NEW FF ...THE UNEXPECTED updated page 39 - Page 14

Originally posted by: payal7

Interesting chapter Vinnie

Weirdly when TVS said his marriage had been hell this is the kind of thing I had envisaged in terms of Reva's unreasonable, vindictive and manipulative behaviour.

I would feel sorry for anyone who has this kind of marriage, especially when the person has been has been deceived/have not been told about the problem. It would make the nicest, easiest going person in the world resentful. Most men in those circumstances especially in India would send the girl back to her parents so that he has tolerated it for soo long is admirable.

Thank you so much Payal,
yes my heart goes out to him, it is hard but he did try to live up to the promise his mother made. But every one has a limit and vickram just about reached his.
Keep reading !

Chapter 12

"Here you go!" Sugni said handing Vickram a steaming cup of herb tea. She insisted that it would help him to relax and feel better. She took the seat next to him, with her own cup.

"Thank you!" he said .

"Wow it smells nice out here…all fresh and clean after the rain…and look you can see the full moon!" She said looking at the clear night sky.

"Yes it dose." He smiled.

After coming downstairs Sugni sent Vickram to the patio and told him she would go make the tea. She was still wondering where that strange feeling was coming from, but she shook it off. All that mattered right now was getting mallick to feel better. Sugni decided she would try to cheer him up by not talking about happened. No point really.

" Thakur mallick…how are the crops coming along?"

"It's good, the cotton is all planted…the first batch should come out in a few months and I already have some buyers lined up for the crops …. All that we need to do is make sure ther is not much hindrance in the growing."

"Hmm…why sell though?…I mean you can start your own factory and make your own clothes" She said. Curios.

Vickram nodded, impressed by her thought process.

"Yes I can…but it is all in a process…and it takes a while to set something like that up…so in the mean time we can make some money this way..but in a couple of years I plan to!" He said. No one else knew about those plans.

Sugni smiled, happy to hear that! They started talking about the land and crops, he knew a lot about farming and such and he seemed to enjoy telling her about it. She asked some silly questions but he patiently explained about the soil and timing and conditions. Clearly Vickram had a love for the land. For the first time in weeks he looked like the Thakur mallick she knew.

Neeranjan and reva looked out the Window of her bedroom to the couple downstairs. "Just look at them…that can't be good Sis!" niranjan said.

"He looks…happy! I heard stories about this girl…Sugni…apparently he helped her a lot." Reva said. "at first I thought they were right, but I have net seen anything…but Hmmm….'

"Well look at her, she is a beauty , he is a Thakur and she a bedni…Sis if he takes it I won't blame him." He said. He was looking at Sugni with that light in his eyes, Reva saw countless times before. Neeranjan was no better that any other Thakur when it came to the bedni's . Whenever he was missed most of the time it was because he was in the bedni colony having his way with one of them.

Reva turned to him as her eyes strayed back to Vickram and Sugni downstairs. That had to be nipped in the bud for sure. She may not care for maa Thakur, but she knew the lady made sense…she was pushing Vickram and it would come as no surprise should he slip. And that little bitch seemed like she was waitng for that to happen.

Reva was looking at the way they were laughing, Sugni was touching Vickrams hand and arm as though he was a long lost buddy. She noticed to the way Vickram seemed to stare at her when she was not looking…. Ohh yeah he was slipping alright. Forget her plans right now she had this unexpected development to deal with

"Neeranjan…I have a task for you!" She said.

Sugni was in the back of the guest house doing a batch of her own laundry. It had been a week since the room incident. Thakur mallick had finally moved back into his old room. Although he hated the colour, the new furniture was not to bad, he decided to live with it. Vickram stopped avoiding outside, thank Sita Miya for that…in fact their nightly cup of tea was a routine now. He would tell her about his day, or sometimes they would sit quietly enjoying the night in silence.

She did not know why but spending that time with him made her day. Sugni smiled to her self as she hung out her clothes. "well well well look at you! Smiles and all!" She herd a voice from behind her. Sugni turned to see Neeranjan mallick standing there. Since she came here she never much saw him around, most of the time he was with his sister. However lately she found him staring at her sometimes that was not really comfortable.

She was not really worried because she stayed out of his way and he never deliberately came into her path except now.

"Neeranjan Thakur Mallick!." She said bowing respectfully. "Can I help you?" She asked.

"Hmm I was about to ask you that…can I help you…?" he said eyeing the clothes.

Sugni laughed uncomfortable. "no – no I am almost done!" she said.

"You know…you do some good work around here…every one praises you…Maa Thakur…Vickram." He said slyly.

"I just do my job…is all" She said… she moved away from him hanging out the rest of the clothes.

