Ishita:Nikita: A tale of two loves Chap 79-83 Page 76.... - Page 28

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Chapter Forty One

'If you call me Sir one more time, I am going to do things that make you uncomfortable too...'' He whispered looking at her then her lips and her again

'Ahh... Hic''' She began having hiccups again

'I was wondering what those meant...Now I know...'' He said sitting back and feeling proud of himself

Hic...'' And she put her hand on her mouth trying to compose herself

He looked at her smirking thinking the whole thing was funny but then he realized she was grabbing onto the jacket like her life depended on it. She was very uncomfortable and he realized he was being insensitive to her especially given what had happened earlier.

'I am sorry...'' He said sitting back

'Huh...'' She said surprised

'I am sorry... I did not mean to make you that uncomfortable...'' He said and she shaking her head said

'No... It is okay...''

'Can I ask if you're alright now...'' He said looking at her

'Yeah I am fine...'' She said

'No... I mean... With the scar ... I imagine you had a heart transplant... Are you okay now?'' He asked

'Hmm...'' She said

'Meaning... What does hmmm mean...'' He said knowing she was evading

'It means do not worry about me I am fine...'' She said

'Fine... Can I then know why Shlok was ripping your clothes off in public...'' He said and she turned looking at him

'I really do want to know how you know him'' Said Raman

'He... I... We ...'' She began fidgeting with words

'Need I re...'' He began but she cut him off

'I know... I know I am married to a Bhalla and I should act appropriately. I promise Sir it won't happen again I swear...'' She said

'That is not what I wanted to say... I was just going to reveal a few truths about Shlok that... You know what... Not even important right now...'' He said turning to her

'You are fine though...'' He added and she just nodded in affirmation

'Am sorry you had to witness that...'' Said Ishita clearly ashamed and Raman just turned looking at her

'No need to apologize... It was not your fault...'' He said

'By the way on a completely unrelated topic... How in the world do you always manage to get under Shagun's skin like that? I swear when she was with you earlier she looked so pale she could have passed for a ghost...'' He suddenly added

'I... Uhh ... What...'' She said surprised at his sudden change of topic and attitude

'Listen, I have been trying for years to find something that makes her tick or even pisses her off but nothing. You show up and suddenly she is so desperate that she is now making mistakes...'' Said Raman but Ishita was still not biting

Something was off, two days ago he was making out with Shagun in front of her and now he wanted tips on how to piss her off. She was not going to fall easily into that trap and she knew he was digging for something from her. Did it mean he knew the actual events of what happened 10 years ago?

'I am not sure what you want me to say...'' Said Ishita

'You two knew each other before you met me...'' He said

'I do not think that is a way to describe it'' Said Ishita

'Then... How do you know her'' Said Raman

'I worked at a hotel in Goa that I think she owns or her family owns and we had a bit of a mishap...'' Said Ishita

'Mishap how...'' Said Raman

'Well... I was cleaning the floor on which she was having a party. They did not see the wet floor sign and just walked in that she ended up slipping and falling down. She was upset and because of that ended up firing me...'' Said Ishita

'Wait... This was a couple of months ago...'' Said Raman

'Yes...'' Said Ishita

'And this is all...'' Said Raman and Ishita with no hesitation at all said

'Yes Sir... That is all...''

Raman knew there was no way she would give anything away on a silver platter but he just wanted to take his chances.

'Fine... I won't push anymore. Although the next time I hear Sir I will kiss you...'' He said looking at her making sure she got his message loud and clear and she nodded

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Ishita had been embarrassed when they left the hotel but for a split second even forgot what had happened to her. It was strange how she feared him, sometimes hated him, and sometimes loved his company all at the same time. He was dangerous to have around she was slowly realizing because he took her out of her comfort zone way too easily and he made her have the one thing she hated the most, Hope.

It had been a peaceful ride back home that she did not even realize when she fell asleep. She opened her eyes to check her surroundings and she realized the car was parked and when she turned to look at him he was looking at something on his tablet instead. She looked down and he had covered her with a blanket and the chair had been pushed back and she could tell he had gone out of his way to make her comfortable.

'Where... Where are we...'' She said looking at out only to realize

'We are home...'' He said turning his tablet off

'Why are we? Why didn't you? I am so...'' She started but he cut her off

'It was my choice to allow you rest a bit. No apologies needed...'' He said

'How long ago did we get here...'' She asked

'Like two hours ago maybe...'' He said as he turned looking at her

'You have been sitting here for two hours...'' She asked surprised

'Well... You looked very exhausted and when you put your head down you went out like a light. It only seemed fair. Besides, once we got here you were smiling in your sleep, I figured you were having a nice dream and did not need to distort that...'' He said and she looked at him at a loss of words and he knew it

'Ha-ha-ha... Can we go in'' he said

'Uhh yeah... Sorry'' She said and they both went out

It had been a long day that she had completely forgotten she had self inflicting wounds and also a over painful ankle that had now gotten swollen more than expected that when she set foot out of the car she winced in pain

'Ouch...''

