Why was he in my room at this hour of night? Is it possible that he somehow read what all that was going on in my mind?
After a short while, she realised she had been staring at him with a blank face and it was rather...funny.
"I-uh" she started speaking as she rose from her bed. The sudden rush of blood made her wound throb and she tried not to show it on her face. "I am ...fine. Thank you."
There were times when his hatred for her would take shape of pity, and those were the times he found it most difficult to be around her or her thoughts. Like right now, as she stood in front of him with her head hung low and fingers fidgeting each other. Why? Why does she always have to surrender to me like this? I hate to see her succumb to my accusations, even if they're true. Is there nothing she has to say on her defence?
Because a part of him was ready to listen. A part of him was ready to be considerate enough to let her go because that same part of him is on a constant war with his head, fighting the principles and notions that he has kept himself tied with.
And this wasn't right.
"I should go" he spoke, slipping his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.
He had already turned his back to her, about to take his first step away when she had called out for him making him stop in his tracks.
"Ranveer."
"I...I might have a-a-aspirin."
Ranveer paused for a moment before he turned on the spot to face her. Was he mistaking her? Was she inviting him to stay?
He then saw her step aside, her tiny frame moving to the side of the door frame, as if making way for him.
"Have a s-s-seat...I w-will get the a-aspirin," she said, looking elsewhere but him.
Ranveer walked into the room she was staying in, and took a seat on the chair placed near the study table that was in the room.
Priyanka paused for a moment at the door, wondering if she should shut the door. She didn't want to be alone in a confined space with this man, but she didn't want anyone in the ashram to find them together and assume things, as well. So, out of better judgment, she closed the door, but left it unlocked.
With that, she walked over to the study table. Fortunately or unfortunately, Ranveer was sitting right next to where she had stored the medications she brought with her. Trying to ignore his intimidating presence, she sifted through a few bottles of pills in the drawer of the table.
"You planning to set up a medical store?" Ranveer asked her, amusement evident in his voice. Priyanka's cheeks turned red, and she even felt a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She wasn't offended by his question. On the contrary, the teasing question had decreased the level of tension in the room considerably.
With a quick shake of her head as an answer to his clearly metaphorical question, she pulled out the aspirin. She turned to him to pass the pills to him, but realized that his attention was elsewhere.
Specifically, on the small bottle of pills that contained her anxiety medication.
Without a word, he slowly reached out for it, and held it in his hand, looking at it very closely.
His eyes softened the next time he looked up at her.
"Since when...you know...have you had this...um, condition?" he enquired, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
Priyanka looked at him as he looked back at her with questioning eyes. His eyes had a tinge of concern to him. Or was she imagining all of that.. Priyanka shook her head not really understanding his question. Ranveer repeated his question slowly again.
Raveer : Since when have you been having these pills ? I mean, since when have you been having this condition ?
Priyanka didn't know what to say. She looked at him. Here was a man who had just asked a direct question about her condition to her and all she could do was just stare blankly back at him. Slowly she answered.
Priyanka : Since two years.
Ranveer : Since 2 years ?
Priyanka nodded her head. Ranveer sat back in the chair. Two years ago, the girl standing infront of him had been a totally different person and now something had scarred her for the rest of her life and made her the person she now is. He knew that the accident might have caused her the state she was in now but he wanted to be sure.
Ranveer : Why Miss. Oberoi ?? What happened such that you had to take anxiety pills ?
Priyanka didn't answer but just stared into blank space. She was close to tears and she knew that she would break down anytime soon. She felt a hand on top of her balled fist. She looked up and saw Ranveer staring into her eyes. She bent down.
Ranveer : Priyanka...
Priyanka jerked her head up. Her name was etched with concern as he spoke it. Unable to take in all the excitement, she fainted and the scream of Priyanka could be heard..
Ranveer stared in horror at the still figure crumpled up in his arms. As she had collapsed, a desperate shout had emerged from him.
"Priyanka!"
His voice had sounded alien to himself. The fear and alarm that shot through his being was unexpected. He looked down at her pale face and felt unease creep into him. Had he pushed her too far? Should he have asked her about the medicines, about the accident, knowing that it quite possibly would trigger panic in her. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realise that he had lifted her up in his arms, cradling her as if she was a child. It was as he bent down to place her on the bed that he realised that he had actually been carrying her all this while. He set her down on the bed and was hit by a sense of loss that he was wholly unprepared for. Unwilling to face these unfamiliar and uncomfortable emotions cascading through him, he looked around for a water bottle. A jug sat on a table near her bed. He picked it up and started sprinkling water on her face. She twitched and then opened her eyes.
Her gaze was unfocused for a bit. He bent down and placed his hand on her head. His fingers traced patterns on her forehead, pushing the strands of hair back. He watched colour flood back into her face and felt relief wash through him. As soon as consciousness dawned in her eyes, she tried to sit up. Ranveer found himself gently pushing her back on the bed. His fingers continued their ministrations. Priyanka's eyes turned in the direction of his hand and suddenly he realised exactly what he had been doing. He withdrew his hand with the speed of lightning, feeling heat flood his face. How could he have taken such a liberty!?! He was shocked and amazed at such an intimate gesture on his part. He, who had always been known as being undemonstrative.
He stood up on his feet,eager to leave the room, but drawn to stay out of a concern that he could not completely ignore.
"Are you sure you feel alright, Miss Oberoi?" he asked, drawing upon customary politeness, to hide his embarrassment. "I think you need to rest, after such an eventful day."
As he prepared to leave, her soft voice reached him.
"Take the medicine, please."
He wanted to tell her that the medicines had only been an excuse. But he found himself turning towards the table, where the medicines had fallen in a cluster. He picked up the pack of aspirin and set it apart. Then he collected the rest and placed them in her medicine box. Then he turned to go but a piece of paper on the table caught his eye.
He took one last glance at her sleeping figure from the corner of his eyes as he stealthily slipped the folded piece of paper into his pocket. He noticed how her features had softened, quickly trying to memorise the patterns of the veins on the outside of her eyelids one last time before he left.
On reaching his room, he sat at the table- the only furniture in the room apart from the bed and unfolded the paper that he had sneaked along with him. The creases were new which meant this was received by her recently. He turned and studied the paper well before finally starting to read it, trying hard not to feel guilty of intruding into someone else's privacy.
I assume you know better than to open your mouth to anyone, but just in case you have forgotten let me leave a friendly reminder. If you dare try to act smart with that meek little voice of yours, trust me I'll have the unthinkable in store for you. But I know you're smarter than that, aren't you? With all those evidences that allege you guilty, you know it'd be in vain to even try and defend yourself. Darling, you keep my secrets and I keep yours.
-X
Thrice. He had read it thrice and by the end of his third read, his head was throbbing harder than his heart. He couldn't believe how one-tracked he had been in his investigations that not even for once did he try to look into the other side of the story. Someone has been blackmailing her all this while, and he did not have the slightest idea. Blackmailed about what? What is she covering up for?
Is this what he thinks it is?
Mission X
Again, Ranveer was pacing back and forth in his room, like a caged lion. It took him some time before he sat down and looked at the letter again. The letter that had left him puzzled. What was going on here?! Desperately, to find some kind of clue to start with, he had read the letter so many times, he memorized each word of it. Haunted by a new set of questions and the lingering images of Priyanka's frail face, he realized he would most likely not be able to sleep at all. Instead, he thought of a new strategy to unravel this mystery once and for all.
How could he have missed out on such detail? Never had he considered the fact that Priyanka had spoken the truth or was being blackmailed. What about the rest of the family? Who else was aware of what happened two years ago? Come to think of it.. Who else was aware of Priyanka being in the ashram? When did she receive the letter? Her family would never harm her. The way the Oberois stand up for each other, that much had became clear for him. It made him miss his sister even more.