"yes..yess…you seem to fit in here nicely naa in the short month you been her…it's been a month right?"

"Yes!' She said

"hmmm…you must be tired doing all this work… have you ever seen the hills in the other village, Gaanpur?" he asked… "Very beautiful…especially at evenings…Sunsets are breathtaking." He said.

"Really…that is nice.'

"It is …how about we go sometime…after you are done here I am sure you will love it!" he said coming closer to her. He was standing so close Sugni could feel his breath on her neck.

Moving away Sugni took up the the empty bucket.

"Sorry Neeranjan Thakur…I don't think so!..I have some more work excuse me…" She said making a move to go inside

"Ohh I see , playing hard to get huh? I know…don't worry I will make it worth your while!" he said coming closer. He lightly caressed her arm.."tell me how much you want?" he said lewdly.

"Neeranjan Thakur!" Sugni said angrily and loudly. "how dear you!...leave now otherwise!" She said

"Other wise what??? You will run to Vickram?? " he laughed condensingly. "Don't play high and mighty here, I know you are not some innocent flower…a smart one for sure you found yourself a prime Thakur to trap naa..my sister's husband " He laughed :"Smart bedni!"

" What! No…" Sugni said shaking her head

"Oh please…don't pretend…you don't see any other servants here having "tea" at night with Him…It's Ok have your fun with him…just have some with me two!" he said. Putting his hand in his pocekets he pulled out a wad of cash . "Double profit for you huh!" He laughed.

Sugni thought she was going to be sick. How could he say these things to her. Her anger raising she raised her hand and slapped him. Neeranjan reacted by grabbing Sugni by her arms shoving her against the wall.

"You slapped me? Big mistake." He said, painfully squeezing her arms making her cry out. "When I am done with you you would wish you had accepted my first offer…because honey….now I am going to get it for free!'

"Noo…Leave…." She was cut off by his hand over her mouth.

"Shut up!" he said as he bent his head closer to hers. Haai Sita maiya!. Sugni thought…Don't let this happen.

"Sugni beta!" She herd the voice of Ramu kaka as he was calling at the front of the guest house. Please come to the back she prayed quietly. "Sugni beta!" She herd the voice getting louder.

"This is not over," Neeranjan whispered in her ear. "Oh and if you evern think about going to complain to Vickram or any one else for that matter, it's your word against mine, and no one will believe you…and I swear you will not want to see what I will do with you after …or maybe you would!.." He laughed as he let her go and went back to the main house. Leaving Sugni staring aftr him. She was shaking.

"There you are…Sugni beta! Your Kaki sent me to call you for dinner …she made your favorite Kheer!" Ramu kaka said. "Are you Ok?" Ramu asked looking at her, she was standing still looking like she just saw a ghost. Moving towards her he clapped his hands infront her face.

"Huh…Y-yes! I I am OK!" She said

"So you coming?" he said…

"Where?"

"Dinner ?Kheer?' He asked normally her face would light up with the mention of his wifes Kheer, she said it reminded her of her mothers dish.

"Oh …yeah" She said still in a daze….

The next morning, as Sugni prepared breakfast her mind was still in turmoil over what happened yesterday. She skipped her nightly tea with Vickram partly because she was scared and partly because Neeranjan's words kept ringing in her ears.

The scene kept playing in her mind, as she locked the doors to the guest house, and kept jumping at the shadows wondering if he would indeed come back . He was right no one would believe he accosted her! She was the bedni and he was the Thakur.

Her heart was telling her to tell Vickram about the incident,but apart of her was afraid. Afraid that he wold not believe her over Neeranjan. He would think she was a lier. But he would'nt . He would believe her. thinking about it Sugni saw she had two choices she could stay quite and wait for Neeranjan to pounce on her again, or tell her Thakkur Mallick…who promised to protect her. . Taking a deep breath. Sugni went out placing the dishes on the table.

Vickram came down a a short while later taking his seat at the breakfast table. As usual Sugni laid a plate in front of him as she began dishing out the food. Wondering how to approach this.

"Sugni?" he asked

"Huh?"

"I missed you last night…is everything Ok?"

"Y- yes…s-sorry Thakur Mallick I was not feeling…" She stammered, what could she say?

Vickram looked at Sugni she looked different. She scared but why would she be? He wondered. But he knew that look on her face, he saw twice before once at the Raai dance and the day he stopped her sardakhi.

He placed his hand on hers as she was about to pick up a bowl , she dropped it!

"S-sorry!" She said

"It's ok…Sugni what's wrong ?" he asked looking at her with concern. Sugni looked at Vickram…he would believe her, he would protect her.

