Dev's pov

Next day morning

" I never wanted her to die....   I never wished to see her die.... I don't like anyone losing their life in front of me again. Oh god! What I have done ? "

Why ? With what I am going to explain this ? How I am going to make my mind understand about what I did ? Nothing can be undone. I was in my senses still I shut my both eyes and ears in front of her tears and pleadings. Even at the end when she said she did everything I felt like  I won this game, I am the winner but reality is ..... the moment she took the blame on herself out of fear towards me I became a looser. The real looser of this game.

None of the reasons can be justified for my barbaric act towards her now, at this moment. My anger issues are not even an excuse here . I almost killed her, tortured her and abused her until I became satisfied. Why ? Was it all because I lost mere a project ? I don't think so. I was letting out my anger on her which I was vanquishing inside for all these time unfortunately she became the scapegoat.

Then? Still the question why it has to be Lakshmi is remaining.

She lied to me. She hides many things from me. May be, because of her bad luck I get to know about them way to before. I wanted to believe them as truths but it won't be like that and I don't understand why she lies ? Whatever it is can't she tell the truth right looking into my eyes ?

" Lakshmi is taking medicines regularly for a long term. Last time something like this happened was few months back. " I turned my attention to Govind who was talking to Kiren about Lakshmi. Most critical stage has passed. She came out from danger but still in ICU for observation. Kiren called me and Govind to talk about Lakshmi, that's how we are here together.

"Does this happens when patient is emotional ? Like anger or sadness.... What triggers her most? " Kiren asked

" Sadness, she gets emotional very fast. She couldn't control herself sometimes.... " Govind replied. I was silently sitting beside him hearing everything about Lakshmi which were new to me also.

" Whether it turned to depression sometimes ? Does she have any such history ? " I frowned my eyebrows hearing such a question from Kiren. Why she should have depression ?

" Once she had ...... Few months back... " Govind replied in a weak tone and looked at me for a second. I didn't understand that look.

" She was a in a relationship with guy. Due to some reason they broke up. After that she was very sad and always crying locking her up inside the room. I thought she will be fine after some days. But one night coming back from a get together party among their friend circle Lakshmi seemed to be very disturbed. That night she came back to home crying badly. I understood something was wrong, so like always I gave her some time to relax first and then went to talk to her but....... " Govind's sound shakes while narrating it and I saw he got disturbed without completing what happened to her.

" What happened then ? " Kiren leaned forward from his chair to know further and asked. I was also curious because that incident was the day Yuvi and Lakshmi had an ugly fight in a party. I got informed about it but since it was Yuvi such fights with girls are normal. So I ignored it. Thinking about it, I can't believe that was Lakshmi back then.

" She tried to commit suicide. I was late to find her in tub bathed in a pool of blood. I still can't believe that my daughter does such stupidity because of a breakup. " Govind swiped his tears and said. He still fears about that night, his eyes says that.

" What you felt ? Lakshmi did that on because of a sudden anger or she intended to die... "

" Kiren .... " I interrupted Kiren for asking such a absurd question.

" DD.... why I am asking about it because some people does such things to scare their partner. That's not a big issue. They only want to seek attention. That's why ...... " Kiren replied

" That I don't know. There were several cuts on her wrist.  She Lost lots of blood and was in a critical stage for two nights. " I gasped when hearing that. I felt a sudden pang of pain through my wrist thinking about that terrific scene he had to witness.

" So she did that on purpose. Her intention was to finish herself die in that attempt. " Kiren mumbled.

I wonder, was their relationship that much strong ? I thought it was just a fun love or a time pass relationship happens in that age. Then what Yuvi said during Diwali party  was true  ? He still wants her back ? Is it same for Lakshmi ? Then why these two idiots didn't talked it out later ?

Did I came between them suddenly? Am I the villain of their love story ?  No...... No I didn't. He shouldn't have asked her to prove that she is still a virgin. What kind of jerk ?

Then what I said to her yesterday night ? Wait ..... I never asked her whether she is a Virgin or not. That's all her choice. She is an adult so she can decide about such things. My anger and rage was because she sleeps with men for her gain, expecting something in return. For such activities there is another name and I had met many girls like that in different countries and different hotels. I shut my eyes and rubbed temples to erase all such thoughts that rushed into my mind within seconds and made a huge web.

"Even after coming back to home from hospital she shut herself inside her room without talking to anyone. Neither to me nor to her friends she interacted. They all came and spent time with her but she won't say anything. Just stare outside through the window immersed in deep thoughts. Then one day she went back to Punjab, that's where she was studying that time. I thought she went to continue her studies and attend the classes. After two weeks she came back and told me she is discontinuing her course. But what made me wonder was she looked perfectly fine and normal in that come back. It was like within two weeks I got my daughter back. She changed completely, not that Lakshmi who went like a dead soul. She asked me to set up a café for her because she wanted to start her own business. I did that to keep her mind engaged in something. Things were going fine with her even though sometimes I got to witness her crying alone. Still she promised me she won't do that stupidity again. Then marriage happened and now this...... " Govind sighed heavily after narrating everything.

