Thank you luckyangel, for your valuable review and support! you made me upload this chapter:)

Riya.

it's Saturday!

I looked out of my window, sipping coffee. Arrangements were going around for tomorrow's party.

My thoughts ran to Neev, he was badly beaten up,  what happened yesterday was partly my fault too.

I never thought family life is like this! I thought they will support you and forgive you, I thought they will stand by you!

"Molu..come downstairs, it is time for breakfast," Kamala said from the doorway.

"what happened to Neev's parents?" I asked the question that has been playing around in my mind.

Kamala looked startled. "shh..you shouldn't be asking about things like this!" she came inside and pressed a finger against her lips.

"but yesterday-"

"sh..don't talk about it, ignore it"

"I feel that it's not right, Kamala! Neev is supposed to be his grandson! For God's sake!"

"Keep your voice down," Kamala said again.

"Did Neev had his breakfast?" I asked again.

"I don't think he will come down today" Kamala murmured.

"why? Is he forbidden to come down?" I asked incredulously.

"No, we have guests today that Neev wouldn't be comfortable with," she said.

"what? who?"

Neev.

she is here..just down the stairs, she is home. The one person I care about is here, only, she doesn't belong in my world anymore.

Nirosha!

Don't think about her, Neev,  you have a race tomorrow. you have other things to worry about than a girl who abandoned you at the worst time.

I turned around in bed and winced at the pain. I am still sore from yesterday, with the race only tomorrow, I don't know how I am going to make it, I sighed.

And there is still grandpa! I don't know what I will have to do tomorrow to skip out of this hell hole!

I started to think of a plan, there is no way I am going to attend the party. I walked to the window and saw her, Riya, my mood turned a 180 degree instantly.

talk about bad omen!

* * *

Riya.

I was halfway down the stairs when I realized it, something was bothering me and now I know what it is.

I felt my wrist out of habit.

It is missing!

I realized with shock.

The pearl bracelet that I usually wear is missing! I can't believe that I didn't realize it earlier!

Think Riya, when was the last time you had it?

But I couldn't think of it at all. Its been missing for a couple of days now, I don't remember wearing it these days back!

Dear God! Don't tell me it's in THAT room!

I slowly tiptoed to the piano room. I took a deep breath, I  still remember Nivin's furious look for entering here the last time.

I know he will kill me if he finds out I entered this room again! Especially after that deal to keep away from each other's business.

Everyone is probably at the breakfast, now is the time, I will just look around.

I started to search. Everything was cleaned out from last time.

Maybe I should ask the maids-

I backed away from the door when I heard the sounds from outside.

Oh God! not now! I really don't want to get caught!

I searched frantically around to find a hiding place.

I went down and hid below it; the piano. The door opened inside and I heard footsteps.

I was still under the piano, safe below that white cloth covering it, but I can't help but get panicked. I am sure that Nivin won't let it go this time.

I heard his footsteps walking around and I intertwined my fingers and started to pray.

Dear God! rescue me from Nivin and I will light a 100 candles for you-

I stopped when I felt it, a long rod touching my forehead.

"I know you are there" I heard a low voice. "And don't move, one wrong move and I will shoot you, I am a sharpshooter, mind you"

That thing touching me is a barrel of a gun!

I closed my eyes tightly and I heard the cover being lifted from the piano, exposing me.

"I am sorry okay, I was not planning coming here...I lost..something  and I was just looking around, I know I promised not to come here but you see I was searching for it and-"

"Riya? Riya Mehra?"

"-And its the last time I am coming here-" I too stopped, now becoming aware of the absence of barrel from my skin.

I slowly peeked open my eyes and then gasped.

In front of me was a very handsome specimen of a man, he was wearing a Calvin-Klein t-shirt that defined his muscles.

he looked amused for some reason.

Rohan is so much similar to Neev, except for the arrogance, of course, nobody can win Neev in that aspect.

"uh...sorry, I..didn't...see you," I said stupidly.

Rohan Aldrick folded his hands and looked at me.

"So you are the mysterious girl I have been hearing about," he said.

