by MV Kasi
There was no dancing around it or putting it off until later. She had to thank Dev Singham for saving a Prajapati’s life.
She knocked on the door twice and waited. Part of her hoped he wasn’t inside or had left for the day. But she knew that was not remotely possible. Dev Singham put in extremely long working hours at the construction site—longer than hers. He was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. Most of the time, he even stayed the night to oversee the night shifts.
During the first week of their work, Sabitha realized how useful that little bed and other luxuries placed within the office were. She, herself, had spent a few nights in the office when there was some issue or the other during the work week.
She and Dev Singham had been working according to the planned schedule. One of them was always present during most of the night shifts. Since she had other commitments at the Prajapati Estate, he was the one who stayed most of the nights.
“Come in,” a deep voice commanded from the room.
Sabitha opened the door and went inside. She suddenly stopped short when her eyes fell on the sight in front of her.
Dev Singham was pouring an amber-colored drink into a glass while wearing just a stark white towel around his hips. His hair was still wet, and his clothes were drying on the back of a chair.
“What?” he asked before looking up. His mouth froze on top of the glass when he saw who it was.
She felt a small shiver pass through her as their eyes met.
Feeling annoyed with her silly reactions, she strode forward towards one of the chairs and sat down.
She frowned when he didn’t say anything. He was watching her quietly while taking a sip from his drink.
“Well?” she asked.
He slowly came closer and leaned against the edge of the office desk with his drink in hand. He was barely a foot away from her. If that was his way of trying to intimidate her, he was failing. But he didn’t glare at her or say anything, just continued staring.
The silence grew longer and uncomfortable.
Why the hell wasn’t he asking her what she had come for? He was the first to snap and sneer whenever he saw her. Feeling annoyed about wasting her precious time, she decided to get it over with. A couple of shipments were expected late that night, and she had to be there ensuring it reached the Prajapati province safely without being intercepted by the Senanis.
Sabitha looked Dev Singham in the eye. “Thanks,” she said.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Thanks? What exactly are you thanking me for?” he asked, continuing to watch her lazily as he took another sip of his drink. His deep voice sounded sinful.
Her eyes automatically were drawn to his well-shaped lips and then down towards the rest of his exposed body. He was all muscle with well-defined abs under his tanned skin. But unlike most of the Singham or Prajapati men, his body did not have bulky muscles with veins popping out. Instead, he had sleek, smoothly-shaped muscles containing unleashed power.
He looked so damn good-looking, it pissed her off that he was blessed with such looks.
She felt torn between wanting to touch his ridged abs on his stomach and wanting to smash his smug, knowing face on his desk.
Controlling both those instincts, she blanked the expression on her face. “I wanted to thank you for today. Even though you might have known the woman was a Prajapati, you didn’t let your personal feelings come into play and saved an innocent life.”
He didn’t say anything. His eyes lingered on her face and then slowly ran over her clothes. She was wearing her usual work clothes of a simple cotton blouse with comfortable khaki trousers. But the way he was running his eyes made her think she was seated in a provocative way in front of him in barely there, flimsy clothes.
Another involuntary shiver ran through her body.
Ever since she had taken up the reins of the Prajapati Estate, due to the nature of her duties, she was mostly surrounded by men. She was used to commanding them and working alongside them on a daily basis that she considered herself as one of them. Most of the time, she forgot she was a woman and a young one at that—a woman who could have needs—physical needs.
Dev Singham had been the only one who always reminded her of that fact.
Goosebumps broke on her skin again as he continued to hold her eyes with an intense look. She could feel the tension and something else crackle between them as he stared and stared.
Whenever he watched her, she had always seen something in his eyes apart from the hate that unsettled her. Like always, she tried ignoring it.
But she couldn’t. She watched helplessly as his hooded eyes slid to her lips again, tingling them, reminding her of the time they had kissed. Or rather when he had kissed her.
His eyes continued to stare at her lips as he put his drink on the table and slowly leaned towards her until the subtle smell of his expensive body wash enveloped her completely.
She didn’t know why, but she stayed frozen while her heart thudded with anticipation.
His lips were barely a few inches away when a knock on the door made her jump.
“Dev, your nine o’ clock appointment is here. I’ve asked him to wait in the meeting room,” Dev Singham’s assistant said from outside the door.
Sabitha blinked a few times before getting up from the chair quickly.
Her eyes fell on the thunderous scowl on Dev Singham’s face. She didn’t know whether it was because they were interrupted or whether he realized he was just about to kiss his sworn enemy.
Without a word, she went to the door and pulled it open.
Dev’s assistant greeted her politely. Nodding at him in acknowledgement, Sabitha went into her office before collapsing on the chair.
What the hell was that?
She wanted to shake herself for what she had almost done. That, too, with Dev Singham. How could she be so shallow and almost give in because of mere good looks?
Not only did they hate each other, he was also a notorious playboy. If she ever gave in to their inconvenient attraction, he would not only gloat and hold it as a victory over her—he would also destroy her completely.
CHAPTER 13
Sabitha was instructing Dhruv and a few other men when she heard a knock on her office door.
