Chapter 26

Chapter 25

"The blooming rose longed

to be picked up into a

nice bouquet.

The thorn, hopelessly in love,

pricked every finger that even

dared to try"

"Sejal? Are you still sleeping? Why have you locked your room?" Riddhima knocked.

"What is your problem?" Sejal opened the door

"Ah, I thought we could discuss the places I have selected in nearby localities. We can go for a visit tomorrow in the first half...hey"

Sejal walked away without listening to her. Riddhu frowned now what was her problem? She is behaving in this manner since she returned yesterday. Riddhima thought she was tired. Nothing a good night's sleep can't cure. But it did not look like Sejal slept at all. There were black circles under her eyes. She had not even changed her clothes.

"Sejal, All okay? Did something happen in the office?" Riddhima held her hand. She saw a flash of anger in her eyes at the mention of office.

"No. But what can you do about it?" Sejal deadpanned

"Nothing much, if it's related to the office. But I can hear you out, it helps..."

"On the contrary, I think you can do anything you want, isn't that right? You bit*h" Sejal sneered venomously

"Sejal" Riddhima dropped her hand "what are you talking about? How can you speak with me like this?"

"Stop pretending, Riddhima. I know if you want something done you can always ring that boyfriend of yours. Your very own VRS right?" Sejal shut the door on her face.

Riddhima stood rooted to the spot. How did she? Vansh...she gritted her teeth and called him. He did not revert. She tried a few more times he did not answer. Then she called her hospital, Dr. Batra and Nia informed them that she is taking half a day due to some personal reasons. She will directly go to VR Mansion.

She needs to speak with Sejal first...

*****

“How can you do this?” Riddhima marched into his study room without knocking. Her eyes spitting fire

Vansh looked at Aangre who nodded and left the room closing the door behind him

“What’s wrong? What did I do?” asked a confused Vansh as held her hands

Riddhima roughly snatched her hands back “Don’t pretend I know you did this. We decided right? You were supposed to give me some time off. I was going to tell Sejal my way. What was the need to tell her everything?”

“Riddhima I don’t know what you are talking about. Please calm down and explain.”

“Oh, you mean to say you did not tell Sejal about mine…your…our”

“Our what?” Vansh raised his brows

Riddhima glared at him “You told Sejal that, she got a promotion and pay rise and special treatment on her trip because of me? She got those chocolates because I like them?” Ridhhima raised her voice

“Am I to understand that Sejal got to know that you are my fiancé? that we are dating” Vansh glared back “Your unwillingness to say this is not going to change the fact. Keep that in mind”

“I am not talking about that; this is about you breaking your promise” she snapped she also wanted to remind him that she is not his fiancé but right now she needed some answers…

Vansh pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration “I did not break any promise. I did not say anything to her. For god’s sake, I talked to her only once when she came here.”

“Then how did she got to know about it? And what is all this rubbish about her getting special treatment because of me?”

“That’s true. She got all that because of you. But I did not tell her anything about us. Maybe she got to know from someone. Maybe Aryan. I will speak to him.”

“When did I ever ask you to give her special treatment or promotion” Riddhima flared up again

“Sweetheart I did that for us. What will people say when they get to know that Mrs. Vansh Raisinghania’s sister works as a simple executive? I have a reputation to maintain you know” he grinned at her

Riddhima tiredly sat on the chair and covered her face with her hands.

 Vansh frowned. Squatting before her he asked 

“What’s wrong Riddhima? She would have got to know about it sooner or later”

Riddhima raised her face. A single tear rolled down her cheek. 

“You don’t know Sejal. She will not take this lightly. What if she harms herself?”

“Who did this?” Vansh's gaze was fixed on her left wrist. He could see few scratches there.

“It’s nothing” Riddhima hid her hand with her dupatta.

Vansh stared at her intently and sighed. “Go home. Take rest. I will tell Sia that you are unwell. We will meet tonight for dinner”

“Vansh…” Riddhima started “I was thinking can we please postpone this. I mean can you please give me some more time…”

Vansh pressed her hands gently 

“We will meet tonight for dinner. Aangre will drop you home”

She knew he will never agree to this. Quietly she left VR Mansion.

“Aaryan call Sejal. I would like to have a word with her” Nobody hurts his Riddhima...

*****

“Her business trip was in Bangalore or Haridwar?” Nia whispered in her ear

“What?” Riddhima giggled

“Did she do Ganga Snan or something? What’s up with this change?”

“Riddhima I like this place. What do you think?” Sejal turned to her

“Yes, I think this is okay. We can finalize this” Riddhima gave her an unsure smile.

“Cool. Let’s speak with the agent.”

*****

Kabir cursed himself as he leaned back in his chair. Ahana was turning out to be quite a headache. She again called him today to explain her side. How did he get stuck like this? The girl he wanted to hear from was not replying to him and the one he wanted to be away from was not leaving his back.

He met Ahana because of Riddhima. It was the first time ever when Riddhima asked him out. She asked him to accompany her to her best friend’s birthday party. He was happy that day. Till that day it was always him calling her out for this and that. 

Nia’s father was a well-known businessman. Trusty of a college. He knew many VIPs. Ahana’s father was one of them.

