Hi!
Sorry for the super late update! So this story officially has no direction now, every chapter up until now had been vaguely thought out, but I'm improvising now guys so you will have to bare with me. Couple of pointers - firstly though I have visited India, it's geography is not something I'm completely familiar with so there are reference to places here which are half fictional half real. Also I have written this chapter across several different mediums - laptop, ipad, works computer etc etc so it may not flow - i have tried to iron it out but if doesn't still I am sorry in advance !! Other than that I have started to formulate where this story is going and I really hope you like it. Thank you so much to everyone that has continued to read this.
Lots of love
Rix
PS don't forget to leave your thoughts, I know every writer says it but it genuinely does motivate me to continue, if it weren't for your words I probably would give up on this !!! So thank you all once again
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Chapter 10
Pragya sat on the edge of her bed and cried. She wailed almost silently into her hands hiding herself away from this cruel world. What was happening? She was dealing with this. He didn't want her, he wanted Tanu, why then was he here? She knew he had said it was down to the kidnapping but all the other things he had said were pressuring her already fragile mind. She sat there trying to shield herself. She was so scared of loosing herself again she genuinely didn't know what to do.
Abhi watched her as she back away from him, the next thing he knew she was crying her heart out. No! He thought. He did not want her to cry. He had not expected her to break down when she realised that her mother already knew he was there. Normally he loved getting one over on her, whether it be for revenge or just jokingly. But it was different this time. She was different. He raced over to her and kneeled down in front of her covered face. Every single tear she shed was like a piercing blade through his heart. He reached out slowly and removed her hands from her eyes. They were still closed and crying.
"Sssh... I'm sorry Fuggy..."
He spoke to her softly.
"Ap please mat roye, dekho kal rat me yaha aya tha apse Milne, aur tum neend me thi, is liye me yaha roka tha"
(Please don't cry, look I came here last night to meet you, and you were asleep so I just stayed here)
She continued to cry, her sobs still loud. Abhi held her hands in one hand and cupped her cheek in the other. She was crying looking away as though she was lost in her own world.
"Please Fuggy, mat roye, muje apki aasu nahi dekh sakta hoon"
(Please Fuggy don't cry, I can't bare your tears)
His words made her cry more, why was he doing this to her? Why did her tears affect him. She wanted so much to hate him, to be strong enough to cast him aside but she couldn't find it within herself to do that.
Abhi was really panicking now. She was depressed and her mind had suffered a genuine trauma. All he wanted to do right now was take it away from her and shield her away. She took her hands back from him and covered her eyes again. She spoke to him through her sobs
"Ap esa kyu kar Rehe ho? Rehene di jiye muje, me theek hoon, me apne ap ko sambal loonga"
(Why are you doing this, please leave me, I'm fine, I will handle myself)
(Why are you doing this, leave me alone, I'm fine, ill handle myself)
Abhi didn't know who she was trying to convince him or herself. He wanted to be annoyed at her. Why wouldn't she listen and understand he wanted to be there for her. Deep down though, abhi knew his past actions were all she was using as guidance for her future if she trusted him. He had hurt her intentionally and unintentionally, and the result of it was the broken woman sat in front of him. He felt like a monster. Still though he was ever determined to make her realise. Make her see that she was what he wanted. He took her hands from her eyes again. And wiped her tears with his hands, the gesture made her open her eyes. She looked at him, and his face was contorted and sad. He nodded his head from side to side as if silently telling her to stop crying, he brought his hand up to the side of her face and then he spoke.
" me janta hoon, me ne apka dil bohat dukhaiya hai, aur shaayad me kabhi nahi samaj saktha hoon, ke me ne ap ko kitna chot po chaiye, Lekin aj se me tum se vada karta hoon, me tum ko sabbath karunga, ke me ap ko khush rakh sakta hoon, muje meri galati ka esas Hua hai, aur ha me bohat swadish hoon, ap ko chod nahi sakta, aur jab tak ap ko muj par phir se vishwas nahi atta, me koshish karta rahunga"
(I know I have hurt your heart a lot, I may never understand the hurt I have caused you, but from today I promise you, I will prove to you that I can keep you happy, I have realised my mistake, and I am very selfish, because I can't let you go, and until you learn to trust me, I will keep trying)
She looked into his eyes, still crying as he spoke to her. His eyes and mouth spoke with such sincerity. She wanted so much to believe him, but she couldn't yet. She didn't know if she could take the uncertainty that loving him so far had caused. She knew he had never intentionally lied to her, but she didn't want him to be saying this out of guilt or any other emotion that wasn't love. She had stopped crying now and he continued.
"jo kuch bi ho jaye, tum sirf meri ho, aur hamesha rahengi aur tum jo bi kahenge me Karne ko tyaar hoon, bas me ap ko chod kar nahi ja sakta hoon"
(Whatever happens, you are mine, and you will always remain mine. And I am ready to do whatever you want me to, I just can't leave you)
He continued to look at her with his expressive gaze. She had calmed down now trying hard to process and analyse his words. He could tell she was having difficulty with what he had said, but it didn't matter, he wouldn't just say them to her, he planned to prove it. They both sat there for what seemed like ages. He slowly and cautiously pulled her closer with the hand that rested on her cheek and hugged her. She was still upset and didn't register what he was doing, next thing she knew her face was being pulled into the crook of his neck. He held it there and encircled his other arm slowly around her back. He held onto her tenderly comforting her. She wanted to protest but her mouth didn't say anything, slowly she snaked her arms around his neck and clung onto him crying. Even though he was the reason for her tears she couldn't help but feel comfort and solace there in his embrace. There was nobody in the world that could ease the turmoil in her heart as well as Abhi was doing by simply holding her close. She wanted so badly to believe he was here to fight for her, but somewhere in her mind those seemingly ugly words "Guilt and Humanity" reared their unwanted heads. She ignored them. Right now she was completely immersed in the fact that her heart and mind felt so much lighter and happier than it had been in the past week. She held onto him, savouring the feel of her husbands caring protective arms around her.
He soothed her by rubbing the palm of his hand up and down her back. He didn't enjoy her being so distressed, but couldn't help but feel complete when she was in his arms. His heart leapt at the prospect of her hugging him back, he leaned his head so that it his cheek was resting on her head. He closed his eyes and held her there like that close and firm. The delicious sweet and fresh smell of her hair rose into his nostrils, making his body feel warm and fuzzy. He wished time would stop and that they could remain like that forever. Unfortunately on this occasion fate was not on his side
"Knock knock"
There was another banging on her door.
"Beta ji, Pragya! Ooth Gaye kya?"
(Beta ji, Pragya, are you up)
Pragya pulled away from abhi and wiped her eyes. The instant he lost contact with her it was like somebody pulling the blanket away on a cold night. He looked at her as she composed herself.
" Ha mummy ji, hum ooth Gaye hai, tyaar ho kar hum bahar aa jayenge"
(Yes mummy ji, we are up, once we are ready we will come out)
He answered his mother in law through the closed door. He didn't want her to see Pragya upset, though he was the cause of it, he needed her family to trust and believe he would make this right. And make it right was what he would do.
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Meanwhile, Sarla walked back into the kitchen to make the tea. Rockstar dadi was sat on the sofa reading the newspaper. For the first time in ages, both women had woken up with a new sense of hope. Last night after abhi had come over, Sarla in particular had felt her mind ease. She stood in the kitchen tending to the pot of tea on the stove thinking about how she saw them both asleep. The memory warmed the cockles of her heart every time she thought about it. She needed reassurance that he loved her daughter, and after she had seen how tenderly he cradled her even while in his sleep, a certain level of doubt had been chipped away from her heart and mind. She took the pot of tea, and strained it into four mugs. She set them into a tray that was set aside, picked it up and took it over to the kitchen table. Just as she walked across the room, both Pragya and Abhi had emerged and were quietly seating themselves on the table. Pragya's face was indifferent though her features had softened and the dark circles that encased her beautiful eyes had lifted in colour slightly. Abhi on the other hand wore a genuinely warm smile on his face. They sat down about to start on breakfast, Abhi spoke
"Good morning...mummy ji, dadi."
"Good morning Beta ji, apko Achi need ayi raat me?"
(Did you sleep well)
Sarla ma addressed him as she walked around the table distributing the tea.
"Ha mummy ji, kitne dino ke baad me, itni Achi si needh ayi thi, pata nahi kyu?"
