FF; BEING MRS. RAVAN KUMAR chap 113-117(LAST CHAP) Pg 157**updated** - Page 53

CHAPTER SIXTY

'Hey you all...'' Said Raman who joined them

'Hey...'' Said Romi

'Hey...'' Said Shlok before he turned to Ishita and said

'I am going to look for him and do the thing...'' and with that he walked away together with Romi

'Wow... Your family has sleek ways of avoiding me...'' Said Raman who could see right through Shlok's antics

'Sorry...'' Said Ishita

'Well, I think it has to do with your fiancee here making us feel unwelcome...'' Said a tipsy Romi

'What... Why...'' Said Raman

'I don't know... She said Mihir wasn't welcome... And here I was thinking he was family... But then again, Mihir is not really a...'' But before Romi could blurt out anymore, Shagun interrupted

'Romi... With me ... I need to give you loads of coffee...'' She said

'You what... Why would you do that...'' Said Raman looking at Shagun

'You're going to believe this one... I mean look at him, he is drunk...'' Said Shagun

'I am not drunk... slightly tipsy... Not drunk...'' Said Romi but Shagun just sort of pulled him away and off they went

'What the hell...'' Said Raman

'Calm down... Mihir is around... Mihika is taking him to Heidi... It is fine...'' Said Ishita

'Oh that is right, Romi... Did the thing I sent you to do work out...'' Said Ishita

'Arre of course yaar, you know me... Besides given how big a surprise it will be, I love surprises...'' He said smiling as he left with his sister

'What was that about...'' Said Raman amused at Romi's behavior

'I just sent him to handle a small project. He exaggerated given he is very tipsy now...'' Lied Ishita

'What about Mihir...'' Asked Raman

What about him...'' Said Ishita

'Why is Mihika taking him to Heidi...'' Asked Raman

He is not going to work with me forever... Heidi has a section in her magazine dedicated to art and artists... I sent her some of his pieces and thus this meeting... ' Said Ishita much to Raman's surprise

'Are you serious...'' He asked

'Yeah...Why would I kid about something lie that'' Ishita said

'I just... Why are you doing this ... It doesn't make sense...'' Said Raman

'Oh please do not flatter yourself... I didn't set up a thing... I just do what is best for my sister. What she wants, she gets... She suggested I do that... It is her doing not me...'' Said Ishita

'Really... Mihika did this...'' Said Raman

'Yeah... But if you tell a soul, I will deny it'' Said Ishita

'I won't... I swear...'' Said Raman pinching his neck causing Ishita to laugh

'I think they are both silly not to admit to each other how they feel and just loving each other from a far...'' Said Ishita

'Kind of like you loving me from a far...'' Said Raman

'Uhhh... Who says ...'' Said Ishita stuttering and Raman just sort of began laughing and shaking his head

'Come on, my dad wanted a word...'' He said and comfortably without a worry in the world grabbed her hand in front of the watching eyes of Shagun and took her to where Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla were

Santosh had been noticing since Ishita had walked in that both her sons were free with her and it was like the hurricane of the last 7 years never actually happened. I mean it was like she had forgiven them for everything and nothing of it mattered. Raman had this bright look on his face every time he talked to her and Santosh could see he was slowly falling back in love with her and this time stronger than before. She smiled thanking God that maybe there would be a good thing that was going to come out of this craziness.

There were a lot of secrets in that Bhalla house and most of them had their but hers was the most well-kept, or at least she thought so and when Shagun shattered that making her do something that was against everything she believed in, she decided to do right but the one person she had hurt so badly, her husband. But in her journey to make things right with him, she forgot her children and they all drew apart.

She was grateful for Ishita for picking up the pieces even when she didn't have to especially when it came to Mihir.

'Papa...'' Raman called his dad causing him to turn

'Here she is...'' He added

'Oh right... Hello Ishita...'' Said Mr. Bhalla politely

'Hello... ' Said Ishita confused

'I wanted to talk to you about the whole Jhakad Parmeet issue and also go over a few things with you if you do not mind...'' He said politely something Ishita wasn't used to

'Uhhh can't this wait until office on Monday...'' said Ishita

'Well it could but... I had a few reservations that I wanted to discuss with you...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Reservations concerning what...'' Said Ishita

Jhakad... I was wondering that...'' He said but Ishita interrupted

'Listen... if you want to bring him back... You can but he won't set foot in RKB Fashions not if I have anything to do with it. I get his your friend but that friendship has been once sided for years. I mean clearly you have to be smart enough to see that...'' Said Ishita irritated

'Ishu... Calm down...'' Said Raman

'I was saying... There is a way we could make him accountable and also get our assets back...'' Said Mr. Bhalla ignoring her initial outburst

'Accountable, how...'' Said Raman

'His son, Sham... He didn't keep his tracks clean entirely... I know where they kept the money...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'How do you know this...'' Said Ishita

'I too have my ways Ishita... I wasn't born yesterday...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Okay so how do we recover this money...'' Said Raman

'Well... she does her thing... Like she did with Parmeet ...We kidnap Sham'' Said Mr. Bhalla and Ishita chuckled shaking her head as she said

'No...'' Turning around as she threatened to leave

'Ishu... Wait... Where are you going ...'' Said a confused Raman and quite honestly even Mr. Bhalla

'Away from him...'' Said Ishita angrily

'What did I say? Why are you upset...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Parmeet... He had no one... He did what he did because he had no choice... He had to take care of his family given if he faltered that buffoon would harm them. I gave him a way out. I didn't just wake one in the morning and decide to blackmail him and for the record, I didn't blackmail his children, they were perfectly okay. Have you even wondered why those passports were ready to go in such a short time? I do not do that blackmail stuff... That is your forte not me.'' She said

'Meaning what...'' said Raman but no one answered

'Listen I was just saying that Jhakad deserves it and what he is getting. Sham is the way to him... Besides you said that you suspected Parmeet the moment you walked in...'' Said Mr. Bhalla who genuinely thought he was helping

'That war you want to fight isn't mine... I do not fight battles that aren't mine... And as far as Parmeet is concerned, I said that because I needed to make a shareholder believe that I had things under control... I knew Parmeet was Abhya's cousin 4 months before I walked into the Bhalla house... Before I even took over... I just needed the right time to give him a way out. And by the way, Jhakad is not the reason I am here so I can't waste my time on him...'' Said Ishita irritated

'Okay... Okay I get it...'' Said Mr. Bhalla realizing he may have misunderstood her

She wasn't as ruthless as she seemed but she could be when it came to protecting the people she cared about. He just hoped and prayed that his children were in that group of people because he knew the kind of man Jhakad was and his family needed all the help they could get. Also he had another person he had begun suspecting

'Ishu... It is okay... Calm down...'' Said Raman but Ishita was too pissed to even care

'I need a drink...'' She said walking away

'Vishu... What is going on?'' Said Santosh who could see her husband was behaving weird

'We need her help... We really need her help...'' he said a bit worried

'Papa... What is going on...'' Said Raman and Mr. Bhalla showed him the texts he had been getting

'Someone is threatening to kill you... ' He said and Raman could hear the worry in his voice

'He said this time he won't miss like the first time...'' Said Mr. Bhalla scared much to Raman's surprise

'What... I don't follow...'' Said Raman

'At first I thought it was her, Ishita and so I had her followed because I was suspicious of her. I thought she was the one who wanted to kill you but... Everything she is doing and what she has done in a weird way has been to help you and your siblings. She wants revenge from me, I know that but I am also certain, she would never hurt you. Now after this whole Jhakad business, I am worried... I don't know who to trust anymore... I don't know what to do...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'How long have you been receiving these...'' said Raman

'Since she came back... The minute Ishita walked into this house, they started...'' said Mr. Bhalla lying while Santosh was holding his hand helping him keep it together

'What do they want?'' Asked Raman as he perused through the emails

'At first they didn't say but yesterday, they finally told me...'' He said looking at Raman

'They want us to wire 25 Million to an off shore account ... That is money we do not have... and also sign over RKB Fashions to someone called Abhya Sharma. When I heard her talk about Abhya with so much disgust and rage in office, I knew, there was something I was missing and she was the key...'' He added leaving out a whole new story all together

'Dad why didn't you tell me...'' Raman asked

'I was...'' But then Mr. Bhalla kept quiet as he looked at someone causing Raman to turn

'What...'' Raman said as he turned as well

He could see Abhimanyu walk in or Abhya he couldn't quite tell the difference between the two. His father looked like he had seen a ghost and was a bit disgusted and so was his mother

'What the hell is he doing here?'' Mr. Bhalla said irritated

'Vishu... Calm down...'' said Santosh holding her husband's hand reminding him that Raman was there

'Who is he...'' Raman asked playing damn

'Someone you do not need to worry yourself with'' Said Mr. Bhalla

Mihir, Mihika and Simmi who were talking to each other too turned and could all see Abhimanyu walk in and none of them had an idea as to what he was doing there.

'Oh God Ishu what are you thinking'' Murmured Mihika

Shagun who had walked back in with Romi and saw Abhimanyu standing by the door way looking around the room like he was looking for someone. Romi immediately turned to look for Ishita because he knew something was about to go down. Shagun seeing the perfect opportunity turned and walked to where Raman was and Mr. Bhalla and began adding fuel to fire

'Oh My God can you believe her... She invited him... after everything that happened here she just invited him...The audacity... I swear Ishita has no sense of decency'' Said Shagun

'Who is that...'' Asked Raman not because he didn't know but because he couldn't differentiate them

'He is the man...'' Shagun began but Santosh cut her off

'He is Ishita's friend...'' Santosh said shutting down Shagun

'Oh... Okay... So ... Do we hate him...'' Asked Raman still looking at Abhimanyu

'What...'' Asked Mr. Bhalla looking at his son causing Raman to turn to his dad and say

'No... I mean with the way you are looking at him with such disgust, I am guessing we hate him...'' Said Raman in a calm demeanor fighting not to give anything away

He had mixed emotions about it. If this was Abhimanyu, he had a few words for him, have a conversation that was way long overdue but if this was Abhya, he didn't know if he could keep his cool and not do anything stupid.

