Chapter 37 - Trapped
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The next day...
It was afternoon when Viren finally brought his car to a stop. Meher peered outside the window. They were in Ambala, she was sure of this, but she had never been to this area before. Lucky's Restaurant and Bar read the sign on the establishment. Was Viren slipping up? She wondered. Was he going to take her inside this very public place? It was a week night, but still, there would be plenty of people inside. She would scream and shout, and create a fuss. Someone would surely help her. Then she would call the police and get word to Preet. He'd get here right away, and then Viren would pay for everything he did.
"Come on, we're here. Let's go", ordered Viren.
Meher watched Gurinder step out of the car and stretch his legs. He then came over, untied her bindings and helped her out of the car. "Now Bhabi Ji", he smiled. "I'm asking you nicely...for once, don't try anything. You'll like it here. Lucky and his wife Pammie are real nice folks. Pammie makes the best palak paneer...and...".
"And what's to stop me from telling them the truth?" said Meher. "That you and Viren kidnapped me and are holding me against my will".
"Go ahead", chuckled Viren. "Just don't expect anyone to believe you. Lucky and I go way back. I already told him ke main tumhe bhaga ke la raha hoon (that we're running away and getting married). And Pammie thinks I'm quite a catch".
Meher rolled her eyes.
"Besides", continued Viren. "I helped them out when they wanted to elope, so they totally sympathize with me".
"Viren! You're finally here", Lucky cried out. "We've been looking out for you since morning".
Meher turned around to see a couple approaching them.
"Arey wah Viren! She's as beautiful as you said she was", smiled Pammie, as she watched Meher frown and look away. "Although not as friendly".
"Uh...she's just very tired", Viren spoke up as he firmly took a hold of Meher's arm and glared at her.
"Of course", said Pammie. She put a reassuring hand on Meher's shoulder. "She'll feel much better once she freshens up. And don't worry honey, we'll have you all dolled up and ready in no time. After all tonight is the big night".
"Tonight?" muttered Meher.
"You're getting married. As if you didn't know", chuckled Pammie. "We've got everything set up at the farm house. It'll be just perfect".
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to go over there and make sure everything is in order", Gurinder said to Viren. "We don't have any room left for mistakes".
Viren nodded.
"Yeah go ahead. Karan and Manjeet can take you there in the jeep. We're all going to come back here and celebrate like crazy afterwards", added Lucky. "I'm going to make the first drink on the house for anyone who shows up here tonight. After all aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai (my friend is getting married today)".
"Lucky, I told you I wanted everything to be low key", frowned Viren.
"Arey yaar tu fikir nu goli maar (Don't worry man)". Laughed Lucky. "It's slow around here on a week night. No one you know will be here...just our local regulars, who will readily sell their souls for some free alcohol. I guarantee it".
Pammie led Viren and Meher to a small room in the back of the restaurant. There was a wash basin, a small sofa and coffee table at one end of the room, and a dressing table and chair at the other end. "Meher and I will be in this room, and you can use the room across the hall", she offered. "Lucky and I will pick up the Pandit in our car. He is expecting us around 6:00 pm. You and Meher can go in your car, and we'll all meet up at the farm. Lucky borrowed someone's camera, so you'll have plenty of pictures of your blushing bride to show your lawyer too".
"Fine", said Viren. He held out the duffle bag for her. "This has her wedding clothes in it. Get her ready".
As soon as Viren left the room. Meher took hold of Pammie's hands. "Pammie Ji, please...you have to help me", she begged. "I can't marry Viren. I don't want to marry him. You have to help me get away".
"Aw honey, I know getting married can be a scary thing", Pammie said patting her hand. "I know from experience how easy it is to get cold feet, especially when you're running away and doing it, but don't you worry. I promised Viren I'd see you through this until the end".
"Uff! He's paying you too, isn't he?" fumed Meher.
Pammie gave Meher a crooked smile and pushed her into the chair in front of the dressing table. "Such a pretty girl. Let's see what we can do about that hair of yours".
Meanwhile...
Looking over his shoulder every now and then, Preet trekked down a beaten path towards Viren's old family farm. He had only been there once before, but he was certain he was headed in the right direction.
Preet had taken a flight to Delhi and then the train to Ambala and arrived not too long ago. He had begun his search immediately, but no one at the main train station or bus depot had seen anyone of Meher or Viren's description. That probably meant that Viren had traveled by car. Prem was picking up Mr. Bedi and bringing him to Ambala. He would be here soon enough and then they would disclose the truth behind all of Viren's deeds right in front of Mr. Bedi. His brother had advised him to call the police, but Preet still had Viren's warning about calling the police fresh in his mind. He wanted to be 100% sure that his hunch was correct, before getting the authorities involved.
