Kuch Mere Dil Ne Kaha Part 22

Part 22

"Priya!" He hollered her name alerting her of his entry into bedroom. Quickly wiping her moist cheeks dry with the ends of his sleeves, Priya stood up straight, feigning strength while she crumbled silently inside. Their eyes clashed like magnets, inseparable once attached. His rage was not forgotten; it remained within him, slithering like a serpent, stealthy and lethal. However, he was no stranger to her pain reading the light shade of pink in her glistening eyes, which told its story all too clearly. "She had been crying. But why?" He thought to himself only for a moment, knowing it would drive him crazy if he were to ponder for any longer.

"Priya. I can't carry on like this anymore." Cutting to the chase Ram blurted out. “I don’t understand why you don’t want your father to know about us. Don’t you trust me?” He grasped her hands hastily waiting for her to answer but there was no response. She simply stared at the floor, averting her gaze. “Look at me Priya.” He ordered feeling slightly insulted. “Answer my question. Don’t you trust me?” He repeated when she finally gathered up the courage to look him square in his eyes. 

“I trust you Ram” This time she answered, pausing briefly before adding the final dreaded remark. “But I can’t leave my family for you. I just can’t.” Ram’s heart sank like an anchor as her harsh words echoed in his ears. It was something he never wanted to hear and something she never wanted to say out loud. But Ram had provoked her. She was perfectly fine carrying on like they had been, at least for a little while longer.

Frustrated, Ram ran his trembling hands through his hair staring at Priya in disbelief, as though he had just seen a ghost. “So easily…” He had only realized how dry his mouth was when he started to speak. “You were able to say that with such ease.”

“Ram…”

“No!” His index finger rose with his voice. “Don’t say a word more.” Walking over to his discarded pants, which lay on the cold floor, Ram stepped into it, pulling it up and securing it around his waist.  She watched on, disheartened as he made his way back to where she stood blank like a statue. “I’m partly surprised Priya. I didn’t take you to be one of those women who throw their bodies out there with no intention of ever actually staying. Am I your first or…?” He recited the words of his broken heart not truly meaning any of it.

“Just shut up Ram!” She shouted. “I know you’re hurt and I am also but that does not mean you can just say anything that comes to your mind.”

“Are you really hurt?” He pestered carrying on with his overly annoying demeanor. “Damn baby you’re really good at hiding your emotions. I can hardly tell…” His justification for his rude remarks was that she deserved it for abandoning him. He loved her with all his heart and all he got in return was her betrayal.  

“Ram please, don’t do this to us. We can still have a good relationship. Don’t say anything in your anger today that you might regret tomorrow.” Although she knew that Ram was speaking out of hurt, his words still managed to eat at her heart.  Each syllable weighed her down in her guilt of not telling him why she couldn’t leave her family for him.

“Regret?” He carried on mercilessly with his pain driven verbal slaughter. “ The only thing I regret at this point is that very same relationship that you’re talking about salvaging. It’s suffocating me. And quite frankly I am done with it.  Your love was a lie. Everything you ever said was a lie. You’re just like every woman who throws herself at me. Only thing is they all do it for my money. What did you get out of the countless nights that you spent in my arms Priya? Was it just for the pleasure ride?”

“ENOUGH RAM!” She shouted pushing him back and out of her attack zone. He had really managed to cross a boundary. She recalled the earlier days at the start of their fake relationship where he had accused her of the very same characterless claims. Yes, she was keeping him in the dark about why she chose her family over him. But if she was putting their love on the line in doing so, she must have had some compelling reason in support of her decision.

There was silence amongst them as they glared angrily at each other. No words were spoken but so much was said in that one moment. Having heard his accusations Priya did not find it necessary to justify her actions. “Let him believe whatever he wants.” She thought, “If that’s what satisfies his anger then so be it.”

“I’m leaving.” She announced, picking up her clothes, which were scattered on the floor.

“Fine,” He responded bitterly, “Just get lost…” Adding one last punch Ram threw in the towel giving up on their relationship with a stone on his heart.  “If she is not willing to try then why the hell should I?” He thought while his heart throbbed in sorrow watching as she made her way to the closet presumably to pack her things.

Priya scrunched her eyelids, slowing starting to regain consciousness.

“Dada-ji she is waking up.” An elated voice announced boisterously shattering through the once silent room. Priya felt the sofa sink near her feet as someone took a seat close to her. Opening her eyes, she was briefly relieved to see the familiar face of her Papa, forgetting what had happened for a quick moment. Glancing at her surroundings she felt the bitterness resurface as memories of not too long ago flooded her distraught mind.  “Are you okay beta?” He asked genuinely concerned.

She tried getting up quickly but was unable to find the strength within herself to do so. Forced to take her time, Priya sat up massaging her forehead with the cold tips of her fingers. Ram scanned her from a distance noticing the subtle quiver of her bottom lip. Realizing that she might have been cold, he immediately took off his jacket and tried placing it loosely over her delicate shoulders. His attempt at a kind gesture was denied as she shrugged his hands aside. "No," She declared without so much as a glance in his direction. Priya was staring only at Sudhir with curiosity brimming in her tired eyes. 

"Beta," Ram's dadi approached her disheartened grandson from behind placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. Let us all go from here and give Sudhir and Priya some time to talk." Although he was unwilling at first, Ram finally agreed to leave. But before he could, Sudhir spoke up and intervened, "Nahi Aunty-ji no one has to leave. I have kept this secret in my heart for too long. I want everyone to know what I have done." Ram was puzzled by his objection while Priya remained distraught.

"Priya beta," Sudhir began, unraveling his sins at last with a confession. He met her eyes with much difficulty but nonetheless he held her gaze. He knew he owed her that respect and so he delivered the same. "Your father was a great man. He joined the company as a junior accountant and instantly we became friends. Jeet was a humble man. Caring, kind, courageous definitely a gem of a man like no other."

