Ishita:Nikita: A tale of two loves Chap 79-83 Page 76.... - Page 38

Chapter Fifty Six

There were murmurs in the room some people staring at Shagun would looked like she had just had the life sucked out of her while others ogled at how Raman's supposed wife looked amazing. If there ever was a time the Aroras ever felt embarrassed, this was it. Mr. Arora turned to his wife in disbelief because he was led to believe that his daughter was getting engaged

'What is going on'' he asked

'I have no idea'' Said Mrs. Arora

'What do you mean? Aren't you the one who organized this? Were you forcing Shagun to get engaged to a married man ...'' Said Mr. Arora

'He is not...'' Mrs. Arora started

'What do you mean? That woman is the one living in the Bhalla Mansion which means they have been married close to a year now. Why don't you know that'' Said a infuriated Mr. Arora

'I thought he ...'' Mrs. Arora stated but her husband was just way too embarrassed and pissed to think straight that all he wanted to do was take his daughter away

'Shagun... Come on let us leave...'' He said as he made it to his daughter

'No... I have to understand why... No...'' Said Shagun who looked like she was a ghost of herself

'Shagun come on...'' He said but Shagun would not barge

'Oh please... I do not believe that...'' Mrs. Arora suddenly said causing everyone to look at her

'I mean you are Raman Kumar Bhalla... You are telling us that you got married and no one knew about it'' She added

'I wanted to protect her... She is not from out world and as you all can testify it is not very welcoming to outsiders... So I asked my family to protect her identity and they did... I am grateful to them for that...'' Said Raman

'I think this is all a publicity stunt if you ask me...'' Said Shlok who had gotten the cue from Mrs. Arora

'How is my getting married a publicity stunt'' Said Raman chuckling at the absurdity of their reasoning

'Everyone in this room knows Shagun and you are an item...'' Shlok started

'Correction, Shagun and I are friends, like you and her are. So because you two are close can I take it that you are an item too...'' Said Raman

'Hey... No need to be nasty or sensitive... I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I am sure even everyone here would love to know how this great love story came to be of you and Ms... What is your name'' Shlok asked looking at Ishita

She looked at him and got angry that he thought he had this power over her and could control her. She took one silent breath then said

'Call me Ishita... Or, Mrs. Bhalla ... Whatever you find comfortable'' Said Ishita and Raman smiled

'Okay Ishita... Convince me that you and Raman Bhalla are...'' Shlok began but she cut him off chuckling as she said

'You are a really strange man. Why would I convince you about me and him? Even if say we are lying would that change the fact that we are married''

'No... You are right... However everyone in this room is just concerned about him. Some because we have been friends for a very long time and the other because well, his name is tied to a lot of people's money, you know he is C.E.O after all... ' Said Shlok

'Plus I for one do not believe you two are married. I think it is a sham and I can speak for most people in here when I say that. You want us to believe Raman Kumar Bhalla married a nobody'' Said Mrs. Arora who was not letting it go even at the expense of her very embarrassed husband

'Well... I cannot be responsible for what people think... Opinions are person to holder'' Said Raman

'True... But that would help shape their opinion they have of your wife right now... At the moment it isn't very good'' Said Shlok

'True... But the thing is though...'' An irritated Raman began but Ishita cut him off

'How about this... You ask us a bunch of personal questions about each other. If it is not satisfactory then you can tell it is all a lie...'' Said Ishita

'Eeehhh... He and you could have coached each other'' Said Shlok

'True... But I would like to believe that this is a room full of intelligent people who can detect a lie'' She said baiting Shlok's ego and it worked

'Fine... You can have a seat let us do this...'' Said Shlok and seats were brought up for them

'What the hell is the matter with these people'' Said Abhimanyu

'People here are so narrow-minded and their lives are so boring that any kind of drama they would entertain... It is rather sad actually'' Said Mihir

'The better question is... What is Shagun still doing here?'' Said Vandu

'Ahh no way is she letting Ishita off the hook... Her pride won't let her...'' Said Romi

'Okay fine... Tell me when you first saw each other...'' Said Shlok but before they could answer he added

'Answer that at the same time... On a count of one two three...''

Romi began feeling uneasy because he knew there was no way they were prepared for that. There was no time for it. She was drunk the night before and the morning after he was running around trying to make sure she wasn't caught and was ready for the day that there was no way they could have been prepared for this questioning.

In all fairness he failed to see why she even suggested this question and answer session anyway. He stood there his heart about to pop out of his chest and as if his nightmares were coming to reality he heard

'Mall...'' Raman said

'Beach...'' Ishita said

'Dang it...'' Said Romi

'Ohh...'' Said Shlok as murmurs went off in the room

A smile crept up Shagun's face realizing she may just have the last laugh and he mom was no exception. Santosh was just anxious because regardless of how all this turned out, Raman had just declared war and he did not know it.

Abhimanyu who was tasked with making sure Ishita did not make any trouble started to panic a little and he wanted the whole thing to stop but Ishita just looked at him and smirked a bit still completely calm and he started to get a sense that she had had this under control since it started.

'So which is it...'' Said Shlok and Raman turned to Ishita

'Beach really...'' He said

'It cannot be that easy...Should I take it this was a lie... ' Said Shlok smiling

'Not exactly...'' Said Ishita smiling before she said

'He met me at the mall... That was the first time he met me... In a sense he is right'' Said Ishita

'Difference being what...'' Said Shlok

'That was not the first time we saw each other... And that was what you asked'' She said

'Oh please stop nitpicking... I asked how you two first met'' Said Shlok

'No... You asked when we first saw each other... You have to be more specific...'' She said

Raman was getting a bit nervous because he had no idea where she was going with this and he was starting to worry that they might not pull this off.

