Hey guys!
Thank you again for all your wonderful and amazing comments! I know I take ages to update but I really love writing this and very much appreciate all that read it and take the time to like and comment! So this part is less Pragya and abhi! And also I've properly made some things up here... Like the bugging an iPhone (all in the name of a good story) but I hope you all enjoy it -
Chapter12
The next morning Abhi awoke fresh and early. Last night he and Pragya had talked on the phone and chattered until the early hours of the morning. They had laughed and joked with each other, and had normal conversation. He told her Tanu had been to the house that evening and that he had arranged coffee with her tomorrow to try and coax some information out of her. It had gotten late and eventually both had succumbed to tiredness. He had text her through the night but she had not replied until the morning telling him she had slept fine. After a morning workout and a hot shower he went to have breakfast with his family. He wandered through the hall and down the stairs to the dining table, there they all were scurrying about going about their days. Mitalli was serving up food for the kids and Tauji, taiji was just arriving herself from the kitchen and sitting down. Akash , dadi and the Dasis were already seated starting to eat. Breakfast was chaotic as it always was, he and Akaash had a meeting with the network that would be integral to this new business venture. He told dadi that he would be meeting a friend after and so would not be home until later. He had already txt Tanu that morning to telling her where to meet him. He knew she would never settle at a tea stall or a road side dhabbha, but still there was a pretence to be maintained and he would do it well. He had arrange to meet her in a nice restaurant and all morning sub consciously he was nervously preparing for his charade with her. He didn't have much of an appetite today so he and Akaash set off to meet the network executives.
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Several hours later, Abhi and Akaash emerged from the hotel in which the meeting had taken place. The discussion had gone well and the network had seemed very keen on all the ideas and progress that Abhi had made. They both walked out of the building and waited in the car park for the Valet to bring the car. Akaash turned to Abhi and spoke.
" Bhai network wale bohat impressed Te is show ke bare me, lekin bohat jaldi kam karna hoga"
(Bhai the network people were very impressed with the show, but we will have to work quickly)
Abhi shook his head and smiled at Akaash.
"Ha Akaash, bohat kaam hai aur bohat kam waqt hai hamare pas"
(Yes Akaash we have a lot of work and very little time)
He knew that this at the moment was an added stress that he was having to deal with, but thankfully he had a good support network behind him. As managers Purab and Akaash served him well. Work tension was something he never had to bare alone because his brothers would always be there to help.
"Ha koi baat nahi, me abhi ja kar Sab kuch Purab Bhai ko bat kar dunga, kya karna hai, proposal ki details ke bare me, aur baad me hum Sab kuch organise kar denge"
(Dont worry, I will go and fill Purab Bhai in on everything, what we need to do and about the proposal, and after we will get everything organised)
Abhi nodded in agreement.
"Lekin Bhai, Rishi kyu nahi tha vaha? Muje lage yeh pehli meeting thi to vo Bhi vaha honge"
(But brother why was Rishi not there? I thought with this being the first meeting he would be there)
Abhi had known Rishi for several years now. They had met one summer after Aliyah and Tanu had introduced him. He was the brother of one of the girls in their friend circle and very soon he realised that they had a lot in common. They both shared a very similar passion to music and it was then that Rishi too was trying to make it as an artist. He and Abhi had worked together and shared their progress and hardships with one another hoping to help each other out, but after sometime Rishi had other plans to establish himself internationally and Abhi didn't want to leave India so parted on good terms and set off down their own paths in life. Over the years they lost touch as happens sometimes and it wasn't until Rishi contacted Abhi that they reconnected again. It turns out that Rishi abandoned his dream of wanting to be a star and decided he would be more suited to a career behind the scenes, thus finding himself in a very prestigious position with one of the worlds largest television networks. Akaash and Purab had met him several times in the past as had most of his family.
"Vo abhi America me hai, aur vo agle Hafte me a jaya ga"
(He is in America at the moment, he will be back next week)
He was Working between both countries at the moment which required him to be split between both places. He would arrive next week where Abhi would finally get to see him after all this time. Abhi explained all this to Akaash, who took on board everything that was said. Eventually the valet arrived with their car. They both got in and Akaash began to drive, he directed Akash to the restaurant he would be meeting Tanu and told him to send the other car with the driver when he got to Purabs. Akaash did as he was told and left abhi at the restaurant.
Abhi walked into the establishment. It was a trendy restaurant bar that was decorated in bright white and electric blue hues. Everything was modern from the angular white suede couches to the Tall slick round bar stools. Elegantly decorated with touches of silver in the decor. He walked in and a waiter hurtled straight over to him.
"Good afternoon sir, ap ka reservation hai?"
(Good afternoon sir do you have a reservation?)
"Ha Mehra nam hai, do ki liye"
(Yes it's Mehra, for two)
The waiter nodded and signalled Abhi to follow him to his table. Once seated he told the waiter to direct his guest to this table too once she arrived. He ordered an iced tea and waited there. The restaurant was fairly quiet, he was seated in a booth that had comfortable chairs and a secluded table which was perfect, as he didn't really want to be seen in public with Tanu. This was the first time he felt guilty and shameful about what could look like him wining and dining another woman other than his wife. Only now did he truly understand how his past actions could have been perceived. After several minutes of waiting Tanu arrived doled up. She strode over to abhi, pulled him off his chair and gave him a huge hug. Abhi loosely wound his arms around her shoulders in a bid to try and reciprocate. Hugging Tanu was not like hugging Pragya. With Pragya he couldn't be close enough to her. He would wind his arms completely around her, if he had it his way that's how they would stay all the time. He quickly snapped out of his thoughts and gestured for Tanu to sit down.
"Oh abhi yeh kitni ache jage, ap ne order kiya hai? Chalo aj khas din hai, to kyu na hum champagne order ki jiye?"
( abhi this is such a nice place, have you ordered? Come today is a special day, lets get champagne)
Inside Abhi was of mixed emotions. On one hand he wouldn't lie, he wanted to strangle her, but on the other it was amusing to watch her think she had won, when actually she had no idea her game was up. But abhi humoured her.
"Theek hai, kitne ache idea hai!"
( ok what a great idea)
She smiled gleefully at him. Of late Tanu was beginning to think she had lost her war. She was thinking of newer and inventive ways to try and desperately clutch on to Abhi. He had gone AWOL for two days and after her argument with Aliyah she was scared that she would have done something to jeopardise her relationship with Abhi. In the end Tanu had gone around to Aliyah the previous evening and apologised. She told her she would try her best to come up with the rest of the cash, which Aliyah had gratefully thanked her for. It was unknown to Tanu that Aliyah had already made a deal with the corporator regarding more time. But for now Tanu was under the illusion that things were fine between them, especially since Abhi had asked Tanu for coffee today. She sat there across from him observing his face, he looked somewhat different though she couldn't place her finger on what.
