Part 46 | Beware, It's a trap!

NAIRA

" When will you be back? " I asked Kartik as I perfected his tie.

" I don't feel like going to work today. "

I touched his forehead, " Are you feeling sick? You don't seem to have fever. "

He shook his head, " I just don't feel like going. "

I looked at him amused, " what are you? 5 year old! "

He snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. " No, a 28 year old wanting to spend the day in bed with his wife. " He grazed his hand along my neckline.

I slapped his hand, " Enough with that, You have an important meeting today. " he rolled his eyes.

" Also I won't be at home. So unless you wanna sit idle and talk to the walls.... " He interrupted me.

" You are going out?" I nodded. " I have a meeting with a new client, Mr. Tiwari in his office. "

" Are you going alone. " He sounded bothered.

" Kartik we decided on this.... "

" I know... But I'm still not okay with that. " He ruffled his hair.

I pecked his lips, " I'm going alone, but I'll be fine. Don't worry. Besides your Hulk man is following me 24/7. "

Kartik looked at me surprised, " Naira I... "

" I know your guards are following me for my safety. I understand your concern. " I Paused, " But all this only till the issue gets resolved. After that no one's gonna follow me. " I said firmly.

" Yes ma'am. " He intertwined our fingers and kissed my cheek.

Kartik's phone buzzed, making him groan in annoyance. I chuckled," You have to go. "

" Come home for dinner. " I said passing him the car keys. He nodded with a smile.

A minute passed and my husband just kept staring at me. I scanned his facial features longer than usual. " Aren't you leaving? "

" You should let go of my hand. " Kartik chuckled and I realised I was the one halting him. He mouthed a bye before walking out.

Something feels different today, I couldn't name it.

" Kartik " I called out. He paused to look at me turning around. I sucked in a breath as a playful smile lingered on his lips.

" Yeah, Baby "

I shook my head but I was already jogging toward him.

" Looks like Mrs. Oberoi wants her husband to stay. " I heard him say.

Yes.

" No Mr. Oberoi, you forgot something."

" I took my Keys, phone, wallet .... " The creases on his forehead faded when my lips met his for a quick yet deep kiss.

" Your kiss. " I winked at him.

" Aren't you becoming too naughty nowadays. " Kartik smirked.

" Maybe. " I shrugged with a grin.

Cupping my face in his big palms, he muttered.

" I'll be back soon, Wait for me. "

I nodded looking into his eyes. I wanted to say more but didn't know what.

I uttered nothing but a single syllable.

" Okay. "

Placing a kiss on my forehead, his hands left mine. I stood at the door watching his retreating figure.

Once Kartik left, I made my way to our room. Shaking off my thoughts, I took a shower and changed into formals. In the next 20 minutes, I curled my hair and did some subtle makeup.

From the last drawer of my closet, I fetched my watch when my eyes landed on a tiny blue box beside. Picking up the box in my hand, I sat on the dressing stool with a quiet sigh.

My wedding ring.

It's been 9 months since I last had my wedding ring on. Even the mark it left on my finger, has faded. I couldn't leave this ring behind when I moved out of the house. Alas, It was the only thing that reminded me of his presence during all those months, like he was still somewhere near me.

But I couldn't bring myself to wear it cause It reminded me of the love, I thought was a lie.

I let my fingers graze the design. The ring slide over my knuckles without any struggle and sat at the base of my ring finger perfectly, which made me smile.

Wearing my wedding band after so long, I thought It would feel just as weird as It felt when I removed it. But all I could feel was an unexplainable relief.

I pecked it slightly, bringing the ring close to my chest. My lips curved into a soft smile as Contentment coursed through my blood, seeing the ring glimmer in the place where it belongs.

I picked up my phone to record a voice message for him. I knew what I wanted to tell him.

" I love you, Kartik Oberoi. "

--------

" How can I help you, Ma'am. " Offered a young man as I stood in the reception of the multistorey building.

