LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

29 - Trapped

Writer's pov

" Whatever you say I was happy in my life when Lakshmi was with me. I don't regret about those days I spent with her because she kept me happy. She taught me to enjoy my life. I was able to  come out from that cocoon of our strict family rules with her help. You won't understand that Lavanaya. " Yuvi yelled at Lavanaya who came there and discussed about Lakshmi and Yuvi's matter among Viren, Dev, Aliya and Jhanvi. But Lavanaya was clever that she didn't used her trump card there. She knows there will be a time she needs it to use against Lakshmi to crumble her down completely.

At first Yuvi silently stood there without reacting but when her taunting went beyond the limit Yuvi had to react badly. 

" Yuvi I didn't said anything to make you react like this. Why you are getting so much emotional about it " Lavanya felt embarrassed in front of others when Yuvi shouted at her but still she kept a smiling face and laughed it off to show that she is cool. 

" Then what you were thinking by putting my past here from nowhere ? Did anyone asked you to ? " Yuvi yelled frowning his eyebrows.

" Whatever happened between Lechu and I it's our problem. I didn't asked any mediator or advisor to get involve. " Yuvi added.

" Alright.... Alright.... Leave it. I didn't know that you still keeps her inside your heart like this. Yuvi open your eyes.....  Lakshmi got promoted from your ex lover post to your elder sister in law " Lavanya commented, actually she was spitting her venom there. After that Lavanya went to meet other guests and Aliya followed her like her dog.

" Agrhh  ..... God. I know she is your best friend but that's not the case with me. How you both made her your friend ? Real snake " Yuvi grunted at Viren and Dev. He sighed annoyingly and gulped down his drink in a single go.

" If she is a snake then we both are also snakes. Only same species will get along Yuvi haven't you heard that theory ? But what you said about Lakshmi I didn't understand that. If you still cherish her then why you both broke up ? " Viren asked

" I did a mistake that's why we broke up. Happy now ? " Yuvi yelled back. Dev stared at Yuvi when he said Yuvi did the mistake.

" Bad luck bro ...,.. because of that small mistake Dev got jackpot. I don't think so he can get any other girl as much as beautiful and innocent girl like Lechu. Sometimes I feels how this jerk got Lechu. '' Viren chuckled and took a sip of his drink.

" You are right bro..... My Laks was the most innocent girl. We always laughed together, she likes to travel around like I do, we used to go for rides together on hill stations. My Laks likes to stay in such places and spend lone time together. We had dreams bro..... We saw lots of dreams together " Yuvi started crying in front of his two brothers and Jhanvi like a child then started this blabbering.

Jhanvi snatched his glass and smelled it to check what he had in real.

" This is dry..... He took alcohol " Jhanvi said keeping her hand on forehead.

" He only took two glass and already drunk ? Oh my poor brother Yuvi " Viren wake him up from the counter  but Yuvi again started blabbering. 

'' I have lots of things to say tonight to my sweet brothers. Jhanvi di already know about it so she is free to go. But I will say all truths today Dev bhayya. Bro do you know how many kids we planned to make " Viren chocked his drink when Yuvi said this to Dev.

" Yuvi..... Yuvi my little brother come here. You went to the wrong person. " Viren tried to separate Yuvi from Dev. 

" How much ? " Dev asked in a serious tone.

" Finished " Viren loosened his grip from Yuvi and turned to escape from there with his drink along with Jhanvi.

" Five ...... Three girls and two boys. She wanted me to take care of our plantations if I don't want to be in cooperative world. She consoled me when I cried complaining about I am not as much intelligent like my cousins in business. She asked me to do what I like because we both needed money only to fill our stomach and buy our necessaries not for unwanted luxuries. " Yuvi sniffed and searched for a place to swipe his nose.

Dev jerked back and shove a tissue box into his hands.

" She made you a real fool Yuvi. She loves money and you didn't have that with you. Acted like all good and at last cheated behind your back with another one..... God knows how many was there " Dev scoffed and completed his drink.