His instincts had never failed him before. He thought he was able to cut of his emotional involvement in this matter. To stay objective and solve this case for his sister's sake.. For his nephew.. Or perhaps he was the one who needed this closure the most. Had his prejudice towards rich powerful families clouded his judgement, his instincts?
In his mind he visualized the wall in his office with notes and pictures. All the faces of the Oberois and their close connections flashed by quickly. He got up from his chair all of a sudden.. He was not sure but it was worth to investigate.. Priyanka's Bua.. Roop.. She had been an outsider for years. It was worth to double check her alibi. Could Roop be the mysterious "X"?
He decided to check early morning, when the mail was delivered and by whom. He needed to get into Priyanka's room once more, to find the envelope or even more mail with possible clues. Should he confront Priyanka? Or even return the letter before she realized it was gone?
Ranveer decided to rest his eyes for a little while and lied down on the bed. His mind went of wondering when he thought of being in Priyanka's room again. Her pale but beautiful face and fragile body in his arms were the last images he saw before he finally fell asleep. It was missing. That bloody piece of paper was missing, and now Priyanka has lost the only solid proof she had had with her.
Honestly, Prinku - it is a wonder how you are even still alive. So careless with anything and everything!' she berated herself as she turned her room almost upside-down in search of the tiny piece of paper. After over an hour of searching, she gave up. There is nothing she could do now. She couldn't even bring the paper over to Om Bhaiya and ask him to help her out. Disappointed and fearful of what might happen next, she set her room right again and walked towards the main hall, where they'd be serving breakfast soon.
She was almost lost in her own world of thoughts when she caught sight of him. She had been walking along the corridor, and his window was wide open. ACP Ranveer Singh Randhawa was still fast asleep, and Priyanka stood still for a minute, blatantly admiring the scene. She distinctly remembered him being concerned over her sudden fainting spell. The recent memory brought a tinge of redness to her cheeks.
Sighing, Priyanka decided she should move on, but she spotted something.
The tiny piece of paper. One she had been looking for. She knew it because of the distinctive (though random) ink mark at the very spot behind the paper.
She wasn't sure whether she made the decision because she was angry or because she simply panicked, but she tried to open the door to his room very quietly. To her relief, it was unlocked. She opened the door with as minimal sound as she could, tiptoed towards his bed, and very slowly plucked the piece of paper from the mess of things on his bedside table. He had no right to have this. He had no right to have even read this. Even if she had wanted to bring this up to him herself, it should've been her decision.
She regretted having paused for a moment to entertain her angry thoughts, because all of a sudden, a hand had reached out from the side and grabbed her wrist, and losing her balance, she fell onto the bed with a yelp.
The panic that rose in her, when she felt her hand in another's grip, quickly turned to fear as she fell on the bed. But as her gaze took in the other occupant of the bed, she felt the earlier anger returning.
"I didn't know that sneaking into people's room while they slept was a hobby, Miss Oberoi," said Randhawa, his words rustic from sleep.
Priyanka looked up to meet his gaze and found a teasing glint dancing in his eyes. She was still upset with the fact that he had picked up the note from her room without her knowledge and his audacity to accuse her only miffed her further.
"Of course, just like stealing from an unsuspecting person," she snapped, indignant.
To her surprise, a throaty chuckle escaped him. His eyes held warmth as he laughed, giving his features a soft look. Priyanka was mesmerized by this new side of him. Through their past interactions, she had thought the man capable only of calculated ruthlessness, trickery and manipulation. But this, this was unexpected. As his laughter subsided, she found his gaze on her, but instead of the questions they'd always held, today they reflected an emotion that she couldn't quite place.
She tried to get up but found her wrist still firmly in his grip. A flush of embarrassment tinged her cheeks, and she tried to break free of his grip.
"Ra-Ranveer, let me g-go," she said, her eyes darting around the room.
"Not before you tell me what you were doing in my room while I was asleep," he replied, amusement lacing his tone.
"Ranveer, p-please."
"Of course, Miss Oberoi, but only after you tell me why were you here," he said, hand still clasped around her wrist.
"Because of you!" She blurted.
One elegant brow shot up, an amused smile playing on his face, he replied, "Care to explain that, Miss Oberoi?"
Priyanka was annoyed. What was wrong with the man? He had the gall to question her presence in his room while he was the one who had picked the note from hers as if he owned it. Grumbling to herself, she looked away and panicked at what she saw.
Guruji was heading to the breakfast hall and the window to Ranveer's room was still open. She looked back at Ranveer but he didn't seem to have any intention to let her go. So she did the only thing she could. She lifted a leg and, in a swirling motion, landed a kick on the window, slamming it shut.
In the silence that ensued, she chanced a look at Ranveer and found a stunned expression on his face. Embarrassed, she scrambled to her feet as he let go of her wrist. Grabbing the note from his desk, she put some distance between herself and the bed. After a few calming breaths, she held the note in the air and asked, "How did this note land here, ACP Randhawa?"
Ranveer looked at the piece of paper and back at her. Eyes flickered over her appearance. Has she always looked this adorable or now since he knew that she might not be related to his sister's death. He shrugged..
ACP : Let's just say that it came flying to me...
Priyanks got angry. She opened her mouth and closed it again. She wanted to shout and hit him nicely with her fists. Her mouth opened only to let out gusts of air. Ranveer smirked at her..
ACP : Miss. Oberoi. There is a lot of oxygen available her. But then opening and closing ur mouth only paves way for houseflies and kind.
She stared at him in astonishment. Who was this guy ?? Wasn't he the same person who was behind her till yesterday ?? And now he was a totally different person. She watched as he yawned and scratched his tummy and head cutely. She smiled at him. He looked cute while he did that. She heard someone talk to her.
ACP : Miss. Oberoi. I know I am wonderful, but then staring at me like that makes me feel unsafe..
Priyanka snapped out of her reverie and narrowed her eyes. She walked towards him with her finger raised but slipped on the water that spilled on the floor from the aluminium tumbler that fell while she had sneaked into his room. She fell forward into strong arms that were out to catch her and fell into the bed with Priyanka landing on top of a hard body that belonged to ACP Ranveer Singh Radhawa. She clutched the collar of his white button shirt in her hands tightly and shut her eyes fearfully. Ranveer on the other hand stared at the figure on top of him. So vulnerable, petite and so.. so.. beautiful. Her hair was wet. Droplets of water made their way from her dark strands to his chest that was bare to the world from his shirt. Slowly, his hand went up to her hair and pushed few strands away from her eyes. Priyanka slowly opened her eyes and stared fearfully at him. His hand moved to her neck where it stayed as she bent down her eyes shyly giving his eyes access to the khol that lined her upper eyes.
ACP : Beautiful..
Priyanka : What ??
They both stared at each other . His other hand held her at the waist. Her perfect slim waist. That hand itched to roam around her petite frame. The hand on her neck moved upwards towards her cheeks where water was sprayed by her wet hair and wiped it softly. She gasped at the contact. Ranveer felt himself growing red at her gasp. It was so misty. He brought his hand above her lips, his fingers teasingly touching the tip of her rose petals. She took a sharp breath and in a second he flipped positions such that he was on top and Priyanka was beneath him. She looked beautiful, he thought. All he wanted was to just get lost in her. Priyanka stared innocently at him with her big eyes. Those eyes were enough to make him just get lost and urgh.. He couldn't put them in words..
Priyanka : R-Ranveer.. What are you..
ACP : Shhh...
