LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

11-Helpless

                                                                                    Writer's pov

                                                                            City hospital, Mumbai

" Lakshmi's marriage is over, so now you can't say that reason. Her future is secured with an eligible man in this city.  God's grace Aadhya is also doing well with her studies then what is your problem now ? Tell them about your condition..... Do the surgery and take some rest. You can't gamble with your life more than this. You already suffered from two major attacks Govind "

Govind was carelessly hearing everything that his doctor was saying to him. Only a fainted smile was on his face throughout their conversation.

" Smiling ? I am here talking about your health and you are smiling ? " Doctor looked at Govind with an unbelievable look.

" Okay then, I will call Lakshmi and tell her everything. Now only she can make you agree for this " doctor took his phone and searched for Lakshmi's number from contacts.

" Wait..... Wait... Let me tell you. Give me little more time. I will come back.... I promise. But till then if you have any medicines then give it to me" Govind stopped his doctor from calling Lechu and said.

" Why ? For what ? If it's about money then don't worry insurance will cover for the surgery and medicines" doctor says.

" It's not just about money. It's about my daughters itself. I started to get scared of everything now. Govind Varman who never feared of anything is no more alive. Even though Lechu's marriage is over my mind is not at ease. Everything happened so fast and now thinking about it, I rushed this marriage. I didn't even do a background check on Dev. Daughters are safe not when they are married but when they are with us.  Now I am more scared. If anything happens to me no one is there for Lechu and Aadhya. " Govind sighed heavily thinking about his daughters

" I should save somthing for both of them. Whatever I had it's all gone for case and all. That Hotel is my only hope now. Once I get an investor for my hotel I will come and do whatever you want. Till then please " Govind was worried and looked tensed about everything and his concern was all about his daughters.

" Your son in law is into business and you only have to give him a call for a trustworthy investor, then why you are getting worried ? Rather than medicines I want to give an advice to you as a friend. Don't take much stress and strain . You are giving lots of pressure to your heart which is not good for you now " Doctor adviced Mr Varman.

" I wish I could do that. Lechu was the my entertainment now she is not there. Before marriage I wished to travel with her back to Thanjavur and many other places. Nothing happened ..... Now she will get busy with her life. " He was reminiscing his old times with his daughters and wishes he had to do with them.

" I don't understand Lakshmi now a days. Girl who never forget to bring you hospital every month for routine check up is not at all showing up here. Do you remember even, if your BP got shoot up by a point she will scold me. You have seen that, every month we both will be fighting here in the name of your health. What happened to her now ? " Doctor asked to Govind about Lakshmi.

" She got busy with her new cafe. She is keeping herself busy now a days. So I let her be. At a point it's their life we should let them set free" Govind replied.

He talked with his doctor for some more time and left hospital with his medications.

Lechu's house

When Govind came back to his house he was surprised to see Lakshmi standing outside the house. What made it weired was she was peeking inside through window  like some burglar.

" Lechu.... " Lakshmi got startled and jumped from floor when Govind called her

" Appa.... " She looked at her dad scared and then calm down to look normal.

" What are you doing ? You came alone ? Where is Dev ? " Govind looked around and didn't saw any car or anyone else.

" I came alone. But where were you ? Usually today you will be at home then..... By the way where is your car ? " Lakshmi asked.

" I took the car to service centre and came back now. Come inside " both father and daughter were lying at eachother and did a good job by hiding their condition.

" I missed you Appa that's why  I came . Why ? you don't like it ? " Lechu hugged her appa from back and entered into house like always his little panda.

" Lechu...... What are you doing ? " He chuckled softly watching her childishness.

" Why you look so tired ? You are not eating anything ? " Govind looked at her face and asked

" Every parents asks this cliche question. Why you all think that their daughters are starving at in-laws ? I am eating well, sleeping well and happy with everything. You just take care of yourself. " Lechu pinched on his both cheeks and replied.

" You go and change your dress. I will be right back now " Lechu somehow send her Appa to his room and ran straight to her room at first floor sneaking.

" Oh god .... I miss you my softy softy bed... " Soon after Lechu opened her room she banged herself on the bed and rolled around hugging all her soft toys.

