Chapter 34

“What?” The words were difficult for Priya to register.  “What did you just say?”

“I cheated on-” Aman couldn’t finished his sentence.  Priya slapped him with all the strength in her.  How dare he betray her!  Aman paused for a moment, trying to gather what had just happened.  He looked at Priya, hoping she was done slapping him.  She was looking at her hand  as if she couldn’t believe what she had just done.

“Priya, I’m so sorry.” Aman said, his voice quivering.

Tears started flowing from Priya’s eyes.  She didn’t say anything.

“Priya, please say something.” Aman prompted.

“How could you?  How could you betray me like this, Aman? I trusted you!” Priya’s voice was shaking and it rose in volume in as she spoke.

“I’m sorry, Priya. I just...I wasn’t thinking.” Aman tried to explain.  He didn’t know what to say.  He didn’t want to cause Priya any more pain.

“This isn’t happening.” Priya said more to herself than to Aman.  She turned away from him and took a few steps forward.  She was shaking her head from side to side.

Aman watched her carefully.

“I needed to tell you.” He began.  “I didn’t want to keep lying to you.”

Priya didn’t responded.  She was still turned away from Aman, so he couldn’t see her expression.

“Priya, please.” Aman reached for her.  His hands landed on her shoulders, but she quickly pushed them away.

“Don’t touch me!” she nearly screamed.

Aman backed away from her, giving her some space.

“Priya, I know you’re upset.  You’re angry.  You deserve to be.  What I did was horrible.  I never wanted to hurt you, Priya.  Please, believe me.  That’s the last thing I’d ever want to do.” Aman said.

“But you did hurt me.” Priya said quietly.  “Aman, you’re my husband…and you were with another woman.  How wouldn’t this hurt me?”

“I’m sorry, Priya. I know it’s going to take some time, but will you please forgive me?” Aman asked sadly.

“Aman, if I made the same mistake, would you be able to forgive me?” Priya replied, tears falling down her cheeks.

Aman sighed.  He knew the answer and so did Priya.  She walked away from him and stood at the glass door that joined their rooms, waiting for Aman to leave.

“Priya, I-” Aman started.

“Get out.” Priya said angrily.

Aman stood still for a second.  He accepted defeat, understanding that Priya needed to be alone right now.  He walked over to the glass door and stepping into his own room after giving Priya one more pleading look.  As soon as Aman was out of her room.  Priya closed the glass door, locked it, and pulled the curtains closed, obstructing Aman’s view into her room.  She couldn’t bear to look at him right now.

Aman looked absently at the curtains.  He knew Priya wouldn’t react well to his confession, but he expected her to break down in his arms.  He wanted to comfort her until she forgave him.  Of course, he knew that it would take some time for her to fully trust him again.  However, he hadn’t expected her to completely shut him out like she just did.

Priya wanted to stay strong, but she couldn’t.  Aman had broken her trust and her heart.  She laid down in her bed and absorbed the entire situation.  She couldn’t believe what Aman had done.  She believed he was a good person. And now, she wasn’t so sure.  She curled into bed and broke down crying.  She didn’t even try to hold any of it in.  Aman had broken her inside.

The next day, Aman attended the last day of the business conference without Priya.  Once again, Hiten who handled everything.  Aman didn’t even try to listen to what was happening.  Hiten hadn’t once asked about what had happened last night.  He knew that now wasn’t the time.

Rakesh sauntered into the room with a huge grin on his face.  He dominated the meetings, showing his sharp business acumen.  Aman didn’t seem to care.

“Aman, what’s with you? You seem to be out of it.” Rakesh commented once he dismissed the last meeting.

“I’m fine.” Aman replied.

“Here,” Rakesh threw a document down on the table.

“What’s this?” Aman asked, looking through the file.

“It transfers over three of your companies, and a third of your wealth over to me.  Sign it...unless of course, you want your precious Priya to find out about your affair.” Rakesh said maliciously.

“What the hell? That’s extortion!” Aman stood up angrily.

“Yeah I guess it is.” Rakesh agreed.

