Vedika’s POV

My thoughts were interrupted when I felt the tug at my arm.

My feet stumbled with the push. I was dreading falling into the lake.

But someone held me back into the strong arms around my waist. I grabbed the first thing I could to save myself. I looked into the eyes of my saviour which were familiar ones.

We shared an eye lock which was soon broken as I looked away.

“What are you doi-?” Certain someone interrupted me by placing his finger on my lips. I feel chilled by the cold touch on my lips.

“Shh,” he said and started pulling me by my wrist.

I started wiggling, but the iron hold didn’t flinch.

He started leading me away from the tents towards the forest side.

I was scared and started wiggling more.

He stopped briefly, giving me a moment's relief, before suddenly I found myself hanging upside down.

I screamed, but my cry was silenced by a smack on my bum.

“voce giù gattino”

Tears of humiliation came out of my eyes. A familiar stranger was taking me somewhere that too, in such a compromising position I was in.

My eyes ran around the area, only to enter a closed, secluded area.

He entered the wooden cabin and placed me on the floor.

“Mr Parker, what kind of behaviour is this?” I picked up my courage and asked rather than scream at him.

His eyes turned dark at my heightened pitch. And I shrugged back in fear. Why does he always make me feel like a kitten in front of a lion?

“Mr. Parker, see… I need to go back to my tent. It’s very late now,” I calmly stated this time. I can’t afford to stay here alone with this man.

I started taking a back step, but his voice stopped me.

“Don’t you think we have some pending matters to talk about?” He asked me.

“What pending matters?” I voiced out my thoughts before I could stop myself.

“Like what happened before?” He said while bringing his hand to his cheeks.

My face flustered with embarrassment.

“Look…it was just a dare and I am sorry for that” I said with my head down.

“What are you apologizing for?” He asked as he came closer to me.

I kept quiet as I couldn’t grasp the meaning behind his words. But soon he cleared the doubt running in my mind.

“Sorry for kissing me or for that hit?” He clarified.

His words somehow make me feel guilty for that day, but only for a second.

Wasn’t it his fault? He kept me in the dark and I thought he took advantage of me.

And that slap was for those insulting words he said.

“Oh I forget, you’re such kind of a woman who would spread her legs infront of anyone under the influence of alcohol… “

He has no right, whatsoever, for saying those hurtful words, even in anger.

“It was you who badmouthed me that time” I said as a matter of fact.

“Then you mean, I should be the one who should apologize to you” He asked mockingly.

I nodded faintly with my head down. Isn’t it right?

He laughed aloud with bitterness and I looked at him with eyes wide open…

“You amuse me a lot Vedhikaa” He said in a hoarse voice near my ear.

What was amusing in that? I frowned…

His faint breath tickled me and I felt nervous with the closeness. He pulled me towards him with a pull on my waist.

“W-what ar-e you doing?” I asked stuttering as our proximity affecting me badly but not in a good way.

“You know what- I like the fear in your eyes for me amore” he said closing the distance between our faces.

His words sent shivers in my body. I tried to look into his green eyes but something in it always makes me avoid it. His eyes scream monstrous…

I gasped when his lips touched my cheekbone. My heartbeat started running for a marathon.

“Pl… please leave me…it’s not appropriate…” I said trying to be confident but from inside I am scared from his advances.

“Ohhh…now this is not appropriate for you but what was that which you’re doing a few minutes back with him” he said making me confused.

“Wh…what???” I asked, managing to raise my head.

“Don’t try to act innocent…I saw you hugging that boy few minutes ago…” He said while my eyes widened.

And it was not me but him who kind of hugged me.

How does he know? Was he there for a longer period stalking me???

“You mean Liam??? I…i…he is my friend” I managed to say.

His grip on my waist tightens when I took Liam’s name.

“Friend or not. No one is allowed to touch what is mine” he said shocking me.

“I am not yours” I said hurriedly.

“sarai presto caro…” He said in Italian which I couldn’t understand.

I pushed him back and ran out of the room to save my dear life from devil’s eyes.

I ran directly to my tent holding my breath and spread myself on the mattress. I clutched the bedsheet to calm my raging breathe.

