Chapter 26

The next morning Preeti woke up to a buzzing sound, pain and exhaustion. But she was held protectively against his chest. The last she remembered, she was crying and had drifted to sleep in his warmth surrounding her. He stirred and shifted slowly to avoid hurting her. His phone was ringing in the vibrator mode. He moved towards the end of his side and picked the phone from the nightstand. He cursed as he saw the caller ID. He looked at her and rushed to the washroom to answer the call.

Why did he want to hide from her? Who was it? The way he looked at her she knew the call had something to do with her. Was it about the shooting? But why was she shot? She didn’t know anyone here? She didn’t even know why she had come here in the first place. Suddenly she was alert. There was something about that shot… she had heard that sound…it was familiar. What was that?

The door to the washroom opened and Gautam stepped out. He rubbed his hand over his face. He walked to her bed side and helped her stand. She slowly removed his hand supporting her better arm.  “Um…I am fine… I can walk and use the washroom on my own…”

She shuffled towards the washroom. Finishing her chore was difficult with only the use of her non dominant hand. Somehow she managed and wrapped the robe tightly around her as she walked outside, into the room. She heard him ordering breakfast. She was wondering how she could take a bath. It was as if Gautam had a direct telepathy with her… he walked towards her with two bath towels and handing them to her he said, “I shall fill a bucket of hot water for you and have asked for a plastic chair that will be arriving shortly. You can sit on it and take a quick bath. I have…er… ordered a robe as well. I will… customise it for you once the doctor visits. Alright?”

She nodded and watched him make the arrangements.  The chair also arrived and he placed it in the bathroom next to the bucket. He kept a stool on which he placed the body wash. He looked at her his expressions asking if she needed help. She nodded her thanks and went inside the washroom locking the door from inside. She took a while to clean and felt much better. She dried herself but couldn’t wrap the towels. She had to take his help. Suddenly embarrassed she unlocked the door and peeped out. He was there in an instant. She walked out just holding the towel in her better hand. She handed the towel to him and looked down turning red and she turned her back towards him. She was surprised at her show of modesty now when she had shamelessly surrendered to him just couple of days ago…

She felt him come close and place a robe on her. He then turned her around and slid another part of the robe under her sling and diagonally tied it to the part on her shoulder. She saw he had cut off some part of the right side. He had got her a pair of new panties. He sat on his haunches before her and held it. She put her feet through and he slid it up in place. Next came a black cotton long skirt. Which he helped her into. Finally taking a stole he covered her exposed shoulder as well. She wondered from where he procured the clothes. But knowing him she didn’t have to ask. He was very resourceful. 

They had their breakfast comprising of parathas and he insisted she have milk before taking her medication. Soon the doctor arrived as well. Unlike yesterday she didn’t have any issues before him. He checked the wound dressing it again. He said she was free to travel back home but had to rest for a couple of days and follow orders of the local doctor. She agreed and Gautam walked the doctor to the door thanking him. He turned towards her rubbing his hand down his face …for the umpteenth time. What had got him so tied up in knots?

“Preeti…uh… I have to make a couple of phone calls… will you be alright for a few minutes alone? I will be right outside in the corridor…”

She wanted to shout out to him… that she wouldn’t be disturbed…he was free to make his calls inside where she could see him…

  He didn’t wait for her reply. He gave her phone and left the room.

She had to talk to Tanveer Raisingh. She switched on her phone and saw a stream of incoming messages. Almost all were from the inspector. She didn’t want anyone to know about them so immediately selected all of them and deleted from her phone. She place the call. He answered on the first ring.

“Ms. Sengar… are you OK?”

“Besides the fact that I was shot at and have no clue why …. I am alright…” she hated sounding sarcastic but that was just her mood now…

“We heard about the shooting. The local police has been trying to find out the person but he seems to have escaped in mid air…”

“Sir… I was there to sign some documents… I don’t know what it held”

“That was a transfer deed… Of the Gagorn fort…. In the name of your …husband Ms. Sengar.”

She was shocked and couldn’t utter a word.

“Ms. Sengar…are you there…?”

“…Um…Yes sir… but why MY signature is needed?”

“Because of the law of the land that applies to Jhalawar district heritage structures. Gagorn fort is one of them.”

“…ok… but where do I come in the picture?”

“Ms. Sengar… do you know about your family history? I mean about the Sengar family history?”

“um…No…I don’t think so.”

“It’s a long story Ms. Sengar. But to cut it short, there was a pact made about half a century ago with the land owners who happen to be ancestor of the existing Sengar Rajput community in Bhopal. That’s where you guys are from. There was some feud for generations between Sengars , Rathores  and some other communities of Bhopal before they settled in Rajasthan and it ended with a pact which stated that the Gagorn fort and the land around it belongs to the Sengar family of a particular lineage. On completion of fifty years it will automatically be bequeathed to the first daughter of the family who is unmarried and under thirty years of age. A few months back the fifty years were up. So that fort is now automatically in your name since your family is of the lineage….”

It was too much to process.

“But sir, I am married isn’t it?”

“Your marriage certificate is not registered as yet. And you have the right to transfer it to to your husband and he can do what he seems fit… I think Ms. Sengar this was the marriage clause. Rewa chose to run away from it. She had a registered marriage a couple of months ago…”

“WHAT?”

“Yes Ms. Sengar we just found out yesterday. The crowd there was the local tribe who were protesting against the transfer of the land to Vikram Singh.”

Preeti’s head was reeling from information overload.

“Ms. Sengar, I know you are married to Gautam… Everything is a mystery. But be careful and take care. Call me if there is anything you have to tell us or need help with…”

She disconnected the call… so this was the reason he had wanted to marry Rewa and then her? For a mere fort? That’s why the interest in Sengar family? All that care and concern was a show? Of course, she thought and tears streamed down her face. He wanted her signatures as fast as possible. So she was a backup? Did Gautam always know about the fort history? So her feelings for him were indeed one sided?

Was that the reason for his Jekyll and Hyde personality….In one moment he cared for her as if she meant the world to him. Next moment he shunned her off. He was closed up to her… She knew nothing about him…

She kept the phone aside as her head was throbbing and rested back on the headboard. Would Gautam not want her anymore after the signatures? Was that show of passion… all that happened till some time ago a charade?

Her heart refused to believe her head.

She must have slept off and was woken up with a pat on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to see Gautam looking at her with a worried look. “Are you OK to travel? I had called Bhim Singh early today morning. The driver come security. He will be reaching in sometime. We can leave immediately.” She only stared at him trying to read his handsome rugged face which now had a couple of days old stubble that she longed to touch. She looked away blinking back tears.

He sat next to her on the bed. “Hey… are you alright? Is this hurting you? Do you want painkillers?” he asked her in the soft tone pointing towards her sling. His baritone threatened to melt her insides.  She shook her head and got off the bed to use the washroom once more before leaving.

Soon they left Kota in the SUV driven by Bhim Singh. She sat with Gautam right behind. The journey was back breaking considering her condition. Her hand and head both ready to blow off. Gautam urged her to come closer to him and rest. Though she didn’t want to, she knew she had to recover soon and for that she had to avoid the excitement. She gave in to his pull and rested her head on his chest on her left side. He held her close to him taking care not to hurt her hand. She soon dozed off. The pain medicines were making her sleep more.They took a brief break for lunch and reached Bhiwadi by evening. He helped her dazed body to her room and tucked her in since she didn’t want any dinner. He said he would return later with a glass of warm milk to give her medicines. She watched him leave her room shutting the door behind him and she burst into tears. The emotions she had been trying to hold up in her heart began to flow.

In the last few days her life had been unravelled in a way she couldn’t ever imagine.

Her sister apologised to her for something she didn’t know, she was forced in a way…to stay married for six months to a man she loved more than anything. And now she found out the clause because of which the marriage happened in the first place. Not to mention someone shot her for just being there….

She drifted off to sleep again remembering Gautam’s words on her first day back in Bhiwadi…

‘…Everything here is a charade…’

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

Chapter 25

Water on her eyes… someone had the audacity to sprinkle water on her? She hated it…oh God…who on earth was doing this? She had to check. She struggled to open her eyes. Suddenly pain shot through her arm and she winced. Immediately a pair of rough hands held her face. She knew who it was. She would know him in any state…

“Preeti… sweetheart are you alright? Just…open your eyes dear…” Gautam sounded scared.

She opened her eyes and leaned into his palm on one side. She felt as if a truck had run over her body. Her body was aching everywhere.  He supported her as she tried to get up. She felt dizzy and held his hand but the movement caused sharp pain in her right hand. She moaned in pain. And Gautam yelled. “WHERE THE HELL IS THAT DOCTOR?”

There was some movement and a young doctor who looked barely out of medical school came in. “Y..yes sir? Oh…Ma’am is conscious now…” he declared happily.

“…SHUT THE FUCK UP. She is in pain… DO something…”

The young doctor stuttered…” Ssssir…Al..al..already given her the shot for pain before the woo…wound dressing. Ca…ca…can’t give another one sssso  Soon. Sh…sh…she need to go to a ho…ho…hospital…”

Gautam barked orders. “Mr. Ranawat, Get the papers here… let her sign then we will leave…”

What papers? Was she expected to sign them? Whatever it was, she was in so much pain she just wanted to leave…

The man named Ranawat came rushing towards them. She looked around to see she was in some office. There were rows or tables and benches… She was lying on one of them. Her hand wound was dressed well. Her blouse sleeve was torn off totally. There were a couple of other lawyers standing huddled to a corner. She wasn’t surprised. Gautam had that thing about scaring the world. She heard a ruffle and saw the papers were placed on a writing pad and kept before her on her lap.

“Ma’am you have to sign where the tiny cross is marked. There are four places….”

She looked at Gautam. “Um…what papers are these?”

“Preeti…” he said softly with a different expression on his face. She had never seen him so vulnerable. He rubbed his hand over his face. “…Please trust me on this Ok? I will tell you everything I promise. But today please sign without any questions…”

Her heart was breaking for him. She nodded and tried to move her right hand. But the pain shot through it blinding her and she shut her eyes clenching her teeth. She was just not able to move her right hand without excruciating pain. She couldn’t even straighten her hand. She looked at Gautam with tears in her eyes. He looked stricken as well.

 What was in those papers?

Mr. Ranawat who looked like Maharana Pratap from one of the pictures she had seen, took the papers and said, “Vikramsa, I think we will postpone this till bhabhisa recovers. Give me a call once done.”