My jaw dropped down hearing that story because of a huge lie. She went to do her hotel management studies in Punjab not from abroad. She is not even a graduate ?  dropped the course  at middle and started a café with some immature punks without any right planning ?  In total she don't know how to run a cafe or anything about culinary art, don't even think about any technical side to manage a hotel.

Yuvi, Jhanvi they two knows about it. That was the reason Yuvi always going to Punjab in the name of road trip. How could they hide this from me ? This is the main reason I can't trust that girl. If she tells ten sentance in that five will be utter lies.

" How this happened actually ? What happened all of sudden that her condition get worst ? " Govind looked at me a asked. I sat there stumbled not able to move or say anything.

" She was taking her medicines regularly right ? Whenever I call her she tells me you check on her whether she is having her medicine then how this happened ? " I gulped a lump from my throat and stared at Govind with a little fear. I didn't even knew about her medical condition then how to know about her medicines ? But I remember about something which he told me during wedding day. It was about this but that time I ignored and then it slipped from my mind. Still she must be taking care of herself, It's about her health right ? She can't be careless her own health.

" Lechu is careless about her health. when she is running behind something she forgets that she is a human being who has huger and thirst. At the end moment she collapses others will know she has exhausted.  That's why I asked you to keep an eye on her or she will skip the medicines. " He added.

From the time Govind came to hospital I haven't talked to him other than shooking my head agreeing or disagrees with something he says. Most of the times it was Zahir talked to him in place of m.  I was scared to face him that's the main reason, second is an awkward feeling, especially when I knew that I kicked him out from their house and made him homeless. He didn't know anything about it. I wonder how he gets to know that Lakshmi is hospitalized ? Who told him ? Or he has any sixth sense when it comes to his precious daughter?

" So from my observation I think patient might have skipped her regular medicines. This time situation was critical, fortunately we gets to know about her previous medical history on time so we could save her. Once she is awake I am starting a new course of medicines by raising the dosage than the current one. Close monitering is very important right now. Bring her from time to time for regular checkups or like he said she will ignore her own health which is dangerous. "

" Also you both are newly wedded right ? This must be the time you both are trying for a baby. If there is such a case then do consult with a gynecologist before trying to get conceive. Later it can become a life threatening issue because of our carelessness not only for mother but the baby also. " I saw seriously listening to Kiren about what he is saying. Even though the last topic was unwanted.

What I am going to do now ? This is not what I wanted from them ? My opponents are weak than I thought. Her father who is weak and helpless because of his daughters, one is sick and always expecting death in front of her, another one is still a student whose world revolves around her school and friends. Now homeless and hopeless. Only relief I saw in his eyes were atleast one daughter is within safe hands but that's not true. Reality is she in a demon's hands.

Govind trusts me blindly now, I think so.  He shouldn't have trusted me.... He should see his daughter is suffering because of me. He should take her back from my side. I wish he does that soon. He should, he is a father though. Fathers are superheroes for their daughter. I won't defend or hold her back if he takes Lakshmi from me now. This is the best time. If I lost this sense then it will be difficult. I beg you Mr Varman before I become that old monster take her far away from me or there is no way I am going to spare you all.

We both walked out from Kiren's room silently. Govind walked at the extreme left side of hallway and I was to the extreme right side. We both walked like two strangers without saying anything. Neither he gave a reply for my question nor I gave a reply for his question. Who informed him ? And how Lakshmi falls sick suddenly.

In front of ICU I saw my aunt talking with Zahir. It was obvious she is scolding him that's why she called him towards a corner. Even if it's my mistake Zahir should take them for me. She might have known that what I did to Lakshmi. I am sure by this time she made some believable lies to clear my side and makes me clean. For some reason I wished instead of aunt if it was Parvathi mom was here I would have felt happy and relieved.

" Parvathi Ji called me and informed about Lechu's condition " making me flinched Govind gave that reply for my most anticipated question. I looked at him frowning my face.

" I was panicked when she called me and said Lechu was taken to hospital. I was confused at first because you both were at theater when I called you some time before then what happened suddenly ? Dev....... what really happened ? " I moved back when he brought his hand to hold me. I still have that grudge inside against him for the loss he gave me. I shouldn't feel bad for Lakshmi but if I feel some sympathy for someone then that's only for her. She is taking all pain for her family. She is repaying the debt her father caused for me with its double rate interest. But this question , I am responsible to give a reply for it. That's a father's right and I can't take that right from.

