Ishita:Nikita: A tale of two loves Chap 79-83 Page 76.... - Page 9

Sorry for the late update, i am really trying hard not to keep everyone waiting for so long. I also can not thank you enough for loving my stories and somehow staying loyal to my crazy imagination in my stories, thank you all so very much. As for all the questions, all in good time, i promise... ps. if it seems like i am dragging it too long, please leave a comment below and let me know... Alright here we go

Chapter Fourteen

'How are you feeling now'' He asked

'Much better thank you...'' Said Ishita faintly smiling

Aditya looked at her and she knew just pretending to be strong such that she got out of there. Both of them had a clear vision as to what they were doing in that house. It was no secret, they never wanted them in that house, and they had to do everything in their power to not only stay humble, but to also hide their feelings. But it was no peach leaving with the Bhallas.

'Ishu...'' Aditya called her softly causing Ishita to look at him

'It is okay...'' Mouthed Ishita and Aditya wiped his tears

'Romi... Take this child back home. It is getting late and he needs to rest. Tomorrow is a school night'' Said Mr. Bhalla

'But Sir I want to stay here. I have to make sure she is okay. I go where she goes, we stay together that is the rule...'' Said Aditya sternly

'Aditya ...'' Ishita called him

'I don't even go to school...'' Aditya mumble

'Aditya ...'' Ishita called him again sternly

'Am sorry Sir...'' Said Aditya humbling down

'It is fine... Am sure she is just worried about you...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Listen, I am going to make sure she is okay. I promise you... You need to rest as well anyway, you have school and you need to be well rested for that'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior looking at Aditya

'No I don't... ' Said Aditya

'You don't what...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'I don't have school... I wake up and help Ishima with work around the house...'' Said Aditya

'Am sorry you what...'' Said Bhalla completely shocked

'Sir... I am sorry, once I earn enough I will enroll him I swear...'' Said Ishita

'Earn Enough... What do you mean earn enough?'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Well we usually go...'' Aditya began

Aditya I swear it you don't shut it I am going to smack you'' Said Ishita as she struggled to sit up and Aditya kept quiet

'Sir... Like I said, we will manage...'' Said Ishita

Bhalla Senior could tell Ishita was really proud and was never going to ask for help. But who could really blame her. She was left on her own to take care of herself and add a child to that question, it changes a person.

'Okay... Fine... But either way, I suggest he goes home while you stay here and rest. I will send someone for you, Romi here is coming with me'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Sir It really is fine. Besides I can keep an eye on him such that he doesn't disturb anyone. We really can go home tonight...'' Said Ishita

'Not going to happen and it would be good for you if you stop insisting on things I am not going to allow...'' Said Bhalla Senior ignoring her

'Romi... Here are the keys, you are driving me somewhere. Call your brother, he needs to be here...'' Said Bhalla Senior and Romi obliged

'Now you my dear, quick recovery and stay healthy... I will see you tomorrow...'' He added

'Thank you Sir...'' Said Ishita and they walked out

She looked at them and sighed slumping down in bed as she released the pain from her back that she had been holding in for all that while. She needed to be out of that hospital, she had things to do and she just had a couple of months to make such her plan got through. She wanted to be out of their but she was a bit weak and realized being away was going to be a waste of time because she wasn't going to get any work done. She just slumped back in bed resting.

Santosh who was outside still trying to figure out a way to sort this Shagun issue, it was a bit bizarre that Raman did not seem to care on but about what had just happened.

'Why aren't you going after her'' Said Santosh

'Mom, please...'' Said Raman

'Raman... Go and try and figure things out with her. Ask for more time...'' Said Santosh

'I do not want to... I want nothing to do with her'' He said

'What happened between you two. 5 years ago it seemed like you two were bound to get married, what happened'' Said Santosh

'Ask her...'' Said Raman

'Raman... Please whatever it was, please look past it. You know I need you to marry into that family. You know why please I am begging you'' Said Santosh

'Why... Why do I always have to sacrifice what I want for you'' Said Raman much to Santosh's surprise

'I... I am sorry... I am an incompetent mother and a selfish one as well. What do you want me to do? This is all I could hope for to make sure that I protect this family'' Said Santosh as she began to cry

'Fine... I will take care of it. Like always'' Said Raman and irritated he walked out

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Back with Raman, he was nervous because he knew he was about to sacrifice his happiness and peace of mind just like he did 10 years earlier. He had feelings for Shagun and even though he had never expressed them, he cared about her and seeing her hurt wasn't something he wanted but lying to her was even worse.