(Yes, after so many days I've slept well, I don't know why)
He cheekily grinned whilst directing his gaze at Pragya. She was helping herself to the pooris on the table, scrunching her nose at something, most likely pretending not to hear. She turned to look at Abhi, who was still weirdly smiling away at her. The remark was so blatant, her heart may have fluttered a little, but that was not enough to win her over just yet. She was failing to grasp how on earth her family had gone from anti Abhi, to pro Abhi in a matter of mere hours. She had heard first hand her mothers wrath towards abhi, slandering him at any opportunity that presented itself. She stared at him with her scrunched face a moment longer before she looked away with a slight blush creeping upon her cheeks. She continued to spoon food on to her plate.
Abhi was looking at her intently trying to read every micro expression that crossed her face. He could, from the look on her face, tell she was wondering why her family were being so nice to him. The thought made him smile even more. He had felt so much more elated since being in the presence of her.
Sarla ma had noticed the exchange between the two of them. She knew her daughter was a tough nut to crack.
"Arre beta me bata ti hu, it ni dino se baad ap apni patni ke paas Soye hai, needh to Achi hi Ani tha kyu?"
(Son, ill tell you why, after so long you are sleeping next to your wife, you were bound to have a good sleep)
Sarla ma was thinking this, when dadi stole the words from her and stated them. Abhi looked at dadi in appreciation. Poor Pragya didn't know where to look. Damn her family she thought, werent they meant to be on her side?
"Kya kehe diya unko, us Rockstar ne, jo un do no Bhi unki phir se number 1 fan bana diya hai"
(What has this Rockstar said to them, that they too have become his number one fans again)
She was completely conflicted with emotions. The not so logical, driven by her heart part of her wanted to jump up and down with joy and slap her to tell her to see what was in front of her eyes. But the other brain steered side told her she couldn't trust what she saw. After all be had not confirmed that he loved her in words and she was not going to be distracted by false hope. She picked up her poori and started to shovel down her food which served as a distraction. It had been so many days since she had eaten a meal properly, the thought of food just didn't appeal in the time she was immersed in such pain and turmoil. But today she felt different. She actually felt hungry, and the food tasted good again. She looked down at her plate in confusion, as if it had somehow offended her. She slowly looked up and stole a glance at Abhi that was talking to dadi. She sighed a little as though almost in relief. She knew exactly why food tasted good again. Her heart rose victoriously in her chest and released a wave of warmth over her body. The reason was sat across from her.
Breakfast was a rather informal affair. The conversation was mainly dominated by Sarla, dadi and Abhi, with Pragya occasionally speaking when addressed. It had not escaped anybody's notice how Pragya's face washed with colour as her previously absent appetite had apparently returned with some force. Nobody dare mention this though in fear she slipped back in to her coping mechanism again. They continued to idly chatter while they ate together.
"To aj tum kya Karne wale ho beta ji?"
(So what are you doing today son)
Sarla addressed Abhi. He picked up his mug of tea, and took a long sip before setting in back on the table.
"Hai mere pas kuch idea, lekin mummy ji, kya me Fuggy se aj bahar le ja sakta hoon?"
(I have an idea, but mummy ji is it okay if intake Pragya out for the day)
Pragyas spat her food out in shock and looked at him startled with her eyes almost popping out of her head. What was he playing at?
"Ha zaroor beta, is me pooch ne si kya baat hai, biwi hai teri"
(Off course son, you don't need to ask, she is your wife)
Sarla ma was helping herself to pooris, trying not to make her words seem as though they were not a big deal. Pragya didn't know what to do. She tried to protest, claiming she had work to do, but her dadi trumped her out again.
"Doctor ne bilkul mana kiya hai, kam Karne ke liye, ap ko Aram ki zaroorat hai"
(The doctor has forbidden you to work, you need rest)
She was having none of it. It was decided for Pragya that she would spend the day with Abhi. If she was honest it was the last thing she needed, to be alone with this "new" him. But then she thought back to what he had said this morning about the kidnapping, and if she knew him at at all, there was a chance this was something that needed to be kept completely under wraps. Begrudgingly she back down and quietly accepted the plan, stuffing her face with the remainder of her breakfast.
Abhi was delighted. His mother in law and Grandma couldn't have been better if he had asked. They had practically forced Pragya into spending the day with him not hearing any of her excuses. He felt slightly sorry for her, he could tell that she was not completely happy about what was going on but was powerless to refuse her family. Abhi was silently grateful, he knew he had a long way to go to make amends with her, right now he just wanted to get her away from here and be alone with her. The thought of it caused and eruption of warmth and fuzz to radiate up and down his body. He smiled and looked down dork-ishly and continued to eat his food.
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Meanwhile, On the outskirts of Mumbai, stood a run down shanty town in the middle of the dessert. It was completely abandoned, due to the lack of resources in its scarce dry terrain. The sun was hot on the tin shacks that stood dotted amongst the dust and dirt. It wasn't large, a matter of fifteen to twenty shacks built in a large angular C, with a water station in the middle, consisting of a rusty broken water pump, bedded in a concrete square wall around a meter high. It was located at the base of a large dry hill, which provided cover from the only road that led around it. Nobody ever came this way, it was a ghost town of sorts. A Perfect hideout for one Corporator and his final remaining goon. They had situated themselves in the middle of the shanty town. Hiding a few bare essentials in one of the huts. The goon was sat on the floor in front of the shack. The Corporator was pacing up and down. Aliyah had still not called him. He was getting desperate. She was the only way out of this mess, once he had the Money he would leave India for good. The rest of his goons had disappeared. In the past days he had noticed that they were less obedient, although they had not said anything directly, it was clear from the snide remarks and sloppy actions something was a miss. He had been asleep and told them to keep watch one night, when they drove off in one off the jeeps and left him there. He had been raging. Though he wanted nothing more in the world to find them one by one and put them all down, he had bigger problems. The police had frozen all of his assets and keeping track of all of his finances and expenditure, it's made it impossible for him to survive. Once Aliyah paid up this money he could leave India and start again somewhere else. He had given her five days. For that was the amount of time his remaining resources would last him. After that he didn't know what he would do. He was slowly getting paranoid, and this eerie dessert abandonment was the only place he could think of the police would not look to find him. He would have to come up with another threat and call her later today if she still hasn't called him.
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After breakfast Pragya quickly got ready to go out. She had gone in her room, to wear some pumps instead of usual sandals. She gathered a few things in her hand bag. She didn't really know what to expect, it was fair to say she was nervous, a little afraid to hope, she had agreed to help him with this kidnapping and she should keep that at the forefront of her mind. She continued to procrastinate delaying every second possible. Meanwhile Abhi was in the living room, making some phone calls. He was pacing up and down engrossed in his conversation, when Pragya sheepishly walked back into the room with a nervous look washed over her face. She was fiddling with her handbag that was on her shoulder trying not to look directly at him. He chuckled.
"Ha to ap Sab kuch sambal lenge? Theek hai, thodi der me Milte hai"
(Okay so you will take care of everything? I will see you later)
He finished off his conversation and put his phone back in his back pocket. He walked towards Pragya who started to look up at him with a "what are you doing why are you getting closer" expression as he edged nearer to her.
"Chaliye?"
She nodded her head towards him, and he waited for her to step forward and begin to walk. Together they made their way to the front door.
"Bye mummy ji, dadi, me Pragya ko baad me ghar chod deta hoon"
(Bye mummyji, dadi, I will drop Pragya off later)
Sarla and dadi were sat on the sofa watching the news. They were trying hard not to draw to much attention to the situation though, inside as all parents would, they were beaming with happiness.
"Koi bat nahi beta, Pragya ka Dyan rakhna beta, un ko time pe kahna aur Davai dena beta ji"
(No worries son, just look after Pragya, give her medicines and food on time)
Pragya was slightly annoyed at her family.
"Ma me choti bachi nahi hoon, ke muje waqt par bacho ki tareh haat se kilana hai, jab bhook lage tab khalunga"
(Mum Im not a small child that needs spoon feeding, when I'm hungry I will eat)
She snapped for the first time in ages. Her mother sniggered quietly away from her. Sarla was just happy her daughter had some zest back. Abhi laughed at them both and ushered Pragya towards the door who was still spitting venom. As they left they heard them both shouting for them to have fun.
Abhi and Pragya got in the car and set off on their journey. He was trying hard to be the perfect gentleman. Holding and opening the car door for her while she got in, making sure her seatbelt was fastened before they set off. Neither had said anything to one another. Abhi drove for sometime with his eyes facing the road, occasionally stealing a quick glance in her direction. He was very aware that the atmosphere was awkward between them and he didn't want it to be. He wanted her to relax again and be herself around him. He would have to think of something to break the ice.
Pragya on the other hand was experiencing a multitude of emotions. She didn't know why discussing the kidnapping required them to travel such a distance, the other thing bothering her was the way Abhi had behaved since he had entered back in to her life like a typhoon. Suddenly he was acting like a husband would. She was fighting desperately to keep her resolve, but she was fighting a loosing battle. She wanted to believe what was in front of her but she couldn't trust it. In that moment she decided she wouldn't let him affect her, as a gesture of goodwill she would hear him out, listen and advise him but after that she would hold her own. She was doing well without him, and she didn't want to get distracted off her path. With that in mind she attempted to build some bridges
"Dadi kaisi hai?"