" I..... Actually...... What happened was...   "

" Lakshmi fell from stairs " aunt came there and interrupted into our conversation. I looked at my aunt all shocked.

" You hide this matter from us Mr Varman. Why you didn't say that Lakshmi is an epilepsy patient ? ... " Aunty lashed at Govind with an irrelevant question at a time like this.

" Aunty, he told..... "

" Dev I am talking to him you don't have to interrupt " aunty stopped me from talking inbetween them when she accused Govind for hiding this matter. That's not completely his fault because he did told me.

" I had informed about it to Dev ... "  Govind replied

" When ? " Aunty spatted back. It was silence from his side for a second then he talked.

" Wedding night " he mumbled

" Seriously ? She got such a huge health issue and he took that lightly ? What you were even thinking ? After marriage even if we get to know about it there will be no issues right ? Your daughter's life is safe by the way. The one who is going to suffer is my child. What if maa ji get's to know about it ? She is dreaming to hold the next heir of Rathore family very soon and now this ? This is cheating Mr Varman" aunty yelled at Govind very rudely. He didn't say a word , stood there silently with his gaze down. Aadhya was standing behind him watching this all worried.

" Aunty enough..... " I tried to stop her but it failed

" What enough ? " She yelled at me and continued talking with Govind.

" What if your daughter can't give a child to Dev ? What if something happens because of this issue ? I think his fate matches with his father. " Aunty grunted annoyingly

Meanwhile a nurse came out from ICU and told us that Lakshmi regained her consciousness. I was indeed happy hearing that. Even if I hates her I never wanted to see her die. I might have told that I like to see her die in anger but that's not real. I can't see her without that childish and innocent smile on face.

"Can I go inside and see her ? " Govind asked to the nurse.

" She will be shifted to the room now. Then you can see her " nurse replied and went inside.

" We are not over with our conversation Mr Varman. Better we discuss about their marriage once again. I don't want to gamble with my child's life because of a sick girl. " Aunty said like a warning.

I saw some medical attends bringing out Lakshmi from ICU. Due to the oxygen mask her face wasn't much clear still I saw her eyes were opened.

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

" Appa...... " She started crying soon after watching Govind. The more she cried much my heart was drumming. Only few seconds is needed her to disclose what happened yesterday night. I don't understand how my aunt lied to him saying that Lakshmi fell from stairs.

" How this happened ? Huh ? Tell me " caressing on her hair Govind became emotional and asked.

For one thing I was happy, that hospital gown did a very good job covering her bruises. After seeing her dad she tried to move from bed but I am sure her body must be paining like hell. A cut on head, clotted blood tint on the end of lips and a  bruise on cheeks, only these were visible for everyone since it was on face.

I was ready to receive whatever was coming after her confession against me for domestic violence. The one who did mistake should be punished I believe in that. Infact that's what I am doing with her and her family. So I shouldn't have double standards.

" Lechu tell me what really happened to you ? " Govind asked again and Lechu just stared at him. She then slowly frowned her eyebrows like she is doubtful about something.

" I told you she fell from stairs. She got seizures suddenly while climbing the stairs. " Aunty said quickly. Govind looked at me and then at Lakshmi. Aunty might have sensed he didn't believe that lie.

" Maids saw Lakshmi falling from stairs and quickly called Dev. They told this to me when I came back to house after attending a party. That's how Parvathi called you to inform this matter. We all were ready to come hospital but suddenly Parvathi got a phone call from her house. Her mother is seriously ill and admitted in hospital. So Dev's dad took Parvathi to her hometown. That's why I came alone. " aunty said.

" Nani is sick ? " I asked quickly in a shock. Aunty didn't like that because she don't like her. Nani is actually a nice lady. I had only met her for few times but I like her very much. She adores me even though I am not related to her daughter in any way.  Parvathi mom won't  take me with her like that always when she visits her house. Aunty won't allow me to go with her alone, that's another fact.  Now I am grown up so distance and grudge against Parvathi mom and I also increased. But after hearing about nani's health, hope she is fine.

" She is getting old so such discomforts will show. That's normal Dev " aunty said to me.

" Lechu, are you hurt somewhere else ? Did you really fall from stairs ? " Govind was not ready to believe until he hears it from her mouth. So he kept on asking her what happened. Lakshmi again looked at me and smiled gently which was really confusing.

" I think I fell from stairs appa. I only remember my head getting dizzy suddenly. It's paining a lot at back side of my head when I try to think about what happened " Lakshmi said in a very weak sound. I felt like my blood became cold suddenly. My hands began to sweat and heart again started drumming. Why she said like that ? Why she lied ?