What was that? Why was he doing all this? Just because I kissed him and he kissed me back.

But what about those words? Mine…

My thoughts interrupted with the call. I glanced up at the familiar number and picked it immediately…

“Yes mom” I said trying to sound normal.

“Vedu” I got alerted sensing the rocky voice.

“What happened mom,” I asked while sitting in alertness.

“Your papa… “She said.

Negative thoughts exploded my mind.

“He has been detained for a false accusation” She completed after a pause.

“What?” I was shocked.

“I don’t know the whole matter. But whatever it is, I know he is innocent” She said and I nodded.

“I am coming back.” I immediately informed her. She needs me more than anything right now.

After informing my senior, I immediately hailed a taxi to go back to the city. Today is one of the unlucky days of mine. First that encounter with devil and now this situation.

I closed my eyes to control the mist in my eyes. I just hope everything would be fine. The situation should not be that big which could land papa in big trouble. Right!!!

Soon, I reached the police station. After paying the taxi driver, I immediately entered inside.

I spotted mom who was sitting on a chair and crying silently.

“Mom” I called her.

She lifted her head and embraced me into a tight hug when I reached towards her. I could feel her silent sobs.

I hugged her back trying to console her.

“Mom, don’t cry. Everything would be fine.” I told her.

“But, your dad is skeptical about the whole thing and he is unable to cope up this black stain on his profession” She told me.

She further explainrd that one of the Dad's influential client filed a case of Breach of Confidential Information to their competitors against him, which leading to millions of Euro in losses.

“Mrs Mehta” Someone interrupted us.

“Paul, what happened? Where is Anant? Aren't they going to release him?” She asked Mr. Paul, who was handling the case.

“I doubt. Apparently, they have evidence that information has been leaked from our end. So, they are redundant to release him on bail. Now the court will be closed for few days due to public holiday. We only have two days in hand to get him out of the jail. Otherwise…” He stopped making our heart going haywire.

“What option do we have in hand?” I asked as I am aware that we have very less time to get him out. Otherwise, he will be there for at least ten days.

“My hands are tied. Only if, negotiation can be done with the other party. But Larson family is not someone we can easily deal with” Mr Paul said.

I don’t know who is this Larson family is? What are the legal procedures?

But I have to save Papa at any cost.

“Can we arrange a meeting with them?” I asked him.

“Very difficult. Still, I will try tomorrow morning” He said.

“Hmm…” I sighed in exhaustion.

“You both should head to home.” He suggested.

“But I want to…” I wanted to stay but he interrupted me in middle.

“It’s of no use to wait here. Would be better if you both go home and rest as there is a long battle ahead” He said as a matter of fact.

Next two days went in a blur and I couldn’t do anything. Other party didn’t agree to our request for negotiation. It feels like there was no light in the darkness.

And the public holiday started, that’s means papa will have to stay inside for next few days. We were shattered and depressed.

“Mom, don’t be like this. Eat something, otherwise papa won’t like you like this once comes out” I said to mom

“But when Vedu, when. I feel like there is no place of honest people in this world“. She sobbed and I consoled her.

My phone started ringing and I picked it up.

“Yes, Mr. Paul, any updates” I asked.

“There is a good news, Ms. Mehta. Larson Company is ready for negotiation. I will go there today and see what their terms are.” He informed me.

“I will also come with you” I declared.

“Ok. I will pick you up at 4:00 p.m. from your house.” He informed.

“Great” I hang up the call.

“Mom, other party has agreed to meet. Hopefully something good is going to happen and soon papa will be at home.” I beamed at her.

She relaxed a bit and thanked the lord for giving us a hope.

At Larson Corporation

“If you want us to withdraw the case, kindly recover the loss incurred to us. We lost approximately 100 million Euro.” their spokesperson said.

100 million Euro? I was shocked as this is a very big amount and we won’t be able to collect that much of money.

“How about we pay the amount over the period of time in instalments?” I suggested with a hope.

“We are running a business my lady, not doing a charity. Only money can solve the problem.” This time the person in black suit, sitting beside the spokesperson uttered with a smirk.

I didn’t like the way he was giving me the glances from the time I entered the room. I ignored him earlier as I don’t want another mess.

