Chapter 28: "Unraveling Deception:"

Whispers of RomanceWords: 22930

As the day drew to a close and the clock struck 9 in the evening, Viyansh had yet to return home. Earlier, he had informed Vaidehi that he would be attending a small celebration for the finalization of a deal in London, as Shruti and her boss were returning the next day. He assured her that he would be back by 8, knowing that Vaidehi preferred not to have dinner without him. However, despite his plans, Viyansh had not returned home by the agreed-upon time. Restlessly pacing around the living room, Vaidehi's eyes remained fixed on the door, her heart heavy with an unspoken fear that something was amiss. Sensing her unease, Vikram approached her, concerned by her troubled demeanor.

Vikram: "Ladoo, have your dinner. Viyansh might be running late, and he did inform you, right?"

Vaidehi: "Popsy, I'm not feeling good about this. unhone kaha tha 8 baje tak aa jayenge 9 baj Gaye hai. Mujhe fikr ho Rahi hai, call bhi pick nahi kar rahe hai mera."

(He said he'd be back by 8, and it's already 9. I'm worried, you know. He's not answering my calls either.)

Vikram: "Maybe he's driving and can't pick up. Just have patience."

She nods, and just then she gets a call from Raj (An intern).

Vaidehi: "Why is he calling me now?"

She picks up the call, and as soon as she hears his words, she becomes tense.

Vaidehi: "Please, Raj, send me the live location, and see if you can do anything."

She abruptly ended the call, her expression displaying the worry that gnawed at her insides.

Vaidehi: "Ahaan bhai, Raj , veer, please come down fast."

She was extremely tense.

Vikram: "What happened, Ladoo?"

Vaidehi: "Popsy, we need to go right now."

Vihaan, Viraj, and Virat came downstairs.

Vaidehi: "Ahaan bhai, she drugged him. We need to go now, and please call Eklavya bhai as well."

Vihaan: "What?"

Vikram: "What are you guys talking about?"

Viraj: "Who is drugged?"

Vaidehi: "Popsy, let's go for now, and we'll tell you everything."

As they settled into two different cars, with Vaidehi and Vihaan in one and Viraj, Virat, and Vikram in the other, they began heading toward their destination. However, their journey was interrupted when a few men suddenly appeared in front of their car. Vihaan swiftly applied the brakes, bringing the car to a sudden halt. In an instant, the situation escalated as a gun was pointed directly at them, with Vaidehi specifically targeted. Shock washed over both of them as they realized the gravity of the danger they were facing. Meanwhile, Vikram, Virat, and Viraj emerged from their own vehicle, ready to assist, but they were quickly apprehended by some of the assailants.

Vihaan: "Kuch bhi ho jaye dahi bahar mat nikalna."

(No matter what happens, don't step out of the car)

As the man approached Vaidehi's side of the door, a sudden gunshot rang out, causing her to instinctively cover her ears in fear and shut her eyes tightly. Vihaan's eyes widened in surprise as he looked in the direction from where the gunshot had originated, only to see Eklavya in his police uniform, accompanied by his team. Without wasting any time, the police engaged in a swift and decisive confrontation with the men, resulting in their arrest.

Vikram: "What's all this happening, Eklavya?"

Viraj: "Bhabhi maa, are you alright?"

Vaidehi stepped out of the car alongside Vihaan, her eyes glistening with tears of fear. Vaidehi approached Eklavya and clasped his hand firmly, her gratitude evident in her expression as she spoke.

Vaidehi: "Please save my Ansh. She will harm him."

Eklavya: "Nothing will happen to him. Let's go."

Vihaan: "Bhai, I have sent you the location. Please be quick."

Eklavya: "Uncle, come with me. I'll tell you everything, but right now we need to be quick."

On the other side,

At a hotel that also housed a club, Viyansh lay sprawled across the bed, his state clearly indicating intoxication. His blazer lay discarded nearby, a silent testament to his disheveled condition. Murmuring incomprehensible words, Viyansh struggled to maintain consciousness, his efforts hampered by the effects of intoxication. His eyelids drooped heavily, and despite his efforts, he found it increasingly difficult to stay alert and aware of his surroundings. A girl dressed in a short, revealing dress slipped into the room, her presence exuding a bold confidence. Seating herself beside Viyansh, she delicately traced her fingers along his face, trailing a path down to his neck and chest with deliberate intent. Ignoring the persistent knocking at the door, she remained entirely absorbed in her task, her attention fixed solely on Viyansh.