"Thakur Mallick….yesterday….I was..washing and then Ne…"

"Good morning people!" Sugni was interrupted by the cherry voice of Neeranjan as he came into the dining room. Sugni looked at him as he was looking at her with a sly look. She could not hide the shock in her face, he never came down this early for breakfast!.

"Neeranjan…so early?" Vickram asked his brother in law.

"Yes, jeejaji…" Neeranjan said.." For some reason I woke up early this morning and saw what a beautiful morning it was outside… so I thought why not start the day early …It is ok if I join you right?" He asked

"Of course…" Vickram said. Neeranjan sat down at the table.

"Sugni would you serve me please?" He asked her.

"Yes…" Sugni said. Reluctantly Sugni served Neeranjan the dishes doing her best not to look at him. Neeranjan occupied Vickram in conversation. Sugni could feel neeranjan eyes boring into her from time to time.

"Excuse me.." she said as she went into the kitchen.

Packing Vickram's lunch Sugni came back out a few minutes later. Placing the lunch next to him. She turned to go back. Vickram stood up as he to prepared to leave.

"Sugni..you were telling me something?" Vickram asked her quietly. Sugni's darted to Neeranjan who was sitting at the table pretending to be engrossed in his meal

"Un no—it's nothing" She said , smiling slightly. Vickram looked at her with his brows farrowed . He did not believe her . Something was wrong, he knew that. But he was getting late he decided to get to the bottom of this later.

"Ok…we'll talk later right!' he said as he took the lunch and began walking out. Sugni took his plate and made her way back into the kitchen. Avoiding looking at Neeranjan.

"Tut tut tut!" Neeranjan said from the door way. "I see some one dose not believe me after I warned her not to talk…hmmm" he said. Sugni looked at him. She was totally alone with him as Maa Thakur was upstairs and so was Reva.

"Well looks to prove myself hmmm?" Lightning quick he grabbed her arm pulling her towards him roughly. Twisting one of her arms behind her back.

"Ahhh!" Sugni screamed.

" you believe me now?" He asked .

She nodded.

"I did not hear you, do you believe me now?"

'Ahh..ye—yes.." She said , her eyes stinging with tears.

"Good!" He said pulling her closer to him, as he sniffed her hair.

"I can have some fun with you…now you will be a good girl for me from now on right.….hmmm?"

Noise from the hall way indicating that other people were around saved her, as he let her go, caressing her face. "Later….! We will continue this. " he said.

After he left Sugni rubbed her arm. Haai Sita maiya what do I do?...she wondered.

My Golu 😳

Another interesting chapter.

Wow Vinnie, that was a very gripping chapter...it brought back some very scary memories of Neeranjan and Sugni in PSH...he is such a terrible person, i hope when Vikram finds out, he gives him a good beating😉. Even i am wondering what Reva's real motive is and how she plans to deal with this new development.

Another well-written chapter Vinnie.

Chapter 13

Sugni spent the day feeling jittery and jumpy, her eyes darting around every corner wondering if Neeranjan was in any corner ready to pounce on her. He was sure to make his presence known, passing by the windows humming some song. Or striking a conversation with Maa Thakur . Every time she could feel the heat in her back where he was staring at her. He even became bold as to pass by and touch her arm or back. Through it all Sugni was scared into silence. Not sure what to do.

Unable to take the stress of the day any longer after she finished cleaning the kitchen after lunch, Sugni asked maa Thakur if she could go rest for a while, thinking at least she can lock herself in her room and be safe from him.

Taking the small keychain she had on the night stand Sugni clung to it as she lay on her bed praying to Sita miya to show her a way out of this. She knew if she continued like this he was going to take advantage of her silence and end up hurting her. But should she speak. Would they believe her??? Sugni dozed away with that question on her brain She was awakened by a strange sound…Sugni got up and walked out of the room, where she saw in shock her door being opened.

Neeranjan came into the tiny hall way. Oh God! He closed and latched the door from the inside effectively trapping her in there. Turning towards her he smiled nastily…" What is this Sugni, hiding form me?" He said walking towards her.

"what are you doing in here?" She asked

"You have to ask…I was going to wait till tonight…but I can't wait any longer…maa Thakur is resting , Reva is busy with her redecorating …and me I am bored …so come on honey , lets have some fun!"

"No…no…Neeranjan Mallick please leave…'" She said.

Without a word he grabbed her close. "no more excuses Sugni!" he said. Sugni pushed against him, finally getting loose, she herd a rip as the sleeve of her top was ripped. She tried to run into the bedroom but he was quicker than her and blocked her way. . Spotting a knife she had on the center table Sugni grabbed it brandishing it in front of her.

