LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

31-One after another

Lechu's pov

Night was very long for me. I was counting every second waiting for sun to rise. I didn't budge from where I collapsed because I couldn't and I didn't wanted to. 

I never saw Dev coming out from his secret room, it's not like I want to see his face though. I started to hate Dev from yesterday night. All this time there wasn't any hate but I was only not happy with him or his doings. I tried to understand his pain because he was right from his side but now he don't deserve that sympathy from me. How many times I begged and cried in front of him to spare my blanket. I only asked that one thing from him and he didn't gave it to me. Just by thinking about it I feel like crying. 

How can someone become so blind for a revenge ? I know his Loss was that much big for him and it can't be compared with my blanket but it's hurting inside. 

How he finds happiness in hurting me ? Whole night I was thinking about it. I don't wanted to blame my appa for Dev's loss because when I think about it something was wrong somewhere. Such a huge accident happened and a girl lost her life then why appa didn't utter a word about it to me ? Why He wanted to hide it from me  ? Did he really ............

I shook my head stop thinking nonsense but how much I avoided it only those thoughts were coming into my mind. And finally I decided that I should ask about this to appa. He should give me a reply for it and end this chapter forever. It's time for Dev to come out from his own made hell. He might won't forgive us even if I proved that my appa is not at fault because if that happens Dev will loose his aim. Which means he will began to feel guilty then Dev will do more madness. But here I don't want to think about what will happen to him ? Or what he do with his life. I just want to save my family.

I got ready early morning itself to visit appa. I am breaking the rules here. He won't find me when he comes to get ready for office. I am sure he will create a scene for that but who cares. What more is there to see in him than what he showed yesterday. If I call him an animal it will be shameful for them. Animals have sympathy for others unless they are hungry. Here he only wanted to hurt me and oh yeah..... Of course he needs me when he is high and want to put off his nasty s****l urge. It was much better that he stayed in hotel rooms with his kinks. 

I swiped my tears which is not stopping when some images flashes into my mind from what happened yesterday. I don't want to remember anything. What can I do to delete those memories from my mind ? 

Grabbing the keys of scooty I walked out from room all determined. I am not going to stop in front of anyone. 

.......................

" With what name we will call him ? "

Soon after I stepped out from room I saw Parvathi mam and Dhruv standing at balcony. Dhruv was sitting on floor with a puppy or a dog ? I was confused because it was big enough to call as a dog but small enough to call as a puppy. Parvathi mam was watching them.

Dhruv was trying to feed him some dog food and that's when he asked to Parvathi mam what name he should give to that mutt.

" Puppy..... " Parvathi mam suggested.

" That's common .... He is a boy.... Now he is in a royal family so he needs a name which has some power " Dhruv said and he started to think.

" I got one...... " Dhruv got excited and carried that mutt in his hand.

"  Doggy you can't get any better name than this. Junior DD. From the moment you came here you are frowning your face while looking at us " Dhruv said.

" Stop it. . ... Dhruv no .... This is not a joke. " Parvathi mam smacked on Dhruv's shoulders slightly and warned him. 

" You have seen yesterday after insisting alot only your dad agreed to keep him here.  If this pup makes any issues then Dev will kick him out and not even your dad can do anything" Parvathi mam warned Dhruv.

"Wait...wait wait. Talking about yesterday night. I saw that " Dhruv made a sheepish smile and looked at Parvathi mam like he knows something.

" Saw what ? " Parvathi mam spatted back 

" I saw yesterday night little bit of love through both of your eyes. Dad who stood adamantly for leaving this pup on  road itself with just one puppy face and two winks of yours his heart melted like a candle and agreed. Not just agreed but he was carrying this pup on his lap till hospital. I saw through the mirror how he was stealing glance at you. I wanted to see how dad still sees you with love. That's why I asked you to sent other two in your car and we three will use his car. I am so impressed.....  How romantic is my dad ? I think I missed a lot .....  times I stayed in boarding I was missing everyone. Only you came to meet me always from this house. During Christmas dad will come with gifts and take me out for a dinner. That was his maximum. But I was happy with that too. If I was here I would have patched you up like inseperable mom " Dhruv said. I find Parvathi mam blushing when Dhruv said dad is very romantic.  I scoffed looking at them sarcastically..

