Ishita:Nikita: A tale of two loves Chap 79-83 Page 76.... - Page 17

Chapter Twenty Seven

When she got to the hotel they made her wait at the reception for close to an hour or so as they had to verify a few things before they got her in and since she was hired on short notice, she had no alternative than be patient until all that was done. She was finally approved and she made way into the workers' lounge where they were supposed to meet and be introduced to everyone else. She has been here before so many times and yet for whatever reason she could not help but feel anxious.

She was nervous because unlike most times, she wanted to work in that hotel for more than the money. She anxiously stood in line together with all the other employees waiting on the meeting of the morning as it so often was at places like this and as her eyes meandered trying to take in her surroundings, she saw a familiar face.

'Rinky...'' She said walking to where she was standing and tapping her shoulder

'Oh My God it is you... What are you doing here'' She added as she hugged her

'What am I doing here? What are you doing here? Oh my God I can't believe it...'' Said Rinky hugging her back a bit teary

'I swear I thought that stupid uncle of yours had devised some awful trick again and you were back doing something crazy for him'' She added

'Actually this time I left on my own accord...'' Said Ishita pulling back

'You are really hell bent on finding them'' Said Rinky

'I have to. There is no other way'' Said Ishita

'Oh I hope it works out...'' Said Rinky before hugging her again

'My God I really missed you'' She added

'I missed you too... How is everything in Goa'' Said Ishita

'Well for starters, thank God you are no longer with your Uncle because now his drinking is out of control not to mention the women...'' Rinky started

'I do not even want to know what that is about'' Said Ishita

'Seriously I think who ever took you this time paid way too much'' Said Rinky and Ishita chuckled saying

'I know... I hope he gave Mr. Khan what he was supposed to''

'Yes... Mr. Khan was paid. There was a gentleman in a suit who came by and made sure Mr. Khan received his share. He was really grateful. He kept on crying saying he did not deserve that generosity. What you did for him...'' Said Rinky

'Oh please, he saved me and Aditya from starving and being beaten to death half the time. I owe him my life. I hope you can now finally fix that community center...'' Said Ishita

'He did, they are putting up a new roof...'' Said Rinky

'I am glad'' Said Ishita

'I swear Goa is not the same without your antics...'' Said Rinky

'By antics you mean me running around with drunken idiots from the bar that won't leave...'' Said Ishita and Rinky cracked up saying

'Exactly...''

'Speaking of Goa, how come you are here...'' Said Ishita

'Someone came to the hotel we worked at in Goa and was asking about me. The manager told him where I work and he showed up at the bar asking about me. Then he offered me a job...'' Said Rinky and Ishita frowned a bit looking at here like she was crazy

'I know, I know but Ishu, I need this money. These people pay like they are crazy...'' Said Rinky

'Do you know the guy?'' Ishita asked

'No... Oh But he looks similar to him...'' Said Rinky pointing behind Ishita and as the manger told them

'Please gather around... ' And everyone obliged

'Are you sure he looks like him...'' Ishita whispered

'Not exactly but they could pass as brothers...'' Said Rinky and Ishita knew she was talking about Romi because the man she pointed at was Raman and he was standing at a distance but she could tell it was him. And she was wondering what he was even doing there in the first place.

The manager introduced them and laid out what they were supposed to do. Gave them what their duties would be because they were new employees and also handed everyone a chore they were specifically supposed to do before the meeting was dispersed

'Rinky...'' Ishita called her as they made their way out

'Hmmm...'' Said Rinky

'I need you to listen to me very carefully'' Said Ishita

'Oookay...'' Said Rinky

'If push comes to shove and you need to push me under the bus, do not hesitate... Do you understand'' Said Ishita

'What nonsense...'' Said Rinky

'Please... I am serious...'' Said Ishita

'Okay... Okay...'' Said Rinky looking at her

'Why... Are you in trouble'' She added

'When am I never in trouble?'' Ishita said chuckling

'You're really weird you come from serious to joking like that... And I do not know what I am supposed to take...'' Said Rinky

