Hi Kutties 😊
Surprise update...
Long one...😃
Flashback in Italics
Not proofread 😳
Enjoy reading 🤗
Chapter-22
THE ONE I CAN LIVE FOR
Raman came out outraged and dismayed by the course of events. His blurry vision failed to acknowledge the person standing in front of him. Bumping his head with Mihika's he hissed in pain and frustration. She was unusually concerned which irked him more.
"Sorry jiju...main...voh...kuch avaz aarahe dhe toh..." (I...that...heard some noise so...) She began to explain the reason behind her presence but cut short by him astounding her nerves. He was so angry and dipressed plus confused of Mihika's behaviour.
"Oh really...! Mujhe sab pata hai teri jasoosi ke bare mein. I know you don't like me and want to separate my Ishita from me to take revenge. But...but I never thought that you'll use Abhi and your own sister for it. Even after knowing that I'm not the culprit you're after me...! Ab toh tujhe khush hona chahiye...kyunki we are never going to be together. And this time...it was me at fault."
(I know about your spying. Now you'd be happy...because____)
Mihika looked on puzzled and dropped some words here and there. "Jiju...Abhi...main kuch...samjha nahin..."
(I..don't understand...)
"You won't understand. You played well Miss Mihika Iyer. Well played." He clapped sarcastically and told her that he heard Abhi talking to her last night.
He sat on a chair clutching his head in his hands mumbling that he is tired of everything. He was confused. How will he manage without Ishita and stay away from her when her sister is on a mission to break him down.
"Main akka se baat karti hun jiju..." (I'll talk to akka) She said assuringly knowing very well that her proposal will get rejected the next second which happened like a hit on her nose.
"Thanks for your concern. I'm happy how I'm and I know how to handle my wife." He spat venomously and rushed out.
"Is problem mein Abhi kahan se ghus gayi?" (How did Abhi come in this problem?) She thought to herself while watching Raman leaving the place hastily.
FLASHBACK
"Sab kaam bekar hogaya. Yeh sab kya hogaya Mihika?"
(Everything got spoiled. What's all happened Mihika?)
Abhi asked her unable to take in the fact that Raman did really marry Ishita. That too legally. He gritted his teeth looking at Raman making her wear the ring. Toshi was teasing them that mangalsutra will be wore only when the rituals takes place.
Mihika was silent all the while Raman playfully covered Ishita's hair partition with vermillion. Abhi's constant questionings enraged her. She pulled him to a corner and asked what is his problem. He kept on buzzing the same thing; his disapproval and shock on the marriage drama.
"Dekho Mani annai...It is over. Ab kuch humare haath mein nahin hai." Mihika said angrily as if trying to inject some reason in his empty brain.
(Nothing is in our hands now)
"But Raman is not..." His tongue sharply blocked by her enraged answer, "I just don't know how he was. And I'm sure my akka will make him a better person than he was. Aur usne akka se court marriage karke acha kiya...varna mujhe overboard jaani padti."
(He did good by legally marrying him. Otherwise I should have to go overboard)
"Lekin Mihir..." (But Mihir) Abhi whispered but she laughed sarcastically smacking her own head and replied, "Main bhi kitni buddhu hun. But...jahan tak main Mr Raman Kumar Bhalla ko janti hun...I can say that he cannot do that to Mihir. And I'm so sorry to say that I don't believe your words. It doesn't match to his part of the story."
(I'm such a fool. As far as I know RKB__)
******FB ENDS******
"Kahin yeh Mani ne kuch..." Mihika thought and grasped aloud, "I should meet him...or else...jiju akka aur main...hum teenon ko problem hojayega."
(If this Many something___It will become a problem for me akka and jiju)
AT RAMAN'S
Raman tossed and turned in his bed thinking madly about Ishita. He felt disgusted on himself for behaving that way. He felt scared of losing her. Toshi's interference was the last thing he wanted.
"Puttar...meri baat sun..." She tried a conversation while sitting near him.
(Hear me)
"Maa...main kuch...jaanbhoojhkar nahin kiya dha..." He placed his head on her lap crying.
(I didn't do anything knowingly)
"Kya problem hai...? Kya his dha?" She inquired.