(How is dadi)
She asked softly, as if her mouth had spoken before her brain had time to register her actions.
Abhi had to double take. He had just been thinking of something to say when she saved him the task.
"Wo theek hai, lekin ap ko miss karti hai, Sab ko tumhari bohat yaad ati hai"
(She is fine, but she misses you, everyone misses you)
Well that was a dumb question she thought. She needed to steer the conversation away from emotions, or anything that would cause him to speak to her like some filmy hero.
"Acha? Aur apka kam me? Sab kuch theek hai na?"
(Really? And your work? Is everything okay with that?)
Abhi's face lit up at the prospect of talking about music. His face was looking ahead towards the road, giving Pragya an opportunity to sneak a look at his handsome face.
"Ha Sab kuch ache hai, actually me ne ek Naya project shura kiya hai, mere ek, dost Te, hum pehle mere career ke shuruat me Milte Te, vo actually Tanu aur Aliyah ka dost tha"
(Yes every thing is fine, actually I'm starting a new project with a friend I met when I was first starting out. Actually he is a friend of Aliyah and Tanus)
His face dropped slightly as he mentioned there names. Pragya noticed the dip in his spirits as she studied his face closely.
"anyways un hone muje contact kiye Te ek bada music channel, concert karna chaata hai, India se bade bade artist aur producers, film stars Sab ko le kar ek huge show karna chaata hai, aur mera dost chaata hai ke me unki help karu, mere pass contacts hai iss liye, aur vo charity ke liye hai, abhi shuruat me hai,lekin it's very exciting, app ko ana hoga?"
(Anyway he contacted me, a big music channel want to do a big concert with all the big stars of India, film stars, producers etc. he wants to do a big show, he wants me to help him because I have good contacts, and it's for charity, it's still in the early stages , but it's very exciting you will have to come)
He looked at her and grinned his usual cheeky smile. Pragya smiled back at him, she was always genuinely interested in his music and projects. Abhi was a very talented and famous and she was glad that he used his ability to think about those less fortunate too.
"Ha zaroor ayengi, kitni Achi baat, to app kya karege? Perform? Ya ne gano ko likhenge?"
(Off course, what a great thing, so what will you do? Perform or wrote the songs?)
They continued to chatter about Abhi's project. He told her about all the stars that he had helped contact, the venue and all the ideas for performances he had had and was starting to put into motion. Pragya listened fascinated and thoroughly concentrating on all the facts about the charity they were doing this for. Slowly but surely the ice had melted, they had got back to their usual joking and insulting one another. Abhi felt good, he had missed his wife greatly. Only now did he understand all these times what his dadi had meant when she had spoken to him about a life partner. Pragya also felt better, she didn't want it to be awkward between them, after all she had promised to stay friends with him, and before she left him that is what they had become.
After sometime Abhi pulled off the main highway and pulled into a giant shopping complex. He pulled into a space as close to the entrance as he could find, switched off the engine and turned to Pragya.
"Hum yaha..?" She looked around and then at him with questioning puppy dog eyes.
Smiling warmly at her he took off his seatbelt
"Me ne kuch cheez mangwale hai, me andar ja kar le atta hoon, apko kuch chaiye andar se?"
(I have ordered some things, ill go and get them, do you need anything)
They had been driving for quite some time, now and Pragya really needed to use the bathroom.
"Nahi, kuch nahi, lekin me Bhi chalu apke saath"
(No nothing, but ill come with you)
She started to undo her seatbelt and open her door. Abhi began to protest on the basis the mall would be busy and he would get whatever she needed, but then stopped. He didn't mind the company. She adjusted her dupatta and stepped in front of the Car. Abhi locked it and they walked up together towards the entrance. Abhi had put on a hat and sunglasses to shield him from any lurking media, or fans that may spot him. As they entered through the large foyer they walked up joining the back of the queue to allow security to check them before they went into the actual mall. There was a separate queue for boys and girls, so Abhi an Praga separated as they joined the respective lines. As soon as they were passed the security, they entered through a grand automatic glass door that lead into the main mall. It was hexagonal in shape standing high with four floors. Pragya and Abhi had entered the ground floor and so could see the mall in its entirety. There were thousands of people scurrying up and down the escalators and stairs, going about their daily lives and routine. It was very overwhelming, on the left of them were hundreds of small food outlets and coffee stands, with a large communal seating area. It was full to the brim. There were families waiting in lines with their food in the prospect of getting a table and a few seats. The right side was littered with glittering name boards for all the different shops. Pragya looked around, there were so many people here. How on earth would she find the bathroom without loosing abhi!
As soon as they entered the ground floor of the shopping complex, Abhi instinctively took Pragyas hand closest to his and pulled her into him. He put the same hand around her waist and held her hand on the other side. She looked at him shocked at first, but then instantly appreciated his gesture the moment shoppers passing by where bumping into them. Abhi led the way and ushered her to the nearest set of escalators to take them up. The whole time he held on to her protectively around her waist and her hand. She kept looking over at him, as they walked across the busy floor, and it unsettled her to know she couldn't see his eyes through his sunglasses but he could see hers. They reached the escalator, and Abhi gently pushed Pragya so that she was stood of the step in front of him. Even with the sizeable step advantage Pragya had, Abhi still towered over her as they rose up. This whole time he held on to the same hand he had been holding since they had walked in. The escalators were also crowded and split into two lanes. Those people that wanted to walk up pushed pass on the right, while the people that used the escalator in the correct manner stood far right of the tiny space. As people started to push past, protective Abhi wrapped his arm while holding her hands around her waist and manoeuvred her so that she was pressed against the side and the force of the people pushing past was being Bourne by abhi. He held her there in place with his body hunched protectively over the back of hers. She let go of his hand and turned to face him, she was taken back by him proximity, somehow because she was stood on the step above him, her face almost level with his this time. She looked at his sunglasses clad eyes. Suddenly she was very aware how close he was to her. His lips were so close to her own, she gulped his intoxicating smell clouded her senses. The affect he had on her was astounding, he could see through his glasses how she was struggling to remain composed being this close to him. If it was any consolation to her, he wasn't having the best time. His body was so close to hers, electricity could jump between the gap. She smelt delicious. He could feel her breath against his quickening and he didn't have to be stood this close to her to be able to hear the erratic beating of her heart. The people pushing past were shoving Abhi closer and brutally towards Pragya. She hated to see him get hurt. He didnt say anything he stood there continuing to shield her from the public. After a few split seconds she couldn't take it any longer, she grabbed the nape of his jacket and pulled him closer to her. Abhi was a little shocked. He steadied himself by placing both of his hands either side of Pragya on the side of the escalator. She held him there, and the small gap,it had created behind abhi had meant he wasn't being bashed about anymore. Abhi was doing a little victory dance in his head, he literally craved and sought out moments pragya was that close in proximity to him. here she was helping him out all by her self. Pragyas heart was doing a similar thing, even she could not deny how incredibly sweet he was being. Both of them stood there enjoying their moment in secret silence. They reached the top of what was probably the worlds longest escalator (just for the purpose of this story guys) and the first floor was just as busy as the ground. Abhi quickly took hold of Pragyas hand again and pulled her to the side.
"Dekho muje do dukano me Jana hai, are you sure ap ko kuch nahi chaiye? Ap ko bhook lagi hai?"
(Look I have to go to two shops. Are you sure you don't need anything, are you hungry?)
Pragya looked at him still trying to get over and fathom the great change in him. He was holding her upper arm gently shaking her back into the room.
"Nahi me theek hoon, lekin muje bathroom me Jana hai"
(No I'm fine, I just need to go to the bathroom)
Abhi looked at her and shook his head in acknowledgment and decided it was best to go to the toilet first and then go along and collect what he needed. Leaving her alone here was not an option, he would panic every moment she was out of his sight, and if she was spotted by someone that recognised her, he would not let her face that alone. He took her hand again and explained they would go to the bathroom first and then make their away around the mall. Abhi wanted to get away from the crowds as soon as possible, so he once again took Pragyas hand firmly in his own, and guided her along to the nearest rest room. Pragya was grateful. She never liked busy crowds of people, but after fainting yesterday she was still feeling a little light headed and quesy. She was beginning to wish she had just stayed in the car, but it was okay really, she didn't feel unable to handle the situation. Abhi had literally had hold of her the whole time. It was really getting difficult to ignore the warm fuzz that radiated her body every time her body was somehow in contact with his. They made there way around one side of the first floor, there was a small corridor like passage way that led to the bathrooms. It was even busy here. Abhi waited outside and assured her would be waiting right here until she came out. After she had finished they whizzed around the mall quickly grabbing everything Abhi needed and made there way back to the car. Along the way back once they had entered back into the car park again Abhi still hadn't let go of Pragays hand. A fact that they had both noticed.
