by Shailly Jain
That’s why you hired my best friend to betray me, dad?
Gaurav is not my hired gun. Whatever you do with him is not my problem.
The chat with his father is long overdue, it can wait for a few more days. The need to see her is overtaking. He left the room, giving a disgusting look.
In the hallway, he met Satya. The woman has practically raised him. Hugging her, he asks - How are you? Missed me? Have you seen a green-eyed woman?. Sia is okay, Karu. Listening, his nickname, made him smile. Go to your room and change, you reek of sweat. I will send her when she is ready.
He chuckles seeing the gown, Is this for Sia? Satya nodded. She is not a gown person, any two-piece attire will do the trick. Satya loves the way he is smiling, it reminds her of the old days. Point taken Karu, now go and wash up. I will call you when the food is ready. Kissing her on the cheek, he left.
His room is the same as he left. Cleaner than he remembers, he ran a hand over all the pictures. Opening the closet, its another story. There are no jeans, T-shirts, sandals, sports shoes. It is filled with designer suits, shirts, pants, chinos, belts, and shoes. It seems like someone has replicated his father’s collection in his size. Choosing a light blue linen shirt with white chinos. Pairing them with brown loafers. Throwing clothes on the bed, he moved to take a bath.
Showering has taken the edge off. Murmuring some lyrics, he started looking at the clothes on the bed. She turned around fastly, seeing his semi-nude state. He shouted - Knock-Knock, remember we had the talk. She retorted - I remember, why don’t you close the door?. Don’t wear a shirt, open fast.
Throwing towel around his neck, he opens the door. Karan side plz, she drops the first aid kit, bowl, cotton, bandages on the bed. Holding her from shoulders, he took a quick look. Other than swelling on the left cheek, she looks okay.
Looking in her eyes is a mistake. The pull they emit is unbearable. Closing distance between them, he pushed her on the bed. Massaging her scalp, he softly licked the injury on her lips. She moaned with pain and excitement.
Sia opens her eyes at his sudden loose grip. The guilty look in his eyes torn her apart. Increasing her grip on his back, she whispers - I want this. Slowing kissing him, her hands explores the physique beneath the shirt. The hunger with which she is biting his lower lip took him over the edge. His hands move to unclasp her bra, hungrily kissing her neck. Increasing the pressure on the hair, making hairpin came undone. Sia’s hand is tugging at the belt buckle to come undone.
The bang on the door is growing louder. Sia give me a minute to deal with it. Hissing a curse under his breath, he throws the towel around his neck.
Covering the half-open door, he greets Satya. In background, Sia is clasping the hook of her bra behind him. Satya is staring at him in suspicion, what are you hiding?
He winked, getting checked by a sexy nurse. Doctors didn’t check you, should I call someone -Satya’s voice holds the concern.
He smiles wickedly, Do you really want me to choose between a sexy nurse or an old man with a stethoscope? Karu, your father is waiting downstairs. Seeing the concern, he reassured her - I am okay, In a minute we will join you. He moves back, Satya can see Sia turn around, arranging the medical supplies.
********
He turns around in a lust laded voice, So where were we, love?.
Karan, she is right. The injuries require attention, you should see a doctor.
Sia, I am okay. Clutching her from the waist, I have a better idea to use our time.
Take a hint Khadoos, the moment has passed. Sit here and let me check at least. Her breath on his neck and soft touch of fingers are driving him crazy. He grabbed her hand to stop the slow torture. Karan, let me check, and don’t move at the touch.
The soft-touch of her fingers is exciting him beyond limits. He is holding at best, from taking her in arms and crushing her beneath him. Taking her than and there is the only thought in his mind.
She finds swelling and redness but nothing severe. I am putting bandages, don’t finch if it burns a little. Examining her work for satisfaction, slowing moving fingers from chest to waistline. She chuckles moving for the gate - come downstairs fast.
Aditya felt her hesitation as she is standing at the Dinning gate for too long. The room can serve 30 people in a single lot, but it lacks any personal touch.
