Chapter 19

The next morning Ria left her home by 9.30 AM… she couldn’t sleep all night with the impending task heavy on her head… she booked an Uber to reach Golden palace… she didn’t want to tire herself today as she had to face trial before an adamant Vikram and later needed her wits in place when she met Gaurav… The feeling already setting off the butterflies in her stomach…

She reached Golden palace well in time and had to be reminded by the driver that she was at the destination… she had been lost in thought as to what she would speak to Gaurav. She had even been surfing the net on section 376 and 375… Keith had updated her on the same early morning. Apparently, the charges were being put under the two IPCs and in addition to that under some act regarding sexual harassment of women at workplace… What the hell Swara…? What have you done…? Ria shuddered at the punishments that Gaurav could face and realised how important her involvement would be… If only Gaurav would agree…. She would see to it that he did.

She stepped out of the cab and walked into the restaurant… there was barely anyone and she waited for Vikram ordering a cup of coffee… The TV in the corner was switched on and the news kept playing… Ria was surprised as to the kind of interest people had in crime… especially opinions for subjudice cases. Every two-bit politico and self-proclaimed social worker were demanding harshest punishment for Gaurav making her skin crawl with disgust… She wanted to yell form the roof tops that he was innocent at least for that night… Swara please don’t do this… She had often seen high profile cases being given a trial by the public and this was no different. She cringed at the words from random people on the streets who were asked for bytes… where they demanded death penalty for such a heinous crime… While she agreed the punishment was apt for such crimes, Gaurav didn’t deserve it… simply because he didn’t do it…  Just then Vikram arrived panting and came to her table shaking her out of her reverie.  Though she hated to be drawn away from the TV this was something she had to take care of.

“Hey… Ria… what’s up…?” He spoke as if nothing had transpired and drank water from a glass kept on the table.

“Well… Vikram, as discussed…”

“…No… don’t do this Ria…” Vikram looked hurt and she did feel bad for him but nothing would shake her resolve now.

“… Vikram…I am not here with a change of heart… I am just here to do this in person… Here…” She took out his ring from her purse and kept it before him on the table.

“…Why Ria…? Why are you doing this…? Everything was going well… I apologised for that night… I was just drunk and upset…”

“…That’s enough Vikram… I told you that was just one of the reasons… the bottom line is we don’t have anything in common… I am not what you want and can’t change myself… so are you…” Ria was flabbergasted. She had no mood for arguments especially when part of her attention was on the TV… as she strained to hear the news anchor.

“…and my life is a mess…” She realised Vikram had just spoken something when she as focussed on the news.

“…Er… excuse me…? Vikram sorry… I didn’t get you…”

“…What is it Ria…? You are so distracted. Ok… see… there is a lot at stake for me here ok…? I cant get out of this marriage…”

“What the hell Vikram…? I don’t care about you and your mess… Got it?… I want out and I am getting out irrespective of what your decision is…” she was at her wits end.

“…Ria please… I can’t…”

“…What is it Vikram… I know you don’t have feelings for me so cut the crap and tell me the truth…”

“…Actually, Ria I am in heavy debt… I used to gamble in stocks and just lost a lot of money… I am bankrupt and hoped when we got married, I could use my income to pay off my debts while you ran the household… I have to send money back to my parents as well… so… I even agreed when your parents put the condition for sharing your salary… Isn’t that great?”

Ria’s head was reeling… she had never seen a megalomaniac like him. Was he doing her a favor by ‘letting’ her use her money? She had never been happier at her decisions. “You know what Vikram…? Your messes are not my headache. What I do with my hard-earned money is my decision and not my parents and definitely not yours… so get your head out of the sand and come back to reality… I am done with your crap for good. If this is a ploy for getting out of repaying me… well congratulations I give it to you. Keep the money for all I care…. Keep the ring too since you need it… I am in a mood for charity. I am so done and am glad I made this decision…”

“…Is there someone else Ria…?” Vikram’s tone had changed.

“Look Vikram… what I do in my personal life is none of your business… So, buzz off… I have lost the little respect left for you… Nonetheless I wish you well and hope you come to your senses soon…” She checked the time it was 11.45 AM and Keith would be here soon. She paid for the coffee and gathering her purse and her wits left the place with a stunned Vikram staring at her retreating form.

True to his words Keith was there right on time and she got into the passenger seat. Keith raised an eye brow and she shook her head. She had told Keith one of these days about breaking off her engagement and he knew the reason she was here. Even Preeti didn’t know about it… They reached the Police station which was still swarmed by reporters. Ria who was confident so far was now scared to the core… she had only seen a police station on TV. But this was nothing she had envisioned…

“Ria…” Keith called her startling her. “…Don’t be scared. There is a back door from the other side where there are no reporters. Talk to Paranjape…Thin dark balding man. He is a constable known to me. I have told him you would be there…. I can’t leave the car and there is no parking… Just… please convince Gaurav Sir, OK…?”

Ria just nodded as she felt her clammy palms… She just hoped her panic-stricken form didn’t compromise the fragile prospects for Gaurav, if any. She walked in on wobbly legs hoping they didn’t give away before she reached inside. As Keith had rightly mentioned she met constable Paranjape who was kind enough to take her in shielded from the prying media and left her on the waiting seat. She was told to keep away her mobile phone and was frisked for weapons or whatever it was, by a lady constable. As she waited with bated breath for the next half an hour another tired looking burly man joined her on the seat. He looked at her and then looked around before asking. “Who the hell are you and what business do you have with Gaurav…?” He spoke in a whispered but firm voice.  Dressed in  a maroon coloured shirt his eyes on a strong square jaw looked innocent but voice sounded lethal, scaring Ria further. “I…I am Ria… Ria Narsimhan… I came to talk to Gaurav sir…” She barely whispered and wondered if he heard her.

He stared at her as if she had grown two horns.  He gave her a side smile and held out his hand as she shook it. “I am Manek… Gaurav’s childhood friend and business partner. We still have about half an hour before they let us in… so why don’t you tell me what is it that you wanted to speak about?”

She had heard about Manek from Keith in passing… He apparently co-owned Karma. “…Um… Actually, Gaurav sir is innocent in this matter…”

Now that got her his complete attention.

“…Um… He couldn’t do this… on 29th July…”

“…Ria… actually the police have evidence… a lot of them… and they don’t look good… So what proof do you have…?”

“…I am myself the proof, sir…” she looked at her clasped hands.

“…Ria you need to be clearer…”

“…Sir…I mean… Gaurav sir couldn’t have done what he is accused of because he was with me that entire night…”

“WHAT…?” Manek spoke loudly startling her and drawing looks form the others around them. “…Ria do you know what you are talking about…? Gaurav says he doesn’t remember anything from that night… and now you are here… claiming…”

“…he is doing it to protect me… my reputation…” She didn’t mention Parijath…not knowing if Manek knew about it. She then told him how she had the accidental fall and how Gaurav saved her and took care of her. She didn’t mention anything about the visit to Parijath though.

Manek rubbed his face and shook his head. “God… you are a blessing Ria… If you agree to testify it will negate and help us tackle the people trying to frame him head on… But… I hope you know what you are getting into. The trial though it’s on fast track may take a while…. To even commence. There will be a lot of social pressure… um … do you think you can sustain all that…?”

Ria was silent as she thought about the possible repercussions… she wondered what her Appa would say… not that he was on talking terms anyway. What about her colleagues? Would they side with her? She realised her feelings for Gaurav and the resolve to side with the truth tilted her decision heavily on his side while all other factors felt pale in comparison. Gaurav hadn’t thought twice about saving her life or caring for her and now it was her turn. She didn’t care anymore about what anyone thought. “…Manek sir… I am in…” She saw him blink away tears as he nodded and soon it was time for them to meet Gaurav.

Ria and Manek were led into a tunnel like structure behind the police station. It was cordoned off part of the station and not visible from outside. Ria shuddered at the eerie feeling as they passed through a cul-de-sac, following the three constables who took them in. They reached a dimly lit place. There were empty cells on either side but here was a bulb lit in the last cell. Ria dreaded taking each step, not knowing what she would see. When they reached the cell, she gasped. Gaurav was hunched on a bunker with his head in his hands, his clothes were dirty and torn. The place smelt filthy just like the minds of those who had tried to incriminate Gaurav. The constable banged the cell bars with a stick indicating the start of their ten minutes. The constables moved out of the area leaving Ria with Manek.

As if sensing her presence Gaurav lifted his head up. Ria stilled as she saw his state. He stood on wobbly legs and moved towards the bars. The left side of his face was swollen and right forehead as bleeding. The entire area around that eye was blue. His lip was swollen in its right corner and presence of dried blood indicated he had been bleeding there as well. Ria couldn’t help herself and just kept crying holding her mouth. He had worn his trademark hospital attire his three-piece suit which was torn in places and filthy. She couldn’t bear to see him in that state. Manek patted her shoulder. “talk to him … I am right in the corner.” He moved away as Gaurav held the bars squinting at her.

“Ria… what are… you doing… here…?” He coughed and held the bars tightly as the bout subsided.

She couldn’t help herself and touched his hands. it was then she saw the burn marks on his wrists. He opened his palm and held her hand tightly as he hunched down touching the forehead to the bars. Ria was speechless… as she tightened her grip and cried silently. Why was he letting them torture him when he could just have given out her name…?

“Ria… leave… jail… not for you… leave…” he struggled to speak.

“… Sir… why don’t you tell them the truth…?” he left her hand and turned around his back towards her.

“…Just…leave…” he breathed hard as if wheezing.

“…No, I won’t… I promise you Parijath name won’t be involved. Just me… because that night only concerns me…I am going to testify… right now…”

Manek walked in right then. “…Talk to her Gaurav… I agree with her… Please don’t be a stubborn mule… We don’t sand much of a chance…”

“…Then let me be here…” Gaurav spoke loudly still with his back towards them and Ria wondered how much of energy he needed to use for that little statement.

It was time up and Manek gestured for her to leave the place. She was overwhelmed with emotion and that only strengthened her resolve to see this through. She knew she had a long battle to fight and hoped she could do this alone. More than a fight for justice it was a fight against injustice… Manek was already on the phone by the time they were seated in the car and she stared outside in oblivion.

“Ria…” Manek called out to her. “…I was talking to our lawyer… You getting into the fold totally changes the course of things… He is positive now.  We will apply for bail now… the police wont be able to extend custody.. You have to sign an affidavit… you are the main witness and… uh… you will have to stay way from the public eye in order for us to protect you till the trial is over…”

What? “…Why …I mean don’t you trust me…?” she wailed

“…Its not about trust Ria… its about protecting you. We don’t know who we are up against. I am dead sure Swara is acting on someone’s behest… someone string and powerful, but till we find out you have to be kept safe. Is there somewhere you can stay…? I will take care of the rest of the expenses…”

“…Um… I have no where actually… what about my family…?”

“…that’s the reason you have to stay away Ria… For your sake and your family’s… Ok… I have Gaurav’s bachelor pad above Karma. Keith will give you company and double up as a security…. You can stay there as long as this goes on… starting today… you won’t be reporting for work directly…I will arrange for the paper work to be brought to you… At least for the time being…”

Ria saw Keith nod and she nodded in agreement as well. As they drove towards her house to collect her stuff, she was lost in thought wondering what more was in store for her…just hoping that she emerged from this unscathed.

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 18

Ria was in an upbeat mood as she moved towards the hospital. She had never thought getting back to work here would be a thrilling anticipation in itself… and though she tried to contain her excitement the bounce in her steps gave her away. She had missed the regular bus so she had to resort to a share rickshaw… Usually she avoided it for the crowd but today nothing mattered. She wanted to reach the hospital even if she had to grow wings and get airborne!! Besides she had left her phone at home… she berated herself for it. Of all the days she had to do it today… what if there were messages for her from…um… Preeti… Of course, who else would want to message her…? Would Gaurav be looking forward to see her as well? She checked the time… the rains had caused traffic snarls and she was still stuck. She would definitely be late for work… but would Gaurav call her to reprimand her? She realised she was blushing… Oh no… Ria get over yourself…. The only dampener in her spirits was the impending meeting with Vikram tomorrow… Not that she cared about his opinion but thought she deserved closure on that front.

She was over an hour late as she reached the hospital gate, her almost healed leg starting to give her little trouble and she regretted leaving her phone home. She was dropped quite a distance away which couldn’t have happened if she could book an Uber… Nonetheless, she increased her strides and moved towards the entrance unable to burst the bubble of excitement coursing through her. To her surprise she was even looking forward to her work with her colleagues.  

As she huffed her way through the reception, she saw there was a new flustered receptionist instead of the overt Swara. Did she actually leave the job? Ria had heard Swara had loads of financial commitments though she didn’t know details. Nonetheless here was a huge change and the other two receptionists were trying to train the young scared girl. Ria felt for her as she shuffled her way inside waving to the other two.

“Hey… here comes my bestie…” Preeti screeched startling her and she couldn’t control her laughter as the boisterous woman rushed to hug her with a box of chocolates. Wow… the assorted ones which she loved… Preeti’s mother ran a little business of the same and she knew Ria loved her creations. Ria was grateful for Preeti as her friend… Preeti whispered a sorry into her ears even as the others came in to welcome her. But soon they had to return to work and decided to catch up in the lunch break. Ria too had to get back to her pending workload which she knew would have shot up… But she looked forward to it. She walked into her little cabin and took in a deep breath of the now appealing antiseptic fragrance and sat to immerse her self in work. As expected, the workload was huge but she was engrossed in work loving every second. She didn’t know when the time had passed when she heard Preeti frantically call out her name.

“Ri…Ria… just…just come out to the tea room… somethings on the news… come fast…” Preeti gasped in between breaths and rushed ahead calling someone else on the way.

What had happened… Ria wondered… as she shut the current file and shuffled her way outside. Her leg was aching a little but curiosity got the better of her as she moved towards the tea room located on the ground floor itself where she worked. She saw it was crowded to the brim with many employees looking at the screen wide eyed. She looked in the crowd and caught Preeti’s eye who waved to her and she had to cut through the crowd to reach her… there was some commercial going on…what were they watching?

