SS: Interpol (Part 31NEWWWW Pg. 53 Taj Mahal) - Page 14

Finally you are back missed you for two days on the forum.😃

Originally posted by: Marybarton

Part 9

Hah, now it's time for him to rush and wash his face to make sense of things 😏

I'm glad that he's revisiting the time where he was insulting and hurting Imlie. As I said, he didn't do it enough in the show.

Ah, the Assuming Aditya is back to infuriate Imlie.

What is it that Imlie did that Adi cannot forgive?

I think Imlie is going to reveal something reactively. Oooh, can't wait! 🤗

Alex is giving me Prakash vibes now 😂. Does he like Imlie in that way?

Originally posted by: Flora_Fauna

Finally you are back missed you for two days on the forum.😃

Originally posted by: Chintapandu

Ughh Imlie gave in and called him Babusahib😑. I didn't expect this. But that her thoughts are constantly lingering around that time and his family, I can let that pass.

Honestly, as much as I love Imlie's babusahib and the feeling I get when he responds to it, it was also slightly uncomfortable whenever I remember the true meaning of that word. Though I don't know if I want her to call him something other than babusahib, I'm glad you addressed that.

Ahh and the evergreen wrist-grabbing and pulling her I kind of have a toxic relationship with that gesture

Also, I'm happy that Adi didn't want to discuss what he did after Imlie left. The guilt lives on as it should.

LOL, Adi has a Wikipedia page now? No wonder, the workaholic he always was!

Happy that you kept Malini's character consistent, she wouldn't just leave as I read in the earlier part, I was wondering how she must've tried to get back to Adi. Blackmail it is.

I see Adi's personal and professional insecurities growing when he sees Alex

LOL at the way he connected the baby's features to Alex's. Poor guy!

Thoughts on Alex? Hmmm, I don't have a strong opinion of him but I think he's here to stay. Hoping for him to play a role in reuniting Adilie. Also, I get Sundar vibes from him.

I am so glad to see you enjoying the story. Reactions to the story in the part is always a treat to hear. Thank you.

Part 10:

She had him cornered against the counter. Aditya looked over her head to see little Emmy enjoying the show from her high chair.

Imlie, quietly: You want to run that by me again?

Aditya was only too aware that Imlie had come back armed. She was dressed like that Tomb Raider character he saw video games when he was younger. It was really cute, but he dared not tell her.

Aditya: I misunderstood. What was I supposed to think? You said your husband was out and then Alex came, so I thought...

Imlie, seething: Why would you assume that without asking me first?

Aditya flayed around for a response: There was no opportunity for it. He seems really into you so I figured he was the guy.

Imlie: He's not into me!

Aditya: I think you need your morning coffee. You are acting out.

Imlie screamed: I don't want any COFFEE! You need to check your investigations at the door. I am done with you assuming things and just saying it. That is what got you into this mess in the first place. Why did you have to share all your ideas about my identity and the case when you knew you were being observed!? DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME!!!

Aditya looked straight at her: Okay, I am sorry. If you don't want to share anything about your personal life with me, it is your choice. I know I cannot expect it.

Imlie retorted: As if you tell me everything about your personal life!

Aditya stepped aside now and went to set up the table.

Imlie: There it is. Avoidance. Again. Why don't you share your personal life with me and then I will think about it.

Aditya: Doesn't seem like a fair deal.

Imlie: Fine, I will tell you anything you ask. First tell me how you have been living these past 10 years.

The bell rang.

Aditya breathed a sigh of relief when Imlie went to get the door.

He approached the baby.

Aditya: Your mom has a real temper. Well well, don't you have pretty eyes! I never saw such colors before.

Emmy looked at him and then giggled. She then offered him a piece of her breakfast cereal which Aditya happily accepted.

Emmy: Yummm!

Aditya grimaced at the taste of her cereal: Very.

Imlie walked in with Alex: Get ready, we are going to see Nishant and your boss after breakfast.

Alex: You can stay here with Emmy. I will take him. Emmy doesn't need the trip.

Imlie hesitated.

Alex looked at Aditya: She thinks I will pop you off.

Imlie smacked Alex on the arm.

Aditya looked from Imlie to Alex, trying hard not to show any emotions: I will be right back.

