Chapter 34

Chapter 34

"Hi Payal. How have you been?" Shyam asked, his voice laced with extreme sweetness. Payal struggled to reign in her fear, not wanting to show him her weakness and replied as calmly as she could manage, "I am fine Shyam. Never been better." He smiled at her. At one time in her life, this smile would have melted her, however, today it made her want to throw up. His eyes travelled over her body, making her repulse the man instantly. "I can see how gorgeous you are Payal. You seem to have bloomed into a pretty flower. But then I wonder, what happened to your taste in men? From Shyam to Sumer... really?" he laughed devilishly, making Payal want to punch his face. She tried to remind herself about where she was. It was Khushi's engagement party and she did not want to create a scene, atleast not today, to upset her best friend. She replied icily, "That is none of your business Shyam. I don't repeat my mistakes you see. So what I do with my life does not concern someone like you." Saying that she walked past him.

However, he was too quick for her and grabbed her wrist harshly, pulling her towards himself and said, "Not so soon Ms Sharma. We have a lot to catch up." To her disbelief, he left her wrist and swiftly held her by the waist pulling her into him. Her anger shot to her head as she pushed him with all her might and slapped him across his left cheek. He staggered back, shocked at the demure Payal's behavior as she screamed at him, "How dare you Jha? Who the f**k gave you the right to touch me? You are just incorrigible. You were a slimy ba****d then and you are an as****e now!" She swirled around only to be pulled back ruthlessly. "Payal Sharma... you are going to pay for this," Shyam spat through gritted teeth. His eyes were red with anger as he tightened his hold on a desperately struggling Payal.

Before Shyam could drag Payal away from the poolside, he felt a huge blow on his face. Blood sputtered out of his mouth as he fell to the floor. Sumer stood towering over him, hiding a trembling Payal behind him. Shyam could not believe that his always calm and composed cousin could actually pack a punch like that. Like a fool that he was, he thought it best to put the blame on Payal and said, "Sumer, you have no idea what she has been doing. Paya..." Sumer interrupted him and literally growled, "Don't you dare utter a word against her, forget about taking her name from your foul mouth. You think I don't know what kind of a slimy guy you are?" Shyam managed to stand up, wiping his mouth off with the back of his hand, as he looked at the couple incredulously. After a moment's silence, he thought it best to change his strategy and said, "You know what. Actually you guys deserve each other. She is a stupid woman who can make a great pair with my idiotic cousin. No wonder your parents also love me more than you, Sumer. They have always adored me and rebuked you. Since childhood I have been putting the blame on you for each of my mistakes. You are one idiot who never ever spoke up and when you actually tried, your parents never believed you..." Shyam laughed spitefully.

There was a strong tug on Shyam's hand and in a split second he felt a sharp sting on his left cheek. He looked into the angry eyes of his uncle who looked murderous at the moment. Not only him, his aunt, his parents stood, staring at him in anguish. He could see the disappointment clearly etched on their faces. How had things turned for the worse in mere minutes, he wondered. He should have just stayed away from Payal and Sumer. "You have made a fool out of us for far too long Shyam. We believed you blindly and ignored our son's pleas. We kept comparing Sumer to a liar like you. Today, I can't even look my son in the eye, because of the despicable lies that you have been weaving around all of us," Sumer's father yelled with all his might, collapsing against his cousin brother, who seemed to be even more anguished. Shyam looked around at all the faces, trying to do some damage control... any damage control he could think of and said hurriedly, "No uncle... Dad! It's not my fault... All this is because of this girl here. She had tried to defame me in college and now she is trying to take revenge by creating a misunderstanding between Sumer and me..."

Once again Shyam was silenced as Sumer lunged forward to punch him in the stomach. "Don't you dare utter a word against Payal, Shyam! If I tell everyone, your true colours, how you misbehaved and cheated Payal... you will be sorry you ever attended this party." It was only the presence of Arnav Singh Raizada, which managed to calm Sumer down as Arnav put a hand over his shoulder. He finally had his brother, his best friend by his side and relaxed as Arnav requested the Jha and Diwan family, "Uncle... aunty... you all please go home. I have instructed the security at the gates to inform your driver that you would be leaving shortly. This is a sensitive and personal matter. Its better if we avoid creating a scene in front of all the guests. Sumer will be home shortly." He glanced at Shyam sternly and said, "I would like to have a word with Shyam. If you are ok with it, I would like to break the good news to him... shall I uncle?" As both the older men nodded in agreement and walked towards the main hall, Shyam wondered what good news, Arnav was talking about.