'Serious definitely'' Said Ishita

'Okay... Just for the record how far under the bus can I take you...'' Asked Rinky

'How much are they willing to give up? Do not give up anything until you know you're getting something out of it'' Said Ishita and Rinky smiled saying

'I know... I know... You taught me well...'' Causing Ishita to smile as well

'Come on we gotta get to work. I will see later... Please we have a lot to talk about, like for starters, who is that secretive husband of yours...'' Said Rinky as she winked naughtily before she walked away causing Ishita to laugh

They both made their way to their respective responsibilities. They were both handed the last floor but Ishita was to clean the east end while Rinky cleaned the west end which would not have been a problem except that that floor was usually saved for the very elite and family of the owners, in which case it meant, she was going to see more of the Bhallas and Aroras than she wanted to.

She got in the room, and like always got her very old mp3 player placing in the cheap in ear headphones and she began working. She took off the sheets and pillow cases throwing them in the laundry basket she had and began making the bed oblivious to the fact that someone was in the room.

Mihir who had come back from Raman's place had a few things to handle and a meeting that he had to prepare for so he had come back to the hotel. He figure he had a change of clothes so he had removed his shirt and was in the bathroom when he suddenly heard someone humming and moving things around that he came out to check it out.

When he got out, he could see this lady her back facing him and she was just humming away and cleaning with no care in the world. Most people hated working on that floor mostly because it was uncomfortable as he was their boss and also people on that floor tended to be a bit more demanding. If she was this comfortable it meant she had no idea who that room was for which meant she was a new recruit.

She turned grabbing the second bedsheet and that is when Mihir saw her face realizing it was the lady with the needle a few days earlier

'Ohh...'' He found himself saying as he smiled looking at her but like always, she was not paying attention

He leaned back resting his back on the bathroom door arms folded across his chest and he just watched her do her thing. It was so weird how she always seemed like the world around her did not exist and she was always in a world of her own. It was something that would normally not be good especially for a female but she looked so innocent that he could not help but just smile savoring her innocence.

He waited for her to finish making his bed before he walked over to where she was standing right in front of her that when she finally stood up looking up, all she saw was a half-naked man standing in front of her and instincts took over that she ended up

'Ahhh...'' Screaming

Mihir not wanting to create an issue almost instinctively grabbed her putting his hand on her mouth and she struggled to get out of his hold, they ended up falling on the made bed with him on top of her

'It is okay, do not scream...'' He said still on top of her looking right at her but she did not answer and just nodded

'We really need to stop meeting like this'' He said smiling but she just nodded before her eyes run down seeing his bare chest causing her to close them

'Ohh sorry...'' He said realizing he was still half naked. He got off of her and turned grabbing the shirt that was on the couch

'You can open them, it is fine...'' he added and Ishita stood up from the bed adjusting her clothes

'The hell is the ... Hang on you work here...'' She asked

'What...'' he said

'Why are you in there? You should be cleaning it, why are you shirtless...'' She asked

'Uhhh...'' He said confused

'You do work here right...'' She asked again

'Hmm... Something like that'' He said looking at her with a frown of curiosity

'You do not know who I am...'' he added

'Why should I? Are you important or something'' She asked

'No... I was just... You really do not know me do you?'' He asked again

'Well am sorry I do not know all janitors in the place, today is my first day. Are you like the head janitor or something'' She asked clueless

'What...'' He said amused and she pointed to his shirt

'You are wearing their uniform...'' She said

'Oh... Ohhh ...'' He said looking down and realizing he had grabbed one of the sample shirts Pratik had left behind

'I am wearing that...'' He said smiling

'Why are you half naked in the bathroo... Ewweee are in there with someone... That is just nasty...'' She said

'What... Wait... No... No... That is not what is happening. There is no one in there, I was just freshening up a bit that is why I took my shirt off'' Said Mihir defending himself sternly

