Epilogue

(Six months later)

Preeti was flying around literally… her long wait coming to an end today. Her family was here as well. Narmada who was due any of these days was seated on a chair near the kitchen terribly missing her routine work at home. Preeti had strictly warned her from the time she had stepped into her last trimester. She smiled at a radiant Preeti glowing like bright star, her own pregnancy well into its second trimester. Preeti’s eyes met Narmada’s at that moment as she settled on another chair caressing her showing stomach. The little kiddo was athletic like it’s father… she chuckled feeling the kicks. She had found out a week after he had left that she was expecting. They hadn’t revealed the news to Gautam as they didn’t want him to feel more home sick than he already was. Her communication was restricted to a phone call once a week. He only spoke about his time… his gardening, his exercise… He barely let her talk but withdrew all her information from Narmada. She shook her head thinking about the times they spent together. Unfortunately most of the time they had the sword hanging over their heads but… no more now. They would make new memories… free from all Charade. Gautam was coming home today.

She had grown closer to her family in this time. Maasa had passed leaving a void no one could fill. Her mother and Tayiji and even Rewa frequently visited her getting her her favourite foods. Narmada too found a loving family in hers. Her mother, Romila Devi didn’t even bother to contact her neither did she. In fact the last they heard Romila Devi had checked herself into a gated community in a large house with all amenities… all expenses paid for the time she lived… Preeti knew Gautam had arranged it. Her man was a gem inside out. These days her mother had come to stay with them since both Narmada and she were not able to move around much. Gaurang was managing his offices in Jaisalmer and Bhiwadi so he was busy most of the time. He wanted to take a break when the baby arrived so was working his ass off.  They had a round a clock maid so things were easy.

But she always missed Gautam. Though she had everyone around her…she only wanted him. Just his presence… She missed him most in the nights as she lay all alone in their bed wearing his t shirt. She never wore her own clothes to bed. She held his pillow close to her inhaling the musky scent. She didn’t even wash his used clothes the day he left as she felt him and his scent in them… Once a week she spent time in the red room. She touched all his possessions there knowing that he may have touched them sometime…she felt connected to him. Just yesterday when she had been for her check-up she had asked the doctor if she could indulge in sexual activity. The doctor had smiled and said she could so far as she didn’t physically stress herself. She had had a non-eventful pregnancy so far except for the heavy nausea in the first trimester.

Finally she would see Gautam… six months had passed quickly but now every minute was passing excruciatingly slowly.

Her father and Suyash had accompanied Gaurang to Jaipur where Gautam was doing his prison time. Preeti smiled thinking about the changed attitudes of her father and Tayaji. Especially for the latter it was difficult for him to accept Yash’s reality but in the end he did. He was helping Yash with the treatment. Finally Yash was also remorseful and had apologised to her through a letter he wrote in prison. He was serving his term which at the moment was seven years. Her family had accepted Suyash into their folds and the entire Sengar enterprise was now bequeathed to Rewa and Preeti. Preeti was remotely working and that helped her stay sane in these months. Together Rewa, Suyash and she had worked to get the Sengar enterprise to a level they always wanted it to be. At least it had started to make a little profit. Rewa and Suyash were actively involved. Suyash had left his Job and taken up a position in their company.

The most important aspect was their family was free from the ownership of the Gagorn fort. They got the final judgement last month pulling down the curtains on that issue.

The arrival of the vehicle got her out of her thoughts. She stood up supporting herself with the chair handles. How would Gautam react on seeing her? Would he want the baby? They had never discussed kids…

Everyone gathered him at the door. Her mother had prepared the puja thaal and as the door opened, Preeti turned around facing the pillar…she wasn’t able to control the burst of emotions.  The next five minutes were a blur. She heard everyone welcome him. Her mother said she was leaving for Sengar house along with her father. Gaurang walked into his bedroom along with Narmada who had to rest. Narmada placed a hand on her shoulder as she passed her. Preeti stood rooted to the spot. She then felt him come closer…

She felt his hands on her shoulders as he turned her around. She closed her eyes sobbing silently as she turned. “Sweetheart…please… look at me…” he spoke softly. She slowly opened her eyes and saw his blurred face. She wiped off her tears and kept looking at him… he was a bit leaner and had a beard. Apart from that he was the same. He had tears in his eyes and he saw her and slowly his hands moved down to touch her belly.

He kissed her head, and then moved down and kissed her belly. He dug his face in there and began to cry. She held him close to her as her emotions flowed out baring her soul as well.

He stood and hugged her. “I wanted this so badly…darling… I had this feeling you were keeping something from me…”

“Are…you… happy Gautam? Actually the antibiotic I took and the stress at that time rendered my shot powerless and I conceived…”

“shhh…my love let it be… whatever happened…This is the best welcome gift… I am on the seventh heaven…”

He held her by the shoulders and together they climbed the stairs. As they entered their bedroom, he locked the door and they wasted no time tearing off each other’s clothes. Their mouths fused as they kissed and touched… the months of passion and emotions all filled to the brim were threatening to burst… He took her to bed and made her lie on her back.

He was careful not to hurt her as he pumped into her the months of longing and anticipation. Her insides clenched soon and she came with a power like electricity surged through her body… illuminating the dark alleys behind her eyes. His eyes held hers as he grunted, his liquid heat gushing into her wetness. He fell on the bed beside her, drawing her into his waiting arms. They faced each other and he rained kisses on her head.

