Chapter 50 my lovely readers. Thank you! This journey just could not have been possible without all your support. You all are amazing. Each one has contributed, motivated me, kept me on my toes trying to keep this story interesting while juggling with various emotions simultaneously. Even my silent readers have contributed a big way. For someone new as a writer each and every view has gone a big way in keeping this story alive. While I would love to hear from all but what I really would love and hope is that you all continue to read this book.:)
A MEGA Chapter just for you all.
Happy Reading!
Shishir's POV.
Papa wanted the letters to be destroyed. I repeat this in my mind. Why am I not feeling anger? Why am getting this feeling of a dreaded chill?
I glanced at Suvi. Her face was an expressionless mask. What is she feeling?
"That is when Ben called me." Nanu continued.
"Ben called you? Nanu you know who Ben is?" Suvi spoke up looking in surprise towards Nanu.
"We know everybody who has been around Shishir when he came to London." Dadaji said softly exchanging looks with Nanu. "He did not want to destroy the letters. So he called up the number that he knew as the only contact to me. I had given it to him years back."
"Ben and I had been in touch over the years by means of letters. This was the first time he called and told us about the letters. So I spoke to your Dadaji and then advised him to send them over to Delhi. Then I met Raghunath and told him to ensure no harm comes to them and keep them safe."
And The letters had reached Delhi just a day before you came on your surprise visit Shishir." Dadaji said. "He had come over to meet me after Ben's phone call and we were thinking of calling you to India and hand them over to you."
"Raghunath got worried when I confronted him about the letters. He actually broke down saying he was only trying to ensure he gets to keep you in his life. He promised me he will not destroy the letters but at the same time did not want you to find out." Nanu said.
"How did you find them Shishir?" Dadaji asked looking at me.
I realised no one knew how and where I had found them. I told them quietly in shortest possible way. "Papa's office. Saw them by chance when I was looking at his certificates and awards."
"Destiny. It played it's part to ensure you get them on your own." Dadaji said shaking his head with a smile.
"I left home and went away when my son and daughter in law decided their ego was more important than the happiness of their son." Dadaji looked at me "As for being your parents I would advise you not to stay angry with them, but I would definitely hope you learn from their mistakes. Never let another suffer just to get an upper hand with someone."
I could just stare back at Dadaji. Not be angry with my parents? Does he really think that is possible? They stole my childhood, crushed it and almost ruined matters between me and Suvi.
"Raghunath feared that if you decide to go with Nimmy, your mother, then your father will insist he lets you chose." Nanu continued.
"When the fact is that I hold both equally at fault. Whatever was their difference they could have come out and spoken to family members. Nimmy had no reason to walk out of the house. It was after all her house too." Dadaji said looking angry.
"He had wanted to keep you, his grandson away from all this bitterness, so he had wanted to send you away to boarding school for some time. In fact the plan was to send all three of his grandsons away so that they could be together and not realise something was trouble at home." Nanu spoke up looking at Dadaji. "After talking to him I had thought it would be a good idea if I send Suvarna too. I know my family has been good and kind but I know she has felt isolated at times."
My heart seemed to react for the first time. Our grandparents had made a sensible and perfect plan suitable in that scenario. My father took away my chance of growing up with my siblings and my best friend for his own selfish needs.
I still did not feel anger. What I felt right now was sorrow, a deep sorrow for what I had lost out on.
"We had gone visiting and checking various boarding schools to decide upon the suitable ones. On our return journey we decided to pay our respect and homage at the Vaishnu Devi Temple." Dadji continued.
"We had been away for over three weeks and when we returned both Raghunath and you were not at home. Your father had told every one he was taking you away for a holiday before you left home so no one was aware what his plan was." Nanu filled.
"It was only about a week after we reached back to Delhi Raghunath returned alone and refused to tell where he had taken you. " Dadaji looked at Suvi "You remember the day he returned don't you Suvarna?"
Suvi looked down at nodded slowly. That expression on her face was not something I ever want to see. I got up, completely unmindful of people around me. I went and stood in front of Suvi. I put my finger on her chin making her look at me "What happened that day?" I asked looking into her eyes.