Imlie and Emmy waited in the car to avoid being seen by Nishant and Aditya's boss. Aditya was to tell them he had hallucinated after all because the person he saw Alex. And Alex was the one who called his boss after passing him on the street during the police report. Alex happened to be in the local police force and he wanted to gather some data on the kidnapping so Aditya had to stay and help for a couple of weeks.

Aditya hoped he could make it all sound convincing.

Alex read his mind as they passed through the lobby: The trick is to keep the details to a minimum.

Aditya, quietly: They will have been very worried about me since you have decided to keep my phone.

Alex: They have been, but I texted in your tone that you were helping me and that we will visit today.

Aditya: You people think of everything, don't you?

Alex smirked: That's our job.

Aditya breathed a sigh of relief as he bid goodbye to Nishant and his boss. They seem to have bought the story and the necessity of keeping Baskar Times' reporting of the events completely silent under the current political climate. His boss was only too happy to stop pursuing this case.

Alex on the way back: Now it will be much simpler.

Aditya: How? I am still here. If you don't mean to kill me, why am I still under witness protection?

Alex arched an eyebrow: Because Emily and I have to control the event. We have to make sure your involvement is not broadcast and that our respective countries don't know about you either. The problem is my associate's file on you. He knows now that you are involved, so I have to think of some excuse.

Aditya turned around: What file?

Alex: Can't talk about it. Just that we had to look into you and now he knows you were there.

Aditya warily: And what did you find?

Alex: Well, we haven't begun yet. He just knows you are the one to look into. So I will stop him.

Aditya, eyes narrowed: How long will that take?

Alex: Depends.

Aditya: You are a cagey one.

Alex: Occupational hazard.

Aditya hesitated before finally asking: Why didn't you tell her?

Alex was taken aback: Tell her what?

Aditya turned to Alex now: Cultural differences aside, every man looks the same in love.

Alex turned away: In case you haven't noticed, she's married.

Aditya: Where is he then?

Alex: He works outside the city. Visits sometimes.

Aditya, angrily: How can he leave her alone like that? He has a child, he needs to be here. How is she to do it all by herself?

Alex: She is perfectly capable of looking after herself. I don't know what she was like when you knew her, but she has the highest performance-grade skills and international security clearance.

Aditya: I don't doubt it. But he needs to be here. It is not just safety that matters. They are in a marriage for god's sake!

Aditya and Alex came back to find Imlie and Emmy playing in the car.

Imlie: Let's have lunch at home. Alex, you are invited.

Alex: I have a date. (Aditya looked at him quizzically so Alex avoided his glance) So you have to do without me this evening. I will drop you off.

Imlie, confused: You have a lunch date?

Alex smirked: Yes, and then a separate dinner date. A man has to make use of his off-days.

Imlie rolled her eyes: Fine.

Later that day:

Imlie was in a better mood as they sat eating lunch. Emmy had eaten and was put in her toy area to keep busy.

Imlie: So where were we? Yes, your life these past years. What have you been up to?

Aditya: I have been busy working. Baskar Times launched a channel and now I broadcast news more often than I would like. Takes time away from the investigations, but we have grown so...we are working on an online streaming...

Imlie, annoyed: I was asking about your personal life.

Aditya stopped talking.

Imlie: I want to know why you moved out of your family home.

Aditya: Will you tell me why your husband is always away for work then?

Imlie: I might.

Aditya got up to leave the table, but Imlie grabbed his wrist.

Imlie: Okay, I will. But you have to tell me everything first.

Aditya took a deep breath: I think you know why I left, you can guess.

Imlie: Was it because of me?

Aditya: My family did not accept you and when you left, that just seemed that much more of an injustice. I could not go back to being the same with them. My mother and Chachi, in particular, were so cruel to you over your status that...wish they could see you now. They would regret their words. I was there for a little while, just kept to myself mostly, but then they tried to set me up one day and I just lost it.

Imlie: Set you up?

Aditya: Malini and I divorced soon after you left. I told her right away that we could not go back to being married. I know I never admitted it to you, but I knew the assault happened. My pride again made me want to not acknowledge it and I let Malini take advantage of that and make your life a living hell. I had my head buried in the sand so I did not have to see that I was assaulted and that my family was celebrating a baby from that night (he looked away, his eyes red, unable still to face the shame). I am sorry about how I behaved.

Imlie put her hand on his: You don't have to be ashamed. I was not as well-aware then, but I have since learned that victims often try to block their experience.