Gautam looked down at the floor his palms clasped into each other. He nodded slowly.

“And Vikramsa…” Gautam looked at Mr. Ranawat. “ …Do you want me to inform Romila Deviji?”

Gautam nodded and the lawyers left leaving only the two of them in the room. Gautam was staring at the floor lost in thought. Preeti was silently crying. “I…I am so..sorry Gautam… I know this must have been important…but…”

“…No you won’t know… this was not just important…it was a goddamn matter of life and death for…” He spoke in a tone that sent shivers down her spine.

After a couple of minutes, he turned towards her. “Common let’s get going… “

She didn’t know whether she could travel all the way back with the painful arm.  She was feeling very weak and drowsy. As if reading her thoughts, he said, “We will check in into a hotel and I will call for a doctor to revive the wound. Luckily the bullet just grazed….” He looked always and rubbed his hand on his face. She had known by now that he did it whenever he was anxious. That was rare though. What was in those papers that made him so anxious? What did have to do with HER of all the people? And…his mother?

He helped her stand up and placed the jacket around her shoulders as her blouse sleeve had to be torn open. He supported her to the car and after she sat he carefully fixed the seat belt. He then drove them to a nearby hotel. She saw there were policemen on the roads when they left.

 Who had shot her?

Tanveer Raisingh’s words kept ringing. ‘… You will be collateral damage…’ that meant the bullet was meant for Gautam? She thought with a shudder…

They reached the hotel within fifteen minutes and Gautam drove slowly frequently checking in on her to the point of annoyance. She just wanted to pop in painkillers and lie down. She read the glow sign board. ‘Hotel Oracle…’ Appearance wise it looked good. But she had Gautam with her so she wasn’t worried. Would he book separate rooms? She wondered with a shock. For a man who had been insatiable till now, he had been working extra hard to keep his distance.

Gautam helped her out of the car and lifted her carefully avoiding pressing her injured arm. She rested her head on his chest as he carried her into the hotel. Thankfully he booked a single suite. He carried her to their hotel suite and placed her carefully on the huge double bed. The bell boy followed with their luggage. Gautam tipped him and ordered dinner for them. She smiled hearing him order Kadhi Chaval. He also called for a doctor to see her injuries. She was glad he didn’t insist on visiting a hospital. She always shuddered at the thought as they brought back haunting memories. He cared about every detail…

He helped her go to the washroom and she shut the door assuring him she could manage. Though he had seen her without clothes so many times something between them had changed since yesterday. Was it because they were married?

She finished her chores in the washroom with great difficulty. They hadn’t carried any spare clothes.  She had to tear open her already torn blouse to remove it as well as her bra strap. She just couldn’t move her right hand.  She somehow cleaned herself using her non dominant hand struggling all the way. He had given her the hotel robe which she wore on one side but couldn’t bear the pain again. She emerged just barely covering herself. She couldn’t tie the ropes of the robe. As if he was waiting for her, he was immediately by her side concern etched on his face. “Preeti… are you… are you ok? Is it very… painful…”

“…Gautam…” her voice cracked. She was getting extremely emotional at the turn of events in that last two days. No one from her home had even bothered to call her to ask her well-being. Even Rewa didi for that matter… And Gautam…it had always been Gautam who cared…always. “…I am fine…it’s hurting but otherwise I am Ok….I…I need to lie down…sleepy.”

“…Ye..yes…rest…” he mumbled and helped her on the bed. She wasn’t conscious not being covered anymore. She smiled as he took the covers up to her chin. Running a hand over her head he spoke in the softest voice she had ever heard. “Just…just rest, alright? The doctor will be here soon. And the dinner…” He looked away. He stood and she held his hand with her left hand. He sat next to her in the little space. She tried to move but it was painful. She grimaced. He immediately got up. She suddenly missed his warmth, his closeness.

There was a knock at the door. He opened to let the doctor in. Her eyes became wide when she realised it was a male doctor and she wasn’t even clothed. Immediately Gautam helped her up supporting her back and with the sheet still tucked beneath her chin. He made her sit upright her legs hanging from the side of the bed. He sat right behind her hugging her and covering her with the bed sheet in the process. Relief filled her and she dropped her head back on his chest. The doctor, an elderly man checked her wound and changed the dressing. He started her on antibiotics and gave her a tetanus shot. The doctor nodded and turned his back and Gautam again made her lie down on the bed. After covering her up like earlier, he asked the doctor about her.

“Don’t worry Mr. Rathore, she is fine. Nothing that won’t heal soon. I will send a sling and see to it that she keeps her hand in it for a couple of days. Don’t get the wound wet. Consult your doctor once you get back to Bhiwadi and get the dressing changed and um Mr Rathore… one more thing…”

Gautam looked worried. “Yes doctor?”

The kind doctor smiled and said, “…Nothing serious but in spite of the antibiotic she might get a fever tonight. So just take care of her and here is the medicine to get the fever down. I will see her tomorrow morning. Ok young lady… take care.”

Gautam dropped the doctor off. The dinner arrived simultaneously. Once again Gautam helped her sit up and stacked the pillows behind her back. He helped tuck her robe to cover her chest. He then took a plate from the food trey and served Kadhi Chaval on it. He came to her and sat next to her on the bed facing her. He scooped some food with the spoon and took it close to her lips. She opened her mouth and he fed her. She was hungrier than she thought she was. She finished the plate quickly. He helped her have the glass of warm milk and finished his dinner as well. She sat up till then watching him in the shadows cast by the dimmed light. She was mesmerised…

 He then helped her lie down on the other side of the bed so that the injured arm faced away. The sling had arrived and he helped her into it. Later after he made her comfortable under the comforter he went to the washroom. He was in for quite some time and she almost slept off. A little later she felt the bed next to her dip. She moved towards him as if on autopilot. He had taken off his clothes she realised… before she slipped into deep slumber.

Her head was hurting… why was it so hot? Her throat…it was hot as well. Why was she shivering? Oh God it was sooo cold.

“Preeti?” she heard him call her.

She opened her eyes to see there was dim light in their room. She was shivering with a terrible headache. Was she running a fever? She heard Gautam run around the room. What was he doing? She then felt him come close to her and felt something cold on her forehead. Ahh it felt so much better. He did that for quite some time and she started to relax. The pounding in her head came to a halt. She was in tears as she remembered the last time she had fever. She was alone in her house in Mumbai and had to shuffle to the kitchen to heat milk and take some medicine. No one…not once in her life had cared for her the way he had been doing. She closed her eyes but tears flowed.  She felt him come close and hug her carefully. She turned to his side on her better hand and wept into his chest as he held her…

Why couldn’t things be normal between them?

For a change … she didn’t care anymore. All that mattered was she wanted to be with him….

 Not just for six months but for life…

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 24

Preeti could no longer hold it. She released her seatbelt and bent forward towards him. He did the same and held her close. She held his jacket lapels and looked at him as she cried.

He held the back of her head and slammed his lips to hers. There was no ascending of pressure this time. His hungry lips were demanding and she was only too happy to oblige. Oh God…how much she wanted this… her insides tingled as she tightened her grip on him. She pushed herself towards him further wanting more contact as he explored her mouth. His other hand tried to pull her towards him again… till suddenly there was a loud horn of a passing truck with startled them as it passed them loudly and faded away. But the moment was gone. He placed his forehead on hers… their breathing laboured.

She spoke softly. “Why Gautam? Why are you doing all this? You could have just asked me to marry you…you always knew I loved you…”

He released her and said. “Preeti I have always told you there is a lot more than what meets the eye. It was never going to be easy. I had to ensure Rewa and Suyash were safe… It took a lot of planning and execution…”

They put on their seat belts and he stated the car again.

“We will halt in a while for a quick lunch.” He told her.

She nodded and looked outside the car window. It was as if he was a different person now.

After a while she asked him, “Gautam?”

“hmmm…”

“What if…. What if I hadn’t come to Bhiwadi at all like you had ordered in Mumbai? What would have happened then?”

“Preeti let it go… Actually my marrying Rewa for namesakes… that was the original plan. But it was going to be complicated for all of us. Nonetheless, you came back and made things easy for us and we changed the plan. By the way, with you in picture Rewa could freely meet Suyash.”

“What? When?” she asked surprised.

“You remember the first day you came to the bungalow and Rewa had escaped upstairs?” She nodded and he continued. Actually Suyash was waiting for her there. In fact Suyash visited her every night… even the night I came to your room…I knew he was there…” She saw a hint of a smile on his face.

“That means if…if… I wouldn’t have been here, you would have married Rewa didi?” she sounded stunned.

“Preeti… like I said, it would have been a namesake marriage just to show the world. For six months… I would have returned to Mumbai and she would have continued her relationship with Suyash. No one would have doubted anyways…. Then post six months she would have officially separated from me and married Suyash. But you made things easy…” She saw a stern face with eyes not moving from the road.

“Gautam…what is this deal about six months?”

“Preeti please don’t ask me questions for which I can’t answer you now. When the time comes you will know…”

Preeti knew it was useless to ask him anything further. But she was relieved that he didn’t betray her for Rewa didi. She chided herself for doubting him but the situations were such and he never bothered to clarify. Buts she should have seen the signs. Rewa now was with the love of her life. That mattered more.  Preeti prayed that her sister would get all the happiness in life. Her eyes filled thinking about the wonderful times they had shared in childhood. She hoped she would know why her sister was apologising to her yesterday.

Soon they reached a roadside dhaba and Gautam pulled over. Why wasn’t he halting at some decent hotel? She thought. Instead he was stopping at spooky places. Here as well, he got out alone and checked around the place. As she sat in the car she unlocked her phone to check for the messages. She had a couple of texts from her colleagues wishing her a happy married life. The third text was from Tanveer Raisingh. Her heart beat accelerated as she opened the message.

‘Stall your visit… don’t go to Kota. It’s dangerous… V r trying to control situation from here… It may turn bad. Call me if psbl. Delete msg after reading.’

Preeti did that and waited silently in the car wondering what else was in store. She had to speak to the Inspector. Gautam waved to her and gestured her to join him. She got off the car and went towards him. The heat was killing. She decided to use the washroom again. Here the latrine was a little away and Gautam accompanied her. How would she make that phone call? They had a quick lunch and were on the road again. They still had about three hours to reach Kota. She wondered how she could prevent them from reaching their destination.

