Tangled Tale With a Love Twist

by Shailly Jain

  Aditya has known its inevitable, but tears rolled down his eyes. Controlling himself he moved to hold his son. Softly removing karan’s hand from his father’s grasp. He ordered doctors to take him away.

  Guiding Karan to his room, he can sense the inner battle Karan is facing. His mother wants no part of the legacy and his grandfather wants him to embrace it. After the funeral, he will deal with it.

  He is barking orders at Rajeev, the memorial service will be right after the funeral. Funeral will be a personal affair. But the memorial is open to everyone for paying respects. The deceased is a leader to many and a well-respected member of society. All the villages have declared peace and harmony for 24hours to honor the dead.

  After the cremation:-

  Aditya can take no more chances, he declares at the memorial- There is peace for coming 24hours.

  In front of all the village heads, he clarifies - Karan is here to pay his respect like you all. Since childhood he has been raised outside our community, he is not one of us. His words held a note of warning. We shouldn’t bring him in between else, It will not end good for anyone.

  In mid-sentence, he can see the dagger moving towards his son’s heart. He gasped at the anticipation of a hit.

  Karan catches it midair. Throwing it back to kill the assassin.

  With a shrill cry the man collapsed on the floor. After a round of mixed gasps and slow voices, there is pin drop silence in the room. Karan raises his hand stopping anyone to help the dying man.

  Looking directly at his father, he takes the place in front of him.

  Tilting head, he looked down at the assembled chiefs. The blaze in his eyes, shook many to their core. My Grandfather has offered me to lead, he raised the voice. But, I have nothing against anyone here. So, Don’t initiate something you will regret. I give you my words that backing down isn’t my strong suit.

  If anyone here wants to challenge me to duel, he can come forward. His voice thundered in silent room. One more attempt on my life and I will take it as an open declaration of war.

  Aditya has moved aside and now can see the flare in his eyes. His stature is the same as his grandfather. Fear in the eyes of all confirms the true leader. His father’s legacy has returned to rule and he can’t do anything to stop him. The proud he feels is beyond the seventh cloud.

  The prodigal son has returned.

  This time Karan’s words are like thunder in the sky - I take an oath to destroy all, who stands against my family.

  There is a mur-mur in the crowd but nobody has the courage to say anything out loud.

  In evening after the departure of the guests, its time for Karan to leave. Rajeev and Aditya both are coming to the airport. It’s hard to ignore the expectations of the villagers but he has a different life. Where he has Sia.

  The thought of someone harming his people, made his blood boil. He will come back and destroy all.

  But right now its time to leave. It’s his good fortune that he got a chance to meet his people. The circumstances were dire but there love is all that he wants to remember.

  Saying his goodbyes he sat in the car.

  Mid way seeing him so silent. Aditya taps his shoulder, Son, your world is waiting. Don’t worry about us, we will survive. Don’t be a stranger after going back.

  Karan smiles, I will call you regularly.

  Before he can say anymore the car lost its balance. Forming the array they are now moving in the trees to take shelter. Rajeev is conveying the attack locations to his teams. Karan listen to me you are the target sir, please take your father and leave. We will hold the fort. Karan can see only a handful of men, Rajeev, you don’t have enough strength to hold these people.

  Before a blink of eyes, he throws the dagger at the enemy behind Rajeev.

  Grabbing his arm he moves him in his father’s direction, Stay right beside him.

  In a few strides he covers the distance between him and enemies. Thrashing a few to dirt in between.

  Aditya can see from a distance that none of them are recovering from ground. Rajeev sees a few more coming towards Karan, he moves to join him. Aditya stops him there, Let the kid handle them.

  Aditya takes a seat on a nearby stone smiling. His son’s speed, agility, and fighting skill is no match to the village goons.

  In minutes, he has harmed and disarmed twenty of his enemies. It looks like Karan has not left anyone for Rajeev. It all happened so fast that everybody is still looking at him in shock.

  With a smirk smile he hands the last victim in Rajeev’s arm. Torture him, he will give you the names. There is no man standing beside the last one from the enemy clan.