She wanted to sleep there peacefully for some time but she don't have much time for that. Lechu quickly stood from there and ran to her closet to collect few blankets, pillows and everything she needs to sleep on floor. But she couldn't find any trolley bag which can fit all these. With a hesitating mind Lechu kept unwanted items back and took only what she needed most. One ac comforter and a velvet blanket itself trolley filled but there was something else which she couldn't avoid. An old crochet blanket which was woven by her mom when she was a kid. That blanket has soaked all her tears for these years. For Aadhya also she made one but couldn't complete it before that she left them and Lechu never showed that to her sister.

Stuffing all these into the trolley Lechu sat on top of it to lock the bag. Then went straight to a cupboard to grab all the chocolates, cookies and biscuits.

" I will be the only girl who is robbing from her own house. All thanks to my husband" Lechu grunted and carry everything from her room.

" Appa I am leaving ... " She shouted from living room and tried to leave 

as soon as possible.

" Wait.... Wait.... Eat something and go.... " Govind came from kitchen and stopped her but was surprised to see her carrying another trolley bag.

" What is this ? " He asked to her doubtfully.

" My old clothes appa..... I thought to give them others. There is a maid in Rathore house. She is the one who helps me with everything and she has a daughter of same age as me. So .... " Lechu made up some reason and replied.

" That's good..... Anyways . .. eat something and go. " He ran back to kitchen to get food for Lechu.

" Appa...  I am getting late...  " Even though she tried to make excuses he didn't hear her.

" Then drink this atleast..... " He came back with a glass of milk with her favourite chocolate in it. He knows she won't say no to that. Govind watched his daughter drinking the milk very happily.

" Did Dev's family complaint to you because Appa didn't came and visit you after marriage ? There is a custom like that. Brides family should go and visit her in law's with lots gifts." Govind asked and Lechu shook her head as no while drinking

" Don't worry, I will come soon. Just need a bit time to buy the things that needed" Lechu chocked the milk when she heard that her Appa will visit Rathore villa soon

" Appa....... I forgot to say something. Actually .... Dev and I won't be there at home for some days. We are planning for a trip to abroad. " Lechu said quickly

" Then I should hurry up right ? Okay  I will find out some way..."

" Appa... you didn't understand what I meant. We won't be there means you don't have to come soon. Tomorrow night there is a party organized by empire hotels and resorts. Dev's family hotel franchise opened a new chain of heritage resorts. So it's inaugural party is kept  tomorrow night at their hotel Mumbai Empire. You got the invitation right ? " Lechu asked.

" Huh ? Yes... Yes ..... I got invitation. I remember. " Govind didn't get any invitation for the party till now and he doubted about it. Not as another hotel owner but as a relative he should be invited personally but didn't.

" So what I was saying that ..... We might leave after tomorrow's party any time. All depends on Dev's schedule so you don't have to come now. I will call you once we are back " Lechu looked at her dad very innocently and said.

" If it's like that then fine..... But do call me soon after you both come back. Also tell me if you have any difficulty there " he kissed on her forehead and gave a warm hug before leaving.

" Where is your car ? How you came then ? " When he came out along with Lakshmi to sent her he noticed she didn't came through car.

" I came from cafe and driver will be there at evening. So I will call a taxi now " Lechu replied

" You know how to ride then why can't you use one alone. Sometimes you leave from cafe late nights then it will be difficult for you to wait for driver all the time " Govind didn't liked the Idea of driver picking up her everytime and he said that to Lechu.

" What to do Appa ? Dev is getting very protective about me. He don't want me to drive alone. You can't understand him sometimes. " Lechu tried to laughed it off and built lies over lies.

" Oh... Now he is protective and you are happy with him. I am nothing right ? I also used to take care of you like that.  " Govind rolled his eyes getting jealous a little when Lechu talked about how protective Dev is.

" You are the best.... Bestest among everyone. " Lechu hugged him tightly and left from there quickly before dad see her tears.

He stood outside and watched her leaving rolling that huge trolley behind her under sun.

" Hope you are really happy my child " he mumbled and sighed heavily.