“..hey someone change the bloody channel… check another news channel…” someone yelled.

“…the assholes… all have commercial going on at the same time…” someone else said…

“…are just wait it out yaar… barely take a minute…” it was Tushar…

Ria was lost in the cacophony of the conversations going on when the commercial got over and the news anchor… good lord… Arnab Goswami, got back on TV. The Republic TV guy always got on her nerves with his screaming and her appa loved the guy. Her home at night felt like a battle ground with every man on Arnab’s show screaming to give the bytes. She must have zoned out when she felt Preeti pressing her palm.

‘…. In the events following the arrest of the prodigal member of the Chopra clan of the famous Chopra group of hospitals, Dr. Gaurav Chopra… for the rape of an employee from the head hospital branch in Pune…. Has shaken the medical fraternity. The Stree mukti morcha is up in arms and is demanding the strictest punishment… So viewers what do you think…? Will the accused go scot free due to the power of wealth or will the survivor get justice…?’

The room which was silent suddenly burst into a chaotic rumble of opinions even as Preeti spoke into her stunned ears. “…Who do you think Ria…? I mean… really…rape? Why does he even need o do it when he has women throwing themselves at him…?”

Arnab got back on TV with visuals as everyone listened… Ria’s heart was in her mouth as she saw grainy images of Gaurav hiding his face as the police led him outside what appeared to her like his residence, into a waiting van. Her eyes filled and she blinked away tears still unable to come to terms with the news… but the next part of the howling anchor actually pulled the rug below her feet.

‘…And there are fresh reports coming in. The special court had granted the police a five-day custody and the section 376 has been imposed which has made this a non bailable offence. Well, it looks like money and power don’t always stand a chance where justice s concerned and as we can see the stree mukti morcha had been celebrating with banners stating, JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL… Also coming in is our correspondent Arti Gupta reporting right outside the premises of the prison where Dr. Gaurav Chopra has been held for questioning and further investigation. Over to you Arti…’

The onsite reporter came into view and Ria’s breath stopped watching the crowd gathered outside the police station, even as the reporter spoke. “… here as we see there is huge crowd of protesters gathered and the pressure on the local police is paramount given the sensitivity of the case and the high profile status of the accused. As per what we have been able to find out, the survivor’s identity has been kept under wraps but she worked at his hospital and was frequently subjected to sexual advances and harassment, silenced with threats. Finally ,on 29^th of July as the city was brought to a stand still with the incessant rains, the accused had visited the survivor on the pretext of being stranded and drank himself to glory after which he allegedly forced himself on her that night. Police have recovered circumstantial evidences which directly place the accused in her house at the time of the incident. The medical reports of the survivor indicate the possibility of rape… over to you Arnab…”

29^th July… good heavens it was the same night she… Ria blocked out everything around her. A feeling of euphoria suddenly emerging within. That was the night he had saved her… he was with her. How could he rape that woman…? Not that she believed he would… never… She was with him alone for the entire night and she had never felt safer. The man couldn’t have done this… Then all of the sudden the bubble burst… Why didn’t he say anything? Keith… she had to call Keith… Fuck … her mobile phone was at home. And she couldn’t tell anyone here without raising suspicions… Oh God how could she help…? Suddenly there was commotion around again as someone announced the police had arrived and all had to get back to work as they called one employee at a time for questioning.

What? Wouldn’t it be great…? Everyone only had good to say about him, didn’t they? Ria was beginning to feel better. She went back to her cabin amidst muttering where everyone speculated different theories and mostly everyone wondered who the employee was… One of them suddenly deduced it had to be Swara… The guy was from HR… he had to know everyone. The murmurs again began as Preeti caught up with her. “…Hey that flirt Swara… what do you think Ria… they both weren’t present at the party… do you think he may have done it…? But Swara was sleeping around with him… for quite a while then why did he have to … Oh… is it because she left him…? You know… men and their egos…”

It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Preeti the truth that he was very much there in the party venue. But something stopped her…She had to talk to Keith once home and she couldn’t go till the police were done with. Unfortunately, the questioning took longer than anticipated. The TV room was shut by the police in order to not influence the probably witnesses however in todays times of active mobile phones it was tough. Preeti barged into her room with her phone. “Hey look at this… Looks like bossman was busier and murkier than what we knew about him…” This was another news channel showing a leaked report from an old case… though grainy it was a file picture of a young Gaurav face partly covered and in handcuffs… Accused of rape and eventual murder of two…? What? The background of the scene of crime wasn’t Indian… wait… Dubai police? There was another picture of Gaurav standing next to a high-end car with a caption… ‘Son of the Chopra Scion caught for rape… Too much money and alcohol….’ As Preeti went on and on as to how appearances were deceptive, Ria was lost in thought. It was surreal and Ria was beginning to get worried. She knew she couldn’t be wrong in judging Gaurav… could she? He had been nothing but caring towards her and that NGO he ran, Parijath… there everyone worshipped him. She was no great judge of people but she definitely knew a rapist wouldn’t be treated with respect this way and if he indeed was one, it definitely didn’t show anywhere… But she had seen Vikram first hand after he was stone drunk… so did Gaurav… accidentally…? She hugged herself and shook away the thoughts. The date was indicative that it wasn’t possible…. Irrespective of what happened in the past.

By the time it was her turn it was 8PM in the evening and every employee was asked to leave after the questioning unless they were employed in emergency. There were strictly forbade from discussing anything asked. Ria was waiting outside the interrogation cabin that was set up tentatively, when Preeti emerged. She could speak but Preeti looked lost and on the verge of tears. She entered the room and sat opposite the two investigation officials and there was a woman constable too.

They asked a few basic questions about how long she had worked here and the type of work she did here. “So… Ms. Narsimhan, how do you describe your reporting boss…?”

“…um… He … he is kind as well as authoritative and it has been a great learning experience since the past one month ever since he was my reporting boss…”

“…Do you think he can… do what he has been accused of…?”

“…No sir… I… I don’t think so…”

“Ms. Narsimhan… is there anything you want to add on here…? This is the time. Later you wont get any opportunity…” The officer asking looked onto her eyes. Ria was trembling within but held her fort.

“…Nnno… sir…”

She was then asked to leave and she couldn’t wait to rush out of the building. It was dark outside but nothing compared to the dark future Gaurav faced for this crime which he was falsely accused of. She usually would have been worried about reaching home this late, knowing the poor state of public transport in the rains but today she was in a daze. Suddenly as she neared the gates, lights flashed on her and she had to step back to cover her eyes. The vehicle came and halted next to her as the window drew down. “Ria… just get in please…”

Oh Kieth… thank God. She looked around and quickly got into the passenger seat.

“…Keith…I …”

“…Wait Ria …listen to me… Did they ask you anything…? I mean I know police was there… you didn’t have your mobile switched on… Did you tell them anything about Parijath…?” Keith spoke quickly as they drove away.

“…no Keith I spoke nothing… In fact I wanted to speak with you… but left my mobile at home… Keith… he didn’t do it.. you know it…”

“…Ria… he… he doesn’t want anyone to know about that night…”

“…Why Keith… Why be blamed for something he didn’t do…? Also he is so influential… family and all…”

“…That’s because he believes it will expose you and Parijath… Uh… Parijath has been hidden away… with the locals fiercely protecting it and Gaurav sir has kept his name from being associated with the organisation because of his past… You must have seen the leaked pictures… goddamn concealed records… I wonder how people got them… and his family… well i think you missed the news… the Chopra Group has washed its hands off the case officailly… ”

“…What…? They don’t believe in his innocence…?” Ria was stunned… but given her own background she shouldn’t have been surprised. But why… did they do this… with the kind of money and power they had they could have worked things around… that’s what she had seen in the papers whenever something like this had taken place. God there was a lot more than what met the eye… definitely something to do with that past of his.

“…Keith…I… I don’t know about his past but this… he didn’t do… and we can’t let him get punished for this… I won’t be able to live with my conscience…”

“…Ria… I am so glad… you think like that… we have to convince him… you have to actually. He won’t listen to me… so tomorrow…Saturday… will you come with me to the police station…?”

“…Of course, I will Keith…” Ria finally felt a little at ease since the time she had first heard the news on TV that morning. Keith and she barely spoke and he dropped her outside the gate.

“…Ria… the visiting time would be around 12pm tomorrow… I will text you when I will pick you up once I check the status… and …thank you for agreeing to do this…”

Ria saw Keith looked fatigued with bags under his eyes. She was touched by his loyalty… “Of course, Keith… you take care… see you tomorrow…”

She went home to a still brooding father and a silent sister. But she had better things to worry about and immediately went to her drawer to take her phone and switched it on. It beeped with messages from Preeti and Keith… She checked all of them and there was one from Vikram… Oops she had totally forgotten about him.

‘Meet me at Golden Palace hotel tomorrow for brunch… the Swargate one… 11AM… and hope you have given our relationship another thought…’

 That was so typical of Vikram. He knew that place would be very far from her home. Over an hour of travel. Though she dreaded it, she agreed. She had to close that chapter of her life. But then what about visiting Gaurav…? that held greater priority… She googled and checked Gaurav was held in Swargate police station, which was about two kilometres from Golden palace… Thank God for small mercies! She texted Keith to pick her up from Golden palace about 10 min to 12 PM and hoped she could stick to her schedule… worse she hoped the perennially late comer Vikram kept the time tomorrow.

As she went to bed that night hearing Arnab bellowing from the TV in the drawing room, mostly about the hot case of the doctor investigated for rape, she was sure of one fact… she was definitely going to tell the truth… she knew it was not going to be simple. She had an even greater Herculean task before her… to convince Gaurav…

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 17

“WHAT? Who…. I didn’t… it’s a m…m…mistake.” Gaurav stuttered.

“Mr. Chopra you have to come with us now. You are entitled to a lawyer. But for now, come along.”

Gaurav turned to Keith but before he could say anything, Keith said, “I will follow you, sir. I will call Manek on the way. He will come to the police station with the lawyer.”

“Keith, see that my folks or people at work don’t get to know… for now” Gaurav stated with a neutral tone. He then followed the police to their vehicle downstairs. Fortunately they hadnt handcuffed him… it would have been a terrible reminder… But he didn’t miss the curious glances sent his way by his neighbours in the building lobby. Suddenly there seemed to be a lot many neighbours that day. He avoided their suspicion laden glimpses and hid his face to avoid being pictured and continued to follow the police outside. What was wrong with these people… sharing a man being taken by police made great pictures to share online… Bastards. He couldn’t shake the sense of deja vu. He looked like he was in control but from within he was facing a total breakdown. This was a bad dream… a major misunderstanding. He was sure. Wait… was he in a nightmare….?

It had to be.

As soon as he reached the police station, he was taken into a holding cell. He had to surrender his things…his new mobile phone which Keith had got him a couple of days ago, wallet, his gold chain and wrist watch. He couldn’t help but feel the hostile glances coming his way from the constables and other police staff members. He knew this place… it was only second to Yerwada and his hands trembled as he performed the tasks required of him… trying in vain to control the rising anxiety. Keith was there immediately and was soon followed by a harried Manek and Mr. Khatiyal, his family lawyer. Gaurav blanked out everything that was being discussed. Could they just arrest him like that?  He was now on the verge of getting a panic attack every breath becoming labored with every passing second. From what he could make out, he was a suspect in the rape of Swara Sawant… Oh God the receptionist? And there was something remotely familiar about her…. According to the reports i.e the FIR, she had mentioned his name specifically. He had never even met her in person… but…the police had evidence and had applied for his official custody. He realized the arrest was today…. on a Friday. It was a court holiday next day due to some anniversary event and he wouldn’t get a bail hearing before Monday. Most probably he had to spend three days and nights in police custody. He was put in a cell away from the main cells… why? What was going on?

Mr. Khatiyal came up to his cell. “I am sorry Dr. Chopra… they have applied for five-day custody and the evidences are… they are strong enough to be granted….”

“…Mr. Khatiyal, I didn’t do it… try for the bonds… how can we get the bail… wait… what evidence are they talking about?”

Manek who was standing with his back hunched… in a corner walked up to them. He held Gaurav’s hands on the bars as Mr. Khatiyal continued. “Uh… Dr, Chopra they have applied the IPC 376  so… this makes it non bailable… and the considering the case sensitivity and incriminating evidence the Judge gave a fast track verdict of a 5-day custody… we ..we… will try to get this settled  out of court and get the FIR squashed…”

“…I DIDN’T DO IT…” Gaurav yelled. “…Don’t you fucking understand… wait…” It just dawned on him. “.. I now remember… I think it was the same woman in my bar the other night…”

Manek now straightened. “…Wait a minute… what the hell are you talking about…?”

Gaurav then told them the details of Tuesday night at the bar and Keith who had been standing watching everything unfold corroborated his version.

Manek looked furious. “What the hell is wrong with you Gaurav…? All this happened on Tuesday and you didn’t even bother to tell me? We should have got the police in right then… This fucking reeks of a set up… by the way they say this happened on the 29^th of July at night… where the fuck were you that night?”

Oh hell, it was the same night he had found an injured Ria in the old hospital building. A cold dread settled on him. If he revealed anything about the rendezvous that night Ria would get dragged in the proceedings… probably as a material witness. He couldn’t subject her to that misery and not to mention Parijath which he had kept relatively hidden from public eye. The safety of those women mattered a lot. No… Nobody… not even Manek could know all that.

“I… I have no idea… I seem to have drawn a blank…” He spoke…unable to control the quiver in his voice.

“Goddamn Gaurav…” Manek rubbed his hand down his face. “…Your phone was found in Swara’s bedroom lying under the bed… apparently fell as she struggled. She apparently hit you after the rape and you fell easily since you were drunk. She then took pictures of you on her phone… What were you thinking Gaurav… Since when did you start drinking so much again…?”