“But we are not at fault. My uncle is innocent. You guys have involved the wrong person. Actual criminal must be roaming around you and you’re not even aware of it” I hissed with an anger.

“Evidences speaks volume, Miss. Rather than wasting our time here if you don’t have money, why don’t you ran for collecting money? Otherwise get ready for life-long imprisonment for your uncle” He said and I shot him a scowl.

“Let’s go, Miss” Mr. Paul suggested.

We stood up as I don’t think anything will be fruitful by this elongated conversation.

As we reached the door, I heard the voice of man in black suit.

“Stop” he said.

We gave him a confused look.

“I would like to talk to them alone. Everyone leave.” He said and all people left one by one leaving me and Mr. Paul alone with that guy.

“You too” He shot a glance to Mr. Paul.

“But…” Mr. Paul started but I told him to leave. Though I was sure that this guy is not having any good thoughts but I want to try everything in my hand to save pa.

“What do you want?” I hissed.

“I was right. You’re a smart girl.” He said standing up from his chair and moved towards me.

“I have a solution to your problem. You want your uncle to come out of the prison. Right? I have an offer for you” He said on a one hand distance from me.

I moved back to create more distance.

“I am not interested” I said as I feel that nothing good will come out of his gutter mouth.

I turned around to go but he hold my hand in a tight grip.

“Listen girl, it will be a win-win situation for both of us”. He said while I tried to loosen his hold on my hand.

“Just for once. I want you for once.” He uttered and my body got froze with his malicious intentions.

He didn’t stopped here but passed on some room card in my palm. He moved away from me creating some distance.

“Keep it. Come to Hotel Sun tonight. I will be waiting baby” He said while licking his lips.

Yuck!!!

“Just fuck off” I said while throwing the card on his face in anger.

“tchh tchh tchh…Anger is not good for your health, baby. Remember Room No. 3140. Otherwise…you know what can happen…” He threatened.

But I didn’t hear his non-sense anymore and rushed out of the room.

I suppressed my tears and walked to Mr. Paul who was waiting for me.

“What did he said?” He asked.

“Nothing much. Let’s go” I didn’t disclose anything to him. He stopped questioning when he saw my mood.

I shouldn’t have here. I spoiled everything.

I was not aware that someone was watching me leaving and another storm was waiting for me next day.

Next Day

I am at a Hotel for a meeting. After many considerations in my mind, I finally arrived here. I went straight to the reception to ask the room number.

“Ms. Mehta” Before I could ask for the place, someone called me.

A person looking like a bodyguard in black suit along with round spectacles on his face called me with slightly bowed head.

“Yes?” I asked unsure of this stranger’s humble nature towards me.

“Hello Miss, my name is Ben. Boss is waiting for you. Please follow me.” He informed me.

I immediately understood to whom he is referring to. I nodded my head and started to follow him quietly.

“Please this way.” He stopped in front of a wooden brown door and urged me to go inside.

I took a deep breathe to calm my nervousness as I have a feeling something big is going to happen.

I pushed the door open and immediately met with an eagle eyes which were glued at me as if ready to devour me.

Yes, you heard it right, “eagle eyes”. It’s none other than Mr. Devil aka Mr. Alvaro Parker.

I walked slowly towards the table where he was seated under his scorching gaze. I trembled internally thinking about our last meeting.

“Sit down” He commanded and I obliged sitting opposite him.

I recalled my last night conversation with him which left me hanging in distress and unknowingness.

Flashback

“Who is this?” I picked up the call in grogginess as constant ringing of the phone woke me up from my deep slumber. I ignored it at first but the caller was really impatient.

“Meet me tomorrow at Clarison Hotel at sharp 1:00 p.m.” Someone ordered me.

What the hell? Why everyone wants to meet me in the hotel. I frowned and looked at the unknown caller ID.

It’s freaking one ‘o’clock in the night. Who is so idle to call at this hour?

“Hello Mister, I guess you have dialled the wrong number.” I muttered annoyingly and hang up the call.

I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes putting all my worries at the back of my mind to get some sleep. But guess what, that annoying person was not satisfied as my phone rings again.

Before I could shout at the other person for disturbing me, that person beats me in that.