She thought of a plan. She acted as if she was feeling giddy and wanted to throw up. She made him stop the car. Gautam obliged and was out and reaching her side within seconds. He opened the passenger door and helped her out of the seatbelt. He held her hand and supported her as she got out of the vehicle.  She bent and dry heaved on the side of the road. He was there right behind with a bottle of water. He held her hair together behind her neck and also supported her shoulders with his other hand. She was touched by his tenderness and loved the comfort she derived by his closeness. How she missed him… She was feeling guilty about lying to him. But she also trusted Tanveer Raisingh. What else could she do now? She started to think. Meanwhile Gautam held her close to him and she rested her head sideways on his chest breathing deeply.

“Preeti…are you alright?” He asked softly and she felt the vibrations from his chest right to her core. She nodded and he took her to a nearby tree. Luckily there were a few this side. Otherwise the entire stretch so far was barren. He took off his jacket and spread it on the ground in the shade. He held her hand gently. “Preeti…just rest a bit. We will leave in sometime…”

She was so overwhelmed she couldn’t say anything. She only nodded and sat on the jacket. The jacket was huge so she moved a little and patted her side gesturing him to join her. To her disappointment he shook his head and walked away to make a phone call. She saw him talk animatedly as if he was angry. He turned and saw her looking at him and walked further away in the sun to continue his conversation. She decided to take this opportunity and immediately dialled the number she had called last. Tanveer Raisingh immediately answered on the first ring.

“Ms. Sengar… are you Ok?”

“Yes Sir… but what is the news about Kota?”

“Ms. Sengar Please don’t go there. Try your best to stall it… you guys are supposed to reach the district court but it closes at 4PM for the public. You were to barely make it. But there is a crowd of agitated people waiting for Vikram right outside. You may be collateral damage… Once the court is shut they will disperse on their own…. So delay…I repeat Ms. Sengar Delay the visit…”

Preeti had too much to process. “But sir…why is he taking me there?”

“Ms. Sengar I still have to confirm the reason. I will update you soon… meanwhile take care of both of you…”

Before she could ask him anything further she saw Gautam was moving towards her still talking on the phone. She disconnected and kept the phone back in the purse. She saw the time. It was nearing 2.30 PM. They still had quite a distance as per the Google map she had seen some time ago.  She had to do something quickly but what?

He came up to her. “I hope you are feeling better. You spoke on the phone so you should be fine…” He gave her a strange look. She smiled and said, “Yes Gautam… I had to call office. I am feeling better now…”

She stood up and moved. Without a word he picked his jacket and brushed it. He then went to the car and without a word opened her door for her. Once she was seated he shut the door loudly she startled. What was upsetting him? His phone call or hers? She couldn’t make out. But she was sure they wouldn’t make it to Kota on time. She rested her head on her seat and started to watch the passing scenery as he started the car. Within minutes he was driving like a lunatic. She had to hold the side bar above to keep herself in place in spite of the seatbelt.

“GAUTAM…Slow down…you will kill both of us…”

Silence…

“Gautam…please…slow down this is scary… I can’t…”

“…Throw up in the car if you want to but we are reaching Kota as planned… it’s a matter of life and death…”

She was stunned to silence. It was nothing new given her situation these days.

She however tried pleading with him continuously but of no avail.  They almost reached their destination in record time. He was out of the car even before it completely stopped. Her heart was in her mouth and now she feared what the inspector had told her. She had no choice but to trust Gautam. She knew for sure he would never endanger her. With that confidence she alighted from the car.

As told there was a gathering before the gates of the district court. They barely had half an hour before closing and she could see Gautam was restless and angry. There were police trying to control the situation. Gautam held her hand and started to walk towards the gate.

Was he nuts? She resisted, fear evident on her face. He looked at her, his eyes blazing. “Not now Preeti…I don’t have patience for all this. Let’s get going…” he held her by the left elbow. It was the same hand he had held tightly today morning and it hurt her as his angry fingers dug deep. She tried to make him loosen his grip but he only dragged her further worsening the pain. The only solution was she would comply. She moved as fast as her legs could carry her. He was moving swiftly and she struggled to keep up with him. Her skin was burning where he held her. But that was least of her worries. As they reached she heard the crowd screaming…

PACHAO JAAVNOU Vikram…

She knew from her limited repertoire of the local language that it meant ‘Go Back Vikram’. But why? What was happening?

As they moved towards the crowd, she heard the crackle first. She could never be mistaken with the sound. It was as rifle. The shot sounded next and she recoiled back ward. A piercing pain shot her other arm. She looked down on her right and saw her arm was bleeding. Oh God… she was shot. She almost fell but Gautam held her close and tried to drag her towards the police vehicles. But the shot had caused a chaos and people were running in different directions. Gautam lifted her in a fireman’s carry and started running. She was losing conscious mainly because of the pain. She blocked all the sounds around her and focused on her breathing…

But there was only so much she could endure and then everything went blank…

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 23

Preeti woke up with a knock on her door. She stretched her limbs and quickly wore her robe before opening the door. Gautam stood dressed in his trademark style of black jeans and t-shirt, holding a tray of breakfast. She stood aside as he walked in and placed the trey on the night stand. He looked at her and took a hand forward but dropped it and looked away. Taking a deep breath he said, “Preeti have your breakfast and then get freshened up. Dress casual and meet me down in half an hour from now. We are going to Kota which is quite a distance from here. If we start early we can reach on time….” As he moved to go out she held his hand.

“Wait Gautam…what’s going on? I want some answers and right now…otherwise I am not going anywhere…”

He turned to her and rubbed his face. It was then she saw how fatigued he was. “Look Preeti…don’t argue with me on this. Please. I promise to tell you everything. But this is very important and we have to be there at the earliest. So… just get ready and come downstairs…” He said in a neutral tone… but it felt like a threat.

She folded her hands and looked into his eyes. “I am not a puppet alright? I have just had enough… for whatever secrets all of you have in your lives… I am the sacrificial goat here. But you know what Mister Gautam or Vikram or whoever you are… I REFUSE. I refuse to abide unless I am given valid answers…”

He held her hand at the elbow and pulled her towards him so that their chests met. With his other hand he held her hair at the nape of her neck and spoke with his jaw clenched. “I am not going to repeat myself anymore. You will not ask me any further questions. We have a lot of work to do and have very little time. If…If you delay anymore your family especially your poor old Maasa will pay the price for your impudence.” He suddenly released her and she fell a few steps backwards rubbing her arm where he had held her. Hands on his hips he went to the door and said without looking at her. “…just half an hour…” He banged the door shut.

Tears flowed down her cheeks. Was he the same guy who had been so caring few hours ago? She thought as she rubbed her arm. His fingers had made intent on her fair skin. Somehow she felt cornered from all sides. She didn’t know what she had ever done to deserve this… her suffering had begun twelve years ago but there was no sign of it ending. Would she ever move on? Till now she had been dependent on her saviour… Gautam. But now she was all alone…

She knew she had no choice at the moment. She decided to wait and strike when the iron became hot. With that determination she quickly had her breakfast of grilled vegetable sandwich and hot coffee. Whatever it was…the man could cook a mean meal.

She had a quick shower and selected a black trouser and yellow ochre coloured blouse to go with it. She had her flat black pumps which she had worn yesterday… The memories got in fresh tears but she blinked them away. She would overcome this she decided. Her phone was charged but switched off. Did he charge it? When? Shaking her head, she took her little purse and sunglasses kept in the closet drawer she reached downstairs a little before the stipulated half an hour. He was waiting with hands in his pocket looking outside lost in thought. He turned when he heard her come. He gave her a once over appreciation evident in his eyes. She had used the hair iron to straighten her curls. So her hair fell on her shoulders in little waves. He wore his jacket which he had hung on a hook and moved towards her.

“Um…Preeti…I am…”

“…Lets go Gautam….or should I call you Vikram? Let’s just get done with it.” she said firmly and holding her head high walked towards the front door. Gautam followed her and as usual she was struggling with the door latch. What was wrong with these people and their latches? Once again she felt him close up behind her. She held her breath… he placed both his hands on the door locking her in his embrace with his chest barely touching her back but nonetheless sending shivers down her body. Her body was such a traitor she thought, when it came to Gautam. She seemed to have no control… She felt him breathe in her shampoo…

He moved his mouth close to her ear and the world stilled as he whispered, “You cannot run from weakness…. Fight it out or perish… and if fight be so…why not now and … where you stand?” Before she could fathom his words he left her, opening the latch. The door opened and she walked out. What had just happened?

Their car was ready and Gautam was to drive. She checked the time. It was 8.30 AM. Kota was about seven hours from here. Would he drive for seven long hours? Well the Gautam she knew could do anything she thought with admiration. She caught herself. She was a nut case or developing strong symptoms of the Stockholm syndrome. She shook her head and sat on the passenger side in the front. She plugged in the headphones and played her favourite song list on the mobile. That way she wouldn’t have to talk to him. She didn’t even give him a glance as they drove through the streets of Alwar.

She must have dozed off listening to music and jerked up awake when the car stopped. She removed the ear plugs as her ears were aching. She checked her watch it was 11.30 AM. He had driven for 3 hours straight? Gautam didn’t give her a second glance and got out of the car. He looked around… what seemed to be a motel. There was nothing around besides that and it was terribly hot. She saw him walk to the Motel entrance and she too got out of the car. Her phone pinged with an incoming message. She wondered who it was. She had sent an email earlier from the car to her boss informing him she would not be coming for a while and would intimate him.  She didn’t know if she would have her job at the end of this ordeal but now that was the least of her worries. She checked her mobile and saw the incoming text from Senior Inspector, Crime Branch Tanveer Raisingh. Oh God what did he want now. In the entire commotion she had pushed him to the back of her mind. She opened the text.

‘Congratulations on the wedding Ms. Sengar or should I Say Mrs. Rathore? Please remember our discussion. You have to help me help Gautam….’

She wondered if she should speak to Gautam about everything that happened those years ago. But he had closed himself up so tightly she wondered how she could penetrate that hard hide…

Just then Gautam emerged from the motel and walked upto her. “Preeti if you want to use the washroom you may do so. I checked, It’s clean. We will be directly stopping for lunch after only another two hours. So if you want to eat something its here.”

