Chapter 22

“Won’t you invite me inside?” asked Rakesh.

Priya stood there, completely frozen.  She couldn’t think.  Rakesh took a step forward. She automatically stepped back.  He kept walking towards her.  Once inside the mansion, he turned and closed the door.  Memories of last night came flooding back to Priya.  Her breath hitched and she found it difficult for her to breath properly.

“Priya, don’t think maybe we should finish what we were doing last night?” Rakesh said with malicious tone.

Priya backed away from him.  She wanted to run away, but she couldn’t. She was paralyzed with a crippling fear that obstructed her rationality.

“You look beautiful today.” Rakesh said, trying to get under her skin.  His eyes slowly traveled down her body.  He took another step forward.

Priya didn’t understand. What was Rakesh even doing here?  Thank goodness Payal was out of the house.

“Why are…” Priya managed to say.  She couldn’t continue.  The intensity with which Rakesh was looking at her rendered her speechless.  She hated the way he looked at her.

“Why am I here?” Rakesh finished her question for her, “Aman invited me.” He continued.

Aman invited him here? How could he? Well, it’s not like he knew what Rakesh tried to do.  Priya still couldn’t believe it.

“Rakesh? It’s about time. Everyone else is already here.” Aman’s voice came from behind Priya.

“Hey Aman! I thought the meeting started at 3:30.” Rakesh replied.

“Yeah so did I. Everyone just showed up early.” Aman said, “Everyone is in the conference room. It’s down the hall and to the right.”

“Okay, I’ll just join them.” Rakesh said.  Before heading down the hall, he winked at Priya.

“You look terrified.” Aman pointed out.

“What?” Priya said, surprised that Aman had noticed the effect the Rakesh had on her.

“You just look..scared.” Aman repeated.

“No. I’m fine.” Priya said, “I’m just going to go upstairs. Tell me when your meeting is over, okay?” Priya said, turning towards the stairs.

“Yeah sure thing.” Aman said a little skeptically.

Priya rushed upstairs to Aman’s room.  Once there, she closed and locked the door behind her.  She wanted to make sure there was no way Rakesh could corner her and try to talk to her or worse, do something that would scar her for life.  She sat patiently on Aman’s bed, just waiting for his meeting to be over.  After Rakesh left, she would be free to leave.  She felt ridiculous, hiding in Aman’s room like a child running away from her problems.  However, she absolutely did not have the courage to confront Rakesh.  She couldn’t even talk to him! She needed him to leave.

Priya decided to occupy her mind with some television.  Her mind wasn’t on whatever  she was watching.  She was too busy worrying about Rakesh.  She couldn’t wait til he left!

“Priya? Are you in here?” Aman knocked on the door.

Priya opened it.  She motioned for Aman to come inside and quickly closed it again.

“Is your meeting over?” she asked calmly.

“Yeah, we just finished up.” Aman answered.

“Did everyone leave?” Priya asked.

“Yeah, Rakesh was the last one. He just left.” Aman answered.

Priya cringed at the mention of Rakesh.

“Aman, I need to tell you something.” Priya said immediately.

“What’s wrong?” Aman asked.

“I...Last night, what happened…” Priya couldn’t tell him, not yet.

“What is it, Priya? Just tell me.” Aman said gently.

“Aman, I need you to promise me that you won’t let Payal marry Rakesh.” Priya said.  Tears started to form in her eyes.

“What? Why this all of a sudden?” asked Aman, confused.

“I just need to know that Payal won’t end up married to Rakesh no matter what.” Priya said.

“I think Payal is too young to get married. I’m against any marriage plans for her at the moment.” Aman said.

“Why are you being so evasive? Aman, I need you to promise me that Rakesh and Payal won’t be married. Please, Aman.” Priya was nearly begging.

“I...can’t promise you that.” Aman said guiltily.

“Why not?” Priya couldn’t believe this, “You’re the one who said that Rakesh wouldn’t be a good husband for Payal.  He’d be unfaithful.” Priya said.

“We’re thinking about partnering in a hotel project.  Ashritha Hotels. It’ll be a chain in India, starting in Mumbai.  It’s a grand project.  For Rakesh to marry into the family would be great! Don’t you think?” Aman said.

