Hello everyone!
Once again, thank you so much for your love and appreciation for the story. It really really means a lot to me and keeps me going. The story is going to pick up pace from this update and please be warned that there will be lots of drama too!
Cheers,
Neet
Chapter 19
A couple of months later...
"Mantu.. Here you go. The cheque from Dev Enterprises. They've agreed to be the title sponsor. It's so funny. The only thing Dev Agnihotri wanted to know was if the Chaubey family was sponsoring anything and if so by how much. His only condition is if and when the Chaubeys do sponsor, he wanted to make sure his amount was greater. I wonder why he is so interested in this one upmanship with the Chaubeys? Remember during the Shravan Puja too?" Rama said as he handed the cheque to Mantu.
The people of Banaras had been more than welcoming of the idea of a tourism festival at the chai pe charcha. The only person who had raised an objection had been Gajanand Chaubey and Mantu suspected it had been more so because Mantu was the one who had pitched the idea and was leading the organization of the event at that point. A few convincing reasons from the Collector though, were all it had taken to change Chaubeyji's mind. However, there had been an election to decide who would head the Organizing committee and Mantu had won by a huge margin which again, had not gone down well with Chaubeyji.
Interestingly, Dev babu, despite his claims of being "too busy to waste his time on such silly things" as he himself had said during the chai pe charcha, was now pitching in to be the title sponsor. "By the way, why did you send me to talk to him? Isn't he your ex-employer? Wouldn't it be better if you'd have gone? He was even asking for you. I mean, I got them to be the title sponsor and all but I don't know.. I feel like there's a lot going on that we don't know.. You know?" Rama continued. "I know Rama. Dev babu definitely has some history with the Chaubeys.. Or maybe the Chaubeys and Mathurs.." Mantu said as he recollected that day when Amaya had shown him clippings of Rishi Mathur's scandal in Dev's cabin. Was it just some kind of business rivalry or was there something more to it? Mantu glanced at the cheque. "This is a huge amount, Rama - above and beyond what we've set for the title sponsor," Mantu exclaimed. "I know. I tried to tell him we do not want the extra, but he insisted. I figured we could keep the extra money as reserve, emergency back up or something," Rama said. "Hmm.. Yes.. But for now, we'll only cash the amount that was decided," Mantu said.
***
"Amaya!"
Amaya turned to find Neeti coming towards her. She had stopped by the market to buy some stuff on her way back from work. It was one of those rare days nowadays, when she could leave office when there was still sunlight outside. All thanks to an emergency meeting that Dev Babu had to attend and he had had to leave at short notice, even before he could've piled on a year's worth of work on her to finish while he was gone, Amaya thought solemnly. She fixed a warm smile for Neeti though and hugged her happily, "How are you Neeti?" "I am good Amaya. How are you? I am so sorry! I haven't come to meet you even once all these weeks since your marriage, in fact I couldn't even attend your pagphera.. Dadaji.." Neeti trailed off as Amaya shook her head. "I understand Neeti. Its okay. How are your studies going?" Amaya asked. "Good. Good. I need to talk to you about something really important. I know only you can help me." There was a desperate pleading in her voice that sent warning bells ringing in Amaya's head. "What is it Neeti? Are you in trouble?" Amaya asked concerned.
"Neeti!!"
Before Neeti could say anything at all, Dimple Bua appeared. She gave Amaya a look that was part irritation and part anger. "Amaya? What are you doing here?" she asked a little too sharply. "Dimple Bua!" Amaya overlooked the irritation on her face and went to hug her. The hug wasn't returned though. "I was just buying some stuff for the house," Amaya pulled away from the hug, her enthusiasm dampening a little at Dimple Bua's cold response to her. "Yeah.. Of course, if you make the wrong kind of choices, you have to suffer the consequences too, don't you?" Dimple bua taunted. "If caring for my husband and brother-in-law is what you are talking about Buaji, then I am happy to "suffer" these consequences," Amaya replied, her happy smile in place. Dimple gave Amaya a once over before she turned to Neeti, "Neeti. Go sit in the car. I need to talk to Amaya for a minute." Neeti opened her mouth as if to protest but in the face of her mother's stern glance, she backed down. She cast a desperate glance at Amaya. Amaya nodded her head at her and Neeti walked away.