"uh...huh" I feel stupid, I don't know what to say. "you must be the new GM," I said slowly.

"You don't even know my name, I am offended"

"Oh..! I don't...I mean..I was not-" I stopped in the middle when I see a smile break out in his handsome face.

"Rohan Rosh Aldrick" he offered me his hand. I was still under the piano. I reluctantly gave him a handshake.

"Riya...Mehra"

Very nice Riya! you have a way with first impressions!

Rohan pulled me out of there. "Nice to meet you Riya, you can call me Rohan, grandpa said you are a special guest," he said. His eyes looked straight to my eyes.

"Yea.," I mumbled, then my eyes wandered to the old model gun that's now on the table.

"You really are a sharpshooter?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Yes, but this is a colt walker .44 caliber revolver, one of my favourite in collections, its made in 1847," He said and I  stared at him blankly.

He chuckled again. "It means, I can't risk shooting with it, it's more expensive than it looks" Rohan winked.

"Ooh," I said, now a little relieved. I am glad that it doesn't belong to someone I know.

"So, what's it you were searching?"

"It's a pearl bracelet, it's kind of special to me," I said sadly.

It's the only thing my birth mother left me. I can't lose it!

"Don't worry, we will find it" he said, probably noticing my sadness.

"Then I will just search the other rooms, I don't think it's here" I turned to the door.

"Rohan" I heard a girl's voice before she appeared. "here you are- who is this?" She tilted her head, taking me in.

She was really pretty like a Barbie doll. Tall, skinny with the right amount of curves in the right place. Her reddish black hair was sleek and unnaturally straight, her curious eyes scanned me.

Yes, she is beautiful alright, but I have this uneasiness deep within.

"yea, Nirosha, Meet Riya Mehra, She is a daughter of grandpa's friend, temporarily staying here" He explained then turned back to me. "Riya, this is my..fiancée"

"It's nice to meet you" I nodded slightly and smiled.

"likewise, what does your dad do?" She asked me curiously.

"Oh..he-"

"He is an architect, a good one at that too," Rohan said, winking at me and I gulped.

"Mehra? I don't think I recognise the name" She frowned.

"Well, they were abroad most of the time" Rohan shrugged, lying easily.

I don't know if he is lying or if he really thinks it's the truth, so I kept silent.

"Come on, it's time for breakfast," Rohan said again.

* * *

"Where is Nivin?" Grandpa's voice boomed from the head of the table. Everyone stilled.

Nobody said anything and I gulped.

Here it comes..the next storm. Why can't he just let it go for one time.

"He knows very well about the rules, Is he rebelling against me?" Grandpa asked again.

I looked around, Danny looked worried, Rohan frustrated, Uncle and auntie silent and Nirosha looked worried too.

"If I don't stop this attitude of his, he is going to keep doing it, it was a waste to stand by him, Rohan, now you understand why I do it," Grandpa said "I will have to see to it"

Seriously? Is he going to beat up his grandson again?

"Call him" He commanded.

"I..er..gran..grandpa.." I stuttered and nearly fainted when all pairs of eyes snapped to me.

"You see..um..he has a mild fever, he said he..he wants to take rest" I whispered.

There was complete silence on the table now. Everyone looked surprised, Rohan was now watching me interestingly and for some unknown reason, Nirosha gave me a glare.

What did I do? I just wanted to pay him back, I don't want to owe him, he helped me yesterday and I am now returning the favour.

"Are you sure?" Grandpa asked after the deafening silence, I gulped.

"uh...yes" I nodded, I want to hide from him. I stuffed all the food inside and drank the water, forcing the food in.

"I will take Neev's food upstairs now" I mumbled and got up. I took the tray and loaded it with food.

"Tell him to be ready for the party, I don't take anything else, not even his 'sickness'" Grandpa said, I flinched slightly.

"Yes, sure," I said and hurried towards the stairs.

I want to save myself now! Neev should know that I stick up for him so he better stick to the plan!

Neev.

