LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

10-Game

                                                                                        Writer's pov

" That Jerk didn't give you anything to eat from his house? " Zara asked to Lakshmi watching how she was having the food in her plate. Lakshmi came to meet her both friends since they were calling her nonstop. 

" I couldn't have anything properly.... "  Lechu choked her food stuffed inside mouth while talking.

" Eat slowly.... We are not going to take it...... here drink some water " Jasmine said watching how fastly Lakshmi was eating food  and poured some water for her.

" Zara you promised me this is your treat then at end don't ask me to give the share " said Lakshmi inbetween her fooding.

" Oh god ..... After one wedding you even dumped your self-respect girl ? " Zara yelled at Lechu who later slowed down after realising she is indeed eating like a starved girl.

" So tell us... What you decided? Are you going to stay with that jerk even after knowing what he is doing behind you ? " Zara asked to Lechu with a concerned filled tone.

" Hmmmm " Lechu hummed

" Are you mad ? Or you also smitten by him like those stupid girls ... "

" Zara... " Lechu stopped Zara by yelling at her.

" Why you are stopping her ? I don't understand why you decided to stay with him after knowing his true colours " Jasmine supported Zara and confronted Lakshmi.

" Guys.... I don't have any other choice. I am screwed actually.... You both won't understand my situation . " Lechu dropped her spoon back to plate and sat there silently.

" Laks.... Money issues will be there in everyones life. Nothing is gonna with us forever. Your dad started from nothing so even if he hit rock bottom he knows how to raise from there. But if he see his daughter is suffering because of him then he won't be able to do anything. What you are going to do is actually not helping him but adding more troubles for him. " Jasmine says.

" You guys think that I am desperate to get humiliated by him ? No.....  And it's not about money. His intentions are different. Even if I step back now he won't leave us. Right now my appa is not in a condition to fight back and that's with a powerfull man like Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore . Dev just need to snap his fingers to destroy my whole family. "

"  Leave me and appa... What about Aadhya ? Why she should suffer ? She is a girl who has lots of dreams in her life. She is working hard for it from the day one. It's true that Appa favoured me a lot and  I know that. Expenses he had because of me Aadhya didn't even asked for 1% of it. Never cried for anything unnecessary.  Her world is around her studies and her dreams after that. If I became selfish then I am breaking my sister's dream  into pieces. " Lechu whimpered when she explained her helpless situation to her friends.

After hearing that Zara and Jas also became silent. What their friend said also right.

" Then I want to give you one advice. " After few minutes of silence and thinking about something Zara talked with Lechu.

" What ? " Lechu asked doubtfully.

" You said you already signed prenuptial agreement and through cheating he made you sign on mutual divorce agreement too right ? " Zara asked

" Yes..... " Lechu mumbled.

" According to current situation how our law works for such cases is.... If you have anything to prove that he was cheating behind you then court will reconsider that prenuptial agreement. Important part is you need a well experienced lawyer because other side it's Dev and his legal team. If you are not prepared then his lawyer gonna roast you inside court, so you must be prepared .... " Zara was saying something very seriously where as Lakshmi was in her own world. Jas kept her hand on head watching Lechu's carelessness.

" Adrushta Lakshmi.... " Zara clenched her jaw and called Lechu smacking on her head.

" Did you hear what I said ? " She asked annoyingly.

" What ? " Lechu  looked at her friends no idea about what Zara said.

" This girl gonna end up in his house kitchen. That's for sure " Zara yelled and took her phone and car key to leave.

" Zara wait..... May be she was worried about her situation. You sit here and tell me  " Jasmine somehow convinced Zara and asked her to explain rest.

" What I was going to say that.... Dev is definitely not going to change his style even after his marriage. So he will go out with his kinks whenever he wants. Laks you should aware about it. You should follow him and collect evidences against him. These evidences we can use later. You should be clean from your side so he can't do anything. " Zara says her Idea.

" That's a wonderful idea Laks. You should secure your side first.... " Jasmine also supported the Idea which Zara shared.

" But how ? Even if I move my little finger against him he is gonna know about it. His driver and bodyguard Zahir isn't a normal man. His eyes are sharper than a CCTV camera also other two Mohit and Gaurav his left and right hands. What Dev does ? Where he goes ? Whom he meets ? All these are known to these three only and they are not going to publish this to me. " Lechu says.