Priya's eyes watered thinking about her father whom she only remembered from pictures. And after the fire in their old house she had lost that connection with him also. If Ram hadn't forced her out of the burning house that day she would still have those memories to cherish. Now all she had to remember her parents by were fragmented pieces of her already sparse memories of them. *Referring to fire in Part 8*  

She glared angrily at Ram whose eyes were fixed only on her. "Is she still mad at me? No, no… I’m sure it’s not like that. She is just overwhelmed by all this." Ram assumed, grossly misinterpreting her enraged glare. 

Sudhir hesitantly touched Priya's hand, sheltering it in his own. But she pulled back and asked coldly, "What did you do?" 

"Beta, it's not what I did but what I didn't do." Squinting her eyes she watched on puzzled, "Kapoor industries was beginning to lose a lot of money. Our investors were all backing out with the exception of Mr. Mithal. He was our only hope and so we approached him for financial assistance in exchange for 25% shares in the company. But Mithal wanted more than that. He wanted 51% ownership of the company, promising that once his money was returned to him he would be happy with 25%. With 51% shares in his favour Mithal would be the one making all the calls. Our hands were tied. It was Amarnath who agreed to the deal. Signing away 51% of the company behind everyone’s back. That 51% belonged to his father. He had tricked his father into resigning from the company. This company was Amarnath’s baby. Maybe that’s why he acted so foolishly to save it.”

Ram gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. This wasn’t the first time he had heard of his father’s deception but the anger was all too real. Over the years his hatred for his father grew to a point where it was impossible for him to simply bury the hatchet. Even before he was sent to boarding school Ram had no attachment to his father. It’s not that he didn’t try to get close to him but each time he did his father would push him away. Dejected, little Ram stopped trying all together hoping his father would notice. But between the lengthy business calls and late night meetings, Amarnath failed to find the time for his three kids.

Sudhir exhaled audibly before carrying on, knowing that he was nearing the climax of his biggest mistake. “Uncle-ji had a huge fight with Amarnath the night he found out that his son had cheated him out of his own company, which he had built from the ground up. But it was too late. Amarnath had already transferred his father’s 51% ownership to Mr. Mithal. It was a done deal and no amount of bickering could change that. Since uncle-ji was evicted from Kapoor Industries, I decided that I would quit too. But uncle ji advised me to stay for the sake of his ungrateful son. Parents have a heart of gold. Even after his son had betrayed him Uncle ji feared for his safety. He knew men like Mr. Mithal and Amarnath, in his youthfulness, had no idea that he had just signed a deal with the devil. Soon the company started making money. It was unbelievable; the profits were doubled since Mr. Mithal became the majority owner. Uncle ji suspected foul play. He approached Amarnath about the very same issue but once again he was insulted. Amarnath had lost his mind in the piles of money. Mr. Mithal was a miracle worker in his eyes, an ideal business partner.  When Mr. Mithal heard about uncle’s suspicion, he threatened to leave the company and take all his money with him if Amarnath did not have his father thrown out of the Kapoor Mansion. Driven by greed Amarnath did as he was told. I always wondered whether he ever regretted that day. Each day at the office I looked into his eyes and searched for a hint of guilt but the greed shone so bright it was always too hard to see.”

Dadi-ji sobbed recalling that unfaithful day. Those tears ripped Ram’s heart to pieces each time they flowed down his dadi’s chubby cheeks. There was no solution to it either. He knew because he had tried everything under the sun to extract those bitter memories from her heart. It was then that he realized he had to rip the source of her sorrows from its roots. But in order to do that, he needed Priya. It was imperative for his sanity, this plan had to be successful. But he couldn’t do it without her.

Never in his wildest dreams did Ram ever think that he would fall so hard for Priya. But the day when they suddenly fell in love came unannounced and in full swing. Undoubtedly the greatest feeling ever felt in his once bitter heart was the love that he cherished for Priya. But look at them now. The love had been swept under a rug so effortlessly with a few harsh words and some deep seeded secrets. She had left for the airport without so much as a goodbye while he sat with a stiff drink swirling in a clear stubby glass secured in his grip. Bringing the rim of the glass up to his lips he tilted his head back chugging the liquid heat down to the last drop before pouring himself another. Just as he slammed the bottle down on the bar counter he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Annoyed, he pulled his phone out, slightly squinting his eyes as he glanced at the screen. His heart pounded in his chest, hoping, secretly praying that it was Priya. But there was no such luck. “Bank of India?” He mumbled, “What do they want?” In no mood to entertain Ram declined the call. Placing the phone on the counter he brought the glass up to his lips once more. But before he was able to drench his throat the phone vibrated for the 2^nd time.  It was the same caller who got the same response. Downing his drink Ram became slightly curious as to what the problem might have been. And when the phone rang for the third time Ram’s concerns were heightened. They usually don't pester people with promotional calls. At least not by simultaneously calling like they were now.

Clearing his throat Ram addressed the caller. “Hello…”

“Hi. This is Saumya calling from Bank of India. I would like to speak to Ms. Priya regarding her application for a loan.”  The lady on the other end of line spoke hurriedly getting right to the point.

“Excuse me?” Ram was puzzled by the sound of her name. And loan? Why would she need a loan? Moreover why were they calling him?

“I'm sorry I think I may have the wrong number. Is this 647-123-4567?” The lady questioned hoping she hadn't committed a blunder.

Ram sat up straight in his seat. That number was indeed Priyas. He vaguely remembered dialling that number enough times for it to be inscribed permanently in his mind. After their fight he must have grabbed her phone instead of his own. It was easy to make that mistake because their phones were identical. But it must have been fate for him to receive this call. Perhaps this had something to do with why she couldn’t leave her father. Anything would be an easier pill for him to swallow then to think that she truly didn’t love him like she had alleged in their earlier argument. But realistically what else was she to say. He had practically fed her those words as the most accurate reasoning behind her decision to leave him.

