Chapter-3 |•|

Without him

Situ's POV:

After dumping the interview, we four went for racing, it's one of my best way to forget about my cruel fate. He used to go on a race with me all but always used loose. As I am Pro in racing, I defeated Arjun and Vikram easily. Then we visited the orphanage, I bought many gifts for children over there and played with them. He always used to tell that playing with children helps us in forgetting our pain and he loves children a lot. In fact, he is the one who made us visit orphanages every week.

At night I went back home. My grandfather was glaring at Vikram and Arjun as he feel they always spoil me. Once boys went away after dropping me, everyone turned to me excepting good news regarding the interview.

"Today it's the first round, if I get selected they will call me for the second round" I lied. They smiled at each other. With guilt for lying to them, I went to my room and took a nap. I heard sounds from the living area. I went down the stairs found everyone grinning at each other.

"What happened?" I asked rubbing my eyes.

"Tomorrow groom's family is coming to meet Sisira, everything is fixed 90%, this is just an official meet," said grandma excitingly.

"Congratulations siru akka" I shouted jumping on her. Seeing me all my other cousins hugged her tightly. After having dinner I went back to my room.

I sat on the balcony with his thought. Tears were flowing down my eyes.

"Are you hearing to me like you used to hear me out every time? Sisira akka is getting married. Everyone is happy but me? Yeah, am even am happy for her but what about the happiness I dreamt with you? Love you Raj" I said looking at the stars where he is residing for 2 years leaving me alone.

I recorded my day on the recorder and kept it back in the closet. This is the only way I speak to him. I know he is listening to me, looking at me, crying his heart out for not being with me. I can feel him.

I laid on laid drenching my pillow with my tears and dozed off at 3:00.

Next day,

My slumber was disturbed by a phone call.

"Hello," I said in a sleepy voice without looking at I'd. Listening to the person from another side. I woke up with a jerk. I immediately checked flights for Mumbai. Thankfully it's at 7:30 and I booked it. I rushed to the bathroom and did my morning business. I wore black jeans paired with a light grey shirt and shrug over them. Adjusting the cap on my head, I covered my eyes with goggles. I left my hair in the open and ran down the stairs.

"Am leaving on an important work, you guys have breakfast today" I said to mom while she was serving tea to my grandparents.

"Great!! Isn't it amazing to hear that the person who sits idle all the day is going on some important work" taunted my grandfather. I smiled sadly at him.

"Come before 7:00. I want everyone to receive the guest. If you are late even for a second sleep at your friends home" said, my grandfather. I nodded at him. I went to the airport and switched off my phone and boarded a Mumbai flight.

After 1hr 30 minutes of the journey, I landed in Mumbai. I hailed a cab and got into it and gave the address to the driver. Every memory of us is flashing in front of my eyes as we are passing by roads. I saw a couple riding bike laughing happily. Tears started flowing down my eyes.

Flashback

"Taara, hold me tighter," he said increasing his bike speed.

"Faster, Raj" I yelled as he couldn't hear due to our speed.

"Am not a racer like you, pumpkin" he said.

"That's why I told you I'll drive'' I said in complained tone.

"I don't want to die this soon, taara," he said chuckling.

"You, caveman. Stop making fun of me, my driving skills are very good" I said slapping his back and detaching myself from him.

He slowed down the speed suddenly.

"What happened? Why are you slowing down?" I asked.

"Hug me tightly, to drive the bike not only bike needs energy in form of fuel but also the one who is driving needs energy. My source of energy is your warmness" he said. I hugged him tightly from behind blushing.

"Where do you get such cheesy lines?" I asked giggling.

"They may sound cheesy but they are true. I love you, pumpkin" he said.

"I love you too, caveman," I said.

Flashback ends.

Tears flowed down my cheeks remembering our days when we used to go on drives, irrespective of time.

Soon I reached the destination. I paid the cab driver and got down. I stood in front of Apollo hospitals.

I went inside, I saw his sister and brother crying hugging each other.

"Ishaan! Samaira!" I called them. They turned towards me looking miserable.

"Bhab....di" they shouted running towards me and hugged me tightly crying on my shoulders. I hugged them back telling soothing words.

"How is ma(gulping)..aunty?" I asked.

"Doctors are operating," said Ishaan, Viraj's brother. I nodded.

"Both of you sit here I'll come just now," I said.

"Di stay with us, we are scared," said Samaira. I smiled and kissed her forehead.

"I am not going anywhere Samaira. I'll be back in 5 minutes" I said. She nodded.

I went to reception and paid hospital bills. After 3 hours operation went successful. I took Samaira and Ishaan to the restaurant for lunch. They were stubborn to eat but my one glare made them eat as I fed them.