Struggling against the haze of intoxication, Viyansh managed to lift his hand with great effort and gently pushed away the girl's hand from his chest.

Viyansh: "M...move y..you are not my Biwi."

As the effects of intoxication impaired his speech, Viyansh found himself struggling to articulate his discomfort. Despite his feeble attempts to convey his reluctance, the girl maintained a smirk on her face, her actions betraying a sense of defiance as she boldly placed her hand back on his chest. Ignoring his signals of refusal, she brazenly proceeded to undo the buttons of his shirt, heedless of his evident discomfort.

As the truth dawned, it became clear that the girl was none other than Shruti. She had orchestrated the situation, drugging Viyansh and bringing him to this room against his will.

Shruti: "Yes, I'm not your wife, but after tonight, you will definitely marry me and accept me as your wife."

Once more, Viyansh attempted to jerk her hand away, his movements more forceful this time as he struggled to sit up. However, the effects of intoxication proved too overwhelming, causing him to falter and fall back onto the bed in a state of defeat.

Shruti: "Don't even try, Viyansh. You can't do anything. What do you think, just because of that stupid Vaidehi, I'll leave you? Never, Viyansh, never. You are mine."

As Shruti loomed over him, Viyansh made another attempt to free himself from her grasp, his efforts fueled by a mixture of fear and desperation.

Viyansh: "Lea...ve me y..you are not m....my b...biwi, only My Jaan has the r..right to to...touch me."

Frustrated by Viyansh's resistance, anger bubbled up within Shruti as she leaned in closer, focusing her attention on his neck. In her haste, she attempted to open his buttons, but encountered an unexpected obstacle—the gold chain around his neck had become tangled with the button. With a glare of frustration, she yanked at the button with force, causing it to break off in her hands.As Shruti smirked, reveling in Viyansh's struggle to break free, she leaned closer towards his face, her intentions clear. However, her advances were abruptly interrupted as the door swung open with a resounding thud, revealing the entire Singhania family standing in the doorway, accompanied by Eklavya. With Eklavya's assistance, they managed to obtain the spare keys from the hotel manager. Shruti's shock was palpable as she turned her gaze towards the doorway, momentarily stunned by the unexpected intrusion. Seizing the opportunity, Viyansh pushed her aside in a desperate attempt to assert control over the situation. However, his efforts were in vain as he continued to struggle, his body refusing to cooperate as he remained unable to open his eyes, his words reduced to mere murmurs amidst the chaos.

Viyansh: "Lea...ve me please y..you are not m....my b...biwi, only she has the r..right to to...touch me. Jaan w..where are you c..c.come to me pl...please bi....biwi."

Tears welled up in Vaidehi's eyes as she beheld her husband's distressing state, her heart heavy with concern and sorrow. However, amidst the flood of emotions, there was a glimmer of relief knowing that she had arrived in time to prevent any harm from befalling him.

Shruti quickly rose from the bed, straightening her dress with a calculated poise. With a practiced motion, she conjured fake tears in her eyes, adopting an innocent facade as she prepared to speak.

Shruti: "Uncle actually he got drunk and tried to..."

Before Shruti could utter another word, Vaidehi's hand shot forward in a swift, decisive motion, delivering a resounding slap across Shruti's face that sent her staggering backward, crashing to the ground. As Shruti rose, a seething rage burning in her eyes, she locked gazes with Vaidehi, her fury palpable.

Shruti: "How dare you?? Here your husband tried to molest..."

Without allowing Shruti to continue speaking, Vaidehi swiftly delivered another forceful slap across her face, silencing her once more.

Vaidehi: "How dare you touch my husband??"

With Viraj and Virat's assistance, Viyansh was gently helped into a seated position, his disoriented state evident as he struggled to regain his senses. Vihaan quickly fetched a glass of water, encouraging Viyansh to drink while also lightly splashing water onto his face, a refreshing sensation that helped to clear his mind and soothe his distress.

