Chapter 23

2 years ago

varshaoforange

@varshaoforange

Radhika walked into the office, followed by Dev and Aryan, and inside they were met with two women. One, more elderly than the woman behind the desk, was furiously typing up something on her laptop and looked up kindly at Radhika when she entered. The other woman, stood up from her seat and walked around to greet the three of them.

“Thanks for coming, you must be Radhika, you’re Dev, and you, I don’t know you.” The woman said, extending her hand to Dev and Radhika who shook it, but she paused before Aryan.

Aryan extended his hand, “I’m Aryan Rathore, CEO of Bhaskar Times, I’m here, only if Miss Apte is comfortable, to go through the process of her telling her story to a journalist and hopefully printing it at Bhaskar Times.” Aryan looked at Radhika, clearly he expected a yes or no from her.

Radhika stammered, “I am not, not interested in going to the press. I think I’d like a better understanding of my options first, if that makes sense.”

The woman, who was clearly the lawyer, smiled, “Of course, Ms. Apte. As you know, I’m Chitra Das, I specialize in corporate litigation, I’ve known Dev for years now, but most importantly, all my pro-bono cases at the firm are focused on violence against women. Please, the three of you sit. Do any of you mind if my assistant takes notes? This is Mrs. Shreya Bhatnagar, she’s been with me for years now, so she’s trustworthy.”

Radhika nodded, as did Dev and Aryan. The three of them sat down, Radhika looked around the office, it was way more impressive than the lawyers’ offices at the firm in which she worked.

“Great.” Chitra sat down.

Dev decided to set the stage and do whatever he could to make Radhika comfortable. He really wanted her to sue, but he knew exactly why she was against it at the moment, “Ms. Das.” He started.

“Call me Chitra.”

“Sorry, Chitra. I don’t think Aryan and I will speak for the rest of this meeting, well at least not me, Aryan will have information for Radhika if she wants to talk about what having her story in the newspaper might entail. But I just wanted to start off by saying that Radhika’s considering suing for two main reasons: First, she hasn’t been able to get Khanna to pay her medical bills. Second, he’s not only refused to apologize, but it’s clear he’s going to be downright vindictive. He might come after her at her job. And, well, there’s a third reason, Radhika’s mentioned that he has pictures of the two of them…” Dev trailed off, looking at Radhika.

Radhika stiffened, looking down at her bag, unable to make eye contact with anyone in the room right now. She knew if she moved even an inch right now, she’d end up crying. But hearing Dev stop, she looked at him, and gave him a slight nod.

Dev continued, “Well, they’re normal pictures. Nothing that two people who were in a relationship for so long wouldn’t have, but when you add the pictures to the fact that he has texts with her going back years. Radhika’s afraid he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back in his life, even if that means making her completely dependent on him.”

Chitra nodded, taking notes of her own in a legal pad, “I understand.”

Then she looked up at the woman across the desk from her, looking down, averting the gaze of anyone else in the room. Chitra had been where this woman was, and she knew exactly what was going through her head right now. “Radhika.” Chitra said it with as much care as she could.

Radhika took a deep breath and lifted her chin, meeting Chitra’s eyes, “Yes?” Her voice wavered. Damn it, she thought, don’t cry!

Chitra smiled, “I know you’ve already told your story to Dev, and he knows everything that’s going on. And it seems like Mr. Rathore here knows enough or he wouldn’t be considering printing your story in his newspaper, but if we’re going to consider a lawsuit, I need to hear the whole thing again. Do you think you’re going to be able to tell me that right now, with all the people in this room.” Chitra wasn’t being subtle, even if Radhika knew one of these men well, telling the story of your violent assault and your most personal relationship was not something most straight women would want to do in front of another man.

Radhika looked at both Aryan and then at Dev, then she mustered as much courage as she could, thinking of the girl she’d just met outside and the words she’d left Radhika with, ‘Just do what is best for you, baaki sab Sita Maiya sambhal legi,’ that’s what Imlie had said to her. “Yes, I can tell the whole story again, it doesn’t matter if Mr. Rathore is here, and Dev’s a friend. Where should I start?”

Chitra smiled, impressed with the guts of this woman, “Let’s start with where you met Sunil Khanna, and when.”

The questions dragged on for around half an hour, and Radhika found that once she started, it was easier just to finish. It wasn’t like the first time she’d told Dev what happened after he’d kept bugging her about the bruise on her face. Though it was probably only easier now because she was only telling the most horrific story of her life to three new people, not sharing it with a whole courtroom or god forbid, the whole city.

