Chapter 30 : It hurts.. knowing you stranger.

Chapter 30 : It hurts.. knowing you stranger.

“How was the food?” Ram asked while walking on the beach.

After dinner Ram drove to Versova beach instead of Marine Drive. Night came down quickly engulfing the city. The elders have been informed that they will be late by an hour or two by message. Ram not for once thought why Priya accepted every proposal given to her when few days back she was in denial to marry him. She is hiding.

“The food was good and this place is also pretty awesome.” Priya smiled. “Can I ask you something?”

Ram's heart almost stopped beating anticipating the question. What will she ask? He asked himself. Puffing off the sweat from his head he smiled after asking her to shoot.

“Why you came back last night?”

“Haan.” He smiled. “I felt like that's why I came back. You are leaving for Cape Town next week and I don't know when you will be back. So I thought to spend some time with you.”

“Ram, don't expect much from me. You will end up hurting yourself only. I can be your friend only not a wife or that Priya whom you loved.” Priya said walking away from him. “With your every little care I feel you going weak for me. Don't do this to you Ram. I will end up hurting you only.”

“No I don't think so.” Ram replied under a smile. “And even if I end up in a heart break, trust me I will never complain. Never ever.”

“But...” Priya paused and looked to Ram's pocket his phone rang loudly.

“Excuse me.” He pulled out the phone looked into the display, muted it and pushed it back into his pant's pocket.” But before he could re initiate it rang again.

“Please take the call.” Priya turned and walked while the little waves broke over her bare feet.

“Yes.” He answered Shrestha's call.

“Why didn't you say bye to me before leaving?” She asked.

“Shrestha...” Ram looked at Priya, she is out of earshot. “Please Shrestha right now I can't talk. I am with Priya.”

“Okay. But where is the problem?” Shrestha asked. “Why can't you speak with me? Do we share any discrete relationship that she may oppose to?”

“I don't want to discuss anything right now.” Ram disconnected the call and walked fast. In no time he matched Priya's pace. “Priya..” he called. After she responded Ram took a deep breathe and spoke. “Don't you want to know where I went?”

“No.”

Surprised Ram asked her why.

“Because I have no rights over your personal space but we have an agreement and let's just not complicate our relationship. Digging into each other's life will make us uncomfortable especially if we find a third person involve in it.” Priya said in one breathe ending it with a smile.

“There is no third person.”

“If not then why you disconnected the call at first.”

“I muted it.”

“Same thing, you wanted to hide your her from me. I understand Ram you can have another person in your...” Priya stopped under Ram's voice.

“Shut up! How could you even think about it? I cannot think anyone in my life other than you. I have never thought of anyone but you. How could you Priya.” He ran his hand through his hair. “If I am not wrong I am the twelfth man in your life isn't it?” He spoke in anger.

Priya didn't respond. She calmly looked to the Arabian Sea that howled. “If I could love anyone else than you I would have never cheated on Rajat. If I could bluff myself I would have never submitted to you Ram. I would have been Mrs. Priya Rajat Kapur today may be.” She smirked and paced up leaving Ram blotted at his place.

When he realised, she has walked past him, he took Priya's name loudly. Priya stopped under the ricocheting of her name. Closing her eyes she stood fixed at the place.

“I am sorry.” Ram's voice made her blink. She moved her face away from him to avoid any eye contact with him. “I am really sorry.”

“If you learn any day that I had any kind of physical relation with Rajat before we made out, will you hate me?” Priya looked with an out of the context question.

“Priya stop this non sense. I was the first person to touch your womanhood. You can't fake it to me.”

“That is not the answer.”

“Okay if you are adamant to know then listen carefully. I love you not your body. I love your soul not your flesh. I love your heart not your mind. I love your touch not your lust. I love you to trust not to hurt. I love you for what you are.” Ram declared his heart with eyes full of saline water bulging at the periphery of his eyes.

“Loved.” Priya voiced. “Loved we loved each other. Now we are only business partners, legally wedded couple and nothing.”

“I know you hate me. But I can never hate you.”

“I hate myself not you.” Priya said curtly but stopped when she remembered Meera slapping her for calling herself a shame to be a woman. “I just hate myself because I double crossed a guy. Expected help from another guy whom I left bleeding in fear of getting caught red handed. I blamed you but what ever happened with me followed the path I paved.”

“No one paves way to molestation. Nothing justifies it.” Ram said in an angry voice. “If you find a justified reason behind it, remember you are over thinking and you need a slap to stop thinking so. If needed I will not step back to get your brain back at its place.”

“I was in the wrong place at wrong time.”

“No..it was his sick mind...” Ram couldn't speak more. His uneven breathes muffled the anger that started building up. He looked up as it started to drizzle. Gripping Priya's hand he started walking back towards the car but before they could reach it started raining heavily. Even running back to the car didn't help. They got drenched.

“Use my jacket Priya.” Ram extended it to her. “You got badly drenched.” Accepting the same she sat quiet until they reached the mansion, where another shock was waiting for them.

The moment Priya got out of the car she was welcomed by Meera who was nervous and startled at the same time. Her pale face indicted to an unwanted incident. “What happened?” Priya asked hurrying out an animated reaction.

“That, which must not have happened.” Meera said looking at Priya and then at Ram. “Whatever will happen now, promise me you will not react to it.” Meera confused Priya more than she was at that time.

“What?” Ram squealed.

“Come inside and don't react.” Meera squeezed Priya’s hand under hers. She knew the series of incidents that are due to occur will not go good with her in particular, while she has no idea about Ram and how he will tender his reactions.

The couple looked around the living room, where Amarnath sat digging his face in between his hands, Krishna sat with a gruesome expression suffused all over her face while Sarojani kept on striding to and fro along the passageway of the living room. She was the first one to notice the couple to enter the Mansion. She froze at her place. “How could you do this to my boy?” The blame clearly directed towards Priya.

“Darling what happened? Why you are talking to Priya in such tone?” Ram countered her instantly stepping closer to his Grand mother.

“Priya is the girl for whom you drew a forbidden line around you?” Krishna squeaked.

“Krishna!” Amarnath looked up. “I said stop it.”

