Chapter 52
Good noon buds. It's rainy here. 😍 My kind of weather. Too bad there's no pakoras to enjoy the mood.😒
Anyways, onwards!💃 💃 💃
"Words in double quotes" - Talking
'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts
(Words in braces) - Telephone conversations
Chapter 52 - Of Changes and Turns
Before anyone could anticipate Vinod's move, he went and punched Raj in the jaw. "You bastard!"
"How dar-"
"Ansh no." Raj interrupted. "Don't tell him anything. I can understand his anger." Raj calmly turned to face Vinod. "After all, I'm the reason he lost his sister and brother-in-law."
"It's your damn fault! He died for you! You could have just handed the chip to the government after you were done. But no! You had to showcase it. If you hadn't done that, Vishal and Shikha would never be present at the gathering. Look what happened because of it!" Vinod screamed, looking ready to attack again.
Raj looked down in shame. "I know I made a big mistake by doing that."
"Your apologies won't bring my loved ones back!"
"I know. But I never expected Alok to betray us. Trust me, if I could go back in time, I would never let Vishal get shot in my place. I would take the bullet for him. I'm really sorry for what happened to him."
"Sorry doesn't pay the bills, does it? Can it bring them back?! Yo-"
"Uncle wait. Don't blame him. It's not completely his fault." Nikhil spoke in a soft voice, trying to call the raging anger in Vinod. However, it only earned him a glare in return.
"Are you joking? His immaturity and mad decision cost your parents their lives!"
"Uncle I ju-"
"Are these people more important to you now than your own parents?!"
"What?! No! I just th-"
"Thought what?!"
Samay put what hand on Nikhil's shoulder and pushed him behind himself, saving him from his Uncle's wrath. "Uncle, it's true Raj uncle made a big error in his judgment. But he repents it."
"As if! What makes you think selfish people like him repents?!" Vinod sneered.
"If he didn't, then he wouldn't risk his own family to keep the chip with him all these years, just to fulfill Baba's last wish." Samay reasoned.
Vinod looked at both if them in disbelief. However, before he could speak, Ragini came to stand in front of him. "So you're my uncle?"
Vinod's anger disappeared in a poof when Ragini came to stand in front of him. His eyes softened as he took in her appearance . It was the first time he met her personally. He couldn't help but think of how she resembled his sister in her looks.
Controlling his tears thinking about his lost sister, Vinod nodded. "Hello Ragini. How...how are you?"
"I'm fine uncle." Ragini smiled and moved forward with open arms. She instantly pulled him into a hug. "Forget the past animosities Uncle. Please give him a chance. We've all suffered a lot. Lies, separation, deception...everything. Finally I know the truth about my own brothers and uncle. My own family. Let's just forgive, forget and start anew."
"But Ragini, how can I just forgive him?!"
"You have found me again, haven't you?"
"Yes but..."
"If I was in your place I would just try my best to save what I have gotten back after losing it once. If Raj uncle wants to help us in that then I would just be thankful, instead of trying to dig up old woes."
Vinod sighed. "It's not that easy Ragini."
Ragini broke the hug and looked at him with pleading eyes. "For me. For your niece. Please?"
'Emotional blackmail I see.' Vinod pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance, but nodded. That was the first ever request by his niece. There was no way he would deny it. He could see his two nephews chuckling and promptly shut them up by his glare. 'Pigs!'
Sujata smiled seeing everything was calming down. She was quite impressed by Ragini's way of handling the situation. "Vishal and Shikha's daughter has grown up to be a wonderful lady. I would treat her as a second daughter from now on."
"Actually, your future daughter-in-law really." spoke up Karan out of the blue, as he clicked away on his phone, looking bored.
However, Sanskar and Ragini looked at him in horror. With the way Vinod was glaring at Sanskar, he wished he could just dig a whole and live there forever.
"All this time you remained numb when you should have interrupted. But now you decide to speak up?!"
Karan shrugged. "Meh. Too boring."
"WHAT. IS. THIS!?" exclaimed Vinod and turned to glare at Prasanth. "I thought I told you to look out for her!"
Prasanth raised his hands in surrender. "Don't look at me. I protected and looked after her safety as you ordered. But teenage hormones and love matters aren't my department."
Samay chucked. "Can't control the heart uncle. Besides, I approve of Sanskar after everything he did for our Ragini. You would too once you know the truth."
"Bhai is right. Don't even try to separate them old man. We won't let you bring our sister to tears."
Vinod saw both Samay and Nikhil glaring at him. 'I'm the villain now?' He sighed in frustration. "Fine! And watch who you're calling old. I can still kick you across this room."
Sujata made Sanskar look at her. "Is it true Sanskar beta? Have you two chosen each other as your life partners forever?"