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

Rathore villa at night

Dev came back from office to his house at night. Lechu was standing at the balcony feeling sad about what all lies she had to say today in front of her appa. She don't understand how long she can hide it from him and what will happen when he gets to know about it. That's when her eyes caught on the car which passed the gate and she recognised it as Dev's car.

Lechu came back to her sense and ran  to room checking everything is on its place and nothing is misplaced.

" He was desperate to sleep with other girls on our wedding night then today what happened ? " Lechu grunted annoyingly and corrected the bed free from crumbles. Then went down to receive him.

" Then what you wanted me to do ? You didn't heard what they said during the meeting ? He questioned about the credibility of my company , he pointed his fingers on my aunt, I am not like you dad to sit and watch all the drama " Lechu stopped on her foot soon after she heared roaring sound of Dev. She understood his mood is not good and she should be well prepared for anything.

" Then you are saying what you  did is the right thing ? You are definitely not like me Dev because I won't do this stupidity.  Your behaviour was immature. There is a strategy every king should use that's what makes him King and that's not over reacting. When you roar there should only be your voice , others should become silent. What today you did was barking along with others like some street dogs. That won't make you a king but a mere mad dog. Now you can think what you want to become " Dev became calm and silent when he understood what his dad was trying to say. Somewhere he also understood his over reaction and short temper is not the solution for issues.

" What your dad said also has a point Dev. You should control your anger issues. " His aunt said by stroking on his hands

" I will take care of it from now on." He said to his dad in a very mild tone.

" Have your dinner and get some sleep. You look very tired " 

Mr Rathore patted on Dev's shoulder and said.

" I am not hungry. " He said to the head maid so that they don't have to keep everything on table.

" But I am hungry you idiot.... " Lechu stomped her feet on stairs and screeched.

" Sir, these came for you today " meanwhile another maid came there there to give him few posts which came for Dev.  He carelessly checked them one by one to know whether there is any important letter and his eyes caught on one. It was actually for his mother Parvathi.

" This is not for me ...... it's for mom " He passed it back to the maid. 

Mr Rathore who already started walking towards the stairs suddenly turned back in a shock.

" For Parvathi ? From where ? " He asked in a nervous tone.

" That's not here. To, 

Parvathi Devi Maharaj and then our address...... Yes , there is.... ... It's from Gangtok, Darjeeling" Dev said when he find the place from where it is sent.

" Give it to me. " Mr Rathore asked for that letter from Dev and he was surprised to see how his dad get insecure all of sudden.

" But this is for mom.... " Dev held on the letter tightly and said.

" I will give to her. " Mr Rathore snatched that letter from Dev's hand and climbed the stairs. He noticed how his dad just crumbles that letter and kept into his plants pocket. He was surprised to see that act but didn't say anything.

Dev went back to his room all tired like he didn't even mind Lechu was standing at the middle of stairs. She was invisible for him. Lechu ran behind Dev in case he looks for her  and couldn't find her then that's only he needed to hurt her.  But to her surprise he went straight to the pool side. Lechu was silently following him everywhere. After grabbing a drink from the mini bar Dev went inside the room near to pool  and closed the door with a bang. Lechu stood outside keeping her ears close to the door inorder to know what's happening inside. She was curious because, to enter into that room it needs Dev's finger print, passcode and even retina scan. She wondered like what's inside there for all these security. She waited outside for around an hour but he didn't came out. So she silently went back to room and slept on floor.

Morning Lechu was woken up by a maid after constant knocking on the door. Looking around panicked for Dev she couldn't find him anywhere inside room. Time was already 9 at morning. Her phone was not anywhere near to her when she checked. She remember that yesterday night she kept beside her after setting up alarm but now it's not there.  Lechu ran to open the door first and saw the maid.

" You didn't came down till now.. that's why I came to call you "maid says

" Dev ? " Lechu asked in panicked tone.

" Sir left early morning itself " maid replied and turned to leave. But she came back again after remembering something.

" Dev sir asked me to say this to you

He took your phone since it was making him disturb with alarm" Lechu dropped her jaw hearing that and stood there like a statue for few minutes.

" My phone..... " She almost felt  dizzy when she realised that her phone is gone and no way she could get it back. Lechu smacked her head on door thinking about her brand new phone is gone forever.