She did not answer but lowered her eyelids, not wanting to hold my gaze. This infuriated me. Before I could ask again Dadaji said "A child who thinks her best friend is ill and away for treatment would naturally want to know how he is.."
Suvi nodded. "I came to enquire about you." she said evasively.
I knew there was something else that she was holding back. I wanted to ask but knew she would not be telling me that easily.
"Raghunath got worried seeing her and took her outside the house to talk. I got suspicious and followed and overheard him telling her to continue keep Shishir's illness a secret, since no one in the family knew. I overheard the conversation and that is how I found my son's plan."
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Break time!
Raghunath and Nimmy in their ego clash did let their child's happiness take a back seat. They may not have intended it that way but that is how ego is, bloats in our mind blocking sensible thoughts.
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Suvarna's POV.
I looked at Shishir's face. I knew he has not given up on this and he will get back to asking me about it sooner or later. There was not much to it, but I knew right now even the slightest thing would make him hate his father.
He is angry, hurt, disappointed - but I don't want him to hate his parents. I certainly don't want to become the reason for it. Right now even the slightest detail could trigger hatred or worse despise.
"Dadaji what about these crazy names and those coded talks?" Paresh said and I looked at him gratefully for changing the topic of discussion.
"Crazy names?" Dadaji looked at him disapprovingly making me smile despite the seriousness of the situation.
I repeated the messages in my mind.
'Ben's comb has fallen into river Thames.'
'Sexy Shark has come out of hibernation.'
'Sexy Shark has come out of hibernation. Inform Silly Willy.'
'Willy is not silly. Getting Billy."
'Sexy shark has grown wings and Silly Willy tags along.'
"Um -the secret names and the senseless -er um strange messages?" Paresh rectified.
"The names and messages baffled you all didn't they?" Dadaji said looking pleased. "Even this supposedly sharp grandson of mine could not guess!" He continued looking at Shishir pointedly.
"But Dadaji why so much secrecy? I mean at that point of time this looked like a secret mission!" Shishir said with a small smile.
I sighed in relief inwardly seeing him relax slightly.
"So? It was a secret mission! I did not want anyone to know we were involved in any way. I knew you would be nosing around Ben." Dadji said with a shrug.
I chuckled at the term 'nosing around'. Dadaji had effortlessly lightened Shishir's effort of so many days.
Shishir darted a disapproving look at me but his own lips were already hinting at a smile forming.
"I did guess part of the first one 'Ben's comb has fallen into river Thames.'" Shishir protested.
"That was easiest since we know the story of Ben and his comb." Dadaji smirked.
I looked questioningly " Ben wears a wig, he is bald beneath." Shishir provided looking at me.
My mouth formed a 'O' but it still did not make complete sense to me, the message.
"It basically meant Ben has been caught and blamed for doing something which is not his fault." Shishir said laughing.
"It also says you caught him. Like I am Willy, you are Thames." Nanu said with a smile.
"You named me a river Dadaji? "Shishir said looking shocked.
I and Paresh burst out laughing at his aghast expression.
"It is apt, It is a loooong river, has depth, is useful" Dadaji said with a wink even as he emphasised on 'long'.
"That is supposed to be a compliment?" Shishir said shaking his head still looking shocked.
"So it simply meant Shishir has found out what Ben had done?" I asked feeling bewildered.
"Yes!" Dadaji said. "I had already given him the code names to be used incase something like this happens. John from British Investigators and Henry, your senior Shishir, both are old associates so I involved them."
"The reason why we did not want you all to know about our involvement was we were not sure how much damage had been done over the years, by way of ruining relationships. We wanted to reach and talk face to face."Nanu explained. "When I met you in Delhi Shishir I had no idea at that time you had found the letters."
"But why the craze - er -the names?" Paresh asked.
"Code Code Code." Dadaji said rolling his eyes at Paresh making me and Shishir chuckle.
"So coming out of hibernation was basically you coming in touch with other people, other than Nanu that is?" Shishir said still smiling as he looked at Dadaji.