'What...'' Said Raman walking to where she was

'Nothing... It is...'' She said but he cut her off

'See... I told you to keep that elevated and not work yourself but no, all I heard was am fine Sir... I can manage Sir... Seriously ...'' He said and she just kept quiet as she tried limping away from him but he instead took her hand and put it behind his head before he picked her up in his arms

'Sir...'' She tried

'Just stop already...'' He said and with that they walked inside

She was holding her breath the entire time and the way from the car to the front door of the living room felt like eternity. She could feel his arms, they were firm and strong, she could smell his cologne and it smelt nice, his chest was firm as well and she could tell he was in shape. Like she was no longer in charge of her body, she her hands around his neck and just rested her head on his chest and enjoyed the ride almost forgetting they were back home.

As soon as the door swung open she heard

'Raman...'' And she did not need to turn her eyes to know it as Shagun

'What is going on'' Said a shocked Shagun

'The better question is why are you here'' Said Raman

'Is this some kind of joke...'' Shagun shouted causing Santosh, Romi and Vandu who were in the dining room to walk out and see what was going on

'Raman...'' Said Santosh who was in all honest shocked just as everyone else who was watching them

'Ishita... Is she okay...'' Asked Romi

'What is the matter? Why are you carrying her?'' Said Shagun

'You are the one who threw her against a car...'' Said Raman

'Wha...'' Said Shagun shocked

'Raman... What is the meaning of this?'' Said Santosh

Ishita who was still in Raman's arms was uncomfortable but every time she tried to get out of his hold and get down, Raman pulled her up again refusing to let her down and from the people who were watching, it seemed like Ishita was trying to hold on to him and he was pulling her in allowing it

'She hurt her ankle, it is very swollen. When she walks she winces in pain it was uncomfortable to watch. Besides I have this unexplainable feeling in the gut of my stomach every time she winces and I do not like it. More than anything I do not like seeing her in pain. For whatever reason it makes me very uncomfortable ...'' Said Raman

'What...'' Said Shagun

'Raman... This is not the time for your games. We have guests and I will not tolerate this behavior'' Said Santosh

'You have guests I have a wife to take care of. Let everyone handle their business...'' Said Raman carelessly

'RAMAN...'' Yelled Shagun as she began tearing up

'Sir... Sir please put me down'' Ishita whispered

'Raman... Stop calling me Sir...'' Said Raman still looking at his mother

This show down had nothing to do with Shagun or Ishita for that matter it was just Raman trying to get back control from his mother who was hell bent to making Raman marry into the Arora family at any cost.

'Sir Please... I am...'' Ishita began but before she could even compose herself enough, Raman pulled her up and placed his lips on her forehead kissing her before he looked down at her and said

'I told you if you call me Sir again I will kiss you... Next time it won't be a peck...'' And he pulled her in again before he walked away completely disregarding the people who were watching them

'I do not understand why it is so hard to say Raman it is a very short name. Absolutely nothing about it that is complicated ...'' He continued as he made his way up the stairs and into his bedroom

'Ha...'' Shagun scoffed completely humiliated and in total disbelief

'Shagun...'' Santosh tried to call her but she was too livid that she grabbed her bag and instead stormed out

'I... What the hell just happened'' Said Romi turning to his mother

'What the hell just happened'' He asked again

'I should be asking you... You were supposed to keep an eye on her'' Said Santosh

'I was... And the last time I checked, she was doing what is expected of her that there was all Raman. Had nothing to do with her and I think this has something to do with you and the fact that you like...'' Said Romi but he found himself holding his tongue because of Vandu

'Because I what... I am just trying to get that parasite out of our lives and your brother thinks I am destroying you'' Said Santosh

'Ma... That girl is here because of grandpa, shouldn't that tell you something already. Besides while you are trying so hard to play matchmaker for the Aroras, Raman is protecting our inheritance remember that mom'' Said Romi

'There is a way of doing things. No when is acting like a very spoilt horny teenager...? How is that helping'' Said Santosh

'Maybe if you stopped hitting her and her son that would be a start...'' Said Romi losing patience

'She said I hit her...'' Said Santosh

'Maybe I should leave...'' Said Vandu

'Just please wait for me in the living room if you do not mind. I invited you for dinner I should take you out for a proper meal'' Said Romi and Vandu who never missed a chance to spend with Romi said

