..... THE NANNY........ Chapter 67-68 Pg 107* UPDATED last part* - Page 54

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

It had been a long night and God only knew how this day was supposed to go. Raman had an appointment with Ishita's people to discuss what the way forward was going to be for the website design. He hadn't spoken to her since the incident at his house and wasn't sure whether she would even show up.

'Did you at least call her...'' Said Romi

'No...'' Said Raman as he continued looking at his tablet

'Did you at least care to find out if she was alright...'' Said Romi

'No...'' Said Raman

'You do realize she didn't act without provocation...'' Said Romi

'Can we drop this...'' Said Raman

'No we shall not drop this... The IYER Technologies people are coming here in the afternoon. If she doesn't show up this morning then we have nothing to show them... it is even worse if she backs out ...That is not good...'' Said Romi

'She will show up...'' Said Raman seemingly calm

'You seem awfully calm about all this... Am I missing something ...'' Said Romi

'No... But I also have never known her to be unprofessional...'' Said Raman causing Romi to look at him as he chuckled

'I can't believe you said that to me with a straight face...'' Said Romi turning to see who was coming in

'Good Morning Sir... Uhhh they are finally here... They are waiting for you in the conference room...'' Said Barun

'Morning...'' Said Romi

'Good Morning... Shall we...'' Said Raman to his brother and they walked out together

Raman walked into the conference not knowing what to expect or how she was going to react. He knew better than to think she was just going to take this on the chin and let go. She held on to stuff, he had come to learn that about her but he also hoped she would see reason and understand.

There was a bunch of people in there and he could only recognize Priya and Mihika. Everyone else seemed strange to him. He had never met them and the person he was expecting wasn't even there. Everyone except Mihika didn't seem like they were prepared for that meeting. One of the guys was wearing short shorts and a t-shirt, Priya was dressed too casual as well and they didn't seem like they even knew what they were here to do.

'Good Morning everyone...'' Said Romi

'Morning...'' They said as they took their seats

'Morning Mihika...'' Said Romi

'Good Morning how are you...'' She said

'Oh I see she gets a special greeting...'' Said Priya

'Oh stop it... Not the time or place...'' Said Mihika

'Okay... I was kidding... Relax a bit...'' Said Priya as she took her seat

'Okay... This Priya for those who don't know her... That is Shlok and that is Varun...'' Mihika added

'Hey... Hello...'' Said Raman as he greeted them

'Head of the project is Ishita who isn't here but am sure she doesn't need any introductions here...'' Said Mihika

'We are already late, I think we should start...'' Said Barun whose opinion was already biased

'Uhh... Where is baby G...'' Said Varun

Who...'' Said Romi

'Ishita... Where is she...'' Said Priya

'I thought she was with you. She left last night and... Hold on she didn't spend the night at your place...'' Said Raman

'No... I didn't see her... Plus why would she just leave your house like that without you knowing where she is...'' Said Mihika

'She is a grown woman why would he inquire about her whereabouts...'' Said Barun but everyone just ignored him

'Well until Baby G show up... I am not doing anything...'' Said Varun

'She only disappears like this when...'' Priya began but was interrupted by Mihika

'She is calling me...'' Said Mihika

'Hey Ishu... Where are you...'' She added

'What... You're sure...'' Said Mihika before she turned to Raman and said

'She is down at reception, your receptionist won't let her in...''

'Wait what... Why...'' Said Priya

'Hold on... Is that the bit...'' Said Shlok began but Mihika again interrupted

'Hold your tongue...'' She said and he kept quiet

'I will take care of it...'' Said Romi as he walked out

They all stayed there looking at each other as the whole situation had suddenly become awkward. Thankfully it didn't take long for Romi to come back in with Ishita who was dressed in just a t-shirt and a pair of jeans with a backpack.

'Baby G... I was beginning to think you abandoned us...'' Said Varun

'I would never you know that... And stop calling me that...'' Said Ishita as she walked in hugging him

'You know you love it...'' He said as he hugged her back

'Why the hell wouldn't the let you in...'' Said Priya

'Domestic staffs are not allowed on this floor apparently...'' Said Ishita completely ignoring Raman

'Hey Barun...'' He added

'Hey...'' Barun said

'What do you mean domestic staff...'' Said Mihika but Ishita just shrugged

'Well that is backward...'' Said Shlok

'Usually you give her an earful...'' Said Priya

'Yeah well I wasn't in the mood...'' Said Ishita as she sat down and finally looked at Raman

'Good Morning Boss...'' She said and he looked at her for a second or two before he answered

'Morning...'' He realized that it was going to be harder than he thought

'Okay shall we start now...'' Said Barun

And they all took out their laptops and began their presentation. They had managed to get a lot done in the little time they were given and that to it was unbelievable work. They, Ishita, Priya and Varun talked software and schematics while Shlok and Mihika talked about the concept of the business and how it would play out in reality.

It was quite impressive how they took everything Ishita had said and almost brought it to reality. For a group that seemed really unprepared, they knew exactly what they were talking about.

'Now this is just a prototype, there is still a lot more glitches that we have to take care of and also a few things we need to handle to ensure it doesn't crush but Baby G said you needed something to represent today and this will work...'' Said Varun

'And as for the proposal... You can use this one as a reference... Any questions ...'' Said Mihika

Romi who was mesmerized just begun crushing even more. There is nothing sexier than a woman who so smart and beautiful. Raman was no less. That was unbelievably impressive. It was like they all spoke the same language and understood each other and he could tell they had been working together for a while.

'How many programs do you intend to merge into this one page?'' Said Barun

'Well technically it is just one program. We just work around that and improve to give us what we want'' Said Varun

'We didn't have to discard what you had done already. We just improved that a bit...'' Said Ishita

'Not a bit maybe a lot...'' Said Shlok playfully

'I get that but the software you all are using is... Are you sure we are allowed to use this...'' Said Barun

'Are you saying we are giving you illegal stuff...'' Said Priya

'No... But no offence you girls do not think you have the capacity to...'' Barun began

'Oh careful... I don't think you want to piss off the people who are saving your asses now...'' Said Shlok

'And just for the record... The software we use, the algorithm it runs on, I developed it, my-self... And yes, I am that smart and I have the capability to do it.'' Ishita said

'I didn't...'' Barun said knowing his comment didn't come out right

'Oh and it will be my hands and brain that do the coding, not my ovaries...'' Said Ishita and Romi coughed trying not to laugh

Barun had insulted them and in a way he deserved that comment. What he was about to say was very sexist and they rightly so didn't take it well.