"See? Not that difficult to understand now that most things are known." Dadaji said looking at Paresh instead of answering directly. "But then not your fault, you need at least average IQ level for understanding basics."
"I am intelligent."Parrsh said frowning. "Dadaji you must have obviously been very bored so you made a simple looking set of messages sound so weird."
"Is he really a lawyer? Are you sure he studied for it? Have you seen his certificate?" Dadaji asked looking at Nanu while pointing at Paresh.
All of us, other than a pouting Paresh and Dadaji scowling at him, burst out laughing.
"Once Shishir found out it was natural that he would keep a close watch on Ben." Dadaji's tone to Paresh was similar to that Mamaji often used to explain things to Pappu.
Pappu! I miss him so much and Prema too. In fact I miss my whole family. I am glad Nanu is here I think with a smile.
Then I remember I need to tell them about the incident of three years back. I gulped at the thought. It's not going to be easy. I will not tell them about Ricky's identity but they need to know the rest- minus what I had found that day. It's going to be tricky.
I looked at Shishir who was talking to Dadaji and Nanu and Paresh who was still sulking.
"Suvarna, how was the conference? How is your training going on?"Nanu asked suddenly and I looked at Shishir desperately. How do I tell Nanu all that was made up?
"Um- Nanu. There was no conference or training." I blurted while glaring at Shishir who was not helping me at all.
He gave me a sheepish look and still kept quite! And he put my name as Brutus in his phone! I narrowed my eyes at him and he gave me a shrug with a small wink.
He is a dead man! I will most certainly kill him. I looked at Paresh who was not even looking at me. The traitor had picked up a magazine and was going through it- rather was pretending to go through it.
Okay so there are going to be two murders. Both Mehhotra brothers are as good as dead!
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Break time!
Another breather guys, while Suvi plans how to kill the two brats of her life. LOL. Hope the codes are simpler to understand now! Thames being Shishir -Haha!
Shishir's POV.
She is going to kill me I thought smiling to myself as Suvi continued to glare at me and Paresh.
"What do you mean?" Nanu asked looking from Suvi to me and then Paresh. "Paresh!" He said raising his voice as the brat continued to look at the magazine.
"Oh no!" Paresh blurted under his breath making me want to laugh. "Um- Yes Nanu?" he said offering Nanu a bright smile.
"You came and told me about this important conference training etc. So what is the meaning of all this?"
"Um Yes-. No No- I mean yes- that is to say-" He fumbled looking at me. "What to say? " He blurted looking at me.
I groaned softly. Why does he have to get me into trouble with the grandfathers! It was one thing to to hatch a plan and another to confess in front of elders!
"You talk to me here."Nanu said frowning at Pushkar. "You were the one who told me all that, not anyone else."
"Bhaiya asked me to!" Paresh said as he shot me an accusing look. I sighed and looked at Suvi who by now had sat down and was looking quite smug. Naturally, she was happy that finally both of us brothers were in trouble.
Deep trouble.
"I did only to obey orders from elders." Paresh said looking satisfied with his excuse.
"I need you to jump from the terrace tomorrow at dawn." Dadaji interjected smoothly looking at Paresh.
"What?" Paresh asked looking confused.
"Since you are so good in taking orders from elders." Dadaji said grimly and looked at Nanu " He may not be intelligent but this grandson of mine listens blindly to his elders. He will prove it tomorrow by jumping from the terrace."
I gave another sigh knowing I would need to confess now. "Nanu , Dadaji" I paused taking a deep breath. "I wanted-"
"He did it for me." Suvi interrupted me quietly. I and Paresh exchanged a worried look knowing what she was planning to do. She was going to tell about that night.
"Suvi- No-" I tried.
"Suvi- It was me who-" Paresh started talking at the same time.
"No guys. I need to tell the truth now. It has been long due." She said her voice low but determined.
"What is going on here?" Dadaji's voice boomed.
I got us and sat beside Suvi and caught her hand. She gave it a slight squeeze as though telling me it was all okay. Slowly she told about what she had faced, leaving out the details.