He drove as fast as he could to try and get to her before she made any crazy decisions of did something crazy that would make everything he wanted fall apart.

'Shagun... Shagun... Wait...'' He said as he hoped out of his car catching with Shagun as she got to her house

'Let me be Raman...'' Shagun cried

'Please listen to me, I am begging you please...'' He said

'No... I don't want to see you. I don't want anything from you... Just leave me be. Go back to your wife...'' She cried

'Shagun... Can we just go in and talk...'' He asked

'No... Leave Raman please, allow me the decency to endure my humiliation in peace...''

'I am not leaving unless you talk to me... You ought to hear me out at least. You owe me that much after everything...'' Said Raman and Shagun tears streaming own looked at him before she turned opening her door letting him in

'5 minutes... You have 5 minutes and then you get out and never come back...'' Said Shagun

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

'Even though I never say this you know I care about you ...'' He began

'4 minutes...'' She instead said

'I never wanted to hurt you like this you have to believe me but...'' He said and she interrupted him

'And yet you did...'' She said

'I know and I wish you could see this from my point of view. Dadaji is like a father to me. He put me in a corner and I had no choice. I had to marry her but she means nothing to me...'' He said

'Raman... This means nothing to me because as of this now you are a married man...'' Said Shagun

'Please just listen to me; I did this because I wanted to make sure my very stubborn grandfather took care of himself and I did it for him. I swear Shagun, she means nothing to me and I am going to make this right I swear... ' Said Raman

'And yet you are not married to me. Am sorry Raman but I can't forgive you for this...'' Said Shagun as she walked to her door

'Please leave...'' She said

'Shag...'' Raman pleaded as he grabbed her hand

'Shagun listen...'' He begged

'I am still righting a wrong that will ensure you and I are free and clear once this whole thing is done. Besides, you and I spend the better part of the year together and she will be my wife just on paper. Nothing about her interests me... You know that...'' He said as he pulled her and began kissing the nape of her neck

'Stop...'' Said Shagun but she was still standing in place

'Come on... Don't you trust me...'' He whispered in her ear as he continued kissing her

'I should be mad at you right now. I can't focus on that if you're doing this...'' She said turning to him

'Am really sorry but trust me when I say... I will take care of it.'' He said hugging her

'Don't break my heart Raman...'' She said but he kept quiet

'I will literally shoot you if you do...'' Said Shagun

'I know...'' He said and continued kissing her

Shagun put her arms around him and knew in her heart of hearts she was being played but she loved him, she cared about him and she was going to be dammed than allow a village hobo of a no body take what she had built for years.

When it came to Raman, she was willing to do even the unthinkable as long as he got to be the man in her arms for the rest of her life.

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Raman stumbled back home after the night he had just had nursing a hangover so bad it was written all over his face. Things with Shagun had gone so well that they ended up drinking all night and being very busy making up for lost time. . Anything to make him feel less horrible for the problems at home was a welcome destruction. He hated himself everything he slept with her, he hated himself more because he knew that made him worse than a dog. She was a woman he cared about she was a woman he may have even loved at one point. His sleeping with her was something that was supposed to be revenge but then his mother and unknowing brother screwed up so much that Raman had to spend the better part of 10 years trying to fix what they had done.

'What the hell happened to you...'' Asked Romi who saw him walk in

'Shhssshhh... Don't yell...'' Said Raman as he sat down

'Am not yelling...'' Said Romi looking at him before he said

'Well you look like shit and you're in trouble...''