“Why should I? She is the reason I lost my son. She is the reason my son lost every respect from his father. She is the reason we had to send him to an asylum. I can't forget those days. When she decided to leave him then, why she came back into his life now? Only for money and name? I will never forgive you Priya for what you did to my son.” Krishna Kapoor the mother spoke out her verdict.

“Maa.” Ram shouted back but only to be stopped by Priya. With her eyes glued down to the floor she walked towards her room. Ram knew his mother has pushed her to the cliff again. Without thinking for a second Ram followed Priya to their bedroom but he came little late. Priya locked herself in the washroom, his eyes went to the jacket that lied on the floor. “Priya..” he knocked at the door. “Open the door.” He knocked again.

“Ram, leave me alone. I am not doing any harm to me. I am taking precautions so that I don't catch cold.” Priya replied calmly. “And don't wait for me outside. Please be there and ask Meera to stay quite. Please do as I say. Meera can be violent when it comes to me. Please help me.” While she thought to be precautious with health and Meera, she forgot about Ram who got drenched too.  

Ram had a mixed emotions running through his veins. He wanted to get hold that person who disclosed their past to his family and at the same time he had to protect Priya. With all these he walked downstairs. His eyes fell on Meera. She stood at a corner with her hands folded near her belly.

“What so ever happens I am not going to forgive your wife.” Krishna said with her son's first view.

“How much people can be selfish in filial love now I am learning it.” Meera said under her sigh followed by a quicker smirk.

“You are no one to speak in my family's matter.” Krishna shouted.

“But I have every right to speak for my sister. You have seen your son in pain. Did you know what happened with her?” Meera stepped to speak the truth. “And what you were saying Priya married Ram for money. Mrs. Kapoor open your eyes she is hugely successful and more than your son. She owns a company with above 500 crore turn over. How can you think that she married him for money?” rebuking the lady Meera turned to Ram. “Ram what you have other than your father's name?” she asked.

“Meera! Stop it.” Priya appeared in her night gown. “Leave, we will talk tomorrow. Please leave.” Her eyes were as calm as the nature which warns with the fear of destructions ahead. “Good night.” Priya walked down stairs once Meera left.

“May I know how our elders knew about us Ram?” She asked her husband.

“Bauji...” Ram was sure it was his father who broke the news but he was wrong.

“This time that man intruded our bedroom and left a mini projector with all your photographs displaying one after another starting from your college days to marriage.” Amarnath said in muffled voice under his sigh.

He has a plan to execute. To uproot Ram Kapoor. But making it easy for him to end his life was not the plan. After his failed attempt to kill his wife made that clear to him. The way Ram Kapoor searched for him and is still trying to get hold of him made him more cunning. He decided to make it more difficult for him. This time he reached the senior Kapoor’s bedroom. After the ladies vacated the room he stepped in. Pulling out the micro projector he adjusted its projection on the opposite wall. After it started playing their pictures on the opposite wall, he smirked. Putting back the mask, he limped back to the terrace and took his way back to exit the mansion.

When Amarnath and Krishna went back to the room after dinner, both of them remained shocked to know the truth.

“Who could be it?” Ram sat on the couch. His eyes went to his brother who came back late.

With no clue of the series of incidents that happened at the Mansion he asked about it. As a reply he got a shocking reaction from his mother. She knocked everything that came on her way while striding back to her room.

“Maa. You can't go like this.” Ram tried to follow her but only to be stopped by Priya. “Priya I need to talk to her.”

“No. Give her time to recollect. No mother can ever withstand her child's accused.” Priya said.

“But you are not my accused.”

“Let's not talk about this.” Priya wished Good night and walked upstairs.

“Someone please tell why there is so much tension around.” Rishab said impatiently.

“Come with me Rishab.” Sarojani dragged away her younger grand son with her.

“She can never be my accused Bauji.” Ram said in muffled voice.

“I know that. But as Priya said give your mother a little time to recollect before declaring the truth to her.” Amarnath said under his sigh and left leaving Ram alone.

~~

That night Ram didn't interfere in Priya's space. Little he slept but when he found Priya sleeping calmly on the love seat he sat down on the floor by her. Caressing her head he also dozed off to sleep.

~~

09:00 AM Mumbai.

Ram opened his eyes to find the love seat empty. He registered the time in his head and knew that he is late. Taking Priya's name he walked to the changing room. But she was neither in the changing room nor in the washroom. She was no where. Ram panicked. He kept on calling her. His voice reverberates around the Mansion. Scampering downstairs he asked his mother for Priya's whereabouts. But she maintained silence like Priya never existed for her. The same cold reaction was given by Sarojani too. Amarnath was the first person to show concern. “Ram, what happened?” he asked.

“Priya is not in the Mansion.” He panicked.

“She has a 100 crore turn over organization, much bigger than my son. Why should we think about her? Ask her friend Meera. She must be with her.” Krishna replied curtly.

“Krishna! Stop this. Don't be so blind in filial love that you can't see the pain of Priya.” Amarnath rebuked. With out uttering a single word Krishna walked away from the living room along with Sarojani.

“Rishab.” Amarnath called his younger son. “Do you have any idea where your Bhabi could be?”

“Have you checked with Neha?” He asked Ram. “Might be she is with her. After all Neha is her only friend here at Mumbai.”

Ram dialled Neha's number and waited for her to pick the call. “Neha, is Priya with you?”

“No Ram. But why are you sounding so tensed?” Neha asked him walking to Vikram who was playing with his sons. She animated an instruction to her husband. When Vikram joined her she put the phone in loud speaker.

“Priya has left me or .....” A cold vide touched his spine. He gulped a lump in his throat.

“What Ram??” Vikram shouted.

“She is kidnapped!” Ram said in a low voice, the phone slipped out of his hand.

“What!!” Vikram called Ram's name an umpteenth time. When he failed to get a response he hung up. “Neha come with me. Ask your mom to come over here immediately. Ram needs us.”