" Then..... Do this.... Don't follow Dev everywhere but keep your eyes on him at places where you are with him. Like parties, inaugural ceremonies, get togethers, auction ceremonies etc. I am sure atleast he will be with Lavanya. Also take some risk, without going out from your comfort zone you are not going to get anything. " Zara said

" Parties, auction ceremonies, business meetings...... " Lechu chanted these again and again and looked at her friends with a smirk

" Even though we never got entry into their area now Laks can go because of Dev. If you are in his circle then it's gonna be very easy. Hope you will do it well " Zara asked to Lechu hopefully.

" Among three of us only you can get such informations so you should help me " Lechu said to Zara worried and asked for Zara's help.

" That's another matter which I wanted to say two both of you . Actually I am leaving for Paris tomorrow night "

" What ? " Soon after Zara kept that news in front of them both Lechu and Jasmine shouted in unison

" But why ? " Lechu asked

" Of course to persuade my career. I got to work with a famous designer as his intern. So I should leave as soon as possible. " Zara replied

" But Zara.... Why you are saying this now ? " Jasmine asked like she can't believe what Zara said.

" Today morning only I got the mail. If I am able to reach there by day after tomorrow then I can join or forget about it. For past few months I was trying hard to work with him but he always rejected me. But today morning all these happened. " Zara replied.

" Still..... Zara..... If you are not with me.... " Lechu held on her hands and looked at Zara heart rendingly.

" Jas is here....... Don't worry everything will be fine...... If you want any help regarding our circle and others details just contact me. I will do my best to help you . " Zara kissed on her knuckles and said. With a half mind Lechu agreed with her. After having food they came out from restaurant and bid farewell. Zara left first, Jasmine and Lechu remained.

" I hope it works. Without Zara it's difficult to crack into other circles. Only you know about my situation " Jasmine sighed heavily and looked at Lechu.

" You should help me .... " Lechu hugged Jasmine and asked for her help.

" How ? You know my situation. If we both get caught then just dig a pit and let us bury ourselves inside that. No one knows our condition among our circle. They all think that my parents are some NRI business magnates........... "

" And reality is they are farmers " Lechu completed it for Jasmine.

" Yes... " Jasmine dropped her shoulders as that's the reality and sat there sadly.

" So what girl ? They are earning well. Do you have a situation like me ? They sent you here and ready to send anywhere to study or do whatever you want. Sending money like milk from your farm. " Lechu yelled at Jasmine watching her face all disappointed.

" You can say that.... just think if anyone gets to know about it how I am going to look at them. " Said Jasmine

" You can atleast run back to your village. What should I do ? Zara is also not here, only because of her no one dare to get on our head all these time. From now on all those vamps gonna attack us from here and there. My legs and hands are already shaking. " Lechu felt like crying and stood there without getting any idea what to do.

" You don't worry.... Let's see, we will find out some way if something arises.   Anyways I am not going to get my prince charming from here like I want so I am thinking  go back to my house. Marry the man whom my parents are selecting for me. Now only that's left.  Laks,  let's move forward and never look back. Looking back gonna make us weak.... " Jasmine encouraged Lechu and they both agreed eachother.

" Jas.....  You had an old scooty with you before right ? Where is it ? " Before leaving Lechu stopped Jasmine and enquired about a scooty which she used during her college time.

" That's in my garage somewhere. Why you asked ? " Jasmine asked

" I need that..... Buying a new one is not practical with my current situation. Dev is not providing me a car and travelling in taxi is expensive. " Lechu replied.

" Scooty is there but not in a good condition to ride. It's been two years I took it. Tyres are worn out, break must not be working, started rusting already and riding that junk is like risking your life girl " Jasmine said like a warning.

" It's okay I will repair it but please give it to me for some time "  Jasmine decided to give it since she is insisting like that. If Lechu is asking for something from others then that means her condition is that much pathetic. So without arguments Jasmine agreed.

C-City, Dev's office

" DD, it's time for you to leave " Tina , Dev's secretary came to his cabin and reminded him about his next schedule.

" Yeah.... " He closes the window screen on his system and stood from his place to leave. Tina took his blazer from stand and helped Dev to wear it.

He walked out whereas Tina followed him while explaining something looking at the tab  in her hand.

" Mohit.... " Dev saw Mohit getting out from his cabin and he called him. Mohit stopped there to join with Dev.

" We will leave together " Dev said and Mohit agreed.

" Tina, where is Yuvi right now ? " While striding down the stairs Dev enquired about Yuvi with his secretary.

" Right now he is in our accounting and finance department '' Tina replied. Without saying anything Dev took a right turn and walked straight which took  him to their accounting and finance department.

Staffs were surprised to see Dev's sudden visit to their department along with Mohit and his secretary. Everyone stood from their place all confused thinking that there is some problem. Dev singed at everyone to sit back and continue their job.