Aditya: Yes, but that is no excuse for bringing Malini into that house or trying to accept that child. Both I and my family played a role in that and I did you an injustice twice over. I know that. I think you made the right decision by leaving, I want you to know that I bear you no ill-will about that. It has been a long time and I have been punishing myself, dying to tell you that.

Imlie wiped her tears.

Aditya: Malini lost the baby. Maybe that was karma. So there was no point keeping the marriage on paper. We divorced within the year though she tried everything to prevent it. I was sure. I didn't love her and couldn't compromise with an abuser.

Imlie: I am sorry.

Aditya: I am not sorry about any of that. You are a better person if you are sorry to hear that. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her father told me. She receives treatment for it. But we have not been in contact since the divorce. I just happened to run into Mr. Chaturvedi, so I learned that detail.

Imlie: So what was so wrong about being set up if you were divorced? Your mother and aunt wanted what is best for you, I am sure.

Aditya glared at her: Are you seriously asking me that?

Imlie: You keep praising me for moving on, but you...

Aditya: I am fine as I am. Relationships are a matter of faith, and I chose to live by that.

Imlie smiled sadly: I told you that in Pakdandiya.

Aditya: And now look at us, you are the logical one and I am the opposite. I have been the emotional one, hopeless that I might run into you some day (he looked down).

He startled.

Aditya's hand tightened around Imlie's hand

Imlie became uneasy.

Aditya, quietly: That's a nice bracelet, Imlie. Where did you get it?

Originally posted by: Marybarton

Part 10

Ughhhhhh Adi started his nakhre again Stepping aside, leaving when he doesn't have his way 👊

Lol, I think Alex = Prakash + KC

Separate dates on a single day! Alex seems like he is capable of bringing in a lot of comedy into the story.

He knew he was assaulted but still deleted the evidence and brought her into his home just because he didn't want to accept it? After knowing how much Malini harassed Imlie? I don't like this part. Adi would burst out like a volcano knowing Malini wronged Imlie intentionally. He would at least take his head out of the sand when Imlie was leaving, wouldn't he? Like he did when Imlie left for pd3. I'm sorry Marybarton, but am not able to connect with Adi here 😕

Originally posted by: Chintapandu

Ughhhhhh Adi started his nakhre again Stepping aside, leaving when he doesn't have his way 👊

Lol, I think Alex = Prakash + KC

Separate dates on a single day! Alex seems like he is capable of bringing in a lot of comedy into the story.

He knew he was assaulted but still deleted the evidence and brought her into his home just because he didn't want to accept it? After knowing how much Malini harassed Imlie? I don't like this part. Adi would burst out like a volcano knowing Malini wronged Imlie intentionally. He would at least take his head out of the sand when Imlie was leaving, wouldn't he? Like he did when Imlie left for pd3. I'm sorry Marybarton, but am not able to connect with Adi here 😕

The way I saw it was like this...

Victims who block their assault usually believe that it never happened. The turning point for Adi was Imlie leaving which woke him up, he finally believed that Imlie's accusations against Malini were all true once he faced the fact that the assault happened. Then, I put a lot of the Malini drama out by saying she tried to prevent the divorce which he eventually did not fall for but it took Imlie leaving for him to have the jolt needed. By the time he got sense knocked into him, it was too late to prevent Imlie leaving. He would not be right to force her to stay because he had no standing. From what I understand, victims make stories in their heads about why it didn't happen. That was the only thing I could come up with for Adi to delete the video. But he spent the next 10 years in my story coming to terms with the fact that his denials and coping mechanism had very bad effects on Imlie too. So he has a sense of wrong doing.

Originally posted by: Marybarton

Part 10:

She had him cornered against the counter. Aditya looked over her head to see little Emmy enjoying the show from her high chair.

Imlie, quietly: You want to run that by me again?

Aditya was only too aware that Imlie had come back armed. She was dressed like that Tomb Raider character he saw video games when he was younger. It was really cute, but he dared not tell her.

Aditya: I misunderstood. What was I supposed to think? You said your husband was out and then Alex came, so I thought...

Imlie, seething: Why would you assume that without asking me first?

Aditya flayed around for a response: There was no opportunity for it. He seems really into you so I figured he was the guy.

Imlie: He's not into me!

Aditya: I think you need your morning coffee. You are acting out.

