Chapter 42: Tangled in Love.

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

Chapter 41: Is It Love?

Chapter 41: Is It Love?

The silence of the cafe boosted the torment going inside Priya's head. Whenever Vehan spoke her brain provoked her to believe him to be the intruder. Though she was there sitting with him physically but her own self was somewhere dwelling inside her own head trying to judge Vehan. And her absence of mind was easily caught by the other person in conversation soon.

“Hey!” Vehan snapped a finger infront her. “Is something bothering you Priya?” he asked politely.

“Vehan did you know that I am in Mumbai?” She asked, rudely, though for her she was not.

“Priya!” Vehan took a deep breath. “Yes I do know. I knew that from newspapers, social sites and before you ask I also knew that you are married to Mr. Kapoor.” He stared at Priya looking for the next query she had for him.

“Are you still mad over me for the rejection?” Priya asked looking to the ground, as if she was feeling guilty or in anguish assuming the answer.

“Look at me.” Vehan prompted. It took good two minutes or more for Priya to convince herself to continue with the meeting before looking into his eyes. “Priya we were young when it happened and yes more than two years I had had grudge over you. Because I thought you rejected me for the religious differences we have. But time heals every wound and soon I realised my goal; that was not you definitely. Yes at first when I started my course I had fixed your picture on my dart board back in college and I used to aim at your eyes because I thought you having the most beautiful eyes and you know what I was successful every time. But that broke when my sister caught me doing so red handed and spoke to me and addressed my angony. Thankfully I overcome the obsession soon and I owe a lot to my sister. But Priya I learnt something in the process about Love. Love is not a binding, love doesn't know to cage. Love is free, love is all over. You can't see it but you can feel it inside your heart. There is a little difference between love and obsession. If you love you know to give, to surrender, to wait, to respect.” Priya looked up as she felt Vehan's hand over hers. She wanted to withdraw but he made the grip tighter. “But I was not in love with you, I was obsessed with you. I wanted to cage you, compel you to love me. And if not, I was ready to kill you.” Withdrawing his hand he leaned back on his seat. “My love is to serve people and that was the point I meet Mr. Ram Kapoor.”

Silence prevailed on the table. That corner of the cafe suddenly became melancholy. A guilt wrapped Priya in its strong arms. She heard it for the first time but felt it way back in the pent house and suddenly his words made her think about her feelings. Is her love true for Ram? She thought. Priya stood up at her place in the next instant. She looked worried all of a sudden.

“Priya. I am sorry if I hurt you. But I answered you faithfully.” Vehan stood up next and tried to look into Priya's eyes. “Is everything fine?” He knew something was bothering her.

“Yes. I need to go. I...” Priya looked up. “Thanks Vehan for being with my husband. I really owe you a big thank you but this time I need to be alone.” She turned back and strode away from the cafe and again she forgot to take Vehan's phone number.

Vishesh came out of the car when he saw Priya to rush towards the car and behind her he could see Vehan marching towards her. He took Priya's name repeatedly but she was out of the earshot. Vishesh opened the rear seat door for her but instead she took the front seat and sat quietly. He stoop down to the window and knocked softly on the glass. “Ma'am your friend is calling you. I think he needs to speak to you.”  

Coming out Priya looked at the other side of the road. Within two minutes Vehan was standing in front breathless. “I am sorry to stalk you. But keep my card. I think you will need to see me soon and the reason is not known to me. It is quite a gut feeling and take care of yourself. You need rest than travelling. I can visit you if convenient for you and me both, next time, if you need to see me for another question answer session. But may I ask you I question only?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why you enquired about past? Is something related to our last meeting bothered your relationship with Mr. Kapoor. Because Reshma saw us and she might...” Priya interrupted him.

“No. I had this in my mind since long.” Priya lied. “And I think we will never meet again personally. It is good for both of us.” She got inside the car after which Vishesh drove out the car from the parking leaving Vehan alone standing with an unfinished phrase.

“Ma'am Lavasa?” Vishesh asked to know their destination.

“No take me to Marine Drive, please.” Priya said and Vishesh knew he has to obey it.

