Chapter 14

Side story.

Ranjeet was sleeping on the bed. The whole day had passed, and he hadn't eaten anything. Jay came into the room.

"Ranjeet! Get up," he said, looking at him. Ranjeet's eyes had dark circles around them.

Jay asked, "Why did you? I know I hate you, but hatred is not for food. Have it. Eat this plate."

"You're still angry with me?"

"Yes, I am! My girlfriend left me. You gave her reasons. I tried to convince her to give me another chance, but now she needs some time to understand my family. So, I said, if you're feeling unwell with me, then break up."

"She was happy. It seems like her love fades always after 3 months. She gets bored of me."

Ranjeet started eating the roti while listening to Jay. He didn't know when he finished eating.

"Bored? Of a lover?"

"Yes, this is modern love. You can't digest it. Good, you finished eating."

"Yeah, maybe I'm old-fashioned."

"Yes, you are."

"Are you staying in this marriage? You came back."

"Stop asking those nonsense questions. I know that you did wrong, but I've thought a lot. I'm not the type of person who seeks revenge. I'm not that kind of person, and I'm also not leaving you alone with your dad. You come with me to my place where I work. Your father and mine are talking some nonsense that I overheard. I don't know much, but I heard that they are planning to involve a toxic person. You deserve love. Come with me, and I'll teach you how to be a good man. I'll also help you move on from your trauma. You loved me, right?"

"Love? No, I don't."

"What? You married me. From your eyes, it seemed like you loved me."

"No, I don't think so. Yes, I like how you behave, how you carry yourself. I like your ideals. But I don't like you."

"Now I feel like we both don't really like each other and just married each other, like an arranged marriage. I'm thinking, where will you put sindoor?" (Jay smiled)

"Yes, I forgot Mangalsutra for you." (Ranjeet smiled) (both laughing)

"Dam! you, you took drugs. I believe in you."

"Thank you for believing in me." (smiling through innocent eyes)

"I believe in your past, Ranjeet. The one who was friendly with me. I believe in our friendship. So, friend, let's go?"

Ranjeet hugged Jay.

"You're the sweetestttt person I know. I wish I could be more like you."

Ranjeet packed his bag, and his eyes were wet with tears.

Past memories flooded his mind.

Ranjeet's mom pleaded, "Please don't leave us. He needs you. Ranjeet loves you."

Ranjeet's dad, packing his bag, said, "Look at yourself! Ugly! Do you know how handsome I am? Your face is as dirty as you are. I know you had affairs with your lover. You touched him, right? I can't stay with someone who touched someone else. Ranjeet is not my son. Find your lover and go to him."

Ranjeet's mom added, "You always used to go to Delhi, why? I know your habit to go to brothels. What should I call you? Dirty or Tharaki?"

Ranjeet's dad slapped his wife.

"I will cut your tongue! Are you challenge me? Who are you? I thought you were as pure as Sita. I can't believe you're just a ....I cannot say."

"Am I? I just love my lover. I give love, and you give lust. How many women in your life? did you count? you called me dirty? Do you think you're Ram? You're not even Ravan. You're worse than him." (In anger)

Ranjeet watched them from the door, tears streaming down his face. Baby Ranjeet cried silently. He was scared of his father when his dad slapped his mother. He called out to his baba. Baba came and asked,

"Son, are you leaving?"

"Yes, baba, I'm leaving this house."

"Why? You have everything here."

"Baba, I don't think I deserve this. I'm so unlucky. What I got is just impurity."

"Son, okay, it's your choice. Let me drop you to the bus station."

Baba's clever eyes were full of planning. His father never called and never came back. Every day, Ranjeet sat by the door, hoping that one day his dad would come back. But that day never came. Ranjeet's hope turned into anger, and Baba taught Ranjeet everything. Ranjeet never thought that what Baba was teaching was wrong or right.

Back to memories. Baba looked at the packed bag.

"Ranjeet? Why are you leaving me? Am I so bad?"

"No, baba, I hate my dad! I cannot stay with him."