“Come in,” she said, half expecting it to be Dev Singham’s minion with some or other document or instruction, but surprisingly it wasn’t.
It was Anika Patel or rather, Anika Singham.
Sabitha knew that Anika and Abhay Singham had returned. Her aunt especially wouldn’t stop talking or asking each night whether or not she had heard anything from Anika. Neelambari had alternately looked fearful and anxious. Although Sabitha was mildly curious about her aunt’s reaction, she still had no interest or the energy to find out what was bothering her.
“Sorry for interrupting. If you are busy, I can wait outside or come back later,” said Anika.
Sabitha wondered what she and her cousin had in common to talk about. Regardless, she asked Dhruv and the men to return later.
“Be seated,” Sabitha indicated to a chair. Her eyes fell on Anika’s stomach.
Sabitha had heard the news of Anika’s pregnancy. The Singhams and Prajapatis had been whispering excitedly while they speculated whether Abhay Singham would have a son or daughter first. And whether the child would finally break the curse of the drought.
“I’m sorry to just drop in without informing you first, but I needed some help,” said Anika.
“What kind of help,” Sabitha asked.
Anika bit her lip, looking uncertain. Sabitha didn’t say anything either to encourage or to discourage her.
Anika took a deep breath as though bracing herself for an angry outburst or rejection. “I’m investigating something important, Sabitha. For that, I need help from you. Help to spy on our aunt.”
Sabitha frowned. “On Neela? What information do you need on Neela?”
“Well not information precisely, but handwritten letters. Neelambari
wrote letters to Vijay Singham while he was studying in London. I’ve seen a few of them. I’m sure he must have written some back as a reply. I have a feeling she must be saving them somewhere, either in her room or at the library. I want those letters.”
Sabitha knew that if Vijay Singham had written letters, her aunt would have definitely saved them somewhere. “Why do you need those letters?” she asked. “As far as I know they must have been written more than thirty years ago.”
“You are right,” said Anika. “The letters would be that old. I need them because personal letters can contain a lot of insight and information.”
“Insight and information about what?”
“I’m trying to prove that the feud which started thirty years ago was not entirely warranted.” Anika’s look softened. “One of the most critical things I’m also trying to prove is that your father, Harshvardhan Prajapati, did not kill Arundhati Singham.”
There was a loaded silence.
“What makes you say that?” Sabitha asked quietly. “My father was pretty well-known for his aggression and hot temper.”
“Yes, but he was always known for his big-hearted and charitable ways,” Anika said gently. “I’ve read about him in letters Arundhati Singham wrote to Vijay Singham. And I’ve also read letters she got from your father.”
Anika told Sabitha what she had learned from the letters and how she didn’t think Harshvardhan Prajapati was capable of hurting Arundhati Singham.
After Anika finished, Sabitha watched her cousin. “My father couldn’t read or write, Anika. He was dyslexic,” Sabitha declared softly.
Anika looked stunned, but she immediately composed herself. “Maybe he was, but he must have asked someone else to write those letters on his behalf. Even if he hadn’t personally written them, those were his words and feelings on paper.”
Sabitha thought about it. During her childhood, she had seen her father dictating letters. “Alright. What exactly do you want me to do? You want me to—” Before Sabitha could complete the sentence, the door burst open, and Dev Singham strode in with a thunderous look on his face.
“Anika. Are you alright?” he asked.
Anika nodded. “I’m fine, Dev. I just came to have a chat with my cousin.”
“You came here on your own? You weren’t summoned?” he asked, throwing Sabitha a glare.
For a change, Sabitha didn’t get offended. She knew Abhay and Dev Singham must have found out about how Anika was tricked into visiting India by Neelambari. Sabitha also had a huge part in making that happen.
“Yes, I came here of my own will. I wanted to ask for Sabitha’s help.”
“With what? How can she help us with anything?” Dev Singham asked.
“I wanted Sabitha’s help in finding the letters that your father wrote to Neelambari, Dev. I feel we might get some insight as to what happened.”
Dev Singham frowned. “Even if those letters could be useful, why would she help us?”
“I can help,” Sabitha coolly interrupted. “But I can’t find the letters by myself,” she said.
Sabitha watched as understanding dawned in Anika’s eyes. Anika now knew Sabitha would not be able to identify the letters even if she found them.
“I’ll join you in the search,” Anika said softly.
Sabitha nodded. “I can arrange for you to come to the Prajapati Mansion—”
“No!” Dev Singham snapped. “I don’t trust you not to do something to Anika.” He turned to Anika. “I know even Abhay is not going to be happy to know you are going to the Prajapati Mansion.”
“Dev,” Anika gently interrupted. “I know you feel protective of me, but please, I can handle my aunt. Trust me.”
Dev’s expression softened. “It’s not that I don’t trust you or think you can’t handle someone, Anika. It’s just that you are not completely aware of what people here are capable of doing. If you want to go, let me come along with you.”
Anika looked thoughtful, and then she beamed. “I think that’ll work quite well, Dev. You can keep my aunt busy while Sabitha and I check her rooms.”