~~

The car started to roll towards the Marine Drive, the drizzles made Mumbai’s summer little bearable. Turning off the air conditioner, Priya pressed the knob. Window by her side started to roll down allowing the air to come inside. Through the corner of his eyes Vishesh looked towards Priya, eyes closed hands clasped near her stomach, she sat occupied in her own. It was not a pleasant view. A guilt has taken all over her. An unknown guilt for Priya. Throughout the drive she opened her eyes to look down to her mobile only. Though not audible but Vishesh could easily guess the device rang every time when she looked down to it. But she never received the calls. He wanted to ask about her concerns but at the same time he knew it’s not the right time for it. He parked the near marine drive in a while but it seemed Priya has least noticed it. After stopping the car he looked towards Priya without moving even a single inch from his place. “Ma'am.” He tried to get Priya's attention but failed. After a good number of attempts Vishesh decided to come out of the car. Walking to the front passenger seat door he stood straight taking in deep breathes. “Ma'am.” He said almost in the same time when he opened the door for Priya. The sudden force that was put on by Vishesh on the door startled Priya. She looked up and said “Yes.” Without any particular reaction.

“Ma'am. We have reached Marine Drive.” Politely he informed her.

Looking around she realised it must be a good long time they are standing at the parking. Priya suddenly felt little embarrassed. “Ye..es..” she stuttered. She came out of the car and looked around. The busy hour of the day left the place with least dwellers. Walking across the promenade she sat down on the embankment looking across the huge Arabian Sea. She let out deep sigh in intervals, as if an unknown agony is slowing engulfing her within, a little, every time she inhaled and a new second is added to her life. Looking down to her mobile she found it to be vibrating once again. This time she picked up the call. It was Meera on the other end.

“Hey, boss. So all set for the inauguration?” happily Meera said but soon she realised the uneasiness prevailing. “Priya, what is going on?” this time Meera sounded worried. Her careful inquiries soon went in vain. “Priya, if you will not speak then how will I answer you?” Meera knew what she was doing. Priya wanted to speak, ask but something was pulling her back. “I am listening to you and I am here to answer you. Now tell me what you want to share and know or want me to do exactly.” She said affirm over phone.

Priya felt dryness in her throat. Something was troubling her to speak. One after another incidents and some of his dreadful past made her realise how cruel life turned to be not only for her but also for Ram. The recent past incidents made her doubt her own instincts. Was that really love or she is only attracted towards him? Could she love him back any day like he does every day?

“Meera. Can you answer me something?” Priya asked in a feeble and torn voice.

“You don't need permission Priya.”

“Meera, what is love?” Priya surprised Meera with her question. Though it came from a purest soul and was asked without any twists inside her head Meera took time to respond. It is not that she has asked some dreadful secret of hers but the question made Meera think of the swirls going inside her head.

“It varies from person to person.” Meera started with her answer. “Even a dictionary provides you with as many as 15 to 16 meanings for the word. So..” Meera heaved out a deep sigh. “For me Love is beauty. It helps us to discover the hidden beauty in us. It makes us feel livelier especially when we see ourselves through another person's eyes. For me Love is the Beauty of The New Freedom that Heart gets.. sometimes from us.”

“Does that mean we can cage other person under our own feelings?” Priya asked.

“Cage?” Meera laughed a little. “Love is not about caging Priya. At least not for me. I do not believe in holding back. Neither feelings nor the person for whom I feel. I don't believe in obsessive love. Love is expressive but too much of everything is bad for health.”

“I am confused Meera.” Priya said.

“For what?”

“About my love for ram.” Priya said under her sigh. “My hate for him making me doubt if I really love him or not!”

“Why suddenly you feel so Priya? Why now? Your hate is justified, the trauma you went through made your thoughts too narrow. There is no other thing. Please stop thinking so.” Meera was confused about her reaction.

“Meera.. Meera ... I can't explain you what I am going through. It is not that I... but he suffered more than me. I have you people, Jayesh Uncle and most importantly My Family by me.” Priya spoke. “But he had no one. He was lost. He had lost all the twelve years. He only took in air to breathe. I have seen what you have not.”

“What you have seen Priya?” Meera asked thoughtfully.

“His lost years when he only loved me. I was keeping track of him to get a revenge. To uproot him. But he was collecting my life only to love me. A little more every day. And now how mean my mind is playing, I am disgusting myself by doubting him with a kid. The man who is living only with my past, present and future; I was doubting him.” Priya said restlessly.

“Priya trust me I am not getting anything. Please clarify. Please.” Meera asked.

“Okay. Then listen carefully.” Priya said and then briefed everything from the recent past. Especially the penthouse event. Meera felt numb for a while, both the ladies remained silent for few good minutes. Their trance broke while the call got interrupted by Ashok's voice. “Ashok is back?” Priya asked. “When? You never said me!”