(What's the problem?)
"Maa...voh...main...apko nahin bata sakta...I just can't..." Again the realization of his worst behaviour struck him.
(I can't tell you)
"Tikhe...Kuch vakt dedo...sab tikh hoga..." She patted his head.
(Give some time. Everything will be alright)
He hummed while slipping into a worried slumber. Toshi left the room after making her son sleep comfortably in the bed. He mumbled Ishita's name in his sleep making her smile thinking that he is not like his father in any sense. He is a changed person now which made her happy. She felt Ishita is not in a scoundrel's hands but the one who loves her a lot.
The constant ringing of the mobile was that brought him to the terrific reality that he is alone! He took the phone tensely.
"Hello Simmi...Itni raat kyun call kiya baba?"
(Why did you called this late night?)
"Bhaiyya...papa ko beemar hai...voh apko dekhna chahte hai. Ap kitne baar aise kar rahe ho...Is baar please aajayiye nah...Mujhe darr lag raha hai..." Simmi sobbed in between her words.
(Brother ...papa is sick. He wants to meet you. Till when you will do this. Come here this time. I'm scared)
"Don't cry baby...shush..bhaiyya...bhaiyya araha hun. Is baar zaroor ayega...trust me." He tried to console her.
(Bhaiyya is coming. I'll come surely this time)
"Main ap keliye early morning flight book kiya hai pathak se bolkar. I'll expect you bhaiyya..." She said making a puppy face.
(I've booked an early morning flight with the help of Pathak.)
"Of course sweetheart...main zaroor aunga. Now go get some sleep. Goodnight."
(I'll come for sure)
"Goodnight bhaiyya...love you"
"Love you too"
***************
Raman couldn't find a reason to stay home this time to avoid a confrontation with his dad. In fact, he wanted a change of place. He wanted to give Ishita the much needed space. At the same time he was unable to go away leaving her in such a state. She may think that he found a reason to leave her.
He tapped on her number for the nth time and disconnected the call before it could get connected.
"No...is vakt call karun toh aur problem hoja sakta hai. Pata nahin ye ladki ko kaise handle karungi...!"
(It will become a problem if I call her now. I don't know how to handle this girl!)
MORNING AT IYER'S
Ishita woke up after fighting with the evaded sleep. Mihika's constant knock on the door was what irritated her. She laid on the bed not wanting to get up and shouted on Mihika to leave her alone.
"Akka main ek urgent kaam keliye jaa rahi hun. Amma market gaye hai. Bas inform karne keliye bulaya." (I'm going out for an urgent job. I'm is off to market. I just called you to inform this) Saying so Mihika left the place leaving behind a fragmented soul to start its contemplations again.
Ishita walked up to the mirror and stood in front of it for some time. She touched the smeared vermillion which made a pink shade on her forehead. Tears coursed down when she closed her eyes thinking about Raman.
ISHITA'S POV
Ladkiyon ko handle karna hi nahin aata us admi ko. Playboy hokar bhi darrpok nikla!
(He doesn't know how to handle girls. He turned out to be a coward even after being a Playboy)
I was so angry on him. I don't want to mention the reason. I really felt disgusted. More than that...I couldn't take in the fact that some other woman had had him. I felt jealous of that Shagun for still affecting him even after being with me. He was kissing me and about to make...love to me but...how could he spat out his thought so mercilessly! How could he let me know that his mind was nowhere there with him... With us...! At the same time, I felt happy that he opened up to me.
Though...I don't want my husband to be this frank with me. Aarrrghh...!!
I felt bad for that Shagun. How could he break a girl's heart! For some time I wanted him to taste his own medicine. Yes, I did it knowingly. I said that I don't love him to feel the same pain which that girl would have gone through.
I've done too much. Saying that I don't love him was a bit overboard!
I just wanted...really wanted to hurt him for the better. Oh his teary eyes...I couldn't bear it. So I darted my eyes from him and roared to "get lost". He was confused if I love him or not. I wanted to crush in his arms but pulled back my urges to make him understand the importance and value of love between a couple.