“Sir?”

“Yes… Yeah I'm her husband.  What were you saying about the loan?” Ram questioned snappily, regaining a hold on reality.

Assuming there was no harm in telling the applicants husband details about a personal loan the bank rep divulged everything that Ram was anxiously awaiting to hear. “Ms. Priya came in with her father a few weeks ago to submit an application for a loan in the amount of 5lakhs. I am just calling to inform Ms. Priya that her application has unfortunately been denied.”

“But why does she need that kind of money?” 

“I’m not sure about the details sir but it seems that Ms. Priya’s brother was receiving money from investors to complete a project for them overseas. However, the investors were not pleased with the final results and they are demanding their money back with interest. According to Ms. Priya’s father he has already signed out a loan on their house but they need 5lakhs more to pay the investors back in full. Usually, when we approve a loan we look at assets and of course financial standing of the applicant. There are not enough assets in the applicants name and she does not make enough money for us to be guaranteed that we would get our money back within an early time frame. For that reason the loan application has been denied. Could you please pass my message along to your wife?”

“Yeah, Yeah sure.” He confirmed as he hurriedly ended the call. Suddenly, it became clear why Priya couldn’t leave her father. How could she just up and leave when her family was struggling financially, literally at the brink of bankruptcy? Recalling their earlier argument Ram recalled his intentionally harsh accusations. It made his heart quiver with remorse. But in his defense, he didn’t know the entire truth. In fact, he had no idea.  She had kept him in the dark. “Why didn’t she tell me about all this?” That was the burning question. But in order to get an answer, Ram needed to reach Priya before her flight took off. He cursed, glancing up at the clock, which hung witness to his turmoil, on the wall. The flight was scheduled to take off in fifteen minutes. He knew this because he was supposed to be onboard sitting next to Priya in first class. Grabbing his jacket Ram rushed down the stairs to the garage, nearly missing a step as he did. “Please god, delay the flight.” He prayed, scurrying through his pockets in search of his keys.

“Ram?”

“Yes, dada-ji…”

“You always asked me why I trusted Priya so much for this plan.”            

Ram nodded, glancing at Priya who kept her head down and eyes shut, gripping the cushion on either side of her body while bracing herself for the ultimate truth.

“She’s Jeet’s daughter, that’s why I can trust her without an ounce of doubt. You can’t teach integrity it’s innate. If today I’m sitting here in this room with you all, it’s because of Priya’s father. When my own son kicked me out of my mansion and business, it was Jeet who helped me. Sudhir insisted that we live with him in his mansion but Jeet was adamant that we were safer with him in his small home. He was right. Some goons came looking for me around Sudhir’s property within that same week, failing in their search. Jeet and Sudhir continued going to the office as usual to distract any suspicion. They had vowed to expose Mr. Mithal. I told them not too. It was not worth the sacrifice. But both Jeet and Sudhir remained persistent.”

“I should have attended that meeting. Maybe Jeet would still be here.”  Priya turned to face the man whom she had placed on a pedestal all these years. This time he averted his gaze, warning her of a tragic conclusion. “A couple months had passed by since Mr. Mithal had taken over the Kapoor Industries. I was on my way to an urgent meeting with a client in the conference room when Jeet came to me with a red file tucked securely under his right arm. He said he had found what we were looking for. To avoid any suspicion I told him to meet me in the underground parking garage in half an hour. I figured I’d finish the meeting as the client was already waiting. I don’t know what I was thinking. Thirty minutes passed by in the blink of an eye. Or was it 40? I keep replaying the same scenario in my mind. Concluding the meeting I rushed to the spot where I told Jeet to wait for me. But when I got downstairs, he was nowhere to be seen. I took out my phone from my pocket and was about to dial Jeet’s number when I received a call from home. I answered. It was the gardener. Shipra had suddenly fallen ill and was being transported to the hospital. Forgetting everything I rushed to her side. She had a severe infection and doctors weren’t certain if she was going to make it. I panicked and I forgot all about Jeet until late in the night when uncle ji called me. Jeet hadn’t returned home from work. His phone had been switched off. We notified the police immediately. And the search began.   They found your fathers body discarded near an abandoned road. A bullet hole through his heart, he stood no chance at survival." Sudhir voice choked trying to work up the courage to speak further. "Your mom went into a state of shock when she heard the news. That depression consumed her from within leading her down a deadly path of self-destruction. No matter how much we all tried she had already made up her mind that she wasn't going to live without Jeet in this world. They said she committed suicide but in truth the same man who pulled the trigger on her husband murdered her sanity as well. I was not there for Jeet that day but I promised him that I would always protect his baby girl. I was going to keep you safe and so I had to leave Kapoor Industries so Mr. Mithal would not consider me a threat. Selling my shares and my mansion I pursued the life of a common man working hard for my family. Priya, please forgive me for lying to you all these years. I wanted to tell you the truth so badly but the trauma would have been too much for a child. When Shipra told you that you were adopted I had no choice but to lie. You were only 10 years old at the time. How could I tell you that your parents were…?” Sudhir continued in one breath, frantic as he was hurled in those heart-wrenching moments again. “I made up the story about the accident to protect you from what actually happened. No ten-year-old child would be able to go through that kind of trauma. I’m so sorry Beta.”

Everyone in the room observed with mixed emotions as Sudhir got up and stood in front of Priya begging for forgiveness. “Please, Priya, forgive me beta… I’m so sorry that you had to find out this way. I was only trying to protect you.”

“Trying to protect me?” She interrupted standing toe to toe with Sudhir. Her voice, although broken, echoed off the walls in the not so tiny living room. The thing that couldn’t have gone unnoticed when she looked up however was the uncertainty in her moist eyes. Was she going to forgive him? Or was this the end of the only father-daughter relationship she had ever known? 