"To muje batao, kya bat karni thi? Apko dadi se hamare bare me bata diya hai?"
(So tell me what did you want to talk about, have you told dadi about us?)
She was so predictable. He understood now she didn't love him, all she wanted was to be associated with his name, fame and fortune. Still he played his part and smiled at her.
"Nahi, lekin mene dadi se kaha hai ke me kissi aur se shaadi karna chaata hoon, aur un hone kaha vo theek hai"
( no but I have told her I want to marry someone else and she has said that's fine)
Tanu was shocked. This was the first time abhi had admitted to wanting to marry her in front of his grandma, this was a tiny step, but with the lack of progress so far Tanu was happy with it for now.
"That's great abhi! To ab kya?"
( that's great! So what now)
Abhi didn't want her to know he was lying and he needed a way to manage all of this without Tanu getting suspicious or asking questions. He paused for a second then an idea hit him
" to me ap se ek request karta hoon, ap ja tyaari shuru ki jiye, choti choti cheez, apki dress, dekho kaha shaadi ka function rakhna hai, me dadi ko mana lunga, aur jab vo man jaye gi, to hum saath aur apke parents ke saath baat paki kar lenge"
(I request off you, go and start organising the little things like your dress. The venue and I will talk to dadi. And when she agrees we will sit down with her and your parents and discuss everything)
He needed to keep her occupied and make her believe this wedding would happen. Without it going too far. Tanu was ecstatic. She stood up from where she was sat and placed her self on the sofa on Abhi's side.
"Sach me abhi? Is ka matlab hum jaldi shaadi Kar ne wale hai, I'm so excited! Kitna kaam hoga, muje ma se baat karni hogi"
( really? That means we will get married soon, I'm so excited there's so much to do, I need to talk to my mum)
Abhi watched her with his fake smile. This was what he wanted, to distract her from the truth and stop her from doing anything that may hurt his cause. He took her hand in his and looked at her. She smiled up at him.
"Dekho Tanu I'm sorry, aj kal me ne apko koi time nahi diya hai, lekin Sab badlenge, tum tyaari ki jiye, me dadi ko handle karunga, lekin ap promise ki jiye, tum dadi ko kuch nahi bolenge?"
(Look Tanu I'm sorry, these days I've had no time for you, but this will all change. You make the necessary preparations, ill handle dadi but please promise me you won't say anything to dadi?)
She nodded and hugged him. Finally she thought, he would be married to her.all of it would be hers again. She stood up still excited and announced that she was going to the bathroom. Abhi watched her as she walked off towards the rest room. In a quick flash he grabbed her clutch that was perched on the table As she disappeared around the corner hallway of the bathroom. He kept a watchful eye whilst opening her purse with firm hands, taking her phone and sliding the screen. She had a password which Abhi was thankful he knew. He quickly searched her messages. Nothing. He looked through all of her call logs and there were no numbers logged. Everything was blank. Damn it! He flicked through the photos and dIdnt see anything untoward. He looked through her phone book to see if he could see any names out of place. He scrolled quickly still glancing sideways ensuring she wasn't coming back, he wasn't nervous though, he just needed to get it this done without drawing any attention, he glanced back down at the phone and saw "TN" that had caught his attention. He went to look at the number when he saw a flick of hair coming around the corner. Lunging the phone back into the purse he placed it exactly where she left it and opened took out his own phone. She sat down and smiled at him. Their drinks arrived and they sat and had one with each other. Tanu insisted Abhi join her in a glass of champagne, he resisted at first but then agreed. She raised her glass to him
"Chalo hum toast karte hai, To us! Finally hum dono ek honge! Aur koi hum se alag nahi kar sakte"
(Come lets toast to us, finally we will be together and no one can some rate us)
She looked at him all twinkly eye and smily. He raised his glass with a half hearted yet convincing style, and clinked her glass with his. Little did she know he was toasting to something completely different. To a life with the love of someone that loves and wants to be with him, and that girl was not Tanu. He had spent a proportion of the afternoon grilling Tanu in a not so obvious way, but with no success, she had not given anything away. He decided he needed to do more in order to investigate, whatever her and Aliyah where involved in she had to have some sort of trail leading back to it. After there lunch he headed home because he needed to meet with Purab and Akaash about this venture.
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Meanwhile Pragya had endured a busy day. She had been back at college taking classes. Today she had taken six in total and had a pile of mock exam papers to mark. She had just finished her last class when she wondered down one of the grand corridors of the college. She was making her way down towards the staff room with a box of exam papers in a bid to grab her things from her locker and head home. She had just reached the door when her phone began buzzing. She quickly entered the room. It was strewn with random chairs around the front and tables at the back with the lockers surrounding the back walls.and dashed to the table in front of the lockers. Hurriedly, she made her way to the tables at the back, dumped her box and bag and started rummaging frantically. Within seconds she located her phone and answered the call.
"Hello"
She panted slightly as the walk down to the staff room lugging all those papers had caused her to work up a sweat.
"Ey Fuggy, tum kaha ho? Me ne tumse kitni bar phone kiya hai"
(Hey Fuggy whee are you? I've called you so many times)
Abhi spoke to her down the phone with a slight anxiety in his voice. Pragyas noticed this and wondered if he had uncovered something more. It made her fearful. Still she spoke with ease
"Me aj bohat busy thi, aj Pura din classes chal rahe thi, kya baat hai?"
(I've been busy all day, I've had classes all day whats up?)
She casually asked him, hoping it would not be anything too drastic.
"Muje apse kuch important baat karni hai, lekin phone pe nahi, tum college pe ho abhi?"
(I need to talk to you about something important, but not n the phone, are you at college?)
Her heart sank a little. What would it be? What had he found out?
"Ha"
"To theek hai, tum vaha roko, me tum ko college se pick kar dunga"
(Okay you wait there ill come and get you )
Pragyas eyes shot up. He wanted to meet her now! She didn't know if she could handle seeing him again today. She needed to concentrate on work and getting her students through their exams. When she was with him it was hard for her to think of anything else. It was hard not to loose herself in his presence and block out everything else. Still this kidnapping had affected her too, and she wanted truth to prevail and after all she wanted to prove her sister innocent so she agreed to meet him.
