Chapter 17

Part 15

'Hey darling " Steve gritted his teeth as he heard the sultry voice behind him.. Grimacing he turned around and face the women.. Lisa brown, a wealthy young brat who always wished to have things according to her.. He knew he was only torturing her presence because she was good friend of David.. Other than that he had no interest her.. No matter how seductive or appealing she tried to look infront of him. She was beautiful , but he had already given up trying to like her.. He had no time to waste on women..

"Hey Lisa " Steve muttered staring around avoiding her gaze.. Lisa grew disappointed seeing him avoid her , just like always.. "Steve ! Cant you act little friendly even for a onenight.. "

A retort was almost out of his lips as she embraced herself close to him'He grew still as she tried to get closer. With a caution look he tried to step back, but she tightened her grip.. "Loosen up Steve.. If you want maybe we can act more than friendly.. "

Steve clenched his teeth and drew back from her embrace feeling uncomfortable.. He already knew his heart was rejecting her presence.. And ryt now he was too tired up to act friendly with her.. "Sorry Lisa.. You are just not my type.. " He drawled with a smirk

Her eyes grew wide as her mouth was wide open.. She stared at him stunned in fury as he walked away from her coolly.. "Damn you Steve.. "

"Hey man.. " David greeted him as he joined them in the corner' "You looked quiet busy back there.." He spoke jokingly sparing a glance at Lisa..

Steve rolled his eyes and murmured' "Then you must have also noticed the fury in her eyes as I rejected her.. "

David tried to speak when Steve interrupted again.. "Give it up man.. I am not interested in doing a fling.."

David narrowed his eyes and gave a tight nod.. Both of them straightened up their clients joined them.. "Hello Mr.Ramon and Dsouza " David greeted them with a warm smile.. "I must say this is really a good party.. "

Ramon glanced around with a smile and nodded.. "Indeed it is a good party.. We made sure we will be able to please every guest.. " Then he spared a glance at Steve and stared at him frowning.. Steve narrowed his eyes seeing the confusion rise in his eyes..

"Mr.Ramon.. " Steve began cautiously.. "You seem to be surprised seeing me "

"I' Yes " Ramon stammered in confusion.. "I must ask you gentlemen.. Do I know you ? Whats your name ?"

David grew still as he spared a horrified look at Robin and Logan who glanced back at him in panic.. Steve frowned badly and spoke.. "Sure you know me.. I am Steve.. "

"Steve ???? " Ramon spoke in disbelief' "But' "

"Mr.Ramon " David spoke quickly hurrying to him.. "I must say I have a very urgent talk to do with you.."

David sensed more danger as Ramon tried to protest.. "But.. That man says.. "

"Its very urgent Ramon.. " David muttered out with a look of warning which silenced Ramon.. He gave a tight nod as David turned to Logan.. "Logan.. Take Mr.Ramon with you and give details to him of this urgent work.. " Logan shared a knowing look with him.. "Yes sir.. "

David held his eyes and spoke meaninglyfully.. "And make sure you explain him very deeply.. Don't spare any details.. "

David took a breath of relief as Ramon walked away with Logan.. He turned around as Steve pounced on him.. "What the hell was that man saying.. "

"Oh its nothing.. " David spoke coolly.. "Ramon was just surprised seeing you back after such a long time.. "

"But " Steve tried to protest as Robin interrupted him.. "Steve there is a call for you u need to come right now.. "

"Ok " Steve muttered and followed him sparing a suspicious glance at David..

A while later Logan joined him with a satisfied look.. "Took care of the matter David.. Ramon wont utter a word to Steve now.. I made sure I warned him good enough.. "

"That's good.. "David nodded frowning.. "I still cant believe I missed out Ramon.. I thought I did warn off almost all the clients who had known Steve personally.. Its good that we took care of the matter at the right moment.. "

"Exactly " Logan agreed.. "Otherwise imagine the man learning he isn't Steve and' "

"Shut up Logan.. "David muttered glaring at him.. "We are in public.. And don't worry about Steve learning the truth.. " He spared a look at Steve who stood talking.. "He will be living the life of Steve nothing else.. "

"I cant believe this.. " Seema spoke mortified as she stared at Sameer who stood infront of her door..

"Will you just let me in.. " Sameer spoke impatiently.. He was hardly being able to hold up himself after taking such a long flight.. But they had parted out with a big tiff and he knew he had to come to her and correct things..

