Chapter 34 - A Sacrelige
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Preet walked into his apartment, and plopped down on the sofa lifelessly. He was exhausted. He had spent the entire day shuffling between the police station and Meher's favorite spots. Neither Inspector Khan, nor his own search had turned up any clues as to her whereabouts. No one had seen or heard from her. Not since they had left for Ludhiana at least.
Even a visit with Sam and Gaurav had brought little comfort to him. Despite the fact that they had urged him to stay with them rather than be alone, he had decided to come home. If Meher some how miraculously turned up, this is where she would come for sure. But as he surveyed his apartment, the silence only served to remind him that he was very much alone.
Preet walked off to the washroom and took a long hot shower. He wished he could somehow calm his nerves and wash away his worries right down the drain, but nothing helped. He felt tears well up in his eyes as he walked into their bedroom and sat down on her side of the bed. The place seemed so cold now without her.
With a sigh he got up and dressed quietly, then with sluggish feet he trudged into the kitchen for a drink of water. As he reached the fridge, he saw the To-Do list Meher had prepared and stuck on the door. His gaze shifted to the counter, where a box of her favorite danish lay, and the top of the fridge where she had arranged the cereal boxes they had brought home earlier in the day. She was everywhere...just not here.
Preet walked back into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Where was Meher? Was she okay? What was happening to her right now? Why hadn't the police been able to find her? Why was this happening to them? How was he going to go on without her? Without her smile. Wait! What was he thinking?! He wasn't going to have to go on without her because the police would find her. Inspector Khan would call him with good news soon. He had to!
Preet glanced up at the wall clock. Night had fallen and Meher was still gone. Gone! Gone! Gone! The word kept whirling around in his head, feeding his growing sense of panic. He rubbed his fingers across his temples and closed his eyes trying to shut his thoughts out. Just then someone rang his door bell. Preet rushed to the door and opened it without thinking twice. He was surprised to find his brother standing there.
"PB?" said Preet. "Aap?" (You?)
"I got tired of you ignoring my phone calls", said Prem. "And I couldn't stand the thought of my little bro being out here alone in his hour of need, so I took a flight over". He placed a comforting hand on Preet's shoulder. "I had to see you and let you know that you're not alone in this Preet".
"Thanks PB", said Preet. Tears welled up in his eyes again as he hugged his brother. "You don't know how much that means to me".
Just then Preet noticed 2 men standing behind Prem. "Who are they?" he asked.
"Bodyguards", sighed Prem. He motioned for the men to stand guard outside. "I'm sorry Preet. I wish I could have arranged for them sooner".
"Bhaiya, I don't need them", said Preet.
"Yes you do", insisted Prem. "It's bad enough Viren has taken Meher. He's capable of hurting you too. In fact he's already tried to do so. Are you forgetting the accident?"
Preet shook his head and went back and sat on the sofa. Prem came and sat next to him. "What have the police found out?" he asked.
"Nothing", sighed Preet. "According to them Viren is not even in Mumbai".
"Preet...what if your hunch is wrong? What if someone else...", said Prem.
"I don't know!" Cried Preet. "I don't know what to think!"
"Okay relax", said Prem. "I'll get in touch with a friend of mine, who has connections in the police department in Delhi. He can try and find out if Viren is there. Or maybe he's been in contact with his lawyer Mr. Bedi. But in the meantime, I want you to call Ma and let her know you're alright".
"What have you told her?" asked Preet.
"Nothing", sighed Prem. "I mean, I wasn't sure what to say. But she was freaking out because neither you nor Meher were taking her calls. We all were. You know how Ma's blood pressure sky rockets when she gets stressed out. She wanted to come with me, but I told her I'd just check on you guys and be back home tomorrow. I didn't have the heart to tell her anything else".
"I know what you mean", said Preet, as he pulled out his phone and toyed with it. "I'll call her. But I don't think I should say anything to worry her just now. In any case it's not like I have any news in the first place".
"But she'll want to speak to Meher", said Prem.
"Then I'll just tell her that there is a problem with Meher's phone", said Preet.
"Do you think she'll believe you?" asked Prem.
"PB I work in advertising", said Preet. "Convincing people is what I do for a living, besides I'm sure she'll feel better once I tell her the bodyguards are in place".
Preet looked at his phone and took a deep breath. Lying to his mother was the last thing he wanted to do, but right now, it seemed like the only option.
The next morning...
Meher felt fingers gently brushing back wisps of hair from her face. She opened her eyes hoping the last few hours had been nothing but a bad dream. They weren't. Her hands and feet were still tied. She managed to sit up, only to come face to face with Viren.
"Good morning sweetheart", he smiled. "I'm told you haven't eaten anything since you came here. Don't want anyone to think I'm not looking after you, now do we?" He brought forth a box of danish. "Look what I had brought in for you especially. I understand they're your favorite. Have some".
