Chapter 9
Disinterested Ranbir, skimmed through the medical bill on the counter - fiddling through his pockets to find his wallet. After whatever happened with him, he just wanted to leave. From his stance, the overall situation was getting ridiculous - firstly, Prachi had unnecessarily gotten involved and created a mess, last but not least, the man Ranbir always looked upon for his maturity; had been near to begging Prachi for no reason.
Having said that, Ranbir wasn’t ready to leave the elderly man all by himself either - Raghuveer had been equally stressed out by the turn of events and leaving him without intimation wouldn’t be a wise decision; especially after experiencing his rising temper. The brat wasn’t prepared to deal with any further problems at this instant. Perhaps waiting would be safer option - Ranbir mulled.
Ignoring countless shocked faces of the audience, literally gasping at his bloodied state; he quietly made his way to the parking space in front of the hospital. He had just reached the car door - when a familiar face caught his eye;
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry but you weren’t answering the phone so I thought I -”
“Aman, because of your carelessness Divya and her ba****ds are now following me everywhere; and even now, rather than using your brain you couldn’t pull your horses!”
“Sir, I just wanted to inform you that her accounts have been blocked.”
“That’s not enough. Hire the best team or whatever it takes; but from now onward I want to know about every single step Divya takes.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“If you fail at this task, be rest assured that you’d lose your job.”
“Now, leave before kaka finds you here.” - Terrified Aman nodded and left.
Taking out a deep sigh of frustration, he inclined back at the car door with his arms crossed - the day was miserable indeed and he shouldn’t be sorry about it; in fact his whole life revolved around this one word - he should have gotten used to that by now. Yet a tiny bit of the incident had left him unsettled all this time; he felt helpless, he felt scared. The emotions he usually brushed off of himself were lingering inside of him and he couldn’t understand why. Maybe it was just the fact that Prachi’s clinginess was driving him insane. He could deal with his already troubled life on his terms If only she stopped bothering him for good.
*************
A group of injured men stood in line; as she peacefully completed reading her favorite magazine. Working for her for so many years now; those men were aware that her prolonged silence and indifference was way more threatening than her temper. As all of them stood there for almost 1 hour; they had been waiting for her final verdict, thinking of all kinds of existing gruesome punishments.
“So he refused, isn't it?”
“Y-yes mam, we had tried our best to convince him, threaten him but, he - he wasn’t ready to come… we’re sorr -”
“And you sw***s couldn’t drag him here! What kind of a useless trash have you hir -”
“Calm down Jai.”
Divya strolled up to the trembling men;
“All of them are my most obedient and trusted workers. What else did my beloved son tell you?”
“Well… we said -- I mean nothing much; if only that girl hadn’t wrecked our plan, we would’ve captured Ra--”
“Girl?” - Divya’s expressions hardened at once.
“Yes mam, a girl had accompanied him; both of them seemed quite close and we-”
“Interesting. Why did you people tell me about this before?”
“Mam, we apologize for it. It was the very first time we saw her - we tried to -”
“You said they are quite close - how close are they?”
“We don’t know - it seemed-”
“Name?”
“Prachi…”
“Is that all?”
“Cer… certainly.”
“Good. So, you actually don’t know that Ranbir blocked my bank accounts. Weak memory right?”
“Mam, we were just about to tell you! Just give us one last chance and we would -”
“Relax, I know all of you have been brutally thrashed by my son; you need time to recover right?”
“No… we don’t…”
“I’m sure you do. I promise, you won’t suffer in the future.”
“Mam we assure you; we’ll throw Ranbir at your feet.” - Divya moved back to her spot, grabbing a gun from one of the drawers.
“Jai, honey, kill them all.”
“Mam forgive us; this won’t happen again!!”
“A delayed piece of information is no good to me!”
***********
Ranbir had already waited for almost 20 minutes and as impatient as he was; he decided to storm back in when he saw Raghuveer climbing down the staircase;
“I thought you would be having a slumber party there.”