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They had been driving for about twenty minutes when Abhi took the car down a secluded road that ran parallel to the beach. It's wasn't a tourist attraction as such but there were still people that lived in the vicinity that came to use it. It was relatively quiet with only a few runners and people walking their dogs. The journey had gone somewhat painlessly. They had idly talked to one another about their days and had kept the conversation lighthearted. Once the car was parked up, Pragya got out of the car and waited for Abhi, they strolled up the road and crossed over so that they were now walking along the beach together. Abhi seemed calm and rather collected while Pragya wondered what he had found out today. She knew he was meeting Tanu today and she hoped that this would lead them to some evidence to catch Tanu too. It had been some time after they had began strolling and neither had said a word. Pragya was anxious and broke the silence.
"To Tanu ke saath kya Hua?"
(What happened with Tanu)
Abhi stopped and looked at her. Today's mission had been a complete fail. He knew he needed to invade Tanus privacy more to find what they were looking for, but it was the method in which he needed Pragyas approval. He took a deep breath and scanned her pretty face which looked hopeful for an answer
"Kuch Bhi nahi"
(Nothing at all)
She looked a little confused.
"Matlab?"
(Meaning)
He took her arm and guided her to continue walking and explained.
"Matlab, me ne uska phone pe check kiya hai, lekin un pe kuch Bhi nahi ta, sirf ek number jo thoda sa out of place Te.
(Meaning I checked her phone, but there was nothing but a number that looked a bit out of place)
He continued to explain that he had found a number which was named TN, but he had not had chance to send the number or make a note of it as Tanu had come back.
"TN is ka matlab Thakkur Neil, yeh Tanu Bhi na, kitni idiot jaise hai, chori kar ni hai to kam se kam soch se to karna"
(TN means Thakkur Neil, Tanu is such an idiot, if you're going to be sly at least think about it first)
Abhi laughed at her remark. Indeed Tanu was stupid, or maybe it was that his wife was so intelligent, but he had not thought that that's what it could have been. But he agreed, this was a stupid thing to do. He knew now that what he needed to do was more crucial than ever. They continued to make their way along the beach and had migrated inwards so that they were near the water. It was a clear day so the busy part of the beach way up a few miles ahead could be seen. Abhi braced himself to tell Pragya a plan he had thought of in order to get the information they needed. Regardless of how Indifferent she was acting towards him, he knew deep down his suggestion would strike a chord. He thought of what to say carefully to her and began to speak
" To me ne socha hai, kuch idea Karne ke liye"
(So I have thought of an idea)
Pragya looked at him as he spoke, she knew he would have to get closer to Tanu, but she didn't really know right now how she felt about it, she willed herself to put that aside and hear him out anyway. She gestured for him to go on
" muje lagta hai, muje Tanu se bahar le Jana chaiye, kissi jaga vo khud shaarab pi ke vo nashe me chad Jaye aur behosh ban jaye"
(I think I should take Tanu out, somewhere where she will get herself so drunk she passes out)
He stopped and looked at Pragya a little sheepish knowing full well what her reaction to this would be. She looked at him as though he had gone mad
"Kya! Ap ese thodi na kar sake! Vo insaan hai, koi Janvar to nahi"
(What?! You can't do that she's a person not an animal)
Abhi frowned at her, yes she wasn't an animal but she sure had behaved as one. On that basis this was at least a little acceptable he thought. But Pragya disagreed, just because Tanu played dirty didn't mean that they had to.
"Lekin Fuggy, hum esa nahi karenge to pata nahi kab hum ko acha surag kab milenge? Aur vaise Bhi, me kuch galat nahi karunga"
(But Fuggy if we don't do this god knows when we will get more evidence, and anyway I won't do anything bad with her"
Pragya softened towards him.
"Mera matlab vo nahi ta, lekin vo kuch sawal nahi karenge?"
(I didn't mean it like that, but won't she question you?)
"Nahi na, come on Fuggy, me ek Rockstar hoon, aur vo Tanu is bat ke shukar hai ke me unke saath bahar Jana chata hoon, anyways hum pehle Bhi vo karte Te"
(No come on Fuggy I'm a rock day and Tanu will be grateful that I want to go out with her and anyway that what we used to do.)
Abhi stopped as soon as he saw the cute scowl form on Pragyas face. He couldn't help but smile.
"Kya Hua Fuggy... Ap jealous ho?"
(What's up Fuggy are you jealous?)
She snapped out of it straight away and put her "I'm indifferent" face back on. She didn't want him to know, that every time he was with Tanu it filled her green with envy. She had never experienced anything such as this before, but with Tanu it burned like the sun. In a way it was because of how she wanted him to treat her. Of late he had been doing that, being attentive and caring, but still she couldn't ignore the fact that for another night Tanu would have her lecherous arms all over Abhi. Still she wouldn't give Abhi the satisfaction of knowing that she was jealous
"Nahi to, me kyu jealous hone ge? Ap jaye Tanu ki saath"
(No why would I be jealous, you go with Tanu)
Abhi didn't believe her. He understood now what it would have felt like to have witnessed someone you loved in the arms if another. Secretly though he did a mental fist pump because he couldn't help but feel a delight in Pragya feeling jealous, it was further reassurance to him that she still cared. But this time was different, he would not give Tanu the power over him all night. He had constructed a careful plan as to what to do. They spent sometime talking over what he needed to check and what he needed to try and find out. Once they had the evidence they needed they would go to the police and present them with it. Until then, this charade would need to continue on. Abhi decided that he would see Tanu this evening. He wanted to get this over and done with and didn't want to have to wait another day. While he was with Pragya he called Tanu, partly so Pragya could hear what was said and partly due to the fact that it was already early evening and he needed to ensure she didn't make any other plans. She had agreed to meet him, Abhi explained that his meeting this morning had gone well and that other things in life were looking up so they should meet up and continue on this evening. She had been ecstatic and told him to dress up so they could go somewhere nice and celebrate properly. Abhi had spoken mostly through gritted teeth but agreed.
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He dropped Pragya home sometime ago, and had assured her he would not do anything she didn't like. But he already had a way in which this wouldn't be suspicious. He had gone home and gotten changed into a crisp white shirt, with suit trousers and a matching matte black blazer. He decided against a tie and left the top button open. He spritzed himself in his finest aftershave and made his was to pickup Tanu. He had taken the driver, on the basis he would be drinking, but not as much as Tanu would be. He should have felt a little more guilty about what he was about to do, but Tanu had shown no ethics in her dealing with him, so why should he? He sat in the back of his white mercedes as it drove along the roads looking out of the tinted windows. Five minutes to go and he would be at her house. It was amazing to him how much he hated her, how much he hated himself for being such a fool and not realising what a poisonous woman she was. She was everything she claimed Pragya to be when they first met her, only now did he see how wrong he had been. They pulled up to outside, he got out of the car and let himself into her house.