" But that hope she gave to me ..... I am looking forward to my life with that hope bro. I never felt jealous of my cousins. I was always happy for you, Viren, Jhanvi di. Because I was happy that I am getting something which you three are not getting " Dev suddenly looked at Yuvi with a confused face.

" What is it ? " Dev asked

" A happy marriage life " Yuvi replied.

" You have to listen to me this night.....   Lechu planned our life like this " Yuvi snatched the alcohol glass from Dev to show demonstration.

" This is our house , a small house on hill station, in our plantations. A beautiful garden in front of our house which will be taken care of by her appa, my father in law when he is old. Lechu will be taking care of our house and resort. She planned to buy a resort for tourists after selling their family hotel. I will take care of our plantations. Our dog tiger....... Our five kids playing in garden along with their grandpa. My open gypsy car in which I take my family every evening for a ride...... We dreamt a lot bro....." Yuvi started crying again and Dev looked around to see whether people are noticing them. Fortunately everyone was busy enjoying the party.

"  Give her back.... "  Suddenly Yuvi stopped crying and became serious. He looked at Dev with those intense gaze and asked him give Lechu back.

" Huh ? " Dev was surprised for a second hearing his demand.

" Give my Lechu back to me ...... Give her back bhaya.... " Yuvi started to pull on Dev's sleeves and asked for Lechu.

" Yuvi..... Yuvi leave. What are you doing. "

" Get hold on yourself Yuvi. She cheated on you. She don't deserve you " Dev said like scolding his little brother.

" No bro ..... I was the Jerk. I didn't even give her time to explain or hear her side. I was angry when I got those photos into my hands. I said I will accept her if she comes with me to hospital and prove that she is still a virgin. For that she smacked on my face " Dev's jaw dropped down hearing Yuvi's confession.

" Such a Jerk " Dev mumbled looking at Yuvi.

" No ..... Who am I to say that ? Wait.....  Yuvi even I won't ask for such an insane demand from a girl even though she was caught from such a situation. " Dev said.

" I know.... But I asked. This Yuvraj the stupid asked to her. I want to correct my mistake..... Give my Lechu back bro. Consider her as your little sister in law. Please bro ..... " Dev ran from there when Yuvi started to cling on him with such an absurd demand.  Yuvi ran behind Dev all drunk crying to give it back to him.

Dev looked around for Lechu and found her near to the sweets section. He quickly went to her side and pulled Lechu with him without any notice. She got startled and widened her eyes in a shock not understanding what is happening suddenly.

" I only took one ladoo" Lechu said crying and put the Ladoo into her mouth which she was holding. She thought he won't let her eat it.

Keeping her close to him by circling his hand around her waist Dev stood among the crowd. Lechu looked at Dev cluelessly with her puffed up cheeks. Ladoo was still inside her mouth.

" Eat it... " Dev said and that's very calmly. Lechu gulped down that Ladoo which got stuck on her throat and she started chocking. 

" Bring some water...... quick " Dev shouted at caterer for a glass of water and helped Lechu by patting on her chest.

" What are you doing ? " Lechu tried to remove his hand from her chest in between choking. Meanwhile someone brought a glass of water for her. Dev made her drink it with his hand which was a scene to watch. Everyones attention was on them including Lavanya and Varada. What Dev wanted he got it. Media was taking their snaps and people started murmuring to eachother about them.

" Are you okay now ? " Dev asked to Lechu with a concerned filled voice and she was standing inside his grip like a scared kitten.

" Viren we are going in..... she isn't feeling good " Dev said to Viren and took Lechu into his house.

" She is his wife. They got married very recently in a private ceremony " someone said to others which heard by Varada and Lavanya.

" Is it true Varada? Dev got married ? " A woman came to her side and asked. Varada nod her head with a weired smile.

Lavanya stomped her feet and walked away from there swiping her tears.