'Raman... Just go and talk to Ishita...'' Said Santosh as she held her husband's hand who kept on clenching it into a fist with anger

Shagun had the misconception that Ishita and Abhimanyu had not been in touch for years. For whatever reason she thought there was no way Ishita would have known Abhimanyu was going to be here. So if it came as a surprise, it meant she came to know more about Ishita and Abhimanyu's relationship

Mihir's spy work which she used had told them that Ishita had thrown Abhimanyu out of her life and that she was not at all on talking terms with him for a while. The stupidity that Shagun had wouldn't allow her to think logically to tell her that a lot of things had changed over the years and a lot of things had been revealed. She thought that the fact that Ishita never came back to tell them that it was not the same person they thought meant she was still angry at Abhimanyu for walking away when things got tough. She didn't know that Abhimanyu actually came back. And thus she was going to enjoy this view but things were going to have a turn she didn't expect

Ishita who had been outside walked back in and saw Abhimanyu had already walked in. She turned and looked at Raman who was staring at Abhimanyu and she knew that there was a high possibility that his father had told him about Abhimanyu.

Also Shagun retaliating her lies to him was a possibility given she was standing right where they were. Ishita knew she had to push Shagun to react and push Raman to remember, it was the only way that she stayed focused, and also the only way Shagun would mess up

She walked to where Abhimanyu was and lifted her hand only to smack him across the face with a very tight loud slap causing him to arc back a bit

'Smack...''

To say everyone in that room was surprised would have been an understatement. They were standing in the middle of the room and Ishita wanted to attract as much attention as she could especially from the Bhallas who were critically watching her.

'Ouch...'' Said Shlok as he saw Abhimanyu hold his cheek and turn back looking at Ishita

There was a silence in the room and everyone was looking at them all of them wondering what was going to happen but none more so than Raman

'I deserve that...'' Said Abhimanyu looking at Ishita as he struggled to stay in character

Ishita staying true to her role took her hands and put them on her mouth as if she was surprised at what she had done before she took a step back looking at him

'Ishu... ' Abhimanyu called her but she just kept looking at him tears welling in her eyes

Abhimanyu at that point also wasn't sure what the hell Ishita was thinking and so he just stood there looking at her not saying anything not sure what to do or not to do. But she instead took a step forward and threw her arms around him as she began to cry

'Why didn't you come back...'' She said

'I ... Uhhh... I am sorry...'' Said a confused Abhimanyu

Mihika and Shlok looked at each other as fought with every instinct not to laugh at Ishita's theatrics. Mihika just turned around and looked away while Shlok put his hand on his mouth smiling as he looked away as well

'You were supposed to... But you ...'' Said Ishita between her sobs and Abhimanyu still having no idea what was happening just stuck to his one answer

'I am sorry...'' He said as he pulled her in hugging her again

People began murmuring in the room and Santosh stood there more shocked than anyone else but Raman and Mr. Bhalla were unusually calm. Raman because he knew there was way more to this story than what was happening in his living room that minute and that the guy she was hugging was indeed Abhimanyu while Mr. Bhalla just smelt something fishy. This behavior was a bit bizarre

This was the same man she had been talking too when they had Parmeet's daughter, he could tell because he had the same jacket on and so for Ishita to act like she was just seeing him meant something was royally off and she was planning something so he began to panic.

CHAPTER SIXTY ONE

'Ishu... What are we doing...'' He whispered as she was still in his arms

'Has she gone...'' Ishita asked

'Who...'' Asked Abhimanyu

'Shagun... She should be walking out right now, has she gone...'' Ishita whispered again causing Abhimanyu to look up and search for Shagun

Raman looked at them, squinted eyes as if he could see what they were talking about

'What is he saying to her...'' He asked and his dad just shrugged his shoulders

'Yeah... She has gone outside...'' He said causing Ishita to pull back

She looked at the guy at the door who nodded back and closed the door, locking Shagun outside.

'I am sorry...'' Said Ishita to Abhimanyu as she held his cheek

'Really... That seriously hurt...'' Said Abhimanyu smiling

'I said I was sorry...'' said Ishita smiling cheekily

Shlok looked at Ishita and then back at Raman and he could see he was beginning to get jealous and if that was the plan, then it was working. He walked over to where they were extending his hand as he greeted Abhimanyu

'Sorry about that... Misunderstanding... You can go back to enjoying the party...'' Said Shlok as he approached them and everyone reluctantly went back to whatever they were doing

'Hey...'' He said

'Hey Shlok... ' Said Abhimanyu

'Okay I have to ask... What the hell is the plan...'' Said Shlok

'Honestly, I am not sure yet...But if I am to guess... Abhya is coming back'' Said Ishita

'Then why are you here...'' Asked Shlok

'Who says I am here as Abhimanyu...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Are you saying you are playing Abhya...'' Said Shlok

'No... No... He is here as Abhimanyu...'' Said Ishita

Okay then how is that supposed to help...'' Said Shlok

'Because then she thinks her game is till on and this calls him asking him to come out...'' Said Ishita

'Still doesn't explain why you are here...'' Said Shlok

' When Shagun invited him here, he told me, I asked him to show up...'' Said Ishita

'Why...'' Said Shlok

'Because if she thinks I am not on talking terms with Abhimanyu and I am angry with him, her guard is going down and thus only believes what I want her to believe. If she thinks I am somehow willing to forgive and forget means she thinks she has a card to play...'' said Ishita

'With Raman...'' Said Shlok

Exactly... Because Raman is coming back to the company starting Monday and they need him angry at me ...'' Said Ishita

'Does Raman know he is coming back to the company come Monday...'' Asked Shlok

'I don't know... His father should have told him by now I presume...'' Said Ishita

'But why would you allow him back at RKB Fashions when we aren't done...'' Said Shlok

'He is coming back to Bhalla Companies, he is stepping in for his father...'' said Ishita

'But won't it be a problem if Shagun is here when Romi brings...'' Said Shlok

'That is why I am locking her outside... ' Said Ishita as the all saw Shagun struggling to open the door

'When does Romi act...'' Asked Mihir

'Honestly, if everything is to go as planned and Mr. Bhalla has some common sense. He is going to want to talk... Our guest walks in after that...'' Said Ishita

'Shhsss... Bhallas are approaching...'' Whispered Abhimanyu

Raman wanted to know what the hell was going on and why his wife was busy crying in another man's arms. It was infuriating to watch that he had to admit and yet there was nothing he could do about it and it sucked.

'Hey guys... Is everything okay...'' Said Raman causing Ishita to turn only to see Raman and her parents standing behind her

'Yeah everything is crystal...'' Said Ishita smiling

'Good... ' Said Raman

'What are you doing here...'' said Santosh angrily

'I came to see someone special...It was about time'' Said Abhimanyu provocatively

'Raman... Abhi... Abhi... Raman ...'' Ishita introduced them

'Hello...'' said Raman putting his hand out

'Hello...'' Said Abhimanyu doing the same as he looked straight at Raman as if they were sizing each other out

'For a minute there I thought you wouldn't let go of my wife...'' Said Raman with authority

'Well she is you ex-wife...'' Said Abhimanyu with the same

'You do know we are married...'' Said Raman

'Separated...And given that attitude, good for her'' Said Abhimanyu

'Guys, I am right here... Stop talking like I am invisible...'' said Ishita who knew this was going to go out of hand fast

Mr. Bhalla all the while just stood there looking at Abhimanyu and not saying a word something that surprised even Ishita. Because the old Mr. Bhalla would be cursing her out and trying to throw her out of his house. If he was this quiet, he had noticed something, and that was what she was banking on

'Ishita...'' He suddenly said

'Yeah...'' She answered knowing he was about to go off but he didn't

'Can I talk to you...'' He said

'Should I call my lawyer...'' Ishita answered

'Why would you need a lawyer to talk...'' said Raman playing damn as if he had no idea

'Even I would need one where he is concerned...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Excuse me...'' Said Raman

'Enough...'' Said Shlok

Mihir who had been standing behind had to be impressed with how well he was keeping up this whole amnesia business and how he was playing it to perfection

'We do not need a lawyer... We can have a civil conversation for once...'' said Mr. Bhalla

'Since when is the word civil and you in the same sentence...'' Said Mihika who was standing with Mihir

'Ishita please... Can we just...'' said Mr. Bhalla ignoring Mihika stepping aside as he shown her the way

'Fine...'' said Ishita as she rleft

'Ishu... Don't take too long, I am taking you some place less boring...'' Said Abhimanyu clearly provoking Raman and they all knew it but Raman just scoffed and looked at him

Shlok who knew this was going to turn south fast turned to Mihika and said,

'Hey grab your bag, we are leaving when she is done...''

'Right... I'll get it, I left it with Simmi...'' said Mihika as she walked away

'Shlok a word please...'' said Mihir who just wanted to leave Raman and Abhimanyu alone hoping that Raman had the sense to do something about him or at least try and get something out of him

Abhimanyu just kept on looking at Shagun through the glass door who was banging at the door asking for someone to open but the no one seemed bothered mostly because the guy Ishita had paid to keep her there was not allowing anyone to open it

'Shouldn't you be helping you fiancee'' Said Abhimanyu as he finally looked up at Raman

'That is my business, you shouldn't worry about that...'' Said Raman

'Oh trust me, I am not...'' said Abhimanyu before he chuckled and looked at Shagun move away as she tried to use the back door causing him to slowly sigh with relief. This was unbelievably falling into place

Raman wanted to just smack that smug look off of his face and throw him out but that would mean his cover was blown and he didn't want that. He fought with every bone in his body to stay as cool as you could possibly imagine

Meanwhile Mihir had taken Shlok aside and in all honestly wanted to know what the hell was going on

'Dude, what do you think you are doing? Are you all crazy? This wasn't the plan...'' said Mihir

'Excuse me...'' said a surprised Shlok

'You heard me, what is Abhimanyu doing here...Why do you guys enjoy torturing my brother? What is the difference between you and Abhya ... You are just as bad as he is because all you want to do is hurt Raman. You all should be ashamed '' said Mihir

'Okay first of all, do not ever talk to me like that, second I do not owe you or any other Bhalla an explanation for anything... and three, Ishita does what she wants when she wants. She is the person you should be asking or better yet, ask Shagun, she is the one who invited him here...'' said Shlok

'Okay... I am sorry... I just worry that is all... He is not completely fine you know...'' Said Mihir

'I get that but she won't harm him. Besides this may help with his memory...'' Said Shlok

'Your right...'' Said Mihir

'By the way, I need a favor from you. It is important that Ishita doesn't leave this mansion tonight. It is very vital that you convince your father to let her stay. She will try and deny but make it believable. Refer to the contract okay... It is important...'' Said Shlok

'Why...'' Said Mihir

'Under no circumstances should we allow her leave this place with Abhimanyu... Not after what is about to happen... Shagun is manipulative and Ishita though won't admit it, she needs to be with Raman tonight, not Shagun '' Said Shlok and Mihir reluctantly agreed causing Shlok to walk away in search of Romi

Back with Mr. Bhalla and Ishita, he walked her to the room where she used to sleep when Raman had just come out of the hospital. It was the only room that had privacy and he just wanted her to clear up a few things. She walked in folding her hands across her chest as she said

'Be quick I have a place I need to be...'' Said Ishita

Mr. Bhalla locked the door and turned looking at Ishita as he said

'You and I have always had one thing in common...''