Sia, join me at the small table outside. Aditya Sir, we can sit here if you want. Kiddo, I want to talk to you, come we will sit on a smaller one.
We should wait for Karan. If you haven’t paid attention Sia, he doesn’t like me much. It’s a possibility he will not join us. Serving them, she started talking about their time on the run.
He doesn’t want to sit with his father, seeing Sia he joined. His father is happy to see Sia’s childlike excitement. He is listening to Sia’s with such enthusiasm that it melted his heart. Encouraging her more to speak about her life and work. His eyes roaming over her with concern whenever she touches her lips swelling. She has spent less than 24hours in his company, the bond between them can be felt. He is his own blood, but they don’t see eye to eye.
Aditya is done with his meal. He has a lot to take care of, to set Sia free. Before leaving the room, he handed her a phone. Call anyone, You are not a prisoner here. We are not able to accommodate your friends currently. Believe me, I will have a solution to your problem. You will have your old life back, I promise.
He left, giving a soft ruffle on her hair. Sia joined Satya for a while to ask something.
Gaurav has spent most of his time with Sia at Singh estate. Waiting for Karan to come around but it’s not happening. He is so stubborn that he will throw away any relation in his blind rage. He can no more take this foolishness. Leaving Sia in Aditya Sir’s company, he starts looking for him.
Karan is watching Sia from the window facing lawn. Feeling Gaurav’s presence he turns around, What do you want?
Gaurav gave a deep sigh, Can we talk it out?
Karan retorts in an angry tone, You have one chance to explain your betrayal.
Gaurav is done with his attitude, he says in a sharp tone. Our security had a breach and I don’t know-how. Both of your lives are at the line, I can’t think of any other option. There is one man better at planning than you and it’s your dad.
In the past, he has inquired about you but I never gave anything away. But in that situation, I can’t think of anyone more resourceful than Aditya Singh. He adds firmly, I did the right thing. He adds emotionally, I do rather see you alive that carry on the old grudges.
Karan can understand the fear he must have felt learning about the attack. They have indeed gone wrong, somewhere. It has been bothering him a lot too. He can hold his grudges against his father, But he can’t expect everyone else to do the same. To be frank, Gaurav has done everything for his sake.
He gives him a big hug.
They sat there discussing all the missing months. There is a lot to catch up. Gaurav slowly informs him, I am going back tomorrow. Karan wants to join him but he has a lot to resolve here. He can really get back when Sia will be free of all this. Wishing Goodbye to his friend Karan thinks of people Sia had worked before the elope.
********
Sia has called her father, Rahul, Vikram uncle Sarah, Rajeev, Vishal. The phone is encrypted, so her location is untraceable. She can’t see her social accounts, but after such a long time hearing everyone’s voice work wonders. She checked on all the things she has missed. It’s late picking up the nightclothes she moved to the bathroom.
Nightie is a gown with a robe. Attire is a stunning looking piece with intricate lacework. Thin straps on shoulders are the only support for holding the dress. The cut from the bottom ran till the thigh, delicate lacework on v neck leaves a little room for imagination.
She looks sexy in the reflection of the mirror, she smiled. She thought of bumping to show this dress to Karan then opted to sleep instead. Karan is playing nice, but she shouldn’t read too much into that. He is back in the real wor
ld. God knows how he will react.
Her shrill cry for help woke him up in an instant. He ran to her she gave a loud cry again. Opening the lights, he sat next to her. She is moving in distress. He pulled her to sit straight. Shaking her, he shouted – Everything thing is okay, Sia open your eyes. You are safe, look around. Open your eyes love, see I am here. She opened her eyes slowly at his voice, seeing him there she hugged him. I am dreaming about those men she is softly crying. Sia, they are not here.
Hearing her voice, a few servants have gathered around the gate. Karan moved closer to cover her in an embrace. Whatever she is wearing shows more than it hides. Ordering everyone to leave, he focuses on the woman in his arms. Her gown ran thigh high on her legs. A peek of cleavage is showing through the lace. His mouth dried with sexual need. Making distance between them, he arranged her hair on one shoulder. Sia time to go back to sleep. Don’t you worry, I am here.
