chapter 27

Chapter 27Siren – a warning bellSome of Ved’s friends dropped by to see Ishiqa too. He was surprised to see Ameesha walk in one evening. He knew her slightly, and knew she had a thing for him. Much to his consternation, she walked in with her arms open, squealing, “Oh Ved! I heard you were hurt! How are you darling?” She touched his now healing arm delicately. “How could they hit you so badly? The ruthless pigs!”He was amused at the way she deliberately ignored Ishiqa, the real victim. He gently pointed out, “Ameesha, this is a minor injury. It is my fiancée who is hurt badly.”She merely glanced at Ishiqa. Turning back to Ved, she whispered conspiratorially, “Ved…do you think…she was responsible for this attack? God knows what her background is, who she hobnobs with… Maybe they were taking revenge… She’s maybe after you for money… Maybe she owes those people something?” Ved clenched his jaw and a vein throbbed angrily. “Enough, Ameesha! How dare you say such a thing about my fiancée! Before I wring your neck with my two bare hands, apologise to Ishiqa and get out.” Startled, Ameesha stepped back nervously. “You are being blind, Ved! You have been trapped by her beauty. What is it that she has that I don’t? Get away from her before it is too late… I love you, I am waiting for you…” She snatched his hand and brought it to her breast. “I can give you everything you desire, and more!” He pulled his hand away disgusted and pushed her away roughly. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that ever again, you witch! Now leave before I call the cops in.” Ameesha stumbled against the wall; regaining her balance and composure, she shouted defianntly, “You will regret this!”Ved caught her by the elbow and literally threw her out of the ward. “I will never forgive you, Ved Kashyap, for insulting me like this.” She lunged back at him. Hearing the commotion, Darshan came in and dragged Ameesha away. When all the high voltage drama was over, Darshan called Ved out of the ward. “Sir, can I ask you a few questions?” “Yes sure, officer. I will be with you in just a minute.” He returned to the room and pulled a very disturbed Ishiqa into his arms. “Who was that?” Ishiqa whispered. “Why was she behaving like that?”“She seemed unhinged. Don’t mind her, darling, she was just trying to cause trouble. I love only you. You are the most beautiful girl in the universe and we are made for each other.” He soothed her and stroked her back gently, then patted her cheek. “Try to rest. I will send Rabia and Namita in while I talk to Darshan. Now smile for me.” She smiled at him tentatively and let him go.Ved went out and sat next to the police officer. “Yes officer?” “Who was that lady, Mr. Kashyap?” he asked straightaway, not beating around the bush. “She is an acquaintance,” he answered coolly, not blinking one bit. “Since when have you known her?” “Around a year or so. We met through a mutual friend at a party.” Darshan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “What does she do?”Ved shrugged. “I think she runs a beauty parlour. I heard she had some financial problems, but I have no clue.” Darshan smiled at Ved, “And…have you ever had an affair with the lady?”  He added with a wink, “She sure is a bombshell.” Ved looked shocked and then started laughing, seeing that Darshan was punning on the word. He replied earnestly, “No officer, we have never been a couple. In fact, I don’t even know her all that well. I was quite shocked at her behaviour today.” Darshan persisted, “Does she know your fiancée very well?” Ved thought about it. Shaking his head, he said slowly, “Not that I know of. The last time I met Ameesha was at a Valentine’s Day party, and I think that’s where Ishiqa saw her for the first time too. But we didn’t even interact with each other that day.”  Darshan shook Ved’s hand. “ Thank you, As of now, this will do. If I need anything more, I will let you know.”  Ved muttered an oath. “If she is the culprit, she will have hell to pay for hurting my Ishiqa like that!”Â