" Lavanya ...... "

" Lavanya my child..... Stop there. " Varada ran behind Lavanya and stopped her 

" Stop behaving like a teenager Lavanya. What happened now ? " Varada asked

" You didn't see what happened there ? How long ? How long I can stand there like it's nothing. How much I can endure watching that witch taking away what's mine. Dev is changing aunty..... She is changing him. I think she is doing some witch craft on him otherwise how can anyone get close to that filthy girl ? " Lavanya get emotional and yelled at Varada.

" Don't think like that. Dev hasn't changed... When I am here I won't let that happen. Trust me child......" Varda said but Lavanya was not ready to hear anything

" I did everything for him. My dad helped him from a huge issue. He needs me whenever he is in trouble but after that I will become a curry leaf. I don't want to be that curry leaf aunty.

If I don't get what I want then I will destroy everything. Keep that always in mind " Lavanaya warned Varada in a dangerous tone.

" Lavanya,  listen to aunty. I always supported you and that will be like that till end. Now you tell me what you want ? Just tell me..... Do you want to go out with Dev alone ? Or for a vacation together ? " Varada asked. Lavanya was snarling like a bull all that time but when she heard Varada will do anything for her , she starting thinking.

" Are you sure you can grant my wish ? " Lavanya swiped her tears and stared at Varada.

" Definitely, you just tell me " Varada replied.

" Then I need to in Dev's hands in the same way he held that girl. I need him to look at me with so much of love and care like he gave to that girl.  I want him to humiliate her in front of same people. Can you do it ? " Lavanya asked

" Don't worry, this is simple. But for that I need your help. There is a small risk you should be take to accomplish this plan. What you say ?" Varada asked to Lavanaya with a smirk.

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

" Dev......... Dev ..... I am fine now. You don't ...... " Dev was taking Lechu into the house supporting her. Lechu belived him for a second watching his care for her but soon after they both entered into house Dev left his grip on her like she is a scrap and unwanted. Lechu stood there cluelessly looking around what just happened now.

" How was that introduction of Mrs Rathore in front of others ? You should be very careful from now on because people are right now curious about the girl who was in my hands. " Lechu stood back looking at Dev who changed completely into another person. May be that cunning business man who only sees the numbers of his gains but nothing else. He just used Lakshmi with a trap.

" Dev..... Why you are doing this ? Putting a leash around my neck isn't enough for you ? Locking up my family inside your cage isn't enough for you ? " Lechu shouted at him loosing her temper.

" Sh...... Sush..... Don't raise that voice in front of me. You are not allowed to. Do you want me to rewind the rules again in my way? " Dev asked taking few steps towards her. Lechu gulped a lump from throat and put her gaze down like a obedient b***h.

" I am not satisfied with that leash on your neck because there are people who still admire you for what you were to them. So I don't want to take any risk. Leash around you is not that much strong. Either you will break it and run or someone will break it for you. This was a precaution, a fence to make you realise your limit. If you have any plans to pass this fence then remember ....... I won't hesitate to chain you up. " Squeezing on her cheeks he warned Lechu. She looked at him with a disgusting face.

Lechu won't felt like he is the most cruelest person she ever met in her life because she had seen much dangerous faces than his. 

" Now you are walking on a knife edge Adrushta Lakshmi Varman. 

Mrs Rathore title on your going to be a huge burden for you. Your each and every step is going to be in front of camera lenses. You are are going to be dissected and judged through others eyes. Your past is going to be worst enemy, history of your dad and his doings is going to be your ............. " Dev scoffed looking at Lechu watching the fear that raising on her face, reflected through her eyes. The way she looked at him for mercy, apologetically, he find peace in that.

" Save those tears for now...... I want to see it once we are back in my room.   " Dev stopped for a second and trailed his finger tip on her lips

" Actually I forgot to say something earlier. That red lipstick suits you best..... Little slut. There is a perfect job for you to presume. You can earn very well....... Just give your number and a place to meet for men. Rest is in your hands. You should be an experienced one since you made many beds warm. "

" Who ever knows may be a day I will be one of your night ? " Dev added.

