Dedicated to SindhuRamakrishnan, Salini90, winx9494701824, Polycarpdeborah,
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and to all my lovely readers and friends....
21 ~ Broken Pieces of Past ~
Flashback.......
Arnav's Cabin...
Ray Fashion House...
" If my hunch is right, then Shyam Manohor Khanna is very much alive....."Veer said straight looking at Arnav's eyes. Arnav felt his heart stopped for few seconds.
Shyam Manohor Khanna?
His jijaji ?
The person whom Arnav respected as his elder brother and his di worshipped as a God?
" No.. No... It's not possible.. You.. you are lying.." Arnav whispered while his eyes filled with unshed tears.
" I can understand your turmoil Arnav. Betrayal from the person, whom you trust, kills us mostly. I was once in your place.. Trust me, I know the feelings... But just think properly. Can you remember Anjalidi's life after marriage? Any specific changes ? From initial days to later life, any specific change especially after Sheetal's entry?" Veer asked calmly while placing his hand on Arnav's closed fist. Arnav flinched a little but shut his eyes to hide the pain.
Though Arnav did not accept but Anjali's face come in front of his eyes. Her ever so smiling face just after marriage but how that changes slowly. How Anjali lost her charm and glow day after day. And specially after the entry of Sheetal in picture, Anjali behave strangely. Arnav remembered how Anjali literally forced him to get engaged with Sheetal.
And another thought suddenly comes in Arnav's mind like a thunderstruck. The small accidents which Anjali used to get involved herself. Was they all were accidents or it was planned? Like a jolt of current Arnav snapped open his eyes and looked straight into Veer's eyes and got his answers.
Veer voiced out his thought, " You are right Arnav, you thought right. All those accidents which occurred with Anjalidi were preplanned. The entry of scorpion in Anjalidi's room, her slipping down from the stairs, the brake fail of car which injured Mohan severely.. Do you remember Arnav?"
Veer's questions put the horrified memories which Arnav eventually forgot or tried to. Yes, the little mishaps or accidents were started when Anjali was pregnant. Few accidents which can kill Anjali even but luckily either mamaji or mamiji or any other person saved Anjali. But suddenly those mishaps stopped occurring. Arnav remembered everything become normal and Shyam became extra careering about Anjali. But was not it all occurs just after Devyani's will were read by the family members? There it was clearly mentioned that Devyani Ray has nominated 50 % of her property to Anjali's unborn child. Reality struck Arnav very hard.
" So, they wanted Di to deliver the child to get the property, that's why the accidents did not occurred in her pregnancy thereafter." Arnav said in a trance.
" Exactly. Everything is money for them. Mr Mallik, his vile of a mother and the Khanna siblings... just like Mr Mallik did not cared for his own children, Mr Shyam Khanna also did not care for Advay.. They planned the accident to kill both Anjalidi and You Arnav. You survived because of your luck and definitely because of Aman and your doting family. That's when Shyam has to fake his death. Because he was a little bit of apprehensive that you may investigate and his truth comes out. But you were too much devastated after Anjalidi's death and your heath was also damaged. So, taking the situational advantage Sheetal came as an aid. Her presence besides you after the accident may be had surprised you, is not it?" Veer asked while Arnav slightly nodded his head.
" So, their plan was to trap Arnav through Sheetal and after marriage to get all the money." Aman said in understanding the games now.
" Not only that, to kill Arnav and Advay too after getting the property. They are not human... they will never behave like one. The desire of money and power made them blind..." Veer said making both Aman and Arnav numb..
There was a pregnant silence in the cabin room only the sound of the harsh breathing of three men was present over there.
Breaking the silence finally Aman spoke, "Then why did you keep silent all those years? Why did not you come to Arnav immediately?"