He took a deep breath as he made his way down her hall way and entered into her front room. She was stood in the middle of the room, with her handbag on the table open. She had just retrieved her compact and lipstick and was stood applying the blood red colour to her lips. She had worn a short white dress with no sleeves. A bandage Herve leger dress, which clung to her curves like water. She had a pair of silver strappy sandals, with her hair in a half up bouffant. She looked like she was ready to kill. Abhi took in her fake appearance. For the first time in a long time he looked at her, while stood expertly applying the lipstick, and acknowledged the fact that he had really changed. This was just not attractive to him anymore. These girls that make themselves look pretty on the outside to hide the fact that they are demons on the inside. Unfortunately he had fallen prey to the vixens that over populated his famous world. He was grateful for the fact dadi had chosen Pragya for him. He snapped out of his thoughts when Tanu saw him and greeted him.
"Hi! Tum kab aye?"
(Hi when did you get here)
She walked over to him with a big smile plastered on her face. He watched her as she stalked over to him, in her viper like manner and got into character for what was about to kick off. He braced himself and took a deep breath as she hugged him.
"Bas abhi abhi aya hoon, tum ready ho? Chale?"
(Just now, are you ready? Shall we go?)
She turned back around and grabbed her Keys of the table, fitted everything into her tiny purse and beamed at him.
"Chaliye?"
(Let's go)
She gestured for him to walk along with her, linking her arm through his. He smiled at her and continued on out to the car, this was going to be a long long night.
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It had been several hours since Tanu and abhi had gone on their night out in Mumbai, and true to tradition they had hit all the top spots. They started with a Tapas dinner carefully selected by Abhi, for he didn't want her to eat so much, as that would mean it would be harder to get her drunk. It was a restaurant with a bar where everything was decorated in stylish antique woods and terracotta detailing. It was quite a sizeable place, meaning it had been crowded with throngs of people socialising. They had eaten quite quickly and had headed onto the next couple of bars. They were finally at the last bar Abhi planned to come to, before he took Tanu home but not in the way she had been anticipating. Throughout the night Abhi had made sure that he had maintained decorum all night, but not letting Tanu know. He had acted more drunk than he actually was to try and entice Tanu into letting her guard down. She had been flirty, and on the whole spoken only about herself and their supposed wedding. As her inhibitions slipped throughout the evening her tongue slurred slightly more and more. By doing this she had already let on to Abhi that she was really only with him for the fame. All those modelling contracts and magazine deals she would get once she was Mrs Abhi Mehra. The thought of it made Abhi sick really. The sad part was she was always like this, it was he that had been blinded by the fact that she was famous and the "It" girl of his society. Still he knew better know, and he thanked god everyday for it. He had decided early on there was no point in doing anything just yet, he allowed her to enjoy the evening and make a memory of it because right now, towards the end of the night he was about to play his trump card.
He and Tanu stood at the bar waiting to be served. They were in a bar come club that was rammed with people to the brim all drunk and dancing on the dance floor and anywhere that was room. The bar was a long rectangle shape, narrow In width painted dark silver. The lights were large crystal and mirror chandeliers that reflected the various blue and white strobe lights that shone on to them. They had fought their way in through the entrance and made their way to get some drinks. Tanu was fairly drunk now, but still coherent. After all she was a party girl and to Abhi's dismay it did mean that she handled her drink well. She had a scowl on her face though as irritated. She turned to Abhi who was stood waiting to be served. She tapped him on his shoulder to catch his attention and gestured that she was going to the toilet. Abhi nodded and told her he would wait right there for her. It was loud and they could barely hear one another, but after a few hand gestures and shouting down each others ears, she was satisfied that he would wait and walked off to the toilet.
She stumbled her way across the long packed room, bumping into virtually everyone on the way and headed for toilets down the Bottom of the room. She eventually got there and pushed passed the door to find several people waiting in the queue. The bathroom had six cubicles and was decorated in the same manner as the club, with silver walls a large mirror covering once side of the room with fancy square sinks and waterfall taps. She waited for several minutes until finally a cubicle came free. She went in and did her business, after finishing she flushed the toilet, put the lid down and sat on it. She needed a minute to compose herself, she knew she was drunk but she wanted to get Abhi alone tonight so they could be together. It had been so long since she had been with him, she really couldn't wait. She chuckled out loud and started monologuing to herself staring blankly at the door in her drunken state.
"Oh abhi, tum ko pata Bhi nahi hai me aj kitni khush hu! Apko pata bi chale ga ke me ne kya kya kiya, to tum to muje Jaan se mar da lenge"
(Oh abhi you don't even realise how happy I am! If you ever found out wha I've done you would kill me!)
She laughed at the prospect of what she was saying, as if possessed.
"lekin esa kuch nahi ho ga! Kyu ki me itni challak hoon, acha hai ke tum mujse pyaar karte ho abhi, varna pata nahi me kya nahi kar sakti. Us Aliyah ko to dekh lunga, aur ab us corporator Bhi meri taraf a chuke hai, bas Kuch dino ki baat hai, pehle tum uss behenji ka divorce ki jiye, aur mujse shaadi kar lo, us ki baad, muje Saaab kuch mil jaye ga muje, paise, Naam aur unke bad... Muje mera Sacha pyaar!"
(But nothing like that will happen, because I'm that clever! It's a good job you love me, otherwise god knows what I would do! Ill take care of Aliyah and now that corporator is on my side too. It's just a matter of a few days, first you will divorce that behenji and then marry me, after then ill get everything, money, fame, name, and after that my true love!)
She flailed her arms in the air as she spoke, as if performing a Shakespearean play. She stood up after composing herself and went out of the cubicle.