“Yesterday, late night only.” Meera said looking at Ashok. She felt a lump in her throat. She has known a truth that is dreadfully heart wrenching. Her eyes meet Ashok's. “Priya I am coming to Mumbai this evening. I think we should meet and discuss.” Her eyes remained locked with her husband's. Ashok nodded right to left with a hint of warning in his eyes.

“Okay. I will wait for you. Message me your flight details. I need to vent out my heart to you too.” Priya had a faint smile as she said. On the other end of her head she dropped the idea of heading to Lavasa. Not out of ego but out of respect for Ram she decided to head to Lavasa with rest of the family for the rituals a week later.

The line went dead.

New Delhi.

“Meera, don't you dare to tell Priya anything.” Ashok rebuked.

“I can't see her to live in illusions.” Meera tried to walk out of the room. She felt a pull on her forearm. Ashok held her back under his tight grip. “Leave me!” she warned.

“And I warn you not to speak a single word to her.” This time he raised his voice.

“You have become a puppet!” She scowled pushing back her husband. “You have become a puppet. Can't you see he is also ruining his life? He has become the destroyer of her life. What you guys are trying to do?” She sat on the bed holding her head between her hands.

“We are trying to make them know their worth for each other. They have suffered a lot we know. A little more. Trust me Meera after this dark night there will be only light. The brightest day!” Ashok shoved his hand against Meera's shoulder making her look towards him. “Trust me!” He smiled.

“And what about him? Doesn't he deserve some respect? Doesn't she need to know his truth?” Meera asked.

“Yes she does really need to know, but only when the time comes.” Ashok stood up.

“But when Ashok?” Meera squealed.

“Soon. Very soon. Before that we have a bigger and tougher job to do.” Ashok said looking towards nowhere.

Mumbai. Marine Drive.

The line went dead. There were nothing in the horizon, but she felt the storm building up there just like the swirls building inside her. A fight has already started between her brain and heart. The belief of her heart has been slashed into pieces by the brain. Just then a voice forced her to break the trance. Moving her head aside she left out a deep sigh. The person standing behind was least expected that moment.

“Yes.” Priya stood up facing Manik.

“I guess you are not happy to see me around.” Manik smirked.

“Does it matter to you?” Priya replied curtly.

“Really not!” he smiled inwardly. “Why you are not picking up my call?”

“I wanted to be alone. I don't want any interference at all.” She replied. “Even right now I am least bothered to speak with you.”

“But you have to come with me. I need to talk to you. You need to answer my call every time, to show up whenever I will summon you.” Manik sounded really rude this time.

“And exactly why?”

“You will get to know about it soon and now please cooperate and come along with me.” He looked straight into Priya's eyes.

“Why?”

“I said, you will get to know about it.” Manik sounded really impatient this time. “I am not liable to answer you everything.”

“You are.” Priya smiled. “You are Mr. Sniha. If you have forgotten let me remind you, I am the victim not the suspect of the case.” Priya looked up as Manik shouted this time.

“A FRAMED ONE.” He shouted moving close to her. “ YOU ARE STILL IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BOY FRIEND IN NASIK. WE HAVE PROOFS MRS. KAPOOR.”

“My boyfriend?” Priya looked puzzled. “Really and who is it...” she stopped with the voice of another man. It was Ram. He walked towards Manik and pushed him away from Priya before he could speak any thing.

“You ca..” Manik stopped under Ram's voice.

“You cannot treat my wife like a criminal!” He squeaked. “She is a respected public figure and she is the complainant in this case!”

“That doesn't change the truth!”

“What truth?” Ram asked.

“Your wife is cheating on you. And being married to you has made it difficult for her to be with her boyfriend, Rajat!” Manik accused Priya of adulteration.

“Are you out of your mind Manik?” Ram looked back to Priya. “Do you even know what the hell you are speaking? My Priya and Rajat!”

“I know this is un...” Manik stopped under Vishesh voice.

“Do you mean a woman can be friend with a man who has changed her life?” Vishesh said. “Sorry to interfere but I think as he is the investigation officer he must know the truth Ma'am.” He looked at Priya.

“Vishesh, can you ask the driver to take Shrestha to Lavasa. We will join later, tell her please.” Ram pointed to the car standing at a distance. Vishesh nodded and walked away.

“Can we sit and talk?” Ram asked looking at Manik while he held tight Priya's hand under his. “We ...” He looked back when Priya clutched his arm. “Let me speak Priya.” He said with a faint smile.