“…I dint do it Manek… you have to trust me…”

“…I do Gaurav…I do… You are too honorable to do it. But just realise this is IPC 376 we are talking about… Get the hell out of your fudge state from that day and try hard to remember where you were on 29th evening…”

“…I …I don’t remember…” He looked at Keith with the corner of his eye. He was fuming as he stood quietly in a corner staring at Gaurav.

Suddenly there was a clanging sound as they all looked towards the burly inspector move towards them with a strange gleam in his eyes. “Well…well… your time is up and… you can have your next meeting tomorrow… Meanwhile we have secured the official non bailable custody for our…investigation….” He gave a look to Gaurav and looked back at Manek and Khatiyal. “…So, you may all leave now and see what bytes you give to the press parked outside… If I were you, I would refrain… sub-judice you see!” He gave a bone chilling smile to Gaurav narrowing his eyes. Gaurav didn’t leave eye contact, though he had all but clammed up…

Manek and Khatiyal left behind the inspector but Keith quickly came up to him. Before he could speak Gaurav spoke. “…Not…not now Keith… just see to it that they don’t reach Ria or Parijath… Press involved means everyone at the hospital will now know… Just… handle it Ok? Parijath shouldn’t be exposed…”

Keith nodded slowly and left with downcast eyes.

The seconds converted to minutes which in turn converted to hours… every passing hour bringing in with it loads of mounting uncertainty. He knew they were delaying the questioning to weaken his resolve… Gaurav gripped the cell bars tightly. This was not happening. Not again. He was still in a nightmare…. and would wake up soon… wouldn’t he? His heart started pounding hard and he was perspiring. He didn’t even know who the lady was except that she worked at the hospital as one of the receptionists. His only interaction was the smiles he passed their way or an occasional etiquette talk. What did he ever do to her? Why was this happening to him? What would his folks think of him now? His parents would be devastated. They had suffered so much because of him already…. probably cursed the day he was born. What would…. Ria think about him now? His heart beat slowed down and his panic subsided.

He knew the reason. Ria.

Finally, later in the evening, the police started their interrogation. The interrogation officer was a rough man in his 40s. He sat across a table where Gaurav was made to sit. “So, Chopra, we hear you are not new to interrogations… am I right?” The officer said with a smirk.

Gaurav clenched his fists and just stared ahead.

The officer continued, “Well…. so, tell me why did you do it?”

Gaurav looked up and said softly, “I didn’t do anything that you are accusing me of”.

The officer sat straight up and glared at Gaurav. He said, “Cut the crap Chopra. I have read you old classified case file. Acquittal doesn’t mean you are not a criminal. This time we are lucky. The victim is alive. She has identified you. We will now join the dots. So… let me ask you again…. Why- did- you- do- it?”

How did the Police have the custody of those files… They were classified. His father had seen to it. Gaurav was stone faced and said, “I didn’t do anything. I don’t even know who this Swara is… except that she worked at the hospital…?

“Where were you on the night of 29th of July? Just to refresh your memory, it was the day the city was flooded. I know you were not in the hospital that day nor were you at your residence. So…. where were you?”

Gaurav stared at his clasped hands on the table. He was sure his lawyer would sort it out. For one he was innocent and two he paid him a hefty retainer. It was time Khatiyal made it worth the money. He looked at the officer and said, “I don’t remember anything.” Thankfully except Keith no one knew about his connection to Parijath on paper. The NGO was run under his maternal grandmother’s maiden name to honour her legacy.

The officer visibly offended by now stood up and held his collar. Spittle flew off his angry mouth as he got his face closer to his and spoke. “Oh…then let me refresh things for you. When this city was under water you were busy trying to bang a lady, who was unwilling. You were drunk but not drunk enough to use a condom… So, Chopra am I right or Am I right…?”

Condom? What the fuck? He hadn’t even got it up for years until Ria came along and the only way, he had relieved his pent-up tension all these years… even recently, was… using his hands. This was going to be easy for Khatiyal.  “NO officer… nothing of the sort happened… “

“Oh, really asshole…?” He pushed him even as the chair moved and Gaurav had to hold the table to prevent the fall backward. “… Ok let me list the evidence… your moneybag cronies would have enlightened you by now. Your phone, your inebriated pictures, and a used condom with your sample in it… Had too much to drink is it? Forgot to throw it away… somewhere it couldn’t be found…eh?” The inspector chuckled, the sound pricking his entire being like an armor of thorns. He closed up the distance again and sat partially on the table. “… Well Chopra old habits die hard… don’t they? Alcoholism… Rape… Still having the amnesia…”

“I said, I don’t remember anything. My lawyer will handle the rest” Gaurav stated with clenched teeth.

Suddenly the officer’s fist connected hard with his face from the left and he only felt the fall on the hard ground, before everything went black.

Gaurav woke to the sound of dripping water the stench of urine making him want to throw up… His left eye was closed shut and in pain… definitely swollen. He was lying on that side so he tried to sit up. He opened his other eye and looked around and the grim reality crashed in.  The darkness and extraordinary silence in the lockup indicated late night… He had spent almost a day behind bars. He felt his palms sweat and heart pounding out of his thoracic cavity all over again and before he realized he had a full-blown panic attack. He tried his breathing exercises just like he had learnt those earlier days. He tried to rationalize his situation like how his therapist had taught him, but nothing was coming of it. He tried visualisation techniques to calm himself… God Freud would have been so proud and he would have made a great candidate for psychoanalysis…. Even the minute chuckle was momentary but nothing could control the panic laden constriction happening at his throat. Was he dying…? He then thought of her…. Ria looking at him with her beautiful kohl laden almond eyes and almost the next moment the panic attack started to subside.

For once he was glad, he didn’t encourage her feelings for him. She didn’t need all this crap. She would always remain a beautiful memory for him…. She was his angel… but just in the visuals… that’s all.

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 16

Ria was in high spirits the entire week as she stayed at home ignoring the cold stares and well aimed snorts coming her way from her so called family. She was at peace after she had decided not to bother anymore and having called off her engagement with Vikram. There was no further communication with Vikram and for that she was grateful. She could only handle so much melodrama. She visited a local doctor couple of times and got her wound checked and both times he assured her she was doing well not before appreciating the stitches quality. Ria felt better too… she could walk faster without pain and could sustain her weight for longer on her feet. Though her folks may have wondered what she was doing at home instead of being at work, she didn’t bother to explain. She knew irrespective of their attitude they needed her financial help and that she would do. She was yet to convey her decision of moving out but wanted to find the place first before she did it and for that she needed her next salary. Before everything, on a priority she transferred the amount borrowed from Gaurav to an account number Keith had obtained for her after repeated pleading. She occasionally talked to Keith during the week on everything under the sky… but nothing about Gaurav. She was disappointed Keith revealed nothing at all.

She also spoke to Preeti once in a while to keep abreast about the office gossip and God… the girl spoke nonstop. However Preeti’s tirade was a welcome break from her home’s cold silence and she missed the hospital. Preeti also apologised on behalf of Tushar and the other members who were present at the party and they all texted her that they awaited her resuming work in the hospital. Ria was thrilled at finally being accepted…Besides that Preeti also updated her with other hospital chatter like, Tara mavshi’s son was all set to complete his diploma engineering and she was on the seventh heaven. Ria felt happy for the lady…she was uneducated but had slogged her guts out as a single parent to educate her two children. This was her elder son… her daughter had just passed tenth grade with flying colours. Then Preeti also told her about Sudhir who was down with the flu and how the staff made fun about his baggy clothes. Ria chuckled thinking about the loathsome asshole. Swara apparently hadn’t reported for work either from the day of the party. There was some rumour about an engagement on the cards and that she was probably going to resign. Ria was glad the woman was finally settling with someone after the image she had cultivated. Finally Preeti mentioned that the bossman was acting all absent minded… giving same instructions twice and was mostly incognito. Apparently poor Karuna, his assistant was harried out of her wits catering to everything on his behalf…  Ria’s heart skipped a beat and she couldn’t wait for Friday to arrive.

Finally on Friday morning Ria was bouncing in her steps and she couldn’t wait to finish her breakfast and leave for office. Her mother had slightly mellowed down, now that Ria had also received her salary she had immediately transferred some amount to her father’s account and had purchased the monthly grocery for home. She had also purchased a saree for her mother who often bought stuff for herself only if it matched Pooja’s requirement and the later would land up claiming it. Finally her mom smiled as she left for work today. It was only after she reached the bus stop she realised she had left her phone at home for charging and it was switched off as well. 

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

Gaurav had a miserable day it was still Monday… three more days and he would see Ria. He had wanted to enquire about her leg but had chickened out and he had often overheard Keith speak with Ria. He had been envious at the ease in which Keith could speak with her and he had made it a point to convey her well-being every time he spoke with her. It was past midnight and he was still in Karma brooding over a bottle of cognac. It was just an hour more here before he retired to his home. Business in the week days especially in the month of Shravan was fairly low at this time of the hour. So he just had a waiter to wind up things and the others were let off early. That ensured they got their rest before the weekend madness began. As he stared into the amber liquid he realised he had never been so restless before irrespective of what life had thrown. Not even when he had been…. No… he didn’t want to go there. No matter what he did, the innumerable therapy sessions he had been through… he couldn’t yet face his demons. The nightmares still troubled him… Even the very thought of his past brought out the shudders and the burning sensation on his back… but at least now the panic attacks were under control. His therapist had told him to face his past openly and even try medications but he had staunchly refused. His past was just that… his past. Whatever he was now… was a renewed Gaurav who had rebuilt his life and now it revolved around his work in the hospital, Karma and Parijath.

The next day he was early at work, dressed impeccably his appearance giving no indication of his inner turmoil or lack of sleep. He had been lost in thought not reading a word of the file spread open before him… when Karuna came knocking in. Strange, because she always used the intercom…

“Yes Karuna what is it…?”

“…Um… sir you phone has been switched off since the last three days or so and you haven’t been responding to my texts …. Actually there is this meeting with…”

“…Ok … Ok…. Wait a minute… I had left my work phone in the drawer here…when I left last Friday… you know… the day of the party…?” He dug into his pocket and took out the bunch of keys selecting a little one from the lot. “Here… take this and check the second drawer in that shelf…”

Karuna took the keys and did as he said. “…Um…sir…there is no phone here….”

He clearly remembered leaving it there. “It has to be there Karuna…just move the files a bit…” Why was his memory failing him… the blank spell surging in after years… No… No… He remembered locking the drawer after leaving the phone there and he wanted no one to know about his visit to the old hospital where he used his personal phone… a private number to anyone he called, which he never did. He used the landline to communicate with Manek and Keith. He had been so engrossed with his thoughts surrounding Ria and his behaviour towards her that he barely remembered doing anything that evening before going on autopilot to the old building.

“Sir… there is no phone…” Karuna handed over the keys back to him.

“Uh…Ok… just do one thing… put up a request with the concerned department to issue another phone to me…”

“…But sir…if they ask the reason… shouldn’t we report the loss…?”

“…Karuna… let me handle it later Ok…? The work has to go on… So what meeting was it …?”

He had then got busy with back to back meetings for which he was grateful… even before he had reached Karma he was half asleep… he still made time for a glass of his favourite Glenlivet. He was all alone in the lounge tonight except for a couple at the corner table from what he could make out in the dim light…wait the woman looked familiar…  As he had two neat pegs and was about to make a third one… he suddenly felt nausea rising up his gullet. His head started to throb… and he started to palpitate. He sat on the bar-stool with a thud and took out his handkerchief loosening his tie to wipe his brow… Why the hell was he so hot in the usually freezing room… he felt the room spin…No not again…no… he wasn’t a worthless drunk…his father was wrong… no… who was it…someone came close to his face… and then everything was black.

Gaurav woke up with a start as someone sprinkled water over his face. “Sir…are you alright..?”

“Keith…? I… my head is spinning… Fuck… I want to throw up…” What the hell had happened? Why was it so dark here…?

Keith helped him stand up and took him to the washroom. As they entered the lit washroom Keith held him by the shoulders. “Sir… what the fuck….?”

What…? Keith turned him towards the mirror. He looked wide eyed at his reflection… his disorientation gone by now. Apart from his bloodshot eyes, he had scratch marks on his neck… his jacket lapels had been torn on one side and his hands… as he held then up he saw nail marks and Oh My God…light teeth marks on his right palm…and the worst… his- fly- was- open… Fuck… what did actually happen here. He rushed to a cubicle and threw up, retching furiously even as tears stung streamed down his face. Horrible hallucination if this was one…

Keith held his trembling shoulders and he covered himself up as he shuffled outside and plonked on a sofa. He held his pounding head… Keith left him and was back with a wet cloth which he wiped himself with and laid his head on the back rest. Keith sat next to him.

“Keith… what time is it?”

“3AM Sir…”

Oh God he was out for a good two hours at least.

“Sir… do you…remember anything at all?”

“…No… I was just right there… having a scotch and then I got this dizzy spell and I blacked out…wait… there was a couple…” He held his head harder as the pounding increased. Keith handed him a bottle of water which he gulped.

“…Sir I had been waiting in the car as usual. I didn’t see anyone leave… but when I didn’t see you emerge for a while I came in to check and found you like… this…” Keith went to the bar and looked around. “..Sir… you said… you were having the scotch… but there is no sign of the bottle or the glass… there was no waiter…?”

“…only Ram Singh… since there wasn’t anyone arriving I sent the rest of them away. That couple didn’t seem to need anything anyways… Wait… where is Ram Singh…?” The smart waiter was an asset to Karma ever since he had joined the famed lounge six months ago.

Keith rushed to the money box… nothing was stolen. He then dialled a number but swore as he disconnected. “Ran Singh’s phone number apparently doesn’t exist… Sir I think we have to call the police…”

“…NO…No… No police…” he held up his hand frantically. “…No police… no calling Manek too… He is caught up with his wife’s pregnancy blues so don’t have to disturb him… Just check the documents, ledgers and stock…”

After about half an hour Keith reported everything was fine and nothing seemed out of order. “Sir…we should check the CCTV footage… this doesn’t look good…” Of course who but him would know better… He nodded and with great efforts he walked to the monitor as Keith checked the footage right form midnight… but everything was grainy… what the hell. The cameras were working just fine when the technician had checked few weeks ago… Security was always top notch at Karma…

“Keith…just get the cameras checked by the technician tomorrow… And … no breathing a word of this to anyone Ok…?”