"No ! " She muttered out angrily.. And then sighed seeing him tired face.. "What are you doing here Sameer.. You didn't have to come to London.. "

"Ofcourse I had to.. " He spoke pushing her away and walking inside the apartment' He glanced around and took a seat on sofa.. "You clothes are still unpacked.. "

"That's because I am only here for a day Sameer.. " Seema spoke impatiently.. "I told you I only came for charity event.. I intend to leave as it ends. "

"That's good.. " He spoke satisfied.. "Then we will go back together.. "

"Sameer " Seema warned angrily'

"NO Seema.. I am not listening to you this time.. Just because you say things are over between us it doesn't have to.. "

Her expression grew pained as she looked away.. "Please Sameer.. Its already over.. I have too much to regret in life.. "

"Seema.. " Sameer sighed' "How much will you regret.. From a past year I have seen you regret every single day.. How much will you punish yourself.. Let it go now.. "

"I cant.. " She protested sadly' And then she stood up hurrying to the bedroom.. "I better put on my dress and leave.. I am already late for the charity event.. "

"Seema " Sameer stood up and tried to follow her when she turned to him.. "No Sameer.. Not right now' "

He stood defeated as she walked away quickly'

3 hours later..

"Oh that went pretty well.. " Seema muttered out half tired and half satisfied.. The charity event had gone pretty well than she had expected.. Now she needed a good sleep and rest' Just then she realized.. Sameer was in her house.. Waiting.. She grimaced knowing how hard it was for her to hurting him so bad.. But she already knew they both weren't meant for eachother.. Too much faults from past were there to haunt her..

She came out of her thoughts as suddenly the taxi came to a halt.. Seema gasped as she almost fell from the seat.. Sitting back she asked shaking.. "Did we get into a accident.. "

"So sorry Mam " The taxi driver apologized.. "Didn't see the car coming infront of me.. "

Seema got out of the taxi along with the driver.. The driver took a sigh of relief "No damage done.. Its was almost hit.. "

Seema smiled at him and tried to calm down her thudding heart.. Just then the car which stood infront of them opened and a tall guy walked out of it.. " She frowned as she tried to make out his face but it was hard.. She was almost questioning when suddenly the guy came out to the light.. As his face became clear she gasped loudly and stared at him in shock.. Oh god this cant be real, could it be ? She wondered bewildered as she stared at the man infront of her' Armaan Mallik'

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Part 16

Steve narrowed his eyes seeing the women's shocked expression as he faced her.. Growing uncomfortable he questioned her cautiously.. "I hope no one is hurt.. "

Seema shook her head trying to pull out herself from the shock' She tried to speak but no words came out of her mouth.. Instead as she stood mum she heard the driver come to rescue.. " That was close.. Try to keep a eye on road man that was nearly a accident.. "

Steve gave a nod and muttered impatiently' "That wont happen again, I will make sure of it.. " He gave a curious look at the women who was still quiet' "I hope you are not hurt lady.. Sorry for the inconvenience.. " He stared to turn back hurriedly.. "Right now I am in hurry to leave , I must go.. "

You fool !! Why didn't you stop him' Seema questioned herself in anger as she set back in the taxi' Her body was still recovering from the jolt she had just received by seeing him.. Can it really be Armaan.. She thought restlessly' Whatever it is I have to tell about him to Sameer as soon as possible'

"Where the hell were you ?? " Sameer demanded as she walked inside the house quietly' "You had been gone for hours.. Do you even know how worried I was.. "

Sameer set beside her frowning as he noticed how quiet she was.. "Will you answer me.. ! "

Seema gave a blank look and stared back at the wall.. His frown deepened seeing her so tensed.. "Whats wrong Seema.. "

She glanced at him as her eyes grew uncertain.. Hesitantly she spoke.. "Sameer.. You wont believe who I just came across with' "

"Who ? " Sameer asked suspiciously as he relaxed beside her' He rubbed her arms seeing her so stiff trying to comfort her..

"I just saw Armaan' " She whispered out softly'

"What !!!! " Sameer stood up stunned as he stared at her as if he had seen a ghost' "You gotta be kidding me' " He spluttered out trying to overcome the shock..