I was literally going hard when he pulled down the duvet exposing my bosom and trailing kisses. This mannn...!!!
He has all the rights on me. But not like this. He can't force himself on me. So I remained unaffected by his touches though that wasn't the truth. My stone-like stature did hurt his male ego. Finally he asked me what I'm expecting him to do. I asked him to leave me albeit crunching my heart feeling a bitter taste in my mouth. He didn't stay for long but left me, not before covering me with the duvet making me so happy for his chivalry.
*****************************
She smiled meekly looking at her reflection and talked to herself.
"I'm sorry Ravan Kumar. Lekin main apse sach mein naraz hun. Apne abi tak mujhe call kyun nahin kiya? Hmmm...koyi baat nahin...main khud aati hun apke paas."
(I'm really angry on you. Why didn't you call me till now? Hmm..it's OK... I myself will come to you)
MORNINRG AT RAMAN'S
Ishita came to meet Raman to clear the misunderstandings and tell the reason behind her overreaction. She do had felt hurt thinking about his outburst but then her actions were no better. She wanted him to stay worried for a night thinking that he is losing his love forever. She couldn't help but smile at her state where she is unable to stay without him.
Toshiji looked at Ishita in shock. She was wearing a blue silk designer saree with a silver floral boarder. Her accessories complimenting her silver short sleeve blouse. What felt so special was the sindoor which brightened the glow of her face. She hugged her the moment she completed taking in the divinity of her daughter in law.
"Auntyji...Ram-Raman kahan hai...?" She asked shyly.
(Where is Raman?)
"Voh nah puttar...kal ek important call aya dha Mumbai se. Kuch bina kahe voh subah subah chalagaya. Shayad ek-do hafte lagega." Toshi told her consolingly knowing well that the news is not that jovious for Ishita.
(He got an important call from Mumbai so left early morning. Maybe will take one or two weeks)
"Voh...sachmein chala gaya...?" She asked in shock.
(He really left?)
"Koyi gal nahin puttar. Mujhe bhi laga tujhe kuch vakt deni chahiye. Ye munde ne saara kuch jaldbazi mein kiya" She walked to the kitchen followed by Ishita.
(Don't worry puttar. I too felt that you need some time. He did everything in haste)
"Lekin..." (But) Ishita wanted to say something but drunk in the words.
"Aane do use vapas do-theen mahine ke baad!" (Let him come after two three weeks) Toshi teased her and looked at her dejected daughter in law walking out without saying anything.
SAME TIME AT ABHI'S HOME
"Sorry Mihika...Amma appa ghar par nahin hai...toh...I hope this coffee is alright..."
(Amma Appa is not home)
Abhi said while handing over a cup of coffee to Mihika. But Mihika looked tensed and agitated. She just jerked it making it spatter on the floor.
"What's wrong with you Mihika?" He asked astounded.
"I should be the one asking it." She bitted back.
"Kya matlab?" He had no clue.
"I can't believe you created misunderstandings between me and jiju. But why Mani annai? Neenka ippadi en pannen?" Mihika questioned in disbelief.
(Why did you do this?)
"No Mihika...there is nothing of sort." He tried to clear. But she showed her hand asking him to stop and lashed out.
"Kya kuch nahin? Apko maine kab call kiya jiske bare mein jiju mujhse kal kaha dha? Apne kab mujhse kaha ki Raman Bhalla is not the one who killed Mihir. In fact you're the one who told me that Jiju hi Mihir ko maar dala jab ap US mein dhe."
(What nothing of sort? When had I called you about which Jiju was talking to me last night? You're the one who told me that jiju is the one who killed Mihir when you were in US)
"Stop your nonsense Mihika...!" He roared but she continued.
"No I will not stop. Mujhe javab chahiye. Apne kyun aisa kiya mere saath? Mujhse kyun jhoot bola? Jiju ke nazar mein mujhe itna bura kyun banaya? Kal raat meri call kyun fake kiya? TELL ME DAMN IT!"
(I want answer. Why did you do this to me? Why did you lie? Why did you make me so bad in front of my jiju? Why did you fake my call last night?)
"Because I want to be the confidant of the great Raman Kumar Bhalla.He should do everything only after asking me. He should be depended on me. ONLY ME." He said on top of his voice.