"I think I saw Jay going to the bus station. Let's go! Your happiness is my happiness. I'll drop you there."

Ranjeet sat in Baba's car, and Baba took out an injection. Ranjeet saw and tried to stop him, but they already injected it into his neck. He lost consciousness.

Jay called Ranjeet's phone, and Baba picked up. "Jay, son, I don't know where Ranjeet went. He said he wouldn't go with you."

"Okay, baba," Jay replied sadly.

Jay said to himself, "Strange, he was happy like a kid. He didn't want to go? I can't understand Ranjeet. He keeps changing his mind. I think I should go alone." Jay decided to proceed with his plan to go to Delhi for his new job. He called his driver to take him to the bus station. Jay stood in front of Ranjeet's house, holding his bag.

--------------------------------

I know it was a wrong idea to marry her. I miss my mom and my bro. Do I need to call my bro? I'm on a flight and aha, shit, I can't even call anyone. This is the worst thing in my entire life.

We didn't talk during the flight. At the airport, I said,

"Why did you ruin my bro's life? I could have married him."

"I am just trying to save you."

"Saving me? You've put Chipsy life in hell."

"This is not a legal marriage. He can deny the marriage."

"So what are we?" (We are walking outside the airport, she is looking for a taxi, and I am only shouting. She doesn't seem to feel regret. She finds a taxi. She opens the door for me, but I don't sit in the back. I sit in the front. She gives me a look like I'm overreacting.)

"How many days are we staying here?"

"1 month."

"One month for a honeymoon? That's too much."

The driver looks at me and smiles.

The driver asked, "I love lesbian couples. Do you want toys? I know the perfect shop."

I shouted, "Shut up! Are you a kid? You want to play with toys? Toys, toys? What the hell do we need toys for? Do I play with Barbie?"

The driver laughs. "You're funny." I look at her; she's also smiling, but she's hiding it.

We reached the hotel, and now we're in the room. The room has a honeymoon vibe. I can see the famous Eiffel Tower from window. We arrived during the day, so the Eiffel Tower looks dull. Its height makes me feel dizzy. I quickly remember that I want to call my chipsy. I call Chipsy. She's opening her bags and going to the bathroom.

"Chipsy, how are you?"

"Enjoying the honeymoon? Your Geet put me in this situation. You're the worst sister. Payal, at least you could stop her." (He was also angry.)

"I... st—"

"What? Do not call me." (He declined the call.)

I was so angry that I wanted to punish her. My blood was boiling, so I locked her in the bathroom. After 20 minutes, *tak tak*! She was trying to unlock her door.

"Payal! Help me! The door's jammed!"

"Sorry, I can't hear you."

She tried again, and I was happy.

"You deserve more than this, Miss Geet."

Geet called someone from her bathroom. I didn't know there was a phone in the bathroom. What a strange hotel. Someone came and knocked on the door, and already unlocked her door.

"Did you call us? Your door was jammed," said the hotel manager.

"No, it's fine now. Thank you," she said, giving me an angry look.

"Let's go and eat." Again, she was quiet, and with a smile, she asked me,

"I need a separate room."

"What?"

"Do you really think I will stay with you? I'm scared of you, Geet."

"You locked my door and you feel scared? Interesting. I will not touch you. I will sleep on the sofa."

"Do not pretend to be kind when you're actually not."

"You are not going to take another room." She gave me a look like I had challenged her. She is a businesswoman and always so motivated to prove her point. I'm not going to be scared of her. I can call my dad and tell him to make a reservation for a new room. I did call, but a new room is not available. So bad luck for me. I also have bad luck because of that Geet. She is a troublemaker. She is not even regretting how mean she is. I couldn't spend my entire life with her. I can't believe her sweet and innocent face can pull these things, you know?

"All done? Many people here don't understand your language. If you know Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic, French, then you can plan to run from me." (she said, smiling)

I asked, "You think this is a love story? You're smiling? I can't believe you're so stone hearted. I'm going back."

Geet smiled and said, "Amore! You know? what it is?"

"No," I said, irritated.