He danced with Ahana at that party. Reluctantly exchanged numbers with her. She was trying to flirt with him. He had tried to maintain distance from her from that day. But After that day she found one way or another to meet him or call him. She never approached him directly on the matter or he would have denied her then and there and he didn’t want to hurt her much.

He was not angry with her for suggesting he should increase his social circle to make use of these people to climb his career ladder. He was not opposed to the idea. He knew in his field people need to make some compromises and he had done them. He was not ashamed about it. He knew few people who will always help him out of tight spots because he knew their secrets and helped them hide their dirty deeds.

You can’t be a principled man in this field and leave a luxurious life. Today he owned a 5-room big flat at a prime location in Mumbai. Owned a car, bike, and decent bank balance. All of this would not have happened in his 6 years long service if he had been truthful to his profession. 

His father denied moving in with him in a city, so he moved him to an old age home near his village. He had lost his mother at a young age. His father kept pushing him to get married for years now. Initially, he was not ready for that but since Riddhima entered his life…

He deliberately kept Riddhima unaware of his shady work. He knew she will have a problem with that. But once they get married. She will adjust to it. He will make sure of it. That was his plan but right now he could see she was going away from him and he did not know the reason for it. Is it because of VRS?

It is high time now. He must meet Riddhima. He wanted to know what the matter was. Did she want to break up with him? Break up?

Technically they were never in a relationship. But he was still her friend.

Today he sent his assistant Pingle to her hospital. He will personally deliver his message to her…

*****

Last patient for the day. The nurse called him in. Riddhima looked at the file. New patient. Mr. Sachin Pingle. She went through the basic details provided by the patient.

“Doctor May I?”

“Yes, please have a seat” Riddhima gestured politely 

“I was going through your file, you have mentioned you have pain in the shoulder…”

“Madam. I am here on Kabir Sir’s order. He wants to speak to you” he interrupted her

“Kabir? Where is he?” Riddhima looked around

“He is not here. He told me to give you his new number and wants to know if you can meet him tonight?”

“Kabir changed his number? But why?”

“Yes. He lost his old phone. He tried to call you but could not get through” He held out a paper. 

“This is his number. He told me to tell you that, whatever it is, he wants to meet you once” He took her leave

Riddhima stared at the paper. So that’s why his phone was switched off, she thought. Should she call him? She promised Vansh that she would not meet him. Vansh was not here. He will not know. and who knows maybe Kabir can help her out.

Determined she called him “Hey”

“Hey” she heard his voice after a long time

*****

Vansh flung his coat on the floor. Three days. It’s been three days that he spoke to her properly. And two days now since she stopped answering his calls altogether. 

Whenever he called, he just received only one text busy now, will call you back later but he never received any call back from her. He got an update from his security team about her, so he knew she was alright.

Right now, she must be in her hospital and will leave for VR Mansion shortly. His work here was almost finished. One more successful deal. He wanted to share this news with Riddhima. 

He knew she would do something like this and was okay with it. He did not expect Riddhima to fall for him overnight. Her being with him is more than enough for him for now. Love will happen eventually.

The moment he got off the plane he called her. He received a text from the hospital. She was on leave. He smiled as he thought of what followed next.

“Riddhima, What’s wrong. I got to know from your hospital that you are not feeling well. I am sending a doctor to your place.”

“No. No. I am fine. Just feeling under the weather”

He thought she did sound a little off 

“Why do you sound like that? I am sending a Doctor to your place” He was worried

“Look. Let me sleep. I will be fine. It is just a headache”

“Still I feel you should see a doctor,” He told Aangre to send a doctor to her place

“What? Nooo,” Riddhima whined “It is fine. I deal with this every month. I know what it is”

“What is it? And What every month? That’s it. You need a doctor” He declared

“Vansh. I am fine”

“Then tell me what’s wrong”

“No” She disconnected the call

Disbelievingly he again called her. She picked up after a while 

“Doctor is on the way”

“I don’t need a doctor. I have periods nothing else”

“Oh” he was quiet a second or two, then he cleared his throat and said “Okay. I am sending Mrs. D’Souza. She will take care of you and no arguments…”

He poured a drink and took a sip. Her periods, he will keep the date in mind, it should not clash with his wedding or honeymoon. 

He saw his other phone flash where he could listen to all Riddhima’s calls and text messages. Riddhima was calling someone. Must be her patient…

He put his phone on charging when he saw the number once again. This was the same unknown number. His face hardened. He picked up the call, as he heard the conversation his face contorted with Anger…

*****

Riddhima finished her dinner. Once again Sejal decided to stay at her friend’s place for the next two days. Riddhima was surprised Sejal was coping well with the news. Sure, she was still angry at her. She still avoided her. But she was trying to act normal. She even apologized to her for grabbing her hand tightly in her anger.

Riddhima tried to tell her how Vansh was forcing this on her. But Sejal did not listen.

“Riddhima, I am trying. Please do not expect an overnight change in me. I still need time to digest this news.”

Riddhima agreed. The topic was over at that.