What happened with me yesterday night and How happy were they yesterday night? Both these happened in same night with same family members. How can I hide my sarcastic smile by thinking about it ? 

" Enough ..... You put him in garden near to my dance stage or your aunt is going to complain to your brother and today itself dog catchers will come here" Parvathi mam says.

" You didn't tell me with what name we will call him? " Dhruv yelled at Parvathi man with a sad face.

'' Tiger ....... " That slipped from my mouth automatically. I always wanted a dog and his name has to be tiger. I remember that name when I saw their doggy. I wanted one or I wanted to join them badly.

" That's a good name right mom ? " I think Dhruv liked it and Parvathi mam also agreed. 

When Dhruv came towards me happily carrying that dog in his hand to show me... I ran from there.... Because I wanted to hide my tears. I realised that I  am missing many things in my life. My happiness is not with me anymore. I am realising it and that made a fear inside me. Swiping my tears while running I whimpered more about from where to where my life has taken me.

I started my scooty and drove off from there in full speed but had to put a sudden break making me jerk towards the front. Dev came right in front of my scooty after coming back from jogging. We met right in front of the gate. Zahir was just behind Dev like always his bodygaurd. 

Dev and I were staring at eachother. I don't have anything to talk with him or I don't want to hear anything from him. I clenched my jaw and diverted my gaze from him like avoiding that man. He wasn't moving from my way so I turned the handle and drive from there.

...........

My house

" Appa......... " 

" Appaa............ "

I shouted for appa from the place where I parked my scooty and raged towards my house. I don't know what was happening with me because I felt some anger towards my appa that time. I was blaming him inside my mind without hearing his side. 

" Lechu.... " Standing at the right middle of living room I waited for appa and he came out from kitchen.

" What happened ? Why you came in this early morning and shouting ? Is everything fine " he came to my side all panicked and enquired.

" Appa....... We need to talk " I said all determined. Today I  will get to know the truth about Nisha's accident and wanted to hear why my appa tried to settle down that issue with few money and even threatened them by sending vikram and his goons.

I noticed how his face colour changed suddenly watching me furious. He couldn't find  that childish girl who always pouts her lips for silly matters in me. That's made him nervous and I looked really angry.

" What happened to you? Why you are shouting ? " Appa asked in a very calm tone.

" What else is there to happen ?" I mumbled and again looked at appa.

" How I wont shout appa ? You  disappointed me. I never thought that my appa will do something like this" I swiped her tears rolled down and yelled at Appa. I don't wanted to shout at him but I couldn't help.

" Lechu first you calm down and then tell me , Whats the matter ?" Appa was still calm and tried to make me calm too. He enquired about the matter very slowly.

" Months back ....  Whether you got into an accident ? In that accident did someone died ? " I interrupted while appa was showing his concern for me. Hearing my questions he was shocked a little like he took a step back from where he stood.

" Reply me appa....... I will only believe what you say. But you should tell me the truth" I asked again. 

"How..... how you get to know about this ? Who said this to you ......"

"No one said anything. I get to know about it because I met that family. They told me this unbelievable story of my appa. Do you know how I was standing in front of them with my head down ? I couldn't even ask them to forgive my appa. How can I even think about it ? Because of you they lost their daughter and I am your daughter.  Accident is accident we cant do anything about it but your actions after that, your irresponsible behaviour after that accident..... why appa ? why you did that ?" I started crying and sat on a chair placing my hand on forehead to cover those stupid tears filled my eyes.

