Chapter 36

The next morning Ria stirred in bed snuggling back into the soft comforter and  then the events of the last evening jarred up her senses and she was instantly awake. It was 9AM… what…?  Never before in her life had she woken up after 7AM. What would appa say? But… she realized with a start that no one would say anything now and that slowed down her racing heart. She freshened up and wore another gown purchased for her. She loved the soft cotton material and color choice. She loved the way the gown fell upto her ankles flaring a little around her hips bringing out her figure in a flattering way. Would Gaurav like the fit…. she wondered as she looked into the full-length mirror. She was smiling as she came out to the hall but smile was gone when she saw the empty place. Even without asking anyone or checking out she knew that Gaurav was not at home and was utterly disappointed. But then what was she expecting…? She heard Keith in the kitchen and went there to fix a breakfast for her rumbling tummy.

“…Yes sir…. Ok sir, got it…” she heard Keith speak as she entered the kitchen. Keith turned around from the window where he stood speaking on the mobile phone. He nodded to her and smiled as he continued, “…. yes sir. She is here. Do you want to speak…? uh…ok sir.” He disconnected the call.

“Was that Gaurav on the line?”

 “Yes Mrs. Chopra….” He replied.

Ria laughed and said, “…Keith… what the hell…? please call me Ria. I feel so out of place anyways…. Can you make this less formal for me…?”

Keith smiled and nodded. “When alone I will call you by your name. But in front of Sir and anyone else or any other location besides home I will address you as Ma’am…Strict instructions from Sir….”

 Ria sighed and nodded looking at his phone questioningly. Keith was still smiling as he said, “Sir has asked you to have the breakfast of your choice and relax. Chef Keith at your service…” He bowed in a mock gesture and she laughed, all the tension draining away. “…In case you need to go somewhere … like shopping, temple…just anywhere, just say it and I will take you there…”

Ria was amused. She had been fiercely independent all her life and this was strange now… “Its ok Keith. I will cook something for myself. And I can go shopping later on my own. You don’t have to bother…”

Keith abruptly said, “…Following orders Ria. You may check your phone for messages. Sir has sent you a few. Please be seated at the dining table. I will get you some piping hot Masala upma and filter coffee…”

If Ria had been surprised before, this took the cake. “How do you…um… this is my favorite breakfast ….”

 Keith replied as he got back to the preparations. “…Not me, Ria. Sir had the kitchen stocked yesterday as per your choice of food. He is the one who knows what you like…” He turned back towards the stove when he suddenly stopped and turned around again. “…And Ria….thank you… once again for everything… but mostly for coming into his life… He is…a good man.”

“…um…Ok Keith… I get it…” she said her heart soaring with joy. “…Can you at least tell me where he is?”

“I think you should check the messages Ria. Sir may want you to reply back.” Keith said as he turned to make the breakfast.

Ria went back to her room to hunt for her mobile. She had never bothered to check any messages throughout last evening. As expected, her phone battery had drained out. She kept it for charging in the drawing room and sat on the nearest armchair even as she started reading out her message. Before she knew, her message box was flooded with congratulatory messages from all her friends and acquaintances…

Oh, my goodness… how did everyone know about her wedding?

The one from Preeti read. ‘So… darling Chupa rustum… you come for a job and married the bossman himself… eh…? All OK dear…? I am worried… I hope you dint make any hasty decision… call me…’

Preeti had sent an attachment with her congratulations. She opened it and was shocked to see her wedding pic was published in an online newspaper

  MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR FINALLY TIES THE KNOT.

In the recent turn of events industrialist and scion of Chopra group of hospitals, Gaurav Chopra tied the knot with Ria Narsimhan in an intimate ceremony attended by select close friends. It is to be noted that it was Ms. Narsimhan’s testimony that had played a crucial part in bailing Gaurav out of a messy trial involving the assault and alleged rape of an ex-employee. So, is this payback time? Ms. Narsimhan’s parents were conspicuous by their absence and repeated attempts to contact them for comment proved futile…….

Ria closed the message window. She hated publicity especially after what had transpired those days following the trial. Right from her character assassinations to digging up dirt against her family, she had felt so… exposed, she hated the media. And now this…

Wait… if the news had come online then It probably would have made it to the newspaper stand as well. Ria groaned inwardly as she went to check the days newspapers. There were four of them and each had a front-page picture of her wedding day followed by an article based on the journalist’s views. As she forced her breakfast down, she read some of those articles. She couldn’t make out if they were making fun of the couple or wishing them. She was lost in though and was startled when her phone rang.

She rushed to the armchair and saw her screen. It flashed, Private Number. Her heart was galloping…. as it always did around Gaurav.

“Hello”

“Where were you? I tried calling you and then left messages. Are you… ok?” Gaurav sounded concerned.

“…I…Um…I am fine Gaurav…. um… are you working today…?” She asked.

“Uh… yes. The meeting was unavoidable. But listen, do not go out anywhere without Keith. Do you understand…?”

There was a change of tone which she couldn’t understand. Wait…why?

“Why do I need a bodyguard Gaurav?” Ria asked again…

She heard him sigh and say, “…Will you please stop resisting and listen… Ria? I will explain things to you gradually… But for now, wherever you go, Keith goes too.  Got it…?”

Ria didn’t like to be treated with kid gloves but she was in no mood to start an argument over phone. Also something in his tone scared her. So, she just replied, “Fine…. I understand. And um… umm… did you see the newspapers today…?”

There was a pause. He then said softly, “yes…I did. See you later”.

And he disconnected…

***********************************************************************

Gaurav looked at his phone screen, staring at Ria’s picture…it was one taken yesterday at the wedding and she didn’t even know. He felt like a creep hiding things from her but till he was convinced his past hadn’t returned to haunt him and the others he cared about, he couldn’t involve her in the mess. The lesser she knew the better it was.  Ria had asked him about the newspapers. Of course, he had seen them for he was the one who had got them published. He needed closure on that front especially after all that media trial during his recent case. Though he had legitimate reasons for the same, he hated himself for it. He knew it would be torturous for Ria to see her pictures splashed all over the media. She had had enough already following those days of the trial. After the emotional roller coaster, she had been through last couple of days; this was the last she needed.  But he had seen too much of these debacles and knew it would pass soon and the media would lose interest since they were now a boring married couple. He hated leaving her back at home. Luckily for him he had his man Friday Keith who conveyed everything happening on the home front to him. He had taken the coward’s way out.

He remembered Ria standing in her room yesterday with a forlorn look on her pretty face. He had felt her cry silently on their way home from her parents’. How he hated them for making her miserable. He knew, in spite of everything, she loved her family and had gone to the extreme… married him… to save them from all the so-called mess she had apparently put them into. He wanted to take her in his arms and let her cry into his chest…like that night in Parijath…. He wanted to comfort her and hold her till she was drained out totally. Then he would have wanted to carry her to his room and lay her on his bed spooning her and the very thought gave him peace. He knew that if he had taken the first step, she would have caved in. But he also knew that it was her weak moment and he didn’t want to take any advantage of her emotional turmoil. With a reluctant mind he had dragged himself out of her room.

He had wanted to check on her later before going to bed. Neither of them had eaten anything but he was concerned if Ria was going to sleep hungry. He went towards her door. It was closed and the lights were off but something had told him she wasn’t asleep. He waited for a while hoping that they could speak…she could vent out…hell…he wanted to talk to her. But he let go and got back to his room.

The nightmare had come again. In the last couple of years, the frequencies had reduced but whenever they came, he would be drained out totally and be sleep-deprived for the next couple of days. But surprisingly this time the intensity of the nightmare was lower. He wasn’t weeping like he usually did when he woke up from it. He knew it had to be because of the person next door. He had wondered if she was disturbed by his cries and had walked towards her room desperate to seek her company. But something stopped him and he had dragged himself back to his bed. Sleep eluded him but this time he didn’t feel the paucity of the same and he wasn’t tired.

He had few hours of sleep and woke up at his usual time at 4AM followed by work-out in his home gym. Every time his thoughts would go towards Ria’s bedroom, he would want to see her and imagining her sleeping peacefully with her lips slightly apart turned him hard instantly. God…he had it bad. Keith was there by 6AM and his breakfast was ready by 6.45AM. Keith was surprised but the man never asked personal questions. He left right on schedule for office at 7.15AM. Today however, he wasn’t interested in doing anything. He wanted to meet Ria, talk to her, have breakfast with her. But he knew she would see the newspapers and probably breakdown. Ria was a strong girl but there were things even strong people couldn’t withstand. He would have held her, comforted her. But he couldn’t afford to lose control before her of=r show her his vulnerability.

So, he had sneaked out of his house and come to his office. He had decided to spend the entire day here and go home only late in the evening. This would be his schedule for a while at least… it would be the best for both of them. As he sipped the horrid machine-made tea…. he only thought of those almond eyes.

Someday… he decided right then…someday soon she would be his, his forever.

************************************************************************

Three days… Three goddamn days… and he had ghosted her…

Something was wrong. Something was bothering Gaurav. Ria knew he was attracted to her just like she was to him. Then why did he not want to speak with her? She didn’t have his mobile number as yet. But he wasn’t taking her calls in office too. Three days…. she had spent three whole days waiting for him. Then she had gone shopping with Megha. Keith was keeping a watch though subtly while she had lunch with Megha while Megha spoke about her complications in early pregnancy and Manek. But not a word about Gaurav, however much Ria tried probing her. Eventually, she gave up. Just before they had parted Megha had hugged her and said “Hey Ria… you are good for him”. Those words kept her smiling all through the day. Megha had left for Delhi later to her maternal home for her delivery. She had come down just for their wedding.

 Back home she wanted to talk to someone besides Keith. She contemplated calling Preeti or Padma…but she knew they would still be full of questons especially with the newspaper fiasco and they would need details. What would she tell them?

 She spent time in the beautiful garden where Keith told her stories about different plants and kept her entertained. In one corner of the garden she saw few paintings of flowers…. nature painting. The most beautiful she had ever seen. Again, she saw the initials GC on each of them and Keith confirmed Gaurav had done those. When it came to Gaurav, Keith had been a good listener but he never shared anything about his employer or his life.

Last evening, he even allowed her to cook dinner. He was a sport and helped her prepare the elaborate spread. She prepared Dum aloo, palak paneer, jeera rice, daal fry and raita. All were Gaurav’s favorite food items. Keith was always around till Gaurav came home. But when he didn’t turn up even at 10PM, she was exhausted and sleep had claimed her. She had slept on the couch in the hall but had woken up in her bed at around 7AM today morning. She hadn’t even stirred when Gaurav had carried her in…

She quickly freshened up and rushed out to catch up with Gaurav. To her dismay he had just left and she had rushed to the balcony only to see his car move out of the gate. Tears filled her eyes as she wondered for the umpteenth time what was wrong in their marriage. Though it was a marriage of convenience… a contract based one, it was still a marriage after all. Couldn’t they just talk like a normal couple? Was it something to do with her?

She wiped her tears and went back into the drawing room where Keith had kept her breakfast ready. The lovely aroma of the sambhar had her mouth-watering and she had the lip-smacking idli sambhar and her coffee. She took the dishes to the kitchen where Keith looked at her with understanding written in his eyes. But as usual he didn’t say anything and she was grateful for that. She thanked him and went back to her room where she spent the morning researching for designs for her new centre. Just after lunch when she considered taking a catnap, her phone pinged with an incoming message. She was excited. Would it be Gaurav? She quickly unlocked her phone and checked but there was an unknown but visible number this time. Her excitement was short lived when she read the contents.