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Chapter Twenty Eight

'Why would you be freshening up in a VIP's room...'' She asked

Mihir looked at her and realized if he told her who he actually was, there was a high possibility she was not going to be so free around him or even agree to talk to him. So instead he said

'That guy is never here anyway...Plus he is a total tool''

'Regardless, don't do that. You might get into trouble...'' She said and she grabbed her sheet she had dropped on the floor

'Yeah... Sorry... 'He said

'Are you done in there or can I help...'' She asked

'What...'' He said

'The cleaning... Are you done or can I help'' She asked again

'Ohh... Right... yeah... No I am done'' Said Mihir

'Dude... Why are you all over the place? Are you high'' She asked

'What... No I do not do drugs...'' He said

'You could have fooled me...'' She said shaking her head

'Please be sure to clean after yourself...'' She added before she walked out putting back her in-ear headphones

'Wait... I did not catch your name...'' He said but she had already walked out of the room

'What the hell just happened? Wait, does she or does she not remember me? She seemed like she did but she seemed like she did not. Hang on does that make me forgettable? I am forgettable?'' He said talking to himself as he tilted his head in wonderment before looking up in the mirror and realizing what he was actually dressed in

'Oh... I understand why she thinks I am high... This is not cool...'' He said walking to his closet realizing being seen in boxers and a janitor's shirt one would understand why she thought he was on something.

He hurriedly changed into a pair of jeans and T-shirt and he began rushing out only to bump into Pratik

'Whoa... Slow down...'' He said

'Did you see her...'' Said Mihir

'See who...'' Said Pratik

'The woman with the needles...'' Said Mihir

'What...'' Said Pratik confused

'The lady she is a cleaning lady she is dressed in the hotel uniform. Did you see her'' He asked

'No... But there are numerous workers here am sure we got get you someone'' Said Pratik

'That is not what I... Ahh... I never get her name'' Said Mihir

'Whose name... What is the problem'' Said Pratik

'Nothing... Nothing is the problem just let us go'' Said Mihir

'Uhhh you want to go to a meeting of investors dressed like that'' Said Pratik

'Oh right... Yeah ...'' Said Mihir

'My God what is the matter with you'' Said Pratik shaking his head as he headed back in with Mihir

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Santosh had had a horrid morning there was no doubting that and she knew if Raman did indeed mean what he had said, she was in a whole lot of trouble. The Aroras were never going to let it slide especially since it involved their daughter that they loved to spoil consequences be damned. She was nervous as it was because she knew it was only a matter of time but Shagun was about to cause a lot of trouble. She picked her phone looking at the time as she anxiously waited for the person she know would help.

'You're late...'' She said as he took his seat

'Sorry, I got tied up at work...'' Said Shlok as he took his seat adding

'How may I help''

'When was the last time you have seen Shagun... Said Santosh

Uhh... About two or three days ago away... He said

She did not say anything to you 'Said Santosh

Not particularly, but she did call this morning saying she wanted to talk. Why... Did something happen... Said Shlok

Yeah... I think we are going to have a problem...'' Said Santosh

Meaning... Said Shlok

You were supposed to kill them all but no, you had to go and spare her... Said Santosh

What... Said Shlok

The Iyer kid...You were supposed to kill them all but she survived ...Why ... Were u just being kind because they were your fake parents said Santosh.