"Lechu...... I ....... I .........I never intended to hit her. It happened Lechu. It .......was indeed an accident happened because of me but...." Appa knelt down on floor in front of me and tried to defend himself.

" I told you, I am not asking you about how that accident happened?. I am asking why .... Why you went to meet them and that's with Vikram ? Why you wanted to settle down that issue with money? You taught me to grow like an upright girl. That same person did such a hedious job " I yelled at appa but he didn't stopped me. He was looking at floor with his head down. I know how much it might be hurting him inside but I am also in pain and I can't even say about Dev.

" Say something appa. Your silence making me afraid of you " I was forcing him to tell me the truth.

" What else I should have done then ? I did what any father will do in that situation Lechu. " Appa shouted at me.

" I know because of me they lost their precious daughter but I didn't mean to do that. I will never do that. But when I have my two daughters to take care of........ I did what I felt right. That's what happened."  Dad looked at me very pathetically.

" Appa..... " I was confused in his reply and looked at him cluelessly and as well as sadly.

" You can shout at me  but before that you should hear me till end. After that you can criticize your Appa" he stopped me from shouting at him without knowing the complete truth and he started explaining his side.

" It's true that few months back I got into an accident. Case was charged on me for hit and run. Unfortunately that victim died. Then case changed to negligent homicide. There wasn't enough proofs to prove that my car hit that girl but it's true I hit her accidentally. During that heavy rain what I was taking you to hospital....... Lechu I was so scared of losing my daughter..... my own daughter"  Appa's sound shivered when became emotional. He cupped my face and looked at me with so much love, care and fear like that night was inside his mind. He looked at me like he can't loose me at any cost.

" Appa...... " I held on his hand and kept it close to me. I didn't get anything to say. Neither to console him nor to confront him.

" Appa didn't saw that child crossing the road in that heavy rain. I ..... I was selfish for my own daughter. I am not blaming you, don't even think like that. It was unfortunate night for all of us. " Appa was crying in front of me which breaks my heart. Loss for both sides are equal that's what making it more complicated.

" I am also not blaming you for it Appa. But when I heard such a news which is unexpected from you ...... I... I couldn't..... "

" Ten lakhs .... You gave them money. Appa.... Am I..... I am only that much worth for you ? You saved me ignoring someone's else daughter. She gave her life in place of me, for a stupid like me who decided to finish myself. " I felt so vulnerable thinking about me.

" Lechu....... don't think like that. Appa did give them money but  that ten lakhs..... that's all what I had. I gave my everything for that child which I saved for you. It's not like I was afraid to go Jail or face our law. I had to think not just about you but Aadhya. You were completely broken and Aadhya she is still in school. To whom I will give you both if I go to jail ? You can think what will happen if I go Jail. That instant Vikram will come here to take you both. Your appa is not a superhero to save you both from all dangers but  when I am near to your side without killing me first no one can take my daughters away from me. That much I can do atleast in this age " 

I couldn't see my appa because of my tears. Why he is saying such things ? I have never thought anything like that. I can't think a moment that appa is not with me when I am alive. It's like Lechu is dead, my strength and soul is taken from me. If he is not there then for whom I am enduring all this ? 

"Lechu but trust your appa. I never sent Vikram to their home. I never asked him to threaten them. I came to know about it when that child's mother came to meet me inorder to say that they are withdrawing the case. For a second I was relieved that they decide to take the money but then only I get to know that Vikram and his allies threatened them with their other two daughters. I don't know how he gets to know about it and why he went there without telling me. " Appa says. I believe him, he won't lie to me. 

More than money which appa gave them Dev is angry about sending goons to their house. He never gonna belive this because Vikram is our relative and his blinded revenge. I can't ask appa to go and say the truth to Dev because eventually he will get to know about what Dev did to me. Then everything is finished. God I don't know what to do.

