Writer's pov
Lechu along with others gathered together and looked at the officers who brought down two carton boxes with them.
" Sir these boxes got expired food items. They were hiding these in upstairs" two officers kept the boxes on the table and said to their senior officer. He came forward and checked the boxes They were right both the boxes had some rotten food items.
" How you are going to explain this ? " Office asked to Lechu.
" Sir.....I don't know. These doesn't below to my cafe. We are not selling food items then how it can be ours ? Someone should have kept it here..." Lechu replied all panicked.
" Who ? "
When Lechu was trying to explain them there comes next question. If that box was kept there by someone then who is it ? Lechu looked at other staffs and they all stood there cluelessly.
" Sir, most of items are in their menu card ... " An officer said.
" Sir, I planned to sell those items that's why menu card was made but I never got an opportunity to sell them. This is not mine sir.... Trust me " Lechu tried her best to make them believe but there wasn't any evidence to prove what she was saying.
" Since this is your first time offence I am ending it with fine amount and for 10 days you can't open your cafe. If you failed to pay the fine amount cafe will be closed for another ten more days then eventually your license will be cancelled and we will come once more to seal this café. I hope you understood everything that I said. Here ...... " Main food inspector gave a paper to Lechu and said.
Four of the officers walked out with their things and stopped at entrance to say something.
" What are you looking at ? Come out we need to close this café and paste the notice " one officer said. That was remained..... It fell on Lechu's head like a thunder. Nothing much was there to be done. Five of them had to be go out without saying anything or argue with those officers.
Lechu locked her cafe and one officer pasted the notice in front of the glass door and left from there.
Ishaan sat on a step silently and watched them leaving. Nina was silently standing at the edge of road with a crossed arms and looked at locked cafe.
" What's next ? " Ria asked to Lechu but she remained silent.
" How much is the fine amount ? " Varun enquired.
" 50000 rupees " Ria replied reading the notice on glass.
" Damn it .... " Varun grunted and didn't say anything after that.
" You got any money ? " Ishaan asked to Lechu. She shook her head as no very sadly and sighed like she don't know what to do next or to whom she will ask this much money.
" Then what we are going to do ? " Riya asked worridly to everyone.
" What else ? She should find the fine money and pay it. " Nina replied.
" That's not easy as you are thinking. Also till she finds out that money what we are going to do ? " Ishaan asked raising his voice slightly like he didn't liked the way Nina said that.
" Let's wait Ishaan. Till ten days we can clean the cafe and make little changes. Then after ten days we will reopen. This is not that much complicated like you are thinking " Nina said.
" Then you go and get me a 50k . " Lechu said in a dead tone. She was actually pissed of at everything and everyone.
" Why you showing that face at me ? It's not like I wanted this to happen. " Nina mumbled annoyingly.
" Why we are not talking about who kept those rotten food upstairs ? None of us even go there then who ? " Riya stopped the fight and asked to others her doubt. Everyone looked at eachother thinking about it.
" It's none among us then only an outsider can do it " Varun said.
" But who ? Without our knowledge who came here ? Definitely someone would have come when you four were sleeping like sloths" Lechu shouted at everyone.
" Sleeping ? Woah..... You should say this to me Lakshmi. Among others I am the one who does more work " Ishaan stood from floor and started yelling back at Lechu dramatically. She rolled her eyes and turned to other side.
" There isn't even a CCTV to check whether someone came or not..... Then how we are going to find this ? Why would someone do that to a cafe like this ? " Nina said worridly and looked towards the road. That's when she saw a car passing through there.
She noticed that car because of the passenger who was staring at her while passing and it was Gaurav. Nina couldn't take her eyes of from him until his car turned towards his office premises. That evil smile on his face, that satisfaction on his eyes Nina noticed everything. She somewhat understood what happened with their café all of sudden Gaurav has some hands on it. Nina scoffed sarcastically thinking about the silliness of Gaurav.
"Guys leave it ...... Anyways we fell into this trap. Let's not make it much complicated. We will find a way for this fine amount " Nina tried to console Lechu. She sat on the floor rubbing her temples very hard and pressed her temples getting disturbed by all problems.
" What happened Lakshmi ? Are you okay ? " Varun noticed her uncomfortable face and asked to Lechu what happened. At first she didn't respond, she couldn't even hear what others were saying. Lechu was in her own world.