" Dev.... " Lechu yanked his hand and grunted his name to stop his nonsense.

" But I won't ....... Not even to warm my bed I won't let you be near to me. Because you makes me sick. "  Dev said mercilessly. Dev came little more close to her and raised his right knee to keep on couch parting her both legs making some space between her thighs.

" Who are you ? " Dev asked to Lechu trapping her inbetween his hands while she was sitting on a couch. Lechu leaned back as much as she can away from Dev. His eyes, face even every breath of his made her scared of him. 

" Huh ? " Lechu mourned when she felt uncomfortable with his knee closing the gap towards her crotch.

" Who you are for me in front of others ? " He asked again.

" Your.... Your wi... Wife '' tears ran down from her eyes when she completed thatsentence telling him she is his wife.

" How you should look when you go with me in front of others ? " He asked again.

Lechu tried to smile in front of him with tears in her eyes. That wasn't a smile but tightened lips which streched a little.

" Good..... Follow me " he ordered and Lechu followed him swiping her tears.

She was running behind Dev carrying her heavy dress with head down to keep up with his pace. Dev saw Lavanya, Viren and Jhanvi talking to a familiar face who came to attend the function. Dev doesn't looked good watching that new guest or his current business rival, Dane Alvis.

" Dev..... " Lavanya raised her hand at Dev to  join them. Hesitantly though he went to their side and gave Dane a handshake and a fake smile.

" Party is awesome Viren..... I liked it. Actually I was busy but since you invited me I couldn't avoid this. Rathore family's diwali fiction is famous in this city after all. " Dane talked with Viren happily and casually.

" You guys carry on I need to leave...." Dev excused from there not wanting to hear his voice.

" Adhu ....... Is that ...... Oh my god.....

Hey ........ " Dane almost shouted when he recognised Lechu who stood behind Dev silently. Lechu looked at Dane when he called her Adhu because that's her pet name. She recognised him after few seconds and got excited.  That's when she sensed Dev's hand cuffed on her wist, which is her handcuffs.

" What a pleasant surprise ? Girl do you know I missed you ? " Dane came forward and greeted her with a hug. She couldn't give a hug back due to Dev.

" Do you know where where I went to search for you ?  That stupid game and you..... I lost your number that's why I couldn't contact you that day" Dane kept on talking with Lechu leaving Viren, Lavanya and Jhanvi.

Dev released his grip from her hand and took few steps back observing them. Lechu noticed that, she didn't heard anything that Dane said because her heart was beating like hell watching Dev's silence and his piercing gaze on them.

"Adhu...... Even though I couldn't contact you it was easy for you to contact me. But you didn't...... " Dane said like a small compliant.

" D .... Dane this is.... "

" Girl you look so pretty.... " When Lechu tried to introduce Dev as her husband Dane didn't even gave a gap for her he was that much excited. 

" How you came here ? Do you know Rathore family ? " Dane asked doubtfully.

" Yes she does ? " Dev replied for that question to Dane. He frowned his face and looked at Dev.

" She has a small connection with Rathore family through me " Dev came forward with his crossed hands and an attitude filled face. Dane looked confused about what Dev was saying.

" Dev ..….... You know her" Dane asked Dev and then looked at Lechu .

" Dane actually... He ....."

" Not Dane...... It's Dev..... She knows me. I mean why shouldn't she knows me right Lechu ? " Lechu glared at Dev clenching her jaw when he called her Lechu. That excitement and smile on Dane's face was getting diminished slowly. He was only looking at Lechu asking for an explanation.

" Tell him... Who am I ? " Dev mumbled on her ears and pecked on her cheeks. Lechu jerked back in a shock when his lips touched her skin. She took a deep breath and straightened her face.

" Dev..... My husband " those three words , she could utter only that much.... with that husband itself her voice trembled. A smile of disappointment was covered on Dane's face. He sighed heavily dropping his shoulders and stayed silent for few seconds. He didn't looked at Dev.