'Yeah... What is that...'' She asked

'Our love for Raman...'' He said

'I loved him, Not anymore...'' She lied

'I do not believe that...'' He said

'I do not care what you believe or do not believe... ' said Ishita

'I have no come here to argue, I just have one question...'' He said and Ishita simmered out because in all honestly she started to get a bit scared of his cool demeanor

'Who is that man in my living room...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

''Excuse me...'' Said Ishita

'I am asking who is that man in my living room and what the hell are you doing'' he asked again

'You tell me, according to you he is my lover...'' said Ishita

'I know the man who came into my house claiming your pregnancy and it is not the man standing in my living room right now. The man who came here claiming to be your lover had a scar just above his eye. I remember him vividly because my family fell apart in that time and your face and his have been playing through my mind for the last 7 years. Believe me I am sure, he is not the same man, so what is going on...'' said Mr. Bhalla agitated

'What are you asking me Mr. Bhalla...'' said a surprised Ishita because this was not the conversation she thought she was going to have

She thought he was going to bellow and yell for her bringing Abhimanyu here and how it was bad for her son such that when Romi walked in, it would be a shocker for him but this, this she didn't expect

'Did I miss something seven years ago... Did I mess up...'' He said disheartened

Ishita was a bit shocked because this Mr. Bhalla she was seeing was sort of not the same she had seen when she came ack. He was genuinely worried and a bit scared. He seemed more concerned than he was then something she didn't expect. She opened her mouth to talk but she remembered how her father cried in that hospital waiting room when they were telling him they couldn't treat his daughter because he had no money.

She remembered the tears her mother cried when they heard that her father had been humiliated and his property was ceased. She remembered how her father sat by her bedside apologizing repeatedly for not taking care of her.

She remembered all those people who gave up a lot just because Mr. Bhalla couldn't do right by them and also the Bhalla as a whole couldn't learn to take a leap of faith in people and chose to trust an outsider rather than family and all suddenly all the remorse she had went away and she couldn't feel sorry for him anymore

'What makes you think I will help you have a peaceful night by telling you the truth? ' Said Ishita as tears filled her eyes

'No... Figure it out... Although if you are asking me this now, you already know the answer to that question ... You know I am glad to say, I am really going to enjoy seeing you fall apart when they know what actually happened...'' said Ishita much to Mr. Bhalla's surprise

'I knew it; the fact that you won't tell me the truth meant you are just the woman I thought of you to be... It is the same characterless manner less woman...'' Said Mr. Bhalla causing Ishita to scoff looking at him

'Is that supposed to insult me or make yourself feel better...'' said Ishita but Mr. Bhalla just sort of looked at her irritated and annoyed

Ishita wanted to hold out until it was the right time, she wanted to just spring this on him in front of his family and humiliate him but this opportunity was just begging for her to utilize and with the way he was judging her and insulting her, anger got the best of her and so she let out a few things she shouldn't have

'Did you know Mr. Sharma...'' she suddenly asked as she sat back on the bed cross ledged leaning back with one hand and Mr. Bhalla who looked like the wind had been sucked out of him couldn't believe his ears

'What...'' He said perplexed feeling his throat dry up suddenly

'Did you know Mr. Sharma... He is a very well-known man down in Goa, wasn't a very good man you see...'' Said Ishita looking at him knowing he knew exactly what she was talking about

'I don't... It is... Why do you want...'' He began to stammer

'Anyway, I know you know him that is not why I was asking... My exact question was, did you know he had a son... Well two actually... Twins ...'' Said Ishita

'What...'' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla

'You see his wife was 9 months pregnant when you...'' Said Ishita looking at him and taunting him and he looked shocked than ever

'Anyway... She had twins, boys but she didn't have enough to take care of them... She fell sick and took them to an orphanage... One boy ended up a Raghav while the other, when he made 16 years, he somehow found his way back home to his ailing father who had just been released from prison and his father, well, he had a tale to tell... ' She added

'It can't be...It couldn't be... ' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla

'It actually is... One boy is Abhimanyu Raghav the other is Abhya Sharma...'' Said Ishita as tears began welling in her eyes

'They were two... They are two... No...She told me it was one'' Said Mr. Bhalla shaken

'Oh you mean Shagun told you he had just the one son... and she being your go to girl, you believed her'' Said Ishita chuckling before she added

'The man you were so sure I had an affair with, I had even never met... Abhya Sharma... The man that I knew is Abhimanyu Raghav... Now I want you to think long and hard about everything and understand with the both of us, who destroyed your family...'' Said Ishita as tears streamed down her face

'I am... Oh God...I am...'' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla and Ishita knew they were now on the same page

'Abhya Sharma, was the man Shagun brought here... Abhimanyu Raghav that is the man I worked with at the rift...'' Said Ishita

'No... She said... She told me you were working for him... She said he was Sharma's son... She said...'' Said a completely shocked Mr. Bhalla but Ishita had no pity for him

'She said... She lied... Although technically she didn't ... He is Sharma's son... But he is not the son you needed to worry about... That is until you tried to kill him of course...Now you have to worry about them both'' Said Ishita

'I swear I didn't know... I was just protecting my family... I didn't know... I though he had come back to...'' Said Mr. Bhalla agitated

'By the way, I wonder what Raman will think when he finds out, why you wanted him to marry Shagun after I left or better yet, how you played him such that Shagun came back in this house just after he lost his child... I wonder what he will think when he knows that the biggest back stabber of them all is actually... you...'' Said Ishita

'I didn't... No... I didn't know, She ... My family needed the help... My company was going...I had to do something... Shagun was... She said she would... I am...''He tried to justify himself but Ishita wasn't having it

'Save it for those who will want to know, I do not...'' said Ishita wiping the tears that were streaming down her face

'Ishita... I am a good man. I do not do that anymore you know that... I left that life a long time ago you know that... I was just protecting my family...Please do not tell my children... I am begging you... Let me fix this... I will pay you whatever you want...'' he pleaded

'Mr. Bhalla... I really have no use for you money although I am going to enjoying taking it all back given it was never yours to begin with...'' Said Ishita angrily

'I am begging you... This is going to tear my family apart...Please...'' He pleaded as he fell on her knees

*********************************************************************************

CHAPTER SIXTY TWO SCROLL DOWN

CHAPTER SIXTY ONE

'Ishu... What are we doing...'' He whispered as she was still in his arms

'Has she gone...'' Ishita asked

'Who...'' Asked Abhimanyu

'Shagun... She should be walking out right now, has she gone...'' Ishita whispered again causing Abhimanyu to look up and search for Shagun

Raman looked at them, squinted eyes as if he could see what they were talking about

'What is he saying to her...'' He asked and his dad just shrugged his shoulders

'Yeah... She has gone outside...'' He said causing Ishita to pull back

She looked at the guy at the door who nodded back and closed the door, locking Shagun outside.

'I am sorry...'' Said Ishita to Abhimanyu as she held his cheek

'Really... That seriously hurt...'' Said Abhimanyu smiling

'I said I was sorry...'' said Ishita smiling cheekily

Shlok looked at Ishita and then back at Raman and he could see he was beginning to get jealous and if that was the plan, then it was working. He walked over to where they were extending his hand as he greeted Abhimanyu

'Sorry about that... Misunderstanding... You can go back to enjoying the party...'' Said Shlok as he approached them and everyone reluctantly went back to whatever they were doing

'Hey...'' He said

'Hey Shlok... ' Said Abhimanyu

'Okay I have to ask... What the hell is the plan...'' Said Shlok

'Honestly, I am not sure yet...But if I am to guess... Abhya is coming back'' Said Ishita

'Then why are you here...'' Asked Shlok

'Who says I am here as Abhimanyu...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Are you saying you are playing Abhya...'' Said Shlok

'No... No... He is here as Abhimanyu...'' Said Ishita

Okay then how is that supposed to help...'' Said Shlok

'Because then she thinks her game is till on and this calls him asking him to come out...'' Said Ishita

'Still doesn't explain why you are here...'' Said Shlok

' When Shagun invited him here, he told me, I asked him to show up...'' Said Ishita

'Why...'' Said Shlok

'Because if she thinks I am not on talking terms with Abhimanyu and I am angry with him, her guard is going down and thus only believes what I want her to believe. If she thinks I am somehow willing to forgive and forget means she thinks she has a card to play...'' said Ishita

'With Raman...'' Said Shlok

Exactly... Because Raman is coming back to the company starting Monday and they need him angry at me ...'' Said Ishita

'Does Raman know he is coming back to the company come Monday...'' Asked Shlok

'I don't know... His father should have told him by now I presume...'' Said Ishita

'But why would you allow him back at RKB Fashions when we aren't done...'' Said Shlok

'He is coming back to Bhalla Companies, he is stepping in for his father...'' said Ishita

'But won't it be a problem if Shagun is here when Romi brings...'' Said Shlok

'That is why I am locking her outside... ' Said Ishita as the all saw Shagun struggling to open the door

'When does Romi act...'' Asked Mihir

'Honestly, if everything is to go as planned and Mr. Bhalla has some common sense. He is going to want to talk... Our guest walks in after that...'' Said Ishita

'Shhsss... Bhallas are approaching...'' Whispered Abhimanyu

Raman wanted to know what the hell was going on and why his wife was busy crying in another man's arms. It was infuriating to watch that he had to admit and yet there was nothing he could do about it and it sucked.