" I have a meeting with Mr. Tiwari. "

" Oh! I suppose You must be Ms. Naira? " he gave me a gentle smile.

It's Mrs.

I thought of correcting him, but decided against it. I am already running late for the meeting.

I simply nodded.

" Mr. Tiwari is waiting for you in his Cabin. 8th floor, Straight left from the elevator, 2nd room. " He gave directions and in response, I thanked him. " Nice day, Ma'am. "

Upon reaching the desired floor, I took my steps towards left but to my dismay there wasn't any cabin. The floor looked much complicated as I proceeded walking along.

"Heck! Does this floor even have a cabin !?"

I spotted a lone double door, The only door in the whole floor. I looked around doubtfully but the floor looked dead with no single being. Nevertheless I pushed past the door.

Behind the door was a broad corridor with huge paintings hung on the side walls. I saw a lady walking in my direction carrying trays of drinks.

" Excuse me, Where can I find Mr. Tiwari's Cabin?

" Take the extreme left, you'll find his cabin. " I thanked her and walked further in, on the carpeted floor.

" Finally! " I sighed seeing the name plate. Halting outside the room my fingers wrapped around the door knob But I never made it inside.

The voices resonating from the room caught my attention.

It sounded familiar.

The small rectangular glass fitted on the door, revealed an Old man in white suit against a huge master chair, who I instantly recognised.

Vinay malhotra.

Instantly I pressed my back against the wall, hiding myself.

What is he doing here?

" That can be done. What's the case? " I heard another man speak.

" Murder! " Malhotra said.

" And charges are against.... "

I froze upon hearing Vinay take Dad's name. " Mr. Rakesh Oberoi ! "

What !

I tilted my head sideways trying to listen closely.

" That's going to be interesting,

Dad! "

Raghav is here too!

Desperate to know more, I watched through the glass, ears sharp.

" Of course Son! " Vinay took one last long puff from the cigarette before grinding the lit end on the ashtray.

" He's a big shot, Vinay. Do you hold something personal against him? " Came the unfamiliar voice. The man's attire suggest, he's an advocate.

" Not him but his son. The young man needs to know what happens when he challenges me! I have heard he would do anything for his family. " Vinay said in a smirky tone.

" Hit the father, trap the son. " Raghav smirked.

" The evidence are strong against Mr. Oberoi but I still don't understand why could have possibly been the motive behind his crime. " The advocate spoke.

" The motive to kill my little stepbrother was mine and to suffer the consequences of my deed is Oberoi's Fate!"

Evil laughs filled the room while I was stupefied by what I just heard.

It's him. He killed them!

I sealed my mouth using my palms in horror. I felt the land beneath me shake. I rasped a harsh breath, my eyes welled.

My parents didn't die in an accident.

They were murdered!!

I clutched my bag, digging my nails into the leather. My legs trembled, unable to support my weakening body.

Vinay killed my mom and dad!

They have trapped Dad, but why him?

Oh god! Kartik doesn't know about this!

I should do something.

I have to!

With sweaty palms, I held my phone. My hands shivered as I pressed the call dialler. I stepped back and turned around to flee, accidentally my hand hit a flower vase shattering it to pieces with a loud noise.

Oh Shit!

I hurried on my feet to escape, scrambling through the corridor. I didn't know the way out.

F**k I am trapped ! I ran in circles unable to find the way to the elevator.

I paused in a dead end to catch my breath.

I dialled Kartik but before I could reach him, the phone slipped my hand and I went on my knees. A throbbing pain in my head.

" Not so soon, babygirl! " I heard Raghav say before everything blackened out.

It's a trap, Kartik.

--------

Meet me

where the falling stars live,

I'll wait for you

day and night.

---------

**********

Who all expected Vinay's hand in

Mr. And Mrs. Basu's death !

Will Kartik fall for the trap?

Updates coming up this week !

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