FF: Betrayed by Love ~(Note pg 151)~ - Page 46

Hello everyone, hope you are all well.

I know I was supposed to post the update two days ago, but I couldn't find a good stopping point so I continued on, and I ended up with a very long update.

To make up for not posting two days ago, I am going to post both updates now.

Part 10B is in this post and please scroll down to the post below for part 10C.

Once again thank you everyone for liking and commenting on this FF.

Here we go.

Part 10B

Priya finally moved forward and shook her head as she looked at the man who was grinning at her with amusement. "I see you haven't changed a bit," she said then turned to Sameer. "Meet Avinash Mehra, or at least that is the name that he went by four years ago, he was also investigating Sikandar during our operation."

Sameer was not satisfied with the answers Priya gave, "How do you know he is a police officer and not a criminal?"

"He knew I was a cop from the very first moment he met me but didn't say anything. In fact he had several opportunities to blow my cover but instead he covered for me and got me out of a tough situation more than one time." Priya said.

Sameer immediately understood what Priya was trying to tell him and nodded his head in understanding.

Arjun noted the exchange between Sameer and Priya but didn't say anything. He knew he wouldn't get any straight answers from either of them so decided to wait and see what unfolds next.

"That is still the name I am going by Priya." Avinash said as he sat up straighter.

She nodded, "So what brings you to Mumbai and what were you doing with those three thugs?" Priya asked.

Avinash sat back, "Those three thugs were being tested for recruitment and I was sent along to make sure that nothing goes wrong."

Priya's eyes widened in shock, "You are still with them?"

Avinash shook his head, "No, I just rejoined them couple of months ago. My cover is still intact apparently. I heard from one of my informers that they were looking for me so my bosses decided to send me in again."

"Is he back?" Priya asked.

"I don't know, all I know is that his top man is around and is looking for people for the organization. I really don't have much information as of now but I knew you had joined the ETF here so took this opportunity to make contact with you." Avinash said.

"I have been here less than a week." She pointed out.

"I know this too, I have been keeping track of your movements for a while now." Avinash said with a smile. He knew Priya would be mad if she knew that he has been keeping track of her since she got out of hospital three years ago.

Priya realized she had forgotten all about Arjun and turned to him with alarm. To her surprise she saw nothing on his face to tell her if he has realized whom they were talking about.

"Why did you need to contact Priya specifically?" Arjun finally asked in a cold voice.

Avinash debated on whether to answer Arjun for a moment then shrugged his shoulders, "I know she was part of the team that was actively looking for Sikandar and she was brought to this ETF branch for a specific reason so it seemed reasonable to let her know what is going on and to establish contact with her."

Arjun knew that Avinash was not telling the whole truth, and his doubts were confirmed when Priya gave Avinash a grateful look, but didn't push for the whole truth yet. He will pursue Priya and her secrets after he catches up with Sikandar. For now he wanted his whole attention on finding Sikandar.

Arjun uncrossed his arms and walked over to Avinash then leaned down, "I hope you are telling the truth about not knowing whether Sikandar is back or not or else it will not be good for you." He spoke each work precisely to make sure Avinash understood the meaning behind his words.

Avinash did not back down nor did Arjun's words have any effect on him or his attitude of carelessness. "ACP Raute I had heard many things about you and your intuition, I hope that when the time comes you don't let things cloud this talent of yours. Anger is good, but to deal with Sikandar this time you will need to control this anger and deal with him calmly and not let him get to you."

Arjun moved back and crossed his arm again, "Don't worry about me and my temper when the time comes I will deal with him in my own way; why don't you tell us the real reason for your presence here if you don't really have any information on Sikandar."

"I have already told you what I know and the purpose for my visit here too. I wanted to make sure that I have a way to let Priya know when Sikandar does come back and to warn her to not trust anyone at this point." Avinash said.

"That is all good and well but how do we know you are not setting us up?" Sameer asked. He was not yet ready to trust Avinash.

"Verify with your boss," Avinash replied.

Sameer looked at Arjun who nodded his head to his silent question. He turned back towards Avinash, "Fine I will go verify with the commissioner while you tell my officers how you are going to contact us with any new information you come across." Sameer looked at Shree and Priya then walked out to call the commissioner.

Four hours later, Priya breathed a sigh of relief as they finished with Avinash. They had managed to establish several IDs on public social sites and establish certain codes so that Avinash can contact her when he comes across new information. Tension had lessened in the room once the commissioner had confirmed Avinash's cover and now they have everything in order for when Sikandar makes his appearance.

"We have done as much as we can to cover all the bases but your team will have to stay alert at all times." Avinash said as he stood up. He turned to Sameer, "Before you have your officers take me to local jail I would like to speak to Priya alone." He requested.

