Chapter 22 In a Complete Mess
“Mini have you managed the money for Arya’s treatment?” Dr. Jay asked as Mini came to meet him in his cabin.
“No Jay, not yet. 20 lakh is a big amount. Inspite of saving from last 6 years all I could arrange is only 8 lakhs. Its not even enough for the transplant operation.” Mini replied sadly.
“But what about that NGO you talked about? Or any bank loan?” Dr. Jay inquired again.
“The NGO people are saying that the applicant should apply at least before 15 days prior to receive the monetary help. I tried to explain them the circumstances that I have only a week to deposit money but they are not ready to bend their rules. And for the bank loan I have to give some collateral security. Tum to jante ho us corporate scam ke baad hamara sab kuch bik gaya. Ab mere pas collateral security ke naam par kuch bhi nahi hai.” Mini shared her problems.
“Ok, then let me help you.” Dr. Jay offered.
“No Jay, you have already done enough for me. I cant take anymore help from you.”Mini replied.
“Mini, its about Arya and you don’t have any choice. Take it as a loan from me. Return it later.” Dr. Jay suggested.
“Jay, I know its about Arya but…I cant be selfish. I cant put your marriage on stake to save my sister. Your wife Pooja doesn’t likes me. She doesn’t understand our friendship. On all the occasions where you have tried to help us earlier whether it was about my breakup where I used that fake engagement picture, you finding me a job, helping in renting place and many other small things, she had taken it in a wrong way. And this time, it’s a huge amount. She will surely raise finger on our relationship again if she comes to know. No, I cant take that chance. She may take extreme step and leave you. Your family will be broken.” Mini expressed her concern.
“But three days have already passed and now only 4 days left. How will you arrange remaining money in such a short time?” Jay asked.
“I don’t know Jay….I really don’t know. May be I should talk to all my friends and colleagues. I hope they can arrange some collective loan or some kind of cha…charity…” Mini completed somehow a her eyes started watering.
A charity case….thats she and her sister have been reduced to…coming from a well to do family, never bothered about expenses and now…life had taught them the value of each penny. But Mini didn’t mind forgetting her selfrespect and asking for charity it saved her sister’s life. There was only Arya whom she could call her family. After her mother father died and they ran into financial troubles all the relatives had broken their ties with them. Nobody wanted to take the burden of two girls.
Mini sighed and left for her house. She took the bus to her locality. The FM radio was playing in the bus.
“Hey guys! Good evening. Aaj sham main, aapka favourite RJ Rohit, lekar aaya hoon aapke liye dhamakedar khabar. International rockstar Neil Oberoi will be coming to India very soon. His team has announced a world tour, details will be shared soon and we are expecting the tour will cover few Indian cities also. Aakhir banda apne desh ka global icon hai toh uske liye deewangi yaha kuch jyada hi hai. Par har bar fans ko nirasha hi hath lagi jab Neil Oberoi ne yaha apne kai performances ko cancel kiya hai. Unhone jab se desh chhoda hai wo ek bar bhi yaha nahi aaye hain. Lekin is bar fans ko puri ummeed hai ki unki ichha jarur puri hogi. Social media sites par #comebackneil already trend kar raha hai. Toh chaliye unke intezar mein sunte hain unki first album ka ye record breaking number.”
Mini heard it, she made her grip on the latch strong. She was burning with anger. All her sufferings are because of that man and this stupid RJ is praising him like he is some God. She wanted to close her ears and stop listening to RJ’s rant but she was standing in the bus and didn’t want to loose the support she was taking by holding latch and fall down. So she tolerated somehow. The song started and she had no other option but to listen.
oh..o..its a beautiful night
and i feel i might
loose myself in your eyes
the moon is shining bright
pouring its silver light
and it makes me weak in knees
when you smile at me feeling shy
i don't wanna know whats wrong or right
just wanna be in your arms tonight
wanna hold you, kiss you, love you,
till the sun shines bright
She felt like her eyes will start shedding blood tears now. The song instantly reminded her of her first date with Neil. He had completed this song while they were dancing on the beach. She tried but couldn’t stop her tears which betrayed her and inspite of her chanting “I hate you Neil” like a mantra, tears rolled down giving away the actual emotions of grief…very deep sense of grief…of being bereaved and abandoned.
“STOP IT. Stop the song right now. I will go mad.” Mini screamed at the top of her voice. Everybody around her turned to look at her. Some thought she might have got some kind of attack or something like that, some thought she is crazy and distanced themselves from her, the driver of the bus applied sudden brake and the bus stopped with screech. Mini looked at everyone around her. Before anyone could ask anything from her, she ran to the door and jumped out of the bus.