FF: Kuch Mere Dil Ne Kaha Part 21

PART 20 RECAP :

Ram and Priya sharing some sweet moments before they go their separate paths. 

 Ram apologizes to Priya for everything that he has done after realizing that Priya was the reason that his dada-ji is still alive today. It's obvious he loves his dada-ji a lot. Sudhir overhears Ram's apology and is now aware of how Ram has been treating Priya. She had initially lied to him and said that she willingly married Ram. Sudhir is infuriated. But before he could do anything Ram's dadi and dada-ji intervene. Dada-ji health is still not at its best so Ram and Sudhir both assist him to the living room forcing him to rest. 

  

Part 21

She couldn't agree more with his words. He was right for a change. Nothing was nearly as beautiful or magical like each time they came together. Now! This moment and each second it contained was a definition of bliss, a euphoric sea of pleasure.  Curling her bottom lip Priya tugged it shyly observing Ram's unfocused gaze wandering the length of her body in search of a place to begin. Sensing the desire in her changed expression, Ram whispered against the arch up the side of her neck. " This time... Let's try something different." The warmth of his breath was tantalizing causing her grip on reality to nearly slip through her delicate fingers. She whimpered softly being stripped of the heat from his body as he got up suddenly. Priya opened her eyes and scanned the room for Ram who was nowhere in sight. She sat up in bed brushing aside a strand of hair from her face. Her eyebrows bunched in curiosity watching Ram as he marched out of the closet with a tie in each hand and a naughty grin outlined on his delectable lips. Putting two and two together Priya quickly guessed his intentions. Her jaw hung in shock as a strangely tempting thought bounced anxiously in her mind. "Is Ram going to use that...No, no, no... He wouldn't... He doesn't have it in him... Does he?" Priya gulped nervously as he approached her with his trappings in hand. She sat there frozen, hypnotized by his intent. The spell that he had cast on her without an ounce of effort could only be shattered by his touch alone. Holding her right hand Ram wrapped a blue tie around her petit wrist tying a loose knot to secure it in place. "Ram you can't be serious." She finally piped up, sounding not the least bit convincing in her attempt at an objection. Staring deep into the depths of her dark brown eyes Ram stated in his firm, I mean business' tone.  "I have never been anything but serious. You of all people should know this very well." His voice was so manly; it possessed an insanely intense and erotic effect on its own. A rush of pleasure cascaded down the pit of her stomach in feverish anticipation of his next move. As Ram finished knotting the second tie around her left wrist he seized her lips in a frantic kiss coaxing her tongue into a dance of passion with much ease. Ram was surprised by her sense of urgency. An intense rush of warmth surged through his body. She felt the outline of his stiff presence between her legs; mind numbingly hot and extremely hard. 
Tugging the loose ends of each tie Ram pulled Priya to her feet. The desire to be within her grew as quickly as he did. Therefore, there wasn't much technique in the way Ram undressed Priya. It was simply an urgent weave of his fingers through the layers of her saree working down to his ultimate prize, her bare body.
"Lie down." He ordered in complete control.
Having no other option with Ram guiding her backwards, Priya did as she was told. Sliding his palms up the side of her arms Ram knotted the loose ends of each tie to the brass columns of the rustic headboard. "Now the fun begins," He whispered against the raised skin on her neck before planting a trail of wet kisses down the length of her arm. Caressing every inch of her face sporadically with his soft, warm lips Ram continued on his downward path. Priya arched her back off the mattress unraveling beneath him as he nuzzled her neck. "Ram." She uttered in a moan, which lacked the composure of her otherwise boisterous tone. She wriggled beneath him in an attempt to contain the overflow of sensations evoked by the circular play of his tongue on her perked buds. Intrinsically, Priya tried to move her hands towards his head so that her fingers could run freely through his lush dark hair. Not getting very far in her attempt Priya met resistance recalling her bonded state.
"Ram, untie me please." Her pleading was music to his ears.
 "Not a chance." He stated before slowly tracing a vertical line down the length of her stomach with the tip of his hot, wet tongue. Any speck of composure had been shrugged aside the moment his warm breath kissed the heated flesh between her legs. And the reigns of reality, which she had so carefully contained in her possession suddenly, ceased to exist all together.

Sudhir stood with his back to the living room, arms crossed and eyes fixed on Ram. Having assisted his Dada-ji to sit with his feet up in the recliner sofa chair, Ram immediately made his way out to the back patio. With one hand in his pocket and the other pressing his phone to his ear, Ram marched on the hot mosaic cut cement floor of the deck, focused on his conversation with the MD.
"What's running through your mind Sudhir?" Dada-ji questioned, shattering the silence in the room.
"How can the apple fall so far from the tree?" Sudhir replied, turning to face the elderly man whom he respected.
"Come sit." Dada-ji invited.
"I'd rather stand." Sudhir declined.
Dada-ji couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Sudhir was just as stubborn as Ram.
"The apple has fallen right where it belongs." Dada-ji mumbled a tickling fact.
"What?" Sudhir asked appearing genuinely confused.
"Nothing." Feeling relaxed in the rare presence of his loved ones Dada-ji stretched out more comfortably in his seat. "Sudhir, I told Ram to do what he has done. It was my plan. I wanted Jeet's daughter to finish what he had started. There was no one else I could trust. But I had no idea that Ram would behave the way that he did towards Priya. Don't worry Sudhir. I will talk to him and I ensure you that he will listen."
"I'm afraid that that's not going to cut it. Ram is reckless and arrogant. Even if he had come to me and asked for permission, I would have never agreed with this plan. Priya is way to innocent and a man like him knows exactly how to take advantage of that."
"Sudhir, my son. Remember how this all happened? How we got here? Whom we're doing this all for?"
Sudhir turned his back to the living room once more. Only this time he did it to save face and to shelter his guilt. "How can I forget? I always felt responsible for Jeet's death. Even until this day I haven't found the courage to look Priya in the eyes and confess to what I have done. It's a curse to carry this burden and a blessing to have a daughter like Priya. Uncle I am so afraid of losing her. But when she finds out, I can't stop her from hating me."
"What is it Papa?" Priya's voice rose from behind him, catapulting him off his track.  Sudhir gulped and slowly turned to face his daughter, knowing the time had come to do what he dreaded doing for years.  Priya had been in the kitchen with Ram's Dadi helping her make tea and snacks. Sudhir should have really been more careful but perhaps it was time Priya found out. Placing the tray she was holding, on the coffee table in front of her Priya walked towards her Papa. She was so anxious for an answer that she seemed oblivious to the loud slam of the back door as Ram came into the house. "What is the big secret? Why is everyone hiding things from me? Why do I have to figure out the truth in bits and pieces? Everyone knows, everyone but me. Don't I have the right to know what's really going on?"