" I am ready to do anything to correct my mistake. Unfortunately I can't bring their daughter back. But the moment I get to know what Vikram did, your appa apologized to them. I was even ready to hold their legs but they received that money and left from city scared of Vikram. I went with them till railway station just in case of security. What if Vikram threaten them again? I don't believe what you said Lechu. You can't get to know about this issue through that family. Tell me......  Did Vikram came to meet you ?" When appa asked that I went mum. I gulped a lump from my throat and looked at here and there.

" Lechu....... Tell me " Appa insisted and I couldn't keep silent.

"Vikram...... Vikram told me " I lied. Nothing new though still I was left with no other option. This is why its said you should have courage to tell the truth. One lie is enough to build hundred of lies on top of it but it will break. If the base itself is weak how others will remain intact.

" Leave it Appa.... I am sorry for behaving like that. You don't need to ask about this to Vikram. It's over .... Let it be like that. " I hugged him and said but I didn't get any reply from him. Will he go and confront Vikram? I hope he won't.

" Dad..... I am leaving " I seperated from Appa when I heard my little sister's voice. She was ready to go for her school.

" Oh..... Wait a second. Your food is almost ready. " Appa turned to leave towards kitchen to get her food.

" No need. I will take it from canteen. " Aadhya said with a not so pleasant face. Something is there I was sure.

" Give five minutes girl. I only need to put in your lunch box " saying this appa ran towards the kitchen.

Only Aadhya and I left there. 

" You changed a lot di " Aadhya started talking to me in a very serious tone.

" Huh ? " I looked at her without getting what she meant by that.

" After marriage.... you changed a lot. Now you only thinking about your dear husband and his family. You are worried about their name and status. That's why you came here in this early morning itself right ? '' I was dumbfounded by what she said.

" What are you saying girl? You went mad after studying so much ? " I asked jokingly and swiped a hair strand back to her ears but she yanked my hand.

" I am serious di. Humanity is not there in you anymore. Just like that family and it's people. Now you are worried for them only or you wouldn't have came here early morning to confront dad" Aadya says.

" Now I understood what is my beauty queens issue. About your phone right ? it's in my mind girl. I will buy... " I kept her close to me and hugged Aadhya to cool her first but she pushed me back.

" I don't need anything from you. It will be their money right ? I don't want...... If you have anything to give for your sister with your money then give it or please.... I don't want. Not only me but Appa also don't need. Last time when they insulted him you were just watching there silently. We both left from there with our heads down. They didn't even asked us to have anything. Who are they ? Do our dad or your sister had to face that humiliation for your happiness ? Tell me di.... I want to hear it from you " I never saw my sister so furious like this. Whatever she asked to me I don't have any reply for them.

" Aadhya it's not like that. ..... " I tried my best to be calm and make her understand but one thing I forgot. Even though she was my younger sister Aadhya is smart and very practical with her life.

" What is not like that ? Di .... I am not a small kid anymore. The way my sweet jeeju behaved with me..... I felt like I came there uninvited.....  For every brother in law , his wife's younger sister is like his own sister but for him I am like a stranger. I am not asking to shower me with love I am asking to atleast give me a smile when we meets. I had enough from last time I met him. I just hope I won't  ever to meet him anymore for anything" She left from there making me speechless. Whatever she said is true and as her sister I couldn't do anything or to open my mouth and say something.

Appa came back from kitchen with her lunch box and a her breakfast.

'' Aadhya left ? Without her lunch ? This girl...... What she is going to have for lunch then ? " Appa grunted worridly for her and decided to run behind her but I stopped him.

" She will have her lunch from canteen appa. Why you are worried ? " I asked.

"I didn't give her money. Her school's food costs a fortune. " Appa said

" Appa..... She is not like your elder daughter. She knows to save money and she will have enough to adjust for a day. I am really thankful for Aadhya that she didn't learnt anything from me or else she would have also became a spoilt brat like me. She is a very practical girl and I am proud of her. You give this to me.... I will eat " I took the plate from him and sat to have my breakfast. To be frank I was really hungry.