"He had just got to know about it, when he was leaving for London from Delhi, and wanted to take care of me as a friend." Suvi finished softly. I held on to her hand and I saw by now Paresh was sitting on her other side holding her other hand.
Dadaji had a shocked expression. I looked at Nanu and saw he held a pained look. "You did not tell me about this all these years Suvarna. You did not trust your Nanu to support you?"
"No Nanu there was a never a doubt about that." Suvi said quietly.
"She was trying to protect me." I said. It was time they knew what Suvi had held back.
"Shishir!" Suvi said shaking her head. I smiled and continued. "They should know where all of this started." I said.
I told them about Aditya and how and what he had done. I knew Suvi would not want Ricky's identity to be disclosed so I did not tell about him. They just knew Aditya had got someone to do all this. And of course that the attack on Suvi was unintended, as she was not the target. It was me who Aditya had targeted all along.
"Does Nimmy know about all this?" Dadaji asked his voice hard. I shook my head "I don't think so."
"Then she should." Dadaji said and got up. I knew He was going to call my mother and there was nothing I could do about that. Now Aditya's parents would know what he had been upto, something which I was not keen to happen.
Nanu also left the room with Dadaji and I knew he was also going to talk to rest of Suvi's family. I glanced at Suvi and saw that she was looking relived.
Maybe it was a good idea after all to have this load off our chests.
"Are you all right?" I asked her quietly. She nodded and smiled.
"Good." I smiled. "So let's celebrate?"
"How can Dadaji say I am not intelligent?" Paresh said not looking pleased at all.
I chuckled "He was teasing you."
"You know very well he was not teasing. He really meant it. " Paresh complained and I had to accept he was right in thinking so. Being the youngest he was often not taken seriously.
"It's Okay Pushy." Sumo said and Paresh scowled at her calling him 'Pushy' "You just prepare yourself for tomorrow." She continued and gave him a sweet smile.
Paresh frowned. "What is there tomorrow?"
"You will be jumping off the terrace at Dawn." Suvi said poking her tongue at him.
I smiled at the two but my mind was already away. I want to tell our families about me and Suvi. I know I said I will not rush Suvi and I don't intend to, but I really want our relationship to be out in the open.
What I got to know about my parents, especially about my father just disgusted me but did not really surprise me. Probably because I already knew he had a big hand in whatever transpired. Infact he was the reason behind most of it.
I have lost a lot because of him but I am now with Suvi, and that matters most to me.
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Break time!
So now the families know about what Suvi had faced. She still would need to answer questions but at least the main part is done! And Shishir wants the world to know about him and his lady love!
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Suvarna's POV.
I looked at Shishir as he sat looking thoughtful. Somehow I sensed he is thinking about us. I smiled at the thought. I want to tell him those three words he would love to hear me say.
I have been wanting to since past few days, ever since he said it but too much had been happening around us till now. And I want to make it special for him.
I have a plan but then I will need to make arrangements and for that I need my scowling and pouting friends help. I knew right now if I asked Pushkar he will give me a tough time, so I will have to feed him to convince. I smiled at all his stunts making me cook various things for him, but he was really a true friend and really cared about me. He has always stood by me, no matter what.
I decided to tease Shishir for now. "So now Mr. Mehrotra all is settled?"
"Huh hmm." Came his disgruntling respond and I held back my grin.
"Now then your life will be back to routine?" I prodded further.
He shrugged not answering.
"I will miss you though." I said with an exaggerated sigh and he looked at me confused. "Now that Nanu knows there is no conference and no training I will need to go back. Moreover the two weeks are up today, so anyways I would be returning."
"What are you talking about?" He said standing up and glared at me.
It was fun to tease him! This will build up the surprise I am planning.
I managed to pull up a sad face. "I have no excuse now to stay on. And I know you cannot come back to Delhi right away. So we will not be seeing each other for quite some time now."
"No excuse?" Shishir said his voice dangerously low as he bent his head till his face was inches away from me.
"Cut it out you two. We have two old men in the house now, other than an innocent me." Paresh said making Shishir groan angrily.
