Ranvijay

Raksha's stupidity has taken toll on all of us. Mom and granny went back to their usual blame game and Dad decided to stay quite. Veer on the other hand is not quite himself, he seems to resemble more like a volcano ready to burn all around him. Had Deepika not intervened , that man Pavan or Raju would have died of his hands the very day itself.

I don't blame Veer. I myself would have done the same, but for my promise to Anu. She was scared that I would kill someone. I didn't like that fear in her eyes and in the heat of the moment I promised. But that doesn't mean the culprit walks free, there are other ways too. Tonight we will end his chapter , I am just waiting for Ananya to sleep. She is still will Raksha, off lately she had been spending a lot of time there. They both have their exams coming up and Anu is helping Raksha prepare for it. Whenever we talk, its about her. I am fine as we have progressed a bit on our relationship.

I glanced at the clock it was 10 PM. Ananya will be back any moment, I decided to switch off the lights of my study. Let her believe that I am sleeping, once she sleeps. I will leave.

After around half an hour I heard the main door of suite click open. I closed my eyes leaning on my chair. Hearing the clicking of her bangles, I couldn't help but smile, even with closed eyes I can see her perfectly. Morning she had chosen to wear bright orange ghagra (skirt with blouse) and an Indigo coloured stole. When she entered the dining room , I couldn't take my eyes off her . She had covered her head as a mark of respect towards the elders. Her wet hairs hanging loose on the right shoulder. When she took her place next to me , I felt a bolt of lightning passing through my nerves. It took me lot of control to check my eyes and the emotions from going over board . To divert, I turned my eyes to Mom, she was smiling. Yes I was caught ogling at my own wife, turning my eyes away I tried engaging granny in some conversation. But she too cut it short focusing on two new brides.

''You two will accompany me to a gathering next Saturday . Deepika you are aware how these gatherings are, I want you to help Ananya with it. Deepika nodded once without lifting her eyes and Ananya went stiff. I watched her face pale, her spoon now was left on her untouched plate. I know she isn't used to all this, plus granny is too intimidating . Instinctively my hand moved to grip hers on her lap, her skin was cold due to nervousness. I squeezed her hand softly and held it stroking with my thumb. Slowly the warmth started creeping her skin and she lifted her spoon to eat. This time there was a lot of throat clearing and coughing ,Ananya pulled her hand off my grip all embarrassed .

 My mind was focused on Anu , who was still in the living room. She wants to be sure , if I am awake. I know she has many questions and I am willing to answer, but just not this one night. I heard her pacing along for few minutes . Then I heard her unlocking the bedroom door and locking it . I messaged Veer to be ready, I walked out after 10 min, sure that she was asleep.

When I walked out , Veer was already there lost in his own world . I pressed his shoulder; ''Keep calm Veer'' He nodded and followed me inside the Gypsy. The drive was pretty silent other than the soft muffles coming from behind.

When we stepped out , a senior police officer welcomed us. ''All set'' Veer asked.

''Ji Hukum, it will look like a regular encounter. '' Replied the over excited officer. ''What about the girls he had abducted so far'' I was concern, the thought of Raksha getting into this kind of mud had shook me hard. I could feel the pain of the families who lost their daughters.

''Hukum, some have gone back home. Some who were sold by their parents refused to go back. We are still trying. Few have been smuggled or killed'' His voice was sad.

''Then move them to the women shelter sponsored by us, we will do what we can. Now just let finish this off'' My eyes turned to Hemant and he dragged the battered man out. We had kept him gagged , yet he tried all to scream. I smirked, even if we set him free, he would never be able to leave this place. He will die like a fly trapped in transparent glass.

Hemant threw him at distance, Pavan had his hands tied behind his back. 3 days continuous beatings had taken toll and it showed on his tiredness. He struggled to be on his feet. ''Finish him'' Came Veer's voice. Before the police officer could aim his gun there was another gunshot. Pavan grinned evilly; ''you forgot I am a seasoned criminal, you should have asked your man to be careful in handling me. He gave me a gift'' Heamnt realised he lost his gun, Pavan spat some blood laughing at us, the officer warned him yet he wasn't scared. Pavan was quick and why not because this is what he had been doing all his life;''my master just did not wanted your sister but your wives too , specially yours . He pointed at Veer . ''He wanted them thrown from men to men. Now I will do it and you won't be able to stop me''