‘Meet me tomorrow 10AM. It’s about your husband. Things you should know. You have been kept in the dark. Time for secrets to come out. Will message location tonight. And… lose the watchdog… cu’

What on earth was this? A freakily cryptic message… What secrets?? Ria was plagued by thoughts. Was this some kind of a joke? Swara’s warning played in her mind. But she knew everyone wanted a piece of information about Gaurav…. from her. Just after the trial the media had hounded her and it was sheer torture. Luckily it was over quickly, within days. Otherwise it would have been a living hell for her family. Was the sender of this message too someone who wanted bytes from her? And did he/she just refer to Keith as a watchdog? That means… she thought with a shudder, the sender knew Keith was to accompany her everywhere…? Howcome…? She had only gone out a couple of times…

After contemplating different options and getting no respite she messaged back:

‘Who is this? Kindly identify yourself’

She got a reply immediately.

‘You will know everything once we meet. It’s important for many people and not just you. If you don’t meet me this time, you will continue the farce called marriage. That Asshole doesn’t deserve you.’

Ria was angry:

‘You just called my husband names and you expect me to believe you? Just…who the hell ru?’

Again, there was a quick reply:

‘Apologies if ur feelings are hurt. Just meet me once, Ria. Just….save urself. Please meet me once. JUST ONCE….’

Ria’s anxiety levels had reached epic heights. After thinking for about an hour she made up her mind

‘I clearly feel ur deluded and I don’t want to be a part of ur brigade. I am not interested in anything remotely linked with my husband’s past…’

Wow that felt good. Immediately she got a reply,

‘UR the one deluding urself. Ur living in a fool’s paradise. U WILL regret this. He is not who u think he is. Meet me once….’

Ria blocked the number.

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

The next day arrived swiftly, faster than she could think of. Gaurav had asked her to pack her bag and check out of the hostel which she had done last evening. She packed a little handbag … well that’s all she had taken when she had run away from Warangal. She had barely slept the night in spite of the fact that the earlier night was also a witness to her insomnia. Ria couldn’t wait to get out of this place… somehow it gave her the creeps ever since she had read the newspaper last morning. Her feelings were paradoxical… while at one end she was happy to get a chance to follow her dreams, without having to bother about anyone whereas at the other end she felt guilty about what she had set to do… She decided to clamp down her thoughts. Today, she decided with a firm resolve she was not going to sweat over anything and let fate take its course.

As promised, Manek’s wife Megha, who was at least six months pregnant, met her at the hostel society gate and from there, she took Ria to a hotel room. The next hour was spent in helping Ria with her saree , the print henna on her hands and with her make-up and hair do. there were a couple of women who had been hired to help Megha. Ria wondered what the fuss was all about but deep within she was excited to dress up… for Gaurav. She didn’t know where this was going to lead to but she was sure about one thing… She didn’t have to pretend before Gaurav or to become what he wanted… She was in her most comfortable element with him. Megha, she realised was a sweetheart. She belonged to a well-off business family and had met Manek during one of their business conventions where she was spearheading the campaign for her company. Manek had apparently pursued her on a project and Megha blushed when she told Ria how few business meetings turned to an eventual marriage and Ria was in tears as she smiled. Ria was glad Megha didn’t ask anything about her in return… she didn’t know if she could reveal anything to this lovely woman. Megha kept chatting about her impending baby shower in Delhi at her parent’s place. But Ria barely focused now… it was almost time. She had butterflies in her stomach and couldn’t eat a morsel of the lovely breakfast spread in the hotel. Finally, when she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t recognize herself. Megha had gone overboard…. But somehow, she loved what she saw.

Megha stood behind her and said, “Wow you look amazing Ria. Just wait till Gaurav bhaiyya sees you…”

Ria blushed as she looked down to adjust her saree and they stepped out of the hotel room. Soon they reached the temple. Ria saw that the arrangements were already made…. And was stunned to see the spread of floral decorations everywhere. Gaurav …looked like had gone beyond the basics. The marigold and roses with merging lilies were arranged in equal proportions everywhere and she loved the fragrance of the mogra gajra which Megha got for her hair and pinned it. The sacred fire pit was arranged at the centre with beautiful kolu drawn around it… it was just like in her dreams and her eyes welled up. Megha left her there and disappeared citing some work left to be done before the wedding. Her heart beat suddenly accelerated and she knew…. he was here and then heard murmurs… when she looked to her left she saw him. Gaurav was dressed in an off white Sherwani. He had a flowing red dupatta and a matching turban too. He looked like a prince…correction…. a king. But though her heart skipped a beat looking at him, this only scared Ria further and she shut her eyes trying to breathe to calm herself. She told herself…everything was going to be fine.  

She felt a warm palm covering hers. “Hey… are you alright…?” a soft voice asked. His voice actually soothed her nerves. She nodded, with her eyes still closed. He said, “Ria, look at me…” She turned towards him and opened her eyes. Gaurav was looking at her with a little smile. He held both her hands as he continued, “… I know… the circumstances of a big day like this… haven’t been ideal at all. I know you may have had different aspirations; you surely would have wanted your family and friends to be there… I …er…I just tried to make this experience a little less… painful for you. I promise you Ria, I will give you everything you desire and leave no stone unturned to make you comfortable in this period of our marriage….” Hearing his, Ria teared up again and pressed her palms to his.

She said, “…Thank you… it’s beautiful …this everything here…”.

********************************************************************************

Gaurav thought this was the happiest moment of his life…. Everything looked surreal… for once he wasn’t bothered about the events surrounding the impending nuptials and he just wanted to let go…For once in his life he didn’t want to be worried about any consequences of his actions… about how his parents or extended family would react. He didn’t even know where his parents were, neither did they call him or text him after his trial. The people who mattered to him were all there. And Ria… she was stunning as a bride… far more beautiful than he had imagined and he just couldn’t take his eyes off her. But her tears… they were tearing him from within… was she sad to be in this…? Was it just desperation driving her… to be tied to him? That was a heart sinking feeling…

The rituals took place as per mixed traditions. The application of sindoor, tying the mangalsutra taali, exchange of garlands and then the pheras. They then did the pooja of the presiding deity and had the prasad. The pandit blessed them and wished them a long and happy married life. The registrar present got their marriage certificate signed and witnessed. It would take a month for it to get registered as per norms but officially he had got his bases covered. Gaurav looked towards Ria. She was speaking to Megha and looked carefree now with a smile on her face. He just hoped he could keep it there.

He hadn’t taken the conventional way of dating Ria or asking her parents or the like… even his proposal was weird. He knew he had taken advantage of a situation… he felt like an opportunist. But he just knew he was right. He felt it within… more strongly than anything else in his life. He knew that he had fallen for her so badly it was a point of no return and just hoped he could make her happy. He knew she was upset but could also sense she had feelings for him. She had faced so much the last few months and didn’t deserve the crap life threw at her. He was saving her from obvious depression….at least that’s what he told himself. In reality though…he was saving himself…his sanity. He hoped and prayed to the presiding deity that his decisions didn’t boomerang.

As a couple they met up with Manek and Megha and Keith and had a traditional south Indian lunch together. Finally, they exited the temple Gaurav held an exuberant Ria’s hands and as Keith got their decorated vehicle around, he said “…Ria…let’s visit your house and meet your parents. I am sure you would want to seek their blessings….” Ria’s smile died and he almost kicked himself for it. But he knew she valued traditions and come what may, that part was very important for her. “…Ria, you are now my wife. I only want you to be happy. I know your family is very important to you irrespective of whatever has transpired between you and you have always done everything possible keeping their best interest in mind. So, before they from others and get more upset and butt of ridicule let’s visit them, ok…?”

 Ria smiled an unsure one. “Thank you, Gaurav… for… thinking about everything. I am skeptical that’s all…our last meeting was… not … it didn’t go well…”.

Hearing her address, him by his name gave him great pleasure. Gaurav got her hand to his chest and said softly, “…don’t be Ria…. I will be there with you. We shall see this through together…. So, let’s go…?” Ria only nodded her smile reaching her eyes now.

As their car moved out of the temple compound and on the road, Gaurav was lost in thought about what was to come. He had already started feeling the marriage was permanent. He didn’t want to think about a year from today. He just hoped this marriage worked out. He wanted to share his life with Ria… share hers too. He hoped it was more than a contract… a permanent commitment. He just had to play his cards well. and… he would have to keep his skeletons locked firmly in his cupboard.

 His past was dark and he had to leave it buried… forever.

********************************************************************************

Gaurav and Ria stood hand in hand outside her flat and rang the bell. Everyone in the society around their building had turned to look at them as they had stepped out of their decorated car. The same people who had talked about her behind her back were looking at her with renewed expressions. Whether it was respect or what… she couldn’t say. Mr. Joshi had leaned out of the balcony so much…she thought he would fall down two floors. She had chuckled but was somber again dreading the impending meet with her parents.

Ria was shivering though it was hot. Gaurav squeezed her hand and said, “…Don’t worry I am right here with you. We shall leave whenever you want to. Just give me an indication….”

The door opened and her mother stood… open mouthed. She quickly gasped and yelled, “Aaiyyo Parmeshwara (Oh God)… what is this? POOJA… oh Pooja… just… just come here…”

What was Pooja doing here…? Ria wondered.

Pooja and her father came rushing out on hearing her mother and her heart fell. “What happened Gayathri….” her father started to ask and stopped midway when he saw them at the door. But he seemed to recover faster than her mother and said, “…Just…just come inside. People are watching…”.

They walked in and he immediately shut the door.

He totally ignored Gaurav but gave an angry look to Ria. “…What on earth were you thinking? Have you lost your mind…? Where the hell were you all these days… you ran away from such a wonderful alliance I had got for you…without a care in the world and now this…” he scolded pointing at her up and down.

“Appa….I… I… I…” Ria stuttered.

“…Just shut up ok?” Her father interrupted. He was writhing in anger as his voice rose. “…Haven’t you embarrassed us enough?… Your mama isn’t talking to us because of your stunt in Warangal… Now you have crossed all your limits. I am forced to wonder if this was your plan all along? Is that why you got rid of Vikram? You wanted to settle with this…this… man…?” He said pointing towards Gaurav. “…wait a minute… he is the boss isn’t he…? The one whom you chose over us…? Gave up our reputation and made us the talk of the town…?”

Ria felt Gaurav squeeze her hand again where he held it. She was miserable and having him by her side was the only reason she could stand the hurtful words aimed at her. She couldnt believe her parents were such poor judge of people… especially Vikram.

Suddenly her mother came to her and shook her by her shoulders, “…RIA… Nīṅkaḷ karppamāka irukkiṟīrkaḷā? you aren’t pregnant, are you?"

“N…no amma…” Ria whispered…

“Then why did you do this? You know Pooja is newly married and we were to celebrate Ganesh festival with her in-laws coming over next weeks. As it is, your scandal… that court case and engagement break up shook us so badly. We covered it up somehow. Now this… How can we explain things to her in-laws?” her mom wailed…

Ria just couldn’t take it anymore. Her folks were miserable….so was she.