'Sure...'' And she walked out

'Answer me did she say I hit her...'' Said Santosh

'You and I both know that is the truth and no she did not have to tell me...'' Said Romi

'Was it that stupid boy...It must be that stupid boy'' Said Santosh

'MOM...'' Said Romi

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Chapter Forty Two

'What in the world happened to you? What is the matter with you? They are people's children too. Just as you hold your kids preciously, they are precious to someone too'' he added

'Oh Please... If they were precious they would not have just married them off for money...'' She said

'You mean like what you are trying to do to Raman...'' Said Romi and Santosh looked at him shocked that he had said that

'That is not what I wanted to do...'' She said

'Yeah keep on telling yourself that...'' Said Romi before he turned and walked away

'That is ... Romi... Romi ...'' Santosh called but it all fell on deaf ears

Romi made it to where Vandu was trying not so show how upset he was and trying to be a good host at the same time

'Sorry about that... My family seems to always have unending drama...'' He said

'Doesn't every family though...'' She answered trying not to make him feel embarrassed

'Doubt it is as bad as mine...'' He said chuckling

'She seems to have a lot of it...'' Said Vandu

'Who seems to have a lot of what...'' Said Romi

'Ishita... She seems to have a lot of drama following her around...'' Said Vandu

'To be honest, she may actually be the only normal person in this house believe it or not'' Said Romi chuckling

'Ishita...Normal... Well I may have misjudged her maybe...'' Vandu chuckled

'How do you mean'' Said Romi

'The first time I met her she had this mishap with Shagun and as we all know Shagun over reacts on everything'' Said Vandu

'Wait... You met her before...'' Said Romi

'Yes... In Goa, She was working at one of the Aroras' hotel...'' Said Vandu

'Oh so she knew Shagun before she got here...'' Said Romi

'She had to she worked at her hotel for a while. The manager there said she had been a good employee for close to 6 months. With the parties that Shagun throws there all the time it is very hard not to know who she was...'' Said Vandu

'Is that so...'' Said Romi

'Yeah... Anyway Shagun walked in and she was cleaning the floor. She put up the wet sign but Shagun did not see it so she slips and falls down and her and her friends go crazy. They create a scene making a fuss in what was an honest mistake on everyone's part but all the while she stayed calm almost as if she had no emotion or was way too good at hiding it. She just stayed standing there as they insulted her all the while she was just apologizing. Even when Shagun slapped her she just ...'' Vandu continued

'Hang on... Shagun slapped her...'' Asked Romi a bit surprised

'Yeah... Hard but she just stayed composed no emotion. It was a little creepy as it was sad...'' Said Vandu

'Why did she act like she and Shagun just met and she had no idea who she was completely? She said that she did meet Shagun in Goa but she never said they had such an encounter...'' Said Romi

'Maybe because it was quite a non-pleasant experience and embarrassing one at that'' Said Vandu

'Hmm Nahh that is not it...'' Said Romi

'Who was the manager at the hotel...'' Romi asked

'Some guy I did not know him well but the executive manager I know. He now works for Raman...'' Said Vandu

'What do you mean?'' Said Romi

'You know... He is... What is it...'' She said trying to remember

'Oh that is right... Abhimanyu something'' Said Vandu

'Raghav my grandfather's head hunter...'' Said Romi shocked

'Raghav yeah... Wait he works for your grandfather... How does he know Ishita then... I heard he was the reason she was hired there in the first place since she had no experience and stuff'' Said Vandu

'That is what I want to find out'' Said Romi

Back inside, Santosh was upset that none of her sons seemed to understand her predicament. She and their grandfather had never seen eye to eye and it has been that way since she married into that family. Her in laws always saw her like she was their son's greatest failure and they never tried to hide it to the point where he (her husband) started to believe it.

Bhalla was a good husband for the most part, and he loved her most of the time. It had been a good marriage, it had been a good life or at least she thought it was until he showed up with Mihir, his illegitimate son and basically told her to raise him. She loved her husband and she was mad and angry that he had betrayed her like that.

With nothing to do and for the sake of her children, she stayed, took care of another woman's child and pushed whatever was bugging her down the carpet turning a blind eye and it had worked for the better part of those years until a woman showed up at her door claiming the unthinkable had happened.

Their father on a drunkard night years earlier had done the unthinkable which landed him in a place where he should not have been. She wanted to protect their the image they had of their father and therefore took the realms and accepted that that bas***d who almost drove that company to the ground trying to frame an innocent man for something they did not do was her husband and she needed to protect what was left of her family.