After Chitra had gleaned the basic details, she smiled and closed her notebook, capping her pen. “Okay, I have the basics now Radhika, you don’t need to share any more right now. But, now is when you get to learn about the basic options, and the possible outcomes. From what I can tell, there’s enough evidence to actually file a suit. What we have to make sure is of two things: that we know what damages you’re looking to sue for, and what the plan is. Are you just looking for medical expenses, or are you looking for for more because of the serious suffering you’ve gone through? And, do you want this settled quickly, or are you ready for a possible trial, and if not a trial, at least months in depositions?”

Radhika felt the dread creeping back now. Damages? Settlement? Depositions? She’d heard all these terms at her job. She knew what all this entailed, and she didn’t want any of it. “I need some time to think, about all of this. But what I do know now is that all I want is for him to pay the medical bills, I want an apology, and I want him out of my life. I didn’t report it to the police because I was afraid, but I’m not afraid anymore. So if it takes me threatening to go to the police, then I’ll do that. But I don’t need a public apology, or millions from him. I just want…I just need to never see his face again.”

Chitra nodded, “That’s understandable. I know you didn’t go to the police straight away, but they wanted to do an investigation, so it’s on file with them exactly when you got hurt, and the hospital and police has that physical evidence. But, if all you’re looking for is to get him out of your life, then a settlement without a long case is best. Now, that’s where talking to the press gets tricky, but it is leverage, if you want.” Chitra looked at Aryan, indicating to him that he had the floor to chime in if he wanted.

Aryan looked at Radhika, “Ms. Apte, based on what I just heard, and what Chitra’s detailed. I also don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to take this to the press, unless Khanna escalates. I’ve read through almost all the major stories about harassment and assault allegations lobbied against major players in India in recent years, and though I didn’t talk to every person who shared their stories personally, from what I can tell, there’s a noble and a selfish reason to go to the press. The selfish reason: you want your harasser to suffer. You need to exact revenge, you need to make clear to him that there were consequences for his actions. The noble reason: you want to make sure he’s never able to do it to anyone else. I don’t care which reason you identify with more, all I care is that my paper prints the truth. So, would it make sense to take the time you’re thinking about the lawsuit to also think about whether or not you need to go to the press?”

Radhika laughed, she was thinking about Imlie’s speech outside about revenge, “Sorry, I’m laughing because your little speech on revenge versus nobility, Mr. Rathore, it was a little different than what I just heard from someone else a while ago.” Radhika calmed her laughter and pressed on, “But you’re right. I think I need a few days to think about what’s best for me, and I think I can leave the rest up to God, or the universe, or whatever, right?”

Aryan smiled, he thought back to Imlie’s favorite catchphrase, ‘Baki sab Sita Maiya sambhal legi,’ Imlie would probably get along well with Radhika.

“Yes, I think that’s right, Ms. Apte.”

Radhika looked at Chitra, “Well, I think we’re done here? Dev and I are grabbing dinner, Chitra, are you interested?”

Chitra looked at her watch, “I’d love to, but Dev, just text me where you’re going, I still have a little work to finish. Radhika, it was a pleasure meeting you, and whatever you decide, know that I’m on your side.”

The three of them stood up, Radhika offered a weak wave to Shreya the secretary, and opened the office door. Dev followed her out, along with Aryan.

Chitra added before they closed the door, “Sorry, I’d walk you all out, but work…it’s the worst and never-ending. It was nice meeting you as well, Mr. Rathore.”

Aryan nodded slightly and closed the door.

Dev put a hand on Radhika’s shoulder, “See, I told you it wouldn’t be too bad. It wasn’t too bad was it?”

Radhika shook her head, “No, it wasn’t that bad.”

Dev looked at Aryan, “Thanks for coming man, I know you’re busy. But I figured Radhika should cover all her bases before she does anything.”

“I agree, Radhika, you don’t know me that well, in fact, at all—“ Aryan started.

Radhika started laughing again, “Sorry, sorry. Someone else, just started a conversation with me that way like an hour ago. I think it’s amazing that I’m making so many new friends because of what’s probably the most tragic thing to ever happen to me!”

Aryan continued, “Ah, right. Well, I was just going to say that I know you’re going through a rough time, but you were right in there. It’s all about doing what’s best for you.”

Radhika smiled wider, “That actually was advice from someone else, but I’m glad I’m taking it.”

“ABP?” Imlie called from down the corridor.

