AnuPre FF. Memories That Burn - Page 2

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I just love your story.eagerly waiting for next part 🙂

Very nice...pls update soon.

Anurag irritably paced his room, his hands clenching and unclenching at ever decreasing intervals. He did another length of his room in an attempt to calm himself, only the thousand conflicting thoughts in his mind would not succumb to his will as he tried to force them into some semblance of reason, but every time he thought of the possibility of Prerna with someone else, Prerna allowing anyone else close to her, reason left him. He had no idea what he should believe. He held his mother in the highest regard, knew she would have no reason to lie to him, but Anupam’s words haunted him… how could his mother dislike Prerna so much, what was the reason. He was tempted to ask but he had no idea as to what Mohini would say. He also knew that he could no hear anything negative about Prerna,especially from his mother. He did not fully understand the circumstances,which means things could be confusing, more so than currently.

The doors to his room opened and he swung around, ready to chase Sonalika away from him, he needed space, but the words remained unspoken as Anupam entered the room and closed the door.

Anurag was relieved when the man approached him and asked, “Are you alright Anurag?” Anupam reached for his shoulders to hold him still as he looked into Anurag’s eyes. “You are confused.” Anupam stated before pushing Anurag down to at the end of the bed.

“I don’t know what or who to believe anymore, my heart tells me one thing, my mind another and then everybody, no, nobody is willing to make sense of these flashbacks I get.”

“Are you getting them often?” Anupam asked joining him.

“Increasingly so?”Anurag answered.

“I may not be able to help you with all of them but I can kelp you place them so that you have an idea as to where they fit in.”

“Like now, This you coming and talking to me it feels familiar, yet I don’t know when or why.”

“We became more familiar with each other when you started to fall in love with Prerna..”

“But why?”

Anupam looked at him for several long moments before he replied, “Because you could finally understand how I felt about your sister.”

Without giving it much thought, Anurag said, “But you married sister Nivadita for money.”

“How is it that you can remember that but not anything else?”

“What do you mean?”

“Nivadita and I have not yet been married for two years.”

Anurag thought it over for some time before shaking his head, “I don’t understand this, I know that but everything else is a mess.”

“That is because your sister and my marriage does not concern you you are not emotionally attached to the events around out marriage.”

“It’s my sister, how could you say that?”

“Because your sister’s welfare and emotions are not… how can I say this. You know I will never do anything to harm your sister, which is why you are not stressed about her relationship, unlike Prerna.”

Just he name conjured up a myriad of conflicting images, all gathered in the short time they had been working together; her avoidance of certain aspects in conversations, his desire to keep her and the baby safe, her challenges when he had seemed to get too close. He braced against the heavy sensation that settled over his shoulders,pressing down on him. He shook his head and asked, catching Anupam completely by surprise. “Was Prerna really married to that guy?” Anurag asked outright.

“You know I’m not supposed to answer questions like that.”

“No, please Anupam, I feel like I’m going out of my mind. I can’t even see her married to anyone else and at the same time my father says that my mother tried to get her married to some guy twice her age.”

“Mr. Navine.”

“What? Then who’s this other guy?” Anurag demanded. “I’m so confused now.”

“Bajaj?”

“Who’s he?”

Anupam at first looked at Anurag, then tilted his head as he said, “I’ll be honest, because you deserve as much… Prerna was married to him for a short period of time.”

The words served as a blow to Anurag, for a moment leaving him speechless. He swallowed against the lump that formed in his throat as his mind rejected Anupam’s words. He shook his head unwilling to believe that Prerna could do something like that. He knows that something must had happened between them for her to remain as calm,even whilst knowing the truth. Or was he wrong? Had she loved the man, did she still love him? He had to know.

“Does she love him?” Anurag asked, the band around his chest made it difficult to breathe. Had she loved the man, her behaviour would make sense, it would explain as to why she had not objected to him being remarried.

“I cannot answer that,but I can say they were acquainted for a really short time before they got married.”

If she had not loved him, why then had she married… Prerna was the one who taught him how to love…

Anurag’s entire body jerked at that, causing Anupam to grip his shoulder and ask? “Are you okay.”

“I just realized something?”

“A memory?” asked Anupam.

“Not so much a memory as an awareness of fact.”

“What?” Anupam demanded.

“It’s difficult to explain, it’s just something I know is true.”

Anupam let go of Anurag’s shoulder and said, “I am really going to loose my mind with this.”

“Why you?” Anurag asked, I’m the one with memory loss.”

“But I’m the one who has to endure all mother in law’s antics. I can’t even take Nivadita from here for a few days.”

“Why not?”

“Because she thinks mother in law needs her here, and until that is done we will not have any peace in this house.”

“I wish I could have some peace,” Anurag murmured more to himself than for Anupam’s ears.

But the man had heard and demanded, “What do you mean?”

Anurag released a heavy sigh, his gaze dropped to his hands and his shoulders drooped, before he replied, “ It’s this thing with Sonalika.”