The Aroras were her only hope, they showed her a way and she desperately took it not knowing she was getting into bed with the devil. All she did, all she went through was so that her kids could not suffer any such humiliation like she did. The fact that Raman could stand on his feet and talk back at her because of that thing pissed her off even more and broke her heart.

She made her way up stairs to their room and like always, she took out her frustrations on Ishita. Raman was in the closet changing while Ishita was seated on the couch when Santosh barged in heading straight to where Ishita was and

'SMACK...'' That is all Raman could hear causing him to come out

Ishita was seated was now on the floor holding her cheek as on her knees her other hand stressed to the back as she tried to hold her ankle given she was in pain

'Have you no shame at all... Have you no conscience... After everything you still have the guts to show up here and try and rip my family apart'' Said Santosh

'Ma...'' Called Raman in disbelief

'They won't tell you the truth, everyone is lying to you and believe me when I tell you that Bhalla Senior that greedy senile old man would never do anything that would jeopardize his wealth. He is using you... But then again ...'' Santosh went on

'Mom... Stop it...'' Said Raman

'You think Raman carrying you around and insulting his fianc makes you all that your wrong. He is using you too. Do not get comfortable...'' Said Santosh

'Okay you need to get out of my room...'' Said Raman as he tried to take his mom away but she was not having it

'You are getting way too comfortable in a place that should not be yours. Your father must be turning in his grave right now seeing as his only child is here shacking up with a man who is the reason he is dead in the first place. How can you in all good conscience show up and get married into the family of the people that led to the demise of your family. What do you want is it revenge? What do you expect? Retribution...? No tell me... Raman here drove your family off the road and left you there protecting Shagun, he always does protect her in the end. He just left you all there to die like dogs...'' Said Santosh

'MOM...'' Shouted Raman grabbing Santosh's hand and walking out with her

Ishita all the while was just on her knees quiet with no emotion on her face. She expected this in fact she was surprised it took long for it to happen. Someone was bound to say something she just never guessed it would have been Raman's mother. There was secret behind that elaborate scheme and the way Santosh was talking, it meant she too had no idea what the hell actually happened that night or she was feigning ignorance.

Raman walked out with his mother taking her to her room and to say he was pissed would have been an understatement of the century.

'How dare you...'' He shouted

'Raman that woman...'' Santosh begin

'HOW DARE YOU...'' Yelled Raman and it took Santosh a minute or so to compose her-self and come back to reality realizing the ramifications of what she had just done

'I am...'' She began

'Seriously...I left them in the side of the road... That is the gospel we are now preaching... ' said Raman angrily

'Raman...'' Santosh began

'Shagun and her family somehow managed to frame me for murder and for some reason you let them...'' Said Raman angrily

'What are you...? Raman maybe your memory is not...'' Santosh began fidgeting

'I kept my mouth shut because I thought no, my mother, no way... no way my mother orchestrate the murder of an entire family for wealth or for whatever reason, ain't no way it is justified...'' Said Raman

'Raman... You were traumatized maybe you do not remember... You and Shagun ...'' Santosh began

'Do not patronize me...'' He shouted

'What the hell do they have on you that you would throw your own son under the bus like that?'' He added

'That is not...'' Santosh tried to calm him down

'Anyone can see Shagun is not what you would call an ideal daughter in law. She is crass, disrespectful, entitled, selfish, childish, arrogant, and she is so lazy that she cannot do anything on her own...'' Said Raman

'You did not seem to have these opinions years ago when you were begging me to save her...'' Said Santosh

'That was before I found out she had framed me... You know what I am so done...'' he said turning around

'Wait... Wait... What does that mean'' Said Santosh

'I am going to do what I want from now on not living for you. Ishita pisses you off, both of you and she gets under your skin so much without even doing anything, I want to know why. You two are fighting so hard to make sure the Aroras do not figure out that I married her and I will find out why... Because if she was the person I supposedly killed 10 years ago, how come she is still here...'' Said Raman

'Raman, listen to me...'' Santosh anxiously tried to explain

'Take care of yourself mom... Tomorrow is a new day'' Said Raman and with that he walked out

Raman was disappointed more than anything to hear his mother say out loud that he was murder fully knowing that was not true. All he did as a nave teenage was take the fall for the girl he loved and he innocently thought he was doing it for love but he was wrong.

They took advantage of that, the fact that he loved Shagun, they took advantage and they manipulated him into believing he was doing this for her. He was an idiot for trusting her. In a weird twisted way that is why he never really felt sorry for her when she hurt but he could never really bring himself to leave her because he thought his mother had her reasons and maybe he could do this much for her, until that night.