Gaurav sensed Ria’s plight… his blood boiled at what she was put through. Controlling his anger, he spoke, “Mr. and Mrs. Narsimhan, we are sorry that we tied the knot in this manner. But we were scared of your reactions. Please bless us as we start our new journey….”

“…JUST TAKE HER AND GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE…” Her father yelled looking at Gaurav. Then he turned towards Ria and said, “…and you. Don’t you dare keep in touch with us anymore…. We don’t want your unholy presence in this house…” Saying he walked out of the drawing room into his bedroom.

Ria looked at her mother hopefully…,”…amma please…” she said softly.

Her mother turned around and followed her husband inside.

Pooja came towards them. She was fuming. “I just hope you haven’t ruined my life. If I have to hear a single taunt from my in-laws over this, I will never forgive you… “.

Gaurav pulled at Ria’s hand slowly and said, “…Let’s go Ria…come in…”

“…Wait… Pooja… I want thatha’s clock…just that and nothing else…”

Pooja gave her a bored look. “…Oh that… its there with your horrid clothes… I was to throw them away anyways. Take what you want…”

Ria rushed inside to her room and took the rickety clock from her cupboard… she looked around the room which held her memories… so many of them, both happy and sad… Tears flew freely as she held the clock to her chest and quickened her pace  back to the door where Gaurav waited for her.

As a child and during her growing up years Ria had always dreamed of tying the knot someday and that involved people around her. Lots and lots of people. She had visualized herself as the bride with a faceless groom and had fantasized going through all the rituals…. With her parents happily doing the kanyadaan and the relatives for a change not gossiping about her appearance. She had thought of the noisy household filled with guests and at the end of her dreams she had wondered how she could ever be able to leave her childhood home.She certainly hadn’t in the wildest of those dreams thought of a hasty marriage with barely three people in attendance. She definitely hadn’t thought of the reception at her home they received from her folks. Worst of all she hadn’t expected to start a new phase of her new life in solitude. Yes, she had come along with Gaurav back to his silent house. There was no one to welcome her. Gaurav was quiet all throughout the journey from her parents’ home to his, while she kept shedding silent tears hugging the clock. Keith was nowhere around either, she assumed he must have been given the day off.

Gaurav escorted her to her room. It was beautifully made up with pastel shades. She hadn’t seen her room during her visit the earlier day and didn’t want to ask either. She was too nervous about the whole scenario then. To her surprise Gaurav had got her few clothes too which were hung in her wardrobe. He had handed a card to her and said, “…uh…Megha helped me buy some clothes for you. But I wanted you to have your choice. So, feel free to buy whatever you want….” He must have sensed her discomfort and had said, “Look Ria…, I know you are very upset about today. Just give them some time. They will come around. … Uh… are you hungry? Keith has prepared dinner before leaving for the day. I shall serve it whenever you want to eat…”

Ria looked up into those beautiful black eyes full of concern and smiled. “…Thank you for all this. It’s beautiful. And I am… not hungry… just… um… sleepy. Um… I shall have some milk though…before sleeping. Um… that’s ok…?”

“…This is your home as well from today Ria. Feel free to do as you wish, ok…? Milk is in the fridge. Let me know whenever you want something…. Other days you can ask Keith. He will be at your service…”. He smiled as she nodded and Gaurav immediately left the room. She heard the neighboring door click close indicating he had retired to his room. She wondered if she would meet him again that day. She didn’t feel like having anything that evening and went to bed early. She had barely slept for about an hour but was suddenly wide awake…slightly disoriented with the new surroundings and as waved of anxiety surged through her she couldn’t sleep. She just lay there on the bed wide awake in the dark. A few minutes later she heard footsteps outside her room. Her heart was beating fast as she peeped toward her closed door. She saw the footsteps halt outside her door through the crevice under the closed door. He stood for a while and then moved away. She didn’t know if she was disappointed or relieved and soon sleep and exhaustion claimed her.

Somewhere in the night she was woken up by some sounds. She thought she was dreaming probably due to the unfamiliar surroundings, yet again. Before she could get her bearings, she heard. ‘…. no… no… just leave …. (muffled sounds) …  no … (crying sounds) … please don’t… no….’.

Was it a movie playing? Ria wondered.  She got up and walked towards the door slightly opening it to avoid the noise and peeped outside. But there was no light or any sign of the TV playing and it was then she heard it again. The sounds continued coming for a while and she realized it wasn’t a movie at all. It was Gaurav who was making those sounds. Was he having a nightmare…? She wanted to go to his room and check if he was alright but didn’t know what she would say or if he would like her interference. She got back to her room and shut the door locking it, as she got into her bed… sleep miles away. As she lay anxious with tear-filled eyes, her heart breaking over her helplessness to help Gaurav, wondering about the man who was now her husband, the sounds ceased. Within a couple of minutes, once again she heard footsteps outside and like earlier, they stopped outside her room. She thought of switching on the light and checking things out. But then once again, the footsteps moved away.

 After twisting and turning for an hour or so she fell asleep… somehow believing her search for the perfect life partner had actually ended…

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

The next morning Ria was alone in her room, her roommate was long gone. She had continued being the night watchman on her bed as the other woman woke up at the crack of the dawn and prepared to go to work. She was gone by 6AM and for a moment Ria envied that woman’s simple life… Once she was back from a breakfast which she barely picked, she kept looking at the ugly huge wall clock in her room, wondering what story the clock may have to tell… I may have witnessed so many people here and she wondered to whom it belonged that the owners had retained it when they had renovated the place to make the hostel accommodations…

Her thatha (grandfather) had had a similar looking one but of a smaller size and though it didn’t work since an eternity, he had kept it in his cupboard saying it always reminded him of her patti… (grandmother). He had often regaled her and Pooja with stories from his life as a public-school teacher in Vellore. He always held the old clock in his hand as he relieved nostalgia. She had refused to part with it when her parents had given away his meagre belongings after he had passed and it was still in her cupboard back home. She hoped she could take it back someday.  She had taken it upon herself to preserve his memories. He was the one who always encouraged her. Even today he would have set things right at home and maybe in her life for her… how she missed him.  The clock struck 11 and her phone rang.

Private number.

“Hello…”

“It’s me. What is your answer? Is it a yes or a no...” Gaurav asked her getting straight to the point. Ria was teary…what was wrong with her? She seemed to cry at the drop of a hat these days… Oh Thatha… what should I do??

“Are you there?” She was jolted back from her thoughts…

“Hello …sir…um…”

“So, what’s it then a yes… or a no?” He asked again and she couldn’t make out the emotion in his voice.

“Yes” she replied so softly she wondered if she could hear herself.

“Come again? I didn’t hear you… I think?” A surprised voice sounded from the other end.

Ria sighed and said “yes… I am ready. But…”

“…I am texting you an address….” He interrupted her, “… Be there at 7pm sharp tonight. We will go over the terms. You may add in whatever you wish to… if reasonable of course… and.…” he paused and she heard him take a deep breath.”…and tomorrow… we will get married“.

Wait what??

“Tomorrow?” she squealed.

“Look Ria I can’t talk more on this line. We will meet today evening and continue this… conversation…”. Saying that he abruptly ended the call.

   The clock struck 12 with a bong and Ria realized that she still had her phone at her ear. She held it in front of her and checked her texts. Manek of course had sent some address. So, he must know about the marriage arrangement too! She put the address on the Google map. It was about an hour away from her hostel. She had to leave at 5.45PM at least, or should she leave earlier considering the bad traffic at the time…? And what would she wear…?

She shook her head and chuckled wondering what was she thinking… She had her life at stake as she was all set to make an important decision…. Actually ‘made’… and she was thinking about clothes and traffic!

As she got dressed at 5pm that evening wearing the only cotton salwar kameez that was less faded and less worn, she got a text again from Manek , car waiting at the north end of your lane. Gate 2. Brown color Wagon R. Driver name: Ravi.

That brought down her stress level to an extent. She wasn’t a huge fan of solitary adventures … like travelling alone at late hours to new locales… trust Gaurav to take care of her fears…of course he did…he always did. She took in a deep breath and looked into the half-length mirror fixed to her cupboard. She straightened the lemon yellow colored salwar kameez trying to ease out the creases. She had worn a pair of tiny pearl earrings that she had packed for Warangal. It was a gift from her late grandfather on her 15th birthday and now the only piece of jewelry with her. She had topped her school in the board exams. He parents were happy but not elated though. Appa had said, “This is the beginning, Ria. You shouldn’t rest on these little laurels…” LITTLE?? “…. You have long way to go. Remember the dream job offering you a great salary? That should be your ultimate goal. Do not rest till you reach there.” And he had gone back to the newspaper he was reading. There were no sweets prepared or bought to give their neighbours who kept asking, so did her teachers and school friends. She hadn’t even gone to collect her certificate and had asked Pooja instead, being embarrassed.

Ria sighed as she returned to her present form in the mirror. She thought she looked Okay. She had never given much attention to her appearances before Gaurav. Amma had said those were frivolous distractions and most of the time her wishes to own something fancy were nipped in the bud itself. Her friends used to occasionally call her behenji but it never had bothered her, until today. She wanted to look good, smell good… In spite of the situation, she wanted to dress up for him. She wondered what Gaurav would think about her clothes today. Though she knew he was beyond all that… he wasn’t a shallow person like her prospective suitors of Vikram but still, would the tall, fair and handsome Gaurav actually like her…? As marriage material… even though she knew it was an agreement they were getting into…?

About an hour and fifteen minutes later minutes later she stood outside a pent house. The journey to his part of the town had been quicker than expected. He lived in a 12 storied tower and she had to give identification at the gate. She was awed with the state of art security. She loved the elevator too… it was smooth just like the one at the hospital but grander. Within seconds she was on the 9th floor and when she stepped out, she realized there was only one house on the entire floor.

Of course.

Ria rang the bell and waited.  Within a minute the door opened and a smiling Keith in white overalls, which seemed like a uniform welcomed her smiling which reduced her heightened anxiety considerably. “Welcome Ria, sir will be here shortly. Please come in…”.  He was acting so formal Ria almost chuckled. He led her through a short foyer which opened into one of the most elegant living rooms she had ever seen in her life.

WOW

The walls were painted white and had pockets of little lights which gave a lovely cozy feeling to the room. The furniture was rosewood as per her knowledge. The two pairs of three by two seaters and center table looked stunning. There was a whole rack of books and trophies on one end of a wall and a TV and home theater system on the opposite wall. The end of the hall led to a balcony as she saw from her end.

“Please be seated Ria. Shall I get you tea, coffee, fruit juice or anything else you may like…? Just be comfortable …OK?”  Keith asked.

Ria looked up at him and smiled. “Um… no nothing. Thank you, Keith…. I am ok…”

Keith smiled making him look so much younger as he looked at her with a tenderness in his eyes which she always wanted to see in her father’s.  She blinked back tears…

“As you wish…Ria. If you need anything just call out”. Saying that he left. As she looked around, she realized there were no pictures or any personal kind of things except… horses… There were derby pictures, pictures of some Jockeys with their trophies…She couldn’t identify Gaurav in any of them though but his love for the equestrian sport reflected in the décor. It was then her eyes fell on a black and white sketch in a corner. She went towards it and saw… it was a beautiful sketch of a mother and a child. The mother had lifted the child in her arms and the child was angelic in his toothless smile. She was wondering about the artist when she saw a scrawling at the right corner…

GC

Was it Gaurav? He could make such a beautiful sketch? It was unbelievable. But then the man was an enigma in himself… what other talent did he possess?

