Chapter 46 : Dark Days - Part II

Chapter 46 : Dark Days - Part II

Keeping the diary aside Priya picked up the cup and her mobile and walked outside to the balcony. She casually sat on the couch trying to pretend to be relaxed but the sleep deprived eyes told the story loud and clear.

“Do you want to eat something?” Ram asked sipping to his tea. “You have not eaten a single grain since last evening.” He added without looking at her.

“Why did you give me that diary?” Priya asked back.

“Answer me first.” He almost ordered.

“Nothing.” Priya sighed after her reply.

“Okay then I will get something of my choice.” He stood up to leave just then, Priya repeated her question to him. After a pause and a quick smile Ram turned and kept on gazing at her. “This love is not a curse neither will it end with your or my life nor it is a way of destruction. I may not be able to make you understand how much I love you, but I can at least make you understand how much you are wrong to feel this love to be a curse.” He came and knelt in front of Priya. As he tried to hold her hands Priya pulled it back. “Yes I used to go around with girls but the day you and I felt our heart since then you are the only one in my life, in my heart. If I even thought of doing something crazy it is with you. If I thought to make love it is with you. My heart, brain used yo synced in the tune every time I saw you and see you even today. I want you to know my heart.” He smiled. “And Priya that diary has every thing about my days without you. Do read it. Not for me, but for yourself. Be selfish for a moment that you always think yourself to be.” He walked towards the stairs and stopped before descending. “Guess how much I love you, more than the beauty of the dawn, the rage of a burning summer sun and deeper than the beauty of a soulful winter night. Guess how much I can hurt you; I leave it to you to guess, there is no sync found between heart and brain when I speak about it, I leave it to you to judge.”  Leaving Priya behind Ram walked down stairs.

With a deep sigh Priya leaned back on the chair, just when she chose to find a strand of peace in the turmoil her phone vibrated on the table top. It was her assistant from Mumbai. Clearing her throat she picked up the call. “Good Morning Veena, yes.”

“Ma'am you asked me to intimate you when we are ready for the meeting, you will join us through VC.” She said humbly.

“Shit!” Priya said in mind, because she knew she is in a mess. Neither she could postpone it nor is she ready for it. But she has to attend it. “Yeah.. Yeah.. are you guys ready? I mean every one is there?”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Okay Veena, register my apologies for the delay and spare me half an hour. I will call you before connecting.” She disconnected the call and rushed inside the room. First thing she noticed was the diary. Picking it up Priya kept it on the table at its place and then she picked up her laptop and dongle for internet. Next thing she did was to change her attire to a descent one, sticking to a kurta and pajama. Placing the cup on the study table she connected her laptop to internet and called her assistant. Within minutes she was connected to her Mumbai office. Her eyes went to Meera who sat at the front. She tried hard to smile and avoid Meera at the same time not getting caught. But a pair of experienced eyes never fail to catch the flaw. Knowingly Meera conversed less and jotted down the minutes of the meeting with least interruptions. Once the meeting has to be paused due to Ram's intervention but Priya managed to keep the break down to 3 minutes only. Meera noted Ram's presence too, which made her plan stronger. After the meeting she politely let Priya to disconnect the line and least the latter knew she was in Meera's rudder.

Leaning on the couch Priya sighed deep and called Ram. He being at the dine, Priya knew it will take atleast 5 minutes if not more for Ram to come back. Walking to the table she picked up the diary and returned to the couch. Before starting to read it Priya wanted to get an update from Vishesh. She quickly picked up her phone and was just about to dial Vishesh's number when Meera called her. “Yes.” Priya answered the call.

“Priya we have missed out some points can you please come on line again. We will take few minutes only.” Meera said.

“There is no need to be so formal with me Meera. I am coming on line. Wait for few minutes.” Placing the phone down on the table Priya made the connection and was surprised to see Meera alone in the room. “Where are others?” Priya said out of her surprise.

“Wait for a minute.” Meera disconnected the phone line with Priya and dialled another number. Priya could see her lips to move, as Meera had put the microphones to mute. And to her shock Meera got the microphones back to life with Ram entering the room and bolting the door first and after that moving the curtains of window providing privacy to the room. “Now tell me Priya what is the matter?” Meera said. “And Ram please sit by her.” She added. After Ram sat by Priya, who fixed her gaze down to the floor; Meera again asked her about her worries. “Priya speak out!!” She almost shouted this time.

After several minutes Priya looked up with eyes full of tears, few drops fell on her entwined hands and rest she quickly rubbed off from her eyes. “Tell me one thing Meera, what am I? Mein hoon kya? Drum? Jiska maan hua baja ke chala gaya? Am I Guinea pig? What ever you can do over me, am I made for experiments to do?”

“What are you speaking about Priya?” Meera said.