'Ishu...'' Whispered Mihika

'Oh sorry... I am supposed to be on my best behavior...'' Said Ishita looking at Barun

'Okay this is actually unbelievable work, thank you. I would have asked you to hold on such that I take it back to my people but who are we kidding I can sell this to them blindfolded. It is that good...'' Said Romi

'Thank you... I knew I liked you...'' Said Priya

'Uhh Ishita, I need you to explain all this to Iyer Technologies since...'' Raman began

'Yeah never gonna happen...'' Said Shlok and Varun at the same time

'I wasn't finished...'' Said Raman

'Oh we know but we still say no to your suggestions. There is a reason she works with us, she is not a people person like we are so we handle clients...'' Said Shlok

'Besides I can explain all this just as well as she does...'' Said Varun

'Yeah well no offence but you can't seriously represent RKB Fashions...'' Said Barun

'Excuse me...'' Said Varun offended

'I mean look at the way you are dressed. We need someone professional and she can pull it off...'' Said Barun

'She is dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. That is professional wear to you...'' Said Priya amused

'And in any case... You are hiring me not my clothes. Also you know what, I came here on her behest otherwise I never really work under anyone but she asked me to and I like her...'' Said Varun turning to Ishita

'She is such a doll and I love her so what she asks for normally she gets. That is why am here not because of your company. Secondly do not get it twisted you need me, not the other way round. Insult me one more time and I walk...'' He added

'Hey chill... Come on... You seriously can't let him get under your skin... I mean we worked for sheik and he was worse than him...'' Said Ishita downplaying the moment

'You know what, we have delivered what we wanted and Shlok and Mihika handle everything else...'' Ishita added and she began realizing maybe it was time they left

'Your right, am hungry anyway...'' Said Varun and he and Priya stood up

'You're always hungry...'' Said Priya as she gathered her laptop and started walking out

'Hold on we are not done...'' Said Romi

'No... With them you are... They handle the technical stuff, the good stuff. I handle the rest... So let's talk money.'' Said Mihika

'I don't...'' Barun began

'Oh come on... You didn't possibly think we were doing this for free did you...'' Said Shlok but Raman's attention was a bit taken

'Ishita wait...'' He said causing her to turn

'Uhh... Romi can you...'' He began

'I got it don't worry...'' Said Romi

'Thanks...'' He said as he stood up and followed Ishita outside

'Your brother trusts you that much...'' Said Mihika who was in all honesty quite impressed

'Yeah as I do him. Plus, I am that good... Let us talk money shall we...'' Said Romi and that meeting continued

'Can I talk to you please...'' Said Raman as he got outside

'Sure... What is it...'' Said Ishita who was seemingly calm

'Uhh...'' Said Raman as he looked at Priya and Varun who were staring at him

'In private if you don't mind...'' He added

'Guys, wait for me outside... This won't take long...'' Said Ishita

'You're sure... I am hungry and if you have to go back to nanny work...'' Varun began

'No... I quit that...'' Said Ishita much to Priya's surprised

'Whoa... Wait What...'' Said Priya but Ishita just turned

'Where do you suppose we talk?'' She added

'In my office... Shall we...'' Said Raman as he led the way and Ishita followed

'What the hell happened in that paradise...'' Said Varun

'I am not so sure actually... She didn't say...'' Said Priya looking at them one last time before she finally walked out

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CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

'Can I get you something...'' Said Raman as they walked inside

'Why are you being so formal with me...'' Said Ishita

'Oh I thought that is what we are going to be doing now given as you pretty much acted like I was nonexistent the entire morning...'' Said Raman

'This is stupid... What do you want to talk to me about...'' Said Ishita irritated

'You still mad I can see...'' He said sitting down

'I am still failing to see why you asked me to come in here...'' Said Ishita

'Ishita come on... You know I had no choice and you didn't give me a chance to have one either. She can step out of bounds I know that. I mean she is my mom but the way you...'' Raman began

'I am pretty sure this conversation ended yesterday and I said what I wanted to say on that matter. There is nothing left to say. If that is why you called me in here I am...'' She began

'Ishita come on... You can't possibly think that it was okay the way you...'' He began

'If this is what you want to talk about I am not in the mood. I just wanna go home.'' She said

'Please, I am begging you, just hear me out...'' He said and she turned and looked at him

'Listen, everything was just out of hand... You were mad and acting crazy, my mom was mad and acting crazy and...'' He began

'Raman... Honestly you do not have to justify anything to me...'' She said looking away as she murmured

'Not that it is an explanation but rather an insult... Apologize my ass...''

'You see...'' Said Raman who had heard her

'You are impulsive, very impulsive and maybe that is a good thing sometimes, I don't know but you can't act like that around people. Not everyone is going to understand you like I do. These are my parents and she is my mom what did you expect me to do...'' He said

'I don't know, but not that '' Said Ishita

'If I took your side it would have been worse trust me I know. And I also would have created more trouble and drama than need be. I just figured you would see reason and apologize and just end it there...'' Said Raman

'Apologize... She insulted me and somehow that is okay because what... She is my boss... She is Bhalla... I am the help... What makes you think that it is okay for her to speak to people like that?'' Said Ishita

'It is not right I know that but she is older to you...'' He began

'Oh and it is absolutely fine for her to just barrage insults at me then...'' Said Ishita

'I never said that... All I am saying is she needs a bit of respect because she is older than you...'' Said Raman

'Oh Please give me a break. Respect isn't got just because one has a few years on someone. You have to earn it. It is implied if you are an elder but it takes more than being one to retain it. Your mother is a mean human being Raman and I am sorry because I know this annoys you but it is just a statement of fact. Do you even look closely to see how she treats Neelu and Mihir? They never tell you because they are desperate for their jobs and like working for you. Rinky gets away with so much that you have no idea about because they know once they try and do something about it, Mama Bhalla will pounce like a bear... Your kids as well that is why they got away with so much with every nanny you hired they got fired. At some point you are going to figure out that everyone is not wrong all the time when the problem is with the same person...'' Said Ishita in one breath and she knew she had said some pretty terrible things but she needed to get that off her chest