Sanskar turned to look at Ragini in the eyes with a smile. "I don't know what Ragini thinks, Maa. But I love her with my very being. I need her as I need air. When she cries, I feel the pain; when she smiles , I feel total bliss; when she's hurt, I feel like dying. If that isn't love, then I don't know what to call it."
Ragini blushed as he confessed to her in front of everyone. However, she too had a smile on her face. "I feel the same Sanskar. I can't imagine a life where you don't exist. You're imperfect, you lie, you get scared easy, you are arrogant most of the times"
Sanskar looked at her with a pout. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Ragini chuckled. "But you also have a heart of gold, courage to sacrifice your happiness for others, ready to die for others. I accept all of your imperfections and your perfections. I'm ready to spend my entire life with you."
Sanskar's smile disappeared. "But I'm not."
Ragini felt her world still at Sanskar's words. If one looked sideways, they would probably see Nikhil and Samay roll up their sleeves and crack their knuckles.
However, Sanskar wasn't finished.
He walked closer to Raginiband held her hands, looking grim.
"I'm not ready to spend this entire life with you. Because I plan to love you forever till eternity. Not only in this life, but in every life to come."
Ragini blinked. And blinked again. She couldn't help the heartfelt laughter that broke through her mouth. "You scared me to death."
Ansh snorted. "Awwww... Who knew my idiotic twin could be so romantic? Are you reading 'romance for dummies' by any chance? Bec-ow!"
Saara smacked him in the head, interrupting him. "You sure know how to ruin a moment bhai."
"Vishal's daughter would become my daughter-in-law? I couldn't be more happy! Looks like Sanskar and Ragini will continue our bond through their relation."
"Not only them Dad." spoke Saara, as she approached Nikhil. She smirked and grabbed his hand lovingly. "Isn't that right, boyfriend?" Saara looked confident on the outside, but she was nervous too. A slight blush graced her cheeks.
Nikhil looked at her dumbfounded. Sure he had expressed his love openly and felt that she may like him back. But she had never indicated that she loved him. However, looking into her eyes, he could say that she wasn't lying. He smiled and tightened his grip on her hand. "When have you ever been wrong, girlfriend?"
Sujata smiled seeing them happy. She turned to look at Samay and Ansh. "Your siblings already got their other halves. I think it's time we found some nice girls for both of you as well. Shall I get my friends' to text me the pictures of their daughters?"
"N-no way Maa! I can find on my own." Ansh stuttered out.
"Same here." Samay piped in. "Besides, we need to find out who our enemy is, get him arrested and secure the chip first. Other things can be delayed."
Ansh chuckled. "You know, I like your thinking. We should try to find data on our common enemy. Although I don't know where to begin."
"Chill. I have some locations marked out from where they could be operating in the city. Just need to hack them. How good are you at it?"
"You're questioning me Samay? I've never failed once."
Samay stood up and tossed a flash drive towards Ansh. "Good then. Let's go and begin our work. Early programmer catches the bastards!"
Ansh followed him with a smirk. "You know, if we had met as toddlers, I bet we would have been best of friends."
"My thoughts exactly."
Nikhil watched them go, open-mouthed. "Samay and me have always worked as partners since like...like...EVER! I can't believe he just left to work along side Ansh. I FEEL ABANDONED!"
"You're not alone Nikhil. I too feel like I've just been replaced." Karan spoke with a frown.
Raj clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention. "Now that we are sure that our enemy is the same one, it's about time we all work together. Finally, everything is falling into place!"
#Gadodia House#
Shramishtha rubbed her hands over her aching head. She felt like a monkey was dancing on her head on top of a drum, which was in turn on top of a loud bulldozer, and it was all while she was riding a train going on nitro. "This is a lot to take in."
"I understand Shramishtha Maa. But me and Swara thought it would be better to tell you the truth now without keeping any secrets." Laksh explained.
"Laksh is right Maa." spoke Swara, as she came near with a glass of water for her mother.
"I guess you both are right." She took the glass and sipped from it. Suddenly, she paused and narrowed her eyes at Laksh. "Why are you and Swara taking decisions together? And why are you calling me Maa?"
Swara and Laksh could only blush looking at each other, which was enough for Shramishtha to figure out the rest. 'Another new development. Another thing to worry about?!' Shramishtha sighed, probably for the unkempt time. "Aiiishhhhhh! You all will kill me from heart attack, even before I reach the age of 65!"
Laksh chuckled. He looked at his watch and stood up. "Alright then. I must get going now. Bye ladies."
Swara waved at him, but with a glare . 'Now, when the truth is out in front of Maa, he makes his escape.'
Laksh looked back to get a glimpse of Swara when he reached the gate. He saw her glare and smiled to himself. 'She sure looks cute when she's angry.'