“…but sir this doesn’t …”

“…NO… nothing was stolen from here… I don’t want unnecessary police investigation here…”

Keith had relented and they had gone home. The next day he had not reported for work and just made up some excuses for Karuna to handle everything. She definitely deserved a huge raise for keeping up with his tantrums… But he couldn’t go to work or anywhere outside with those marks on his neck and hands. So Manek helped cover at Karma with the other waiters… To Manek he gave an excuse of catching the bug…. In next two days the marks were barely visible in his office clothes. The hand marks were light anyways but they were almost gone especially the teeth marks. For the life of him he couldn’t figure out what the fuck it was all about…

Finally it was Friday and Ria was to join back so was he. Gaurav was excited from the time he had woken up and no matter what…. he did… he couldn’t stop the pounding of his heart. He almost skipped around his house to Keith’s amusement. As he was got ready to go to the hospital, he realized he had missed her terribly at the hospital. He missed seeing her work or seeing her wait outside his cabin or … just see her eyes lit up when she smiled. The almond eyes which looked directly into his soul… the only time he felt his soul was pure and not the black modulus of his existence. He looked into the full length mirror of his bedroom and after a poignant pause, he smiled sadly. No matter what he had to stick to his decision? By Monday he would get a reply from the board of directors about that transfer… He would miss Karma and especially Parijath but Ria mattered the most…

The transfer if approved would take about fifteen days to come through with the formalities. He just hoped he could control himself with Ria around and finally decided not to call or speak with her unless it was extremely essential.

His building intercom rang, the shrill sound resonating in his house getting him out of his reverie. Keith answered after what seemed like ages…

Gaurav walked upto the phone and saw the caller Id… it was the security calling. Why was security calling at 9 AM in the morning?

Keith kept the phone back and looked at him pensively.

“Yes.. Keith?”

“Sir…the p..police are on their way up to the house…”

Police? He shuddered.

The doorbell rang startling him from his thoughts. Keith answered the door and the police walked in. He walked out into the drawing room. There were three of them one of them was the Inspector and the other two looked like constables.

“How may I help you inspector?” Gaurav asked.

“Dr. Chopra, you are under arrest.” the Inspector said

“a… arrest? What for?” He was almost palpitating.

The inspector came ahead up to him and said, “You are under arrest for the rape of Ms. Swara Sawant…”

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 15

Ria kept starting at the closed door, tears streaming down her cheeks… she had been standing like that for a while now with a tiny hope that he would come back. Oh no…she was living in a fool’s paradise… A lot of time had lapsed since he had shut that door the sound still reverberating in her heart and she had been glued to the floor, the throbbing of her leg notwithstanding. Why Gaurav Why?? What is troubling you?

She looked back at the melted kulfi…he had been an epitome of self-control at dinner as they had barely spoken but beneath his calm exterior there was a storm brewing as she saw in his restless poise. It was as if he wanted to say something but held back… It was like he spoke to her in a hundred silent ways.  And… what was that out of context monologue when he left?

One week? He actually gave her an off…? She wondered what her colleagues would say. No… she wasn’t going to bother anymore about anyone. Though her heart thundered with anxiety building up at the mere thought she realised she had changed to an extent that she didn’t really care anymore and it was just the first step hiccups that she was facing.  She sat on the couch finally reliving her throbbing leg of the burden and looked at the calendar hanging in the corner of the wall. She limped her way to the wall and smiled as she marked a circle over the date 29th July… the day she had her fall resulting in immense pain but it was also the day her life changed hopefully for the better. Yes there were loads of obstacles but she was sure she would tide over it… there were women like Kalyani out there who faced hardships every step of the way. That gave her the needed solace. She only hoped she could control her bubbling feeling for her bossman especially when she returned to office next Friday.

HOwever, Gaurav was avoiding her, she realized with dismay. Her heart sank… he had behaved as if he couldn’t wait to get away from her. She knew he was hiding a lot from the outside world and lived in a shell which couldn’t be penetrated. She wanted to get to know him…the real him. There was a lot more to him than what he projected and he intrigued her. She had seen tiny bits of the real him in the last two days and wanted more. But in one corner of her mind there was a doubt… what if she grossly misread him? What if he was just being kind? Just like he was to Kalyani and others at Parijaath?

Overcome with emotion she moved towards her bedroom and fell on her soft bed beginning to give way to the pent up throes of tugged heartstrings. There was no one at home to hear her and she let go… she sobbed into her pillow till she was hoarse… and didn’t stop till it was late in the night and sleep consumed her.

The next three days passed in a blur. She rested most of the time for first two days. Both the days Keith dedicatedly came with food for her thrice a day even though she refused help. She was now easily able to walk around the house and could cook as well. But Keith didn’t respond and only smiled infact had his meals with her. She loved his company though and they spoke a lot on various topics. Keith was so knowledgeable and frequently discussed her career plans with her… they spoke about recipes over which they bonded. Ria learnt a lot of variations in traditional recipes that could be made by just tweaking the ingredients a little. But neither Keith nor she spoke anything about the perennial elephant in the room… Gaurav. She yearned to ask Keith about him but her lips were sealed. Her parents were to arrive on the third day. She didn’t want to create a scene when she spoke to them about breaking off her engagement. Luckily for her Keith didn’t turn up that day… God bless him to have understood her predicament he had finally relented, she thought.

She had to tie up many lose ends. One of the two days, Preeti called her and profusely apologised on the phone. Ria told her bits and pieces on getting hurt and ruining her dress but omitted the information pertaining to Gaurav. The lesser the people knew the better it was. Thankfully, Preeti was so overcome with guilt that she didn’t bother anything beyond Ria forgiving her and that she did. If she forgave her indiscretions on being drunk, Preeti was the only friend Ria had and she needed one desperately when she had to move out. Preeti wholeheartedly supported her decision and promised to hunt for hostels for Ria.  Vikram didn’t call her either. Good riddance, she thought. It would make things easy when she told her parents.

Her thoughts always converged at Gaurav. She wanted to call or text him especially after Keith had got her phone repaired … But whenever she thought about him, it now gave her a strange kind of peace… She couldn’t wait for her leave to get over to have a glimpse of him…it would make her day. Even if he had decided to have nothing to do with her anymore….

Her feeling of euphoria was short-lived with the arrival of her parents and a beaming Pooja. As expected they didn’t noticed her slight limp and she didn’t bother telling them either. Her parents were ranting and raving about their new would-be son in law Anand. Anand this and Anand that. Finally, at the end of the day when they had finished with dinner, she insisted they all gather in the living room. Her father was irritated. “Ria we are very tired with the journey. We need to sleep. Can’t your thing wait till tomorrow morning?”

Ria sighed. Though she was well planned and rehearsed about breaking the news to her parents, she was starting to get cold feet. But she knew she had to do it. It was now or never. She looked at her father and said, “appa, this is very important, otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered you.”

“Okay… go on. But make it quick.” Her father sat on the couch and her mom joined him. Pooja who was talking to her fiancé also cut the call short and came to the room.

Ria stood in front of them and with her heart pounding, said, “Amma, Appa, Pooja…um…I have …decided to call of my wedding…”

“WHAT….” Her father bellowed. “… What did you just say?”

Pooja stood and went up to her. “Is this some sort of a joke akka? I am in no mood for this entire nonsense ok?”

Ria’s throat was clogged with emotions. “No… I am serious. I… I can’t be with Vikram anymore. I… don’t like him at all.”

Her father abruptly stood up fury raging in his eyes and walked up to her. “What is not there to like about Vikram. He is an IT professional earning well. He is handsome and belongs to a respectable Iyer family. And… The most important factor, he has agreed to marry a plain dark skinned girl like YOU”

What??

Ria began to cry. For all her newly acquired bravado she couldn’t help it. She felt terrible but knew she couldn’t let go this moment. “Appa, I don’t like him. I can’t imagine spending my life with him. I agreed…only because you were worried about Pooja. But she is engaged now. So… problem solved. I don’t… don’t want to get married.” She said trying to compose herself.

Her father’s tone was on the rise. He looked at his wife and spoke, “Gayathri, can you put some sense into this girl’s head? What on earth has gotten into her? ….” Then looking back at Ria, he continued, “… You idiot, you are not going to get a better match with those looks of yours. Pooja’s marriage has been fixed but what will people say when they hear that the older sister has called off her wedding? What will they think of Pooja? What will they think of our family? You…you are going to do NO SUCH THING. Your wedding will take place as scheduled.”

Scheduled?

“…. What do you mean scheduled, appa? When did you schedule my wedding? When was the date fixed?” Ria spoke in hurt and desperation.

“We spoke with Vikram’s parents yesterday before leaving for the station. Their family purohit was visiting. He said, the 25th of September…that is …about two months from now is a very auspicious day….”

“…Just cancel it appa. It isn’t late.” Ria pleaded.

“Ria… “, it was her mother this time. “… Ria, why are you doing this to us? It’s your good fortune that Vikram agreed to this match. It’s a match made in heaven. He is even ok with you working after marriage. He …he has agreed that … you will give us half your monthly salary, wherever you work. His parents have even agreed that we don’t give those couple of necklaces and bangles to you. We can keep it for Pooja. So, you see, it’s not just about you. Stop being selfish Ria. Think about us too”

What? She was selfish? They wanted her to be tied to Vikram just for her salary? And Vikram agreed? If only she could tell her appa everything about his dutiful Vikram… but then she would have to reveal even about the night in Parijath…

“Amma, Appa, you can keep the jewellery even the bracelet I had purchased last year… and I will give you half of my salary every month throughout my life if you just call of this wedding….”

“…That’s enough Ria…” her father said turning to go to his bedroom. “…there will be no more discussion on this.”

He went in followed by her mother.

Pooja stood rigid with anger and told her, “Akka…. why are you doing this to me? Wait… are you jealous?”

“Jealous … about what Pooja?” She couldn’t believe it… her little sister was also blaming her.

“Since childhood you have always felt I had the better deal. Amma, appa showered their affection more on me or gave me more. But don’t you think I deserved it? Just look at you. You dress up like a plain Jane. How will any guy like you? How will a guy be physically attracted to you? But that’s not the case with me. You know it. So now… you are jealous. And… You want to mess my wedding plans…” Pooja went to their room in a huff.

Ria plunked on the couch stunned to even cry any more. She chuckled at the irony of the situation. She was being selfish, and jealous? She …who had always lived for her family, she…who had always tried to be the dutiful daughter…. who had always kept her family first…was called selfish? Ria hugged herself, feeling tormented. The only vision of those intense black eyes boring into hers as they spoke volumes… when she closed her eyes, gave her calm. She decided…. no matter what…. she would call off her wedding and with another month move out of the house.

 If only she could connect with Vikram. She shuddered remembering the day he had tried to get physical with her…. NO…. she blocked that thought. Her arm and left boob he had grabbed that night, pained with mere thought of his hands on her. She decided to try and speak with him at the earliest. She had to… before her parents interfered some more. That’s it… if he didn’t bother to return her calls then textual break up it is…She typed him a message.

‘Dear Vikram,

I am done. I am calling off our engagement. We are two different people and don’t seem to agree on anything… there is no common ground to continue further. Its better we separate than languish in a loveless tussle called marriage. I wish you well. I would have preferred to have met you in person for the exchange of our rings and though I hate asking repeatedly, I would appreciate if you return the money you had borrowed for your bike…

Regards,

Ria.’

That did the trick and her phone rang in the next five minutes.

“Hey whats wrong…?”

“Vikram… we are wrong… as a couple…”

“No…No Ria… there is a misunderstanding here… Is it about that… night? I was drunk ok…? And I apologised didn’t i…?”

He didn’t get it at all…

“No Vikram… I have made my decision. It’s not just that night… We aren’t compatible at all… we both want different things in life…”

“…But my parents and your’s just fixed the date…” He sounded hurt.

“…See… that’s what I said. I wasn’t consulted at all… we can’t be tied like this Vikram…”

“…look…look Ria…just think about this a little more OK? Pooja and your parents… just think about them… Look…I am in Delhi…” When did he go there? “… I will be back next Friday and we can then meet… but till then just… wait OK…?” He sounded worried. What the hell?

“Fine Vikram… I will wait till Friday and after that… it’s done… And don’t you dare go complaining to my Appa…because he has no say in this…” She disconnected without waiting to hear from him and switched off her phone.

As she slept that night on the couch, she felt a strange calmness descend on her being and she slept well after hours of turmoil…

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 14

Ria tried calling Vikram for the tenth time but his phone went straight to voice mail every single time like it did in the last half an hour. As she looked at herself in the full-length mirror she thought about her relationship with Vikram… if one could call what they had a relationship. She had never met or spoken with her in-laws after the engagement, so basically knew nothing about them. She usually never bothered about Vikram and it never made any difference to her if he called her or not. She was always busy with her work anyways. He probably expected much more from her… more than lending him money or just being present as an arm candy at his corporate event, but she couldn’t. It had been crystal clear on their one and only proper date and that had been a traumatic disaster. Even their couple of lunch meets before that hadn’t yielded any breaks in their communication block. They were never a regular couple as some of her friends said and she always thought it was because their marriage was an arranged one. Did he deserve a benefit of doubt before she declared her decision? But she was never attracted to him… neither did they have anything in common. Somehow she felt the feeling was mutual… And she even loathed him at one time. How could a marriage based on such a fragile foundation last? Speaking of attraction she had never felt the pull for anybody before, never like the way she was enamoured by Gaurav… NO, she couldn’t go there now. She was irritated because… she couldn’t wait to call off her wedding, she was supposed to feel guilty wasn’t it it?. Appa-amma would be angry, so would many of her relatives. But she couldn’t ruin both hers and Vikram’s lives anymore…

She looked around her room as she waited for Gaurav’s summons and walked to the window. She looked outside welcoming the light sunrays on her face and smiled. She heard giggles and looked down at the little playground. Small kids were running around and having a great time. They looked well taken care of and contented. She saw some women and Kalyani as well watching over them. They looked at ease and their facial expressions from her place, didn’t reflect their inner turmoil. She was further in awe of this man who had changed the lives of these women. She longed to meet each of them and learn their stories…if they told her. She hoped to use her professional skills to ease their pain in some way. She was sure she would learn a thing or two from them in turn.