'Hey guys... Is everything okay...'' Said Raman causing Ishita to turn only to see Raman and her parents standing behind her

'Yeah everything is crystal...'' Said Ishita smiling

'Good... ' Said Raman

'What are you doing here...'' said Santosh angrily

'I came to see someone special...It was about time'' Said Abhimanyu provocatively

'Raman... Abhi... Abhi... Raman ...'' Ishita introduced them

'Hello...'' said Raman putting his hand out

'Hello...'' Said Abhimanyu doing the same as he looked straight at Raman as if they were sizing each other out

'For a minute there I thought you wouldn't let go of my wife...'' Said Raman with authority

'Well she is you ex-wife...'' Said Abhimanyu with the same

'You do know we are married...'' Said Raman

'Separated...And given that attitude, good for her'' Said Abhimanyu

'Guys, I am right here... Stop talking like I am invisible...'' said Ishita who knew this was going to go out of hand fast

Mr. Bhalla all the while just stood there looking at Abhimanyu and not saying a word something that surprised even Ishita. Because the old Mr. Bhalla would be cursing her out and trying to throw her out of his house. If he was this quiet, he had noticed something, and that was what she was banking on

'Ishita...'' He suddenly said

'Yeah...'' She answered knowing he was about to go off but he didn't

'Can I talk to you...'' He said

'Should I call my lawyer...'' Ishita answered

'Why would you need a lawyer to talk...'' said Raman playing damn as if he had no idea

'Even I would need one where he is concerned...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Excuse me...'' Said Raman

'Enough...'' Said Shlok

Mihir who had been standing behind had to be impressed with how well he was keeping up this whole amnesia business and how he was playing it to perfection

'We do not need a lawyer... We can have a civil conversation for once...'' said Mr. Bhalla

'Since when is the word civil and you in the same sentence...'' Said Mihika who was standing with Mihir

'Ishita please... Can we just...'' said Mr. Bhalla ignoring Mihika stepping aside as he shown her the way

'Fine...'' said Ishita as she rleft

'Ishu... Don't take too long, I am taking you some place less boring...'' Said Abhimanyu clearly provoking Raman and they all knew it but Raman just scoffed and looked at him

Shlok who knew this was going to turn south fast turned to Mihika and said,

'Hey grab your bag, we are leaving when she is done...''

'Right... I'll get it, I left it with Simmi...'' said Mihika as she walked away

'Shlok a word please...'' said Mihir who just wanted to leave Raman and Abhimanyu alone hoping that Raman had the sense to do something about him or at least try and get something out of him

Abhimanyu just kept on looking at Shagun through the glass door who was banging at the door asking for someone to open but the no one seemed bothered mostly because the guy Ishita had paid to keep her there was not allowing anyone to open it

'Shouldn't you be helping you fiancee'' Said Abhimanyu as he finally looked up at Raman

'That is my business, you shouldn't worry about that...'' Said Raman

'Oh trust me, I am not...'' said Abhimanyu before he chuckled and looked at Shagun move away as she tried to use the back door causing him to slowly sigh with relief. This was unbelievably falling into place

Raman wanted to just smack that smug look off of his face and throw him out but that would mean his cover was blown and he didn't want that. He fought with every bone in his body to stay as cool as you could possibly imagine

Meanwhile Mihir had taken Shlok aside and in all honestly wanted to know what the hell was going on

'Dude, what do you think you are doing? Are you all crazy? This wasn't the plan...'' said Mihir

'Excuse me...'' said a surprised Shlok

'You heard me, what is Abhimanyu doing here...Why do you guys enjoy torturing my brother? What is the difference between you and Abhya ... You are just as bad as he is because all you want to do is hurt Raman. You all should be ashamed '' said Mihir

'Okay first of all, do not ever talk to me like that, second I do not owe you or any other Bhalla an explanation for anything... and three, Ishita does what she wants when she wants. She is the person you should be asking or better yet, ask Shagun, she is the one who invited him here...'' said Shlok

'Okay... I am sorry... I just worry that is all... He is not completely fine you know...'' Said Mihir

'I get that but she won't harm him. Besides this may help with his memory...'' Said Shlok

'Your right...'' Said Mihir

'By the way, I need a favor from you. It is important that Ishita doesn't leave this mansion tonight. It is very vital that you convince your father to let her stay. She will try and deny but make it believable. Refer to the contract okay... It is important...'' Said Shlok

'Why...'' Said Mihir

'Under no circumstances should we allow her leave this place with Abhimanyu... Not after what is about to happen... Shagun is manipulative and Ishita though won't admit it, she needs to be with Raman tonight, not Shagun '' Said Shlok and Mihir reluctantly agreed causing Shlok to walk away in search of Romi

Back with Mr. Bhalla and Ishita, he walked her to the room where she used to sleep when Raman had just come out of the hospital. It was the only room that had privacy and he just wanted her to clear up a few things. She walked in folding her hands across her chest as she said

'Be quick I have a place I need to be...'' Said Ishita

Mr. Bhalla locked the door and turned looking at Ishita as he said

'You and I have always had one thing in common...''

'Yeah... What is that...'' She asked

'Our love for Raman...'' He said

'I loved him, Not anymore...'' She lied

'I do not believe that...'' He said

'I do not care what you believe or do not believe... ' said Ishita

'I have no come here to argue, I just have one question...'' He said and Ishita simmered out because in all honestly she started to get a bit scared of his cool demeanor

'Who is that man in my living room...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

''Excuse me...'' Said Ishita

'I am asking who is that man in my living room and what the hell are you doing'' he asked again

'You tell me, according to you he is my lover...'' said Ishita

'I know the man who came into my house claiming your pregnancy and it is not the man standing in my living room right now. The man who came here claiming to be your lover had a scar just above his eye. I remember him vividly because my family fell apart in that time and your face and his have been playing through my mind for the last 7 years. Believe me I am sure, he is not the same man, so what is going on...'' said Mr. Bhalla agitated

'What are you asking me Mr. Bhalla...'' said a surprised Ishita because this was not the conversation she thought she was going to have

She thought he was going to bellow and yell for her bringing Abhimanyu here and how it was bad for her son such that when Romi walked in, it would be a shocker for him but this, this she didn't expect

'Did I miss something seven years ago... Did I mess up...'' He said disheartened

Ishita was a bit shocked because this Mr. Bhalla she was seeing was sort of not the same she had seen when she came ack. He was genuinely worried and a bit scared. He seemed more concerned than he was then something she didn't expect. She opened her mouth to talk but she remembered how her father cried in that hospital waiting room when they were telling him they couldn't treat his daughter because he had no money.

She remembered the tears her mother cried when they heard that her father had been humiliated and his property was ceased. She remembered how her father sat by her bedside apologizing repeatedly for not taking care of her.

She remembered all those people who gave up a lot just because Mr. Bhalla couldn't do right by them and also the Bhalla as a whole couldn't learn to take a leap of faith in people and chose to trust an outsider rather than family and all suddenly all the remorse she had went away and she couldn't feel sorry for him anymore

'What makes you think I will help you have a peaceful night by telling you the truth? ' Said Ishita as tears filled her eyes

'No... Figure it out... Although if you are asking me this now, you already know the answer to that question ... You know I am glad to say, I am really going to enjoy seeing you fall apart when they know what actually happened...'' said Ishita much to Mr. Bhalla's surprise

'I knew it; the fact that you won't tell me the truth meant you are just the woman I thought of you to be... It is the same characterless manner less woman...'' Said Mr. Bhalla causing Ishita to scoff looking at him

'Is that supposed to insult me or make yourself feel better...'' said Ishita but Mr. Bhalla just sort of looked at her irritated and annoyed

Ishita wanted to hold out until it was the right time, she wanted to just spring this on him in front of his family and humiliate him but this opportunity was just begging for her to utilize and with the way he was judging her and insulting her, anger got the best of her and so she let out a few things she shouldn't have

'Did you know Mr. Sharma...'' she suddenly asked as she sat back on the bed cross ledged leaning back with one hand and Mr. Bhalla who looked like the wind had been sucked out of him couldn't believe his ears

'What...'' He said perplexed feeling his throat dry up suddenly

'Did you know Mr. Sharma... He is a very well-known man down in Goa, wasn't a very good man you see...'' Said Ishita looking at him knowing he knew exactly what she was talking about

'I don't... It is... Why do you want...'' He began to stammer

'Anyway, I know you know him that is not why I was asking... My exact question was, did you know he had a son... Well two actually... Twins ...'' Said Ishita

'What...'' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla

'You see his wife was 9 months pregnant when you...'' Said Ishita looking at him and taunting him and he looked shocked than ever

'Anyway... She had twins, boys but she didn't have enough to take care of them... She fell sick and took them to an orphanage... One boy ended up a Raghav while the other, when he made 16 years, he somehow found his way back home to his ailing father who had just been released from prison and his father, well, he had a tale to tell... ' She added

'It can't be...It couldn't be... ' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla

'It actually is... One boy is Abhimanyu Raghav the other is Abhya Sharma...'' Said Ishita as tears began welling in her eyes

'They were two... They are two... No...She told me it was one'' Said Mr. Bhalla shaken

'Oh you mean Shagun told you he had just the one son... and she being your go to girl, you believed her'' Said Ishita chuckling before she added

'The man you were so sure I had an affair with, I had even never met... Abhya Sharma... The man that I knew is Abhimanyu Raghav... Now I want you to think long and hard about everything and understand with the both of us, who destroyed your family...'' Said Ishita as tears streamed down her face

'I am... Oh God...I am...'' Said a shocked Mr. Bhalla and Ishita knew they were now on the same page

'Abhya Sharma, was the man Shagun brought here... Abhimanyu Raghav that is the man I worked with at the rift...'' Said Ishita

'No... She said... She told me you were working for him... She said he was Sharma's son... She said...'' Said a completely shocked Mr. Bhalla but Ishita had no pity for him

'She said... She lied... Although technically she didn't ... He is Sharma's son... But he is not the son you needed to worry about... That is until you tried to kill him of course...Now you have to worry about them both'' Said Ishita

'I swear I didn't know... I was just protecting my family... I didn't know... I though he had come back to...'' Said Mr. Bhalla agitated

'By the way, I wonder what Raman will think when he finds out, why you wanted him to marry Shagun after I left or better yet, how you played him such that Shagun came back in this house just after he lost his child... I wonder what he will think when he knows that the biggest back stabber of them all is actually... you...'' Said Ishita

'I didn't... No... I didn't know, She ... My family needed the help... My company was going...I had to do something... Shagun was... She said she would... I am...''He tried to justify himself but Ishita wasn't having it

'Save it for those who will want to know, I do not...'' said Ishita wiping the tears that were streaming down her face

'Ishita... I am a good man. I do not do that anymore you know that... I left that life a long time ago you know that... I was just protecting my family...Please do not tell my children... I am begging you... Let me fix this... I will pay you whatever you want...'' he pleaded

'Mr. Bhalla... I really have no use for you money although I am going to enjoying taking it all back given it was never yours to begin with...'' Said Ishita angrily

'I am begging you... This is going to tear my family apart...Please...'' He pleaded as he fell on her knees

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CHAPTER SIXTY TWO SCROLL DOWN

CHAPTER SIXTY TWO

'You know I haven't told anyone else what actually happened... I mean even Raman has never known what actually happened the day you and Shagun succeeded in throwing me out of here. But when the time is right Mr. Bhalla believe me, I will tell him and you will give back everything you owe my father...'' She said before she turned and walked out

Mr. Bhalla stood there knowing his past demons had come to roast and they were not backing down. This was something he did almost 26 years ago, something he has been trying to fix ever since but to no avail.

