MG FF:Mystery of CryingCastle Epilogue 2/11 - Page 10

Chapter 12: Dead

On the graveyard behind the large St. Josephs Church stood a freshly dug grave. The flowers were fresh and the tomb stone read out name Annie Walkers, date of birth, date of death and 'A dear daughter and family member'.

The Khurana family drove home and the few guests that had attended left as well. The media had tried to take a few pictues of the procession but weren't successful. Of course, now that all were gone, they noted name of the descesed and made sure to mention that she was a close family member of the Khuranas.

Yuvraj was the last one to enter Khurana Mansion and as he closed the door behind him, everyone dropped the faade and sighed in relief.

"That was close." Dev wiped his forehead with his hanky. Dadi and Sheilja exchanged comforting looks.

"Nakul, is everything ok?"

"Yes Maan baba. Annie bittya has arrived safely and the security is tight. Noone saw us coming in and I am sure that even now noone can presume she is here."

Maan finished his call.

"That was a brilliant idea, Maan" his father said with appreciation.

"Yes, announcing Annie for dead and then swapping the dead bodies so that the world sees her burried while the real Annie is brougth home to us."

"When everyone thinks she is dead, they will not try to kill her and even if she is in danger, there is no place safer than Khurana Mansion." Maan finished.

"We still have to find out who is interested in her death. What does Annie have that they want?" Yuvraj thought aloud.

"The castle." Sheilja said. This talk was also of her interest.

"Then why call Annie all the way here and wait so long? The could have killed her right after she signed the documents with the lawyer."

"Maybe Annie had to do something or a particluar date had to pass. I don't know" Dev said.

"I will set more private agents to search for our mystery person. And I also put a few men to call me in case there are any inquires about the castle or Annie. I am not taking any chances."

"Wait dad, I know someone who has quite a reputaion in her field. Getting hold of her might be a little difficult but she is the best." Dev said.

Dev parked his car on the main road and walked the next few meters. He kept tuning around to see if he was being followed but there was no sound apart from that of his foot steps. He came to the back entrance of a long office building and knocked. The door opened slightly and he entered. A single bulb shone dimmed ligth on the corridor and Dev looked around to find the way up.

"Turn left, then take the stairs to the fourth floor. I am in my office." A voice echoed and Dev got a grip on himself.

The fourth floor was empty and dark apart from one cabin which was brightly lit.

"Come in Mr Khurana." A young woman sat on the leader chair and looked up from her paper work. She was young and fair. Her hair was black, sraight and put over her right shoulder to the front. Her face was free from make up but a little kohl brought out the hazel in her eyes.

"Thank you for taking time out at such a short notice, Ferri." Dev shook hands with the lady and sat down.

"So, you said on the phone it is about Gayatrinagar and its haunted castle."

"You could say that. Some time ago, a girl called Anvesha Walkers received a call from a lawyer called Ranveer Talwar. He informed her that Annie had inherited the castle by his descesed client. Annie received the property and was advised to sell it. Annie rather wanted to keep it and contacted Khurana Constructions and Singhania Constructions for renovation and rebuilding. You must understand, both my brother and Arjun Singhania are not very fond of each other. Annie's work was put on hold and we invited her to stay at our mansion. A few days later she was involved in a hit and run case. We didn't think much of it then, but now, she has been shot."

"And is dead." The look on Dev's face made the lady raise her brow. Dev had given this a great deal of thinking before he came to the conclusion that he had to be open and honest about everything.

"Aha, so Miss Walkers is safe and sound in Khurana Mansion. Well, I would keep her there for now. What exactly do you want me to find out for you then?"

"Two things, firstly who is trying to kill Annie and why and secondly, who was the last owner of that castle."

"Hmm. I will start my search tonight itself." She waited and then asked a very unexpected question:

"Do you believe in ghosts, Mr Khurana?" Dev looked at her.

"I don't know. I have never come across one in my life to be able to tell." The lady nodded and said she will inform Dev as soon as she found out something.

Dev left and Ferri leaned back. She had heard a great deal about the haunted castle and a lot of her colleagues had spend countless days investigating strange happenings in the area. A lot of work was already done for her but she had to find out about the owner first. It may be likely that the owner's identity will tell her somethnig about the kind of person that is after Annie.

Vicky and Rohan were in Mumbai. The only place they knew they could find her was at her college so they waited from morning till afternoon.

"Vicky, there she is. I will be here, you talk to her." Raj was talking to someone and didn't look at Vicky.

"Ok bye Sunny." She hugged him and even gave him a peck on his cheek. Sunny left quickly and Raj walked towards the gate, where Vicky stood like a statue.

"Raj…who…what…?"

"Vicky, what a surprise. When did you come here?" Raj walked upto him casually. Vicky came closer and hugged Raj tight.

"I don't know what is happening but I can't live without you Raj."

"Start learning to do so." Raj freed herself and gave Vicky a cold look.