"Love!" (She came close to my face and tapped on my nose.) "Your dad loves you, and Ranjeet can create drama, so his love makes you a crybaby."

"If I hadn't called you, I wouldn't be here. This is an accident. Worse than I could think."

"Wow, we have a name: Accidental Amore," Geet said with a smile again, charging her phone.

"Stop smiling, or I will break your teeth."

"Can you kill a mosquito?"

"I will show you one day."

"What? kill a mosquito? Aren't you feeling hungry, Jhansi ki Rani?" Geet smiled again.

We went to eat. There are many couples. One is also Indian. They are fighting with each other in Hindi.

"What a lovely couple. True Indian couples can't talk calmly." The couple noticed me, and they came over. I was sitting, and Geet went to take a call.

"Are you Indian, ji?" the male person asked.

"Yes," I said.

"What ji? Honeymoon?" the male person asked.

the female asked. "Your husband?"

I said, "Wife."

They looked at me as if they were in shock, and the female said, "No problem, my mistake! ji I'm Aarati, and he is my Gopichand, my husband."

Gopi asked, "Where is your wife?"

"She's on a call."

"Love marriage?" Aarati asked.

"Yes."

Geet came and said, "Payal, I think we can shift from this hotel. I can arrange a new room for you. ..... (she noticed) Who are they? Why are they standing here?"

I said, "They are Indian."

"Yes, so you know them?" she asked.

"No need ji. We are Indian, Bhai-Bhai" Gopi smiled.

Geet smiled, "So why are you here?"

I said, "Please, have a seat."

They sat, and Aarati tells to Payal, "Your wife is really pretty."

Geet looked at the menu and replied Aarati, "You are pretty too."

Aarati corrected her hair and said with a smile, "Are you interested in boys too?"

Gopi asked, "Yes, we can do a threesome."

Aarati replied, "Gopi, it's too early to ask."

Geet said with a devilish smile, "If you want to kill yourself, then stay here. Do not ruin my mood."

I asked, "What's a threesome?"

Gopi tried to explain, but Aarati stood up, knowing Geet could slap them.

Geet, in anger, said, "Listen, fucker! We are not here for your fantasy."

They left. Gopi muttered, "This lady is a hot-headed. Calm down, otherwise, you will blast."

I asked again, "Why are you getting angry, Geet? What were they asking? They seemed cute; you know."

"Why don't you stay away from these types of people. They are here to fuck you."

"What? Threesome means three people fuck each other?"

She nodded. She ordered food in French, and her mouth was speaking French. It looked like something good. I couldn't understand anything.

"I think they are asking you." (I smiled)

She gives a dull look.

"I'm vegetarian." I told,

"I ordered vegetarian."

"Is vegetarian available here?"

"Yes, your dad chose this. At least they know what you like, what you want to have."

"Your blood," I said with anger.

"Bitter gourd," she said with an irritated face.

We had lunch. I skipped breakfast. I don't know about Paris. I miss my pani-puri and Indian pizza. Here, there's no smell of tadka. Also, Indian music always plays in the streets and rickshaws. I miss everything. I'm not a fan of foreign countries.

"Let's go watch the Eiffel Tower."

"Okay," I said with a sad smile.

"What happened?" Geet asked.

"I'm missing Chipsy. He's not talking to me."

"He'll be fine. He has more brains than you."

"Are you calling me dumb?" I asked.

Geet just smiled.

"Okay, listen. I can't stay 1 month with you. I have a meeting, so I should leave today. You're also coming with me. I'm going to Spain."

"Do you think I should come with you?"

"Let's just go watch the Eiffel Tower. My uncle called me. Let me know if you're ready so you can fake it for one more chance."

"Can we go to India? We can go to Mumbai. I can stay there. Ranjeet also never got an idea where I can get a job," I requested her.

"Payal, are you really not enjoying your honeymoon?" Geet smiled.

"Stop!!!! teasing. Do you think? We can have that thing." shit! why I spill things like I horny horse.

"Why?" Geet asked.

"You were so uncomfortable with me, and now you're flirting with me. You're so annoying."

"You like my nervous face?"