If Ishita knew about Shagun and him, then she definitely knew about Mr. Sharma. And with this new information he now had about Sharma and his sons, it meant that is how Shagun knew so much. It meant Shagun was playing him all along.

He messed up his son's life over an elaborate con by the woman (Shagun) he trusted with Raman's life. He sat down on the bed his head in his hands and he began to sob. It was true; Raman's life was in more serious danger than he first anticipated and he was now sure that those threats are from Mr. Sharma, the question was, was he alive and if so, where the hell was he?

Ishita looked at him as he pleaded holding her feet as tears filled her eyes but she had more important things to worry about than Mr. Bhalla's remorse right now. She got up from the bed walking to the door as she composed herself. She took a deep breath and then finally unlocked the door walking out.

Ishita knew now that he had an inkling of why she was here he too would unknowingly sniff Abhya out and she would do exactly what she intended to do all along. Mr. Bhalla was a man of all shades and she knew that he was his own worst enemy. He would go to the end of the world to protect his family and in a way she was glad he knew now because then she didn't have to worry so much about Raman and Simmi because she knew they were taken care of.

She walked into the living room with all her siblings and friends waiting for her and she just wanted to get the hell away from that place. She really didn't want to be there. Mihir looked at her and he could see she had been crying and when he looked back from where Mr. Bhalla was walking out, he too looked a bit distraught and Mihir knew something was most definitely happened in that room.

'Papa...'' Said Mihir as he walked to his father

'Yeah...'' Said Mr. Bhalla absentminded as he looked at Abhimanyu

'Are you okay...'' Said Mihir

'Yeah...'' He answered absentminded

Raman who was waiting for Ishita turned and looked at her and he could see she seemed off, something even Abhimanyu noticed

'Are you alright...'' Raman asked

'Did he do something...'' Abhimanyu asked at the same time

'I am fine... And he didn't do anything...'' Said Ishita looking at Abhimanyu

'Ishu are you lying to me... I do not like it when you do that?'' Said Abhimanyu and this time he wasn't acting

'Abhi... I am fine... I promise...'' Answered Ishita as honestly as she could

Abhimanyu came forward and held her face looking at her as if he would find some secret in her eyes. Ishita looked at him and began smiling knowing he most definitely was trying to find out if she was okay but he also was doing it to provoke Raman who was looking like he was about to burst with jealousy

'Okay...'' He finally said smiling back causing Ishita to shake her head saying

'Abhimanyu... Seriously ...'' And Abhimanyu together with Mihika and Shlok laughed

'Ishu, thank God you are here... I have someone I want you to meet...'' Said Romi as he walked in with a man behind him

'Oh okay...'' Said Ishita

They were standing in the middle of the room and they all wanted to make sure that both Mrs. And Mr. Iyer saw the person Romi had brought in. So they moved away a little giving way before Romi moved away and law and behold, there he was

Santosh who was holding a glass in her hand dropped it and Mr. Bhalla's heart sunk to his chest not believing what he was seeing

'Are you okay...'' Ishita asked looking at Santosh

'Yeah... Yes I am fine thank you...'' Said Santosh sweating

'Anyway... This is the man I told you about who is going to sell is offering that land in Goa for sell...' Said Romi

'Oh right, Mr. Sharma... Right... Very nice to meet you ...'' Said Ishita shaking the man's hand

When Jhakad was fired from the company and Parmeet disappeared. Ishita with the help of Abhimanyu had managed to take all of Abhya's money clearing his accounts out. They knew that the Sharmas where not going to take this siting down and they had to act. She and Romi making sure all their basics were covered set out to find and that they supposedly needed for a new hotel in Goa.

Unlike Jhakad, Shagun always kept an eye in what Ishita was doing and Ishita would always show her what she wanted her to see forcing her to act in a way that was irrational thus making mistakes.

When Shagun found out that Jhakad was being investigated, she let her counterparts know and three days before Jhakad was fired, Mr. Sharman showed up at RUADISH Premises claiming he had land to sale to them.

Ishita knew this was going to be an opportunity where she would confirm all she knew and also just a way to see Mr. Bhalla on his knees... That was always worth while

'Hello...'' Said Mr. Sharma politely shaking Ishita's hand

'He wanted to talk to you and since you have no free time I figured bring him here and we see how that goes...'' Lied Romi

'Ohh Good... I am Ishita Iyer... Well Technically I am Ishita Kumar Bhalla but I am working on changing that... These are my siblings... And these are the Bhallas...'' She said as she stepped aside giving him view where Mr. and Mrs. Bhalla were, Raman, Simmi and also Mihir

He stared at them for a while but he was more composed than the so he just gave them a faint smile and turned to Santosh

'Hello...'' Said Mr. Sharma looking at Santosh before he turned back at Ishita

'Anyway... You can stay and have fun, Shlok will sort you out... Whatever you come up with, please do let me know... If Romi is vouching for you, I am guessing you are a genuine man...'' Said Ishita

'I hope so too...'' He said smiling

'Okay then, I, look forward to doing business with you...'' Said Ishita shaking his hand again and with that Shlok walked out with him

Mr. Bhalla was now officially scared of Ishita. He didn't know whether she was helping or she just wanted to kill then all together. Mr. Sharma was not a good man. He had no moral compass and would go at any lengths to get what he wanted. If he was a little scared of what she knew now he was completely terrified if she was working with him...

All Santosh could think of in that moment was, my children, what am I going to tell my children and my husband, what will I tell him... If Sharma was there, it was only a matter of time that they found out.

Raman heard the name and he knew exactly who he was. He was Abhya Sharman's father that had to be the only explanation. The question is why the hell, was Ishita working with him or in any kind of business arrangement with him.

'I do not think we should be buying any kind of land right now, and what for...'' Said Raman

'I agree...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Oh do not worry; this deal had nothing to do with Bhalla companies or RKB fashions. This is all RUADISH...'' Said Romi

'Still we work together and are partners... Deals that go south may not be good for the image...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'No...No... We are not partners in anything... Bhalla Companies and RKB Fashions hired us, we are working for you on contingency and we are loaning you money. That is just a business arrangement. Under no circumstances are we or will we ever be, partners...'' Said Ishita clearly shutting down that notion

'Yeah but Ishu... You shouldn't trust that man...'' Said Santosh

'Why... Do you know something I don't...'' Said Ishita

'I mean I am just saying...'' Said Santosh

'Look we shall have his documents vetted to see if they are legit and if they area we buy. I am not buying his personality... If I was, I wouldn't be caught anywhere near Bhalla Companies with their reputation... But I do not buy personalities, I buy potential...'' said Ishita

'Fair enough... If you ask me ...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Well no one did...'' Said Raman

'You do not have to be rude to my guests...'' Said Ishita bluntly something that surprised Raman

If he thought he had no competition, he was vehemently mistaken because Abhimanyu was serious competition and he wasn't going away any time soon

'Sorry...'' Said Raman looking at Ishita much to Abhimanyu's amusement

Ishita knew how to whip people into proper shape when she put her mind to it. Every Bhalla in that room was genuinely scared and it was visible on their faces. For different reasons all of them were worried and if they had some sense, this would be the time to start trusting her but knowing them, it wasn't going to work out that way

'Alright then... Should we leave ...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Wait... No... She is not... Ishita ...'' Said Raman looking at Ishita

'What...'' Said Ishita looking at him

'You really do not have to go...'' He said

'Let her leave if she wants... I do not get what the big deal is...'' Said Shagun who had been let in just after Mr. Sharma had left. That is how it was supposed to work out and it did, perfectly

'Shagun...'' Said Simmi causing Shagun to turn and look at her

'Shut up...'' She added

'Raman... I will call you and we'll, talk... But I have to go...'' Said Ishita before she turned

Mihir didn't want Ishita to leave here, not like this and the momentum Raman had gained with Ishita, he was going to lose it. It now made perfect sense why Shlok didn't want her to leave with Abhimanyu... It wouldn't be good for Raman and also the most obvious reason. With Shagun having managed to bring Abhimanyu here, Raman was going to be all kinds of vulnerable and leaving him with crazy manipulative Shagun was not going to be an option they both wanted

'Papa...'' Said Mihir

'Yeah...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'You do see Raman is freaking out... I mean look at him...'' Said Mihir causing Mr. Bhalla to look at him so who hand his hand clutched into a fist as he stared at Abhimanyu and Ishita as they walked out. Raman looked like he was about to blow up and as per doctor's orders, this kind of stress was not allowed

'I can see that...'' Mr. Bhalla finally said

'Well the do something... You are not going to allow Ishita walk out of this room with that man'' Said Mihir

'Well, what do you, want me to do...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'The contract... She is supposed to be here with Raman...'' Said Mihir

'I know that but weekends are her days off so there is nothing I can do...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'True but the last two week days she has been away for her children so she has to make up for those days'' Said Mihir

'Yeah you're right...'' Said Mr. Bhalla thinking

'Well the go stop her from leaving...'' Said Mihir as he looked at Ishita and Abhimanyu together with her siblings make it to the door

'Ishu...'' Mr. Bhalla suddenly called her much to everyone's surprise because he never really called her that

'What...'' Said Ishita surprised when she heard him call her

'You can't leave...'' He said

'Excuse me...'' Said Ishita

'I said you can't go'' He said

'Why the hell not...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Well I have you all through the week and you have the weekends. The last two week days you have been away and so you have to compensate for those otherwise you are in breach'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Breach of what...'' Said Raman pretending

Ishita looked at Mr. Bhalla and chuckled surprised at his resilience shaking her head as she turned to Abhimanyu and said

'I am sorry I can't go with you...''