~~

It was 12:00 noon when Kapoor Mansion became a place with a too many visitors but void of the ladies of that palace. Meera sat confused calling one after another person trying to track down Priya. But from her end she had no clue. Vishesh had left to hunt down Priya, tracking the GPS of her car, but he still remained clueless about her whereabouts Until the GPS gets connected to an internet connection it is of no use.

“Meera. Enough of waiting we must call the cops.” Amarnath voiced. “This is their duty.”

“No need. She must have left on her own. No one gets kidnapped along with luxury car.” Krishna said from a corner in a mocking tune. “There is no need to make this place a circus. Just leave everyone. And you lady..” she pointed to Meera. “She is hugely successful than my son right! But she got snatching my son's life. I curse.....” Krishna stopped and looked at Ram who screamed out a loud cry.

“ENOUGH MAA. ENOUGH... your son was beaten up only but she.. she was groped, molested, beaten off, ripped off. She was disgraced; she called out for help from your son. But what your son did. He kept on protecting the false reputation. Ask them...” he pointed to his friends. “We waited for the right time to help while Rajat molested her, pushed her to the cliff, wounded her soul and she gave up for whom? For me. She trusted me. She trusted her Ram. She believed that Ram will stand by her. But no what Ram did? Ram abandoned her.” He animated a mocking reaction before falling on the floor. “I abandoned her, she stood by me all the time. I was the one who only claimed to love her but could never stand by her.”

Krishna failed to understand how to react. She stood there gripping the latch of the door tight in her hand.

“Ram. We know she is hurt. But stop hurting yourself.” Vikram said hugging Ram tight.

“Vikram she never did anything to hurt me. I was the one to hurt her. I was the one to leave her alone. I was the reason she could have died. I could have lost her. And my mother, she cares for her son who came back with few wounds that healed in months. But never thought about a girl, whose soul was scratched forever.” Ram sobbed like a baby.

“Meera Madam.” Vishesh came running in. “She left for Delhi. Her car is parked outside the airport. She has left for Delhi. I got track of it when it got connected with the open network for a moment.” He said loosing breathes in interval.

“What?” Meera stood up. Dialling a number she waited for the person on the other side to receive it. “Manish you said there is no transaction today on Priya's name?”

“No Ma'am there is none. Till now she has done no transaction.” Manish, her subordinate replied.

Disconnecting the call she sat back. “Ram, does she have cash with her? Anyone of you know that?” She asked looking around the room.

“She may have. I mean shagun. She must have received cash too with other gifts.” Amarnath said.

“How do you know that Priya has left for Delhi? Did you check with bookings anyhow?”  she asked Vishesh.

“No ma'am. I just guessed.”

“She is clever; she will never go to Delhi. She knew if she does that I will be the one to catch her first. She has gone somewhere else. Her passport is with me so she has not left the country but where? And why?” Meera sat confused, “And who was that intruder what does he want? Why he is behind Priya? Whatever Priya did there is a reason behind it. If she does anything wrong...”

“I can never forgive myself then. Just find out where she is!” Krishna said. In shame she failed to look at Ram. “Just find her and bring her back to me.”

“Before I leave, it’s time you all must know something.” Meera trembled while speaking. “Everyone should know when people have started blaming her for Ram specially. Why she has become so ruthless, wicked and cunning you all must know. Vishesh you should too.” Meera's voice muffled under her light sobs. With tears bulging in her eyes she looked at Ram. “Ram that day she was not molested.” Meera could not hold back her tears. “Krishna ji your son had got some wounds, physical wounds but my Priya was thrashed. She was not molested. She was raped.” Meera broke into loud sibs. “She was raped.” Meera repeated in sob muffled voice.. “She wanted to end her life not because she was molested but was raped.”

Neha trembled back. She looked at Vikram who stood in shock. Ram stood up and looked around. “Me...Meera.. what..did you say?” Ram stood up wiping away his tears under his stammer.

“That what you heard. Now it is on you all to decide if Priya is an accused or a victim. What I can she is not fine. She needs help. She finds herself to be responsible for all that happened with her. She finds herself to be a shame. She thinks being a woman is a shame. She is in depression still, even if she smiles and socialize. There are hardly any night she sleeps calmly. If there is one then it is because of sedatives. She takes sleeping pills to balance her sleep to balance her life and keep on going with it. She is living a Mechanical Life, wake, work, Eat, Repeat. Now you all decide what she is? An accused, a victim, a disgraced woman or just a girl who has all the right to be happy, a woman who has all right to be loved.” Meera strode out calling Vishesh to accompany her. But he stood blotted on his place. The fragments of the incident played in front of his eyes. A clearer view than the earlier one. “A WOUNDED MAN, AN OVER SPEEDING TRUCK, A GUN SHOT ON RAJAT KAPUR'S LEFT LIMB FROM POINT BLANK AND A PAIR OF RAGING EYES. That person practised firing for umpteenth time for that only but the bullet missed his limb. Why?” “Vishesh” Meera's voice dragged him out of thoughts. “Vishesh where are you lost? Come quick we have to trace out Priya.” Meera walked out again.

Vishesh: “How can I tell you, the truth you said is known to me since a long time!”

He sighed and walked out behind Meera.

Until we meet.

Love

NB 

Chapter 29 : An Intrusion

Chapter 29 : An Intrusion.

“I doubt you now. I strongly believe you are up to something.” Meera said looking at Priya who was busy arranging wardrobe in the changing room. Walking in baby steps, trying to judge and giving Priya time to defend, Meera stopped at the door looking hopelessly towards the lady whose back faced her. “What are you up to?”

“Are you asking me for not giving reaction to Ram's escapade?” Priya replied without looking back at Meera. “If that is, then let me tell you, I have nothing in mind. But I have an agreement signed, which states neither of us will interfere in one another's personal space.” Priya heard Meera to sigh in disgust. “But yes there is a thing which I still want to know.”

“Speak.”

“Where from you got to know about him to be in Lavasa?”

“A little research after I got a hint earlier this week. An NGO approached us for donations naming “A Place In Heart.” And which supposed to belong to Dr. Reshma, whom I saw in your engagement and marriage and if considered Ram is pretty close to her. I put the hint to my people and they came up with a connection that Ram travels there often.”

“What did you say “A Place in Heart” ?” Priya asked little surprised.