Hearing her call him a murder and the fact that Ishita who they all thought had amnesia about that incident had heard it from her, he felt betrayed. The look on her face when his mother said it, he would never forget. If there was ever a rapport that he had created with her that day, it had died down with those words and he knew there was no coming back.

He made it back to his room with the hope of maybe catching her and explaining a few things but when he walked in she was crawled up on the couch covered by her shawl already a sleep

'You were supposed to have something to eat...'' He talked to himself when he saw her

He grabbed a bottle of water before he walked to where she was sitting on the ground as he watched her sleep. She suddenly had tears stream down her face but he eyes were still closed but Raman felt like someone had placed a concrete on his chest.

He had never really thought about the consequences of him convincing his grandfather to hide that hit and run for him until that moment. They may have destroyed an entire family out of their own selfish needs. He could see she was in a lot of pain, all the time and it as much she tried to hide it, she was miserable and one needed to be cold hearted not to feel for her.

'I am so sorry...'' Raman found himself saying as tears filled his eyes while he wiped hers away

And like the night before he carried her in his arms took her to the bed and made her comfortable before he walked out making his way into the bathroom. Ishita opened her eyes for a moment watching him walk away and she felt bad for him, he had absolutely no idea what was going on and the guilt he seemed to have been carrying out was so unfounded and unfair.

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Chapter Forty Three

Ishita pushed down the housekeeping trolley down the carpeted hallway telling her-self, regardless of how things had turned out, she was not going to let it affect her and she was going to have a great day. She woke up early but Raman had already left which was a good thing because she was not in the mood to deal with him anyway.

Everything just went south from the night before. Santosh's reaction was somewhat expected given what Raman was doing but still Ishita never thought it would go that far. Santosh just stood there and continuously insulted her but she was used to that. What was surprising is how she could stand there and call her son a murder without even mincing he words. How was Ishita supposed to react after that? Pretending she had no idea what was going on was the plan, it worked. Raman played dumb, so did she and life went on. It was also working wonders seeing as to how he did not seem to complain about Aditya which was the assumption that he was creating a rapport with her but now everything was messed up.

'Hey... Whoa... Watch where you are going'' Said Rinky

'Oh...Sorry...'' Said Ishita

'What is up with you'' Asked Rinky

'Ahh... I can't even... ' Said Ishita sighing as she sat down on one of the outside benches

'What happened...'' Said Rinky as she handed Ishita a sandwich

'Thank you...'' Said Ishita before adding

'After the whole Shlok drama...''

'Wait... What Shlok drama...'' Said Rinky

'You know the woman everyone is talking about who was almost stripped naked last night in the parking lot...'' Said Ishita

'Hmmm...'' Said Rinky

'Well... That was me...'' Said Ishita

'Oh My God...'' Said Rinky

'He came... Was all smug, I got mad and I ended up telling him about Niky...'' Said Ishita

'Ishu...'' Said Rinky worried

'I know it was stupid...'' Said Ishita

'What if they find out? I mean if he knows that you have no amnesia about that night won't that be problematic. I mean he might run and tell the Aroras and everything you have worked for to get here will all be for nothing'' Said Rinky

'Believe me I know...'' Said Ishita

'What about Raman? Did he ask what happened to you...'' Said Rinky

'He asked but did not push it...'' Said Ishita

'Wait... I find that strange...'' Said Rinky

'I know... but now I have to figure out a way to justify to him why I was being stripped down by one of his colleagues...'' Said Ishita

'Wait... you still have not told him yet why... and he was okay with that...'' Said Rinky

'I don't think being okay with it is what happened. I think he wanted to give me some space before he asked but then a lot happened that night and that is why I still have some room...'' Said Ishita

'Come to think of it, why was Shlok ripping you clothes off...'' Said Rinky

'He wanted to see the scar...'' said Ishita

'Does he know...'' Said Rinky

'That my twin sister left me her heart, no... I think he still thinks I have a heart defect'' Said Ishita

'So hang on... he has no idea about your other...'' Said Rinky

'Health issues... No'' Said Ishita

'I guess that is a good thing ...'' Said Rinky

'May be...'' Said Ishita

'But Ishu dare I say, when he stabbed Nikita he thought it was you. He never set out to kill anyone. Also the stab was not deep enough that is why you got her heart. I do not think he would hurt you. Maybe we should use him...'' Said Rinky

'Oh so I am supposed to thank him for letting the people who killed my family in my home. He was welcomed into our home and he turned around and stabbed us in the back, literally. I will never forgive him. You should have seen his face while he did it. I'll never forget that and if that makes be a bad person so be it.'' Said Ishita