" Where is he ? '" Dev asked to Tina about Yuvi when he saw his employer chair vacant.

" Refreshment room " another employee who was sitting beside Yuvi said and pointed towards refreshment room of their department. It was a small room from where employees can collect water, make instant coffee or collect some small refreshment items. All departments have such a refreshment rooms. 

" I will go and .... " Dev stopped Mohit when he was about to leave for checking on Yuvi. When Dev opened the refreshment room he saw Yuvi sleeping there on a small wooden bench.

" Yuvi.... "

" Yuvi... " Mohit quickly went to wake him up. Yuvi opened his lazy eyes and looked around. His eyes stopped at Dev who was standing at door with a serious face and he stood from there quickly.

" Come with me... " Dev just said that much and asked Yuvi to follow him.

" Don't lash at me in front of others. I won't sleep again.... " Yuvi ran behind him thinking that he is taking him to scold Yuvi infront of other employees. But Dev wanted to take Yuvi with him for a meeting.

" There is a board meeting called at Cosmos head office because of a serious issue. Everyone will be there including your dad and I want you also start to attend all board meetings from now on. Make reports and submit to me " Dev said to Yuvi while striding down stairs in a hurry.

" Wasn't this job was enough now I need to attend that boring meeting too ? I am not your slave I am your brother also one of the share holder RM groups " Yuvi whined at Dev and ran behind him.

" Share holder ? How much you hold then ? " Dev stopped suddenly and turned at Yuvi asking about his shares with that same poker face.

" May be  4% or something " Yuvi replied trying to remember well. Dev scoffed at Yuvi hearing his reply.

" Do you know how much I hold ? " Dev asked to Yuvi and he shrugged his shoulders as no.

" I hold 25% of RM groups, 45% of Cosmos and 53% of cyber City. When I was in your age I celebrated the first anniversary of my company and its success party together. What are you doing Yuvi ? " Dev corrected Yuvi's neck tie and asked to him. Yuvi gulped a lump from his throat and stared at Dev.

" You might don't want to do anything but your parents want to see you do somthing. They entrusted you with me to make you bite me back one day. So do a good job because once you are out from here it's not just me or Viren or Jhanvi whom you are going to face but many others. Do you want me to send you back to our estates and look after plantations ? " Dev asked pressing on Yuvi's shoulder more like a warning. Yuvi shook his head as no.

" Good... Then follow me  " Dev took a deep breath and walked ahead.

" I understood what you said but let me ask you one thing. You have such a huge office, lots of workers then why you are not letting anyone to use the elevator. Don't you think that you are torturing them or are you saving money from electricity " Yuvi asked to Dev again running behind him but that innocent doubt of Yuvi made Mohit and Tina laugh.

" This is an IT company, employees sit in front of systems for hours continuously which is not good for their health. So using staircase is like an exercise for them. Elevator is for emergencies and for pregnant employees. Those who are sick can also use it...... " Mohit explained to Yuvi and cleared his doubt as well as complaint. That was convincing but Yuvi was still lazy to use stairs instead of elevator.

Zahir was waiting for Dev in front of the main entrance with Dev's land rover.

" Zahir give the key to Yuvi. He will drive and you sit beside him " Dev ordered to Zahir which made others little surprised.

" What ? Why should I drive ? Now you are making me your driver  " Yuvi widened his eyes and yelled at Dev.

" Let me check whether you know where is the head office of Cosmos. Get in or get a taxi and follow us " Dev said his final decision and grabbed his seat at middle row.

Tina sat at back row alone and Mohit sat beside Dev. Yuvi grunted silently and took the car with Zahir beside him.

Cosmos head office.

Meeting started once everyone gathered in conference hall. Viren, Jhanvi and Dev three sat together among which Dev was sitting middle. Serious faces around them like they are just waiting for to lash out at three.

" I told everyone that time itself never give such huge responsibilities to these kids but no one heared me now look what happened ? Family name and reputation is at stake. " Giriraj Singh Rathore, Jhanvi's dad was scolding three of them for the current issue raised in Cosmos.

" First you calm down , ler us hear what kids wants to say about this matter. Dev tell us what happened actually ? " Dev's dad tried to make his brother calm down and turned at Dev to explain what happened.

" Office has a mole and we need to find him/ her as soon as possible." Dev replied to his dad and then looked at his uncle, Jhanvi's dad.

"  Uncle do you believe that from our side there will be such a mistake ? Putting our own company at stake why would we do that ? " Dev asked to his uncle.