"I am not joking Sameer.. " She spoke with a serious tone as her eyes pleaded.. "You must believe me.. "

Seema quietly narrated the incident which had occurred an hour ago.. As she finished Sameer started to pace restlessly.. "Surely you must have mistaken Seema.. " He muttered out angrily.. "You must have seen someone else.. Armaan Mallik is Dead ! "

"No he is not !! " Seema shouted out in equal frustration.. "I saw him from these eyes.. I cant do such a big mistake.. It was Armaan and I am hundred percent sure about it.. Why should I be lying about such a big thing !!! You have to believe me. IT WAS ARMAAN !! "

Sameer stared at her taken back by her outburst' He grew more tensed as he started to believe she was saying the truth' "But how can it be possible.. We were told Armaan is dead.."

"Sameer you are forgetting something.. " Seema cleared out.. " They never found Armaan's dead body.."

A chill ran down his spine as he realized it.. "Yes they didn't' " Still doubts ran through his mind.. "But what if it was someone else.. What if it wasn't Armaan.. "

Seema sighed and moved closer to Sameer placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.. "And by chance.. What if he is Armaan ? "

Sameer stared at her for a long time , acknowledging the facts' He sighed heavily and spoke.. "We must leave immediately' We have to tell Shilpa.. "

"I cant believe this' " Shilpa muttered out sniffing slightly.. "All these days.. Finally I accepted that Armaan is dead.. " She stated out painfully' "Now you guys are saying he might be alive.. ? "

Seema stood near the corner as she stared at a broken Shilpa sadly.. She felt guilty seeing her cry.. But for once she felt as if she was doing something correct.. Maybe it would help her to overcome the wrong deeds she had done with Shilpa..

Sameer and Raj set beside Shilpa and passed a knowing look at each other' Sameer sighed and held her hand.. "Shilpa.. Think about it.. There is a hope Armaan is alive.. Doesn't that make you happy.. "

"Just once think about Arav.. " Raj prompted softly' "If Armaan is alive, Arav is going to get back his Dad.. "

Shilpa glanced down at her baby who slept in the cot peacefully.. Her eyes grew teary as she thought about the possibility of Armaan being alive.. Could it really happen.. Was he really alive.. She grew more restless as questioned dawned her.. She had been mourning over him from a long time.. Ofcourse she knew she would be over the moon if he was really alive.. But still fear and doubt was killing her softly..

"But' " She spoke hesitantly.. "What if he is not Armaan.. What if he is some other man.. "

Sameer grimaced as he heard the question.. Exactly the words he had repeated to Seema sometime ago' He glanced at Seema who nodded back to him understandingly'

"Shilpa' " Seema started out softly' "I wont say you have to believe me when I say its Armaan.. I myself cant be sure its him' "

"And why cant you be sure.. " Raj spoke narrowing his eyes' He grew quiet as Sameer gave a warning look at him..

Seema ignored their looks and answered.. "That's because the man who came infront of me didn't recognize me.. "

"What' " Shilpa asked stunned..

"Yes Shilpa.. " Seema muttered out softly' "He behaved like a stranger' He didn't recognize me at all.. Infact he hurried away as if he never saw me in his life.. "

Shilpa sniffed again as she tried not to be upset hearing her words.. What if that man was really a stranger.. Wouldn't Armaan recognize Seema if it was really him.. She grew tired as the questions kept haunting her..

"What am I supposed to do now.. " Shilpa cried helplessly' Sameer held her and spoke firmly.. "You don't have to worry about that' We have already contacted a private investigator.. He has started his work.. "

Shilpa gave a nod as Raj spoke gently' "I am sure he will come out with something good.. He is a great friend of mine.. He is good at his work.. I know he will clear out for us who this man really is.. "

Shilpa smiled at them' "Thank you so much guys' I don't know what I might have done without you guys' "

"You already know we are always with you' I cant let down Armaan.. " Sameer replied with a smile'

Raj gave a bitter smile as he tried to hide his sadness.. "Armaan was our best friend.. Last thing we wish to see is someone who matters to him so badly get hurt.. "

Shilpa exchanged grateful looks with them and got up feeling much better.. "Lets hope we get to hear something from investigator soon.. " Please let him be my Armaan' She gave a silent prayer..

