LOVE ME IF YOU DARE

27 - Manipulated

Writer's pov

Dev's office

R&D department.

Dev was busy with his new project and was working along with the team who was developing it. After so many corrections and redevelopments finally they got what they wanted and seemed to have surpassed the initial steps which was crucial. 

" Okay performance looks better than before. We should go with this " Dev said to a team leader and then checked something in his mac. Meanwhile  Mr Segal who is the head of R&D department approached Dev to talk some important matter with him.

" Did you checked the files which I sent you last day ? Shall we go with it or you need some correction ? " Mr Segal asked to Dev.

" I checked it and it's fine Mr Segal. Actually I was going to call you..... " Dev quickly closed his mac and leaned forward to the table continuing his talk.

" Tell mr sir " Mr Segal says.

" Department should save a dummy file of this project in office and should give the originals to me or Mohit. I don't want to take any risk this time. "  Dev said secretly.

" Sure sir.... It will be like that. Then what about the previous ones ? " Mr Segal asked doubtfully

" They are with me safely. I will keep it. Also if there is any issue either you or Mr Patel should discuss it first and then contact me. " Dev gave Mr Segal all instructions he should follow for their new project.

" Sir..... Time is already past six. They are...... " With a hesitation though Mr Segal reminded Dev about the time because he might work whole day and night but that's not the case with other employees.

" Oh I forgot ..... Ask them to leave..... It's enough for today. I am also leaving. I need to re check that file you gave yesterday. " Saying this Dev stood from his place and left from R&D department followed by Tina.

" DD, you want me to get something for refreshment ? You skipped your lunch and evening snack " Tina ran behind him asking whether he need something to eat.

" No....... I am leaving earlier. I need a warm shower right now much more than anything. Body is aching severally " he replied and walked ahead.

When he entered into his office soon after him Gaurav also came inside and kept an envople in front of Dev which made him confused.

" Is it summons or something ? I don't want to see it Gaurav. Please take care of it somehow " Dev looked at Gaurav like it's a headache.

" Not any summons but a way to shook café mystére. With this their value will be reduced and no way to run that café other than closing it down " Gaurav said in a very serious tone.  Dev frowned his eyebrows and took the envople from table to take a look at it.

"Food inspection ? Seriously ? Do they sell something there to inspect their food ? " Dev asked with a scoff.

" If they don't sell any food then we should create something. You asked me to find a way right ? This is what I found. " Gaurav says. Dev took a deep breath and started to think about it.

" Even now her café don't have good reviews then....... " Dev mumbled but Gaurav interrupted him explaining about the plan in detail.

" If food inspector finds something odd then they had to shut down that cafe atleast for a week. That's more than enough for me to show who am I to that....." Gaurav says

" For you ? Wait wait...... What's the matter ? Something happened right ? " Dev noticed Gaurav very restless and he guessed something happened in his absence.

" Nothing related to you Dev but because of what happened and my plan it's something beneficial for both of us. If business get poorer than current condition they can't find income for repaying the loan or not even get money to pay necessity bills.  In that case Lakshmi will think about selling that property which is a headache for her. That's our chance " Gaurav says his plan.

" Idea..... I liked it. But how you are going to do this ? " Dev asked

" That you leave it to me. I only wanted to know whether you have any objection with it. Thank you so much since you don't have any objection and liked my Idea" Gaurav said and took that envople back from Dev's hand

" I told you..... Inorder to destroy that girl and her family you can choose any ways. I am not bothered about the way you choose but I need results. " Dev asked Gaurav to move with his plan. When Gaurav left Dev also get ready to leave. 

As usual Zahir was waiting for Dev in front office. Before he enters into the car Mohit passed by there but stopped for a second to talk with Dev.

" Mr Segal gave this to me. You keep it along with others " Mohit passed Dev a flash drive and said. Dev took it from his hand and shove it inside his pants pocket.

" Where are other files ? I know you will keep them safely but still my curiosity is not allowing me not to ask" Mohit said jokingly

" Of course it's inside my play store room. Other than me no one can enter there so it's safe " saying this Dev let Mohit go and went back to his car.

" Back to home Zahir" Dev said to Zahir and closed his eyes to take a small nap.

" To penthouse or to your condo " while starting the car Zahir asked to clarify the destination once again.