'What makes you think it is okay to talk to me like that?'' Said Raman defensively but Ishita just kept quiet

'I think you have suddenly forgotten your boundaries and you are beginning to imagine that you have earned the right to judge my family. It doesn't give you the right to say what you want just because we are...'' He began but she cut him off

'Do not even for one second go their...'' She said angrily and Raman began back tracking again seeing she was seriously hurt

'Ishi...'' He said

'No... No... No...Do you what is more insulting? The fact that you think screwing me is the reason I acted the way I did. I am not Sarika. I have more self-esteem than that. I do not need to be screwed by a man in order to feel empowered. I almost beat her ass because that hag insulted my mother Raman... She insulted my mother and just like you would go to the end of the world to protect yours I will go to the end of the world to protect my mother's reputation...'' Said Ishita as tears filled her eyes

'I would have expected you to understand given what I told you not so many hours earlier but... Why do I even care...'' Said Ishita as she cleared her blurry vision

'Ishita I know...'' He began but she cut him off again

'I would have been raised in hound with dogs and she would still have a problem with me. I would have been raised by angels and she would still have a problem. The only way that goes away is if she thinks I had some money to my name...She is superficial and narrow minded'' She said as she grabbed her back pack much to Raman's surprise because he could see her feelings were really hurt and in all honestly he could understand why

'And you know what, I don't apologize for shit. I should have whipped her ass and taught her some manners. As a matter of fact f**k you all... She added as began walking out

'Ishita wait... Hold on... Will you let me talk to you...'' He said as he tried to catch up with her only for the door to go wide open and she bumped into someone

'What the...'' Said Ishita as she took a few steps back

'Raman... Is everything okay...? Should I call security ...'' Said Sarika looking at Ishita

'Oh for f**k's sake...'' Said Ishita as she pushed Sarika out of the way and walked out

'Do you have any sense in that brain of yours?'' Said Raman as he looked at Sarika

'I just wanted...'' Sarika began

'You know what... I want you to go to human resources, tell them to transfer you to storage... You know what forget that, I will talk to human resources myself...'' Said Raman as he walked out

'Wai... What the hell...'' Said Sarika surprised

Raman got outside and Ishita had gotten to the lounge area and was talking to Priya. He began making his way down the stairs and Ishita and her friends walked out.

'You're okay Baby G...'' Said Varun

'I am good thank you...'' Said Ishita

'Okay... I will go get the car...'' Said Varun

'You bought a car...'' Said Ishita trying to drift attention away from what was actually going on

'More like borrowed... Shlok's brother's car ...'' Said Varun

'You stole his car again...'' Said Ishita

'We didn't steal... We borrowed... Besides he never really misses it...'' Said Varun as he winked causing Ishita smile and he walked to the parking lot

'Ishu...'' Said Priya as she pulled her back

'What is going on? And where did you spend the night...'' Said Priya

'Nothing is wrong and I just wanted time alone what is the big deal...'' Said Ishita

'That such a load of bull... What happened between you two...'' Said Priya

'Nothing important...'' Said Ishita

'Ishu...'' Said Priya knowing she was holding something back

'Fine... I almost fought with Lucifer...'' Said Ishita and Priya's mouth suddenly formed an o-shaped expression out of shock

'What...'' Said Priya

'I cursed her out a little... Okay maybe a lot and Raman got angry he asked me to apologize I said no, cursed them some more then I quit... Shall we leave now...'' Said Ishita as Varun come back with the car

'Hold on...'' Said Priya putting the bag in the back seat and entering the car

'What do you mean? What happened that got you so crazy...'' Said Priya

'She said I was a poster girl for bad daughter and said my mother's upbringing was horrible... No one has the right to say that about her especially people who didn't even know her...'' Said Ishita

'Who the hell said that...'' Said Varun

'Lucifer...'' Said Priya as she turned to her friend hugging her

'Who is Lucifer...'' Said Varun but the girls weren't answering

'I am so sorry...'' Said Priya who understood all too well that when it came to Ishita Iyer, Anjali Shergill was a topic they avoided a lot. It was the easier thing to do

'No biggie... I am fine...'' Said Ishita but she wasn't fooling anyone

'Come on Ishu... Are you sure because you don't look like it...'' Said Priya

'Am good... I do not want to talk about it...'' Said Ishita

'Hey... Wait...'' Said Raman as he got to where they were

'Isn't that your boss... Why is he running over here like a crazy person...? Wait is he Lucifer...'' Said Varun as they all looked at Raman

'No...'' Priya and Ishita said at the same time

'Come on Ishita now you are just enjoying making me act like a crazy person...'' Said Raman as he got to her car

'I didn't ask you to come after me. That was your choice and I quit so you can't make me stay...'' Said Ishita

'No you didn't, I don't accept...'' Said Raman

'Too bad it is not your choice then...'' Said Priya

'Okay look... We need to finish this conversation and...'' Said Raman and Ishita said

'Varun, what are we waiting for? I have a thing I need to get to...'' Completely ignoring him

'We have to wait for Shlok and Mihika...'' Said Varun

'Oh right... Then I will take a cab...'' Said Ishita as she got out of the car

'Ishita wait... Okay, I apologize on her behalf...'' Said Raman following her

'I am not interested...'' Said Ishita as she made it out

'Wait... Will you calm down for just a second? ' He said as he walked standing in front of her

'Look I handed that poorly I know but you didn't give me chance to...'' He began but Ishita cut him off

'Ask me to apologize some more... No thank you... This is even ridiculous I wanna leave...'' Said Ishita

'Okay...I am sorry...'' He suddenly said and she could tell it had taken a lot from him to actually say that to her but as Raman was about to find out, forgiveness wasn't something she gave away easily as well especially where her mother was concerned. Also the reason she was acting like was had absolutely nothing to do with her anger for the day before. She walked ahead and left him there

'Ishita please... Ishi...come on...You're over reacting...'' He said not believing she had made it outside the gate and was getting into an auto

Priya and Varun who had gotten out of the car were looking at them not believing their eyes. Raman was obviously angry, Ishita wasn't in the mood to even care, and they were realizing there was more to this relationship than what meet the eye. This was Raman Kumar Bhalla running after his nanny. If that didn't raise eyebrows then nothing would.