She also wanted to meet the horses… she loved them. She always thought they were remarkable and magnificent creatures who had no qualms about carrying a human on their backs… they were an epitome of humility. Did they have time for that stud farm visit? She didn’t know if she would ever get to return to this place…

In about ten minutes there was a knock on the door. She somehow knew it was Gaurav even before she answered the door. As she looked up into his eyes, she found those troubled blacks bored into hers intently. He looked handsome in his navy blue full sleeves shirt and black trousers. He had worn his office shoes to complete his formal look. He cleared his throat. “We need to leave right now once I check your wound. Uh… Shamala was busy tending to a member… We will grab lunch on the way before I drop you at your residence”, he said.

Ria nodded and went inside as he followed her holding a first aid kit. He changed her dressing which was just covering her wound area now… not speaking a single word, the awkward silence just stretching.  “um… Sir… Thank you for the help with the money transfer… I will return it as soon as I…”

He held up his hand quieting her and looked away his face devoid of emotions. What was wrong? He seemed so different today. Almost close to the bossman that he was. Something was troubling him and she just wished she could help him just like the way he had done her. She wondered if it was just her imagination playing games with her head or was it him playing the Jekyll and Hyde transformations turn by turn… He held her polythene containing her tote bag and they left her room together. He held the elevator doors open waiting for her as she was slow, the pain still present though it was considerably less today. She didn’t take the painkiller today as it made her reflexes slow down. Today she was to call Vikram and needed her senses and wits intact. She shuffled into the lift and leaned against the wall shutting her eyes and panting…

“Is it bad? You should have taken the pain killer…” He said softly, his eyes hooded with concern.

She shook her head. “I…um…I am much better and those meds dull my senses… so…”

He nodded slowly and looked away. As they exited the elevator on the ground floor, they were greeted by a few women who came to greet their ‘dada’. Gaurav’s face instantly transformed into the serenely handsome version, where he acknowledged all of them. She was surprised he knew all their names and even enquired little details. He then instructed Mr. Pradhan to take care of some of the issues they discussed and turned to hold her arm. She was grateful for the support as her leg was throbbing now and she probably would need the painkiller after all… They bid goodbye to Kalyani and her team who hugged her in turns and she felt she had known them for ages. She promised to return someday soon and she was again provided with a wheelchair but this time it was a smiling Keith who pushed her along.  Gaurav had disappeared by then and met them at the car… Soon they were on their way to the main city. Keith was driving and Gaurav sat next to him this time on the passenger seat. Ria missed his closeness and her heart fell as she realized this was their last journey together. Soon they would both get on with their work and their respective lives….  

As they passed the horse farm she wanted to ask Gaurav to halt for a while but her leg was troubling her and he too was engrossed in his mobile furiously typing. She didn’t have the heart to disturb him and just watched the beautiful farm fade away to the distance as they took the gravelled village road.

Ria must have dozed off when she was awaken with a jerk. She looked around and checked the time. She had slept for over an hour… without pain medication! She really must have been sleep deprived. They had lunch at a hotel where they halted to use the washroom and stretch. Gaurav didn’t speak a word all the while except to ask what she preferred to eat. She ordered sandwiches and tea and Keith and Gaurav ate some vegetable combinations along with rotis. He spoke to Keith about some accounts and money transfers as she shut herself out of it… Something was definitely amiss today… Gaurav seemed to be taking additional efforts to avoid her. Just as they were leaving for the car Gaurav stopped her and handed over a box. “Ria, this is your prescription and medicine. Complete the five-day course. You are healing well but it’s important to complete the course of medicines. I have also added a ten- day course of multivitamins….” Ria took the box and looked at him as he continued, “…. Uh… Ria I suggest you take the next week off till Friday. You need your rest. And….” he held up his hand as she started to protest, “….it will be a paid leave and exclusive. It won’t be included in your holiday list. Just…. recover and …get well soon” he said the last part softly as Ria had butterflies in her stomach. She nodded and turned towards the car. They rode in silence.

As they reached her housing society, Keith drove right inside the colony up to her building, following her directions.  She had never been so conscious in in her life as she had looked around… The car had tinted glasses and so even though people gave the car a second look no one probably recognised her in it. It was afternoon and few people got out at this hour… thank God. As the car came to a halt, she got out slowly taking care not to put more weight on her injured leg. She refused help but Gaurav didn’t reply and helped her climb up to her house on the first floor. Another time she would have felt awkward being seen with an unknown guy. But ever since she had made a decision to break up with Vikram, she stopped bothering as to who would see her. But again… appa… how would he react? Her hands grew clammy. All that pep talk of bravery back in Parijath seemed to be useless at this juncture as reality dawned. She took her home key from her tote bag… Oh God she had totally forgotten about her set of keys and wallet in the bag. Gaurav was thoughtful enough to remember… She shuddered at the thought of visiting the Joshi’s for the spare keys where they would want the gossip…Oh God. Or even worse if she had to break open the lock… taking in a deep breath she held the keys and tried to open the lock; Gaurav took the keys from her trembling hand and did it for her. Her house was untouched after she had left two days earlier. Two days…they seemed like a lifetime. A lifetime where her life had… changed.

She sat with a thud on the couch in the drawing room. The climb to the first floor had sapped her energy. Gaurav walked inside into the kitchen and got her a water bottle. As she drank, he said, “Ria, you are not in a position to… ok listen. I will send dinner today and all food for next few days till your parents arrive. Do you want a nurse? I can arrange that as well.” Ria out rightly refused and he finally relented after she agreed for the food.

As he left shutting the door behind him Ria wanted the same light headed feeling she had since morning when she was thinking about her breakup. Instead she felt her heart breaking. She realized why… she was falling for Gaurav and she couldn’t do anything about it. If only she knew what was troubling the guy…

That evening to her surprise Gaurav himself got her dinner and they ate together at her little dining table. She was glad she had dressed well… not that she bothered about it where he was concerned. He had seen her at her worst but still she felt ecstatic on seeing him tonight. She was dressed in her favourite cotton light blue sleeveless short kurta and loose white salwar. She didn’t miss the once over Gaurav had given her as he had entered her house. she hadn’t been able to reach Vikram as yet and was in a way glad… she didn’t want to ruin her mood. Keith had put together an elaborate meal of her favourite curd rice and mix vegetable sabji with thin and soft phulkas. She served the mango pickle her mom’s trademark recipe. They ate in silence and though there was no small talk she loved the company…feeling comfortable as if he understood her totally. It was like,… she didn’t have to justify anything and just be herself. Did that mean he felt something too? That she wasn’t wrong about her intuitions? Otherwise why would he do all this for her…? He could have just sent Keith or anyone else… couldn’t he?

The dessert comprised of kulfi and she loved every bit of it.  As she took a bite of the kesar kulfi, she remembered the last time she had been to lunch with Vikram. It was one of those two rare times they had met up during her lunch break. He was always critical about her dressing sense and figure and didn’t fail to comment subtly though. Somehow she would feel uncomfortable to eat. “Ria you should watch what you eat. You are fatter than when I saw you last time…i.e. I think a fortnight ago.” Ria got back to the present and stared at the kulfi.

“A penny for your thoughts Ria…” Gaurav said with what looked like a smile. Ria saw that he was very relaxed unlike in the afternoon when he had come to drop her home. He was dressed in black full sleeved T shirt and track pants. His barefoot look made him very homely and… desirable.

Oops…. don’t go there Ria.

“Um…I love kulfi …thanks so much… for everything. I also want to apologize…” she said looking at him earnestly.

Gaurav stopped eating and stared at her. He gave her the same intense look which made her insides quiver. She controlled her tremor and continued, “… I always misunderstood ….um… I was always angry at… you. I thought you were being mean by making me work more… um… but I know that whatever your reasons were… deep within you are a wonderful person…” she looked down and felt herself blushing. She continued looking at the melting kulfi the sweetness still etched on her tongue, “…if the last two days were any indication… you are the most caring and compassionate man… I have ever….”

Suddenly the chair next to her shifted back with a screech, startling her, breaking her melancholic tirade. She looked up and saw Gaurav breathing heavily as he stared at the wall in front. “I… I should get going.” He said with his voice cracking without looking at her. She filled the steel boxes in the tiffin bag he had carried and handed it over to him. As he reached for the door he stopped with his hand on the knob and without turning around he said, “Take rest this week. Don’t worry about work… we will manage. Just… take care of yourself”. And the next moment he was gone.

Ria stood rooted to the floor… what…what the hell had happened? One moment she was euphoric and the next moment the bubble had burst… No… she wasn’t wrong. Gaurav definitely felt something… but why did he run away?

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

What was wrong with him? Gaurav thought as he drove back to his place after the dinner debacle at Ria’s. All he wanted to do when he had seen her today was touch those cheeks sans makeup…so pure just like her heart. And those arms…in her sleeveless dress…oh God he only wanted to drag his finger on their length. He knew she had developed feelings for him. It troubled him and almost caused a panic attack. But wasn’t that, what he always wanted? He was in love with her and had almost stalked her for the last three years, tormented her in office…  He knew what she tried to tell him. Her words were like a balm to his broken heart. He longed to just be around her… she had felt so good in his arms last night as she had fallen apart. He didn’t want to leave her bed at all…  But would she still have feelings for him once she knew his past…? His very dark past…? His past had only brought in misery to everyone in his life. He knew he had made up his mind to not let her go but then she wasn’t his in the first place, was she? She was an intrinsically pure soul and he would be that drop of rotten ink that would spread in her clear water changing its colour….

No… He didn’t deserve her… he thought as tears rolled down his cheeks, blurring the road spread before him… threatening to drown him in his misery.

Ria was an innocent in all this, she was full of life. He had thought he would get her riled at work and forget her. Especially her being angry would have made it easier for him to dislike her. But that never happened. In fact, the last two days he spent with her had made him happier than he ever was in the last few years. In fact, he had lost control more than once and it was very scary… given his past. Even Keith and Parijath inmates were taken to her… they liked her, he could see. But she definitely didn’t deserve his tainted baggage. What was he thinking? Ruining her life? Crushing a bud before it got a chance to bloom? She would never ever bloom with him… He would destroy her… He was cursed… just like his father had told.  In fact if she knew his past she would be on the top of his list of haters…. God knew he had many of them.

He wiped his cheeks as he drove, he had to do something. He couldn’t ruin yet another life. She was engaged to another man for crying out aloud. He decided to nip everything in the bud…. though the thought was unbearable. Last week, he had decided to transfer himself to their head office branch in Kolkata making it firm in the early hours of morning in the hospital day before yesterday. Somehow later he had drifted and thought he stood a chance to be with her… but now he would go ahead with those plans. Ria would soon forget about him and move on.

 He was filled with these thoughts as he reached his home…hitting his workout with a vengeance… tears of agony mingling with his sweat as they streamed down his body… as he gave up hunched.  As for him…. he was sure about one fact… he would never forget Ria. He would never forget the beautiful feeling of being in love with her, of holding her in his arms… She had been the Band-Aid for his injured damaged heart and he was all set to rip it out.

Years ago when he had to rebuild his life back in Mumbai, he had been a train-wreck and had slowly got on track… he only hoped he could recover from the pain this time….

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 13

Ria was wide awake and…She wasn’t embarrassed… No. It was one of the most beautiful moments in her life but that was her little secret and didn’t have to reveal it to anyone. Why was Gaurav so good to her? Right from the time he had found her fallen yesterday night to almost twenty four hours now, he had taken such good care of her. Her wound was healing only because of his presence of mind. But he was a mystic puzzle way beyond her capacity to solve… she realised she knew nothing about him. He was a far from the ruthless Casanova image projected at work and she wondered why…  

And this place… Parijath? What on earth was this? All those women and children… was this some kind of a home… like an orphanage? Did it all belong to him?  Who was Girija Devi Ahuja? And those Horses… that view was splendid indeed. She had to visit before they left the place. Thinking of which she realised it was high time she called her parents and her eyes fell on the mobile phone. She had to call her folks with a ray of hope that they didn’t know about her rendezvous so far… and they would be probably worried about her. She dialled her father’s number and waited as the phone rang finally… It was strange that she longed to hear his voice amongst all the emotional chaos she was caught up in.

“Hello?” Her father’s voice was surprisingly chirpy at this hour of the night.

“Hello Appa… it’s me, Ria”

“Which number is this? Where are you?”

“Appa, my phone conked off. Pune is flooded badly…. “

“…. Ria good you called. I need some money. When can you send?”

Ria heart sank and her eyes filled. Is this what he had to say? Not even asking her how she was holding up?

“Appa… Pune is flooded. Our housing colony has been under three feet water….”

“I know all that. I spoke with Joshi last evening….”

“You called Rajeev uncle? Didn’t he tell you how bad the situation is? I couldn’t even go home….”

“Ria, I need the money urgently. You can do an online transfer to my account. I will use the ATM here.”

Ria was at her wits end but had no more energy to argue. Tears rolled down as she contrasted the caring of the man who was here a while ago to the person across the phone who was supposed to care a notch higher.

“Why do you suddenly need money? You were supposed to be back in a couple of days…”

“Er… Ria… there is something I had to tell you.  .. er…Pooja’s marriage was fixed yesterday. The guy was from the bride’s side here. One look at our Pooja and he was a goner. He is tall, handsome IT engineer…….”

Ria was stunned. She blocked the rest of her father’s tirade. Pooja’s marriage was fixed and she wasn’t even told. Her father was only calling her now for …money?