“Are you telling me you’re trying to force me to hand over three of my companies and millions of dollars to you so you won’t rat me out to my wife?” Aman asked through gritted teeth.

“Are you deaf? Yeah that’s what I’m saying. Now sign the damn papers!” Rakesh replied.

“You’re an idiot!” Aman said to Rakesh.

“What did you just say?” Rakesh demanded.

“I said you’re an idiot.  And you’re an asshole! I told Priya already! You have nothing on me, but I’m giving this to the cops.” Aman said.  He held up his phone, which had Rakesh’s voice confirming his intent to extort money and property from Aman.

Rakesh dove for the phone, but Aman moved out of the way just in time.  Rakesh hit his head on the table and laid on the floor in pain.  Aman hurried out and hailed a cab.  There was no way Rakesh would find him now.  He didn’t know where his hotel was, and Aman intended to take his evidence to the police before reaching New York.  He knew Rakesh would be arrested before coming back to New York.

“You did what?!” Hiten exclaimed.

“I got Rakesh arrested for extortion.” Aman repeated to his best friend.

“Damn! He had it coming! That bastard! Tryin’ to blackmail you like that!” Hiten said.

“Yeah, I can’t believe he actually thought I’d be stupid enough to give him my companies.” Aman agreed.

“So...how did last night go? Does Bhabhi hate you?” Hiten asked slowly.

“Yes, she won’t even look at me. I haven’t spoken to her since I told her.” Aman revealed.

“She’ll come around.  Make sure you treat her well.” Hiten offered.

“Yeah I will. I never wanted to hurt her.” Aman said.

“I know you didn’t.” Hiten said.

“Priya!” Aman knocked on the glass door that was still covered with curtains on Priya’s side. “I know you’re still angry with me. I just wanted to let you know that Rakesh was arrested today.”

Aman waited for a response from Priya.  Nothing happened.

“He was arrested for extortion.  He tried to force me to sign over some of my companies and millions of dollars over to him.  Priya, I didn’t add attempt to rape charges.  Your reputation is safe.  And he’s still going to jail.  He can never hurt you again.” Aman said.  He wasn’t sure if Priya was listening to him, but it was important that he told her about Rakesh’s arrest.

Priya listened carefully to Aman’s words.  She was elated that Rakesh had been arrested and thankful that Aman hadn’t involved her in the police report.  She couldn’t find it in her to respond to him though.  She was still too hurt.

Aman and Priya were scheduled to fly back to New York tonight.  Hiten, who was unable to make it on the same flight, booked a morning flight for the next day.  They sat beside each other in awkward silence.  Aman would often glance at Priya, hoping for some sort of reciprocation, but nothing ever happened.  She always seemed to be gazing out the window, lost in another world.  A part of Aman hoped Priya would fall asleep as she often did on late night flights and would lean onto his shoulder for support.  He was willing to take any bit of acknowledgement from her.  She didn’t seem angry or upset with him, just distant, and it was driving him insane.  After their long and thoroughly silent limo ride back to the mansion, Priya immediately retired to her bedroom without so much a glance at Aman.  Aman decided that it was in his best interest to leave her alone right now.  It was obvious she didn’t want anything to do with him.

“He what?!” Neha nearly spat out her champagne in shock.

“He said he cheated on me.” Priya confirmed.

“That bastard! I’m going to kick his ass! How dare he!” Neha exclaimed angrily.  She began pacing the living room in anger, muttering to herself.

“Neha,” Priya said unsurely.  Priya had invited Neha over because she was in desperate need of some advice.

“You need to get revenge!” Neha declared, once again taking a seat on the couch.

“Revenge? How?” Priya asked.

“Sleep with another man.” Neha said casually.

“Neha!” Priya nearly choked on her juice.  “I can’t do that.”

“I would.” Neha added nonchalantly.  “Nikhil better not try anything.”

“What do I do though?” Priya asked.

“Show him you can be just as sexy as that bimbo he screwed.  He’ll pine for you, Priya, and then you let him know that he can’t have you.  That will teach him a lesson.” Neha said thoughtfully.