"Vo mera haath kyu abhi tak pakad liya hai, yaha it ni si log bi nahi hai" she wondered as they strolled back.
(Why is he still holding my hand, there isn't even that many people here)
"Un hone ne unka haath abhi tak kyu nahi Cheen liye hai ?" An ever so slight grin crossed his face as he thought it.
(Why has she not taken her hand back yet)
Soon they were on with their journey. The place he had planned to take her was located about 2 hours out of the main city, once they had gotten on to the main highway again the journey had gone quite quickly. Abhi had really wanted to get Pragya away from everything and level with her. The journey had gone quite pleasantly with the both of them chattering away and get back to being comfortable and familiar with one another. Abhi could tell though that Pragyas guard wasn't completely down, he realised he couldn't expect results in a day, after all she had been hurt in this whole process beyond what words could measure, but somehow he felt content at the fact she wasn't completely ignoring him.
After another hour or so, they arrived at their destination. Abhi pulled up at what looked as though to be a nature reserve. He slowly drove up a dirt road that was surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape. Trees, that were lush and green, in the distance hilltops covered in emerald carpets of forestry. The blue sky and the shining sun just added to the splendour of the natural surroundings. Pragya looked out of the window from behind her spectacles in awe. Abhi continued to drive about a mile up the road, until they reached a large mahogany shaded wooden building. It was very grand looking, with large log pillars at the entrance of a glass foyer. The car was pulled into one of the parking spots nearest to the entrance. Pragya looked on at the building in amazement. Where had he brought her? It looked as though it could have been some sort of a hotel. Abhi stopped the car and turned to her.
"Tum yaha roko, me abhi atta hoon..." He smiled at her reassuringly and turned to open the door.
(You stay here, I will be back soon)
"Suniye... Hum yaha kaha aye hai?, mera matlab mene yaha kabhi pehle dekha Bhi nahi"
(Where are we? I mean, I have never seen anything like this before)
Abhi smiled again, he leaned forward and cupped her cheek taking her by surprise.
"Tum ko acha laga?, yeh jagga I mean" he looked at her sincerely knocking her off her stable practical perch again. All she could do was nod as a faint smile graced her face. That didn't go unnoticed by abhi.
(Do you like it? The place I mean?)
"Me abhi atta hoon, muje kuch arrange karna hai"
(I will be back soon, I just need to arrange something)
Pragya nodded again. He let go off her, got out of the car and Pragya watched him as he walked over into the building. After about 5 minutes he came back out again and headed back to the car. He half heatedly ran back to the car and got in. He put the keys in the ignition and backed back on to the road, he continued up the opposite direction they had come. They drove for about four or five miles until the approached a medium hill. pragya was looking out of the window still bewildered. before she knew it, abhi had driven the car midway up the side of a hill and pulled up to a beautiful quaint looking log cabin. It was situated on the side of the hill over looking an entire nature reserve. The view was breathtaking. In the farthest distance she could see the tiny buildings that started to make up the cities filtering down, but before that in the fore ground, a landscape filled with trees, dotted across a brown landscape. The cabin was made of dark vertical logs. With large glass panels at the bottom. It was two storeys and was hidden away by large green trees. There was a gravel like driveway in front of the large partially covered porch. On one side of the porch there was a table and four chairs set around it, and on the other side a large swing that was dressed with large red cushions. There were steps that led up the porch and the large door way that stood central to the whole building.
Abhi got out of the car and walked around to Pragyas door and opened it for her. She stepped out of the car. Abhi guided her to the front door as they walked he spoke.
"Ye Hamara cabin hai, jab hum chote the, Purab aur me yaha ate te, yaha ek bada nature reserve hai, different different se animals, aur hiking Karne ke liye sundar raste"
(This is our cabin, when we were younger, me and Purab used to come here, there's a big nature reserve and different animals. And beautiful hiking routes)
Pragya looked around her still in awe.
"Kitna sundar hai" she said with excitement and genuine smile on her face.
Abhi felt overly joyous. The smile on her face was so warm and grateful. He remembered once bringing Tanu here before he had bought the cabin. She had hated it. Because of its cut off nature and peaceful atmosphere she had found it too quiet and "not her thing" he was happy though, the woman that really mattered was enjoying something he had appreciated. They walked up to the front of the cabin and abhi walked behind her like a gentleman, allowing her to go up the steps first. He stepped in front when they got to the door and unlocked it using a key from his pocket. He opened the door and let Pragya in.
The interior was magnificent. It was large and open plan, with a large stair case going around the left of the house and around the top. Below were large sofas that sat in a C shape next to a wall that housed a large open log fire. Underneath the bannister and to the back of the cabin was a large dining and kitchen area, which looked modern and well kitted out. Abhi led Pragya into the house. There was a gentleman that was in the kitchen who looked at though he was cooking. As soon as he noticed abhi, he left what he was doing and rushed over into the living area to greet them.
"Namaste Abhi Bhai , kaise ho app? Aur bhabhi ji app? Muje kaha ta app log ane wale the, lekin maaf ki jiye muje aj thodi der ho rahe hai"
(Namaste abhi, how are you? And bhabhi ji you? They told me you were coming, but forgive me I'm running a bit late)
He shook Abhi's hand as he said it and shook Pragyas too. Abhi tapped him on the arm in reassurance. He introduced him to Pragya as Adi, an on site chef. The cabin that abhi had bought was managed by a company that had built the cabins as investment. They rented some and maintained the ones that were privately bought.
"Koi baat nahi, hum ko bolana jab ap khatam ho, aur hum a kar dinner karenge, me Fuggy, matlab bhabhi ko ka tour doon"
(Dont worry, just shout us when you are done, and we will come down and have dinner, I will give Fuggy, I mean bhabhi the tour)
He looked at Pragya and grinned. Adi scurried on back to the kitchen to finish preparations for their lunch. Pragya watched him as he hurried back. She was still a little confused, why had Abhi brought her here? No sooner was she thinking it, it was as though Abhi had read her mind. Slowly he reached for her hand as she was lost in her own thoughts. She looked at him and he smiled warmly towards her
"Me janta hoon tum sochti ho, ke yeh handsome Rockstar tum ko itne door kya laga hai na?"
(I know you're wondering why this handsome Rockstar has brought you so far)
Pragya nodded yes in gesture.
"Oh to tum manti ho, ke me handsome hu?"
(Oh so you agree I am handsome)
She was caught off guard and registered what he had just said. Within an instant she snapped at him
"Nahi to..."
But it was too late, a slight blush had already begun to creep up her face. Abhi openly laughed at her.
"Are Fuggy me Muzak karta tha, me already janta hoon, me kitna handsome hoon, lekin me chaata tha, ke hum kuch alag jagga a kar Sab kuch discuss karege"
(Fuggy I was joking, I already know how handsome I am, but I wanted to come somewhere different to discuss what I wanted to talk about)
His face turned serious and he looked down as he started to speak again.
" jo Kehna hai, muje samaj nahi ati, me tumse kaise yeh baat batao"
(I don't know how to say what I need to tell you)
Pragya noticed he cowered slightly and looked away from her as in shame, it was the first time since he had invaded her life this morning, that he looked defeated and genuinely worried. She wondered what it was that was bothering him. She may have been angry at him and trying hard to get over him, but that didn't take away from the fact that she still did love him and she couldn't bear to see him look so deflated. She stepped towards him and tried to meet his downward gaze.
"Kya Hua hai? Batao na?"
(What's happened, please tell me?)
Abhi snapped out of his thoughts which were swaying back to the deceit and betrayal he had felt the night before. He looked up and smiled back at her again.
"Me bataunga, lekin pehle hum grand tour karenge, aur baad me jab hum lunch karenge tab hum Sab baat karenge, me tum se kuch baat chupa ne ki koshish nahi karunga, lekin jab hum dono akele ho, tab me apke Sab kuch bata dunga"
(I will tell you, but first I will give you the grand tour, and then when we have lunch I will tell you everything, I won't hide anything from you, but wait until we are alone then we will talk)
As he said it it looked in the direction of Adi. Pragya understood what he wanted to say, was in complete discretion. Slowly she was beginning to understand why he had brought her so far. The matter must be very grave. She gestured to him that she understood and within a second abhi had snapped back into his playful mood.