She shook her head. She wasn’t hungry. But her bladder needed relief. He accompanied her inside the motel and directed her to the ladies washroom. He waited outside as she entered the washroom. She looked around and saw four tiny cubicles inside. All seemed empty. She went to the last one and relieved herself. Simultaneously she made a call and waited for it to connect. It was taking time and she was getting nervous by the passing seconds. As she finished washing her hands with the phone stuck between her ear and shoulder, the call connected. She again rushed back to the cubicle.

“Hello?” She whispered.

“Yes Ms. Sengar…I believe you got my message?” It was Tanveer Raisingh.

“Ye..yes… um I have something to tell you… quickly.”

“OK…please go on…Ms. Sengar.”

“We are on our way to Kota. I don’t know why? But I am somehow linked to this….” She said in a rush.

“…OK Ms Sengar I will put your phone on tracking and we will know your location. I will find out what I can. Meanwhile please act normal. He is too sharp and will figure out something is wrong.”

“Um Yes… but… Sir?”

“…I know Ms. Sengar… I know you are worried…But be rest assured your name won’t be taken at all… No one would know of your involvement…”

“..It’s… it’s not me I am worried about sir. No harm should come on Gautam as well…. Can you promise me?”

“Ms. Sengar, trust me I am on your side. I want him to be free from all suspicion. I promise I will do everything in my capacity to bring out the truth…”

“Ok Sir… bye…”

“Bye Ms. Sengar. Take care and call me anytime…..and…delete all our messages.”

She nodded to herself and cut the call. She washed her hands all over again and straightened her clothes. Giving a last look in the mirror she left. Gautam was pacing the reception area and halted when he saw her.

“I was about to send a search party after you. I had told you it’s so important to reach on time…” he sounded annoyed.

“…Sorry…it’s just …my tummy is bad…” She fibbed.

She must have been convincing. He shook his head and they headed outside towards their vehicle. She knew he had two other vehicles which were more spacious and comfortable but why he chose to travel with this one she had no clue. It looked a little rundown. It was an old model Wagon R. Nonetheless she sat and stared outside the passenger side window while he reversed and drove outside to join the highway.

“Gautam” he said after a while still looking ahead as he drove.

She was confused. “What?”

“Not Vikram. Call me Gautam… you were asking me back there…”

“Oh… it doesn’t make any difference…”

“…it does…” he cut her abruptly. “…It does to me”

She turned towards him. “Oh really? It didn’t make any difference to you when using it amidst my family… with Rewa didi…”

He was silent eyes on the road.

“By the way… where is Rewa Didi? And don’t tell me you have no idea…. I am sure you do.” Preeti folded her hands as she confronted him.

He didn’t answer again. Preeti waited for a few moments but he didn’t budge from his silent treatment of her.

Finally frustrated she turned away and continued watching the passing scenery.

After what seemed like ages he spoke. “She is fine…and happy.”

Preeti shot him a glance. He looked at her and then back on the road. “Your Rewa didi is absolutely fine and very happy too…”

“…but…where is she?”

“For Rewa home is where her heart lies… she is with Suyash. The girl deserves happiness after what she has gone through…” He sighed

Suddenly she was thrilled. Surprised, but very happy for her sister.

“You knew all this while that….”

“….yes I knew Preeti. In fact I had to orchestrate everything so that she would be with him. They were married by the way and will return to Alwar after few months….”

Oh that was such wonderful news. Her heart swelled…. Should she ask him about her last conversation with Rewa didi? He would shut down again. NO…she had to wait for the right time. She continued…

“… But why Gautam…? What did you want from all this?”

He looked at Preeti for a moment and spoke. “I got what I wanted…”

Preeti’s heart skipped a beat. She was thoroughly confused too. Her head had now started to pound with heat and start of hunger. Not to mention the anxiety after calling Tanveer Raisingh. She took in a deep breath. She felt happy for Rewa didi…

“Gautam…just one question…”

He sighed. “Yea…”

“Did you…did you ever…ever sleep with Rewa didi….I mean….” She looked away.

Gautam pulled over to the side of the highway and stopped the car. He looked at Preeti hurt evident on his face… She looked away blinking back tears.

“Preeti look here please…” She turned toward again, him tears threatening to fall any time. “…I always thought you trusted me. I don’t know why you even thought of something so absurd but NO… I didn’t sleep with Rewa… In fact I have not been or slept with anyone besides you, after I met you in the elevator that rainy morning…” She was crying openly. Was it relief? She didn’t know.

 “Preeti…it only been you… always…only you…”

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

Chapter 22

Preeti jerked up awake as the car came to a halt. She squinted her eyes open as she realised she was resting her head on Gautam’s chest and he had held her close. She looked up as the flood lights from the lawn landed on the car and she saw him looking into her eyes…his browns shining brightly as if they would burn her. Her chest tightened. She moved away from him towards the door of her side. She tried to open it but it had some complex system and she was too drowsy…her senses were scattered all over. He moved close to her and she held her breath. He almost touched her and she could feel his warm breath on her neck. He lingered there for a moment. She almost moaned willing him to kiss her right there in the crook of her neck. But the lock snapped open and he opened the car door. She came back to her senses, mentally berating herself for getting carried away. She had to control herself. She couldn’t give in to the passion….yea yea and wishes were horses….

She stepped out of the car and saw that she was back to the bungalow which she had visited with Rewa didi the day after she had come to Alwar. It was decorated with strings of lights from the outside. She checked her watch it was close to 2AM. Her stomach was growling and she realised she hadn’t eaten anything during the dinner. She was too overwhelmed with emotions at that time. Oh God what would she do now? She couldn’t sleep like that. She could never sleep on hungry stomach. She would cook up something, she thought. At least Gautam shouldn’t have a problem with that. Would Romila Devi be there? She shuddered. She despised the lady.

“Hungry…?” A deep voice spoke and she startled. Gautam had come up to her.

She nodded and said. “Um…can I cook something please?”

Gautam smiled…finally after ages. She longed to see it. It just melted her heart and the traitor tears sprang up in no time. She looked down and blinked. He lifted her chin with his forefinger. “Preeti…” he said softly turning her insides to mush. “…Go upstairs and change. Your bedroom is the one next to mine. Remember from last time? There are clothes in the closet in that room…. I will set up something for you meanwhile…”

Preeti didn’t know what to think about her situation. He had kept another room for her? That means they wouldn’t be sharing a bed? She should have been happy but her heart fell. At the same time she was touched by his gesture of feeding her.

She nodded and walked towards the main entrance of the house.

“Preeti?” he called out behind her and she turned around.

“There are just the two of us. Even the housekeeper isn’t going to come for a couple of days. So feel free to explore around and do what you want.” He said

Preeti stared at him for a moment as if registering every word he said. She gave him a brief nod and walked inside still feeling his eyes on her.

 As she passed the closet downstairs she remembered her ‘welcome home’ rendezvous with Gautam that day. She blushed as she felt her arousal slamming in again. How could she… in such a time? She entered the room she was forced into during her last visit. She wanted to get rid of her Lehenga choli and get into something comfortable. She opened the walk-in closet in the room and was surprised to see so many new clothes hung. They were a mix of formals and festive wear. She opened up the neighbouring cupboard and saw it filled with few bath towels, robes and a mix of camisoles and inner wear. Very similar to what she had at home. Had he arranged this for Rewa didi? She thought with a pang. She shook her head. She was too tired to analyse anything. She pulled out a peach camisole and a matching panty. She took out a peach bath robe. Then taking a towel she went to the attached bathroom. She went into the shower cubicle and worked around the settings till the hot water started to fall on her. As the water cascaded down from her head touching her breasts, knees and the feet, she felt the exhaustion drain away as well…the events of the day came back and with it a sob broke out. It was as if the dam within her burst. She placed her palms on the cubicle wall in front of her and hunched sobbing her heart out. She didn’t care if anyone heard her or not. She had subdued too much inside…for twelve years. She couldn’t hold on any more. She cried till there were no tears left. She then shampooed her hair and used the gel for her body. She then shut the tap and hugged the bath towel as she dried herself.

She walked to the vanity area in the corner of the room which had a dressing table with a mirror with beautifully crafted borders. She changed into the camisole and the panty. Both peach in colour and wore the peach bathrobe. She saw herself in the mirror. The full length sleeved robe was extremely comfortable. She would fall asleep if not hungry. Her stomach reminded her that she had to go downstairs. She was now exhausted from all the crying and dragged herself to the dining area near the kitchen. She halted in her steps seeing Gautam only in his towel. He was plating an omelette for her. Besides that was a glass of hot milk. She was an emotional wreck she thought as fresh tears made their way and she had to breathe in deeply to keep them away. He turned around and smiled at her gesturing to sit on the chair. As she did he placed the trey before her. He brought another trey for himself as he joined her and sat facing her.

She was famished with everything that had taken place and wolfed down the omelette. She drank the hot milk and it acted like a medicine to her injured soul. She felt calm and she rose to pick the trey. He held her hand. “Leave it. Go to bed… You need to take rest.” She looked into his eyes which were soft as they looked back. Before she would do anything that she would regret she turned around and went upstairs to her room. She shut the door but didn’t latch it. She kept her mobile phone which had discharged completely, on the side table.  She left only the bedside lamp on and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was fast asleep.

‘the man in the mask was crouching towards her… she tried to move backwards but her head hit the bed stand behind. Oh no… there was no escape. He came closer and she saw his eyes… blue eyes…Oh God Oh God…was the monster blue eyed? She was silent and shaking with fear. She couldn’t scream, couldn’t move a bit. He pinned her to the bed…’princess’ he called out to her again and chuckled. The sound made her cringe in disgust. She was crying… she was helpless and hated the feeling. She wanted to hold the reins. Just as her Bapu would say to Rohit… But Rohit was no more. She cried louder for her brother… The monster was holding her but suddenly he was gone and someone was calling her… Preeti… someone was shaking her… why? She wanted to sleep… really? Sleep in that hellhole? What was wrong with her… Preeti…Someone called again… she shook her head…’

“…Preeti wake up dear… Preeti…?”

Preeti woke up disoriented. The light in her room was switched on and Gautam was sitting next to her on the bed and looking at her with worry in his eyes. He was in his boxers. She looked at his torso and saw some red welt like marks there. She sat up straight as he kept the pillows behind her. She had taken off her robe before sleeping. She took up the blanket close to her chin and looked away.

“Preeti… did you have the nightmare again?” He asked softly.

She just nodded. She turned to him and asked. “Was I …um…was I too loud? Did I disturb …you?” She couldn’t stop the tears. He palmed her cheeks and she couldn’t control her emotions any more. Modesty being damned she sprang into his arms and buried her head in his neck as she sobbed. He held her to his chest and tightened his grip around her and gently rubbed her back. She didn’t know how long he held her giving her kisses on her head.