I sighed, I don't have time for this now! it was a mistake to open the door, now she has stuck out her foot in front, making it not possible to close the door.

"I told you, I don't want anything, just get the hell out of here," I said again.

"I have something to te-"

"I am not interested" I didn't give her time to speak.

"but-"

"Don't disturb me" I started to close the door, but she effectively blocked it.

"What do you think you are-hey!"

It was too late, she was already inside. She placed the tray of food on the table and turned to me.

"You have to help me," she said.

"Excuse me?" I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Why can't you just come down for breakfast! It's all because of you that I had to lie! "

"What are you talking about?" Now I'm getting irritated.

"I told grandpa that you are sick and that's why you are not coming-"

"You what!?" I exclaimed. "Why did you do that? do you think anyone will buy it, are you stupid?"

"Because you were going to be punished again! I have no other choice! "

"Why do you care!? for the last time, Mehra! stay out of my business"

I am really fed up with this girl! I never thought someone could be so stupid!

Sick! yea sure, they all know that I would rather be dead than admitting my weakness, even if I am REALLY sick, they know that I won't do that!

"Don't get any wrong impression, I just wanted to pay back my debt" She said.

Wrong impression? oh God! she is really something!

"Debt?"

"Yea, yesterday you were punished partly because of me too..so I lied to save you this time" She said brightly.

"Do you know what's the punishment for lying in this household? Do you want to get beaten up?" I asked her.

"That's why now you have to help me!" she said.

Seriously? did she think I'm going to help her after all those things she's put me through?

"I didn't tell you to help me, leave"

"No! you have to help me!" She said again.

"Out of my room, now"

"Promise me that you will stick with the story"

"No! I'm not sick and even if I am, I am not going to admit it"

"Then I won't leave," She said stubbornly, folding her hands across her chest and slumped to my bed.

The nerve of her!

"Don't make me throw you out of my room" I warned her, now really starting to get annoyed.

"Just help me this once! I was only trying to help you! "

"You deserves to be beaten up! Now get out of my room"

"No!"

"I don't have time for this!" I glared at her and she glared right back at me.

"Nor do I" She added, raising her chin stubbornly.

That's it! I had enough!

I marched to her and she skipped to the other side.

"Riya Mehra! You are crossing the line!" I said.

"Nivin Rosh Aldrick, I don't want to get beaten up!" she replied.

Fine!

I slipped to the other side through the bed and she was startled, I got hold of her just before she tried to run.

"I warned you" I pulled her to my side, causing her to trip and she landed on top of me.

"Aww" She rubbed her nose while I rubbed my forehead.

"Who is that?" She looked behind me and when I looked back, she ran away.

"Ha! gotcha-"

Her laughter became a squeal when I moved with lightning speed and pinned her to bed and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Don't play games with me!" I looked at her widened eyes, she tried to get up and I pushed her back.

"Not so fast!" I said, wanting to scare her.

"You don't want to go out of my room, right?" I said, removing a lock of her hair from her lips, she looked worried now!

"Don't..touch me," she said.

"Are you sure?" I caressed her cheek lightly with my right hand and she shivered, I felt it and for a second my eyes took her in.

The widened eyes, the silky hair that's now spread around, her slightly parted lips, and the quick intake of breaths, her smell started to engulf me!

What the hell Neev!

FOCUS! You can't have these inappropriate thoughts! especially her!

"Uh...I didn't know that...you have...company" The voice from doorway shocked us both. We sprang to our feet and turned to the doorway.

Riya.

"Uh I didn't know that you have...company" the words were from that girl, Nirosha.

She stared at me for a moment, her eyes slightly narrowed before changing to Nivin, who looked shocked to see her.

"It's not what you see it is..I mean-" I started to explain, but Neev's cold voice cut through me.

"What is it that you want?" He asked her, really rude in my opinion.

Nirosha flinched slightly, looking taken aback.

"I..I was just..checking on you, how are you Neev?"

There was a moment of silence and too much tension in the room, I just wanted to get out of there.

"I am perfectly fine, in fact never been better in my life," he said bitterly. She took a step inside.