"Without warning he caught hold of my hand and pulled me up on my feet and pulled me along as he started striding out of the room."Shishir, leave my hand! Dadaji or Nanu may see us." I said looking around desperately but he did not answer.
Oh God! Why did I have to tease him so much? Now he is furious and will not listen. Within a few moments he opened the door to the gym and pulled me in after him.
I gulped as he caged me between himself and the shut door as soon as the door closed behind me.
"So you were saying?" He asked his face almost touching mine. I could feel his breath on my cheek.
"Um?" I blurted going blank all of a sudden
How am I supposed to think rationally with him so close? Or think at all for that matter?
"You have no excuse, is it?" He said brushing his lips on my cheeks, which I am sure by now were pink!
"Um?" I repeated mesmerized, having seemingly lost my power of speech or thought. At least temporarily,
"You are sure about that girlfriend?" he continued and I felt his arm go around my waist as he pulled me closer.
Whatever thoughts I had been having earlier about planning a surprise all seemed to blur away now.
I felt my mouth go dry and Shishir's fingers caressed my cheeks and he cradled my face with his other hand that was not on my waist.
I love him, I always have. There never has been a doubt on my mind. He loves me back and there can be nothing more to it than that. I opened my mouth to voice my feelings for him in words but was stopped as he crashed his lips on mine.
I gasped at the suddenness of it and also since I was already feeling breathless from our close proximity.
He pulled back within seconds this time, not elongating it. "I love you so much Suvi. You can never imagine how much." He whispered softly beating me to it.
"I-"
No sooner had I started a shrill ringing broke into the air breaking the moment. I closed my eyes in frustration and heard Shishir curse softly under his brearth.
He fished out his phone from his pocket and then frowned at the caller ID. He glanced at me as though wanting to say something then stopped.
"Sorry I will need to take this call." He said and walked out of the gym.
I sighed trying to get hold of my feelings. I had been so close to confessing. I guess I will still get my chance to surprise him I thought to myself. In a way it was good. He deserved it the special way, like he has planned so many special things for me.
I waited for Shishir but he did not come back even after ten minutes. Must have been an important phone call, I thought to myself.
I walked out of the gym and went looking for Paresh. Both the grandfathers were still not around. They probably are in their room.
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Break time!
Oh crap! Suvi had almost said the words. But at least we know she plans to say it in a special way.
Who do you think called Shishir?
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Shishir's POV.
I groaned as I heard my phone ring right at this moment. I took it out intending to disconnect the call and also switch it off. Then I saw the caller and was confused.
Anju Mami? She was calling me from her mobile! Maybe she wanted to speak with Suvi. Something made me stop myself from telling Suvi about who the caller was.
"Hello?" I answered as I stepped out of the gym.
"Shishir? How are you?" She asked politely. Though her tome was polite despair hit me. I had a gut feeling this was not going to be something I would like.
I responded her politely and walked into my room and shut the door behind me.
I heard grimly as she told me about the call Suvi's Nanu had just made to them and told the family about what Suvi had faced that night.
She was talking nicely and thanking me for all I had done. I objected but she continued to say she appreciated and was indebted to me.
I tried to wash away the feeling of gloom and despair since she was saying things which were pretty normal for the circumstances, though my gut feeling was there was more to this phone call.
"Shishir, I need your help." Mami said I braced myself.
"Yes Mamiji?" I said softly.
"You know Rahul right?" she said and I closed my eyes already having an idea of what was coming.
"I want you to convince Suvarna to spend some time with him." Mami continued as I felt a pain in my heart, like a knife was prodding it.
"Mamiji I-" struggled with words but she interrupted.
"I just want the two of them to spend time and get to know each other. I have been trying since over a year but Suvarna has been avoiding it." She continued "I know Rahul is interested in the alliance but what is Suvarna's wish I don't know." She went on "You are her best friend, she will not refuse you."
"Supposing Suvi is really not interested in him?" I managed to somehow ask.
"We will never force her Shishir." She said and I felt somewhat better before she added "But then there is no reason for her to not like Rahul."
"Supposing she has someone else?" I asked quietly.