'Oh my God... You're so full of it... There is a difference...'' Said Shlok

'Oh yes...Plenty... Just like there will be when you ask when we fell in love'' She said and Shlok chuckled saying

'Please do educate me...'' Said Shlok

'I saw Raman about a decade ago... Actually 17 years to be exact... It was kind of brief... Did not even get to know his name until years later when we met at the Mall...'' Said Ishita

'Wait that would have made you...'' Said Shlok

'7 Years old... Yes...'' Said Ishita

'How did you meet him exactly...'' Said Shlok

'Well... I was a very sickly child who did not interact well with others mostly because I was never really allowed out to play because of my illness. Because of that I never really got out to play let alone make friends... I loved the beach, and I would always go there to spend my time. The sound of the waves was calming for me and I loved it there...Anyway that day there were these kids picking on me, pushed me around, called me names, absolute bullies and normally I would just walk way and I was about to until this boy came from no way yelling... Leave her alone... Out of the blue, this tiny, tiny boy was standing up for me to boys who were twice his size'' She said chuckling

Raman who too was hearing this for the first time turned and looked at her in utter disbelief. Romi who was watching this from a far almost dropped the glass he was holding. This story was too familiar, in fact he was willing to bet on the fact that she was...

'Nikita...'' Raman found himself whispering

'Ahh so you are saying he is your knight in shining armor...'' Mocked Shlok

'Oh no he wasn't'' Said Ishita and Raman cut her off looking at her as he said

'We got beaten to the pulp... It was so strange she was the one with the catheter on her hand and I was the one who was supposed to be protecting her but she sort of put her hands around me and shielded me from all the beating...''

'It went on for a while until the guard came and he helped us out chasing the boys away'' Said Ishita

'I was scared because of how much she was injured so I ran to ask for help and get water but when I got back he was gone'' Said Raman

'Well the guards called emergency services and I was taken to the hospital before you got back... We have never spoken to each other since then... That is until the mall...'' Said Ishita finally turning and looking at him knowing she had opened up a part of history that may be a key, although those idiots did not know it.

'When I saw him again at the mall, I don't know my heart just fluttered a bit... In a weird way he was eh first and only friend I ever had... Short lived as it was even though we never talked...'' She added chuckling before looking back at Shlok

'Ohh... That is such a cute story...Although you could be lying and all this could be a load of... You know'' Said Shlok

'True... But you were there so you should know I am not lying'' Said Ishita without as much as a flinch that even Shlok got startled

'What is that'' Said Shagun

'What the hell is she doing'' Said Santosh

'Why would I...'' Said Shlok stuttering but Ishita cut him off

'You and your buddies mistook me for another kid. He was just standing up for me... To be honest when he spread his arms out for me I was shocked'' Said Ishita

'Why would Shlok beat you up? Does that make sense'' Said Shagun

'Ohh... Earlier that week, they kind of took this little girl's bike and she out of revenge reported them to Sister Patrice. She was the lady who ran the orphanage back then... Because of that they were not allowed to go participate in this cricket tournament and I think for them, it was their way of revenge I guess. It happened a lot with the orphan boys as they used to call them. People discriminated against them so much that I guess that was their way of growing thick skin...'' Said Ishita

'He is not an orphan...'' One of the guests said

'Uhhh yeah he is... That orphanage was just down the street from where we lived...'' Said Ishita turning to Shlok as she said

'You changed your name... Back then I believe your name was Ashlok Kumar... Am I right...''

'Most people who watch the news know who I am... ' Said Shlok

'What has that got to do with anything'' Said one of the guests

'Okay... True but back then my dad would volunteer a lot at that center and I believe he was actually the one who helped you get in there. You were being taken care of by your mother... what was her name Anjali... Anjali something I can't remember her other name but she was an under aged mother who...'' Said Ishita keeping quiet suddenly before she leaned in to Shlok pretending to whisper but everyone heard her

'Should I really tell this story... I think you need to ask more about me and Raman than my history'' She said then she leaned back sitting comfortably in the chair before she locked eyes with Santosh

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SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT

Chapter Fifty Six

There were murmurs in the room some people staring at Shagun would looked like she had just had the life sucked out of her while others ogled at how Raman's supposed wife looked amazing. If there ever was a time the Aroras ever felt embarrassed, this was it. Mr. Arora turned to his wife in disbelief because he was led to believe that his daughter was getting engaged

'What is going on'' he asked

'I have no idea'' Said Mrs. Arora

'What do you mean? Aren't you the one who organized this? Were you forcing Shagun to get engaged to a married man ...'' Said Mr. Arora

'He is not...'' Mrs. Arora started

'What do you mean? That woman is the one living in the Bhalla Mansion which means they have been married close to a year now. Why don't you know that'' Said a infuriated Mr. Arora

'I thought he ...'' Mrs. Arora stated but her husband was just way too embarrassed and pissed to think straight that all he wanted to do was take his daughter away

'Shagun... Come on let us leave...'' He said as he made it to his daughter

'No... I have to understand why... No...'' Said Shagun who looked like she was a ghost of herself

'Shagun come on...'' He said but Shagun would not barge

'Oh please... I do not believe that...'' Mrs. Arora suddenly said causing everyone to look at her

'I mean you are Raman Kumar Bhalla... You are telling us that you got married and no one knew about it'' She added

'I wanted to protect her... She is not from out world and as you all can testify it is not very welcoming to outsiders... So I asked my family to protect her identity and they did... I am grateful to them for that...'' Said Raman

'I think this is all a publicity stunt if you ask me...'' Said Shlok who had gotten the cue from Mrs. Arora

'How is my getting married a publicity stunt'' Said Raman chuckling at the absurdity of their reasoning

'Everyone in this room knows Shagun and you are an item...'' Shlok started

'Correction, Shagun and I are friends, like you and her are. So because you two are close can I take it that you are an item too...'' Said Raman

'Hey... No need to be nasty or sensitive... I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I am sure even everyone here would love to know how this great love story came to be of you and Ms... What is your name'' Shlok asked looking at Ishita

She looked at him and got angry that he thought he had this power over her and could control her. She took one silent breath then said