" Nothing ... A mild headache." Lechu replied ignorantly.
" About the money..... Let me see whether I can do anything. Don't get worry about it. Anyways ten days time is there. " Said Varun very calmly and made Lechu's mind at ease.
" Can't you contact anyone Varun ? You must know many " Nina asked
" Let us see Nina. I don't wanted to contact anyone for this. Then hundreds of questions from their side....no I don't want that. Main reason I am working here is because I needed my mind to be calm. This was like a hide out place for me."
" You guys don't worry. Like I said....we will pay the fine money and solve this. "
" You guys also leave. What's the use of sitting here like this ? Go back to home. Lakshmi.... You too " Varun asked everyone to go back.
He also asked Lechu to go back home watching her sad and almost give up face. Varun left from there first. Ishaan took Riya and left after Varun. Only Lechu and Nina remained there.
Nina was looking at Lechu pathetically. She slowly walked towards her and sat beside Lechu.
" If you are going to give me free advice then I don't want to hear..... especially in this situation " Lechu mumbled sadly to Nina.
" This is not an advice but I wanted to say something. Actually this issue is from Dev's side. His legal advisor Gaurav did this to take revenge on me. He passed by here few minutes before." Hearing what Nina said Lechu had an emotionless face. But after few seconds she smiled cynically and ignored what Nina said.
" I always wanted to ask you whether you and Dev are doing well ? I don't wanted to involve in your personal life that's why I never asked this. But I have a pair of eyes Lakshmi, I can see them, I can understand others. Better you be careful around Dev. Whatever is happening your safety comes first. Keep that in your mind " Nina patted on Lechu's shoulder and stood from there to leave.
Now only Lechu was left there. She sat there alone for some time thinking about mshhy things. She then stood from there all determined and walked straight towards c city, Dev's office to meet Dev as her husband.
Lechu was stopped by security from front gate itself but she was not ready to stop there. She shouted at him and even said her relationship with Dev. It was unbelievable for the securities but they let her enter. Standing at the main entrance hall she looked around that huge office in 360 degree wide angle. She didn't understand where to go inorder to meet Dev. She even felt like to scream his name until he comes out from his hole.
" I want to meet Mr Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore. '' Lechu went to the front desk and enquired about Dev.
"Sorry mam ... Do you have an appointment ? " Receptionist asked very politely.
" No.... I don't but I have to meet him. Where is he ? " Lechu said in an authoritative tone.
" Mam without appointment you can't meet him. If you leave your name and phone number here I will inform his secretary. " Receptionist replied.
" Call that secretary and tell her that Mrs Rathore is here to meet Dev" Lechu kept her hand on desk with a thud and said clenching her jaw. Receptionist gulped a lump from her throat and quickly took the receiver to connect it with Dev's secretary office.
" Tina, where is DD right now ? " Soon after she finished asking about Dev Lechu snatched the receiver from her hand.
" DD asked no one to disturb him. He is right now in R&D department seminar hall attending their presentation for new project. Why you asked ? " Tina replied casually and enquired about why she asked. Without giving a reply Lechu cut the call and stared at that receptionist.
" Where is this R&D department seminar hall ? " Lechu asked
" Third floor mam.... Straight from the hall way and turn at the first right " receptionist replied quickly in a shaking voice gave reply for what Lechu asked.
She turned back and found the elevator door. After stepping out at third floor and walked towards the seminar hall through the way that receptionist said. Standing in front the huge door of seminar hall Lechu hesitated first to open it. For a second she thought what she is going to do is right or wrong? But that anger rushed inside her wasn't going down. One after another all these issues..... She never did any sin in her life to suffer like this. She needed some answers.
Lechu opened the door in a rage and stood at the middle of entrance. Presentation was going there and everyone's attention fell towards the door when it opened suddenly. Whoever sat there looked at eachother cluelessly. Dev was also watching Lechu by raising his one eyebrow. He clenched his jaw angrily but didn't moved from his place. After few seconds Zahir came there running and all panicked.
" Mam please come out. " Zahir said to Lechu very politely but she wasn't ready to listen. Zahir was waiting outside all these while. She only went to get some water and by that time itself Lechu came there making Dev disturbed.
" I want to talk to you " Lechu said directly to Dev.