They nodded agreeing with her' "Shilpa' Are you planning telling to Armaan's parents.. " Sameer asked frowning'

"No ! " She replied instantly' "If this man is not Armaan.. " She grimaced on the thought' "It would hurt them if they raise false hope.. "

"True'" Raj stood up with a nod.. "I guess I better leave now, I will try to hear a word from investigator soon.. "

"Even I have a meeting in a while.. " Sameer spoke glancing down at his watch.. He glanced briefly at Seema.. "Lets go Seema, I will drop you home.. "

"NO.. " She replied instantly and noticed Sameer clench his jaw' "I will get home myself.. " She reassured him.. "You are getting late you should leave.. "

Sameer gritted his teeth "Fine As you wish.. " And then he stormed out of the house in anger' Seema flinched on his response and glanced away sadly.. Shilpa passed a awkward look at her and muttered.. "I will get some water for myself.. "

Seema closed her eyes and set on the chair trying to calm down herself.. She knew she better leave now.. There was exactly no talk she could do with Shilpa.. Knowing how things were still awkward between them.. With a sigh she stood up to leave when suddenly she heard a cry behind her' Seema turned around to see Arav who was crying in his cot as he woke up from his sleep'

"Hey boy.. " She whispered as she set infront of him slowly nudging the cot.. Arav stopped his cries and curiously studied Seema' Seema held her breath as he stared at her.. And then he relaxed and gave a big smile which melted her heart instantly'

"Looks like he likes you' " Shilpa spoke as she joined them with a smile' Seema glanced at her quickly and stood up.. "I am sorry.. I think I should leave.. "

Shilpa shook her head instantly taking Arav in her arms.. "No you shouldn't.. I have no problem with you being here.. "

Seema relaxed and glanced at Arav who was still smiling at her shyly' She smiled back at him.. "He is so beautiful' He looks all like Armaan.. "

For her surprise Shilpa didn't flinch on the comment.. Instead she smiled happily' "Yes he does' Arent you Arav ? " The baby laughed as Shilpa tickled him' He placed his head on her neck and sighed softly' Seema smiled widely seeing the bonding' She spoke hesitantly' "Shilpa.. I just pray for onething' I really hope this man turns out to be Armaan.."

Shilpa felt her eyes grew misty as she glanced down at Arav.. "I hope the same Seema.. I badly do.. "

Seema came forward and pressed her hand which she took affectionately.. Exchanging understanding looks She stepped back feeling happy.. "I guess I will leave now.. You take care.. "

"Sure I will " Shilpa murmured as Seema started to leave' "One minute Seema.. " She called her hurriedly..

Seema stopped and turned around facing her with a frown.. Shilpa just smiled' "Thank you for doing all this for me.. For Arav.. And I have to tell you that whatever happened between us in past.. I have forgiven it.. "

Seema stared at her as grateful tears filled in her eyes' Suddenly she felt all burden go off her shoulders as she smiled in relief' "Thank you Shilpa.. Thank You.. "

"Raj' Are you sure he is coming now.. ?? " Shilpa asked impatiently as they waited for the investigator to arrive.. A week had passed and after waiting for a answer all this days finally the investigator had contacted them saying he had all informations ready'

"Don't worry Shilpa.. He will be here soon.. " Raj assured her as he exchanged looks with Sameer who set beside him..

"I am here.. " The investigator spoke with a smile as he entered his office.. "Sorry I had been late.. I had a small work pending to finish.. Hope you guys didn't have to wait for long time.. "

"No not at all man.. " Raj spoke

"Shall I get you anything to drink' ? " He offered them'

"No.. Can we please get into the investigation.. " Shilpa asked hopefully' Sameer smiled seeing her impatience.. Yes Mr.Bose.. We shall discuss the details now.."

"Very well then.. " Bose smiled as he set beside them in the sofa.. He took the files in his hands and opened them' He placed several photos on the desk.. Infront of her lay photos of a man in business attire, rugged look ,Shilpa felt herself grow tensed' "Armaan.."

"Steve " Bose corrected her instantly' "His name is Steve.. Now. "

"What do you mean by Now..??? " Sameer asked confused as they grew alert'

"What I mean is.. This man is acting to be Steve' Which he isint actually.. "

Shilpa gasped as Raj spoke hurriedly' "He is acting.. ??? Do you mean to say this man is' Armaan.. "

Bose gave a blank look not revealing the truth' He placed a photo of stranger on the desk.. "This man.. Is actually Steve' "

"I don't understand this.. " Sameer spoke quietly' "Whats going on.. But firstly what is does this Steve do.. "

"Good question' " Bose pointed out.. "Its actually a mob gang' In where Steve works.. " Bose placed several photos on desk again.. " And these are men who work along with him' And about what they do.. They do every illegal work which happens in any Gang.. "

