Agape & Eros

Far Yet Closer II

Priya was about to get into the car when she saw Vedika coming out of the house. She wore a sleeveless dress and had a silk stole wrapped around her. Priya noticed a bruise on her arm, which Vedika was pretending to hide. Priya felt concerned and went to her.

Priya- Are you going somewhere? Should I give you a lift? 

Vedika- That'll be so kind of you. Actually, I am going to the hospital. 

Priya- What happened, Vedika? Are you okay? This bruise?

Vedika- It's nothing, Priya. Nothing. 

Priya- Ok, come with me. 

Priya took Vedika to the hospital. She asked if she needed her to stay. Vedika replied in affirmative. So, Priya went to the doctor with her. After some initial diagnosis, the doctor asked Vedika if someone abused her. Vedika remained quiet. Priya felt protective of her. She kept her hand on Vedika's hand. 

Priya- This is a safe place for you. You can tell Vedika. We will support you and help you. 

Vedika nodded. She made a pensive face. She tried her best to convince Priya and Priya was convinced. Priya felt bad for her. 

After coming out of the doctor's chamber, Priya sat her down. 

Priya- I'm so sorry that you had to face this. I've seen domestic violence from close. I know how traumatizing it can be. But you don't need to worry. You have your family and your friends. 

Vedika- I don't have a family. My parents died and I am an only child. 

Priya's heart bled for Vedika, not knowing all of this was nothing but a pretense. 

Priya- But your friends are here. You don't need to go there. Mr. Kapoor is here. We will help you. 

Vedika- No, Priya, please, no. Don't tell anything to Ram. 

Priya- Why not? 

Vedika- Ram will get angry and cut every tie with Shashi. It'd affect Sid. I don't want to spoil his life. You don't know Ram's wreath. 

Priya- But Shashi should be punished. Domestic violence is a punishable crime.

Vedika- Please, Priya. Try to understand. I can't involve the police. It will affect Sid's life. He is like my own little brother. I can't sacrifice him for myself. 

Vedika tried her best to convince Priya so that she didn't inform anyone else, especially the police. If police had become involved her conspiracy would come out. Priya didn't promise anything to Vedika. But she believed her words to be true. Except for one- Ram's wreath. 

"Mr. Kapoor will never shower his wreath upon an innocent soul.", Priya thought. Though she didn't Ram for as long as Vedika. But still, she couldn't believe her words for Ram. She felt confused. She sent Vedika to Kapoor mansion with the driver. 

*

After a long day at work, Priya was trying to reach Ram in the afternoon, but his phone was switched off. She knew about his meeting. But that was supposed to be a lunch meeting. She called Adi. Adi didn't know any update. So, Priya went to the hotel where Ram was supposed to be. Bri and Kunal went with her. When Priya stepped into the hotel Ram called her. 

Priya- Hello! Mr. Kapoor? Where are you? Why was your phone switched off? Are you ok? 

Ram- Priya, Priya, Priya. Try to breathe. So many questions! I have already forgotten half of them. 

Priya- Sorry. But where are you? 

Ram- Umm... I am in the hotel. 

Priya- Hotel?