" Who is that ? "
" His girlfriend ? "
" Why DD is not saying anything ? "
" Guys that's DD's wife "
" What ? "
" Oh my god "
" I can't believe "
"Man..... She is dead gorgeous "
Dev stared to his right side from where he heard that last comment. He made everyone shut their mouth with his stare.
" Zahir.... Take her to my room " Dev said to Zahir and he quickly took Lechu out from there.
" We will continue the presentation in afternoon " Dev said to the project head and stood from there to leave.
Dev's cabin.
" You can wait here. DD will come soon " Zahir said to Lechu after bringing her to Dev's cabin and poured a glass of water for her. Lechu didn't even sit anywhere but was waiting for Dev restlessly standing at the middle of his office room and looked around.
" You shouldn't have come like this mam. If you ever want to meet DD then please contact me once.... "
" Zahir ........" Lechu interrupted Zahir and stopped him.
" Thank you so much showing this concern for me when your boss is not showing a 0.1 % of it. Dev only understand this language especially when it's me. That's why I came like this " She said. Zahir looked at her with a sorry face and walked out without saying anything.
" What is happening ? " Soon after Zahir came out from Dev's room Tina came to his side all panicked and enquired about the situation.
" Be ready to face DD's wrath. He is going to fire both of us " Zahir replied and sighed heavily. They both stood straight when Dev came there like a raging Bull. He glared at both of them and went inside without saying anything.
Lechu was standing in front of Dev's antique mini telescope. She could see her cafe from standing there. Lechu scoffed looked at view from his office.
Dev came and pulled Lechu towards him holding on her hand mercilessly.
" What the hell you were thinking while doing that act ? " Twisting her hand to back he pushed Lechu towards a wall and yelled at her in a dangerous tone.
" What the hell you want by doing this hidden war like a coward ? " Lechu kept that fine notice on his chest and yelled back while wincing in pain.
Dev moved back slowly releasing her and caught the paper before it falls down. His eyes were still on Lechu glaring at her.
Going through the content inside that paper only a smirk appeared on his face.
" A good for nothing cafe and it's stupid owner's crying for this ? .Take it off " he threw that paper to Lechu's face and spatted at her. He turned back and went to sat on his chair but Lechu stopped him.
" Beating me up day and night wasn't enough for you to get satisfied ? Burning my mom's last memory wasn't enough to break me ? My family is at verge of poverty what more you want ? You closed down my café which was a ray of light for me. Now what you want ? " Lechu shouted at Dev emotionally.
"I want more than this. Next I am going to bring a jcb to break that cafe. Then I will bury you down along with it. But I won't kill you..... I will make you crawl....Then only I feel happy. What more you want to know ? " Dev leaned close to her face and replied for Lechu's question. He was only few inches away from Lechu .
" Neither you are killing us nor letting us live. Now this . You started this and I want you to solve this for me
Mr Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore. .
Other than myself I don't have anything to sell to pay this fine. I will even do that without any shame in this situation " Lechu said miserably with tears in her eyes. Dev began to laugh cynically which made Lechu look at him disgustingly.
" 50k and that's for your ..... " Dev looked at Lechu from head to toe. He don't see her worthy for 50k.
" Who is going to give you that much for this disgusting body ? I think you are all about yourself. No wonder .... Sometimes blood and genetics plays a part in such thoughts. Also how you were raised up and the person who raised you up. " Dev said and laughed sarcastically. Lechu came and held on his blazer tightly to stop his blabbering. He pulled her hands off from him and yanked it. He cleared the wrinkles and leaned back to table supporting himself.
" How is this feeling ? No way to turn around, no helping hands, darkness everywhere, you must be feeling suffocating right ? That suffocation what I wanted to see in you and your family. This is nothing..... Because I only started. When I end it you won't be left with nothing. Then only my mind will be at peace. " Dev said.
" More you suffocate me with its double rate you will feel restless Mr Rathore. Your stupid brain didn't started to work till now to understand that much ? Or your aunt never let that brain grow ? " Lechu scoffed at Dev and asked.
" You ..... " Dev stood and raged at Lechu to smack her but Lechu didn't stop.