She moved away and covered herself with the blanket again.

“Th…Thanks… It felt good.” She tried to smile.

“Want me to be here?” He asked her.

She was tempted to say yes. But she shook her head. “No…thanks. I am fine now… really.”

He nodded and left the room. She went back to sleep with all the lights on this time. She started at the closed door… What were those red marks on his beautiful body? They weren’t there when she had met him for the late snack downstairs. She tossed and turned for a while her brain working overtime. How would she be able to control herself around him? Why did Narmada tell her that he needed her? Would she ever know what was troubling him? Would she ever know about what exactly had happened that day twelve years ago?

 But finally when sleep claimed her she could hear only one song in her mind’s ears… her all-time favourite….

‘ Na hai ye paana, na khona hi hai….. tumse hi din rota hai…surmai sham aati hai…tum se hi…tum se hi….’

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 21

‘…He held her hands… he smelled of acrid smoke… his masked face blurred as it approached her to bite her lips. What was he doing here now twelve years later? He was dead isn’t it? She wanted to call Gautam…where was he? She wanted to scream… she tried but her vocal cords had frozen. Oh that voice again… ‘Princess’ he referred to her as princess…no one called her that except Rewa didi…when she was angry with her… she hated that Preeti had learnt to shoot by bulldozing her father… Rewa didi called her Papa’s Princess…. But how did this man… this monster know that?

Suddenly she was shoved… her mother was calling her…what was her mother doing here in this Godforsaken place?… ‘Preeti… Preeti beta…’

“…Preeti beta… wake up… Preeti…?” someone was calling out to her… he mother… Preeti woke up with a start her head pounding. What was she doing in her Lehenga choli in this room…no… pandal? She then remembered it was Rewa didi’s wedding today evening. Everything rushed back and she held her throbbing temples. Rewa didi was saying something… She looked up to see her mother and tayiji  looking at her with a strange expression.  He mother sat next to her and asked, “Where is Rewa beta?”

What? Wait… Rewa didi was right here… She checked her wrist watch which she always wore irrespective of her attire. It was 9.30 PM… an hour since they had reached there.  How long was she sleeping? She looked at her mother. “Ma… Didi was right here… and she…”

“…where is she gone beta.? We have been searching for last ten minutes now… and… why were you sleeping like that…?” Her tayiji was sounding frantic. “…It’s …it’s almost time now for the muhurat… Oh Mataji….where is this girl?” Her tayiji leaned against one of the bamboos supporting the pandal.  Suddenly she heard footsteps and her father rushed in.

“Priyamvada, bhabhisa… where is Rewa. Vikram is already seated and panditji has commenced the rituals. We have to take the bride…. What…?” he looked at each of them. “…what happened? Priyamvada… what is it..?

Her mother stood and went to her father and said, “…um…Rewa is missing…”

“WHAT…?” Her father bellowed startling all of them. He looked at Preeti . “Where is your sister Preeti…? Have you done something that you were not supposed to do?”

What? What was her father saying?

“Bapu, I was… I don’t know how I slept off… may be just fifteen-twenty minutes…. Rewa didi was right here…”

“…Stop…not a word of nonsense…. You are very good at making up stories… Just tell us where is Rewa…?”

He was shaking in anger.

Her mother intervened. “…she is telling the truth… She was lying here… um… unconscious…”

Unconscious? Oh God… it must be the ginger ale she had… should she tell this to her father? It would make no difference to him. He wouldn’t believe her at all.  

There was some commotion outside and Romila Devi entered the pandal. She looked annoyed. “What the hell is happening? Where is the bride?” She looked around the small area with disdain.

Her father spoke softly, “Bhabhi sa, Our daughter is not to be found… I am sure she must be around… we are looking for her….”

“…WHAT? Are you insane? I always had a doubt about your daughter. She didn’t have any qualities to suit my family. I only agreed because of the….” She glared at her father.

Her father, mother and tayiji all joined their palms. Her father’s head was bowed. It killed Preeti to watch her family getting humiliated. She stood rooted to the ground.

Where are you Rewa didi? Please come before all hell breaks loose…

“…What is the use of standing like this? You couldn’t control your daughter and now she has run away…. What an insult in front of so many guests… Listen…if this wedding doesn’t take place today, Sengar family… the ENTIRE clan will pay for this… I will see to it that you will be doomed. Sengar Enterprises will be finished….” Romila Devi kept screaming her face contorted with anger. Immediately her tayaji rushed in, followed by Gautam.

Preeti stared at Gautam with her jaw handing down. He looked terrific in the traditional groom’s outfit. She blocked out everyone and was only looking at him. That always happened whenever he was around. The world always faded away…

Her head was hurting so badly she was in tears but more so because of Rewa and her confessions… did Rewa actually say all that or was she hallucinating?  She wiped her cheeks and looked at her family. They were trying to convince Romila Devi while Gautam too tried to pacify his mother.

Her father finally declared. “…In that case there is only one option. The wedding has to take place or else… we will be doomed…” He looked at Preeti. “…our other daughter will marry Vikram…” Then looking back at Romila Devi he asked “…is that alright with you…?”

Preeti only stared as Romila Devi walked towards her and looked at her from head to toe. She then looked at her father and said “…Yes… I will settle for her. She is average but will do… Get her out fast…the ceremony has to start at the given time…” She sashayed her way out of the pandal. Gautam stood there with a wide based stance, hands folded.

There was a moment of silence after which her father spoke. “Priyamvada. Get Preeti ready. We just have five minutes….”

“…Wait…No…Bapu…No don’t do this… Please….” Preeti wailed.

 Her father gave her a once over and then looking at his wife walked away from the pandal.

Preeti was breathing heavily with a mix of emotions that she couldn’t fathom. But most of it was anger. “No Ma… JUST NO. I can’t do this. I am going to Mumbai right now. I made a mistake coming here…. And you can’t force me…”

Her mother opened her mouth to speak when Gautam spoke. “Auntyji, let me talk to Preeti. You all wait outside please…”

Her mother paused as if she wasn’t happy with his remark. But her tayiji touched her shoulder and they both left together… Her heart broke to see them like that but her situation was no different. Anger simmering inside she glared at Gautam.

He seemed unfazed as he came near her. “Look Preeti I don’t care if you walk out just like this with me. You don’t have to change clothes if you don’t want to….But hurry up. Time is running out.” He spoke in a cool and composed tone.

Preeti was now breathing heavily with anger. “Who the hell do you think you are? First you cheat me and then my family. I am not going anywhere but Mumbai. I care a damn about all of you…”

“…You are coming with me straight on to the stage for OUR wedding.” He spoke with his hands folded

“…IN YOUR DREAMS MISTER…” she yelled tears streaming down.

He casually came close to her and wiped her tears even as she tried to pull away. He spoke in a threateningly soft tone. “Just a minute Preeti… Let me remind you, your family’s happiness is now in your hands. In fact not just happiness…their survival as well… If you don’t come with me at this very moment and get married to me then I will withdraw the investment with Sengar Enterprises with immediate effect. The loan sharks will capture your Haveli… just think where will you folks then go? What will happen to the ailing Maasa….”

“….No…you won’t do it Gautam… I know you won’t…” she almost whispered.

“…I will my dear…I surely will. So come out with me right now and get married…”

“…Gautam…please don’t do this. I have a life in Mumbai…. Don’t ruin my life like this… I can’t be stuck in a marriage… without love… please Gautam…” she cried.

“Hey…don’t worry…” he said with a smirk. “…I won’t be holding you up all your life. You will stay married to me only for six months. After which you will be free to go… wherever you want to…”

“…what the hell…what are you saying Gautam…?”

“…exactly what you heard… So now put that odhni on your head and come out with me… We are getting late. If my mother loses her cool then even I won’t be able to salvage the situation.”

He held his palm up and she placed her hand in it.  He pulled up the odhni lying on the floor. Rewa must have dropped it there… He put it on her head covering her face and dragged her out behind him.

Preeti went through the motions of the rituals in a daze. Frequently, tears blinded her eyes but she blinked them away. Everything was like a dream…or should she call it a nightmare? She had been through so many nightmares for last twelve years…she should have been used to it by now.. But her heart sank as the panditji pronounced them man and wife. It was then she raised her head as Gautam lifted the covering and put the vermillion on her forehead marking her as his wife. He then put the mangalsutra studded by the Rajputana stones. She blinked seeing their allure…but not able to make out the feelings in her heart. She had waited for this moment… maybe for twelve years. But not like this. She wanted nothing more than to be his wife till she landed in Bhivadi…it’s when the tables had turned. At the moment she didn’t know what to make out of it. She loved him with all her heart she knew that…but this was a marriage of convenience which was not to last more than six months. Their marriage was a one sided love affair. Did Rewa didi run away because of the same reason? Did Gaitam arrange for all this? Where was Rewa didi? Preeti knew for sure Gautam didn’t do anything without a purpose… She knew she would definitely get out of this bond after six months. Oh God she was just married and she was already talking about her divorce…. She had surely lost it. At the end of everything she just hoped her heart would be unscathed…

 The wedding ceremony went late into the night. She didn’t even know when the other rituals had taken place… Did her family perform them? Like the Tilak dastoor, Pithi dastoor , Palla dastoor…. All a couple of days prior to the wedding. Were they done? This marriage was such a quick affair…she doubted they were. She wondered why Romila Devi permitted such a breach of protocol lapse. Probably vested interests were of a greater weightage. Anyways she shouldn’t be bothered now. This marriage for her was a farce… a six month arrangement. Oh yes…she had to tell that to her heart….

The Vidaai was a low key affair. It was as if her folks couldn’t wait to leave the premises. Only Maasa and her mother cried. Others were indifferent. As per the custom, Yash was supposed to accompany her to her marital home. But he was nowhere to be found. She didn’t expect anything from her family anyways…What the hell was happening? Her cousins decided to disappear on the same day… was it why Rewa didi had called her to Alwar? Was this all pre-planned?

A beaming Narmada in tears came upto her and held her hands. “I am so happy bhai made this decision. Thank you for agreeing to this marriage….” She then hugged Preeti and said in her ears. “…take care of him bhabhisa… he needs you…”

Preeti blinked at her in surprise but then there was no time to ponder over her words.