Ram was her warrior of love, an expert one at that. Perhaps that's why Priya always found it hard to refuse him. He moved back up the path of kisses, which he had created, a grin of satisfaction curled on his glistening lips, evidence of her desire for him. His knees dug into the mattress on either side of her hips, continuing the theme of entrapment. Tugging his tie Ram threw it to the floor. She watched enviously as he began unbuttoning, working slowly down his shirt until it was off his back. "Not fair." She voiced her displeasure.
"Is there a problem?" He questioned mischievously even though he knew exactly what she wanted.
"That's my job." She blurted out in a soft whine.
"I notice that you're a bit tied up" Ram teased concealing his grin. "So I thought I'd give you a hand."
Priya pouted expressing her annoyance. "Raaammm!"
In response, he leaned down for a kiss and devoured her frowning lips. Distracted by the twirl of his tongue in her mouth, Priya's complaint was quickly lost in the sounds of her pleasure, an appreciation of his actions. Gasping for air in between the play of their lips Priya heard a faint sound as Ram unzipped his pants. Kicking off the last shred of his clothes, she felt him between her, no barrier, just heated flesh craving to come together. Unable to hold back any longer, Ram sheathed himself within her. Priya was caught off guard by his roughness, his pace, his desperation. Although her body screamed in satisfaction, there was still that unfulfilled desire to touch him, an ache of sorts within her for which Ram was the only remedy. Freeing her lips, Ram slid his mouth down the arch of her neck, nibbling and sucking gently at her flesh, teasing her with the subtle sting.
"Ram... Please...untie...me..." She asked, finding the words amidst her airy sighs. "Why?" Slowing down his pace to a sensual grind, Ram questioned in a whisper against her ears, dropping a kiss as he finished, craving to hear her intentions. "I want to wrap my arms around you. Feel your heartbeat as it kisses my palms through your chest. I want to run my fingers through your hair, down the length of your back, feel you as you move within me." Priya spoke in desperation aching to feel him inside and out. "Enough of this torture baby, I want to feel you love me." She groaned as he took her lips captive in a rough tug of war, a battle to hold the throne in the realm of passion. He felt her lips curl into a smile, as he finally obliged, setting her hands loose from the bind of his tie. Now they were on even playing grounds. It was now her turn to return his favours. Pinning her hands to the mattress he regained control, drinking in the passion that was pooled in her eyes. Gasping for air there was no hiding their exhaustion but there was no time to address it because in this moment that they had held captive, fulfilling the need for one another was the only thing of any importance. They rode the waves of passion as high as it took them before crashing into a sea of ecstasy, an overflow of emotions. The laughter, the tears, the teasing all lead to one conclusion, Ram and Priya were soul mates. Destiny was what brought them together making them cross paths so they could stumble on a crazy, addictive kind of love. One that mimed the likes of lust but was so much more than anything that anyone could ever imagine.

Priya listened quietly with a dagger on her heart. She was desperate for the truth knowing very well that its bitterness could eliminate any sweetness in her life and forbid it from ever entering again. Her identity, the very source of her being, could be slaughtered in one swing of that same dagger, but she needed to know.
"Priya, beta. I don't know how to tell you this." Sudhir cradled both her hands in his as if to lighten the blow.
"Just tell me Papa." She demanded anxiously. "I can handle it." That statement was consolation for her own ears, more than anyone else's in the room.
Clearing his throat Sudhir slowly began revealing the truth, which he had safeguarded in a dark corner of his heart, rusting for many years. "Your parents weren't killed an accident beta. They were..." He paused... "They were murdered. And it's all my fault."
Shattering into a million pieces he finally said it. An undeserving lightness prevailed in his heart as the burden was finally lifted off of it. Ram was just as shocked as Priya. When she had told him that her parents had passed away in a car accident, Ram didn't bother probing any further. He was stunned with an overwhelming sense of sadness, a sense of guilt for the way that he had treated her.
"But you told me the car accident. And. And. Promising my father to take care of me... What was all that? It just doesn't make sense." Her mind was in a haze. She felt many things in that disheartening moment with confusion and betrayal being at the top of the list of emotions.  
"Priya, beta come lets have a seat and I will explain everything." Sudhir tried to guide her to the sofa but she pulled her hands back and out of reach.
"Why did you say it was all your fault?" Her questions were just as scattered as the thoughts chasing around in her head. She didn't want to cry but without warning a stream of tears pooled in her eyes, muddling her gaze. How was she to react if Sudhir had a hand in her parents demise? She gave him the place of her father. He lied to her about the accident, all those years. Does she even know this man she has been calling Papa? A plethora of thoughts flooded her mind enticing her sanity to snap. Daring her to lose it. She felt weak in her knees and the silence wasn't making the situation any better. "I need answers, dammit." She shrieked feeling the heat of her rage engulf her in its flames. Sudhir's head hung low in shame. He seemed unable to muster up even an ounce of courage to speak. This was his worst nightmare and it was playing right in front of his eyes. This time there was no waking up from it.
Noticing Priya's staggering gait, Ram rushed to her side just in time for her to fall back on him. "Priya!" He called her name aloud forcing Sudhir to finally look up. Clutching her head Priya continued mumbling, "I need answers. I want to know. I need..." as Ram carried her in his arms to the couch. Laying her down delicately he sat on the floor on his knees, slouching over her limp body and splashing drops of water on her face with his fingertips. "Priya, wake up. Please, Priya. Utho na." There was an intense urge in his heart to protect her. He had never wanted to do so much for someone like he did in that moment for Priya. It was a strange feeling like no other but he definitely felt it for her, for the first time, in that moment. It wasn't pity, it was something stronger then that. However, there was no time to dissect it or even to make sense of it. Right now he needed to know that she was going to be okay.