Her eyes widened. His finger was on her lips. She felt a tingling sensation pass through her. Ranveer was no better. Her lips trembled under his finger. She had soft lips. Like pink rose petals. His eyes roamed around her. She was perfect. So pretty, petite and vulnerable. He took the blanket and covered both of them. He swept up and pushed her under the blanket with his hand over her mouth just in time to see Guruji walk in top the room.
ACP : Guruji.. Pranaam.
Guruji : May you live long. Is everything alright son ?
ACP : Yes Guruji. Why ?
Guruji : I thought I heard some noise.
ACP : Oh.. That was nothing Guruji. I just pushed a glass in my sleep. Nothing else.
Guruji : Bad dreams ??
ACP : Huh Guruji ?
Guruji : Nightmares about your sister ?
Ranveer became quiet. He did have nightmares about his sister. But then the cause for his now silence was a certain Oberoi hidden under his blanket. But he couldn't do anything about it.
Guruji : Don't worry Son. The person who was the cause for your sister's death will be caught soon.
ACP : Definitely Guruji. He/She will be caught soon.
Guruji : Ok son. Do get ready soon.
ACP : Sure Guruji..
Guruji left. Priyanka peeped from under the blanket at him. Ranveer turned to look at her peeping from under the blanket. He motioned for her to come out. Clutching the piece of paper, she stepped out of the bed, murmered a Goodbye and left without speaking anymore leaving the guy to stare at the place where she was minutes ago and at the bed where she had laid minutes ago.
Priyanka walked down the hall with little eye for where she was going. The warmth from his skin seemed to have burned into her and she unconsciously rubbed at her arms as she walked. Her hair swung against her cheek, and she remembered his fingers dancing against her face as he tucked those unruly strands behind her ear. His husky voice, throaty chuckle and mischievous eyes were imprinted into her very soul. As she had lain beneath the bedsheet as Guruji talked to him, she had gone deaf to the world at this proximity, the unfamiliar sensations shooting through her very being. The fear of discovery coupled with his touches had undone her. At the sound of voices, she looked up to find herself in the dinner hall. Monks and ashram guests scattered around the room, tucking into the morning meal. She looked down at the paper clutched in her hand. He must have picked it up during his visit to her room last night. Had he gone through the note? Of course he had, she chided herself. He was a policeman. He was paid to snoop around!
A voice broke through her reflections.
'Beti, won't you have breakfast?"
Guruji stood before her, concern etched across his face. A furious blush darkened her cheeks as she remembered her hiding from him. She somehow managed to meet those kind eyes and said, "Yes, Guruji. Good morning."
He wished her a good morning,and moved on. She quickly walked towards the table where the buffet was set and helped herself to some poori-sabzi. The smell of the food made her mouth water and she forgot her worries for a moment. She sat down and began her meal. As she ate, her mind wandered back to the paper clutched in her fingers. Now that Ranveer had seen it, should she talk to him about it? Will he listen to her? In the past, he had only looked at her with suspicion. But since meeting her in the ashram, she had observed a change in him. Would he be more willing to hear her side of the story? Was it wise to trust him? Should she speak to O Bhaiya before taking any such step?
"If you hold that piece of poori in your hand for much longer, it won't be fit to eat."
She looked up at the voice and saw him standing before her with a full plate in his hands. His wet hair revealed he had somehow managed to take a bath and freshen up in this short time. The man smirked at her and sat down on the chair opposite. She quickly put the poori in her mouth and resolutely started chewing even as she found it difficult to look at the man sitting opposite her. Her crimson face and trembling fingers revealed exactly what was going through her mind. She hoped he won't bring up what had happened a little while back in his room.
"Thanks for waking me up, Miss Oberoi," said the man as he calmly dug into his breakfast.
"Thanks for waking me up, Miss Oberoi."
Priyanka stopped chewing for a moment and looked at him, straight into his eyes. He winked at her with a naughty boyish smile. She could feel her cheeks and ears heat up again.
Unbelievable! What has gotten into him? Why is he behaving like this? Is this some new tactic? I am sure he is up to something.' Unable to speak a word, she looked down at her plate again, pretending to be preoccupied in preparing the next bite.
Ranveer thankfully grabbed this chance to observe her as he poured a cup of chai for himself. He enjoyed her reaction. She was blushing heavily. A confirmation for him that she was affected by his comments. For some reason he could not explain, he enjoyed this.
Amused, he continued: "You know Miss Oberoi, I could get used to such special wake up service.." Priyanka looked up again. The heat she had felt burning on her cheeks had now translated into fire in her eyes. "L-l-look ACP Randawa.. I only c-c-came to your room to take back what is m-m-mine and what you s-s-stole from me!"
"But Miss Oberoi.. I am the ACP.. I was just doing my job. I did not steal anything. I was only collecting proof.. You on the other hand Miss Oberoi, are guilty of taking that particular proof from my room..which is a crime.. Embezzling proof in a murder case.."
Her eyes told him she was confused. He reached for her hand which rested on the table. Not realizing his own strength, he grabbed her closed wrist firmly and held it up high. Both remained silent for a minute, staring at the hand hiding the folded letter. He noticed his grip felt uneasy on her as he let go of her wrist.
"Chai?"
"What?" she whispered.
"Miss Oberoi, would you care for Chai?" He now signaled at her half empty cup. She nodded.
"So Miss Oberoi.. What will it be? Either you turn in that letter to me, together with more proof. And you start talking or you will have to face the consequences."
"What consequences?"
"You don't want to find out Miss Oberoi.."
Priyanka wanted to get up and leave but Ranveer held her back. "Finish your breakfast! It is the most important meal of the day. Let me know afterwards what you have decided.." "L-l-listen, I don't have to d-do what you a-ask me to do, okay?" Prinku snapped back, much to her own surprise.
Ranveer raised his hands up a little, in an attempt to defend himself.
"Alright, alright Miss Oberoi. Don't need to bite my head off. I am just doing my duty here. You don't have to listen to me, but you have to face the aftermath if you don't," he pointed out calmly. He watched, not without amusement, Priyanka tear a little violently into her poori, and bit back a chuckle. Sure, she might have anxiety, but the girl beneath all of that was a suppressed storm.
And Ranveer was liking this side of her.
Priyanka was almost done with her food, and was about to literally dash out of the place, when one of the gurujis approached.
"Priyanka, you have a call from your mother," he informed her. It is usual that Priyanka doesn't use her handphone when she visited the ashram, so her family contacted her through the ashram's mainline. And seeing as how she hadn't called them in a while, Priyanka thought there was nothing unusual in her mother giving her a call. Mumbling a quick excuse me' to the now-curious ACP, she washed her hands and made her way to the ashram's main office' room.
When she got off the phone and stepped out of the room about fifteen minutes later, she was trembling a little, her eyes red.
The family had found Om Bhaiya with drugs last night. Something only Prinku had known and tried to prevent, was now something the whole family knew.
"Don't worry yourself, Prinku. Just spend as much time as you need there. You don't need more pressure. We will take care of Om, and I will get him to call you as soon as he is awake," was what her mother had said.
But Prinku could now barely breath. It was clear as day now - no way could she bring this letter to her brother. She was not going to be the one adding on to the stress load. The guilt of the accident was already killing him now - she cannot, will not, add on to it.
As her thoughts carried away, she hadn't realized that she had walked towards the gardens once again. Not until she ran straight into a wall of muscle.
"Not again...are your eyes always at the back of your - Priyanka?"
Her name, one which escaped from his mouth, surprised both of them. Priyanka looked up to see Ranveer looking down at her, all traces of teasing gone, replaced with concern. She must be looking pretty pale, then.