Sameer nodded to grant him the permission. Avinash had everything in place for his escape from jail, which will solidify his cover with Sikandar's men so he asked them to take him to jail instead of just letting him go free.

Once everyone left the room, Avinash walked around the table then leaned back on it as he observed Priya. He didn't let her see any of his inner feeling but his heart clenched when she refused to look up at him. He was sure seeing him had brought back memories that she probably did not want to remember; if he had a choice he would have never come in front of her but because of his involvement in her rescue and because he had also been undercover at that time the higher ups wanted him on the case again instead of establishing a cover for another officer.

He looked down at his shoes and braced himself before speaking. "I am sorry Priya for not being there to stop things before it was too late."

Priya sighed when she heard his apology; there it is the thing, that she had been afraid of most, back in her face for the second time today. She had ruthlessly pushed the memories back this morning while talking to Swati but now she had no choice but to face them again for the moment.

She walked over to stand beside Avinash, "Don't apologize for something you had no control over; you didn't know what was going to happen. You did your best to get me out before they could find me but they found me. If you hadn't come when you did I would not be standing here."

Avinash wished he could go back to that day and change things but one thing he will never regret about that day is killing the men who had been responsible for Priya's torture; he hoped they were all rotting in hell. He hadn't been able to avenge his sister but he had made sure that the men responsible for Priya's condition would not live to see another day.

He hadn't been able to save his sister but he had saved Priya, who had reminded him of his beloved sister from the moment he met her. He had tried to get her to leave but she had refused to go back after getting so far. He had admired her strength, determination, and guts to continue to do what she did even after knowing the consequences if she was to get caught. His worst nightmare had come true when he found out that Sikandar's brother and his men had found Priya's whereabouts after her cover was blown and she went underground. When he had finally reached her she had been barely conscious but she had not given up fighting them.

"So did you marry the love of your life?" Priya asked.

Avinash finally looked at her and grinned, "Yeah, two years ago." He said. He knew that she no longer wished to remember the past so he did not push her and let her change the subject. "I will have to introduce you to her one day."

Priya smiled back, "I would love to meet the woman I have heard so much about. How does she feel about you being undercover again?"

"She told me to be careful and come back to her in one piece then pushed me out the door." He said with a grin. "She is an amazing woman."

Priya frowned, "Are you sure she is safe and they don't know anything about you?"

Avinash stood up straighter to walk towards the door, "Don't worry, she is in a safe place and no one knows my real identity accept for few key people."

Priya followed him out the door to escort him to the conference room. She stopped before she opened the door to the conference room to look at him. "Be careful and keep your promise to your girl."

Avinash hesitated, glanced into the conference room then turned back to her, "Can I ask you something?"

"What?" Priya asked anxiously.

"It's been almost three years now since everything happened but you are still staying away from the man you love. Why?"

"Who says I still love him?" Priya asked.

"Your beautiful hazel eyes can't hide what you feel for him." He replied. "Don't worry only a person who is looking for it would know how you feel about him and he is too blind to see what is in front of him." Avinash said when he saw her worried expression.

"Let it go Avinash, not everybody gets their happily ever after." She said. Priya opened the door before he could say anything to counter her statement.

*~+~*

Please scroll down for Part 10C😊

Part 10C

One hour after Chotu took Avinash to local jail Priya walked into a silent conference room. Her team members were busy completing their part of the reports for the incident of the morning. The silence in the room was broken by only an occasional tap of Shree's laptop as he typed or of papers being shuffled from one pile to another.

She had left the conference room after a quick goodbye to Avinash, no one had stopped her but she had felt Arjun's intense gaze on her back as she left. She gave no explanation for leaving knowing Sameer and Avinash would both understand her need to be alone to compose herself and to lock the memories back in the far corner of her mind.

Sameer looked up when the door to the conference room opened, he immediately put aside his file and frowned, "Priya I thought I gave you the day off, why are you still here?"

Priya shrugged her shoulders as she pulled out the closest chair to sit in, not realizing that for the first time she was sitting close to Arjun. "I was going to come in anyways before the morning incident happened so there was no need to go home." She placed the two files, she was holding, in front of her.

She had took the time to compose herself before coming back in front of her team to answer the questions that she was sure were bound to come up, especially from the man who was watching her intently. She had debated for half hour on whether to share the information she had gathered during her undercover stint and the file she had composed on Sikandar in the past two years. She had finally made a decision and called the commissioner to ask for permission to share what she knew. He had granted the information but told her to be careful.

She picked up the file on the top and handed it to Sameer, "Here is my report for the morning incident."

