vishesh looked down. He was the one to take Priya regularly to Nashik
after the deadly incident. He looked down with a deep sigh followed to it. “I
must not intrude. But what I feel, you are doubting her.”
At first there was no reply. Ram sat straight this time. His eyes
were locked at the horizon.
“Do you see the moon?” Vishesh asked. Ram looked with a worry
towards him. “The moon!” Vishesh pointed to the sky this time but the other man
glanced confusingly towards him. “For few days every month it is gone! But did we
ever doubt its loyalty towards us? Did we ever ask if it is finding another
orbit a better one?” Vishesh smiled faintly. “I may sound silly, but she is
that moon! She might be out of your sight for a time but she was always there.
Watching you, loving you and caring for you.”
“But why she was in touch with Rajat's mother?” Ram asked again. “Is
it normal? What she is hiding from me Vishesh?”
“Sir, I am a third person to comment.” Vishesh stood up this time.
“It will be better if you ask her straight.”
“But I can't. If I could I would have.”
“I am a novice when it comes to relationships.” He laughed. “I am no
one to suggest you how to confront her. But what I understand is intervention
of a third person makes the things complicated.” Suddenly he seemed to be in
hurry to leave.
Ram stood up and looked back, where Vishesh was looking that moment.
An awful guilt struck him, the moment his eyes met Priya's. He found the other
man to jog away while his wife left a deep sigh before turning back and walk
away ignoring his request to stop. Ram followed her. He locked the door and
pulled the curtains of the room to find some privacy. The wall length windows
opening to the corridor prevents privacy, he knew, and he was not in a mood to
share his privacy with anyone there.
Mumbai, Same day.
“So at last we will meet our CEO after a long gap.” Exclaimed a
broad member to Jayesh happily.
“No.” Jayesh rectified immediately which made many to raise there
brows to show the unhappiness. “I mean to say she will not be available for the
inauguration but...” he has to leave his words incomplete when the first board
member wished to intervene.
“Jayesh, I fear she has lost her interest in business lately.”
“Oh! Come on.” Jayesh laugh off the comment. “She has already
informed about her unavailability for two months. You can't be so
presumptuous.”
“I know. But she has promised us to be available over phone which we
find her barely.”
“You are over thinking.”
“And you are protecting her.”
“What do you mean by that?” Jayesh felt infuriated by the direct
allegation.
“I mean to say we need a new head. Let her enjoy her marriage and
Kapoors are...” He stopped as Meera interrupted.
“Sir.” She looked apologetically. “She will be there and I will
speak to her personally. I don't mean to offend you but just not keeping a word
doesn't disqualify the hard work she has put; towards this company; to pull it
up from there to here.” Meera pointed to the ground then to the air imitating
the growth of their organization.
“No one is putting her efforts under scanner but an organization
can't run under emotional influence of an individual.”
“Sir, Priya will be there at the inauguration.” Meera stood up to
leave.
“Nothing can be forced on others.”
Meera sighed sharply. “Sir, she will be here.” She walked out of the
room.
~~
Lavasa
“You could have asked me Ram.” Priya stormed to the other side away
from Ram.
“I have no intentions to hurt you Priya and I was not asking him. I
was sharing...” Ram paused under Priya's hurried reactions.
“I think I am the best person to share that words. Isn't it?” Priya
scorned. “I never ever thought that Mr. Sinha's words would have made you believe
that I was and am having an affair with Rajat.”
“What???” Ram exclaimed. “When did I say that?”
“Sometimes silence is enough and for your case you were loud and
vocal all the time.”
“Priya is this rude. You are blaming me being presumptuous. Did I
ever behave rude to you for suspecting me?”
“At last you said the desired and designated word that lit up this
conversations and thank you for that. Next Mr. Kapoor I never went on sharing
those with random people around.” Priya accused him straight. “I have the
courage to blame you at your face. At least I was honest with myself even if
every time I was proved wrong. You never stopped me loving..” Priya stopped
under her words. Her trance was fixed on Ram realising what she just declared
was an indirect acceptance of the love she still have for him and the realisation
of her heart. Sighing sharply she turned her back to Ram.