  Aditya knows where this is going, Son, we need to leave the car has arrived. Shaking his head he replies in a monotone, you forgot the oath dad. Tell me the name of the attacker’s master. It’s war now.

  Rajeev stammers It is your mother’s village, they all have this tattoo, The half standing man has a serpant picture on his arm

  . Send a message Rajeev, Tell them to hand over the culprit, or else I will not think twice before killing my mother’s people. Its a one time offer make it clear.

  The culprit was sent in chains with gifts to compensate for the last night’s events. After giving him the punishment Aditya turns to Karan. Son its not over, it is never this easy. Keep your eyes open. Rajeev will teach you the reins of the family. Days are passed in learning the villages equation. He wants to call Sia but there is always are threat lingering in the background. He has to find the real masterminds behind all of this.

  In the past 2 days, Karan has found and killed the mind behind the attacks. Drenched in blood he is thinking if its the right time to marry Sia. He must confess his love but the ceremonies will only take place after everything settles here. He will go to every length to make this place her home.

  ********

  She had been cooped up in her little home for past days. Her heart wanted to run back to her father but that’s not a permanent solution. She is tired of running too.

  The conflict in mind is keeping her awake day and night. Her heart wants to believes Karan is innocent. He can’t stoop so low. But her mind keeps repeating everything bad she knows till now. She is hoping for past days that he will call. Tell her he wants a life with her. But nothing happened, It looks like he has vanished.No one knows she has returned. But sooner or later someone will come here and see what a mess she has become. She is surprised that Rahul hasn’t shown up in the past days. Not knowing is killing her, she picks the phone to call her.

  Seeing her picture flash on the phone he smiles, Hello Sia its not a good time love. So don’t ask about me, tell me hows your life. Hearing the words she thought he is denying her any part of his life. If that what he wants then nothing can be done. Before she burst into crying she says, Karan, it was just a one night stand. Sarah told me about you, don’t worry I am not looking for any long term relationship. Bye. Putting the phone down she burst into tears.

  Karan has to destroy his enemies and Sia has given him all the rage he needed. Here he is thinking of building a life with her and she was planning to stomp his heart. Till now he was trying to be a good man for her. His decisions involved her. Going back to her old life she must have realized her priorities. He will keep the honor of her wish. Now there is nothing urgent to go back to. He has all his life to sort this mess.

  It is her fault that he can hurt her again and again. She was a fool to think he has any interest in her. Aditya sir has warned her but like an idiot, she has neglected every warning. Her mind burst with images of their time spent. The need to get rid of his memories overtook everything else. She burnt everything she purchased from the first day to impress him. Washing herself to get rid of his touch doesn’t help.

  When no energy is left she collapsed on the floor. She pledges never to fall for him again. Moving on is difficult but it must be done. Dropping a message in the family group she closes her eyes. These people never abandoned her they deserve better.
<
br />   The one with the Heart Break

  Waking up at the sound of the doorbell her heartbeat increases. It must be Karan coming to his senses. Washing face she checks her reflection. Still a mess but looking ok. Her hope dropped opening the door its Vikram Uncle. She smiles, Anything urgent uncle. Vikram smiles, its urgent as well as personal too. That’s why I am here. She can sense he is all serious. Taking the seat on the sofa he starts. I have always considered you as my own. Now I want to make it official. I am asking your hand in marriage for my son Sia. She is startled by revelation.

  She can’t think of a single thing to say. Rahul is perfect in every way, but her heart belongs to Karan. Telling him this will only bring pain so she decides to give another excuse. Uncle asks him once about this. Vikram laughs, He has loved you all his life, Sia. When you were away, he was miserable. I have asked him, Sia, he is very happy about it. She lightly stammers, my father and Vishaka aunty may have an objection. Vikram smiles, they have known. Uday and Vishaka has granted there blessings kid.

  Now it’s up to you kiddo. The opening of the door saved her from saying anything further. Rahul is uneasy seeing his father. Dad contains your excitement, she is looking all freaked. Give us some time. He pushes him playfully, Now go. We will call you later.