How am I supposed to know what you are talking about when you spew garbage half the time 'said Shlok

It is not garbage. There is a woman in my house pretending to be the that dead child 'Said Santosh

I literally jabbed the knife in her heart, if you think am lying ask Shagun. She was there and excuse me but I do not particularly care to remember all that said Shlok

You should have double checked 'said Santosh and Shlok sighed frustrated

Listen lady, I do not know why all of a sudden you're having pins up your ass but I am not going to be your panic buddy. So I strongly suggest that you find another hobby and get a solution to your boredom because clearly it is what is disturbing you 'Said Shlok

Do not talk to me like that 'said Santosh

Whatever...'said Shlok

You need to have some little respect when you talk to me young man 'said Santosh

And you need to stop being deluded into thinking I work for you. Besides any mother who willingly connives and watches her son take the fall for a crime she did to save her skin is a mother who does not deserve my respect. Said Shlok as he stood up

Listen to me that child could be Raman's wife 'Said Santosh

Raman is married...' He said surprised

Yes and the woman in my house claims to be Ishita Iyer, she was a son, he is ten. 'Said Santosh

Then there is no way that woman is Ishu... Said Shlok

How can you be sure 'said Santosh

Because if that son of hers is ten, it means she had a child at16. Which is impossible because I know her, I killed her myself and I promise Ishita Iyer was not pregnant 'Said Shlok shaking his head as he reached into his pocket and took out his wallet paying for her drinks

'I do not know what is going on but please keep me out of it. God know I want nothing to do with you anymore...'' He added before he walked out and Santosh just remained seated frustrated that no one quite got why she was anxious and what predicament she was in.

Shlok was pretending that this was not all affecting him but that was just a bunch of bull and he knew it. Was there a possibility that Ishita survived, yes and there was a simple reason for it, she had what the doctors called Dextrocardia, her heart was the opposite side: When he jabbed that knife in the left side of her chest he knew there was no way he had hit her heart and therefore there was a possibility she would survive. He was nervous because this was someone who accepted him and took him in like he was family, that betrayal, what he did to them, she would never forgive him.

As he made it to his car, he suddenly remembered something Santosh had said. Raman was married to a woman who claims to be Ishita Iyer, and like the puzzle pieces were falling into place, he suddenly remembered. He had met someone in Raman's office a few days earlier and she seemed like,

'No way...'' He suddenly said to himself

'No way... is it her...'' He added shaking his head as he grabbed is phone

'Where are you?'' He said

'At the hotel, we are having lunch with Mihir why...'' Said Romi

'Will Raman be there'' Said Shlok

'Yeah actually he is on his way...'' Said Romi and Shlok hang up, turning the key in the ignition as he made his way to the only person he thought would have an answer

Now way Raman was married to Ishita, no way Ishita accepted to marry into the Bhalla family and why was she with a son, where was here Uncle, It did not make sense that he wasn't taking care of her. If he was, she wasn't supposed to be here.

Flash Back

'Please... Take care of her... ' Said Shlok

'You bas***d, you killed her father now what do you want? They took you in...'' He started

'No... You do not get to preach to me... You stabbed them in the back just as much I did I did... We both got what we wanted so you do your part'' Said Shlok

'And how am I supposed to do that...'' he said

'You just got paid remember... That money is part of the deal to take care of her. If I find you haven't being doing that, I will come find you and I will kill you...'' Said Shlok

'In any case all this is hypothetical because she might die...'' he said

'She won't...'' Said Shlok

'And you are sure because...'' He said

'Because she can't die...'' Said Shlok

'Hey... Hey... Who is there...'' they heard a policeman coming causing Shlok to pull his hoddie back on and walk out of the hospital wing which had been blocked off by the police and only family was allowed

'It is just me... I am her Uncle...'' He said covering for Shlok

End of Flash Back

'No way she married into the Bhalla family. If she found out what was actually going on, she would have hated herself. Not to mention, the Bhalla family had been in the papers as suspects for this but the theories running around even a fool would suspect the Bhallas for covering something up. Why did she marry him? There was no way that she was Ishita? No way...'' He thought to himself as he hurriedly made his way to where Romi was

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Chapter Twenty Nine

Raman and his siblings as promised had all met at the hotel and they were seated in the restaurant of the hotel as they waited for their lunch. Raman had ulterior motives for being there as he wanted to check on Ishita and see how she was doing. He did not even know why he was suddenly curious about her a lot but he couldn't help himself.