“… Engagement is tomorrow. So, I need thirty thousand.”

That got her attention. “What? Engagement… so soon? Appa…. I don’t have that kind of money…. you should know that. I gave you all my savings before you left for Madannapet…” only she knew the difficulty she had to face in spite of earning a handsome salary… who would believe, her own family was milking her dry?

“What about your PPF? I had put money in that from your childhood…. I saw the balance when I updated your passbook last month. I also checked with the clerk. She said you could withdraw about thirty-five thousand… I only want thirty….”

WHAT THE HELL…. Her father had put the bare minimum amount to keep the account afloat. It was she who filled big amounts from her salary once she got the job. She was saving money for herself… for her life after marriage. That was the only safety nest she had… Ria was angry. How could her father do that to her?

“… Ria are you there? Arrange the money quickly. The engagement is on the day after tomorrow. We are doing it at home here but there are other arrangements to be made. Pooja’s saree, caterer…...” he went on.

Not once did he mention or ask Ria if she could visit them for Pooja’s engagement. Was she just an ATM for them?  “I will send the money as soon as I can.”  She whispered, her throat clogging and disconnected. Looked like, her responsibilities were the heavy baggage permanently attached to her back.

She remembered a few years ago when they had made a trip to Warangal for her cousin’s wedding. She was into her graduation program and had taken a week off since it was a close relative. She had saved up money for months to buy a half saree from a store near her house which sold clothes on the seconds. She had her eye on the beautiful green and red combination and there was a flaw in the design because of which she was getting it for a throwaway price. She had paid 500/- to the owner and had reserved it for a fortnight after a lot of coaxing. She had managed to save up 3000/- and was sure to adjust the accessories in it too. But somehow her father had got wind of it and she had to eventually give him the cash to use it to give the gift cover to the new couple. She had been so upset and had to borrow a salwar kameez from Padma. However it was quite ill fitting and she was subjected to sneers by her relatives beyond the usual ones. To add salt to her wounds, her parents had joined them in commenting on her appearance and ‘poor dressing sense’. That was the last family event she had attended and her parents too were never keen on taking her along. With Pooja however it was a different story altogether. Her mother painstakingly altered her blouses for her darling daughter and her parents were always proud to show her off…  It had never bothered Ria so far but today her heart fell totally shattering into a million pieces. For all the trouble and sacrifices she had made just for an acceptance in the family, all she was subjected to was insults and no one cared about her… whether she was dead or alive. She held her chest, her pain far beyond the throbbing of the leg and sobbed falling into the pillow. All the events of her lifetime passed before her shut eyes… It was like she didn’t matter except for her pay check… both for her parents as well as her fiancé. She had tolerated everything for their sake… even her fiancé’s stupid advances. Speaking of which, Ria decided to call Vikram and ask for a loan till she could withdraw her PPF money. She would then repay him, besides the fact that he owed her too. She sat up wiping her cheeks as she made up her mind… this was the last time she was helping her appa. She would move out to a working woman’s hostel for all she cared. She would send him some money every month and fulfil her duty that’s it. She was done… so so done… She dialled Vikram’s mobile number… thankfully remembering it.

Vikram’s phone rang.

“Hello who’s this?” She could hear some kind of rock music in the background. Was he partying? In this terrible weather?

“Hi Vikram…This is Ria.”

“Ria…is this a new number? Ne ways…. leave it. Why did you call?”

… BECAUSE YOU ARE MY GODDAMN FIANCÉ… and the additional bane of my existence currently.

“Um…Pooja’s getting engaged… and I need to wire some money to Appa’s account. I am stuck in the flood….”

“…Ria, can you hurry up? I am …in between something.” Of course he was… everything was important to him accept her.

“Yeah sure… Um Vikram please wire thirty thousand to appa. I will repay you once I….”

“…hey… hey… hold on…. Do I look like a blank cheque to you? Thirty thousand… have you lost your mind? You say YOU will repay… but did you forget it’s our money that you are talking about? You have barely saved a penny since you started working. How are we going to buy that house if you don’t save money…? Just say NO to your appa.” Saying, he disconnected.

Ria felt numb. He fiancé didn’t even ask how she was doing… while he was goddamn partying. He was the one who owed her money and never bothered to talk about repaying. Instead he was giving her lessons on finance. But what could she expect from him when her own father didn’t bother to ask about her. Nonetheless she had to arrange for the money transfer. She couldn’t let Pooja suffer. She looked at the time. It was 10 PM. Gaurav must be asleep by now… she found herself shuffling towards his room clutching the phone in her hand. The pain was there but much better considering her plight earlier today.

She knocked at his door tentatively…

After a minute she heard footsteps. She heard the latch being released and he opened the door. And… her eyes widened. Gaurav stood before her wearing nothing but loose white shorts. His chiselled abs which she had only felt through his clothes was now visible… Oh gosh she was bashfully drooling over the fine specimen before her. His eyes were dreamy and his hair was ruffled… there were bed-sheet or pillow marks imprinted on his cheeks and he looked like a lost puppy. She felt guilty about waking him. He must have been tired too.

“Um…sir…I am sorry…”

“What is it Ria? Do you want something? Is your leg…”, he ran a quick gaze over her body. “…Is your leg alright? Are you in pain?”

Ria’s throat clogged. Her folks didn’t care but he was so concerned about her.

“I… I am fine sir… I um …need some help” She said still clutching the phone as if it was her lifeline.

Gaurav opened his door wide. He gestured her in and right then realising his clothes or lack of there off, he quickly wore a loose t shirt as she stood at the door looking away to give him some privacy. “Come on in Ria. You shouldn’t be standing long with that wound. Come in.”

She went inside and looked around; his room was exactly identical to hers. He went to the study table as he switched on the light. His room had the AC on full blast and Ria shivered. He immediately switched off the AC and rushed to put his blanket around her. She was filled with the same citrus scent that was so much…. him. She closed her eyes and inhaled as the unsaid emotions were overwhelming her.

“Uh… Ria?” He called out and she jerked up as if out of a trance.

“Um… sorry…” she chuckled. “…I need some… money. Actually, my father needs money and I can’t transfer right now due to obvious reasons….”

“How much?” He asked interrupting her.

“… actually, my sister is getting engaged in a couple of days so my father needs …” she tried to explain.

“How much Ria… you don’t have to explain. Just tell me the amount and the account details.”

“…th …thirty thousand. I shall repay you as soon as I have access to my laptop.”

“I know you will. Don’t worry. Just give me the account details. The transfer will be done earliest tonight.” He said with his soft voice which caused her insides to flutter.

“Um …ok then …thanks so much.” She stood up and handed over the blanket to him. “I will text you the account details in the next 15 minutes…” Saying she walked out of the room in a daze… all trouble forgotten… with just the image of him in his shorts refusing to leave her mind’s eye. Her fierce attraction to him apart, it was his good heart that had won over her respect …Once again for the umpteenth time he had come to her rescue in the last 24 hours…

Ria woke up next morning with sunlight coming in through the slits in the drapes. It was wonderful to feel the sunshine after what seemed like ages. She checked the time. It was 7AM. She had slept for a good six hours after restless few hours of twisting and turning in her bed and was refreshed. Her immediate thoughts went to the handsome hunk next door… one of the best persons she had ever met and she found herself smiling. But her euphoria suddenly died as she remembered the events from last night. She had reluctantly sent her account details to Gaurav. She would then transfer the amount from her account to her father’s. She didn’t want her father to create an issue over who the guy was, who lent the money. Surprisingly the situation didn’t bother her anymore… it was as if someone had her back for once in her life. She breathed deeply and logged in to her email using the phone given to her. The money had been transferred almost immediately after she had given him her account details. She logged in to the bank site and transferred the money to her father. She went back to her inbox and typed –

Money sent. Email once you receive it. Phones are out.

She took a quick bath taking care of her leg and changed into fresh clothes kept in the cupboard. She made another mental note to thank Gaurav for taking so much trouble. If she counted the number of times she had to thank him, she would have to fill a chasm with its magnitude. She had thought he was a monster… he had proved otherwise and in the current situation, he was her saviour.

In the next half an hour Kalyani got her a lovely breakfast of Kande pohe a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy made of puffed rice along with tea in a glass… Oh how she loved the aroma. It was her favourite…just…bliss! As usual Kalyani only smiled at anything she asked her. Finally, when she came to take the breakfast tray she said, “Dada has said you will be leaving in an hour. The water has totally receded everywhere. You may get ready accordingly. Your clothes were… gone. You may use anything from the cupboard…. whatever you like… They are all new. And… Shamala will be up in a while to dress up that wound” She handed her medicines to Ria.

Ria took her medicines, smiled back and said, “Kalyani, thank you so much for everything. I will just need one set of clothes when I leave. Um… can you at least tell me what place is this? “

Kalyani turned to leave without answering. Ria quickly went after her and stopped her at the door grimacing at the pull in her stiches. “Kalyani …please…”, she said in a voice laden with desperation. “…. I am totally lost. I just…I just …Please tell me.”

Kalyani turned around slowly. She sighed. “Ria didi, this is a shelter for abandoned women and children. It’s owned and run by dada in the name of his late grandmother Girija Devi. He is… he is god to us. I am one of them…I was. He saved me and so many abused and battered women like me. He has saved so many children from being trafficked and most of all he has given us hope….” Unshed tears sparkled in her eyes as she continued.”…. Didi, so many of us here were forced into prostitution. Dada has given us lots of respect and a chance to live our lives with dignity…we got a family in each of us… I …I can’t ever have children after I was… brutalised as a child… but these children here are all mine.” Kalyani beamed and chuckled as she said, “…. you know didi most of us are mini entrepreneurs. When you get a chance, do visit us again. I will take you around and show you our lives here.”

Ria was teary too but pleased and hugged Kalyani.  “Kalyani, I will definitely come back again. It will be an honour to know and to acquaint with you all. You all are role models for us. And… Thanks once again for your hospitality”

Kalyani got back and smiled again. She held Ria’s shoulders and spoke looking into her eyes, “I am very happy for dada. He chose well.” She then left the room.

Ria was left standing there, staring at the closed door… He chose her? She could hear her heart beating hard… she was fiercely attracted to Gaurav. And after the last 30 hours, she was in awe of the man. Was she falling for him? She shuddered holding her lapels. But… but that was so wrong. He was her boss for god sake.

Oh My God…Vikram… She now knew what to do.

She quickly changed into fresh clothes and decided to call Vikram after reaching home. Maybe they could meet in a couple of days when she was in a better position to walk… she had to see him. She had succumbed to parental pressure when they had told her, Pooja wouldn’t get any good alliance if she wasn’t married. So, she had reluctantly agreed to marry Vikram. Now, she couldn’t carry on with it any more, she was suffocating... Besides Pooja would be engaged soon… then it wouldn’t matter if she herself was engaged or not. Not to her at least since she planned to move away from her current house. It gave her a strange sense of relief… especially after Kalyani had spoken with her. It was high time she develop a spine. She finally decided to make a clean break with Vikram and… move on. She had got a new lease of life. She decided to live for herself… for once.  She would personally meet him and break it off for good.

And no… Gaurav wasn’t the reason behind her resolve…

No…. he wasn’t…. She said to herself……

If only

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 12

Keith drove along the long driveway… lined with palm trees and bushes of different flowering plants on either side. Ria pulled down the glass window and breathed in the beautiful scent of the rainy mud mingled with the assorted fragrance of the flowers. After a moment the the pathway cleared to reveal…Oh my God… a stud farm. There was a lovely wooden board..

Welcome to parijath equestrian farm

That she was shocked would be an understatement and she realised she had her mouth wide open as she saw a couple of horses grazing around what seemed like unending grassland. The car turned again before she could see further and looking at her disappointment Gaurav spoke. “Hey we need to check that leg and get some food in… you can come here once you are better.”

She nodded in agreement and he looked away again. Did he really mean what he said? Her leg would take a while to heal… would they be staying here till then? Did this place belong to him?

Keith brought the car to the shaded entrance of a huge building and after shutting the ignition he got out and ran inside. It looked like some sort of a facility. She saw a statue-like thing at the entrance, however she couldn’t read what was written on it, but it looked like a bust of a woman. Gaurav got off the car too and held his hand out for her. She slid towards his end of the car seat and placed her hand in his. His warmth engulfed her senses and she tried to get moving but she just couldn’t get her leg out of the car. It had turned to jelly. She saw Gaurav call out to a man named Pradhan who she later got to know, was the supervisor of the estate. He produced a wheelchair out of nowhere and she heard Gaurav instruct him something about food and stay… all the while holding her hand.  She couldn’t believe his fluency in Marathi. Suddenly, Gaurav bent and held her under her arms and supported her as she got out of the car, holding her close enough that she got the whiff of his cologne and a tiny feel of his hard chest… and helped her sit on the wheelchair. She was mortified feeling like an invalid and closed her eyes to blink back tears. She felt a soft touch on her shoulder and felt his warm breath on her ears as he spoke softly. “Ria…its ok.”

She nodded instantly felt better and opened her eyes. They didn’t take the main entrance but Gaurav pushed her wheelchair towards a road at the end of the right side of the building. It was quite a distance and she looked around. There was a long line of flower beds along the entire stretch of the compound on her left. Beyond that, there was a huge compound wall at least 8 feet tall lined on the top with the barbed fence. On her right was the three storeyed building. She heard some sounds and as she looked upwards she saw tiny heads looking out of the different windows on the first floor. The kids yelled “dada… dada…” Guurav halted and waved to them and she wished she could see his expressions. There were many women too giving them shy looks. She thought of asking Gaurav but didn’t dare to. Some of the little kids waved to her and she smiled as she waved back at them. Who were these kids? He pushed her wheelchair further breaking her out of her thoughts.