Preet finally came to a vast neglected field surrounded by a 3 strand barbed wire fence. This was it, he decided. He was sure of it. He wandered through the long grass next to the fence searching for a safe entry point. Though the road he had been travelling on seemed deserted, he looked around once again to make sure he wasn't being watched before carefully stretching 2 strands of the barbed wire with his hand and foot. He then carefully twisted through the fence and crept onto the dried grass thicket inside the abandoned property. He came to an abrupt stop as the grass crunched loudly under his feet. Taking a deep breath, he proceeded with slow cautious steps, looking out for some kind of trail that would lead him to the farm buildings.
A short while later he found himself standing before a large barn. It was the same barn he had seen in the picture at Mr. Singh's house, and the same barn he had found Meher hiding in once. Preet snaked around the building keeping his eyes and ears open for anyone's presence until he came to the door. He gave it a slight push and winced as it squeaked open loudly. So much for his efforts to maintain silence, he sighed. There was nothing in the barn of any significance anyway. And it didn't seem like anyone had been there recently.
Preet then headed towards the other 2 structures. One was a large building like the kind you could store a tractor or other farm equipment in. Its windows were boarded up, and the only door to it supported a massive padlock. There was no sign that anyone had been there in ages. Had he been wrong about Viren bringing Meher to Ambala? He still had to check the house.
Preet walked over to the 2 story house a short distance away. He found the door locked and the windows full of dust and covered with cobwebs. Great! Now where do I look for Meher? He wondered. Just then he noticed something, a small pile covered with black tarp. Preet walked over and pulled the cover away. Underneath he found cases of bottled water, beer, canned and dried food. There was enough there to last several days. So...someone had been here after all...or was planning to come here, he smiled to himself.
He quickly put the tarp back in its place and checked the back of the house. To his surprise, there was a small mandap set up there. Empty beer bottles and paper bags from packaged food lay strewn on one side, trash the people who set this up probably left behind. The mandap meant only one thing. He had been right. Viren was going to bring Meher here and force her to marry him. Wait a minute! I'm not too late am I? Preet wondered as he made a frantic dash towards the mandap. But he found no evidence of it having been used. He passed his hand through his hair and exhaled a sigh of relief. He wasn't too late, he decided. Viren would be coming here soon, and he would be here to face him.
Preet quickly pulled out his phone and called Prem. "PB...I'm at the farm in Ambala", he said.
"Are you okay? Did you find Meher?" Prem asked worriedly.
"Not yet", explained Preet. "I think I got here before Viren did. But I'm even more sure than ever that he's coming here. Would you believe it...he's got a mandap set up here and a stock of enough food supplies to last him several days. But he's going to be in for a surprise...just wait until I get my hands on him".
"Preet don't do anything rash", warned Prem. "We both know he's got people working for him, so he's not coming there alone. I'm in Delhi now, and Mr. Bedi and I will be on our way soon, but in the meantime, I want you to stay out of sight. And I want you to call the police immediately the first sign you get of Viren. No heroics, understand? Promise me Preet. Promise me you'll do as I say".
"Okay PB don't worry...I promise...I won't take any chances", sighed Preet, shaking his head as he hung up the phone. Prem Bhaiya was being the over protective brother as always, but he was right. No matter how badly he wanted to pulverize Viren, he wasn't here to play the hero. He wanted Meher back. Her safety was his utmost concern, and he wasn't about to do anything that would jeopardize it.
Preet tapped his watch impatiently. When would Viren get here? More importantly, when would he be able to see Meher? Patience was not exactly a virtue he possessed right now. Preet decided to find himself a good hiding spot where he could keep an eye on whoever came and went, while remaining out of view himself. But as he looked around, he slowed his steps. Something was not right. He thought. He had been careful and parked his rental car on the side road of another field, far enough not for anyone to suspect. He had also been careful to make sure no one had followed him. But if Viren had been keeping tabs on him...why hadn't anyone followed him? Why wasn't there anyone standing guard at the farm? And why was this mandap just sitting here waiting for him to discover it? Everything had been so easy for him...almost too easy.
Just then Preet felt someone's presence behind him. Before he could turn around, he felt rough hands grab him from behind. He struggled, but then someone hit him over the head with a blunt object, and his vision went blank.
A short while later...
Pammie was helping a reluctant Meher get ready. "Stop fidgeting!" she cried.
But Meher wasn't listening. Her eyes were focused on the phone, lying on one end of the dressing table. If she could somehow distract Pammie, she could perhaps steal the phone. Meher began to cough out loud. "Water", she said. "Could I please get some water?"
"Sure", said Pammie. She walked over to the coffee table where a jug lay, poured some water into a glass and brought it back for Meher. She waited for her to take a few sips, then began to tie the strings in the back of her blouse. Just then the door flew open and Viren walked in startling both with his sudden entry.
"Damn it Viren! Don't you believe in knocking first?" Pammie cried, with her hand over her chest. "You almost gave me a heart attack! And what are you doing here anyway? Don't you know it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?"