'Hey Varun... Make yourself scarce...'' Said Priya as Raman made it back

'What... Why...'' Said Varun

'Come on... Go find out if she is okay...''Said Priya

'How the hell am I supposed to do that. She just left while we were both here...'' Said Varun and Priya turned looking at him with an insinuation

'You girls I swear...'' He said as he turned walking back into the building

'So...'' Said Priya as Raman got to where she was standing

'What did you do to piss her off like that?'' She added

'I swear this wasn't my fault. But now she is angry with me and I can't seem to get her to listen to me. I was doomed if I did I was doomed if I didn't either way someone would have been hurt...'' Said Raman

'And you made your choice who...'' Said Priya

'That is not fair...'' Said Raman

'Isn't it...'' Said Priya

'It is not that simple... You weren't there so you don't know...'' Said Raman

'Oh I have known Ishita Iyer long enough to know that when it comes to her mom logic goes out the window and emotions take control. What your mother said to her is like...'' Said Priya holding her tongue and looking at Raman

'Come here...'' She added taking his hand as he walked him back to their car

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CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

'What am about to tell you, you didn't hear from me. Am I clear...'' Said Priya

'Okay...'' Said Raman

'Anjali Shergill... She loved her daughter more than anything in this world. More than herself... Stayed in a marriage that was miserable because of well the same old excuse her daughter... She knew if she ever divorced her husband Ishita would have hated her because Ishita loved her father to death. So Anjali stayed, miserable and lonely and heartbroken making sure she masked that from her daughter and it worked for the most part. Except Ishita was, is, a genius and those kind tend to start figuring things out at an early age than most. By the time Ishita realized what her father was doing and why her mother chose to stay, it was too late. Now Ishita blames herself for it. She blames herself for a lot of things. She thinks we don't know, well Mihika doesn't know but my father told me what happened. So I know the actual story of Anjali's death and your mother just hit a very, very raw nerve ...'' Said Priya

'But she was just a kid how she can blame herself is...'' Said Raman

'Yeah... Who watched her mother cry in pain because she was lonely and... No... That is a story she will tell you someday if she ends up trusting you that much...'' Said Priya looking at Raman

'You see your mother's comments may have been mere insults that she would normally ignore and not warrant that reaction but to her... Your mother just ...'' Priya said and Raman completed

'Committed a felony...'' And Priya frowned a bit looking at him as if surprised at his assessment and yet it made sense

'You're getting it now...'' Said Priya

'I didn't know...'' Said Raman

'How bad it was... Yeah ... When the only person you look up to and believe in suddenly commits suicide, it kind of gets to your head and messes you up...'' Said Priya

'What do I do to make this right... I want to make this right...'' Said Raman

'Well for starters forget about her coming back to your house that is not going to happen...'' Said Priya

'Okay... Fair enough ...'' Said Raman

'Two... Unless you are really sure ... Do not pursue this... Let it be as it is. She won't be mad at you forever. I am sure of that because I know she is found of you. In a way she is giving you an out. Take it... I have a feeling there is more to this than what you think is happening'' Said Priya

'What do you mean do not pursue?'' Said Raman

'Well right now you two are having a fling, having fun. Go down this road it will mean much more and you know that...She is like you in that scenario... She is very guarded, when she opens up and if you disappoint her...'' Said Priya leaving the statement open for interpretation and Raman playing dumb said

'I don't follow...''

'Do you know how long her flings have lasted? The longest took about 9 days... That is it... You... You have been there for close to a month or so now... Yeah no fling lasts that long especially where Ishita is concerned. So ...Be sure Raman because I can't tell you how much you will hurt her if there is nothing there and you are just stringing her along... She tends to turn a bit crazy that one'' Said Priya

'Yeah but ...'' He tried to say

'I think you should get out now... My friends are done...'' Said Priya as she leaned in opening the door for him

'You can't just throw a bomb like that and then ask me to leave... What about her does she want me to even...'' Raman said

'Raman... Bye... Get out already...'' Said Priya and Raman knowing it was going to be a waste of time walked out

He got out and walked back to his office where Romi and Barun were waiting for him. They were talking about some stuff that he couldn't quite bring himself to understand and Romi could tell he was a bit out of it. He asked Barun to give them some privacy and turned to his brother

'Raman... What happened...'' Said Romi tapping Raman

'What...'' Said Raman

'What happened? Did you talk to her...'' Said Romi

'Uhh no she wouldn't let me. She is still very pissed...'' Said Raman

'That sucks... But she never really takes things like that seriously especially given she knows that mom can be like that sometimes. Her reaction was a bit overboard and if she is still pissed...'' Romi said

'It was more than that... ' Said Raman

'Maybe she found out about that girl in your car...'' Said Romi

'What...'' Said Raman surprised

'The girl at the party... You were not being very discreet... Something I hope to erase from my memory forever. I hope I never saw that...'' Said Romi rumbling

'Hold on... What party...? What are you talking about...'' Said Raman

'Pratik's party... You were with some woman in your car... Sarika almost saw you but I managed to pry her away... Ishita may have found out about that and that is why she acted out...'' Said Romi

'Oh right...'' Said Raman realizing

'Yeah that is not it...'' He added

'How do you know...'' Said Romi

'Because she and I are not exclusive...'' Said Raman

'What does that even mean? Does she seem like the kind of person who would do casual relationships...'' Said Romi

'You would be surprised the kinds of things Ishita can do and get away with...'' Said Raman amused

Why is that funny?'' Said Romi

'Nothing... I need to figure out a way to get to her to listen to me...'' Said Raman

'Hold on...'' Said Romi as he stood in front of Raman

'What... Why are you looking at me like that...'' Said Raman

'Oh My God... It took a girl from Thiruvananthapuram to get you to move on...'' Said Romi

'What...'' Said Raman not understanding

'You like her... And I don't mean in a sense where you just wanna sleep with her. It is more than that...'' Said Romi

