Hi guys, so I am back with yet another chapter. You know what you have to do. Likes/Comments would give me motivation to write faster updates.
Chapter 9: Fire and Ice
(The main hall, later at night)
Anika was almost ready to go home. She had checked the arrangements of guest house for the early morning.
'Thank you Anika'
This sudden expression of gratitude towards her startled her. In her knowledge she hadn't done anything great that day. She stood there with a confused look on her face.
'I have no doubt about my ishu being strong. But, her indifference to that incident and to her mother's death had always bothered me. Perhaps, it was good for her but I personally believe that hiding or ignoring emotions only make you empty. And I feared that Ishu had become empty on the inside. But today, when she hugged you, it felt as if she was letting out her hidden emotions finally. So thank you.'
'Nimisha aunty humari angel thi uncle.'
In her smile, Sareen saw how humble she was.
(Near the pool)
The three brothers sat like three statues.
Om knew he had made a grave mistake. Ishana might have been brash but she meant only good for him and the family. He had to apologise to her.
'Haan O. I also think so'
'Eh?'
'Aap dono kab tak aise chup baithe rahoge. I know Anika di aur Ishana ke bare hum nahi jaante the. I also know ki aap soch rahe ho ki apko Ishana ko sorry bol dena chahiye.'
Rudra was not around this morning. How had he known about that?
'O.. pehle mai jasoosi sirf Shivaay bhaiya par krta tha kyunki Shivaay bhaiya aur Anika di ki takkar ka kya result who sirf bhagwan jaanta tha. Par jabse ye Ishana ayi hai apka haal bhi kuch waisa hogya hai.'
'Shut up, Rudra!!'
He knew he actually should when his brothers said that in unison. So many revelations- Anika was actually an adoptive sister of Sahil. Ishana's mother had been killed brutally after all her trials to save her went in vain.
'But tu galat nahi bol raha tha. I was actually thinking to apologise to Ishana.'
'You know what Om; I have never seen a girl like Ishana. First I thought she was an intelligent and somewhat audacious girl, probably because she has been involved in Sareen uncle's work, but today I realise how strong she is as a person.'
'Yea, and I said something which was very wrong. I have to apologise to her.'
Shivaay smiled as he saw his brother hurrying up to say sorry. But there was something he was confused about- for smallest of his mistakes, Om wouldn't sleep without apologising or rectifying them but he had kept the accident under covers till the ACP came into the picture. Anyway, he would have got scared and with the kind of relationship that he shares with bade papa, who wouldn't have got scared?
Rudra sat there with left eyebrow arched not noticing that Om had left.
'Oye, tujhe kya hua? Chale? Om bhi chala gya.
'I am thinking- aaj tak aisa nahi huaki O kisi pe chilaaye aur uspe asar nahi hua. I mean aap ke frown se zyada log O ke gusse se darte hai. Nahi... I mean aapke saamne sab mute rehte hai bt o ka gusse ka level bhi alag hi hai.'
'Tu kya kehna chahta hai, Rudy?'
'Kahin, O ko bhi toh apne takkar wali nahi mil gyi, jaise apko Anika di'
Listening Rudra chant her name again, Shivaay got angry.
'Tere paas iss sab ke siva koi kaam nahi hai na. I am going, mujhe bahut kaam hai!'
Rudra smirked at his bhaiya's annoyance. But, today after he had seen the sensitive side of ishana, he was convinced that she was the perfect fire for his icy cool brother and also the perfect muse for the artist.
(In the garden outside the guest complex facing the room where Ishana saw Prinku a few times)
She stood sipping her coffee. She had requested Anika to send a Caf latte for her. That was the best to combat her monsters. First a coffee in fresh air and then engage in work. The case would be over soon and she had to convince Mr. Intense Singh Oberoi to join her for the art business. She had to work on the plan.
'Didn't you come too far to get fresh air, Mr. Omkara or Om, if I can call you that?'
'I don't mind Om, how did you know I was here?'
'Don't get into the I-could-sense-you shit. Dad's long asleep as are Pihu and Kabir. Anika went home and I knew you would come to apologise.'