“What really you guys hide from me?” Manik said looking to the couple. He sensed a mystery in their body language.

“Please come.” Ram gestured Manik to follow. Once inside the car, he asked Vishesh to take the same into traffic, while Manik asked the driver to wait for him at parking. “Sir, as much I know you have an immense track record of 98% success, and you have seen a number of cases with different modus operandi, motives have you ever seen any rape victim to gang up with the rapist to do harm to a third person?” Ram asked praising his abilities as a cop.

For a good moment of time, Manik looked nowhere with his eyes shot towards the busy road of Mumbai. He heaved a deep sigh when his eyes went towards Vishesh who was driving the car in silence, as if Manik had some problem with the presence of a private bodyguard.

“You can speak, he is a friend more than acquaintance.” Ram answered.

“If what you said was another trick to manipulate me then let me tell you, it is a pretty bad idea. You may regret in future.” Manik's harsh voice made Priya wince her face. More than the voice the fear of her dark past to come out to public jacketed her sternly.

“I am not so insensitive that I will try to manipulate you with the support such a dreadful act.” Ram looked down with a disappointing smile crawling on his lips. “Mr. Sinha you are trying to frame up my wife, the victim or to be precise the rape victim with her culprit and rapist Rajat Kapur.” He looked into Manik's eyes with a straight face. “Yes you heard it right.” His eyes stoop down to Priya's hands which were clutching his arms so tightly. He felt her nails making its way to his skin under the fabric. “Priya he can understand. Calm down.” Now he again looked up to the gentleman sitting on the front seat by Vishesh. He was again looking into the busy roads of the city. He sighed and turned back two times trying to speak but like always he got some trouble to speak to a rape victim. Taking a deep breath he looked back. He looked at a startled and frightened woman trying to vanish herself behind the huge structure of her husband ,and he found it hard to believe Priya to be the same woman who faced him bravely few minutes back.

“Did you compliant against him then?” Manik asked Priya but his eyes were on Ram.

“No. She didn't.” Ram answered. “We stand in 21^st century a hugely developed society but still people look towards a rape victim in either of the two ways in majority, either with sympathy or with cruelty. We start to judge the girl, her character, her dress, her family. In one way or other the life of a rape victim turns into a havoc in a matter of few minutes. Even today 90% of the rape cases go unreported because families are concerned about their daughter's wedding and the criminal assails free. Mr. Sniha if today we still look so regressively towards them just think how people used to react to this then.” Ram looked towards Priya. “And apart from Priya it was known to Jayesh Uncle. We all came to know about it few days before our marriage.”

“Mrs. Kapoor then it can be easily guessed he is behind you. He is behind you badly. We come across such cases regularly. And if I am not wrong you Mr. Kapoor and Rajat were friends and there was a triangle and Rajat is the lustful lover in it.” Manik tried to make Priya answer. But she remained quiet. This time he looked at Vishesh whose facial expression changed within moments.

“He was the one to train Priya and make her regain her lost confidence again.” Ram said.

“And other than Jayesh Sir, I was the one who also knew this truth.” Vishesh added.

“So don't you guys think Rajat can be the man?” Manik asked other two men. “And if he committed such a sin why Mrs. Kapoor is still in touch with his mother in Nasik?” he looked towards Priya for an answer. “Then why should I not suspect her to team up with Rajat to do harm to The Kapoors? She is the one who is funding the expenses of Rajat's mother and her Jayesh Uncle too! Isn't this enough to suspect her, suspect them?” Manik was still arrogant to believe Priya to be innocent.

Looking towards Priya, Ram felt her clumsiness. With his touch she shivered. Her skin was cold as dry ice. “Manik I have done enough to make her dead again. Please have some mercy, leave her alone. I am taking her to Lavasa. If you need us call me, I am promising you to co-operate. But right now show some mercy. Don't be so inhuman and degrading.” He said clasping Priya under his warm arm holding her by shoulder. “Please.”

“Can you please move back to Marine Drive?” Manik said to Vishesh and sat straight at his place. After half an hour silent drive the car stopped in front of the parking. Vishesh came out before Manik and stood silent. Manik came out looking to Ram when he asked him to do a favour by keeping the conversation within him only. “Mr. Vishesh..” he addressed the man standing opposite to him.

“Sir.” He responded.

“May I know your name?”

“Vishesh...” he looked back surprised.

“Your full name please.”

“Vishesh Gupta.” He answered.

“Thank you.” Lighting a cigarette Manik walked towards his car.

Until We Meet

Love

NB