Sameer took the file and placed it beside his but he didn't take his gaze off of Priya. He knew the day has been hard on her and the strain of Avinash's sudden appearance was clearly visible in her face no matter how hard she was trying to hide it. He knew that the day would come when she will have to come face to face with the past that she had worked so hard to put aside but he still couldn't help but feel helplessness at not being able to shield her from the memories of what happened to her.

He glanced at Arjun across the table, there is only one person who can bring joy back in Priya's life but unfortunately he was too busy feeling guilty and repenting for his wife's death to see the pain and turmoil in Priya's eyes. And Priya would never let Arjun see the pain let alone tell him about her ordeal.

Sameer still couldn't figure out to this day why Arjun married Roshni when he had felt so strongly for Priya. In the past Sameer had easily read Arjun's feelings and from the moment he told Sameer about Priya, he had known that Arjun had been clueless in regards to his fascination with Priya.

Arjun had only one goal in mind and that is to become a police officer, not just any police officer but one of the best police officers he can be. Nothing and no one had got in the way of his goal. He could have been anything he wanted to be with his family's well to do background but instead he chose to be a police officer and serve his country and left the family business up to his father and older brother.

Priya had been the first girl to catch his friend's interest but for some reason Arjun decided to distance himself from not only Priya but from him too once they all finished their training. Sameer wished he knew how to bring happiness back into both of his friends' lives.

Priya took a silent deep breath then held out the file to Sameer, "This is a file of my investigation on Sikandar while I was undercover and things that I put together in the past two years."

Arjun sat up straighter as Sameer took the file and started scanning the content in the file. He felt different sort of calmness come over him, not that he hadn't wanted to avenge Roshni's death, but now that it looked as if he is finally going to fulfill the promise he made to her something was holding him back.

The new things he discovered in the past two days had made him step back and think through the events of the past. The night before he had made up his mind to fix few things before he could truly move forward in his journey to avenge Roshni's death.

There are several people he needed to make things right with before he faced Sikandar because he knew that this time he would either capture Sikandar or die trying. If by any chance he did not make it through his fight with Sikandar then he wanted to leave this world without any regrets.

Priya didn't dare look at Arjun as she explained the content of the file. "Most of the businesses listed in that file no longer exist. They were shut down one by one after Sikandar disappeared. Some were ceased by the government and some he liquidated before he disappeared."

Sameer passed the file to Arjun then entwined his hands in front of him then nodded to Priya to continue.

"It also contains the lists of people who had invested in his companies at one time or another. We were unable to determine if these people were aware of his illegal activities behind his legitimate businesses since the name that appears on those businesses is not Sikandar's name."

He quickly scanned through the first few pages then stopped at the last page to scan through the list of names Priya had provided. He looked up at her in shock then glanced at Sameer to see that he also hadn't known about some of the people listed in Priya's file.

Priya knew that both Sameer and Arjun would have hard time believing that some influential politicians, businessmen and actors would knowingly be involved in Sikandar's illegal activities.

"We don't have a solid proof against some of the people listed in the files and even if we questioned them we wouldn't get anything out of them because they will claim to invest in a company they believed was doing a legitimate business and they had no idea the owner of the company was a big underworld boss." Priya explained.

"But that could be true too, may be they really didn't know that the company owner was doing with their money." Chottu said.

"Unfortunately in case of some of the people listed in the file it is the truth but there were few people on that list who knew the truth, most especially the politicians because without them Sikandar couldn't have gotten away with so many things for many years."

They had been so close to exposing the face behind Sikandar but he found out that police was close to exposing him so he had put his own plan in motion to go underground but not before he got rid of the people responsible for his down fall.

Arjun placed the file in the middle of the table. "According to this file the company's CEO was Nikhil Malhotra so how did you find out that the company is owned by Sikandar?"

Priya fisted her hand under the table then looked at Sameer who gave her a slight nod to encourage her. "We stumbled up on the information accidentally when we received information that one of the most reputable modeling agency in Delhi was dealing in human trafficking under the guise of making young girls top models. The informer didn't have enough evidence for us to go in to investigate so I was sent to see if I can be hired as a temporary employee there and fortunately for us they needed someone to cover for their accountant who had left because of health reasons."

"They must have had actually made few of the girls top models if they were reputable." Arjun said as he turned his chair towards Priya.

"Yes they did but not all girls who go to sign up with these type of agencies are modeling material and then there are girls who, despite their families objections, want to become models so they get lured in by false promises and run away from home, these are the girls who are never seen again." Priya recalled her first time she had visited the agency and how surprised she had been to see so many young girls who had been there to get signed on by the agency.