Her family led her to the decorated car of the groom. Romila Devi gave a snide smile and went with her guests in one of their vehicles as if she wasn’t concerned with the rituals. Narmada was escorted by her husband who greeted everyone with folded hands and then they left in their vehicle.

As she sat in the backseat of the decorated Preeti she looked into the rare view mirror to see her minimal makeup spread all over her face. Somehow it reflected her life right now…. A total mess…

Gautam sat next to her and was soon busy with his phone, as if she didn’t exist. She moved close to the door and stared at the passing scenery all a dark picture with few night lights twinkling in a distance.

She was so terribly drained out that she slept within moments listening to the car stereo playing the song, ‘dushman na kare dost ne who kaam kiya hai….’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t3NTXGXyPA

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 20

Preeti pinned the ghoonghat  on Rewa’s lovely hairdo careful not to damage the stylish curls hanging down from the sides of the neatly made bun. She looked at Rewa standing behind her as they both face the mirror. Her sister was a beauty… always had been. She was happy to see her radiant and smiling to herself. But on the other hand Preeti was totally heart broken. She shouldn’t have met Gautam at all. At least she would still be anticipating meeting him… She would have lived with some abstract memories and probably moved on after few years…

The door to the room opened and tayiji walked in smiling. “Common girls let get going. We have to reach the temple onn time. Maasa has already left with others. The three of us along with your Tayaji will be leaving soon. I am waiting downstairs. Preeti, get her down soon…” She left the room.

Rewa stood and turned towards Preeti. “Um…Preeti everything’s going to be fine, isn’t it? I am so nervous…”

Preeti was struggling to control her tears. “Don’t worry didi, everything’s going to work out well….common lets go.” Rewa suddenly hugged her tightly and held her face in her cheeks. “Preeti dear you are the best sister one can have. I wish you for my sister every time I am born as a human after this birth…”

Preeti’s head was reeling with emotional overload… She felt it must be the pressure of the wedding that was to take place in sometime. At times she felt like telling everything to Rewa about Gautam. But then he had never committed anything to her. She was an equal participant in everything so far… Anyway she was leaving tonight after the wedding. She shook her head and helped Rewa out of the room in her wedding ensemble. Rewa had opted for a beautiful lehenga choli with her long odhni. Preeti too wore a lehenga choli combo though she didn’t want to. She dragged herself through the task, helping Rewa sit inside their vehicle. Tayyiji joined them and Tayaji sat in front with the driver of the decorated vehicle. Within fifteen minutes they reached the Devi Mandir which was decorated with floral arrangements for the celebration. There were huge pandals built on the back area of the temple. The string of lights created a beautiful hue. In spite of her emotional state Preeti appreciated the efforts put in by her folks for the wedding. But she wasn’t able to control the onslaught of emotions within…they were threatening to spill out and she had a tough time reining them in.

There were many vehicles parked in a queue. Preeti wondered how many relatives they had. She was barely knew anyone. Tayiji and tayaji got off the car and instructed them to wait in the car itself.

Preeti looked at Rewa. She was brimming with happiness. She didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth about Gautam. Her eyes filled her heart weighing down with guilt of having cheated her sister and her family as well. No… as soon as Rewa entered the Mandap for the rituals, she would book her tickets for Mumbai and soon as the pheras were done with she would leave for her home, pack her stuff and leave for Jaipur airport however late it would be. She no longer feared anyone or anything. But she was sure that she was done with Alwar once and for all. Yes… she sighed with a strange calmness coming over her. She was leaving…

There was a knock at the car’s window bringing her out of her day dreaming. It was Sita. She had come to take them to their pandal specially arranged for the bride. She walked with Rewa to her pandal. It was at the end of the row and close to the stage where the wedding was to be held. Preeti saw the pandit make the arrangements and her parents and uncle and aunt saw over the guests welcoming them. Where was Yash? He must be busy with the arrangements, she thought. She saw Maasa surrounded by close relatives enjoying the attention. It pained her when she realised today was the last time she was seeing her dearest Maasa. On the other side of the stage was the pandal for the groom and his immediate family. How would Gautam look in the traditional sherwani? Her heart fluttered with an image of him as a groom. But she shook her head as if it would drive away her thoughts. She turned towards the bride’s pandal and entered along with Rewa and Sita. It was a compact and a beautiful pandal with a cooler inside. There was two-seater recliner with leather cushions and flower bed on the seat. Preeti felt nauseous at the overboard preparations. She sat along with Rewa as they waited for the call to the mandap.  Sita placed two silver glasses on the table in front of them. The beautiful crocheted table cloth reminded her of the hours her mom would spend with the art. She remembered this particular one. It was finished a little before Rohit’s ninth birthday. She remembered having dropped her tea on a corner by mistake and her mom had reprimanded her for it. It was to be used for his birthday party… which of course never happened. Her mother never made any of such table cloths or anything else for past twelve years. Preeti checked the little corner of the table cloth. The spot caused by the tea she had dropped years ago was still there. Very faint but was there nonetheless. She wondered how different her life would have been if that incident wouldn’t have taken place at all…. At least her mother wouldn’t have been a shadow of her former self.

Rewa was nervous and kept pacing the small area. Preeti sipped the cool ginger ale. This was Budia kaki’s speciality. She must have prepared it. She finished her glass and had some of Rewa’s too. Rewa refused to touch the drink. She was very jittery.

“Preeti… I am so scared… Will …will I be able to adjust in that household? Vikramji’s mother is such a snob…”

Preeti stood and went towards Rewa. She held her by the shoulders and said, “Don’t you worry didi… if there is anyone who can handle her it’s you. You will win her over with your super cooking skills….”

“…No Preeti that’s not it… you don’t understand. That lady is a super bitch and an opportunist… Um Preeti…”

“…Don’t worry didi… everything is going to be just…fine…OK?”

Rewa turned towards Preeti and held her by the shoulders. “Preeti…. I am so sorry dear…”

Preeti was puzzled. “Sorry? But why didi?”

Rewa dropped her hands and walked towards the cloth covering window. “Preeti, to start with I apologize for what happened…. twelve years ago… I … I …”

Preeti was stunned to silence. Why was Rewa didi mentioning the incident… what had she to do with it?

Rewa turned to her. She had tears running down her face. “I… I didn’t know it would result in dear Rohit’s demise, Sukhi uncle’s death… Oh God… I could never forgive myself Preeti… I never could….”

Preeti felt tears of her own. “I… I don’t understand Didi…” she said with a voice barely above a whisper.

Rewa was now looking at her with eyes red because of the makeup and the tears. “Preeti… let it go. Rohit and Sukhi uncle aren’t going to… come back… You…go back to Mumbai and start a new life…. Don’t ever come back here….” Her voice cracked again.

Preeti’s head was starting to reel. This was too much for her to take. How was Rewa didi involved? What was going on here? She had suffered so much for twelve years for no fault of hers…just with survivor’s guilt. If Gautam hadn’t been there that day then she would have been raped or may be even killed… She shuddered holding her head to stop the dizzy spell.

“Preeti… I am sorry. So… sorry for everything you and Yash had to suffer… for everything our family had to suffer… But trust me I never wished for all that… I didn’t know it would turn out like that…. Preeti you have to forgive me…. Before I embark on a new life… Please Preeti….Don’t tell….”

Suddenly Preeti was uneasy…she wasn’t able to hear Rewa didi anymore…Why was the world swaying? Or was she moving? Someone was pushing her…? Why was her vision blurring? She sat on the two-seater with a thud and held the table cloth close to her pulling it from its place. The last she heard as she fell across the two-seater was the clanking of the glasses falling down on the hard cement ground and Gautam’s words echoing in her ears…

“…Everything here is a Charade….”

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

Chapter 19

Gautam had worn his sherwani. He hated all this but he had no choice…like most of the things in his life.  He adjusted the traditional turban. He saw himself in the mirror in his room. The light from the approaching dusk had cast shadows upon his silhouette in the mirror. As always he saw the beast glaring at him. She had called him a monster… his Preeti… the love of his life. No…he was nothing like the blue eyed monster who had wanted to violate her totally and kill her. How could he convince her otherwise? Would it make any difference to her?

 One thing was for sure she wasn’t leaving for Mumbai anytime today. He had seen to it. Maasa’s doctor just needed the extra income and he was in. Of course the old lady was suffering from the dreaded disease and had firmly refused treatment. Her health was hanging on tender hooks. But she wasn’t dying as such. That was a little lie which got the wedding prepended. It wasn’t difficult to convince Rewa. She couldn’t wait to get out of that hell hole called Sengar household. He himself felt suffocated there. They were opportunists…the entire family especially the men.  

But he worried about Preeti. She tried to show she was strong but he knew she was breaking down from within. There was a knock at his door and Narmada stepped in.  His sister was beautiful dressed in all the finery. His mentor, the now dead bastard had bequeathed her everything and she had a royal wedding to a wonderful man who took her away from the darkness her overambitious parents had built around here. But he loved her. Though she wasn’t related by blood, she understood him. She had known about her monster brother all along. One day when she was barely ten she had come crying to him. The monster…the bastard had tried to lay his hands on her. That day he had punched him so hard that he had broken two of his teeth. He had warned the monster to stay away from the sister. Since then she had been very close to him.

She stood before him folding her hands. She had a frown on her beautiful oval face.

“Why are you doing this bhai?”

“What am I doing Nammu?” he called her with her pet name knowing how much she liked to hear it.

“Bhai do you remember when maa was trying to get me married off to some widower for her ambitious project? And I was in love with Gaurang? You told me something very important.”

Gautam looked away. She held his hands and said, “Bhai you had told me not to dwell in the past and move on. At the same time you had said not to give up on love but fight for it, isn’t it?” He nodded.

“Then why are you doing this Bhai? I can see how much you are in love with Preeti.”

He gave her a shocked look.

“Don’t look at me like that bhai. Your chemistry in the room is hot enough to burn everyone around. You both have eyes only for each other… Bhai don’t do this to both of you… I like Preeti. She is good for you. Whenever you called me last few days before you came here you were so calm…it was because of her isn’t it?”

He walked to the window hand on his hips looking outside. Narmada came besides him and stared outside. “She is the same girl bhai?”

“Who… what?”

“ Is Preeti the same girl from that place, whom you rescued?”

He nodded slightly.

“Does she know this bhai?”

He shrugged. “I… I think she does.”

