AYU

Jamie had arranged us to meet at Ashima's house during the evening. I agreed right away as I was already staying at Ashima's house so I'll save myself from going anywhere. Morever, Ashima's parents weren't here so we have the privacy to ourselves. Jamie will have no problem in talking about anything here. I was starting to feel anxious and tensed. Ever since this morning after Lynda's marriage, I have been waiting crazy for evening to come, for Jamie to tell me the truth and now he's late... As usual.

Finally after half an hour, he arrived. "Fuck, I'm sorry. Actually, I met Vick in the afternoon so I just lost track of the time." Jamie said with an apologetic smile.

"It's okay. You must be meeting him after a long time." I said remembering about my meeting with Martha three days ago.

Jamie, Ashima and I had a little conversation over a cup of tea after which Ashima excused herself and went to her room. Since Ashima's apartment was on the top most floor so they had the terrace all to themselves. We went to the terrace and stood watching the view of the busy skyline before us. Few crows and pigeons came by, quenching their thirst from the water kept in a big bowl for them. I was starting to grow impatient with the ever growing silence but I understood how difficult it was for him to say it so I waited. I heard him sigh and swallowed in anticipation.

"Raghav... He gave me two options... It was either being with you or... Or my father's business." He spoke slowly .

I looked at him wide-eyed. "Your father's business... What? That doesn't make any sense." I asked with my brows creased.

"I know right." He closed his eyes for a moment. "That's what I thought... At first I couldn't believe it. I thought he was joking. He had nothing to do with my father or his work. He never met him either. Even then he was able to get a hold of my father's business. He had planned on this all along." Jamie let out a sarcastic laugh.

"But how?" I asked, my voice shaking. If I remember correctly his father is an entrepreneur who is running a branch of IT business.

(IMP NOTE EVERYONE: There is a bit of a change that I made. If you might remember I mentioned that Jamie's Dad did marketing share and co-operative type of business in Chapter 15. I know you might not remember it well because it was way before haha! Well that didn't make much sense so I'm changing that.)

Jamie stared at the ground, his face sad. "He told me that while we were dating here, unaware of the circumstances that was to follow he was busy planning something, something that would get me off the hook. He said I didn't had anything on myself so I wasn't an option to him. So-" Jamie trailed off.

"He chose your father." I finished the sentence for him getting angry by the minute.

"Raghav had a friend or so he said. That friend was already going abroad. Er... I don't recall his name properly. His name started with M. Anyway, he requested M to go to Australia and somehow get into my Dad's office as an employee. M accepted Raghav's request right away since M owe him one. M was good in management and computers so he easily got the job." Jamie started explaining.

Owe him? I understood what that meant. Raghav must have helped M in solving his case at some point or something more than that since Raghav is a lawyer. "Does M still work on your father's office?" I asked.

"No, infact M only worked in Dad's office for six months. I clarified that when I was searching for information about M."

"Huh? But I don't get it. If M wanted to get a hold of the business or any important information, he couldn't have simply gained that by working only for six months. Unless he hacked your data." I said getting a bit confused.

"I thought the same. It wasn't as if he was the manager and my father isn't that dumb to trust him wholeheartedly just because his skills were good. We don't think that he hacked although we can't be sure." Jamie said in a calculating way and paused for a while before answering. "M's main motive was something else. Instead of getting hold of the insider's data, he only wanted to search for a right person in the office, who would provide him with all the information. In other words, someone who could be willing to work against my father for a reward and what's more? It was possible because there indeed were few people who despised my father since he was strict and didn't promote employees that easily. When M was done with that, he left the job right away. Whoever that employee was, he certainly had the access to our data, software models and confidential information . Raghav used that information to threaten me. He showed me those files that day. I used to work on my father's office from time to time so I understood all of that. I was shocked. If that information were to be leaked. It could tarnish my father's reputation as well as the business in no time."

I was shaking from inside while Jamie explained it to me. I couldn't believe that bastard was capable this. Luck was surely on his side, wasn't it? Regardless I asked. "But after Raghav told you all of that, didn't you tried to seek out who that betrayer was?"

"Of course I did. I told Dad that someone was trying to leak his information to someone else and was threatening me but I didn't told him why. It took a while but we did find out. It was Mr Holmes. Well, my father depromoted him making it look like it was his fault but didn't kicked him out right away in fear of him leaking out information."

"That's good. Then your Dad's company is out of danger, right?" I said feeling hopeful.