"I...I need to..." Priyanka took deep breathes, looking around them to make sure they were alone. When she was sure they were, she swallowed heavily, and looked up at him, finding herself both terrified and determined at the same time.
Drawing one more deep, shaky breath, she reached for his hand and turned it so that his palm was up. Without a word, firmly pressed the crumpled piece of note in his hand.
She reached out and held his hand, she clenched it tightly now. He could feel the tension in her body. He tightened his grip as he felt a tear sliding down her face. He pulled her closer and held her "What's the matter Miss Oberoi? Is all okay back home?"
She suddenly shook her head. The gesture was a cause of great concern for him. Her body was cold. She felt his warm fingers under her chin. He lifted her face to meet his eyes. Never did he know that this will make her break down completely. It was his reflex action that his arms wrapped her in a pacifying hug. The thing he cared about at that very moment was not his case but the girl, whom he never saw crying like this.
She hugged him with all her might and lets tears fall. She held onto him for so long until she realised it was the same man she can never share her feelings with. Her mind was having all sorts of thoughts regarding her O Bhaiya. She breaks free from him leaving him think if he did something wrong.
"W-why do y-you even c-care, ACP R-Ranveer Singh Randhawa?" In her mind this might be the moment he was looking for, the moment she utters what he wants to listen. She can't go weak in front of him.
"It's not like that" he began.
"Priyanka"A familiar voice cut through.
" Dev...What are you doing here" Priyanka questioned not intending to be rude.
"So you guys know each other" Ranveer gestured pointing at the two of them not wanting to feel left out.
"Yeah..we were almost engaged" Dev looked down sadly.
"What do you mean almost engaged" Ranveer arched his eyebrows pretending to feel sorry though a part of him was strangley happy.
"That's not important..." Priyanka answered taking back both Ranveer and Dev in shock.
Ranveer felt a bubble of pride rise within him seeing Priyanka grow back into a stronger person. He questioned his sudden thought trying his best to ignore it.
"Priyanka I want to talk to you in private" Dev requested stressing the last couplet.
"What does he even want to talk 'in private' "Ranveer murmered shocking himself for the third time this evening.
" Let's go sit there" Priyanka pointed at the bench under a huge banyan tree.
Ranveer cleared his throat strangely annoyed that Priyanka wasn't acknowledging his presence.
"I better be leaving now Miss. Obroi" he said completely ignoring Dev and walking away.
"Strange" Dev muttered confused at the ACP's actions.
*5 MINUTES LATER*
Ranveer watched Priyanka laugh for the 10th time in five minutes. He wondered what was so funny in him.
"He looks boring" Ranveer shrugged trying to act cool.
"Guess I should be leaving now" he finally forced himself to move away.
She looked so happy. Ranveer had taken note of how her eyes would narrow when she smiled, letting out a warm gleam and he felt partly contented on seeing her laugh so freely after so long. But at the same time he also felt annoyed for some unknown reason. He couldn't fathom why but he felt like Dev had somehow been an intruder in her private space. Their private space.
Ranveer had come back to his room and tried to get his mind off the prior event and bring himself to focus on the message that the letter bore, which was just a pretext to excuse himself from continuously thinking about Priyanka and Dev. He had read the letter way too many times to count and was sure he had even memorized the handwriting but he knew this clue cannot be optimally used unless Priyanka herself opens up about the incident that led to it.
That brought him back to the thought he had been trying to avoid all along. Priyanka. What was she doing? Was she still with Dev? Why was Dev here in the first place?
His chain of thoughts broke abruptly as he heard a knock on his door.
"I needed to ...talk to you" he heard her say.
Ranveer crumpled the paper into his fist and turned to face her. Maybe this can be an opportunity.
"Oh! My lucky day, is it?" he sneered.
She was so used to his patronizing throw of words that she wasn't even surprised.
"What do you want to talk about, Miss Oberoi?" he continued.
"The-" she paused to let out a sigh. "The note. ...I want to talk about the ..note."
It was working. Ranveer realised how close he was to his goal but he knew better than to hurry. He had to play this right.
"Are you sure you want to discuss your private issues with me, and not your love interest?" he felt satisfied with his mockery but it did not take him long to realise that this was indeed a wrong move as he saw her features sharpen.
"You ...need not be so disrespectful, Mr. Randhawa" she spoke sternly. "-I..I shouldn't have come in the first place."
She turned to leave but Ranveer couldn't afford to lose another opportunity. He leaped forward and held her wrist.
"Priyanka wait!" he called out.
She flinched at the sudden human contact and looked back to face his apologetic face.
"I am sorry."
Priyanka was beyond surprise. Her lips trembled a bit as she tried to wriggle her wrist out of his grip. She wasn't expecting him to be so spontaneous in his action.
"Please forgive me I shouldn't have said that" he spoke, hoping she'd accept his apology and say what she had come here to say. "I respect your feelings. I am sorry."
"I-its okay" she spoke after a small pause.
Ranveer let go of her wrist as she spoke. Her head hung low, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her kurti. "I should have spoken to you about this before."
"Its never too late" Ranveer replied.
"Listen to me" he put his hand on her shoulder, comfortingly. "If you do not open up about the matter, I wouldn't be able to help you."
Help me? He'd still want to help the girl who has supposedly killed his sister, the only family he had? Priyanka's eyes welled up and she found it difficult to meet his gaze.
"I..I didn't kill her Ranveer" she muttered under the breath.
She found it difficult to muster enough strength to look at him and was somehow convinced her statement would be countered with only warnings but when she finally looked up, his face seemed calm and too an extent welcoming, which backed her nerves with confidence.
"It-it wasn't me..or..or Om bhaiya. We didn't do it Ranveer" she spoke as her voice broke. Her throat felt dry and the words died at her throat. "We didn't kill her."
She had no proof to validate her claim. But somehow, Ranveer wanted to take a leap of faith.
"And how do you relate this with the letter that you received? He spoke as a scowl took over his face. "Or should I say have been receiving."
Priyanka gulped.
"We have been running for so long from it, that it feels strange to try and confront it now," she said finally, her eyes fixed on the reddish hued floor.
Her fingers had clawed into her dupatta in a fierce grasp. Her hands trembled even as she tried to keep herself still. Her pale face, drained of all colour, her heightened breathing and her fidgeting hands did not escape Randhawa's notice. Unknown to him, his hands pressed down on her shoulder in a comforting gesture. The officer in him felt that he needed her not to break into a panic attack in order to hear whatever she had to say. He guided her into his room. She allowed herself to be drawn to the one chair in the room. Once he had her sitting down, Ranveer poured her a glass of water and placed it before her. She lifted it with both hands and took a few sips. Through all this, her eyes refused to meet his. She continued to study the floor with a fierce determination, as if coming to some final decision.
Then she looked up. Her glance had a look of resoluteness in it that made him feel a twist in a heart he had forgotten he had. He sat down on the bed across from her, and waited, not saying anything--allowing her to gather herself, form her thoughts, make the decision from which they both knew there was no turning back.
Finally, letting out a deep sigh, Priyanka unclasped her fingers from her dupatta. Her hands on her lap, her posture emanating her resolve, she spoke.
"I don't suppose you have ever done something you regret so much that you live in a veritable hell because of it every moment of the rest of your life," she said softly, almost dispassionately. If Ranveer didn't know better, he would have thought she spoke of someone else.
As she continued, he listened with increased distress. Some of it he knew, some of it was unexpected. For a while, the only sound in the room was the steady murmuring sound of her voice as she laid before him everything, the accident that was much more than an accident, the friends who had turned out to have hidden motives, the blackmailing, the nightmares, the guilt and the promise made between two desperate siblings to protect one another through the darkness. But she had failed. Her O Bhaiya had sunk into an addiction that refused to release him even after all these years. She laid before him her trauma, her descent into a madness of her own. The threats and the forced decisions that had done nothing but increase their burden of self-reproach and despair.