'Are you serious...'' Said a surprised Abhimanyu

'Yes... I can't...'' Said Ishita

'Can I ask why...'' He said

'Yes... But I am not going to tell you...'' She said

'Why...'' He asked

'Because...'' She answered smiling as she looked at him as if begging him not to ask anymore

'Okay... Can I pick you up tomorrow...'' He asked again this time making it clear to Raman he was flirting as he came forward and stood in front of her

'No... Tomorrow won't do...'' she said

'Is it the same reason you can't come with me now...'' He asked smiling

'Something, like that...'' She said as she smiled back looking at him

'Fine... I will go...'' He said before adding

'Although I have a date with you Monday you can't cancel...''

'No we don't...'' Ishita said causing Abhimanyu to chuckle as he said

'Yes we do...'' he said causing Ishita to look at him as she remembered

'Ohh... Right ...Fine, I will meet you their'' She said

'No... The last time you said you would meet me there, you bailed... So no... I am picking you up myself'' Said Abhimanyu seriously

'Is their anyway we can postpone...'' Said said

'No... No postponing...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Okay fine... Pick me up at 10 in them morning...I will give you a day'' Said Ishita and at that point even her siblings had no idea what they were talking about

'A whole day...'' Said Abhimanyu excited

'Yeah... I owe you that much after everything...'' Said Ishita

'Okay... It is a date then...'' Said Abhimanyu

'It is a date...'' Said Ishita smiling

Abhimanyu looked at her before he leaned in kissing her check before he put his arms around hugging her. Romi, Shlok and Mihika all said their goodbye and they walked out.

Raman stood there raging mad and it was evident. Mr. Bhalla watched his son's heart break with every word of that conversation and he felt sorry for him. It was evident that Ishita had clearly moved on and there was no going back. Shagun on the other hand was not believing how well this had gone although Ishita's behavior right in front of Raman

CHAPTER SIXTY THREE

'Excuse me...'' Raman suddenly said causing Abhimanyu to turn around

'Your keys...'' He added

'Oh thank you...'' Said Abhimanyu as he put out his hand and Raman walked to where he was

They were standing at the door and there was no way the people in the living room could hear what was going on in at the entrance although Ishita was curious to know what Raman was saying. Raman handed the keys to Abhimanyu before he grabbed his hand causing Abhimanyu to look up at him and Raman pulled him in

'I will be damned than let you take her away from me'' He said

'You really think your competition...'' Said Abhimanyu

'I took her away the first time, I can do it again...'' Said Raman

'That was a blip...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Okay...'' Said Raman as he pulled back extending his hand to Abhimanyu

'May the best man win...'' He added causing Abhimanyu to shake his hand before Raman turned and moved away confidently

Abhimanyu watched him walk away and smiled a bit hoping that maybe, just maybe he had grown the balls to finally fight for what he believed in because Ishita was worth it.

Shlok's jaw almost dropped when he heard that conversation. It was like Raman knew exactly what he was talking about regarding Abhimanyu and Ishita and yet Abhimanyu didn't seem at all surprised.

'What the hell was that...'' Said Shlok as the got out

'What do you mean'' Said Shlok

'Holy shit, does he know...'' Said Mihika who was also equally shocked

'Know what...'' Said Abhimanyu

'About Ishita and you... Does he know...'' Said Mihika causing Abhimanyu to look at her then at Shlok

'Yeah we already now... Just ... Does he know you tow were an item before he and Ishita met. Does he know...'' Said Shlok

'I don't think so...'' Said Abhimanyu protecting Raman

'Then what was that...'' Said Mihika

'That was a husband fighting for his territory... He was jealous and needed to feel in control...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Didn't see like it...'' Said Mihika

'What about the date...'' Said Shlok

'What about it...'' Said Abhimanyu uncomfortably

'Abhi... You and Ishita are never...'' Said Mihika but Abhimanyu interrupted

'Look. I can't help my heart and how I feel but I am also not an idiot. I know her better than most so believe me, whatever just happened in there, it is a good thing. This is what I should have done 7 years ago instead of bailing'' Said Abhimanyu and Mihika could see he had a lot of regret

'You can't blame yourself for how that turned out...'' Said Mihika

'Actually I can... I encouraged it. Now I am done talking about this, can we leave...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Yes... Please...'' Said Romi who was already seated in the back seat still drunk

'Okay before we go I have to ask... What about that date...'' Said Shlok

'It isn't a date as such. We are going to see an oncologist... She was supposed to go last week but she bailed so we have to go Monday. She is here from Chicago for only a week and since Ishita refused to travel, she is having her checkups here...'' Said Abhimanyu

'Is she alright...'' Asked a concerned Mihika

'Yeah... Yeah ... She is fine... Just a routine checkup ...'' Said Abhimanyu

'then why talk in circles about...'' Said Shlok before he got it

'To make Raman jealous...'' He added and Abhimanyu just smiled

'Good... Coz that really worked... He looked like he was about to blow up...'' said Mihika laughing as she turned to walk to her car

Back in the living room, there were just a few people remaining inside and Santosh was seeing them off thanking God in a way that the chaos that had the potential to erupt didn't and her husband somehow kept his cool.

'Well looks like that was a very good party all together...'' Said Shagun as Santosh walked back in

'I am going to my room...'' Said Ishita as she walked away

'Wait... Aren't you going to have something to eat ...'' Said Raman

'No... I am good thank you...'' Said Ishita looking at Mr. Bhalla before she walked away

'Look, you can go have something in your room if you want, Raman will keep you company...'' He said much to the surprise of everyone in that room

'Wow Mr. Bhalla you are one very unpredictable fellow... Are you sure you are alright or better yet, can you really trust me with him...'' Said Ishita and Mr. Bhalla without hesitation said

'No, but better the devil you know... '

'What the hell...'' Shagun began but Mr. Bhalla interrupted

'Don't you ever say something different... ' and Shagun scoffed not believing what was happening but Ishita just sort of ignored them all and walked away

'Okay... I am leaving... Simmi... I will see you later...'' Said Mihir as he bid goodbye to his mother

'Mihir... Can I talk to you please...'' Said Raman

'Sure...'' Said Mihir as he left going outside

'What's up...'' said Mihir

'I... Uhhh... I just wanted to apologize for earlier... ' Said Raman

'No... It is fine... I... forget it... it is okay'' Said Mihir

'Actually it isn't... I have a lot of apologizing to do where you are concerned. I am so sorry for a lot of things but what I am most apologetic for is that I wasn't always the best brother to have. I know that now and I am deeply sorry for that...'' Said Raman

'Thank you for saying that...'' Said Mihir a bit surprised

'No... Please do not interrupt otherwise I won't be able to get this out...'' Said Raman in one breath that Mihir taken back kept quiet and listened

'First of all I am proud that you managed to somehow against all odds survived and be the person you wanted to be being true to who you are. I could never do that, I am not that courageous...'' Said Raman as he chuckled a bit

'I was always hard on you not because I didn't care but because I wanted what was best for you and maybe along the way I forgot that it should have been about you and not what I considered. And I apologize for that but it wasn't out of hate or malice I just really thought I was helping. Now that I know what I know now, I wish I could have helped more and tried to understand you better... He added making Mihir emotional

'We fight... In a wired way it is how I know you still care... But when we do fight, it is not the end of the world because I know one thing is constant. You are my brother and I love you very much... That will never change, you hear me...'' Said Raman his voice breaking as he pulled Mihir in hugging him

Mihir with tears in his eyes put his hands around his brother and hugged him not saying anything. He didn't even know how much he needed to hear that. This meant more than Raman imagined and he prayed that once everything came out, that bond they were building wouldn't change

He pulled out of the hug embarrassed given he was crying and he didn't want Raman to see him that he just sort of tapped Raman's shoulder and walked away. Raman understood and he too was glad that nothing more was said given even he was in tears. He just smiled and walked inside as Mihir walked to his car driving off.

Raman got to the door and composed himself first before he walked back inside. He had another thing going on in his mind and he had to deal with that.

'Hey... I need to leave too...'' Said Simmi

'Can't you stay a while longer...'' Said Santosh

'No... I have to get back to my baby...'' Said Simmi looking at her father who didn't say a word

'It was great meeting you madam...'' Said Suraj

'Please... Call me Ammi...'' Said Santosh smiling as she blessed them

'Raman... I will see you later...'' Said Simmi

'Yeah... Sure... My kissed to Mishri ...'' Said Raman as he hugged his sister

'Definitely...'' Said Simmi hugging her brother before she turned and walked out

'Well that was a wonderful get together considering...'' Said Shagun

'Yeah... It really was... Gave me an insight on whom I should and shouldn't trust...'' Said Mr. Bhalla looking at Shagun

'I agree...'' Said Shagun thinking he was talking about Ishita

'Well I am exhausted... Please make sure you handle all this and make sure this place is clean before you go to bed...'' Said Santosh

'Yeah... I will handle it...'' Said Shagun and with that Santosh and her husband walked upstairs to their room

'Raman...'' Called Shagun as Raman was walking away

'Yeah...'' He said

'I wanted to just say... I am so sorry about what Ishita did with her friend... I mean she was always like that, I just never imagined she would do it in front of you. I hoped she would have a little more respect for you than that...'' Said Shagun

Right...'' Said Raman looking at her surprised at the sheer audacity Shagun had to say such a thing

'I mean I will talk to Appa if you want her to go... It isn't good for your health that you be stressed like that. I can't believe she did that...'' Said Shagun but at that point Raman was getting irritated

'You know what, you are right... I need to go talk to her about this. I mean, how could she just'' He said pretending to be angry

'Yeah... should I go with you...'' Said Shagun struggling to hide her excitement

'What... No... My wife so I need to do this my way... I have to do this alone...'' Said Raman pretending to be hurt

'I understand...'' Shagun said

'Thank you... And thank you for everything else too... I appreciate it...'' Said Raman touching her shoulder before he walked away straight to Ishita's room

Ishita had gone to her room and as much as she wanted to be away from there, she knew she had no choice. She wasn't going to jeopardize anything concerning the custody of her children. That contract had to be flawless leaving no room for any errors. She had changed into something that was more comfortable in other words a t-shirts and short shorts and she was sitting on her bed looking at her computer when she heard someone knock on her door

'Knock... Knock...'' Off it went

She really was in no mood to see anyone and just wanted some time alone with no distractions but whoever it was just wouldn't go away

'Knock... Knock ...'' Off it went again

'Go away... Bother me tomorrow...'' She said

'Ishu...Open... It's me...'' Said Raman

'Raman... What do you want...'' She said as she walked to the door

'I said open this door...'' Raman barked as he saw Shagun peeping

'Excuse me...'' Said Ishita as she pulled the door open looking at him

Raman walked in and turned quickly closing the door much to Ishita's confusion

'What are you...'' But before she could finish, Raman put his hand on her mouth their bodies so close she could hear his heart beat

'Shhsss...'' He whispered

Ishita looked at him a bit surprised as he turned his head to the door listening to Shagun's footsteps and he could hear her coming. He grabbed her hand and led her to the Balcony of her room up to the stairs that led to the roof.