'Why...'' Said Raman only to hear his grandfather

'Isn't it a little too early in the day to be drunk''

'Morning Dadaji...'' Said Raman as he tried to compose himself

'Where have you been...'' He asked

'Out...'' Said Raman irritated

'Why aren't you at the hospital...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'Kya...'' Said Romi who found the whole thing amusing

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SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT

Chapter Fifteen

'Why would I be at a hospital'' Said Raman holding his head

'Look at me when I talk to you...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior with a stern voice and Raman obliged

'Why isn't Ishita here yet...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'Who is Ishita'' Said Raman absentminded

'What...'' Said Raman looking at Romi

'Your wife... Remember...'' Said Romi frowning a bit

'Wow how much did you chug down...'' he added

'Oh...'' Said Raman suddenly coming back to reality

'I ask again, why isn't your wife here yet...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'How should I know...'' Said Raman carelessly

'Raman... You are really testing my patience...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'Honestly I have no idea...'' Said Raman as he held his head again

'Can I have some water and an Aspirin please...'' He added

'Raman... You were supposed to come back with her here. She is being discharged today. I called you and told you this remember...'' Said Romi

'When...'' Said Raman

'Yesterday... You said okay and hang up...'' Said Romi

'I was preoccupied am sorry. Send a car for her or something... ' Said Raman carelessly as he got up and began walking away much to his grandfather's annoyance

'Will you...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior as he pulled him back

'Go back and get your wife back in this house... Right now ...'' He added

'I really am not...'' Raman began angrily but Romi cut him off because he could see this was obviously not a good idea

'I will pick her. It is okay...'' Said Romi

'She has a husband and Raman needs to learn his responsibilities...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'She is not my wife...'' Raman began again but Romi pulled him away taking him outside

'Okay I do not know what the hell is wrong with you but you need to chill out. Poking the bear will not solve anything for you. Take the driver and just bring her back. After that you can go and try and talk to Shagun ...'' Said Romi and Raman looked at him

'Shagun and I are fine...'' Said Raman

'What do you mean fine'' Said Romi

'Like fine, we worked it out and she is fine with the whole thing'' Said Raman

'That easily... Really ... That is weird...'' Said Romi

'What do you mean?'' Asked Raman

'Anyway... Am confused...What is the problem then'' Said Romi

'Why do I have to be the one to suffer? I don't even like that woman in fact I hate her. She is the root cause of all my problems...'' Said Raman angrily

'Well that is still up for debate, just do as he wants then you can do whatever you want after that...'' Said Romi and Raman reluctantly agreed

Back at the hospital, Ishita was more than ready to leave that hospital but the doctors wouldn't release her. They insisted that she not leave without someone helping her out and that they were under orders to make only release her to her husband.

Bhalla Senior was doing everything in his power to push her and his grandson together and it was becoming irritating. She didn't like Raman either, she thought he was a pompous ass and very self-entitled, something she never really found attractive.

'My God this old man is out to get me into trouble...'' She mumbled to herself as she sat on the bed

'Mam... You can't go in there Mam...'' Ishita heard the nurses yell and she sat up pulling her veil over her head

'I want to talk to her... Leave me alone...'' Yelled Shagun as she walked in

'It is fine...'' Said Ishita to the nurse

'I am really sorry Madam...'' Said the nurse and she walked out

'Madam, can I help you with something...'' Said Ishita

'You can stop playing pretend you low life I know what you are...'' Said Shagun

'Excuse me...'' Said Ishita

'I bet all those times I showed up at his house trying to be in the good books of his mother you were just laughing at me and thinking how idiotic can she be...'' Said Shagun

'Mam, I really do not understand. Did I do anything wrong...'' Said Ishita

'Don't talk to me you wh**e? How could you just come out of the blue and just marry a man without even knowing if he is in a relationship... ' Said Shagun

'I didn't know...'' Ishita began but Shagun cut her off

'You are just a gold digging wh**e. Everyone knows me and Raman are an item. The Bhallas and the Aroras were supposed to merge their family and business and our marriage was supposed to cement that and you just...'' Said Shagun as she broke down but Ishita didn't respond