"Don't put too much pressure on your pea-sized brain, Shyam," Arnav spoke icily, getting an instant reaction from Shyam. Arnav held a hand and conveyed him to remain silent. "What are you so proud of Shyam Manohar Jha? Is it your name, which is your father's... or all your wealth, which you have merely inherited? All your life you have only managed to cheat people, con them into various contracts, get into illegal businesses, get addicted to drugs and to use women for your needs. Is that what you are proud of?" Arnav questioned as Shyam's face twitched with mirth. He clapped his hands and said, "Not bad Arnav. You seem to have taken a keen interest in my life. I am amazed at how closely you know me." Arnav smiled back in return and said calmly, "I have all the information of my rivals, Shyam. Especially the ones whom I have recently taken over." It took a moment for Shyam to realize the hidden meaning behind Arnav's words. Arnav continued, "Oh yes! Now you get it, do you? JD Constructions is no more yours, Shyam. I now own 80% of the shares in the company. I guess your father and uncle weren't too happy with your performance... were they?"

Shyam pounced on Arnav and grabbed him by the collar, "You are lying, Arnav. That is not possible. Dad and uncle had promised me to transfer their shares onto my name. They would never sell off their company to you." Arnav pulled away and said, "Lying is not my specialty Shyam... it's yours. So go home and I hope your parents will be able to forgive you for all your sins. It's too long a list to let go. And as for all the women you have cheated on, I have some solid proof, which can put you behind bars. So be ready to not only give up on your company... but your home too." It seemed like a nightmare to Shyam Manohar Jha. All his worst fears had come true, all together. He had gotten physically beaten by a lot of people today, but Arnav's mere words had punched him in the gut, crumpling his massive ego. He staggered backwards looking at the faces around him, holding his head in his hands for a few moments, before cursing loudly and rushing out of the poolside to confront his family. He had realized how little escape routes remained for him. As they say, what goes around comes around... and it was payback time for Shyam Manohar Jha, for all his sins.

Since the time the Jhas and Diwans had intervened, Payal's eyes remained focused on the shocked figure of her best friend, who remained in the shadows, taking in all the information. Too much had happened in the last few minutes. The horrifying past had resurfaced in the form of Shyam, his vile grip still burned on her wrists, his evil eyes still flashed in front of her. However, amidst all the chaos, the hurt clearly etched on Khushi's face pricked at her heart the most. The inevitable had happened. She had hurt Khushi and that too on one of the happiest days of her life. Arnav probably understood the undercurrents between the two. He held Khushi by her waist and said, "Sumer, take Payal to the big guestroom upstairs. I shall get everyone, as soon as I can manage." Sumer quietly nodded and dragged a solemn Payal along with him. She kept looking guiltily at Khushi, till they were out of sight, wanting to speak but not finding the right words.

As soon as Sumer and Payal had left, Arnav pulled Khushi into a hug, giving her the strength to deal with this revelation. She still had to know the entire story, however, she had definitely realized what must have happened in their college. He ran a soothing hand over her almost bare back, making her clutch onto him tighter and said, "Angel, give Payal a chance to explain. I know I have no say in between two friends and I would have been hurt too, had Sumer hidden something so drastic from me. However, please just listen to her before being upset with her." She looked up at his worried face through teary eyes and mumbled, "Even you knew... Only I was kept in the dark." She tried to move away but he only tightened his hold on her and said, "Khushi, I knew this because of Sumer... that too because things are about Shyam who is Sumer's cousin. Everything was complicated. I was not in a place to tell you such a big secret... it should always have been Payal. Please Khushi, don't be upset with me." He cupped her face and kissed her forehead.

She nodded slightly and said, "Lets go and wind up this party. I want to speak to Payal... please I can't keep pretending to smile anymore." He looked at her face, feeling terrible at the way she had come to know the truth and then decided that it was best for this matter to be closed once and for all. They waded through the scattered crowd to their families as Arnav gave them a fair idea about the need to wrap this party quickly. It was only about forty-five minutes later, that everyone headed upstairs. The time had moved extremely slowly for Khushi, who had managed to keep up the faade of a happy blushing woman, who had just gotten engaged to her dream man. The children from Ashadaan had already been dropped to the orphanage from the back gate itself, keeping them away from the prying eyes of the media. The servants were instructed to begin clearing the house as soon as the last guest had left.

Arnav Singh Raizada had been the man to handle this entire situation to perfection. He had kept his cool and informed his family and the Sharmas, about Shyam. The entire episode of what had happened by the poolside and how it related to Payal's past. The details, he let Payal explain. There was a shocked silence in the room for a few moments. A bitterly crying Payal had hugged her mother. After years of keeping this painful secret close to her heart, she could actually talk about it to everyone and stop pretending to be brave all the time. If Khushi thought she was the only one who felt cheated... she was so wrong. Akash had been equally stunned and hurt. He could not believe that Payal could have hidden such a thing from them. The three of them had been the thickest of friends and he had literally laid his heart bare to Payal. He wished he had known this, so that Shyam would have been punished for his sins then and there itself. Maybe if that would have happened, many other girls who had been his victims in these four years, could have been saved. However, the past is always a history and there was no point crying over it.