'And how is it that you knew it?'
'You are forgetting Om that I have studied psychology and it's not difficult for me to understand how a person would behave in a certain situation.'
She had omitted the word criminal this time. It wasn't needed. Not after the flinch on Om's face which she had stealthily noticed the last time.
'I must say that you are quite invincible- strong and intelligent.'
He had expected some philosophical statement but all she had was a smirk on the face.
'Mom's birthday was due in ten days. She had a meeting with that murderer who we thought was her friend and I'd kept that camera there to shoot some moments of theirs and add it in a birthday video. Only if I had known that it would be evidence one day to send my mother's killer to jail. The moment I reached my mom, I was happy that at least my presence for getting the reel would serve a higher purpose of saving her, but...'
She immediately regretted saying all this to Om, the moment she turned and looked in his eyes- filled with pain, remorse, agony and guilt.
'Om, I told you earlier too. There's a difference in mistake and crime. The ACP is emotional, if I were at his place, I wouldn't have gone this far. Om, we punish people so that they realise their mistakes and don't repeat it which has happened in our case, you don't need to feel guilty anymore.'
This time Om didn't retaliate. But he didn't agree either.
Ishana was confused. She was not used to sharing her feelings. She hadn't talked like this to her dad, Pihu, Kabir Jiju or even Nikhil. Never. But as he came, she just felt blurting all out. She felt a pain in her heart to see him suffer. She loved her mother but the incident made her think that she was a weak woman. The resemblance between her mother and Om's character and her constant attraction towards him who had dares to call her arrogant and never even looked at her had irritated her, yet she couldn't stop herself to help him in all the ways she could.
'So, what is that facet of the accident?'
The question startled Om. Ishana had asked this to not only divert Om's mind from the incident but also because she knew this was the best time to take out truths from him.
'Wh-what facet?'
'The one because of which you hadn't revealed the incident to even your brothers, not even Shivaay. Om, me and dad are intelligent enough to understand that a man like you must have a strong reason to hide the truth.'
Om shuddered at the question and almost started to walk away when Ishana held his hand. Her eyes didn't look as ferocious as they had when she'd lashed out on him for hiding about his drug addiction nor did they look arrogant as they had when she was over-confident about the case. It had...probably softness- as if she genuinely wanted to know and save him. But no! Sareen was the best criminal lawyer and Ishana, his daughter- an intelligent female. He could not trust them as yet. And he knew that Mr. Oberoi wouldn't mind his daughter suffering to save his lineage and that was what he would never allow to happen.
'Om! We want to get you out and if that fact can, at least tell us. The case would go the way you want it to otherwise you would have been out long ago. Perhaps, dad is happy to save an honest man for once in his career. Please, help us! Om'
This was a new Ishana he was seeing- a softer and sensitive version which he was even more scared of. But he knew that people in corporate world often wore layers of masks- and he could not yet decide which was a mask and which wasn't.
'I don't have anything related to this case to tell you. You know everything you need to.'
He heard the last words Ishana spoke that night to him as he walked out of the gardens. What Ishana said had left him scared.
Whatever you are shielding Om would come to light soon, because I would search. If you tell, it would be quicker and our promise remains intact- the case would go as you want it to.'
(Later at night, Ishana's room)
She realised she worried for him when he left. Knowing that he was an emotional person, whatever she said could have an adverse effect on him. What if he starts getting uncomfortable? What if he doesn't sleep? What if he resorts to..? But why was she concerned, he wasn't anyone to her and moreover, he had hos family who would take good care of him.
With all these thoughts in mind she tried to sleep again.
But he was an emotional person! And he had been a drug addict! What if he would lose control again? What of his brothers weren't there today with him? They had no idea about their conversation. Heck! What was the need for her to have said anything? She should have known he wouldn't budge. All those years ago, her mom hadn't even in the face of death.