“What thing?”

Anurag pulled up his hands in a frustrated gesture as he said, “She won’t leave me alone, she’s constantly coming close to me, even thought I don’t want her to come close.”Anurag saw Anupam’s incredulous look and continued, “I mean we never got married for that, but she seems determined to come close to me and it makes me feel weird. I feel almost dirty when she’s touched me, and in a way even that feels familiar. I don’t want to be alone in a room with her but she insists.”

“So demand some space.”

“I have, but it only works for a short while, then she is back.”

“Then put space between you.”

“And how do I do that.”

“Really, Anurag?”Anupam flung back in disbelief, “There are enough rooms in this house to start a full scale bed and breakfast, and you cannot find a way to place some distance between you and your wife.”

“She’s not my wife,I’ve only ever put sindoor on Pre…” Anurag countered, only to catch himself when he realized what he’d been saying. He tried to push his thoughts, to understand how and why but only got a headache for his efforts. He gripped his head to try and ease the pressure.

Just then was a knock at the door. Moments later it opened to reveal Sonalika, she entered the room and overly sweetly asked, “Are you alright Anu baby? You seemed really upset when you left the table downstairs.” She looked at Anupam and said, “You can go now, I’m here to take care of him. I promise to take good care of him.”

Anupam got up and sarcastically replied, “Oh, I’m certain you will.”

Sonalika then angrily demanded, “What do you mean by that?”

“Sometimes care can feel like torture.”Anupam said looking towards Anurag, nodding his head sideways once.

“I’m going to sleep in one of the guest rooms,” Anurag said getting pp, “I need some time and space to myself. Sleep well Sonalika, I will speak to you in the morning.”

He and Anupam then left a fuming Sonalika in his room.

The following morning Anurag was about to descend the stairs when his phone rang. He stopped and fished it out of his pocket at first checking the number before answering.

The person on the other side of the line introduced himself and his reason for calling. Just them Moloy stepped from there room. Anurag gestured to him before replying to the man on the line, “That’s fine, but I want a full assessment of the structural soundness of the building, Only then can I best decide what needs to be done.”He for several moments listened to the man and then replied, “Forward me the reports once they are done.”

“Sounds important,” Moloy commented as he joined him.

Anurag ended the call and turned his attention to Maloy, “That was what I was hoping to speak to you about. Dad did you know Rajesh Sharma’s house had burnt down?”

“What?” Moloy asked,both alarmed and concerned. His disbelief obvious. “When did this happen.”

“From what I could determine, not too long ago.”

“How did it happen?”

“The fire brigade claims it was arson.”

Visibly distressed by the news, Moloy asked, “Is everyone okay? Veena? Prerna? Are they still staying there?”

“The damage was to the building was too great, so they are living with family at the moment.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.At least they have somewhere, but we should help them. I can’t have my best friend’s wife and her daughters live in such conditions.”

Anurag zealously replied, “I agree dad, especially with Prerna being so far along and her husband not being with her.”

“What are you saying?”

“I spoke to Mrs. Sharma yesterday, and she agreed that I could get someone in to look at the building and help with some repairs, but I was hoping you could help me.”

“What do you need me to do?” asked Moloy.

“I need the contact numbers of some renovators…” Moloy made to speak, but Anurag lifted his hand to stop him, then said, “…I know mom will know many, but I also know that she will object to this, which is why I’m not only asking you for help but also that the fact that I’m helping them remains between us, I don’t even want Prerna to know.”

“Yes, yes, I understand. I will get you some names.”

Just as Moloy made to move on Anurag called him back “Dad, wait, one more thing. I was hoping you could speak to Mrs. Sharma. I want to arrange for somewhere for them to stay,but can you please speak with her and convince her. She will be more agreeable if you speak with her rather than I.”

Moloy nodded his head and said, “Consider the work done.”

“Thanks dad.”

With that Anurag moved on and made his way down the stairs.

Just then Mohini stepped past Moloy, who stopped her, “Tell me dear, have you heard that Rajeshe’s house has burnt down?”

“No, I haven’t, should I have?” Mohini asked with obvious indifference.

“And this news does not distress you?”

“No, why should it?”Mohini nonchalantly replied.

“I’ve just told you that the woman who is carrying your grandchild has been rendered homeless, and your response is that it does not concern you.” Moloy stressed.

“She is not carrying my grandchild and she is no longer anything to this house. I never wanted her herein the first place. It is not my worries if she has nowhere to stay, I’m definitely not allowing her to move back here. In fact she probably burnt down their home with the hope of being allowed to move back here.”

Shocked, Maloy said,“At times I wonder why I ever fell in love with you. Your grandchild will certainly be born hating you. Forget your grandchild, I’m Half way there myself.”

“I just wish you would wake up and see those people for what they really are, greedy chancers who will do anything to get what they want. Why can you not see that?”

“And why do you fail to see the contribution that family has made to your own status. Yet they have never demanded anything from you.”