" Actually this was a surprise for me. I never knew that my wife knows you. Seems like you both holds a very good friendship right ? " When Dane and Lechu became silent Dev starting talking.

" Unfortunately we are business rivals baby .. .. " Dev said to Lechu while rubbing his hand on her forearm.

" I think you both were not that much close like she skipped your name to invite for her wedding " Dev added like he rubbed salt on Dane's broken heart.

" I think so ...... " Dane mumbled

" This is our first diwali after marriage. So we were enjoying it to its fullest. That's when we met you. Enjoy the party then " Dev said with a smirk.

" Sure....... We will meet together for another party very soon.  There will be a victory party from my side for getting a new project. You should come Adhu........ " 

" Mrs Rathore or Adrushta Lakshmi..... You can call her with these either of name " Dev interrupted and  corrected Dane. Lechu again looked at Dev pathetically and shook her head like nothing can be done with him.

" Oh sorry.... Actually I only knew her name as Adhu that's why. You should take your wife and enjoy the party.  " Said Dane. Dev didn't even let him score there to. Dane left from there passing a gentle smile at Lechu. Soon after he left she turned to Dev.

" Trust me it's not like what you are thinking. We met accidentally..... "

" Who cares ? " Dev spatted and walked ahead ignoring her explanation.

Diwali celebration continues in its full swing. Kids were cracking not so dangerous crackers from a corner, beautiful rangolis were there, many lights. Lechu stood in an isolated place silently when all ladies gathered to chat and light more diyas. 

" Hai..... " Lavanya came and stood beside Lechu which was not normal. Lechu stayed little away from her not wanting to invite any danger. Varada aunty also came there with a special box of sweets for Lavanaya. They talked for few minutes and Varada left from there silently. 

Lakshmi was turning back in a shock hearing Lavanya screaming for help. What she saw just behind her was Lavanya's saree caught on fire and She is crying for help by removing it from her. Others attention also fell on that accident and started screaming for help. All looked panicked and nervous in a confusion what to do ?  Lechu was stumbled on her foot not able to move an inch.

" Lavanya...... " Varada aunty came there running screaming and behind her Lavanya's mom also rushed towards there.

" My child...... " Her mother also started crying miserably for her daughter and shouted for help 

Even though Lechu moved forward gathering all courage to help Lavanya  she was pushed towards a side by Dev. He quickly pulled off the rest of the saree from Lavanaya's body and hugged her tightly. Meanwhile Viren also came there with a blanket and covered her.

" Lavanya..... Lavanya.... " Dev patted on her cheeks to wake her up as Lavanya became unconscious by that time 

" My child.... Lavanya ... " Her mom quickly came towards her side and looked at her daughter.

" Dev take her inside and call a doctor " Varada said frantically.

Dev scooped her up in his hand and carried towards Viren's house. He made her laid on Viren's bed and everyone gathered around to know her condition.

" Doctor will be here " Viren said after cutting the call.

" Won't it take much time ? I think we should take her to hospital " Dev suggested.

"No , doctor is our neighbour. She is here for party. Mom is bringing her in " Viren replied.

When doctor came she asked everyone to wait outside to check Lavanya whether she got any burns. 

Lechu was already outside that room along with Jhanvi. 

" He got drunk " Lechu saw Yuvi sleeping inside another room near to the room where Lavanya was taken.

She looked at Janvi asking her what happened to him and Jhanvi replied with a chuckle.

" He has very low tolerance level. With a bottle of beer itself he will get drunk " Lechu said jokingly.

" And who is saying this ? You will faint just by the smell of alcohol " Jhanvi commented back and both laughed softly. 

That's when Dev and Viren came out from the room watching Lechu laughing along with Jhanvi. That stare Dev gave her, Lechu became frozen within seconds and her face became pale. She put her head down and didn't looked at Dev.