"I am quite happy with my life the way it is and I am also very happy with Sunny. We two are together now just like you saw." Raj pointed in the direction where Sunny was last to be seen.

"Don't do this to me, please" Vicky fell on his knees and grabbed Raj by her waist. His face burried in her stomach, Vicky cried out.

"I will die without you, I will die." He spoke in agony and pain. He wanted this to be a nightmare from which he could wake up again.

"Then die" Raj said mercilessly and pushed him away. Leaving Vicky broken, she walked off.

Preeti stood at her window and looked out into the fields. A week ago, Brij had suddenly gone to Delhi due to some work. Their wedding was scheduled for tomorrow but Brij had called to postpone the event. She had little knowledge about the sort of work the men did when they went into the city but was is more important then a wedding? She trusted Brij fully but was still not sure about what he was doing there.

She had his number, which he had once given her. All this time she hadn't needed it because she could simple meet him at home. She took her phone and dialed the number. Her heart was racing quickly and she didn't know what she will tell him he if picks up.

The answering machine sprand on and then she heared the beep.

"Ji, mein Preeti. Mujhe poochna tha ke aap kaise ho aur kab aaoge. Humari shaadi…koi bohut saroori kaam hain kya? Waqt mile to phone karna.(Preeti here. I wanted to know how you are and when you will return. Our wedding…is it some important work? Please call when you have some time.)"

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Next part below

Originally posted by: Mina420

NOTE:

Hello everyone, my exam is over which means regular updates from now on.
I have read a few times that the story is getting confusing. I hope you all can still follow.
The next few chapters will clear up many issues that must have come up in your minds. If there are still doubts after that, plz don't hesitate to contact me.

Mina

Chapter 13: Confrontation

"Jaanu, look what I got for you", the girl said. She lifted a brown sweater, very baggy and too long.

"What is this Ducky?"

"I made this for you. It is a sweater so you don't feel cold in Shimla."

The boy took it and gave it a digusted look.

"Put it on, come on." The boy didn't even think about it.

"If it fits, I will make a few more."

"No Ducky, I have enough at home. Mom has send an entire bag full for me."

The girl turned sad.

"Firstly, I can't go with you and now I can't give you something that will remind you of me." She complained and put her head on his shoulder.

"Jaanu, I want to go to Shimla, too."

"Haven't we talked this through? You will stay here and do the assignments so that we can spend out summer vacation together. Otherwise I will be busy doing assignments and will have not time for you." The girl agreed, even if reluctantly. Her love had told her all about this rule in college that if all assignments were not completed during college time, then the student had to do a long extra assignment during vacation. She knew how weak he was in assignments because of which she always did his work for him. She even missed the trip to Shimla, so she could do his three pending assignments in time. But once college was over, she would catch up on all the time she had missed with him.

They seperated and she went to do her work. Halfways to the exit, the boy took the sweater and threw it into the dustbin.

Maan woke up due to the constant ringing of a phone. It wasn't his but it was coming from somewhere close. He got up and opened the glass doors to the terrace.

"Dev" Maan called for his brother. No answer came but the phone kept ringing.

He went over to his brother's room which was connected through the terrace. Dev was not there and had forgotten his mobile on the dressing table. Maan picked the call.

"Hi Dev bhaiyya?"

"No, I am Maan. Dev isn't there."

"Oh." The voice was worried.
"Any problem? I can leave a message for Dev."

"Actually it is about Vicky."

Maan was at Vicky's bed, shortly after he finished the call. Rohan, who had called Maan, stood at a distance to both. Maan looked at his youngest brother's pale face. Vicky's both arms were bandaged and a pipe ran through his veins.

"What happened?"

"He tried to take his life." Maan turned his attention to Rohan. Rohan had rather talked to Dev because he was aware of Maan's anger. Dev knew about Raj and Vicky so he might talk some sense into her.

"I want to know the entire story, Rohan." Once Rohan was done, Maan was boiling just as expected. He didn't waste a minute to arrange for a plane to Mumbai. He would deal with this…this girl very personally. How could she treat Vicky like this. He is the kindest and gentlest person he had ever come across. This girl inflicted so much pain onto an innocent, she will not be spared.

Geet woke up and for the first time in days now did she not feel sleepy. In fact, her mind was clearer then before. The only thing that occupied her thoughts for day now was Maan. The more she thought about him, the more she felt like having a strong connection to him. Her dreams were flooded with strange images and she couldn't be sure who all the people were. She recognises Arjun a couple of times and even Maan once. But all the other people were unknown. But the dreams were not plesant all the times. She felt happy, then sad, then afraid. She didn't know why because she couldn't see herself anywhere in these dreams. Who was it about, what was it about?

Geet got up and took a long shower. Arjun was in office with Arohi and Raj. She prepared something to eat, when the intercom rang.

"Madam, Mr Maan Singh Khurana is here. Shall I send him in?" the security guard asked. Geet's heart skipped a beat.