Mohini looked at him,for a moment doubtful, before she flatly stated, “I will not allow that girl to influence my Anu again. And I will not allow her to come back into his life, claiming that the baby she is carrying is his, I know it is not.”

“Well, then, we’ll let a DNA test confirm that the baby is Anurag’s. What will you say then?”

“I don’t know how you cannot see sense. That baby is not Anurag’s. I doubt Prerna even knows herself.”

Moloy visibly became angered and retorted, “A mother knows who the father of her child is. I have no reason to question Prerna, she’s like my own daughter. Would you question your daughters in such a manner?”

“My daughters don’t behave like Prerna.”

“What is the use, when you obstinately believe only your foul thoughts. You will one day come to regret your actions – sadly it will be too late then.”

Prerna stepped into the Bassu house with the files Anurag had earlier requested. She looked around the vestibule, while an all too familiar sense of discontent assailed her. When she was younger she had loved to accompany her father there. If she was honest enough with herself, she would admit that she had enjoyed teasing and pestering Anurag. His reactions were never like her brother’s, which was why she had found teasing him all the more enticing. She had missed him, more specifically teasing and taunting him, after he’d left for London. London had changed him,while he remained quiet and boring, he somehow seemed different. And then there were the hoards of girls who threw themselves at him. Prerna Shook her head,for a moment chiding herself, If anyone had told her a year ago that she and Anurag would one day be parents to the same child he would have thought them crazy.

She moved farther into the room, only to come face to face with Nivadita, there had been a time when she had thought Nivadita had warmed to her, but the woman’s recent actions and words had brought all such whimsical thoughts to an end.

“What are you doing here so early?”

“Anurag had asked me to bring these files for him.”

Nivadita looked a the files Prerna held and said “You would use any excuse to get close to brother.Have you no shame?”

Prerna only looked at Nivadita and tilted her head, smiling smugly before replying, “Clearly not since it is your brother who’s been following me around. You know what, perhaps he has started to remember things, and just as in the past, he wants to keep me close to him.” Prerna had meant for it to be a taunt, but from the shocked expression on Nivadita’s face she quickly deduced that there might have been some truth to her taunt. Just the thought set free a myriad of conflicting thoughts in her mind. The most prominent being questions about them. Had he remembered their relationship, and the fact that the baby he has show such concern for was actually his. Not bothering with the sharp glare Nivadita cast her way.

“I have not seen brother or Somalika this morning,” impertinently adding, “But you know where their room is, so take the files to him.”

Prerna bit her tongue,the last place she felt like going was to their room, although she no longer considered it their room. It had been tainted with the presence of another. She did not even want to contemplate everything else that fact implied, only that she has come to hate their room, the very house she was in. For the so manyeth time she regretted not leaving the company on discovering the identity of the new owner. Were it not for the fact that she needed the money to repurchase everything the baby needed, everything that had been lost in the fire, she would have left. Prerna made her way to the stairs and slowly started her accent. She hoped that either Anurag or Anupam would run into her, at least then she could make her presence known and not feel as if she was intruding.

The Goddess is determined to punish me today,Prerna thought as she came to stand in front of Anurag’s bedroom door. Yes, it was easier to think of it in such a manner, Anurag’s room. That way she could emotionally distance her from it.

Drawing in a deep,fortifying breath, Prerna lifted her hand in order to knock on the door only for it to be flung open. Startled by Sonalika’s sudden appearance of in the doorway Prerna took a step back.

Sonalika noticed this and said, “And yet again you hang around outside our bedroom door like apathetic… You know what I can’t even come on the right word. So just cut to the case, why are you here?”

“Anurag called me earlier, he was looking for these files.”

“And you simply had to rush over and give them to him. You know, Prerna, you really should let go of things that are no longer yours. That way everyone will be happy.”

Prerna tilted her head, naturally flicking her hair aside and said, “I take it that by everyone you mean you.”

“Me, mother in law… you know everyone in this house. And perhaps if you let go, Anurag could move on with his life.”

“And who said that that is what Anurag wants?” Prerna challenged, her heart racing. She knew that she should not let the woman get to her, but there was just something in her manner that incited Prerna – ever since their first meeting.

“You’re the one who won’t let go of him.”

“And why should I give up something that is mine

“Yours? really? I don’t see you fighting for him, if anything you’re

“Komolika, Komolika,”Prerna started and clicked her tongue, but stopped on noticing Sonalika’s startled expression and instead asked, “What happened?” snidely adding, “Oh, wait, I get it. You thought your disguise was so good that I would not recognize you. Well think again.”

Agitated Komolika snapped back “You know what,Prerna, I think you have rally lost it. I mean, perhaps you simply cannot handle all those hormones during your pregnancy, and that is why you have such grand delusions. How can I be someone else, I am Sonalika Bassu wife of Anurag Basso?”

“Oh really,” Prerna challenged back shifted the files she was holding and pointed to Sonalika’s forehead, “Then why is it that Anurag has not marked your forehead with vermilion. You do not have the mark of the wife – just like last time. And just like last time, Komolika I will not allow you to take what is mine.”