“I will not believe if you deny that you know nothing about Jayesh Uncle and Ram. That man played with me. Those marriage proposals, disagreements, trying to cancel the marriage, making it public all were a plan to trap me within my ego right? And don't tell me you were unaware of every thing. I am sure you had every knowledge of it.” Priya said as her voice chocked. “If I believed someone Meera, it was you, I don't trust my shadow Meera the way I trust you. I looked up to you as a mentor, a guide and foremost a sister, with whom I can share every secret of my life but that sister ditched me? Why Meera, why? Just because Jayesh Uncle asked you to do? And Jayesh Uncle how could he?” She broke down.

“Ram you told her?” Meera asked.

“No iska bas chalein toh he will hide his breathes from me even.” Priya said plating an angry gaze to Ram. “It is his diary which told me many secrets. But that is not the issue Meera, why you kept it away from me?” Priya looked at Ram angrily, picking up his diary she threw it on him continuing, “Keep this with you I have no interest in knowing what it holds in it!”

“Priya I didn't have an idea about it. Yes I became aware of it but just few days ago, just before the Mumbai Office inauguration.” Meera said. “And you have to trust me. I may be a bitch but my husband is more than it. He is a demon who can go to any extent to keep his words.”

“Ashok?” Priya was surprised to core.

“Yes it is Ashok who has worked and still working with Jayesh ji to get you and Ram back together.” Meera declared. “And this is the truth. Ask Ram if I am wrong.”

Priya looked at Ram and covered her face restricting her sigh. “Meera why? Why they want me to get back to Ram? Am I not a self sufficient woman to take care of myself?”

“You are!” Meera continued. “But he wanted your smile back, he wanted you to live free which ...” she was interrupted by Priya.

“And be thinks Ram can do that?” Priya laughed. “No one can do it. And with Ram I feel suffocated. I feel burdened under his constant care. I can't breathe freely Meera.” Priya looked straight into Ram's watery eyes. “Tu chala kyun ni jata Ram? Why? Just answer me damn it; why?” She asked Ram clutching his tee under her tight fist.

“If you want me to leave I will, but after you recover from this trauma.” Ram said clasping her fist under his palm.

“Dekha...” Priya looked towards Meera struggling to get rid of Ram. “He always tries to prove how much great and caring lover he is. How perfect he is as a husband.” She again looked at Ram. “You want me to get rid of this trauma right? Then leave me alone, let me be. With you around I am getting mad every moment. Every time I see you I remember him crippling me forever. I can't even sleep Ram. Every time I close my eyes I see everyone laughing at me, pointing me out as whore. If you really love me then go away. Just go away. Chala jaa Ram, mujse bahut door. I am afraid to love you again because I have the fear to lose you again. You know even after trying so hard to hate you I end up hating myself. I can't love you and with you near I can't stop loving you. Just go away Ram. Just go away.” Hugging Ram placing her head on his broad chest she wept like a little girl.

On the other side Meera disconnected the line leaving the couple alone. In her deep thought she closed her eyes and after thinking for next few minutes she called Jayesh without any hesitation.

~~

Snuggling closer to Ram, Priya hugged him tightly throwing her arms around Ram's neck almost sitting on his lap. He reciprocated back by holding her close under his strong and comfortable arms. Brushing her hairs he placed a soft peck on the corner of her forehead then just by her eyes and drew her more into his arms giving her that shield she longed for. Under the tight grip he could hear her muffled cries only. Letting her rest her worries for a long time Ram tucked her loose strand of hairs behind her ears. “Priya eat something, you have not take a single grain inside since yesterday afternoon.” He whispered in her ears.

“Will you do me a little favour Ram?” Priya asked coming apart from Ram and continued adding to it. “For old times sake.” Getting a nod from him she asked Ram to leave her alone for rest of the day. “And please don't come until and unless I ask you to.”

“Okay! As you wish. But I am leaving this food behind please do have it.” Ram stood up quietly walked out of the room closing the door behind. As Ram left, Priya started bawling like a baby. Ram standing just by the door listened to her bawling helplessly. Obeying and respecting Priya's decision he stood there. He refused to receive any call and even turned down Shrestha thrice to come along with her. He sighed deep when he realised that the bawling have stopped. With cat paws he walked closer to Priya and found her in sleep which she needed most that time. Pulling the blanket over her Ram carefully walked out of the room leaving the door shut closed.

The first thing he did was to call back Meera, who left seven voice messages, 23 text massages and 67 missed calls trying to reach him.

“There you are!” Meera answered. “What is Priya doing?”

“Sleeping!” Ram answered.

“By tonight Jayesh Ji, Sudheer ji and Ashok will be there.” She informed.

“And you?”

“I have to manage this office and I know the way she behaved, she will not be able to make to meetings through VC even.” After Meera replied there was a stark silence. “Ram, she is not doing well. She needs help. Help her and dare you think to obey her and leave.”

“I will not, not now at least.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing.”

“Ram don't give her a heart break. She is very vulnerable right now. I have never seen her so much in pain. For all these year she had made her very strong. I am surprised to see her like this.” Meera said.