"I am sorry Neev," She said."I didn't mean to hurt -"

"Uh...I think I forgot something" I said, not wanting to stay there a second more, the tension is too much to bear, I started to flee from the room.

"Where do you think you are going?" I heard Neev's voice before he got hold of my elbows from behind and pulled me back.

Both nirasha and I gasped when I slammed to his chest.

"Nivin Rosh Aldrick!" I hissed angrily, trying to move away.

"We have some unfinished business, Riya," he said, not letting me go and I stilled.

He was calling me by name for the first time, I felt his cool hands around my hands, ice cold.

"Who are you?" Nirosha asked me, now angry.

I shivered as I felt him wrapping his hands around me.

"Don't worry too much, I'm a little busy here as you can see, I will see you later" he said nodding to her, dismissing her coolly.

"Nivin!" she exclaimed.

"I..niv-" I too stopped when I felt his breathing on my cheek. it was too close. I stilled and closed my eyes.

Nirosha walked out with slamming the door shut and I opened my eyes, startled.

Nivin let go of me, his eyes on the closed door.

"Okay! what exactly is going on!" I asked slowly, too dazed to even get angry at him, my heart was beating crazily inside me.

"Get out of my room," he said, but the order was somehow shaken. I saw a whirlwind of emotions in his eyes, which startled me.

"Are you..alright?" I asked him hesitantly.

Big mistake!

"Get out of here and mind your own damn business," He said fiercely.

Seriously? you were using me only minutes ago, now you want to dismiss me! fine, I will let it go this once since you are obviously not yourself!

I walked out with my head straight.

"If you have any issue with others, don't take it on me" I snapped at him before going out.

* * *

The party seems to be a big thing! Everything is getting polished and ready. Auntie Alice and even the usually emotionless Uncle John is looking cheerful.

I walked to the poolside.

"Riya?" I heard Auntie Alice and turned around

"Dear God! what have you done with your hair?" She asked, her eyes wide, she looked as if I have done something unforgivable.

I immediately tucked the end of it behind my ear. The other college had cut it and I was careful to tuck it behind my ear all the time.

Surely it's not that bad?

"I..cut it?" I said while she remained there, demanding an answer.

I can't tell her about my college life!

"Why would you do that?" She asked again, now looking at me like I have gone mad.

"I.." I searched for a reason. "I..I sort of got gum in my hair"

She was suddenly in front of me.

"It looks weird" she started, shaking her head in disapproval. "This won't do"

Does she have to say it aloud?

"I have an appointment with my beautician, follow me, we will correct it somehow"

"Um?" I'm sure that I heard it wrong.

"Just follow me, the party is tomorrow and look at you!" She said

"But it's not-"

"Get ready, Manoj will be here in 30 minutes," She said and took her phone out. "And I will make it two, we will go to the spa too" She started to walk away.

I gaped after her. she is always ordering me around!

So 30 minutes later I was in the VIP beauty parlour with her that I never even thought of entering in my life and I was being treated like a royal!

"What about this ma'am? her hair is perfect for this cut and we can layer out her hair so that it will be covered too"

"It looks good" Aunty Alice commented, watching the picture.

"Her hair is perfect for this too," Kiran said again.

Hello! I'm right here!

They are discussing it like it's about someone else!

"I don't want to cut it too short," I said.

"We are not making it too short ma'am, we are just giving you a layer cut with....." She started to explain in what it seemed to me in Latin because half of it was not understood by me.

At last, they convinced me to have the haircut and man! I have to admit that I looked good in it.

I mean, I never thought my stubbornly curly ends could be made to look this soft!

But my happiness was short lived as they guided me to the next section, yup; the waxing!

By the time I finished, I was seriously terrified of the next task.

"Don't look so gloomy, a lady should take care of her body," Auntie Alice said, now getting ready for the spa treatment.

Remind me not to go out with her ever again!

"It's so refreshing, just lay back and relax," she said.

"Whoa! who is it we have here?"