'It should have been me, not you. It should have been me. I was supposed to be his wife and not you. You stole that right from me; you took that away from me...'' Said Shagun

'Look mam I didn't have any say in this decision believe it or not. I do what I am told... I never forced him to...'' Ishita tried defending herself but Shagun was just relentless and wouldn't allow her talk

'You are just another project for his grandfather and that is all. He only did this because he hates me. I know...'' She said turning to Ishita

'How much do you want. I am going to pay you to go away and never come back. Clearly you need the money and that god awful child of yours needs it as well...'' Shagun added except this time she hit a nerve

'Okay enough...'' Said Ishita as she pulled her veil down looking at Shagun

This was actually the first time since they met that Ishita's veil was completely off her head. Shagun could see she was actually quite beautiful. She had beautiful flawless skin and this thick brunet hair that looked like it could flow forever, something that began making her insecure and even angrier

'First of all do not talk about Aditya like you know him, secondly don't talk to me like you know my story and lastly, I am the last person in this world who needs money from an Arora...'' said Ishita

Shagun was taken back, this was not the shy, reserved, introvert woman she saw and met at the Bhallas. It looked like complete split personality and there were two different people, with the veil and the one without it.

'You can't talk to...'' Shagun began

'Shut it I am not done...'' Said Ishita as she sat up

'Nothing... Absolutely nothing about Raman Bhalla interests me... He is not my kind of guy but push me enough and I will become a pain in the ass for you both. Now ... I have no idea why that old man decided to bring me here and I do not care but I do know I will get what I want before I leave and that too will be on my terms. Insult me again, I will make Raman apart of what I want...'' Said Ishita and Shagun stood back in shock

'Ishu... He is here...'' The same nurse came back in and Ishita lifted her veil putting it back over her head

Shagun looked at Ishita shocked to her wits. I mean she knew enough to know that the look on that woman's face was of nothing but anguish and hate. The look on Ishita's face was that of someone who was not only confident but also someone who had a lot of hate in her.

'Shagun...'' Raman called her surprised she was even in that place

'I ... Uhh...'' She said as she continued staring at Ishita

'What... What happened...? Why do you look like you have just seen a ghost...'' Said Raman but Shagun ignored him

She had a feeling in the heart and a thought in the back of her mind that kept on resonating as if she knew this woman. As if she had met her before and it was a feeling she just couldn't shake.

'Lift your veil...'' She said

'Excuse me Mam...'' Said Ishita

'I said lift your veil and look at me...'' Insisted Shagun

'Am sorry Mam but that won't be... Please...'' Said Ishita

'Shagun... What is wrong?'' Said Raman

'Tell her to lift her veil... I want to see her face, tell her...'' Shagun insisted

'Why would you want to see her face...'' Said perplexed Raman

'Raman...'' Shagun said

'Lift your veil...'' Said Raman turning to Ishita

Ishita sat up lifting her hands and pulling the veil further in front and like a hurricanes memories came flashing back after Shagun saw her hand.

'Oh My God...'' She said

'What... Shagun what is going on?'' Said Raman

'I have to go... I have to...'' Shagun began as she turned and hurriedly walked away

'Shagun... Shagun ...'' Raman called her but it fell on deaf ears

'What the hell just happened...'' He added looking at Ishita

'Sir... Here are your discharge papers. You have to ensure she stays hydrated and also...'' The nurse continued but Raman couldn't care any less

'Lift your veil...'' He suddenly said

'Sir...'' Ishita said

'Lift your veil completely...'' Said Raman and Ishita slowly obliged

Raman looked at her and frowned a bit clearly noticing her even though he pretended not to. He grabbed her hands and looked at her but there was nothing there expect a patch that looked like a birth mark

'Why is Shagun racing out'' He asked her and Ishita just shrugged

'Sir I was...'' The nurse began

'Get out...'' Raman snapped

'But...'' Said the nurse

'I said leave... I will take her home am just waiting for the driver to bring the car upfront...'' Said Raman and the nurse walked out grumbling at how rude he was