“Oh really?” Komolika challenged.

Prerna pointed past her and said, “The fact that you’re speaking to me like this, means that Anurag is not in the room. And considering the time…” Prerna looked at her watch and said, “ He must have taken up gyming early in the morning… but wait, he called me here. So he didn’t go to the gym.So I guess it’s safe to say I will find him somewhere else in the house.”

“You stay away from Anurag, you will only upset him.”

“Oh really, Komolika, from what a doctor told me…and since the memories pertain to my relationship with him as well –I asked.Anyway, the doctor said that if he really wants to regain those memories he’s lost, then he should revisit the places and meet with the people – especially within the first month. But then you made certain to keep him away from everyone and everything during that time, because it suited you. So I will tell you one thing: I have seen when he gets flashes. Anurag knows we share a relationship. So even if I were to leave now, he knows there is something between us and if there is one thing you should know about Anurag – he likes to understand things. You cannot stop that. And no matter how much you change your appearance or your voice, essentially your nature and your manners are still the same. You remain Komolika. And Komolika’s disposition is what will give you away. And just like last time, when these people who care more for appearances and status come to learn who you are, you will be ousted from this house.”

“You seem so certain of that…” Komolika challenged,however stopped the moment Anurag came into view. She quickly changed her tone and said, “Anu, baby, there you are,look who’s here.”

Anurag smiled as he stepped closer, “Morning Prerna,give me those.” He took the files and said, “Come, this way, we’ll get to work,I have arranged some tea for us.”

Prerna followed him into one of the guest rooms and looked about in confusion. She noticed a few of his things placed throughout the room. “You staying here?” The question had slipped out before she could stop it.

“I find it difficult to sleep with someone else in the bed.”

His words confused her, for they had never had such difficulty. In fact, he’d been insistent on maintaining some form of contact with her, even in sleep. “You never used to.” Again the words slipped out unintentionally and she chided herself, knowing that the argument with Komolika had somehow lessened the instinctive caution she relied on whenever around Anurag.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, never mind.” Prerna quickly countered asking, “What did you need help with this morning.”

“Oh no you don’t…” Anurag quickly replied reaching to turn her to face him, “...you can’t just say something like that and not explain it to me.”

Instinctively Prerna reached up to his shoulders,pressing against them to maintain some distance between them, “You have said it yourself, we are childhood friends, we shared a lot of things with each other.”

“No you don’t,” Anurag said, “I won’t let you dismiss it that easily.”

Prerna’s heart grew heavy. She wanted to tell him,wanted to tell him how much she missed having him next to her, knowing she could at any time reach out to him, that he was there. All it had taken was a word or a touch. Even with being right there with him, she’d never felt as lonely, not even the realization that he no longer shared a room and bed with Komolika could ease the emptiness she felt in the region of her heart.

“Look inside, the answers to all your questions are there.”

“Since when are you so philosophical?” Anurag asked,releasing her from his hold, “You’ve always been more of a romantic.”

“I quickly learned that love is painful.”

“You know what, you’re worse than Anupam.”

“How can I be worse than him?”

“He also refuses to divulge any information, it is so frustrating. Even though he knows or will confirm my questions with a yes or no. He insists that I should allow the memories to return on their own, which leaves me to think that things are a lot worse and no one is willing to tell me.”

Prerna smiled.

“Why are you smiling? What’s so funny?”

“You are,” she said teasingly. “Do you really think I won’t recognize it when you are trying to beguile me into answering your questions?”

“You work for me, so you have to.”

“As your employee I am bound only to matters related to work.” Anurag made to say something however Prerna cut him short, “And as a friend, I have only your best interests at heart.”

Anurag looked at her, his eyes once again screaming at her to meet him half way on the matter but she found she could not, not this time. Once he remembered everything then she would revisit the situation.

Anurag eventually said, sincerely, “It would help,besides I trust you.”

Prerna reached f or his hand and clasped it between both of hers and said, “I spoke to a doctor – some neurologist – the other day.And he said that your mind is protecting you from something, what exactly he cannot even guess, but he did tell me that partial amnesia is common under trauma victims. And since we don’t know much about your accident or your mental state at the time, we will have to wait for the memories to come back on their own. He said your mind will allow things to slip through when it feels you can cope with them.”

“And what about the memories I don’t get back?”

“Perhaps they are best forgotten.”

Anurag pulled his hand from her grasp and moved from her in obvious frustration, stating, “And that is exactly the problem I have with this. The fact no one seems to understand how frustrating this is, and how can anyone determine what I should or should not remember.” He turned back to her, “How do I explain this to you. I have this feeling it’s like an itchy sensation that tells me there is something really important I need to remember.”

“Perhaps you should not try so hard focus your thoughts on all of your thoughts and just relax your mind. Perhaps that way it would be more open to the memories.”

“What? Have you suddenly become a doctor?”