“… hello Ria…?” A soft voice spoke. Her belly fluttered as she turned around. He was dressed in faded jeans and a loose white full sleeves shirt as usual buttoned at the wrist and the neck and sneakers. Sneakers …at home? Couldn’t he just relax in his own home?

He walked towards her and saw the sketch in her hand, he took it from her and placed it on the shelf with a thud… Did she intrude…?

“…I am sorry… I just saw the horse’s pictures…they were beautiful to ignore…”

That got a smile back on his handsome face and he walked with hands in his pockets towards the pictures. He was close enough she could inhale the citrus scent…

“…This…” He pinted to therace with Emirates writted in the background. “…This was the Dubai world cup 2016… I had… been the runner up… Do you know… it was the richest Derby in the world till 2017…My prize money funded the peadiatric surgical unit in the hospital…” He looked at it for a while and pointed to the Jockey picture. “… and that was the Chopra Group sponsored candidate… I knew he would win for us… I had selected and trained him… That… as the last race I was ever involved in…” He sighed and turned towards her. “… Please come Ria… take a seat…” He spoke ever so softly.

She sat on a single seater while he sat on the opposite side.

“…Uh… Ria… please feel at home. This is after all going to be your home for the next year… Er… Once we sign the papers, I will show you around…” He looked at her as he continued, “…look… about tomorrow. I don’t think we need to wait anymore. The faster we tie the knot, the faster we can stop the scribes from gossip…you can complete the year and …get…get free” As he said the last word he looked away. She had read the newspaper today morning in the hostel common area and put it away after the few lines she had read about her. Fortunately, there was no picture of her and no one in the hostel bothered anyways…

“But tomorrow… won’t it be too soon?” She asked wide eyed…

He stood up and walked slowly towards the balcony. As he reached there he turned around and stood leaning against the wall crossing his legs at the ankle and folded his hands.

OMG didn’t he know what he did to my heart??

“We don’t have anyone who will be attending our wedding. We will have a small ceremony in a local temple here. I know the priest there. He belongs to your community and is ready to complete the rituals… Manek and his wife Megha will be the witnesses and after about a month we can get it registered in the court. I am sure your… er… parents won’t approve of this match even without the…. conditions. You can tell them after the ceremony. What do you think…?” He said.

Ria was still trying to fathom what he had said. It looked like he had taken care of all details. It definitely made sense. In fact, the faster she got out of her  hostel the faster she could work towards her goal.

“Ok….sir But my parents don’t need to know… actually …um… I am estranged…” Her eyes filled in spite of everything… and she had a tough time keeping tears at bay. “…Um… What time tomorrow then?” she asked

He smiled SMILED… It was titillating… She had to control herself or else she would be vulnerable before him… as it is the emotional roller coaster was too much for her. He said, “Tomorrow be ready by 7am. Megha will pick you up… she will er… get you ready and our wedding muhurat is 10.20am. Is that ok?”

Ria nodded…

He came towards her and sat on the center table before her. He dragged his hand through his hair, the gesture which was now synonymous with him, gave him some sensual appeal…. Ria looked around as if to drive away the thought…

“We need to set some other rules besides the contract”, He said softly in that seductive voice which made her look at him… into the depth of his his blacks. She could only nod.

He continued, “We will have to address each other with our names. So, it will be Ria and Gaurav…ok?”

She whispered, “yes”

He smiled as he continued, “…You are free to move around and use anything here. This floor has the living room, kitchen, a study and 2 bedrooms adjacent to each other. The first is mine and second is yours. Keith as you know is the housekeeper cum cook… he leaves at night. Finally, we won’t interfere in each other’s lives. Do you have any concerns about this arrangement or questions…?”

She looked into his eyes just like a magnet drawn towards a piece of iron. “I …um… I have a question. Um…do you have a girl friend?”  She asked softly…tremor in her voice evident.

Gaurav took her hand and held it between his palms just like that night. “…Ria, I don’t have a girlfriend. I am surprised you asked me though… We should maintain the sanctity of our vows… even though … it’s temporary…”

Ria nodded and smiled, strangely pleased at his admission.

Later after a lovely dinner of her favourite curd rice for which she thanked Keith; Gaurav gave her a tour of his house. As he took her upstairs to the first level of his penthouse, he showed her the guest rooms and the home gym. He then showed her a terrace garden which had some of the loveliest blossoms she had ever seen. “This is Keith’s handiwork…”, Gaurav said waving. The huge terrace lawn was vibrant even with the artificial lighting and the fragrance didn’t want to make her leave the place… They stood there for a while and Gaurav showed her different varieties of roses and lilies… was there anything the man didn’t know…?

A glance at her watch said it was 9.30pm. She couldn’t believe she had lost track of time. When they came back to the living room, Manek was there with another man whom she recognized as one of their lawyers she had seen once with Khatiyal. Two sets of stamp paper documents were on the table.

Gaurav shook hands with the lawyer. He introduced him, officially this time, to Ria. The next half an hour was a blur. The lawyer explained contract details and other legal jargon to her and finally the contracts were signed. Though Ria was clueless about legal matters, she didn’t feel insecure. Somehow, she blindly trusted Gaurav.

As soon as they left, Ria realized it was time for her to leave as well. She hadn’t seen her room yet but she was late and she would see it anyway when she came here… tomorrow. She stood up abruptly and her knee hit the center table. She yelped and was about to fall but Gaurav was there quickly by her side grasping her elbows. He steadied her and helped her sit on a nearby chair. Her hair… unruly as ever was all over her face. Oh God it was so embarrassing… she flushed. He used his index finger to move her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear on either side concentrating in the task and Ria could hear her own breathing now.

“Are you Ok Ria?” He asked with soft concern in his voice., the one which always melted her heart.

Ria couldn’t think of anything with him so close. Somehow, she looked into his eyes and muttered, “I um… it was an overwhelming day… I guess I am tired. I will be fine. I …um… I have to go home now.”

They were so close she could feel his soft warm breath on her face as they starred at each other for a few moments. Gaurav looked down at her lips coming closer and she thought he would kiss her. Just then, the doorbell startled them and he abruptly jerked away, leaving  her hands. He cleared his throat and quickly went to answer the door even as an amused Keith rushed from wherever he had migrated to. He looked at Ria and smiled… then giving her a two finger salute he went back to his chores. It was Ravi the driver who had come to pick her. She heard Gaurav speak. “Go ahead Ravi, Ria Madam will be there soon”.

After a few minutes, Ria left Gaurav’s house and moved towards the elevator. Gaurav didn’t leave her side while they were stood in silence waiting for the elevator. It arrived soon and as its doors opened. Ria quickly stepped in trying to get her bearings together. She turned around and pressed the button for the ground level.

As the elevator doors closed, she looked up to see intense black eyes watching her…. with the same unfathomable emotion, she had often seen when he looked at her. What was it… would she ever know…? She was about to marry the man for God’s sake… A man who was a half-filled canvas waiting for the exuberance of colours…

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 32

Ria banged the folder on the table the sound resonating within the tiny walls of her room which she shared with another young woman in the working woman’s hostel. It was the best she could get given that she could barely make ends meet let alone paying the rent. Preeti had helped out and paid for two months though she had resisted and then eventually given in as she desperately needed a place to stay. That was a fortnight ago and by now she had worn her heels out trying different hospitals and private clinics in and around the area she now stayed, for jobs. Unfortunately, three months may have passed but the negative publicity the news had brought for the Chopra group of hospitals had reached the other hospital HR before she did and she wasn’t getting in… It was frustrating because she desperately needed work. The little money she had left with her was finishing soon and she had to do something fast. She couldn’t venture far because she couldn’t afford the travel… she was in a fix… It was 6PM and she had spent the whole day scouting four different clinics in her list…none of them had vacancies or needed a counsellor.

As she sat contemplating her next move… desperation sinking her heart, her phone buzzed. She had switched on her old number and had blocked her parents and other members from the housing colony whose numbers she had and she was extremely cautious whose calls she answered if the number wasn’t stored. She had waned a clean break and after ages, in spite of her dire situation she had some sort of mental peace.

“Hey Preeti…” She answered the call

“…Ria… are you close to a TV or something…?”

“…No… why… what is it…? Actually, the wifi here is pathetic too and my data is…well… but what is the matter…?” her heart was thudding rapidly as she awaited Preeti’s response.

“…Ria… just come downstairs…I am getting close… will be there in five…” and she disconnected even before Ria could speak. What the hell had happened? Ria wasn’t sure she could take anymore turbulence… she was tired…in every sense of the word. She kept her stuff in the little rickety cupboard allotted to her and locked it… not that she had anything valuable but still, it gave her a sense of security.

She reached downstairs rushing only to stumble on the last steps and saw Preeti just alighting from her car at the gate. She waved to Ria and watching tension written on her friend’s beautiful face, Ria was getting jittery. Preeti rushed towards her and holding her hands dragged her along outside the gate.  Panting, she opened her Tablet and played a video what Ria realised was a recording of a recent news bulletin.

“…Preeti what…?” She was inquisitive as she saw it was taking a while to stream

“…Shhh… just hear this…”

The video played and Ria was glad Preeti was with her.

‘…In a development of sorts the fresh news coming in is an unfortunate turn of events related to the recent case of State vs Gaurav Chopra. The prime accused Ms. Swara Sawant has been found dead in her cell where she was housed as an under trail…’ Ria gasped and held her chest as her breathing became laboured. Oh God. ‘…today morning, Ms. Sawant was found lying in a pool of blood from a severed vein in her wrist and a sharp object suspected to be a broken piece of a glass bottle was also found lying next to her. The initial investigation conducted by the local police in coordination with the jail authority indicate suicide and there is no evidence of foul play. According to the jailor, Ms. Sawant had been quiet and kept to herself ever since she was brought in. It’s is suspected that Ms. Sawant was suffering from depression. The body has been sent for post-mortem after which it will be cremated by the prison authorities since Ms. Sawant had no living relatives and so far, no one has come forward to claim the body….’ In spite of what Swara had done Ria couldn’t help but cry for the life snuffed out of a young woman. The anchor continued. ‘… To those who are new to this, about three months back the scion of the Chopra Group was charged for rape of Ms. Swara Sawant who was then, an employee of the hospital. The circumstantial evidences were tight and Dr. Gaurav Chopra was almost done in when another employee Ms. Ria Narsimhan testified in his favour about him being present with her the entire night of the alleged rape. That proved to be a major twist in the case and tilted the judgement in the Chopra scion’s favour. In what was touted as the shortest trial in the history of fast track courts, Dr. Chopra was acquitted after Ms. Sawant had admitted to her felony. There have been speculations since… if Dr. Chopra indeed had orchestrated everything to cover up an clandestine affair as Ms. Sawant had claimed and also if Ms. Narsimhan was party to the entourage of suspected lies. However, there has been no proof to corroborate the same and the case was a dead end. Now with Ms. Sawant’s death it remains to be seen if there is any indication of foul play… all our attempts to contact Dr. Gaurav Chopra have been futile and Ms. Narsimhan after whose testimony Ms. Sawant had the outburst convicting herself in, has been incognito since the trail ended… our correspondent had visited her housing colony too but her parents have washed their hands off and the neighbours have no idea about her whereabouts. We will be trying to reach them and shall keep the viewers updated on this case….’