'Okay... You are spending way too much time with Simmi... Being all sentimental all the time... I just want to make right a wrong that is all... For everyone's sake ...'' Said Raman

'Yeah... Yeah ... Hmm ... Raman, you are my brother and I know you better than most people you know that...'' Said Romi

'So what is your point...'' Said Raman

'I have seen you flow through a plethora of women after Shagun and I know this one is not like those women. ..'' Said Romi

'I am not talking about his with you...'' Said Raman

'And now you're evading...'' Said Romi chuckling

'Don't you have work to do or something... I am pretty sure I am paying you all that big money to do something...'' Said Raman

'Ha-ha very funny...'' Said Romi as he sat down

'Okay I just hope you do not screw this up...'' he added as he dropped the topic

'Can we talk about that contract we have with them now...'' Said Romi

'Sure...'' Said Raman sitting down as he realized he still had a whole day's work head of him and he had to concentrate on that as it was important as well.

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Raman came back home from work and he couldn't recognize the place. Mihir and Neelu who usually hand out in the living room with Ishita and the kids were all in the back. The kids were upstairs unlike the usually routine that included cartoon or movies especially because it wasn't a school night. His parents were in the living room as well as Simmi but everyone else was scarce. It was so strange they had been used to living in that house without her and it seemed like the life had been sucked from that place.

'Is everything okay...'' He asked as he made it to the living room

'Oh hey Raman...'' Said Simmi

'Welcome back Raman how was your day...'' Said Santosh

'Great... I am just wondering what in God's name happened here...'' Said Raman

'Why...'' Said Santosh

'Ask your mother...'' Said Vishu and Simmi chuckled

'What happened mom... What did you do'' Said Raman

'Nothing... Why do you always assume that I do something wrong? I am not a bad person...'' Said Santosh

'She just asked Mihir not to hand out here when there are guests... Neelu definitely can't come in here alone especially with mom here... The kids therefore have no one to hang with so they are in their rooms... That is why the place seems too quite...'' Said Simmi

'Hold on why Mihir wouldn't come in here...'' Said Raman

'Well he is a driver... Of what use is he here... Besides I had guests and I wanted privacy ...'' Said Santosh

'He was serving drinks Ma... You kind of over reacted...'' Said Simmi

'I did not...'' Said Santosh and Raman just shook his head

'You know ma you have to start treating people better than you do... ' He said

'I tell her all the time... Got lucky yesterday that girl would have beaten her down...'' Said Vishu

'Please... That girl is just violent...'' Said Santosh

'You provoked her what did you think was going to happen'' Said Simmi

'Ahh please...'' Said Santosh brushing her off

'On a serious not though... Mom... That wasn't right and I didn't want to say anything to you in her presence. Didn't mean I support what you did. I don't understand why you need to judge someone based on what they earn hell even how they grew up. Nothing is constant in this life imagine if the tables changed and it was someone else who was treating me like this or Simmi or Romi or even your precious Rinky...'' Said Raman and Santosh just kept quiet

'Forget all that. Treating people like that isn't right Ma... This so called middle class nonsense you preach is a bit hypocritical of you... We were once like that, once upon a time. Remember...'' he added

'We were treated worse...'' Said Santosh

'Since when is you being treated poorly a ticket to treat others the same way. What makes you different from the Kapoors that dad worked for... They treated him the exact same way you treat my staff here. They are more than just staff for me mom, they are my family as well... You have to accept that or just stop coming here...'' Said Raman standing his ground

His father looked at him and tried to hide his smile as his heart almost burst with pride. His son had grown up to be a very good and sensible man and he was certain he was going to be an amazing father. Santosh sometimes needed a little bit of tough love to get back on track. She wasn't a bad woman; she just acted really stupid sometimes

'Fine... I am sorry... I will call her and apologize...'' Said Santosh

'You mean like you apologized when you slapped her...'' Said Raman

'I apologized she just refused to accept it...'' Said Santosh

'You offered her money like she was a problem that needed fixing even knowing your lovely daughter was in the wrong...'' Said Vishu

'I am not apologizing for that again... Besides she seems like she needs it anyway...'' She said and Raman interrupted

' I swear I say one thing you her only what you want. Don't do anything I will fix it myself... I am so disappointed in you, Mom... I really am...'' Said Raman shaking his head as he began walking upstairs

'Okay... I am sorry...'' Said Santosh humbly realizing she wasn't getting away with this one

'Apologies are hard for me you know that...'' She added and Simmi smiled knowing Raman had her where he wanted

'It doesn't even cost you anything...'' He said

'I will fix it I promise... I did step out of hand and I hurt her feelings. My grandbabies won't even talk to me ...'' She said pouting and Simmi putting her hand around her

'I swear we have the world's most spoilt mother... Sometimes I can't figure out who is the child... You or Ruhi ...'' Said Simmi joking

'Oyi... No making fun of me...'' Said Santosh and Vishu laughed at her with Raman chuckling

'Sorry baba...'' She added looking at Raman and he looking at his mother came back down hugging her

'You're too much sometimes Ma, I swear...'' he said

'I love you...'' She said

'Love you too...'' He said pulling away as he added

'Now if you will excuse me, I have to go see my kids...'' And with that he walked upstairs leaving Simmi and Vishu still teasing her Santosh something they loved to do

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CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

Raman walked upstairs straight into Aditya's room where Ruhi was as well. Aditya was seated on his bed across from Ruhi while they looked at a book like they were reading something. It was kind of cute how he always cared about his sister more than himself and Raman loved that about him. He had this ability to just worry about others more than himself and that is the one thing he was happy he had inherited from Shagun