" For money of course..... " Everyone's attention fell on Mr Balraj Khandelwal who is Viren's dad. Others face frowned for his comment like why he said that.

" What you mean by that uncle " Jhanvi leaned towards the microphone on table and asked to him.

" Very recently Dev brought few stakes of Cosmos. He even invested in some new projects of AI ( artificial intelligence) do you both have any idea about it ? Did he ever discussed that matter with you two ? " Balraj scoffed at Dev and put that question for his son and as well as Jhanvi.

" So ? What you are indicating ? My investments how does that matters in this issue ? What I does ? My investments and that's for my own company why should I discuss it with them ? They don't have anything to do with c city because that's my own company which I raised up with my hardwork " Dev spatted back at his uncle very seriously.

" I am asking from where did you that money ? Such a lump sum money how you got them from nowhere ? " Dev clenched his jaw at the question his uncle threw at him.

" See he don't have a reply for that. He is the mole in his own company. He wants Cosmos by himself. He got money from those terrorist organisations and criminal activists for this deed. They are funding him and he is doing this dirty business behind Cosmos and our shipping company. " Balraj shouted at Dev accusing him.

" Uncle you are crossing your limits. I am not that small kid to take everything what you say " Dev stood from his place shouting back at his uncle.

" How dare you to talk with my dad in that tone ? " Viren also stood from his chair holding on Dev's collar and shouted at him for yelling at his dad.

" Then let me ask ...... didn't Jhanvi brought stakes recently ? Do I want to show you in which all international companies your son Viren invested in dollars ? If you are ready to show me the source of that money then I am ready to show mine too. " Dev pointed his finger at his uncle and shouted in his top of lungs putting his son in front of him.

" Uncle, you are sending Jhanvi for several business deals which don't have anything to do with our company. I never questioned you about that. If I summoned Jhanvi in front of everyone then she will be the first one to get doubted. Should I do that ? " Next Dev turned to Jhanvi's dad Giriraj and asked.

" Dev.... " Jhanvi looked at Dev like what he is talking about.

" I am sorry Jhanvi but they forced me to say this. Everytime why should I get crucified for everything. Cosmos is not just mine, it's same for both Viren and Jhanvi. I always see this coming and that's why I never wanted to be a part of it and built my own company. " Dev added.

" Dev........ Don't shout " his dad stopped Dev when he understood his son is going overboard.

" This is why I am saying we should stop this partnership. We should sell Cosmos. Right now Dev is the major shareholder so he will buy it. As for your kids they can start what they want.'' Varada  kept her suggestion in front of board members which was actually not accepted by anyone.

" See...... This was their planning. He took his aunt here for this. If Cosmos ever gonna sell then it should be my son who is going to buy it.... Remember that.

Virendar Balraj Khandelwal..... His name will be on the name plate of director board. For that, lady you don't have to dream. " Balraj warned Varada pointing at her.

"How dare you to talk to my aunt like that ? " Dev raged towards his uncle to beat him up but before that Mohit and Lavanya held him to stop.

" Dev ... Calm down what are you doing ? " Lavanya scolded him to calm down and held his hand tightly. Yuvi was watching all these in a shock. He never saw this side of his family fight. He never attended any board meetings before that's the truth. He closed his laptop fearfully because he don't understand how to write a report on this. His own family is fighting in front of him now.

" Stop it..... " Dev's dad had to intervene into the argument since it was getting dirty.

" I didn't called this meeting to see this fight. Cosmos had a narrow escape from a real danger. Whether company really have any involvement in illegal shipping behind our online marketing then it's not for our good. I am warning you all. For few money and to become powerful with such activities won't give any good results.  Getting involved with any criminal groups or even terrorist groups will make you end up into destruction. From our family if someone was caught for it then don't expect any help from Rathore family. " Dev's dad said his verdict and made everyone calm down.

" Dad I told you.... Something like this happened itself is a huge shock for us. Even if it's happened , how this news goes out is another question ?  Like I told you we does have a mole in our company. Instead of pointing fingers at eachother we should find that mole first. " Dev suggested.

" You should find it because we have the best security system from cyber city..... Your world famous cybersecurity company. " Viren hit right on the backbone of Dev by putting his company into it.

" If his own company has such a poor service for cosmos then how it will be with others ? " Viren added and looked at Dev with a scoff clearly mocking him and questioning the credibility of his security company.

" I will take care of my company's  matter. You don't have to worry. " Dev spatted back gritting his teeth .

" Right now this matter is put off without much issues. All thanks to your dad Lavanya. " Varada said to Lavanya and diverted that topic.