Priya remembered seeing something about this project one day when she was in Aman’s study. It seemed like an important project, but she couldn’t let Payal’s happiness be sacrificed for some project.

“No.” Priya said.  Tears were falling down her cheeks.  “Aman, you can’t let Rakesh and Payal get married.”

“Priya, don’t cry. It’s only a possibility.  This doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.” Aman said.  He reached for her, but she back away.

“You don’t understand,” she said, “You can’t let them get married.  There can’t even be a possibility.”

“Why not?” Aman asked.  He thought that Rakesh and Payal wouldn’t make a good couple, primarily because of the age difference.  He was hoping that being married to someone like Payal would make Rakesh to improve his ways.

“Aman, last night, Rakesh was...the man in the storage room.” Priya finally admitted.  She looked down, still unable to stop her tears.

Aman looked at Priya, unable to fully comprehend what she’d just told him.

“Priya, I know you don’t want Payal and Rakesh to get married, but that’s a serious allegation.” Aman said.

Priya looked at Aman, shocked.  He didn’t believe her!

“I’m telling you the truth. He’s the one who tried to….” Priya couldn’t say.  She just couldn’t.

“You said you didn’t know who it was.” Aman retorted.

“I lied,” admitted Priya quietly, “He threatened me.”

Aman paused, thinking for a second.  Priya didn’t know anyone else at the party besides Nikhil and Neha, who were dancing and Hiten, who was with Aman.  She wouldn’t have gone anywhere with a stranger.  It would make sense that she was with Rakesh, but why were they in the storage room together?

What exactly were you doing in the storage room with him, Priya?” Aman asked suspiciously.

“Aman...I...just went to talk with him. He knew about the marriage, but he lied to you and said that he didn’t.” Priya told him.  She was growing frustrated.

“You have to believe me.”  Priya added sadly.

“I’m gonna kill him.” Aman said angrily.

Priya grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving the room.

“No! Don’t hurt him, Aman.  You’ll just get in trouble.” Priya tried to reason with him.

“Fine, Priya. I won’t hurt him, but I’ll ruin him. I promise you that.  And Payal is NOT getting married to him.” Aman replied.

He angrily stomped out of the room.  Priya didn’t follow him.  She wasn’t sure if he was fully convinced that she was telling him the truth.

Aman raced to his car.  He sped away in the direction of Rakesh’s house. Even though he told Priya he didn’t intend to hurt Rakesh, he was about to do just that.  Aman saw red as he drove. He was too angry to function rationally.  If Rakesh so much as looked at Priya again, Aman was sure he’d kill him right then and there.  Aman slammed on the brakes in front of Rakesh’s house.  Guards approached him.  He calmed himself down and told them that he was there to see Rakesh for business reasons.  They let him in with no further inquiry.

“Rakesh!” Aman shouted as soon as he was inside.  He rushed through the hallways, searching for anyone that could tell him where Rakesh was.

“Aman? What are you doing here?” Rakesh asked, “Why don’t we step into my office,” he suggested.

Aman followed him.

“To what do I owe this pleasant surprise?” Rakesh asked.

Aman said nothing.  Rakesh sat down and motioned for Aman to sit down, but Aman chose to remain standing.

“Aman, what is it?” Rakesh asked.  He stood up, facing Aman.

Suddenly, Aman swung his fist and punched Rakesh right in the face.  Rakesh was flung backwards.  Aman punched him again.  He grabbed his collar and slammed him into the bookcase.  Rakesh tried to hit back but missed.

“The deal is off.” Aman said.  He grabbed the contracts off of Rakesh’s desk and tore them in half.  He threw another punch.  Blood started oozing from Rakesh’s mouth.

“I know what you tried to do to Priya.  You will not touch her again. Do you understand me?  If you ever go near her again, I will kill you.  You can be sure about that.” Aman growled.

“Aman, wait.” Rakesh said.  He couldn’t lose such a lucrative deal.  “I didn’t do anything to her.  She wanted it.” Rakesh lied.

“Don’t lie to me, Rakesh.  She’s traumatized because of what you did.” Aman countered.

“She’s just mad we got caught.” Rakesh replied.  Aman’s fist connected with his face once again.