“Yes. Why did they approach you earlier too?” Meera asked.

“No.” When Priya looked up, she knew Meera wanted to know the truth behind her repeated query about the name. “Nothing. I heard that name earlier.” Priya lied. She knew that name and its significance pretty well. She wanted to start an NGO in that name, a place in heart for all those who are distressed, dominated and thrashed for nothing in this society. “Nothing” Priya repeated to Meera again. Walking back to the room, she closed the French Windows and checked twice after locking it. But little she noticed her phone which was kept on the bed side table few minutes earlier now laid on the love seat. She picked it up and dialled her mother's number.

~~

It was 9.30 at night. Ram walked tippy toed to the boys’ room and stood under the red dim light that flooded the room evenly. At the furthest corner was sleeping a boy hugging a green Dinosaur near his heart. Beside him rested an oxygen cylinder and a pipe is connected to his nasal opening. Without making any noise he walked to him and stopped by the bed. Chotu was sleeping calmly. His breathes are even, unlike the week he came there before his marriage. Picking up the notebook from the side table Ram hovered his hand on the artistic handwriting of that little boy, where he wrote, “When we will meet Bhabi, he never tells us Jiggle. I am angry for that with Bhaiya and next time if he takes me to the marine drive, I will only go if Bhabi will be there too.” Ram sighed and placed the notebook back at its place. He sighed deeply looking at the boy who lied there with dreams of becoming a journalist and life though gifted him with many talents became cruellest when it came to be staying with him. As he turned with the decision he took in his mind he saw a silhouette at the door. Approaching to it he knew it was Reshma.

“Come have your dinner, it’s late. I asked Shrestha to leave you alone too. She will not bother you, unless you will allow her near.” Reshma turned to leave when he spoke to stun her.

“I am going back.” Ram's voice echoed through Reshma's ears.

“If I may ask why? You may leave tomorrow morning.”

“No..now. I will reach by 1 or 2 am max and why? I may sound selfish but I need to be with Priya now. She will leave for Cape Town next week. I will come then and will stay long.” He declared.

“Don't do duty to her. She is your wife not a responsibility.” Reshma mocked him.

“No one is a responsibility for me, who are there in my life. I just feel like to be with her.” Ram stole his eyes from the doctor.

“Don't be selfish towards her for saving your other commitments.” Reshma said kindly. “Don't mix up.”

“I must leave. Bye.” Ram strode towards his room, he picked up the bag and in no time he was on road travelling back towards Mumbai, with Reshma's words throbbing in his head. Is he being a selfish man doing unjust to his wife? If he tries to tell her about helping him with the NGO financially, will that be a selfish move? With thoughts he pressed on the accelerator, constant drizzle and night has desolated the roads.  Though carefully he drove in speed higher than the normal he is used to.

~~

01:00 A.M.

A man in with his hood on eased and climbed to the terrace. He knew when to invade; the soul security was also fooled. He was honest with his duties but the man in the hood is cleverer and more intelligent than the other. Taking the last leap after landing to the surface, he held his right knee. He winced in pain. The old wound never healed even after he trained himself hard to overcome it. He limped a little and struggled to walk. Cursing the wound he stepped ahead with a metal strip in hand. As expected the French Window was locked. He knew to unlock such locks. And he has already taken the details of the lock, slipping the metal strip through the hair line gap, he masterly pressed it over the lock. 1..2..3.. and go. “Click” it opened. Inside he could see his target sleeping with her back facing him. His boot will make sound against the floor he knew, but what is in there, before death, one must know who is taking away breathe. When he was about to step in, reflection of the light stunned him. Striding back to the ledge he carefully looked to the gate. How can he be back? He thought looking at Ram Kapoor. He waited for him to end his conversation with the security. After Ram went inside the car and drove in with the lights of the car off, he stood up. Abort ! He said to himself before taking the same route to slip away through which he came there.

~~

Ram opened the back door and walked inside the mansion after taking off his shoes. The living room flooded with dim blue lights was calm. He looked around to make sure he don't end up getting caught by any one. Making sure there was no one around, he took leaps to reach his room. It was not locked. He found it strange, for Priya not locking the room. Then he got nervous imagining his mother or grand mother to be with her for the night but Priya's discomforts in sharing same space with any person gave him hope. Pushing the door, as slowly it can be, he stepped inside. The red dim lights flooded the room and a cold breeze hit him as he stood inside. Looking to the direction of the room he found the French Window open. How careless he thought.

Ram found it little strange when Priya's sleep was not interrupted by his strolling around the room. Stopping himself to over think, he took his pillow, gulped some water from half filled glass from the side table and lied down on the love seat. In no time he dozed off to deep slumber.

~~

“Ram..Ram...” Priya’s voice took him back to the materialistic world from his dream, which had nothing but emptiness. He flickered open his eyes to realise he was sleeping in the bed.

“Hell.” He jumped to a sitting position. “How the hell I am here?”

“Don't you think it should be my question?” Priya sat up holding her head from both sides.

“No but I slept on the love seat. How did I end up here?” Ram looked down to himself. That's also stripped off.

“I have stripped you off? Is that you think?” Priya mocked him unhappily. “When the hell you came back? You where supposed to come tomorrow right?” she kept on pressing her head from both sides. “My head. Don't irritate me. Were you drunk last night? And please put on something you don't look pleasant anymore topless.”

“What do you mean?” Ram asked curtly.

“Nothing. Please grab a t shirt and cover your extra large abs.” She stood up and walked to the changing room putting the gown around.

“What the hell is happening? I wore a t shirt, slept on the love seat and I am not so petite that Priya could have carried me here stripped me off and... no stop Ram. If she had aroused me how could be this even possible that I don't remember anything. But how I ended up here?” Ram looked confused hovering his eyes to and fro between the love seat and his position.

“Oh ho.. Ram please put something on.” Priya came back into the room in the same attire. “There it is.” She picked up the T shirt from the floor and threw it to him. “I am sure you were high on booze last night. But your luck I never felt that you are sleeping by me, it is really rare.”

“First I don't drink. Second I slept on the love seat.” Ram scorned putting the on the T shirt.