Imlie screamed: I don't want any COFFEE! You need to check your investigations at the door. I am done with you assuming things and just saying it. That is what got you into this mess in the first place. Why did you have to share all your ideas about my identity and the case when you knew you were being observed!? DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME!!!

Aditya looked straight at her: Okay, I am sorry. If you don't want to share anything about your personal life with me, it is your choice. I know I cannot expect it.

Imlie retorted: As if you tell me everything about your personal life!

Aditya stepped aside now and went to set up the table.

Imlie: There it is. Avoidance. Again. Why don't you share your personal life with me and then I will think about it.

Aditya: Doesn't seem like a fair deal.

Imlie: Fine, I will tell you anything you ask. First tell me how you have been living these past 10 years.

The bell rang.

Aditya breathed a sigh of relief when Imlie went to get the door.

He approached the baby.

Aditya: You mom has a real temper. Well well, don't you have pretty eyes! I never saw such colors before.

Emmy looked at him and then giggled. She then offered him a piece of her breakfast cereal which Aditya happily accepted.

Emmy: Yummm!

Aditya grimaced at the taste of her cereal: Very.

Imlie walked in with Alex: Get ready, we are going to see Nishant and your boss after breakfast.

Alex: You can stay here with Emmy. I will take him. Emmy doesn't need the trip.

Imlie hesitated.

Alex looked at Aditya: Imlie thinks I will pop you off.

Imlie smacked Alex on the arm.

Aditya looked from Imlie to Alex, trying hard not to show any emotions: I will be right back.

Imlie and Emmy waited in the car to avoid being seen by Nishant and Aditya's boss. Aditya was to tell them he had hallucinated after all because the person he saw Alex. And Alex was the one who called his boss after passing him on the street during the police report. Alex happened to be in the local police force and he wanted to gather some data on the kidnapping so Aditya had to stay and help for a couple of weeks.

Aditya hoped he could make it all sound convincing.

Alex read his mind as they passed through the lobby: The trick is to keep the details to a minimum.

Aditya, quietly: They will have been very worried about me since you have decided to keep my phone.

Alex: They have been, but I texted in your tone that you were helping me and that we will visit today.

Aditya: You people think of everything, don't you?

Alex smirked: That's our job.

Aditya breathed a sigh of relief as he bid goodbye to Nishant and his boss. They seem to have bought the story and the necessity of keeping Baskar Times' reporting of the events completely silent under the current political climate. His boss was only too happy to stop pursuing this case.

Alex on the way back: Now it will be much simpler.

Aditya: How? I am still here. If you don't mean to kill me, why am I still under witness protection?

Alex arched an eyebrow: Because Emily and I have to control the event. We have to make sure your involvement is not broadcast and that our respective countries don't know about you either. The problem is my associate's file on you. He knows now that you are involved, so I have to think of some excuse.

Aditya turned around: What file?

Alex: Can't talk about it. Just that we had to look into you and now he knows you were there.

Aditya warily: And what did you find?

Alex: Well, we haven't begun yet. He just knows you are the one to look into. So I will stop him.

Aditya, eyes narrowed: How long will that take?

Alex: Depends.

Aditya: You are a cagey one.

Alex: Occupational hazard.

Aditya hesitated before finally asking: Why didn't you tell her?

Alex was taken aback: Tell her what?

Aditya turned to Alex now: Cultural differences aside, every man looks the same in love.

Alex turned away: In case you haven't noticed, she's married.

Aditya: Where is he then?

Alex: He works outside the city. Visits sometimes.

Aditya, angrily: How can he leave her alone like that? He has a child, he needs to be here. How is she to do it all by herself?

Alex: She is perfectly capable of looking after herself. I don't know what she was like when you knew her, but she has the highest performance-grade skills and international security clearance.

Aditya: I don't doubt it. But he needs to be here. It is not just safety that matters. They are in a marriage for god's sake!

Aditya and Alex came back to find Imlie and Emmy playing in the car.

Imlie: Let's have lunch at home. Alex, you are invited.

Alex: I have a date. (Aditya looked at him quizzically so Alex avoided his glance) So you have to do without me this evening. I will drop you off.

Imlie, confused: You have a lunch date?

Alex smirked: Yes, and then a separate dinner date. A man has to make use of his off-days.

Imlie rolled her eyes: Fine.

Later that day:

Imlie was in a better mood as they sat eating lunch. Emmy had eaten and was put in her toy area to keep busy while they ate.