"Yes! I feel the power. You're dominant always, strong in everything. Sometimes I feel like I'm nothing."

"If you feel this way. You can ask me anything to do. ONE WISH! what would make you feel powerful?"

I thought a lot, but I didn't find any way. Then I remembered in some movie, when they want to insult someone, they tell them to lick their shoes. That's really bad! EWW My dirty shoes don't deserve that.

"Lick heel" I said.

"Huh?" Geet was shocked.

"Payal, are you sure?" she asked me again.

Maybe she didn't want to do this. I saw this in some old movie. Shoe licking is an insult. Now, she's feeling insulted, and my revenge will end. But you know what? After saying this, it made her nervous. I don't know why she's so shy now. Did I say something wrong?

"Okay," after 2-3 seconds, She confirmed again, "Payal, are you sure? If you want to do this? You said lick heel, right?"

"Yes!" Why are you blushing? Turning into a tomato? You should feel angry or ashamed. Strange emotion. These emotions are making me nervous. I'm not going to feel anything. I'll behave calmly. I thought to myself.

She began removing her long coat and unzipped her top until her breasts were little exposed you know upper side. I wondered what she was doing. Should I confirm that she understood it differently? These preparations were giving me a heart attack and anxiety. What will happen?

"Sleep on the bed," she dimmed the light. I wore the light cream pants and a long brown coat over a white top. I lay down on the bed, with white diamond earrings in my ears. She was in full black attire, her coat and pants also black. She took my leg very gently, and it looked different. It's not like she's going to... it's not an insulting vibe. Her lips were dry; she kept licking them.

She asked me, "Payal, is this your first time?"

First time? What did she mean?

"No, my dog used to do this," I said with my innocent eyes.

"I can't believe you said this to me."

Oh, this is a regrettable moment. Her face looked like it was about to cry. Now, this was a moment of revenge. Ab aaya maza! bhidu

As my heel rested in her hand, She held my heel like it was a 1-month-old baby, so gentle and showing care. I felt weird. Her lips just touched my heel, and it felt like a tickle. I sat up on the bed, and in my panic, I pulled my heel back, accidentally breaking her nose.

"Ouch! You broke my nose! Payal, what happens now?"

"It's weird. I'm feeling like...A hh hmm..  I don't have words. I don't want to continue this. Cancelled. Cancelled!"

My heartbeat was racing. Her lips had just touched mine, and I could still feel it, even though she hadn't touched me for even a split second. Those thoughts were like crackers in my mind. I felt something.

"You're behaving like I bit you."

"You and your lips stay away from me," I said, behaving as if I'd seen a ghost.

"Are you okay? Did you feel bad?"

"Bad? I don't know" I want to feel revenge. I'm feeling shy, but I also want to do this more. What? Is this the feeling girls get when another girl touches them? I want this so bad, just like how I keep eating my favorite food. This feeling is making me sick."

"Payal? Are you there?" she asked me.

"Yeah, yupp, hmm, I'm there."

"Let's go! My nose is also fine."

I couldn't believe it. My heel had her first kiss. Strange, tickling feeling that made me crazy. I hate her. I'm trying to forget this. Geet behavior and her eyes are disturbing.

We left the hotel, sat in the taxi, and went to the Eiffel Tower.

Geet said to me, "It was then the tallest building in the world."

I looked at the tower. I'm feeling like how SRK felt in front of Thangaballi (from Chennai Express movie). I feel sooo smalllll, like how ants see us. Lots of people are taking photos, and a girl is also kissing another girl. So normal. If they were in India, they would be in jail for kissing in front of this Thangaballi Tower.

"Thangaballi Tower."

"What? Who?"

"You haven't watched Chennai Express."

She laughed so hard. "Thanga    ---balli Tower." she said,

holding her cheek. "My cheeks are hurting," she said, smiling.

It's not funny. It's not my idea to make her laugh. I still hate her, but I have no choice. I'm spending time with her. She lost all my respect, and I don't know how she's thinking now. She's the first person I trusted, and she broke.

"What are you staring at me for?"