“What do you mean I carried you there? Do you find yourself so irresistible?” Priya expressed her unhappiness. “If you have forgotten I told you about my discomfort and you being carried by me, do I look like a fool who digs her own grave?”

“Stop it please. I clearly remember I slept on the loveseat. That's true.”

“Okay you won and I loose. What ever theory and hypotheses you draw stick to it but please stop confusing me.” Priya sighed in disgust. She sat leaning on the chesterfield.

“Who sleeps with French Window open and AC on at the same time?” Ram asked.

“What?”

He repeated the question again narrowing his eyes. “I think you were drunk last night else no one will sleep with doors open.”

“I intentionally kept the door open.”

“The French Window too.”

“What no!” Priya stood up. “I have checked it twice before going to bed. I have locked it.”

“No you have not. I closed it last night. This is pretty careless of you Priya.” Ram frowned.

“But I did.” Priya's eyes went to the French Windows. “But I did.”

“Leave it.” Ram walked to Priya. “Listen.” He stood there to register her reaction to his approach.

“Yes..”

“What are you doing tonight?”

“Nothing special as such!”

“Will you come for dinner with me followed by a visit to Marine Drive?”

“Mhmmmm okay.. but no peanuts this time.”

Ram smiled shyly, “Okay.. I will keep that bhaiya away from us.”

“Thank you.” Priya walked to the changing room, “But I checked the locks twice. I didn't left it open and carrying you to the bed; think rationally it is not possible for me.”

“Then who did it? God an intrusion!” Ram looked back, moments later he ran downstairs. When every one knew he was in work out from the town he surprised his family with sudden appearance out from his bedroom running out of the mansion, in hunt for something. Priya followed him but was stopped by Amarnath.

“When did he return?” he asked out of the astonishment.

“Last night.”

“And where did he go in hurry?”

“I don't know. But may be someone tried to intrude our bedroom last night.” Priya stammered out the reply.

“Bhai went to check with the CCTV footage. I will check with it.” Rishab rubbed his hands on the handkerchief and rushed out of the mansion.

~~

“Gone. Every cam that could have recorded him is covered by a black film only two goggled eyes have been captured before those started recording black only. Only darkness.” Ram kicked the stool in front. “And he came back after I returned.”

“How could you say that?” Vishesh asked looking to Ram from the display screen. He re-winded it an umpteenth time in search of a clue. But the intruder turned out to be clever.

“I know.” Ram looked uncomfortable while replying.

“Sir please the full truth. Ma'am's life is in stake. We can't take chances.” Vishesh requested.

Ram knew it will let out the real truth of his and Priya's relation but nothing can be mightier than her life. “I was sleeping on the love seat. But in the morning I was sleeping on the bed by her.” He let out a deep sigh averting eyes to the nothingness.

“Oh!” Vishesh also knew the awkwardness that suddenly engulfed needs to give the Kapoor's privacy. “I will check with the garden.” He walked away as fast as he can.

“What does that mean?” Krishna stood up. “You two don't share a bed?”

“Krishna!!” Amarnath raised his voice to stop her intruding into the personal space of her son and daughter in law. But it was late, his wife made mind to know the truth.

“Please don't stop me this time. I know the intense of the unwanted incident that happened last night. But why you don't share the bed? And if you had problem you could have said me Ram. I said you that I am changing the bed I know how much you are particular with everything that doesn't mean you will make your wife feel worst with you.” Krishna rebuked.

Her reaction surprised three people present there. Amarnath, Ram and Priya.

“No Maa.” Priya dived in to rescue Ram. “Not he it was me. I wanted to use the Love seat but he denied me the permission. I am yet to get comfortable with him. I feel uneasy if anyone sleeps by me. Even I couldn't allow my mom to sleep by me.” She looked down.

“Ba..” Krishna stopped under a deep sigh. “But beta.... I think your bauji is right. I should not come between your personal issues.” Saying under her sigh she took her seat back.

Ram and Priya looked at each other. While the former, wanted to thank the latter, knew the sudden summoned truth has put her into the back seat miserably.

“Excuse me.” Vishesh cleared his throat before coming inside giving notes of his presence to every one in the room. Rishab who was helping him was there too. “Whoever he was, limps on right foot.”

“How can you say that?” Ram asked.

“Foot prints. He dragged his right foot every time he walked passed and he used more pressure on his left one.” Vishesh said confidently.

“How can a physically challenged man climb to my terrace?”

“Training Sir. I train physically handicapped persons also and don't think they are not capable of doing what I and you can do. It may take a little time more than anyone one of us but their will power and ability is higher than us. He limps but he is not challenged physically. He is much stronger than you or me.” Vishesh said looking straight into Ram's eyes.

“I didn't mean that. But without anything any help how can he move me from Love seat to bed?” Ram looked still unconvinced.

“Where is Priya?” Meera ram inside the mansion. “Thanks to Lord you are fine. I have informed The Commissioner he will check with Pilani.” She looked around and sensed a tension amongst the Kapoors. “Priya is everything okay?”

“We will talk later.” Priya said. “And please let Vishesh handle this. I don't think Pilani has so much guts to invade Kapoor Mansion for his diamond business. Vishesh you please carry on with what you started if Bauji and Maa allows. Meera please look into it.” She walked back towards her room.

“Excuse me.” Ram walked back along with her.

“Why you  said the truth?” he asked when they were in complete privacy. “Where was the problem if maa was thinking of me as the one taking that decision?”

“That was not the truth.”

“But Maa is not happy with you.”

“I know. No mother will be happy to know that her son has been thrown out of his own room and bed by a few weeks older woman in his life. I am not worried about it.” Priya said under her deep sigh of stress.

“Priya don't worry about last night. It will never happen again. I am not going to leave you alone.” He held Priya between his hands. There was something that pulled them closer. When she looked up her eyes meet his gaze that was on her since he entered the room. She failed to withdraw or push him back. Lost in his eyes Priya stood there till they were interrupted by Meera's abrupt entry.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you guys. Priya please call me when you are free. I am waiting downstairs.” Meera turned to leave.