Meanwhile Abhi had been at the bar waiting for Tanu. He had ordered their last drinks, a sparkling Tap water with ice and lime for him, and a double Gin and Tonic for Tanu. It had been a few minutes after she had left that the barman had served him. As the guy behind the bar laid his drinks down abhi gave him his credit card to pay. He nervously looked around him to make sure nobody's attention was on him and Tanu wasn't coming back. Once he was convinced the coast was clear, he bent his hands down to pick up the glasses off the bar, as he did he very cleverly slipped two pills into Tanus drink from the sleeve of his blazer and used the straw in her drink to whirl them around in a bid to dissolve them faster. He had never done anything like this before, and as he did it he could see the look on Pragyas face when he would tell her tomorrow about what had transpired tonight. Though in his defence, Pragya had used Valium to make dadi fall asleep the night she told her she was leaving so on that account he wasn't doing anything that she hadn't done before. Albeit it was for a completely different purpose, but it was drugging someone all the same. What Abhi had hoped would happen, is once Tanu drank this she would become complacent and eventually pass out asleep leaving him free to search her entire house. After he had finished, he picked the drinks up and turned around to see Tanu coming back towards him. He smiled at her anxiously, he knew deep down this was wrong, and although he wished he could do this another way, he ignored the guilt and focused on the fact that she had wronged him in a much worse way. Tanu strolled over and reached out her hand to grab her drink which Abhi pushed into her hand. Se gulped it down in less than three sips shocking Abhi. He didn't want her to fall asleep here! Panicking he leaned into her and tried to salvage the situation
"Chalo ghar chalte hai! Yaha bohat shor hai aur, hum akele me thoda sa time spend ki jiye"
(Come lets go home, there is a lot of noise here and we should spend some time alone)
He didn't want to say that to her. Because he simply did not mean it, and for once it was surprisingly hard. Not like when he had pretended with Pragya, somewhere deep down he probably did mean it with Pragya he just never realised until he actually realised how much she meant to him. But this was different. He didn't love Tanu. And he did not want to spend time alone with her. Tanu however was oblivious as per ususal to Abhi's inner turmoil. She was beyond excited at the prospect of getting him fully alone. She slugged the last of her drink and took his hand ushering him towards the door.
By the time Abhi and Tanu had arrived back at Tanu's house, she was completely comatose. She had fallen asleep on Abhi's shoulders and was practically a dead weight from then onwards. As the driver pulled into Tanus driveway, Abhi got out of the car and unlocked Tanus door first, then went back to the car to pick her up and take her in. He took her straight to her bedroom. Less than gracefully put her on the bed, too off her shoes and covered her with a blanket. Once he was convinced she would not wake for the night he got to work searching her house.
The first thing he did was grab her phone from her purse on the sofa, where he had thrown it on his way in. He searched the number TN and put the number in his own phone. He had already decided now would not be the time to call it. He wasn't nervous now, he was more afraid. Afraid that before this there could have been a chance he was wrong about the girl he used to love, but now there was none, because fairly soon Abhi was to find out everything he needed.
Satisfied he had checked every aspect of her phone again to ensure he hadn't missed anyhing, he set to work on her laptop. He walked over to the desk that was situated to the rear of the room. It was a large glossy chocolate colour with a crystal lamp perched upon it. On there sat a slick MacBook, with little else, expect a few papers and a couple of pens. Abhi switched on the device and positioned himself in the suede brown office chair that was homed there. After a minute the login box appeared. Abhi again had used this laptop countless times before when he and Tanu had been closer, abusing this trust he began to do a thorough search of everything. Browser history, emails, bank statements, financial spreadsheets, documents, photos. Everything. The whole time he strategically searched he had in the forefront of his mind, what would Fuggy do in order to carry out a thorough check. He remembered to check the computers deleted items too. After roughly an hour of searching abhi had found everything he needed. Tanu had transferred an lump sum of fifty lakh rupees into her current account and the very next day gone into a bank branch and withdrawn the full amount in cash. This had to be the money the corporator received into his account. Upon further investigation he learns Tanu is in a serious amount of debt. As he mindlessly clicked through document and emails he slowly learnt she owed money to all kinds of people for all sorts of things. He was shocked to say the least. There were emails to suggest she had conned people out of money and they had written angry responses to try and get the money back. After he had seen enough, he closed down the laptop and began his search of her house, to his dismay he found nothing of consequence. Just fan letters, gifts from admires but nothing too out of the ordinary. Still he had what he needed. He had taken care to take photos on his phone of all of the evidence and print copies of her statements. He was happy that he had inspected everything and finally sat down on the sofa and decided to rest. It was late, but he wanted to call Pragya and tell her what he found. Deciding against waking her, he sat himself up on the sofa setting an alarm to wake up earlier than Tanu. Before got comfortable and lay to sleep, an idea came into his head, using Tanus where's my iPhone app, he synced his app with her phone so that he and Pragya could track her. Feeling relatively smug with himself he closed his eyes relishing the thought that very soon he and his Fuggy would be together. There would be no more pretence, there would be no more deceitful people amongst his nearest and dearest.
The next morning Abhi awoke nice and early. He got up from his makeshift bed on the sofa and went to Tanu's room to check on her. She was still soundly asleep. Abhi took this opportunity to get showered and dressed and then wake her up. He was finishing getting dressed when he heard her stir. He quickly finished what he was doing and went into her room. He had already set aside some aspirin and water on the table for her. He poked his head around the bathroom door to see her sat up in bed rubbing her eyes and holding her head.
"Good morning! Tum ne to kamal kar di! Jab gadi me the tum so gayi aur phir wapas oothne ka nam Bhi nahi le ti!"
(Good morning, you were amazing! When we got in the car you fell asleep and would not wake up)
She looked over at him still groggy eyed and bleary. She saw the water and tablets on the side and reached for them with lighting speed and consumed them.
"Oh fo! Mera sar me bohat dard hai! Me ne bohat pi liye Te kal raat"
(Oh I've got a bad headache, I drank a lot last night)
She continued to rub her forehead and feel sorry for herself. She had no idea why she had blacked out. She definitely had drank a lot the previous evening, she remembered leaving the club with Abhi and getting into the taxi, but after that not much else. She remembered feeling sleepy but that was about it. She looked up at abhi who was dressed and ready.
"To tum ne kya kiya phir?"
(What did you do after?)
He looked at her. The voice in his head was giving her a running commentary of everything he had done, but his mouth chose careful words, tell her he had spent the evening watching a film then going to sleep. She looked apologetically at him.
"I'm sorry me ne Hamari raat buri ki hai"
(I'm sorry I ruined out night)
Abhi looked at her and smiled, inside grateful he hadn't needed to make any excuses to not get close to her.
"Koi bat nahi! Phir kabhi kar Len ge, lekin abhi muje Jana hai, aj bohat kuch kam hai mere pas"
(It's okay, we will do it again, but for now I have go , I have alot to do,)
She was about to protest. But then remembered she also had things that needed to be done today so let it go. After that she had gotten up and they had both had breakfast together in an almost silence. Very soon after Abhi ended up leaving to go home. Leaving Tanu to think over the happenings of last night.