" How ? I mean you both went to watch movie then .... "

" Movie ? When ? Did we ? I remember I went to meet Jhanvi di and then to café ..... " Lechu frowned her eyebrows and tried to recollect the incidents happened with her.

I quickly pressed the bell to call doctor and within couple of minutes Kiren came there followed by a nurse.
He checked Lakshmi and explained about her current condition.

" Nothing to worry about this condition. This is called Transient global amnesia, a sudden temporary episode of memory loss as an after effect of epilepsy or stroke. During an episode of transient global amnesia, patient's recall of recent events simply vanishes, so they can't remember where you are or how you got there. She is perfectly fine now. " When Kiren explained her condition my mind was still disturbed. I should feel relieved but I couldn't. Aunt seemed to be happy after knowing this. She don't need to work more inorder to coverup my crime.

I let her with Govind and walked out from room feeling exhausted. Zahir was waiting outside like I expected. Suddenly my aunty pulled me towards a corner and started scolding me.

" Are you gone mad ? What you have done to her ? What if she would have died on that spot ? Thankfully Parvathi got a phone call from her house otherwise she would have sent you straight to the Jail." I took everything silently she showers on me. I wished Parvathi mom would have done that. I deserves to be punished.

" I called Mohit and get to know about the situation. Only for once my attention on Dhruv got diverted thinking that he is now grown enough to support himself. I never thought that he will bite us back like this. Don't worry I will take care of him. Now my doubt is confirmed. Parvathi  brought Dhruv back to home inorder to see your fall. Now he left ........ See this is the real colour of people who are around you. That's why aunty is always beside you saving from all those black eyes. " I don't know..... May be she is right. She was right always even though my mind was against her decisions.

" Dhruv is my own Aunty..... How can he.....  " I rubbed my eyes feeling disturbed thinking about the whole incidents.

" About Dhruv's matter I will take care of it. You don't have to involve. At first I thought to file a complaint but not anymore. He might have done that in a sudden anger. Gaurav  messaged me few hours before,  Dhruv already went back to UK. When they contacted him he said he is not going to come back since he finished the scores against me. So this was the end aunty. " I said

" Alright then.... Also he isn't much important here right now. My life almost gone up after seeing your room. I asked maids to clean everything before this sick girl comes back " Aunty said

" Shouldn't we sent her with Mr Varman ? She will be happy to stay with him. " I suggested and then only I remembered they don't stay in that house anymore. But I wonder where they are staying now ?

" No no no. .  what are you talking about ? If they took her back then won't they get doubts watching all those bruises on her skin ? Also this is the perfect time to provoke dadi against her. I talked to one of my friend. She is a gynecologist. Now with this epilepsy issue it will be easy for her to certify that Lakshmi can't conceive or its dangerous. At a time like this dadi won't be ready to check her luck. So her mind will sway slowly. Only thing left is to make a good impression on her about Lavanya. "

I was getting really irritated hearing her plans and that's in a hospital. But irony was didn't I marry her to divorce ? Then what's the big deal ? I am close to my revenge race. I snatched almost everything from them. Only left is that cafe. Watching Lakshmi's condition I decided to spare her. What more pain I can give her other than pushing her to death bed ? She was even an innocent.

" Aunty but that's not true. Obviously she can conceive fact is its little complicated. This is only a medical condition.... "

" Then do you want to make a child with her ?  " Aunt spatted to me angrily. She rolled her eyes watching my face and continued.

" You don't have to feel guilty about it. Even if she gets pregnant she never going to survive with such illness. May be the child will die, or she will die or both will die. Only fortunate people comes back to life without much issues. Do you want to take that risk ? Just think , if she gives a hier to family and died then he will the favourite to your dadi. Once you start a life with Lavanya then your kids will become invisible. This same would have happened with you but fortunately  Parvathi couldn't get pregnant. She is a barren. Do you want to repeat the history ? " Aunty's words were really hurtful for me with lot's of facts in it.

Not even in my dreams I dreamt of starting a life with Lakshmi. It was not like she isn't a nice and beautiful girl. She is the most beautiful girl who I ever met in my life. Sorry to say this Nisha but Lakshmi is just like her name.... Godess Lakshmi. I won't admit this to anyone but I can't cheat my own mind right ? If I wanted I could have easily got her into my bed. By this time may be a baby would have also growing inside her but what made me stopped was I don't wanted to repeat the history.

When I start a life with Lavanaya obviously a child will come as ours. Like Dhruv and I are like sworn enemies those kids also grow up like that. Then two kids from different mother can start a war inside my house. So what aunt said to me does makes sense even though the words were harsh. Better to let Lakshmi go from my side. It's time for that.