'Call me Ishita... Or, Mrs. Bhalla ... Whatever you find comfortable'' Said Ishita and Raman smiled

'Okay Ishita... Convince me that you and Raman Bhalla are...'' Shlok began but she cut him off chuckling as she said

'You are a really strange man. Why would I convince you about me and him? Even if say we are lying would that change the fact that we are married''

'No... You are right... However everyone in this room is just concerned about him. Some because we have been friends for a very long time and the other because well, his name is tied to a lot of people's money, you know he is C.E.O after all... ' Said Shlok

'Plus I for one do not believe you two are married. I think it is a sham and I can speak for most people in here when I say that. You want us to believe Raman Kumar Bhalla married a nobody'' Said Mrs. Arora who was not letting it go even at the expense of her very embarrassed husband

'Well... I cannot be responsible for what people think... Opinions are person to holder'' Said Raman

'True... But that would help shape their opinion they have of your wife right now... At the moment it isn't very good'' Said Shlok

'True... But the thing is though...'' An irritated Raman began but Ishita cut him off

'How about this... You ask us a bunch of personal questions about each other. If it is not satisfactory then you can tell it is all a lie...'' Said Ishita

'Eeehhh... He and you could have coached each other'' Said Shlok

'True... But I would like to believe that this is a room full of intelligent people who can detect a lie'' She said baiting Shlok's ego and it worked

'Fine... You can have a seat let us do this...'' Said Shlok and seats were brought up for them

'What the hell is the matter with these people'' Said Abhimanyu

'People here are so narrow-minded and their lives are so boring that any kind of drama they would entertain... It is rather sad actually'' Said Mihir

'The better question is... What is Shagun still doing here?'' Said Vandu

'Ahh no way is she letting Ishita off the hook... Her pride won't let her...'' Said Romi

'Okay fine... Tell me when you first saw each other...'' Said Shlok but before they could answer he added

'Answer that at the same time... On a count of one two three...''

Romi began feeling uneasy because he knew there was no way they were prepared for that. There was no time for it. She was drunk the night before and the morning after he was running around trying to make sure she wasn't caught and was ready for the day that there was no way they could have been prepared for this questioning.

In all fairness he failed to see why she even suggested this question and answer session anyway. He stood there his heart about to pop out of his chest and as if his nightmares were coming to reality he heard

'Mall...'' Raman said

'Beach...'' Ishita said

'Dang it...'' Said Romi

'Ohh...'' Said Shlok as murmurs went off in the room

A smile crept up Shagun's face realizing she may just have the last laugh and he mom was no exception. Santosh was just anxious because regardless of how all this turned out, Raman had just declared war and he did not know it.

Abhimanyu who was tasked with making sure Ishita did not make any trouble started to panic a little and he wanted the whole thing to stop but Ishita just looked at him and smirked a bit still completely calm and he started to get a sense that she had had this under control since it started.

'So which is it...'' Said Shlok and Raman turned to Ishita

'Beach really...'' He said

'It cannot be that easy...Should I take it this was a lie... ' Said Shlok smiling

'Not exactly...'' Said Ishita smiling before she said

'He met me at the mall... That was the first time he met me... In a sense he is right'' Said Ishita

'Difference being what...'' Said Shlok

'That was not the first time we saw each other... And that was what you asked'' She said

'Oh please stop nitpicking... I asked how you two first met'' Said Shlok

'No... You asked when we first saw each other... You have to be more specific...'' She said

Raman was getting a bit nervous because he had no idea where she was going with this and he was starting to worry that they might not pull this off.

'Oh my God... You're so full of it... There is a difference...'' Said Shlok

'Oh yes...Plenty... Just like there will be when you ask when we fell in love'' She said and Shlok chuckled saying

'Please do educate me...'' Said Shlok

'I saw Raman about a decade ago... Actually 17 years to be exact... It was kind of brief... Did not even get to know his name until years later when we met at the Mall...'' Said Ishita

'Wait that would have made you...'' Said Shlok

'7 Years old... Yes...'' Said Ishita

'How did you meet him exactly...'' Said Shlok

'Well... I was a very sickly child who did not interact well with others mostly because I was never really allowed out to play because of my illness. Because of that I never really got out to play let alone make friends... I loved the beach, and I would always go there to spend my time. The sound of the waves was calming for me and I loved it there...Anyway that day there were these kids picking on me, pushed me around, called me names, absolute bullies and normally I would just walk way and I was about to until this boy came from no way yelling... Leave her alone... Out of the blue, this tiny, tiny boy was standing up for me to boys who were twice his size'' She said chuckling

Raman who too was hearing this for the first time turned and looked at her in utter disbelief. Romi who was watching this from a far almost dropped the glass he was holding. This story was too familiar, in fact he was willing to bet on the fact that she was...

'Nikita...'' Raman found himself whispering

'Ahh so you are saying he is your knight in shining armor...'' Mocked Shlok

'Oh no he wasn't'' Said Ishita and Raman cut her off looking at her as he said

'We got beaten to the pulp... It was so strange she was the one with the catheter on her hand and I was the one who was supposed to be protecting her but she sort of put her hands around me and shielded me from all the beating...''

'It went on for a while until the guard came and he helped us out chasing the boys away'' Said Ishita

'I was scared because of how much she was injured so I ran to ask for help and get water but when I got back he was gone'' Said Raman

'Well the guards called emergency services and I was taken to the hospital before you got back... We have never spoken to each other since then... That is until the mall...'' Said Ishita finally turning and looking at him knowing she had opened up a part of history that may be a key, although those idiots did not know it.