Jamie shook his head sideways and walked over to sit on the iron swing. "It's true that Holmes no longer had the access to the insider's information but this wasn't over yet. Raghav eventually came to know about this which wasn't a surprise. He called me afterwards telling me that it wasn't over yet. At first-"

"Wait, he called you?" I interrupted and came over to sit besides him. 

"Yeah, he used to contact me sometimes for no particular reason." Jamie said as a matter of fact and continued. "I was confused because I didn't knew what he meant. Then he mailed me from an unknown sender. They were files containing information but they were different from what he showed me last time. I had no idea where he got that recent information because we were sure that Holmes didn't had that info. It was later when I found out that someone else beside him was working under M. So you can say that two people were working under M. Dad and I had a hard time finding the second one... I must say Raghav played very well, that son of a bitch. He knew that we would find out about Mr Holmes eventually so he must have told M to find not one, but two people. They were betraying Dad right under our noses." Jamie said through gritted teeth and I swallowed in response, feeling uncomfortable.

"Oh... I had no idea." I said as my face fell. "Anyway, what happened to those two betrayed your father now?"

"Ah, not to worry. Raghav didn't leak out any information so atleast I'm grateful for that. He told me that as long as I stay away from you, he won't poke a finger on me and Dad's business. He just kept all that data to himself. Well, even if he does leak out the info that he has, it would be of no use because that data is quite old now. As for those two bastards... We kicked them out later. Although we faced some consequences for that." Jamie said.

"What consequences?" I asked getting tensed.

"Well... Those assholes explained how they were manipulated by M and it wasn't their fault. We didn't listen to them of course but they caused some stir within the workplace before going and even gave threats to my father... Ah! you know, all the business drama. I would rather not discuss them right now. I already told you more than enough." Jamie sighed.

Silence followed as I let myself drown in everything he told me just now. I didn't know what to say. I can't believe I'm going to marry such a man. Raghav did this to his own benefit. At first, I thought that things will get okay but now I don't think it ever will. I won't ever be happy with him knowing that he had done this behind my back and to a person who meant so much to me in the past. You've seriously disappointed me Raghav.

"It must have been terrible for you that day when you met Raghav." I said, my voice strained.

Jamie gave a sad smile while kicking off the iron swing with his legs slightly. "You have no idea... That day was one of my worst days of my life. I didn't know what to do afterwards so I didn't contact you or anyone else. I already thought that you betrayed me and on top of that Dad's business was in danger. "

I held back my tears that were threatening to come. "I'm so sorry Jamie. This shouldn't have happened. I didn't know and said such bad things to you. I even blamed you. I-" I trailed off having no idea what else to say. I just wished I could undo everything.

"It's not your fault and you know that." He stopped swinging and frowned.

"I know that I had nothing to do but it all happened because of me. He saw you as an obstacle and went that far, just to get you away from me. I should have known when he once warned me to break up with you but I didn't listen. I never tried to tell you and you had to pay for the consequences. It's because of me-" I said, my lips quivering and lowered my head feeling sad. "Maybe I... I shouldn't have met you." I whimpered.

I didn't want to cry but it was becoming hard to withhold my emotions. I felt bad, so bad about everything. Everything right from the time when Raghav went to Australia. No even before that... It was all planned. And we fell right into his trap. Why, why, why? My mind kept repeating numerous times. Why Jamie had to go through all that just because he was with me? I was digging my own fingers to my palms as I held them together ignoring the little pain I felt until Jamie jerked my hands away and placed his own palm on mine, brushing the little mark with his fingers.

"I should be the one to blame." He whispered in an aching voice while staring at our hands.

"But it's not your-"

"You don't get it," He raised his voice, interrupting me. "I chose my father over you even though you were more important to me. I just had to. I had to save his business he has been holding up for so many years. I wanted to tell you so bad but I didn't. I chose to push you away in the worst way possible. I made up a terrible lie, made you suffer... Everyday I thought that you might be thinking that I betrayed you. It killed me inside. Even when we met again, I was so cold to you. I'm the one who should be apologizing for everything," He said with emotion, holding my hand tighter. "I'm sorry that I never considered telling you the truth. I'm sorry that I didn't contact you while you were desparately waiting for me. I saw your messages but I never responded. You were right to call me a coward. You were right to hate me-" He trailed off while letting go of my palm and placed his hand around my shoulders, pulling me towards him. I noticed his hand that were slightly shaking.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't strong enough for both of us." He said, his words holding dozen of emotions he had withheld the entire time. 