Viren frowned at her words. Lady luck had eluded him for much too long, but that was going to change. He would make sure of it.
"Let me guess", continued Pammie, as she walked up to Viren and let her arm brush against his. "You were missing me".
Viren ignored her. A small smile appeared on his lips as his eyes came to rest on Meher instead. "Speaking of luck, your husband needs you in the restaurant for a bit", he said. "I'll take care of things here".
"Suit yourself", said Pammie, shrugging her shoulders.
Viren shut the door as she left, then turned towards Meher again. The way his gaze was fixed on her made her extremely uncomfortable. She reached behind her back and tried to quickly fasten the remaining string of her blouse. In her nervous state, her fingers wound up fumbling instead.
"Here, let me help", offered Viren.
"No!" cried Meher, as she took a step back and crossed her arms in front of her. She turned and picked up the duffle bag and began looking through the contents for her dupatta. Viren walked up behind her and smiled. Meher stiffened as she felt his hand run down her back, and his fingers grazed the bare skin at her waist.
"You have the most beautiful skin", whispered Viren. "The color of cream. So soft. Like silk".
Just then the door opened and Pammie walked back in. "Oops! Sorry guys", she chuckled. "Enjoying a private moment were you?"
"What do you want Pammie?" asked Viren.
"I just forgot my phone here", replied Pammie.
"Phone?" said Viren. He held out his hand and glared at Meher. "Hand it over!" Meher sighed and placed the small device in his hand. "Pammie how could you be so careless?!" He cried as he frantically checked the phone for outgoing messages and calls. To his relief, there were none. He tossed the phone to Pammie then turned on Meher. "I warned you not to try anything, didn't I?!"
"I didn't do anything", protested Meher.
"Geez Viren relax!" said Pammie.
"I've got too much riding on this to relax!" cried Viren.
Pammie shook her head and was about to leave, when Meher spoke up.
"Wait! I...I think I need to use the ladies room" stammered Meher. She didn't want to be left alone with Viren.
"Sure", smiled Pammie. "It's down the hall, the first door on your right. I'll take you there myself".
Meher nodded.
"No!" said Viren. "I'll take her". He took Meher by the arm and led her to the washroom. He opened the door and peered inside. There were 2 stalls, one of them was already occupied. "I'm waiting right outside", he growled. "Hurry up!"
Meher slowly walked inside observing her surroundings. Viren waited until she slipped into a stall before shutting the door. Meher waited impatiently for the other girl to leave, before coming out again, and looking for the place she could escape...a small window up above and to the left of the wash basin. As noiselessly as she could, she turned the waste barrel under the window upside down and carefully climbed up onto it, cursing the heavy dress weighing her down. Using the heel of her hand she pushed against the worn out window lock as hard as she could. It finally gave way. Meher pushed the window up as far as she could. It would be a tight fit, but she was sure she could squeeze through it. Grabbing hold of the window sill firmly, she carefully pulled herself up and through the opening. Taking a deep breath she lept to the ground outside. "Ugh!" She cried as she tumbled outside, landing on her bottom.
I made it! Thought Meher, as she dusted off her hands and stood up. I'm finally free!
"Going somewhere?" asked Viren, as he stepped in front of her from out of the shadows.
"How...how did you know?" stammered Meher.
"I saw the window too", snarled Viren as he grabbed hold of her arm. "It didn't take much to figure out you'd try and make a run for it".
Meher began to hit Viren on his arm, trying to free herself from his grip. He angrily grabbed both of her hands and shook her hard. "Stop it Meher!" he cried. "I don't want to hurt you. You're forcing me to hurt you".
"You have a justification for all your actions don't you?" she shot back at him. "Why should I make this easier for you?"
"Because you don't have a choice Meher. There is no way you can trick me or talk me out of this. We're getting married and that's that. Now I don't want to hurt you, but I will do what's necessary to make sure everything goes according to plan. I made the mistake of letting you get away from me the night of our wedding and all my troubles came from that. If Preet hadn't interfered we'd be husband and wife by now living happily ever after. But don't worry...all is not lost. I'm still willing to take you as my wife. This is your chance to make amends...set everything right. You owe me this at least".
"I don't owe you anything!" cried Meher.
Before Viren could say anything Gurinder came running towards him, followed by Lucky and Pammie. "Viren I have to talk to you right away", he said.
"Watch her", said Viren as he pushed Meher towards Pammie and Lucky.
Meher watched as Gurinder took Viren to one side and spoke to him quietly. Viren glanced at Meher then broke out into a sly smile. "Lucky, it looks like we have a wedding crasher on our hands", he said. Lucky gave him a nod of understanding. "Well don't just stand there guys", continued Viren. "Let's bring the cars around. It's time to get this show on the road".
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