“Then go tell her bhai…”

“…she deserves someone better…”

“Bhai, I think you deserve some happiness in your life…. For once…” She held his hand and pulled him to face her. “…for once bhai, just think of yourself instead of all of us…Go and tell Preeti… call off this marriage…”

“…NO.” He jerked his hand away. “This marriage shall take place today. Nammu go out and let me get ready.”

Narmada wiped her eyes and shook her head as she left the room.

Gautam was firm in his decision today. Romila Devi was on the seventh heaven. She had started to doubt his agreement to go ahead with the impending nuptials. She had forever shielded the bitterness in her heart. He didn’t blame her for it. He would have been dead somewhere if she hadn’t taken him up into her household. It didn’t matter that she never held him close when he feared the dark at night, it didn’t matter she slapped him around if he didn’t cooperate with the household work, it didn’t matter that she did him a favour sending him to school…it didn’t matter that she had trained him to take up the blame for her monster son on himself every time the mentor came to visit them. It didn’t matter that she derived pleasure watching the bastard mentor use his belt on a young 13 year old foster son.  Nothing mattered then…nothing mattered now. Except she held a very important card in her hand…her trump card to make him bend to her whims. She only wanted Gagorn.  He had to give her this last wish of hers and then he was done. Done… with the baggage of guilt and debt. He would be free… finally to lead his life the way he wanted. To get that card from her… it was very important that he see this to the end. Coming to think of it he realised with a snide smile, he wasn’t any different from a bonded labourer. Except… he was bonded by his morals and guilt.

He adjusted his clothes and took a deep breath. He had to go through with this today. He didn’t believe in God but if there existed an Almighty then he hoped He would finally decide to shower some blessings on him today…

He walked down the stairs into the foyer of his bungalow. It was a masterpiece on the outskirts of Bhivadi. He lived alone here. Romila Devi liked to be closer to her daughter in Jaisalmer. He looked up at the rooms on the right. He smiled remembering the day he had got Preeti and Rewa here. Seemed like ages ago… He fisted his hand and hit his chest as if it would calm down his racing heart.

He saw the time. He still had fifteen minutes to go before their flower studded vehicle arrived. He just knew what he had to do. He looked around and seeing no one he rushed towards the basement of his bungalow. Only he had the biometric access. And since it’s entrance was under the staircase and well concealed no one knew about it. He quickly opened the door and went inside the dark little passage closing the door auto locking himself behind him. He came face to face with the big red door…

He put in the key which was with him all the time and opened the lock. He pushed the door open and stepped into his world.

Gautam looked around the red room very identical to the one in Mumbai. In fact he had commissioned this one much before. He had always visualised Preeti here. In fact even that day when she was here he wanted to bring her down here…to his domain…. where he was on his own away from everything. He had once experienced that in his home in Mumbai. His joy had known no bounds when Preeti herself had shown interest in his way of life. There was so much he wanted to teach her, try out with her… he sighed as he ran his hand over the mattress. He took out the Sherwani and the salwar and hung them on the rack on the hangers. He had already gotten rid of the turban as he had entered. Next his vest was out followed by his boxers. Arranging them neatly he went towards the rexin mattress that was  propped up and dropped it on the bed. He then went to the small refrigerator and removed the ice packs and spread them on the mattress. He went to the closet and opened one of the cupboards. There were three whips all of different sizes and types. He picked the heaviest of them. He opened the drawer and took out the tiny clamps… about six of them. He set the phone alarm for five minutes. He placed the whip on a stand nearby and pinched his skin and put on the clamps. By the time he finished with all six he was breathing heavily and eyes watering with jaw clenched tightly as the clamps dug into his skin. He lifted the whip and started to flog himself. With every hit the clamps kept pressing on his skin and the blue eyed monster’s face sprang before his eyes….The last time he had seen him in his mentor’s house…under the shower. He screamed aloud, “YOU WERE ALWAYS A MONSTER… you know that? Now, you won’t exist at all…In a matter of few months your entire identity will be gone. The world will know about your deeds…. Your mother too will know the entire truth you bastard… rot in hell MONSTER… rot in hell VIKRAM SINGH….” The alarm rang just then. He got out of his trance and silenced it. He brushed his tears away as he removed the clamps and placed them in their place and also the whip. He then lay on his stomach on the ice packs spread on the bed. As the cold seeped through his bruises numbing his pain a strange calm started descending within.

He would make things right. Today was an exam… and he always aced his exams.  He knew it in his gut. And his intuitions were never wrong….

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 

Preeti adjusted her new dress looking into the mirror in her room. That day the Sengar household was busy with the events leading up to the birthday celebrations of their beloved maasa. Relatives thronged the house and maasa thrived on crowded households! She had been a little under the weather for last few days but today she felt much better. Preeti’s father and uncle had arranged for a maha puja and it started with all their relatives being present. Gautam and his little family was the guest of honour. She was told his father was dead and he had a younger sister whom she had met the other day. She was married and currently on the family way. She was thinking how little she knew about him. When they were together in Mumbai he barely spoke about his life but once in passing he had mentioned an aunt and a sister…had she heard right? Had he said ‘aunt’?  Anyways there was nothing she was sure about these days. Except for the fact that she was leaving for Mumbai tomorrow. Her ticket lay in her folder in her room.

Gautam and his family arrived at noon as the puja was in progress. Preeti’s anxiety levels had skyrocketed in anticipation of his reaction after their encounter yesterday at the salon. She had worn a peach coloured salwaar kameez gifted by Rewa. The netted dupatta was her favourite. A matching neck piece and jhumkas in her ears completed her look with minimal makeup. She wore mojris in her feet again a gift from Rewa. She had let her hair loose over her shoulders. She wondered about Gautam’s reaction…it was as if she had dressed only for him. 

She was standing in the foyer welcoming guests when they arrived. Gautam  looking handsome in an off white kurta paired with white Chudidaar, gave her a once over and walked away. She had no right to actually after what she had decided, but was disappointed. She clenched her teeth to control her emotions from overflowing. His mom stared and smiled in a way that sent shivers down her spine. His sister smiled as well but she could only sense warmth there. His sister Narmada, was a short lady and she hugged her. She held Preeti’s face in her palms and said, “Preeti, you are so beautiful…” Her husband had come today and he held Narmada protectively. Preeti loved to see love for his wife in his eyes and she hoped someday she would find that…would she? Her eyes filled as she saw them walk away wishing to see such emotions for her in certain pair of brown eyes. If wishes were horses…

Preeti  had instantly liked Narmada. Soon after the puja, lunch was served outside in the lawn where the pandal had been erected. After lunch the guests gathered in the hall where seating arrangements were made. Gautam and his family were involved in informal chatting. Preeti was forced to be there so she went to a corner and made herself inconspicuous. Suddenly one of the women in the group announced loudly. “Priyamvada, now that Rewa is getting settled you have to think about Preeti too isn’t it?”

A sudden silence descended over the hall as everyone’s eyes fell on her. Preeti was now suddenly conscious with the attention on her. Her eyes found Gautam looking at her with an unreadable expression. Seated on his right was Rewa dressed in her finery and grinning ear to ear as she looked at her. Preeti wanted to hate her for that.

Preeti’s father stepped ahead and spoke. “We definitely are thinking about Preeti’s wedding as well. There are a couple of alliances we have shortlisted. Once Rewa is married we will proceed with them. Preeti was stunned hearing her father. When did all this happen? She was in tears and looked towards Gautam. He had clenched his jaw in anger. He thought he could hide it from others but she knew he was writhing in anger inside. The asshole deserved it, she thought. Anyway… she was going to Mumbai tomorrow. She was glad she hadn’t informed anyone at home. She would actually run away…again but this time without informing anyone. Her father and uncle had no more power to force anything on her once she was in Mumbai. She smiled to herself thinking about it. The relatives got busy discussing about potential suitors for Preeti.

A little later maasa was drained out with the excitement so she asked Preeti to wheel her into her room. Preeti in turn wanted an escape from the shenanigans and readily agreed. Maasa’s room was the last one on the ground floor. It had an attached balcony opening up to the wilderness outside. Though it wasn’t maintained these days, maasa love to spend her evenings there. Preeti helped her settle in the bed. Maasa held her hands with her heavily wrinkled fragile ones and said, “Preeti beta, are you alright with what your Bapu has decided for you?”

Preeti never lied to Maasa. She didn’t reply. Just stood looking down at their hands.

“Beta, don’t give in if you don’t want to. If you like someone then fight for it. Not like Rewa. She just gave up on Suyash… she must have loved Vikram’s money more. Can’t blame her though. She has seen tough times here. Anyways you are strong. You will do what is right.  I am sure.” Preeti’s eyes filled and she bent and hugged maasa and gave her the call bell before leaving from her room.

As she walked out closing maasa’s door, she stopped dead in her tracks. Gautam stood right in front of her. If looks could kill then she would collapse dead. His angry gaze was intense on her. He looked around and then holding her arm pulled her into the next closed room and latched the door. The room was her Bua’s room which they used whenever she came over to stay with her family. It was a rare occurrence but still, the room was maintained well. She didn’t switch on the lights as it would call for attention. He pulled her towards the bed and dropped her there. He fell on her his weight on her making a huge dent on the soft mattress. She wanted to scream at him but he covered her mouth with his, giving her no time to react. His insistent mouth parted her trembling lips and she welcomed him as if her life depended on it. He stroked her mouth and fondled her breast through her clothes, her traitorous nipple pebbled with his mere touch and she moaned into his mouth. He suddenly stopped the kiss and raised his head. Supporting himself on his arms he looked into her eyes.

“So… you are happy eh? Eager to get married is it?” he said as he panted.

Her temper rose and she tried to push him away. “You have no right to butt in. None of your goddamn business…”

“…it is my business darling… Do you think whoever those guys are… can they pleasure you like you need to be? Can they make you come just the way you like? Can they make you wet like…”

“…STOP…just STOP….” she pounded at his chest “…this is not fair. You can’t… can’t talk to me like this… I hate you so much Gautam….”

“…no you don’t hate me Preeti…”

Her temper rose… her entire anger at the situation she had been ever since she had come to Bhivadi was now directed towards him.

“…oh yes I do… I HATE you from the bottom of my heart… you are a manipulative cheating bastard… Not much of a difference between you and that monster from twelve years ago…”

That hit the mark and he withdrew away from her. He had a shocked expression on his face. She had never seen it before and she was by now familiar with all his facial nuances.