“Why did you stop?” Ram asked softly. When he got no answer from the
person concerned he smiled faintly. “You have every right to be mad at me Priya
but I shared those with Vishesh being concerned about your safety not being
suspicious about you.” His steps towards Priya made her stiffen. She closed her
eyes when Ram's warm breathes fell on her shoulder. “I am worried about you. I
am not suspicious about you. Even if you try to hate me I know you will end up
loving me every time. But I strongly feel Rajat is the man behind all these and
I am still waiting to know what made you visit Rajat's mother constantly and
keep her funding every month! Is she blackmailing you?”
“NO!!” Priya abruptly took a sharply U turn. Without any gap among
them Priya managed to plaster her feet on ground with a little help from Ram,
being hold by him against arms and her self help by clutching Ram's T-shirt
tightly under her fists. Their eyes meet with each other. None of them neither
tried to move away nor tried to break the trance. Priya gasped when she felt
Ram's hand moving down her arms. She can easily push away him but she did the
opposite arrested under Ram's unsaid words and eyes. This time as Ram placed
his hands on Priya's, she closed her eyes breathed heavy.
“I can never forgive myself for doubting you for those few moments
Priya. I can never look into your eyes for putting your love for me under
scanner.” He held tightly her hands under his. Placing his forehead on her he
breathed shakily. “How can I even cry seeking apology from you? I am ashamed of
myself.” He looked up gasping when he felt a jerk. Snatching out her hands
Priya pushed him back. “Priya..” He tried to step in. He knew those reactions
to be punishment for saying the truth.
“Just go away...” she said when tears made its way down along her
cheeks. “Just Go Away...” she repeated again this time looking down to the
floor stepping back from Ram rejecting his approach.
Shoving his hands into his pants' pocket Ram turned back. Before
leaving he waiting for few minutes expecting a melt down. But as minutes passed
he realised this time he has made a blunder. Only hope he had was his
confession that might have made her mad momentarily but with time she may
forgive him. He agreed to his self to give her time and he knew it will not be
another 12 years. Sighing deep he walked out of the room as desired by his
wife.
Priya walked to the bed and sat with a thud trying to dismiss the recent
event between them as a dream.
~~
Mumbai.
“Meera what are you doing?” Ashok tried to stop her. “Sit at a place
and think. She might be busy with family.”
“Do you have any involvement in the company and I am enough mad over
you Ashok.” Meera snapped. “And about this.” She pointed to her phone this
time. “I know what I am doing you don't have to advice me.”
“Meera but she is the boss you can't...” Ashok paused under the
angry gaze of his wife. “Okay fine do what ever you want.”
“Good for you. Make it a deal Ashok I am not putting my nose in the
destructive drama you and Jayesh ji carrying on in return do me a favour never
try to interfere in my official involvement.” She dialled back Priya's number.
“Where the hell you are!!” Meera stomped her feet loud on the floor. She threw
the phone on the bed and took her seat on the couch placed by it.
~~
Lavasa.
Ram slowly walked towards the boys’ dormitory. Standing infront of
the door his eyes went to the empty bed which was neatly done. The toys those once
used to get life with Chotu lending his voice to them were kept at place but
lifeless forever. The bed squeaked as Ram sat on it. The room was empty that
time except the cleaner in her regular duty only noticed him to saw weeping covering
his face. His muffled cry echoed through the room. Seeing the boss fragile she
got disturbed and chose to hurry out of the place to inform Reshma. But Ram
hadn't to wait long, Shrestha learning the same from the maid choose to
intervene.
“Hi.” Shrestha sat by Ram. With blurred vision Ram looked up. He
gasped.
~~
Collecting herself Priya managed to bring back to her normal self.
Looking to the clock she realised that there might be some calls and emails she
missed. But she didn't recall the place she might have left her phone last
night. But she didn’t have to struggle much. Her eyes fell on the bed side
table. Her phone lied there connected to the charger. Picking up the phone she
got shock of her life finding 69 missed calls from Meera. Her heart started beating
fast when the phone started blinking notifying incoming call from Meera again.
She feared some bad news is waiting.