" Zahir...... My home .... it's Rathore villa " Dev says and Zahir agreed but Dev noticed Zahir smiling through the mirror when he said Rathore villa.

" Why are you smiling for that ? " Dev asked

" Nothing....... Usually you never wanted to go there and always ask to take you to either beach house, or to any apartments unless if you have any important matter to discuss with someone. Nowadays you are eager to home " Zahir replied and mumbled last sentance.

" It's good to have someone at home to take care of you right DD ? . More than 7 years I am working for you. Till now I never saw anyone's concern filled face when you leave. Sometimes Parvathi mam used to stand there at garden or at balcony while you are leaving but today morning I saw someone else. Isn't that a good feeling to see her face before leaving ? Today everything was calm and quiet inside office too. You also seemed very active not frustrated like past few days. " Zahir kept on talking to Dev nonstop and Dev was silently hearing everything.

" Zahir ..... " Dev interrupted him by calling his name

" Yes, DD " Zahir replied

" That's enough..... " Dev says Zahir to stop what he was saying and drive silently. From there till Rathore villa Zahir didn't say anything.

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

Rathore villa

" You have issues with cleaning this house right ? Okay fine but you can atleast clean Dev's room. Go and do that."

" Ganga give her mop and bucket for cleaning. " Varada ordered to maid head to give Lakshmi cleaning items to clean Dev's room.

Lechu came back from café ten minutes before and quickly came down. That's the new rule. 

Lechu had no expression on her face she just received what Ganga gave her and crawled back to room like a Robot. She was worried about what happened in café today evening. Jasmine hasn't called her yet which gave her little relief. May be Gaurav was just saying that out of sudden anger but still from her life experience such silences always took her to big dangers.

Lechu cleaned the floor uninterested and carelessly touching the floor hear and there. She then moved towards the pool area to pick up the scrap. 

Dev's secret room is always a mystery for her. Lechu is curious to know what's inside that room because all the time Dev is either inside there or sitting in front of his bar or ready to torture her. Lechu looked around and slowly moved towards the door of his secret room. Dev is not gonna come soon because he is busy with new project that she knows.

" Even their palace cellar won't have this much security. What kind of fortune he hides in this ?  Damn it.... What the hell he has attached on this door ? " Lechu smacked her hand on the digital screen on door which will show the screen for pasword only after scanning Dev's finger print. After finger print and passcode is checked security system will ask her Dev's iris scanning. 

Lechu again kicked on the door to letting out her anger on Dev over that door. She held on the door handle and pulled several times angrily as she failed to open the door and see what's inside. 

...........

Dev was opening his eyes from nap hearing the warning alarm from his phone. He grabbed his phone and saw the alert message appearing on the screen

" Unknown access "

'' unknown access"

" Zahir....... Speed up " Dev said in a serious tone and he looked little panicked.

Soon after Zahir stopped the car in front of Rathore house Dev stepped out and strides towards his room. He didn't even stopped when his aunt called him. He even skipped some steps while climbing the stairs. From bedroom straight to the pool side. First thing that caught in his eyes was Lechu standing in front of his secret room keeping her ears close to the door like she is trying to eavesdrop.

Dev raged towards her and caught Lechu red handed by holding her forearm muscles. He pushed her forcefully towards that metal door hitting her back very hard.

" Appa .... " Lechu cried wincing in pain and pressed her hand on back bone.

" What the hell were you doing in front of this room? " He pressed her more towards the door choking and snarled

" Leave me first " Lechu cried and held on his hand to release it.

" Who gave you permission to come here ? Spit it out or I will break your ..... "

" Varada aunty ..... She asked me to clean your room. I was only doing that " Lechu cried loudly and make him understand but his anger wasn't coming down.

" I am sorry I won't repeat...... " Lechu looked at Dev with her tears filled eyes still his grip didn't get loosened.

" It's hurting ...... " Lechu mourned.

" Dev......... " Meanwhile he heard his aunt calling him from his room and he released her only then. 

" Continue your job. This is what you worthy of. I will meet you at night ...... After all I need to get compensated for my money you took from me " Dev pushed Lechu to the floor and warned her with an evil smirk. Rubbing on her hand which hit on floor she watched Dev with her fearful eyes.