She spoke till she felt she had said it all. Her words finally trickled to a stop and she looked at Randhawa, her face a picture of uncertainty. He raised the glass of water and placed it in her hands.
"Drink." he said, simply. His face was impassive, revealing none of the thousand line of thought racing through his mind, the questions that demanded answers.
"Miss Oberoi, you know what is wrong with you?" he asked finally, once she had drained the glass and set it down. Once a semblance of colour had crept back into her cheeks. She looked up, curious.
"You are far too trusting." ACP Randhawa told her.
"You are far too trusting" he never guessed that it might break Priyanka's confidence.
"D-Do you t-trust me, ACP R-Randhawa?" She felt him mocking her beliefs. How could he say that.
"I have a hard time trusting people, Miss Oberoi". He rolled his eyes at her, and mocked laugh as he leaned back on the bed placing this arms by the side and folding one leg on the other.
It was only today when she finally gathered her courage to reveal whatever she has been holding in her weak heart for 2 years and it was more than just about the note. Just because he offered to help her brother and herself out of the mess. Has he been betrayed? She never knew this and would have never guessed because he has always been cold towards her.
"T-then whats the P-point of t-telling you anything, ACP?" It's been a struggle for her and the story he might think as self made just to get away with the crime she committed in his eyes. An awkward wave left his face a Priyanka said that. His face was unbearable. He looked more pissed off, at himself maybe. Why did he even say that in the first place when she is the girl who takes every word seriously. Did I just ruin the chance?
He sensed her emotions as he stood up, placing his hands of the chair's sides she was sitting on and towering her. "Today is not the day to play games, Miss Oberoi!" He whispered in her ear. Her hear smelled good but it didn't make him any less frustrated. He looked at her with a smirk on his face as he saw her changed expressions.
"You'll have to tell everything, no matter what." The voice contained all the pent-up anger. Was he threatening her? She was ready to tell everything but what if he didn't believe her. That was the only question she had in her mind and asked him too.
"I will not say anything, not just today but ever" She made a final decision
"Okay then I'll have to use my own ways" he was not ready to take impertinence lightly. His words made Priyanka's heart beat so loud that he could hear it. It was amusing for him. His words made her terrified. To her memories it was clear to her that he'll not let her go easily.
She wanted to escape from the space under his arms but he sensed what she was up-to, he came more closer bending down a bit. His action had an equal reaction that Priyanka's knee unknowingly hit him hard in his privates. He was having a difficulty breathing. He tried to remain composed but only he knew the pain. Priyanka was equally shocked as she gagged her own mouth but she did want to miss that chance to escape.
"You have chosen the wrong person to mess with, Miss Oberoi"
Priyanka locked herself in the room hoping to escape from the repercussions of the little stint she put out a while ago.
"Priyanka, I know you are in there" Ranveer Spoke from the other side.
"I'll count to ten and if you don't come out it will not be pretty" Ranveer tried to threaten.
"1..2..3..4.." with every number his voice seem to get softer and softer until finally silence fell over.
Priyanka let out a sigh of relief just to come face to face with Ranveer himself.
"Yo..u.." Priyanka nervously played with her fingers.
"Ya me.. You see my police training came in handy to sneak through that poorly grilled window of yours" The ACP said pointing at the window which had a thick gap between the grills enough to fit an elephant.
"Through..the window" She stammered.
"And now what I came for" He smirked inching closer and closer until Priyanka fell on top of the bed.
"Ranveer.." Priyanka's eyes widened as Ranveers hand came in contact with waist.
"What..are..you.." Before she could complete the room echoed with Priyanka loud laughter.
"Ran..veer.. Stop," Priyanka begged.
"Okay" He stopped without protesting.
"Than..." Before she spoke she felt herself being attacked by a revengeful tickle.
"Break time is over" was the cocky reply he gave while continuing to tickle her.
But before long a loud knock at the door made the duo tear apart interupting their moment.
"Guruji.. Why brings you here?" Priyanka smiled politely.
"I wanted to check if you were alright beta cause I heard you scream 'save me'" The Guruji spoke in concern.
"I'm sorry to have you worried guruji of was just that I saw a cockroach. A huge, ugly, fat, slimy one to be precise" She pretended to recall as the Guruji broke into a hearty laugh.
"OK then beta I'll take your leave. Keep safe OK" He smiled patting her hair and walked away. Priyanka closed the door to see and an annoyed lookingACP reveal himself from under the blankets he was hiding.
"Why do you look angry. If there is anyone that has all the rights to be annoyed it should be me" Priyanka scolded starling the two of them equally.
"What do you mean"
"What do you mean by 'what do you mean' you almost killed me Imagine having your name printed in tomorrow's headlines in bold 'ACP kills a girl tickling her to death'"
"That's illogical but.."
"No ifs and buts"
"See all this would not have happened if you didn't kick my..." He stopped halfway looking clearly uncomfortable and shy
"Besides I'm not ugly, slimy, or fat OK. Give me some respect Miss.Oberoi"
"Then what are you"
"Glad you asked according to a study 90% of the women I've met have called me handsome, smart and an absolute gentleman and I totally agree"
"Mr. ACP Ranveer Radhawa are you blind or do you prefer lying to yourself"
"Miss.Priyanka Singh Oberoi how could you..." Ranveer pretended to be hurt.
A phone call cut the two leaving a mumbling Ranveer behind.
"Hello" Priyanka greeted the caller.
In less than a minute the ACP looked up to see a broken and defeated looking Priyanka crash on to the ground.
"Priyanka?... Priyanka?... Are you alright? What's the matter?" Ranveer lifted her up with ease and carried her to her bed. "Come.. Sit down.. What's wrong Priyanka?"
"No.. Nothing.. I am ok.." She looked at him. Why did he had to be here to see me break down again.' She knew he would not give up to get to the bottom of this, but at least it would give her more time to think of a way out.
"Here.. Have some water. It will help you to calm down a bit." She accepted thankfully. Priyanka felt herself calming down. She knew it was not just the water. Perhaps this answered the question she had in mind just now. He was there at the right time, when she needed not to be alone.
He pulled up a chair and sat exactly across of her, leaving enough space in between them. He knew it was not the time nor the place to make her feel uncomfortable. He needed to break that thick shell of hers but how? For someone who seemed so vulnerable, she had created quite a huge wall which you could not easily enter.
They looked at each other for some time in silence, as she drank her water. Oh Gosh.. What will he say or do next? With him you can never know. One moment he is Mr. Nice Guy and the next a total ACP: Arrogant Cocky Prick! He is so.. So.. So confusing!'
"Miss Oberoi.. You see.. You confuse me.."
Priyanka eyes widened. OMG! Seriously, can he read my mind or something? What does he mean with I confuse him? He is the confusing one!'
"At moments like these I wish I could read your mind.. We spoke about trust earlier.. And I said it before, I think you are far too trusting.. But maybe I should clarify. I have a feeling you have put your trust in the wrong person or persons, who might be taking advantage of your trusting nature. Why don't you trust me? You can tell me the truth.."
Priyanka was calm but confused. She was fighting an internal battle. Other than her brothers, there had been no other, male, friends which she had felt comfortable enough with to show her vulnerable side to.
"But ACP Randhava.. I have asked you also whether you trust me and you said no.. Why should I trust you? Why should I even bother to tell you anything?"