I stayed with them the whole day.

"Ishaan" I called him.

"Ha di," said Ishaan turning to me.

"Here, these are medicines for 1 month. Make sure aunty have them at proper timing" I said.

"Bha... Sorry...di you don't need to stress out. We have our savings, we will take care of it" said Ishaan with tears.

"When Viraj isn't here you are my responsibility. Don't thank me am just fulfilling the promise I made to him and also performing my duty" I said with tears.

"Here it's some amount for any extra medical expenses. They will be keeping aunty under observation for two days then, she will be sent back and I paid for everything. Keep this amount for your both college fees" I said giving money in an envelope.

"Please, don't compel us. We can't accept it" said Samaira and Ishaan shaking their heads in no.

"If you ever considered me as your family accept it, if you didn't it's okay I won't force you both to accept it," I said. They took it immediately. I hugged them tightly. Pulling back I kissed their foreheads as he used to do the same when they were in pain.

I went into the room in which his mom was lying on the bed. She closed her eyes but tears were flowing. I sat on the stool and held her hand.

"Situ," she said recognising my touch.

"Ma...aunty..."I called her softly. It's really difficult to address someone with other names we are not used to. I always used to call her ma and Ishaan, samaira used to call be as bhabi(sil).

"When did you come? How are you? Is everything okay?" She asked.

"I guess, I should ask it. Anyways, nothing is okay. You are not okay. Samaira is not okay. Ishaan is not okay" I whisper yelled at her.

"Everything will be okay only if you are healthy. Samaira and Ishaan don't have anyone other than you. They already suffered so much because of uncle's and Viraj's death( gulping). You should be their strength aunty, not their weakness. Please stay strong at least for your children. Please take care of yourself" I said softly this time.

"They have you, beta. Am extremely thankful to you" she said joining her palms.

"Aunty, what's this? Please don't join your hands in front of me. Even am your child. If Raj isn't here that doesn't mean our bond broke" I said.

"Everything will be fine" I added and kissed her forehead.

"Is everything fine with you?" She asked. I don't have an answer for it.

Without him nothing is fine.

Without him, it's difficult for me to even breathe.

Without him, my even daylight seems to be dark.

Without him am miserable.

Without him, it's a living hell.

Without him, it's a nightmare.

Tears were flowing down my cheeks. Seeing me aunty started crying.

"Sshh.. don't cry. It doesn't suit your beautiful face" I repeated the line Raj used on his mother. She chuckled.

"Aunty, I gotta go. We have a ceremony at home. I'll meet you after a month since it's Siru Akka's wedding. Please don't feel bad" I said.

"No beta enjoy the wedding and convey my blessings to your sister and bil," she said. I nodded and kissed her forehead.

"Bye aunty," I said and walked out. Bidding bye to Ishaan and Samaira, I went back to Hyd.

Abi's pov

I went to the dining room to have breakfast. Everyone was grinning from ear to ear. Mom and aunt made many dishes out of excitement. Dad and uncle gave bonuses to all the maids. Grandparents went to temples for performing pooja.

"God!! Isn't it too much? Does every family gets excited in the same way at the mere decision of getting married?" I asked Namam and Aastha.

"Yes and since you are first born, they are much more excited," said Aastha.

"Actually it's called over-excitement" I corrected rolling my eyes at my family.

"Over excitement isn't good. It only disappoints us" I added and had my breakfast and left to office

I was in my cabin working on our new project, someone barged inside.

"Sorry for not knocking on the door, sir. It's an emergency, your presence is needed at the Mumbai branch. There is a huge commotion at Mumbai branch" said Vinay, my. P.A. before I lash out at him.

"What is the reason behind it?" I asked.

"They aren't telling anything, sir. They are demanding your presence" said Vinay. I smirked knowing the commotion.

"Get my jet ready, let's leave," I said. He nodded.

After 1 hour 30 minutes of the journey, we reached Mumbai. As soon as I landed at the airport, media surrounded me. My bodyguards cleared the way. The chauffeur opens the car door for me as soon as he saw me.

"Good afternoon, sir" he greeted. I nodded at him and sat in the back seat whilst Vinay took the seat beside the driver seat.

I was looking outside the window, as we were stuck in traffic and I spotted the same epitome of beauty - Situ. Well, that's the name I know.

"Vinay" I called him.

"Sir?" He said turning to me.

"Isn't that girl is the same girl who bumped into me yesterday?" I asked.

"Yes sir, she is Aarya mam's friend, Situ mam," said Vinay. I nodded at him.

What is she doing here? She must be in Hyd.. right? Within one day how come she is here? Is she a superwoman? She is with a girl and a boy. Are they her siblings? Maybe. Fuck!! Why am I even thinking about her?