Shruti: "Listen, Vaidehi. It's your husband who is drunk, and he tried to molest me, and here you are..."

Vaidehi: "Enough! Dare you say a word against my Ansh. Everybody present over here knows that he had never touched alcohol in his entire life, and you are blaming him. Even if God were to appear and say that Ansh is at fault, I wouldn't believe it."

Shruti approached Vikram and spoke to him.

Shruti: "Believe me, Uncle, Viyansh was not in his senses, and he..."

She feigned tears, displaying them to Vikram.

Shruti: "Uncle, you also know he has already committed a crime years back, and now again..."

With an unwavering resolve, Vaidehi seized Shruti and forcefully pulled her back, delivering yet another stinging slap across her face, a resolute expression etched upon her features.

Vaidehi: "We know the truth about that accident, Ms. Shruti Sharma, so you better not drag that topic. Whatever you have done today, you'll have to pay for it."

Shruti: "How dare you slap me?"

As Shruti raised her hand in a threatening gesture, Vaidehi swiftly intercepted, seizing her wrist in a firm grip before deftly twisting it behind her back with practiced ease, effectively immobilizing her.

Vaidehi: "What did you and your mom think? That you would fool my Ansh and he'd feel guilty his entire life? If you think so, then you are wrong, Shruti."

Although Viyansh had regained some of his senses, he still struggled to stand upright, leaning on the support provided by Viraj and Virat to remain steady on his feet.

Vikram: "What are you saying, Ladoo?"

With a decisive shove, Vaidehi pushed Shruti backward, causing her to stumble, while a female officer accompanying Eklavya swiftly intervened, grabbing hold of Shruti and restraining her, ensuring she couldn't pose any further threat.

Vaidehi: "Yes, Popsy, the accident that took place nine years back, in which Ansh was severely injured and Mrs. Kavita Sharma died. It was all planned by this Shruti and her mother. Also, her mother is alive."

Vikram: "What? What are you saying?"

In the wake of this shocking revelation, disbelief etched across their faces, everyone except Vaidehi and Vihaan stood frozen in stunned silence. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Vihaan entrusted Viyansh's care to Viraj and Virat, moving forward to join Vaidehi at the forefront. Meanwhile, Virat gently patted Viyansh's cheeks, urging him to regain consciousness.

Virat: "Bhai, wake up."

Viraj: "Bhai, are you alright?"

As Viyansh regained consciousness, he made a valiant attempt to rise to his feet, yet found himself struggling to do so. Sensing his difficulty, Virat and Viraj stepped in, offering their support by firmly grasping his hands and assisting him in standing upright.

Vihaan stood steadfastly by Vaidehi's side, his presence a silent reassurance as he spoke.

Vihaan: "Yes, Papa, it was all fake. Since the day they came to our house saying that her husband died in an accident and they have no one, and you allowed them in our house because she was Mumma's friend. From the start, it was all fake. In fact, we don't know about Shruti's father, but he's alive. You know how much bhai was disturbed after Mumma's death. Mrs. Kavita took advantage of this and loved him. So when bhai learned driving, these mother-daughter duo forced him to go for a ride when you were out of town. And after that, they planned that accident in which only bhai was injured, and both of these mother-daughter got minor injuries. But they faked Mrs. Kavita's death and asked bhai to take her responsibility for the entire life. And bhai, being guilty of this, accepted it. Also, they made sure to end all the formalities before you came back home. So for 3 years when Shruti was living at our place, she was enjoying her life, and she used to transfer money to her mother, taking from bhai. And when you sent her to London due to Bhai's mental health, she and her mother started living there happily in a hope that one day bhai will marry her."

As the gravity of the situation sank in, Vikram's expression hardened with fury, joining Viraj and Virat in casting a gaze of intense disdain upon Shruti. Shruti, her shock palpable, was rendered speechless, her mind racing as she grappled with the realization of how her deceit had been laid bare before them.

Eklavya: "Not only this, Vihaan, she tried to kill Vaidehi, including today's attack."

Vihaan: "What???"

Vaidehi: "But when? I don't remember any such incident."

Eklavya: "The day you went to some function and Viyansh came to pick you up, that day your driver met with an accident. After getting the CCTV footage, we discovered that someone intentionally tampered with the brakes, and we caught that guy, who confessed everything. Also, she was the one who locked you in that dark room, added mushrooms to your food, and the car that was about to hit you was driven by her."