“Get in!”
“You don’t have to vent it out on me. It’s not my fault if she has refused to regard your ultimate wish!”
What Ranbir saw next, needled him even more. Neha was helping Prachi in getting off the stairs towards the vehicle - surprisingly for him, both Neha and Prachi seemed equally disturbed. While Neha had tried to keep a neutral expression; the wild cat was ready to exhibit her violent streak despite being heavily bandaged and having a wrist cast around.
“This vehicle isn’t for robots!”
"Ranbir, enough!"
"Come on, I’m kidding. Neha would you be accompanying this robo- sorry I mean Prachi to our house?"
"Neha, for those who are literally dying to have you in their pathetic company - you're prohibited to enter those gates of hell! And Raghu kaka, I request you to stick to your commitment."
"Just a few hours of togetherness and you guys are already the best of buddies; I must say I'm impressed."
"No one has asked for your opinion! Kaka, like I said kindly make sure your nephew doesn't act like a usual asshole in my presence." - Ranbir moved forward glaring at her.
"Did you just call me an asshole?"
"Yes, and I have no regrets! Unfortunately, as much as I've known you; you seem to have a hard time reflecting upon your actions. So, let me give you a kind advice, whenever this happens again, let other people pop up your bubble! Like I have done - twice."
“You -”
“Thank me later!” - Raghuveer and Neha could do nothing but exchange nervous peeks at one another.
“Prachi, behave yourself.” - Neha lightly squeezed her arm, “Uncle, Ranbir, I apologize on her behalf…”
“Why should you apologize?” - Prachi pulled her arm away, “It’s because of this brat, I have landed into the hospital!”
“Prachi is right.” - Raghuveer intervened, “My child, I’m sorry for his lack of sensitivity towards your condition; sometimes he doesn’t think straight.” - The elderly man expressed his utter displeasure.
“Kaka, maybe you need to get your thinking straight for -”
“Just shut up and drive the car!”
*************
The sound of gunshots weren’t new to Divya; in fact gunshots bought her inner demons to peace. However, at present even that sound couldn’t help her relax; more than Ranbir’s usual refusal, that young lad had dared to mess with her on his own; which she couldn’t forgo. She had always been confident that as long as that bloody old man was around him; Ranbir wouldn’t budge an inch - she was wrong. The young blood had indeed started to showcase his inner hostility just like his deceased father. Now she had to deal with him in her own way - Divya thought sitting on her recliner sofa.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” - Jai placed his hand on her shoulder.
“You shouldn’t be asking me that!”
“These things shouldn’t surprise you; Ranbir had been thankless and aggressive since I grew up with that son of a b****. Leave all the stress on me.”
“I have had enough of these dialogues from you.” - Divya jerked his hand away, “All those years I had been quiet because Raghuveer was agreeing on my terms. But, not anymore! Ranbir will regret this decision!!”
“We don’t have any rights on the property as yet; and violence would reduce our chances of having it even more.”
“Every strategy has a loophole in one way or the other; and I have found one.”
“As in?”
“My innocent, little baby; didn’t you listen to those men? Now Ranbir has a girl by his side.”
“What difference does that make?”
“From whatever happened today, it is evident that the girl is in the same college as Ranbir and that is more than enough!”
“Oh come on mom; our main issue is to deal with those two rascals; why do you want to drag a third person? I am pretty sure that girl won’t be of any benefit to us…”
“Ranbir would do anything to keep strangers out of his life; dragging that girl in would mean easy access to him!”
Divya had been trying to hunt the woman down who had sheltered Ranbir for a long time - nonetheless she wasn’t ready to give up. If not that woman; Divya would definitely track down her beloved son through Prachi.
Prachi immediately sat upright as the vehicle approached the huge gate. A well-maintained area, surrounding 2-storey posh house in isolation from all other blocks and huge lawn on its front. A water fountain encircled by small lights on the left and parking space was situated on the right side. Observing the area with growing nervousness, she firmly held onto her bag - completely unsure of what she was doing and why.