I heard a new voice and turned my head to the doorway. "it's been quite some time since we last met!" The woman looked in her forties.

She was wearing a black sleeveless top and leggings, her hair was stylish and coloured, she seemed very well off.

"Yea, it's been some time, Sheena" Auntie Alice looked not-so-pleased to see the new entry.

"Don't be too down, Alice dear"

"We were kind of busy here," Auntie said, irritated.

"Don't be too harsh! Have you ever wondered why you don't have many people around you, Alice?" She continued. "Because-"

"I have enough people around me, so don't worry too much-"

"Of course, it must be painful to talk about it, I haven't seen your husband with you in any of the functions, even your kids seemed to be busy all the time," She said smugly.

I was shocked to see this. Auntie Alice closed her eyes tightly for a moment.

"What is it you want to say?" She asked calmly, then opened her eyes.

It was full of fire.

"We have our family day at the golf club later, you are welcome to bring your family" She snickered.

"My family is too busy to attend things like that"

"It's been like that for as long as I remember, I wonder if you don't ever get fed up with the same excuse?" She muttered under her breath, but loud enough for us to hear.

"Unlike your family, mine is a bit busy" Auntie retorted.

That seemed to touch a nerve because her face darkened instantly."I will see you around, Alice" she turned to go.

"Oh..I hope you wouldn't be the only one coming alone for a family day," She said and slammed the door shut, not giving a chance to retort to a now-fuming Auntie Alice.

"How dare she! ..family day! it's me who's funding the whole function!" She started to get angry.

I gulped. I never thought she could be scary!

"Come on, let's go!" She turned to me.

"Um..?" I got up slowly while she grabbed her purse.

"Ma'am? spa-" The girl waiting near started.

"Another time, she totally ruined my mood," Auntie Alice said angrily. "Just take care of the bills like usual" She stalked out of there and I followed.

* * *

I sat up on the bed when I heard the knock.

"Chechi, are you there?" I heard Danny's voice. "Everyone's down already, Mom wants me to get you"

"Come in Danny," I said, still not sure of myself.

He opened the door and stilled for a moment.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "You look gorgeous! The hairstyle suits you too"

"I feel like someone else entirely, it's not me!" I groaned.

I looked in the mirror.

I am wearing a maroon figure-hugging fish cut gown that is floor length and the slit of it ran up to my thigh on one side, the upper one third and the back of the dress was transparent net only.

It was Aunty Alice's selection.

My hair was styled by Kiran, Aunty's stylist and it just flows down my shoulders in waves.

I never thought I could look like this, It's a wonder what your dress and hairstyle could do!

"I'm here to escort you, ma'am" Danny bowed slightly and offered his hand.

"Do I really need to attend this party, Danny?"

"Not at all, if you can just deal with my mom" He threatened, I groaned.

"You look really beautiful Riyechi! I don't know why you should be so worried-" he stopped midway.

Bang...

"What's that?" I said, startled at the sound outside. Both of us dashed to the window.

"Brother Neev! "

"Nivin!"

We exclaimed simultaneously.

Neev was riding away his motorbike trying to avoid his grandpa's men, who were now chasing after him from everywhere.

"He has some serious problem! he knew grandpa will be very angry if he gets away in the day of the party!" I exclaimed.

"Jeez! if he doesn't make it outside grandpa will beat him up again!" Danny said.

"He doesn't have to be so stubborn," I said.

"You don't know about him, Riyechi," Danny said.

"I know enough! he got some serious attitude problem, he is like that to everyone! grandpa, Rohan, Nirosha, me"

"Shit! the back gate is closed too! There is no way he can escape now" Danny walked back and sat in the chair, deep in thought.

I also turned to look at him. "you are supporting him?"

"Of course, he was really good and carefree," Danny said."but brother Neev was unfortunate from the first"

He said, now looking up at me. "Nirosha was his girlfriend," he said.

"Uh? excuse me?" I am sure I didn't hear it rightly.

"After his dad's death, He was all broken, Nirosha was his only friend, they were together"

"But..she's going to marry your brother?" I said, now confused.