Abhi was on his way to pick up Pragya and take her to work. The traffic at this time was always horrendous and the wait was making him edgy. He drove as fast as the snail paced traffic allowed him too and made his way to Pragya before she had time to set off and make her own way. He was nearly there, pulling into her street when he saw a colourful turquoise and red chattri whirl around outside what was Pragyas house. He cautiously pulled up to her. She hadn't noticed that he was there. She was shouting something into her mum when she turned around and saw Abhi's car there. She looked on at him in surprise. He had txt her that morning saying that he needed to tell her everything, but she hadn't expected him to turn up here. Still she was happy to see him, even if at this stage she still didn't want to admit it to herself. He got out of the car and walked up towards her. She looked ravishing. Slowly the colour had returned to her previously gaunt cheeks and she looked as though she had finally filled out from the appetite that had since returned. She smiled at him and looked at him with those questioning eyes. He stepped up closer to her and looked down on her face and spoke
"Hi, kaise ho tum? I'm sorry me yaha achanak a gaya, lekin muje tumse zaroori bat karni hai"
(Hi how are you? I, sorry I've come here all of a sudden but I need to talk to you)
He should have been a bit more on edge given he had just gathered the evidence to incriminate his former girlfriend, but somehow he couldn't quite remember that whilst he stood there captivated by his wife's pretty eyes.
"Koi bat nahi, ap theek hai, ese kaise dekh Rehe ho?"
(No proble, are you okay what are you looking at?)
She was at a loss as to why he was looking at her all mushy eyed. She jittered her words carefully.
"Lekin muje college Jana hai"
(But I have to go to work)
Abhi snapped out of his hypnosis and realised he was shamefully ogling his wife in her street amongst her neighbours.
"Pata hai muje, is liye me abhi aya hoon, chalo me tum ko college tak chod deta hoon"
(I know, that why I have come now, ill drop you off at college)
She nodded, as she did her mother came outside. Sarla was running around the house as usual getting Pragyas lunch box ready and making breakfast. She came out flustered waving a lunch box at Pragya.
"Pragya! Tumne phir se apka tiffin bhool gayi ho, kitna pyaar se banaya hai me -"
(Pragya! You've forgotten your lunchbox again! I make it with such love and-)
She immediately noticed abhi stood there
"Beta ji app! Kab aye? Andar aye na Nashta ki jiye"
(Beta ji, when did you get here come in for breakfast?)
Abhi greeted his mother in law. He couldn't stay as Fuggy needed to get to college but he was hungry.
"Nahi mummy ji, kabhi aur time, aj bohat busy hoon, me sirf Pragya ko chod ne aya hoon,"
(No mummy ji ill come back again, I'm busy today and I have come to drop off Pragya)
She beamed at him. Not wanting to make a fuss about him coming yet again to pick her up, she quickly went inside and dashed back out again after thirty seconds with a tiffin made up just for Abhi.
"Koi baat nahi beta, ye ap li jiye, raste me kha lena"
( no problem, you take this ams eat it along the way)
She handed him a tin foil parcel which was neatly wrapped up containing aloo parathas. abhi took them from the sweet woman and smiled in gratitude. With that she hugged her daughter and went back into the house. Abhi and Pragya headed over to the car. Silently they both got in and Abhi began to drive with one hand and trying to eat his food with the other. Within a couple of minutes the awkwardness had evaporated and they were both deep in discussion about what had happened the night before. Abhi had explained to her about everything that he had found. Starting with how they had gone out, he had steadily gotten her drunk, how he had mixed a sleeping pill in with her drink and how he had copied all of her transactions and worked out the fifty lakh rupees had indeed come from Tanu.
Pragya listened to him intently, not once taking her eyes of his face. He didn't turn to look at her while he drove, somehow he was grateful for it for having an excuse to not look at her. He briefly thought back to when he had first heard Tanu speak to the corporator about giving him money to kill Pragya. That was what that money had been for. He daren't face her in humiliation for once having a relation with such a disgusting woman. His expression did not go unnoticed by Pragya. She realised that after everything that had happened he was the one that was suffering the most. What a blow to have lost the trust of his sister and girlfriend whom he wished to spend his life with in one go. It made her feel sorry for him. Whatever their relationship had been, abhi was a good person and good people did not deserve to be played with like this. The thought made her angry. She allowed abhi to finish before she spoke.
" kitni ghaatiya insaan hai vo aurat! Me ne aj tak itne bure insaan nahi dekha hai"
(What a disgusting woman, I've never seen such an Awful woman)
She spat venom as her analysis of the situation came out without explanation. Abhi looked at her surprised, his chashmish had never spoken with so much hate in her voice before.
"Mera matlab hai, un hone ap ke saath esa kaise kar sakti hai"
(I mean at the fact she can do such a thing with you)
Abhi nodded and agreed, but that wasn't his worry anymore. He didn't particularly care what happened to Tanu now. They continued to drive discussing what they should do next regarding the matter. Though they had some evidence against Tanu it still was nothing solid. Pragya in particular sat fidgeting on the car seat racking her brains with what to do. Somehow thoughts of college and lecturing her students had completely gone. All she wanted to do know was punish Tanu and Aliyah for their ill behaviour. Before she knew what she was thinking she spoke.
"Suniye, hum ko police ko inform karna chaiye, ab hum yeh saab Humare beech me nahi rakh na chaiye"
(Listen we should inform the police, we shouldn't just keep this between us now)
Abhi pulled the car over at the side of the road. Inside he was suffering quite the turmoil. What would happen if they went to the police? It meant he would have to give his sister up. As much as he disliked, maybe even despised her, what she had become, he still could not shake the fact that she was still his sister. Giving her up meant a domino effect of broken hearts. Dadi, dasi, Tauji, Akash... His heart had already broken with her thoughtless actions. Knowing all of this he turned to look at Pragya.
"Me janta hoon, ap jo kehe rahi ho, vo sahi hai, lekin muje bohat dar lag raha hai, mere ek kehene par mera Pura parivaar toot jaye ga"
(I know what you are saying is right, but I scared on my one word my entire family is going to be broken)
His eyes looked sad and broken as he spoke. It almost made Pragya loose her breath, for she could feel his pain as though its was no different or separate to her. Out of reflex she took hold of his hand that was still holding onto the steering wheel. An action which took Abhi completely by surprise. He turned to look at her as she reassured him with her sparkling eyes.
"Ap chinta mat ki jiye... Me hoon na"
(Dont you worry, I'm here for you)
Abhi felt relief wash over him. As unsteady and uncertain as her words were, he was so grateful to her for being there. Standing by him. Whether he deserved it or not, he was glad that she stood with him helping her fight his battle. He gazed at her for a moment, gently reaching forward with his other hand, he brushed the stray her from her fringe and tucked it behind her ear. Pragya felt slightly nervous still, she took a breath and fluttered her eyes for a brief moment then looked down. Abhi immediately pulled his hand away and she let go of his that she had been holding. Abhi coughed and sat back in his seat,
"Thank you Fuggy"
She turned to look at him and mustered a smile.