“I missed you so much Preeti… every day… every moment. I wonder how I stayed away from you for twelve years….”

Preeti buried her face in his chest and breathed in his scent. It was different from his usual one because of his shower back in the prison barracks before he left. She complained that she missed his usual scent and immediately he scampered out of the bed to the bathroom. She was so tired that she had almost fallen asleep. She felt him come behind her and pull her towards him.

She lifted her head to rest it in the crook of his arm and his other hand was kept protectively on her tummy.

“Gautam?”

“Yea…”

“I don’t want to forget the past… in fact I have accepted it.”

“I have accepted that too Preeti…these last six months…I have analysed a lot…”

“Yes… We can’t let go of the past… it gave us each other Gautam…”

“…yes… my dark life received the ray of sunshine when you came along… And now…what I have left behind is the charade that had plagued our lives… I now have the two blessings I had always craved for” He kissed her head and caressed her belly.

She fell asleep in his arms contented with her life. It was finally complete.

There was no more Charade…

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VLS54yAUd28&feature=share

Dear readers,

Thank you for reading CHarade. I look forward to hear from readers. It helps me learn… Do write!

Love

Priya

Chapter 37

The next day for Preeti, there was a tearful re union of sorts with her family. Her mother, Tayiji and Rewa hugged her. Her father had tears as he stood silently. Her Tayaji was emotionless. He still had to come to terms with Yash’s sexuality…that mattered more for his Rajputana pride… It was yet to sink in for all of them…that Yash could do something like that…. Even remotely. Preeti told them…she intended to give up the fort so that no one had to suffer from any kind of deluded idiosyncrasies anymore. The transfer of deeds would stop with her.  She had thought they would oppose but to her surprise they unanimously agreed. They decided to renounce the ownership of the fort even if on paper. Gaurang left, promising to initiate the proceedings with the concerned departments.

Later after completing the hospital formalities, Gautam took her home. Narmada was waiting to welcome her with a lovely lunch spread. Though Preeti’s stomach wasn’t cooperating as yet, she managed to keep down the food. Narmada was not just as intelligent as her …half-brother but also excelled in culinary skills.  Gautam then helped her change and rest in their bedroom. She hoped he would rest as well… He sat beside her holding her hand till she fell asleep.

Preeti woke up when the doorbell buzzed. She sat up to go downstairs when suddenly the wave of dizziness passed through her. She steadied herself and slowly walked downstairs with wall support. She saw Tanveer had come. Gautam looked at her and immediately rushed to help her. She was shivering a little. He put his jacket around her. She hugged him sideways… as they walked downstairs. As always his strength seeped in through her body. She sat on the couch and Narmada served her coffee. The coffee aroma usually freshened her but now she was being repulsed by it. Somehow she tried to take in a few sips. Gradually her stomach settled as the others finished their tea/coffee and she settled on the couch as well. Gautam joined her on the couch and held her hand. Her grip instantly tightening with the impending gloomy news she anticipated. He covered her hand with his and gave her an assuring look.

“Er…Gautam and Preeti… Yash has admitted to everything…right from that incident twelve years ago till the kidnapping two days ago… He is being evaluated by the department psychiatrist as we speak. But he has given up and I think we can make a strong case. He kept crying all the time for Vikram. He had some misguided version about a treasure which by the way doesn’t exist…”

Preeti gasped… “That means… all that happened…was for nothing?” She was glad about her decision regarding the fort.

Tanveer nodded. “Yes Preeti… Because though you have inherited the fort, you can only transfer it to your husband or your offspring. But the fort can’t be sold. It’s a heritage site. You can renovate it but can’t use it for any commercial purpose. All this was clearly written in the pertaining documents. Romila Devi has been released for want of evidence and since there actually was no complaint registered against her…”

Gaurang held Narmada close as she started to tear up. She was moving into the second trimester of her pregnancy and was crying at the drop of a hat. Preeti vowed to give her all the support that was expected from a maternal home during her pregnancy.

“But Tanveer where did Yash get the rifle from?” Gautam asked

“Oh that… he had purchased an exact replica couple of years ago and taught himself to shoot.”

The room was silent as they waited for Tanveer to reveal the main reason for his visit.

“Uh…Gautam… I tried my best for your case but there has been a murder… however given the circumstances the charges have been reduced and the jail term as well… its cut down to six months. I am sorry…but I couldn’t… do anything beyond this…” He rubbed a hand over his fatigued face.

“NO…” Preeti yelled standing. “…THIS IS UNFAIR… HE DID EVERYTHING FOR ME…IF HE HADN’T KILLED VIKRAM THEN I WOULD BE DEAD…”  She was panting…

Gautam held her close and made her sit. He sat on his haunches in front of her holding her hands. “Preeti look at me dear… we have waited for twelve years…sweetheart, these six months shall pass too… and then that’s it…”

Preeti sobbed her heart out. “…No Gautam…. I can’t do this… no…”

“Please Preeti… don’t make this difficult for me. I need all your support now… If you break down then my resolve shall break too. Narmada also needs you. Six months will pass in a jiffy… Meanwhile you can also connect with your family again….”

Preeti wasn’t getting convinced at all… her heart was shattering. She couldn’t stop weeping. Tanveer came up to her and said. “Preeti I promise you I will see to it that he is taken care of well. You can visit him as well…”

Eventually he left asking Gautam to be ready the next morning.