" When I came to know about Arunoday's and Subhadra Mallik's plan along with Shyam Khanna alive, I was totally clueless what to do. Initially I drown into immense guilt for thinking ill about deceased Ratna aunty and hurting you and Anjalidi in every given opportunities. Then I tried to flew away with my mother into another city but the Mallik's are to powerful, I realized their clutches are too strong. Then I slowly realized why My mother tolerated everything throughout her entire life, because she wanted to save my life.. And here I am, trying to save my mother's life. I realized I am not that much powerful to fight face to face with the Mallik or totally go against them. I used to live my life as a spoiled brat... When my eyes got open, it was late.. I was in my last year in college, no support, neither economically nor physically , nothing.. Besides, I knew if I try to run along with my mother, then Mr. Arunodoy will surely kill both of us... I was clueless as well as scared.. I am not strong like you Arnav and also I do not have a loving family like you have... Besides that time Arnav was too devastated. But I tried few times to contact Arnav but failed. And I was also surprised seeing that the Mallik's made me culprit for the accident.. I realized that I have to stay with them and then backstab... I started to play the same game which they have started first..."Veer said while Arnav was engrossed in deep thought but Aman nodded.
"You were telling something about being the reason of Arnav and Sheetal's broken engagement. Can you elaborate?"Once again Aman asked looking at Arnav's lost state.
" Before that you should know that Mr Arunoday is a very vile man but the mastermind is Mrs Subhadra Mallik. She met Sheetal in a business party along with Shyam and find out their greed for money. Mrs Subhadra very cleverly introduced Shyam with Anjalidi and rest you know. They got married and all. When you survived the brutal accident Sheetal pretended to care for you and it only increased my suspiciousness. I tried to act that I am falling for her to follow her each movement. Sheetal and Shyam belonged to very poor family but their greed for living a luxurious life killed their morals. Sheetal used to trap the rich boy and Shyam rich girls and then used their weakness to blackmail them. When they met with Mrs Subhadra they got a permanent solution to live a luxurious live.."
Pause....
"But Sheetal was addict with her wild life.. She was habituated with her wild life including one night stands... I got all the information's after following her keenly and it was easy to trap her. That day I was in Sheetal apartment while pretending to be drunk. I tried to get few informations from her regarding their next moves.... Sheetal was too drunk to realize anything. Besides, we once used to go in same college..The immoral life and illegal ways helped Sheetal to study in a prestigious college before..She offered me to sleep with her as she thought I had an animosity with you. I also pretend. We were talking while I was standing in the window side and from there I saw your car. Then I joined Sheetal who was already in bed in almost drowsy state. We made out and you entered in the exact moment when we were kissing.... Then finally you broke up the engagement. A part of me got relieved that At least I able to help you but another part died. That day I had betrayed one person by getting close to Sheetal. In my life, besides my mother, there was another lady who loved me immensely.. I lost her that day.." Veer stops abruptly looking lost. A few drop of tear roll down from his cheek.
" and She is Lavanya Basu, Am I right?" Arnav said shocking both Veer and Aman at a same time.
" What? Lavanya? You.. You loves Lavanya?" Aman asked disbelief.. This is becoming too much complicated now.
" Yes, if I am not wrong Veer and Lavanya had a relationship and probably Veer broke up with her just after that day, abruptly. Right Veer?" Arnav said finally composing himself..
" Khushi had told you right? Yes, if apart from my mother anyone had ever loves and cared for me she is Lavanya. But the truth regarding my existence and the real face of Mallik, shook me. I never wanted to drag Lavanya in this mud. I thought to breaking up but never able to because our love for each other is true. But after that day I felt so dirty and realized Lavanya deserves a better life, not a life with an illegitimate son of great Mallik. I broke up with her and convinced Mr Mallik and Mrs Subhadra to get me engaged with Sheetal. They thought I am in their trap and they will use me to win the custody.. So, the engagement of me and Sheetal got really quick. And rest I think you can guess.." Veer said looking at Arnav.
" But question is still remains the same, why did you takes the risk on Holy? Mr Mallik definitely is angry with you." Aman asked really not understanding about Veer's actions that day.
" The day before holi, Mrs Subhadra and Arunoday planned how to destroy your images with Lavanya. I wanted to save both Lavanya and you, Arnav. Lavany's mother is very cunning woman. For money she once sold Khushi, she can trade her own daughter too. I am not saying Lavanya was well mannered with Khushi but that night, it was Lavanya who opens the door where Khushi was locked. Indirectly she helped Khushi to runaway. Lavanya has many faults, majority because of her mother's bad influences and false accusation on Khushi but she still holds a human hearts. The moment I came to know this time the Mallik's are using Lavanya as a pawn , I make my own plan.." Veer said thought Arnav was not totally convinced.