“…Oh…Oh God Preeti what happened…? I mean… what the hell… why did she do that…?”

“…No idea Ria… Swara never was the depressed kind… I don’t understand why she did… everything…I mean… this is so confusing…” Preeti said and then turned to Ria.

“…Ria…I hope these news hounds don’t get to know about your current location… keep a low-profile Ok…? so… got that job yet…?”

“…Nope… no luck as yet but there are still about 4 private clinics left… hopefully something should materialise… otherwise…” Ria spoke distractedly.

“…otherwise … what…?”

“…Nothing… I will change my field… maybe take up a job pf a receptionist or a telephone operator… save up some money to move elsewhere and hopefully by then this situation here, will die a natural death”

“…you will do no such thing Ria… you are great at what you do… Ok now listen to what I have…”

“…Hmmm…Ok…” She was still thinking about what Swara had told her outside the court…

“…the hospital had openings last week… I was wondering if you knew and would be interested… entry levels for all departments…”

That got her attention now! “…Preeti look…”

“…Wait…Ria… just hear me out…” she cut Ria and continued. “…. Ever since… the case happened, there have been few … um… changes in the hospital here… The bossman is conspicuous by his absence… he doesn’t see anyone…. Just NOONE… we don’t know when he arrives or exits…that if he actually does….”

“…But Preeti…”

“…will you please listen…? You don’t have much of a choice and these rumors and stories they do die a natural death but it takes time and that you don’t have… Look Ria… if there is any place you should try… its this hospital… I am not sure about the last dates for application… but just give it a shot…will you…?”

“… I am not sure Preeti… I… its tough…” her eyes welled up as she imagined the uncertainty clouding her psyche… her mind drew a blank.

“…Ria… I understand and if you get through, I am there till you settle… before I actually quit…And remember you didn’t serve your notice period… and didn’t get anything either… I found out from HR today morning, your last work month pay has been deducted but you will still get some amount in form of EPF… They couldn’t contact you since your number was changed and since they didn’t want to indicate that you had quit or they had asked you to leave they didn’t want to keep records like email… So at least come to collect your cheque. If nothing it will help you sail through till you get a job…”

Its not that Ria hadn’t thought of her dues… but she was sceptical to even step back into the hospital premises. However, now she was running out of time and options…

“…o…ok Preeti… I will be there tomorrow morning…”

After returning to her room Ria got busy with gathering her CV…not that the hospital didn’t have it… It was her first and last job so far! but her nerves were running amok and she needed to keep herself busy. She was glad she hadn’t fraternised much with her roommate an accountant by profession form the looks of it and she kept to herself as well and Ria was glad. She hoped the woman didn’t recognise her infamous roommate.

 The next morning Ria walked into the Chopra group of hospital’s rehabilitation wing. She didn’t want to meet any of her ex-colleagues so she was there at about 11 AM, she knew Preeti would hate her for that but she was in no mood to fraternise. She didn’t even know what kind of welcome she would be subjected to and she couldn’t take anymore hostility. She had covered her head with her stole and hoped she could remain inconspicuous amongst the sea of patients.

She directly went to meet Dr. Hema Mishra her old supervisor who she was told was in charge of recruitment. “Oh, hello Ria…” Dr. Mishra called out as she knocked and peeped in…just like the old times “… so nice to see you dear, what’s up…?” Dr. Mishra continued as she juggled with her ever mounting paperwork.

Ria felt like a new intern that she was three years ago. But with Dr. Mishra she also felt at home. “Hello Ma’am… I actually needed a favor”.

Dr. Mishra looked up from above the top ridge of her reading glasses. “What is it dear? Did you collect your check…? I had asked the HR to keep it ready without the date so you could collect it anytime you come. Your paperwork … anything got left out? Any pending dues that we owe you…?”

Ria blinked back tears and replied, ” No Ma’am… er… I um… um… I want my old job back… the one before the promotion…”

Dr. Mishra stopped her work and gestured her to sit, glaring at Ria as she did… After what seemed like hours, she cleared her throat and said, “You know that is not possible dear. You have to re-apply as a fresh candidate… you just missed the last date by 3 days…. And we put out our… next list of openings after six months and that too if there is a vacancy. This is the company policy…” she sighed and continued “I am so sorry… I wish with all my heart to have my best subordinate back here… but… I am bound by rules. But… I promise, you will be my first choice whenever we open up our applications… I will call you personally…”.

Ria felt energy draining out of her body. This job was her last hope… She wondered what else she had left to lose… She had lost her family which was never there for her in the first place but whatever traces of respect they had for her. She had lost her reputation and her career even before it actually began, all… just for daring to speak out the truth.

“It’s alright ma’am …I will apply again… whenever the opportunity arises. Thank you “, she said and left the cabin.

As she was approaching the exit gate her phone rang. The caller ID read private number. It only meant one person and Ria’s heart beat faster.  “Hel… hello?” she answered.

There was a pause and then a gruff voice said, “Come up 9^th floor… last cabin on the right” and the call was abruptly cut.

Gaurav… he had moved his cabin? Why did he call her…? Would it be a correct decision to meet him since their so-called relationship was under scanner? But she had nothing more to lose and she wanted to see him…one last time… She straightened her back. She was no longer an employee here. She had no reason to fear or obey him, not after what had transpired between them… She went to the lobby and took the staff elevator covering her face and was thrilled even Tara mavshi couldn’t recognise her as she passed her. With each floor as the elevator climbed up, her heart raced faster. By the time she reached the 9th floor she was palpitating. She came out of the elevator and stood in the foyer taking deep breaths. The foyer was completely empty and Karuna wasn’t there anywhere. It was good, she thought as Karuna would have asked her a hundred questions. But she would also have been a source of strength for Ria…. today she was all alone.

Ria reached the last cabin and looked around. She had never been to this end of the wing and she didn’t want to think more, least she would start palpitating again…

She knocked at the door. “Come in” he called out gruffly as ever.

She opened the door and … it was dark inside. Curtains were drawn over the huge French windows. This was such a contrast to his earlier cabin which was bigger and of course brighter. She just peeped in wondering what to do.

“You may close the door please”, the voice said and Ria was startled. She closed the door and walked in, trying to keep one foot in front of the other. Suddenly the light was on and she had to raise her hand to cover her eyes. What on earth…

“Please take a seat Ria”, He said with that voice which gave her erotic dreams racing her heart as it did now. Ria looked up and her heart skipped a beat. Gaurav sat on his huge revolving chair like he owned the place… of course he did!!  His formidable stance with the soft light from the false ceiling putting a soft glow on his face bring out the innocently passionate hues… she knew existed right beneath the rough exterior, with the scar totally hidden but…his right eye was bluish, bruised…Oh no… what happened?

Ria couldn’t help but ask, “Are you ok Sir?”

Gaurav stared at her… The same intensity… the grey eyes bored into her. Ria quickly sat down before she could react in anyway or show her feelings overtly.

“Ms. Narsimhan…”, so it was Ms. Narsimhan again, “… I am told you are looking for a position here”. The news had gotten to him already and… he was bang on topic. Ria sighed.

“Um… yes actually I came to see if I could join back… I wasn’t getting another job and … at that time… I um… I had to resign” she softly said.

“…Why the hell… did you quit…?” He asked in his lethally calm voice.

“…I had to get away Sir… after everything that happened… at least till things settled…” she didn’t know why she was explaining things to him

“Yes, er … I heard about your problems… Media still outside your home… and you aren’t there… I…I am sorry… but where are you staying these days…?”

Ria was surprised. In all the time that she had known him, she had rarely seen him fumble with words. The sincerity in his voice touched her, of course he had always cared. She smiled a little and said, “Um … it’s alright sir, I am ok now. I live in a working woman’s hostel…”

“…why…? Why not with your parents…?” He enquired and she didn’t know if she had to tell him.

“…Um… I had a fall out…”

“…because of the case…?”

“…Um… yes … among the other things…”

He stood and walked toward the side window, hands in his pant pockets and a confident stance. He turned around and looked at her. Ria was wondering what was happening when he said, “Look Ri.. er Ms. Narsimhan, as Dr. Mishra must have told you already we can’t take you back at this juncture. However, there is something I need to tell you, rather… I have an offer…“

Ria just stared… he continued, “…I am sorry for what you are going through with your folks back home…or your job situation…” of course he knew… is there anything he didn’t…

“…. I have an offer which will work best for both of us in our situations. Somehow, I think… I am responsible majorly for this…er turn of events… in your life…” saying, he turned back towards the window.

Ria waited till what looked like eternity. She softly said, “Sir…”

Gaurav turned around, walked back towards his table and kept his palms on it bending to reach her eye level.

 Then without wasting his breath he said, “Marry me“.

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 31

Three months later…

Ria picked up the files from the cabin head of the psychiatry department of Lotus multi-speciality hospital in Warangal. She went back to her cabin close by and kept them on the pile of already existing ones which screamed for her attention. She sat down on her revolving chair with a thud and sighed resting her head on the backrest. The work here was back breaking and they paid peanuts. Besides seeing cases in the psychiatry ward, she had tons of paperwork to do as well as double up as a receptionist or a clerk as they were short staffed. Not to mention the language barrier, it was tough to break the ice with the locals, even the staff who were notorious in showing her who the real bosses were. She didn’t care and just waited for the clock to turn fast so it would be time for her to go home. She stared at the ceiling fan rotating around noiselessly in its own world impervious to the turmoil raging in her heart.

She glanced at the calendar hung on the side wall… three months… It was three months ago, today when she had last seen Gaurav. Not a day had passed since, when she hadn’t thought about him. Every time she closed her eyes the image of his stricken face as she declared her decision to quit the Chopra group… would swim before her eyes. She would dream of him muttering sweet nothings in her ears and immediately her eyes would well up and then she would drown in her misery… She had thought getting away from Pune would be the best solution for everyone and probably it helped others too but for her… she was wallowing in her sorrow. She missed Gaurav… missed him so much it hurt… every damn day. She wiped her tears and looked at the grandfather clock in her cabin. It had been there since ages and was an antic eyesore in that modernised cabin. But she thought it represented her… she was always the misfit everywhere she went… It was time to leave for the day and Ria bundled up the files to carry work home… Home…if she could call the tiny studio apartment, that. She lived as a paying guest in her maternal uncle’s house. They had a bungalow wherein they usually rented out the divided top floor with its own entrance. It had been a win -win situation for everyone.