“Hello.” Priya said in shaky voice.
“WHERE THE HELL YOU ARE????” Meera screeched. “And you have not kept
your words. I waited for you a whole hour and made fun of myself. DO YOU
REALISE THAT?”
“Who made fun of you?”
“Oh! Does it really matter to you??” Meera continued to complain.
“You made fun of me Priya. You on this earth has that guts to do that not even
Ashok is allowed to do so.” She snapped in anger to Ashok.
“Why would I do that?” Priya scorned. “You know what you mean to
me.”
“Really? Then tell me where you are and why you are not showing any
interest in my calls?” Meera said.
Priya heaved a deep sigh. “Look Meera I am really...” she stopped
under the other lady's rude commands.
“Cut that crap Priya just answer me.” She sounded really upset and
angry at the same time.
“Lavasa. I am in Lavasa. I overslept and as my phone was in silent
mode I missed your calls. I just looked into it and realised my mistake and
Meera you have to take care about everything about the inauguration.” Priya
stopped as Meera started laughing hysterically. “What's funny in this Meera?”
Priya asked angrily.
“Listen darling you are allowed to over sleep.” Meera said while
laughing and continued. “Especially being just married. But..” she sounded
pretty serious suddenly. “You are not allowed to miss the inauguration.”
“Meera I said you I am in Lavasa and I...” Priya stopped as Meera
interrupted again.
“I am not conferring I am asking you to do or better to say I am
asking the owner to behave like a owner. More precisely I am asking the CEO to
look at her own self and ask herself if she is so incapable that board members
have started to think about an alternative and her impeachment.” Meera was
breathing heavy after completing her words. There was a pin drop silence for
next several minutes. “Should I say straight on your face? Which, I really
don't want!” She added.
“I am coming back. Today.” Priya sighed deeply. “Now.”
“I will be waiting for you. 4023. The Taj Mahal Palace.” Meera replied.
“See you soon.” Priya disconnected the line and sat back on the bed.
~~
“What are you doing here?” Ram asked Shrestha showing his
discomfort.
“That I should ask you adding without Priya di?” She replied back
instantly and knew that Ram was not in a mood for question answer session or in
a funny mood. “Okay sorry I was just trying to cheer you up.”
“Sorry. But, Ram shedding tears is not a solution. Kids need us. After
a lot of try I and Reshma could get them out of this room. If you have lost a
son they have also lost their friend. They are equally sad.” Shrestha tried to
make Ram speak. “Have decided not to speak Ram?”
“I have decided nothing Shrestha. I have messed up everything that I
have in my life. I failed to save Chotu. I have made Priya gravely upset and I
have already lost my family way back. I only had Priya and I am doing every
possible thing to lose her forever.” Ram wiped off his tears. “And you, haven't
I used you? Yes I did and never thought where I am pushing you towards.” He was
breathing heavy. “I am plastering my thoughts, my needs on others.”
“No you are not. You are a true hero of every single person present
here and in their homes right now.” She said putting her firm hand on his
shoulder. “And I don't think you can ever lose Priya di ever.” This time when Ram
looked up Shrestha was having a bright smile on her face. “Trust me.” She said
with that big bright smile. Ram sat quiet there caressing the bed, closing his
eyes trying to recall those sweet moment he spend with Chotu.
“Well if you don't mind can I ask you why you again had a fight with
her?”
“How do you know??”
“Hmmm.. kind of I know you. I have copyright over your thoughts.”
“What??????” Ram asked.
“Sorry..” She hit softly on Ram's arm. “I am joking. You know I can
somewhat read you. I don't know how but I can...” Shrestha smiled.
“You never fail to amaze me.” This time Ram smiled.
“You also look good with smile.”
Ram looked down smiling again. He nodded his head and looked at Shrestha
and placed his hand caressing her head. Both of them turned their head to the
door with the first knock on it. It was Priya who stood there.
“Priya?” Ram stood up and walked to her. “Where are you going?” he
asked looking to Vishesh who stood with bags behind her.
“To Mumbai.”
“But why?” Ram moved closer.
“Because it is urgent and my position is on stake.”