"We knew something was not right soon after I started working as temporary accountant. At first I was only given minimal work to do but once it became too difficult for the manager to keep up with the work I was given more responsibilities and that is when I noticed the discrepancy in the books. When I discretely investigated more I discovered that this was more than just a human trafficking business. The agency was smuggling girls out but they were also smuggling things into our country too.

She braced herself before she continued to tell him why she had chosen to remain undercover. "We were to go ahead as planned in order to shut the agency down at least but before we could do this I was noticed by Sikandar's brother, Vikram who had come to check on the agency. He decided he wanted me to work for them on permanent basis but not in Delhi but in Mumbai. At the time he gave no reason for his decision to hire me permanently or the reason for the move.

Arjun sensed Priya was keeping something back so he didn't take his eyes off of her and waited for her to continue. She had sounded almost surprised when she talked about Vikram noticing her and that had alerted him to the fact that Priya must have underplayed her looks more than usual. Priya had always underplayed her look but her classic beauty always shined through no matter how much she had tried to hide it. He turned his chair away before his mind started wandering into the past.

Sameer had let Priya talk and not interfered but decided to step in to finish telling his team about rest of events that had landed them both in Mumbai. "Priya was supposed to be pulled out but once Vikram noticed her we had no choice but to continue with her cover and that is how she and I ended up here in Mumbai."

Arjun had been brought in at this point because of his department's investigation in the illegal activities in the city and because of his success at solving the cases quickly. He had been shocked to learn that Priya was working as undercover agent and Sameer was her contact person. At the time he had worried for Priya and had also felt the pain when he realized just how apart he had grown from his two best friends.

Once again his mind started to wander back into the past but Arjun pushed it back into the far corner of his mind to think on it at a later time. He folded his hands in front of him as he thought about how the information they had from the past could be useful in gaining insights into Sikandar's whereabouts and his current activities. His mind clicked through the possibilities when he suddenly remembered where he had heard the name Nikhil Malhotra.

Arjun snatched the file back from the table and flipped through it one more time to everyone's surprise. No one spoke a word as he scanned through each page again knowing it won't be long before Arjun reveals what new clue he discovers from the file in his hand.

Priya and Sameer had anticipated on Arjun to recognize the CEO's name much earlier but when he didn't react the first time they thought maybe he was not aware of Roshni's connection to Nikhil at all.

Chotu and Shree were clueless of the current events but they were in awe of the three seniors in front of them. They had guessed that their two bosses had a past together but Priya's presence had added a whole new dimension to the relationship. They were also stunned by Priya and what she had risked to work undercover and admired her for her bravery. There was only one other person whom they had seen sacrifice all for the good of the innocent people of the city and today they finally realized why Priya reminded them so much of their best friend Riya. This realization only made them even more determined to do what they can when they deal with Sikandar.

Arjun scanned the list on the second page twice before he realized that he hadn't been wrong. He tried to think back to days during their investigation on Sikandar and tried to remember when Roshni had mentioned Malhotra's name in connection with her school. He remembered her saying that he was a major benefactor of her school and also the orphanage she volunteered at time to time.

There had also been a major charity event hosted by Malhotra that Roshni had wanted him to attend with her but he had declined due to the ongoing investigation of Sikandar. He also remembered she had been upset over it, more than usual. That had been the first time she had asked him to attend the event and skip his duty for the night which she had never done before and now he wondered why she had been so adamant about it.

"Raute are you okay?" Sameer asked.

Arjun looked up to see Sameer staring at him intently while Priya still had her face turned away from him. He had a feeling both Sameer and Priya were aware of the connection between Roshni and Nikhil but what he didn't understand is why they didn't mention this to him before? "It seems Malhotra was Roshni's school benefactor. He provided all the money to run the school."

Sameer shrugged it off casually with a "Yeah, but then it seems he was a benefactor of many schools and charities in the area." Arjun was sure it is not as simple as Sameer was trying to make it, he was sure there was more to it than that but didn't push the issue for now.

He nodded then gave the file to Shree. "Shree see if you can get into the financial records of the people listed in this file, most especially the activities of the past two years. We will be able to see if anyone has had some major deposits or withdrawals lately. I want to know every little details of their lives, phone records, their travel time and places, everything."

Shree took the file "Yes sir."

Arjun then turned to Chottu, "Chottu get all your informers activated and find out everything you can on anything new that is happening around our area but be discreet when you mention Sikandar's name."

Chottu also nodded, "Ji sir, I will get started right away."

Sameer and Priya exchanged a look but stayed quiet knowing Arjun wasn't doing anything different from what they would have done. Sameer decided it was time to call it a day and step away from everything for now and start fresh in the morning. They still had no clue about Sikandar's whereabouts and tracking him is not going to be easy either.