"How natural acting, faking smile."

"Shhh, you're making me blush! Don't behave like you don't want to marry me. You're the one who called me. I just saved you."

"Saved me? No, you ruined everything. You don't believe in Hindu marriage rituals, but we do. My brother and I respect that. Agni means fire. Fire is a goddess for us. You think this is a game? No, not at all. I am serious about our marriage. I thought I found someone I could share something personal with that I never shared with anyone. You, yes, you think my brother won't accept that marriage. He also believes in Agni-fera as marriage; gender doesn't matter," I said angrily.

"Oh! so old thinking! You think I did wrong? I did it all for you," she looked at me with anger.

"All for me? Nothing you did was all for you. Why can't you accept that you still love me? You don't smile in front of me. You're always nervous in front of me. You think I can't notice all of this? You did what you did to find a chance to win my heart again. You did it to win my heart, (Geet did give nil expression) "Your entire life is filled with loneliness? Now, bear it. (Geet feeling anxious and like she is getting panic attacked) I am also leaving you. (She took heavy-long breath ignoring my talks)"

Geet smirked. "You can't leave me. Your dad needs a deal, a 200-crore deal. If you break this marriage, I will break the contract. Your dad needs a good business in India. He needs support."

"Are you going to blackmail me? Such low-quality thinking," I said in anger.

"Anger doesn't suit you. Smile!"

I gave her an angry look. I stared at her for a long time, and she shamelessly continued to smile. Then, I saw a gun. He was about to fire towards Geet. I took her hand and moved her from the place. The gun shot missed us! Everyone was running, and we ran too. The guy ran from the place, and the police were chasing him. He had long grey hair, and he looked like an American. We hid in a cafe's washroom.

Geet looked at me as if wondering why I saved her. I also didn't know why. I just did what I could. I didn't think at that time.

"Do you have enemies?" I asked.

"Who doesn't? We're in business. I'm calling bodyguards. Don't worry. I thought they didn't have my location, but bloody fucker!" she replied.

"Why would someone want to kill you?"

"Just like you, you want to kill me. Most people don't like my thoughts. I'll tell you everything, but first, I need to leave this country. Thank you for saving me."

"You're sweating! Here, take this handkerchief."

"Thank you." She first smelled the handkerchief and then wiped her forehead and neck.

"Are you afraid of them?"

"No, I thought He wants to kill you! If they hurt you, I'll burn them. He's a psychopath; I shouldn't ignore those clients."

"Any dons?"

"Nah, just a little don you can call him. He's a businessman, and his wife, Moon, called me. She saw me in Jaipur when I was spending time with you. She got jealous or something. I already had a girlfriend, she's fine with it. She knows I don't usually meet, but she doesn't know that I married you. She said she loves me. I told her, 'You have your husband, leave me alone.' Her husband isn't ready to accept that his wife is cheating on him. I don't know what she tells him. He called me and gave me some threats. I didn't care, but I was scared that you were also in danger."

"What? How many more problems do you want? My life is in danger. Just go to that MOON."

"She's mad! I don't like her."

In frustration, I said, "Then who do you like? Don't pretend! you care about me. You're just giving me a headache"

"I'll give you a tablet, your headache will be gone. The car has arrived; let's go!" She smiled.

"Babali* Chhori** ! "

"What's 'Chhori ?"

"Babali." (*Stupid **girl)

"Are you speaking Rajasthani? So cool, teach me."

"It's not funny! We're in danger, and you're laughing? She loves you; just go to her."

"Don't worry, she can't hurt anyone. If her love wants to kill me, my love wants to live."

"Are you the Hero of the movie? Why are you delivering dialogues? Just stay quiet. sussshhh Here, one bullet hits, and you're straight off to hell. Who the fuck do you want to live for?"

"YOU"

"Mar ja! (Die) better for me."

"Let's go!" (Car horn)

I'm feeling a fear, like the one my mom used to feel, a fear that something bad is happening. It feels like my whole life will change because of this incident. You never know what will happen. I hate her, and I married a girl even though I am straight. What now?