Meher looked down at her hands then looked back at him.
"Oh! How silly of me", Viren chuckled. He carefully untied her wrist, and gently rubbed them where the ropes had left their marks.
Meher pulled her hands back, and instinctly reached for the ties on her feet.
"Na-ha!" said Viren, as he smacked her hands in reprimand. "You don't need your feet to eat". He brought the box before her again. "Now eat!" he ordered.
Meher reluctantly broke off a small piece of the Danish and put it in her mouth. Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in", said Viren as he covered his face with the handkerchief tied around his neck.
The door flew open and 2 men walked in. One of them was Meher's kidnapper. The other one wore a disguise similar to Viren, and had accompanied him last night. She watched as he pushed the kidnapper before Viren.
"We couldn't get him", the man said apologetically.
"You stupid fools!" Viren stood up and yelled. "There were 3 of you! And you're telling me you couldn't bring back one man?!"
"He wasn't alone", explained the goon. "There was another guy with him, and 2 guards standing outside his door. Then the police showed up. There was nothing we could do".
"Police?" Meher said, breathing a sigh of relief. "Preet? I told you Preet would call the police!"
Viren shot Meher an angry look. She picked up her Danish and began to munch on it happily. Viren nodded to the kidnapper and he left the room. The 2nd man pulled his handkerchief down. Meher recognized him immediately as being Viren's friend. The one who had been there the day she ran away from their wedding.
"Did you hear that? He got the police involved", said Gurinder.
"I kidnapped his wife you idiot! What else did you expect him to do?" said Viren.
"Well...what do we do now?" asked Gurinder. "I mean we're running out of time. And we sure didn't need the extra trouble of having the police involved".
"You think I don't know that!" said Viren.
"Look...don't take this the wrong way", said Gurinder. "But she's already married. And we can't knock over her husband with the police or security guards roaming around him. It would raise too many eyebrows. Maybe there's nothing we can do".
"That's right", Meher joined in. "There's nothing you can do".
"Oh there's always something we can do", sneered Viren, as he turned to face Meher. "I may not have to make you a widow after all Jaan (my dear). Especially if you never got married in the first place".
"What?" Meher looked up in surprise.
Viren looked at Gurinder and smiled. "Bring me the pandit".
Meanwhile...
Preet walked into the offices of McCaan Ericson an hour late. He had seen Prem off to the airport and then headed to work. He had decided it was better than staying home and moping around or driving himself crazy with worry. As he headed for his own cabin he immediately sensed that the gaze of every staff member was fixed on him, not to mention the muffled whispers. He wasn't surprised though. He turned and looked at the bodyguards that were following him.
"Guys, can you like hang out by the elevators or something?" sighed Preet. "I mean, I work here. There is no danger, trust me. And...people are staring at us".
"I'm sorry sir, but Mr. Juneja gave us specific instructions to stay close to you no mater what", said one of the guards.
Preet was about to say something when Gaurav approached him. He was immediately stopped by one of the guards.
"Hey! What gives?" cried Gaurav, as the guard gripped him firmly by the shoulders and held him back.
"Sir, do you know this man?" asked the guard.
"Of course I know him!" said Preet. "I know everyone here. Will you please let him go and just back off?" He turned to his friend and apologized. "I'm sorry Gaurav. Prem Bhaiya stopped by last night, and left me with these 2 body guards".
"Hey it's okay Preet. It's for your own safety", said Gaurav.
"Gaurav, I don't need a baby sitter, but Prem Bhaiya insisted. He said they would make him and Ma feel a lot better. But I tell you...it's only been a couple of hours and they're already driving me nuts", said Preet. "They follow me everywhere. I feel like a prisoner being watched by his 2 jailers".
"Sorry Preet, but I'm with Prem and Gaytri Aunty on this one", said Gaurav. "How is your family handling the news by the way?"
"My mom still doesn't know", sighed Preet.
"What?!" cried Gaurav.
"I didn't know what to say to her", said Preet. "Listen...you and Sam have to pretend like nothing is wrong in case she gets in touch with you. PB knows...but that's about it. I don't want my mom getting sick with worry. I need time to think of a way to let her and Meher's family know. A part of me keeps hoping Meher will come back and then we wouldn't have to say anything to anyone".
"Hmm...don't the police have any news at all?" asked Gaurav.
"I'm afraid not", sighed Preet. "There is no sign of Viren anywhere either. And Inspector Khan wanted me to wait 24 hours before filing a missing persons report. He seems to be more interested in following procedures than finding Meher".
"Have patience Preet", said Gaurav. "I know that's easier said than done because someone you love is missing, but you have to trust the police and let them do their job".
"Maybe", said Preet. "I just feel so useless in the middle of all this".
"Waise (by the way)...I didn't expect you to come into work today", Gaurav said, trying to change the topic.