They were moving on a slope and she wondered how he had the stamina to push her weight. By the time they reached the romp at the end Gaurav was breathing heavily. There was a small exit which looked more like a back entrance to the building. Suddenly the metal door shutting the entrance opened and she saw Keith on the other side. He had Gaurav’s bag with him and polythene containing what looked like her tattered tote bag. When did he collect that? Keeping them down he rushed out and took over her wheelchair duty and Gaurav walked inside. As they entered the foyer she saw Gaurav walk further and beyond him inside, she saw a huge corridor. The walls were lined with framed photographs of children doing different activities and celebrating different events. Was this an orphanage… she wondered. She saw a board mentioning Girija Devi Ahuja Charitable trust. Her curiosity only increased as she saw there were many entrances to what she thought were rooms. There was a lovely aroma of fresh food which made her stomach growl. The clanging of utensils indicated the conformation of a kitchen in there. She saw some women, all wearing identical pink sarees rushing from one room to the other. Some had buckets of washed clothes, some held huge utensils. A couple of them were cleaning the floor with mops. Everyone stopped… when Gaurav reached closer. All of those women as well as some more in pink sarees emerged from the rooms and came towards them. Everyone joined their hands and chorused, “namaskar Dada”. She was spellbound at what was unfolding… she saw reverence in their eyes.  Gaurav went forward and joined his hands acknowledging their greeting. He turned to Keith. “Take her upstairs to the Suite number two. I will be there shortly. Kalyani….” he addressed one of those women, “…. this is Ms. Narsimhan. She has had an accident. Go upstairs with Shamala to the suite and help her freshen up. Just be careful of the wound.” Turning to the other woman he said, “… Shamala take the first aid kit along and do the dressing… but tiny… like I showed you the other day…?” Shamala nodded and rushed to probably get the kit. He then looked at Ria, “don’t worry… they will take care of you. Shyamala here is a trained nurse she will do the dressing well. I… I will join you for lunch.” Before she could thank him he gestured to Keith and she was led into the waiting elevator. They reached the third floor and Keith wheeled her out of the elevator to one of the two doors on the left. The lady named Kalyani opened the door with a key and went in followed by Shamala dragging her huge kit. Keith then wheeled her in. It was a beautiful living room with a three-seater by two sofa set on left side along with a centre table and the TV unit on the its opposite wall. The other side housed a four-seater wooden dining table. She saw that there were two bedrooms adjacent to each other. She was wheeled into one of them. Keith turned towards her, “Ms. Krishnan, let me help you stand. Kalyani and Shamala will help with the rest.” He supported her as she stood and she shuffled a few painful steps towards the attached bathroom. She couldn’t help looking around and saw a double bed with white colored linen. Fatigue dawned on her conscience as the pillows and the bed called out to her and she only wanted to collapse on them. Kalyani was arranging clothes for her… wait… clothes?  Shamala ran a bath and also arranged a chair and a little stool for her. Wow… they were so efficient. Shamala emerged out of the bathroom and nodded to Keith who turned to Ria. “Ok… Ms. Narsimhan… I will take your leave…. In case you need anything, Kalyani here is forever ready to help… Take good care of that leg… Got it?”

Tears sprang up into her eyes hearing his gentle voice. She blinked them away and smiled. “Please call me Ria… Thank you for everything… Keith… I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your name…”

Keith smiled revealing a lovely set of teeth and said. “It would be my pleasure Ria… Get well soon”. He turned around and shut the door behind him.

Kalyani and Shamala helped her with her bath It was extremely painful and there was no time for modesty as she shed both her clothes and inhibitions. Shamala did her dressing with utmost care as she sat on the bed wrapped in the large bath towel.  Gaurav was right in trusting her… Shamala was very good at her work. They asked if she wanted help with her clothes but she was too mortified to let them see more of her…assets! They left the room smiling as she got back to the clothes laid out for her. It was amazing to see there were undergarments of her size. They were brand new and she wondered how they knew her size… and when did they purchase them?? She had tried to start small talk with Shamala and Kalyani but both had just smiled back and not uttered a word… looked like they had taken after their dada. Before leaving they had helped her on the bed and arranged the pillows at the head of the bed so that she could just rest against them. Now as she lay wearing her pyjamas, she was so relaxed with the hot water bath that hunger pangs notwithstanding she started to doze.

“Didi?” someone called out. Ria startled out of her little nap and looked around. Kalyani stood in front of her holding a tray filled with food the aroma reminding her of empty stomach doing the somersaults. There was another lady in pink who was standing there holding another plate. Kalyani placed the tray on the night stand right next to her bed. “Please eat this, didi. Then Dada has asked you to take these medicines.” The other lady forwarded the small glass plate which had the tablets.

“Um… thanks Kalyani. Where is … um… Gaurav Sir?”

“We don’t know for sure didi, but I heard him say something about a meeting in the office room. He must have gone there. Do you need help with lunch?”

Ria refused and they both left the room.

Ria was far more famished than she had realized. She gulped down the simple but delicious meal comprising of Khichidi and potato patal bhaji. She then took her medicines and placed the tray back on the nightstand. She was tired to the bone but wanted to wait up, in case Gaurav happened to turn up. But before more thoughts could conquer her she lolled down on the pillow… fast asleep in seconds.

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

Gaurav gently knocked on her door. He had been so caught up with the meeting with those foreign nationals, not to mention poor concentration because of intense fatigue and the almond eyed temptress across the door that refused to leave his mind… The hour long meeting stretched to three and he now wanted nothing more than to hit the sack, satisfied at its success. But before that he had to check on Ria. The door wasn’t locked but he didn’t want to intrude. Hearing no answer, he got worried and gently pushed open the door. The drapes were drawn which explained the darkness compounded due to the clouds… it was then he saw her profile on the bed. Kalyani had got her lunch earlier which she had quickly eaten, taken her medicines and gone back to sleep as per their reports to him.  Kalyani must have drawn the drapes. He checked the time. It was 7.30PM. Ria had slept for long now… was she alright? He wanted to check her wound and not that he didn’t trust Shamala to do a good job but somehow he felt Ria was his responsibility now. He also had to see if there was any spike in her temperature, though he had taken all the precautions by increasing the antibiotic dosage now that he had better access to the meds. Nonetheless… he wanted to check for himself. He walked cautiously to avoid noise and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw that she was lying down on her back. He slowly moved towards her and when he reached her side of the bed, he bent down to wake her up. He suddenly stopped midway, when he saw her asleep. She looked like an angel though her features weren’t clearly visible. But he didn’t need light to see her features…. they were etched in his mind. Her mouth was slightly open and her filled chest moved steadily up and down in a rhythmic pattern. He knew she was exhausted due to her injury, fever and poor sleep. But her leg needed to be checked.

“Ria… Ria…wake up…” he said softly touching her shoulder but she didn’t stir. He switched on the night lamp. In the soft glow directly flooding her face he saw her… and couldn’t take his eyes away. Her long eyelashes were beautifully fanning her cheeks. Her high cheek bones gave a strong feel to her face. Her full lips now slightly open…. he was instantly hard. He was drawn to her like a moth to fire…. so much for that self-motivating talk on getting the transfer. Fire…that’s what she was, he thought and he would get burnt… He shuddered as the past memories flooded in and he straightened. He had… to focus on task at hand, this was about her now… not him. 

He tried to wake her up once again but she didn’t move. The pain medicine dosage which he had increased must have knocked her out. He decided to let her sleep and check on her wound. But she was lying on the left side of the huge double bed so he climbed up the bed from the other side holding the first aid box, to reach her wounded right leg. He sat crossed legs next to her leg and gently removed the blanket covering her. He lifted her slender leg gently and kept it on a pillow which he had taken with him. He was relieved to see her dressed in pyjamas… he couldn’t tolerate another blow to his libido. He slowly moved the cloth upwards till the wound was visible. He gently cut open the dressing and checked the wound while she slept like a log. Though the wound was still raw he saw that she was healing well. The wound needed a light dressing now. He applied the ointment and proceeded to fix the gauze and tape, the pain causing her to stir.

Ria started to moan in her sleep. Gaurav quickly fixed the final tape and pulled her pajama down to her ankle. He placed the blanket again on her leg and turned to go.

“…N… no Vikram….don’t do it…nnn…NO… Please …I can’t….” she wailed.

Gaurav froze. He turned back towards her. Her face was contorted as though she was in agony. What was that all about? Why did she call out to Vikram? Why was she saying…NO? What did that bastard do? As she continued to cry in her sleep, he decided to wake her up to relieve her of her nightmare.

Keeping the first aid box aside, he bent down towards her and touched her right shoulder. “Ria…please wake up…. everything is fine…. Ria?” He called out again.

She suddenly opened her eyes and turned her head towards him. His face was close to hers and she squinted to look at him. She was breathing heavily… her eyes filled as she looked up into his eyes registering his presence. “…Ria…” he whispered. She lunged at him as sobs rocked her body. Gaurav lost his balance and fell on the bed beside her, with Ria in his arms. He held her tight as they lay beside each other and rubbed her back as she wept. He pressed her head to his shoulder caressing her. Gradually her crying reduced to hiccups but she still held him. Not that he was complaining but her tears were his undoing. He was in pain too… something about her upheaval tugged at his heart strings. What just happened? Ria slowly detached herself from his hold and laid back on her back staring at the ceiling.

“Ria…what is it? What happened to you? Did you… have a nightmare? You were trembling…scared…” he tried asking her. “…can I help you?”

Ria turned towards his side the action causing a grimace. “I …um…I am sorry …” She whispered avoiding eye contact. She blinked back tears as she continued, “… I shouldn’t have… I was… actually the last twenty-four hours have been taxing…. I guess it took a toll…”

Gaurav knew she had clamped up and wouldn’t reveal anything… not at this moment. He decided to let it go since she was seemed very disturbed to talk about it… who would know nightmares better than him…he was a veteran. He sat up and said, “Look Ria… I just checked the wound. It’s much better now. It should be completely ok in the next week or so. Till then just take care of it …ok? I will give you detailed instructions once I drop you home…. Go to sleep now. If you need anything…just call me. I am in the adjacent room. Here…” He gave her a mobile phone. “…Use this cell phone. Your phone has to be repaired. My number is on speed dial 2. The screen won’t be locked so …no worries. Uh… Your parents may be worried too. So… in case you want to call someone …please go ahead.”

He turned around and climbed down from the bed. Then with a quick glance at her, he walked out of the room, gradually shutting the door behind him. Why was it so difficult for him to stay away from her? He wondered as he took a cold shower and changed into his night clothes before his head hit the bed. As he lay staring at the fan sleep suddenly miles away, he kept going back to what had transpired. Why was Ria so upset…? Usually when sleep evaded him he pursued some hard work on the farm… but today he was flustered. He was in a fix… Oh God… was this …love all about?

He loved her… and realised with a start… he couldn’t let her go… ever…

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.

Ria was jolted awake with a jerk and realized the car had stopped. She was a little disoriented, confused about where she was. She had barely slept and with great difficulty she opened her heavy eyelids. She was so comfortable, she didn’t want to move… just snuggle back into wherever she was, and then with a sudden awareness surging through her, she realized, her head was on Gaurav’s shoulder and he held her close to him. She tried to move away but winced in pain. Her leg was on fire and holding her right leg at the knee as she grimaced in agony. There was a hand pressing on her shoulder. “Ria, hey look here. We are at the hospital now. Don’t worry. You will be fine. We will admit you right away… We will run the vitals….”

She was now wide awake and the reality of her situation sank in. They were at the back entrance of their hospital… close to his parking spot. Thank God…  She panicked and stuttered… “NO… please… NO… no hospital. Ev…everyone will know about…. Nnnn…No hospital sir…” She interrupted him. Her heart was galloping in her chest threatening to rush out… as different scenarios ran through her mind.

Gaurav looked confused probably unable to understand the reason for her sudden outburst. “What is it Ria? Why…why don’t you want to get in to the hospital? Or is it this particular hospital…? Ria listen… at this time its difficult to get you in some other place… besides this is home isn’t it?  I promise you everything will be taken care of… ok? ” He just didn’t get it, did he?.

She started to cry unable to convey her problem to him at the same time feeling guilty about hurting his feelings. But this was a chance she couldn’t take. Right then Sudhir and his colleague’s snider remarks played in her mind, blocking all scope of reasoning. She couldn’t even imagine the trajectory of the gossips spread on her account. And if appa got to know…heavens forbid… NO. She grasped at his hands. “No sir…. p… please. Everyone will know. I can’t afford that… no hospital…”

“What will everyone know Ria?” Gaurav asked in an irritable voice… frowning, confusion written all over his handsome face.

“…That we ….” she waved her hands between them, “…no no sir…please no hospital.” Ria kept persevering openly crying now. She was probably freaking him out and just prayed he didn’t regret saving her.

Gaurav gave her a painful look as if he didn’t know what he was supposed to do as an amused Keith looked on.  He glared at her with the look he gave her in the hospital over her reports. He turned to Keith,” Keith, take us to Ms. Narsimhan’s residence.” He then looked at her, “I hope that’s ok with you?”

“Just leave me at the entrance of my lane. Sector 8 Rigved nagar. I will walk from there.” she said.

Gaurav drew his hand through his hair. “Ria, are you out of your mind? You can’t even take a few steps without support. There may be water logging in your area even now…we don’t know for sure. Besides, the power hasn’t been restored in those parts. How will you contact anyone in any emergency? And most important….” he held his hand up as Ria started to interrupt him again.”…It’s very important for me to check that wound. I will have to redo the dressing with real stuff this time and get you the better medication for this. Do you understand? “

“Sir….” she said in a trembling voice. “…. You don’t understand. I can’t be seen with you in my colony as well…. everyone will know…”

“FOR FUCKS SAKE WILL YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT WILL EVERYONE KNOW?” He said loudly. Ria was startled. She had never seen him like that before… even last week when he had yelled at her. She just stared at him. He looked angry but a lot more fatigued and worn out. Oh God what was she doing… how could she explain things to him… he wouldn’t understand her predicament.

“I asked you a question Ria,” He said with a milder tone this time. “What-will-everyone-know?”