" You are right .... Because of his mistake my dad met with an accident and unfortunately it was your so called lover who became the victim. He is sorry for whatever happened and still living with that pain. What more he can do ? Will you be happy if he goes to jail ? Before that I want to ask you something ...... " Lechu didn't let Dev to talk inbetween what she was saying. This time she came to meet him to say whatever she wanted to say no matter what.
" Have you ever thought that what your so called lover was doing at middle of that night ? That's in heavy rain and on highway ? She wanted to meet whom at that midnight under heavy rain like she couldn't even wait for morning ? Do you know anything about it ? Did she ever mentioned it that to you ? " Dev loosened his face muscles and his eyes calmed down a little. He didn't had any reply for her questions which Lechu asked to him. He didn't know what to say.
" Why you are silent ? Ask me why my appa couldn't save her ? I have answers for every question you ask to me but you should also answer for my questions." Lechu continued
" A girl who was carrying that time carelessly went to cross a road and that's through a highway road at midnight in rain why ? Like what danger came into her life? She jumped in front of my appa's car when he was taking me to....... Leave that. There is no use of telling you about it. " Lechu stopped at middle when she was about to say that her appa was taking Lechu to hospital that time because she tried to commit suicide by slitting her wrist nerves Making Lechu startled Dev pushed her back towards the wall and started chocking her. Dev was staring at her with his blood shot eyes
" What's the meaning of saying this absurd things in front of me ? To whom you are pointing your fingers you bloody b***h ? " He grunted at Lechu dangerously. Lechu somehow separated his hand from her neck and pushed Dev back with all her strength.
" You called me a w***e .... If I am a w***e then she is much worst than me Mr Rathore. She was making you a fool all these while " Lechu reacted back and started to laugh cynically same like Dev laughed at her some time before.
" Emotional fool.... " Lechu added. Dev came and fisted her hair back to make Lechu shut.
" Dare to say a word against Nisha I won't hold back to destroy you completely " Dev warned Lechu.
" Leave me.... You can shut my mouth but truth is not going to change right ? " Lechu shouted while crying.
Meanwhile he heard someone tapping on door and Dev's left his grip from Lechu. Zahir came inside and informed him that Dhruv came to meet him.
" I don't want to see anyone " Dev shouted at Zahir. Before Zahir could stop Dhruv from entering into Dev's room he barged into there.
" I don't even want to call you as my brother because a brother will never do this to his sibling." Dhruv came there yelling at Dev and he seemed really frustrated.
" Dhruv I am not in a mood to hear your loose talks. Get out from here now. I will call you inside " Dev said
" Who are you to order me ? I came here to talk to you and you have to hear me today no matter what. I won't leave without solving my issue. " Dhruv said adamantly.
" Zahir... " Dev called for Zahir to take Dhruv out.
" Don't dare to touch me... " Dhruv moved back jerking when Zahir came to send him out. Lechu was watching this brothers fight standing at a corner all scared. She knew that Dev and Dhruv don't have a good relationship as brothers but she never knew that it was this much worst.
" You are not up to my team's mark that's why I asked them to remove your name from main team. If you are not competent enough like others then that's not my problem that's your problem ......" Dev said to Dhruv.
" Competent, competition, winner, nonsense .... You only know about such things right ? That's why you never feel happy in your life . You will never gets to know the sweetness of being loved and loving by someone. People only wanted you for their needs never accepted Dev as a normal man. A man with stone in place of heart. Now I really feel pity for you my brother . We will meet once again after seeing you as a looser. Wait.... " Saying this Dhruv walked out from there.
"His highness Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore...... You are now at the peak of your arrogance. Your fall is getting nearer just like your brother said. I am also waiting to see that looser in you, to celebrate...." Lechu gave a scoff at Dev before leaving from his room.
Dev ran his hands over the table making everything fall down and break the things to take off his frustration over them. Hearing that noise Tina and Zahir came inside and watched his madness. They didn't utter a single word just let him do whatever he wanted to do.
" I will kill her today... " Grunting this Dev went out to follow Lechu as he is not over talking with her. Dev looked at the elevator and found its going down. He quickly strides down the stairs to catch Lechu. When he reached ground floor Dev was stopped for a second after witnessing Lechu talking with Dane who came to his office.
It was already planned Dane will be there to meet Dev in his office but here unexpected guest was Lechu. Dev took each step slowly staring at them and narrowed his eyes. He stood a distance away and watched them silently.