''He has lost his head in captivity'' Veer mocked . ''Look around , you can't escape. If if you run from us , you won't reach the habitat. Its desert all around'' I warned Pavan, he looked around his legs started shivering as realization dawned on him. ''You will take me back or best I kill you both and take the Vehicle'' he was scared, I could make that out from his voice. ''Even if you shoot,  you can kill only one of us and the other will tear you into pieces. Think'' I warned walking closer, as I stepped ahead, Veer and Hemant started moving to other direction. I kept circling, moving closer. He panicked, he was one against 4. He kept shifting his aim from one to another.

Once close I grabbed him from behind, must say he was strong. He used his strength to get out of the grip. When I felt grip losing , I threw him back lifting him off the earth. The gun slipped of his hands, which Hemant kicked off his grip. Snarling he jumped on me throwing some strong punches, one them landed on my face. That's it, he forgot who am I and its time to remind him. My fist landed on his jaw and he fell flat on his face. ''will you do the honours'' Veer mocked, the officer who stood gaping us like a multiplex audience nodded lifting his gun.

There were two gun shots and his story ended; ''You will be famous Bhadur Singh, I will hand you proofs against him . Well done'' I patted his back. We drove back to palace again in silence. I could feel the anger in Veer's veins. He was worried about Deepika and angry on Brijesh. Leaning on the headset I closed my eyes; 'The day I find one proof against , I promise you will ask for your death Brijesh '

When we reached it was past midnight. I made sure to unlock the door  without making any sound. Moving to my room next to study I pulled out the first aid box. Just then the room was filled with light, Ananya. I don't want her to see me like this, so I kept my back to her; ''Where were you at this hour of night? Why you have to come and go like a thief in your own house? You think I won't know? Now are you going to answer me?'' She started like a self automated gun. ''I had some work, go sleep'' I replied without turning to her.

'' work huh?? What kind of work gets your clothes soiled this way ? Answer me'' Wow , I have never been questioned this way by anyone in my life, I wanted to smile but before that I have to fix my appearance. Without replying I took a step towards the wash room when she jumped in front of me. Her eyes widened; ''you are hurt and bleeding'' Pushing me to the bed she commanded; ''Sit'' I did. Ananya pulled the first aid from my grip and dabbed the cotton with antiseptic liquid; ''Don't scream if it hurts. No actually scream, you deserve little burning for being such a jerk'' She gently cleaned my wound blowing hot breath over it making me go crazy. ''I will do myself, you should sleep'' I have to keep my promise, but how to make this silly girl understand that. She kept on cleaning my wound near my lip and forehead. ''It isn't burning?'' She asked. I shook my head. Ananya read the packaging details; ''fake product'' I scoffed. She applied a band-aid on my forehead; ''I know you are escaping my questions, but how long Ranvijay? I won't sit quite till I have my answers. I want to help, let me please''

I didn't pay attention to what she spoke , all that clouded my brain was her closeness. My arm went around her waist pulling her over me. She gasped; ''Darling this is what I was trying to escape , but you don't understand'' Anu pressed her lips looking away, she started wriggling to free herself. Rolling over I bought her below me; ''So may I know the questions'' I kissed her cheek. ''you are trying to scare me. I am not a coward Ranvijay , one day or the other you will have to answer''

''Brave'' Smiling down at her I pecked her forehead; ''you will have all your answers, but only if I feel its necessary.''

''Where were you? I heard you leaving the suite and then vehicle leaving the drive way. I was there on the porch'' She asked focusing her eyes on me. ''That guy Pavan tried escaping, I had to go and handle him and no going to porch alone'' She just rolled her eyes

''Did you kill him'' grabbing my shirt she pulled me closer angrily , her eyes looked into mine accusingly . ''I didn't , I promised you'' She took a deep breath closing her eyes. ''What next''

''Police killed him, they have rescued few girls he trapped. They are trying to find more.'' I replied caressing her head. She nodded trying to push me off her; ''Stay please'' Ananya's eyes were silent, she looked away. ''I will get you turmeric milk , it will ease your pain'' I locked her between my arms seizing her movements , leaning my face closer I placed my lips on her cheek. She gasped ; ''Will you stay''