Aryan spun around and saw Imlie’s confused face approach him, with Shiv Agarwal following a couple steps behind her.

“Imlie? What are you doing here?” Aryan asked, taken aback.

Imlie’s confusion only increased, “I’m interviewing the Shiv and the other lawyers for my Pharma lawsuit story, what are you doing here?”

Aryan looked at Dev and Radhika, and back at Imlie, not sure what to do. He doubted Radhika wanted anyone else knowing her business, and even if she did, Aryan didn’t want to risk Imlie finding out anything about Khanna before Aditya’s story hit tomorrow.

Radhika clapped her hands, “Wait, you know Imlie.” Then understanding dawned on her face, “Oh of course, Imlie, you work for Bhaskar Times. Got it. Is she the reporter you were considering writing the story about me, Mr. Rathore?”

Imlie was even more flabbergasted now, “What story?"

Aryan cleared his throat, “No, Radhika, I hadn’t actually thought that far. Uhhh—" Aryan had no idea what to say right now.

“Wait, Aryan, this is the girl you told me about? The junior reporter? I can totally see why you’re always talking about her now.” Dev asked.

Aryan looked at Dev, and then Imlie, “Uhhh.”

Shiv laughed, “I love this. Imlie, I honestly don’t believe you’re from a small town. Somehow everyone in Delhi knows you, and if they don’t know you, they know about you.”

Radhika laughed too, “I just met her today, and I think you’re right, but I’ll add, that perhaps anyone who doesn’t know her, should get to know her.”

Shiv extended his hand, “Hi, I’m Shiv Agarwal, I’m a lawyer at this firm. And as you heard, I’m working on a pharmaceutical lawsuit. It seems like you two are in a hurry, but it is nice to meet two more Imlie bhakts.”

“It’s nice to meet you Shiv. Radhika Apte. I won’t give you my life story now, but I think we should definitely start a club of Imlie bhakts.” Radhika said.

“I’m just here with Radhika today, but I’m Aryan’s friend.” Dev shook Shiv’s hand and looked at Imlie, “Also Imlie, thank you. You don’t know me, but for years all this duffer of a friend would talk about was work and more work. At least now it isn’t exhausting to be his friend.”

Imlie smiled weakly, trying to make sense of what was happening. “Okay, I’ve met two new people today, and I have more questions than answers, but Radhika, I will ask you later. Or I’ll just get the whole story from ABP here.”

Aryan stood still, unable to speak, amazed at how Imlie managed to rub off on anyone and everyone who met her. He now understood why Radhika seemed happy and less stressed than he’d assumed she would be at the meeting.

Radhika smiled, “Imlie, I will definitely tell you at some point. I don’t really know if it is a story you have to write about, but I think talking to you is definitely a good idea. Honestly, it’s amazing to me. I came here in the worst mood of my life, and now it really feels like any other day..”

Dev added, “Also, Imlie, I don’t have any stories about myself, but I’m glad to share all my stories about Aryan before he became ‘The Aryan Singh Rathore,’ I know all his secrets.”

Aryan cleared his throat, “Dev, please. She’s an employee.”

“Right. Of course.” Dev laughed, “Imlie, Shiv, it was nice meeting you. Radhika and I are heading out, but hopefully we’ll see each other again.

Radhika and Dev waved bye to Imlie, Dev gave Aryan a friendly and knowing pat of Aryan’s shoulder, and the two of them left.

Shiv laughed, “Imlie, you really do have a growing fan club, don’t you.”

Imlie, still confused at the past five minutes, laughed at this, “It’s not a fan club,” she made a show of adjusting her kameez, “but I clearly am having a great influence on this city’s people.” She laughed harder.

Aryan started to suggest he and Imlie head back home, but then Shiv interrupted.

“Acchaa, where do you want to grab food? Samosas and chai, or full on dinner?” Shiv asked, looking at Imlie.

Imlie stopped laughing to respond, “Samosas and chai, always.”

“Imlie, Maa probably already has dinner planned out anyway, why samosas now?” Aryan asked, knowing immediately it wasn’t going to stop her.

Imlie looked at Aryan, “Are you sure you were born in India? In fact, are you sure you’re not an alien?”

Aryan looked confused, “What? Of course I was born here, what are you talking about?”

Imlie laughed, “India mein, Samose koee nahin khaata kyonki unhen bhookh lagee hai. Ham samose isalie khaate hain kyonki khaane ke lie samose hain. Simple.” (In India, no one eats samosas because they’re hungry. We eat samosas because there are samosas to eat.)