Once Neeti was safely out of earshot, Dimple turned to Amaya. "Amaya! Look! I am sorry if I sound rude and harsh to you, but the truth is.. The truth is, I have big dreams for Neeti. I want to get her married into a reputed, rich and successful family. I don't want her to come in your's or Rachita's influence and end up marrying someone who does not have any family like Mantu or a shopkeeper's son like Rama. It's a mother's plea and I hope you will understand and respect my request when I ask you to stay away from Neeti," Dimple folded her hands in front of Amaya. There was a mix of regret, sorrow, anger and yet the firm determination of maternal protective instincts glinting in Dimple's eyes. Before Amaya could say anything though, Dimple had turned on her heel and left.
Amaya kept reminding herself that she had nothing to feel upset about. Dimple Bua had it wrong. She did not know how happy Amaya was with Mantu. She did not know how hardworking, how intelligent, smart and capable Mantu was. And most of all how loving and caring he was. Belonging to a family of repute or having tons of ancestral wealth did not dictate that you would be a good person at heart - and both Mantu and Rama jiju - who Dimple Bua had been so dismissive of, were good people at heart. And that was what mattered. Which was why, Amaya decided, that she would pay heed to Neeti's request over Dimple Bua's plea and find out what it was that was bothering her.
***
"It's a huge amount Mantu. And there's a hold on transactions above a certain limit. We won't be able to process this till we get clearance and authentication from Dev Babu's Mumbai office," the clerk at the bank told Mantu. "Mumbai office? Dev babu has a Mumbai office?" Mantu asked. "Yes. That's listed as his head office," the clerk replied. "But I thought all his business was out of his London office," Mantu thought out aloud. "Oh you know the ways of these businessmen. They have multiple offices under multiple names for multiple purposes. If nothing to evade tax and stuff," the clerk commented off handedly. "Can you do me a favor and get me the address and details of his Mumbai head office please?" Mantu asked. "But why do you need it?" The clerk seemed a little hesitant. "I wanted to put that in our title sponsor information. You know.. More publicity for the company.." Mantu replied, and apologized to Mahadev for lying.
"Why did you take all that info from the clerk Mantu?" Rama asked as they left the bank. "Rama.. I don't have a definite answer for you, but I have a very strong feeling that there is something about Dev Agnihotri that we don't know about. That's tied to the Chaubey-Mathurs and to our wives. I don't even know what I'm getting at but just the fact that he has so much vengeance against them for no apparent reason bothers me. And I feel like I want to find out more about him," Mantu replied.
Rama thought about it for a minute, "Are you thinking he might be out to harm them? But why?" "I don't know Rama. I can't put my finger on it and say this is why.." Mantu went on to tell him about the newspaper clippings of Rishi Mathur's scandal and suicide in Dev's cabin and how the entire office knew of his hatred for Rishi Mathur. "But he still employed Amaya, didn't he? Surely he knows she is Rishi Mathur's daughter," Rama pointed out. "That's the part I don't understand. He even gave Amaya a promotion recently. But the promotion came with a bond for 3 years too which if she breaks, she'd have to pay her entire three years' salary as penalty. And he has been making her work like crazy. Almost as if he is trying to push her to break her bond, you know? Do you think.. Do you think it could be a trap of some sort?" Mantu voiced the question that had been whirling in his mind ever since Amaya had told him about the bond she'd signed. "Seems a rather stringent contract for the post of personal secretary, doesn't it?"
Rama nodded his head, "You are right. But that still leaves the question unanswered. Why? Why would such a rich, influential and powerful man go to such great lengths to seek revenge from one family in the whole of Banaras? And that too, the Mathurs just recently moved to Banaras and even Dev Babu just recently moved from London.." "Exactly my point Rama! The Mathurs just moved to Banaras but they were in Mumbai before this. I always thought Dev Babu's business was based entirely out of London.. Till just now.. He has a head office in Mumbai Rama!" Mantu exclaimed. "Are you trying to say Dev Babu might have a Mumbai connection with the Mathurs?" Rama asked. "I don't know Rama.. I honestly don't know.. I'm just shooting in the dark right now.. But I feel like there are way too many incidences to just be ignored as coincidences.." Mantu said. "Hmmm.. If thats what your gut instinct says, I'll go with it," Rama said.