“You are doing this for the morning incident right?”
“No. I am not. I am doing it for myself; trying to save my own ass.”
Priya looked straight to Ram. “I am sorry I have to choose between staying here
and be there in the inauguration and I chose the second. I have to.”
“I know you are doing this to punish me.” Ram clasped his hands over
Priya's.
Priya smiled broadly. “We punish them whom we need to correct. And
we correct them who are our own. Whom we consider to be a close one. With whom
we are connected at heart. Which one of the following I am designated Ram to
you? Who...” She paused and gasped. “I am going back for my own benefit that
has nothing to do with you. Bye.” She looked to Shrestha and smiled again. “Bye
Shrestha.” Turning back he walked away with Vishesh following her.
Near her car when Priya was about to get into the front seat a
familiar voice stopped her. It was Vikram.
“Hey! Hello.” Priya greeted.
“Hello but where are you going? You are leaving already.” Vikram
said.
“Yeah have some work that cant be ignored. How long you will be
here?” Priya asked.
“I thought Ram would be upset and an old friend can help by just offering
a shoulder that's why I am here.” Vikram said.
“A friend, like you, is a treasure for life.” She smiled. “Take care
of your friend. Work beckons I have to be at Mumbai. There is no two ways to
it.”
“I can understand. Take care.” Vikram walked towards the entrance. Priya
looked to be in deep thought as if something familiar from past surfaced in.
Heaving a deep sigh she shoved into the car seat. Finding Vishesh still
standing holding the door open with his trance fixed to distance she honked the
car horn. Vishesh’s trance broke and he got transported back to the time. He
looked back with an apologetic face.
“What happened? Is there anything bothering you?”
“No ma'am.” He got into the car seat and took the car out of the
compound. On the looking mirror he could see Ram still standing at the entrance
looking to wards them while his friend stood by him looking to the other side.
~
“Ma'am even if I am not allowed, I would like to say that Ram sir
has not inquired anything unwanted about Rajat.” Vishesh said.
“I am not leaving for the morning fiasco Vishesh. I am leaving owing
to prior commitments which are completely official. So, please don't drag that
into this.” Priya was audibly unhappy.
“I am sorry ma'am.”
Priya chose to keep quite as a response.
~~
Lavasa.
“I can easily tell there is nothing right between you and Priya.”
Vikram said. “Come on buddy tell me what is it!!”
“It is nothing.” Ram scorned walking away from Vikram.
“I can bet my life on this. You are badly stuck!” Vikram paced up to
catch Ram.
“YES I AM. I have done enough to get my ass into pain. I have done
every possible thing to make her upset. I doubted her. I, who, know the every
truth about her past.” Ram retorted angrily.
“Ram what you did? Please explain.” Vikram requested to which Ram
kept mum. “Otherwise it will be impossible to for me to comment.”
“Who is asking you to comment?” irked Ram.
“I am asking you because I can’t see you in such pain.” Vikram
countered. He waited for Ram to break the silence and speak. And it happened
after a brief wait. He narrated the whole episode starting with Manik
implanting the questions in his mind to his confession of doubting Priya to her
in brief. Listening to him Vikram sat in silence conserved in his own thoughts
while Ram had no reaction for him.
“Look Ram, you have pushed yourself into a grave.” Vikram said and
soon he got a bad look from his friend. “I will not lie it is the truth. But
you can amend.” Vikram knew Ram wanted to know the remedy. He looked eager.
“Bring back that lost spark! Bring back that x factor you two used to share. Tell
her how much you love her, how much you missed her. I am sure she will not
remain angry anymore. Take her for a trip alone. Spend some time alone. A lone
time with her.” He looked concerned to Ram. “Try to understand what I am trying
to say. Sometimes we need to say and express the feelings we have in our heart.
We have to. Just do it.”
Ram sighed deeply. “I can understand what you are saying and I also
know where it can end.”
“What is wrong in that?” Vikram asked.
“Vikram I know her. She is mine. I know her heart and Vikram she is
still in the trauma of that wound which Rajat craved inside her heart. It is
not at all easy for her to give in even if she wants to.” Ram said.