“Meera.” Ram stopped her. “Go ahead she is free.” Excusing he walked out.

“I am worried about you. Why you don't want to involve police?” Meera tendered her worry.

“Please keep them away from me as much as possible.” Priya dropped on the bed.

“But Why? Your fear has let out a criminal free. He is breathing free when he should be behind the bars. If it is Rajat then? If he has spotted you back? He is from Pune right?” Meera shot the extreme worry into Priya's brain.

“How can he know I am married to Ram?”

“Every leading daily, news channel, and social media accounts bear that news. Your marriage is still hugely discussed. Why can't he know?”

“No he can't. I mean he can't do the same again with me. No that can't be him.” Priya was somehow sure about it.

“Your fear is speaking Priya.”

“No I am confident.” She looked sharply. “No that can't be him.”

“Why?”

“Because I know Jayesh uncle proved him to be in need of treatment and ultimately turned him into a retard. He is in asylum.”

“You know that!” Meera squealed.

~~

Same Evening.

“Maa.” Ram knocked at his parent's bedroom. He heard Krishna's voice allowing them to come inside. “Maa.” He called again and stopped knowing that his grand mother was also present there. “Maa, wo I mean Priya and I” he looked to his wife who stood there draped in an off-white salwar suit. “Priya and I will have dinner outside if you all don't mind.”

“Why should I mind?” Krishna stood up. “You two should spend time together often. I and your dadi were discussing about that only. I know this marriage happened in a very short notice and I can understand your dilemma Priya. Ram I will shift the couch to your room tonight.”

“Maa. No need of that. I will manage.” Priya interrupted her mother in law.

“Beta you will also not fit in that comfy. So let me.”

“Maa. Please don't embarrass me.” Priya looked straight to the floor curling the dupatta.

“I will ask Mohan to stay awake for you guys. But if you get late inform us. Enjoy your evening.” Krishna smiled. Ram smiled and smiled to his Dadi’s flying kiss before walking out of the room.

“Give me five minutes please.” Priya said striding towards Rishab. Ram kept on looking at them while then continued with their animated conversation. He noticed Priya to tap vigorously on the phone and assuring Rishab of something. When she came back he asked about the matter. “Do I come between you two brothers even when you guys pulled my leg pretty badly?”

“No but when did I pull your leg?” Ram followed her to the door.

“Remember the launch party? I will carry you off from here.” Priya reminded him with a mocking smile. “Remember?”

“I never knew you liked to be carried by me. I can do it again.” Ram bend to scoop her up.

“No.” Priya scampered back from her place. “I said no.” Smiling she walked back. “I warn you!”

“Accha..” Ram took few leaps to her animating to catch her. They played until they reached the car, ridding it they zoomed out from the view of Krishna and Sarojani.

“Krishna, give her some time. She is not like other girls who were behind money only. I believe soon she will accept Ram completely. And they looked happy in each other's company. Give her little time.” Sarojani said to her daughter in law.

“Yes Maa.” She replied to the old lady half convinced. “I hope their status and work don't conflict. I know my boy. What he can become when it comes to his ego. I hope his ego never gets hurt.”

“Have faith. They fit like the puzzles pieces.” Sarojani smiled. Happily they walked inside. Least, they and the happy couple who left for their destination, knew that the night sky has welcomed someone unwanted wrapped in black from head to toe. Only a pair of eyes could be seen only. He limped. Managing a little crumble he walked towards his destination.

~~

“Any lead?” Meera asked Vishesh.

“Still nothing!” Vishesh looked down.

“Send someone to this address and ask for Rajat Kapur. Here it is.” She handed a piece of paper to him. “I want his whereabouts as soon as possible and I don't have his photograph. I have never seen this man.”

Vishesh's hands trembled while reading the address and the name flashed many fragmented visuals in front of his eyes. A wounded man and a pair of fearless eyes. An over speeding truck and “A GUN SHOT!”

Until we meet

Love

NB

Chapter 28 : A little Glimpse of his past

Chapter 28 : A little Glimpse of his past

Dear Shrestha,

Every line written here reverberate my selfish self. I try to find my Priya in you. When  Reshma rescued you, you were of seventeen only. I remember that moment when Reshma introduced you to me over facetime. I was not ready for the shock. For a moment I thought somehow she has managed to find my Priya. Then I remembered Priya is just an year younger than me, how can she still be in her teenage? Your eyes resemble her's ghostly. You started growing up under Reshma's supervision , but you became the reason I stayed back. I remember once Reshma said me that I have started having feelings for you. But forgetting Priya is never possible. My death can tear her apart from me. She is suffused all over me like the cologne with strongest possible nectar. Like a selfish giant I went to you every weekend to calm down the whirls and swirls which rose inside me missing Priya knowing the truth that she can never be mine. You would sit quietly by me with a sweet smile looking at me. You would never demand anything in return of what you allowed me snatch away from you. When Rakhi arrived and you denied to tie Rakhi around my wrist I felt that how my care has made you sing along with the untouched strings of your heart for me. I felt guilty. I cried that day thinking about you, if Priya were here would I ever look to you like the way I looked to you? No, she would have never allowed me to do so, she is all over my heart. But, in her absence I selfishly demanded your soul to pacify mine. That day you wept clinging to me when I said the truth to you. I was afraid of your sudden calmness after the emotional break down. I invited the cruelty for you. But you surprised me the next day. Sweetly you served me break fast with a smile. Trust me, for a moment I thought even if I die today after this supper poisoned by you , I will not mind. I am ashamed for what I misinterpreted within you. Till the last breathe I will remember what you said after I registered my apologies to you umpteenth time. “Love is endless. Through the celestial lights it travels faster than light. Piercing through the heart it rests where it should. Love is like the twinkling stars those can be seen only. We can feel the peace at heart looking at them. Have you ever heard of someone who got hold of a shooting star? Let my love twinkle on the vast sky. But when ever I will see my star to shoot towards it's Destiny, I will close my eyes and pray May the Destiny stand there with its arms open for It.” Just of 19 you pulled me out from the grave and pushed me to find a new reason everyday to love Priya more than that I did yesterday. You made me believe, that true love never dies and true love never hates and I will remain ashamed for life time to use you for quenching my selfish tries to find solace. Shrestha, I see you as my friend; I respect your heart, and your words which you said jocularly to me “Never call me your sister. By God Patal Pravesh Ho jani hain usi waqt.” You are my that friend who cares for me knowing that there will no tomorrow when you will be able to become your star's destiny. But deep inside you will be always special and I love you.