Imlie: So where were we? Yes, your life these past years. What have you been up to?

Aditya: I have been busy working. Baskar Times launched a channel and now I broadcast news more often than I would like. Takes time away from the investigations, but we have grown so...we are working on online streaming...

Imlie, annoyed: I was asking about your personal life.

Aditya stopped talking.

Imlie: I want to know why you moved out of your family home.

Aditya: Will you tell me why your husband is always away for work then?

Imlie: I might.

Aditya got up to leave the table, but Imlie grabbed his wrist.

Imlie: Okay, I will. But you have to tell me everything first.

Aditya took a deep breath: I think you know why I left, you can guess.

Imlie: Was it because of me?

Aditya: My family did not accept you and when you left, that just seemed that much more of an injustice. I could not go back to being the same with them. My mother and Chachi, in particular, were so cruel to you over your status that...well, wish they could see you now. They would regret their words. I was there for a little while, just kept to myself mostly, but then they tried to set me up one day and I just lost it.

Imlie: Set you up?

Aditya: Malini and I divorced soon after you left. I told her right away that we could not go back to being married. I know I never admitted it to you, but I knew the assault happened. My pride again made me want to not acknowledge it and I let Malini take advantage of that and make your life a living hell. I had my head buried in the sand so I did not have to see that I was assaulted and that my family was celebrating a baby from that night (he looked away, his eyes red, unable still to face the shame). I am sorry about how I behaved.

Imlie put her hand on his: You don't have to be ashamed. I was not as well-aware then, but I have since learned that victims often try to block their experience.

Aditya: Yes, but that is no excuse for bringing Malini into that house or trying to accept that child. Both I and my family played a role in that and I did you an injustice twice over. I know that. I think you made the right decision by leaving, I want you to know that I bear you no ill-will about that. It has been a long time and I have been punishing myself, dying to tell you that.

Imlie wiped her tears.

Aditya: Malini lost the baby. Maybe that was karma. So there was no point keeping the marriage on paper either. We divorced within the year though she tried everything to prevent it. I was sure. I didn't love her and couldn't compromise with an abuser.

Imlie: I am sorry.

Aditya: I am not sorry about any of that. You are a better person if you are sorry to hear that. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, her father told me. She receives treatment for it. But we have not been in contact since the divorce. I just happened to run into Mr. Chaturvedi, so I learned that detail.

Imlie: So what was so wrong about being set up if you were divorced? Your mother and aunt wanted what is best for you, I am sure.

Aditya glared at her: Are you seriously asking me that?

Imlie: You keep praising me for moving on, but you...

Aditya: I am fine as I am. Relationships are a matter of faith, and I chose to live by it.

Imlie smiled sadly: I told you that in Pakdandiya.

Aditya: And now look at us, you are the logical one and I am the opposite. I have been the emotional one, hopeless that I might run into you some day (he looked down).

Aditya's hand tightened around Imlie's hand

Imlie became uneasy.

Aditya, quietly: That's a nice bracelet, Imlie. Where did you get it?

Loved how you wove the current situation to get out a satisfying outcome that we can get on board with. Waiting to see how this turns out. Also I have a strange feeling that if you have stuck to Imlie characterization as per the show, I have a vague idea of who her husband is and the story behind the kid as well. Will wait to see if my thought process matches to yours to see how you take this ahead. Loved Alex - reminded me of a less creepier version of Prakash😆

Originally posted by: Marybarton

The way I saw it was like this...

Victims who block their assault usually believe that it never happened. The turning point for Adi was Imlie leaving which woke him up, he finally believed that Imlie's accusations against Malini were all true once he faced the fact that the assault happened. Then, I put a lot of the Malini drama out by saying she tried to prevent the divorce which he eventually did not fall for but it took Imlie leaving for him to have the jolt needed. By the time he got sense knocked into him, it was too late to prevent Imlie leaving. He would not be right to force her to stay because he had no standing. From what I understand, victims make stories in their heads about why it didn't happen. That was the only thing I could come up with for Adi to delete the video. But he spent the next 10 years in my story coming to terms with the fact that his denials and coping mechanism had very bad effects on Imlie too. So he has a sense of wrong doing.

Originally posted by: Chintapandu

hmmm makes sense if I look at it this way. Thanks for the clarification!

You can feel differently, totally fine. I am just giving my take.