“I...don’t know about this.” Priya said.  She wasn’t the bold type that Aman preferred and she knew she’d be inviting a whole lot of discomfort on her part if she decided to take on this endeavor.

“Priya, you can’t just cry about it, yell at him a little, and then ignore him for the rest of your life.  You need to get even and then you can move on.” Neha surmised.

“Will you help me?” Priya asked, knowing she could never pull this off on her own.

“Of course!” Neha said excitedly.  “Wait!”

“What happened?” asked Priya, concerned.

“Did Aman have a relationship with this woman or did he sleep with her one time?” Neha asked.

“I don’t know.” Priya answered truthfully.

“Priya, if he had a relationship with another woman, there’s no forgiving him.” Neha declared gravely.

Priya’s heart lurched.  What if Aman purposely forged a relationship with another woman?  She knew she could never forgive him.  If it was a mistake, that’s another story. Everyone made mistakes.  Priya hadn’t bothered to ask about the details of Aman’s affair.  She wasn’t sure she could handle knowing such details, but she’d have to ask sooner or later.

“I have the perfect plan! Make sure you ask Aman.  I’m gonna go spy on Nikhil and make sure he doesn’t get into any mischief.  See ya, girl!” Neha let herself out.

Priya smiled.  Neha always had the answers.

Later that night, Priya waited for Aman to return home.  She hid in her room until she heard his bedroom door close.  She quietly walked through the hallway and stood outside of Aman’s door, silently debating whether or not to knock.  She knocked, hoping he’d already be asleep.  This was one conversation she was dreading.

“Priya?” Aman said as soon as he opened his door.  He moved aside, allowing her to enter.

“Are you okay?” He wasn’t sure what to say to her.  He didn’t expect her to show up at his door in the middle of the night.

“I’m fine.” replied Priya.

“Is something wrong?” Aman asked, wondering why she was in his bedroom.

“I need to ask you something.” Priya said.

“Okay, ask away.” Aman replied, preparing himself to answer some questions that were bound to be difficult.

“Your affair, was it a one time thing or a relationship?” asked Priya, looking down.

“It happened once, Priya. Only once, and it was a big mistake.” Aman replied calmly.

“Okay,” Priya said.  She turned to leave.

“Wait,” Aman stopped her.  He grabbed her wrist and held her firmly in place.  “That’s all you wanted to ask?”

“Yes.” Priya said. She tried to pull away from his grasp.

Aman pulled her roughly so that she slammed into his body.  He held her close, ignoring her efforts to put some distance between them.

“Priya, I’ll tell you everything, anything you want to know if it will make you forgive me.” Aman pleaded.

“I don’t want to know anything else.” Priya responded.  She struggled to pull away from him, but he wouldn’t let her go.

“I don’t believe you.” Aman said.

“Fine.” Priya stopped struggling in Aman’s grip.  He let his hands fall to his side.  Priya sat down on his bed.  Aman wasn’t sure what was going on.  Did she intend to discuss his affair?  Was she planning on staying in his bedroom tonight?  Aman wasn’t even thinking about any romantic possibilities that could happen in his bed if Priya spent the night with him.  He just wished for her to stay near him, so he could convince her to forgive him.

“When did it happen?” Priya asked.  Her expression was blank.  Aman couldn’t tell what she must’ve been feeling.

“When Hiten, Rajiv, and I spent the night out clubbing in the city after moving Payal in.” Aman answered.  He took a seat beside Priya on his bed, keeping some distance between them.

“Where did you take her?” Priya asked, trying to hide her emotions.  She thought back to how they’d almost consummated their marriage in a dingy motel room, and felt jealous that Aman must have  taken the other woman to fancy five star hotel.

Aman hesistated.   Priya was never going to forgive him when she found out he’d been an idiot and brought Tamana to his bedroom.  He contemplated whether lying to Priya would make things easier or cause more problems.

“Here.” Aman opted for the truth.

Priya abruptly stood up.