'When I saw him again at the mall, I don't know my heart just fluttered a bit... In a weird way he was eh first and only friend I ever had... Short lived as it was even though we never talked...'' She added chuckling before looking back at Shlok

'Ohh... That is such a cute story...Although you could be lying and all this could be a load of... You know'' Said Shlok

'True... But you were there so you should know I am not lying'' Said Ishita without as much as a flinch that even Shlok got startled

'What is that'' Said Shagun

'What the hell is she doing'' Said Santosh

'Why would I...'' Said Shlok stuttering but Ishita cut him off

'You and your buddies mistook me for another kid. He was just standing up for me... To be honest when he spread his arms out for me I was shocked'' Said Ishita

'Why would Shlok beat you up? Does that make sense'' Said Shagun

'Ohh... Earlier that week, they kind of took this little girl's bike and she out of revenge reported them to Sister Patrice. She was the lady who ran the orphanage back then... Because of that they were not allowed to go participate in this cricket tournament and I think for them, it was their way of revenge I guess. It happened a lot with the orphan boys as they used to call them. People discriminated against them so much that I guess that was their way of growing thick skin...'' Said Ishita

'He is not an orphan...'' One of the guests said

'Uhhh yeah he is... That orphanage was just down the street from where we lived...'' Said Ishita turning to Shlok as she said

'You changed your name... Back then I believe your name was Ashlok Kumar... Am I right...''

'Most people who watch the news know who I am... ' Said Shlok

'What has that got to do with anything'' Said one of the guests

'Okay... True but back then my dad would volunteer a lot at that center and I believe he was actually the one who helped you get in there. You were being taken care of by your mother... what was her name Anjali... Anjali something I can't remember her other name but she was an under aged mother who...'' Said Ishita keeping quiet suddenly before she leaned in to Shlok pretending to whisper but everyone heard her

'Should I really tell this story... I think you need to ask more about me and Raman than my history'' She said then she leaned back sitting comfortably in the chair before she locked eyes with Santosh

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SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT

Chapter Fifty Seven

If they had thought for one moment that she was going to allow them bully her into a corner they had another thing coming and did not know the half of it. Raman had given her an avenue, even though unknowingly and because she was no longer the wife in the back ground but out in the open, she was declaring war.

In that moment whether or not Bhalla senior hated her did not matter because he was going to protect her no matter what. Because she was an association of the Bhalla Family, because of what Raman had foolishly done today, he had no option than to protect her.

Raman watched as his mother and Mrs. Arora suddenly went pale looking like the wind had been sucked from under them and he knew Ishita had opened up a can of worms. They were scared and it was evident.

Abhimanyu looked at her and smirked a bit realizing she may not be so innocent and weak like she made every one believe she was. This day started out with a shadow of doubt on her and now suddenly she was spewing Arora family secrets like it was a normal Tuesday and she had them in the palm of her hand without even actually revealing anything new. It was the way she said it that could get anyone worried if you were a part of that story, like she knew more that she was saying but then she didn't

'Wow... She is good...'' He said

'I know... Too good it is kind of scary'' Said Mihir

'I don't believe you... You could have forged that story from anywhere plus I have known Raman for 20 or so years and he hates the beach...'' Said Shagun

'Hates the beach... Really that is her counter attack... Hates the beach... Seriously ... the hell'' Scoffed Mihir

'Hey... Be nice that is my friend'' Said Vandu

'Clearly she is not so close if you are leaving her to her vices...'' Said Romi and Vandu turned looking at him

'Have you ever tried to advise Shagun...'' She said and Romi turned away not answering

'Well I do not know about him hating beaches and since him and I have not gotten to spend a lot of time together I cannot say anything about that... Yet ... But he loved it then, he used to come over and play with his brother then all the time'' Said Ishita and Shagun scoffed

'Have you two even kissed yet... I can tell you are uncomfortable around each other when he holds your hand you're uncomfortable...'' Said Shagun and Ishita unexpectedly said

'Hey... That is... Kind of... Personal'' And she began blushing

'Heyyy...'' Said the members in the crowd as they all began to laugh realizing her instigation meant more than just a kiss

'Wow... She is really good...'' Said Romi laughing

'It isn't true...'' Said Vandu surprised

'Oh Please... She still calls him Sir... Her clothes are still in her suitcase won't put them out into the closet and she vehemently refuses to sleep on the bed and prefers the couch... does that seem, like two people who are intimate'' Said Romi and Vandu laughed

'With that acting she is going to fit in here just fine'' She said

'That is because I am in the dog house ...'' Said Raman turning to Shagun

'Oh Please...'' Shagun scoffed knowing another cock and bull story was coming out and no one was seeing it but her

'I am curious what did you do'' Abhimanyu said suddenly

'Dude what are you doing'' Said Romi

'Helping out...'' Whispered Abhimanyu

'I kind of may have ignored her instruction'' Said Raman

'Why...'' Said Vandu and Romi turned to her but she just shrugged her shoulders

'I was supposed to fix the closet door but I sort of forgot... and since she has been telling me that for a week now she is mad at me but'' He said turning to Ishita

'Come on honey last night was the derby... Manchester derby you have to understand... Fellows help me out...'' Said Raman and the room erupted into laughter mostly because most husbands could relate

'They are cute...'' One of the guests said much to Shagun's annoyance

Shlok turned to look at Ms. Arora and he could tell she had had enough of it all but he was not letting it slide easily. The fact that he was still alive was all because of that lie he told. If Santosh ever really found out the truth of it all then he was done for. Even the leverage he was holding over her would be nonsense because the truth was that he did that all by himself.

'Enough now... I think they have over indulged already... Thank you all for coming and hope you enjoy your night...'' Said Santosh who realized damage control was the only way to get out of that

Ishita and Raman went around all night hand in hand thanking the guests who had come in and taking in the well wishes as they came. Mr. and Mrs. Arora took their very hurt daughter out of there humiliated with what Raman had done to them.