  Rahul knows something dreadful has happened here. The smell of burnt and swelled eyes are an indication of her discomfort. Sitting next to her he says, Sia do you want to share something?. Hugging him she finally felt some peace. As she became sober, he swiftly shifted at the other end of the couch. Tell me truthfully, If you don’t want to marry Sia. I will talk to dad and make everything normal. His heart wants her to say, but her condition suggests there is a lot behind it.

  Sia knows she will never get over Karan fully. But with Rahul, she can be truthful. Spending life with him will be good. Marrying with Rahul will close all doors of Karan’s return. To move on she has to do something, its desperate but its right. But before everything else, he should know the truth.

  She doesn’t know how to start. Rahul first listens to everything and then give your verdict. I was in love and to be true I still am. But My love was not reciprocated. I have learned my lesson hard way. I want to move on and I am ready to marry you.

  It will take some time for me to be yours. But I can only promise you that I will try to be yours. Every day of our married life, I will be truthful and try to be worthy of you. But I can’t force you to be a part of a half-hearted relationship, you deserve better. So the choice is yours.

  Rahul can’t believe she is willing to be his. Everybody has a past at least she is truthful about it. Taking her hand he says, I have enough love for both of us. Sia if you will try for a moment to be mine its enough for me. I will work every day to earn your respect and love. Leaning into each other they sat there for hours. Seeing her waking up he asks - tea. Sia smiles, yes, and then we are going home. He quizzically raises his eyebrows. She laughs to share the news with everyone.

  Everyone is very excited about the news. There are a few dates to choose from, Vikram selected the closest one. He wants no more delay in their marriage. He announces we have 15 days to prepare. Rahul knows Sia requires more time to heal, Dad it’s too early. Vikram laughs, Kid It is happening, I will take care of everything. Don’t worry.

  Sia smiles, Uncle is right it’s perfect.

  ********

  Uday is so happy to see her little girl taking such a big step. Ruffling her hair he says, You have chosen nice one kiddo. I hope you are happy. She smiles brightly to remove any concern on her father’s mind.

  There is so much to do in so less time. Venue and catering are taken by Vikram and Uday. Vishaka is taking care of the dresses and jewelry. Sarah is on the duty of spa, beauty routine, shopping, rejuvenating, and helping Sia to have a good time.

  Sia smiles at Rahul, I am lucky to have you as a best friend and in the future better half. Rahul tagged himself on the shopping spree. Saving her from making decisions as Sia is agreeing to everyone’s choices. Rahul can see she has lost a taste for food. Her smile has been missing. Rahul worries for her all the time.

  He can see she is smiling at all the appropriate situations. But her eyes lack the conviction, its good nobody else has paid attention. Sia has started feeling like she is living someone else’s life. Her days are spent with deceiving smiles and night with truthful tears. Soon the guests will start arriving and the day will come. Thinking that she burst into tears.

  ********

  Karan has lost his appetite, refusing food he indulged himself back, in the welfare of people. Aditya rarely sees him smiling, it feels like something has changed in him. To be true he seems broken.

  It’s good Karan has embraced his true self but he has lost his son in all of this. Now what he sees is a leader. Deciding to chat he asks Karan, so when did you learn to fight. Karan smiles, mother taught me when I was young. After that, she has enrolled me in one of the institutes to learn. Aditya remembers how she used to say, Karan will be my biggest weapon.

  Son do something for fun too. At night you immerse in the work of security firm. Days are spent with villagers. Your health is impacting now. Seeing his father’s concern, he comforts him by saying I will eat properly from now on. I am leaving but we will talk soon.

  Aditya knows his son is hiding his pain behind work. Like father like son.

  Satya has sent Sia’s wedding invitation to Aditya with a note - Rectify your mistake before its too late. He has given his words that Karan will marry for love not legacy. He has realized Karan’s true love for Sia. It’s his mistake to think he wants to achieve her. The agonizing pain Karan feels shows the way he feels for Sia. Now its high time Karan accepts the same. Declaration of love is not by big words, it’s by keeping small promises. He will keep his wife’s honor by keeping his promise.