Shiv smiled, “I’ll just go get my wallet and bag and be right out. Aryan, if you want to join us, please do.”

Imlie nodded, “No problem, we’ll wait for you downstairs.”

As Shiv headed back to his office, Aryan and Imlie made their way downstairs.

Aryan was annoyed, he looked at Imlie no less than five times in the elevator, wanting to say something, but stopping himself right before.

Imlie wanted to laugh, but she fought it, it seemed Aryan didn’t know the elevator walls were reflective, she’d seen every one of Aryan’s attempts at starting a conversation. Finally she said, “If you have something to say, you should say it. Keeping it locked inside, not good. You’ll get indigestion.” She smiled at Aryan.

Aryan glared back, then relaxed, he had to get it out, “Fine. But don’t take this the wrong way. Don’t you think this Shiv Agarwal character is just a little too friendly?”

Imlie narrowed her eyes. She really couldn’t understand Aryan. Every time she thought she got close, he’d say something incredibly out of character. Half the time she was sure he didn’t care about her as anything other than a tenant and an employee, but the other half of the time, he’d ask questions like this one. Either he was worried about her and the friends she was making, or he just was making sure Imlie hadn’t spent the afternoon goofing off instead of working. She really couldn’t tell. A joke was the best way to figure it out, mainly because she liked to see what it took to make Aryan laugh.

“Kya…tum jealous ho?” Imlie asked, walking closer to Aryan. (Are you jealous?)

Aryan stammered, “Jealous? What? Of Shiv? Why?”

Imlie paused for a second, and then stepped back, putting a finger on her chin and nodding, “Yep. You’re jealous…of me.”

Aryan looked at her, “What? I think you might have a fever from the rain yesterday, and now you’re delirious.”

Imlie smiled slowly, “Of course, you’re jealous of my ability to make friends so easily. See, you walk around with that khadoos shakal everywhere, giving out scary speeches to everyone including strangers. It must be hard to make friends.” She giggled, “Don’t worry, ABP, a little jealousy is a normal thing. I can teach you how to make better conversation.”

The elevator doors opened, and Aryan walked out, “Shut up, Imlie.”

Imlie laughed, running after him, “ABP wait, tell me what stories will your friend Dev tell me? Is he going to tell me about how you scared off all your teachers if they gave you lower than a 100 by telling them, ‘I’m Aryan Singh Rathore, main industries bhi bana sakta hun, aur logon ke tagdir bhi likh sakta hun...’” She was laughing harder now, but she caught up with Aryan in front of the building.

Aryan looked at her, “Are you done laughing now?”

Imlie stopped abruptly, putting a finger to her lips, and nodded. “Tell Kaki Maa I might be a little late today. And don’t think I’m not going to ask you about whatever story you’re writing about Radhika. She seemed very upset—“

Aryan interrupted her, “Tell me when you’re done, I’ll pick you up. And…well about Radhika, it might be smarter just to wait to see if she tells you. Understand?”

Imlie nodded, Aryan was back in boss mode again, “Sure. Sure.”

Aryan started to walk to his car, but turned around a couple feet away from Imlie and repeated himself, “I mean it Imlie. Call me when you’re done, I’ll come pick you up. And this Shiv discussion isn’t over either—“ he stopped himself, he had no idea what his issue with Shiv was, but he couldn’t put that issue on Imlie, at least not until he knew the guy was bad news, “By that I just mean…well I mean I want to hear about your Pharma story.”

Imlie smiled, and acted out an exaggerated salute, “Yes! Sir!”

Aryan shook his head and walked to his car, “Nautanki,” he muttered to himself.

Imlie shouted as he was already forty feet away in the parking lot, “BYE ABP!”

Aryan smiled, not looking back, and waved his hand. He’d worry about the Radhika situation later, right now he was just glad that she seemed to be doing fine. Partially because of Imlie. Aryan thought back to the details of Ms. Apte’s story, and he got angry for her all over again. Regardless of what happened with Aditya’s story tomorrow, Radhika’s story couldn’t be the leverage Aryan relied on, just in case Khanna tried to bring suit against Bhaskar Times. He couldn’t do that to her, he cursed himself for even assuming it could be a part of his plan. If Radhika decided to tell her story, it would be on her own terms, and Aryan decided he’d keep it far away from whatever Aditya Kumar Tripathi wrote.

As he pulled the car out of the parking lot, he saw Shiv and Imlie laughing and walking towards the street, and yet again, inexplicably, his blood boiled.