“Things like that?” Prerna stated, causing him to fall silent for a moment then demand “Like what?”

“Like the way you talk back to me.”

“I don’t understand, what do you mean?”

“With me you will speak your mind, would you have spoken to Sonalika in such a manner?”

Anurag shook his head and said, “No.”

“That is because you instinctively know that I would not take offence, that I will rise up and even challenge you in return if needed.”

“Since when have you been so serious?”

Since I’m about to become a mother who needs to understand these things. Prerna thought but instead answered, “Its inevitable when we grow older. Come we should get to work. What did you need from me so early in the morning?”

Anurag looked at her for several loaded moments,then said, “First tell me how the baby is?”

Absentmindedly Prerna replied, “The baby is fine,kicking up a storm.”

Instantly Anurag was at her side, his hands on her shoulders as he asked, “Is everything okay?”

Prerna tilted her head in her usual teasing gesture and said, while reaching for his hands, “Everything is fine, it’s just an expression.”

“Oh,” Anurag said, his gaze for a moment lowering to her distended abdomen. “Can I feel?”

“She’s not kicking now.” Prerna said as she released his hands.

“So you agree, it’s a girl.”

Playfully Prerna replied, “More like I relented to your insistence.”

Anurag made to say something, but checked himself and then said, “There’s something I needed to arrange with you.”

“Go on.”

“I was planning to go to a showroom in Delhi…”

Even before he could continue Prerna said, “Tell me,I’ll arrange everything.”

“No, we can’t go to Delhi now, the air quality is far too bad for you to come with me.”

“Go with you?” Prerna asked confused, adding,“Aren’t you taking Sonilika with you?”

Anurag visibly double checked his thoughts but then replied, “No, She’ll stay here. This is a separate project anyway.”

“What do you need?”

“The company has a showroom in Mumbai, so I thought we could go there instead. That way I can have a look at everything, and leave the logistics up to them.”

“You want me to go with you to Mumbai?”

“Yes.”

“Like this?” Prerna said gesturing to herself, “I get uncomfortable and irritated if I have to spend half an hour in a car, and you want to take me across the country?”

“We’ll fly, you can fly can’t you?”

“Yes but…”

“Great, then we’ll arrange it for the weekend, that way I can arrange everything else as well.”

“Everything else?” Prerna asked, confused.

“I need to speak with my attorney and then there’s anew project. So get whatever permissions you need from your family, then make the flight and accommodation arrangements, I want a suite but I don’t know if you would be comfortable with that. You have my diary.”

“I will see what I can arrange.”

*Warning, muse’s dark sense of humour ahead *

Anurag walked into the house, his heart heavy. It had been Prerna’s home, all her memories had been created here and to see it in such a devastated state as good as shattered him. It had been there where he had asked her mother permission to marry Prerna. He caught himself short on that then pushed for more only to once again hit a blank wall. His temporal lobe started pounding and he could feel his ire rise, at times they seemed so close but at the same time so far. The house was a visual reminder of the wreckage he found his memory to be.

He watched as the men went about the home, tapping and checking things. Most of the scorched goods had been removed by the cleanup crew he had hired. Not much had been unaffected. His attention was drawn to the doorway where a familiar face stood, but he could not place where they had met. He moved towards the man and said, “Good morning sir,”

“Oh it is you, I was wondering who was behind the work crews.” The man’s reaction was one he’d grown accustomed to over the preceding weeks, and he'd learned that often it was best not to ask too many questions.

“Yes sir, the sooner we get this cleaned up the sooner the repairs can be done.” Anurag enthused.

“You must be looking forward to welcoming the little one soon?”

Anurag took a moment to process what the man had said and then realized that everyone would be aware of who the father of Prerna’s child was. In a manner then man’s confession eased his doubts… what he found harder to understand was as to why there could be any doubts. He shook of the uneasy sensation and enthusiastically said, “Yes, very much.”

“Better get some sleep in before it arrives though,because until it sleeps through there will be no rest for you.”

“I will remember that, and thank you.” Anurag replied, never really having thought of what things would be like for Prerna or him after the birth, or whether he could handle the separation for either or both of them. He had to find answers to his questions, and soon.

And then there was Prerna’s argument with Sonalika,which confused him. He had never really picked up on any animosity between the two, but then it was difficult with women sometimes. Their conversation had milled about in his head ever since he had left the house. He had no idea why Prerna had called Sonalkia Komolika. At first he had thought she might had gotten Sonalika’s name wrong, but then Prerna had no reason to do such a thing.And then there had been that Name, Komolika. For some reason it stuck. The longer he thought about it, the stronger the sense of disquiet became. He wanted to question Prerna on it, on what was going on, only he knew she would not answer him.

Her eyes are different… Again the thought startled him. He has never understood women, especially Prerna. How could she have allowed him to remarry? How could she withhold the fact that he was the father of her child? He felt the stirrings of a headache, warning enough that he should pursue a different line of though.

The consulting architect approached him and Anurag made to greet him.