Dev walked from there to meet his aunt. Varada was waiting for him inside his room by that time.

" Aunty...... " Dev notified her while aunty was looking at a file which was kept on his study table.

" Dev....... Actually I came here to tell you that this year's diwali function is decided to celebrate in Viren's house. Today your uncle and aunt came with invitation. So Dadi decided to go there. I came to give you invitation " Varada passed him an invitation and Dev quickly take a look at it.

" Seems like a grand function. Usually we celebrate it here right ? " Dev asked.

" This is not just about the party Dev. Padma, your aunt has planned something big this time. Like you said function is grant and guests they have called also important persons. Even Lavanya and her parents are also invited. " Varada says.

" It's normal Lavanaya get invited aunty, we three were good friends from kindergarten itself " Dev put the invitation down carelessly and talked to his aunt.

" You are again back to square Dev ? Why you can't understand what I am saying ? Stop thinking about such useless sentiments. Viren is using chances but you are letting him take it like a saint. They will step on you one day then what you are going to do ? Your mom my sister she always dreamt of becoming  a king. I am doing everything that I can in my limit to get you that place. Don't disappoint this aunty please...... '' Varada talked to him emotionally which made Dev disturbed.

" Aunty I didn't mean to hurt you. Did I ever disappointed you with anything ? Have you ever seen me as a looser ? I won't...... " Dev says

" Then what about Nisha ? Didn't you went against your aunt for that girl ? How many times I warned you she isn't the one for you and keep a distance from her. You ignored me, those time only Nisha's words were everything. At end what happened ? Who had to suffer ? How many sleepless nights you gave me worrying about your health ? Do you even remember what kind of life you lead after that ? I asked Zahir to be with you 24x7 days to avoid any controversies. Till this time I am doing as much as I can to save your face in front of public and your dadi. Atleast thinking about my hardwork please do listen to me Dev. " After yelling and emotionally blackmailing him Varada calmed down a bit and stood behind Dev keeping her hand on his shoulder.

" No one in this family wishes good for you. They all want your destruction, including Parvathi. She couldn't take her grudge over Priyada so her target is you. " Varada says.

" Aunty..... " Dev tried to oppose her but Varada didn't allowed him.

" You don't believe me ? Actually she brought Dhruv back to house, including his flight ticket. Why she would do that ? To make him against you. To make both brothers fight eachother. Loss is again yours Dev. "

" That girl Lakshmi is also on Parvathi's side because of past few incidents. Her mother and Parvathi were good friends from years back. This girl once even studied dance under Parvathi so they knew eachother very well. Keep an eye on her..... I am not getting any good vibes from Laksmi's side. I have some limitations in this house to keep her on control. Both mother in law and daughter in law are torturing your aunt all the time. Only for you I am enduring everything. " Varada swiped her tears and continued her drama.

" Aunty you don't have to endure all these. How many times I told you to go and stay in any house I brought or tell me where you need one ? I will give it to you. " Dev says 

" Then who is here to take care of you ? Leave it ...... you don't worry about me. I can handle it by own. What I wanted to say that..... Keep an eye on Lakshmi. From last time Lavanya came here with her parents I am noticing her ...... She hates Lavanya and won't leave a chance to hurt her. During function you have to take her with you because dadi is also coming. If she creates any scene there then everyone will turn against you. Lavanaya's parents won't sit back if their daughter get hurts and to impress them your uncle and aunt also not going to be on your side. I hope you understand what I said " Varada patted on his shoulders and walked out from his room.

Dev sat on couch banging himself and closed by his eye thinking about what his aunt said.

Lechu was hearing his aunt's venom spitting conversation secretly. She couldn't believe how Varada was manipulating Dev making him against not just Lechu but to the whole family and his cousins. But right now she has to think about her than others. Lechu had to alert from there on because she understood something gonna happen during the celebration which can be on her shoulders later on. Watching Dev's condition it is well clear that he only need a small issue to let his anger on his wife. 

For one thing Lechu was thankful for Varada because Dev seemed disturbed after her lecture. He seemed to be forgotten what he said to Lechu. Because after that he was inside his secret room itself. Lechu was very careful not to provoke him or disturb him with anything. Even at night she was alert. Waiting for him at last Lechu slept hugging to her blanket. 