It’s killing him to do the right thing. He is trying to be a gentleman, not taking advantage of a distressed woman. But seeing her in that attire has evoked all sorts of dirty thoughts. Sleep is not going to come easy now.
She can’t sleep, knowing he is looking at her with such intense desire. Seeing his discomfort on the chair-
Karan, there is a lot of space on this bed, join me. Adding mischievously, I will not take your advantage. Against his better judgment, he joined her on the bed. Sia no more chit chat sleep now.
During the night, she snuggled closer. While he slept like a baby.
Moving for a blanket, he realizes Sia is all over him. Her head is lying on his neck. Snuggling closer to her, he slowly pulled the blanket over them. Its ages since he felt so carefree.
********
The morning sunshine woke her up. Seeing Karan next to her, she slowly slid away. To avoid an awkward confrontation about the dream, she quickly moved to the bathroom.
Karan woke up the moment Sia is trying to sneak out. She is taking a lot of time in the bathroom. He chuckles at the thought, Sia, you can’t hide in the bathroom until I leave.
She shouts from inside- Karan plz call Satya I have nothing fresh to wear.
His body reacted at the thought of her standing naked with shiny water droplets all over. I am coming in, love, I am taking your words as an invite. She grabbed the gown to cover herself.
He can hear the squabble in her voice, I was Joking love. I am sending some clothes for you. Before his mind thinks of more ways to pleasure her, he should leave.
Satya plz arrange something for Sia to wear. Do it, fast she is in the bathroom. She is happy to see him smiling so openly. Satya has not seen him so happy since his mother died. He has the same enthusiasm and energy as his childhood days. Karan cleanup fast, breakfast is ready.
The guest Aditya sir mentioned, turns out the best surprise. Sia ran into Rahul’s arm, captivating him in a tight hug. She whispers - I missed you, I have a lot to tell you. Smiling at Aditya, she asks - Can I show him around. Sia, we have something urgent to discuss, take 5 minutes and meet me in the library.
Sia is speaking with Rahul and Gaurav in the lawn. The trio looks happy.
Aditya has joined Karan in the library. Stop pouting son, let’s get back to work. If you want, I can call her? Karan gave a disgusting look - Let her enjoy some moments. Tell me what we got. Aditya is explaining the whole situation to Karan.
********
Sia is all confused, what going on?
Aditya started, as all of them only know a part of the story, he knows it all. Sia, while you were in hiding. These two have driven themselves crazy here. Chasing every lead and scenario. Two days back when your attackers mentioned tapes. It struck Rahul you might have recorded something fishy.
We got lucky in that case. Handycam automatically backs up everything on the cloud server.
He starts the projector. See this video you made to celebrate the success that day. Before the shot, you can see these men with guns. They are not one of the security. On running their background, we came to know they are thugs, convicted for a felony.
Submitting the evidence we got warrants for them. Sia raised her hand to ask - how do they get in?
Karan has connected a few more dots in that area. We checked the id cards of goons, the authority signature is by, Arvind Vashist.
He is a part of the event, so no one looked into him at that time. Sia, once you told Karan that Arvind runs into illegal situations mostly. The most possible scenario is, that goons have something over him.
Arvind has also visited Gaurav before the recent attack on you. We found a security breach, he must have gained your location at the office.
Sia, most probably your culprit is Arvind.
Sia can’t believe her ears. Arvind has asked for the software. He told her that it is a life and death matter. That filthy person has taken his revenge by trying to steal something and ruining their reputations.
She is looking directly at Karan, Promise me he will get his punishment.
He will, I promise you that. Picking up his jacket to leave when Aditya ordered -Rahul and Gaurav to join him in the quest.
********
Aditya understands the way Sia feels for his son. She is a good girl, and Karan is not the settling type. She deserves a warning - Karan will run away the moment you are his. He doesn’t believe in the long run. Choose wisely, kid.