"To chaliye na Mrs Mehra, me apko tour deta hoon cabin ka, bohat bade nahi hai, lekin muje lagta hai apko upper wale view pasand ayega"
(So come mrs Mehra, I will give you a tour of the cabin, it's not that big, but I think you will appreciate the view upstairs)
He took her hand again and steered them towards the staircase. He took her upstairs and showed her the bedrooms. There were two of them, both open and decorated in warm mountain colours. Each had their own private en suites. The master bedroom though, had a huge glass window which led out onto a partial balcony. The view from up there really was breath takingly magical. Pragya listened to abhi as he talked about the cabin, why he had bought it and the inspiration for his interiors, with Her occasionally asking questions about the construction of the cabin, or in relation to something abhi had just said. The Cabin wasn't as large as say the Mehra house with room upon room. But instead it was a small cosy retreat. She really liked it. It wasn't anything she expected Abhi's taste to lie in but then she was pleasantly surprised. She had hoped that after they ate, they could go and explore the hillside and reserve a little better.
After sometime, Pragya and Abhi made their way downstairs again. Adi had finished preparing their lunch. He had set everything up on the back porch. The back of the house was set up with a raised deck, which was partially covered by the balcony above. there was a glass table and chair set, setup.The sun was still warm and shining, and the back of the house was situated so that it overlooked the back of the wood that climbed up along the hillside. The rays were beating down, Adi was finishing laying the last of the food when abhi and Pragya walked outside.
"Aye, betho bhabhi, me ne Sab kuch Abhi Bhai ka Kehna par tyaar kiya hai, me chalta hoon, ap ko kuch chaiye to please muje phone ki jiye"
(Come, sit bhabhi, I have prepared everything abhi Bhai asked I will leave now, phone me if you need anything)
Abhi walked over to Adi shook his had in gratitude and slipped him a tip.
"thanks Adi, hum sabal lenge, lekin koi kam pad jaye to hum phone karenge"
(Thanks Adi we will manage, but I will ring you if we need anything)
Adi nodded in agreement, he bid them farewell and walked back through the cabin and out of the front door. Abhi watched as he left, and then turned back to Pragya who was stood adjacent to him. He gestured for her to sit down, which she did and he followed her, sitting on the chair next to and across hers instead of opposite her. The food looked and smelled delicious. There was a wide range of vegetable curries, samosas, parthas sweets. Everything that Pragya could think of.
"Muje nahi pata ap ko kya mood hoga Khane ke liye is liye me ne ye saad banwaia hai"
(I didn't know what you would want to eat so I had all this made)
He looked a little sheepish as he said it. Pragya really appreciated the effort he had gone to.
"Sab bohat ache dekhte hai, me ap ko serve kardu?"
(Everything looks great, shall I serve you)
She picked up the serving spoon and started dishing food into Abhi's plate first then her own. abhi was about to protest, he didn't want her to think she had to pick up after him, or serve him his food, but then a part of him enjoyed it. This is what dadi had wanted from a bahu, someone who thought of him before she thought of herself. And really he enjoyed the fact that Fuggy did this for him. They both sat there for several minutes tucking into their food. Pragya couldn't help the moans of satisfaction that escaped her mouth when she bit into the soft fluffy paratha, and the deliciously seasoned Sabsi. Abhi watched her in delight as she shovelled her food down. For the first time in ages, food for him also tasted good. While she had been absent from his life every mouthful that was forced down his throat had resembled chomping on cardboard. Life had no colour. Just with her being sat there in front of him, it was like dulux the paint company had come, thrown up and saturated his vision. It was delightful. Abhi ate his food too. They idly chattered again discussing the nature reserve and its history. Pragya was interested in the animals it housed and kept. Abhi had explained that told her that after dinner they could go and hike if she wished. Pragya hadn't needed much convincing. She was looking forward to spending time away from the dirt and smog of the city and relishing in the fresh countryside air. They continued to eat and enjoy each others company. It had been so long since abhi had felt relaxed and at ease, all because of the five foot nothing beauty sat next to him who was quite oblivious of the strong hold she had on the Rockstar. Abhi was still worried though. How would she react when she learnt the truth about their kidnapping. Would she want to be associated with his family at all? The overwhelming thought caused abhi to put down his spoon. Pragya noticed this.
"Kya Hua hai, bataye na, ab yaha koi nahi hai, sirf ap aur me, jo Kehna hai, ap kehe di jiye na, me janti hoon ap ko yeh bat pareshaan karti hai"
(What's up? Tell me, no one is here now, just me and you, whatever needs to be said, just say it I can tell its worrying you)
Abhi looked at her confused about where to even begin with this. He picked up his glass of water and took a gulp then set it back down again. He looked up again at her and took a deep breath.
"Muje pata chal Gaya hai, kidnapping ki piche kaun tha"
(I've found out who was behind the kidnapping)
Pragya looked at him in shock. She put down her own fork and gestured him to go on. She looked at him reassuringly, she forgot all about the emotions she had been feeling previous to arriving here. The anguish in his voice proved how difficult this was for him. Pragya was about to find out exactly why.
"Vo Aliyah aur Tanu tha"
Pragya could not hide the complete shock on her face. She looked down at her plate as if all of a sudden the food had gone off, then looked back at abhi.
"Esa kaise ban saktha hai, vo apki behen hai, zaroor koi galat femi hogi"
(How can that be, she is your sister, there must be some misunderstanding)
She began to protest but stopped as she saw abhi nodded his head and his eyes well up with tears. Through his ragged breaths he explained to Pragya from the beginning what he had discovered with the security tape and then what he had later seen with his own eyes and heard with his own ears. He explained everything to Pragya, leaving out the part where Tanu had planned to kill her. Pragya listened intently to abhi not once taking her eyes of him. As he went on he heart thawed more and more towards him. How on earth could his sister have done this to him. She had always thought that Aliyah loved her brother, and more so she was supposed to have changed. Abhi was looking down fiddling with his hands as he spoke and Pragya reached over and placed her hand on top of his. He looked up her slightly startled by her actions. He continued on in conclusion
" muje kuch samaj me nahi atta, me kya karu? I'm sorry me ne yeh boj ap pe Bhi laga diya, lekin Fuggy I don't know what to do"
(I don't understand what I should do, I'm sorry I have burdened you with this but I don't know what to do)
He took his hand from Pragya and rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. She reached for his hand taking him by surprise again.
"Dekho jo karna hai, bohat soch samach kar karna hoga, yeh sirf criminal ko pakadne koshish nahi hai, apki Bain aur apki girlfriend ko fasana hoga, aur dadi ko Sab kuch pata chal Gaya to..."
(Look what ever is to be done, must be done with thought, this isn't an attempt to catch a criminal. We have to trap your pe sister and your girlfriend, and if dadi finds out...?"
Abhi started to panic. He knew he had to think about his course of action but it had only just occurred to him the impact this would have on his dadi. What would he do? He felt so lost and confused and utterly betrayed by two people this time last year he would have said he trusted with his life.
"Dadi... Un ko yeh Sab sun ne ke liya himmat nahi hoga"
(Dadi... She won't have the strength to bear this)
Pragya tried to ease abhi.
"Dekho pehle hum ko sabbooth ka intazam karna hoga, yaad rakhna vo corporator chala Gaye, to unko pakad ne ko bohat mushkil hoga"
(Look first we have to gather evidence, if that corporator leaves, it will become impossible to catch him)
Pragya was unknowingly in her element, being practical and finding solutions to the most intricately difficult problems was something of a forte for her. This was one of the reasons Abhi knew he had to tell her about all this, at the very least he knew she would try and help him. From what Abhi had told Pragya she had deduced that the corporator would try and leave without a trace once Aliyah gave him this money. What they needed to do was set this situation up so that Aliyah would lead them straight to the Corporator. Perhaps what was most shocking for Pragya, was Tanus part in all of this. As much as she hated that chudail she was grateful to her. With no help at all she had managed to make herself fall from grace in Abhi's view. Did that mean then there was...hope? No she mentally slapped herself. She wasn't about to get into this with herself again. She needed to focus, he needed her help with something monumental she now realised. He wasn't here because he loved her, he was here because he realised his girlfriend was a lying manipulative bitch and his sister was apparently no less. Still even if he didn't love her, she still had feelings for him and as his friend she could not see him in trouble.