“Looks like I will have to imprint my voice in your head, mio gattino, as you have forgotten about me so soon” This time I recognised the voice very well.

{Mio gattino= my kitten}

This is the very voice which makes me crumbled in fear every time unknowingly. I was surprised that he knows my number. But on a second note, he has enough resources to know it.

“Oh, Mr. Parker, I guess you forgot that we are off working hours”. I mocked but then cursed my sharp tongue as he is not someone to mess up with.

“Come to Clarison Hotel tomorrow at sharp 11:00 a.m.”. Ignoring my mocking tone, he repeated his first words again.

“Why would I?” I asked him as this meeting is not something related to an official work. And I don’t want to have any other contact with him other than work.

“You would not like to miss this. If you feel that your uncle is important to you, then you will definitely come”. He hissed before hanging up the call.

I was in a daze and shock. What the hell was that? Did I heard correctly or am I dreaming?

I slapped my head. Ouch! It hurts.

What did he mean by that? How did he know everything?

I called him back on the same number but the call was not picked up.

I lie down on the bed and think about his words again.

I will go to meet him for checking out the situation. Even if there is a slightest hope to save papa from this disaster, I will get through it.

Present Time

“If you’re done enjoying the view, sit down” His voice brought me out from my memories. It was like deja-vu.

Enjoying!!! My foot!!! This narcissistic bastard!!!

Oh god!!! Why am I using abusive words!!!

I snapped out of my thoughts with the thud of the glass on the table.

Impatient much!!! I rolled my eyes and faced him with a confident posture.

I sat down opposite him. Now sitting in front of him reminds me the actual purpose of this visit.

"What were you saying over the phone last night?" I directly come to the point.

”Exactly what you have heard?“ He replied.

“How come you're aware of the situation of my uncle?“ I asked, voicing the most important question that has been constantly nagging my mind.

“Question should not be how but what can I offer you? “ He replied and my ears perked up with his suggestive words.

“But before all this, let's have our lunch. I am famished after waiting for you for so long.” He suggested before I could ask about his offer.

Okay, I agree I got late but not more than ten minutes. I sighed.

I was slightly astonished seeing him acting informally with me. I mean we always had an abnormal conversations, where it would took me a lot of time to understand his whirpool words. However, he was always sarcastic with his words, not informal.

Also, I never knew that he can be talktative as well. I have always visualise him as devil who is glaring me with two invisble red horns on his head. I giggled at my imagination.

He looked at me with his raised brows while I composed myself and said that I am not hungry.

Inspite of that, he signalled the waiter to carryout his orders. I guess he already gave the order.

I glared at him while he looked at me without much expressions on his face.

Our eyelock broke with the arrival of the waiter who started serving the food.

“Start” He gestured me to start with my food.

“I am here to hear your offer, not for any lunch” I reminded him again.

He didn't respond and started having his food.

I continued looking at him but he didn't paid any attention to me as if nothing matters to him at this moment than having the meal.

I sighed and picked up the spoon to get through this lunch soon.

Soon, we finished our lunch in complete silence. I will not thank the person sitting opposite me but I thoroughly enjoyed this meal.

It was after so many days that I had a proper meal. Due to stress and tension, having a full and satisfied food took a back seat.

I wiped my mouth with the napkin and looked at him who was already looking at me.

I sat straight cautiously and throw my question at him again.

“So???“ I asked.

“I can help you with your uncle. What I meant is that he can be free of any charge against him and can be freed from the prison today itself.“ He straight forwardly offered.

“H... How?“ I asked him while processing his words.

“You don't need to know the process. Just enjoy the outcome” He said.

How can he do this? When we were unable to come out with any result even after so many efforts. I looked at him with skeptical gaze.

“Let me assure you that your uncle won't land in any sort of problem. Rather he will be guiltfree of these baseless accusations” He reassured me.

My eyes brimmed with tears as this is the very outcome I want.

“But why?“ I whispered.

Why would he help me and my family? What are his intentions? There are no free lunches in this world.

He kept silent for a minute as if hesitating before speaking. I kept looking at him for an answer.

He took an audible deep breath before shooting two words.

“Marry me,” He uttered, making me wonder if my ears had heard wrong.

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

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