Preeti was a nervous wreck and couldn’t sleep all night. She lay in Gautam’s arms facing him. They didn’t speak anything that night but their silence said it all. In between she would wail and he held her close. She barely slept. It was in the morning that she calmed down with a resolve to make it easy for him.

Tanveer arrived early that morning. Narmada had prepared a scrupulous breakfast which he also shared with the family.

Gautam stood and announced. “There is something I have wanted to tell you all…Uh… Preeti, Narmada…I don’t want any of you visiting me in jail…”

“WHAT?” Preeti and Narmada said together.

“Please…both of you hear me out. Seeing you both will weaken my resolve… Don’t worry about me. But I would be worried about you travelling all the way to the location. I want you both to stay back and take care of yourselves. Narmada and Gaurang are moving here till the baby comes along and I will be back on time for welcoming my nephew or niece… So please darlings… don’t come to meet me. I promise to speak with you once a while and you can give me updates…”

Preeti folded her hands and walked back to her room without replying. She stood staring outside the window tears flowing down her cheeks. Moments later she felt his hands around her. He kissed her head. “Please Preeti… I have to leave now… please smile …I want to memorise that beautiful smiling face…it will pull me through the next six months. Look at me darling….” Preeti didn’t turn. She stood sniffling. He continued to hold her and said, “…I want this Charade to end on all fronts Preeti… everything has been a huge charade. Our relationship with our respective families, me trying to… fulfil my obligation to Romila Devi, my flawed sense of sexual gratification… in fact the base of our relationship with all its ups and downs was itself a charade.” He sighed. “Preeti I want a fresh beginning with you. Leaving all the rotten past behind. That’s why I don’t want us seeing each other in these six months… for my own contriteness. I want you to get a breather as well…free from all kinds of outlandish experiences you have had so far….”

Preeti turned and hugged him tightly crying into his chest. He held her tightly. They stood like that for a while till Tanveer called him out. He released her gradually and wiped her eyes.

Preeti held his hands and went on her toes to kiss him. He kissed her back with everything he had pouring every ounce of emotion into the contact… she smiled and held his face.         “I will be waiting right here…just remember that. Take care of yourself Gautam… for me… for US. ”

He nodded and then they left the room hand in hand.

Minutes later the police vehicles left their premises… with Gautam in tow, Gaurang following him to complete legal formalities, leaving behind a miserable Preeti who’s breakfast was pushing itself out of the food pipe. She threw up on the lawn. Narmada helped her up and back into the house.

Narmada was now experienced enough to see the signs… was it possible? She thought happily.

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author

Chapter 36

Yash immediately rushed towards her with the papers and his rifle. He stood aiming the rifle at her head and released her hand ties. He nudged her shoulders with his knee. “Now…sign this quickly…”

Preeti’s hand was numb because she had been tied and her injury was bleeding. She winced.

“STAY AWAY FROM HER YOU… IF SHE IS HURT ANYMORE YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY HEAVILY YASH…” Gautam’s voice boomed.

Yash laughed aloud. “Welcome Gautam…welcome… I was waiting for you. One stupid move you make and the shot will blow her head into bits… So now come out right here with your weapon thrown away…. And my men here can see you when you come so DON’T YOU DARE DO ANYTHING YOU WILL REGRET…”

There was no noise at all. Preeti was almost losing consciousness… something was wrong with her… She had nothing in her stomach now but still felt like throwing up… The place wasn’t stinking like that day twelve years ago but still she felt as if she could sense the foul odour… she heaved again.

“Stop the drama Preeti and quickly sign in both the locations marked with a cross….” He dropped the papers and the pen on it. As Preeti lifted the pen she felt as if she was blackening out. As she looked up to control the bout of nausea passing through, she saw him. He was staring at her from the roof. He had silently removed a tile and they didn’t even know. He gestured her to be silent. She looked down and picked the papers as yet another bout of nausea passed and the papers started moving side by side… they started to dance… so did the walls around her. What was happening? She felt the nudge again from Yash and then she heard the loud sound as Gautam crashed in through the roof. The walls started shaking further and before she realised anything else she blacked out.

She heard the beep… was she back… twelve years back … in to the hospital? Her body was heavy. But this time she could open her eyes. Oh God she was in the hospital. Her hand was held tightly… “Preeti…sweetheart…are you alright dear?” Gautam’s voice vibrated through her senses.  She nodded as she felt nausea threaten her.

He released her hand and pressed a buzzer… must be for the doctor, she thought missing his contact. She was shuddering even to think about being in the hospital. He helped her sit up a little and held the water cup with the straw. She took it but immediately wanted to throw up. She then saw him. He was looking haggard. There was a bandage covering his head and wrist. Her eyes widened. But before she could speak the doctor entered the room with his entourage of staff.  The doctor examined her and checked the vitals.

“So Mr. Rathore… you can now stop threatening the staff here. Your wife is fine now. There is no injury of any sort. Blood reports will be up soon but I am sure they are fine. You can take her home tomorrow.  I shall check on her tomorrow morning again…” The doctor said.

Gautam thanked him and dropped him at the door. He waited outside till the nurses sponged and changed her. He then entered the room and latched the door. She had realised it was late in the evening.

Preeti looked at him staring at her. His eyes had welled up as he stood at the far end with hands on his hips. Her one hand was hooked to the IV. She raised the other and nodded him to come to her. He strode quickly covering the few steps and hugged her. He was shaking as he sobbed. He kissed her head numerous times. “Oh God Preeti you scared me there… I couldn’t lose you…”

She patted his back controlling tears of her own. “Hey darling…its ok… I knew you would come for me.”