If I wouldn't have got this to eat most probably my breakfast will be a black coffee from my cafe itself.

" Appa will feed you "  I smiled and sat there opening my mouth. 

" Appa, you are going for your monthly checkup with doctor uncle right ? Due to some issues I couldn't give much attention to that. " While having my breakfast this matter came into my mind. I felt really sorry for him. I should be the one who has to take care of his health and that me itself forget about it.

" Your Appa is fit and fine. Don't worry...... Your doctor uncle gave me a certificate of most healthiest man in this world. " Appa replied

" What about medicines ? You are having it ? Or ..... " I asked

" Now only vitamin tablets are there which I am taking regularly. You leave that. Talking about medicines what about you ? You are okay right ? You feel any discomfort recently ? Last time when I came I wanted to talk to Dev about taking you to hospital. Last month you skipped it. You should go ..... don't keep it for long. That's important okay ? " I just smiled hearing his talks. If I think about Dev then I might laugh.

" Everything is going well .... Just like you got a certificate of healthiest man I also got one ." I replied

" I wasn't joking girl. There will be a huge burden on your shoulder while staying in such a family. It's your mom who has to say this, since she transferred this right to me I will say but don't laugh at me. " I frowned my eyebrows doubtfully thinking that what he wants to say.

" About grandkids..... "

" Appa..... " I yelled at him that instant he finished saying grandkids. I turned my face from food and sat there annoyingly.

" Girl..... Soon you have to hear this question from his family. They must be waiting for their hier. I don't have any gender partiality. Boy or girl I want to hold my grandchild but Dev's family will be looking forward for a hier. Especially Dev is the eldest one. Such royal families have kinds of rules like that. I want my daughter to be safe first. That's why I asked you ....did you consult with your doctor before planning anything ? " Appa was damn serious. I know topic is serious like that but I don't want to hear. A baby ? And that's with a jerk ? I don't want even think about it. I won't do that sin. Another blood which is his offspring..... I don't want to do that sin to this world. 

" Even though I talked about your condition with Dev before marriage he wouldn't have understood the seriousness of it. I will talk to him in detail.... "

" Appa.... no.... Don't you dare to. If you call him to talk about it then I won't talk to you. Not only talk to you I won't even come here " I blackmailed him because that was the only way.

" Why ? Do you have any ego clashes with him ? Okay fine .... Then you come with me. I will take you to doctor. If she says you are fit and fine then everything is good. Come ... We will go today itself." Appa stuffed rest of the breakfast into my mouth and stood there in a hurry.

" We will go to meet doctor uncle first then from there to my doctor. What about that ? " I asked

" Why you are so adamant Lechu ? " Appa got annoyed

" Why you are adamant appa ? " I asked back. After that we both didn't talked. 

" Then take your medicines on time. You can do that much right ? " Finally appa talked first. I sneaked and looked at him with a smile. I didn't agree because I already dropped having those pills. Much more than that I have lots of other things to do in my life. 

I left from my house again with a huge stone. I thought to end this Nisha's chapter forever somehow even if it costs my life but no..... It's not possible. Vikram is involved in this and he is a starving lion. If I went to disturb him then he will destroy everything. I think there is no other way than going back to my jail and lock me inside there. Again my mind told me..... With my one life I can save two or none of us can live. 

Who can get a life like this ? Without any options ? Adrushta Lakshmi..... Mom you gave very bad name for your daughter. My life and my name are exactly opposite to eachother. I sighed heavily and started my scooty. Where else I can go..... Of course to my cafe.

.............................

Cafe mystére

When I reached café mystére I was stumbled on my feet for a second to see a strange vehicle in front of my cafe. A govt vehicle from food and safety department. I was confused and stood there without entering into cafe. That's when Ishaan came out and met me.

" Food inspection " he said nervously.