She still recalled the day Gaurav and Keith had dropped her at the entrance of the lane to her housing colony that morning three months ago. It was the morning after her showdown and Gaurav and she had barely spoken. In fact, she hadn’t even spoken to Keith and that was killing her… but not more than what she was going through for not talking to Gaurav. He didn’t speak a word but she could feel his eyes on her and feel his anguish as well. She only consoled herself she was doing right by him as well. He didn’t need to set things right for her when he had his own worries served on a platter to him. Though Keith and Gaurav never discussed things before her she knew there was a lot more than the case ending in the court and also knew he would have to fight the battles outside. She didn’t have to increase his troubles further…

When she had asked him to stop the car at the lane entrance, Keith had been surprised. “Ria… let me drop you at least till your colony gate… its quite a distance and… and you bag is pretty heavy to drag it all the way…”

“…Its alright Keith… I am used to carrying baggage with me… Thank you…” Then without a backward glance she had walked away huffing and panting and not stopped till she reached her housing colony gate. She didn’t know if it was her being conscious about herself that she felt everyone’s eyes on her. She felt every onlooker wanting to get a byte out of her… some juicy court gossip. A couple of them also approached her with some nasty irrelevant questions while some passed obscene jibes but she just ignored them and kept walking rapidly towards her building. She quickly climbed up the stairs to Mr. Joshi’s house where she knew the additional keys of her house were kept. Though the Joshi’s were brimming with curiosity like the other spectators when she had entered the colony, she didn’t speak a word and left for her house. Her muscles were burning by the time she opened the door and stepped inside. As soon as she kept her bag down her eyes fell on her thatha’s framed photo and she removed it hugging it to her chest as she sobbed away her heart’s grief. She stayed like that till afternoon when her stomach growled. She prepared a quick lunch of khichidi with what little was available and switched on her phone which Gaurav had returned to her. It was pinging with messages for the next few minutes and the maximum were from Preeti… She didn’t even bother to read the rest and deleted all of them. She had immediately called her friend and Preeti after initially reprimanding her for hiding about the 29^th July night, she had told Ria about the ugly gossip at work. She had also mentioned Sudhir being arrested but the major issue was since no one could openly talk about bossman and almost everyone was hating Swara for the lies she had spewed; Ria was the only option to gossip about. Preeti also added about the negative publicity the hospital had received and based on rumors, she doubted if Ria would be transferred to another branch…. Ria had laughed sarcastically and told Preeti about her decision to quit. Preeti had been kind enough to offer her a place to stay at her home till she found another place of work, to fund her stay at the working women’s hostel, but Ria had refused. She wasn’t in the right frame of mind then and wanted a clean break… from everything.

She had then called her appa… who initially cut the calls and on the fifth try he had answered it.

“…Why the hell are you calling…? What do you want…Ria…?” He had screamed into the phone angrily.

“…Appa… where are you all…? I was back home…”

“…That isn’t your home… I had told you when you left, hadn’t I…?”

“…appa… look… I have quit the job… left everything behind now and want to make a fresh start… exactly like the way you want it… where are you all…?”

“…We are at your mama’s place in Warangal… We will be getting Pooja married off in a week… there is no point waiting anyway… she isn’t interested in studying further and I am ok with it… what good did studies do to you… I have seen first-hand. At least let me get one of you settled…”

“…Appa… I am withdrawing my remaining saving totally and will give it to you as well as the couple of jewellery which I have for giving to Pooja… let me come… to Warangal please… I won’t attend the wedding if you don’t want me to…”

Her Appa had paused for a while and then said. “…Ok… come here then… and transfer the money to my account… we are running short…”

With a heavy heart which had become almost numb with grief Ria had booked a ticket, tendered her resignation online and next day she had left for Warangal.

She had landed here three months back and her uncle had helped her get this job at the hospital and as promised she gave whatever was left with her to her father and sister. But she didn’t feel a thing because she realised, she had left her heart behind in Pune… with the handsomely scarred hunk who held it by the strings… which were barely lose and at times she couldn’t breathe as the waves of emotions clogged her throat. As promised, she didn’t attend Pooja’s wedding and the very next week her parents retuned back to Pune. She stayed back resigning herself to her fate… and now three months down the line she had found out the trial news had died an early death since she wasn’t around to rake things up and everything apparently had gone back to normal.  She occasionally had a chat with Preeti who was busy with her wedding preparations and was all set to quit her job to move to another city with her beau next month. Though Preeti often told her to join the hospital back, and also a couple of working women’s hostels around where she could get a room for miniscule amounts, Ria didn’t read much into it. Though she told herself otherwise, she only spoke to Preeti to get details about the hospital… i.e her bossman. She often wondered how he must be doing… would he have moved on… did he remember her? But unfortunately, there was absolutely no mention of the hospital or her bossman… It was good in a way, she thought. She wouldn’t remember him… would she?

But she was so so wrong… she was catapulted back to her memories with Gaurav every time she met her current boss in the hospital who was ruthless with everyone. Every time she saw a horse or a park, she was reminded of Parijath. Parks also reminded her of the last day of the trial when he had taken her on a nostalgic journey down his memory lane. Every time she had curd rice she was now reminded of Keith… Oh God Would she ever get out of this…? Would she ever move on…?

She came back to the house emotionally drained as she always did whenever she thought about Gaurav… which was always, she received an incoming call on her cell phone. She had changed her number and only Preeti, besides her parents had it. It was her appa… what did he want now…? They had barely spoken after her arrival in Warangal.

“…hello Appa…?”

“…Ria… just dress up well and go downstairs to your mama’s house. There is someone I want you to meet…”

“…what… I mean… who…?”

“…can’t you just do as told without questioning me…? It’s your mami’s cousin brother… now listen carefully. He is a businessman but a widower… just turned fifty… and has a son aged ten years… So, he needs a mother for that brat and a companion for himself and who better than you…?”

Had he lost it…?

“…What are you saying Appa…? Marriage…? He is fifty…? Widower…?”

“…So what…? And do you know he is funding the entire wedding and we won’t have to shell out a single penny… See how everything is falling into place…? And he has no problem with you working as well. Now instead of sending half your salary to us you can give the entire amount… you won’t want for anything since he is loaded…and the best part…? He has agreed to pay off the personal loan worth ten lakhs, so I will only be left with the home loan…”

Her father went on and on and Ria blocked him out before she heard him again. “…and good for all of us… so meet him and don’t be a snob…OK… you owe us that at least after everything we had to go through…” and then he disconnected the call.

Of course, everything was good for all of them except Ria… but not that it concerned her appa anyway. Tears filled her eyes… why didn’t he leave her in peace? She knew he had to take an additional loan for Pooja’ wedding and debts had piled up. She had thought staying back here and giving half her salary to him in spite that compared to Mumbai her salary here was a pittance, would have sufficed but no… here he was back again with his vicious ways. What would she do now… they didn’t even bother to ask her before calling the prospective suitor? She had left Pune with the hope of retaining her sanity and while she still had to find her footing in every sense of the word, here was another turbulence… Why God why…? What had she done to deserve this merciless flogging one after the other…? She had fallen from the frying pan to the fire… what could she do now…?

There was only one name she could think of and she dialled the number.

“Hello Preeti… I need a huge favour. Um… you were mentioning that working woman’s hostel close to your place… can you send me the address? I am leaving Warangal right away… It’s almost 6PM now here…”

“…What…? Ria…? Are you insane…? What happened…? Are you alright…?”

“…Preeti nothing is right… but no time to explain… can you talk to those people and reserve a room for me… I have a little money to tide over for a month…”

“…Ria don’t worry about that… I am here to help. You call me once you reach Pune and I will arrange the room for you…. Just take care…Ok…?”

“…thanks … Preeti… got to go now…” Ria disconnected the call and immediately packed her stuff… whatever little she had with her.

As she left the house from the back entrance and rushed towards the auto stand that would take her to the bus depot, she saw a high-end car parked at her mama’s doorstep… Looks like her appa’s Mr. Moneybags was here. Anger surged up within her, strengthening her determination to run away removing even an iota of self-doubt. The bus was to depart late at night and she waited at the depot canteen after shutting down her phone. The bus journey was the cheapest mode she could find and

Later as the bus cruised across the sleepy Nampally, Ria stared out at the black night outside… the darkness no less than the one that had engulfed her life… for a long time now. She had seen a silver lining for a while… with him… but now… she didn’t know what life had in wait when the grueling 25-hour journey was done with…. And a long journey it definitely was that was to continue even after she reached Pune…

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 30

Ria entered the safe house and walked straight into her room… It was the last night here and tomorrow she was to go back… but where…? Appa had told her he didn’t want to see her again… He must be definitely watching the news channels… not to mention the talking going on. Actually she had thought, like in typical such cases the trial would get dragged for weeks or maybe months and that would give him time to cool down. But thanks to Swara’s outburst it was the shortest rape trial in the history of fast -track courts… Khatiyal must be laughing his way to the bank. Speaking of Swara, the woman seemed relieved to be going to jail… really? She didn’t even put up a fight…something was amiss here.  Ria freshened up and got back to the drawing room where Keith served hot filter coffee. Gaurav was still in his room… he must have been relieved… the double edged sword hanging over his head was finally taken off… or… was it…?

Gaurav emerged out of his room on the phone. “…yes Manek… wait… I am on it right now…” He disconnected the call as he switched on the TV. The news channel… Oh God what did they want now… the trial was over for heaven’s sake. Ria was suddenly worried all over again… as she held her mug between her palms, the aroma of the coffee beans and the warmth calming her racing heart.

‘…in the history of the country’s rape trials, here was a record created with the fastest court trial where the case stands dismissed in two days.  As per report available to the media, the complainant and the apparent rape survivor by the name of Swara Sawant made up a false claim against the Chopra scion Dr. Gaurav Chopra. However, in a drastic turn of events an employee of the hospital, a counsellor, Ms. Ria Narsimhan’s testimony nailed it. According to the witness she had spent the night of 29^th July with Dr. Chopra in the old hospital building where in he apparently saved her life. To those uninitiated, the Chopra group completed twenty-five years of being in the industry and there was a party at the old hospital building thrown for the employees. There is talk whether the ‘prime’ witness was someone pre-arranged by the Chopras to save their hide…? We have with us in the studio, Mr. Vikram Iyer the ex-fiancée of the key witness in the case. So Mr. Vikram what do you have to say about the verdict…?’

That sleazeball was sitting with a smug face and Ria banged her half-drunk coffee and stood up even as Gaurav and Keith watched her, she walked close to the TV. She wanted to see how much lower could her father’s golden eyed boy stoop to.

Vikram gave a side smile and spoke. ‘well I was one of the testifiers from the prosecution. I had agreed to get engaged to Ria because she was this docile, sweet, innocent young woman and her innocence had appealed to me… but she always had a problem with everything about me… I had a doubt if she was involved with someone… you see, we barely had any dates in the months that we were in a so-called relationship… she always had this excuse of being caught up in the hospital… well… now you all know why… that Chopra was turning his charm on my fiancé… while I waited for her… He was preparing for his rainy days… and that helped him clinch the biggest fight of his life… he got away with a heinous crime…’

‘So Mr. Iyer, the court has dismissed the case… Swara the complainant herself admitted to wrong doings…’

‘…oh the rich and the powerful… who knows how much Swara was paid to take the blame on herself…? Its just two years now for her if she doesn’t make it out before that after which she will be compensated heavily I am sure. Small price to pay for saving ones reputation… The Chopra group played a big game here. They first washed their hands off the case and then paid off the complainant itself… how very convineant…’

‘…But Mr. Iyer, what do you think happened on that night… did the rape happen or not…? Were you in touch with your fiancé…that night…?’

Bloody asshole was partying when she lay injured…

‘…Uh… I don’t know about the rape… like I said she never shared her life details, schedules anything at all with me… I was away at work… by the way let me share this fact… Ria never ever partied…so what the hell was she doing at that office party where the booze flowed and then suddenly, she lands up in the third floor washroom where she falls and no one knows…? Isn’t all this strange…? History is witness to these tactics used by the rich to bury their black deeds… they use gullible, poor or middle-class women like Swara, or Ria and they in turn walk in with eyes wide open but with the blinders of dollar signs… and then fall into their trap. Swara is done with and I am now worried about Ria… she may not be my fiancé but she belongs to a good family… I wonder what her parents must be going through…’

“…BASTARD… HE IS A LYING BASTARD… HOW DARE HE…” Ria screamed, as tears blurred her vision of the asshole who once was engaged to her. Her head reeled and she would have collapsed on the floor if not for the strong pair of hands which held her. Gaurav supported her and made he lie down on the couch. She held her head which refused to stop spinning… as Vikrams words haunted her… Gaurav had switched off the TV and she felt something cool on her head.