“Huh!” Ram laughed. “Strong? She fooled you all and you got fooled. She has put a shield around her. A shield she thought will help her to look strong. But the truth is she has never recovered from the trauma. She pretended. To get her back I have to put off that trauma I have to break the shield and in that process she will become more vulnerable.”

“Ram, stop this non sense.” Meera scolded. “She needs a doctor, a specialist who can help her not you and me, who knows nothing about the process. Stop experimenting.”

“I know that Meera. I had a chat with Reshma. From this evening she will start the session. We can trust her.” Ram said.

“Yeah we can. But I am feeling nervous and afraid Ram. Something is not right. When she was conversing with the other people she was perfectly fine, but when I tried to talk to you she is a different person, that girl whom I saw twelve years earlier. There is only one difference..” Meera fell silent suddenly making Ram more concerned.

“What is it?” he asked. Meera's silence made him more impatient. “What is it Meera?” he shouted over phone.

With a deep sigh Meera tried to speak but she chocked. And after few minutes she spoke. “Every time she woke up, she woke up searching for you. Don't leave her alone please. She is breaking down Ram and this time she needs you the most. Be with her.” Putting down the phone Ram walked into the room. Sitting by Priya he didn't hesitate to caress her hair, this time he didn't think for once before touching her. Coming closer he put a soft peck on her forehead and sat there holding her hand until he heard the knock. As expected it was Reshma. She was there to call him for the formal meeting with the applicants who were there to complete the procedure. Ram remembered Meera's every word. He looked back to Priya and was about to speak when Reshma almost read his mind.

“I am here Ram. If she wakes up and asks for you I will inform you immediately.” She said.

“Take care of her and I will be back soon.” Ram almost unwillingly rushed downstairs.

When Ram passed by the living area he failed to notice the presence of his family and Shipra there. Seeing him Sarojani made a face and her comment didn't go well with Shipra. She said, “Not for a single moment our daughter in law cared to come to us and apologise. After what she did to Vikram I tell you Amarnath she can put blame on anyone of us. And I will not be surprised.”

“Maaji please don't mind but she is my daughter I know her well if she is wrong, she will not hesitate to say sorry and accept any consequences of her misdeed.” Shipra voiced.

“So Shipra Ji you also think Vikram is the culprit. Do you even know what this boy has done for us. It could be the last day of Ram. Why could be, it was the last day of Ram's life, Vikram gifted him this life. His every breath is indebted to him. He was completely under control of addiction and the guilt. Guilt of not being able to help Priya, I didn't know the name and reason of his guilt then though. If Vikram didn't come on time that day that car would have ran over Ram, straight over his heart taking away our son forever. It was Vikram who gave up his life saving my son and Priya thinks it is him who attacked her? And more to that Shipra ji you think that if she is wrong, there is no if to it. Your daughter is wrong. Vikram can give his life for us for his friend but can never do any harm to any of us. NO NEVER!!. I supported Priya in her every decision but she proved me wrong, I shouldn't have. I shouldn't have.” Amarnath sat down on the couch.

“Bhai sahib I am not saying that Priya is right, I was just...” Shipra felt silent under Ram's voice.

“I heard every thing. One minute.” Ram pulled out his phone and received Reshma's call. “No Reshma the procedure couldn't be completed. Rajani is bit upset, we need to sit with her and make her understand. Shrestha is with her. I am coming in few minutes then you can do the needful. We can't force a girl to go; we have to make her go happily. A new start can never begin with tears. It must begin with smile, a broad smile.” Ram maintained silence allowing Reshma to speak, which remained unheard to the family. “Yeah I am coming quickly just a matter of few minutes.” Disconnecting the line Ram looked at the gathering with a deep sigh and smile added to it.

“Vikram!” he walked to him and shoved his hand over Vikram's shoulder. “Yes I am alive because of him. It is not that I went to die that day, under the extreme influence of drugs my legs froze at its place and everything around me was black and was floating. It was him who saved me. I trust him the most. But that doesn't mean you all will disown Priya suddenly.” Ram looked around. “She is not doing good. She is hiding something deep inside. Something very uncanny but real, in short she is hiding herself under the strong mask of her. She is very fragile. We all need to help her together. This is not the time to show your ego. It is the time to save her from drowning. She is again looking for us, for her family and this time if we will leave her alone, trust me we will loose her forever. Please Maa...” He stopped under the screeching voice of Priya, that echoed through the garden and then the hall. At first he thought it to be untrue but second time when he heard Priya to take his name with all the strength of her lungs, he ran towards the room. Behind him Vikram paced up and trailing him was the family.

It took Ram less than 2 minutes to reach the room and as he hoped in Priya threw her into him bawling impatiently. He was not ready for it. As Priya left her into him completely Ram looked stunned towards Reshma.

“Please don't leave me Ram. Please. Kaha chala gaya tha? I told you to leave so you did it. This much obedient you are! Please Ram don't leave me please.” She kept on repeating her words clinging to him.