(In front of Om's room)
(O saathiya bg tune)
She peeped through the window. Rudra was there sleeping next to him. She had emptied the water in the plant which Anika had kept for her and went to the main kitchen to get some ater for herself, or perhaps to see Omkara. She took a deep breath. She had to be more careful with him. Somewhere deep down, she felt as if she wanted to protect him to quieten his inner volcano, it felt as if she was heeling herself in the process.
(Early morning, Rudra's room)
The phone fell from his hands as he read the message. This was one time when he didn't want his family to face any problems because of him. And that girl was a psycho case. It was only one person who could help him out of the situation.
(Soumya's room)
She was getting late. Why did Rehaan have to make so many plans early morning and that too for the whole day? But, some months ago, it was her who liked all these sorts of things, yet they irritated her today. Maybe.. Anyway she had to hurry up and not make him with unnecessarily.
'You are going out?'
'Yes'
'So early?'
'Rehaan wanted to spend the whole day today with me.'
'Oh! So it's a date'
'Acha, I'll meet you in the evening. I have to rush now.'
'Sumo, I have an important thing to tell you.'
'God! Rudra! I am getting late. I can't be sitting and solving your problems all day long.'
'Fine! My mistake! I won't trouble you with my problems anymore!'
'Rudra!...'
But he barged out of the gate before she could say anything. She shouldn't be unfair to Rehaan anyway, and hence, hurried up.
She knew it irritated him but still she went. He had to understand that there were no midways in the relationship their shared- either they were into it or not. And she was dating Rehaan. So they can't be together. But also, she felt as if something was going really wrong. She didn't wanthim to get further stressed with so much going on with bade baal wale bhaiya. But if she wouldn't have gone, he would have got further attached and dependent on her. The fact of the matter was that they could never be together and this he would realize sooner or later.
(The guest house corridor)
'So you know that I come here'
'And sing, maybe or dance'
'What would you have done, if you could save your mom by telling your dad but it might have put your dad in danger?'
It didn't take much brainstorming for Ishana to understand where the question was headed to. She had planned colliding with Priyanka today for some cue. But that, she would get so close to the result was more than her expectations. The links were obvious. Priyanka knew something which could save Om and after watching her past today. But someone, she wasn't still sure Priyanka or someone else would be in danger if the truth came out. But they needed to know it, to save Om.
'I would have called my Dad. We all would have faced the danger together. In that at least we would be together.'
She emphasized the word to get the girl talking. But only if it were so easy. Ishana thought Priyanka would tell her the truth which didn't happen. However, she was certain that Priyanka did intend to blurt things out. How and when would be best left to her. Scaring her at this point may lead to undesirable effects.
(Priyanka's room)
The whatsapp message had blue ticks. The chore was done. She took a deep breath as she didn't receive any reply. She didn't know what it meant- whether he would come or not but she would haveto rely on her plan. She can't let her elder brother suffer for no reason. He had always suffered, being most exposed to his parents' non-existent relationship, to his father's ambition pitting him against the person he loved the most and finally her sister doing such a grave mistake. Ishana was right; at least they can be together in facing the consequences.
(Anika's house, around 11 am)
She wasn't sure if she were doing the correct thing. She knew that Daksh liked him and that he was a creep. Agreeing to go out with him willingly would only encourage him. But he said about the lunch with a common friend of Tia and that, was a golden opportunity.
'You look pretty'
The way he saw her always scared her. She just hoped that all this would get over soon once she gets to know who the other man is.
(Some restaurant, afternoon)
The pleasentaries were exchanged between Anika, Daksh and the friend whose name was Sonya. Sonya knew Tia from her school days and hence, had met Daksh and Shivaay along with her once or twice.
'I am so happy Tia is getting married. Actually when you met me in London I did think something was going on between them. So you are preparing for her marriage. How are preprations going?'
'Bas achi hi chal rahi hai.'
'Shivaay's brothers must be so excited! After all siblings are the ones who make the most in a wedding.'
'Jee bilkul, Omru ki taiyaarion mein toh Shivaay ki taiyaari se bhi zyada time lgta hai'
'Chalo ab Tia ki loneliness bhi door ho jaegi. Hamesha school mein complain krti thi ki uska koi bhai ya behen nai hai.'