"Koi bat nahi. Ap ek kam ki jiye, abhi hum commissioner Sab se Milne chaiye, ap gadi chal aaye, aur me suresh se phone kar de ti hoon, unko kahungi mere classes ko sambal lo"
(Dont worry, let's go to Thr commissioner now, you drive ill call suresh and get him to look after my classes)
Abhi nodded at her in agreement and started the car up again, meanwhile Pragya fished her phone from her bag and made the necessary calls.
--------------------
Given the traffic in Mumbai, they made it across town in roughly forty five minutes before abhi was parking up in the car park of the constabulary. It was a large blocked building with horizontal stripes that consisted off concrete and glass windows. The atrium was up ahead in the very centre of the four story building. Abhi switched off his engine and stepped out of the car. The whole while Pragya had been watching him, he looked more tense than ever, almost as though he felt sick. She too got out of the car and walked over to his side. He looked at her as she gave him a reassuring smile. Instinctively he took her handed and guided her across the car park. This was a big moment for him, once they did this there was no going back. They had no idea what would happen as far as the law was concerned. But as a Rockstar and a family man, his name, reputation but more importantly his world, his family would be ruined...
Once inside the station, they walked straight over to the front desk. There was a large desk to the left of the moderately sized space with a seating area directly in front. Before anyone could enter the main part of the precinct that could be seen through the large archway directly in front, two large security devices were positioned with three guards maintaining the coming in and out of the building. Pragya stood silently while Abhi asked for the receptionist to call the head commissioner. Recognising that it was none other than Rockstar abhi himself, she quickly agreed knowing full well what this was about. As soon as she was done on the phone, she motioned for abhi and Pragya to wait in the seated area. Within a few minutes the commissioner was walking through the security gate ready to greet abhi. Abhi stood up and walked forward to shake the commissioner hand.
"Hi sir, kaise hai ap?"
The middle aged man who wore a strong moustache smiled at them both warmly.
"Theek hoon, thank you aur ap? Achanak yaha aye ho? Kuch baat hai kya?"
The commissioner and Abhi normally spoke with one another via telephone. In these few weeks it had been rare that they had spoken face to face. This had alarmed the commissioner.
"Ha actually kuch bohat zaroori baat hai, kya abhi apse bat kar sakte ho?"
(Yes actually something quite important do you have time to speak?)
The commissioner agreed in an instant and motioned for them to follow him. They stepped passed the security guards after a quick check and followed the gentleman through the archway into a large open office with randomly boxed cabins. They quickly passed all the different officers and staff hard at work and finally came to a hall way that was quiet with an office at the end of it.
The commissioners office was a large wooden cabin, with a large antique desk and a large window behind it. It was spacious and filled with frames and awards neatly stacked along shelves along the right hand side. To the left a host of filing cabinets arranged against the walls,with a large
blackboard with a seated area in front as though set up for meetings and briefings. The commissioner directed them to his desk, where Pragya and abhi sat down and he made his way around the desk to sit in front of them.
"Me ap logo ki liye kuch manga sakta hoon? Kuch thandi cheez, chai coffee?"
(Can I get you anything? Cold drink coffee?)
He smiled at them enthusiastically waiting in response. Abhi was getting more and more tense by the minute. He could taste as though he was about to be sick. All he could think was how drastic the turn events that were about to come were, and he couldn't control the trepidation he was feeling. Pragya on the other hand was calm. She felt as though it was her duty to hold it together for Abhi's sake, because she knew he was suffering. She took control of the situation and spoke for them.
"Nahi sir, hum theek hai...actually un ki liya ap pani mangaye"
(No sir, we are okay, actually you could get some water for him)
The commissioner nodded in agreement. He had noticed the Rockstar falter since he had arrived. He had an overwhelming sense of dread, for her knew deep down something was not right. He quickly spoke into his intercom that was stationed on his phone, and within a few moments a medium height, regular framed woman walked in with a large jug of ice cold water and three glasses. She set the tray down in the middle of the desk from the side and walked back out of the door.
Abhi immediately reached across for a glass that was already filled and took a swig to steady his nerves. Pragya watched him the whole time, then slowly turned to the commissioner.
"Sir hum ne kuch pata chal Gaya hai, kidnapping me bare me"
(Sir we know some new information about the kidnapping)
The commissioner who was sat leaning forward on the desk, sat back at this information. He didn't say anything but looked at Pragya with eyes that urged her to speak on.
"Sir, kuch dino pehle un hone pata chal Gaya ta ke kidnapping ke piche Aliyah aur Tanu ka haath tha"
(Some days ago he came to learn that Aliyah and Tanu are behind the kidnapping )
His eyes widened in disbelief at her statement. He looked at abhi who he noticed was still sat sombre.
"Kya yeh sach hai mr Mehra?"
(Is this true mr Mehra?)
Abhi snapped up his gaze at the commissioner and nodded in silence. He took a deep breath and began narrating his story sir far. He told him all about how he had been looking at the security tape and noticed that somebody had edited this, which led him to look for other clues. He explained how he had seen Aliyah Tanu and the corporator discuss the kidnapping and what they planned to do. Steadily he explained everything in detail, the fifty lakh rupees, what he had found at Tanus place and most importantly what the corporator planned to do once he had his money.
The commissioner was stunned to learn all this. He had always suspected it to be someone close to him, but his own sister. This must be hard for him, someone of his status and family, to have this within their ranks must have been an extremely difficult blow for the kind hearted celebrity that sat before him. It was clear to though him they were all criminals but this was a lead and like every good lead a follow up or plan had to come next. After abhi had finished he spoke.
"I am sorry mr Mehra, me ab samaj saktha hoon ke ap yaha itni pareshaan kyu aye hai, me ya keen bi nahi kar sakta ke kitne ache insaan ke saath essa ho raha hai"
(I'm sorry my Mehra now I understand why you looked so tense, I can't believe something so terrible is happening to such a nice person)
He meant those words. But he also needed abhi to understand the corporator needed to ne caught.
" yeh bohat serious hai, apki Behen unko vo paise denge, to vo corporator hamare haath se Nikal jaye ga"
(This is very serious, if your sister gives him that money he will disappear from under us)
This was the part that Abhi had been dreading the most. What else would they have to do to catch this corporator. He sat leaving forward in his chair, with his hands fidgeting he listened to what the gentleman was saying.
"Is moke ka istmal karna hoga"
(We should take advantage of this opportunity)
He went on to explain that they could lure out the corporator by using Aliyah, giving her the money she needed and intercepting their meeting. They needed to come up with a way to give Aliyah the money without her becoming suspicious. Pragya interjected every now and again, explaining that they needed to be careful and keep this as under wraps as possible. Abhi listened intently throughout all he could think of was his dadi. How would she react when she came to know about all of this.