“What does that means?”
“It is a long story. But what I can say to you, she is still in
trauma.”
“And who has to pull her out of it?” Vikram shoved his hand around
Ram. “You my brother.”
“I wanted to start her counselling sessions with Reshma but..” he
gasped.
“Then talk to her.” Vikram advised. “If she says it is fine
then....” But soon he realised that his friend is not interested in it. “Okay
don't do it. But what is the problem to take her to a trip alone? Do you fear that
you two may end up getting physical or you doubt yourself?” he asked quiet
provocatively.
“None of it! The matter is she will not agree to come.”
“Give it a try atleast.”
“I will see. First and foremost concern is her recovery for me not anything
else.” Ram turned around to leave. But he froze to his place finding Reshma
there.
“Sorry to listen to you two deceptively but I agree with Vikram
partially. There is no risk in spending time alone with her. It will help you
to win her trust back and invoke confidence in her back for a relationship.”
Reshma said. “Look she has to get back her confidence and have to trust you.
And you have to take careful steps towards her for getting that back. No one
else can do that.” She said. “Atleast make her feel safe with you around. Spend
some time with her. Lunch, a walk, coffee, a dinner date these kind of little
steps will affect her a lot.” She knew Ram was still unconvinced. “Think about
it and if you ask an expert this is the start of it. A first step towards
cure.”
“Yeah.” Ram nodded his head. “Yeah. I think I must act to get her
back and I will.” He at last had a smile. “I can't cry only waiting her to come
and say hello to our togetherness. I have to get it back. I have to give it
back to her and I will.”
“Good.” Reshma smiled. “Ah.. Ram I came to say something else.”
“Yeah what?”
“That family called again. If we can do the needful after the prayer
meet and rituals I think it will be great.” She said.
Ram thought for a while. After the first instalment of the reports
from Vishesh that couple was indicated to be a great one for the girl. So he
agreed. “Okay call them. I have reports they are best for her.”
“Great. So day after the prayer meet?”
“Yeah.!” Ram gave a nod.
Reshma smiled and left calling someone leaving the two friends
behind. Vikram kept on trying cheering up Ram animating different expressions
to him, sometimes he was successful also.
~~
Something bothered Vishesh. Suddenly he pressed the accelerator. The
car moved forward in an unusual speed. Something that he saw disturbed him,
startled his head. Something he need to find out soon.
An end is heading close. He has to do everything to protect Ram. And
just then his phone rang...
Until We Meet.
Love
NB
God has made human with flaws can expect mistake from them and Ram is no exceptional from it. His doubting towards his beloved wife made him feeling guilty.
ReplyDeleteMoreover the concern for Priya made him to share things with Vishesh who knows most of her past but this thing especially upset her.
As a husband she had expected him to confront her not with third person and is extremely hurt over it. But seems for now with Meera and Jayeshji is in picture she aheading back to Mumbai which surely bring change for her.
Ram guilt is eating him but still his love didn't lessen so is Priya who is upset but still love him as Vikram said he has to something soon to win her love and trust back.
Something is surely off which Vishesh has some knowledge which can harm Ram and other side Ashok is planning something.
That was an other fantabulous update Nairita dii ������. Can't wait to read the entire one. I am very excited to see that you mix up romances and Mysteries so well.... Glad I came across this story.
ReplyDeleteWaiting for the next one,
Until then ,
Love
~ Reeti
That was an other fantabulous update Nairita dii ������. Can't wait to read the entire one. I am very excited to see that you mix up romances and Mysteries so well.... Glad I came across this story.
ReplyDeleteWaiting for the next one,
Until then ,
Love
~ Reeti
You have written off human change of behaviour so brilliantly yes Ram doubting on Priya along with her changing of emotions are flawless I must say you have written it so well...
ReplyDeleteRaYa's guilt making them being closer to each other more & more.... there Meera is also right so as Priya by heading back for her own self...
But last part make me think why every time I feel things are on right track suddenly changes way to disaster too much headcked how to handle still not understand...
Hi I read all parts in 5 days and now I'm so eager to know how the next part will be pls update soon...
ReplyDelete