'Hey... Hey isn't that Shagun...'' Said Romi

'What... Where ...'' Said Mihir

'Did you tell her I was here'' Said Raman as he turned looking for her

'Why would I? Why would I tell her that?'' Said Mihir

'I think she is here to plan another party for her father given she is with Vandu...'' Said Romi

'This isn't good though...'' Said Raman

'Why not...'' Said Romi but Raman ignored him

'Look... Under no circumstances should you allow her to be anywhere near this hotel or you for that matter'' Said Raman

'Ookay... First of all thank you for your concern but I can take care of myself, secondly this is a business and unless there is doing something illegal, I cannot turn away lucrative business because you do not want to deal with you ex...'' Said Mihir

'My hotel...'' Said Raman

'My management and until you fire me, back off...'' Said Mihir

'Pipe down they are coming...'' Said Romi as he stood up

'Hey guys...'' He added

'Oh hey...'' Said Vandu turning to Mihir

'You... When did you get back'' She added

'A few days ago... How have you been'' Said Mihir

'Good...'' Said Vandu exchanged pleasantries with all of them and Shagun did the same before turning to Raman

'Hey...'' She said

'Hmmm...'' He said causing Mihir to put his index finger on his lips trying to hide his smile

'So how can I help you today ladies...'' Said Mihir

'I wanted to use one of your conference rooms...'' Said Vandu

'Oookay... You have something prepared...'' Said Mihir

'Yeah... But can we go to another place, somewhere more appropriate...'' Said Vandu

'Yeah... Sure...'' Said Mihir standing up

'Excuse me... Good to see you Shagun...'' He added

'Yeah... You too...'' Said Shagun turning to Raman

'Can we talk...'' She added

'I will find another...'' Romi began as he turned trying to walk away but Raman stopped him

'I thought we came to have lunch, I haven't eaten yet so where are you going'' He said

'I ... Uhhh...'' Said Romi at a loss of words

'Be quick...'' Said Raman turning to Shagun

'Raman, can we just...'' She started but she knew he was still not in a mood to talk and she knowing how sensitive the situation was did not want to aggravate him

'Can I join you guys...'' She asked

'No...'' Said Raman

'Sure...'' Said Romi and Raman turned to him

'Take your anger elsewhere not on the food which is here...'' Said Romi turning to the waitresses who were bring in the food and Raman knowing where they were let it go, allowing Shagun to sit next to him

The waitress came in with the food serving Raman and Romi before they took Shagun's order. There was an awkward and uncomfortable silence and Romi was starting to feel really weird that eating was becoming an issue. When he looked up and saw Shlok approaching and thinking it would help he called him asking him to join them

'I apologize... I did not mean to impose...'' He said when he saw Raman's demeanor change

'What... No... Do not worry about it...'' Said Romi

'Raman, how have you been'' Said Shlok

'Good... You ...'' Said Raman

'Extremely busy...''Said Shlok

'Aren't we all...'' Said Raman who looked at Shagun before he looked away grabbing a glass of water and the silence started all over again

After a few minutes of restlessness Romi who was tired of the whole thing suddenly said

'My God, you guys are way too intense...'' Said Romi

'Tell me about it...'' Said Shagun under her breath as she drunk water as well

'What the hell happened between you two'' Asked Romi

'Am not sure, Raman never really said anything to me...'' Said Shlok playing dumb

'Maybe we should ask Shagun...'' Said Raman looking at Shagun but she seemed to be pre-occupied by something

'No way...'' She said causing all of them to turn trying to look at what had taken her attention

'Is that...'' Said Romi shocked

'What...'' Said Shlok

'Why is she...'' Said Raman as he tried to stand up but something happened

A child had spilled some juice that had been handed to him and Ishita had been called to come and clean it up. Raman who was expecting her to be on the last floor was more than shocked that she was at the restaurant cleaning floors, For whatever reason it bothered him.

