Part 35 Broken EGG

Arnav told Arvind about fifty lakhs given by Anup to Rakesh.

Arvind was shocked hearing Arnav's stance.

"It can't be true, Chotte. Why should Anup give fifty lakhs to Rakesh?"

"That's what I'm also asking, Dad. Why did he give money to Rakesh? What's the relationship they share? Who is Rakesh to Anup? Without any assurance why did he give him money?"

Arvind was not dumb not to understand what dots Arnav connecting. He looked at him horrified as he too got the point.

"Did Rakesh help Anup in anyways?" Arvind asked nervously.

"Then, why did he give fifty lakhs to him? Don't you know your friend? Is he that generous to help others or what?" Arnav asked.

Arvind gulped down. He knew Anup. He doesn't even give a penny to anyone unnecessarily. Then why now?

"I told you... I pleaded with you to trust Neerav but you didn't. you trusted your friend over your son. See, what happened now. Neerav has lost his life. He got a merciless wife who wants to destroy us." Ratna said with teary eyes.

"Why do you say so, Ratna?"

"Then what? Why did she marry Neerav by blaming him? At first, she was behind Chotte. Now, she is Neerav's wife... why did they do that?"

"Mom, cool down"

"I told him Chotte..."

"I too told him but the situation was not in Neerav's favor"

"They created the situation Chotte..."

"Yes... there is no use of talking about it anymore"

"What do you mean?"

"It's Neerav who should decide"

"He is not interested in her, Chotte..."

"I know. Let him do what he wants. Please don't stop him from doing anything. That's what I want to say"

Arnav looked at Arvind who looked stressed.

"Dad..."

"I don't know what to do Chotte... I can't believe Anup stoop so low. I trusted him. that's why I considered his daughter's wish of marrying you. I never thought he would backstab me" Arvind said with anger, disappointment, regret what not...?

Arnav felt bad for his father. He knew how sensitive he was. But he had no choice. Arvind should know the truth. Otherwise, he would trouble Neerav, finding mistakes in his every action.

"Relax Dad... Neerav is clear about what he wants. So, please don't stress yourself and act accordingly"

Arvind was silent. He was guilt like hell. he spoilt his son's life. He should have called the police as Arnav said. Their plan would not have got succeeded if he had listened to Arnav.

"I had seen him using alcohol," Arvind said confusingly.

"No, Dad. It was Rakesh who drank in the office. To save him from you, Neerav was silent that day. Neerav told me what happened in the office, even before he got to know about the fifty lakhs deal between Rakesh and Anup" Arnav said.

"What do you want us to do?"

"You don't have to do anything. Neerav will take care of them. You just be casual"

They nodded ok and went to their room.

In the meanwhile,

Neerav smirked at Laila mockingly.

"Didn't you drink?" she asked.

"Of course, I did," he said laughingly.

"Then how did you manage when your parents came home?"

"Why did I tell you my secret?"

"Why are you doing this?"

"Why did you blame me for something I didn't do?"

"I thought you are drunk"

"I will definitely kill you if you say that again," he said with a dangerous smile.

"I truly thought you are drunk... what's my mistake? You were with alcohol bottle..."

"The bottle was given by your father to me, through my friend... don't you know that?"

"No... it's not true"

"Very soon, I will bring the truth out... I want to see what you and your father will do that time"

Laila bowed down, gulping. She was truly scared. She never wanted to face such a phrase in her life. Seeing her face,

"If you have faith in God, beg the Lord to save you... but it won't happen because God will not help an evil woman like you"

"Why have you always hurt me, Neerav? I'm your wife. Who else other than me wants your betterment? I truly do, Neerav" she said sadly.

Neerav folded his hands, looking at her sarcastically.

"After tangling my neck, are you feeding me food...?"

"Can't we just forget all the bitter happenstance of our life and start a new life?"

"I will surely forget all the bitter happenstance after you leave my life... forever"

"Don't say like that, Neerav. When the time you tied the mangal sutra on my neck, I have started loving you unconditionally"

"I have started hating you... completely... stop your drama... I'm not going to fall for your words"

"Drama? This is life not drama"

"Just wait... I will show people the drama played by you and your father"

"What can I do if you don't trust me?" she said making a sad face.

Neerav left the room. Laila frowned. Where is he going? Maybe to meet Arnav or his parents. She thought. But Neerav went out of RM.

............

Arnav came to his room and saw Khushi sitting on the bed.

"Have not you slept yet?" Arnav asked.

She nodded no.

"Why?"

"What happened outside? Did uncle get angry with Neerav?"

"No... I consoled him"

"Is it?"

Arnav nodded yes.

"Are you that powerful?"

Arnav smiled.

"Dad always listens to my words... I know what he needs"

"That's why you came to my Babuji's funeral?"

Arnav got stuck for a few seconds. He didn't know what to say. Yet, he nodded yes.

"Arvind uncle was broken down, seeing Babuji's dead body. He faced a tough time to stand" Khushi said thinking about it.

"They are close friends after all... He was much better when I come to GH"

"He would have made up himself seeing you"

Arnav was silent.

"You know I too was relieved, seeing you that day," she said, making Arnav wonder. This is news. Did she feel relieved, seeing him?

"I thought you would be upset with me for not wishing you on your birthday"

"That's true... yet, I feel pleased"

"Why?"

"Coming from a foreign country is not a simple thing... you should have put a lot of effort to do that..."

"I just put money... Steve made it possible without putting effort"

"You reached India to attend my Babuji's funeral, without even putting effort. Then why didn't you come to India ever before? Didn't uncle and aunty call you much time? Why didn't you come to India then?"

"I was busy with my schedule," he said looking at the roof.

"I believed that before when uncle and aunty give the same excuse... I believed that until you come to India... but not now..."

Arnav swallowed hard.

"Your schedules can be managed from India no matter how big the event is. You have Steve in the London branch to handle everything. You could have come if you had wanted... but you didn't... why?" She questioned.

"Actually... I didn't know Steve can manage"

Khushi folded her hands, looking at him.

"Don't you trust me?"

Khushi nodded NO.

"You always look strong while talking with me... why are you looking fragile now?" Khushi asked.

Arnav huffed said nothing.

"Shall I say?" Khushi asked.

Arnav looked at her sternly.

"You are not fine with the marriage... maybe you would have known Neerav's nature... am I right?"

Arnav nodded NO meeting her eyes.

"I didn't come to India because I didn't have the guts to see you getting married to my brother... because I loved you" Arnav had broken the biggest EGG of his life.

To be continued...