"Miss Oberoi, I think you are misunderstanding me..." Ranveer leaned forward, making sure they both could look each other in the eye. "When exactly did I say that I did not trust you? I said that I have a hard time trusting people, Miss Oberoi.. It is also a part of my job. This does not mean that I do not trust you.."
Ranveer hoped this approach would work on her as the Angry Cop was clearly not making any progress at all. He wanted to trust her but more so, he wanted her to trust him. If only she would open up and let him in.
"So Miss Oberoi, I will give you some time to get yourself together and freshen up quickly while I wait here. But then I really need some answers now.. If you don't tell me the truth, I cannot help you nor your brother. So it's up to you.. We could do this nice and easy and you cooperate.. Or we can do this the hard way and I arrest you right here and now."
"You can't do that! I know my rights too.. I have heard Shivaay bhaiya say this many times!"
Ranveer smiled. Somehow he was amused by her. She looked attractive, the way she had said that pushing her chin up, showing confidence. He could sense she was strong deep within. If only she could realise that and believe in herself.
"You see Miss Oberoi.. I am sure your Shivaay bhaiya is a very smart man.. But he is not here right now, is he?.. It's just you and me... And I am offering you the chance to tell me the truth and I promise I shall listen to whatever it is you have to say. Till that time, nobody is leaving this room.."
The both remained seated as they were before for quite some time. He was right' she thought. He is indeed handsome and smart. And perhaps also a gentleman.' She could not believe herself. Here she was, being put on the spot by the ACP. Instead of panicking, she could only analyze whether that so called study had some truth to it or not. She smiled faintly. He made her think of Soumya. How she missed her so.
"I can see this situation is amusing to you Miss Oberoi. But let me remind you, this is a murder case we are talking about. I don't see the humor of it. So please enlighten me!"
Ranveer was becoming impatient now. He figured to ask her some questions.
"Who has been sending you that mail?
Who was that on the phone earlier?
What was said that has impacted so badly?
That phone, it's not your own phone is it?
Where did you get?
What happened that night?
Who all is aware of what happened exactly?
Come on Priyanka! I need to know right now!"
Priyanka sat there in silence. She knew his questions were valid but she would not say one word.
"OK! That's it then! Come on! Walk with me!"
Ranveer grabbed her hand and walked towards the door.
"What are you doing? Let me go!"
"We are going to my room! And you better walk quietly with me without causing a scene!"
Priyanka did as he said. They arrived at his room. Priyanka refused to come inside. She knew something was about to happen which would not be in her favor.
Ranveer pulled her inside, locking the door. Priyanka gulped.
"W-w-why w-would you l-lock the door??"
Ranveer quickly closed the windows and the curtains. He grabbed something which made a tingling sound which she could not see. He moved closer to her and reached for her hands, which he placed behind her back, pulling her extremely close to him. Priyanka gulped again.
"Miss Oberoi.. I gave you the chance to speak up but you didn't take it. You have left me no other choice.."
ACP Randhava pushed her hand behind her back and whipped out that thing she could not see but hear.
"Miss Priyanka Singh Oberoi, you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can or may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you."
The ACP had cuffed one wrist of hers and of his.
"You can't do this! Let go of me! How dare you? How dare you do this? Under what grounds are you arresting me ACP Randhava?!"
In her useless struggle to break free, her soft body kept on brushing against his hard muscled body, which clearly, he did not seem to mind at all.
"Where shall I start..
Withholding evidence
Perjury, not telling the truth
Obstruction of investigation
Assaulting an officer
I think that sums it up nicely, don't you think so Miss Oberoi?
You know I have no rights to be in your room. So, change of venue but the same text applies!
It's just you and me... I need to know the truth.. Till that time, nobody is leaving this room.." In reply to the ACP's comment Priyanka slightly nodded her head and looked around in an attempt to search for something."What are you doing Miss.Oberoi?" Ranveer questioned formally
"Can't you see ACP I'm trying to find something?" Priyanka stated as if it was the most obvious thing.
"What are you searching for?" Ranveer arched his eyebrow curiously.
"Your brain" She continued her search.
"Woah... Low blow. I believe what you were searching for is 'your brain'" The ACP tried hard for a comeback.
"Yeah your brain" Priyanka smiled at him with pity
"Stop doing that"
"Doing what?!"
"Smiling at me as if I'm mentally retarded"
"What do you mean 'as if' ACP when you truly are off your head"
"My reports say I'm a totally stable and fit man Miss. Oberoi"
"How much did you pay the Doctor to say so"
"Excuse me Miss. Obroi how could you accuse me?"
"Oh the corruption"
"I paid him nothing OK"
"Oh the lies"
"OK stop"
"Not I'm good until you uncuff me"
" Oh please it is not like I want to be like this forever"
"Then let me go I need to go ou I need to go out by 7"
"Where to"
"None if you're business"
"Suit yourself Miss. Oberoi I ain't letting you go until you answer me"
"Dev invited me on a date"
That struck the ACP too hard. What the hell did she see in Dev that wasn't there in him. That escalated fast. Shut up Ranveer act cool.
"He's such a bore"
"Seems perfectly fine to me"
"Your taste in men is a total big fat zero"
"Thank you"
"Your welcome"
"OMG!! Are you gay?!"
"Wait. What?! No Why?!"
"Thought you liked Dev and thought me to be competition"
"No way.. Besides even if I am which I'm not.."
"Hmmm hmmm"
"Don't look at me like that, I'm straight as a ruler like I was saying even If I was I'd prefer someone like Omkara"
"Don't you dare look at my brother that way"
"Oh God can we drop this topic"
"Yes provided you uncuff me"
Ranveer felt his pockets trying to find the key.
"Oh shoot"
"What?!"
"I lost the key"
"I lost the key."
Silence.
"Y-you...what?" Priyanka whispered.
Ranveer rubbed his forehead, and his jaw was ticking. Not that he had been planning to release the girl so fast, but now they were in greater trouble. How was he going to explain this to the guruji when they eventually find that Priyanka is missing? He looked to the heavens, and sighed.
"H-how...how am I going to get out of this?" Prinku continued, feeling the familiar anxiety within her read its ugly head. It was one thing to be having a light banter with him. It was a whole other thing to be stuck here with a man, hand-cuffed to him.
Hearing her alleviated breathing, Ranveer looked over at her, slightly alarmed.
"Okay, listen, Miss Oberoi. Calm down. This is not a big deal, I must have a spare key somewhere. Just...calm down, okay?" he tried to sooth her, and his hand gently brushed against hers. Whether or not his actions had been done on a conscious level, neither of them knew.
Ranveer moved so that both of them could sit on the bed now, and grabbed the silver tumbler full of water resting on his bedside table.
"Here, drink," he insisted.
Prinku took the tumbler and sipped slowly, trying to count to ten in her head for every inhale and exhale of breath.
After several moments of silence, Ranveer finally spoke up. "So...can we talk about the letter now? Without arguing?" he asked her quietly. "I promise, I will find that key as soon as we are done."
Prinku gulped. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and in came the torrent of memories and flashbacks.
Her begging O Bhaiya to let her drive the car. The terrible storm. Her inability to control her car. Her knowing for a fact that there had not been anyone on the road when she turned on the Old Bridge Road. The scream of the girl. Her and her brother's desperate attempts to cover it all up even while writhing in repentance. A distance memory of a face in the shadows that night. Taking shelter from the rain at an old tea shop hours later, unable to go home and shaking in guilt. Running randomly into Svetlana as they finally left that shop.
Svetlana.
Svetlana.
"Svetlana," Priyanka gasped as her eyes shot open, opening the flood gate of tears that had pooled there.
"Svetlana?" Ranveer repeated, puzzled.