Gautam wiped his tears and sat on the adjoining chair holding her hand.

“Gautam…what happened there?” she was desperate to know.

“Sweetheart… It took me all of ten minutes to get those three morons out of commission and bound. Tanveer has their custody as we speak. He… er…he is going to visit us tomorrow. But Preeti…those ten minutes…till I could feel your pulse…were the worst ten minutes of my life…” She tightened her grasp on his hand. He took it to his mouth and kissed her.

“Gautam… those papers… My hand is still…” she was feeling bad for him.

“Let it go Preeti…” He sighed. “…I don’t need that anymore….”

“What? why…your mother…”

“…Is long dead…” He bent his head. She caressed his head and he looked up tears shining in those stricken brown eyes. “…That Romila Devi…she had lied all these years… my mother had cancer… so she had to give me up. Mentor had known as well… She had died soon after. Preeti…” He had that faraway look. “…Romila Devi used that string to tighten the noose around my neck… for so many years… and I was a fool to…get involved. I should have known. She was a lying bitch…”

He was panting in anger. Her heart broke for him.

“Gautam… sweetheart…let it go… Living in the past is only going to bring more pain…”

He nodded. “I know Preeti…I have forgiven her. She doesn’t deserve even my hatred. She confessed to the police that Vikram had once told her about some hidden treasure in the fort and she wanted that. She was as twisted as her son… She has another huge blow. Narmada has disowned her. I think that’s punishment enough…”

“Gautam…it’s difficult to believe my docile brother Yash had so much of hatred imbibed for years…”

“Preeti, your family is in a state of shock as well. They were here last evening when we brought you… I refused to allow anyone near you, before I saw to it that you were OK. I have phoned them. They will meet you tomorrow morning before I take you home.”

Her eyes filled thinking about her family. He came close to her and sat next to her on the bed. She rested her head on his chest.

“Rewa was here as well with Suyash sometime back….”

Preeti was alert once again. “What…what did she say?”

“I asked her how she had met Vikram….for the first time… she spoke about some devi temple which you visited once in a while as a family… Apparently Vikram saw her during one such event and approached her… she fell for him instantly.”

Preeti remembered now, Rewa had been excited on their return during one of their mandatory family visit to the temple. She never liked it because of the restrictions she had to face otherwise at home. She hated the show off… Rewa too used to hate it but for a last couple of visits she had loved it. It now made sense.

Preeti was hurting for everyone. Her sister who had fallen for the wrong guy which resulted in Yash collaborating on a mean scheme of things. For her family who lost their sons…one dead and one probably spending his life in jail or a psychiatric ward. Irrespective of what he had done, she felt Yash was a victim of circumstances. She didn’t know if she could ever forgive him but… She hurt for Gautam who had struggled with his demons for last twelve years and finally for herself for being collateral damage everywhere… Right then she made an important decision.

“Gautam… I want to see Gaurang immediately…. Please…”

“Whoa… wait…what is it Preeti?”

“Gautam… have you realised the root cause of all the malice… that happened in our lives…I mean we all are responsible for actions… but here the fort was a catalyst. It ruined lives… I don’t want upcoming generations to bear the brunt of inheritance…” She said running out of breath.

“Preeti…relax dear. I will support you with whatever you decide… Tomorrow I will call Gaurang when your folks are here. But right now just rest…alright?”

He helped her lie on the bed and took his position next to her on the chair holding her hand. She knew he wouldn’t be sleeping however much he was hurting. She looked at his bandages. He saw her and said, “I am fine Preeti… go to sleep.” He kissed her hand.

She smiled as she closed her eyes…the incident that happened twelve years ago gave her the most precious gift…her husband. Later that evening, as she saw him take the dinner trolley provided by the hospital she wondered what if she hadn’t gone to school that fateful day twelve years ago? She wouldn’t have had this gem of a man in her life… no wonder maasa always said, ‘everything happens for a reason…’

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author

Chapter 35

Preeti squinted at the light streaming in form a tiny corner of the tiled roof. Otherwise it was all dark. She had recognised the place the moment they had taken a turn in the alley. She could never forget the place. Her heart had started racing. She had been rendered unconscious but the quantity of whatever they used in that rag that had covered her mouth back in the café must have been less. She was lying on the floor wide awake. She was shocked to see Yash staring at her with hate in his eyes.

She couldn’t speak as her mouth was covered and hand and feet were bound. Why was he doing it she had thought with tears welling up. It was like the whole world had changed in Alwar in the last six years. She didn’t know who she could trust and whom she couldn’t. First Rewa didi with her apologies and now Yash… Anyone else left? She had thought rolling her eyes.

She shook her head as a fresh wave of nausea had hit her. What the hell had they put on that rag? She had eaten her breakfast long ago…but she felt like taking it all out now…. She thought about Gautam…where was he? He would have been so worried by now. Poor Bhim Singh. She hoped he wouldn’t be at the receiving end of Gautam’s ire. She didn’t know what was happening…but strangely she had a sense of peace when she visualised Gautam…her Gautam…her husband… her masked man… her hero.

They had dragged her out of the vehicle and dumped her in this room…If she remembered right it was the same room where that monster… But it was empty of furniture… there was no cot…thank God. They were three of them including Yash. What the hell did they want? Her limbs were bound but her mouth had been released of the dirty bind. She still felt like heaving. She shook her head to rid of the feeling but a wave of dizziness hit her hard… and she fell back on the hard floor.