'Hey...'' Said Raman as he walked in

'Is Ishita back yet...'' Said Ruhi as she sat up

'Am afraid not honey...'' Said Raman

'But why... She is nice and I like her...'' Said Ruhi

'Why did grandma have to be mean to her? That wasn't nice Dad...'' Said Aditya

'I know... ' Said Raman as he sat down on the bed with them

'So what now... We get another nanny...'' Said Aditya

'But I don't want another nanny...'' Said Ruhi in a low voice

'Then you won't get a new one... I am working on it don't worry...'' Said Raman

'I can't believe I am going to say this but I kind of miss her...'' Said Aditya

'Me, too honey...'' Said Raman pulling Ruhi into his hold and comforting her

'What are you guys doing...'' He asked when he saw the book they were looking at

'I was just helping Ruhi with her homework...'' Said Aditya

'Wow... You do homework on your own...'' Said Raman a bit surprised

'We follow the Chart papa...'' Said Ruhi pointing at the wall

'Hold on we have a Chart...'' Said Raman looking at where Ruhi was pointing

'Yeah... Even I have a copy in my room...'' Said Ruhi

'Since when have we had a Chart...'' Said Raman standing up to go check on it

'One of Nanny's inventions...'' Said Aditya

'Oh my God it even has chores and everything...'' Said Raman not believing it

'How come I am seeing this for the first time...How long has this been here'' He added

'She drew this up after a couple of weeks of being here... See with every chore we finish, you remove this pin and put it in here...Then you start all over again at the beginning at the week'' Said Aditya as he put the pin in a small tin below

'This is... Whoa... Now you clean your own rooms... She got you to clean your rooms...'' Said Raman

'She is very persistent...'' Said Aditya

'Neelu doesn't do this anymore...'' Said Raman not believing it

'No...'' Said Aditya

'Uuffo Papa... Neelu hasn't cleaned our rooms in weeks... We do it ourselves...'' Said Ruhi giggling

'Oh well... I have to admit I am impressed...'' Said Raman

'This part is my favorite because we get...'' Said Ruhi and suddenly kept quiet

'Get what...'' Said Raman as he turned and looked at her then back at the Chart

'It says extra academic points... What is that...'' He added

'She gives us extra revision questions depending on what we learnt at school... Sometimes she asks Priya to help get them...'' Said Aditya

'Oookkaayyy... What reward do you get? Because the only way you two allow any extra school work is if we give you something in return...So what is it'' Said Raman

'Nothing...'' Said Aditya as he sat back down

'Come on tell me...'' Raman insisted

'You... She makes sure that our schedules match yours and we get to get more time home with you...'' Said Ruhi softly

'Wha... Really ...'' Said Raman

'She said we didn't need to ask her to do that and all we needed to do was just tell you but Aditya insisted it is what he wanted and so she agreed...'' Said Ruhi

'Oh... That is just sad... Why would you feel the need to bribe someone to ask me to spend more time with you'' Said Raman

'Your always busy and we never want to disturb you when you work. Plus it is okay, she keeps us company anyway... I still can't believe she didn't quit sooner after what we put her through...'' Said Aditya

'Arre haan... We did the glue thingy...'' Said Ruhi

'The pool thingy... She almost drowned there I was scared for a bit...'' Said Aditya

'The salt in tea thingy... That was funny...'' Said Ruhi giggling

'Oh my God... I have monsters for kids...'' Said Raman and the kids giggled

'It is jainatic...'' Said Ruhi

'Genetic... It is genetic...'' Said Aditya shaking his head

'Ha... That one ...'' Said Ruhi

'Why do you say that...'' Said Raman chuckling at his daughter's cuteness

'Grandpa told us all about you and Romi uncle... Papa... Don't be so upset with me. You were worse...'' Said Aditya

'Okay no more spending too much time with grandpa...'' He said his phone buzzing the kids laughed

He looked at them and smiled as he turned removing it from his pocket and he answered

'Hello...'' He said chuckling

'Hey Raman it is Priya... Sorry to disturb but is Ishita there...'' Said Priya

'Uhh No... I last saw her on the morning why... Is everything okay...'' Said Raman

'Yeah No... Thanks...'' Said Priya

'Priya come on... Tell me what is the problem'' Said Raman

'Well I haven't heard from her the entire day and that is unlike her I am a bit worried given you know...The last time I saw her she was leaving RKB premises'' Said Priya

'Is this something she normally does...'' Said Raman

'If it was I wouldn't be calling you would I...'' Said Priya

'What happened...'' Said Raman

'You tell me... You're the ones who pissed her off...'' Snapped Priya

'Snapping at me won't help...'' Said Raman

'I know...'' Said Priya

'Could you have an idea where she would have gone... Maybe start there...'' Said Raman

'I actually have no idea... And it is really important that I talk to her. The lawyer... I mean we need to see someone tomorrow and for that we have to prepare... If she isn't here then we have a very big problem...I have pinged her phone and it says she is at some temple but I think she just left her phone somewhere because she would have no reason to be at a temple at this time of the day'' Said Priya

'Okay... Okay just...'' Said Raman as he ran his hand through his hair and he remembered

'Your grandmother would bring all the way here every Saturday...'' Said Raman

'No... But I had very sad little boy who needed to feel good and so I did this... Mimi says it is therapeutic to let out something when you're sad, he needed to let it out, and I gave him a way...'' Said Ishita causing Raman to frown a bit looking at her before he smiled saying

'You're just a bundle of surprises aren't you...''

'Wait... I think I have an idea where she is... It is just a hunch but... Just hold on I will call you back...'' Raman added as he hung up

'Really Priya...'' Said Mihika startling her

'What...'' Said Priya turning

'If Ishita finds out that you are doing you won't like it...'' Said Mihika

'Oh chill... Besides her birthday is in three weeks Mimi... Will you be able to handle her...? Don't get me wrong she will be strong when needed and will show up because she is dependable but once those doors close...'' Said Priya looking at Mihika

'What do you suppose her boss is going to do?'' Said Mihika

'She trusts him... That is the only reason she told him about herself... Also he can see right through her... If there is anyone who is going to be able to keep her sane in that time it is Raman... Plus there is that factor that they more than just have a liking for each other even though they don't know it...'' Said Priya

'And what makes you think you know more than they do...'' Said Mihika

'Mimi... If you're not staring at the other Bhalla, Romi in particular you may be able to see the little things that I do...'' Said Priya teasingly

'Oh shut it...'' Said Mihika and Priya laughed

'Should we tell her his going to the temple as well...'' She added

'What No... That is not why I told him... He has to find her there and talk to her. They have a pending conversation...'' Said Priya and Mihika just shook her head

'Is everything okay...'' Asked Aditya who could see his father was a bit fidgety all of a sudden

'Of course... I am just going out for a while to help Ishita with something...'' Said Raman

'Oh is she okay...'' Said Aditya

'Of course... I will see you when I get back...'' Said Raman and he walked out

Raman hoped into his car and drove to the temple and began looking around trying to find her. He was genuinely worried about her and he was just taking a leap of faith hoping that she would be there at that temple. He had quickly learnt about her that she lied a lot when she asked for the nanny job but her truths were always between the lies. That story she gave to her children at the temple now seemed more likely given he had learnt she was an Iyer and not some girl from a remote village .He could have been wrong but he was desperate and didn't have a choice. He blamed himself for all that and it was only right that he tried to fix that.