Without any second thought, I faced his side and placed my hands around his neck, hugging him tight. "I forgave you the moment I knew that you had a reason behind that lie. You're not a coward at all. It just shows how much you care for your father and the well being of your family. One cannot expect themselves to be headstrong at everything life throws at them. This is just what makes us human. So please Jamie... stop blaming yourself. You don't have to feel guilty anymore. You know what? Let's just stop apologizing to each other." I giggled at the last one as tears streamed down my face.

I finally began to understand how he truly felt that time. It must have been so torturing for him to leave me like that. He was forced to, the entire time. I left, blaming him while he had to carry on that burden all by himself. Strange, he wasn't saying anything nor he was responding back. I pulled back slowly feeling stupid for being so forward. To my utter surprise, he pulled me back towards him and placed his arms around my back. 

"At that time... Ayu, I... I didn't want to leave you. I wanted those days to go on and on. I loved you so much and yet... I had to leave... I couldn't do anything. I just... regret them," He said, his voice trembling.

"I know... I know. It's not your fault, okay," I said softly as more tears fell and hugged him back. I just wished I could lessen his pain somehow.

"And don't say that we shouldn't have met. I regret some things that happened but I never regretted meeting you. Being with you was like... a good thing so don't ever say that," He added.

"Okay!" I replied. Silence engulfed us as we continued to remain like that. My head was resting against his chest. It felt warm and welcoming. A part of me wanted to remain in his arms but I knew I had to let it go. And just like that he pulled back but then he held my face with both of his palms. 

"Don't worry. We may not reverse back time or go back to those days but I promise that I will make it upto you. I'll fix this for you. You don't have to suffer anymore." He confessed, looking at me with a glint of smile on his face.

My heart swelled at his smile and words but I was puzzled at the same time. "I don't get it." 

"You were the one who asked me silly. I talked to your parents remember," He chuckled and removed his hands from my face. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. "First let me ask you this. Although I already know the answer but I want to hear it from you. Do you hold any feelings for Raghav? Don't think about what he did to me and all that shit. Just think about it yourself and tell me," He asked.

Now it was me who was laughing. I know what he was trying to ask but I didn't need to think about it, for that matter. "Of course NOT. I never wanted to marry that man in the first place even before he did all of this. To be really honest, I wished for us to remain close friends but after what he did, he just ruined his chances for me," I said with my head held high and we shared a laugh.

"Alright then, I'm going to talk to your parents on Sunday as planned. Of course you'll be there as well," Jamie said like it was a normal thing and got up. I watched him in anticipation while he stretched his arms. He then turned back to face me with determination in his eyes. "Ayu... I'm going to get rid of Raghav for you." 

I looked at him wide-eyed. Is he kidding? Judging from his looks, it doesn't seem like that one bit.

I tried to make my point that its pointless for him to do this. I made him realize the gravity of the situation but for some odd reason he didn't falter. He was determined to do this, making me question his reason in my mind. Soon after Jamie decided to make his leave, leaving the conversation for later. As we were about to exit the terrace, I realized something.

"Jamie-" I trailed off, wanting to say something, looking elsewhere. 

He turned around to face me, waiting for me to say. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.

"I want to let you know that even though I said that I hate you, I never truly meant it. I only said that in spite and nothing else. So never think that I hate you because... let's admit, it's a very negative feeling and I don't even feel close to that when it comes to you and-" I said casually but when I looked at his expression, my words caught in my throat. He caught me looking at him and turned around quickly. 

"Is something wrong?" I asked helplessly.

"Nah... Th-thanks. It means a lot." He said, his voice shaky and went downstairs.

I didn't follow him. I just couldn't. I had a feeling that I released him from something he had been holding in for so long. When I saw his expression earlier... it almost looked like he was about to tear up. Did saying that I hated him hurt him to that extent? "I'm sorry Jamie, I didn't realize," I said to myself as a lone tear fell from my eyes.

Even though I know that whatever happened today was just us being laying out our feeling from the past, I couldn't shake off this little feeling that something changed. It was like the walls that we put in between us were starting to crumble.

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This was quite sad... You know I had a hard time writing this chapter (Especially that business part) I hope it made sense. So finally Raghav's intentions were revealed and also about Jamie. Anyway do share your thoughts about this chapter. You can already guess what will be there in the next chapter. There's drama incoming. *smiles widely* 

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Also... I humbly apologize but I'm going to take a short break. I'm going for a short holiday in Kerela with my family afterwards. I'll try to write for the time being but if I'm not able to finish my next chapter before going then it will be posted on Jan. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all my readers. Have a wonderful holiday. ^_^

Meet you in 2015.