Part 2 How?

"I don't know who she is," Arnav said.

"What do you mean, Chotte? You said you raped a girl, but you don't know her..."

"It's because I didn't see her, Mom. When I got rid of the intoxication, she was not there..."

Ratna thought something and asked,

"Chotte, could Vidhula not send the girl to pull you down?"

"No, mom... she can't be such a girl..." he said calmly but firmly.

"How are you so confident?"

"Mom, please, a SON can't say everything openly to his mother. Understand that"

"Ok... you might be raped her, but it was not intentional. It was an accident."

"Does it make a difference?"

"What's the point in not getting married, Chotte?"

"Because my mind is killing me... I'm a rapist. I

spoilt a girl's life. I never saw her. I don't even know what she looks like, but she comes to me every day in my memories and dreams. I can't leave it just like that. With her memories, I can't live with another girl. I already spoilt a girl's life. I don't want to spoil another one's by the so-called marriage. Understand my feelings, Mom."

"Are you going to be like this for your whole life?"

Taking his clothes, Arnav walked to the washroom without answering. Ratna stood feeling broken. Fate played a dirty game in his only son's life.

Ratna went to her room to get ready to go to the hospital. That was her routine to go to the hospital to get physiotherapy due to her joint pain.

....

Arnav was standing in front of the mirror in the washroom. His mother recalled the incident that happened five years ago. It could have occurred ACCIDENTALLY, but Arnav could not consider it an accident. According to him, it turned his mind and life upside down.

Five Years Ago / Hotel Blue Moon

"The Young Businessman Award goes to Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada", The program Host announced.

Arnav marched to the vast stage in between the

applause.

Arnav took part in the party that was held after the award ceremony. Arnav was talking to his manager cum friend Karan. He rolled his eyes when a woman came to him. She was one of the businesswomen in Delhi.

"Congratulations ASR"

Arnav nodded.

She looked at Karan and said,

"I would like to talk to Arnav alone. Could you please..."

Karan looked at Arnav and was about to leave the place,

"Wait...who is your Boss?"

"You, ASR" Karan said, glancing at Vidhula.

"So, you ought to obey ONLY me", Arnav said, sipping the juice in his hand.

Vidhula sighed.

"Do you know how many businessmen long for my one smile?"

"Who stops you from smiling at them?"

"You..." she took a step close to him.

Arnav moved a step back.

"You are the only one who keeps distance from me. Look at our surroundings... how many eyes are nestling me...!"

"Then, choose one from them. Why are you behind me?"

"I, too, don't know... I, too, don't know why I'm shamelessly behind you... you know what? I have a habit. If I like something, I will get it by hook or crook," she said with an intense gaze.

"Let's go, Karan", Arnav said, looking at her carelessly.

They left the place, leaving Vidhula with annoyance.

"ASR, don't take Vishula lightly," Karan said.

"Why?"

"What she said is not an exaggeration. She will get anything she likes"

"Is it?"

"Yes, ASR"

"Am I a commodity to get?"

"I didn't mean it, ASR."

"Don't give much importance to her...she isn't worth it."

Karan sighed.

Arnav started his car and headed to RM. When he turned into his lane, he saw a woman checking her car bonnet. Seeing his car, she waved her hand. Arnav stopped the car and lowered the window.

"Sir, please, could you help me..." The girl asked. Arnav frowned, seeing the girl.

"Tell me"

"I think the coolant is over... do you have any?"

Arnav nodded yes, exited the car, and removed a coolant bottle for the dickey. He gave it to the girl.

"Thank you so much... how much?"

"It's ok..."

"But..."

"Take it, Payal..." Arnav smiled.

The girl was stunned.

"How do you know my name?"

"Can't you identify me?"

Payal nodded no.

"St. Stephen's School. Eighth standard C section..."

Payal bit her nail.

"Ok, cool... Arnav..."

Payal dropped her jaw.

"Arnaaaavvv...?"

He nodded yes.

"What a surprise...! You changed a lot, man..."

"But you have not changed a bit... especially your eyes."

"My God... I can't believe this"

"How are you want are you doing?"

"I'm fine and busy with my career... physiotherapist...!"

"Wow, that's great..."

"Yeah, and I found my better half too."

"Oh... nice"

"Yeah, our wedding will be fixed on my birthday.

That is the day after tomorrow. You are invited."

"Oh sure... I will be present."

"The Hotel PARADISE... evening 7o' clock"

"Yup..."

"I will be waiting for you."

"Sure, sure..."

Arnav left the place. He came home and took his daily planner to note down Payal's birthday, and that was when he saw another program was on the same day but with an hour difference. He sighed, biting his teeth.

Another program was going to be held at the White Pearl Hotel. It was just a minute's ride from the hotel Paradise, where Payal's birthday party would be held.

Arnav decided to attend both programs because there was an hour difference between them.

He went to Hotel White Pearl to attend the business people's party as planned. As usual, he avoided drinks. He looked at his watch. It was ten minutes to seven. He decided to leave the party. That was when a senior businessman came to him and gave him a vodka glass.

"Sorry Mr. Dadda... I won't drink."

"Oh... then you can have soft drinks..."

He called a bearer and ordered him to bring him juice.

"It's ok, Mr. Dadda..."

"No way... I can't let you leave without having anything from my party."

The bearer came with a juice glass. Taking it, Arnav gulped.

"That's my boy..." Dadda smiled.

"Excuse me..." Arnav stood up.

"Where are you going?"

Arnav raised his small finger and made Dadda laugh. Arnav came to the washroom with a pretext and ran to the parking lot. Starting his car, he geared it up. He had to go to Payal's birthday party. He met one of his school friends after many years. He could not disappoint her. He reached the Hotel Paradise within eight minutes, taking a shortcut. When he stopped the car, he felt dizzy. Yet, he walked. He tried to stand straight, but he could not. His vision blurred. His legs swayed. He could understand something was happening to him. He stopped at the reception.

"What can I do for you, sir?" The man in the reception asked.

"May I get a room...?"

"Yes, sir..."

He took a form and gave it to Arnav.

"Fill it, sir."

Arnav slipped his balance and fell on the reception table.

"Sir, are you all right?"

Arnav removed a bundle of money from his pocket and said,

"Take this money... please take me to any room. I can't stand..." He didn't want to go in front of Payal in this condition. At the same time, he didn't feel he could drive a car, so he decided to rest.

The receptionist pulled the money and stuffed it in his pocket. He called someone.

"Did you clean the room?"

"....."

"Don't lock it... switch the lights off and leave."

"..."

He disconnected the call.

"Sir, your room is ready... come, I will take you there."

He took Arnav to room No. 108 on the ground floor. After sending him inside, he locked the door and hung the DO NOT DISTURB card. Then, he left.

Arnav came and fell on the bed and felt a soft and smooth flesh underneath him.

To be continued...