Reshma on noticing the family to crowd the room, she approached Amarnath. “Amarnath Ji this is not the time to crowd the room. Priya needs Ram and we must leave them alone. She is in a pretty bad shape. She was terrified by my presence and even threatened me to kill herself if needed. I will come back soon but please leave Ram and Priya alone.”

“What are you trying to do?” Shipra asked back as Reshma started walking away.

“I have to sedate Priya. Otherwise anything can happen.” Reshma said and rushed away.

Inside the room, Ram stood in the most composed manner, though his soul was scrunching seeing Priya in such pain. He started to stroke Priya's head slowly which comforted her a bit for a while, and suddenly she made her grip tighter against his neck and started bawling again for no reason. It hurt Ram but he remained calm. “Priya.” He took her name softly. “Priya I am not going any where. I am here with you by you. I will never leave you.” Though he was channelling his brain through the steadiness of his voice, his heart knew Meera was right. Priya’s condition is getting worst, he can't experiment with her. She needs a doctor, besides him. Just when he was again about to speak Reshma came in and stood behind Priya. She gestured Ram to maintain peace and remain calm. He saw a syringe in her right hand, before he could ask, she got the right chance and in a moment Reshma successfully pushed the contents of the syringe into Priya's body. Within no time Priya fell calm her grip loosened from Ram's neck and before she could fall, Ram held her under his strong arms. She was still awake, in her drowsiness she was mumbling few words which were hardly be understood. Picking up her in his arms Ram placed Priya carefully on the bed. Tucking her under the blanket when Ram was about to leave, he found Priya clutching his wrist tightly, that was the time he felt Priya was still awake. While Ram sat by her, Priya snuggled closer to him attempting to place her head on his lap. Ram helped her this time and in next two minutes Priya dozed off into deep slumber.

“Ram.” Reshma called him. Getting out of the gaze he responded with a deep sigh. “Come with me for a moment.” Placing Priya's head on the pillow he tried to look like nothing has happened and looked at Reshma. “Come.” Reshma said, to which he responded quietly.

Closing the door behind Reshma looked towards the anxious family. “Few minutes earlier, Priya woke up and finding me she lost her calm. In that messy state of mind she was only looking for Ram. When I tried to calm her she even threatened to kill herself. I don't know what really triggered and so suddenly that her behaviour changed. Though she tried to make us believe that she is perfectly fine but I knew from the beginning she is not and now the matter has worsen. Ram..” She turned to him. “Listen to me carefully. Times will be there she will behave normal like nothing has happened and in times she will be crazy. I am giving some medicines, which will help her to collect and I will try to talk to her and start her counselling soon after she wakes up but this time putting pressure on her means pushing her another step towards...” Reshma stopped. “Towards darkness. We have to bring her out of this.”

“Bauji and you were thinking that she has become rude and her mistakes cannot be forgiven?” Ram said. He knew his father will not reply anytime sooner. So he decided to get back to the room. Before entering near the door he turned back to family and said, “I will be locking the door. I hope you guys understand.” Closing the door he looked at Priya, to her pale and fragile face. His thoughts went back to the call he received that afternoon from Vishesh.

Before entering his cabin, Ram disconnected the call from Vishesh for the fourth time. He walked straight into the cabin this time putting his phone to do not disturb mode. He welcomed the couple waiting there with a broad smile. He apologised to keep them waiting. He picked up the file and was about to converse he was intervened again. This time it was Shrestha.

“Ram.” She entered without asking for permission. “I am sorry for trespassing but I need to talk to you.” She registered her apologies immediately and added, “It is urgent.”

Smiling to the guests Ram walked to Shrestha and walked out of the room with an angry gaze over her. “What!” Ram scrunched the word under his voice.

“Please talk to Vishesh once.” Shrestha requested.

“Who what??” Ram was surprised. “Vishesh called you? What's going on?”

“Please once.”

“They are waiting. A child is waiting to get her family. I have no time for this non sense.” Ram was about to leave but Shrestha's words stopped him.

“It is about her only. Please speak to him once.” Shrestha requested again.

Taking her phone Ram said hello over the phone. “Vishesh what ever you want to just speak out!”

“You have to stop this adoption.” Vishesh said.

“What? And why I have to listen to you?”

“Because you are indirectly supporting child trafficking.” Vishesh said.

“WHAT!!” Ram almost shouted but controlled his voice.

“Shrestha will give you the details of 18 adoption cases which were approved by you and to your surprise none of the children are present in the address provided by the applicants, rather no such address ever existed. All the ids are fake and probably the applicants were two or four but not more than that and more to it, the two sitting inside your cabin are either those two who adopted 18 kids or two of the four.” Vishesh's words froze Ram at his place.

“But..but Reshma did all the checks. I mean she herself made all the verifications including police verifications. How can she miss?” Ram choked.