She heard the footsteps in a while and blinked as they switched on the sole light bulb in the room. Yash took a chair and sat on it in front of her.  His cronies kept a watch on the door guns drawn out and Yash kept a rifle besides him…what? Yash with a rifle? She looked at him only to see him sneer at her.

“Why Yash Bhaisa…?” She spoke in a hoarse voice. Her voice was getting affected because of her acidity which was at an all-time high.

“What do you want to know Princess…?” He said  stressing on the last word as if it were a cuss word. She was taken aback. He chuckled at her expression.

“What did you think Preeti? You would get everything? After you took away everything from me?”

“What…what did I take from you Bhaisa?” she asked every word taking an effort to speak.

“You took away my respect at home… you took away the rights to the fort and most important of all…you took away the only good thing in my wretched life twelve years ago…my Vikram…” He cried out his voice grading up in volume as he finished the statement.

 She couldn’t digest his revelation. Was he on something? She thought. His eyes were stoically blank…they were emotionless as he stared at the wall behind her.

“I…don’t understand… Bhai…bhaisa..”

“…DON’T YOU DARE PRETEND BITCH…” he yelled startling her. She had never heard him raise his voice in all the years she had known him. He was barely a year older to her.

He must have seen her clueless expression. He stood up dropping the rifle to the floor. Did…did he shoot her? She wondered.

He sneered as he helped her sit straight against the wall. Dizziness hit her in waves and she dry heaved. He moved away from her as if she was diseased.

He must have seen her staring at the rifle.

“What? Did you think I couldn’t handle a rifle? That I was as useless as my father and chachaji thought I was? That I wasn’t as good as their prodigal daughter?”

“Are you sure you are talking about ME Bhaisa?”

He paced the room as he spoke. “Everyone in Sengar household thought highly about you Preeti…especially after you left home. You became a rare occurrence. The household which only prided on their sons suddenly turned to be your fans. Of course familiarity breeds contempt. They anyway had a problem with me. I… just hated to study…hated their business… hated to shoot… what was my fault Preeti? What could I do if I wanted to dress in lehenga choli or salwar kameez or sarees? I even cross dressed and once Chachaji caught me…”

Preeti gasped as she heard him. She wondered why she hadn’t seen him do… all that. He was lost in his own world as he continued. “…Bapu and chachaji had only one goal in life…to make me into what I was not… Why Preeti? WHY?” He turned towards her tears flowing from his eyes.  “…was it wrong if I didn’t like what we Rajput boys were supposed to do? Even the other day when you got married they only kept talking about how their ideal daughter saved the day for them…. Don’t look at me like that Preeti…I knew what you and Gautam were upto….”

 Her father and uncle spoke so highly about her? Preeti was shocked to know.

“Bhaisa…how did you know about Gautam…?”

Yash gave her a side smile and snorted. “Preeti…you guys are not the only ones awake at night. I saw that night when he had come into your room… that bastard thought he was stealth enough but he couldn’t escape my eyes….that bloody killer…” Preeti looked up suddenly when he said it.

“…He is a bloody killer… He killed the love of my life…the only person who loved me and accepted me for what I was… Bapu used to say I was a piece of crap…a burden on them. Why? Just because I liked guys? I couldn’t help it Preeti. I made a mistake of admitting it before Bapu once. He… he flogged me that day… I was only sixteen. Chachaji taunted me… saying I was immoral. But what was he doing with that Sita? Was that moral…?” He must have seen Preeti’s shocked look. “… I knew everything people were upto. Everyone hated me. But VIkram…he was the light in my dark life…a ray of hope. We …we were to elope after I turned eighteen…”

What the hell was he talking about? “Bhaisa…Vikram is not who you think… He was heterosexual. He also had relations with Rewa didi…”

“…I know about that…in fact that’s how we met. I once caught him jumping across the wall in the dead of the night when he had come to meet Rewa didi. I fell for him…his enigmatic blue eyes caught me in their web…Preeti…it was love at first sight. …”

Preeti was staring at him wide eyed.

“… The next night I helped him through the gate… And before he left he came into my room. The pleasure he gave me…words can’t even describe it… He was my God from then on. I started to love my life…” Then with anger contorting his face he looked back at Preeti. “…And then Rewa didi broke up with him… She found out about our secret rendezvous… what was the problem with her? Why couldn’t she share Vikram? I wasn’t going to step in anywhere…I just…just wanted those few moments of pleasure and she couldn’t even bear to see that? She stopped seeing him and threatened to tell Bapu about it all…”

Preeti’s head was reeling and the feel of the nausea was rapidly raising its head. She didn’t know how much more she would last. She was shocked beyond capacity with all that she was hearing.

Yash was oblivious to her. “You know Preeti… Vikram stopped coming over…JUST STOPPED… I started to crave him… my life had lost its meaning totally… and then one day he called me… He said he wanted the details of the locker and the map for the Gagorn fort. Apparently Rewa didi had told him about it. Do you know, Preeti…? There is a treasure buried under one of the standing pillars….I read about it in the archives available in our library at that time. I spoke to Maasa indirectly and she vindicated the information….Vikram promised to be with me forever if I could get him the details. But then who would give them to me? I then overheard Bapu saying… the Gagorn fort would be inherited by Rewa didi or you. He added that he didn’t trust Rewa didi enough so I knew eventually it would be inherited by you. Chachaji said you were aware of it all…”

What? “No bhaisa…I had never even heard of the fort till I was told about the signatures…”

“…DON’T LIE TO ME…. I saw the deed and other information Chachaji had in a brass box. He had hidden them in your room for safekeeping…”

“…I. Really don’t know about any brass box Bhaisa…” Preeti pleaded amidst bile rising up her throat.