Ram woke up in a panic from his nap. "What time is it?" He sat up in bed and mumbled to himself. Scouring the dimly lit room in search of his phone his gaze froze as it landed on his sleeping beauty.  Ram couldn't help but grin to himself thinking about how lucky he was to have found a soulmate like Priya. Her eyebrows were scrunched slightly, it seemed as though his sudden movement had annoyed her. Smirking mischievously Ram decided to tease her further. Cuddling up beside her Ram pecked her forehead and then her eyes, her nose and finally her lush, warm lips.  "Wake up my darling," He whispered against her ear, kissing down the side of her neck, slowly, taking his time.
"Sone do na Ram. I'm tired." She stated drowsily.
"But I'm not."
"Please..." She pleaded frowning cutely, "5 more minutes, that's all."
Kissing her body sporadically Ram whispered, "Priya?"
"hmmm." She answered softly with a smile, enjoying the tickle of his lips against her skin.
"Why don't we make this a permanent thing? I can talk to your father. We can work something out. Legally we're already married. Why not tell our parents how we feel for each other? How we happened to fall in love?"
Ram watched as the smile disappeared from her lips immediately. Opening her eyes Priya examined the desperation on his face. "We've been through this Ram. It's not possible."
Ram sat up and Priya followed. "Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to stay away from you? Two weeks here and there is just not enough."
"It's hard for me too Ram." She replied sharply, pulling the bedsheets over her breasts.
"Really because it doesn't seem like you're bothered by it. You're not even willing to try."
"I told you Ram. My father doesn't like you one bit.  You know this already. He has a thing against rich people. He says they're all spoiled. As far as he's concerned this marriage was just part of a plan and now that sheena is in jail there is nothing between us."  
"I can show him like I showed you that I am not like that. I used to be that spoiled brat. But I'm not anymore. You bring out the best in me Priya." He watched her anxiously as she got up and grabbed his shirt off the floor, her go-to clothing after they have made love.
"Please Ram try and understand." Buttoning up his shirt she attempted to change the topic like she always did whenever he presented her with this issue. "Why don't we go out and enjoy the rest of the day? We still have plenty of time together. I don't want to waste it fighting over little things." Any other day he would have let the issue pass but this time he was not only hurt by her lack of effort but more so by her complete disregard for the future of their relationship. 
"This isn't a little thing dammit." He got up and walked towards her, dressed solely in his boxers. Pressing her for an explanation he reiterated his question, "Why can't we try Priya? I want to spend every day for the rest of my life with you. Why aren't you even giving this option a second thought? I know you're just as crazy for me as I am for you. So why not Priya? Why not give us a chance?"
"Because I don't want to have to choose between my father and you? I love you both. Why don't you just understand that?" She shouted.
There was a moment of painful silence between them before Ram gathered his courage and asked, "And if you had to choose who would it be?"
"Ram..." She shook her head. "Why are you doing this? Please... Just give it a rest."
"Because I need to know. And you know what Priya? You finally answered my question."
With the last nail in the coffin, Ram walked past her with his heart in a million pieces scattered all over the creamy beige marble floor. Slumping down on the bed Priya fisted the bedsheets and shut her eyes tightly. He had left her stuck between a rock and a hard place. "I choose you Ram... Always... in a heartbeat...But how ungrateful would I be if I abandoned my family at a time when they need me the most?" She sobbed in silence while he stood in the bathroom, leaning over the sink, enraged and unsure of what to make of her resistance. "Does she not love me... Of course she does... Then what is all this? Why is she doing this?" He paused slamming his fist down hard against the sink in frustration. "Enough, Priya! This time you have to choose! If you don't want your father to know about us, then you have to choose." He charged out of the bathroom and towards her, aiming to put his foot down on this matter once and for all. Even if her decision would kill him, he needed her to choose.

FF-Kuch Mere Dil Ne Kaha- Part 20

Part 20

A million words were left unspoken between two lovers, heartbroken. The distance was not the issue and love certainly was not lacking. But something held both Ram and Priya back, something very unnatural. He wanted to hold her in his arms just as badly as she needed to be held.  However, she stood distant and he remained cold, both adamant on their own perspectives.

“Why can’t she just make this right?”  Ram revved his engine, hoping to elicit a reaction from Priya.

“Why can’t Ram just understand that I never doubted his love? Why should I clear a suspicion that doesn’t even exist to begin with?” She thought to herself teetering between the fading fine lines of sadness and annoyance. Priya could feel his piercing gaze on her. From the moment that Ram had sat in his car she knew he was watching her intently in the reflection of the rearview mirror.  That knowledge was like a double-edged sword of sorts, flattering and upsetting, a confusing mix of two opposite emotions. His unwavering gaze on Priya made her feel special. But at the same time she was hurt by the fact that Ram didn’t care enough to make an effort.

Brushing aside her ego Priya made the first move. Walking to the car, she got in and sat beside him, slamming the door shut.  Ram sat up straight in his seat, slightly surprised. He shouldn’t have been, this was exactly what he had wanted. But there was something in her demeanor that he detected, which left him feeling uncertain of her intentions. Undoubtedly, Ram craved to hear her voice in redemption. And just as he had wished, she finally spoke, neglecting his ardent gaze, “Take me home. I want to go home.”