“There has been some substantial damage?” the man said and first pointed to the roof, “Some of the beams were damaged quite badly and will need replacement first if you were to attempt to salvage the home, and it would be better to do it before the rains come.”

“Can you save it?”

“To be honest, It is going to cost as much to repair it as it would to build a new home.”

“What do you mean?

“Well after the cleanup and the removal of all the charred and door frames, the walls will have to be chipped to allow for new frames an din places large patched of plaster are loose and will need to be removed. It is not the cost of the materials as much as the manpower and labour needed to clean up repair and replace what is damaged. The bathrooms can be redone in their entirety, the piping is old and will need to come out, same for the wiring, there is no telling what damage the cables experienced due to the heat.

“Do me a favour then calculate what it would cost to fix it as it is, and then what it would be if we started anew.”

“You need not start the entire building anew, the outer walls are fine, but changes can be made to the interior of the house.”

I realize that it is difficult to estimate a project like this, but I would like to know what I’m getting into before I make an offer on the place.”

The man nodded and bid Anurag farewell, promising to get back to him with the estimates.

As Anurag drove over to his attorney, he decided that it would be best to have the matter of Prerna’s home managed by his attorney. It would allow sufficient distance between him and matters for Prerna not to suspect him outright… There was another matter he also wanted tended to.

It was a welcoming sensation, one he had sorely missed and allowed to take over his senses. Until recently he could not place it, but the simultaneous excitement and calm he felt was unmistakable. He also knew to whom the eyes watching him belonged,they no longer belonged to some nameless person. It was the first time they had visited him since his wedding. And somehow it seemed fitting, he’d been too tensed and preoccupied to indulge himself in the simple pleasure.

He welcomed the familiar sensations, the tingling and intense heat that surrounded him. It was her eyes that held him captive,they hid nothing and held back nothing. The quickening of their heartbeats, the catch of their breath as their movements shifted. The bite of her nails on his shoulders as restraint gave way to instinct and pleasure. Her hitched breaths soothed his soul while urging him on in a manner that was fundamentally them.

He felt a hand creep over his back, causing shivers,shudders, causing him to frown. It felt strange, wrong, but at the same time familiar. He searched for here eyes but they faded, causing immediate distress.

Instinctively he turned, pushing against whatever restricted him. When it resisted he applied more force, resulting in a strange yelp and audible thud, stirring him from his sleep.

“What the?” he asked turning to where the sound had come from. He reached for the light, the sudden blinding brightness had him pinch his eyes for a moment before again opening them. This time he could make out Sonalika as she shifted to regain her feet.

“What the hell is wrong with you, did you really need to do that?” The manner in which the words were spoken, the tone, it seemed familiar. For a moment his conversation with his attorney came to mind.

“Why are you here, Komolika?” Anurag asked, and saw Sonalika’s eyes enlarged in shock. He then said the first thing that came to mind, “I thought we had agreed on separate rooms until things have been resolved.” He watched her recover her composure moments before she said, “Why would you call me that?”

“What?” Anurag asked.

“Komolika.”

“Did I say that, no I didn’t, I’m certain I said your name. But never mind. Why are you here?”

“Seriously, Anurag, I’m your wife and you ask me what I’m doing in a room with my husband.”

For some reason the manner of her address distressed him. Exactly why, he had no idea. Only that her presence brought with it an ominous sensation, and

“But we had agreed that…” Anurag moved his hand in some semblance of a line, adding, “…separate rooms.”

“Anurag, Anurag, a wife has rights on her husband. I am only asserting those rights.”

The manner in which she said that turned his blood cold. A flash of a face, a sneer as it took Prerna’s name… terrifying dread overcame him, freezing him into position. Only one name registered in his mind,Prerna. Concern for her safety, set free a level of anxiety in him he had last felt on realizing he… he had been in an accident. For a moment he considered the possibility that Komolika could have been involved with it, but without all of his memories he would not be able to make such an assessment.

“What happened Anurag? You’ve suddenly gone pale.”

Anurag shook his head and tried to make sense of all of the conversations he’d had leading up to that moment, he then decided on a course of action. Turning his attention towards her he said, “There were flashes, involving a wedding and a girl, but I don’t know who she was, for some reason the name Komolika came to mind.”

From her sudden changed demeanor Anurag deduced that he had successfully managed to divert her attention. “I think we should speak to your mother in the morning, she mentioned something about a wedding album, perhaps you will recognize the person from the photo’s.

Her sudden willingness to allow him to view his wedding album alerted him that not all was well, but he agreed none the less,as he had to determine what she was up to. That sudden realization confused him almost as much as the sense of disquiet that filled him when she re-approached the bed.

“I think it is best if you return to your room, I really need to get some sleep in.”

He did not miss the flicker of irritation that crossed her face, however she turned from him and left the room.

A flustered Prerna arrived at the Basso residence. While Anurag had been engaged in external meetings all morning, she had fielded all the usual requests and appointment requests. Her summons to the Basso residence was a test in patience itself, especially since she had the stirrings of a headache and her back ached more than usual.