'That is not what I ...'' Rinky started but she cut him off

'Let us just drop this...'' Said Ishita

'Okay... Okay...I am sorry'' Said Rinky as she saw her friend was beginning to tear up

'So what are you going to tell hubby. I am pretty sure sooner or later he will know the relationship you two have. He has spies everywhere. He will find out you were stripped half naked in front of his hotel'' Said Rinky

'He was there, he was the one who took me home...'' Said Ishita

'Oh...Oh... This is bad'' Said Rinky

'Tell me about it...'' Said Ishita shaking her head

'To be honest I was still trying to figure out what to tell him or lie to him when things went haywire, next thing I know his mother is creating a scene telling me I should be ashamed to get married to a man who killed my parents living them to die...'' Said Ishita and Rinky's eyes almost popped out given how shocked she was

'No way she said that while he was standing there'' Said Rinky

'Actually he exact words were he just left them there to die like dogs...'' Said Ishita

'Who... Wait... No way are they still letting him carry around that guilt'' Said Rinky

'Turns out they are and come to think of it, that could be what they used to get him to marry me. Thinking about it now I know why he resents me so much'' Said Ishita

'Oh My God... Did you guys get a chance to talk after that'' Said Rinky

'No... He left the room with his mom. My whole body was numb that I did not know what else to do except just lie down and close my eyes from all the reality. Bhalla Senior I believe has no intension of telling him the truth about their father and my father and what relationship we share. If he told them, maybe that woman would not have made choices she did and my dad would still be here...' Said Ishita

'I do not think you can rationalize it in such a simple way Ishita.'' Said Rinky

'I know... I know'' Said Ishita

'So you two are pretty much avoiding each other... ' Said Rinky

'You can say that. I woke up in the morning he was gone, I was so relieved that I just got Aditya ready and off we left...'' Said Ishita

'Ohh Ishu and that stupid trait of yours... Pushing things back does not solve anything'' Said Rinky

'It gives me my sanity back...'' Said Ishita and Rinky shaking her head said

'You're useless...'' Causing Ishita to chuckle

'I did find out how I end up in his bed'' Said Ishita

'Oh do spill...'' Said Rinky

'Actually he carries me their...'' Said Ishita

'What... Say things that make sense Ishu come on'' Said Rinky

'Unbelievable right... I swear, last night he came from talking to his mother and I think he thought I was asleep. He carried me put me on the left side of the bed then he covered me.'' Said Ishita and Rinky shocked to her wits said

'He is falling for you...''

'Oh please let's not'' Said Ishita

'No...No... He seems to stand up for you more often than when you first met. Even you said so yourself'' Said Rinky

'He is not falling for me. He is rebelling. He likes pissing his mother off as much as he loves her and he also loves pushing Shagun's buttons. He knows I am the one thing they both hate and since I get under their skin and an easy choice for pissing them off.'' Said Ishita

'You're sure... I do not see it that way...'' Said Rinky

''Of course you don't... Let's go... I think you are getting weirder by the day I swear...'' Said Ishita

'Oh look who is talking. You are the poster girl for weird. Even your way of thinking is weird'' Said Rinky shaking her head causing Ishita to chuckle a bit

'Oh... Handsome in coming ...'' She added

'What...'' Said Ishita turning

'Hey...'' Said Mihir who had made his way to where they were

'Hey Mihir'' Said Ishita

'Hey Sir...'' Said Rinky humbly

'Why do you guys like addressing people are Sir... You are so formal...'' Said Mihir

'How else am I supposed to address my Bo...'' Said Rinky but Mihir cut her off

'We are colleagues... So please call me Mihir...'' Said Mihir

'Oookkaay...'' Said Rinky a bit confused

'Have you guys had lunch yet'' He asked

'Yeah...'' Said Ishita

'What did you eat'' Asked Mihir

'Sandwiches they were really good'' Said Ishita

'Sandwiches are not lunch not when you work the way you do. Plus you have not had a thing to eat since morning...'' Said Mihir

'And you know this how'' Said Rinky

'I have my ways'' Said Mihir smiling

'Of course you do...'' Said Rinky shaking her head because unlike her nave friend she could see through a lot of things Ishita seemed to ignore

'Mihir... You said I can call you that right...'' Said Rinky

'Sure...'' Said Mihir

'Then I can ask uncomfortable questions'' Said Rinky

'Uhhh... Am not sure how to answer that'' Said Mihir but Rinky ignored his response

'Do you like Ishita?'' Said Rinky

'Of course he does why wouldn't he... I am likable...'' Said Ishita smiling as she stood up pushing the housekeeping trolley