“Everyone will know that I… I was…. with…. you all alone last night.” She whispered looking down at her clasped hands, desperation evident in her voice.

She felt him flinch and suck in a quick breath… oh no was he angry now? She didn’t blame him though… he must be dead tired too and she was acting like a tantrum throwing kid… but from her point of view she was right…

 “What the fuck…” He roared. “…How juvenile can you get Ria? It’s not like we were on a date or something. It was…. it was a meeting by chance. We were STUCK for God’s sake.”

Ria looked outside the window as the silent tears flew down her cheeks draining away all the energy left in her body but her heart getting heavier by the minute. The fact that she was embarrassed to have this conversation before Keith added to her woes and her crying only increased…She covered her face with her palms and sobbed into them.

After a few seconds she felt his hand on her shoulder again.  “…I…I am sorry… Ok Fine. Where can I take you then…?”

“I suggest… I mean…. If you can arrange for a taxi…. I will go home.” She replied softly.

“… Ria… are you sure you aren’t deranged with that hit on the forehead…? I may have to run some scans to be sure…” He rubbed his hand down his face. “…first of all you won’t get any cab at this time… and even more important… I will not allow you to go home alone. Not in this condition…”

“…But… but sir…”

He held up his hand silencing her. “…. Let’s go to this place, I know of. No one knows you there. No questions will be asked and I can monitor your health as well…”

Was he… taking her to his house? Oh no that would be worst…what about his folks? A lot of questions nestled in her functioning brain at that moment.

“Wh… which place, sir?”

Gaurav didn’t bother to answer her. Instead he turned to Keith again who she saw was amused still at the banter. She liked the guy and wondered what he may be thinking about her. “Keith, take us to Parijaath. Call ahead and tell them to prepare 2 guest rooms, and fresh lunch for us.”

Keith looked behind, glanced at Ria and then gave Gaurav a look that Ria couldn’t understand. “Ok sir.”

What was this place? Definitely not his house… thank God. But where was she going with this mystery man…? He seemed to be the spider artistically weaving his web and she was getting tangled in it… really? She mentally berated herself… The man had saved her life and been a thorough concerned gentleman throughout… That was a lot more than what anyone else in her life had done for her so far. And she was an idiot… her fear on creating a scandal of epic proportions which would question her morality was getting in the way of her rational thought. She was guilty of being attracted towards him more than ever before and also upsetting him. Now he was going out of his way for her benefit and all she thought was about his vested interests. No… she would trust him on this. Ria didn’t ask him any further questions. Not only she knew he wouldn’t answer but he was right about her condition. She was definitely not in a position to go home alone.

As the car passed the once busy streets, she saw the havoc caused by the floods last night. She saw garbage strewn on the roads, cars toppled, bikes lying around, trees uprooted… She hoped her friends all made it safely home… irrespective of what had transpired between them, she wished them well.  She shuddered to think what would have happened to her if Gaurav hadn’t been there yesterday. She thanked her stars for her good fortune and she had seen a different side of his personality. Even in her fogged mind she had memories of him working on her injury in pitch darkness… There was a lot more here which she wasn’t aware of and longed to know. She wanted to understand the difficult character sitting beside her a complex cluster of personalities embedded under many layers. He was the onion she wished to peel layer by layer to know what was deep down in the core. But she was sure about one fact though, whoever he really was he definitely was not the monster projected himself to be in the hospital.  She rested her head on the seat as a strange sense of calm descended upon her. Within minutes she was fast asleep…

Ria stirred up awake again to find herself covered by a shawl. The temperature inside the vehicle had come down drastically and she was feeling the chill. She had slept for quite a while it looked like and the car was speeding on some highway from the looks of the passing blur scenery, a soft instrumental music played on the car stereo… she squinted to see Keith driving and nodding to music and she lay… on his chest yet again. He had held her so that was why she hadn’t fallen down… she could get used to it. She moved to sit up straight even as her leg throbbed. His hand fell and she heard light snores. She looked up and saw him asleep on the head rest. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the peaceful face, with just a couple of days’ worth stubble, no frown marring his handsome features, beautiful eyelashes against his skin and his scar was almost invisible. From the V of his shirt which had slightly opened at the top she saw a bit of black curls… his chest hair. Her eyes moved down to his torso which like his back was well endowed as seen from the shape the cloth had taken… what would it feel to run her hands over his body…? She turned red and right at that moment looked up to see him awake and staring at her…his face devoid of expressions.  She gasped and moved away immediately wincing at the pain that shot through her leg. He gave her a bottle of water which she was grateful for. She saw the time on the dashboard… it was approaching 12.30PM. They had been on the road for over two hours. Where were they headed? She hadn’t called her parents or Vikram… would any of them be worried considering the bad downpour last night?

The car slowed down as she saw the change in the scenery…it was more like a rural area with mud houses and thatched roofs, independent row houses in some places and most importantly lots of greenery. There were many farms and she could see farm animals and farm hands busy at work…there were little children playing in the mud or water poodles without a care in the world and that got a smile on her face. Her eyes fell on a huge board at the side of the road it read “welcome to Sitapur” in Marathi, English, and Hindi languages. She had never heard of this place and wondered why Gaurav had come here… nonetheless she was grateful.  She wanted a phone desperately …preferably her own, else her father would have queries lined up.

“…Um..Sir… can I borrow your phone… I have to call my parents…” she asked him hesitantly. Gaurav didn’t say a word and just handed his phone to her… She dialled her father’s number but the call failed to connect. She tried her mother and Pooja too but with the same results. In a way she was glad. Should she call Vikram? She actually didn’t feel like it and handed the phone back to him.

“…what is it… couldn’t reach them…?”

“…No… actually they are in a remote village near Telangana, which has very poor network coverage… so…”

He just nodded and looked away while she still tried to figure out why she didn’t bother to call Vikram… she even wondered what if she broke up with him… How would Appa react? A shudder passed through her body as the vehicle turned along a gravel path and reached a large gate. She peeped from the side and saw the plaque outside which read:

“Parijath”

Blooming your lives

There was this beautiful picture of the flower itself with two icons one a mother and child and the other consisting of a woman with a horse. She looked back at Gaurav who was staring intently at her… his eyes filled with an emotion she couldn’t guess. She turned back at the board as Keith honked and the huge gates opened. She didn’t know what held in store for her as the car entered the gates and the security guards stood up to salute the charismatic man sitting next to her. What on earth was happening? where was she?

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 10

Ria heard his footsteps and tried to compose herself the emotional tsunami still in the throes of unleashing its torment. She had to be strong enough to see this through… she had to reach home as early as possible before any of the nosy neighbours realised her absence. She looked up hugging the coat as the chill continued to seep in through the partly open window bringing along a few drops of the now considerably reduced rain. Nature had a way to calm her senses and she was already feeling better and it’s when she saw him rub a hand on his fatigued face… he looked crest fallen. Why? Did she do something that was unwarranted for? She berated herself for her big mouth. Why was the need to bring up the office topic when she had anyways planned to discuss it with him later in the hospital? He had saved her life for crying out aloud and had only been a gentleman. He was drunk she had smelt it on his breath when he had helped her up last night though she was delirious… but he didn’t let it affect his professionalism even a little bit. The man had stitched her up in the darkness of the room, his hands not quavering one bit… what a talent and she couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t practise surgery. She immediately compared him to the asshole of a fiancé of hers and realised Vikram couldn’t even hold a light to him. Vikram never cared for her feelings, her thoughts…nada. But Gaurav had been a total contrast to not just Vikram but to his own self as the Bossman. It was unbelievable and she saw some traces of the man she had envisioned him to be three years ago… Nonetheless it was wishful thinking and nothing was to materialise out of her brooding. Her leg throbbed yet again reminding her of the current predicament she was in… and the biggest challenge for her… to reach home ASAP.

She saw him stand at the window looking outside with hands in his pockets. His shirt stuck to his back like a second skin… when did he get drenched? Not that she was complaining. His back muscles were contoured like an artist’s imagination from what she could see the wet cloth following the muscles commands… what if she got to run her hands on them… would they be hard underneath her palms? She shuddered with the sudden awareness coursing through her body… and pulled her coat closer, inhaling the traces of his fragrance on it. Something about him always gave her positive vibes, some sort of comfort, even if he had been nasty back in hospital… why did she now feel there was more to what he projected? Anyways, she sighed. Now was not the time or the occasion to get into all that…even her feelings for the enigma standing in her line of sight. Not even if it gave her the euphoric feel which she had rarely experienced in the last one year. She had to apologise to him.

“Sir…” Ria called out and he turned around, fatigue evident on his handsome face. “Sir, I um…I am sorry. I shouldn’t have loaded that stuff on you… especially after what you have done for me since last night. I just…want to say… thanks.” she tried to smile.

 Gaurav looked into her eyes frowning said, “Its ok. I only did my job…” He then glanced at the window and said, “… Uh…the water has receded to a great degree and hopefully it shouldn’t rain for a while now. As you can see, its quite bright outside. The good thing is the water will completely recede soon. But on the flip side ….” he continued looking at her intensely, “…. you may find it difficult to independently climb down three floors. Also, it will be a while until help arrives. There is no network available on your cell phone either. So… we have no choice but to wait.”

Ria thought about the situation. She stood up and slowly took a few steps shuffling with the injured leg which was throbbing. Piercing pain shot up her leg and she winced losing her balance in the process… before she fell a pair of hands caught her and she grabbed the lapels of his wet shirt. “Careful on that leg Ria…” He whispered as he held her close to his chest and at that moment she didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world… in spite of the unbearable pain, she felt secure and safe. He held for a moment steadying her and making her sit back on the revolving chair, he placed a palm on her forehead. “Ria… uh… you are warm again… wait… let me get you that paracetamol… but here take this before I do it…” He gave her the Glucon D sachet. She bit off the edge and poured the contents into her mouth. He was looking around for water frantically. She now understood why her head had been throbbing… she needed that medicine. “sir… its fine… I will just…um swallow it without the water…”

Gaurav looked pained but nodded slightly. He broke the tablet into two. “Here… uh… this will help you swallow it easily…The…uh… taps here are old and not maintained so I can’t risk the water…”

“Its…it’s alright sir…” She took the medicine and swallowed it, grimacing at the bitter and hard swallow. It was irritating her throat as it passed down her food pipe and she wanted to throw up. He gave her another sachet of Glucon D and she had it, easing the bitterness a bit. Fever notwithstanding, she was parched.

 She realized he was right. She may damage her dressing in her efforts to climb down or even walk more. They didn’t have supplies for covering the wound again. But… what about food and water…? She hoped she could get some water as soon as possible. At least she had that sandwich which could sustain her for some more time. But he hadn’t eaten anything since …probably… last evening. How long before they got rescued?

As if reading her thoughts, he said, “Let me go outside and check out the surroundings. Maybe I can find some help or transport… will you be ok for a while? I won’t venture far.” She looked into his eyes and replied, “Sir, I will be fine…”.

Suddenly he heard a vehicle and rushed to the window. He waved to someone and gestured to the person to come upstairs looking relieved. Hope filled her and she wanted to ask him if rescue had arrived. But he beat her to it and said, “My man Friday is here. I knew, he would come looking for me. Here….” he handed her the blanket. “… Cover it like a skirt. It will protect you from the chill outside.” he spoke looking at her with the usual expressionless mask firmly in place. Gone was the man who had just cared for her and in his place was the tyrannical bossman.  But it no longer bothered her and all she wanted was to go home and lie on her bed and maybe cook up something. She could ask Joshi aunty but her bandage would raise a lot of questions.

“get ready… time to go…” Gaurav was out in the next minute closing the door behind him as if he couldn’t wait to get away. She wrapped the blanket as he had said and also buttoned the coat a couple of sizes too big for her but beggars couldn’t be choosers. Her dress… well it was as good as absent.

She was dizzy with the pain, weakness and fever but she didn’t have to wait long though. She heard footsteps and someone knocked at the door.

“Co… come in…” she replied with every ounce of energy she could gather.

The door opened and in came a tall dark well-built strange. So this was his man Friday… his butler or whatever he called him. The housekeeper Mr. Keith as she read on his name tag, was a huge man. He looked more like a bodyguard but had greying hair and a gentle face as he stood smiling before her. She judged him to be about fifty.

He came close to her and held out his hand. Where was Gaurav? As if he read her thoughts he said, “Ma’am, Let me introduce myself. I am Keith Sequiera, the official housekeeper for the Chopra household. Sir is waiting downstairs charging his phone and making some important calls. Why don’t I help you get up?”

Ria nodded and looked around for her tote bag… it was of no use as it was completely damaged because of falling in the water yesterday… the papers and her change of clothes were all ruined. She shook her head thinking of the load of reports awaiting her once she returned to work and a strong wave of dizziness passed through her. She held her head to quell it away and then once she felt stable she placed her hand in Keith’s and stood up.

He helped her slowly till the stairs then… she squealed as he lifted her in a fireman’s carry. He gently took her downstairs taking care to avoid touching her wound. She had never felt so light weight earlier. From the corner of her eye, she saw the damage to the first floor with the water seeping in…  They reached a car parked close to the entrance and Keith settled her in the back seat adjusting the blanket around her legs.  Ria was totally drained out and was only an onlooker with hooded eyes. Gaurav who was on phone disconnected the call when he saw her and joined her behind. The car was an old model Hyundai Assent. It was a pretty pearl colored car and had very comfortable backseats. The seats were not your regular leather but she couldn’t really make out. Just that it was extremely soft. After the chair that she had put up with for last few hours and the hard ground before that, the car seats felt like luxury. Gaurav gave her the medicines with fresh water which Keith had got. She had never felt grateful for the natural resource so much before today and sent a silent prayer to the Almighty for sending Keith when he did. She also had another cold sandwich that Gaurav handed to her and this time he was having one too. She wondered where he found them. Unfortunately, her phone had gotten wet and stopped working totally. Gaurav kept back his phone for charging in the car. As Keith drove them outside the hospital; compound, she couldn’t remain awake anymore and soon drifted off to sleep.

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.