"Now that you've donned the detective hat Mantuji, there is something I've been thinking about too.. For quite some time now.." Rama confessed as he got onto the bike behind Mantu. "What is it?" Mantu asked. "You know how my mom created a scene at the wedding about Rachitaji not being Rishi Mathur's daughter?" Rama asked. Mantu nodded his head in response. "How did she get to know?" Rama posed the question and immediately saw the gears turning in Mantu's head. "The only people who could know the truth are Rishi Mathur and Sneha aunty for sure. Rishi Mathur is no more and Sneha Aunty.. She definitely did not tell my Amma. The other possibility is Gajanand Chaubey because remember my Amma kept putting both Sneha Aunty and Chaubeyji on the spot with her accusations? So he could've been privy to the secret but he wouldn't tell Amma either. Then who?"
"The only possibilities I can think of are either Sumitra Aunty overheard maybe Sneha Aunty and Chaubeyji talking about this.. Or someone overheard it and told Sumitra Aunty.. Or there is the possibility that Rachita's real dad might be in the picture somewhere.. He is the only other person who would know.." Mantu said. "I don't think Amma has been in and around the Chaubey-Mathur haveli long enough to have overheard Aunty's and Chaubeyji's conversation," Rama replied thoughtfully. "As for Rachitaji's real dad.. Why would he want to create a scandal at his own daughter's wedding and destroy her life? That doesn't make sense.." "That leaves us with just one possibility," Mantu said, "that someone overheard Chaubeyji's and Auntyji's conversation and informed Sumitra Aunty.. But who would do that? And why?" There was a long pause as both of them thought about it.
"There is one person I can think of actually," Mantu said. Rama looked at him questioningly and Mantu said, "Rudra." Realization dawned on Rama too. "But what would he gain from telling Amma anything? What motive could he have?" Rama asked. "You are right. Other than the fact that he is a gunda, which isn't a valid enough reason, I can't think of a solid reason why he would do this. After all, from what I have heard from Amaya, Rudra's dad and Rishi Mathur were best of friends. Rudra's dad has been the family's biggest support in their testing times," Mantu said. "Then who could have leaked this to Amma?" Rama asked again. There was a long silence again.
"I don't know Rama, every time I consider who could possibly be involved in this, the only name that pops to mind is Rudra. I feel like he is the one unscrupulous gunda in that house who would have no loyalties to anyone," Mantu shook his head as if physically trying to shake away the thought so he could think beyond. "You could be right, Mantu. Lets do one thing. Lets keep an eye on Rudra, what say?" Rama asked. Mantu nodded his head in agreement and just as he did, another piece of the puzzle appeared in his head - who had kidnapped Rachitaji that night? Who had taken those pics and sent them to Chaubey Nivas? Since Mantu was sure Rama knew nothing about the incident, he decided to pursue that angle on his own. He did not want to be the one to reveal the truth about why Rachita agreed to marry Rama in the first place, especially not now.. When Rama and Rachita were in the process of building their relationship. "And I will keep an eye on Amma as well. I know if I ask her directly, she won't say anything at all. I will have to figure it out some other way," Rama said. "Now drop me off at home quickly. I am taking Rachitaji out for a movie." "Movie date eh? Lage raho guru, lage raho," Mantu teased Rama who smiled happily.
***
That night over dinner, Mantu pondered whether to tell Amaya about his suspicions about Dev babu and what he had discussed with Rama. He glanced at her and saw how she seemed so tired and lost. She'd been working so hard. Her office work had been stressing her out so much and she'd taken a fair share of responsibilities for the upcoming Tourism Festival as well. She was in charge of the Fashion Show, an idea Gajanand Chaubey had vehemently opposed calling it "shameless girls walking around in skimpy clothes." In response, Amaya had assured him that all the designs and dresses showcased would suit the tastes and sensibilities of Banaras since this festival was all about Banaras. In fact, apart from the one or two celebrity models they planned to fly in for publicity sake, they had even decided to have local girls walk the ramp for the event. With just some help from Rachita and Jazz, she was pretty much running that show solo from details about colors and fabric to the "model" hunt. That, apart from everything else that she was doing. It wouldn't do any good to tell her he was on a wild goose chase behind Dev Agnihotri based on a gut instinct. If he found something, then he would let her know. For now, she had enough and more on her plate to worry about.