“No, it’s not advisable for you to be alone with her either,” Dev Singham told Anika.
“Dev!” Anika protested.
“You can stay with our bodyguards while I join—” Dev gave Sabitha a sweeping look, “—her in the search.”
Sabitha listened quietly as her cousin and Dev Singham went ahead and made the plans. She had an impassive look on her face as she observed Dev Singham watching her with a look that was a combination of anger, suspicion and something else she couldn’t define.
Sabitha also noticed how Dev Singham spoke as though he considered Anika to be a part of his family. She didn’t know why, but that part surprised her a little. If anything, Sabitha thought Dev Singham hated anything or anyone having to do with the Prajapatis.
“So, can I come to the Prajapati Mansion tomorrow and we can implement our plan?” Anika asked, interrupting the staring contest between Sabitha and Dev.
Dev and Sabitha turned to look at Anika who looked excited and was filled with anticipation rather than dread.
“I’ll make the necessary arrangements,” Sabitha said quietly.
***
That night when Sabitha went to bed, she thought about Anika’s revelations.
Was it possible that her father had not killed Arundhati Singham?
Sabitha had wanted to ask Anika more before Dev Singham interrupted them like an avenging angel. She was still not offended by the fact that he thought Sabitha might harm Anika. In fact, something about the way in which Dev Singham had looked and spoken to Anika made Sabitha feel restless inside. Dev Singham had been protective, caring, and tender towards his brother’s wife.
She now identified the feeling that had restlessly churned inside her.
Yearning.
Ever since her father had died, no one had ever been protective or shown any kind of tenderness towards her. She had always wondered what it would be like to take that kind of affection for granted from family or a loved one.
Sighing at her maudlin thoughts, she turned the lights off and went to sleep.
CHAPTER 14
“You went where!”
Dev watched in amusement as his brother’s usually cool and reserved voice sounded loud and outraged. Dev had just come to the library, carrying a few documents requiring Abhay’s signature on them.
Anika was at the library, too, and must have apparently just revealed what she wanted to do.
“How could you go to the site and meet your cousin on your own!” Abhay demanded.
“Will you just relax? I knew Dev was at the site when I went to meet Sabitha.”
Dev could see his brother wanted to say more but controlled himself when he saw the challenging glare on his wife’s face.
“I told you I wanted the letters,” said Anika. “I know Neelambari must have saved them all. Sabitha promised to help me find them.”
“Then let your cousin find them and send them to you.”
“She can’t read. So, Dev will help her search while I keep my aunt busy.”
“That sounds dangerous.”
“It’s not. But if you are worried, then join me while I distract my aunt. Sabitha and Dev can search for those letters.”
“Why would your aunt speak with you?” Abhay demanded. “You more or less challenged her authority the last time you saw her. She will not simply welcome you with open arms.”
“Oh, she will,” Anika said in a confident manner. “She will because I’m carrying Vijay Singham’s grandchild in me.”
Abhay frowned in confusion. Dev couldn’t blame him.
Dev was still confused about what Anika was trying to prove with the letters. But even if there was the smallest chance of having some clue to the past, he was willing to cooperate with Anika’s plan.
“What are you trying to prove, Anika?” Abhay asked.
Anika sighed. “You already know I have a strong gut feelin
g that your aunt was involved in some way or other for what happened with our parents. I just wanted to start by proving my suspicion that she was in love with your father.”
“Even if she was. What does that prove?” Dev asked curiously.
“It proves she wouldn’t just meekly accept to marry the brother of the man she loved.”
“Anika,” said Abhay in a gentle tone. “I already told you, love. People who grew up here give a lot of importance to family honor. Even if she weren’t in love with my uncle, Ajay Singham, Neelambari would have agreed to marry him for the sake of our people.”
Anika shook her head. “I know that sounds more reasonable, but Neelambari Prajapati is a selfish woman. Sabitha had told me the same thing as well.”
“Maybe so,” said Abhay. “But when it comes to marriage, they always made decisions based on what was good for their land and people. When the time comes, even your cousin most likely will do the same.”
Dev frowned. “What do you mean?” he demanded.
Abhay looked at him. “Apparently, there have been talks going on to propose an alliance between Revanth Senani and Sabitha Prajapati.”
Everything went silent.
Dev tried to process what his brother had just said. He knew Abhay wasn’t the kind to say anything unless he had concrete proof.
Sabitha Prajapati—married?
“I hope you have other copies of that document,” Dev heard Abhay’s voice say dryly.
Pulling himself together from the red haze that seemed to dominate his vision and mind, Dev slowly looked at his hand. His hands were fisted tightly, and the document he held was crumpled within.
Dev took a deep breath and got up from the sofa. “Yes. There are other copies. I’ll send them to you through someone.”
Abhay and Anika were watching him with curious looks on their faces.
“Excuse me,” he told them as he left the library.
Dev didn’t understand why his heart was beating faster. What was it that he felt? It was a strange feeling. It felt as if he had suddenly been kicked in the stomach and left breathless.