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“Thank you for your support. I guess we can wrap this press meeting as all the questions have been answered now.” The PR manager of Hurricane, Luke, announced at the press meet organized for the promotion of their upcoming world tour.
“Luke please, we want a personal question segment.” One reported asked and others supported her too. Neil Oberoi was a controversy’s favorite child. Until now they only got boring business related Q&A segment but they wanted gossips and headlines and they knew how to take it out from celebs.
Luke knew what these reporters want but Mickey had already told him to deny personal questions. He tried to say no but ultimately had to give in due the pressure of media persons. He gave an apologetic look to Mickey and Mickey gestured him to handle the situation somehow and avoid any question which will offend Neil.
Mickey looked at Neil. He was totally stoned due to which he was at least behaving himself and was not creating any scene. He prayed to God to let him be calm until this session gets over. Mickey was now tired of handling controversies Neil, his statements, his acts created. Half of his and Luke time was spent in handling legal charges with their legal team and making public apologies on behalf of band and explaining them that Neil didn’t mean what he said when he very well knew from inside that his crazy friend actually meant the every word he spoke.
Reporters started asking personal questions to band members, Mickey being mature of them all handled everything, Bobby and Preet as usual gave witty answers making everyone laugh and Jazz was pretty straight forward on every issue. Now Mickey could sense Neil will be targeted next. He tried his best to avoid it but couldn’t.
“Neil, is it true that the recent case in which you were arrested for drunk and driving, the judge instead of announcing sentence has ordered you to do community service?” one reporter asked.
“Hmm, true.” Neil replied precisely and Mickey thanked his stars that Neil didn’t over reacted. The reporter was disappointed though.
“How does it feel to sweep the ground full of dirt and hope that all the dirt inside your heart and guilt of the offense will be wiped out?” The reported made another attempt to provoke him.
Neil saw him for good few seconds before responding. “I don’t know what it feels like. I don’t care.” He told.
“But you can….” The reporter tried to get a strong reaction from him but Mickey gestured everyone to stand up and they started to go before anything went out of their hands. But he underestimated the talent of media in creating controversy.
“Hey Neil! Why don’t you tell us about your tattoo?” another reporter threw a googly and Mickey knew now he cant do anything. Neil will be clean bowled.
“What about it?” Neil asked coldly, already feeling anger rising inside him.
“Many times questions have been asked but you don’t reply. It’s a very intricate design and we know its in hindi language and somone’s name is there but you have never really told us about it.” Reporter asked and had a wicked grin on his face. He knew Neil never answers this question. Whoever has asked this previously Neil has always created a scene.
“Wouldn’t it be better if instead of wondering about my tattoo, you should be wondering with whom your girl sleeps behind your back or you know what…send her to me. I will show her my tattoo and many more interesting things and you can ask from her later.” Neil replied and winked at the reporter.
The reporter fumed with anger. He didn’t expect insult in return, he was expecting some kind of action like Neil will throw things or break the table or something like that.
“What the hell? Mind your language. So what if you are a celebrity?” reported barked at him.
“You mind your business or else I’ll shove your mike up you’re a** next time you asked about my tattoo.” Neil threatened.
Some people laughed while some started talking loudly pointing out Neil’s misbehaviouor. But before anyone could have reacted more Mickey gestured everyone to rush out of the hall. Neil also came outside not before showing the middle finger to that report.
They all sat in the car and Neil gulped down whiskey as he remembered Mini again. He gulped some more as he went down the memory lane.
Flashback
“Neil, please tum samne dekh kar gaadi chalao nahi to accident ho jayega.” Mini warned him as he was looking at her instead of looking at the road.
“Tere chehre se nazar nahi hat ti nazare hum kya dekhe…” Neil had sung an old hindi song in response making Mini blush.
“God! You are as filmy as Arya you know.” Mini mocked him.
“Kya kare? Ishq ne Ghalib nikamma kar diya nahi toh hum bhi aadmi the kaam ke.” Neil replied earning another glare from Mini for the dialoguebazi.
“Arre ab tumhi batao main kya karu? Tum aajkal itni busy ho ki mere liye to tumhare pas time hi nahi hai. Itne dino baad hum date par aaye aur ab tumhe jaldi ghar bhi jana hai. Kabhi kabhi lagta tumhe sabse chhupakar apne dil mein rakh loon taki tum hamesha mere pas raho.” Neil replied then he saw a tattoo parlour and suddenly stopped as a thought struck him.
“Neil what are you doing? Tattoo parlour? Seriously? At this time?” Mini had asked with her hands up in frustration.