After they had spoken, they sat there for what seemed like ages. Pragya absorbed everything that Abhi had told her, analysing and scrutinising every piece of information so that she could try and come up with some sort of a plan. She was visibly frustrated though. Perhaps some fresh air would do them some good after all. She could see abhi had lost control of his persona since he had explained the horrors to her. The whole journey he had been upbeat, and playful with her, but now he looked like a shadow of his former self. As is he had just aged ten years in the ten minutes he spent explaining the situation. His eyes looked lost and for the first time since she had come face to face with him this morning, she noticed the dark circles that adorned his usually expressive glinting eyes. His dejected look created an unrest in her heart. She was anxious to make him feel better. She wanted get up stand behind him and hug him to death and tell him she wanted to always Be there for him, but she controlled herself. He wasn't hers. And she had no rights to do that anymore not that she had ever had. She continued to choose to ignore the blatant actions and facts in front of her, opting to believe he was only being this way out of humanity and guilt. Even more so now that he had learnt it was his sister and girlfriend that were responsible for their kidnapping. She didn't know what she could say that would make this alright or go away for him. She sat and observed him. He was lost in his own world. Pragyas heart was stinging in her chest. Slowly she stood up and walked up behind him. His eyes were closed still and his face wore a hurt anguished look. Pragya slowly so not to knock anything crept up behind him and very shakily wrapped one of her arms around his front. Her body was acting of its own accord. She didn't know what made her get up. But the clear hurt on his face and in his words were enough to cause her a panic attack. Sure she could pull a bullet out of his dying body and nurse him back to health, but taking away a turmoil that rooted into the deepest part of his heart, that was a challenge that only someone that owned his heart could do. She was about to pull her arm away when Abhi responded and placed his hand on her arm and securely held it there. Abhi was sitting with his eyes closed when he felt her go behind him and weave her arm across his shoulders and chest. In a single moment that one gesture had pulled him straight back into the light, from the dark gloomy moment he was immersed in. Instinctively he grabbed her arm and held it tightly in place. He felt her body hunch over him and she placed her chin on top of his head. He melted back further into her tiny form, before he knew it he had fully turned around in his chair so that he was hugging her stomach. She was a little surprised at his actions at first, but slowly wound her arms around his neck again gently caressing the hair at the back of his lower head. She could not describe the feeling she felt when he hugged her back, there were butterflies, and heavy warmth. A sense of protection and pure happiness. This proximity of there was different to the usual fluster he caused on her senses, but a light, happy feeling, almost as though she was needed. Needed by him. She tried not to over analyse it too much and just be there for him. She continued to stroke his head. His arms were wrapped completely around her, without any modesty, he was clung to her like a drowning man hanging on to a float. In her arms he felt safe, like he was home, and if he lost all his money and fame, and had nothing but a shack to live out of, he wouldn't mind. As long as she was willing to live in the shack with him, he didn't care. That was what made Pragya different, she never valued his worth by the pay cheques he brought home, or the amount of people that knew his name. She valued him as a person. Not a Rockstar, but just a guy. He wished time would stop, and they could stay like that forever. This time, it would seem that fate had taken his wishes into consideration. Pragya stood there for what seemed like an eternity. She could feel his strong arms almost double back on her slender frame. His grip was firm and strong around her. Her arms were around his delicately, and she wanted him to stay in her arms like that forever. She really wasn't thinking straight. She had dismissed her brain for the time being and was doing only what her heart had desired. It wanted to comfort Abhi. She wanted to be the arms in which he found solace. In the back of her mind she knew she would fight this later, but right now she was just enjoying being this close to him. His face was buried into her stomach, his hair was slightly sticky from the wax he used to style it, but still so soft and silky under her fingers. She had rested her chin back on to his head and took a deep breath. She allowed his musky scent to rise and fill her nose. She closed her eyes and just held him there, completely loosing herself in the moment.
Abhi was in a similar state. He was completely lost In her arms. He was upset a few minutes before and felt the weight of the world on his shoulders, but suddenly with her playing with his hair like that and her head a top of his, it was very difficult to feel upset. Right now he was completely oblivious to anything and anyone. He wanted to stay right there in his wife's protective embrace against him. He briefly thought of Purab and his "pyaar wale" hug that he had referred to so many times. It was as if someone had just thrown water over him. So this is what he had meant. The thought of it caused him to pull away from her and look at her with confusion. He studied her face, she looked down at him with her big brown eyes, with an equal look of confusion.
Damn it thought abhi! He couldn't just hug her again and continue. Stupid Purab he thought. Abhi smiled at her.
He looked at her hand while she stood behind him still and took her hand.
"Me janta hoon, muje yeh Sab khud ko handle karna hoga, lekin please meri maddad ki jiye, me janta Bhi nahi hoon ke me kaha se shuru ho?"
(I know I should handle this alone, but please help me, I don't even know where to start)
Pragya held up her free hand motioning him to stop speaking. Her expression had changed back now and her practical side had fought its way back. Abhi could see the wall around her emotions had begun to build themselves again. It didn't matter though, now he knew there was a way in. And he would stand day and night with his hammer and axe breaking away at it. He waited for her to speak.
"Me ap ko help karungi, me janti hoon ap ki liye yeh Sab bohat mushkil honge, aur me nahi chaati ke yeh Sab ap akele handle Kare, aur Purvi ka Naam aya hai vo meri behen hai"
(I will help you, I know how hard this is for you and I don't want you to face it alone, and Purvi is implicated, she is my sister)
She trailed off, as Abhi stood up to tower over again. She took a step back as she saw his form rise up. He stepped towards her, holding her in place with the hand he still had hold of.
"Thank you, tumne mera Maan Halka kar diya hai"
(Thank you, you have eased my mind)
He whispered it smoothly, and leaned in towards her, Pragyas eyes started to widen as he neared towards her. Before she had any time to analyse what was happening, he leaned into her cheek, and planted a soft kiss on it. Just as soon as he made contact he let go of her hand and walked back into the cabin smiling to himself, leaving her there facing away from him flustered. She turned to look towards him, and saw as he retreated with his back towards her. She slowly raised her hand and brought it up to the cheek where had just kissed her. It was the single most electrifying moment of her life. She stood there for a second completely engrossed in her own world. She didn't notice abhi turning back to look at her. His heart soared at the sight. He chuckled to himself and called out to her
"Tyaar ho jao hum ab adventure par chalenge"
(Get ready, for now we will go on an adventure)
He turned back around and continued to walk back in. Pragya snapped out of her daydream and put her scowl back on her face. She ran in behind him, but saw that he was outside at the front, getting something out of the car. She stood in front of the fire place with her arms folded and waited to come back inside. Oh no. She thought. She was not having this, she needed to get over him, as far as she was concerned he didn't love her and she would not tolerate his flirting. She didn't want her heart to get mixed up in a game of emotions again and she certainly would not allow it to do so. If she was helping him it was because they were friends and that's it. He strolled back into the house and put two bags on the sofas. He pretended not to notice that his wife's mood had so obviously changed. He strode up to him while his back was turned and squared up to him.
"Dekhiye, me apki maddad karungi, lekin sirf ek dost ki tarah, kuch aur nahi"
(Look ill help you, but just as a frien, nothing else)
Abhi looked at her with a creased brow for a second. Then said
"Theek hai"
(Okay)
He walked off leaving her like that, she huffed. Why had he just agreed, after he had just kissed her she had half expected him to come up with some snide response. She followed up behind him
"Aur ap ko, yeh Sab flirting mere saath mat karna"
(And don't flirt with me)
Abhi just looked at her again but didn't respond immediately.
"Dekho chashmish, ek din tum man jao gi ke tum meri biwi ho aur me tera pati hoon, me janta hoon ab tum Naraz ho, to theek hai, hum dost ki tarah yeh problem solve karenge, lekin tum Bhi ek baat yaad rakhna, me Rockstar hu, aur muje haar man ne ko nahi atta"
(Look chashmish, one day you will accept that you are my wife and I am your husband, I know you're still angry, so fine we will solve this as friends, but remember I am a Rockstar and I don't accept defeat)
She was really irked now. Unbelievably arrogant, that's what he was. He was not listening to anything she was saying. It was as though he did not believe a word that came out of her mouth. As If he was just humouring her until, she came round. He walked back up to her and reached for the bag behind her and handed it to her.
"Hum hike ki liye jayenge, to ap ko trainers pehen na hoga, yaha ka raste bohat kharab hai aur ese jhoote me ap ka pair fisal jayega"
(We are going hiking, so you will have to wear trainers, the paths aren't great, and in those shoes your feet may slip)
he spoke nervously brushing his hand through his hair as he held out the bag.