As Ishita made her way out of there she bumped into Vandu and Mihir and as soon as she saw Vandu she said

'Oh... Party Lady...'' causing Vandu to chuckle and smile

'Clumsy leaning lady'' She said and Ishita smiled back before se respectfully greeted her

'Oh... This is weird we are the same age or at least in the same bracket. You do not have to be so formal'' Said Vandu

'Hmm... I am on the job'' Said Ishita

'Well... 'Said Vandu leaning forward as she whispered

'I won't tell anyone if you don't'' And Ishita chuckling said

'Okay...'' Before she stepped aside allowing Vandu through all at the watchful eyes of Raman and those at the table

As Mihir made his way, she grabbed his hand holding him back as she whispered

'What are you doing''

'What...'' Said Mihir

'I cleaned already. Let's go'' She said as she tried to pull him away but held her back saying

'So you do remember me...''

'Of course I do. You were half naked and high in the VIP Suite this morning'' She said

'I wasn't high...'' He said

'Whatever you say...'' She said taking his hand again

'Wait... Wait... I have an appointment'' he said

'Stop saying nonsense...'' She said and causing him to chuckle ass he said

'Seriously I do... I am going to be late so I will tell you all about it later when we met...'' He said

'Your funeral...I tried to help'' Said as she grabbed her supplied and started walking away

'Hey old on... What is...'' He tried to talk to her but instead she turned putting her index finger on her lips and asking him to

'Shush...'' and he scratching his head looked around looking at the people staring at him before he said

'Sorry...'' And he began making her way to where his brothers were

'I do not think I have ever seen her talking for that long'' Said Romi

'Seems like she is not as innocent as she seems. I wish someone would believe me...'' Said Shagun

'Who is she...'' Said Romi

'Ishita... Raman's...'' Shagun began but Raman glared at her that she ended up holding her tongue

'Oh yeah... I met her at your office sometime right...'' Said Shlok realizing what was happening but was trying hard to keep his cool

'How do you know her...'' Shlok added

'None of your business...'' Said Raman as Mihir joined them

'Why are you all looking at me like that'' he said

'How do you know her? You seem like you two know each really well...'' Said Raman

'Why are you asking...'' Said Mihir amused

'Yeah Raman why are you asking'' Said Romi

'Dammit don't joke just tell me'' Said Raman

'Okay... Relax... She works here...'' Said Mihir

'I know that, I just want to know why you seem like you have known her for a while given she started today'' Said Raman

'How do you know that'' Said Mihir

'It is still my hotel'' Said Raman

'And you know about new low level recruits'' Saud Mihir who found the whole thing absurd

'About her in particular yeah...'' Said Raman

'I am seated right here in case you care...'' Said Shagun who found it insulting

'Don't care... Mihir ...'' Said Raman

Mihir looked at him, frowning a bit, failing to understand why all of a sudden Raman was acting this way. Mihir had been managing that hotel for a while and not once had he ever asked anything of that sort from him. He knew there was more to that question and he also suspected that since Shagun was around it was something Raman was not willing to indulge in

'Fine... She and I have had a few encounters...'' Said Mihir

'What sort of encounters...'' Said Raman

'Just encounters...'' Said Mihir being as vague as he could and just to throw Raman a bone he said

'Oh she came here looking for Pratik, the hotel Manager...'' Said Mihir

'When was that'' Said Raman

'Uhhh... Maybe a few days before she started working here...'' Said Mihir

'Why was she looking for him...'' Asked Raman

' She never said'' Said Mihir

'Why don't you ask Pratik...'' Said Romi

'Because it is none of my business, why are you interrogating me...'' Said Mihir and Shagun who sensed something these clueless men could not see suddenly said

'Do you like that woman...''

'What...'' Said Mihir flustered

'You seem to be protecting her, do you like her...'' Said Shagun and Mihir smiling said

'Now that, that I do not need to answer...''