He got there and had been looking for her almost giving up when suddenly

'Excuse me...'' He heard a voice

'You know Priya...'' Asked the man

'Uhh Yeah...'' Said Raman a bit surprised

'Right... Uhh... she said once you get here I should tell you to go through the temple to the back. There is a garden out back... Not many people are allowed there so you will need to give this...'' Said the man handing Raman a piece of paper

'To the priest such that he can allow you through that garden. Just walk through and you will find a door a head, just walk in, she will be there...'' Said the man

'Wait... What...'' Said Raman as he took the paper but the man just turned around and walked away leaving a somewhat dumbfounded Raman there

'What the hell just happened...'' He said as he watched the man leave.

He thought of calling Priya but curiosity was getting the best of him and he just wanted to see what the hell was going on. He did as he was taught, walked through the temple and at the end of the temple there was a door leading to the back. He handed the piece of paper to the priest who was standing at the door. The priest read it and opened the door for Raman.

There was a beautiful garden full of roses and lilies and it was so strange because he had been in Delhi for a while and yet he had no idea such a place existed more so in a place where so many people frequented. He walked through the garden and just like the man had said, there was a door as well but unless you knew what you were looking for you would never find it. He turned the knob and opened walking in and low and behold Ishita was sitting there with a laptop and headsets on typing away. He came forward tapping her shoulder startling

'What the...'' She said as she turned looking at him startled

'What the f**k are you doing here...'' She said as she removed her headsets

'Who the f**k told you about this place? What are you doing here?'' She added shocked that he was in that room with her

'Priya... She said you were missing but then I got here and there was a man who gave me a chit and then the priest let me in and I didn't know what I was even looking for until I walked in here...'' Said Raman in his defense

'Priya... I am going to f**king kill her... I swear I am going to kill her... ' Said Ishita standing up as she closed her laptop

'In her defense I think she thought she was helping'' Said Raman as he began looking around

'What is this place'' He added

'Something you didn't see or even know exists...'' Said Ishita as she began throwing her things in a backpack

'Oh My God... You look just like her...'' Said Raman as he stared at the big framed photo on the wall of her mother and her while she was a kid

'Yeah... So I have heard... Shall we leave now please...'' Said Ishita

'Ishita please let us just...'' Raman began

'No... You coming here you have violated my privacy... Not everyone is allowed here... That is why I am going to kill that little snitch bitch... ' Said Ishita angrily

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

'I am sorry... I swear I didn't know and it wasn't my intension to do that... I just wanted to make sure you were okay... Priya told me they hadn't heard from you for the entire day and she was worried...'' Said Raman but Ishita interrupted

'So... I do this all the time what is the big deal... There is a reason people do not know about this place and I would like to keep it that way...'' Said Ishita

'I am not people... I would like to think that I am not...'' Said Raman

'Now who is letting the sleeping together get to their heads...'' Said Ishita snapping at him

'Okay... I deserve that...'' Said Raman putting his hands up as he looked at her

'Why won't you let me be...'' She asked

'Because... it is killing me knowing how much I have hurt you and I feel awful and I have been trying to make it up to you but I have been failing miserably'' Said Raman and Ishita just looked at him

'I am sorry... For standing there while my mom insulted you, for allowing it to go as far as it went, for asking you to apologize. For ...'' He said

'I knew I had to apologize... It was wrong the way I handled it... Sorry...'' Said Ishita calming down

'Wow... Time alone does wonders for you... Eight hours ago you wanted to bite my head off...'' Said Raman

'I still do so do not push it...'' Said Ishita and Raman chuckled looking at her

'I really am sorry you know... I swear... You have to forgive me... Allow me make it right...'' Said Raman

'How are you going to do that'' She asked

'Well... Come back to the house and I will...'' He began

'Forget about it... I meant it when I said I wasn't going to work in your house again... I quit remember...'' Said Ishita

'In the heat of the moment... You can come back and we will work it through...'' Said Raman

'Am afraid not...No... ' She said

'Oh Come on...'' He said playfully

'I am not sure who else can handle my kids like you and also how am I supposed to maneuver that chart...'' He added

'What Chart...'' She asked

'The one in Aditya and Ruhi's rooms... With the chores and homework thingies with the rewards and stuff'' He said

'Are you on crack...'' She asked not understanding anything

'Aditya told me about the chart that you made to help them with their chores and homework and everything. He was helping Ruhi with her homework when he told me...He said it is what they follow for the week, like a chore chart of some kind...'' Said Raman

'A chore chart... Your kids having a chore chart? I chase them around just for them to take a shower and you think they will do homework unsupervised. Everything is a bargain... Give and take situation that is how it works ...'' Said Ishita

'So... They were ...'' Raman said

'Playing you yes... I have to say though I commend them for their relentlessness...'' Said Ishita slightly amused

'Wow... You must have really had an impression on Aditya for him to go through all this trouble just to have you come back...'' Said Raman

'Yeah... I love him too...'' Said Ishita

'So you will come back then...'' Said Raman with hope

'Raman, am sorry but no...'' Said Ishita

'Ishita... Come on...'' He said

'Please don't...'' She said cutting him off

'I am not coming back there... I know that if I do I will cause more trouble because...'' She added keeping quiet

'What... Say it'' He said

'I really can't stand your mother and what she said about me is unforgivable. I have never understood how anyone can treat another human being like that. And what she said about my mother for me is unforgivable. My coming back is linked to me apologizing to her and I am not going to do that. I didn't grow up in a cave I know one shouldn't talk to treat elders that way but you mother, she just brings out the worst in me. When it comes to it you will always choose her regardless and I am not ready to stick around when you do'' She began and he cut her off