“Leave it to me. I will do everything to save you. I know you are innocent but you are trapped so badly. If any investigation happens it will be you who will be grilled, put behind the bars not her. But I will not spare her. And Sir, I know you want to start Priya madam's counselling with Reshma but I request you to keep her away from Ma'am. You can speak to Dr Vihan and ask him for a good consultant but please keep her away.” Vishesh said.

“Priya.. Pri..ya is with Reshma. I have to go. But how can I stop this adoption?” Ram asked under his heavy and nervous breathes.

“Leave it to Shrestha, she has already managed it. The girl will do what Shrestha will ask her to do. Just have a word with her and be with Priya Ma'am. She needs you.” Vishesh said. “I will call you later.” He disconnected the call.

“Ram..” Shrestha called him. Getting no reply from him, she touched him which made him come back to the reality. “Ram just tell Reshma that Rajni is not ready to leave with the family she is crying out her heart and I am taking care of her.”

“But..” Ram stopped and looked at Shrestha.

“Just go inside and act accordingly. Please.” Shrestha said. “We have to stop this and have to find out our 18 little ones.”

Taking a deep breath Ram went inside.

In present time, Ram looked at Priya and cursed himself to stop by the living room and wasting his time arguing with his family. He felt disconnected; an agitation built up inside him thinking about Priya, the 18 kids who have vanished in thin air and about Reshma who pushed the medicine without his consent. He climbed up on the bed and sat by Priya resting his head on the headrest stroking Priya's head softly. Suddenly a chord struck. He picked up the phone and typed a message to Jayesh.

“I know you are coming here at Lavasa. Before coming please bring Dr Vehan with you. He is Priya's childhood friend. I am sending you the address and phone number, tell him about me he will not deny coming with you.”

Hitting the send button, he called Rishab and asked him to help. He asked his brother to help him by bringing Riyah there and asked him to plot her visit as a sudden surprise visit, keeping it secret amongst them only. Rishab made sure Riyah comes there after learning the suspected wrong doings of Reshma. Next he called Vehan. The phone on the otherside rang.

“Dr. Vehan I need you here at Lavasa. Priya is in danger. You have to save her. I don't trust Reshma.” Ram said. “Please help.”

“God, why?”

“Listen to me Vehan, you will not come alone. Jayesh uncle will call you. If you remember him. He and Priya's father is on their way from Delhi to Lavasa. Pretend you came on their request but not mine.” Ram said.

“But why? Why you don't trust Reshma? Why you want me to pretend?”

“Because what I learned today I don't believe her anymore. I think she is doing wrong with my Priya too.” Ram briefed the incident to him. “Please help. She needs treatment. I want my Priya back, not an emotionless robot.”

“I will be there.” Vehan said. He hung up the call.

Picking up another mobile he dialled a number. “Your dog is not in your control. We have to stop this. Take care of his bitch. Sorry, my first love.”  He disconnected the line.

“Neither I wanted to hurt you Priya nor did I know you are Ram Kapoor's undying love interest. But..” he smiled cunningly. “Who ever will come between me and my business I can't let that person to walk away free. You have to die Priya. This way or that.”

Until we meet.

Love

NB

Chapter 45 : Dark Days – Part 1

Chapter 45 : Dark Days – Part 1

Driving through the apparently busy roads, Priya's head knocked with one question if Meera was aware of everything and chose to keep it secret taking Jayesh’s side like an obedient and nice employee. With the every turn as her destination came closer she got more nervous blanketed under the thick layer of anger. She looked down to the left side, right on the seat where her mobile rang impatiently for another time. Number of times it rang was not countered by Priya, being absorbed in her own turmoil she deceived herself about its existence. Ignoring it for one more time she kept on moving towards the destination and driving for another half an hour she reached her destination and innumerable tries of the caller at last found success.

Picking up the phone the caller's name send a shot of anger into Priya's head.

“Hello" she answered to Meera pretty unwantedly.

“Where the hell you are and what is happening? Why Shipra ji is so stressed? What you have done Priya? Why she is crying?” Meera asked.

“To be precise nothing has happened and if anything has I will handle it.” Priya answered under her sharp sigh.

“I know you can handle it, but why you left her alone there and where you are?”

“First I have not left her alone, I went to leave someone out of life and second I am at Lavasa waiting for your permission to enter the premises. So may I Ma'am?” Priya said.

“You are freaked out Priya. I will catch you later.” Meera was about to disconnect the line she heard Priya mumbling but she failed to understand a bit of it. “What did you say Priya? Speak a loud.”

“Like people spoke on my face.” She laughed sarcastically and without any warning she dropped the call. Putting it to silent mode Priya pushed open the gate. Slapping the counter top she woke up the security. Guilt ridden he stood up saluting her. Putting the keys on the countertop Priya walked straight inside. When she came near the dining hall she heard the angry voice of Amarnath and muffled cries of her mother. Pacing up she entered the area. Her sudden presence surprised them.

“Your presence doesn't make any difference in the opinion you forced me to have for you Priya!” Amarnath looked angrily towards her. “How could you blame Vikram for all that happened to you?”