'Am sure he knows that is not what I meant...'' Said Rinky looking at Mihir

'Are you always this straight forward...'' Said Mihir

'Are you always this evasive...'' Said Rinky but Mihir just chuckled joining Ishita

'Your friend is weird...'' Said Mihir

'Look who is talking... Mr. Boxers I am high...'' Said Ishita

'I was not high and I do not do drugs...'' Said Mihir

'The other explanation for you being half naked in a stranger's bathroom is not so good either'' Said Ishita

'Why were you naked in a stranger's bathroom what are you a freak'' Said Rinky

'I was half naked and there is a very simple explanation here...'' Said Mihir

'Which is...'' Said Ishita but Mihir just kept quiet shaking his head

'Where did you see him anyway...'' Said Rinky

'In one of the VVIP rooms on the last floor...'' Said Ishita and Rinky frowned a bit saying

'Wait... I am confused...''

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Chapter Forty Four

'He was supposed to be there cleaning but he was getting high instead'' Said Ishita

'Nope, am still confused... Why would he be cleaning? But he ... Wait you think... YOU THINK...'' Said Rinky turning to Mihir

'Sir, she thinks you're a janitor...'' She added

'Isn't he...'' Said Ishita looking at them innocently

'Oh Ishu... Ohhh Ishuuu What am I going to do with you'' Said Rinky

'What... Aren't you a janitor'' Said Ishita turning to Mihir

'Forget it Rinky is just all over the place today...'' Said Mihir

'I am... really?'' Said Rinky sarcastically

'You're sure you do not like her more than Ra... Wait... That is just twisted... You are a bro ... Nah this is wrong... But mostly twisted... Dude... ' She added looking at Mihir

'Why don't you help Ishita take this back and you can find us in the restaurant...'' Said Mihir

'You mean cafeteria...'' Said Ishita

'Yeah... Right ...'' Said Mihir realizing workers always eat at the cafeterias

'Mihir... How do you know Raman Bhalla ... Ishu knows him pretty well...Do you know him... My gut says you do...'' Said Rinky

'Rinky... What is the matter with you? Why would he know him?'' Said Ishita chuckling as she took the whole thing as a joke

'Oh Ishu my love... You are as innocent as you are scary...'' Said Rinky

'Meaning what...'' Said Mihir

'Ask the Bhalla with the nice biceps...Pssts actually you know what. This is too weird I am not talking to you'' Said Rinky grabbing the trolley and off she went

'What was that...'' Chuckled Ishita

'Nice biceps really... '' Said Mihir

'I am sorry... She has no filter...'' Said Ishita laughing

'Who is that supposed to be anyway'' Said Mihir

'My brother in...'' Said Ishita suddenly keeping quiet as she changed the topics

'Rinky is strange at times but she is a good person. Please understand'' She added

'It is fine, I actually like that about her...'' Said Mihir as they walked into the cafeteria

'I want to make a suggestion, there is this place just a block from here I swear they have amazing food there... Let's have lunch there'' Said Mihir

'Oh yeah I can't afford that'' Said Ishita

'No...No... lunch is on me...'' Said Mihir

'Am not so sure about that'' Said Ishita

'Oh please will you let me do something for you please... Yesterday I just stood and watched while that crazy man ripped your clothes off. I feel bad for not helping'' Said Mihir

'I am the one who gone embarrassed but you're the one with a bruised ego... Okay'' Said Ishita

'No... That is... It isn't what I meant ...'' Mihir started

'Oh will you just relax. I am kidding. Besides lunch will be free so of course I am going'' Said Ishita and Mihir smiled

'We have to wait for Rinky though'' Added Ishita

'Yeah... Yeah we will wait outside for her;'' He said relieved that she agreed

There was no way he was going to keep up the whole I am a janitor faade if they had walked into the cafeteria. Plus the employees would have felt very uncomfortable having upper management where they had their meals and he did not want that. The most obvious reasons of it all, he wanted to spend some time alone with her although he was still in denial as to why that was

'Are you alright'' He suddenly asked when they got outside

'Yeah... Why...'' She asked

'I mean after yesterday's incident are you okay'' He asked again but she did not respond

'Do you want to talk about it'' He asked but she nodded no

'Okay ... I know I am probably over stepping my boundaries here a little but can I just give you a piece of advice'' He said and she turned looking at him

'I am a complete stranger and I am also a completely nonjudgmental person. Sometimes it is okay to just talk to a stranger and just take the load off. I promise I won't judge. But ... As frustrating as it is, as a friend I can also just wait for you when you're ready so do not feel pressured'' he said and Ishu almost like she had no control over what she was saying said

'I want to kill him...''