"Yes, about two years back, grandpa selected Nirosha to be Rohan's fiancée, everyone was shocked, but of course, it was partly a business deal"

"Marriage as a business deal?" I exclaimed. "And everyone agreed?"

"No, Rohan doesn't approve it, but grandpa don't give them a chance and Nirosha had no choice but to agree with her dad"

"This family thing sounds more interesting than I imagined," I said bitterly.

"And brother Neev was so mad, he started to talk back to grandpa and started his rebellion, he left the house and there was a lot of problems. At last Rohan agreed to the relationship on one thing, Brother Neev's freedom, so grandpa agreed"

"You mean Rohan said okay to marry his brother's girlfriend to give Neev his freedom?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes, you won't understand, Brother Neev was drinking away and destroying his life, then grandpa agreed to Rohan by allowing brother Neev to use his father's penthouse, I don't know what he did to come back to this jail" Danny stopped.

But I knew exactly what happened and I'm now a little guilty.

Don't be guilty Riya, you were only trying to escape Vivek.

Yes, it was me who locked him up in the elevator with Vivek, but in my defence, it was purely an accident, I never wanted to hurt anyone!

"Mm..what happens to him now? grandpa will surely be angry at him" I asked Danny.

"What else, he is going to get punished again"

"Er..it seems farfetched to punish his grandson like this, after all, Nivin is his own flesh and blood," I said hesitantly.

In the short days I was here, I am very well aware of grandpa's actions and it's clear that he hates Nivin.

Danny nodded sadly. "It's a long story, but I'm afraid it's not for me to say and brother Neev is also very stubborn, he even resigned his post as the executive director from the company"

"Wow! he was the executive director at Aldrick's corporations?"

"Yes 'acting' ED, they were going to do a voting but it never happened" Danny confirmed. "but now he doesn't want anything to do with the company or our family"

"Why would he do that? and I thought Rohan is the eldest one, he is only GM now, how come Neev became the ED?"

"Brother Neev is the second largest shareholder in the company, after grandpa and he is no joke, he knew what he was doing moreover, Rohan had no interest in the company"

"What! he is the second largest shareholder!? how come everything turned upside down then?"

"Aldrick corporation has a long history, but once it too faced bankruptcy, shares were going down and everyone panicked, everyone thought there's no more future for the company, but Uncle James, Brother Neev's dad, secured the company with the help of his friends, Uncle James was only out of college and was the largest shareholder then. When uncle died, most of his shares went to Neev and some to grandpa"

"Then why is Neev not bothered about it?"

"There are some conditions for running the family business and brother Neev doesn't care anymore," Danny said. "And Rohan had no choice but get trapped in it"

I was actually shocked at the news. There seemed to be so many twists in the family.

"So Neev-"

"I SAID LEAVE ME!" We heard the shout and ran out of the room and towards the stairs. Downstairs, Nivin was struggling with four or five bodyguards.

"Sir, we have clear orders to lock you up, you are not to leave the house and attend the party tonight"

"Like hell I will do that! I don't care about this damn party"

"Lock him up" the cold voice sent shivers down my spine. Grandpa entered inside. everyone stilled.

"Let me go, I will come back tomorrow but I have to go now," Nivin said calmly that surprised me.

"You know I won't let you leave, do you want to get beaten up again?"

"You love to execute it, you and I both know that you can't wait to get rid of me!" Nivin said. Danny gasped beside me.

Grandpa was silent for a minute. "Yes, you are right because you are a disgrace to my family! I can't wait to get rid of you, but not yet" he said and it was my time to gasp.

"If you don't let me go, I'm going to ruin your party," Nivin said.

"Lock him up, I will deal with him later," Grandpa said in anger. "it's about time everyone starts to come, make sure he is isolated this time" grandpa walked away.

"Isolated?" I whispered to Danny.

"It means to keep him locked up in that punishment room without food and light"

"What!?" I turned to Danny. "how..how long?"

A worried Danny turned to me.

"I don't know, it was 2 days the last time, I have a very bad feeling about today"

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