But Yash pretended as if she wasn’t present. “… I promised Vikram I would get him the brass box. But I could never enter your room and search… I couldn’t even ask Rewa didi…she would have caught me. So…when I told this to Vikram he made a plan… to kidnap you and get the information out of you… then I would go to your room and directly take the brass box from its hidden place. So I told Sukhi uncle to collect a package for bapu from this place. That Dumb Sukhi didn’t even check with Bapu and drove here. I was told only you were going to school that day. I hadn’t anticipated Rohit to be in the car as well…..” Yash was sobbing. “…Vikram  shot Sukhi and the impact of the car killed Rohit… Now that wasn’t my fault…”

He looked at Preeti. “…But you…You refused to give him any information… Preeti I was right there…I was praying you would tell him so that he would release you and we could get what we wanted…. But you refused. Even when he was…and then that bastard Gautam came along and I made a lucky escape while he hit them all. I saw him take you to the hospital…”

Preeti was crying with pain…her heart breaking into pieces knowing her cousin was the one responsible for all her misery.

“…I rushed in here to see Vikram badly injured. I revived him and told him you were in the hospital. He managed to get himself up and going. He was so brave… I drove him to the hospital. He knew you would be there… But that Gautam…he was there too. He murdered my Vikram with his bare hands…”

Yash paused in front of her. “…Preeti…I promised myself I would avenge Vikram’s death. But Gautam disappeared…everything changed after that day… everybody mourned for Rohit…pitied you…eventually when business fell they pitied Rewa didi… she then met Suyash…you escaped to Mumbai. But what about ME? NO one thought about me…. I met other guys but no one could match up to Vikram. I decided the only way to get attention was to become what Bapu wanted. So I tried. I learnt shooting… my shot was good right?” He mockingly pointed at her bandaged arm. “..I then put my energy into business and they were happy. When Rewa didi was seeing Suyash I was happy that she would be out of the way soon. I had planned to get the documents to Mumbai and make you sign them off to me. I would then become the sole owner of the Gagorn fort. But that Gautam came in again…. I recognised that asshole right away. He wanted to marry Rewa didi for the fort… I knew she was already married to Suyash so didn’t bother much but then…on the wedding day…you stepped in. the prodigal daughter saved the family honour and now… now you are all set to transfer the deeds in Gautam’s name?”

“Bhaisa… I am sorry…I didn’t know anything….”

“You know… you can still do things right…I have got the papers here. Sign it off in Gautam’s name and he will in turn transfer it to me instead of that Romila Devi…” he stood getting a bunch of papers.

He looked at the surprised Preeti and said, “Oh, By the way your dear husband is on his way. Once he signs this over…I will kill him in the same way he killed my beloved Vikram…”

“IN YOUR DREAMS ASSHOLE…” a voice boomed and Preeti’s heart soared. Gautam was here…

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author

Chapter 34

Gautam concluded his meeting with Tanveer Raisingh and a private detective, he had hired some time back to help him with the investigation he had been doing. First was to look into the event that happened twelve years ago and second, looking for his birth mother. He wanted Tanveer’s help at a personal level so that anything they did didn’t cross the legal boundaries. His phone was switched off. He wasn’t comfortable with it but the location of the Crime Branch head office was currently under wraps and it was compulsory for visitors to keep their phones switched off.

He hadn’t revealed anything about the meeting to Preeti. She would have insisted on being here. But he didn’t want to endanger her. At least back home Bhim Singh was watching over the house which had a good electronic security system in place. But still it was barely over an hour and he was restless. He wanted to hear her voice…to assure himself she was safe.

They had tried to unearth information from everything they had found so far. But the questions still remained. Who wanted to hurt Preeti twelve years ago? And why? Who gave Vikram the information about them being in the alley and why did Sukhi drive them there? Who killed Sukhi and little Rohit? He was thinking about those threatening messages. Who was against her signing the documents? Why did Romila Devi or anyone else want the ruined fort? The restoration was not affordable for Romila Devi… then… for what?

Tanveer Raisingh was helping him with getting further details about the law for the Gagorn fort acquisition. Somehow his gut feeling had told him the two were linked. They were missing something vital. The rifles in her parent’s home were also intact. In fact there were no finger prints on them nor any evidence of recent usage. Everyone’s alibi had checked out fine… Her father, tayaji and Yash. Even for the burner phone.There was no evidence of money transfers for any sniper… His blood boiled to think of someone harming Preeti. Who the hell was that? And the biggest question remained…. WHY?

He switched on his phone immediately as he left Tanveer’s building and saw a spate of missed calls from Bhim Singh… His heart skipped a beat and he wasted no time in calling him back as he started his car.

All blood drained from his face as he heard the frantic man on the other end. Preeti was kidnapped. He got out of his vehicle and ran back towards Tanveer’s building.