“Don’t you dare talk about my wife, you bastard!” He yelled.  He threatened to get the police involved if Rakesh came near Priya again.  Rakesh knew if the police got involved, no one would believe him over Priya.  He would be ruined.  No one would want to do business with a felon.

“Be careful, Aman.  One day, this day will come back to haunt you.” Rakesh threatened as Aman walked away.  Aman scoffed at his words.

He stalked back to his car.  He angrily drove back home.  Rakesh’s words rang in Aman’s ears.

“She’s just mad we got caught.”

Aman didn’t know if he suspected Priya of cheating.  All he knew what that he really hoped it wasn’t true.

“Priya!” He shouted as he entered his mansion.  He slammed the door shut and threw his keys on the nearest table.  He went into the kitchen.

“Priya?” he called again.

“What happened?” Priya asked, coming into view.

“I went to see Rakesh.” Aman said.

Priya’s eyes grew wide.

“What did you do?” Priya asked morosely.

“I...told him to stay away from you.” Aman said.

Priya walked up to him.  She took his hand and examine the blood on his knuckles.

“You hit him.” she stated.

“He deserved it.” Aman replied.

Priya’s eyes searched his face.

“What?” Aman asked, unsure about what she was looking at.

“Are you okay? Did he hit you?” she asked, worried.

“I’m fine. I need to talk to you though.” Aman said.

“About what?” Priya asked.  She was still looking to see if Aman was hurt.

“Priya, why did you follow Rakesh to that storage room?” Aman asked.

“I told you. We needed to talk about Payal. He knew about the marriage.” Priya answered.

“You could’ve talked at the party? Why leave? Why leave without informing me?” Aman asked.

“He wanted to go somewhere quieter, I guess.” Priya replied.  “I thought you were busy, so I just told Payal and left. I didn’t think that anything was going to happen.”

“Priya, please just tell me the truth.  I promise I won’t be mad.” Aman said.

“The truth about what?” Priya asked.  She was confused.  She was telling nothing but the truth.

“Is there something going on between you and Rakesh?”  Aman asked.

He regretted asking as soon as the question was out of his mouth.  The color had completely drained from Priya’s face.  She looked like she wanted to cry.

“N-no,” she stammered, “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, Priya. It’s just something Rakesh said.” Aman answered.

“I would never...I….Aman, I don’t even know to say.” she said sadly.  Her eyes started to water.  Aman immediately felt bad for suspecting her.  Of course, Priya wouldn’t be unfaithful.

“Please don’t cry.  I’m sorry!  When he said what he said, I just needed to make sure that nothing was going on.” Aman apologized.  He reached out and wiped away the lone tear that had fallen onto Priya’s cheek.  She stepped back, away from him.

How could he just accuse her and Rakesh of being together?  Rakesh had attacked her against her will and Aman thought that Priya welcomed Rakesh’s advances.  She could never even think about being with another man.  Aman was her husband, and she knew she’d always remain faithful to him, whether they ever fell in love with each other or not.

“Priya,” Aman’s voice broke her away from her thoughts, “I’m so sorry.” He apologized again.

Priya didn’t reply.  She turned around and walked away.  She was on her way up the stairs, when Payal came back.

“Didi! We had so much fun.  Movies here in America are so short.  I thought we should’ve watched another one, but it’s okay. I can go again another time.  You should come too. You’d really enjoy it. And you know what, Didi? Rajiv is so sweet! I hope I get to see him again. Don’t worry, though. Neha was with us the entire time.” Payal talked so quickly that Priya was having a difficult time keeping up.  She was still upset about Aman’s accusations and couldn’t focus on anything else.

“Priya,” Aman walked in, “Oh Payal, you’re back.  How was the movie?” he asked, upon seeing Payal.

“It was great, Jija-ji! I can’t wait to go again.” Payal answered enthusiastically.

“I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll go lie down.” Priya interjected, turning back towards the stairs.

“Didi, you weren’t feeling well the other night either. You sure are sick a lot. Are you alright?” Payal asked, suddenly concerned.

“I’m fine, Payal.” Priya replied, giving her sister a small smile.

Payal gasped. A smile appeared on her face.

“Didi! Are you pregnant?” Payal asked sheepishly.

Priya’s eyes widened in shock.  She blushed, but didn’t smile.  Aman looked just as shocked.