Unlike the Bhallas, they invited people to that event telling them their daughter was about to get engaged. The night was not supposed to end with their daughter in tears and heart broken

'Did you know he was married'' Mr. Arora asked once they got outside

'Dad... It is a fake marriage, they are lying...'' Said Shagun

'That does not answer my question... Did you know'' He asked

'He said it was just to protect his inheritance. His grandfather forced him into that marriage and used his grandmother to blackmail him into it...'' Cried Shagun

'You assured me that you had his family's approval... You told me when you said you were marrying him that everyone was on board...'' Said Mr. Arora pissed

'Santo... I mean Mrs. Bhalla approved of us... You were there she came to see us...'' Said Mrs. Arora

'Ohh... You mean the woman you have been black mailing for the better part of a decade agreed to it. Did any of you bother to find out if the groom wanted it? Or better yet his grandfather... She is nobody from nowhere why would Bhalla Senior marry his son off to her... Have any of you tried finding that out...'' Said Mr. Bhalla and they both kept quiet

'You are absolutely useless...'' He added angrily

'Daddy...'' Shagun cried

'No... This had better be the last time I hear the name Raman come out of your mouth or I am putting you on a plain and sending you to your auntie in Russia...'' Said Mr. Arora and he got into a car and drove off

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Everything had gone the way Raman wanted and as they made their way into that Bhalla mansion he knew hell was about to break lose. Ishita had done her part, and really well that even he almost got convinced that they were actually a truly happily married couple.

He had a lot of questions for her, why she never told him that she was Nikita. How she knew Shlok and what she had on him that got him so startled. All this needed solving but first, here was a storm named Santosh.

As soon as they walked into the mansion she was standing in the living room pacing up and down as she waited for them to show up. Aditya was seated on the couch clearly nervous about something and Romi was trying to calm him down

'Aditya are you fine...'' Said Ishita as she hurriedly went to where he was but before she could get there, Santosh pulled her forcing Ishita to face her and

'Smack...'' Off went the slap on Ishita's face

It happened so fast that by the time everyone realized what was happening Ishita was falling backwards hitting her head at the edge of the table

'Ahhh...'' She cried in pain

'Oh My God...'' Said Raman as went to help her

'Are you okay...'' He asked

'Yeah... I am...'' Said Ishita as she looked at him

'You're bleeding... Here sit up...'' Said Raman as he helped her up

'Leave my house...'' Shouted Santosh

'MOM...'' Shouted Raman startling Santosh a bit

'Touch her again... You and I will have a problem...'' He said

'What... Raman... How can you talk to ... Raman ...'' She said but it was all falling on deaf ears

Ishita was a tad dizzy on could tell because she could barely stand straight, Aditya was starting to cry and Neelu who was very scared too did not know what to do.

'Can you walk...'' He asked her

'Yeah... I am... I ...'' She began as she held her head

'Do not worry Nikita I am fine...'' She said turning to Raman

'Ashlok... Why do you look so different...'' She added

'Wha... Ishita are you okay...'' Said Raman

'Yeah... I am fine... Why are you...'' She said before she began mumbling

'Okay... Neelu take care of Aditya, I am taking her to the hospital...'' He said

'What is wrong with her...'' Asked Santosh who had just realized maybe this time her temper may have gone just a bit too far

'Why would you care...'' Snapped Raman

'Neelu I tell you again, take care of that boy, under no circumstances should he leave your sight. If I find out that something happened to him in any way, I will make your life miserable... Don't forget I pay your salary therefore you work for me. My instructions here are Law... Understand...'' he added

'Yes Sir...'' She said

'Ishima... Ishima ...'' Aditya called her

'She will be fine... I promise...'' Said Raman calming him down

'Where are you taking her'' He asked

'Hospital... She needs to go to the hospital'' Said Raman

'Oh... no... Please... She can't go there'' Said Aditya crying

'She made me promise never to take her there...'' He added

'Aditya I do not have time for...'' Raman began but Aditya was not barging

He walked taking Ishita's hand and holding as tight as his small hands could allow

'She said never to allow you take her there...'' He said

'Aditya... Look at me... Hey...'' Said Raman as he took his hand

'You remember that person I told you about... My first secret ...'' He added and Aditya looked at him eyes blurry from all the tears

'The... one when you were seven...'' He said struggling through his tiny sobs to talk

'Yes... That person is your Ishima...'' Said Raman and Aditya wiped his tears with the back of his hands

'What...'' He said

'But that is another secret... So you see... I have no reason to hurt her. I will protect her... Right now she needs to go to the hospital... I swear I won't tell anyone that I took her their alright...'' Said Raman and Aditya reluctantly let go

'You promise...'' He said

'Yes... I promise...'' Said Raman before he turned to a completely out of it Ishita and took her to his car

'Hey Romi... Where are you...'' Said Raman as he drove out of the parking lot

'I am on my way home... Why...'' Said Romi

'I need you to please call for me Dr. Pradesh... I cannot get a hold of him and I do not have his personal cell...'' He said

'Yeah... Okay... But why ... What happened...'' Said Romi

'I think Ishita has a concussion, I am hoping it is nothing serious but she is just mumbling things and not making sense so I am worried...'' Said Raman

'Ishita is what now...'' Said Romi

'Just call...'' Shouted Raman

'Where are you...'' Said Romi

'On my way to the hospital...'' Said Raman

'Okay... I will meet you there'' Said Romi

'Nikita... Nikita ...'' Said Ishita

'Oh God... What kind of new problem is this...'' Said a worried Raman driving as fast as he could worried that she had really damaged her head

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Chapter Fifty Eight

Raman had insisted on making sure that she was okay so like before they did all kind of tests and they were waiting on the results. Because she hit her head that is why she had a concussion and she was given immediate attention so she would be okay, that was what the doctors had told Raman but he wanted to be sure so he asked that they do a more extensive MRI to make sure she did not have any more damage given how out of it she seemed. It was a bit much even for someone with a concussion.