"Yeah well...I don't know how useful I'm going to be around here, but I was going nuts at home", sighed Preet.
"It's okay", smiled Gaurav. "A little work may take your mind of things for while and help pass the time. And I'm sure the police will have some good news for us real soon".
Preet gave Gaurav a weak smile. Both friends turned to head towards their cabins, when they were intercepted by Mr. Bakshi.
"Preet, I didn't expect you to come in today", said Mr. Bakshi. "Gaurav told me about Meher. In fact, the entire office is buzzing with the unfortunate news. The crime rate in our big cities is just atrocious. And she was such a sweet girl. Our sympathies are with you my boy".
"Meher is missing...not dead Mr. Bakshi", Preet said gritting his teeth.
"Oh of course", Mr. Baskhi said quickly. "What I meant was...uh...we're all praying for her speedy and safe return". He glanced over at the guards. "Who are they?"
"Bodyguards", explained Gaurav. "Meher is not only missing, we have reason to suspect that she's been kidnapped. These guys are here for Preet's protection".
"Protection?" said Mr. Bakshi. "You mean, you're in danger too?"
"No...I...", said Preet.
"If you are in danger then that means you're potentially putting all of us in danger just by being here", said Mr. Bakshi.
"Mr. Bakshi...I assure you...", tried Preet.
"Perhaps you should take a couple of days off Preet", interrupted Mr. Bakshi. "Just until this personal matter of yours settles down".
Preet looked up at his boss in surprise.
"Don't get me wrong son", said Mr. Bakshi. "...but this is a place of business. We have clients coming in and out of our offices all the time. We don't want to give them the wrong impression and scare them away. It wouldn't be good for business. You understand...don't you?"
"Sure", Preet said quietly. "I understand completely.
Later that day...
Meher took a deep breath before opening the latch of the washroom. She had been given a change of clothes and had been allowed to bathe. As soon as she stepped out Gurinder was waiting for her. She knew the routine by now and held her hands out for him to tie up.
"Put this on first", said Gurinder.
Meher looked down at the black burqa he was holding. Great, she sighed. She was being moved again.
A shortwhile later...
Gurinder led Meher to an area that appeared to be part of an abandoned warehouse. It was dimly lit with worn out boxes and wooden crates randomly strewn on the dirt floor. Viren's voice could be heard from one side of the room. He seemed to be wrapping up a phone call. Meher braced herself for her next encounter with him.
"Ah! There you are", Viren smiled. He nodded at a woman who came towards Meher carrying a red dupatta and some gajra. The woman helped her out of her burqa, then picked up some flowers and fingered Meher's hair contemplating where she would place them, but Meher pulled herself away from her.
"What's going on here Viren?" She demanded. "I thought after you learned that Preet had informed the police about my kidnapping, you'd wisen up and let me go. Instead you bring me here to have some stupid flowers put in my hair?! What is wrong with you?"
"I told you we were getting married...you don't want to have your hair done...fine", Viren said simply. He pointed to an area that had been cleared off, with a small pile of wood surrounded by some red carpeting and flowers haphazardly strewn about. "I'm afraid this make shift mandap will have to do. But I'll make it up to you on our honeymoon...I promise. I was thinking Paris. You know the city of love. We'll go to the most expensive hotel and rent the best suite they have...".
"Uff! I won't marry you Viren", cried Meher. "I absolutely refuse to do so! In fact, I'd rather see you in hell first!"
"Well Meher", sighed Viren. "You're never boring. I'll give you that much".
"I'm of no use to you any more", continued Meher. "Why can't you get that through your thick skull?!"
"That's what you think", said Viren.
"That's what I know!" said Meher. "Preet and I are already married".
"No you're not", said Viren.
"Yes I am", said Meher.
"Not according to the law you're not", said Viren. "See, the registrar's office isn't open on the weekends. That means you and Preet never had a marriage certificate drawn up. So the only proof you have are the witnesses. But if there aren't any witnesses...well then..."
Just then the same 3 goons that had kidnapped Meher, entered the warehouse, each holding a captive with a hood over his head and hands tied behind his back.
"Looks like we have some guests", said Viren, as he quickly tied his handkerchief on, and turned to face the men. "Perfect timing gentlemen". He nodded towards Gurinder, who promptly walked over to the men and removed their hear coverings.
Meher's eyes widened in surprise. She recognized the 3 right away. It was the pandit who had performed her marriage with Preet, his assistant, and the man who ran the small stand outside the mandir selling items worshipers used in pooja. A sickening feeling of dread began to run down her spine.
"This is an outrage!" cried the Pandit. "Untie me at once! How dare you bring us here in this fashion?!"
"I'm sorry for the small inconvenience Pandit Ji", chuckled Viren. "But I was told you weren't exactly cooperating with my men".