“N-no, Payal,” Aman struggled to answer, “She can’t be. We’ve never…”

“Had the chance to even think about children.” Priya interrupted him.

“Well you should!” Payal declared.  “I want a little niece or nephew to play with.” Payal pouted playfully.

“I...We...I’m going to go lie down now.” Priya repeated, unable to think of a response.

“Feel better, Didi!” Payal called after before retreating to the kitchen to find something to eat.

Aman paused at the bottom of the staircase, conflicted about whether or not to follow Priya upstairs.  He decided that he should apologize to her again.  He walked upstairs into his bedroom.  There, he found Priya lying down on his bed.  She was silently crying into her pillow.  Aman sighed and sat down beside Priya.  He placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down but she flinched away from him.

“Priya, I’m sorry. I don’t doubt you. I don’t know what I was thinking.  Please don’t cry.” Aman pleaded. He hated when Priya cried, and he especially hated when he was the reason for her tears.

“Priya,” he tried again.  Still, no response from Priya. He gently pulled her up off the pillow and into his embrace.  He waited a moment, to see if she would pull away from him.  When she didn’t, he tried apologizing again.

“I’m really sorry, Priya. Please don’t cry.” Aman said quietly.  His arms were tightly wrapped around her.  Priya looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears.

“I wouldn’t...I’d never…” Priya tried to say through her tears.

“I know you’d never be unfaithful, Priya. I’m sorry I suspected you. Rakesh just makes me so angry.” Aman explained.

Priya quickly wiped away her tears, but remained in Aman’s embrace.  She reveled in the warmth the close proximity of his body provided.  Priya was still upset that Aman had suspected her of having an affair with someone like Rakesh, but she thought it was noble of him to go and actually beat Rakesh up for her.  She leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.  She wanted to stay in his arms forever.

“Are you alright?” Aman asked.

She slowly nodded.  She looked up at him and reluctantly pulled away from him.  His arms still wrapped lazily around her.

“Payal.” Priya said.

“She’s not getting married to Rakesh. And we won’t be business partners.” Aman stated.

“I’m sorry.” Priya said.

“It’s not your fault.  Rakesh was the one who ruined it all.” Aman replied, “Actually, I’ve been thinking about Payal and Rajiv.” he admitted.

“Rajiv?” Priya questioned.

“Yeah. He works in one my companies.  He also goes to school part time. He’s working on getting his MBA.  Maybe after a year or so and a promotion or two, he would be worthy of Payal.  She seems to really like him.” Aman explained.

Priya thought for a moment. It all sounded okay.

“She’s too young.” Priya said simply.

“Rajiv isn’t established yet either.  Maybe we can get them engaged for a few years and they can get married when they’re older.” Aman suggested.

“Okay, they should get to know each more though. I want Payal to be happy.” Priya said.

“Me too, Priya, me too.” Aman agreed.

The two went downstairs to join Payal.  It was almost time for dinner.  They just wanted to have a nice, quiet dinner after such a drama filled day.  Of course, Payal’s constant chatter didn’t allow dinnertime to stay quiet for long, but neither of them minded.  After dinner, Payal retired to her room, and Aman and Priya did the same.  Priya laid down on Aman’s bed, while Aman settled down beside her.  He decided to get some work done on his laptop.  Priya could hear the sounds of the keys as Aman typed.  Her eyes fluttered closed.

“Priya, are you awake?” Aman’s voice reached her ears.

Priya’s eyes shot open.  The lights were now off, and Aman was no longer on his laptop.  Instead, he was laying beside her.

“Yes,” she answered him now that she really was awake.

“Do you remember what Payal said about children?” Aman asked.  His voice sounded nervous.

“Yes?” Priya said unsurely.

“Well, I know you said you didn’t want children, but I think she’s right.  We should start thinking about having children.” Aman said.

Yayy!! Aman beat up Rakesh!! Yayy again! Aman wants Rajiv and Payal to eventually get married!  Yayy once again! Aman wants Priya to have his children! Soooo much happened in this chapter! I think I’m going to take a break before upload the next chapter.OMG children!! They’re going to have to consummate their marriage before any children can come along.   How is Priya going to react?!!

Don’t forget to COMMENT and VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!