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

Evening

Party venue, Hotel Mumbai Empire

Hotel Mumbai Empire is a five star hotel in the city owned by Rathore family. Inaugural ceremony of their new hotels and resorts opening at East Asia was kept here. Almost all famous business personalities, friends, families and other people were there for the function. Every guests are most important people for Rathore family and not everyone can get invitation for their posh parties.

Lechu was picked up by Zahir from her cafe. She was already informed about the party and as per Dev's order she has to be with him in such parties to show in front of others. Dev wasn't in the car when Zahir came.  He informed her Dev will  be there on time and they both should make an entry together.

Zahir parked the car at hotel empire's parking lot and waited for Dev to come. Zahir wasn't even giving Lechu any reply for the questions she was asking to him. Since she don't have any choice sitting there silently waiting for Dev was the only thing she could do. Finally after half an hour Dev came there in another car with Lavanya. Lechu could see  and how he opened the door for her like a gentleman. She scoffed at that scene when she remembered that night before their marriage how he treated her like no one.  That time she made her mind taught, thats his nature and peoples character will be different.  But now she is realised that's not the case,  Dev never wanted to do anything for Lechu,  all he had was hatred. Even her presence was making him irritated.

Dev sent Lavanya first and hand signed at Zahir to come out. Lechu also stepped out from car because there is no meaning of waiting for someone to open the door for her. It's just time waste. Dev said something to Zahir and sent him back then strides towards the party hall making Lechu run behind him in her long gown and pointed heels.

" Excuse me.... "

" Dev..... "

" Dev... " She called him from back several times and he was walking like a deaf. But at end he stopped because of her irritating voice.

" What ? " Dev turned back and yelled at Lechu.

" My phone " Lechu quickly took a step back and fumbled. She wanted her phone back.

" I hate things that irritates me. " He spatted back and continued walking.

"I promise it won't make you irruate from now on. Please give it back. .  It's my new phone, which costs me a fortune .... " Suddenly she felt something fell right on her face and stopped there. Lechu looked down and saw her sim card on the floor. Dev threw that at her while striding which hit on her face and fell on the floor. Lechu knelt down staring at it pathetically. Her face already became red for crying but she quickly patted on her cheeks to make everything fine and ran behind Dev collecting the sim card.

Media were all ready in front of the entrance rushing to take photos of guests. That point Dev held on Lechu's hands and they both walked towards the venue. Lechu turned her face from cameras and hide behind Dev. He was also same, don't wanted to get photos taken by media.

Soon after they both entered into the hall Dev left his wife and joined with his friends.

" Laks ....." Lechu turned to see who called and saw Jas. She came behind Lechu and quickly dragged her towards a corner hiding from other girls

" What the hell are you wearing girl ? " Jasmine yelled at Lechu like she isn't wearing anything .

" Don't even ask ....... This was the best among what I had " Lechu replied in a sad tone.

" Still ...... You already wore this dress. Don't you remember ? Last time in a cocktail party. Almost everyone saw you in this girl. " Jasmine says and sighed disappointed.

" Getting a new one was impossible and my dear husband won't spent a single penny on me. Then how ?... If I was his one night stand then definitely I would have got atleast a Cinderella dress. " Lechu replied.

" Then go for it. .... For whom you are saving it like a national asset  ? " Jasmine asked to Lechu.

" I don't wanted to save it for anyone but now I am decided. I might give myself to anyone but not to that Jerk. He can only crumble me down, maximum kill me but he can't buy me  because I am not a " for sale" product for him." Lechu clenched her jaw getting angry just by thinking about Dev and Lechu together.

" What if he offers crores ? Or a compromise in exchange of one night stand ? " Jasmine raised her eyebrows and smirked at Lechu.

" Then..... I will give myself him because right now for me money is important than my useless body. But he is not even getting attracted to it " Lechu replied and Jas suddenly scoffed at her sarcastically.

" See..... Only this much is you and he knows that very well. He knows that you are an easy going one and very shallow. Men never like such women Laks. They like girls to be  bit mysterious, strong and who has some depth in their life....   " Jas says.