“…Keith get my kit…” He barked the order and she heard Keith go somewhere. She was feeling better but she wasn’t able to control the surge of emotions bursting through the seams… she felt she was drowning… actually in quick sand… just like Swara had told her… Oh God was it true…? No… No… and darkness claimed her.

Someone sprinkled water on her face… God she hated to play in the water…except if t was rain and she didn’t have to go to work next day… Pune rains and the traffic snarls had ruined her experience… wait… water again… it isn’t raining…

“…Ria… Ria… open your eyes dear… Ria…”

Who was calling her… Appa…? No. He never woke her up. Oh… Gaurav… and then it all came back as she slowly opened her eyes to a worried looking Gaurav. She sat up even as the bile rose from her stomach but she stood on wobbly legs and swayed. Gaurav held her… “… Ria… don’t… be careful…”

“…WHY… WHY SHOULD I BE CAREFUL… and how can you say that…? Didn’t you hear my ex-fiancé who knows everything about me…?”

“…Ria he is just a dog… barking on the road… don’t pay attention…”

“..No Sir… there is indeed NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIRE… and today if that slime has the audacity to malign my character after what he did to me…? Then you are also to blame… you have… had  made my life  a living hell… especially in the last month… I never could reach home before 9 PM or so and again leave for work next day by 8AM…”

“…Ria… I…”

She held up her palm and stopped him, still swaying as she held the table for support.

“…Let me finish Sir… You… never understood what I had to go through… first that goddamn promotion which alienated me from my frinds and then that month long torture of waiting outside your cabin as my… anxiety increased with every second flowing away because i would miss my bus… But you… you never understood that, Did you…? You knew Tara mavshi’s troubles even before she gave you an application… but me…? Just to point out some stupid errors in my report…? You made me wait after hours… and that me the fodder for gossip… I have become the talk of the town…the …the star topic of discussion in such two-bit news channels… NOT because I spoke the truth but because… you had your stupid misplaced notions about correcting me… by troubling me… But… sir… enough… I… had enough…”

“…Ria please listen… your BP has…”

“…I DON’T CARE IF MY ARTERIES BURST OUT… anyways what more damage is left to happen… do you know sir…? I had bid adieu to my folks…literally… they asked me to choose between giving my testimony or staying back and I chose the former… I… I have been through hell the last few months always caught between the devil and the deep blue sea…” She held her head and bent forwards as a huge wave of nausea claimed her and she had to struggle to control it.

“…Ria for God’s sake please… take care… just feel better and then you can continue to accuse me… but first… take care…” Gaurav’s voice was leveled but she knew his control was at the end of it’s tethers. But her emotional outrage had already crossed its boundaries as she relived the days she had to struggle balancing the job demands, face her narcissist fiancé and then at home the ire of her folks … all for no fault of hers… The real Ria was lost somewhere and she didn’t know if she would ever find her.

Ria wiped her eyes and took in deep breaths to try to regain her sanity amidst the conflicting emotions brewing in her heart threatening to destroy everything she believed in. “…I am sorry Sir… I know I have overstepped my boundaries… as an employee…”

“…Ria…”

“…Please… sir… the reality of… a situation… doesn’t change…does it? I don’t know how many more interviews Vikram may give away or how many news channels will make me the topic of discussion and debate on…what happened that night…I don’t know …maybe up next for interview will be another staff who supposedly knows me like Vikram… and everybody will now have a freehand to twist reality which is eons away from their versions and then malign my character… I don’t deserve this sir… do I…? And my only fault…?”

“…Ria…” He looked at her frowning…

“…My only fault Sir…” She didn’t bother to let him talk. “…Is that I had given my everything to a job which I thought I loved…I thought i was making a difference in the lives of those people i treaed. I thought I deserved the promotion eventually, though I never expected to get it… I didn’t aim for the skies…sir… I am… I am…” Her voice broke. “…I am a simple girl with little regular dreams. I belong to a typical middle-class family where my reputation is my only wealth… I have been brought up with that conviction in place… and today… its in shreds…I…and the reason isn’t the night of 29^th July… but the days and months prior to that… I don’t know sir what was your problem with me… but now… I am in murky waters because of you…” She wiped her eyes. “… I am leaving for my home right now, because I can’t let my folks face the world and the crap been spewed because of me… I will face everything… they don’t need that…”

“…RIA WILL YOU PLEASE STOP…?” Gaurav bellowed in a voice she had never heard before and she was startled and stunned into silence. “… Just halt your tirade and listen to me…will you…?”

Ria folded her hands at her chest and looked away blinking tears as she dreaded even the anticipation of what was in store for her later.

“…Ria… I apologise for being an asshole of the greatest order and yes… you are right…you don’t deserve this bullshit. As for your parents they have left for somewhere yesterday morning itself all packed up… our man was on duty and had followed them till the railway station. There was no paparazzi then nor anyone now outside your home or the locality for that matter. Our man is still keeping watch… Look… let me handle this OK…I promise your reputation will not be tarnished… Tomorrow I am holding a press meet myself where I am going to give the clarity…”

“…NO…SIR…NO MORE… ENOUGH… enough is enough…” she said in an anguished voice. “…its going to be futile benevolence… my parents had to leave town because of me and now your press meet, well…you throw stones in the sewage its your dress which will be ruined… and here its my dress metaphorically…”

“…Ria this will all die down on its own… I promise…”

“…Sir… please for God’s sake do not promise something you cant keep… this…” she said waving at the TV…isn’t in our hands now… I don’t think you understand… in our archaic society it’s the girl or the woman who had to bear the brunt of these events… I know I got into this with my eyes wide open… but…but I didn’t know it would take this turn… you sir… have always been a recluse… but me…? I was a goody two shoes and now speculations are on about the skeletons in my closet… I don’t care anymore what people say about me… that’s water under the bridge… but my parents… my sister… No… I have to go home NOW…”

 Saying she turned and ran to her room to pack her bag… even if she rushed now she would be at her home by night time and then she would call her parents… they would forgive her eventually she was sure and then she would lie low for a while before going on a job hunt again… Well…it was easier said than done but now she had no other option…

As she packed her bag tears flew freely and blurred her vision. She had to keep wiping her cheeks frequently… she realised it wasn’t the hurt of what was transpiring that broke her heart but the very fact that she was going away from Gaurav and probably never going to see him again…since she was quitting her job. Her heart sank further as fresh tears gushed out of her swollen eyes and she plonked down on the floor crying her heart out… She felt her life falling down like a pack of cards…

There was a knock on her door and the knob clicked open. She didn’t know how long she lay on the floor… She saw his long feet from below the cot and more tears followed.

“…Ri…Ria…” he called out in his soft voice which always made her heart flutter… all the million pieces of it… “…Ria…” He came on her side and sat next to her. She didn’t bother to get up but curled on her side in a foetal position… hugging herself. “…Ria… please have something… your health will be ruined… I am so sorry… tell me what I can do to make things right…anything… anything at all… And I just got off the phone with Khatiyal… And we will send a notice to the news channel which did Vikram’s interview… They will tender an apology…” He paused probably to see her reaction but she just lay there. Tears had stopped but she didn’t have the strength to sit up straight. She felt his hands supporting her and she made an effort to get up. “…Ria…? Are you… Ok…Lets get you to eat something… come on…” He helped her stand and held her close to him and she leaned on him gathering his strength as she smelt her favourite scent… She was feeling much better when he brought her outside and helped her sit on the couch. She saw a kit on the table which he got to her and removed the Sphygmo to check her BP. “…Ria… your BP is down…lets get something into you… Keith…? Get her dinner…”

Dinner…? It was then she realised it was dark outside and a loot at the wall clock suggested 9PM… but what the hell was Gaurav still doing in the safe house… He could have dropped her home and returned back to his house. “…Sir… why are we still here…?”

“…I didn’t want you to be moving out when you were…uh…we will leave tomorrow morning… earliest…OK…?”

He helped her reach the dining table and he joined her as Keith served them a simple dinner of Aalu parathas, chana masala and curd. She felt better after the little meal they had in silence.

As they sat on the couch watching the TV, Ria realised she was right to be anxious… every news channel carried details on the fastest trial in the history of the country and all spoke about the trial reeking of influence right from the complainant to the key witness and how the Chopra scion may have influenced the complete case from the go… But where other channels only had mentions, the channel which had interviewed Vikram was pretty harsh and critical of Gaurav and slandering involved Ria as well… they spoke about her job at the hospital and the pre mature promotion. Ria was now even determined to go ahead with her decision.

“Sir…” As Gaurav muted the TV and looked at her she said. “…I quit… the hospital…I will tender my resignation tomorrow morning via email… will put you in CC….” As she began to stand, a visibly shocked Gaurav spoke. “ …Ria… don’t do that… this will pass and no one will speak anything in the hospital… please trust me on this…”

“…Sir… my decision stands and it wont change… I am sorry…”  her voice broke on the last work even as she struggled to stay strong…

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 29

The judge banged her grovel and was visibly angry, as she signaled both the lawyers to the bench while Ria walked back to her seat… tears still flowing down her cheeks. She could feel Gaurav’s eyes on her but she continued to stare at the floor, her hands clasped in her lap. Keith sat next to her saying nothing but she was grateful he was there… The judge spoke. “We break for a half an hour of recess and Mr. Khandagale, by the time we are back I hope the complainant will have composed herself to continue the proceedings and do I have to remind you that this kind of outburst wont be allowed in my court…?”

“…I am sorry your honour, that was absolutely uncalled for…I will see to it that the decorum is maintained…”

The judge left the court room through a door at the side and Keith turned towards her. “… Ria … come on lets go out for some air…” She nodded and wiping her cheeks she stood up and started to follow him.

“Ms. Narsimhan….” Khatiyal came upto her followed by Gaurav and Manek. She looked up to see Gaurav looking into her eyes with intense emotion and she looked away as tears threatened once again. “…Uh…Ms. Narsimhan, you did well there… we have this under control now… amazing poise and…”

“…That’s enough Khatiyal… lets resume in a while…” Gaurav spoke in a soft but stern voice and Khatiyal walked away without giving her another glance.

“Manek have brought the vehicle…?”

“…Yeah but…”

“…Give me the keys… its parked at the same place…?” Gaurav asked without bothering to wait for Manek’s answer as the later handed over the keys. “…we will be right back…” He came forwarded and took Ria’s hand in his and walked out of the court room. Ria didn’t speak anything but reveled in the comforting warmth of his hand engulfing hers as she wondered why nothing else gave her the kind of solace, he did… and where was he taking her…?