'What is going on...'' She said

'I wanted to talk to you in private... Shagun was ease dropping...'' Said Raman

'Okay... So why didn't you just ask her not to do that'' Said Ishita

'Oh then she would go on and on asking questions I really have no intension of answering and would rather avoid...'' Said Raman smiling

'Your something else...'' Said Ishita shaking her head as she sat down

'I just wanted to talk to you... If that is okay ...'' He said as he joined her

'Sure... Not that I have a choice...'' She said and Raman knew she was referring to his dad's stance of forcing her to stay

'You do have a choice... If you do not want to be here, I can take you back inside or better yet, I will drive you to where ever you want to go ... Regardless of what my dad says ...'' Said Raman honestly

Ishita could hear it in his voice he was a bit hurt by that and she began feeling bad.

'No... It is fine... It is a beautiful night anyway, spending sometime on the roof won't be such a bad idea...'' She said smiling

'Really...'' He asked

'Yeah... Brings back a lot of memories...'' Said Ishita

'Hahaha yeah, we created some reasonable havoc up here...'' He said as he remembered the times they spent their together and Ishita smiled too in remembrance

'So... Is that him...'' He suddenly asked

'Is that who...'' Said Ishita

'Abhi... Is that the man who kept you away all this while...'' Said Raman

'What... No... I mean not exactly...'' Said Ishita

'It is fine, I am not threatened...'' Said Raman confidently something that surprised Ishita

'Is that so...'' Said Ishita

'Yeah... I am not... ' He said smiling and she just smiled back not answering because in all honestly she found that confidence for some reason unbelievably sexy

'Might I ask why you are not...'' She asked

'You really want to know...'' He said and she nodded in affirmation

'Okay, I mean he is in love with you, there is no secret there... The question is do you love him...'' He asked

'Honestly...'' Said Ishita

'Yes...'' He answered

'I do...'' She said and he looked at her for a second as if surprised but then he smiled

'I'd expect that... But the million dollar question is... Are you in love with him...'' He asked and she sat back and kept quiet

He came closer to where she was, leaning in as he looked straight in her eyes and he could see she was beginning to get a little tense. He came closer their noses almost touching teasing her because she wasn't sure what he was going to do and that put her off her game a little. He looked at her and she was holding her breath and when he looked down and she had crossed her fingers as if fighting the urge to do something she really shouldn't although wanted to. He smiled at her before he whispered

'That my love is why I am not threatened...'' But at that point Ishita had gathered the courage and she slightly pushed him back

'Stop flirting...'' She said

'Why not... You are my wife... I am your husband... There is nothing I am doing wrong...'' He said with a smirk on his face

'You and I both know that is not exactly true...'' Said Ishita

'How is that...'' He said

'Because... You are engaged... She is probably causing havoc inside looking for you...'' Said Ishita irritated

'I said I was sorry... I do not know how else to say it. I am going to fix that by the way...'' he said looking at her

'Sorry about what and fixing what'' She said

'About me and Shagun... Stupid engagement shouldn't have happened in the first place...'' Said Raman disappointed in himself

'You owe me no apology Raman believe me...'' Said Ishita feeling guilty

Why not... You didn't hope off and get engaged... Why should I be excused to doing the same'' He said

'Circumstances were different... Can we talk about something else...'' Said Ishita feeling uncomfortable

'Wow... I never thought I would see the day when you talking with honesty to me has become so difficulty'' Said Raman emotionally blackmailing Ishita

'What... No... Raman... Come on that is not fair...'' Said Ishita

Isn't it... I mean every time we talk about you and I, you are always asking that we ignore it... Why...'' Said Raman

'Because...'' Said Ishita holding her tongue

'Just tell me... Please tell me...'' Said Raman

He knew exactly why she wouldn't talk but he knew if he had any chance of winning her back he had to force her to confide in him. It was the only way it was going to work and who knew, maybe she would stop hurting so much because unlike her siblings, he saw right through that pain she so much tried to hide

'Raman... Please... Just ... Let it go... You have to let it go...'' Said Ishita

************************************************************

CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR SCROLL DOWN

CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR

She was a strong character especially when it came to her emotions but for whatever reason when Raman was there, those walls she built could never stay up and that is what she feared the most. He had the ability to see right through her and the power to force her to open up without even trying. This was not supposed to go like this; she was here to help not to make him fall in love with her again...

Raman so wanted to push the matter and force her to talk but he knew it was going to be difficult so he opted for another alternative, one that always worked. He got up and walked to the one of the walls of the roof saying

'I remember Mihir had a habit of stealing Champaign bottles and stocking then here...'' He said as he pulled out one of the brick

'What... How ...'' Said Ishita

' He would steal them from the wine cellar and bring them up here strong them in this tiny space he built...'' Said Raman as he removed a couple of more bricks until, he finally landed on a bottle

'See... Here it is...'' said Raman he took out a bottle

'I can't... You know I can't do that...'' Said Raman but Ishita just stood up wanting to leave and he wasn't having that

'Oh My God... Look there is even an opener...'' Said Ishita shaking her head

'Great... Let me open...'' Said Raman

'Yeah I do not think it is a good idea that we drink...'' Said Ishita

'Oh please stop being such a bore... It is fine...'' Said Raman as he popped open the bottle

'I am a light weight where Alcohol is concerned I get drunk easily...So I just avoid it all together...'' Said Ishita

'Come on... Let lose a bit besides you are with me, so you are safe...'' Said Raman taking a sip as he handled her the bottle and Ishita against her better judgment she reluctantly agreed

Back in the Bhalla's room Mr. Bhalla was restless and anxious something that did not go unnoticed by Santosh. A lot of the things he had done had been out of character for him but what proved her suspicion that something was wrong was when he didn't even say a word when Abhimanyu walked through that door.

'Okay you need to start telling me what the hell is going on...'' Said Santosh

'Uhhh...'' Said Mr. Bhalla who was absent-minded

'I said start spilling... What is going on...'' said Santosh

'What... Nothing... I am fine...'' He lied

'Look Vishu you and I have been married way too long and you and I both know I can smell your lies a mile away. So am asking again, what the hell is going on ...'' Said Santosh

Mr. Bhalla didn't want to worry his wife but he knew he needed help a lot of it. And all this rage he had inside him was the reason they even got her in the first place

'26 years ago, I... The company was going down. We were on the verge of closure due to bankruptcy and I needed money to keep us a float. The banks wouldn't sanction anymore loans and I was helpless so I asked money from a man named Sharma...'' Said Mr. Bhalla as he turned to look at his wife

Santosh wanted the floor to swallow her there and then. How could it be, how was it possible that this happened. Mr. Bhalla knew why his wife was looking like she had just seen a ghost but he had more important things to worry about.

'He was a loan shark and he lent me 60 Million and I was to pay it back with in the space of two years with an interest of course.'' Said Mr. Bhalla as he walked to the table and grabbed something to drink

'The company was still coming back from such a slump that I couldn't pay hat money in that time. So I asked that he let me do anything else for me so he and oi came up with a plan...'' He added

'No... Please tell me... No...'' Said Santosh as she feared for the worst

'I was to do the packaging of his products and also help with the exportation. I get 20% of the cut while the remaining 30% paid off my debt...'' Said Mr. Bhalla as he chugged down the scotch

Santosh was so angry with him that she didn't know what came over her. She walked to where he was touched his shoulder turning him around before she slapped him

'You thought dealing in drugs was going to help in what why Vishu. Sharma is a very bad man...'' She cried

'You think I do not know that... I know that but I had no choice. This was supposed to happen for only a couple of times but he just kept coming back for more and more and the further it went the harder to was for me to get out of it.'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'How did you manage to get out...''Said Santosh worried that if her husband had an inkling of what happened, he must have done something bad

'You remember that accident Mihir had when he was a year and half. Well it was bad and he needed blood... So like a good father I volunteered to donate mine such that my son would be okay. You can understand my surprise when the doctor walks up to me and says I can't donate blood to my son...'' Said Mr. Bhalla as he drunk some more

'Oh God Vishu...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'I mean it didn't make sense to me. I wanted to kill the incompetent doctor telling me that sort of garbage. The he said something that literally broke my heart into half. He said and I quote, there is no way possible that that boy in there is your son. Your DNAs do not match... I mean... The insolence... Right ...'' Said Mr. Bhalla as tears welled up in his eyes

'Vishu I can explain...'' Said Santosh

'You see I didn't understand how that could happen. How that was even possible. I mean my wife, cheating and having a baby by another man. No way... I didn't believe that. How could that be...? But then you walked in that hospital with that man claiming to be old school friends and he conveniently volunteered to donate that blood...'' said Vishu as he poured more alcohol

'Please... Let me tell you what...'' Said Santosh as she got teary

'I asked the doctor not to tell any of you what he had said to me and let me handle it my way. I had to pay him 25,000 rupees to shut him up...'' He added

'Vishu I am sorry... It was... I wanted to tell you I swear...'' Said Santosh

'You have had 26 years to tell me Santosh... Mihir is 26 years old and if it were up to you, you were going to allow me think that he was my son for the rest of our lives...'' Said Mr. Bhalla angrily

'He is your son... Mihir is your son... You raised him...' Said Santosh

'No... You raised him, not me...'' Said Mr. Bhalla drinking some more

'How could you say that... Is that why you hate him so much... He was just a boy. How is what I did his fault... How could you do that'' Said Santosh shocked