As if sensing Arnav's thought Aman also asked, "But it's really taking a stand against the Mallik. What did they said to you?"
" Don't ask. There was a tsunami initially but I pretended that I was drunk and thought it was Sheetal. Though they were not very convinced but did not say much because I gave them another idea." Veer replied.
" What idea? Regarding which matter?" Arnav asked.
" I think by this time you can guess that if Sheetal would have own the custody battled then after getting the property they would have killed Advay." The moment Veer spoke those words, Arnav's heart stop.
" WHAT????" Aman shouted unable to take anymore.. "Advay? How can they even think like that?"
" What do you think, they are not human. Mr Arunoday Mallik killed his own daughter. Advay is his grandson. Do you think, he will show any mercy on Advay?" Veer said sarcastically.
" So, I said them that If Advay got attacked and get injured or worse died while being in our custody, police and law will never leave us... So, Mallik thought they will attack Advay when you will get the custody case." Veer said looking a dumbfounded Aman and a shocked Arnav's faces.
Chill run down in Arnav's spine.. Veer is telling the truth. Yes, the Mallik's can do anything for the Money.
But Arnav control his overwhelming emotions... He has to be strong to protect his prince, to save his kingdom. After all he is a king...
" Just one more question, what you want from me Veer?" Arnav asked looking straight towards Veer's eyes.
" I want my mother's freedom and safety. I can free her from there but will not be able to safeguard her life. Please, she is my only family." Veer said while looking at Arnav's eyes.
" Why do you think that I will help you?" Arnav said making a straight face.
"Because you very well know how it feels to lose your mother infront of your eyes. You know the helplessness when your own father betray you.. You had already gone through the same situation. I know you will feel it. I can trust you in these..." Veer said while his vision blur in tears. Aman looked away feeling Veer's situation. If Veer is telling the truth then he had suffered most, definitely worse than Arnav, because Arnav has his maternal family with him.
" But it is difficult for me to trust you. Give me a reason." Arnav asked hiding his inner turmoil.
Veer smiled through his moist eyes. Slowly he bring out a diary and a file. Slowly he placed them before Arnav and said, " The file has all the proof which I had gathered till date and the diary is my mother's. Please read it.. And One more fact, infact the most important fact which I forgot to tell you, Do you know Arnav, that Mrs Subhadra Mallik is the STEP MOTHER of Arunoday Mallik?"
" What?????" Both Arnav and Aman shouted in unison unable to take this shocking truth.
" I was also shocked when I first came to know about the fact. But I could not able to gather any further information. But you are THE Arnav Ray, I know you will definitely find out the entire link. You are intelligent enough Arnav. Just think, Why Arunoday destroyed his own children's life and Why Subhadra Mallik supported it? Who is the actual PAWN here? I think the history of Mallik and Ray's are interlinked and there is the clue of all the misery in our life..." Veer paused and finally looking at Arnav's eyes said, " Take care.. brother.."
Arnav was sitting like a statue not even blinking his eyes. Looking at him, slowly Aman patted his shoulder and said, "Arnav I am escorting Veer outside. I will be back soon."
" No need. It's already late. And I need some time alone. Hope you understand." Arnav said looking at the ceiling.
" Okay buddy, but I am just a call away, Good night." With that Aman reached towards the exits along with Veer but halted hearing Arnav's whisper, " You too take care.. Veer."
A small smile spread over Veer's face while a tear drop escape from his sad eyes. Nodding his head he existed from the cabin but not before mouthing a "Thank you."
To be contd......
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Author Note:
Hello My lovely readers...
Here is the Twenty one chapter of this story.. Another twist and turn.. Did you expected Subhadra's truth?
Wait for more....
Hope you are enjoying...
Expecting your response ....
My other works name, " Another chance", " Sweetheart" and " Rising phoenix".
There is three OS and two TS which are completed. Give them a try too.
Love and regards...
Your story teller
Mamree
06.02.2020