“I have not bauji..” She tried to defend but has to step back again under the angry and loud voice of Amarnath.

“You have not even tried to stop him at first, it came from you when I acted differently. You have gone through a lot , I know but this boy..” He pointed to Vikram. “ He lost a vital year of his life, from completely normal he went on to be called as physically challenged only to keep your husband safe. It is Vikram, who must be thanked for every breath of Ram.”

“Bauji I have fired Vishesh. I respect the sacrifices Vikram made for Ram, not knowing it even. But I only have one thought. Why didn't you speak for once in your defence?” Priya asked looking towards Vikram.

“There is no need to prove his innocence, for the crime he can ever think of doing Priya!” Amarnath shouted this time. “And now I know not only him, but you also suspect Vikram.”

“I suspect every man standing here right now.” Priya looked towards Ram this time. “Who knows it can be my husband, trying to make me weaker.” She smirked.

“Have you lost your mind Priya?” Krishna said now. “Do you even know what you are speaking about?”

“Yes I know. After I...” she choked.

“Shut up Priya. What Vishesh has done to you? Now you will believe in a stranger? This... is your family" Shipra said. “Not him.”

“Do you even consider us family Priya?” Krishna asked. She was upset.

“Please everyone.” Ram stepped in. He could guess the reason behind her comment. “Please. We all know what Vikram has done for me but not Priya. I am sure after knowing it she will also feel the same way like us.”

“I hope so.” Amarnath said still in anger.

Ram successfully scattered the discussion. “Aunty.” He addressed Shipra. “Please take some rest.”

“Ram I want to talk to Priya alone. Please don't take this personally I want to know something from her.” Shipra shot an angry glance on her daughter while speaking to him. “Amatnath ji, I apologise on behalf of my daughter.”

“Shipra ji I stood with her everytime, with her every decision but this time she is wrong and she should apologise to Vikram, not to us.” He walked away from the hall towards his room without letting anyone to initiate any conversation further.

“Priya!” Shipra took Priya by her hand and dragged her to the room she was staying. Bolting the door Shipra stood in front of Priya and ordered her to look up. Once she obeyed Shipra initiated. “Have you lost your mind Priya?” She was extremely unhappy with her daughter. “Ram is that person who chose to continue with you even after knowing the past, you must be thankful to him.”

“What??” Priya had slight smile of disappointment on her face and then she started laughing suddenly. “I should be grateful to him for continuing with me? Do you think so?” she stopped laughing. “Maa you disappointed me. I never expected this from my mother.”

“Priya Priya open your eyes and accept the fact that if it was any one else than Ram and his family you would have been slapped with a divorce notice.” Shipra said. Without getting any answer she continued after a pause. “Priya you are married to him, he is your husband and the way you behaved today with him, his family and Vikram they are very kind hearted that you are still allowed inside.”

“Please don't divert from where you started Maa. You just said I should be grateful to Ram.” Priya said with her eyes gazing right to her own image in the mirror.

“Yes.”

“Just answer me one thing Maa.”  She turned towards her mother with her eyes over flooding with tears but she kept her gaze fixed on Shipra. “Could you even think of someone touching you without your permission? Can you ever feel the creepiness, the coldness of that intrusion that you know will destroy everything but you have no choice but to see your everything getting snatched away? No Maa you can't feel, why you no one could ever feel and Maa how could you even see me with pity.”

“Priya I am not doing so. I just want you to be a good wife to him, he has some dreams, some expectations from you and I want you to live upto it. What I want to make you understand is..” Shipra stopped under Priya's voice.

She smirked and continued, “that how great your son in law is that he has accepted a girl who has been...” She breathed heavy. “He showed mercy of giving his name to a girl who has allowed...” Priya again stopped, she looked down and tears trailed down her cheeks. “He showed a big hearted kindness for the girl...” Priya hunched down on the floor. “to that girl who was raped, eaten off, destroyed. But she must be remembered every time about it , why she must be thankful to that man who allowed her to carry his name, who showed mercy by sharing his room with her, she must remain genuflected. After all he is the God and..” Priya stood up.. “Who showed mercy to a criminal.”

“Priya did I say that?”

“Everything doesn't need to be vocalised Maa.” She screamed. “Some unsaid words hurt the most and your son in law should get a reward for showing mercy to me right. He will get it today. He will.” Saying Priya wiped away her tears and rushed out of the room. Shipra followed her daughter's hurrying steps but was late. On her half way to the up stairs she heard the slamming noise of the door. Shipra waited for a minute or two before retiring to her own room. Once she was back to her room she saw Ram almost running towards his room, and she could easily guess the reason behind it.

~~

Ram entered a dark pitch black room. His hands reached out for the switch board but before he could react, he felt a hand gripping his wrist tightly. “Don't. Today I want it black, dark just like my heart.” He heard Priya's voice and felt her hand to slip away. “The little hope that I had is lost today. You are my lord, you and your family accepted a nasty girl who did everything to get her flesh scratched away. I should be thankful to you. You are my God.”