" What ? What is there to inspect inside other than some coffee powder ? " I asked to him sarcastically.

" That I don't know but seems like it is a trap. They are checking out kitchen right now. " Ishaan said.

" Is Varun inside ? "I asked in a tension filled voice.

" Yes.... But he is sitting on a chair looking his phone " Ishaan replied.

" Come inside they are asking for you. How many times I called you ? Why you didn't attend it ?  " Ishaan took me to cafe whining at me and I met the officers. 

Two people were checking the coffee powder and one was checking our empty kitchen.

" Sir .... We don't sell food items here Only coffee and mineral water. " I went to talk with the main officer after grabbing the licence and all papers related to my cafe.

" If you are not selling anything then what's the purpose of this cafe ? " Officer asked with a scoff.

" I am planning for a renovation sir.  Right now waiting for some fund " I replied.

I was damn sure that they won't get anything from my cafe as food. Nina and Riya were standing at the corner towards the store room watching everything. Varun had no reaction may be he is also confident like me. 

" That is ..... " Officer pointed towards the store room door and asked to me.

" That's our store room sir. But right now ...... " Without even let me finish he went towards store room to check there.

" Sir ..... Sir .... I told you. This cafe is not selling anything..... " 

He didn't even stopped to hear what I wanted to say. But that time two officers went to upstairs where some of furnitures are kept. When I started this case I thought in case I have to extend my cafe I can use then but my café ....... It became unlucky like it's owner.

" Open it .... " Officer asked me to open the store room. 

" Sir..... Some outdated products are there inside. I didn't hide it from you but those products I brought when I started this cafe. They are imported ones. But I didn't get business like I planned and they got expired. " I was trying to make them understand before they see them and put a fine charge.

" What's the purpose of storing them if they are expired ? Obviously you are using them right ? " He asked

" No sir ..... Those aren't even opened. Please sir don't make it an issue " I was begging to that officer literally.

I turned and looked at Varun who was still into his damn phone. I signed at Ishaan to do something about Varun. He went to Varun's side and called him. That's when king stood from his throne and came towards my side.

" Give me a second sir..... " Varun excused with officer and took me towards a corner 

" How much money you have with you ? " Varun asked

" Huh ? " I didn't understand why he is asking for money from nowhere.

" You stupid.... Till now you didn't understand why they are waiting here ? Of course to get money. Give them something and finish this issue or it's over " he said

" Really ? Now you are threatening me ? Okay let it finish. I don't have a single penny to give. Let them do what they want. One after another.... I can't.... " I threw my bag towards the table and sat on a chair keeping my both hands on head.

Varun took my bag without my permission and get all money inside that. It was that same money Parvathi mam got for me from Dev. Only money with me for my daily expenses atleast for one and half month.

" Varun.... " I held on his hand not to take it.

" If he find any evidence he will put a hefty fine on this café which you can't even think about. If you failed to pay that then this café license will be cancelled also after that what all issues are waiting for you.....

do you want me to explain one by one ? " Varun asked annoyingly and tried to put some sense into my mind. He  was practical and his points were also reasonable. I lift my hand from bag and let him do whatever he wants.

Varun kept a five hundred rupee note back into my bag and took rest. It wasn't much but I hope those officers will get satisfied with it. Varun and Ishaan started talking with officer. He took that money and kept it inside his pocket with not so pleasant face. I understand money wasn't enough but still he took it. I was gritting my teeth in anger watching that scene and the pathetic condition of our country.  Anyways it was a relief that the problem is solved somehow.

" Those items.... throw them out as soon as possible. " Officer warned me before getting ready to leave and called other two officers who went upstairs.

" Sir..... There is something here " when I thought everything is finished there comes next problem. Varun, Nina, Ishaan, Riya and I .... we all looked at eachother not understanding what happened. 

Ishaan signed at us and secretly asked "what will be that ? "

I also wondered what they found from my cafe which I , the owner of café doesn't know !