It was still hard for her to believe that she had actually agreed to stay; not for a day - a week! One whole week in the presence of that devil. If only Neha hadn’t referred to her dream before leaving and threatened her to call Maa every now and then; shown up with her clothes already; she would’ve never accepted the offer. Technically, there was nothing Prachi could say in her defense; not because she wanted to remain obstinate but the truth was she herself was struggling to identify the set of contradictory emotions. Why him? She had been quite unsuccessful in coming up with a logical answer - right now she wasn’t wanting to answer that question either.
The elegant car stopped with a jolt - her eyes quickly fell on the rear mirror Ranbir’s eyes were fixed on her with an obvious smirk on his face. No wonder the devil had to show off his ability to be reckless not only with humans but, vehicles - she shook her head. He immediately got down slamming the door; without looking at the passengers even once. Raghuveer overlooked his brash act, hoping things would settle by evening.
“This way…” - He escorted Prachi inside the house; directing the rest of the stuff to take her luggage inside.
The house was monumental, Prachi scanned its ambiance in amazement - a huge lobby with comfortable black-grey shaded sofas encircling a compact center table; a huge LED TV on the opposite side on the brick wall. Moving forward a study room and an open space kitchen leading to the staircase on the left. Keeping in view the calculated amount of money her mother and she struggled with; her own house was just a small portion of the mansion - she reflected.
“Kaka… I really shouldn’t be here…”
“No more formalities Prachi; you’re as dear to me as Ranbir - so stop feeling guilty for no reason, okay?”
If only that monster had learnt some decency and warmth from this fine man; he would be an entirely different being.
“Come along let me show you, your room…” - Prachi let out a disappointed sigh; making her way upstairs.
“Guest room is downstairs!” - Ranbir retorted as he stood by the railing upstairs. Prachi ceased her steps; giving a resigned look to the elderly man. Trying to avoid the awkward air, Raghuveer settled Prachi in the study room and excused himself.
Playing around with a basketball in hand; Ranbir had just one thought bothering him as he sat on the bed - Prachi’s invasion. Firstly, in the house and now she wanted to take control over his extremely personal space - his bedroom. For what? For creating nuisance among those armed men? If someone asked him, he would be confident enough to admit that he had been a nice and comforting person all this while - well, if not in all areas, he surely was compassionate in crucial moments. But, this doesn’t mean he would be comfortable enough to entertain an irritating guest messing around his home and that also for God-damn 7 days.
Ranbir got distracted by the sound of footsteps at his door. He saw Raghuveer giving him a stern look;
"You can come in kaka…"
“Really? I thought possibly you'd kick me out too…"
"If that happens; be rest assured that I'd kill myself…."
Mind if I ask you, what’s wrong with your attitude?”
“Since when do you require to practice your courtesies with me?”
“Well, either one of us have to.”
“You’re thinking about this way too much; stress isn’t good for your health.”
“You ought to give me an explanation for your horrendous behavior today...”
“Geez, that reminds me, you entirely skipped your medicines; hang on, let me bring that bag for you.” - Ranbir was about to walk out when Raghuveer caught hold of his arm.
“You can’t avoid every situation. Understand this.”
“What else do you expect from me? Do a hula for your extremely special guest down there?”
“I expect courtesy from you!”
“The people worthy of that; are you and my foster mother! And you know it.”
“I am afraid but, you would have to make an exception.”
“Don’t you think you have sympathized with her enough?”
“And don’t you realize you’ve shown your hatred towards that poor soul, enough? Let me remind you again, right now, if you’re standing here alive; it’s because of Prachi! She saved your life!”
“And I took her to the hospital; that settles the scores between us! There was no need for you to beg her to stay!”
“There is; and you would look after her in my absence; till she gets completely recovered.”
“I adore your sense of humor…”
“Okay, then you’re free to stay in the hostel accommodation till she leaves.”
“Are you seriously preferring her over me? Have you lost it?”