As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place in Vaidehi's mind, she was overcome with shock and disbelief, realizing with dawning clarity that what she had dismissed as mere coincidences were in fact carefully orchestrated events designed to harm her.

Vaidehi: "But I thought all these were just coincidences."

Eklavya: "Everything was planned by her, but unfortunately, she couldn't succeed because every time Viyansh saved you."

Amidst the palpable tension that hung in the air, Vikram stepped forward with determined resolve, his eyes fixed upon Shruti as he advanced towards her. With measured steps, he closed the distance between them, his voice carrying a steely edge as he addressed her, his tone laced with accusation and incredulity.

Vikram: "How could you do this??? You ruined my son's life, and now you tried to kill my daughter. Don't you have any shame?? What wrong did we do to you??"

Shruti, her composure unraveling in the face of Vikram's questioning gaze, lashed out in a fit of anger, her voice rising as she struggled to maintain her facade of control.

Shruti: "Yes, because Viyansh was the only one who could provide me with the luxurious life I wanted, and this woman snatched him from me. I won't leave you, Vaidehi."

In a sudden burst of violence, Shruti broke free from the grip of the lady officer, her actions driven by rage as she lunged towards Vaidehi, seizing her by the neck and exerting pressure to force her backwards. Before the shock could register on the faces of those present, Viyansh sprang into action, swiftly intervening to wrench Shruti's hand away from Vaidehi and forcefully shoving her backwards, causing her to stumble and fall to the ground.

As Viyansh enveloped Vaidehi in a protective embrace, his arms a reassuring anchor around her trembling form, she gazed up at him through tear-filled eyes, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and determination. Despite the ordeal she had just endured, she found the strength to confront Viyansh with a question that weighed heavily on her mind.

Vaidehi: "Ansh aap thik hai??"

(are you okay?)

Viyansh: "Haa biwi, are you okay?"

(Yes)

Vaidehi nodded. As Shruti attempted to approach Viyansh, he raised his hands in a firm gesture, signaling her to halt in her tracks, effectively preventing her from advancing further.

Viyansh: "Keep your distance from my wife."

Shruti: "Viyansh, she's not deserving of your love. Please, leave her and marry me."

Vikram: "That's enough."

Vikram raised his voice, causing her to turn around and look back.

Vikram: "Eklavya, please arrest her and keep her away from my family. I want you to take strict actions against her for ruining my child's life."

Suddenly, she burst into laughter and exclaimed.

Shruti: "You are so naive, uncle. They can't arrest me because they need proof for that."

Vihaan: "Don't you worry, Shruti. We have enough proofs to prove you guilty, and for your kind information, your mother is already arrested by the London police."

Eklavya: "Also, the man you hired to kill Vaidehi has confessed everything."

Vaidehi: "And we have CCTV footage in which you spiked Ansh's drink."

Vihaan: "You have been cornered from all sides, Ms. Shruti Sharma."

Shruti: "I will not leave you, Vaidehi. You ruined my life."

Vikram: "Eklavya, please take her away right now."

Eklavya: "Inspector, please arrest her."

The female officer apprehended her and escorted her away from the scene.

Viyansh rushed towards Vikram, enveloping him in a tight embrace as relief flooded through him.

Viyansh: "I haven't killed anybody, Papa. I haven't."

With a heavy tone in his voice, Viyansh remained visibly affected by the recent events. Sensing his distress, Vikram gently rubbed his back, offering a comforting presence amidst the turmoil. He spoke softly, offering words of reassurance and support.

Vikram: ''You're not guilty, my son. Now you're free, free to live your life happily."

He nodded in acknowledgment and gently withdrew from the embrace.

Viraj: "Papa, let's leave this place."

As they exited the room, they found Raj, an intern at Singhania & Co., waiting for them. Vaidehi approached him and said.

Vaidehi: "Thank you so much, Raj, for informing me about Ansh and for everything you did regarding that awful woman."

Raj was the one who witnessed Viyansh with Shruti and saw her spiking his drink. He promptly called Vaidehi and relayed everything before following Shruti to her room, where he knocked on the door, but she ignored him.