For recent days she was missing her mom a lot. She couldn't call her appa and tell him that she misses her mother. Lechu was afraid to call Govind after that function. She feared he might ask her something and not for long she can lie to him. So she thought it's better to avoid him. 

Like always this night also that blanket's job was to swipe her tears and give as much as comfort it can to Lechu. She can only show her real and painful tears to that blanket. It won't ask her anything or blame her for everything. It don't have any complaints or issues with Lechu. Only love and comfort.

A club in Mumbai

" Mohit my child...... Listen to uncle. It's not that much easy to make Jasmine fall for you. She might look like a stupid but in such situations her brain works faster. As her uncle I shouldn't say this but you are also my favourite. " Jasmine's uncle was talking to Mohit about Jasmine. Mohit seems like very sad and lost in his own world. Jasmine's uncle knows Mohit very well because they both are family friends. 

"Mohit don't need to disappoint. I just warned you that's all. Our Jas is like that. But I was really happy when you're parents approached our family showing interest in her for marriage with you. My Jas can't get anyone better than you but nothing is in our hand. She rejected you without even seeing your face. " Uncle says.

" Then show my photo somehow and make her agree uncle. I am not good to woo girls like my two friends. I don't understand how they do that. I really love Jasmine. I will make her happy and won't let her suffer. I promise uncle" Mohit said like a child who is adamant about getting something he likes.

"I know that...... Her parents also likes you very much. Her father did everything he can including taking back her all money sources. Through that I made her work with you. For what ? "

" So that you both can get to know eachother and slowly she can develop some feelings for you. But you spoiled everything...... Who asked you to make her work like some slaves. Now a days she is eating my ears complaining about you... Her hitler boss. Instead of love she has hatred for you now. Why.... Why you are giving so much work load for her " his uncle asked and looked at Mohit with an unbelievable look.

" I didn't do that intentionally uncle. If I let her sit free for five minutes she will run to other departments and start chatting with them. Among them one is her favorite. She flirts with him in front of me. So best idea I could come up is this, make her busy... " Mohit replied

" Love is blind...... " His uncle scoffed at Mohit and commented after sipping his drink.

'' please uncle help me...... I can't think anyone other than Jasmine. Why genuine boys are not getting any girl? They are running behind cheaters and playboys. " Mohit whined.

" You stop whining. I will talk to her.... But I need some time. If I tell her about you she will understand that we both are involved in this drama. Slowly slowly I will talk to her. By then you stop being a grumpy cat and show your caring and softer side. She will fall... I am sure " said uncle and Mohit smiled like it reached till his ears.

" From when this immortal love started ? " Uncle asked jokingly.

" It started with a fire uncle ...... That's why it's still burning inside without reducing its intensity. " Mohit replied and gulped down his wine.

"Now a days kids and their love..... Alright..... If nothing works out there is only one way. Her dad your future father in-law will do a suicide drama and emotionally blackmail her. But let's don't go till there. Getting her heart is important because our Jas is a very sweet girl to those whom she loves. " Uncle patted on his shoulders and promised him that he will help as much as he can to get Mohit his love.

Mohit sat there some more time reminiscing about that day he met Jasmine. 

Mohit was looking around all panicked when fire broke out. He couldn't find Dev among that running crowd and smoke filled mall. Mohit was slowly getting panic attacks. He felt like he couldn't able to breathe and was afraid to die like that. He felt numb and couldn't able to keep a feet forward to run or move. When he was about to give up and fell on floor first hand he got as help was of a girl, Jasmine.

Mohit don't understand whether she was dragging him or he was dragging her. But he felt little relived when he got someone with him. Jasmine was not even looking at the person who was holding her hands. She was nervously looking for someone else. Mohit didn't let her leave his hand until she brought him down safely. Before he could stop her Jasmine ran to somewhere.

Mohit was thankful to her, not just thankful but he was grateful. Mohit started to notice Jasmine from thereon. He used to wait for jasmin to see her in parties and only look at her and that's secretly. He was slowly and silently falling in love with Jasmine. But was afraid to confess so he approached through her family directly with a marriage proposal. But without even seeing his face or knowing any details about Mohit she rejected him which breaks his heart. But he wasn't ready to give up and still trying to court her.