As the tired members of the families decided to retire for the day, Arnav once again took charge of the situation, knowing well that Payal would want to speak to Akash and Khushi in private. He did not want them to sleep over this bitter issue. It was best to put it behind them as soon as possible and hence he requested the Sharmas to head home and said, "Uncle and aunty, I shall drop Payal and Khushi home. I think they need to talk for a few minutes. I will tell Mohan, our driver to drop you guys home." As all the members exited the room, the discomfort between the three friends seemed to grow. Sumer refused to budge from Payal's side and Arnav had to literally push Anjie out of the room. He wanted Payal and Khushi both to feel comfortable while speaking and the lesser the audience the better he thought. He was himself moving out of the room when Khushi held his wrist and pleaded him with her eyes to stay back.

The silence seemed to be suffocating when Payal mumbled softly, "I am sorry. I am so sorry Khush and AR... I should have told you guys. But I was so scared. What would you have thought about me? When I was falling in love with Shyam, I had believed in him... in his feelings for me and thought it best to tell you guys about it once things were more concrete. But then one fine day everything just crumbled and I realized that this world is full of such sleazy opportunists." Payal burst into more tears at the distant memory. Khushi rushed to her side, hugging her to offer comfort. She could not let her friend weaken, especially Payal, who had always been a strong pillar of support for Khushi. "Shhh Payal... we are not angry with you," she spoke comfortingly to look at Akash for his consent. Akash nodded mutely and went and sat on the other side of Payal and said, "Payal, we really are not angry with you. Please don't cry."

Khushi managed to wipe away her tears and handed her a glass of water that Sumer had brought. Payal sipped on it slowly when she heard Khushi speak. "We could never be angry with you Payal... especially regarding this matter. However, I really wish you had confided in us. It hurts to not being able to be a part of such a horrific part of your life. I feel like a selfish friend, who was with you through all the happy times and abandoned you when you needed us, the most." Payal looked at her apologetically and said, "I am sorry Khush... I really am." Khushi decided that the past really did not matter. What mattered was that all of them were content now and at a very happy place in their lives. She hugged Payal and said, "Payalia... jaa iss baar tujhe maaf kiya!! As a tiny punishment, you will have to cook for this entire month. But I do hope you don't have any more secrets from me because next time I will definitely make you beg and grovel." Payal smiled a little which turned into a frown seeing Akash's face. How could she tell Khushi that there was still a big secret which all of them had kept from her?

Sumer sensed the growing discomfort Payal was feeling. He understood her guilt and even more empathized with her about Akash's matter. He tried to divert the topic and said, "Okay now that I have had my dose of a Karan Johar movie, can we please eat something. I have only been doing the job of a waiter, serving Maharani Khushi with snacks and beverages. I have informed HP to lay out dinner in the back garden. Lets head there." Khushi jumped up and almost attacked Sumer, hitting him. Arnav rushed to her and held her by the waist, trying to control her craziness. Payal grinned widely, thinking how lucky she was to have such wonderful friends in her life. Akash stood quietly, looking at the love that surrounded both the couples. He was truly happy for his friends and wondered, if he would ever find such true love. At that exact moment, Anjali barged in saying cheerily, "Ok. Enough! I have given you guys enough privacy and now I want to know everything. I can't live without knowing all the gossip guys!!" Everyone laughed aloud as they walked down the stairs, towards a fun-filled dinner.

It was a little later in the night when Arnav dropped Payal and Khushi home. He had told Sumer to go home and sort his family matters. His parents and uncle-aunt needed him right now to deal with Shyam's wrath. Akash had taken his leave much earlier and Anjali had excitedly bounced about to drop him till the door. He had promised Anjali to take her out for an ice cream in the coming week. He knew how friendly Anjali was to everyone, yet, he wasn't sure of her excitement to spend time with him. He just wanted to finish off with the treat. Payal rushed inside, to speak to her parents. She was sure they were still shocked at the information and there was still some explaining to be done. Arnav held Khushi close to himself, taking advantage of the dim lighting on the street. The last few hours had been tumultuous and he just wanted to spend a few quiet moments with her.

"Every important day of our lives has to be eventful right?" Arnav whispered. Khushi peered up to look at his laughing eyes, trying to understand what he was saying. She was too comfortable in his arms and wished to remain there for the rest of her life. "Well, our declaration of love was in a hospital, our proposal was reversed, our engagement was melodramatic... now I just can't wait to see how the wedding is going to take place. Jahan Khushi Kumari Gupta ho... wahan drama toh banta hai boss!" he teased Khushi making her punch him mockingly. He held her hand and pulled her into a mind-numbing kiss. The sexy siren in his arms was unaware of the consequences of her squirming and moaning in his arms. He feigned in control and said, "Don't you punch me again, angel. We are done with the action quotient' for the day... Now is the time for romance and love'." Saying that he took her lips for one more kiss that led to another and one more, making Payal wonder if Arnav had taken Khushi back to Shantivan.

Chapter 35

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Phew! That was the first dramatic chapter of Peek-a-boo! I hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your wonderful comments on the last chapter and I apologize for this slight delay... kya karein AD mein thodisi lagi padi hai!!
Hopefully chapter 35 will be up by Thursday, which begins the wedding mania.
Join in for the wedding celebrations!