“Yes sweetheart. I got the idea….so will put it into action right now.” Neil winked at her.
“What idea?” Mini asked but got reply when Neil asked the artist to tattoo her name on his chest.
“Oh Neil…you don’t need to do this…” Mini requested him.
“Shshsh! Its my way of showing you how important you are for me.” Neil replied.
Mini was touched by the gesture. “Aisa hai toh phir main bhi karwaungi tumhare naam ka tattoo.”
“But aren’t you scared of needles. Arya told me once.” Neil inquired.
“Yes but…I can fight with all the fears for you.” Mini had answered confidently.
“Ok, tell me now, where should I get it done and show me the designs.” Mini asked the artist.
“You can get it on chest just like sir or on your waist or hand.” Artist suggested and showed the design.
Mini selected the heart design. “Hand seems boring plus mumma papa will freak out if they see it. So it will be either chest just below the neck or waist.” Mini thought for sometime.
Neil imagined Mini lowering her top or folding it upwards, for the artist to make tattoo. He immediately objected. “Not on chest or waist. Its final. Chose some other place.”
Mini gave him quizzical look as to what was the problem in chest or waist but he didn’t change his opinion then Mini decided to get it on back of her neck in that heart shaped design while Neil selected very intricate design. It was difficult to make out what is written unless you see it very clearly and closely. Just like he said, he wanted to hide Mini in his heart from everyone.
Flashback ends
They all came to their studio. “What was the need to lose your mind out there? The guy you insulted is the president of media person’s association. He can ban you and all the media houses will deny to cover your world tour.” Luke almost shouted on Neil. He was tired of his tantrums, his outrage on every trivial issue. He and his agency had handled many celebs PR but never had he ever came across a crazy person like Neil.
“Just shut the f**k up. You never do your work properly. You messed it up today also and you have the audacity to blame me. You should have not allowed them any personal questions.” Neil shouted back.
“It doesn’t work like that. You are a public figure. People want to know each and every detail of your life. So these media reporters have the right to poke their noses into your personal matters. That’s what keep you in headlines. And why the hell you are so bothered about this shit tattoo. I have lost the count of the occasions you have created a scene on this question. For God sake, explain it or get it removed.” Luke vent out his frustration.
Mickey gasped; everyone else also as they knew Luke cannot be saved now from Neil’s wrath. He has crossed the boundary by asking Neil to remove the tattoo. And just like everyone had predicted before Luke could have reacted or understood anything he felt a thud on his jaw and he was lying on the floor next second. For few seconds he was feeling dizzy because of the blow but once he gathered himself up he understood that Neil had punched him on the face and his one teeth was lying on the floor.
“Neil Oberoi, you are f**king crazy, literally a psycho. I am not working with you anymore and I will make sure no agency will handle your PR. I will see to it personally that image is ruined forever.” Luke threatened and left the studio. Nobody else had courage to talk to Neil in this state so they all left except Mickey.
“Kya tha ye Neil?” Mickey asked irritated from the way things turned out to be.
“Jo kuch hua tumhare samne hua na phir bhi puchh rahe ho?” Neil replied with gritted teeth, still angry.
“Aisa kab tak chalega Neil? Zara khud ko aaine mein dekho, bilkul badal chuke ho tum. Aur aisa bhi kya keh diya tha Luke ne. Ek tarah se sahi toh kaha na. Jab itni hi nafrat hai Mini se to kyu hai ab tak uske naam ka tattoo tumhare seene par…tumhare dil ke pas? Kyu nahi remove karwa dete ise?” Mickey taunted.
“BAS! Aage ek shabd bhi kaha to mera hath tum par bhi uth sakta hai.” Neil warned. Mickey knew it was an empty threat but it still hurt him. His friend was punishing himself every second of his life by burning himself in his anger.
“Koi andaza hai, kitne kadve ho chuke ho tum? Ye jo andar hi andar tum mein jo aag jalti rehti hai na nafrat ki….ek din isi mein fanaa ho jaoge.” Mickey commented.
“Fanaa hona manjoor hai lekin ye nafrat kabhi kam nahi hogi aur na hi uska ye naam mitega.” Neil replied pointing towards his tattoo. “Kyunki ye ek nasoor ki tarah chubta rehta hai mujhe….ehsaas dilata hai har pal uske dhoke ka aur main marte dum tak nahi bhulunga usne mere sath kya kiya….marte dum tak nafrat karta rahunga.” Neil said and left from there to drown himself in more alcohol.
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Mini came home stomping her feet. She was irritated after what happened at hospital and then in bus. Seems like Neil was not going to let her live peacefully. He is far away from her, in a different country, different time zone, he probably didn’t even remember her but still somehow manages to give her headache.