It was only a random talk between Lechu and Dane like two friends meeting unexpectedly. With a hai and bye it ended there. After a handshake Lechu walked out from c city office and Dane walked towards the elevator.
....................
A street side of city
Nina was standing in front of a roadside tea shop sipping her hot tea. She was looking at the posters that pasted on public walls. Most of the ads were for jobs, part time and full time, paying guest, hostels with food and accommodation, treatment for many illness from unauthorised doctors, unani, acupuncture etc etc etc.
" What a pleasant scene to watch ? "
Nina was startled a little when someone talked behind her from nowhere and it was a deep husky voice. She turned back and saw Gaurav standing in front of her.
" Poor girl....... Already trying to find a job. But I like this will power. Ready to do anything soon after loosing one. That's the spirit..... But I wonder who is going to give you a job with your qualification ? " Gaurav was clearly there to rub salt on her wound. Nina remained silent considering it as a public place.
" If you need any help then here.... This is my card. I will try my best to find a job for you. In my office café we need a waitress. Your qualification and experience is perfect for it. Don't need to interact with customers. Just serve what they are ordering. Isn't that a better job than working in a Titanic like cafe. Only Dev knows when it will sink " said Gaurav.
" By the way what's your qualification ? If you have a degree then I need a maid into my apartment. It will be good if maid can read and understand things since most of the equipments are new and imported ones. " Gaurav continued mocking Nina without any clear reason but she still didn't react.
Nina finished her tea and get ready to leave avoiding Gaurav but he wasn't ready to let her go like that.
" You didn't say anything. Where is that attitude and arrogance you showed in front of me few days back ? Or is it difficult to even look at me due to shame ? " Gaurav asked.
" What the hell is your actual problem mister ? Such a nuisance. Yes, you are right my job is at stake but why you are so much worried about it ? This is my problem, I will find a way....... " Finally Nina decides to open her mouth to stop Gaurav's happines.
" Oh .......... See girl..... I am not a heartless person. I feel bad if I see beautiful girls suffering. Weirdly I am not feeling bad watching you in this state. Instead I am feeling more frustrated watching your face " suddenly Gaurav's tone changed from a playful one to a serious one.
" Your face gives me headache " Gaurav added
" Then don't look at my face . Happy ? " Nina spatted back and moved to a side to leave.
"Also ...... Neither you nor your Boss Mr Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore can do anything to that cafe. This cheap number you played can't do nothing to that café and my job...... It's better you won't get involved much into my matters. " Saying this Nina walked ahead to leave but stopped for a second to say something else.
" I wasn't looking for a job among those ads but I was finding something useful for you. Here..... What you wanted right now is this. Use it properly...." Nina gave a paper to Gaurav's hand which she tore it from the wall among the ads.
Gaurav opened the paper and read it.
" Any kind of s*x related problems contact us. Special treatment for premature ejaculation. Piles, fistula, fissure for every nightmares of men treatment is under one roof. Contact xxxxxxxxx. "
Gaurav crumbled that paper gritting his teeth and turned to shout at Nina.
" You...... "
" Go and consult a doctor for your illness man " Nina shouted and step on a bike which came there to pick her up.
Gaurav frowned his face and watched Nina and the guy who came for her, It was Varun.
" What happened ? " Varun enquired to Nina staring at Gaurav.
" Nothing..... A nuisance " Nina replied and rolled her eyes at Gaurav like he isn't anything important. Varun scoffed and drive off from there ignoring Gaurav.
" That's their café barista. Damn it..... Is something going between them ? Nah.... With that nerdy girl ? No way. But she is damn cool man. Not like those stupid girls I met always. Gaurav stop..... Stop right there. You need a drink right now to take off that girl's face from your brain. She is not even my type.......Never.....no....... " Gaurav closed his both eyes and took some deep breaths to calm himself down.
He quickly took his Phone and contact someone.
" Sweety.... Where are you ? Give mr five minutes I will pick you up " he then quickly went to take his car and drive off to the place where his girl is waiting for tonight's entertainment.
.................
A shopping mall in the city.
" Is she your girlfriend ? Is she beautiful ? Are you going to propose her ? What is she doing ? " Jasmine was asking questions to Mohit one after another when he took her to a shopping mall for shopping.