Just as the servant opened the door, her phone rang, causing her first to reshuffle the contents in her arms before answering the call.

Mohini approached her and on noticing her on the phone impatiently waited for Prerna to finish.

“Yes just give me a moment, I just need to consult his diary, I know that anything from Friday evening should be fine.” Prerna gestured to the servant to take the files and then reclaimed Anurag’s diary, pulling at the ribbon bookmark. As she retrieved a pen she noticed Mohini’s scowl, but chose to ignore it.

“What time on Friday did you say was available…. No, no, he won’t be able to make the check in. Saturday morning early then… but not too early.” She waited for several moments before replying, “The eight-fifteen should be fine. Yes, for two, you have all the details.” I will contact the hotel personally just send me the arrival times so I can book a car. Thanks Mohit.”

As she Prerna ended the call, Mohini demanded, “Who gave you the right to arrange something for Anu over the weekend, that is the time he spends with his wife and family.”

Prerna looked sharply towards Mohini as she stated, “If anyone here can claim the rights as his wife and family, it is me. But not for once did you think to stop and question your son’s actions.”

“Why should I?”

“Is Anurag, your son, the type of person who would fall in love and marry in under a month? That too to someone he has not known long.”

“He did with Komolika.”

“Yes,you’re right, he did, because he felt he had no choice! And we all know how that ended.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Perhaps you should not be so quick to accept someone who appears to be your idea of a perfect daughter in-law.”

“Remain within your limits, Prerna.” Mohini warned. “You have no rights on Anurag or his time.”

Prerna closed the diary and turned to look towards Mohini, calmly replying, “Anurag was the one who asked me to arrange a trip to Mumbai for this weekend, I’m only following orders.”

“What is he planning to do there?” Mohini asked more to herself.

“I didn’t ask him, “ Prerna said as she turned back to the servant to take the files.“Thanks,” she dismissed the man before moving farther into the house.

“Where are you going?” Mohini demanded.

“I brought the contract Anurag wanted to go over and then there are some things he needs to sign.”

“And he couldn’t do this at the office?” Mohini quickly retorted, then snidely added,“Unless you’re trying to get close to my son again.”

Prerna quickly, calmly replied, “It’s only the fact that Anurag has lost his memory,that stops me from claiming the rights we both know are rightfully mine. But to allay your fears, Anurag has not been to the office today, he had meetings elsewhere. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to get these signed. I still have to return them to the office before going home.”

Mohini glared at her as she said, “That’s no way to address your elders.”

“I would not need to address you in such a manner, had you behaved properly with me.”And with that Prerna left to find Anurag.

Anurag was seated at the desk in the study when he felt her presence. How that was he had no idea, but he fought down the instinctive desire to get up and meet her.Having not seen her the entire day had resulted in a restlessness consuming him. It had bordered on outright irritation, the type he intuitively knew would only be appeased by her presence. The moment she entered the doorway he knew, his heart first quickened its beat before a familiar sense of calm overcame him. She was there and she was safe.

The knock on the door was there to alert him, and yet he needed no such thing from her.Keeping his emotions intact, he slowly lifted his head and turned his attention to her. His chest swelled as he drew in the sight of her. He responded in kind as she gave a small smile before stepping into the room.

“I brought the contract and some papers needing your signature.”

He frowned for a moment. He could not remember assigning her any work the morning.

“Papers?”he asked.

“There’s the memo from the last meeting, as well as the notes from one of the project managers.”

“Oh, I see,” he said taking the folders from her, ensuring his hand grazed her. He had intended the contact, had wanted to gauge her reaction, but had been ill prepared for his own and the desire he suddenly felt to grip her hand. He understood what he was feeling, could even understand the speed at which his feelings strengthened, but felt hamstrung when it came to following through on them. It was difficult enough to allow her to go home at the end of every day,which was why he knew that there was no way he could let her go once he’d allowed them to come close again.

He knew what needed to be done, it was only her feelings he had to be certain of, but he knew their baby would connect them forever. If anything, he took comfort from that fact.

Prerna let go of the file and instead turned her attention to his diary and said, “The flights are scheduled for Quarter past eight on Saturday, you will need to beat the airport at six,” She looked up at him asking, “that should be fine,right?

“Why not tomorrow night.”

“The only flights available still were late at night and it is better to have a freshstart later in the morning than one after a bad nights sleep.”

“Very true.” He replied but thought, I was looking forward to spending it with you.

“Are you certain you would not much rather go with your wife? I could have the tickets changed.”

Anurag’s entire body went ice cold at the thought of spending that much time alone with Sonalika, without distractions. And then looked at Prerna, trying to understand her actions… he had no idea as to her reasons for the sudden change. He thought of the possibility that she might not want to spend time with him, alone, but somehow that did not make any sense. When he was with Prerna he could find peace in shared silence – if she ever remained quiet that was. The though caused him frown, but somehow it made sense.