She took the bag from him and forgot all bout her anger. He had bought her trainers? But how did he know her size. She opened the bag. Inside was a box which she lifted out. It contained a pair of brilliant white pair of trainers. She stared at them for a few seconds. Even she could not take away the fact that the gesture was both incredibly sweet and very thoughtful. All she could muster was a very quiet
"Thank you"
After that the tension sort of eased. They both got ready to go hiking. Abhi changed into track pants and trainers, and Pragya sat down to put on her newly bought shoes, after a little they were both on their way to explore the area. Once out in the open, Abhi and Pragya headed away from the cabin, up a trail that would take them right to the peak. Pragya had never really done this before, the idea excited her, they headed up the dirt track leisurely which wound through trees and hillside fields. Pragya was in her element. She and Abhi continued their little adventure, with the atmosphere back to normal. Soon enough they were both joking around with each other talking about non sense, with abhi being his usual cocky self. They both felt relaxed and comfortable with their surroundings and most importantly, Pragya had started to relax more around Abhi. It was lucky really, because neither of them new it but the storm was not over just yet.
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Aliyah Mehra was not having a good time. She was on her way driving to Tanus. She had not spoken to her properly in nearly a day and Aliyah was beginning to get paranoid. She needed Tanus help, she was the only other person that could even begin to arrange this kind of money, but something inside her Kept niggling, telling her Tanu wouldnt be an ally to her in this situation. The thought made her mad. Since she had seen the corporator yesterday her life had come crashing further down if that was at all possible. After her show down with the him, that too right outside her house, she knew it was only a matter of time before things went west. She had seen how he was slowly loosing control. Her battle now was where to get hold of this money. She was certain that he would get caught soon, all of his resources had been cut off and soon he would do something in desperation and stupidly get himself caught. If he did, that would be game over. He had already threatened to give her up if she didn't come up with the cash, and Aliyah knew that was something he was not bluffing. She rubbed her eyes as she stood waiting for the traffic light to turn red. How was she going to fix all this without getting implicated herself? The light changed and Aliyah shifted her car into gear and continued to drive. She knew she had to keep Tanu on her side, after all she too was implicated in this, but her obsession with Abhi was something that scared Aliyah, after all she too was a liability, and if push came to shove Tanu would save her own skin. Aliyah calmed her emotions as she pulled up outside Tanus house. She switched off her engine, took a deep breath and got out of her car, locked it and strode up to Tanus front door. She had never knocked to go in, in all the years they had been friends, they always had an open door policy with one another. She creeped open the door, and walked up the large marble hallway. She could hear Tanu in the living room talking to someone on the phone. She stopped in her tracks, side stepped so that she was closer to the wall and hidden out of view.
"Ap please samaj ne ki koshish ki jiye, kam almost ho chuka hai, bas shaadi ke bat hai, phir..."
(Please try to understand, it's almost done, just a matter of the wedding, then...)
Aliyah listened intently. She has said the last part with a flirtatious tone. Wedding? could she be talking to Abhi? but then What work was almost done? She crept up further along so that she was still hidden, but could hear better.
"Ap aisa kaise kehe sakta hai? Ap jante Bhi ho yeh kitna mushkil hai, dekho me tum ko baad me phone karti hoon, me pehle Abhi ko phone karke pooch thi hoon"
(How can you say that, do you even know how hard this is. Look ill phone you later, I will phone abhi and ask him)
With that she had ended the conversation. Aliyah's mind was in over drive? Who could that have been? Clearly it wasn't her brother, she had mentioned him by name. But the way Tanu was speaking on the phone, it was as if it was someone well known to her. Aliyah immediately strode the last few steps until she was visible in the arch way of Tanus living area. She was facing directly towards her, taking Tanu by surprise.
"Alyah tum yaha? Me apke ghar ane wale thi"
( Aliyah you came here? I was about to come to your house)
Tanu spoke quickly. Not doing well to hide the nervousness in her voice. Aliyah had noticed this. She walked up to Tanu and politely hugged her and sat down on the sofa.
"Ha, me ne kitni bar phone kiye hai, tum ko"
(Yes, I have phoned you so many times)
Tanu laughed it off and told her that she had been busy trying to arrange the money. Somehow Aliyah was not convinced. She pressed her further
"Acha to batao tum abhi phone par kiske saath baat ki?"
(Ok so tell me who were you just speaking to)
Tanus eyes widened in shock, she did not know how long Aliyah had been stood there. Did she hear the entire conversation? No she couldn't have done, if she had she would not be standing there so calm and collected. If Tanu knew Aliyah, her eyes would have been gorged from their sockets had she have heard the whole conversation. She observed her from where she sat as she stood there still in the middle of the room.
"Kya? Phone, kisse se nahi"
(What? Phone? No one)
Aliyah knew she was lying. What was she hiding from her?
"Me ne abhi tum ne suna, aur yaha to koi nahi hai?"
(I just hear you, and there is no one here)
Tanu was fidgeting with her phone in her hand. Shit she thought, she needed to talk her way out of this.
"Oh, abhi me ne Abhi ke saath phone pe thi, humari shaadi hone wale hai to bohat tyaar karni hai"
(Oh, right now? I was speaking To abhi, we are about to get married, so there is a lot to do)
Wrong answer. She had just confirmed that she was lying. Aliyah was a little taken back from the blatant lie that just came out of her best friends mouth. Tanu was definitely hiding something. Lucky for Aliyah, devious was her middle name. She wasn't going to call her friend out on her lie just yet, she would wait and find out what Tanu was up to first. She let the subject drop and decided to turn talks to what she had come here to discuss. She could see Tanu visibly relax as she did.
"To tum kuch arrange kar payi? Paise ki bare me?"
( so have you managed to sort anything? Regarding the money?)
Aliyah looked at her hopefully.
"Nahi Aliyah hum kya Kare? Mere paise Sab investments me bande hue hai, aur itne jaldi me itne paise nahi arrange kar sakti"
(No Aliyah, what should I do? All my money is tied up in investments, I can't arrange the cash that soon)
Tanu sat down next to Aliyah. She knew as well as Aliyah that this money needed to be found. truth was she didn't have any money. Her dwindling pay checks minus her glamorous lavish lifestyle had left her with a negative bank balance. She was in a lot of debt, off course she didn't want anyone to know this. As soon as she was Abhi's wife her career would kick off again, but importantly she would have access to the money she needed to settle her piling debts. The only glitch to the whole situation was this damn kidnapping. she knew there was no way she would walk away if the other two were caught. Aliyah would never take the blame herself, and the corporator would name them both, that was unless there was another option for him. Tanu pondered over this silently.
"To abh kya karenge? Mere account me sirf teen ke char lakh honge, me account se nahi phone kar sakti, Bhai ko baat nahi kar sakti, hum kya Kare?"
(so what shall we do, I have 3/4 lakhs in my account, I can't call the accountant, I can't speak to my brother what shall we do??)
Aliyah was getting distressed she stood up in frustration and swung her arms about. She still had no way of getting that kind of cash. The only option she had would lead to more questions and suspicion and she could not afford that right now. She was angry at Tanu too, how could all of her money be tied up in investment, surely she would have some saved somewhere for a rainy day or something? She asked her.
"To apke holding account, yane savings me kitne paise hai? Thoda to honge na? Apki haar kamai sirf investments me thodi honge na?
(How much do you have in a holding account, or in your savings? You just have some, not all your earnings can be tied in investments)
Aliyah shouted at her rather than asked. In turn Tanu was getting equally frustrated, why couldn't Aliyah accept she couldn't help her.
"Nahi hai, me mere Sab kuch credit card pe kharid ti hoon, dekho Aliyah muje meri finance ki bare me apko koi saffai deni ki zaroorat nahi hai samji?"
(No I don't, everything is bought on credit cards, look Aliyah I don't need to explain my financial situation to you)
Aliyah was surprised at her response. Why was she being this way? More to the point this was her problem too. Tanu was also standing up now and the both of them were facing each other. Aliyah had had enough.
"Nahi saffai de ne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai, lekin ap mat bhulna tum Bhi iss kidnapping me shamil thi, aur apki Bhi zimadaari hai unko fix Karne ke liye"
(No you don't have to justify them, but don't forget you were part of this kidnapping too, so it's your responsibility to help with the solution)
Tanu huffed at the statement.
"Idea tumhara tha Aliyah!! Tum itni desperate thi, us bulbul ko haatane ke liye, tumne us corporator ko saath diya hai, aur ab dekho, kitne fans Gaye hai hum!"
(It was your idea aliyah, you were so desperate to get rid of Bulbul you allied with that corporator, and look at how tangled we are in this mess)
Aliyah was never one to accept responsibility for any actions. She hated her friend for stating what was obvious.
"Tumne muje roka to nahi, infact jab tum ko pata chala ke Pragya kidnap thi, to tumne kya kuch nahi kiya unko maar ne ke liye, app innocent hone ke natak mat karna, me guilty hoon, to ap Bhi itni hi guilty ho"
(You never stopped me, in fact when you realised it was Pragya that was kidnapped you did everything you could to have her killed, don't act innocent if I'm guilty then so are you)
The continued to argue with one another. Slowly and surely crumbling the already rocky foundations of their fickle friendship. Aliyah had enough of it, she ended the conversation with Tanu threatening that if she was going down, she would be coming with her, and then they would see if Abhi still wanted to marry her.