'Why didn't you take your veil off...' He asked

'It is off Sir...'' Said Ishita

'When Shagun asked? Why didn't you...'' Said Raman

'Because I am not married to her...'' Said Ishita looking up at Raman

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SCROLL DOWN FOR NEXT

Chapter Sixteen

'Did you tell her that...'' He asked and Ishita just looked at him

'I am not your husband... I am just the man who signed a piece of paper that I am desperately trying to get out of. You won't stay in my life for long so do not become comfortable...'' He added

'Whatever you say Sir...'' She said and he had a feeling she didn't believe whatever he was saying

'How do you know my grandfather...'' He asked her

'Like I told you I don't know him... We met twice in Goa before he was asking for my hand for his grandson... a few weeks later, here I am...'' Said Ishita

'Don't lie to me...'' Said Raman

'I am not... Why would I lie...'' She said

'See I can see through you and I know your kind. But listen to me, I will not allow you to ruin my life just because of some lame ass promise my grandfather made years ago. Shagun is the woman I intend to marry, so I would suggest that you treat her with a little bit of more respect...'' Said Raman

Ishita looked at him for a few seconds before she said

'Okay...''

'Why do you give short answers...'' Said Raman frustrated

'Am sorry I didn't think you were in a mood to listen to long answers...'' Said Ishita

'Are you trying to be cheeky right now...'' He said

'No Sir... I would never...'' Said Ishita smiling as she pulled back her veil

'Why are you putting it on again...'' He asked

'Driver is here...'' Said Ishita causing Raman to turn and look at the driver

'Does it matter that he sees your face'' He asked

'No... But your mother minds it'' She said

'Why...'' Said Raman and Ishita pulled her veil back and looked at him

'Right... Stupid question ... Come on let us leave'' He added and Ishita stood up

*********************

Back at the Bhallas:

'Well I think it is only fair that she is well taken care of... Plus you need to ensure that that child is in school. Staying here and doing house chores won't work. That is why you have house helps... They are paid to do these chores, take the boy to school...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'We were just trying to find a school for him that is why he is still home...'' Said Romi

'Not that it is my job to find him a school...'' Said Santosh carelessly

'It actually is as you're the mother in law and as long as you make his mother busy, your obligated to do some of the things she is meant to handle. Otherwise stop making his mother so damn busy and allow her take care of her son.'' Said Bhalla Senior

'She is a wife it is sort of her duty...'' Said Santosh

'Her first priority is her husband and son, not his family...'' Said Bhalla Senior turning as he heard Raman coming in

'Ishima...'' Said Aditya

'Hey hon...'' Said Ishita as she hugged Aditya

'You okay now...'' Said Aditya

'Of course... Am fine ...'' Said Ishita smiling reassuringly

'Ishita... Are you feeling better'' Said Romi

'Yes... Thank you...'' Said Ishita

'Ishita... Go and take some rest. I will ask Neelu to get you something to eat...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Am fine Sir that is not necessary...'' Said Ishita

'I insist... Go on...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Come on Ishita I will take you...'' Said Aditya and they began making their way outside

Bhalla Senior noticed something but he figured if he tapped into that it would mean another argument and it meant Ishita was just going to find it even harder so he allowed that slide turning only to notice Raman

'Where do you think you're going?'' He asked

'Out...'' Said Raman

'No you're not, your wife is sick and none of us is going to take care of her...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Well she is fine now and she is not my wife...'' Said Raman

'This isn't a dream that when you say it long enough it will stop being a reality...'' Said Bhalla Senior and Raman just scoffed walking away

'Do not walk away while I talk to you...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Dadaji this is my marriage, shouldn't it be my business how I handle it?'' Raman snapped

'You are having a bad day so I will allow this... But be rest assured this is the last time I allow you to talk to me like that...'' Said Bhalla Senior but Raman just looked at him and walked out

'Raman... Raman ...'' Bhalla Senior yelled

'Leave him be...' Said Santosh

Bhalla Senior against everything in him decided to keep quiet. As much as he wanted this to work he had to be considerate of the fact that Ishita was going to stay in that house and making people dislike her was not going to work in her favor. He moved away heading to where Ishita's and Aditya's room was.