“Is there a problem with you accompanying me?” Anurag asked instead, needing to know why she appeared hesitant.

“No, why should there be?” she quickly replied, almost too quickly.

“You just seem hesitant.”

“I just thought you would like to go with your wife.”

I am, he thought but instead replied, “She will be bored, it’s not the type of showroom and shopping she likes to do.”

“As you wish,” she said.

Her words confused him, for some reason she had surrendered too easily. He did not know how he should take that.

He opened the folder and flipped through the pages. He signed the memo and the notes and handed the folder back to her, keeping the one with the contract. “That’s it.Seeing as you’ll be working over the weekend, take tomorrow as a personal day.”

Prerna was about to thank him when his phone rang. Anurag checked the caller id before answering. “Good afternoon, tell me have you found anything yet?” he said liking her way,

Prerna made to leave, however he instinctively reached for her hand, not yet ready to have her leave. He saw the frown on her forehead while trying to focus on what his attorney on the other side of the line was telling him.

“Can you arrange that?” Anurag eventually asked, moments later answering, “Can you arrange it in about an hour. I just want to finish with my secretary then I can meet you.” He then again listened before replying, “She’s here, or at least she was.” He looked towards Prerna, asking, “Have you seen Sonalika?”

Prerna shook her head.

“I’ll find out where she is?” Anurag said before ending the call. He looked at Prerna and tilted his head before replying, “There are some legal matters I have to clear with Sonalika.”

Prerna looked down at where he held her arm just above her wrist and released her.“Will there be anything else?” Her tone was neutral which in itself concerned Anurag. He knew how well she could hide things if she thought it necessary.

“No, I’ll see you on Saturday morning. Should I pick you up?”

“That won’t be needed, I will meet you at the airport.”

He watched her leave and fought the desire to accompany her, he did not want trouble, and he knew well enough just what kind of trouble awaited Prerna if anyone came to know what he knew. She stepped from the door and suddenly the room seemed less cheerful. He hated to see her leave, his heart always grew heavy.

It is better if you are not here for what is about to happen. He thought.

An hour later his attorney arrived and Anurag called everyone downstairs. “You may wonder why I have called all of you down here, but I will explain. Mr Singh is here to help with all the legal matters.” Anurag gestured to the man standing besides him.

“What is this Anu?” Mohini asked, looking towards the attorney with suspicion. “We’ve never needed to involve the law in family matters. What is the need now.”

“That is because we’ve never had to deal with a situation such as this.” Anurag said gesturing to Mr Singh to continue.

The short stout man stepped forward, folded his hands in greeting before starting, “A few days ago Mr. Basso approached me to investigate an individual. It had been brought to his attention that the person in question was not who they claimed to be, and had the matter investigated.”

“Who is this person?” Moloy asked, turning to look at Anurag.

“Komolika,”

“But Komolika is dead,” Nivadita said, “She fell from the bridge.”

“Her body was never recovered.”

“What are you saying Anu?” Mohini asked, “Have you found Komolika?”

“Yes we have,” Anurag said moving to Sonalika, “She’s right here.”

“What!”Both Mohini and Niviaidta said in disbelief.

“Anurag,really, that is your wife Sonalika.” Mohini said.

“No she’snot, we never got married.” Anurag stated flatly, “And even if we had married it would be void, Prerna and I are married.”

“I should have known she’s behind this,” Sonalika said, “She’s been after you since the day you came back, using your memory loss to make you believe you shared a relationship.”

“No Anurag, you never married Prerna.” Nivadita said.

“That girl just won’t give up.” Mohini said, “How can you even listen to her, she’s just trying to trap you.”

“Well then she trapped me before I went missing.” Anurag said gesturing to the attorney.The man handed him a piece of paper, which Anurag held up, “According to this,our marriage was registered before I went missing.”

“But there was no ceremony.” Mohini bemoaned.

“That is something only Prerna can answer.” Anurag said.

“So bring her here,” Sonalika said, her voice taking a bitter note, “I’m certain she brainwashed you into believing it.”

“The way you try to manipulate everyone to your thinking,” Anurag threw back. “My attorney no only found Komilika’s medical records, which, by the wary also includes the plastic surgery performed on your face, they also found no record of a Sonalika. Your accounts and various assets are still in held under the name Komolika Chaubey, there is no record of my marriage to you either as Komolika or Sonalika.” Anurag then gestured to the door, “The police are hereto take you to your new accommodations.”

The Basso family exclaimed various degrees of disbelief, as he police arrested her. Anurag felt the start of a headache, causing him to press the sides of his head with his palms. Mohini made to say something, he however cut her short , “Not now mom,” Anurag said as he walked away, I need some painkillers.”

“Anu are you okay?”

“Mom just leave me, I’ll be fine after some rest.”

“You can’t go away, not like this, cancel your trip Anu.” Mohini started.

“No, mom, Ihave to go.”

“No trip is more important than your life Anu.”

Unless the trip involves reclaiming that which is your life.

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