The doctor had done what was asked of him and through those tests he had noticed something about her heart that he wanted to discuss with Raman but he was stopped on the way

'Excuse me... Can I see you for a minute...'' He Said

'Oh Sure Sir...'' Said the doctor

'There is another patient on the in Room 207 whose case I would like for you to handle, He needs Coronary artery bypass surgery and I am guessing you can handle that...'' He said

'But I have the Bhalla's case...'' The doctor said

'They are VVIP I will handle them... Please take care of that... I will handle this...'' he said

'Yes Sir...'' Said the do to handing him the file

'Also... I am assuming no one at this hospital is to know the contents of this file except the patient'' He said

'Of course...'' Said the doctor

'No... I mean NO ONE except the patient'' he retaliated

'I understand Sir but won't the Bhallas ask about it. I mean I cannot say no if I am asked about a patient from their guardian...'' Said the doctor

'You mean my patient... And you are right... A guardian should know... Just like the hospital board should know why narcotics drugs disappear and why some doctors steal drugs... All these things are noble causes...'' He said startling the doctor

'No one but the patient should know... Got it...'' Said the doctor

'Sure... Now that Coronary artery bypass surgery won't do itself... ' He said

'Yes...'' Said the doctor as he left hurriedly

He then took the file that was given to him, removed the reports that were inside and replaces then with the ones he was holding. He folded the ones that came from the file and put them in his pocket before he made it to where Ishita's room was

'Hello Sir...'' He said

'Uhh who are you? Where is Doctor...'' Said Raman but he was cut off

'He had a very important surgery to take care but I can do the job Sir do not worry'' He said

'And who are you...'' Said Raman

'Abhishek Mehra... Head of Cardiothoracic ...'' He said

'Why is head of Cardiothoracic coming to treat someone with a concussion'' Said Raman

'You asked us to do an extensive health check, we did that. She has heart Arrhythmia which for a normal heart may not necessarily be something to worry about but she is a heart transplant patient so we have to be precautious...'' Said Abhishek

'Is something wrong with her heart...'' Asked Raman worried

'That is what I want to find out...'' Said Abhishek and he walked to where Ishita was waking her up

'Excuse me Mam... Please wake up'' He said as he shook Ishita a bit

She opened her eyes almost still in a daze turning to the see who was calling her only her eyes to land on those big brown eyes she did not think she would ever see again. Tears suddenly began filling her eyes and for that moment she forgot about the other person in the room and she just threw her arms around his pulling him in and hugging him as tight as she could.

It took everything for Abhishek not to hold her back, they had been through it all and they had to separate if he was to have a change at having a better life. He wasn't quite sure why she was here with a Bhalla none the less but knowing her and how much they talked about it, he had an idea why.

'Mam... Uhh ... Please let go...'' Said Abhishek as he tried to let go of her but she pulled him in instead holding him tighter

Raman stood there suspicious as to what was going on and why Ishita was crying her eyes out in the arms of a man she had just met

'Hey can you help out here a little bit...'' Abhishek said causing Raman to go where he was

'Ishita... Come on let go of the doctor...'' He said and as soon as she heard Raman's voice she realized where they were and she let go

'I am so sorry Sir...'' She said her eyes still on Abhishek

'It is fine Mam...'' He said getting tear but he was fighting them back

'Do you two know each other'' Asked Raman frowning

'Uhh no... To be fair I am flustered that she held onto me so tight...'' Said Abhishek turning to Ishita and leaning down

He took out his the stethoscope and put it on her heart, and then he took it and did the same with the lower part of her body. He then stood up and leaned over putting the stethoscope on the lower part of her back, something to gave him access and a window to whisper

'Calm down Ishu...'' He said letting go as he added

'Looks like she is fine...''

'Look at my fingers...'' He said as he held out two fingers and began moving his hand back and forth

'Do you feel dizzy'' He said

'Uhh... No Sir...'' She said softly

'Do you feel better...''He asked her

'Yes... Uhh Sorry Sir ...'' She said

' Can I ask what that was all about...'' Said Raman looking at Ishita

'He reminded me of someone I knew... ' Said Ishita her eyes on Abhishek

'I am truly sorry Sir...'' She said playing her part

'It is fine...'' Sad Abhishek as he took the stool pushing forward and sitting in front of her

'Now your heart...'' Abhishek started

'What about it'' She said defensively

'I am asking... when was the last time you checked it? Do you remember what the reports were'' Said Abhishek

'No... It was a while ago...'' She said

'A while ago... Like what... 4 Months ago...'' Said Abhishek

'No... Further than that...'' She said

'How far...'' He said

'Uhh 5 years maybe 6 I don't remember...'' She said

'What...'' Said Raman surprised but Ishita just looked at him

'Okay... When was the last time you had a checkup done...'' Abhishek asked

'Like I said 5 or 6 years ago...'' Said Ishita

'How can...'' Raman began

'Ohh... No... I had one done about a month or two before he and I got married... I was never told the results of that so I can't tell you what they found'' She said

'Why did grandpa do that...'' Said Raman

'He said it was important to ensure that he married his grandson off to a healthy woman... or something about insurance I don't remember... Aditya was getting tested that was all I cared about'' Said Ishita

'Excuse me Sir... Can I finish my tests please...'' Said Abhishek

'Sure...'' Said Raman

'If this is difficult for you I can ask her in private... She is after all the patient...'' He said

'NO...'' He said

'Well...'' Abhishek said but Raman cut him off

'No... I am not leaving her alone...'' Said Raman and Abhishek looked at him

'Sir I need to...'' He said but Raman was not having it

'You do not hear me... The answer is no... Am sorry my wife is at the moment a bit kuku hugging random strangers and behaving neurotically so you will excuse me if I do not feel comfortable leaving her alone in your care. I just met you so I don't trust you...'' He said