“Priya what non sense you are speaking?” Ram moved near her.

“Yes my mother, my mother thinks so. If my own mother could think like that, take me as a shame who has been shown mercy by some people around then why not you? Why not your family?” Priya broke into tears. She sighed deep before continuing. “Ram.” She called him under the sigh. “What can I do for your Sir?” she said.

“What?”

“I don't take any one's favour. If anyone does so, I make sure I return it on their way. And you know what since the time I thought I recovered from past for past 12 years I have allowed no one to show mercy to me and see you are the one to do that; even without letting me know. Wow.” Priya laughed for few seconds and continued then. “Now Priya is here in front of you to repay you the favour in the way you want it from me.”

Ram could hear her foot steps going a bit away from him and he heard the voice. “Do me a favour show me your greatness and leave me forever, claim me and leave me for ever. You have accepted a nasty girl, a spoiled girl, you must get your award. So go ahead and claim your reward, reward yourself Mr. Kapoor.”

“Priya I will talk to aunty just calm down and sit.” Ram said switching on the lights. Seeing Priya, in the least piece of cloth his blood raged and without thinking he reacted. Ram's hand went up in the air and it slammed against her soft cheek all at once. He slapped her. “How could you Priya!” Picking up her saree he threw to her. He was breathing heavily in anger, tears found its way down.

“What else can I gift you? My mom said I should think about your happiness as your reward, I must keep you happy. I must look after your needs. A great man like you should be rewarded. What else I can reward you with Mr. Ram Kapoor other than myself. I am a nasty spoiled girl what else can a nasty girl can give you?” She stopped as she felt Ram's other hand for a second on her other cheek. This time she fell on the ground. Ram hunched and fell on his knees sobbing loud. With his face covered with both hands he sobbed badly placing his head down on the floor for next several minutes and then suddenly he stood up and walked out of the room slamming the door behind him.

~~

After an hour.

When Ram came back to the room his eyes looked around for Priya, he saw her lying on the bed. Walking up to her he looked at her messy face, swollen eyes and dried lips. He sat on his knees and placed his diary under her pillow without waking her. He wanted to touch her but this time something strong stopped him. Barring his thoughts he withdrew and sat on the couch pulling it to the furthest corner of the room. He closed his eyes and unwelcomed sleep swallowed him into its deepest chasm.

~~

Unaware of the time Ram woke up to Priya's loud cries. At first he thought it to be a dream but soon he realised the seriousness of the matter. Rushing towards Priya he saw the most deadliest view of his life. He saw Priya in the most uncomfortable situation. In her sleep she murmured.. “leave me.. no no no.. please leave me.. let me go.. Don't come near me.. leave me.. please..” Clutching the bed sheet under her both hands she kept on murmuring the words sometimes under her muffled cries and sometimes with a sheer scream coming out of her dried lips.

For a moment Ram was paralysed seeing her in most unwanted situation and his brain stopped working. His eyes lost the vision, only her painful cries made screeching sounds paining his ear drums transporting those to his heart making it beat faster than normal. He jolted out of the hypnosis and called Priya with all his might holding her between his arms. And after trying for several minutes Priya came out of her sleep drenched in sweat, losing her breathes, eyes popping out of its shell. She looked up to Ram with shock, who was just few inch from her face. “Priya.” Ram called her again. His voice affected her, pushing Ram away she sat up and scrunched at the other corner of bed. “Priya.” Calling he tried to come close to her.

“Stay there!” Priya warned drawing herself more into herself. “I said stay there.” She again said watching Ram to move more close to her.

“Priya I am just trying to make you feel better.”

“I don't want anyone to make me feel better.” She said under her loud sobs. “I just don't want anyone...” her cries took over her words. Muffled under painful bawling her words went unheard by Ram. Coming closer he cupped her face restricting her struggles. He sat on his knees with his forehead touching hers.

“Calm down Priya. Please calm down. You don't need me, you want me to leave, I will but not this time. Please calm down.” He whispered. He got no reply but loud wailings. “Stop crying Priya. I am with you, no one is going to hurt you anymore.” This time he felt her touch over her hands.

“No one can ever hurt me Ram, it is my love that hurts me and still it continues. My love is a cruel curse that will end with the end of my love and you what is the funniest part of this..” She came apart and looked intently into his eyes. “I can end this life, my life your life, but I can't end this love. I can't. And this love is eating me, swallowing me into its darkness. It is making me mad. I can run away from you from my life but not from this love. This love is a curse for me.” She sat leaning to the headrest bawling like a little child. “I can destroy everything but not this love. Why? Why did I love you? Why? Kyun aya tu mere zindagi mein Ram? Kyun?”

“Hate me Priya but never think of killing yourself.” Ram said looking down away from her. He looked back hearing her laugh.