  Rajeev sends Karan to my room. Sir, he is out taking a meeting. I don’t like to repeat Rajeev, send him now. Karan joins him in the office. Throwing the wedding invitation on the table he says - Grab, your jacket, you a wedding to stop. Karan smiles seeing the blood on his hand, she has chosen well. Aditya can see the sadness in Karan’s eyes. I think she loves you, son, now the question is do you love her. If yes, find out what’s in her heart. Karan’s heart knows Sia loves him. No one can fake it that good and definitely not Sia. She must have her reasons and he decides to know them all.

  As Karan starts to leave Aditya stops him. Give your words son you will give her the choice. Karan doesn’t understand the meaning but nodded to agree. Festivities start today, go before its too late. Rajeev will accompany you.

  Karan has changed into a suit, clutching the ring his hands shivered. A mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement is coursing in his heart. Rajeev smiled seeing him taking the front seat. Sir, it doesn’t look appropriate please sit in the back. Rajeev reserve that honor for my father, You have taught me everything. I respect you, Rajeev, drive now but if you want to switch places. Just say it.

  The one with the Plan

  Karan reached the hall after the ring ceremony. Recognizing him at gate, Sarah is all over him. But he has eyes for only one woman today. She is looking breathtaking in golden lehenga choli.

  The woman on the stage owes him a few answers. Whoever she chooses today, the person will be the luckiest man on this earth. In his assumption, it will be Rahul, but he is not going down without a good fight. Standing there with determination, he is waiting for her to see him.

  Sia, can’t do it, it’s her wrong thinking that she can go with the ceremony. Seeing Karan, her emotions are all over the place. Not seeing him was better, at least she can cry her heart out alone at nights. Before she loses her cool in front of all the guests, she excuses herself to the dressing room.

  Rahul is accompanying her seeing her white face. Vishal, Rajeev, Ayushi stopped him by teasing - leave her for a few minutes, Romeo. She is all your in 3 days. Rahul gave her a nod to carry on before anyone else can sense her discomfort. She should take some
time to regain her composure. He can see she is on the urge to cry.

  The girl gang is leaving to accompany her. Rahul chuckled - Don’t bother my better half, I need you all here to plan something. Sarah teased - Your bride to be, not better half mister, hold your horses for a few days.

  She doesn’t know why he is here, that too today. His expressions confirmed that confrontation is unavoidable. She is not ready for that. He shattered her heart twice, but she still feels guilty for hurting him. She increased her pace to leave the sight of everyone. Feeling breathless, she opted for the terrace to have some solitude.

  Rahul can’t get away from the gathering. He has to talk to him. If he is here today there, he must be a madman. He has to talk some sense into him. He signaled the DJ to start the festivities.

  ********

  Karan has lost the trail of Sia after the 2nd floor. Mr. Vikram has stopped him for a short chat. Asking him if he has eaten or not. He wishes to join the gathering, but he politely declined by saying he has to attend an urgent call. He knows she requires fresh air to clear her head.

  Seeing him, she broke into tears. Sia, why are you doing this wedding?. She mumbled something softly under her breath.

  Sia, look at me while you are speaking. Tilting her chin up, he is forcing her to look at him. She said, closing her eyes - I am happy, Rahul will make a good husband. Tell your face. Crying is no way to show it, smile for me love. She rushed past Karan seeing Rahul at the terrace gate.

  Karan is not done with her. Rahul pushed him in the chest, to hold him on the terrace - We need to talk stay. Sia, you go, I will join you in a minute.

  Rahul came downstairs to find Sia Dancing with family. Seeing him alone her eyes lost hope. Portraying a brave face she is smiling brightly at him. Someone Shouted, start drumroll finally the groom is back. Sia behaved like a good future wife. She stayed late to wish goodbye to every guest. From tomorrow the rituals will not allow the bride and groom to meet till the wedding.