Meanwhile Jhanvi got a call from her assistant Gia and she excused from Lechu's side to attend the call. After talking with her for few seconds Jhanvi left from house without saying anything and Lechu watched her leaving with those longing eyes. Whenever Jhanvi is near to Lechu she feels so good.

" Fortunately there isn't any burns. That itself is a relief. She got scared that's all. .... " Doctor came out after checking Lavanaya and said everything is fine.

Once doctor left everyone went inside to see Lavanya and Lechu again stood outside because there is no need of her inside.

" Come inside " Varada stopped and asked Lechu to go inside with them. Dev heard this and looked at his aunt with a doubtful face but still he didn't say anything.

" No .. it's fine take rest " when Dev entered Lavanya tried to sit back towards the headboard clutching the blanket over her but he stopped her with concern.

" It's fine Dev. I am alright now. Thank you so much for saving me " Lavanya said and pressed on his hands.

" Mom went to get a saree for you after she comes you can change into that " Viren said.

" Thank you" Lavanya said in a very weak tone.

" How this happened ? There is no chance for such an accident. Kids were playing far away from where she stood so that's not the case then what ? I can't believe this " Varada sat on the end of bed and started her drama.

" You would have went and stood somewhere carelessly wearing saree. It's very easy to catch fire on such dress crawling on floor " Viren said.

" I was careful Viren. Don't blame me for that. Do you think that I am still a child ?" Lavanya whined at Viren.

" Even I don't understand what happened suddenly. I was enjoying watching everything, I didn't even went to light Diya. Only Lakshmi and I were standing there. Ask to her .... " Now everyone's attention fell on Lakshmi who was now cornered.

" Exactly....  She was standing beside her when I brought sweets for Lavanya. Also when I came there running hearing her screams you were just watching everything. " Varada turned to Lechu and said.

No one accused her directly but Varada and Lavanya were putting hints in front of Dev to doubt on Lechu.

'' I. ..  I don't know. Lavanya was standing behind me " Lechu said while stammering.

" What ? No Lakshmi you were behind me  " Lavanya interrupted Lechu and said.

" No.... I was.... "

" Wait ....... I saw you standing behind Lavanya when I came there with sweets " like fuel to the fire Varada also gave a false verdict against Lechu. She looked at everyone to find a face who can believe her. But there wasn't any.

" Viren....." Lechu looked at him and mumbled his name with her innocent eyes 

" It can be an accident " Viren said but his eyes got struck with Lavanaya and he stopped there itself. He fisted his hand and didn't say anything.

" Do you have any issues with my daughter ? " Lavanaya's mom raised her face and spatted at Lechu right looking into her eyes.

" Huh ? No aunty...... Why should I have any issues with her ? Neither we are close nor we are enemies. " Lechu said in a hoarse voice. She felt like her throat getting dried up and not able to say anything clearly. Atmosphere was getting dangerous after every second.

" Leave it...... Even if it's a mistake from her side nothing happened to me right ? That's the best thing " Lavanya said very calmly and held on her mom's hand.

Meanwhile Viren's mom came there with a saree for Lavanya to change.

" Take good rest. Call me if there is anything. Good night ... " Dev patted on her shoulders and said with so much care and love.

He then walked out gripping on Lechu's hand without uttering a single word.

" Dev ...... " He was literally dragging her with him mercilessly by nipping her forearm muscles.

To avoid the crowds attention he took her through inside the house main living area from there towards the place where his car was parked.

Zahir was waiting inside the car listening to some music and got disturbed suddenly when Dev opened the door. Zahir looked back at crying Lechu and a furious Dev one after another.

" Bring aunty back to home. " Dev signed at Zahir to step out from car since Dev was going to drive. He also asked Zahir to take Varada aunty from function when she needs to leave.

" Dev I will drive...... " Zahir couldn't take his eyes from Lechu who was looking at him to help her from Dev. But Zahir was helpless in front of Dev's anger and his limitations in front of his boss and as a friend.

Dev didn't even bothered to hear what Zahir was saying just took a rash reverse and drive off from there.