“Hate? Nafrat aur tere se? If I could I would have done it the very time I saw you with a new girl every everyday. I would have hated you the day you left me alone. I would have hated you when I have read your diary?” She stopped. “Diary? How could you Ram? Did you? I read it but my heart don't accept it Ram! But my eyes didn't lie. Today you know what cramped me in my dreams. It is not him..” she made a straight face and continued after a pause. “It was you who feared me today.”

Ram looked stunned and surprised both at the same time. “If I make you cripple Priya then I will never allow me to be near you but until and unless I get you out of this.”

“No one get me out of this. It is the curse of this love.”

Wiping out his tears Ram climbed up the bed and without giving any chance to Priya he held tight her under him. “I will get you out of this so called curse, this love will get you out of your so called curse.” This time he embraced her in a tight hug. He came apart but didn't let Priya to win the struggles she was trying to free herself from his embrace. “And now before you again start your old cassette I am leaving you alone in this room but don't think I am going away from here. I am outside and you have no right to throw me out of my own property.” Ram almost jumped from the bed and walked outside the room. He stopped near the railing. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he closed his eyes, the starry night witnessed his pain unsaid, unknown to the world.

~~

“Hello.” The voice from the other side echoed into Vishesh's ear. “I am sending you the papers which I have checked personally, and I am sure about it. There is a huge conspiracy, something wrong is going on here, I don't know what but something is wrong. It was not my suspicion that I shared with you, it is true and you have to stop this. Ram is under their control, they know how to fool him. Please do something.” The voice kept on saying but Vishesh didn't replied. “Are you listening to me?”

“Yes. I will get him out of all these. Don't worry just keep your eyes on them and please take care of Priya Ma'am. I want her to be safe.” Vishesh replied.

“I will and I have to go now. It is almost dawn and I don't want to get caught. Bye.” She disconnected the line and walked away from Ram's office unnoticed.

On the other side Vishesh checked the details she send scanned and highlighted and he also noticed the uncanny similarities between the 18 cases she highlighted but never came to Ram's knowledge that surprised him most. Taking print outs he walked out of the room.

Next Morning.

On seeing Reshma coming upstairs Ram welcomed her with a warm smile wishing her Good Morning.

“I agree this morning is very sweet obviously good but I don't think it is a good one for you. Is every thing fine Ram?”

“I don't know Reshma. I really don't know. Last night Priya behaved so terribly. I don't know what happened to her.” Ram looked towards her and continued. “Do something. Get her back. Last night she went out of control. She is slipping out slowly.”

“Ram calm down.” Reshma said. “Now tell me what exactly happened?” After listening to him carefully she leaned back to the couch with a deep sigh. “I will do session with her this evening and if she is sleeping right now let her be.”

“But what if she hallucinates again?”

“I feel she will not. I feel her fears get triggered specially in the evening or night. She may get a trauma again but let her be. Be around her but don't go near unless she wants you to be.” Reshma suggested.

“Okay.” Ram replied.

“Okay. Another thing Ram, the adoption is due. The couple will be visiting today with many hopes. You have to come and meet them and Ram whatever your decision is you have to give it to us.” Reshma said.

“I am okay with it. You get the papers ready, so that they can get the kid today. There is nothing happier than seeing a kid getting a family. I will just see them in a casual meeting before they welcome her to their life. That's it.” Ram said under a faint smile.

“Th..” Reshma stopped hearing footsteps coming up. She smiled at Shrestha who came up with two tea cups.

“I am sorry. I just go tea for Ram and Priya di.” Shrestha said.

“No it's okay darling. I also have some good news to share with you Shrestha. Today another bird will take the flight to her nest. Get Rajani ready, and tell her that her wait is over. Today she will get her family.” Reshma said with a bright and broad smile.

“Sure.” Shrestha smiled back contently. Placing the tea cups on the tea table she addressed Ram. “Ram, I also thought about Priya di's proposal. I want to pursue further studies with fine arts. If she is awake can I speak to her?”

“Shrestha, baad mein. You just get Rajani ready. Come let me help you in it.” Reshma interrupted Shrestha and almost forced her to leave Ram alone.

Ram didn't notice Shrestha was constantly looking towards him while she walked away with Reshma almost unwillingly.

Inside, with heavy eyes and an aching head Priya sat up on the bed properly. Pushing the pillow back, when she tried to move back to lean on the head rest her body felt something hard under her body weight. Trying to search for it, Priya pulled out the diary after three failed attempts.

It was the same diary that disclosed some cruel past to her. Just when she was about to throw it away, she found a handwritten note tucked loosely inside the diary. Pulling it out, she read it silently.

“I can take every blame, every punishment but not your hate. I am not a monster Priya. It is just a  fragment that you read. I am handing you over 12 years of my life. Before judgin please read it. Don't deny just for a good old time sake please go through this diary once. Your's Ram.”

She looked up to find Ram standing by her. Silently he placed a cup on the bed side table and walked away from the room quietly.

Until we meet

Love

NB