'Ishita...'' He could hear Aditya call her

'What is it...'' Said Ishita

'Maybe we should tell them about...'' Aditya began

'No... We are not telling them anything. Also they have more important things to worry about than me and my health problems... It is fine I will handle it'' Said Ishita

'Hello...'' Said Bhalla Senior as he walked in causing Ishita to put her veil on and turn

'I just wanted to check in and see if everything is okay. You do to have to put that on'' He said

'Everything is fine...'' Said Ishita as she pulled down her veil

'Stop being so formal with me... We are now family'' He said but Ishita just kept quite refusing to acknowledge that

'Is there anything I can do for you... I mean save the fact that I am going to make sure you go upstairs and sleep in your husband's room'' Said Bhalla Senior

'I would rather you do not do any such thing sir. I am comfortable the way things are right now...'' Said Ishita

'Why would you be comfortable living like the help'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior confused

'Because in a way I am...'' She said

'What...'' he asked

'Well technically I am here just for show... He will finally figure it out and at some points your threats with all due respect will stop being effective'' Said Ishita

'Wha...That is not true'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior a bit taken back but not entirely surprised because at some point she had to break

'Can I ask you something though'' She said

'Sure...'' He said dropping that topic

'Aditya can we have a minute please, Go and help Neelu in the kitchen...'' Said Ishita

'Sure...'' Said Aditya walking out

'Is everything alright'' He said

'Is this punishment...'' Asked Ishita

'What...'' Said Bhalla Senior surprised

'I mean... It has to be... You knew there was no way I was going to refuse to do this. So you convinced my idiotic uncle to have me marry him assuring me that this was something mutual between two adults. You left out a lot of details Sir...'' Said Ishita

'Uhh...'' Said Bhalla Senior but she cut him off

'Like how he has no plans what so ever of ever acknowledging me... Which I would have had no problem with if only I knew but my God sometimes he looks at me like I am vomit... I mean given the life I have had, that is the least of my worries but how about Aditya... He is the reason I am doing this and it seems like I just walked into a love story I have no business being a part of...'' Said Ishita

'I assure you Ishita there is no such thing...'' He tried to elaborate but Ishita had seen enough to know her place

'I do not have enough time and I need to worry about Aditya... Your bringing me here was not you taking care of him like you promised. Santosh looks like she might do something any minute. I can take it but Aditya really...'' Said Ishita

'What can I do then...'' He interrupted her

'Stop hounding him... Smothering him to care about me will not help matters in anyway and in all honesty I have no intension of having him care for me. I think you already know that. I do however need him to at least like Aditya, that way I know he is protected... For that to happen, I need to do things my way... Allow me do things my way... Please...'' Said Ishita and he sighed giving up

'What can I do then...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'Nothing...'' Said Ishita standing up before she added

'Or maybe there is...'' She said turning to him.

It was morning and everyone had gathered in the living room after breakfast and as Mr. Bhalla Senior had promised Ishita that he would stay out of their world, he was intending on doing just that but not after he let down a few rules

'Okay I am getting ready to leave and go abroad with Khushi'' Said Bhalla Senior

'What... Since when are you going abroad'' Said Simmi

'Since yesterday...'' He answered turning to her

'Your grandmother has always bugged me to take her to this cruise ship and I figured it was about time I did that. She says she wanted to see the world and experience life before her treatments start. She has sacrificed so much for me up to this moment and I realize just how important it is for me to do something for her...'' He added

'Ohh that is so sweet'' Said Romi smiling

'Anyway before I go I figured I put a few things into order...'' He said turning to everyone

'Raman is about to be complete the Goa project and I figured given everything he has learnt and the connections he has accumulated, I will leave him to run the Delhi office as C.E.O and because you still need to learn more, Abhishek will work as your executive secretary'' He said