'How could I... Are you serious...? I loved you Santosh. Maybe too much and I gave you a lot of leeway... I worked my ass off to give you everything you wanted. I gave up everything to give you what you desired but it was never going to be enough...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'I didn't want all those things. I married you not them and so I wanted you. You were busy all the time and I was lonely all the time... Staying at home was getting very tiring...'' Said Santosh

'We had two children... You were supposed to be taking care of them...'' Said a heart broken Mr. Bhalla

'What about me? Who was supposed to take care of me ... Look I handled this all wrong and it was a night where he got me at my weakest and I faulted. I am sorry... Please...'' Said Santosh crying

'I couldn't divorce you because stupid as it may sound, I loved you even after everything I loved you and I wanted you to stay. But I had rage boiling in me that needed taking care of and I had to put it somewhere ...'' Said Mr. Bhalla drinking some more

'God what did you do...'' Asked Santosh scared

'Well I thought of killing him, but that would mean I go to jail so... I used the only weapon I had that he didn't. My company... I forged papers, made money disappear such that it was untraceable then walked to the police and told them he was blackmailing me to deal in drugs with him...'' Said Mr. Bhalla as he grabbed the bottle and sat down

'He was arrested and his container was seized but it only had the drugs, the money was gone...'' he added

Gone where...'' Said Santosh

'I tipped him off, told him the police were going to catch him and so he withdrew all his money and we put it in the container with his drugs. He was supposed to get it there once it landed in Goa. But he was arrested before he got their and well, I took the money from him. It was the only power he had left and I wasn't going to let him have it. No one did that to me and is left scot free... So I stole the 25 Million from him and well, I saved it for Raman. It is the money he used to start his company...'' Said Mr. Bhalla carelessly causing Santosh to fall on the floor on her knees as she said

'He is going to kill us... He is... '

'Anyway, years go by, nothing happened. The son of a bitch was in jail and I knew I was in the clear so I forgot about it. But you see, Raman was coming of age and he was refusing to get married. So I took it upon myself to find him a partner. One who would never do what you did to me. One who would always put him first and understand his needs and desires came first no matter what... And Shagun was at that time interning at Bhalla Companies in my office. She was a sweet girl, kind and polite. She told me she was an Arora and told me about her life story and how she survived on her own when her father couldn't take care of them... She was lying of course but I didn't know then, I was impressed about that and so I set her up with Raman. Told her I wanted her to marry him but something happened that the idiot fell in love with Ishita Iyer instead...'' Said Mr. Bhalla drinking some more

'What are you saying...'' Said Santosh who was hearing this for the first time

''Mama... Papa... Approval or not... She is the girl I am marrying'' Said Ishita Raman

'What... Raman beta... Marriage is not a simple issue'' Said Santosh

'Mama... I love her... What else is there to know...'' Said Raman

'Then Simmi laughed and teased you saying, Bhai... Shouldn't the girl say yes first...'' Said Simmi

'He knew it was a yes since the day we met...'' Said Ishita

'Ohh ho... Raman ...'' Said Simmi teasing him

'Oh well, isn't this something...'' Said Santosh

'Can I please talk to my son alone...'' Said Mr. Bhalla and everyone left the room leaving them alone

'Raman... You do realize that this is marriage we are talking about. You can't possibly think about marrying Ishita now... I mean...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'Why not... You wanted me to get married so I am and I am going to settle down...'' Said Raman

'But she is not... That was not the girl...'' Said Mr. Balla but Raman interrupted

'She isn't the girl I am meant to marry I know... When I saw Mihika with the medallion as well as Shagun I figured chances were high I had chosen the wrong girl given how much you do not like her...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'It is not that I do not like her. She is just not...'' He said

'I have made my choice Papa, she is the one I want...'' Said Raman

'So you did know Shagun was an Iyer...'' Said Santosh

'Of course not... But once I found out, she had disappeared again...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

Why...'' Said Santosh

'I have no idea but I think her sister Ishita knows...She didn't turn up until the day Raman and Ishu were supposed to get married'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'What was she doing their...'' Said Santosh

'She came to tell me how the only reason Ishita was marrying Raman was because of some revenge mission she was on because of her hate for Shagun. She told me about the money she stole from the Iyers and how she took all his savings... Ishita was angry and wanted to take something from Shagun, hence her marrying Raman...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'And you trusted her...'' Said Santosh

'No but when I went to Ishita she didn't deny it. I confronted her and asked her about it and she gave me some cock and bull story about how it began that way but she fell in love with him. Some BS I was not believing ... I offered her the money Shagun stole from her dad in an effort to have her leave my son alone but she just cursed me out and threw me out of her room telling me she was going to be a Bhalla whether I wanted or not...' Said Mr. Bhalla drinking as he added

'That Ishita really has no manners you know... I swear I didn't like her but my boy was happy and that is all I wanted so I backed off. She agreed to be a stay at home wife taking care of his needs and I figured maybe she would be tamed and she would simmer down but as we all know that is not quite how this turned out...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'How the hell does Shagun come back into the picture...'' Said Santosh

'Well, Sharma had a wife, did you know he had a wife... I mean I didn't know he had one but then, 20 years later Shagun shows up at my door again with this story of Abhimanyu Raghav being adopted into the Raghav family but he is actually a Sharma and he is having an affair with Raman's wife... Everything that happened then just came back crushing and I needed to throw her out as soon as I could. There was no way I was allowing my son to go through what I did, so I planned perfectly by the way to throw Ishita out...'' He said

'Having an affair how, I do not understand...'' Asked Santosh

'Ishita had a so called still birth; there were pictures of the man who was present when her surgery was being done... That man was Abhimanyu... Shagun with all this proof said Ishita actually had an abortion not a still birth baby Abhimanyu was the father...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'What nonsense...'' Said a surprised Santosh

'I didn't believe her at first but then these photos began emerging of Ishita and him in different places after her surgery and I suspected something was off... So I had to get someone who would be allowed in that stupid rift without suspicion who would spy for me and also someone Raman would trust. Ishita had to leave this house...'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'What did you do...'' Said Santosh

'Well... I conveniently asked Raman to go to Goa where Shagun was... Made sure they met... Then she had to convince him to allow her come and help with Ishita while she kept tabs on her for him. Raman was desperate and he agreed... So all Shagun had to do was find proof that the affair was real without mentioning the first child...Raman wouldn't have survived that'' Said Mr. Bhalla much to his wife's disgust not believing this was the man she married

'Anyway... Shagun gathered enough which she gave to Raman but Raman see, he still had a soft spot for Ishita and they were working through it, but then Shagun found out about the pregnancy and even I couldn't take that... So Ishita had to go...'' He added

'What made you so sure that that pregnancy wasn't Raman's...'' Said Santosh

'She had late night meets with that man in that hotel all the time. She had late hours coming home at those late night calls she took on the roof all the time. I could see it and my son was dying piece by piece everyday while that bitch paraded her infidelity right in front of him... The sheer audacity of that girl ...'' Said Mr. Bhalla with rage

'Are you listening to yourself Vishu...'' Cried Santosh not believing her ears

'She was having an affair with a man who was the son of your lover... No way was I going to let go scot free... So I took everything she loved too... And that was not hard; all I had to do was take the DNA test and once that proved what o already knew, I destroyed her and her whole family. I took her father's money; humiliated him and he deserved it for raising such a characterless daughter...her sister lost her job and got some jail time including her friend, then I finally tricked her into divorcing Raman... The custody thing I never saw coming but I was glad that she took that burden away from him...'' He said as he put the bottle down

Santosh couldn't believe her ears... Her husband was worse than the devil himself. All these people suffered just because of a mistake that was hers and yet somehow her children where the ones paying for that mistake. Mr. Bhalla was an even bigger idiot than she thought because he had no idea what poison Shagun had been in their lives

'Do you know what you have done...? Shagun... that girl can' be trusted... How could you...'' Said Santosh

'I know but where this matter was concerned I genuinely thought that it was the truth, until today when Ishita told me that the son of a bitch had twins and I was revenging on the wrong one... These threats on Raman I think are from Sharma and I know why... His 25 Million are what RKB is standing on, and he wants it all hence these threats... I also lied, I have been getting them since Raman got engaged...'' Said Mr. Bhalla and if possessed Santosh stood up and charged to where he was as she cried

'Oh My God... You destroyed my family... You destroyed my family... You shattered my children... It was you all along... It was... How could you trust that woman... My sons... My daughter... Everything was done on the basis of what Shagun told you... I thought you knew better than to trust outsiders... How could you just... And those poor children you deprived of their father, how about them...'

'The DNA report said...'' He tried to speak but Santosh wasn't having it

'You still believe that DNA report even now... You should have killed me instead... You should have hated me instead... you should have punished me but left my children alone... you're not a good man Bhalla... You are a coward...I was the one who wronged you, why didn't you just punish me instead... I should have known than to listen to you... I should have been a mother and stood up more for my children... Now look what we have done to them'' Santosh cried

Mr. Bhalla knew when he heard Ishita talk about Sharma like that and the connections he made that there was a high possibility that whatever he had been told by Shagun was a lie and Ishita was just an innocent by stander who got dragged into a fight that wasn't hers. It also meant that Ishita was here for a revenge that was somewhat justified and this meant that he put his family in that predicament. He was the reason for them falling apart like that...

'I did wrong by you and I have been paying for that mistake for 26 years... When you treated my son for indifferently I still supported you thinking you really did want good for him but you just hated him and made him feel like he was worthless... I stood by you when I watched you destroyed Raman's marriage because in a stupid way I thought this was my way of paying penitence for what I had done, I even stood by you when you threw Simmi out but this... I was better off dead Vishu... You should have killed me, it would have been easier...'' She cried again

'I am sorry... I... It was... I am...'' He stammered but Santosh just kept on crying

'Ishita... She is going to destroy us... She is going to take everything... She is not willing to understand anything... I am scared of what she will do to us all... She is not the same girl...'' He added as he tried to hold his wife

'Let her... I wish she kills us all for what we did to her... You took everything from her an when she needed you the most, you offered her a divorce instead... I wish she destroys us all because of what we did to that poor girl...You wanted revenge on what I did... Congratulations these are the repercussions... You just managed to kill me ten times over without even making me bleed... I wish I died... I wish I was dead...'' Said Santosh before she got up and walked to the bathroom locking it