Raj: "I'm just glad I could be of help, ma'am."

Virat: "You've done us a great service, buddy. Thank you."

Virat: "We trust that what occurred here will remain between us."

Raj: "You can count on me."

He nodded silently as they all prepared to leave the place. Viyansh, however, remained noticeably quiet, his hands trembling as he approached the driver's seat. Sensing his unease, Vaidehi gently took his hand and guided him towards the passenger seat instead. He looked at her, raising his eyebrows in silent inquiry, awaiting her answer.

Vaidehi: "Aap baithiye I'll drive." (You sit)

Without protest, Viyansh complied and settled into the passenger seat while Vaidehi assumed control of the wheel. The other Singhania men rode in a separate car as they made their way back to the Singhania mansion. Throughout the journey, Viyansh remained silent, his gaze fixed outside the window, lost in his thoughts, and choosing not to speak. Vaidehi focused on the road ahead, occasionally glancing at him with concern. Sensitive to Viyansh's state of mind, Vaidehi respected his need for silence, understanding that he was grappling with inner turmoil. While he may have found relief from the burden of guilt that had weighed on him for nine long years, there was clearly something else troubling him.

As they arrived home, Viyansh remained ensconced in his thoughts, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. The sight of Vikram, Vihaan, Viraj, and Virat waiting at the door failed to rouse him from his reverie, and he made no move to exit the car. Vaidehi reached out, placing her hand gently on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, but he startled at the touch and jerked away. Meeting her gaze, he remained silent, his inner turmoil palpable. Vaidehi's heart sank at his reaction, but she remained composed, recognizing the turmoil he was going through.

Viyansh: "S...so..sorry biwi."

With a heavy sigh, Viyansh finally spoke up, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. He swiftly exited the car without waiting for a response and headed straight for his room, leaving the others in a state of shock at his abrupt departure. Despite their surprise, they couldn't help but empathize with his evident turmoil. Understanding his need for space, Vaidehi followed suit, stepping out of the car to give him the solitude he sought.

Vikram: "Ladoo, please be patient with Viyansh. He'll need..."

Before he could proceed further, Vaidehi interrupted him.

Vaidehi: "Popsy, don't worry. I'm here for Ansh, and I'll look after him."

She smiled back, and Vikram nodded, placing his hand on her head in a comforting gesture. With that, she left for her room.

Vikram, Vihaan, Viraj, and Virat settled in the living room.

Vikram: "How did you uncover all of this, Vihaan?"

Vihaan: "It all began when Shruti attempted to manipulate Bhai. Her behavior raised suspicions for Dahi, and we decided to investigate further. As we dug deeper, everything started to fall into place. I also enlisted the help of a friend to delve into Mrs. Kavita Sharma's background, which led to some shocking discoveries. But we weren't aware of Eklavya bhai's revelations until now."

Viraj: "It's hard to believe, Papa. How could they do this to Bhai? He was almost struggling with depression."

Vihaan: "We have solid evidence against them this time. No one can protect them."

Virat: "But what if something had happened to Bhabhi Maa?"

Virat, overcome with emotion, rushed forward and enveloped his father in a tight hug. Vikram followed suit, embracing Virat and rubbing his back in a comforting gesture. Tears welled up in Virat's eyes as he held onto his father, his deep affection for his elder brother and sister-in-law evident in his heartfelt embrace.

Vikram: "Shhhh, Virat. Look, everything's fine now. Viyansh needs us, doesn't he? We can't afford to be weak, bachcha"

(my boy.)

Virat: "We're incredibly fortunate that bhabhi maa became a part of our lives."

Vikram: "Indeed, we're blessed to have that blend of maturity and playfulness in our family."

He nodded in acknowledgment as Viraj and Virat joined him, taking their seats beside him.

Vihaan: "Dahi won't appreciate  her monkey's crying Virat, so stop crying little one."

Virat: "I'm not the little one."

Viraj: "But you are younger than me, exactly 12 minutes younger, little one."

Virat: "Papa dekho na." (Papa, look at this.)

Vikram chuckled warmly and affectionately kissed Virat's forehead.

Vikram: "Now, all of you go and get some rest."

They nod, and everyone heads to their respective rooms.

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