Once they went inside, he turned to leave. As he walked towards his bike, he didn't notice someone approach him. Right when he was about to get onto his bike, he felt someone tap his shoulder and he looked back. However, before he could speak anything, he felt a punch in his face, strong enough to knock him unconscious.
#Mount College#
Riya walked through the corridors of the college looking at a booklet. From the corner of her eyes, she spotted Vivek snooping around. 'This time, I'm not leaving him. That day he said that he would talk to me later. But he has made one excuse after another to postpone our meeting. This time, I won't buy any of his excuses!'
She rushed forward to catch him. However on reaching near, she saw him looking intently at something. She followed his line of sight and gasped. Vivek was watching some guy in black hoodie ahead of him. 'Who is that guy?'
Unknown to her, the same thought was going through Vivek's mind. Although for a very different reason. He was quietly trying to follow the guy.
However, as everyone knew, the best laid plans always tend to go wrong. It took just a little stumble of him for the guy to spot him. At once he broke into a run.
'Shit!' Vivek quickened his pace and ran after him. They raced through the College property, neither slowing down. Finally, after three turns, Vivek was able to grab him by his hoodie and jerk him back. The man fell down, his face getting exposed. Vivek gasped as he recognized him. "R-Ratan?!"
The one called Ratan stood up slowly with a confident smirk. "Vivek. Long time no see, eh?"
"Why are you here!?" Vivek asked, fury evident in his voice.
"I'm here to finish my job. You know what my speciality is, don't chya?" he spoke with a sinister smile.
Vivek looked at him with narrowed eyes. As realization hit him, his eyes widened. "You...you are a good sniper. So...that means you were the one who-"
"Yep. I was the one who tried to shoot the girl. And a damn good aim that was too!" he huffed, flicking his hair behind. "If it wasn't for that stupid boy!"
Vivek grit his teeth. "You are the one after Ragini?"
"Duh. I made that obvious, didn't I dumb dumb?"
"I thought you only did high paid jobs. You reduced yourself to the level of taking up such projects? Of killing innocents."
"I'm getting payed quite well actually."
"Huh. I thought you had self-respect. But now all I see is a money hungry low scum!"
"Watch it brat!" Ratan's smirk disappeared, replaced by a frown.
"You are after a college girl who doesn't even know how to defend with arms! Is this what you're reduced to now? Feeding on the helpless?!"
"Because of you! It's all because of you!" Ratan sneered and came to stand eye to eye with Vivek. "I have to do such low grade jobs just because of you!"
"I'm out! I'm no longer doing the things I did!"
"And you think you're a saint now?!"
"I know I'm not. And I know I can't even remove those blotches from my life." Vivek tightened his fist in determination. "But I'll be famed if I don't try to wash them as much as I can!"
Ratan glared harder. "I'm telling you this once, and only once! Come back to us before you regret it." Before Vivek could respond, he grabbed Vivek's collar and pushed him down to the ground, successfully making the way for himself to escape.
Vivek watched him run off. He sighed and got up, dusting himself. "Sick bastard. So damn annoying!" He shook his head and turned to leave.
However, there was Riya standing there, glaring at him, but also looking horrified.
"You said he is after Ragini and yet...yet, you seem to know him?"
"It's...complicated."
"What job was he talking about? Something you didn't do he said..."
"Riya listen. It's n-"
Riya gasped, interrupting him. "The incident with Ragini at the library, at the pool....in both places, you were present."
"I saved her at the pool if you're forgetting." Vivek spoke, deflecting her accusations.
"True. But this doesn't explain the other things that happened."
"Riya look. Things aren't that simple."
"That day at Nikhil's place, I saw you with a knife and you were holding it like you were used to it."
"That was just to scare him. I h-"
"After that incident, I tried to find details about you Vivek. But I couldn't find anything. It was as if you were a ghost before, with no identity or anything before you came here."
"Riya you're jumping to irrational conclusions. Ju-"
"No! I don't want anymore excuses. Now, I want the truth. Or else, I'm telling Ragini di everything!"
Vivek looked at her intently. She really seemed determined and would no doubt carry out the threat that she spoke. Making up his mind, he sighed. "Okay. I'll tell you."
"Don't dare refuse! You have to tell me th-wait what?"
"I said. I will tell you."
Riya blinked. "Wow. And here I thought I would have to threaten you more."
"No. I'll tell you. In fact, I think you could help me."
"Help you? With what Vivek?"
They heard footsteps and saw their Vice Principal approach. "What are you two doing here, outside class? Move it!"
Riya nodded and moved ahead. As she went past Vivek, she whispered silently. "Meet me at the library after this period. I'll be expecting you there."
Vivek sighed in defeat and walked forward towards his class, muttering to himself. "I thought I could hide the demons of my past. I thought I had burried my past, covered it with a mountain and dropped it in the middle of an ocean. But I guess I forgot that you can never escape your own shadow."
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
To be continued...
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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹
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