" Giving my body for s*x and giving my mind for love making..... Both are entirely different girl. It has difference like two different poles. I don't think so you will understand that " Lechu replied annoyingly and turned back to leave inorder to avoid that conversation. She needed some fresh air but timing was really bad.  Both Lechu and Jasmine were cornered by few other girls from another friend circle.

" They are the friends of Lavanya " Jas came and mumbled behind Lechu. She saw how Lavanya was looking at their side while standing beside Dev and when she noticed Lechu is watched her she quickly took Dev from there and went to another side.

" You obviously look like a witch in this. Wait ..... If I remember right didn't you wear this same thing in my cocktail party ? " Rima, Lavanya's friend asked to Lechu in a very mean tone. Lechu turned and looked at Jas like what to do ?

" I think her plans didn't went like she wanted. I mean of course her eyes were on DD and his money but our DD won't spent money on trash. Let me ask girl, we heared that you got married to DD via a special recruitment. " another one asked

" Recruitment ? Getting married isn't a job " Rima interrupted and comment.

" For her it was like that Rima. Who do you have watching your back girl ? How could you got married to DD as soon as you met. Be honest with us, who is helping you from behind ? " Another girl asked in  sarcastic tone.

" So that you can also use the same and trap rich men ? " Lechu spatted at those girls in a serious tone.

" Oh my god..... So much of attitude. Listen girl, everyone knows that you used your connections and slept with him to marry DD. Don't act like you don't know anything. " Rima came little close to Lechu and said.

" At first it was the younger one Yuvi, now DD, next is ...... ? You do have some skills on bed "

" Excuse me..... '' Everyone looked back at the person who excused.  Lechu's eyebrows frowned watching Viren there.

" If you are done then can I talk to her for some time " other girls were smiling at Viren and glared at Lechu because now three Rathore brothers are there for Lakshmi. They gave them some space and went to somewhere else.

" Virendra Singh Rathore, you can call me Viren, I am Dev's brother......" Viren forwarded his hands for a handshake and introduced himself

"  Relationship wise you are my baabi but I can't call you like that looking at this pretty face. So I think ,Laks will be fine and it's sweet." Lechu chuckled softly hearing his sweet and humble words.

" Nice to meet you. I think I will only get to know about Dev's family during such occasions  " Lechu says jokingly.

" If you want to know everyone in Rathore family then this whole life isn't enough " Viren and Lechu laughed hearing his comment.

They talked after finding a table free from crowd and Lechu seemed very comfortable with Viren. He knows how to flatter girls.

" You can find me in Cosmos head office. But always give me call before so that I will make sure to spare some time for our special friendship. " Viren said to Lechu and she agreed one day she will visit him.

Yuvi was watching them from a distance while talking with his friends and Aalia. She saw how he looked disturbed and his attention is getting distracted from their conversation. Watching Lechu with Viren and how casually she was around him made Aaliya wonder as well as filthy.

" This girl does has some numbers in her sleeves. How to seduce rich men. Wasn't Dev enough for her " Aaliya mumbled to make Yuvi hear it.

" They are just casually talking  " Yuvi said annoyingly.

" No.... You might feel they are just talking but talking like that in such a location when her husband is watching is actually an issue Yuvi. " Saying this Aalia showed Yuvi how Dev was watching them both.

" Put your hair freely to right side Laks , that looks good on you. It gives you a special style "  Viren forwarded his hands to correct the side bangs of her hair. Even though Lechu leaned back getting weird but Viren stood from his place and corrected it for her  .

" Shameless bitch.... " Aliya grunted and gulped the entire champagne from the glass and left.

Viren excused himself from Lechu when he went to meet some guests. She stood from there to go and find Jasmine to have an important talk.  But she was suddenly pulled towards a vacant space away from party venue by Dev without grabbing attention from guests.

" Dev..... what are you doing? " Lechu screamed and tried to release his hand from her hand

" That's what I want to know ... What the hell you were doing with my brother ? Trying to grab my attention ? Making me feel jealous ? Are you paying me back ? Or you have any agenda to be with all men in Rathore family ? Whether my dad and uncles are also included in that list ? "

" Dev.... " Lechu pushed him back while shouting when he said that filthy thing.