"leave ..now…other wise I swear to God I will cut you!" She said . Angrily Looking at him.

"ohhh really?" he laughed coming towards her. When he got close enough he attempted to grab her but Sugni was quicker, she she waived the knife and it connected with his cheek leaving a long mark from cheek bone to chin.

"Ahhh…" he said moving back. Taking the opportunity to get out,Sugni ran to the door and hurriedly opened it running to the outside. She ran into the main house.

"Maa Thakur …Maa Thakur!!!!" She screamed.

Coming out of the Kitchen maa Thakur looked at Sugni in a state of shock, her clothes were torn, her hair ws a mess and she looked scared.

"Sugni!? What happened?" She asked.

Running towards her Sugni embraced her…"Maa Thakur help ….help me…Neernajan Thakur Mallick…" She started to cry.

"What!?" maa Thakur said.

"Come back here you bedni!" neeranjan said coming into the House. "You will pay for this."

"Walking straight up to Sugni he tried to pry her away from Maa Thakur who was looking at all of this in confusion.

"NEERANJAN! What are you doing leave her!" maa Thakur said. Looking at him.

"Leave her? ..the bedni tried to kill me!" he said.

Reva came down the stairs.

"what is all this noise about, Neeranjan !" She exclaimed looking at his face. "What happened to ypur face brother!"

"This bedni tried to kill me that is what happened, just because I refused to be with her!" he said..

"She says she will tell every one I tried to rape her…Maa Thakur…don't believe her she is over smart. All her concern is just a big act! Trying to get Vickram and seeing that not working tired with me…when that did not work trying to make me look bad!"

Sugni looked at Neeranjan in shock , at the accusations coming out of his mouth. He took the truth and twisted it so bad that she knew no one would believe her!.

"No..Noo…I wouldn't" She began, pleading with MA Thakur to understand. .."It's not like that?"

"Neeranjan what are you saying? " Maa thakur asked , Sugni was not that type of girl. In her heart she could not believe that.. but looking at him…why would he lie?

Maa Thakur he is lying…he attacked me….I never did any of those things!...I swear!"

"Ohh Shut up Sugni!" Reva interjected. "You dear to stand there and call my brother a lier…when we all know you are the one lieing!" She said coming to stand infront of her.

"Noo..Reva malikin…I am not." Sugni said , crying now.

"So you telling me it's not true…you trying to entice Vickram?"

"What!!!...No …No…Maa Thakur …I never tried to…" Sugni said shaking her head ..what were they saying!

"Ohh stop the innocent act…I saw you myself… you in the back yard with Sahib…sitting , laughing …drinking tea….as though you were the wife… Or am I lying too…tell me sugni …Am I lying???" Reva said badgering.

"It's not like that…" Sugni said her head bent. Why were they saying these things.?

"Enough!...Maa thakur…you were saying Vickram was acting strange naa….I am sure all that has to do with Her…I am telling you Maa Thakur ..don't be fooled…A bedni will always be a bedni …and this family has a bad experience with them. " He said. Slyly "You can't feel sorry for these type of people Maa…they will destroy you the frst chance they get. You know I am right."

Maa Thakur looked at all of them, yes she had a long and painful history where Bedni's were concerned. And Vickram ws acting strange. But looking at Sugni , maa Thakur had a hard time thinking of her as a bedni though. Her mind went back to Reva;s words, and she remembers how Vickram brought Sugni home, the way Sugni talked about Vickram. For the sake of her son's marriage, maybe it was best if this girl left. After all she would do all she could to give the marriage a fighting chance. Reva was family, Sugni was a stranger. Maybe this was for the best.

"Sugni…I think you should leave…you can't stay here!" she said.

"Maa Thakur…I am not lying" Sugni pleaded.

"Leave Sugni, you herd maa Thakur….or should I throw you out!" Reva asked. Sugni looked at all of them, Maa Thakur, Reva , Neeranjan…they would not believe her. Why would they. She was after all a stranger here, she was the fool who some how thought this could be her new home.

Clasping he hands respectfully she turned to Maa Thakur and said " I am Sorry Maa Thakur, for any trouble and th..th thanks for helping me out." She said softly. Maa Thakur looked at her sadly. This felt so wrong. But she was helpless.

Sugni made her way towards the door, wondering if there was a way she could tell Vickram Thakur Mallick good bye. Her eyes fell on a shadow at the door step. Sugni looked up to see Vickram looking at her, he looked angry. Haai Sita miya, did he think she did this dilebrately.

She walked towards him, with her hands still joined together she said. "Thakur Mallick…I am sorr…" She stopped when he placed his hand over hers shaking his head. "What is going on here?" He asked.