“Veer balika! You have come. See the news on tv. Hurricane has announced world tour and it includes Mumbai also. I cant believe Neil is coming back to Mumbai. Yayy!” Arya shouted with excitement aggravating Mini’s headache.
“Shut up Arya. How many times I have told you? We have nothing to do with this man. Aaj jo hamari condition hai wo sab isi aadmi ke karan hai. Tumhe itni si baat samajh kyu nahi aati?” Mini shouted.
“Yes I don’t understand. I don’t understand why you two broke up? Why you keep blaming him for our misfortune? Kaise samajh aayega? Jab tum bataogi tabhi na? Lekin tum mujhe kabhi kuch nahi batati. Ab main badi ho gayi hoon, mujhe jaanne ka haq hai.” Arya answered back. She had had enough of this suspense. She hated the fact that Mini never tells her anything citing the reason that she is immature to handle the truth but Arya always felt that if she knew everything from the starting then Mini and Neil would have never separated.
“I am tired Arya….not now please….dont start it again. I cant handle it right now.”Mini pleaded and then suddenly felt dizzy. Arya supported her somehow and Mini sat on Arya’s bed. Arya noticed the dark circle under Mini’s eyes.
“You haven’t slept the whole last night…right?” Arya guessed.
Mini averted her eyes in response. “Ye muh fer lene se kuch nahi hoga. I know you are worried about my operation. Take it easy sis. I know you are doing your best. Leave certain things in almighty’s hands. You need rest. Come lie down. ”Arya made Mini lie on her bed and took Mini’s head in her lap. She started patting her slowly to make her sleep. Exhausted from the hectic day and lack of sleep, Mini slept in just few minutes. She turned in her sleep that’s when Arya noticed her tattoo. On the back of her neck, Neil’s name written in beautiful handwriting between the heart.
“And she says that she hates Neil…my sister is stupid.” Arya thought and smiled as she caressed it and went down the memory lane.
Flashback
Arya was sleeping in her room when as usual Mini came at night to wish her goodnight. She was about to leave when Arya like always caught her hand.
“Kaha ja rahi ho? Neil ke sath date ki details kaun dega?” Arya teased her.
“Chhutanki, you are awake?” Mini smiled sheepishly.
Arya looked at her, her sister was smiling more than usual. She didn’t even scold her for asking the details. She looked somewhat nervous. Arya immediately jumped from the bed and cornered Mini.
“Kya chhupa rahi ho? Kuch to gadbad hai? Kya kiya tumne? Kahi tumne aur Neil ne mandir mein jakar shadi toh nahi kar li? Haww! Kya tum pregnant ho?” Arya fired many questions at once.
“Chhutanki! Tumhari zubaan jyada hi nahi chal rahi aajkal?” Mini admonished her.
“Don’t try to deviate me from the topic. Tell me whats the matter. Why you look nervous as if I caught you?” Arya inquired again.
“Offo! Tumhe jasoos hona chahiye tha singer nahi. Theek hai batati hoon but promise me you wont tell anything to anyone.” Mini held her hand out.
“Pakka promise.” Arya gave her hand excitedly. That’s when Mini turned around and moved her long hair sidewards to show her the tattoo she got tonight.
“Wow! So romantic. Neil ke naam ka tattoo.” Arya said dreamily. “Hey! But you are coward. You are scared of needles. Then how come you got this done?” Arya asked suddenly as she remembered Mini’s fear.
“When we were coming back from restaurant, I don’t know what happened to Neil? He saw atattoo parlour and stopped the car. He said he wanna get a tattoo. I just followed him in thinking its just one of his whim. But he said to the tattoo artist that he wants the tattoo of my name on his chest, near his heart. I was touched by the gesture. That man truly loves me. I mean he is just crazy for me. I was so overwhelmed that I suggested even I want to get his name tattoed….so…I was scared first but…I wanted to do it for him.” Mini explained. And Arya just hugged her in response. “You both are crazy. May you both be like this always.”She prayed.
Flashback ends
Arya came out of thoughts as her eyes fell on Neil's picture which they were showing on tv. "I hope is bar jab tum yaha aao to tum aur veerbalika phir se ek ho jao. God! If you really want to grant me one wish in exchange of all my good deeds then please reunite my veerbalika and Neil. I dont even want my life from you I just want them together." Arya prayed.
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to be continued...
precap- and they met again.
P.S. Mineil were supposed to meet in this chapter but then you guys wanted that tatto thing and more angst and bechaini before they meet so....hope you will like it.
Edited by Bechain_Bulbul - 4 years ago
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