Soon we reached the Mumbai branch. I headed into the conference room. Complete hall became silent on my entry. I sat on the chair.

"Good afternoon sir" they all greeted standing.

I nodded my head gesturing them to sit down. I looked at the head of the Mumbai branch for an explanation. He came forward.

"Sir, the tender for government construction of houses was lost to Kashyap companies," said Mr Mishra.

"Reason?" I asked.

"According to the information we got our designs, budget planning everything is sold to Kashyap companies by one of our employees," said Mr Mishra. I remained silent although I know the culprits.

"Do you guys doubt anyone?" I asked in a cold tone.

"The project is handled by Mr Sinha and his team of 10 members. Only they know about this tender" said Mr Mishra.

"Listen, if the person behind this fiasco is here, come out by yourselves. If I find them by myself, the culprit's whole family will be on the roads for cheating the Chowdary group of companies" I said dangerously. I waited for culprits to come out by themselves but they are testing my patience. It's utterly foolish to think that they can hide from MR. ABHIMANYU CHOWDHURY.

"Vinay" I called him still looking at everyone and then, gave a glance to him. He nodded and spoke to someone through the walkie-talkie.

A person came into the room. The culprits started getting tense seeing him. I smirked at them.

"Good afternoon, Mr Chowdhary" he greeted. I nodded at him.

"He is Vishwas, who works for Kashyap companies, same like his name he is also a trustworthy man," said Vinay Smirking.

"Am still giving a min time, come out by yourselves or else be ready to face consequences" I shouted making everyone flinch. Still, they didn't admit their mistake.

"Vinay" I shouted.

"Right away sir," he said understanding me and dialled someone. The policemen came inside.

"Good afternoon Mr Chowdhary" they wished me. I nodded.

"Arrest them," I said. They nodded.

Police pulled Mr Sinha project manager and Mr Mishra. I smirked at them.

"Sir, we didn't-"

"SHUT UP YOU FUCKING LIARS" I screamed cutting off them.

"Am I not paying enough? I trusted you both but you broke it just for sake of money. Greedy Bastards" I shouted.

'We are sorry, sir. Please spare us, we won't repeat it" they pleaded with fake tears. I chuckled humourlessly.

"This isn't the 1st tender we lost to Kashyap companies. For fucking sake it's the 3rd one. Do you think I didn't know about it? I fucking know each thing but remained calm so that you both regret it. But you sold our employees hard work to satisfy your greediness. Now, it's high time. I can't let my company drown showing mercy" I yelled at those Bastards.

"Sir please-"

"Go and rot in jail and here, your families will be on roads and tell that Kashyap that he is gonna pay for playing this sick game. Don't worry he is gonna accompany you both soon" I said smirking and looking at the police. They started dragging them.

"You are messing up with the wrong persons, Mr Abhimanyu. This wrong move may hit you harder" screamed Mr Mishra like a Mad Dog.

"Challenge accepted," I said smirking. In a Nick of time, Mr Mishra pulled out the gun from police and aimed at me. Before police could stop him, he shot but my reflexes are good enough and dodged it but it pierced at the edge of my left arm.

"Sir" shouted Vinay running towards me. I gestured him to stop making his root in his mid tracks. I moved towards that Bastard.

"You took a loan for a house, son's education and daughter's marriage, right? Now, your home is gone. Son's education is stopped. The daughter's wedding is called off. Congratulations on digging your own grave, Mr Mishra" I whispered dangerously and patted his cheeks with fake pity looks on my face. Officers took them away.

I turned to board members "Here onwards Vishwas is head of the branch" I announced. I turned to Vishwas.

"Congratulations Vishwas, I appreciate your dedication and loyalty towards our company and giving us information on time. I hope this continues and our losses will be paid off under your supervision" I said.

"Sure sir", said Vishwas.

"Shall we go to hospital sir?" Asked Vinay. I nodded. Vinay took me to the hospital and got me treated. I took a nap due to sedation.

"Vinay" I called waking up as he was reading magazines.

"Yes sir," he said coming towards me.

"Make sure Mr MMrra's daughter's wedding doesn't call off. If Mr MMrra's son is committed and dedicated to his studies release funds to him so that he could continue his studies. Shift, Mr MMrra's and Mr Sinha's family to rented apartments" I said.

'But sir, you-"

"Their family isn't at fault Vinay, they shouldn't be paid for those bastards deeds. And breaking a woman's marriage affect her badly in society, Vinay. Look into it" I said softly. He nodded smiling.

Later I went back to hyd for bride seeing.

******************

Precap:- Sitaara meeting with Chowdary's. Abhi's first meet with Sitaara in past.

Yours,

Surya.