Chapter 16

Two weeks Later:

Rishi was in his office pacing in frustration. He came to know that one of his employee has gone behind his back and leaked the tender details to one of his rivals. He was sure there was no chance of winning the tender. He fired the person and got him arrested by filing a legal complaint against him.

His anger was nowhere in control and everyone dreaded facing him. Sudhir was the only person who entered Rishi’s room which was a mess now.

Rishi: Sudhir, send a mail to the chairman that our tender was tampered before submission and whatever number the rival has quoted should not be taken into consideration. His quote should be rejected. Also send the copy of the FIR we have filed against the fuckard who was behind this.

Sudhir: Sure sir, there might be less chances but I think you should talk to him personally too.

Rishi bobed his head and Sudhir walked out to carry out the work given to him. In the meanwhile Rishi called the chair person who is responsible for the tenders and talked to him personally and revealed everything that happened with the tender he quoted. Though the chairperson did not deny his request, he did not mention any word that he would agree too. At the end of the call Rishi threw his blazer and kicked the teapoy in rage.

Aadhi returned home from college and quickly got changed into her shorts and shirt. Collecting her books and laptop she settled on the carpeted floor in the living to prepare for her exams which was in two weeks. She set alarm to prepare dinner and carried on with her preparations. She had a doubt and wanted to call Vimal but decided to do it after finishing the cooking.

She placed her books and laptop in the bedroom couch and returned to the kitchen and started cooking listening to the music as usual. Once she was done she placed everything on the table and rushed to the bedroom and called Vimal immediately.

Vimal: Yes duckling, what a surprise you called me today ? I thought you forgot that you have a brother.

Aadhi: You would be busy taking care of sister in law so I didn’t want to disturb you bro but I have a doubt and badly need your help so do you mind giving your time.

Vimal: Pay me 1000 per hour and I can give as much as time you want.

Aadhi: Don’t worry, my brother has more money so I will let him pay you so now please don’t delay and clarify my doubts. I will get my book and call you back.

Vimal got his laptop and a notebook and smiled on seeing Aadhi’s call. He answered it and Aadhi let him know her doubts. Vimal patiently started teaching her. 10 minutes later Manjari returned to room and saw Vimal on call with Aadhi. She settled beside him and started scrolling through her mobile waiting for Vimal to end the call. She sent a message to Vimal calling him for dinner and he replied that he would have later and she should have on time.

Manjari moved to the balcony and sat on the couch cursing Aadhi. She heard the brother and sister laugh in between and her jealousy turned her blind. She called Rishi knowing he must be in office.

Rishi who was sipping his drinks saw the call was from Manjari and answered it immediately since she would never call him unless if she needed something but frowned on hearing her sobs.

Rishi: Manjari, what happened  ? Are you not feeling well ?

Manjari: I was missing you bro.

Rishi: Do you want me to come there ?

Manjari: No bro, I don’t want to trouble you. I know you have a life for yourself so I will bear everything on my own. This was the life I chose for myself.

Rishi: You don’t have to endure anything Manjari. Now tell me what happened ? Is Vimal taking care of you ?

Manjari cried more and Rishi rose to his feet ready to leave to meet her.

Manjar: He doesn’t have time for me and is always worried about his sister. I can’t blame him when it is Aadhi who calls him everytime you are late from office. Bro, please give her some attention so that Vimal will be at peace and take care of me. I think I made a mistake and now you are suffering too. I m sorry bro, please forgive me and please forget whatever I said. I m happy bro. Bye.

Manjari cut the call and Rishi threw the mobile on the wall in rage. Picking up the car keys he walked out of office. Sudhir who saw him leaving felt like he was going on a rampage.

At penthouse Aadhi thanked Vimal for teaching her and was about to cut the call but Vimal stopped her.

Vimal: Kiddo, I know you would be preparing too hard for your exams. Relax for a while and watch a movie or something. You can continue your studies in the morning.

Aadhi smiled and cut the call. She entered the closet and looked for Vimal’s hoodie from her trolley since she missed him a lot but her hands touched the package she bought from the mall. She looked around as if she was checking the survelliance. Slowly pulling out the silk gown she stood before the mirror and placed it over her front.

Aadhi: Oh my god, this is so beautiful. Thank god, I never bought any lace ones or I would have died out of embarrassment.

She giggled and was about to place it back in the trolley but her crazy mind wanted to try it. She craned her neck and looked at the clock and saw it was only 9 and Rishi would never return before 10 or 10.30.

Standing before the mirror she rolled the sleeves of her shirt and wore the gown above her shorts and shirt. She twirled around and giggled looking at herself.

The door burst open and Rishi stood with blood shot eyes. On seeing Aadhi in the gown he lost his cool and storming to her, he caught her hair in a tight grip.

Aadhi: Ahhhh, Rishu, what are you doing ?  leave me please.

Rishi: I thought you are ruining my peace but today I got to know that you were ruining my sister’s peace too. Because of you, your brother is not taking care of my sister.

Aadhi was squirmming to get her hair out of his hold but Rishi pulled her more and Aadhi screamed in pain.