Priyanka nodded her head so vigorously Ranveer feared her head might just roll off her shoulders.
Prinku took a few gulps of breath, trying to control her trembling, hand automatically seeking his. She grasped it tightly and looked to him and opened her mouth.
"She -"
*knock knock*
Both of them jumped (well, ACP barely flinched, but did look annoyed) at the sudden knock on his door.
The key to a woman's heart
Within seconds, Ranveer pulled her close to him, pressing her body against his with the hand cuffed to hers. With his right hand he quickly covered up her mouth, assuring her to not speak. She looked at him, teary-eyed and scared. He moved his head to her ear and whispered "Ssst.. Don't make a sound.. I promise nothing will happen to you, just do not speak or attract any kind of attention! Do you understand that Priyanka?" He looked at her and she nodded.
Remembering Priyanka's unexpected flexible escapades, he decided to keep a hold on her in the same grip, and walk like that towards the door. "One moment.." he called out at the person at the door. He had positioned Priyanka behind the door, next to him at his left side, now holding her mouth with his other hand. He warned her silently, by signaling not to speak before he opened the door.
Ranveer unlocked and opened the door half way. He was unpleasantly surprised. What was he doing here? In his polite voice he greeted the visitor.
"Hi... uhhm.. Drev right?"
"Good afternoon ACP Randhawa. Actually, it's Dev." Dev smiled, feeling slightly uncomfortable by the strict look Ranveer gave him.
"Sorry to bother you Sir. I think you were resting but I was looking for Priyanka. I was supposed to meet her for lunch, but she is not in her room. I thought to check with you."
"OK.. So Miss Oberoi goes missing for an hour or so, and you thought to come check with a police officer to help you find her? Have you already filed a missing person's report?"
Dev looked at Ranveer, very confused. He could not make up from Ranveer's face whether he was serious or joking?
"Uhm.. Uhm.. No.. I mean.. I.. Look.. I just thought.. Perhaps.. "
"Relax.. I was only joking.. A little police humor.." Ranveer managed to push out something resembling a smile.
Dev smiled too now, still uncomfortable. "But Sir, have you seen her?"
"I am sure she must be around. Probably, very close by. Don't worry Drev. She will show up eventually. Why don't you go ahead and have lunch. When I see her, I will tell her."
As he went ahead to close and lock the door again, Ranveer could hear a soft protesting voice saying "No. It's.. Dev.."
Priyanka looked very angry now. His hand was still preventing her to speak but her eyes said plenty. "Miss Oberoi? Ah.. Here you are.. You know your boyfriend Drev is looking for you. Seems the boy is very hungry. Worried more about his lunch than you. But I promised him I would tell you he was looking for you, so..."
Amused by her angry face, he let go of her. "His name is Dev!" She said.
He ignored her comment. "Where were we Miss Oberoi? Svetlana?"
He looked at her as he raised an eyebrow, requesting her to continue.
"I am hungry! I am not talking till I had my lunch!" She stood across of him, challenging him. Her eyes showed indeed a hunger. One which told him she was not giving up or talking so easily.
Where is that damn key!' he thought... Determined was never a word Ranveer had thought he could use to describe Priyanka. Naive, vulnerable and gullible, maybe, but never determined. However, at this moment, that was the best adjective to describe her. She refused to budge as she stood with her chin out, challenging him to refuse her request. Ranveer relented.
"Very well, Miss Oberoi," he met her challenging gaze with his own, "You asked for it."
He spun around and opened the door with a flourish as he called out, "Dev!"
Priyanka gasped as she saw Dev halt in his tracks. Before he could turn, she jumped and dragged herself beyond the door, effectively hiding their cuffed hands too. Ranveer smirked while she glared at him from her hiding place. Dev turned and was at their door in a few quick strides.
"Yes, ACP Randhawa?"
"Can I ask you a favour?"
Dev was a bit surprised at the request but replied in the affirmative, "Sure, how can I help you?"
"I have a terrible headache and don't feel comfortable joining everyone for lunch in the dining hall. Can you grab me a tray, please?" Randhawa requested the man. If he found the request odd, Dev didn't show it. He nodded and headed off in the direction of the dining hall while Randhawa shut the door.
"He could have seen me!" exclaimed Priyanka as soon as Randhawa turned back.
He shrugged, and replied, "That was the easiest way to cater to your request. It's the least your boyfriend can do."
"He's no-," Priyanka began, then decided to shut up. She didn't owe this man any explanation about her personal life.
"There was no need to ask Dev to bring us lunch here," she said instead.
Ranveer was amused, "Miss Oberoi, you'd rather we walked down to the dining hall for lunch, hand-in-hand?" He lifted their cuffed hands for dramatic effect as he spoke.
"When I asked for lunch, I expected you to open this," she said gesturing towards their cuffed wrists.
"But you forget, Miss Oberoi, I said neither of us leaves this room till you spill your secrets," he retorted.
"You're insufferable," she sighed.
"Be that as it may, but now whatever you do -eat, drink, sleep- we're in it together," he said, wriggling his wrist.
"YOU - "
"Sshh!"
A knock at the door put an end to all conversation.
Ranveer opened the door and accepted the tray of food from Dev with his right hand. However, the man refused to move and seemed to be staring past Ranveer and into the room.
"You need something?" Ranveer asked Dev.
Dev shook his head but said, "I thought I heard a voice. Is someone in there with you?"
"Oh, yeah!" he laughed. "A wild cat. I'd left the window open for some fresh air and didn't realise when she got in."
Dev seemed unconvinced but smiled and took his leave, "Okay, I'll leave you to have lunch now."
Ranveer thanked him and shut the door. He placed the tray on the small table across bed.
"There you go, Miss Oberoi. Lunch is served," he said as he sat on the lone chair opposite the table, leaving her to sit on the bed.
She didn't say anything but continued to look at him, annoyance flashing in her eyes.
"What?"
"You called me a wild cat."
He laughed, "Did I now, Miss Oberoi? But you're far from a wild cat. Maybe a mouse. Yeah, a cute little, timid little mouse. But not a cat, never a wild cat."
Priyanka flushed crimson at that. She couldn't win with this man, she decided, and so picked up the spoon and dipped it in the bowl of dal. With clumsy left-handed movements, she added dal to the plate of rice and lifted the spoon for a bite. But clumsy being her second name, eating with the left hand was a feat and so Priyanka gave up after two bites.
"I'm done."
Ranveer was watching in silence as she struggled to eat. He picked up the spoon, dipped it in her plate of rice and offered her a bite. Priyanka stared at him in horror.
"Eat," he offered, but when she shook her head and continued to look at him in horror, he sighed.
"Eat, Miss Oberoi, because I want my answers and you're not going anywhere till I get them."
He saw her gulp before she accepted the offered bite. As he helped her eat the food, she continued to stare at him. Her eyes held a mix of surprise and gratitude, and Ranveer was forced to look away.
Priyanka noticed a faraway look in his eyes, as if he was reliving a memory. She wondered how was she going to keep the messy secrets of her life from him? Given his relentless pursuits, it was going to be impossible to keep pushing it. And was it even fair to him? He had a right to know the secrets of that night as much as her because on that night, he had lost his most prized relationship - his beloved sister. He had a right to know and she would not keep that right from him.
"Miss Oberoi now that you have enjoyed a hearty course, don't you think it's only fair if you tell me what I want to know?" Ranveer questioned.
"So you really want to know?"
"Hell yeah"
"Ok I will tell you" Priyanka paused as if trying to recall the happenings of the fateful night.