----------------
Abhi and Pragya had been walking for ages. They had ended up walking a de-tour that wound around the hill instead of straight up it. After spotting a deer, Pragya had insisted she wanted to walk around the mountain, through the trees and fields to see if she could spot any more animals. Abhi didn't mind at all, anything to increase the length of time to spend with her he was always in agreement with. They were nearing the top now and the view was magnificent. They could see for miles. It all looked so surreal from up there, the world looked so small and trivial below, Pragya could almost see the curvature of the earth or so she thought. Or maybe it was because right now she literally felt on top of the world. They had reached a part of the path where the trees had cleared, and there was a small sloping field with benches along the top by the pathway they had been walking. Pragya skipped ahead and sat down on the bench. She was slightly out of breath, and her complexion had filled with colour and vibrancy from the exercise . Abhi watched her as she walked along carefree. He was enjoying himself. Before they had left she had spoken to him about helping him as a friend. Knowing the person she was, Abhi knew she was only trying to protect herself, it was a fine line between pushing her and not doing anything at all. He was worried that if he scared her she would make decisions out of haste, but if he didn't show her he wanted her she would seal away her heart forever, that was something he couldn't bare. The truth was he had never tried to stop her leaving, as far as she was concerned he had loved Tanu. it was up to him now to convince her that it was actually a relief and blessing in disguise to not have to take Tanus feelings into account anymore. All he had to do now was convince Pragya it was always going to be her. He had experienced life without her, and that life was not worth living. He walked up to her and sat down on the bench. Her expression was lost at the view in front of her, though it was beautiful, Abhi couldn't help his view was far superior. He knew in that moment he was willing to wait as long as it took, no matter how many times she batted him away he would come back fighting for her, always reminding her that when she was ready he would still be there for her. The thought of that adventure took his breath away. He hoped she would not make him work too much, but secretly he really didn't mind, if there was one thing he was certain off, that was his ability in himself, sooner or later she would come back to him.
Pragya was thoroughly enjoying the view, she felt so liberated up there, as if all her worries had been left down below. She appreciated Abhi was trying with her, and she was grateful he had brought her here. In the time they had been kidnapped it was not long after that she had executed her plan to leave him, the time she had been away from him had been painful. She tried to numb it away, it was always expected that she would hurt but she had hoped that after some time the wounds would heal, she would learn to live away from him. But now here he was unknowingly soothing the pain she had been feeling all these days. Bringing her here had breathed some life back into her, she genuinely felt happy, though her emotions were conflicted, in that moment she couldn't help but feel that for once things may be okay. He was here with her. She turned to look at him. His gaze was already fixed on her, she hadn't been aware of this before. She shyly looked away from him, and he could see her blush slightly. He would never get tired of seeing her cheeks rosy up when he looked at her, it reaffirmed his feelings for him, and the affect he had upon her. She looked back at him again and he smiled at her. She smiled back and turned away again, continuing to enjoy the view. After some time she spoke,
"Thank you, ap ne muje yaha laiya hai, bohat cha laga"
(Thank you for bringing me here, I really like it)
Abhi was still looking at her, her reached forward and moved a strand of her out of her hair and tucked it behind her ear.
"Thank you ki koi zaroorat nahi hai Fuggy, me ne apne kam ki liye yaha aye the, aur vaise Bhi, yaha bohat kuch hai Karne ki liye, phir se ana padega"
(there's no need for thanks, I have brought you here for my own purpose, and anyway there is still much to see and do here, we will have to come again)
He grinned at her cheekily, and her heart fluttered again. She returned his smile
"oh to dusre kam padega tab muje yaha phir se lay enge kya?"
(Oh so when you more work for me is that when you will bring me back)
"Nahi, jab tumhara Maan chaiye, tab hum phir ayenge, waist bi, cabin to tumhara bhi hai, aur aj ka kam abhi Pura nahi Hua hai"
(No when ever you want to come, we will come back, after all this cabin is yours too... And today's work isn't yet finished)
Abhi's face dropped at the mention serious talks. It was true he had explained the situation to Pragya but the real question now was what was to be done? Pragya sensed this
"To pehle hum jo kam ki liye aye the, pehle un ko khatam kar denge"
(So let's finish what we came here to do)
Abhi nodded at her. And so they began, they laid all the facts down. What did they know? The corporator needed cash, which he had asked Aliyah for. Tanu was involved with them too. They both sat and discussed every possibility, one thing was clear they needed to use Aliyah as bait. The greater issue was how Abhi felt about handing his own sister over to the police, but when Pragya had tried to push this matter, he had simply closed up. Afraid of pushing him, they continued to hatch their plan without involving too much emotion. Evidence against Aliyah and Tanu was a must.
"Ghar ja kar, apko puri tarah se check karna hoga, apka Sab bank accounts, unka Sab transactions"
(when you get home you will have to thoroughly check your finances and everyone's transactions)
Abhi agreed with her. The first thing he would do was call his accountant and get a breakdown of all the expenses the family charged to his credit cards, account everything. Next he was tasked with keeping an eye Aliyah. Pragya had cleverly called on the fact that Aliyah needed access to more money, to pay off the corporator, if she was intelligent she would not use her brother as a source of cash, but then perhaps they needed to dangle a life line in front of her in order for her to take the bait and lead them to the Corporator. For now though Abhi needed to follow her and gain as much information on her activities so they could deduce what was going to happen. As for Tanu, well that was a tricky and touchy subject for the both of them. Since learning of her betrayal Abhi's feelings had completely changed towards her. He had forgotten that he had ever loved her, or envisioned any sort of future with her. As far as he was concerned, she was no longer a person of value in his life anymore. Pragya had sensed the change in his feelings towards her, even she was not naive enough to believe that he would still harbour any feelings towards her after such an epic betrayal. But it was important that she was not suspicious of Abhi or Pragya for that matter. More over Abhi really did not like what Pragya had in mind for trapping Tanu.
" Suniye, Apko un ke saath normal behave karna padega"
(Listen you will have to behave normally with her)
Abhi shook his in disagreement. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as they still sat there on the bench and explained to her.
"Samaj ni ki koshish ki jiye Fuggy, me un ke samne nahi aa sakta, ap janti hai na, unki shaakal bi nahi dekhne chaata hoon"
(try to understand fuggy I can't be near her, you know I don't even want to see her face)
He spoke through gritted teeth. Pragya sympathised with him. She knew it was not going to be easy for him, but he had to try. She took hold of his hand in hers and made him face her.
"me ye saab janti hoon, lekin ap esa nahi karenge, to usko fassai enge kaise? Un ko bilkul shak nahi hone chaiye"
(I know, but you have to do it, or how will we trap her, she must get suspicious)
Abhi knew she was right, and he was well experienced with keeping up a charade. But this time it was different. He didn't want to have to pretend, he could not knowingly act in love with Tanu especially when he was trying so hard to win back Pragyas heart. He wanted to hurt Tanu but not at the expense of making Pragya watch the whole thing. He took a deep breath, his hand still in hers and spoke
"Me janta hoon abhi hamare pas dusre raste nahi hai, iss liye me ye natak Karne ko tyaar hoon"
(I know we don't have any other choice, that's why I am ready to put on this act)
Pragya sighed in relief.
"Lekin ek baat ko dyaan rakhna, me usko pyaar nahi karta hoon aur yeh Sab sirf ek natak hai, aur kuch nahi"
(But be aware, I don't love her, and this is all an act)
He leaned towards Pragya and cupped her face. He spoke with such conviction and sincerity. He could not afford for Pragya to believe for one second this would turn into something real. Pragya knew he would be reluctant, and her heart somersaulted at his words. If he didn't want Tanu anymore, maybe somewhere deep down he may feel something for her. It wasn't a feeling she would take heed off, but she couldn't help notice it there all the same.
So it was settled. It had been decided that Abhi would continue to make Tanu believe she was going to gain access into his life. He would keep away from Pragya and absolutely eliminate any chance of Tanu becoming suspicious. They still needed to come up with a plausible explanation for Dadi and the rest of the family that would spare them from the harsher parts of this truth, but alas Rome was not built in one day and the exposing of a criminal and his two accomplices could be levelled on par with that. Having ironed out the rough details of their plan, they decided to put it to one side for now and not allow it to ruin this wonderful day they had both had. With that they stood up, Abhi still mind full that he had hold of her hand, they continued on with their journey up the hillside and reserve. Both of them blissfully unaware that what they were about to unravel was beyond anything either of them could have been prepared for.
Edited by x-Ri-Ri-x - 10 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Current Affairs
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