"Sir Tanu ko kya hoga, us se kaise arrest karenge?"
(What's will happen to Tanu, how will you arrest her?)
Pragya was keen to know how they would go about doing this. If there was one thing she was secretly grateful for, it was that Tanu finally would get her come uppance. The commissioner addressed Pragya honestly.
"Abhi hum ko usse vo pachas lakh ko jor na hai, me bank se baat karunga, CCTV footage dekhunga"
(Now we have to tie her to the 50 lakhs, I will talk to Thr bank)
Pragya was restless about this, and her irritation was showing.
"Lekin sir hum pehle bi ye Sab dekhe hai, kya ap note ki serial number dekh ke jor sakta hai"
(But sir we have checked them before, can you not look at the serial numbers on the notes and link her that way)
The commissioners head snapped up in amazement. This bright young woman was somebody he could do with on his force. Off course he hadn't thought to link serial numbers to those that were deposited into the corporators bank against those withdrawn from Tanus. He would need to pull some strings to track that kind of information, but it wasn't impossible. The commisioner looked over at Abhi, he had barely said anything and seemed to be lost in thought for thr majority of the meeting. There were something's however the Rockstar needed to know, and telling him this wouldn't be easy, for he was about to deliver another blow that perhaps he would not expect.
"Mr Mehra ek baat hai, yeh jo Hua hai, ap aur apki biwi uska victim hai, aur apko decide karna hoga kya app charges press karenge aur court tak le jayhenge, mera matlab hai ke obviously ap Neil Thakkur ko jail bhajenge"
(Me Mehra there is something, this, what has happened, you are your wife are victims, and you have to decide if you will press charge and take this to court. I mean I know you will send Neil Thakkur to jail)
The commissioner spoke cautiously and sympathetically, for he was about to give Abhi a power he definitely wouldn't want.
" lekin apki behen aur uski dost, un ka bhagya ap ke haath me hai, ap chahenge to hum un do no ko chor sakta hoon, lekin faisle lene ke pehle ab ko soch na pade ga, kyu ki yeh koi mamoli baat nahi hai, kidnapping hai aur mera hi saab se kuch logo uss se khoon bi ke sakte hai"
(But your sister and re friend, their destiny is in your hands, if you wanted we could let them go, but before you make any decisions, you have to think, this is no small matter, it's kidnapping and some people would go as far to call them murderers)
He looked at him apologetically. What luck, to be deceived by your sister is one thing, but to have to send her to jail would be another. For abhi would literally be breaking his family up if he did decide to press charges against Aliyah.
The spent the next hour or two going over everything. The commissioner had advised that they still needed to lure Aliyah and the corporator and this couldn't be done if Tanu was arrested alerting Aliyah. In the end it was decided that things would remain as they were, and Abhi had to find a way to make Aliyah ask for the money. The commissioner had demanded full updates on their progress with this, and in the mean time they would continue their efforts in trying to close the net in on the corporator. Nobody was to be informed of anything outside the three of them. The police had also been given the number found on Tanus phone to track and investigate. At this point abhi and Pragya had done enough to ensure that this matter did not spiral out of control.
They had left the constabulary, Abhi hadn't spoken a word or made much contribution to the discussions in the commissioners office. He had spoken only when it had been necessary and blankly stared into space. This had definitely not gone unnoticed by Pragya. As they had walked out, for the first time since Abhi had stormed back into her life, he didn't notice her. They silently got into the car and drove off. Abhi was on a sort of auto pilot. Pragya tried to dissect the tension by attempting to speak to him, but he for the better part remained silent. She had really begun to worry now, he was the strongest person she knew but before her now he was truly broken. Especially after what the corporator had explained to them about being responsible for pressing charges. She observed him as he drove solemnly. After sometime he finally spoke.
" ap ko mind na ho to hum kuch waqt ki liye kissi jage ja sakte ho?"
He asked in such a sombre voice, Pragya didn't have the heart to refuse him, so she silently agreed.
Before they knew, Abhi had found himself by the beach again. The same spot he had come on the first initial night he had realised how badly he had been betrayed. It was as if fate was playing some sort of cruel joke on him again. no matter where he went, or what he did he would never ever get away from the fact that those he deemed closest to him had hurt him in such a way, he just didnt know how he would come back from this. Somehow though in this giant city this was the only place he felt any sort of peace. He pulled up in a quiet spot and got out of the car. He went and walked to the front of his car bonnet and perched there.
Pragya could steadily feel her resolve disappearing as she continued to witness the shell of Abhi. Without thought she also dove out of the car and went to stand by Abhi. At this point he was looking out to sea, eyes as red as blood. Pragyas heart broke in that instant. On one hand she felt herself suffocate in the pain that he was feeling as though it was directly bestowed upon her. On the other she felt anger and rage course through her veins. How dare someone make the man she loved feel this way. But that was all soon forgotten when Abhi turned to her and without warning engulfed her in a tight hug. Pragya was shocked for a moment, but instantly returned the gesture by bringing her arms around his back and head. She soothed his back as he freely cried into the crook of her neck. Abhi was sobbing now.
"Esa kyu Hua hai Fuggy, me itna bura hoon? Meri khud ki behen mere saath esa kiya hai"
(Why has this happened Fuggy, am I that bad? My own sister has done this to me)
Pragya was crying to now. She didn't know what she could say or do to take this pain away from him. She rested her hand on the back of his head and held him there. She hushed him wanting to reassure him. She carefully pulled his head away from her so that he was now facing her gazing down on her face. She cupped both of his cheeks and guided his face to look into her eyes,
"Ap bohat ache insaan hai, Jaha tak apka parivaar aur behen ka sawal hai, ap se zyada koi pyaar nahi karte hai. Un hone jo kiya hai, galat hai!! Apki koi galati nahi hai"
She looked at him and meant every word she had said. He loved the ones that mattered fiercely, she had experienced this first hand. He didn't deserve this and she would be damned if he blamed it on himself. abhi had stopped crying now and just gazed at her. If she had not been with him today he didn't know how he would have managed. He didn't know what tomorrow held, but right now there was no doubt in his mind. As long as she stood there with him, he could face anything. He listened to what she had to say and humbly listened. It made him uncomfortable to hear such praise out of her mouth. Especially seeing as she would be the only person on this earth to have any real motive to hurt him, but here she was stood with him, never against helping him fight his battles. He felt an overwhelmingly sensation of gracefulness and contentment. Whatever bad he had done to deserve his situation with his sister, he must have done something equally great to have someone like Pragya. In that moment he moved closer to Pragya again reaching his arms out again and wrapping them around her small frame. In reflex again she reciprocated, whatever happened she vowed she would not let Abhi face this alone.
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