Amaya studied Mantu as he ate his food. He seemed to be preoccupied. Of course! He had been appointed the Head of the Organizing Committee for the Tourism Festival, he had lots and lots to think and worry about. She debated whether to tell him that she had met Neeti and Dimple Bua today and what had happened. May be not. He was already under so much stress. It didn't feel right to burden him with more. And it could be that Neeti's problem wasn't such a big one after all. Maybe she needed help with a job hunt or higher studies or something. There was no point in worrying him about it when she didn't know if there was even a cause for worry. With that settled, Amaya started up a conversation with Mantu on the progress they've made in organizing the Tourism Festival.
***
"I don't have a lot of time. I told Nanaji I needed to stop by at the temple to make a quick prayer because I had an exam," Neeti whispered urgently to Amaya. Both of them had covered their heads with their dupattas so that Nanaji, who sat in the car in the lane right in front of the temple would not see them. "Okay. But what's the matter Neeti? Why did you want to talk to me?" Amaya asked. "I need help. And only you or Rachita didi can help me. A boy and his family are coming to see me this weekend," Neeti informed. "What?!! They are coming to see you?? They are planning to get you married?" Amaya asked surprised as she grabbed onto Neeti's shoulder. Her dupatta almost slipped off her face but she quickly managed to tug it into place. "But why? You are hardly 20 yet! And you haven't even finished college!" "Nanaji and Maa, they are worried.. After all that happened in the family.. I mean with you and Rachita didi.." Neeti trailed off. For the first time, Amaya felt a pang of remorse. Yes, they hadn't thought about how the right thing they did in their life would end up affecting Neeti. "I am so sorry. All this is happening because of us," Amaya said, placing a gentle hand on Neeti's arm. "No Amaya! I am glad things happened the way they did. They made me realize that sometimes you have to find the way to your own happiness. And I have," she said, watching closely to gauge Amaya's reaction. Her voice went down a couple of more decibels as she said, "I am in love with someone."
***
Amaya paced the length of the courtyard as she waited for Mantu. She felt her head would explode if she tried to deal with this on her own. And the truth was, she had no clue how to deal with this on her own. When Neeti had opened up to her about who she had fallen in love with, Amaya had felt the world slip beneath her feet. She had barely had the good sense to tell Neeti to not mention about this or their meeting to anyone at all and had sent her off asking her to go ahead with her family's plans as of now while she figured out what could be done. The truth was, she had no idea what to do.
"Mantu!" As soon as the door opened and Mantu stepped in, Amaya caught him by the shoulders. "Mantu! I need to tell you something really important!" Mantu felt his heart pick up speed. Amaya looked so pale, tensed and nervous. "Amaya! What happened? Are you okay? Why are you so worried? Is everything okay? Why didn't you go to work? Why did you ask me to come home quickly? What happened?" Mantu asked as he looked Amaya over to make sure she wasn't ill or hurt. "Mantu.. I.. I.. Met Neeti today. Actually, I met Neeti and Dimple Bua in the market yesterday. Neeti said she needed some help and that I was the only one who could help her but before she could say anything Dimple Bua came there and she had to leave. So I texted Jazz last night and asked her to tell Neeti to come meet me in the temple this morning. And.. She.. I don't know what to say or do, Mantu. I can't handle this.. " Amaya said as she sat on the charpaayi holding her head in her hands. "What happened Amaya? Is your Nanaji okay? Is your family okay?" Mantu asked concerned as he sat beside Amaya and placed a hand on her shoulder. Amaya looked up at Mantu and said in a dead serious tone, "Neeti loves Rudra! She is planning to run away with him!"
****
Edited by neet06 - 9 years ago
Harry Potter
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Shiv Shakti