"No. that is not possible. I would have known if there was someone in her life." Mami was quick to respond. "Besides Shishir-" she hesitated before continuing. "It is a fact that Suvarna had to go through all that turmoil because she is your friend. Don 't get me wrong, I am not blaming you, but we cannot deny that she had to face it because someone was out to take revenge on you."
I clenched my jaw at her words. This thought had been haunting me ever since Aditya's truth had come in the open.
"I am aware of that." I said quietly.
"Please don't misunderstand me. I know you care about her as a friend but then you are a busy man. Infact you were not even in touch with her after you left for London." She continued making me cringe at my own actions. "I know when one is trying to be successful friends do become secondary but we need someone to be there to take care of Suvarna. She needs a good man who will make her happy and Rahul is perfect in every way."
Before I could think of how to respond she said "I need to go now Shishir, Please remember this conversation should stay only between the two of us. No one, not even my husband is aware of this. Bye, take care dear." She said and disconnected the call.
My dreams lay in a mess in front of me. There was no way I was letting Suvi go out of my life. I would not be able to survive that. I just cannot let go of her no matter what.
It is a fact that Suvarna had to go through all that turmoil because she is your friend.
Mami's words seemed to slice through my heart as they kept coming back.
I grabbed my car keys from where they lay near the bed and walked out.
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Break time!
Anju Mami's call was certainly not in the best of timing. She may have had best of intentions for jer niece, but she has certainly created a deep wound in Shishir's heart with her allegation.
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Suvarna's POV.
I saw Shishir walk out of his room and went to him right away. "Where did you think disappear mister?" I teased him.
He looked at me and suddenly pulled me close. "Shishir!" I said worriedly lokking out for our grandfathers.
"I have not been a good friend to you I know." He said making me frown. Why is he saying this?
"That is not right Shishir and you know it too! You are the best friend anyone would be proud to have." I said narrowing my eyes at him. This was true. He had been manipulated into being angry ith me. I know we still have certain bits to clear, for example who had answered the phone at my house and lied to him about me having gone for picnic? But these things were mere details now that we knew the main truth.
"I will see you later. I need to go somewhere now." Shishir said and walked away before I could ay anything.
I watched him go. What was the matter with him, I wondered to myself.
I smiled thinking at least the surprise I was planning for next day should bring a smile to his face and make him happy. I think I will plan on wearing a nice sexy dress along with the remaining plan. I blushed at the thought and shook my head smiling to myself as I moved towards my room.
"Suvarna?" Nanu's voice stopped me. I looked at him as he came near me. "Are you all right child?" I nodded and hugged him.
"I am very disappointed you did not tell me about your pain all this while, but I know you were trying to save your friend, so I understand." Nanu said as he fondly patted my head.
Just then Dadaji came out of their room and smiled at me while he asked Nanu, "Ready?"
"Yes, let's go." Nanu looked at me. "We are going to visit a friend and will stay with him overnight. We will call you once we reach there." He smiled and both of tem walked out after waving at me.
As I saw them walk away I could not help but think how strong their friendship was. I wonder how they will react once they learn about me and Shishir.
I could not help the happy smile as it graced my lips. "Just one more day Shishir Mehrotra." I muttered to myself as I went into my room.
&&&
I do hope this chapter was a good read! A lot of emotions in it. Some good, some not so good I know. But then one has to face all in life.
It is about triumphing against all odds with the ones you love and care about.
Brace yourself for some turmoil along with some confessions and revelations in the upcoming chapters.
Please do comment and Vote.
Love, from me to you.:)
Precap Chapter 51
Suvarna's POV.
Why is Shishir not answering his phone? He has been gone for hours now! I frowned at my phone as another call went unanswered.
I was beginning to get worried since he was not in his office and no one seemed to know where he was.
Suddenly the door to my room flung open and a panting Paresh stood there. "What?" I asked him as an unknown fear gripped me.
"Bhaiya!" He panted for breath "Accident."
I felt my world spin around me as I stared at him.
Uh oh!
Don't get too sad guys.
See you next time!