Sia is thinking about what Aditya said. She knows in her heart, he is wrong. Once he will come to know him, everything will fall in place. Karan came late at night, he dropped her a message - Arvind is now in police custody.
Aditya informed her in the morning, now its only matter of a week. She will be free to pursue her life on a normal track. I am going out, Satya is here. Feel free to call me anytime kid.
Sia decides to rectify the one thing they left to include in the plan yesterday. Using the library computer, she starts the search for bounty. The dark web is a nasty place to search for anything. It took her half a day to discard a bounty prize money. There can be many more, she has to keep looking for the coming days.
The one with the Old Tales
Karan has left to take care of something. She misses, their solitude from the world. The moment they are back, he is running back and forth to get things done. He is the legitimate heir of the Singh Empire. Why is he running from his legacy?
There must be something behind these differences. The anger he feels is justified in his mind. But whatever she knows about Aditya sir, he is a good man. Tomorrow she will try to find out more.
The men of the house came late at night. Checking on her, he left to sleep. Working on bounty her mind keeping back to Karan.
Snooping in the library to gain more information about his family. Journals can give insight or diaries like his mothers. She is reading from a few books to find anything that matters. When voices started growing louder every minute. Hiding behind a rack, she started moving back. When the time will be right, she will leave from the back gate. The voices are clear now.
Karan shouted, Explain once and for all.
Taking the bottle from rack Aditya went to the flashback. Your mother and I married to join two powerful legacies, not for love. You were the blessing, who joined us as a family. Soon she became my life son, but we can’t run away from our wretched past. At least one has to stay to hold the fort. With time she wanted to cut all her ties and give you a clean slate you deserve.
Karan is giving a snarky smile, You can’t make time for your life and your child?
Aditya’s face holds the look of longing and anger. Son if you think she is away from me due to infidelity. I can give you my word - I remained true, till her last breath.
My wife only asked me once for something - To let you go. I don’t know what she told you, she never wanted you involved in any of this. I quote her- Make sure he has to never marry for legacy, he should marry for love. So when the time came, I did the hardest thing in my life. I let you go. I even let you grow up with her family name Mehra, away fr
om me. What more you want me to do, son?
Karan understands the pain of being away from the blood. He missed him. The words came weaker than his expectation - She said the whole legacy is built on blood and sweat of innocents. Don’t tell me she lied, I believe her.
Placing a hand on his shoulder he smiles, Your mother never lied. She is the most honest person I ever met. Villages have a history of bloodshed, she told you the bare truth about our legacy. We married to settle the fight over territories. Being first-hand victims of those feuds, we decided to raise you here, away from everything. When your warrior genes started showing their true colors, she took you away from here also.
Life has a cruel way of catching up, few enemies don’t like peace. They wanted only your Blood as a victory. Many times she defended you with her life, but once she failed and it costed her life.
Karan’s eyes flare the burning anger he is feeling. One thing dad, the scum who killed her is still breathing?
Aditya’s vindictive smiles have answered before his words. Destroyed every bit of happiness in front of his eyes. I burned every living soul of his family tree. Son, she is avenged. He left the room saying, Take your time son, it’s a lot to digest at once. I will send both of your dinners here.
********
Today is like reliving the days of her mother’s death. She died defending him. The pain and sorrow are unbearable to deal with. Last time he focused all his emotions into a rage, he lashed out at everyone. Burying it under anger was easy. Blaming dad was easy. Running away from everything was easy. Dealing is difficult.
Karan lets eat, punching this bag will not bring her back. He shouts - Last time Sia, Go away. Throwing her out of the room, he closes the door behind. He can feel her sitting outside. Sorry, I am not in my right mind, why don’t you leave me alone, Love? Because Karan you are hurting. Slowly touching his face, It’s okay to feel bad. In Sia’s arms, he mourned his mother’s demise. He sobbed for the lost years with his father. He felt like a dead weight lifting from his chest. The sound in the stable breaks the paradise silence. Tucking her in bed, he slides beside her. She feels like home.