“If that’s the case, why were you upset at me for her being injured?”
“Being concerned and letting someone in, are two separate things!”
“Not the way I see it kid. You either care for someone or you don’t.”
Ranbir was left speechless; he looked away; moving back to his spot. Raghuveer sat right beside him - none of them spoke for a few moments;
“Son, I understand where you’re coming from; but there’s nothing wrong in letting her in. Not everyone would do what she did for you…”
"It's not as simple as you think…" - Ranbir mumbled keeping the ball aside.
"It's complicated because you're making it complicated. Snap out of the past and you'd see the difference…"
"God! You even sound like her now!"
"Because both of us want the best for you…"
"And how can you be so sure about her?"
"The same way I saw concern in your eyes for her…"
"Not again! I told you it was just in the heat of the moment! Why can't you stop bothering me?" - Ranbir abruptly got up.
"Well - it's just…"
"That's enough Kaka! You want me to check on her; fine! Nothing more nothing less!!!"
"Your increasing rigidity would isolate you even more. I know you won’t completely agree to my suggestion and there’s no point for me wasting my time. Just one piece of advice - be kind…" - Raghuveer concluded quietly leaving the room.
**********
Prachi had been going through different books from the shelf - mainly to distract herself from the pain she was undergoing and Raghuveer had been so considerate that he gave her the entire access of the mini library immediately. While the shelf was divided into different sub-categories; one of the novels which caught her attention from fiction section; was an old classic of Sidney Sheldon. Flipping the pages one by one; she had just started to get deeply involved in the story when she saw Ranbir staring at her;
"Just an hour of being here and you have already hijacked his study room! Your pace is commendable!"
"Are you done venting?" - He was taken aback as she continued to study the book, showcasing utter indifference.
"Get up!!."
"No."
"Listen you -"
"I'm waiting for your uncle…"
"He sent me here!!!" - Ranbir couldn't believe he was actually explaining himself to her. "You're wasting my time."
However, Prachi was determined not to move.
"Are you deaf? Didn't you listen to what I said? I'm not going with you!!! Call Kaka right now!!!"
“Prachi, I’m warning you.”
“I’m done with your pointless warnings…” - The next moment she found herself being dragged by her unharmed arm.
"Are you insane!! Let go of me!"
"Keep your dictations for someone who would obey you!”
"You're hurting me!!!"
"Get used to it!" - Prachi was taken upstairs in similar fashion till she got out of breath and quickly held onto the railing.
"Ranbir, stop!"
"You wanted to see my inner devil right? You wanted to see me act like an asshole! Let me show that at the right place!!" - Both of them had reached the edge of the bed where she bumped onto the mattress and door slammed behind; Petrified Prachi dared to meet his gaze full of hatred;
"R… Ranbir, what ... what's wrong with you…?"
"Just shut your f*****g mouth!!!"
Prachi curled backwards as he came closer;
"I had told you countless times to stay away from me; I had told you not to interfere in my life; I had warned you to stay away from those men but you kept on coming back thinking of it as a game. So, Prachi now I’d tell you to play this game on my terms. I'm only tolerating your shitty face because kaka said so. So let me tell you very clearly; apart from the doctor’s visits do not show me your face or or else!"
“I’m not sure if you’re aware of what you’re saying right now! I’d talk to kaka instead!” - She had just reached the door when he pushed it harder; gripping her wrist to face him.
"I’m not done yet!! You are allowed to pollute my room with your filth only till the 7th day!! If I saw you even a second later, I'd drag you in the backyard and do worse!! Get out and tell kaka as if I care; my eyes would be on you, understood?"
"Exhibit your violence on someone who would take it. I’d leave today."
"Not until I settle the scores with you. You want to pop my bubble right? During your entire stay I'd make you regret everything you ever said to me!!!"
Prachi stood numb as Ranbir made his way out - leaving the door wide open.
**************
Edited by manu9 - 6 years ago
Seher Hone Ko Hai
CID
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