Ram drives through the rain towards Lavasa. He knew Shrestha will be waiting for him with much excitement. After all, her prays came true that day when he tied knot to Priya. Her love star meet with it's destiny. As demanded by her, Ram carried Priya's picture with him. It rests inside his pocket near heart. That is the place where Priya resides. He sighed and pressed against the accelerator.

~~

“Vishesh.” Priya called her bodyguard from the back seat. “ Can you please find a coffee shop around? I need to rest for a while alone.”

“Sure.” He instructs the driver to take to the to Starbucks.

“No.” There was a sudden change in mind of Priya. “Take to the marine drive.”

“But Ma'am it's raining outside.”

“That is called drizzle Vishesh.” Priya snorted. “There is no deluge that we can't head there.”

“Sure Ma'am.”

Priya went out straight after her car halted by the promenade. She walked past every stroller and stopped where it ended and the tetrapod started to galore. Her eyes remained fixed at the unravelling horizon. Delving into the horizon her eyes stared at the nothingness. The home returning birds flew over the heads of the evening striders, they were in hurry, back in home there someone is waiting eagerly for them. Buy why should she hurry back home? Once Priya thought. Immediately after that at the first blink, she saw her mother in law's face. Stubborn in nature, her ego held her back. Who hell on the earth leaves his newly wedded wife alone and leave for an undisclosed destination for weekend? Once this feeling made her throw her phone, hitting the car door it survived the attack.

“Ma'am” the deep intense voice took her attention away from the memories.

“Hmm.” She replied under a deep unusually cold sigh.

“Sorry to cross the boundary set, but is there anything bothering you?” Vishesh asked very politely.

“Not in real, but my heart is making me confused. Very twirled.” Priya answered looking towards Vishesh this time. “Vishesh.” When ever she called him with his name, an additional responsibility used to be bestowed to him.

“Yes.” He stood attentive, with all his six sensory organs active, his sense of prediction is considered to be the sixth sense.

“Your ability to dwell into people's grave, is it still there or time has took it away from you?” Priya asked quiet sarcastically.

“Once an ability always a passion.” He answered taking the query as a complement. “I am at your service.” He paused and fixed his gaze to Priya's lost gaze for a moment as if he was reading her mind secretively. But he composed himself within his territory. “How may I help you ma'am?”

“Haan...” Priya jerked out from the gaze and her eyes meet Vishesh's eyes.

“I asked how may I help you.” He repeated.

“Not now. If I see a need, you will be called first.”

“Now may we leave for home?” Vishesh's eyes dropped to the wrist watch.

“I have no other choice left.” Priya strode back to the car, behind her Vishesh followed her quietly.

After they reached the mansion, Priya asked Vishesh to call it a day. She entered her home, once he zoomed out of the mansion in his own car. She sighed deep and walked into the concourse with her eyes fixed on the shinny floor under her feet.

“Look at her Krishna ji.” The voice forced Priya to look up. A satisfying smile stretched along her face. It was Meera who was waiting for her for a long time.

“Meera!” Priya exclaimed in joy and ran straight into her arms. It was unnatural to find Priya in such emotional state. Meera replied to Priya's hug reluctantly trying to judge her.

“See how happy she is!” Krishna's voice took Priya back to her self. She broke the hug and wiped out the tear that escaper from the corner of her eye before anyone could notice it. “Priya take her to your room and Meera stay back here today.”

“I would love to but I have to do some homework before Monday's meeting. My apartment is few kilometres away from here only.” Meera turned down the proposal politely.

“Then you have to do dinner with us.”

“That I will definitely do.”

“Priya you look exhausted too, is everything fine?”

How could she see? Priya asked her own. “Yes maa, I am just getting accustomed with new geographical place, outside.” A faint smile went away in a blink away from her lips.

“Take rest beta.” Krishna touched her head affectionately and walked towards the kitchen. An unsaid guilt took all over her.

~~

Lavasa, Same Evening.

Ram honked the car's horn before the huge gate with porch having a sign board overhead inscribed “A PLACE IN HEART”. A security guard opened the gate for him and stood straight welcoming him with a smile. Driving his car inside he stepped out welcomed by Reshma.

“I thought you will not come this week.” Reshma smiled sweetly.

“This will never change unless it unavoidable.” He greeted her back with a brief hug. “Where is everyone?”

“Study time. And girls are busy learning candle making. Shrestha has mastered the art so soon.” They walked upstairs as Reshma spoke. “Did you update Priya about your visit?” When Ram tried to dodge the question she warned that his closeness with Shrestha, though not harmful for his married life, could be misplaced if not disclosed to Priya soon. He smiled at her convivially and walked inside the room. Every girl including their instructor, a girl in her early twenties beamed a stretched out smile of joy with his first sight. “Every girl is precious. They are not to be thrown out for they are hassled and society was mean to them. They are to be treasured, the backbone of the society should not be threatened if we want our society to flourish and diversify.” Ram once said to a visiting professor who came to his charitable trust that he runs for 10 years now. First five years though he remained distant from it with much of his time spent in flourishing his uncle's multi chain garments business at Florida. He gave only two months a year for the first five years. It was Shrestha and her ghostly resemblance with Priya hypnotized him and forced him to return. But soon when he realised the care blundered in a way, he jumped to rescue Shrestha from the misunderstanding but she turned it down claiming, “Did I ever told you to love me back in return?” her selflessness breaks him into many part but he never stopped visiting her regularly. He find it very selfish at his part to leave her in despair after knowing the truth and getting back Priya in life. His undying try to make Shrestha believe that her feelings are mere infatuation than love hit rock bottom infront of her ignorance to his justifications made and her huffs to agree with him.

“Hi.” Loosening the buttons  of his shirt, Ram pulled up the sleeves above the elbow.