Mrs. D’Souza visited their house the next day. Sejal was not okay with this. She left stating she must go to her office for some important work. Even though it was Saturday…

Mrs. D’souza was a true silent companion. She made lunch and dinner for her. Gave her a hot water bag for stomach-ache. She did this so silently that Riddhima doubted if she was even at home.

She was embarrassed telling Vansh about her periods. But he was not ready to listen, she had to tell him. He was behaving like a caring boyfriend, if only he had not forced her. Wait what was she thinking?

She was ignoring his calls for the last two days, what if he sends someone else to keep watch on her. She had few plans up her sleeves about how to  get away from this situation. She will take Kabir and Nia's help. Technically she could not just run away from here. Sejal won't come with her. He job, friends everyone was here. This has to be well thought out plan. 

She planned to tell Nia yesterday after they finalize the place. But agent told them he got a call from owner, he had promised this flat to his relative. It was not up for rent anymore. Rest of the day went with them looking for more places. She was bone tired by the time she returned home with no concreate result.

Nia was calling her. “Hello, Nia? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“Sahil had an accident. They are taking him to our hospital”

“What? I am leaving let’s meet at the hospital” Riddhima hurriedly got ready

*****

“Sahil. You idiot. How did this happen?” Nia slapped his arm

“Oww. Woman. It hurts.”

They reached the hospital a few minutes back and were relieved to find him well aside from a few scratches.

“Sahil what happened? We were so scared” Riddhima was shaken, throughout her journey all she could remember was her parent’s accident.

“Hey. I am fine.” Sahil reassured her with a smile “I don’t know what happened. I was on my bike. Next second, I know, an auto-rickshaw hit me from the front. My bike suffered more damage than me. I told them not to inform my parents. I gave them your number. My mom will go hysterical if she gets to know about it and will not let me use my bike ever again”

“She is right to do that. I am going to tell Aunty” Nia threatened him

“Don’t you dare” Sahil warned her

Someone knocked on the door “I hope I am not disturbing you” He smiled at them

Riddhima looked at him shocked.

“Not at all. Please come in” Sahil called him in. Nia looked at him confused

“He helped me after my accident. He brought me here.” Sahil told the girls and turned to him “I forgot to ask what is your name?”

“It’s Aryan and there's no need to thank me. How are you Doctor Riddhima?”

“Wait you know each other?” Nia frowned at him

“He is Aryan Raisinghania. Sia’s brother”

“Please don’t be so formal” he waved his hand

They thanked him. 

“Doctor can I please speak with you. It’s regarding Sia. I will wait outside”

“Go. I will see if they can discharge him today” Nia assured her

*****

“What?”

“I have a message for you from Vansh. He told me to tell you and I quote

‘Don’t ignore my calls or you will face many more situations like today’”

“Did he do that?” Riddhima indicated to Shail’s room

“Seriously? I thought you would have got that by now” Arayn replied

“How can he do that?” Riddhima questioned him with outrage

“He can do anything if things do not go his way. My work here is done. I will take your leave now. Bye babe”

Riddhima sat on the chair shocked. Aryan stared at her a moment and sat beside her.

“Can’t believe I am doing this. I have some advice for you. It’s for free. Take it if you want.”

Riddhima turned to him “and why should I take your advice. If I am not wrong, you are gang Ishani and she hates me.”

“You are right I am gang Ishani. But I like my other sister as well. And she loves you.” 

He chuckled “by the way, got to know what you did with Ishani. That was epic. She is angry at you. Have to say you have guts. It’s commendable how you handle Raisinghania siblings. You ignored both Raisingania’s. hats off” he gave her a mock salute

“Why did you tell Sejal all that?” Riddhima looked at him “Vansh? Is he involved in that as well?”

“Look I did not know your sister was unaware of the fact or I wouldn’t have done that. Vansh was angry at me” He avoided looking at her

“Coming back to my advice. Don’t resist Vansh. Accept him and you can lead a peaceful life. Refuse him, he will make your life living hell” he looked at her seriously

“Can’t you make him understand? He is your brother. I don’t want to marry him. Or maybe anyone else from your family?” she looked at him imploringly

“Wow, I am going to pretend you did not just say that. And no one will help you at least not from that family. We all are selfish and afraid. That makes us loyal to Vansh. Right now, Vansh is waiting for my call to know the update. Don’t worry, I am not going to tell him this. But this is the reality and the sooner you accept it; it will be better for you”

Riddhima looked down dejectedly. For once Aryan felt pity for her, till now he thought she was playing hard to get but…

He brought his palm before her eyes. She looked at him confused.

“You see this mark?” Aryan gestured towards it

Riddhima looked at his palm, there was a diagonal mark as if he had cut his hand. The injury must have been deep, if it is taking time to heal the mark

“I got this because I asked out for dinner and held your hand”

“Vansh did this to you?” Riddhima was horrified

Aryan stood up “It is your decision Riddhima. Choose wisely”

Riddhima looked at his retreating back. She received a text.

“Let’s meet tomorrow at our usual hangout place. The Ice-cream Parlor” It was Kabir

Vansh will return the day after tomorrow. She must do this. Determined she replied with an okay and smiley…

*****

Note:

Hope you enjoy the update