“Priya, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. I was drunk and acting stupid.” Aman said quickly.

“You brought her here?  I was home that night…” Priya reasoned. “You kicked me out of your bedroom that morning.”

“Priya, I didn’t kick you out because I was planning to cheat on you!  It was a mistake!” Aman defended.

“It’s your room, your house.  I guess that means you can do whatever you want.”  Priya turned to leave again.

“Wait, Priya.” Aman grabbed her arm.  He pulled her towards him.  He pulled her backwards until her back was against his chest.

“I had hoped you felt welcomed enough to consider this your home too.  It’s our home.” Aman whispered into Priya’s ear.

Priya felt uncomfortable being so close to Aman.  She was supposed to be angry at him not melting in his arms.

“If this really was our home, Aman, you wouldn’t have brought another woman here.” Priya shrugged out of Aman’s arms and stomped out of his room.

Aman watched silently as she left.  He had messed it all up.  Aman went to bed completely frustrated.

The next day, Aman wanted to inform Priya that he needed her to accompany him to a formal event, but he was afraid she’d either ignore him or refuse to go.  He desperately wanted her to accompany him.  He knew she’d have to act cordial with him in public, and since it was a formal event, they would have to spend the entire night dancing in each other’s arms.

“Priya?” Aman knocked on Priya’s door.

No one answered. He tried again.

“Priya? Are you in here?” Aman called.  He knocked again.

He walked inside the room and starting looking for Priya.  She wasn’t in the bathroom or the closet.  He sat on the bed and pulled out his phone.  When she didn’t answer, Aman grew angry.  There’s no way she left the mansion without telling Aman!  Even is she was angry with him, she would’ve informed him if she left.

“Dammit!” Aman cursed.  He could feel his and Priya’s relationship taking a turn for the worse all because of his infidelity.  He hated that she had distanced herself from him.  He used to believe that she should be more independent and stop asking for his permission for every little thing.  However, he missed Priya’s traditional ways.  Hell, he missed Priya! He needed to find out where she went.

“Aman?” Priya peeked through the door to the balcony.  She was out there having her morning tea.

“Priya, what are you doing out there?” Aman asked.

“Having breakfast.” Priya answered before resuming her spot on the left side of the balcony.  Aman went out and took a seat beside her.  He wondered what had gotten into him.  Of course, Priya wouldn’t leave without telling him.  And why had he gotten so worked up about it?  He hadn’t even searched through the whole house but had gotten worried nonetheless.

“Is there something you wanted?” Priya asked, not really wanting to be alone with Aman.

“Yeah, I wanted to ask you something.  There’s an event tonight, a formal event. I need you to come with me.” Aman said unsurely.

“Okay.” Priya said.

“Okay?” Aman sounded surprised.

“Okay.” Priya repeated.

“I thought you’d refuse.” Aman said.

“Well, you can’t go by yourself.” Priya replied.

Aman frowned, but quickly recovered his expression.  Did she mean he couldn’t be trusted by himself?

“I mean if your wife doesn’t go with you, what would people think?” Priya clarified.

“Right.” Aman agreed.  “Be ready by 8?”

“Sure.” Priya replied.

An awkward silence fell between the two soon after.  Aman actually felt out of place in his own house.  He perpetually felt like he was bothering Priya, in her way, making her uncomfortable.  Of course, she was too nice to tell him to leave her alone, but he could take a hint.  Aman stood to leave.

“I’ll see you tonight. I’ll have the limo take you straight to the venue.” Aman said before leaving.

“This is perfect.” Neha said on the phone.

“Why?” Priya asked.

“Priya, Priya you are so naive,” was all Neha said.

Priya didn’t know what was cooking in Neha’s mind and she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.

Hey guys! So Priya’s reaction...are you happy? Disappointed? Let me know!

I wonder what Neha is thinking about?

Does anyone feel bad for Aman at all??

Next update may take a while. I have visitors coming this week, so I’m gonna be spending all my time with them!

COMMENT & VOTE!!!!!!!!!