She sat up on the bed straightening her clothes and hair. She knew that was a low blow but he had not left her any choice. She wanted a clean break-up… Gut wrenching though, that was the only solution for her distress.

She stood and walked toward the door watching him as he stood at the foot of the bed his back hunched with his hand on the cot railing supporting him. He looked defeated and it killed her from inside. But she couldn’t show him her weakness. As she turned to open the latch he said in a soft cracking voice. “Don’t ever… compare me with that… MONSTER… I am nothing like him…”

She turned towards him and said trying to keep her voice steady. “I am going to Mumbai tomorrow. Whether anyone likes it or not, I don’t care. I will never come back here again. And don’t try to contact me in Mumbai.  Everything between us is over…

She didn’t react and just walked out of the room her head held high. Finally it was some kind of a victory for her. Within her heart she felt anything but victorious.

She ran upstairs to her room, changed into comfortable home clothes and lay on the cool floor sobbing her eyes out… She stayed there till she was told the guests were to start leaving. She was an emotional wreck. Sometime later she was summoned by her father.

As she walked down the stairs she saw her extended family and some other relatives had gathered in the drawing room. Gautam sat with his little family in tow. He had a look in his eyes as he saw her…she recognised it. It was a victory look. Oh God what was he planning?

Her uncle stood up and made an announcement. “Now that everyone is here, we have an announcement to make. Maasa’s health has been extremely fragile for the last few days. Yesterday her doctor said that the cancer had spread and… the time would be arriving sooner than expected….”

What? Maasa had cancer…and nobody bothered to inform her? She struggled to hold back tears for her dear Maasa… Her memories with Maasa flashed before her eyes. He uncle continued. “… Considering her wish to see her granddaughter married, we have decided to pre-pone the wedding of Rewa and Vikram Singh…”

Preeti looked at Rewa who was all smiles and then at Gautam who was brazenly staring at her.

“… The wedding will be solemnised tomorrow itself…” her uncle continued. “…It will be a low key affair considering maasa’s health. I thank Vikram and his family to have supported us during this difficult hour…”

Tomorrow? Really TOMORROW? What the hell?

Everyone gathered around the to-be wed couple and started to wish them.

Within the next hour everyone including Gautam had departed. Priyamvada walked upto Preeti and said, “ Preeti I know you were planning to leave tomorrow….”

“…How did you know ma?” She asked shocked.

“…I… I saw your ticket copy. It had flown out of your folder. I had gone to your room to keep the laundry. I tried to collect the flown papers and then I saw your ticket. I.. I wouldn’t have stopped you beta…but stay for a little longer.. At least for the wedding… for maasa’s sake?”

Preeti nodded reluctantly. She had to witness the same ceremony that she was running away from. How would she control her emotions tomorrow? How could she watch Gaurav marry Rewa right before her eyes?

Her heart was breaking into so many pieces and only she could feel the anguish… A pain that would remain with her, all her life…

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 (Gautam’s POV)

Gautam banged the door shut as he entered his bungalow. He didn’t intend to but he had hurt Preeti… again. She felt like his…whore? His chest had tightened and he had felt someone holding his heart tightly and squeezing it over and over again all through his ride back here from the parlour. But she was right…she deserved answers. But how could he? He was caught badly… he was this fly caught in the intricate web of deceit and betrayal. He feared she would be damaged too if she got wind of his reality. He had warned her in Mumbai itself not to come back here but that stupid Rewa must have insisted. He couldn’t blame her either. She had sounded frantic on phone once when she had called him. She had said something about not wanting to marry him…about having someone else in her life. But that day he had just spent a beautiful night with Preeti and couldn’t focus on anything else. He had only known about Rewa because his mother had informed him about her. That he was supposed to marry her. He had shoved the matter under the carpet. He didn’t know Rewa would send the SOS out for Preeti.

He had reached Alwar and met Rewa in their house during the Shree Ganesh puja for fixing the alliance. He had assured her he too wasn’t interested in the marriage. He wanted to fix things for everyone. He had devised a scheme which could create a win- win situation for everyone and he could return to Preeti as fast as possible. Every single day… even a moment without her was like a piece of his soul was being chipped away…

His loyal security person cum driver Bhim Singh had managed the execution of his plan so far so well. He wanted to send him to Mumbai to keep an eye on Preeti. Somehow even now after over twelve years he wasn’t comfortable not knowing about her, not keeping tabs on her. No… he wasn’t a stalker. Actually Bhim Singh and he had tried a lot to connect the dots about that incident but there were pieces missing.  Bhim Singh was ex-army and was with him for last six years. He had known about the incident since he was a local then. But he too had doubts about the authenticity of the story in the papers. Gautam still had a feeling Preeti was not completely out of danger. He had taken care of the monster but what about the actual perpetrator…he had never found out.

Everything was going as scheduled. The engagement was held as planned and Rewa was only too happy to play along his scheme. His ‘mother’ was satisfied as well and didn’t suspect a thing. He hadn’t revealed anything to his sister Narmada. She was in the first trimester of her pregnancy and he didn’t want her to be stressed. But he wasn’t prepared for his little vixen… the love of his life Preeti to reach Bhivadi. For once he was caught like a deer in headlights. He hadn’t known how to react. Rewa wasn’t aware of things between Preeti and him.

 In fact no one was. He didn’t have anyone in his life with whom he could share anything. The only time he had a feel of normal life was when his mentor had permitted him to actually attend school instead of the homeschooling lessons they received. He wanted him to see the world but not reveal anything about his life. The local government school had taken him in. Directly in the 8^th grade. No questions asked. He had then learnt money could achieve anything. But he had loved going to school. He had loved meeting people though he wouldn’t speak with anyone. The fear of his Mentor and his lashings had been ingrained deeply in his mind. He excelled in studies. His mentor had always said he had a powerful brain. He loved competing in athletic events and most of all he loved being with his only friend…his best pal, Tanveer Raisingh. What initially had begun as the athletic track rivalry had blossomed into a beautiful friendship. Tanveer and he were inseparable. He secretly visited Tanveer’s home without informing his mentor and was surprised to see the bond which the family members shared. He had been envious of his friend. He cherished the time he spent with the Raisinghs.

But his life had always been fucked up from the go. Lady luck had been his permanent nemesis. She couldn’t tolerate anything remotely sane in his life. Three years flew and he finished his 10^th grade. As per the promise to his mentor he had to severe ties with everyone and get back to working with the organisation. He had Tanveer’s contact number when he transferred. He wanted to cling to the one relationship in his life which had shown him what normal meant. So he would often call Tanveer. He would chat simple nothings. Just hearing Tanveer voice would be the flicker of light in his dark life.  But again that was not to be. Tanvee’s father was promoted as the ACP of the area and Tanveer too had the niche towards following his father’s footsteps. He couldn’t let them doubt him. So he had severed all contacts with Tanveer…

He had heard Tanveer was one of the inspectors assigned to investigate the incident twelve years ago. He had always known that there was no perfect crime but he was the best in what he did. He always covered his tracks well. The trail had run cold eventually. His mentor had taught him well. His mentor was a bastard of the top degree but he had given him a few skills for survival. His mentor had said libido interfered in the job at hand and to strictly avoid the fairer sex. If one knew Romila Devi, Gautam understood his mentor’s aversion to women. He had introduced him to the world of BDSM… that had given his restless scattered energy some kind of convergence. He needed his sessions after his Jobs… The mentor’s son was never interested and preferred live warm flesh to the cold feel of the red room. But Gautam took to the lifestyle like fish to water. His mentor had taught him the lesson of ‘punishment’…self-punishment. He had said it was important to self-punish if you make a mistake… In the last twelve years he had made quite a few mistakes and he had self-punished himself. Not surprisingly most of his punishments came up in the last few days that he had known Preeti…

The secret red rooms in his bungalows too were reserved for self-punishments. His mentor had ingrained another important lesson in his mind. This was twelve years ago after everything was done and he was leaving the organisation. His mentor knew everything… about his feelings for the badly injured young girl in the hospital who had caught his fantasy. The mentor was drunk over his son’s death and had said, “if a girl understands your crap and sticks through your mistakes, and trusts you in spite of everything, she is definitely a keeper. But its obvious…YOU DON’T DESERVE HER…”

Even today when Preeti had reiterated that she loved him he remembered his mentor’s lesson from that day. He couldn’t stay away from her once she was in Bhivadi. He should have let her misunderstand and hate him but realised he couldn’t tolerate that either. So he had gotten her here in his house through Rewa indirectly. He had seen her enter the bungalow and he didn’t know what came over him he had dragged her into the closet. Their coupling left him wanting more every single time. He knew she felt the same for him… He arranged a small dinner date for her. He had a perennial hard on for her that day. Their love making that night had broken down his emotional barriers… But the next morning had brought theirown challenges. He knew his housekeeper passed on information to his ‘mother’ so had to get Preeti out of his room. It pained him to see her shocked and hurt. But he had no choice.

In spite of his precautions, his ‘mother’ must have known something was up.  Last night he had met up with her for dinner. Like always, their meeting always filled him with anguish. She held his reins tightly in her hands and her only condition to release him and grant him his wish was the Gagorn fort. Though he had assured her he was on track towards achieving the goal, she wasn’t pleased. She thrived in agonising him… in driving a knife through his heart and twisting it.

When he had left her house, it was well past midnight and he was extremely restless… he had never felt so low in his life and he knew only one person had it in her to keep him sane. He had rushed to her house and it was easy for someone trained like him to escape security, scamper the walls and reach her room. She had been surprised but not scared… as if she was expecting him. He had only wanted to be next to her and feel her presence but one thing had led to the other and he had had the best climax of his life… He had realised with an alarm that he was losing self-restraint with Preeti around. No…he couldn’t lose control. He had survived all his life because of his strong will and domineering spirit…  And then she had said she loved him…

He had abruptly left her.

He wanted to make up for her distress and had arranged another of his fantasies… massage. He had longed to do that for her to relax her. He knew she was under terrible stress… He was well read about the oils used. He even had his way with her, which in turn had further relaxed him but he hadn’t been prepared for her outburst… At that time he only wanted to tell his mother to go to hell and leave Alwar with Preeti. Unfortunately he couldn’t do it at this juncture…He was fucking 44 years old and still couldn’t escape his dark life…

It was true… Preeti didn’t deserve his darkness… His heart splintered….

As he walked towards his red room in his bungalow his mentor’s voice boomed in his head…

‘Self-punishment is important…’

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