Mihika dropped herself on the sofa and whispered, "That means you killed my Mihir...?"
"No I didn't. It was a suicide." He declared nonchalantly.
FLASHBACK
BEFORE ONE YEAR
IN A PARTY
Raman was busy with the clients which Abhi used as a chance to talk to Mihir. Abhi's unusual behaviour made Mihir to take him away from the crowd to talk. They talked about random things while reaching the rooftop.
"Kya problem hai yaar? You're not at all happy with bhai's success. It's party time...!" Mihir chirped.
(What's wrong?)
"No it our success. The three of us worked hard." He said angrily.
"Wait...wait...What...you means...you...you want the share?" Mihir asked in disbelief.
Abhi laughed and said devilishly, "I don't want to share it with anyone. Not even Raman Kumar Bhalla."
Mihir jumped in clutching Abhi's collars saying that he won't let someone harm his bhai. But Abhi pushed him down making the back of Mihir's head hit a rock. He lost his consciousness within a second which made Abhi tensed. A panic stricken Abhi ran down to the party hall.
That was when Raman noticed the absence of Mihir. Both of them walked to find Mihir while Mihir gained his senses and was about to call Raman but smiled seeing Mihika's call. He was feeling a little pukey because of the hit on his head. Raman along with Abhi reached there and saw Mihir standing on the edge.
Mihir turned to a tensed Raman hearing his voice. His sly smile changed to shock seeing Abhi pointing a gun against the back of Raman's head. Oblivious of it Raman kept on looking at Mihir. Mihir found no way to distract Abhi. He was scared if his movements make Abhi pull the trigger. He slipped his feet knowing well what he is going to die. He wanted to ask forgiveness from his bhai for doing such a thing; dying for him.
Abhi expected the same. He very well knew the unfathomable love Mihir haves on Raman. In fact he wanted Mihir to die not Raman. He wanted Raman alive for getting whatever he wants.
******FB ENDS******
"Matlab aaj tak apne mera jiju ko dhoka diya...You were not sincere with him...! Ap aise kaise kar sakte ho...? Main yeh sab zaroor jiju ko bataogi.You're dead now" Mihika couldn't say further because she was shivering with shock and anger.
(That means you cheated my jiju until now. How could you do this? I'll tell him all these for sure)
"No Mihika...Raman won't listen to you. Maine joh kuch bhi kiya achi tarah kiya hai...aur ek baat kaan knolkar sunlo...Ishita sirf meri hai. Main use apnakar rahunga. Agar itna kuch karsakta hai toh...voh bhi easy hoga...!" He said smirking.
(I've done everything perfectly. And let me clear one thing that Ishita is mine. I'll make her mine for sure. If I can do this much...it's easy for me!)
"Main aise nahin hone denge." She said poking a finger at him and walked out of there.
(I won't let it happen)
"Karlo jo karna hai...agar Abhimanyu Ragav tujhse sabkuch batadiya hai toh iska bhi kuch matlab hai..." He smiled sipping the coffee enjoying the morning breeze standing in the balcony looking at Mihika's leaving form.
(Do whatever you want. If AR let you know everything it also means something)
HOTEL IN MUMBAI
Raman was looking at his and Ishita's engagement photos feeling suffocated in the hotel room. He couldn't get a grip on himself thinking about the upshots that changed his life. He couldn't believe how much he had changed after meeting Ishita.
Again, he tapped her number and forgot to disconnect as he was in deep thought. His eyes blurred up making it difficult for him to open it. His hiccups was what Ishita could only hear. She called him but he remained silent because he was unmindful of the call. He talked to himself to vent out his frustration and empty himself.
"Kya ho raha hai mere saath...? Why are you doing this to me Ishita...? Main itna bura hun? I'm sorry...but...give me a chance. Mujhe nahin pata kaise baat karna hai...kya nahin karna hai...because I never controlled my tongue."
(What's happening to me? Am I that bad? I don't know how to talk...what to do...)
"Talk to me Raman...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to hurt you...just take the mobile and talk to me...I'm hearing you...just talk to me..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
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