Chapter Seventeen

'But I wanted to go to Goa'' Said Raman

'I know but am saying no'' Said Bhalla Senior knowing his wanting Goa had something to do with Shagun and he was not allowing it

'Ishita is going to be working with Romi's guidance, until Mihir resumes office...'' He added

'Why...'' Asked Raman

'Because once you are done setting up, she will be transferred to his office as your assistant, until then, she works under you but with Romi's guidance...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'What...'' Said Raman completely confused

'Is she even educated to handle that...And what has Raman got to do with it'' Said Santosh condescendingly

'Mom, come on...'' Said Romi

'She is educated enough otherwise I wouldn't have brought it up also correct me if am wrong but I remember my son hiring you as his secretary without any qualification at all. You still learnt on the job anyway as far as Romi is concerned, he is still my grandson. I do not have to justify a thing especially to you where he is concerned'' Said Bhalla Senior much to Santosh's annoyance. Bhalla Senior turned to Neelu

'Please let him in...'' He added and Neelu obliged

She came back in with a gentleman who greeted them humbly before standing on the side.

'He is Abhimanyu Raghav... He will be Ishita's shield, bodyguard if you may. I know, she, more than anyone in this house is going to need him...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'So what you're telling me is that you hired a P.I in my house...'' Said Santosh

'Pretty much...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Why are you doing this...'' Asked Romi

'Like I said, I have always promised your grandmother that I would take her on holiday but I have always postponed giving one reason or another. Given what she has had to go through the last couple of months I figured this is the least I can do for her. So she and I are going on a cruise for about 8 months or so.'' Mr. Bhalla Senior answered

'No I got that part the first time. What I want to know is why now...'' Asked Romi causing Mr. Bhalla Senior to turn and look at Ishita before he answered

'Why not... Besides I sort of have a debt to pay''

'Well then good for you but...'' Said Romi before deciding to hold his tongue

'Ishita... This is what is required of you. Weekly reports about everything and anything going on with you and Aditya both here and work. You leave anything out, trust me I will know. Abhimanyu you are also responsible for Aditya's security. If I get any reports saying the way things have been going hasn't changed, Raman, you lose everything to her...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior and Raman just sat back angrily

'Oh and lastly... You two are to live like a married couple. In every sense of the word ...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Meaning...'' Said Raman

'Well...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior smirking as he watched Neelu carry Ishita's belongings up to Raman's room but Raman wanting the whole thing to just be over completely ignored it

'She is to get every privilege as a daughter in law of the Bhalla family, in every sense. Now if you do not like this arrangement, this is where the rest of you come in, if you do not like it, you can move out of this house. Stay at the other mansion until the year elapse'' He added

'Kya...'' Said Santosh

'Oh My God... 'Said Romi

'Does that even seem logical to you...'' Said Santosh

'It actually does if am being honest...This is Raman's house so it only seems sensible that his wife be comfortable here'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Didn't you say I am not allowed to touch her? And yet she and I will be sharing a bed? Does that make sense...'' Said Raman

'I imagine I raised you to be a gentleman. I am sure you can keep your libido in check also that is not what I meant. I mean, do not hit her. If that happens I promise you all, you will not survive the wrath that I will unleash on you...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Sir, the car is ready'' In came his driver telling him

'Any objections...'' He asked

Everyone kept looking at each other mostly pissed because there was nothing they could do. He knew his family too well and understood that anything that involved money or their inheritance, they took seriously and they would listen. It wasn't something he was proud of but it was a weakness he could easily manipulate.

Santosh was pissed, this nobody from nowhere somehow came up unwanted into her home and now she was immersed into her children's inheritance without even working for it. There was no way she was leaving that house, she may have looked like a housewife to the rest of the world but she had been protecting that for as long as she could remember and she would be damned than allow a nobody to come and take that on. If her father in law wanted to play games, so be it, she was ready.