Shilpa tensed instantly.. "No way it cant be Armaan.. He cant be inside any illegal work.. "

"Exactly.. "Raj agreed' "I am really getting confused over this Steve situation.. Who is the real steve.. "

Boss sighed and once again took the photo of the stranger.. "This is Steve.. And as I investigated I found that this man who happens to be real Steve is actually dead' "

"What.. ! " Sameer spoke in shock'

"NO wait let me finish.." Bose interrupted' "And another shocking truth is , this man which happens to be Real Steve is the guy who got in accident with Armaan Mallik that night.. "

All of them grew stunned' Shilpa felt her eyes grow wide ' "Oh my God.. "

"There is more' " Bose grimaced' "Steve happens to be dead on the spot.. According to my sources his body was discarded by the gang only' David who happens to be leader of them instructed'"

"There is more to this right.. ? " Sameer asked suspiciously as he kept hearing the shocking truth'

"Yes there is " Bose agreed' "Now another shocking thing is' I know Steve's body was discarded by them.. But we also know onething.. Armaan Mallik's body also was not found that night' "

Shilpa set back as the truth slowly started to dawn in her' Bose spoke again' "And see this photo.. " He took the picture of Armaan "This happens to be Steve Now.. So I guess you know what might have happened.. "

"Oh my god. " Sameer buried his face in his hands while Raj set in shock trying to accept the truth.. Shilpa was shaking as she stared at Bose' "You mean to say is'. "

Bose nodded agreeing' "Yes Mam.. Armaan Mallik happens to be new Steve Now.."

"But how can that be possible' " She cried out as she stood up.. "Armaan cant ever do that.. He wont abandon me and stay in some strange city'. " She threw a disgusted look at the photos' "And be with some mod gangsters.. "

"And that was a part which shocked me too.. " Bose agreed.. "Until I found out a another shocking truth' "

Shilpa felt her heartbeat increase as she questioned softly' "What truth' "

Bose stood up at stared at her grimly' "Armaan Mallik happens to have no memory of who he is' And that was used against him' From a year he has been told he is Steve' And now.. He is very much what Steve the mob gangster had been all these years.."

"I cant believe this' " Raj ran a hand through his hair frustrated' "Armaan is some mob gangster Steve now.. Doesn't make any sense.. "

"Whatever it is' " Sameer spoke finally' "We need a plan now.. A big Plan.. ! We need to get back Armaan here.. "

"But who is going to get him back' "Raj questioned

" I WILL !! " Shilpa spoke firmly as she stood up joining them.. "I will go after him.. And get him back' "

"But Mrs.Mallik' Its not safe.. "Bose tried to warn her'

Shilpa shook her head disagreeing' "I will go with Arav.. No one else comes "

"But Shilpa " Sameer protested' "You cant do this.. We can go' "

"No Sameer.. " Shilpa interrupted him.. "Don't take me to be a weak women.. By losing Armaan I have become strong enough.. And now I am going to get him back with the same confidence only' "

Raj stepped beside her holding her hand.. "Are you sure Shilpa.. You want to go through this.. "

Shilpa stared down at her wedding ring as her eyes grew misty.. "I will do Anything to get back Armaan from that hell.. Anything.. "

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Precap :

Armaan : Do i know you ?
Shilpa just stared at him stunned while he hovered over her..
He roared :I said Do you Know me !!
When she didint bother answering he snapped at Robin
"Kill her ! "
"But "
"NOW !!! "
He made the mistake of glancing at her.. Instead of fear he saw pain and hurt in them..
Taken back he took a step back
"Kill her fast.. " He mummured.. "No need to make her suffer "
He strolled out of the room.. Not having intention of seeing those sorrowful eyes stare at him.. Why the hell was that even bothering him..
He grew still as he heard a wail from the store room.. The place where she had been found hiding.. Cautiously he headed to the door and opened it.. He noticed a something move inside the fluffy blanket which was kept in corner.. He hesitated.. Taking slow steps he kneeled infront of the blanket and opened it..
A harsh gap came out of his throat.. As he took the bundle in his hands he swore loudly..."WHAT THE HELL !!! "
Blue eyed baby who looked hell a lot like him stared back at him....



NOTE : Hey finally Back !! Will try my best to Updt Sooon both FF's... Please do comment share ur views and do press the LIKE button. I want more comments this time as this thread is almost over.. I wanna give new part in new thread..