There she was, clutching her purse, enraged. With an expression on her face as lethal, if not more than, any weapon known to mankind.

“Tread carefully man.” Ram’s ego offered scraps of wisdom before its cowardly exit.

“I thought you had left.” Ram stated unable to hide the unusual sense of relief that her presence had provoked within him.

“I was on my way out.” She retorted with a subtle sass in her tone that was elevated by an unmistaken hint of rage.

“I am glad I caught you then.” Taking a few awkward and abrupt steps towards her Ram continued eagerly, aiming to lessen the burden of guilt on his shoulders. “Listen Priya, I wanted to apologize for…”

“Just stop it Mr. Kapoor.” She interrupted catching him off-guard. “How many times are you going to apologize only to make the same mistakes again? Quite frankly, I’m tired of it!”

“No this time I am serious Priya. I wanted to apologize since last night.” There was actual truth in his words but to her ears it was all gibberish.

“Nonsense,” Was her only thought as she shook her head in disbelief. “How can a man be so full of it?”

Ram continued to ramble, taking full advantage of her peculiar silence. “Listen, I really am sorry for everything that I have ever said or done. I know it may be hard but you have to trust me just this once. At first I was out to get revenge for Sid and Sheena. I didn’t know that he was alive or that she was using me. But when I found out that he was alive I should have been thankful instead I was jealous because I couldn’t do anything for him. I was hurt because he didn’t reach out to me for help but he relied so heavily on you. —And… about last night.” Ram paused for a second wetting his dry lips quickly. He watched nervously as the expression of rage on her face-hardened and her eyebrows scrunched in curiosity at the mention of last night. “I wasn’t actually going to do anything. I mean… I was just playing around. Of course I shouldn’t have but still…I did. And I was wrong. I am sorry Priya… I really am. For tricking you into signing the marriage papers, for kissing you, for getting into bed with you last night, for taking jabs at your character. For everything… ”

Ram’s burdened conscious heaved a slight sigh of relief following his overdue apology.

Unable to decipher whether his words held any ounce of truth, Priya analyzed Ram from head to toe hoping to come across a shred of evidence, which would suggest that his apology was nothing more than a cleverly presented charade. But before she could probe further on the subject a familiar, stern voice surfaced from the direction of the open doorway behind Ram. In one swift pivot Ram turned around, coming face to face with Sudhir. The look on Sudhir’s face was icy cold; fitting for a father who had just overheard the hardships his beloved child had silently endured. Priya was baffled by her father’s presence; she could read the hurt hidden beneath the rage in his eyes. The fact of the matter was that she kept Ram’s wrongdoings bottled up. And even though it was a sacrifice, which she had made for the sake of her family; at the end of the day she had, for the first time, kept her struggles a secret from the only man whom she trusted blindly, her father.

“Papa…” She stated the obvious in a tone, which lacked its usual composure in his presence.

“Whatever he just said…” Sudhir questioned Priya, his gaze fixed on Ram like a dart on a target. “Is it true?”

Priya gulped before stammering out a response. “Yes…Papa…It is true. But it’s not as bad as it sounds.” It was as though Priya’s words had no effect on him. 

Sudhir’s blood boiled, but being the reasonable man that he was, he somehow managed to remain calm as he propped the package he had in his hands on top of the foyer table to the side of the entrance.

“Priya let’s go.” He ordered in a tone as stern as the unchanged expression on his face.

Ram and Priya were equally surprised by Sudhir’s composure. Surely there must have been a storm lurking behind his uncharacteristic silence. They both quickly exchanged nervous glances as Priya made her way to the door, following her father’s command.  As they turned to leave Ram remained frozen knowing he had to stop Priya but equally aware of the fact that nothing he said now would make a difference. He had screwed it all up. This one was from every angle in every way, on his ego.

Just as Sudhir wrapped his fingers firmly around the faux glass doorknob, a tired voice bounced with much effort off the walls in the foyer.

“Sudhir? My son… Are you going to leave without meeting me?”

The concern upon seeing Ram’s Dada-ji standing in the hallway with the support of his frail wife was shared amongst Ram, Priya and Sudhir.

“Can’t we just sit and talk for a moment and…” Dada-ji suddenly began coughing unable to finish his sentence. Both Ram and Sudhir rushed to his side.  

“Sir the doctor ordered bed rest. Why are you walking about?” Sudhir questioned trying his best to sound assertive without being disrespectful.

“Yes Dada-ji… Why are you doing this?” Ram added as they walked his Dada-ji towards the sofa in the living room. Dadi waddled behind them rightfully panicked and distressed. She cursed herself for giving into her husband’s request to get out of the room. But what could she have done? It’s not like if she had denied helping him up he would have remained in his bed like he was supposed too. After all stubbornness is the Kapoor family hallmark of authenticity, so to speak.

“Priya grab the medication will you.” Sudhir shouted back as they entered the living room.

“What a turn of events.” Priya couldn’t help but to think amidst the chaos. Even for a moment Ram and Sudhir had put their differences aside, finally finding common grounds.

Ram glared angrily at Priya who had just requested to be dropped home. She could sense his strong emotions without him ever needing to speak. It was a gift, which was quite convenient in their relationship. Although Ram was stellar in many aspects of his life, expressing his feelings had always been a weakness, which he had never bothered to improve upon.

“No fucking way!” Ram cursed, blatantly turning her down. 