This shocked Anika to the core, and more so when she saw Daksh laughing. Rudra had once told her that Robin and Tia are never on good terms as per what he had heard from Shivaay and hence, Robin rarely took part in anything. They had described him as a person who doesn't really care about the family. But even if that were so, why would Tia say she didn'thave a brother or sister in her school? In fact, being siblings and with not much age difference they should have gone to same school.
'Anika, eat Khana aa gya hai. Shivaay ki shadi ke bare mei baad mei sochna'
She felt elated as her work was done for the moment. She just needed to think through and plan.
(The main hall, evening)
'Yay!! Kabira!!!'
'Hey! How are you guys?'
'Near to awesome!!'
'Tej uncle, meet my good friend and the musical duo Hriday-Rohan which gives me a lot of profits every year'
Tej gave a confused look.
'Oh! Sorry Tej, I forgot to tell you that Kabir owns the Youngistaan music company.
'I must say, you guys find the most different kinds of businesses.
'Whatever the business is, profit is the most important after all.'
What a perfect answer. Tej had liked his audacious girl from day 1. Her idea of art business had given him some hope to see his so climbing the business ladder someday.
'Actually, they performed in a concert last evening in the HR college of Arts and Commerce and now they are leaving for Paris so just came to meet me before leaving.'
The duo certainly looked elated at having met Kabir.
'Where's Pihu? Always busy!'
Even the Oberois never got to see her a lot. But mostly they concluded it was because of her mental condition she was kept that way.
'Hey!! The HR girl!!'
Hriday exclaimed as he saw Priyanka. He had seen or probably, caught her sing beautifully along with few of her friends in one of the green rooms before the concert started but she had disappeared like Cindrella before he could talk to her.
'Wow! I didn't know you were an Oberoi. I was struck by your song yesterday. Pray sing one last time for us.'
Hriday, being a singer and fascinated by music forgot all the norms of introduction and directly jumped onto her singing for them once.
Priyanka had been trying to muster courage since lunch. It was already evening. Anytime now. She couldn't feel weak now. Couldn't fail her brother and family anymore. Perhaps, this was god's way of sending a means to gather herself: for nothing except music soothed her soul, quietened her inner turmoil.
By this time the whole family had gathered in the hall. Anika had come to check if everything in the guest house was perfect, after all she had been away for the afternoon.
And there, everyone stood, no one had known of Priyanka singing, not even Om. Only dadi had some idea about it since she used to sing in school and tell her but seeing how her dad reacted to Om's art career, she asked her dadi not to tell anyone about it. And then, Shivaay knew about her nervousness- he almost was going to say no when his sister shocked him.
'Ooof-courseee'
The brothers looked at each other. They were just surprised, Priyanka never even talked to people she didn't know but...
'Great!! The same song, I'll get the instruments. Today, you sing with my music! After all the song was created by me- at least I can ask for this much.'
Priyanka's nod with her smile gave some clue to Ishana standing near the corner on what was going to unfold next. How she wished she had told her dad once about whatever had transpired between her and Priyanka; but she hadn't been able to.
Hain ranjishein tere mere darmiyaan aye zindagi
Gunjaishein samjho toh ki
Door tak dikhti nahi
Ab tu jee le ya main saasein loon
Zidd kahe zidd karna
Aaj rajj rajj ke mainu chahe rula
Aaj rajj rajj ke mainu de de saza
Aaj rajj rajj ke dil sehne lagaa
Dard Bedarda
As she started, she could visualise the accident- she happily going with her O bhaiya in the car. Her driving for the first time. A girl running form nowhere and coming in front of them. O panicking and trying to turn the car but failing to save the girl. She saw them searching for her.
He froze as he heard the first word ou of his sister's mouth, he had failed her. He had failed to take care of her. He had failed to not let any shadow of darkness reach her. He had failed.
Raahon mein hai jo kaanch bechaye
Pairon ne hai zakhm jo paaye
Ab toh lage ye dard hi marham sa
As she sang, a lone tear drop escaped her closed eyes. But today she had to let all go. Today she had to take a step forward for her brother, for once.