'What...'' Said Mihir

'That man... I want to kill him. I have thought about jibing a knife through his heart twisting it as hard as I can since I was 15 years old... That horrible man, I want to kill him ...'' She said getting teary

'Wha...'' Mihir tried to find words to say but he could not bring himself to say anything

'Ahhh... That is oddly refreshing'' Chuckled Ishita as she wiped her teary eyes

Mihir not sure what to do or how to react just looked at her chuckling a bit in disbelief how she managed to have a change in emotion just like that. She was way too good at consoling herself like she was not used to people being in her corner. It was sad rather than brave.

'Why do you feel that why? Why do you want to kill him'' He asked

'He took something from me, I can't seem to forgive him for that'' Said Ishita

'Can't you just take it back, whatever he took'' He asked

'It is rather too late for that'' Said Ishita

'Is there something I can do'' Said Mihir

'No... But thank you for asking'' Said Ishita who seemed like now she was fully composed

'Ahh... Here comes Rinky...'' She added calling her friend as they made their way

'Where are we going'' Rinky asked

'Lunch outside... He is buying'' Said Ishita

'Ohh... You go out of your way to do things for her I see...'' Said Rinky

'What is with you...'' Said Ishita

'Nothing... I just do not like people who lie to you'' Said Rinky

'Who is lying...'' Asked Ishita

'Mihir Sir, you did not answer my question... Do you know a Raman Bhalla...'' Rinky asked again

'As a matter of fact I do...'' Said Mihir who could see Rinky was an overly protective friend

'So you know what you are doing is not only disgusting, it makes you the worst kind of scum in the world...'' Said Rinky

'Hey... What is wrong with you...'' Said Ishita turning to Mihir

'I am sorry...'' She added

'Ishita is my friend... That is it... I have no intention of hurting her if that is what you mean'' Said Mihir

'Ahh... I have suddenly lost my appetite... You guys carry on...'' Said Rinky turning and walking away

'Rinky... Rinky ...'' Said Ishita as she followed her friend

'What is wrong'' Said Ishita

'That man... He is not who you think he is...'' Said Rinky

I know...'' Said Ishita

'What...'' Said Rinky

'I know he is upper management... I am not an idiot...'' Said Ishita

'Upper Manage... Ishu'' Said Rinky

'Look I like talking to him. He is nice and good company that is all. There is nothing more to it. And yes he may know who Raman Bhalla is because he is upper management but I have not told him I am married yet so please...'' Said Ishita and Rinky looked at her for a second

'Ishu... Do you like him'' Said Rinky

'What... No... I told you I do not have the luxury for that '' Said Ishita

'Are you sure...'' Said Rinky

'I swear ...'' Said Ishita and Rinky reluctantly let it go

'Please join us for lunch...'' Said Ishita

'Nah... It is uncomfortable... I feel like I am third wheeling'' Said Rinky

'Ohh you are just impossible...'' Said Ishita shaking her head as she watched Rinky walk away

'Have fun...'' Said Rinky and Ishita turned walking to where Mihir was waiting

'Sorry about that... She is just having a bad day'' Said Ishita

'I understand...'' Said Mihir and with that they left

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It had been a long stressful day for Raman, nothing seemed to be going his way and to make matters worse he had an uncomfortable pinch called Shagun Arora. He needed to figure out a way to get rid of her without jeopardizing his mother's safety but all that went south with what happened the night before.

'Raman... '' Romi called him

'Yeah...'' he finally said

'Can you please sign these...'' Said Romi

'Yeah... Sure...'' Said Raman and Romi stood there quietly waiting

'Hey man can I ask you something...'' Said Raman

'Sure...'' Said Romi

'Do you know anything one can do to stop sleep walking or something like that'' Said Raman and Romi frowned a bit surprised at the question

'I know a friend that has nightmares a lot and sleeping is a problem so I am asking for him'' he added

'Uhh... Am afraid I don't... There are some herbal teas. I hear they help so I can ask around for you'' Said Romi

'Oh please thank you...'' Said Raman

'Although I would advise you tell her to go see a doctor. Therapist or a psychologist maybe that would be of more help because that could be caused by trauma'' Said Romi

'I never said it was a she...'' Said Raman

'And given how defensive you are I am guessing this is Ishita we are talking about'' Said Romi

'No... Why would I know her sleeping habi...'' Raman tried to be defensive but it all fell on deaf ears

'Hhmm whatever... Has she actually started sleep walking or it is just the nightmares...'' Said Romi

'I think it is nightmares she talks and...'' Raman said and Romi cut him off

'Cries in her sleep... Right... I guess it isn't bad yet'' Said Romi and Raman looked at him concerned

'Why do you know this and I don't...'' Said Raman

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Chap 45