His anger knew no bounds. He wanted the person responsible…he would kill him with bare hands. He called Tanveer from the parking lot and updated him. The local police too had sprung into action. Bhim Singh thankfully had informed them. Preeti’s phone was dropped and crushed outside the Café. Fortunately she had informed Bhim Singh about meeting her cousin. A team of police was sent to Sengar house to bring in Yash for questioning. But he wasn’t there and no one knew about his whereabouts.

Time was running out and Gautam was frustrated. He wanted to punch someone…his eyes kept welling up every time he thought about her smile… her concerned eyes when she knew he was in turmoil…her adoration towards him and her blind trust… Her trust on her folks…she still believed someone was using her family. No wonder she went to meet her cousin. Oh God … what would he do if something happened to her? He couldn’t survive the blow… No…he had to find her…she had to be safe. Whoever had her… also wanted the fort… there was only one way to know that. He called Romila Devi.

“Hello Gautam…to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”

“Preeti has been kidnapped…”

“WHAT? Wait…Gautam is it some way you are delaying tomorrow’s signing procedure? If so then you will never know about your birth mother…I Swear on the Almighty…”

He tried to keep his cool. Preeti’s safety was of utmost importance. He swallowed his anger and spoke.

“Romila Devi… Preeti had received threatening messages for not signing. Whoever did that has her. Most probably her cousin Yash Sengar has some hand in it but we need to know why…we have to find her…”

Silence… did he hear sobs?

“..That bastard Yash…. He wasn’t satisfied ruining my son that now he wants what belongs to me?”

Was she smoking weed? She made no sense at all.

“What are you saying Romila Devi?”

“ VIk…Vikram was heterosexual…I think you know that… Yash was involved with him twelve years ago… that pansy had called Vikram to that godforsaken alley and my … my Vikram fell into his trap…”

She wailed but wasn’t still making sense. He ended the call.

Tanveer was hearing this conversation and simultaneously instructed the lady Inspector to pick up Romila Devi for questioning.

“Gautam…” Tanveer called  out to him. “…We have got the footage of the vehicle which took Ms. Sengar…”

“…Mrs. Rathore… or Preeti…” Gautam spoke cutting his short.

Tanveer smiled and continued. “…Preeti was taken in a blue coloured versa. But the number plates were fake. We are following up other CCTV footages obtained across the roads taken….”

“…Which direction did they go Tanveer…?”

“Towards Tijara…”

Oh God they were taking her to the same location…. That alley in…

“Morodi”

“Morodi”

They both said together and Gautam quickly sat in Tanveer’s vehicle as they drove towards the direction…

Gautam looked at the passing scenery his anger building up… His poor Preeti had to face the nightmare all over again. That place … that huge godown in Morodi was where he had first found her.

If only he knew the reason for her suffering he would have moved heaven and earth to end it. But he was determined to give her the closure this time. The mastermind…probably Yash… had to pay for what he had done. Inspector Tanveer kept getting updates from the CCTV footages regularly. They were on track. However after Kishangarh the Versa disappeared and was not spotted. But they both knew she was been taken to that godforsaken place from twelve years ago…

As they crouched slowly on the muddy road…some shortcut which Tanveer took up, Gautam knew only one way to keep his rising anxiety in check. He shut his eyes and brought in the vision of his beautiful Preeti. Just last evening the way she had given herself up in the red room. She had trusted him whole heartedly. It had taken all his anxiety away… he had felt relieved and calm… he usually did whenever she was around. The very vision of her shattering in his arms gave him the determination to keep going toady. He had to be strong for her…

They soon reached the road leading to Morodi. Tanveer parked almost a kilometre away.

There were few other local police with them and a harried looking Bhim Singh also had joined him.

Gautam had asked Bhim Singh to get his revolver along. He had kept his licenced revolver in his locker and was accessible only to Bhim Singh besides him. Tanveer raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything.

Holding his revolver in position he strutted towards the alley where his life had changed twelve years ago… His mobile phone buzzed with an incoming message. He didn’t want to get distracted but you never knew….It was from a private number. He checked the message.

‘Come alone….else she is dead…’

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author

Chapter 33

Preeti woke up next morning to a feeling of shiver… she couldn’t fathom if she had a nightmare or not. But she knew without looking around that Gautam wasn’t in the room. She sat up and stretched. She hugged her naked torso and looked down at her sore nipples. The red marks still evident. She remembered the earlier evening with a blush spreading on her face; yearn for him clenching her insides. She had to press her inner thighs against each other to control the burst of climax threatening the doorsteps of her apex.

She fell back on the bed spreading her arms on his huge bed. She pulled his pillow on her face taking in his scent… Oh God how much she missed him already… she smiled.

She remembered asking him about the red marks on his chest that she had seen on couple of occasions. She wanted the details yesterday. He had hesitated but she had held his hands and looked into his beautiful eyes and said… “No more secrets…” He had hugged her and had revealed the self-punishment lessons he had been taught by his mentor, and how he had practised it. She had cried for him and had vowed to change the release pattern from self- punishment to passion. On her insistence he had taken her to his red room. She saw the gleam in his eyes and instantly knew what gave him gratification. However twisted it may have seemed she knew she would make it pleasurable for him. She wanted to be his submissive…as she had read about it. But he was adamant because of her hand. She knew in her heart… that’s what he had wanted.  She wore the special leather outfit barely covering anything on her body.

He had said, “Preeti… I am going to increase the pleasure and pain combination little by little… you have to tell me when it reaches your threshold…i.e. when you feel you can’t have it anymore… just say… ‘RED’” She had nodded.