"What are you talking about?" asked the Pandit. "Who are you anyway?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Did I forget to introduce myself?" Said Viren, as he pulled a knife out and held it before his captive's face. "I'm the man with the knife".
"We...we haven't wronged you in any way", said the Pandit. "What do you want from us?"
"Cooperation", said Viren. "Your cooperation is vital to your good health". He suddenly broke out into a laugh and patted the startled man on his back. "Relax Pandit Ji. You're only here to perform a wedding". He pointed to Meher. "See this young lady and I want to get married. But there are...uh...lots of people and circumstances going up against us. That's why all the secrecy is necessary...now I'd really appreciate it if you'll just..."
"You?" said the Pandit looking at Meher in surprise. "You're Meher aren't you? You came in with Preet and got married on Saturday didn't you?"
"I'm sure you're mistaken", said Viren.
"No. I'm sure of it", insisted the Pandit. "You don't get such a request every night. No matching kundlis, no waiting for shubh muhrats, no elders present to give their blessings. And now you want to marry this man?"
"No I don't", Meher said, showing the Pandit her bound hands. "I'm being held against my will, just as you and the others have been brought here against yours".
"Well...now that we're all caught up to speed, do you mind if we get the show on the road?" said Gurinder. "We have to be on our way soon".
"That's right", agreed Viren. He took the pandit and walked him over to the mandap, then motioned for his men to bring the other 2 captives forward too. "Pandit Ji...you can sit here and the witnesses can stand on this side. I hope you'll over look the lack of frills, but like my friend said, we are in a bit of a rush".
The Pandit pulled away and glared angrily at Viren. "You're asking me to perform marriage rites between you and this woman, when she's already married to someone else? This is not possible".
Viren gave the pandit and the witnesses a hard look. "What I'm asking is for all 3 of you to develop selective amnesia...and just do as you are told".
"You'll have to sign some papers attesting to the fact that you witnessed this marriage, before you're allowed to leave too", added Gurinder.
"I'm a man of God", cried the Pandit. "Do you really think I will be subdued and lend my hand to this crime? That I will be a party to a sacrilege? Have you no fear of God? Have you no soul?"
Viren started laughing in a cold and cruel manner. "Very touching", he said. "Especially that part about having a soul. I suppose if I had one, those words would actually mean something. What I do have is a knife, and your sorry fate if you don't cooperate".
"You can do what you want", said the Pandit adamantly. "But I'll never do as you say".
"Suit yourself", said Viren, shrugging his shoulders. He motioned to one of the goons, who came forward and placed the hood over the pandit's head again.
Meher stood still, as the sound of liquid swishing in a jug was brought to her attention. The smell of gasoline immediately filled her nose. Terror struck, she watched as the goon poured the warm liquid over the pandit.
"No! Please no! Don't do this!" she cried.
"What...what are you doing?" the pandit said, as he started to panic. "I demand that you release me!"
Viren only let out a sinister laugh in response, as he lit a match and tossed it towards the bewildered man. Meher closed her eyes and turned her face away wishing she could some how drown out the dying man's screams. But they were only compounded by the terrified pleas of the other 2 captives begging Viren to spare them.
"Well Meher...what do you suggest I do with these 2?" asked Viren as he approached her.
Meher didn't answer. Instead she screamed then lunged at him pounding his chest with flailing fists, until he managed to grab a hold of her arms and wrestle her to the ground.
"Now do you see what happens when you don't listen to me?" Viren growled at Meher.
Her tear streaked face slowly lifted to meet his. "Go ahead and kill me too", she said, choking back her tears.
"What? And spoil all the fun I have in store for us", said Viren. "Not a chance Meher. Now you sit here and think on whether you want to be a good little girl from here on end, and I'm going to go play with my new friends outside. And when I come back, I want to see a whole change in your attitude. Understand?" He banged the heel of his shoe on the floor as if to emphasize his words, then led the men pleading for mercy outside.
"You're a monster", whispered Meher. Then she passed out.
Very important: Please see my note on the top of page 38
Hope you all liked the update..kind of gruesome I know 🤢. Please do leave your comments and feedback. Or at least hit the like button. 😛
Please note: I don't know exactly how the marriage laws work in India...but for the sake of my story I'm assuming that after a religious ceremony a marriage would have to be registered. In any case...that is what Preet and Meher were intending to do so as to have a legal document to present to the Kashyap family lawyer Mr. Bedi.
Also, I am going to be traveling extensively for the next 2 months with only sporadic access to the internet, so please be patient for the updates...😊
Almost no one listens to me ... but (😕)...as always... a humble request...if you are reading this FF it's because Sushant and Meher made an impression on you in their portrayal of Preet and Meher. Please be kind enough to comment on the respective actors' profiles Thanks. 😛
Chapter 35: Preet gets a phone call from Viren 😡
Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
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