''The day I trust you, I will stay without any hitch. Not till then''; her voice came flat, my grip on her wrists went hard  ''Why do keep rejecting me?'' I was hurt. She smirked; ''When have I accepted you?'' that went like a dagger into my heart. ''why this care?'' I asked with a hope. ''that was being empathetic towards other human being. That's it''

Watching her for a minute I got up turning my back to her. Pulling the bandages off my bruises I dumped them in the bin. ''Ranvijay Stop. Are you crazy ?'' She tried stopping me

''Leave Ananya, I am not in control'' She stared at me before walking out. Her rejection killed me , I took a cold shower before moving back into my room. There was a note with a glass of turmeric Milk. '3 things Mr Prince- 1st I am not scared of You so stop threatening

2nd have this milk and for a night your insomnia will go on a tour'

3rd Make up your mind because I won't stop till I know all'

My anger flew away like a twig in a wind, I smiled. Locking the paper in one my safes ,gulping  down the milk in one go. Pulling out a fresh canvas,  I poured yellow on it, spreading it with a piece of cloth , I started removing it from places craving her out of that lifeless background . As my hands moved, her smiling shy face started emerging on the canvas. With every stroke I recalled her in that Orange dress this morning. When I was done I stated at her picture, there she was smiling wide at me.My sunshine, My Ananya. 

Raghuveer

Finally Pavan's chapter is over. If not for Bhai I would have killed him the day I caught him with Raksha. Swiping the key I pushed the door open walking into the hall of of my suite, it was dimly lit. I heard few sound coming from the kitchenette . Dipu was still awake, after few minutes that area went dark and she emerged from it holding a water bottle. She glanced at me once before turning her eyes away. ''Won't you question , where was I ?'' She stood frozen at her place for a minute, giving me a side glance she replied cold; ''I have stopped meddling with your affairs Prince'' Without waiting for my response she went inside the bedroom closing the door shut. 

I know I shouldn't have been rude to her. I shouldn't have locked her . But I wasn't in my senses, when I saw Raksha hugging that guy , my patience and sanity left me. That moment I even forgot that I was dealing with my younger sister. To me she was a rebel, who was hell bent on destroying our family. Sometimes I feel granny had been right in being little strict with Raksha. She fears her of committing same mistake what her daughter committed. I had always opposed her ways, but now I am in favour of it. Leaning on the headrest of the couch I closed my eyes, replaying the events again and again. Anger started building up in my veins when I recalled what Pavan said about the females of my family. About Dipu, does Brijesh really thinks he can get his hands on my wife? I will rip it of his body before he touches a hair on her head. Opening my eyes I checked time, I have been sitting here for past 2 hours. Its better I catch some sleep, I walked to the other room but then my legs halted. I want to see her once, it has been days since we spoke. I miss that little spark. Moving to the door I stood there brushing my fingers on the wooden frame. Should I or  Should not. Taking a deep breath I gave a gentle push, so she hadn't latched it. She trusts me. 

Moving my eyes to the life side of bed , I saw her silhouette in the dim light. She hates darkness, she told me once in London that she couldn't sleep with all lights off. I stood near her watching her face, so calm, so soft and so breathtaking. I felt a wave of protectiveness towards her, I wouldn't let anyone touch her. I brushed her hair off her face and she stretched her long slender neck . my throat bobbled , God! what am I thinking. Brushing those vicious thoughts off I leaned to peck her forehead and she opened her eyes at the wrong time; ''What are you doing'' Pushing me off she rolled over onto the other side jumping off. ''Nothing I just wanted to make sure you were fine'' I replied little embarrassed

''I am and please stop worrying about me'' She replied irritated. I decided to leave; ''Veer, I hope you will avoid any uncomfortable moment going forward'' I know what she meant, she was creating a wall. ''I thought you had feelings for me'' I threw the words back at her

Turning to me she smiled; ''I guess I should remind you, we both used each other for mutual benefits. let it be that way, why complicate''  My fingers curled, I wanted to shook her mad. She understood something and took a step back turning away. There was no point talking to the stubborn head princess, with a bang I closed the door behind me walking out of the room.

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Hello people , how was this . Do leave your comments and suggest a name for Deepika. I had Zareen Khan in mind. She is beautiful. What are your suggestions. Will be waiting.

Votes and comments please