He had inserted something like a little metal ball into her soft sheath down and the two threads like parts touched her clitoris. She was already wet with anticipation… He then got the nipple clamps and put them on either of her breasts. He had said it would pain but she wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of the piercing sensation on her nipples. He stood before her in his nude glory…already at full mast. He held the remote control for the ball inside her and another rope for her clamps. She stood holding the nightstand. And he instructed her to bend down as she exposed her backside to his waiting hands.

She heard him take something from the closet behind. In the next moment without warning there was a thump on her entrance. Wait…. Did he hit her? But instead of the pain it gave her a strange sensation… and to her surprise she wanted more. And then she felt the vibration inside her…her walls were being stimulated all at once… Her indents were being touched upon continuously…oh God… But the moment she tried to arch her back the clamps dug deep and she yelped. He increased the vibration and once again she felt the soft whip land on her apex… But when she moved in reaction to the heavenly sensation the clamps brought her back…

The series continued till she exploded… time and again…and the pain only intensifying the pleasure she had. He released her soon and dropped her on the bed on her back. The next moment he slammed into her taking in her sore nipples into his mouth to soothe them but which only aroused her all the more.  She shattered within four strokes of his huge manhood and he didn’t last much and her insides clenched once again. He screamed her name as he came with his release gushing into her womanhood… He held her to him tightly…

He had cleaned her with a wet cloth and carried her to his room where they had a proper bath. Rather, he gave her a bath… her skin coming up alive as his rough palms touched each and every inch of her soft flesh. She had climaxed on him as the hot shower water cascaded on them joined together… He had looked into her eyes and said, “Preeti… I…I love you darling… I love you…”

She had cried and hugged him tightly as he had finally pumped a last time and released himself. Finally he had said the golden words she had longed to hear. She knew he loved her… but hearing it from the horse’s mouth gave her a strange sense of fulfilment.

She was smiling all the way to the kitchen today to fix her something. She had freshened up and was checking on her bandage. Her heart melted thinking of how careful he had been throughout last evening,  not to exert pressure on her hand or get the bandage wet. She wiped the tears away and picked up the tea pot. Her eyes fell on the note stuck on the refrigerator. She smiled once again. Her man didn’t like to text, he preferred to write. She kissed the note and took it to the counter where she sat and began to read.

Hey love…

Have a meeting … couldn’t be postponed. Will be back ASAP. The signing will be done tomorrow… rest up…it’s a long drive tomorrow…

P.S. breakfast on the counter in the casserole.

-GR

She smiled shaking her head. She opened the casserole to see her favourite Gobi parathas. Her man was spoiling her rotten she thought.

As she finished her breakfast her phone rang. She rushed to the bedroom where she had left it charging. Panting she saw the call was from her maternal home. Who was calling she thought with a pang of home sickness.

“Hello?”

“Preeti?”

“Yash bhai…is that you?”

“Yea… uh… can we meet? There is something important I have to tell you.”

What did he want?

“..How is maasa… ma, tayiji…”

“…Preeti everyone’s doing fine… I just have to speak with you…”

“Um…ok Yash Bhai… come home.” She loved to call this place home. She thought smiling.

“… No Preeti not at your home. Can you come over to Alwar bypass road? There is this new Kopcha café . It…uh…belongs to a friend of mine. There won’t be any disturbance and they have your favourite Irish coffee as well…”

Preeti was stunned. Yash had remembered her favourite coffee type. She knew as kids they wold force Sukhi uncle to get them goodies on cheat days when their parents permitted. It was rare but she always ordered Irish coffee. Her eyes filled and she pinched her nose.

“..ok…Yashbhai… see you in half an hour?”

“Ok Preeti..thanks..”

She was in a lovely place with her husband… now only if she could bridge the gap with her maternal home…at least with her cousins then things would be falling in place. She was glad she was meeting Yash. At least she could warn him about someone probably using the rifle. Maybe he could throw some light on what was happening?

She quickly dressed and Bhim Singh drove her to the venue.

She pulled out her mobile en route and checked if Gautam had texted. There were no new messages. She was a little disappointed but that’s how he was… she wished she could finish the signing ASAP so that he could finally meet his mother. Her eyes welled up thinking about how much he had suffered. A fresh wave of giddiness passed her and she tried to calm down by deep breathing.

She wondered if she should cancel the meet with Yash but she needed answers as well.

And now Yash was the only one who had some of those answers…

She reached Kopcha café and BhimSingh was asked to park it in their official parking spot that was a little away. He wasn’t happy but she assured him she was in the café with her cousin and that shouldn’t be a problem. Besides she had his number on speed dial. He reluctantly agreed and left for the parking. It was 10.30 AM and the café had probably just opened for business. There was no one at the entrance. Was Yash waiting inside? She decided to walk in.

She turned to go inside when suddenly a hand grabbed her from behind, he held her right arm sending excruciating pain throughout her body from her wound. Before she could realise what was happening the another hand clamped her face and she felt the wet cloth on her nose… She heard a vehicle come over as rough pair of hands pushed her inside and the doors closed.

“Sorry Preeti… you left me with no choice…” She heard Yash, his words fading into the distance as darkness took over.

Copyright Disclaimer: All content posted here is a work of fiction and original work based on the author’s imagination. There is no intention to disrespect any person or faith. Any resemblance to any person living or dead or any community is purely coincidental. No part of the content can be copied, reproduced or posted anywhere else either entirely or in parts, without the consent of the author