Aadhi: I don’t know what you are saying. Please let go of me and we shall talk.

Rishi: What do you want to talk ? Look at you, are you so desperate to gain my attention and the right of being my wife ? Fine, I will give you that  and you better stop troubling my sister.

Aadhi: Rishu, stop it. I….

Rest of her words died when Rishi started kissing her forcefully. Their bodies were flushed and Aadhi placed her palm on his chest and pushed him with all her strength.

Rishi saw her dishevelled state and tears rolling down her cheeks, her whole body was trembling. She tossed the gown on the floor and ran out of the room without sparing a look at him.

Rishi’s chest was panting and raking his fingers through his hair he turned to the side and looked at himself in the mirror. Reality hit him like a storm and he started slapping his cheek.

Rishi: What the fuck did you do ?

He felt ashamed on looking at himself in the mirror so he stormed to the mirror and punched the it with his fist. He slumped on the floor holding his head with his bleeding hand, guilt eating him up.

Rishi: God, how … how did I do this to her ? how did I stoop so low ?

 Meanwhile Aadhi ran to the terrace and sat leaning on the wall pulling her knees to her chest. Her shrill filled the space and her body shook uncontrollably.

Aadhi: Why did you do this ? Why ? Why ? Why ?

She cried.. cried..cried… and laid on the floor. Rishi never got up from the place feeling ashamed to face her.

In the morning Latha arrived at the penthouse and saw the food untouched from the night. She started doing her work assuming both Rishi and Aadhi might have left early. She entered the bedroom to clean and saw Rishi in the closet since the door was open. Her instinct screamed something must have happened so she walked out and started looking for Aadhi. She reached the terrace and saw Aadhi on the floor in a trembling state.

Latha quickly rushed to Aadhi and touched her but Aadhi screamed and backed off in fear.

Latha: Aadhi, its me Latha aunty. Calm down and tell me what happened ?

Aadhi hugged Latha and cried her heart out but never spoke a word. The elder woman understood what could have happened and pulled Aadhi with her but she shook her head refusing to leave the place.

Latha left Aadhi in the terrace and returned in a few minutes holding a key in her hand.

Latha: When Rishi sir’s grandfather came here and locked all the guest rooms he gave this key to me. He wanted me to give this to you if I ever feel that you need privacy. Come with me, I will take you to the guest room.

Aadhi got up slowly and Latha helped her to the guest room.

Latha: Rest for a while. I will get you breakfast.

Latha was about to leave but Aadhi held her wrist without looking at her.

Latha: If you are worried that I would reveal anything then you can be at peace that my lips are sealed.

Aadhi let go of Latha’s hand and the woman walked out closing the door behind. Rishi’s trance broke to the continuous ringing of her mobile. He rose to his feet and looked at the screen. Her mobile stopped ringing and he saw she had his photo as wall paper.

He stepped out of the room looking for her to apologize. Hearing sound of vessel clank he entered the kitchen and saw Latha preparing breakfast. On hearing footsteps Latha turned around and saw Rishi standing with some hesitance.

Latha: Sir, breakfast is almost done. I will serve in few minutes.

Rishi: No, I m not here for breakfast.

He looked around for Aadhi and then once again looked at Latha struggling to question her. Knowing his hesitance Latha decided to reveal about Aadhi.

Latha: Aadhi is the guest room sir.

Rishi: Guest room ?

Latha: Your grandpa gave me the key to guest room.

Rishi turned around to check on her but stopped on hearing Latha’s voice.

Latha: Sir, I m sorry but I don’t think you should meet her now. She is not in a good state. I think you should give her some space.

Rishi gulped and bobed his head returning to his room. He sat on the bed holding his head and shut his eyes.

Rishi: How did I stoop so low to force myself on a girl ? How will I face her ?

Latha carried a tray to the guest room and saw Aadhi in the same state as she left. She sat next to her and pulled her into a hug.

Latha: Aadhi, I don’t know what exactly happened with you but I could guess to some extent. Listen to me, crying will not fix anything. You are a brave girl so tell me what do you want me to do ? Should I call your parents to take you with them or shall I call your friends with whom you can talk ?

Aadhi shook her head and Latha cupped Aadhi’s face and wiped her tears.

Latha: If you choose to keep this to yourself then you need to be strong. Staying behind the door and crying will not help you. Go fight him or do whatever you want to do. Just vent out everything but now refresh and have some food. I will be back in some time.

Rishi paced in his room in hope to meet Aadhi and apologize to her. He looked at her luggage in the closet,  books on the couch and had some hope she will come in looking for them.

Few hours passed but Aadhi never walked out of the guest room. Finally he thought she needed some time and left to his office not before informing Latha. Once he was gone, Latha entered the guest room and saw the food was untouched.

Latha: Aadhi, sir left to his office. Come out of this room and decide what do you want to do.

Aadhi hummed and was about to enter the bed room but stopped as the scene from last night flashed her mind. Latha held her hand and walked inside with her. Aadhi stepped into the closet and picked the gown and gathered all her things leaving nothing. She was about to leave the room but stopped on seeing the friendship card on the vanity table. Picking the card she walked out crushing the card and her heart.