“Fine!” Unbuckling her seat belt Priya loosely tugged at the door handle hearing the faint click as it gave, announcing her exit.  “Beats me!” She shrugged. “I’ll just take a cab to the airport then.” Surprised by his inaction, Priya stepped out of the car with ease. However, barely into her second step away from the vehicle she felt his familiar firm grip around her arm. His mere touch was like a hit of ecstasy, hurling her heart into a race against itself and warming her up from the inside out. “That was fast.” She thought, trying her best to understand exactly how Ram had managed to get out of the car with such speed. But before Priya could come up with an explanation she found herself propped across his shoulder like a sack of potatoes being carried back into the house against her will. 

“Ram put me down this instant… I mean it Ram… Put me down… Dammit Ram I am not a child you can’t just manhandle me like this… I said put me down.”

It was evident that Ram was a man on a mission making it a task to ignore her many objections.  Treading up the last few steps Ram entered the bedroom. Striking the door shut with his foot he finally gave into her demands propping her figure on the floor like a mannequin.  The distaste of being manhandled was clearly painted in the expression on her face.

“What the hell is wrong with you Ram?” Priya shouted at him while smoothing the freshly formed crinkles in her saree with the brush of her palms.

“Serves you right!” Ram hissed as he grabbed hold of her arms pinning her against the door. “You know just how much I hate the thought of you leaving me yet somehow you always manage to squeeze that in as a threat whenever we argue. Why?”

“Ouch…Ram…” She moaned squirming to break free from his unrelenting grip. “Please… You’re hurting me.” Those three words, and of course I love you, had a way of working like magic each time it passed her lips. And this time was no different. Ram loosened his hold around her arms, slowly setting her free almost as though he was unsure of his decision to ultimately let her go.

“What is it about you that drives me so insane? I never used to be like this.” Ram confessed, without an ounce of fear in his voice. 

“It’s because you love me you crazy man.” She stated in a tone saturated in attitude. Soothing her arms where Ram had held her, Priya noticed his lips quiver into a subtle grin.

 Very charmingly Ram began moving towards her with his grin appearing more sinister the closer he got. “And you? What about your love?”

“It goes without saying.” Priya stammered as her back finally kissed the closed doors, alerting her of the obvious dead end.

“But I want to hear you say it. I want to hear you say I love you…” Gliding his arms around her waist Ram had Priya exactly where he wanted her. And at that point, it was no secret what his intentions were; she could read the script clearly in his lustful gaze. Feigning control over her untamed feelings for him Priya made an attempt to break free. “Ram choro na… please… ” Priya’s unconvincing plea was met by the exact opposite.  Whispering a quick, “shhh…” against her lips Ram kissed Priya tenderly almost as though to confirm her silence.

All that was left of her strength crumbled to mush the moment their lips collided. And as always nothing else mattered in that moment, which was only theirs to cherish. Without so much as a thought Priya wrapped her arms loosely around his neck for support as she ran her fingers up the back of his head and through his freshly gelled hair. The wet strands of his hair sent a shiver down her spine immediately. It was the thought of the earlier shower they shared mingled in with the taste of Ram’s warm lips working fervently against hers, which had Priya melting in his embrace. Splaying his fingers on her buttocks Ram pulled Priya into the caress of his body emphasizing his need in case a passionate kiss wasn’t clear enough for her. She moaned in his mouth when their bodies softly smacked as they came together. Ram was frantic in his approach to loving her. There was no predicting his next move and that for Priya was magic.  Not knowing and just feeling a gush of sensations as it rushes through your veins. Breathlessly, Ram pecked the corner of her mouth, creating a trail of kisses down the arch of her neck. “I love you Ram.” She managed to whisper focusing on each word. “I love you so much.”

“Then why did you want to leave?”  

“I knew you would never let me go.”

“What?” He looked at her confused.

Composing herself Priya leaned against the door unable to stand. Exhaling deeply she explained, “Because Ram you said that I doubted your love. So I said I wanted to leave. I trusted your love Ram. I knew you loved me too much to let me leave.”

Combing his fingers through his hair Ram shook his head in utter shock. “Jesus Priya. How could you do this to me? Do you have any idea how scared I was?”

“What? Is this supposed to be my fault?” Finally regaining composure Priya stood up straight with her hands on her hips. “You’re the one who wanted proof and that’s exactly what I gave you.”

Heaving a sigh of relief Ram teased his wife. “There are so many different ways you could have gone about this. Drama queen.”

“Really Ram? I’m dramatic?” She probed in complete denial of his presumption.  “It was not too long ago that you carried me up the stairs against my will like a madman. A simple no Priya you’re not going anywhere would have sufficed.”

“Yeah I am a madman.” Ram moved slowly towards Priya, his intent clear as day.

“Ram don’t you dare.” She raised her index finger in protest moving backwards. However it was too late, Ram had already made up his mind. Once again she found herself across his shoulders. Although Priya knew that changing his mind was a lost cause she still moped in an attempt to persuade him. “Ram… please… Choro na… okay… I am sorry baba…I swear I wont ever talk about leaving you again…not even to make a point…” Not bothered by her demands Ram slapped her buttocks with his free hand. “Ram,” She moaned his name loudly feeling the subtle sting on her backside.  It was strange, he had never done that before but for some reason she was aroused by his boldness. “That’s your punishment for even joking about leaving me, Mrs. Kapoor.” Ram stated with a naughty grin on his face, knowing very well that she enjoyed his every move.  That knowledge was definitely stiffening. God he loved her with all his heart and to have those feelings reciprocated by Priya was a blessing that he didn’t dare take for granted. Perhaps that’s why the lingering reality of separation was too large of a pill for either one of them to swallow, it was something well beyond their control. Shrugging aside his insecurities Ram tossed Priya into the soft embrace of the plush king sized mattress. Climbing on top of her with lightening speed Ram pinned her beneath his large frame. She gulped as he inched closer to her lips. “Ram, it’s so beautiful out.” Priya spoke timidly, averting his intense, lustfully driven gaze.

Right before he kissed her, Ram whispered against her lips, sending her over the edge. “Nothing is more beautiful than this.”