'It is fine...'' Said Ishita

'Which hospital did they take you in'' He asked

'Why is that important...'' Raman asked

'Sir...'' Abhishek said looking at him

'Right fine... I will keep my mouth shut...'' Said Raman

'I do not remember the hospital name but it was in Goa...'' Said Ishita

'Alright... Uhh are you on any medication...'' He said

'No Sir...'' She lied

'Oh that is lie...'' Said Raman and Abhishek looked at him

'Listen this is helpful. She take pills, lots of them she said, I do not know what they are called or why but she does. She has these blue ones she takes, I do not know what they are fore, then they are those she takes before bed, I was told they are sleeping pills, then she said she takes head meds, I have no idea what that means either. She never tells me about it...'' Said Raman before he turned and looked at a very shocked Ishita

'What... You never say anything so I just notice things...'' He added

'Uhh... The blue pills, why do you take those ...'' Said Abhishek

'I was told to...'' She said

'By whom...'' He asked but she looked at Raman then turned keeping quiet

'Mam...'' Abhishek asked again

'If she is keeping quiet I am guessing either my mom or grandfather, which means, something is fishy...'' He said disappointed

'With your heart you should not be self medicating or taking anything not prescribed by a medical doctor'' Said Abhishek angrily

'I am sorry...'' Said Ishita turning to him

'He said it would help with my back... He said they were pain meds and they helped with the back. I just never asked what they are called. But they do help and I always only take them when it becomes too painful... Like when I have had a really long tiring day because of work...'' She added

'How do they look like...'' He asked

'Capsules I believe... Blue and Red I think...'' Said Raman

'How many do you take a day...'' Said Abhishek worried

'I don't know like 4 maybe 6 on a bad day why...'' Said Ishita

'I am going to ask again... How many do you take a day...'' Said Abhishek sternly

'12... When the pain is bad maybe 12 ...'' She said and he sighing with frustration asked

'What... Why would you take so many''

'They are not that...'' She began making excused

'Ishita...'' He said causing Raman to look at him surprised

'Dude... Chill out...'' Said Raman turning to Ishita

'Are you sure you two do not know each other...'' He said

'No... She said ignoring Raman as she turned to Abhishek

'Well from cleaning that whole house to cooking, to doing laundry the dishes, cleaning the cars, coupled with working an entire floor at the hostel it takes a toll on my back injury and it hurts the meds help...'' She said

'Ishu... I mean Mam... If you take these pain meds in a way that is not properly prescribed it will cause liver damage... Please stop taking them... I can prescribe something else instead or better yet if you have a back injury that is so bad and the pain won't stop you need to see a medical professional'' He said worried

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Chapter Fifty Nine

'No... It is fine... I won't take it anymore... I promise...'' She said looking at him

Abhishek looked at her and started to feel guilty, maybe if he had stayed behind he would have taken care of her and maybe she would not have ended up here like this. Ishita who had known him since they were kids could see and she began feeling bad.

'Raman...'' She suddenly called him startling him

'Yeah...'' He said

'I am stronger than I look, I am sorry I made a mistake by taking wrong meds, It won't happen again. I will make sure to keep health and try and take care of myself a little better. I won't take the pills anymore and if I need any help medically I will make sure to come to his hospital for that. It isn't your fault that I am here so it is okay...'' She said

'Uhh... I... Okay...'' Said Raman not sure what to say but Abhishek got the message loud and clear

'The Arrhythmia with her heart was because of those meds. She needs to get off those fast... Please take her to see an orthopedics doctor to look at her back injury. She needs rest and I think to be safe she needs to be off heavy duty work of any kind... She also needs rest she is fatigued'' Said Abhishek

'Yeah, thank you...'' Said Raman

'I will check on you later mam... Please take care...'' He said and she nodded in affirmation before he turned and walked out

'Do you feel better...'' He asked

'Uhh yes... We can go home... We do not need to be here any longer'' She said and Raman with a shocked expression on his face looked at her baffled

'Wow... You are something else you know that...'' He said

'What...'' She said

'He literally just said... Two seconds ago you need to rest now you are telling me...' Raman started

'No... Aditya ...'' She said

'I know... I am starting to think you use him as an excuse...'' Said Raman

'Then you don't understand what it is like to raise a child...'' She said and Raman looked at her realizing she was genuinely worried

'He is at the house with Romi...'' He said

'No... He can't stay their...'' Ishita started

'Not the mansion... My house... You know... The one where you and I and him are going to stay'' He said

'Oh...'' She said calming down

'I do not think Shagun will like that...'' She added absentminded

'Are you trying to be funny right now'' He said

'Why would you... Oh...'' She remembered

'Sorry... Forgot for a second'' She said

'Are you sure your brain is okay...'' he said

'I am fine'' She said

'Why would you even care if she is okay or not...'' He said and she just looked at him

'It is a simple question do you need to think twice whether or not to answer me'' He said and she just looked away

'Ahhh... I don't even know why I care anymore... Seriously ... You and your semi automatic reactions... Talk to a perfect stranger completely fine... But to me a man she shares a bed with... Nooo... That becomes some kind of sin... Not that I would care anyway... Eeeiishh ...'' He mumbled and she finding it funny smiled a bit

'Forget it...'' He snapped and she chuckled

'What... What's funny'' He asked

'You seem... I don't know... Different ...'' She said

'How so...'' He asked

'Usually you are... ' She said but decided to hold her tongue

'I am what...'' He said

'Nothing...'' She said looking away

'Come one you can't just say something like that and then just decide not to... Is it bad'' He insisted and out of the blue she said

'What would you have done at that party, had me and your brother become a thing''

'What...'' He said

'You heard me...'' She said

'I...Uhh... What do you mean'' He said

'You did send your brother to get to know me, try and get close to me and everything...'' She said

'What makes you say that?'' He asked

'Ahh... We are still playing games I see... Alright ... Sorry I asked'' She said

'What games what are you talking about?'' He said

'I mean you pretty much declared war on the Aroras when you rejected their daughter very publically so I imagined you were in my corner of at least you and I wanted similar things but I was wrong... Sorry...'' She said

'No... I mean... Listen you have to cut me some slack if I had asked about you flat out about you would you have told me...'' He said