Gaurav dragged her behind him through a cul-de-sac of corridors and finally they emerged out from a little gate where there was no reporter laying in wait to pounce. They walked towards a Wagon R parked in the corner and Gaurav opened the passenger seat for her and shut the door once she got in before he moved towards the driver’s seat. Soon they hit the main road which was relatively empty. He drove for about a couple of minutes till they reached a park…near what she felt was Viman Nagar park…? Parking the car under a large peepal tree he got out and Ria followed him. He walked towards the park entrance, which barely had people at this hour and stood looking at a statue planted right in the center.  Ria looked at him with questioning eyes, but knew he would tell her what he wanted to in due course of time…  He held her hand again and they walked towards the statue and it was then she read the name on the plank: “Late… Tribhuvandas Ahuja…” Oh was he Gaurav’s grandfather…? Gaurav touched the plank and looked up at the statue and Ria had to squint at the bright light inspite of it being cloudy.

“…Ria… meet my maternal grandfather… and Nanu…?” He looked at the statue again. “…Nanu meet Ria… she saved my ass just like you always did…You would be good friends with her you see…” Gaurav chuckled. And it was then she saw moisture in his eyes. She placed her other hand on his hand in her palm and he looked at her. At that moment in that park surrounded by the sounds of breeze, chirping of the impatient birds and a mild cacophony of the people talking, the world came to a halt and all Ria could see was Gaurav standing before her with an innocence of a child written all over his face as he wished to talk his heart out… but would he…?

“…Sir…? Are you…alright…?” She asked softly and Gaurav looked away as if woken up from a daze.

Gaurav nodded still holding her hand. “…Ria, my Nanu built this park… this was a concrete jungle and their home was a little away from that lane over there…he wanted the children in this neighborhood to enjoy outdoors… to have fun in open non polluted air…” He pointed towards the direction of bungalows. “… Actually he and Nani were separated for a long time even before I was born. Nani had moved to Kolkata where she had her ancestral home but then guess what…? She came back and they lived together only for my sake because… my parents dumped me on them and they didn’t want to leave me alone… Ria… they… they stayed with each other for almost eighteen years only so that I could get some sort of permanence in my life… and what did I do…? I… I just threw it all away… All their sacrifices… everything… down the drain…I wonder what they must be thinking from up there…” She saw his throat bobbed as he looked at the statue blinking rapidly.

“..Sir… I don’t know about your past… but what what happened to Swara… if it really happened… it wasn’t your fault… so why are you berating yourself…? Your Nana and Nani … I am sure they loved you enough to stay together in spite of their differences and they must be seeing what work you have done at the hospital and Parijath… how you have helped people actually live by giving them hope and dignity… I am sure they must be proud of you… Do not put yourself down sir… its very unbecoming of you…”

He looked down at her face and she saw his face going through a varied change of emotions as he opened and shut his mouth twice wanting to say something but only tightened his hold on her hand. “…Ria… thank you… thank you for everything you did…” He spoke candidly.

“…Don’t have to thank me Sir… I only sided with the truth…” Ria spoke with confidence in her voice but deep within she was breaking down. Right now, she had to be strong for Gaurav, because he was just a little while away from knowing his fate…She had all the time in the world later to mope over her feelings.

They walked towards a man selling Ice creams and he got them two cones. “…My Nanu used to buy me an ice cream every day much to Nani’s chagrin and she would immediately give me hot water to drink once I got home…”  Gaurav smiled reminiscing his past as he looked away in oblivion.

“Sir…um… we have to go… its time…” She said after she had finished her cone. He nodded and they walked towards the car. The return journey was in silence and she kept looking at him only to find him more relaxed and looking back at her every now and then. Something fluttered in her belly and she couldn’t help but smile but the very next moment she saw the court approaching and her smile fell…  They walked via the same route and reached the court room just in time for the hearing. As they walked in he squeezed her hand once before he let it go and moved ahead to take his seat. Ria sat with Keith waiting in bated breath as the Judge walked in. Swara had come too but her head was bowed and back hunched as it she had given up the battle.

Ria had been stunned at her outburst earlier in the day, wondering why the woman had to stoop so low… But somehow it reeked of a deeper foul play. She knew Swara didn’t have the IQ needed to plot something so sinister… was there someone above her…? The ringmaster who ran the show…? She shuddered at the thought. Who would go to such lengths and planning to incriminate Gaurav? And most importantly… why? Did it have anything to do with his past…? The judge’s clearing of her throat brought her back to the present.

“Ms. Sawant come over to the stand…” Khatiyal spoke out as a defeated Swara walked to the stand and gripped the handles tightly. “…So Ms. Sawant… as you said earlier… you had a tough life and all that… I am not interested… just tell the court did my client Dr. Gaurav Chopra do the heinous deed that you accused him of…? And… tell the truth this time…”

Swara shook her head. “… No… he… he didn’t do it… nothing… we never had any affair… I am sorry…” She started to sob and suddenly looked up at Gaurav. “…I am sorry Gaurav sir… please forgive me…” She started to weep and for a moment Ria’s heart went out for her.

“Point to be noted Your honour… and with this I appeal to the court to squash the FIR… but there are a few facts which need to be clarified and I would like to question Ms. Sawant if you permit…” The judge nodded and Khatiyal continued. “…Ms. Sawant the medical reports claimed you were raped. So why don’t you tell the court how did you make up the circumstantial evidences…?”

“…actually I was in need of money… I hated my life  and I wanted luxuries… I barely made ends meet with my salary… My mother used to take me with her to those rich homes she frequented to offer her services and the luxuries I saw money could get you… I wanted them… at least some of them… I made up stories about our affair in office so I could attract men… but inspite of trying so hard all I got was losers… And one day… about 10 months back…I got a letter… telling me of a lifetime opportunity to earn a lot of money… I was salivating… i just had to implicate Gaurav sir… I was told he would just get some punishment which he would pay up and escape but I would get to earn a lot of… money…” She looked up towards the ceiling and continued. “…I don’t know who sent that letter but a bundle of cash was regularly kept at the mentioned location…I… I hadn’t seen that kind of money in my life before… so… so … I gave in. I.. I roped in Sudhir from the NICU… He had a bone to pick with Dr. Gaurav who had reprimanded him multiple times for misbehaviour…”  That Ria was shocked was an understatement. Sudhir was such a bastard… “… And Sudhir agreed immediately. He helped me spread further the rumours about an alleged break up and last Tuesday he was with me in the bar. We knew Gaurav sir would be alone that evening… Sudhir had already stolen the phone on Friday evening when Dr. Gaurav had left earlier than usual and Karuna was on a tea break…. We had Ram Singh… the waiter already involved who gave us insider information and he roofied the drink… When Dr. Gaurav went into a trance I… I…  seduced… him… He didn’t even know what happened…” At that moment Swara glanced at Ria with a strange look.  “…He just thought… I was someone else… I don’t know who… but Govind did the rest using the condom… I then marked him with my nails and clicked pictures. We had disabled the CCTV  so our footage was missing… I waited till Thursday to make the official complaint and to file an FIR…” Swara sobbed into her dupatta and looked at Gaurav. “…I am so sorry…”

Khatiyal looked back at Swara and spoke in a tone dripping malice. “… But the medical examination revealed rape… How on earth did you manage the feat…?”

“…It was my boyfriend… he likes it rough… I made him do me hard, and then went for a medical knowing very well that the results officially would be out only on the following Monday and then on Tuesday we got the other evidence… so. We told the doctor that the condom was missing and then on Tuesday we gave the sample. All that was needed was a drop for the DNA match and it was done…. Easily… but that was arranged by Sudhir… he had some contacts in a lab and they helped us get a pre-dated report….” Ria’s chest clenched and she hated Swara and Sudhir with a rage she didn’t know existed.

“One last question Ms. Sawant… why 29^th of July…? Why not any other day…?”

“…Actually, there was this party and I knew Gaurav Sir never attended one… so I could have evidence to indicate he wasn’t there…and it was raining… to go ahead with our facade…” She looked at Gaurav again and said. “…I am so… so …sorry Sir… I didn’t intend for you to suffer like this…”

“…That’s all your honour… in addition to the case dismissal I demand stringent punishment for Ms. Sawant, Sudhir and her boyfriend… all of who have played with legalities which itself is a crime…” Khatiyal bowed to the judge and got back to his seat.

“Mr. Khandagale… anything else that you wish to say…?” the judge looked above her reading glasses.

“No, your honour… there is nothing left…” Khandagale sat down with a thud on his seat totally surrendering.

The judge rubbed her eyes and said. “…I have to say this is the fastest fast -track trial I have ever seen in my life… strange are the ways of life and every case gives me a lesson or two. I applaud the tenacity of your material witness Dr. Chopra, not everybody has the guts to stand up there and answer pathetic cross examinations… at the same time I am appalled at the lengths people stoop to for materialistic gratifications….” She spoke, looking at Ria and Swara in successions. “… Nonetheless, considering all evidences presented and also considering Ms. Sawant’s revelations, I hereby dismiss this case and instruct the police to arrest Ms. Sawant and her accomplices and file charges under IPC 209… for false charges and claims. If Dr. Gaurav wishes to he can file a defamation case against Ms. Sawant as well as others involved for mental agony. The court is dismissed…” She banged the gravel and walked out. The lady constables came forward to arrest Swara who made an exit hiding her face in her dupatta. Khandagale shook hands with Khatiyal and made his exit as quickly as possible.

Keith came upto her and held her hand as they followed Gaurav and Manek outside the court towards the exit. She saw the swollen ocean of reporters each trying to get a byte of the case. Apparently they had already heard about the judgement… news traveled much faster in their circles indeed.

‘Dr. Gaurav… would you press charges…?’

‘… do you think there is anyone else involved…?’

‘…What is your next step Dr. Gaurav…?’

‘…Ms. Ria… what you said… was it true…?’

‘…Ms. Ria… why did your ex-fiance speak out like that…?’

‘….Ms. Ria… tell us about your rendezvous with Dr. Gaurav that night…’

The questions inundated her senses and she would have collapsed with giddiness if Keith hadn’t held her hand tightly. Somehow the police managed to get them to the exit safely and she saw the police van with Swara in it… as it waited for the area to be cleared. Ria was very close to the van as she waited for Gaurav and Manek to get the car. Suddenly someone patted her shoulder. Keith stood talking to a constable whom she identified as Paranjape sipping a cutting chai and she turned around. It was a lady constable who asked her to accompany her to the van… Ria looked at Keith who was busy in conversation and went along with the constable to the van where Swara waited with tear stained eyes.

“You have only two minutes… speak up all you want…” The lady constable moved towards the other side while Swara whose other hand was held by another constable sniffed tears and said. “…I am sorry Ria… I didn’t mean to do any of this… and in my wildest of dreams I didn’t know you would be involved… except well…last Tuesday…” Ria was confused. What was Swara indicating…?  Swara continued. “…Be careful Ria… that bossman is quick sand… he will pull you down slowly and surely… and there would be no way back… stay away Ria… its dangerous… he is dangerous…”

“…Wait… Swara… do you even hear yourself…? After all that happened…?”

“…I am only telling you because you were the one person genuinely good to me…at work…Now, I am doomed… save yourself when there is still time…”

“…why are you telling me all this Swara…?”

“…that’s because I know you are in love with him…and last Tuesday do you know whose name he uttered when I…? It was you Ria… it was you…”

That was the last she heard before the constable returned and shut the door and the van pulled away. Soon Gaurav came in with the vehicle and Keith and Ria got into the back seat. Throughout the drive to the safe house, while the others discussed the ramifications of today’s judgement, the only sentence that echoed in her ears was, ‘…it was you…’

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.