" It's fine..... Dad trusts Rathore family. He knows no one in this family will do such a mistake. Also he trusts Dev more than anyone. Just my word is needed he is ready to do anything for him within his power. " Lavanya replied to Varada.

" Uncle you don't have to get worry over this issue. There won't be any investigation towards Cosmos over this matter. Dad talked with officials with his political hold. No one dare to put hand on Rathore family without enough proofs. They know if it comes out to be fake one then current government will shake. " Lavanya comforted Dev's dad very gently and assured him there won't be issues.

" She is just perfect for him " Varada commented looking at her with a wide grin.

" Dev..... If you are that much confident about someone from company itself did this then take your time to find him. It's your duty to clear this misunderstandings on you. I can help you with whatever you want. " Lavanya assured Dev that she is there for him and gave a warm smile. Viren was getting annoyed by her extra sweetness to Dev and her immese help for him.

" Since Viren is accusing  my company as we failed with our security system then it's my duty to find about it. We used our most modern and efficient security system for cosmos online marketing. Even with that such a mistake happened then I should find that mole no matter what. Everyone......... I will find this bug and destroy it forever. This is my promise. " Dev promised with everyone like he well determined to catch the real culprit and walked out from confrence hall.

Jhanvi sat there rubbing her temples as she is fed with this fight all the time and that's when her eyes fell on Viren. He was smirking staring at his phone. She frowned her face and watched him for some time but when Viren found that Jhanvi is noticing him he quickly diverted his gaze and get ready to leave.

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

Lavanya was standing at the top floor balcony of Cosmos with a cigarette in her hands. She was immersed in some serious thoughts.

" Don't you think that you are helping Dev way too much. Did he deserve all these ? " Viren came there and burst at Lavanya letting out his frustration.

'' Then who will help him ? Did you see how thankfully he was looking at me. I want that.... I want him to look at me like that. He should realise only I can support him with everything " she replied

" Huh .... You are happy with just that looks ? What's so special about him Lavanya ? He is not even giving you any value and you are mad for him. ..... "

" Viren...... " Lavanya stopped him from saying further and he stopped. He smashed his hand on the rail annoyingly and took the cigarette from her to smoke.

" What you want ? " Lavanya asked to him as she understood he is there to get help from her.

"Not just Dev, you are also my friend Viren. You were always there for me whenever I feel down. So tell me what's making you like this " Lavanya don't have any changes on her face while talking to him. She just stared at space.

" Help me .......  Not Dev. He don't need your help but I need. I want to win somewhere in front of him. You can do it for me. Instead of running to find investors for him get me some. This shipping issue was my trump card but if he find about it then I am screwed. He will kick me out from here forever. Lavanya I beg you..... Atleast for once.... I want to win against him. I want to see him failing in front of me. " Viren held on her hand and begged like a pathetic creature.

" I will. ...... But in return you need to do something for me " Lavanya said her price for helping him.

" Anything you want " he replied like he is ready to do anything for her.

" Trap that girl Lakshmi for me. Crumble her down, destroy her, trample her, do whatever you want but Dev shouldn't look at her other than with hatred. He should say " she is a characterless girl. " Lavanya held on his shirt with both hands and demanded her wish from Viren.

" I understood what you mean but if we portray her as characterless then media won't leave this matter. Along with her Dev's name is also going to get tarnished " said Viren.

" You don't want to see that ? " Lavanya asked to Viren with an evil smile.

" Will you be okay with it ?. " Viren asked back.

" I have to take care of Dev when he is broken. He should fall down to see me and my value Viren. He should realise that only I can be with him in his all ups and downs. From there I will raise him up so that he will be always thankful to me. If you give me what I want you can ask me anything you want " Lavanya said to Viren while correcting his shirt which she crumbled before.

" Two timing ? " Viren asked in a sarcastic tone

" Why ? You don't like it. I have immense love for Dev, you have immense love for me. I am your friend and I can't loose you, same like I can't loose Dev. So in this world I will belongs to Dev but in our world I am only yours. " Lavanya raised a little from floor and pecked on Viren's lips.

" Only if you want " she added. Viren was only looking at her eyes and leaned down doubtfully. He wanted to kiss her back but was afraid how Lavanya will react. She didn't move so he touched her lips with his but Lavanya pushed him back gently and slapped across his face. Not with hate or with force but a slap which had some pain, love and lust. She scoffed at him and kept her hand on his cheek.

" Get me what I want first " she ordered and walked from there like a queen.

" Adrushta Lakshmi ..... " Viren grunted Lechu's name and looked at the blue sky like he agreed with her deal.