'Of course not... But if you had gotten to know me, maybe'' She said

'Oh please... When would that have happened between the No Sirs and the nothings that I get all the time'' He said and she chuckled

'Fair enough...'' She said

'Besides I did not think I had to worry... ' He said

'Why not? I am that unattractive to you...'' She said

'No ... I did not think he was your type'' He said

'And what is that if I may ask...'' She said

'Not sure but definitely not him '' He said

'I do not know what you mean. He is funny, nice, sweet, and sometimes cute and he makes me laugh. If I had known there was another Bhalla who was an outside Bhalla... Who knows ...'' She said and he turned to her

'That is not even funny...'' He said seriously and she laughed

'I thought you said that it would not bother you'' She said but he just looked at her as if surprised

'What...'' She said

'You don't laugh often but you do...'' He said then realized what he was doing and ended up keeping quiet

'Raman Kumar Bhalla... Don't go their...'' She said

'Look at this one... You must think so highly of yourself to imagine that I could go anywhere with you'' He said and she smiled realizing

'As long as we are on the same page...'' She said before a nurse walked in interrupting them

'Excuse me Sir... You need to come and finish some paperwork downstairs...'' She said

'Oh yeah Sure...'' Said Raman before turning to Ishita

'I will be right back... We need to talk. You and I have a lot of things to talk about'' He said but she just turned and kept quiet in a way dreading that

As soon as Raman walked out the door suddenly flung open and Abhishek came back into the room. Ishita sat up on the bed and tears began feeling her eyes all over again. He just walked to where she was and put his arms around her relieved that she was okay

'What happened to you'' He asked

'Oh where do I start... After the hospital, Uncle took me away; we left with him to go to Goa. I kept on asking after you and Shlok but he said that you father's family took you in... So I figured you were okay... ' Said Ishita letting go of his embrace

'What sort of nonsense... I was taken to an orphanage in Mumbai... They told me you were dead. Imagine my surprise when I saw your name in the system as a patient here'' Said Abhishek

'I had a fall... Hit my head... But I am fine now...'' She said

'Ishu...'' He said worried

'I know... I know trust me but I do not want him to know so please keep it secret'' She said

'Why...'' Asked Abhishek

'Aditya...'' Said Ishita

'Is that your step brother...'' He asked and she nodded in affirmation

'What the hell happened to you Ishu'' He asked wondering how she survived all those years.

Her uncle hated her, mostly because one Anjali, her mother married an Iyer she cut off ties with him because of his behavior especially with the gambling. If they had taken here there since he was the only surviving member, she must have had a hard life.

'Uncle took me in... Nikita... She died... So did dad... My step mother as you know her, faked her death, disappeared and left me with her new born child. I had a heart transplant; they gave me Nikita's heart. Once the Bhalla covered up what happened, Uncle was paid off and I was to be taken away from Delhi so he took me to Goa... I was sick so I had no choice... When I started feeling better to had to look after Aditya or Uncle was going to abandon him... ' She said and he looked at her shocked

'It is such a long story just a couple of minutes will not be enough to tell you all about it'' She added

'How do you end up being married to their son'' Abhishek asked

'They came looking for me in a way and I let them think I did not know. So they made a deal with Uncle, then me, and whole... here we are ...'' She said

He just stood in one place and just stared at her happy that she was okay and yet felt so regretful that it had come to that.

'Have you heard from Ashlok...'' He said almost as if he was whispering

'Yeah... I think he works for the Aroras now... Or is a part of their family somehow...'' She said and he looked down

'I am so sorry'' He said his voice breaking

'Eeiii... You can not apologize for something you did not do...'' She said

'I should have...'' He began

'No...If you had you could have died... So no... You did the right thing'' She said

'How can you marry him? Ishita how can you just...'' He began

'Oh Abhishek... Just like you have your reasons for running away I have mine for marrying him. Besides he is not as bad as he seems and no, he did not do what everyone thinks he did. He wasn't even there'' She said

'Okay I do not understand that at all but we will get time and discuss that. Right now I am more worried about that tumor in your head and why no one seems to know you have it...'' Said Abhishek

'It is benign so it's fine...'' Said Ishita

'Who says... What are you a medical doctor now'' He said and she smiled

'Why are you smiling'' He asked

'I missed you... And you over protective self ...'' She said

'Ishita this is...'' He said getting angry

' Grade 2 gliomas I know...'' Said Ishita

'You could die... It is...'' Abhishek said angrily but she cut him off

'The part of my brain that it is pressing down is dangerous... I know that too. I also know that surgery could kill me for two reasons, one... It is very risky and two, my bad heart makes it worse... Abhshiek I know all this. And I do not want to die either... I have to think about my little brother before all that. Once I know he is safe... I will do it'' She said

'Give him to me'' He said

'Please... The moment you heard we had to take care of him you disappeared... Forgive me for not trusting you...'' She snapped

'I was just 15...'' He said

'News Flash... So was I...'' She said and he kept quiet

'Look... I do not blame you; Aditya was my responsibility... Raman... He is the one going to keep him safe...'' She said

'How...'' He asked

'He has too... Aditya is his step-brother...'' Said Ishita

'I am sorry... WHAT'' Said Abhishek shocked

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TEASER

''I am sorry I do not follow...'' Said Abhishek

''Follow what...'' Said Ishita

''How ... he is your brother and Raman's at the same time? This is strange and if it is so doesn't that make you and he related... Like step siblings or something'' Said Abhishek but Ishita just smiled and said

''It is not as complicated as you think...''

''How...'' He said

''You were with my step-mother the whole time leading up to the day she died. Did you ever see her pregnant... Even once ...'' She said

''Uhh... She had a big belly usually that means she is pregnant...'' Said Abhishek

''You are a doctor, Are you sure she was'' Said Ishita looking at Abhishek but he kept quiet

''When I found out, I decided not to discard him but raise and love him. He is my revenge...'' She said before they heard Raman

''What is your revenge...'' He said startling them both

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CAHP 60