"Ok, call him in."

Maan had been shocked to the core to find out that Rajeshwari was Arjun's sister. Did he know about Vicky? Was he playing some game against him? Maan's mind didn't agree on that. Arjun might be angry on him but never would he let he come his family to harm.

He expected Arjun not to be home and the security guard confirmed it. Arjun had left strict instructions not to let anyone in but this was Maan Singh Khurana after all. One couldn't refuse him just like this.

Maan rang the door bell and Geet nervously twisted her dupatta. Now that Maan was on the other side of the door, she wasn't so sure about talking to him.

"Ji?" she said in her usual low voice. Maan came closer to the door.

"Anyone there?" he asked.

"Ji, Arjun bhaiyya is not at home." Maan brightened up. This was undoubtetdly Geet's voice. He forgot why he came here for a moment and put all his concentration on her.

"I know, the watchman told me. Won't you open the door for me?" Geet bit her lip.

"I am not sure if I should let you in." Geet's honesty stunned him.

"Why? Are you afraid of me?" The truth was that she was a little. Not of his actions but of the fact that she will again drown in his thought. Maan smiled at her innocence.

"I promise, I won't hurt you. But if you don't trust me, then I will go." He turned and started to walk when he heard the door open and Geet call him.

"Suniye. (Listen.)" Maan smiled deeply. This word sounded so good from her mouth. He turned and found her standing there with her face lowered. She was dressed in a baby pink salwaar kameez and her wet hair was unruly and more beautiful than ever. He stepped up to her and waited for her to clear the door way.

"Won't you let me in?" he asked her. She moved aside and Maan entered Singhania Residence for the first time in his life. Arjun had been in Delhi for since Maan had known him. His parents were rich businessman and quite successful but one part where they deeply lacked was love and concern for their son. Arjun was brought up initially by his granny, who died when he was ten. Maan often brougth him to Khurana Mansion and it so came that Arjun was almost a permanent recident there. During college then, Arjun brought the apartment from the money his parents had left him after their death. And after college, he had shifted to Mumbai, with everything he had left.

"Ji, aap kuch lenge? (Will you have something?)" Geet asked him slowly.

"Coffee, with milk and sugar please." Geet nodded and headed to the kitchen.

Maan inspected the room and his eyes fell on the pictures on the wall. There was Arjun, Geet and the girl that had been at Khurana Mansions with them. Maan also saw another girl in a picture with Geet. He thought and the memory of Vicky and Raj came flodding back.

"Oh, so this is Rajeshwari" Maan said with hatered.

"Indeed, I am Rajeshwari." Maan spun around and saw Raj standing behind him. Her eyes looked intently at him and he saw an unexpected flame in them.

"I had wondered when you would come, Maan Singh Khurana." This wasn't what Maan had expected.

"You had expected me to come?" he asked her, not being able to hide the surprise in his tone.

"Yes, I had expected you to come sooner. How is Vicky?" Maan balled his fists. The girl was asking him this so coolly after what she had done.

"He is in hospital because of you. How could you do this to him? What did he do to you that you punished him so badly? I don't know if you realised this but he is so madly in love with you. He can do anything for you." Raj let out a mean smile.

"This is just what I had wanted." Maan lost his cool and gave Raj a tight slap, causing her to fall down. She held her cheek but the mean smile hadn't changed a bit.

"What do you think will happen to him now?" Maan was not understanding this girl. What was she after.

"What do you mean?"

"Will he ever recover?" Her smile grew meaner and Maan felt a sudden fear rise in his heart.

"Will Vicky ever be the same joyful and loving boy you knew? Will he ever get over me? Will he ever be able to move on, marry, have a family or will he for the rest of his life be tied down to my memories?" Maan's fear rose with every word that left Raj's mouth. He closed his eyes and imagined Vicky in all those situations. The sight of Vicky in the hospital was not leaving him alone.

"Vicky" Maan said weakly. He opened his eyes after some time when he heard a click. Raj had gotten up again and was holding something in her purse.

"This belongs to your brother. Make sure to hand this to him." Maan took the box from her hands. He was feeling so weak right now. He wanted to tear Raj apart, wanted to make her suffer but he couldn't. He simple couldn't understand why she had done it.

"Why?" he asked her. Raj didn't say anything for a long time.

"You should ask yourself this question. You will know better."

Geet came out of the kitchen with a tray full of snacks and freshly brewed coffee. She looked around for Maan but he wasn't there anymore.

"Where did Maan go?" Raj obsereved her sister, whose eyes were eagerly searching for Maan.

"He went back to Delhi, di. He got what he came here for." Geet's face fell.

"Chala gaya. Maan chala gaya. (He went away. Maan went away.)" Raj came running as she heard a loud crash. Geet had let the tray drop, her eyes were still on the open door. Her eyes were almost popping out of her sockits and she was shaking badly.