He just said that he wanted gift something to a girl since he don't know what to give. So Mohit asked Jasmine to select something for that girl.
" What you like just take that. I am not good with buying gifts especially for girls " Mohit said swiping his sweaty palms together.
" Budget ? " Jasmine asked quickly.
" No issues. Budget is not a problem " Mohit replied.
" Also, this isn't for my girlfriend. I don't have any girlfriend. I ..... I like ... I like someone...... " Mohit stammered and looked around to see no one is watching them. He wanted to be good with Jasmine that's why he took her for shopping since that's her hobby.
" What about a handbag. I just love bags " Jasmine was not even listening to what he was saying. She ran towards the bag section and started looking for new collection.
" Ja. .. Jasmine...... You....you like what kind of men? " Mohit asked to her.
" Someone who is so cool" Jasmine replied very excitedly.
" Definitely not a boring one like you " she mumbled but Mohit heared that making his heart break into pieces.
" I am not that much boring like you are thinking. Inside office if I wont be strict with others won't work. They will lag in everything .. " Mohit said
" Our marketing team manager Abhay..... How cool he is. The way he is friendly with his colleagues they are happy to work with him. I never saw they are lagging somewhere." Jasmine said. She quickly came to Mohit's side to tell him a secret.
" Don't tell this to anyone.... I have an eye on him. Today we even exchanged our numbers .... " Jasmine smiled showing her front teeth and jumped from floor.
" That Jerk..... " Mohit grunted silently cursed Abhay and stood there like a grumpy cat
" But Jasmine .... He is a Playboy. " Mohit said
" So what ? This is just for a time pass man... I mean sir. I am not looking for any serious relationships " Jasmine said very casually
" Why ? " Mohit enquired with a shock.
" Because I won't get one. Actually I have commitment phobia. I will get bored of one man soon after I get into a relationship. " Jasmine said
" What if that guy is serious in relationship ? He won't leave you even if you don't want him " Mohit asked curiously.
" Are you trying to find a match for me ? I ran from my house when my dad tried to find a jerk for me.."
" Jasmine .... Don't call him a jerk " Mohit said interrupting her
" Why you are worried ? I don't want to be in relationship right now. That's it. I want to be a free bird for some time. After that I will think about marriage and all...... Or I have to meet the right one, the perfect one. "
" Here I liked this. I am sure your girlfriend also like this. " Jasmine passed a bag to the girl who came to help them.
" Pack it " Mohit said in a sad tone and watched Jasmine like she is a fruit which he can't get with his height.
" When she gets mood to marry someone I will be walking with a walking stick. Oh my god..... Then what about my family plan ? "
" Mohit do something man "
Mohit ran towards Jasmine's side determined that he will say about his feelings to her no matter what.
After paying for the back their shopping finished there. They both came out from the shop together.
" Okay then.... bye sir..... I will catch a taxi from here '' Jasmine asked Mohit to leave and she will go by herself.
" It's already dark outside. I will drop you " Mohit said.
" No it's fine. I want to meet some of my friends that's why. " Jasmine replied very politely. Mohit got alerted suddenly. Since he don't wanted to take risk he brought another reason.
"Jasmine there is a mail I had to send urgently. It almost slipped from my mind. You come with me. While driving back you can write the content for me in car. " Mohit said
" But sir.... "
" Jasmine this is your job " he didn't even allowed her to say anything and he sounded serious. Without any other options Jasmine went with Mohit.
Mohit started sweating heavily again inside the car thinking about what he will say once they reached her apartment. He tried to collect the dialogues he learnt to say while proposing.
"It's done sir.... What's the mail id ?" Jasmine asked
" Draft it for now.... Once I reached home I will sent it. " Mohit replied and Jasmine did like he said.
Mohit stopped his car to a side near to her apartment. When Jasmine removed her seatbelt and was about to open the door Mohit held on her hand. She was taken back a little and frowned her eyebrows confused why he held on her hand.
" What is it sir ? " Jasmine asked.
Mohit fumbled to say anything. His sound didn't came out from his throat. Jasmine was still looking at him to hear what he wanted to say. Suddenly Mohit leaned forward and kissed on her lips making her freeze.
Jasmine pushed him back after few seconds and slapped right across on his face which was really unexpected for Mohit.