'Don't do that...'' He said

'Do what...'' She said

'Make a choice for me... I can do so on my own and I say I can have you both...'' He began

'You're not hearing me... You and I can't...'' She began tearing up

'Dammit...'' She said wiping her tears as she realized this was going to be harder than she thought

'What is wrong with you? This is just more than that fight with my mom... Something else is going on...'' He said but she just looked at him and didn't answer

'Okay can't we just forget all this... I am no God Ishita even I make mistakes all the time... Allow me make it right... I am sorry... I am so sorry that you're hurting like that and if it is me that is the reason for that frown then I will leave... But not before you forgive me ...'' He said

'You were forgiven before I even walked out of your house... That is what scares the crap out of me...'' She said sighing as she sat down

'So why are you bursting my balls... I said I was sorry...'' He said as he sat next to her taking her hand in his

'You realize it is very hard for me to stay away from you... You make me feel...'' He said as he kissed her hand

'You make me feel alive... Unbelievably alive ...'' He added and she looked at him

'My God you are beautiful...'' He said staring at her

'Don't...'' Said Ishita chuckling

'I still want to be mad at you...You are not allowed to be charming right now'' She said knowing it was useless to be mad at him forever

'Okay... Fair enough ...'' He said laughing softly as he came forward leaning his head on hers

'I am sorry you had to go through that...'' He said

'I know...'' She said as she leaned in as well

She stayed there for a while knowing exactly what to do but couldn't bring herself to do it. Yes she was hurt when Santosh insulted her and yes she really didn't want to go back there but it was getting hard for her to let go of him. What hurt her more is the fact that he didn't even stand up for her. It was his mother, right, but she was... And that was the million dollar question, what exactly was she supposed to be to him.

She knew they were just having fun, there were no questions there, I mean those were the terms of their relationship but she was beginning to feel different, like she needed more from him, more that she was never going to get because of the obvious, that side of his heart was occupied by Shagun and she would never compare.

She looked up at him as he stared back at her and she held his face planting a soft kiss on his cheek before she put her arms around him. He was right, this had nothing to do with the fight with his mother, it was the fact that once he asked her to apologize to his mother he had set a boundary, a demarcation that indicated how he saw her and she realized she needed more.

She was just another piece of ass he was tapping and that, more than anything broke her heart. She walked out realizing she has stupidly fallen for a man who was never going to love her and that was embarrassing and pathetic because she knew better.

'We can't see each other anymore...'' She suddenly said and Raman got out of her hold

'What...'' He said

'We can't see each other anymore...'' She said

'Why... I said I was sorry... What else can I do...'' He said

'And I said it was okay, stop apologizing... ' She said

'Then what...'' He said confused

'You... Raman... Your mother is planning for a proposal for you... Sarika is still around... What are we even doing...? ' Said Ishita

'Okay am confused... What is it exactly'' Said Raman

Nothing... I need to concentrate and I can't do that sleeping with you'' Said Ishita

'Bullshit...'' Said Raman

'Raman Plea...'' She began

'What is this all about? Is it because of Sarika...? I will fire her if you want'' Raman said

'What... No... ' Said Ishita

'Then what is it... I can't just allow you to have all the power and decide ... What about what I want'' He said

'Okay then, what do you want...'' She said

'I want to be with you... Have some more fun... We are good together... Keep on keeping me Zen...'' He said smiling as he flirted with her

'Raman... Stop, am serious'' She said

'In 3 weeks, my whole life is going to change completely... I will not be Ishita the nanny anymore... Everything in my life is being turned upside down and I can't worry about ...'' She added

'Whoa... Are you breaking up with me'' He said looking at her realizing where this was going

'Tell me what it is you actually want and stop beating around the bush...'' He added

'I want more... There I said it... I can't be Sarika... I am not content with just being...'' Said Ishita and Raman stood up

This was not how this whole thing was supposed to go. He was supposed to come here, see if she was okay, ask her to forgive him and they will resume like nothing happened. This was a 360 degree change from what he expected so he didn't quite know what to say to her

'I am not an idiot nor am I a child although I act like it sometimes. I know you can't give me more, which is bizarre because it makes me even more and more in lo...'' She said

'Don't... Please...'' He said knowing what she was about to say

'I admire her... And I envy her and hope one day I can find someone who can love me as much as you loved Shagun. Although I am quite sure that I won't find someone I will feel about the same I do now. Too bad the person I want, his heart was tied down lifetimes ago...'' Said Ishita tears welling up in her eyes

'I can't give you...'' Raman began defending himself because he felt awful

'I know... And I swear I am not asking you to... But I can't be Sarika either... I am not that selfless...I just can't be content with half of you...If I can't have you all I don't want any of it'' Said Ishita

'Why are you telling me this? What are you...? I can't...'' Raman began

'It is okay Raman... I am giving you an out, no hard feelings I promise...'' Said Ishita

Raman turned and looked at her and he could tell she was trying to be strong in his eyes but he had learnt to read through all that. This was killing her and he began feeling guilty because he knew, unlike her, that in beginning all this, it was never going to go far because he only ever loved one woman in his life. He didn't even know how to love another. Or did he

Ishita having feelings for him changed a lot of dynamics and he knew that. He wasn't sure what to say to her or what to do or how to react. So, like he had been doing for the last couple of years when things got real, he run away. So he turned to his heels and began walking out

'Raman... Raman... Wait...'' Ishita called him but he was already out the door and had walked away

'Dammit...'' Ishita said talking to herself as she slumped back in her seat

She began feeling guilty about unfair it was that she had told him that. She would have just broken up with him with no justification. She had done that before, there was no questions asked and she always got away with it. In all honesty she knew she was just hanging on to the hope that maybe, just maybe he may have had even just an inkling of something for her that was more than physical but she after that reaction she was wrong.

Now it was going to be harder than ever to work with him knowing she can't touch him or talk to him on a more personal level like they were before. Some conversations change friendships and this one just changed hers with the only man she has ever really cared about.

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Chap 90