"What your dad taught you .... Don't dare to take it on my brothers. I told you,  your job here is stand at some corner as Mrs Rathore. Not as everyones mistress.  Now I understood what Yuvi said to me.  " He warned Lechu by twisting her hand which made her scream with pain.

" Leave..... I won't talk to anyone "

" You will break my hand....  Dev please.... " Lechu whimpered. Only then he left her by pushing towards a corner. Rubbing her hand which hit on the wall Lechu stood there more towards the corner crying.

" I am not doing anything by my own. If they are coming to me what can I do " her sound shakes when she talked and swiped her tears again and again.

" Just go and die somewhere . I have lots of other headache and you are making it terrible. Go..... Get lost " he shouted at her to leave from there as he don't want to see her face. Lechu crawled from there back to venue hall trying to look normal and perfectly fine.

Just like he said Lechu stood at a corner table alone with a bee stung face. No one came to talk to her or she didn't went to talk with anyone. That loneliness was making her condition more vulnerable. She felt like she don't belongs to there and wished to run outside screaming. Everyone looked happy, Dev, his aunt, dad Lavanya, Yuvi and Aalia, Viren like everyone.  Jhanvi di was busy with a guy which seemed like a match making process from her parents side but she was also happy while talking to him. She was the only one who don't understand how to smile atleast by faking it. When she moves her lips bit she will feel like to cry so again back to serious look on her face.

Into that misery there comes her appa. Lechu remembered that he was also called for function but he came late and that's in a casual look. She never saw her appa attending any parties in casuals. It's her job to select the suit for him. But now he looks like a normal person. 

Lechu was shocked and scared thinking about how Dev's behavior will be towards her Appa. What if he says anything ?

" Appa......" Lechu ran towards him and hugged him tightly so happy to see him at party.

" My little...... How are you ? "' he kissed on her forehead and asked.

" Happy..... " Lechu replied with her tears filled eyes.

" What happened ? Why you are crying for that ? " He became upset watching the tears in his daughter's eyes.

'' I am so happy to see you appa. " She lied. Govind saw Dev and took Lechu towards him to greet Dev. Lechu held on his hands and pulled back not to go but Govind didn't understand.

Dev clearly saw his father in law was standing behind him but he didn't mind and continued his conversion with other business partners. Lechu's face became pale when she witnessed how Dev was avoiding her appa. She gave a fake smile at her Appa like it's normal because Dev is busy. Gulping a lump from throat she went to Dev's side and tried to call him gently but she was afraid.  Her hands shivered to touch him to grab his attention.

With all courage she put her hand around his and looked at him like she is pleading.

" Appa..... " She said that much.

" I am busy..... '' he spatted back

" Dev....."

"  daddy is here .... " Lavanya called him suddenly to make him meet her dad and he quickly went to her side.

" He is an important person for Dev. He is a famous politician appa.... Very important for his business related matters and..... they are close family friends.... " Lechu kept on talking nonstop as she don't want her dad to ask her anything. He was silent and just watched his daughter's face of helplessness.

" I will make you meet others.... " Lechu looked around atleast to make him meet with someone in Rathore family.

Varada seemed to be busy with her friends, Dev's dad was surrounded by many business personalities and Parvathi was no where to see. She is not that much close to anyone  to talk casually with them.

She saw Yuvi looking at her but before her appa could see him she took Govind from there. He hates Yuvi to it's core and if they meet then Govind will beat him up for sure. After their breakup it's like that and Govind thinks that Yuvi broke up with her first.

" Ap... Appa... " Even her voice didn't came out properly. She felt bad looking at him. He was no one there when she is Rathore  family's daughter in law.

" Are you coming with me ? " Govind asked to Lechu swiping her hair towards a side and caressed her. She burst into tears and hugged him.

" I will come later Appa...... I will come " She replied

" Okay then...... Appa will be always there at home. Don't forget that.... Good night. Aadhya is alone there I should leave soon '' he patted on her back and left from there without looking at his daughter's face. He didn't had enough guts to look at his daughter's face. Lechu could only watch him leaving from there like a stranger.

She stared at Dev with her blood shot eyes who was busy talking with Lavanya's dad. She clenched her jaw and looked around for Jasmine like she is determined about something.