And he came. She looked into his eyes and sang as if she were speaking to him letting him know that it was not only him who had lost something that night. But she and her brother had lost their conscience.
Mere bina tu chale
Tere bina main chalun
Toote kinaron pe
Kahein ye sarfaroshi
Ab toh bagawat hai
Jhoote dilason se,
She looked at Om. She wanted to rid him of the burden of her mistakes. And today, she would do just that.
Aaj rajj rajj ke mainu chahe rula
Aaj rajj rajj ke mainu de de sazaa
Aaj rajj ke dil sehne lagaa
Dard bedarda
As her song finished, the eyes filled with praise once again turned into shock as they realised the presence of the uninvited guest. Shivaay could no more keep in control.
How dare you enter Oberoi mansion?'
Ishana realised what was in Priyanka's mind. She signalled towards Kabir to take the duo to the guest house and he obliged.
'I called him here.'
There was a pin-drop silence. No one had imagined this form of Priyanka. She had always been quite and submissive but to see her like this- no words could have explained Oberois' feelings.
'You want to punish my brother, right. No, you want to punish the person who caused your sister's death!'
'Prinku!!!'
Om's roar startled her but she was determined. And this time nothing would shake her determination. Not even O bhaiya. She just tilted her head a bit; she couldn't have managed to look in Om's eyes.
'Prinku pehelwan is really the strongest O bhaiya. Aur kabhi kabhi sab keh dene mein strength hoti hai chup rehne mein nahi. Bahut sun chuke ho aap- aj bhi aur do saal pehle bhi.'
Her eyes moved from the ACP to her father and back to him. Deep down, she had chided her father- may be more than Om for not having been present for them, for not understanding their pain and for not letting them share their major problems with him. If he were there lie Shivaay bhaiya was, maybe, O bhaiya would have told him.
'At least you should punish the right person, Mr. Ranveer, shayad behen wapas mil jaegi aapko'
Her last sentence made his anger reach at its peak but he was at the Oberois', that too unofficially, on her invitation, hence, he controlled himself. She looked much different from everytime he had seen her.
'You took my brother to jail. I didn't say anything because that's what younger siblings are supposed to do. And that was what O bhaiya wanted. And you had been wronged.'
Om tried to move towards her to stop her from blurting out the truth but Ishana held his hand firmly. She was just getting nervous about Ranveer being present there but nothing was being recorded so there were no proofs, they would handle whatever had to come.'
'But then, you told the media about my mom, about O bhaiya's drugs. Hum chahte toh tumhari behen ke baar mein pta krke, shayd koi kahani banae kab ka case khtm kr dete Mr. ACP par nahi humne aisa kuch nahi kia. Kyunki jo bhi hua woh gunaah tha par aisa gunaah jo anjane mein hua. O bhaiya ne uss din police ko phone bhi kia tha taaki woh apki behen ko dhundh ke le jaaye hospital.'
Om tried to free his hand as Ishana tried to reassure him that his sister would be safe. But he was already seething with anger. Had Shivaay not helped her, she wouldn't have been able to stop Om. But Shivaay had understood that Priyanka had something important to tell and if the sareens were allowing it, it wouldn't affect the case badly.
'Haan, O bhaiya lete thhe drugs par uska kaaran na humare dad thhe aur na m meri mom se tha. Mere O bhaiya tab bhi sabse strong thhe aur aj bhi hai. Unke drugs ki wajah who accident tha.'
Om shuddered at thinking what would come next. The media had hit Prinku in the worst manner. She could have taken anything but Om being accused for a rich spoilt brat.
'na who sach bol sakte thhe aur jhooth bolna ya itni badi baat chupana unhe nahi ata tha. Nahi bta sakte thhe who kisi ko ki who accident...
'PRINKU!!!'
'Woh accident mujhse hua tha'
Tomatoes/ Chappals/Criticism- all welcomed!
Appy!
Edited by appynehra - 8 years ago
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