'I guess than that is that... I will take my leave then... Neelu please bring my laptop for me... And ask Ishita to come out and see me'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior

'Uh yes Sir...'' Said Neelu as she followed him out

He waited patiently who came out a few minutes later

'Are you sure you can handle this...'' He asked

'Well there is no way of knowing for sure...'' Said Ishita chuckling before she added

'I will do my best Sir...'' she added

'Be careful Ishita... My family ...'' He emphasized

'I know... You told me that a million times before bringing me here...'' Said Ishita

'Is there anything else...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'No just... Why did you bring me here anyway? I am clearly not Bhalla daughter in law material. You son clearly has someone that his family seems to approve, I do not get why I am here...'' Said Ishita playing dumb

'I needed to save you...'' He said

'Save me from what...'' She asked

'That life...'' He said

'Why...'' She asked

'You did not want that'' He asked

'Well not that I am complaining but if there is anything I have learnt from staying with my Uncle, nothing in this world comes for free, there is always a catch at the end, somehow...'' Said Ishita

'You will never accept help without questions asked. Sometimes a helping hand is just that'' He said

'There is no such thing'' Said Ishita

'Why do you think that...'' He asked

'Because Sir, that is just the reality, anyway I am just going to ask for a little leeway'' She said

'Meaning...'' Said Bhalla Senior

'Just do not scold me so much once you get back...'' She said and he chuckled

'Take care of yourself and in case you need anything else, please don't hesitate to let me know...'' Said Mr. Bhalla Senior before he got into the car and drove off

'Well this is going to be fun...'' Said Ishita turning and walking back inside

Ishita was a bit nervous as she made her way back into the house. It was hard enough trying to live under the same roof with a man who hated her guts, now she was going to have to shave a room with him. Another person would have seen this as an opportunity especially since it was quite clear Bhalla Senior wanted her to stay in that house for a longtime and given the Bhalla status, but she was not interested.

All she cared about was to make sure that she and Aditya somehow survived. All she needed were a couple of months to make sure he was safe and then that would have been that. She would have no other worry in the world.

'What the hell are you up to now'' Said Santosh

'I do not know what you mean'' Said Ishita

'How do you expect ...'Santosh started but Raman cut her off

'Just go upstairs'' He said and Ishita obliged

'What are you doing right now 'said Santosh

'Mom, I am exhausted and I am tired of the whole thing. Clearly she is not going anywhere so instead of yelling and screaming at her, just find another way. He said

What are you planning ...'said Romi

Just leave it to me. That inheritance is staying in the Bhalla family 'said Raman before he stood up and walked upstairs

I am starting to worry. He is scary when he gets like that.' Said Romi

'I know ...'Said Santosh smiling

He got upstairs and Ishita was just standing in the middle of the room staring at the bed lost in her own world. He walked and stood in front of her but she still did not barge. She looked so pale, like she was looking at a ghost or had seen something she did not expect at all

'Hey... ' He called her

'What... Sorry...'' She said stepping back as she looked down

'What is wrong...'' He asked

'Nothing Sir...'' She said

'Why do you look so pale... ' He asked

'Uhh nothing Sir... Sorry'' She apologized

Raman looked at her and frowned a bit absolutely curious as to what had taken so much of her attention. He turned and looked at where she was staring and it is when he realized

'It is beautiful isn't it...'' He said

'Sorry...'' She said

'The mural... It is gorgeous...'' He said

'Yeah...?'' She said as if surprised

'Yeah... When we moved here 14 years ago, Mom was renovating but I could not bring myself to bring that wall down or paint over it so I just asked them to sort of design my room around it. That mural is the reason I never took the master bedroom even though it was bigger...'' He said

'Hhmm...'' Said Ishita as a smiled crept up her face

'That is a first...'' he said

'What...'' She asked

'You smiling... I don't think I have ever seen you do that...'' He said and she suddenly stood stiff her face emotionless again

'Sorry Sir...'' She said and Raman chuckled a bit shaking his head as he said

'You are really weird...'' before he walked to the bathroom

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