Vickram looked around at the people in front of him. His mother was looking upset, Reva was looking her usual self , Neeranjan he noticed had a cut on his face . He walked in just as Sugni turned away from his mother. To say the atmosphere in the hall was tense was an understatement. He had n idea what happened here but he knew it was not good.

Why was Sugni apologizing. Looking back at Sugni he noticed her disheveled state, her ripped clothes! What the hell.? Yet she was saying sorry?

"Jeejaji…" neeranjan said. "That bedni has no business here, we all agree that she has to leave"

"What? Why?" he asked.

Neeranjan repeated his story about Sugni attacking him, and falsely accusing him of trying to assult her. Vickram looked at Neeranjan then back at Sugni…her head was bent and he could see she was crying.

"Sugni?" he said

She simply shook her head. She did not look at him. Vickram felt his anger raise, looking at her He can see anything , but that look on her face of total humiliation and the tears she was crying he could not stand. Walking over to Neeranjan , without a world Vickram fist smashed into his already damaged cheek , sending him reeling to the ground, Vickram began pummeling him with his fist as Neeranjan tried to protect his face.

"Get up…" He said picking him up b the collar.

"Vickram!" his mother screamed. And reva repeated.

"How dear you hit my brother!" Reva said loudly.

" AAye!" He said raising a finger in her direction, shaking his head. The look on his face told her clearly he would not be crossed .

"I want you to pack your stuff and get out of my house NOW!!!" he said

"What !you can't throw him out, over some bedni…when he is innocent!" Reva said

"Innocent my foot! I know exactly what Neeranjan gives…I know what he is up to when he is not around here. How dare you touch her! You are lucky I don't break your hands here and now!..Get out. And get one thing clear…Sugni is going no where…you hear me. She is under my protection and no one in this house will put her out!" Vickram declared

"You can't do this Vickram!" Reva said.

"Yes I can…and if you have a problem with it Reva, you can leave along with your brother!'

Sugni looked up at his declaration. She was stunned and shocked that he was defending her in front of all of his family.

"Vickram Beta…" Maa Thakur started.

"Maa truly, you can't tell who is lying and telling the truth here? What would she gain by doing that? You know the reason I brought her here and you are telling me that in suddenly she will embrace a life she spent 19 years avoiding? That makes sense to you!" She shook her head.

"Why are you still standing here? Get packing! And I warn you see you any where near here, or Sugni ever again you will not like it when I find you! 15 minutes!" He said walking towards the door. Placing a hand on Sugni's back he indicated that she walk out side with him.

Vickram and Sugni entered the guest house in silence . "Here have a seat." He said indicating she have a seat. Moving to the small kitchen area He took a glass of water returning he handed it to her.

She was still crying. "Sugni? Are you ok"? he asked sotly. She shook her head. So much happened just now .

Kneeling infront of her, Vickram looked at her face. Taking his hand he wiped her face.

"is this why you were so lost this morning?" She nodded.

"Why did'nt you tell me.?" He asked.

"I tried..but then he came down…and I got scared…..Thakur Mallick I swear I never …I…" She looked at him pleadingly.

"Shh I know…I believe you. But tell me what happened here?". Vickram listen as Sugni recounted the events of the day before and today. How he came into the guest house and how she ended up in the haveli. As she narrated her story Vickram could feel his anger getting the better of him. Getting up he was about to storm outside, when she stopped him.

"Where are you going , Mallick?"

"Oh he is not getting off that easy!" he said.

"No! Pl-Please don't he is already leaving…Please don't make it worse!" She said holding him back.

"Worse? Sugni…"

"Please…no…" She really did not want this to get any worse. He was already in a lot of trouble with the family, she did not want to cause more.

"Thakur Mallick m-maybe I should leave…"

"Stop it! Don't you start that Sugni, you hear , you are not going anywhere!" He said looking at her. she just nodded. She could not argue with him.

"look get some rest , Ok…nothing is going to happen to you, I'll have your locks changed no one but you and I will have the keys ok!' He said, reassuring her that she will indeed be safe .

"Thank you Thakur Mallic!" Sugni said gratefully .

"I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." He said looking at her intently. Looking into his face, she could not help but believe him.

Wow Vinnie, that was an incredible chapter. I am very happy that Vikram gave Neeranjan a good beating. He deserved every bit of it. He is such a scoundrel. He and Reva are yet to see more of Vikram ,just let them continue plotting against Sugni. I think from the way Vikram reacted, they both will realize that it is not that easy to get to Sugni when he is so protective of her. It is going to get pretty interesting, i can't wait.