"We are finished with reports of today's case, go home everyone," he stood up also then turned to Priya. "Priya come I will drop you off at home on my way.." He stopped before saying Swati's name.

Priya raised an eyebrow when he stopped knowing exactly where Sameer wanted to be at that moment and smiled for the first time since that morning. "It's okay Sameer, you go ahead to where you are headed I will find a way home."

Chottu was about to open his mouth to offer Priya a ride but Shree stopped him and gestured towards Arjun who was watching Priya closely.

Sameer was about to argue but Arjun interrupted him. "I will drop Priya off at home Sameer." He spoke casually but his tone left no room for any arguments. He stood up then tucked his gun in its place, "I will wait for you outside Priya." He waited to see if she would turn and look at him but when she didn't move he nodded at Sameer and walked out.

Chotu and Shree also gathered their things and followed Arjun out of the conference room leaving stunned Priya and amused Sameer alone in the conference room.

Priya finally moved and glared at Sameer, "You did that on purpose," she accused him when she saw him trying to hide his amusement.

Sameer threw up his hands, "How was I supposed to know he would offer to take you home?"

Priya knew she was being unfair but didn't back down, "Sameer I will get you back for this." She said as she stood up and started walking towards the door.

"Why are you scared to be alone with him?" Sameer's question made Priya freeze in her tracks. He had asked her the same question five years ago also when he realized Priya's true feelings for Arjun.

"My answer is still the same as it was five years ago, but this time I really don't have anything to offer him." She walked out without looking back at Sameer.

*~+~*

Thank you, will be back with another update soon.

-Res- Yay!! Told ya.. 😉

-Unres-

I'd been on a phone call and was very groggy.. Yet, the update put up a smile on my face.. I've re-read it again and here I am back to bore you with a long comment.. 😉😆

Firstly, Thank you for the double-updates.. 😃
Ab aapki tareef karke thak gayi hoon.. 😉 So, let me praise your Characters for a change! 😉😛

Chapter 10 B
I'm sort of relieved to know that Avinash is not a shady character.. It's good to see, another one of Priya's confidantes coming back to her; she probably is going to need him in the near future..
He seems to be a bit like Rathore; who exactly is aware of the turmoil, she's been in before..
Also, I hope he's the one who stands by Priya, when the past comes crashing down on everyone.. Coz clearly, he is aware of Priya-Arjun's relationship in the past.. And also, since he was instrumental in rescuing her out of hell.. It's a pity that what happened had to happen..

Each time, I try and overlook those horrors in Priya's past and intend to move on into the present; bam! You bring up something that makes me sigh with despair.. Alas, the truth is indeed bitter..

'"Let it go Avinash, not everybody gets their happily ever after.'.. This is what makes me numb, dear..

I hope a day comes when her faith in love and happiness is re instilled, by the man himself!

Chapter 10C
Arjun Rawte, he's a man with 100 shades of grey.. You may dislike him at times; but you gotta agree, he's a mastermind and a man with amazing self-control.. He has guilt clawing at him, his past knocking on his doors, two friends keeping secrets from him; yet the brain doesn't stop ticking!
I'm not sure whether I like Arjun putting two and two together.. Coz whatever, the outcome is, he's going to be left heart-broken and burdened with even more guilt..
He is slowly coming around and I'm glad he still considers them close enough to try and mend things with them..

It does feel nice to see him being concerned about Priya and her actions.. But then again, life isn't going to be easy for the duo..

The back-story indeed sounds very interesting.. Nikhil Malhotra definitely seems to be a shady guy.. I'm going to sit back and watch the story unfold.. After Priya, this is the bit I've been looking forward to ever since you've posted the first Part.. (you know why.. 😉)

Rathore has these streaks, where I can't help but adore him..

The last bit of conversation between the three friends was refreshing.. Just when I had expected to read about a flustered Priya and a musing Arjun, you gave us a reality check; leaving me with a heavy heart!

"My answer is still the same as it was five years ago, but this time I really don't have anything to offer him." She walked out without looking back at Sameer.

And my reply to this one, would be the same as for Part B..
'Hope is the thing with feathers..
That perches in the soul..'

Great work, once again, Shilpa.. 👏 I've really run out of words to praise you, dear..

Thanks for the PM.. Do continue sooner.. Eagerly awaiting more on this one.. 😃

Res

yayyy u updated it!!!!!

That was really hardwork priya did...

Lovely update Shilpa di..!!!

long...beautiful update... loved it... the story is getting more interesting... keep up the great work...