“Hi.” Shrestha smiled back. “Did you get that what I asked for?”

“You are so particular about what you want.” Ram smirked. “I have it with me at it's place.” He placed his hand over his heart making her smile along.

“She is a lucky one.”

“I am the one.” Ram said inhaling the fragrance those where placed in front. He stood by Shrestha for few minutes, after that he joined the other girl taking Shrestha's instructions to make a candle, which he thought to gift to Priya on his return.

~~

Mumbai.

“What?” Meera shouted almost in top notch. “He left you alone ? But why? Did you call him to know where he went?”

“Answering you respectively, yes he did leave me alone. Reason I don't know and he has left his phone here only.” Priya opened the French window letting the wind to swirl into the room.

“But why Priya?” Meera looked disturbed, “I know the situation between you two are not right but that doesn't mean he can leave you alone to rot while he enjoys. He upsets me today. I need to talk to him sooner or later.”

“No. Let him be. Just arrange my Cape Town visit soon and try to keep it long, really really long. I need a gateway to my freedom.”

“Priya if you are taking this relationship so easy, then I am sorry, I am not in a mood to support you either. Try once.”

“Try. That day when I accidentally slept by him, I felt a filthiness all over my body, when his breathe fell over me. Meera I am sick, and so many doctors medicines nothing have changed a bit of me. When ever someone holds my waist I feel those hands grabbing me by waist and .... his body thrust against my.... his hand touching.....me....dirtily....and then....” Priya stopped feeling a touch on her shoulder.

“Non of the doctors knew what actually happened with you dear. They treated you for what never happened with you. That cruelty is never known to them. Come with me to Delhi, we will see a counsellor.” Meera’s voice softened Priya's harsh sighs.

“I can't share it with anyone.”

“But you agree to die every day for what?”

There prevailed a sheer silence for next several minutes.

“For being a woman.” Priya sighed in despair after those few words escaped her lips. The next moment when a strong wind blew against her soft cheek and she felt the hardest thrust making her step back and hold the loveseat as her rescuer, Priya stood shocked with her mouth left ajar by Meera's sudden action.

“Never.” Meera pointed a finger towards Priya. “Next time you say this, I will be the last one you will see. How dare you disgrace yourself and the women in whole?”

Priya looked up with her hand pressed against her cheek and tears bulging in her eyes. She kept on listening to Meera deeply.

“It is time you must know those men are to be blamed who thinks Women are just a material of pleasure, to look after the chores and a machine to produce babies. And you were a victim to such a man. That doesn’t mean that you got the license to blame every other man and disgrace yourself to be a woman.” Meera spoke harshly to her. “I know what you went through was monstrous. Why only me , no one could ever feel what you went through. But that was not your fault. When will you understand that? When? Wake up Priya. Realise, feel your heart beat, you are very much alive Priya. Feel your breathe. Feel your tears...you are alive. Feel the blood that runs through your veins ..... you are very much alive.” Meera pulled up Priya's face by chin. “Look around you could still feel the seasons to change, you still have feeling inside your heart. The moment since Ram left for Lavasa without letting you know, making you restless, feel it why. There is love still left within.... you are very much alive.”

“Wh..what did you say?” Priya mumbled.

“Yes. He is in Lavasa.” Meera stood allowing the silence to engulf.

~~

Lavasa

“She is beautiful.” Shrestha said when Ram came back with two cups in his hand to the terrace. “I must say you are really lucky.” She smiled taking the cup from his hand.

“I told you.” Ram sat by her.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“You just said that she hates you but why?”

“Can we discuss this later. Please.” Ram clenched his fist remembering Rajat's name inside his head. “I wanted to know about Chotu.”

“He is doing good. Doctor's are though saying we have to find a donor soon.” Shrestha's expression changed to worry. “What can we do?”

“I have arranged fund. I can't see him dying like this. I am thinking to take him to the USA.” Ram's voice got muffled under Reshma's voice from behind. .“We can't take him any where Ram.” She stood at the other corner of the terrace. He is HIV positive you know that and his condition is worsening with time. It is not far he will have AIDS.”

“But we were taking care of everything right?” he suddenly became restless. “You said that everything is in control.”

“Shrestha you leave. I need to talk to Ram. Please Shrestha.” Reshma said quiet demanding. She wanted the young lady to abide by her instructions. “Ram. We need to talk.” Reshma said taking the control of the situation after Shrestha left.

“What we need to talk? Chotu lost his mother for that bustard and now I am about to loose him. That's what you want me to believe.” Ram snorted.

“You knew that his mother had AIDS when she gave birth to Chotu and his father was punished for his deeds.” Reshma said watching Ram closely.

Chotu, Amit, named by Ram a boy of five born to Seema, a lady, who was tortured by his husband who used her as a way to earn money, allowing his drunk head friends to rape her every night in exchange of few bucks. Lastly when his heart went for another girl, he sold her in red light area where she was constantly tortured for next two years and when Ram's trust rescued her from there, along with Shrestha and other 28 girls, she was pregnant with Amit and was HIV positive. Soon after Amit's birth her medical condition went worse and she died of AIDS. But, by birth Amit is HIV positive and when he was of one year and half he was diagnosed with Leukaemia the things went worst.

“How long people will know that this is my trust? How long I have to wear this charade? How long?” Reshma asked. “We need funds. Amarnath ji needs to know it is you who is doing all these good works. We started from a scratch with six children only. And now it's hundreds and soon it will be thousands. We will need another place another branch to accommodate them. We need funds and you know Chotu's treatment needs money too.”

“I am arranging it. I am doing whatever I can do.”

“By what means? Selling out the pent houses. Then cars bikes and then this place.” Reshma stressed on the last word. “If we have to sell out this place as well, then why you are painting such dreams in all the eyes and if you are forgetting, let me remind you their education, medicines, food, clothes those all need fund too. And I was the one who knew why you started all these. For Priya right! Now when she is with you as your better half and hugely successful then why cant you share the same with her. Just think about it. For the wish you wished for these kids, A better future.” She strode away from the terrace leaving Ram alone in deep thoughts, alone.

Until We meet.

Love

NB