Ranveer felt the air thicken it was almost in a second that they change from being immature youngsters that kept throwing insults at each other to a mature couple that had all the understanding and power to withhold the torturous demons of the past. Priyanka ran enough, she knew it very well . Every race had its halt so did her race.
"Om bhaiyya and I went out for a drive that night. Actually I forced him too, he kept saying 'Pinku at this rate you would kill some innocent soul with this horrible driving of yours' well he said that for fun just to annoy me" Tears started pouring down her cheeks as she let out a dark chuckle.
"I was driving when O bhaiyya received a phone call..." Priyanka broke down and Ranveer scooted her closer pulling her for a hug.
"It was an unknown number. Svetlana knew very well that Bhai wouldn't answer if he knew it was her.."
*FLASHBACK*
"Hello" Om answered.
"Well, well if it isn't Omkara Singh Oberoi"
"What the hell do you want" Om barked.
"You'll find out till then why don't you enjoy the video attachment I've sent you" She laughed.
Om watched the video of a young girl being strangled to death by the vicious secretary.
"Wanna know where it takes an interesting turn?"
"Now" She screamt as a body came flying right in front of the car.
*END*
"I remember nothing after that just that later our vehicle being surrounded by masked men. we were injected with a drug of some sort the next morning we were in our car that was parked in front of our gate" Priyanka concluded feeling lighter yet uncomfortable. The ACP's eyes too were puffed by the end. Priyanka felt her chest tighten as she gasped for air. Ranveer watched in horror as Priyanka was yet again about to get a panic attack.
"Priyanka, Priyanka look at me" Ranveer spoke caressing her cheeks.
Priyanka looked into his eyes to see not an inch of hatred or anger instead pure concern. She felt herself relax.
"Its going to be alright ok. I'll find away, I promise" Ranveer assured.
"I know" Priyanka replied confidently.
ACP Randhawa tried to guesstimate how close he probably was to her, that he could so easily trace the tear lines on her cheeks with his eyes. There was this strange comfort in the proximity they shared. None of them speaking or moving. Just sitting in silence, Priyanka with her gaze on a fixed spot on the floor and ACP Randhawa caught in her aesthetic.
"Thank you" he finally said, breaking the silence that had thickened the air around them. ACP Randhawa had turned his face away, realizing that all this long he had been gaping at her longingly at her.
Priyanka looked up at him, slightly surprised with his reply. She was yet to register why ACP Randhawa had so easily placed all his faith on her, and now here he is sitting with her in this room full uncertainties thanking her despite all the quandaries she had caused.
"I -should be thank-thanking you" she spoke haltingly noticing how his features had reclaimed their usual sternness. There was no reply from him, only silence. The silence was starting to suffocate Priyanka. Does he think I lied?
"Is there -anything wrong?" she spoke. Her fingers clutched the bed sheet as she felt panic wave through her.
Of course. There was no validation. She had no proof. Why would he believe her so easily?
"I -knew it is too late" she continued, almost crying now. "But I didn't know how to tell you before. I was so scared."
There wasn't much reaction that she could get out of him. He only seemed to be listening, inattentively so.
"Please believe me, Ranveer" she begged. "I really did not do it. I am n-not making it up! I -couldn't have told you! She'd threaten me every now and then. I was so-"
ACP Randhawa looked at her questioningly, cutting her off mid-sentence. He had gotten awfully close in procuring Priyanka Oberoi to disclosure.
"I was so scared." It almost came out as a whisper. Her lips failed to stay together, trembling with panic. She was unable to comprehend his ambiguous behaviour and this was taking a toll on her.
"Scared of what?" ACP Randhawa
Priyanka felt her head being torn apart into parts. Did he believe her? Or did he not? Does he really want to know? Was she to tell him? What if the consequences turn out to be indeed grave?
"Scared of what?" he asked again, this time his voice louder and strict.
"I -can't" she stammered. Her insides felt disordered and she could feel the blood pump in her head. She was struggling to keep herself steady in her place, wondering if it showed.
"No, miss. You have to." He spoke with eyes wide and teeth gritted.
There was no mercy in the gaze with which he held hers. He wanted to know. He was so close.
Priyanka too wanted to let the dams break this one time. After two years, she had finally gotten one opportunity so save herself and her family and she wanted to make use of it.
"She is going to k-kill me."
The words came out so dry out of her lips that she almost failed to recognise her own voice. She felt no relief, rather her fears had now intensified as she slowly realised that she had let it all out to him. She failed to hide it. He knows.
One more lead. He had one more lead- she was being blackmailed by Svetlana all this while and he had finally gotten her to admit it. ACP Randhawa felt a light vibe of pride coming from within.
ACP Randhawa stood up in his place. "That wasn't very tough, was it now? Miss Oberoi?" he spoke without looking at her, wearing his victory smirk.
Priyanka was too disturbed to think of a proper come-back. She wasn't safe anymore. Not that she was much earlier, but now she had only increased her chances of being in danger. She had one job and she failed.
"Miss Oberoi?" he pulled at their restraint in order to grab her attention. She met his eyes with a tearful gaze.
He saw fear.
"I said...she is g-going to k-kill me..." Priyanka whispered, her barely audible voice shaking.
Ranveer took a seat next to her once again, his unexplained yet unavoidable concern for her pushing through his tough surface. Again.
"Listen...you confessed to the right person. No one is going to harm you. Your protection is the police's responsibility now," he emphasized. Under my protection, he thought at the back of his head, but shook the idea away. What was wrong with him?!
"Now, I can only help you if you divulge more information about this Svetlana. Who is she? How do you know her? Why do you think she is threatening you?" he went on, and he could see the girl visibly flinch at his every question.
"S-Slow down..." she breathed out, trying to keep an anxiety attack at bay. This was too much for one day.
"Okay...very slowly...who is Svetlana?" Ranveer asked, barely hanging on to his patience with a thin thread.
And so Prinku began to explain to him who Svetlana was and what she worked as, but hesitated when it came to the topic of Svetlana's relationship with her father. "She...My father...they are..." she stuttered, and Ranveer raised an eyebrow.
"I cannot assume anything from what you are saying. You need to tell whatever you are trying to tell me clearly, else I cannot accept it as a prof, or a statement," he told her firmly. He could see that the girl clearly didn't want to talk about this, but he was doing his jobs. He was not going to take actions based on assumptions of his own mind.
"Svetlana is my father's mistress. Or at least, she used to be," Priyanka finally said, and then took a deep breath.
Ranveer sat back a little, almost as if he was satisfied with what he had gotten from her. The mistress of one of India's richest men, targeting and threatening his youngest daughter. Ranveer had more than enough reason to consider her a clear suspect of this case now.
They stayed silent for a long time. Ranveer's brain was whirring, already coming up with detailed action plans to be taken once he returned to Mumbai, while Priyanka was in some sort of stupor.
"She is ruthless. She will get me. One way or another, she will get me," Priyanka finally mumbled, her eyes unfocused. "O Bhaiya...O Bhaiya is all alone back at home. I need to get to him," she continued as realization dawned on her, and she suddenly stood up. She would have probably sprinted right out of Ranveer's room (dragging him along) if it weren't for his hands firmly holding her shoulders, steering her and forcing her to look at him.
"Miss Oberoi, stop. Nothing is going to happen, to you or your brother. I promise you that," he repeated, knowing the last statement was completely unnecessary but made the promise to her anyway.
Priyanka took a few long moments, but managed to snap out of her stupor by focusing her gaze on Ranveer.
"I...I want to go back," she finally muttered, looking pointedly at the cufflinks.
"Yes...about that. We need to look for the spare key. Er...together," he added, shaking his wrist that was connected with hers as if to bring his point across.
Continued in next post...
CID
