Shadows of doubt

7 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Author notes:

Although many of few read the story but forget to write comments and giving likes .

It's my humble request to all my readers (including silent readers ) who are currently reading the story. Please, please, please let me know in the comments section how much you like the story. What you do like or don't . As I write for you all and your precious reviews motivated me to write more , I think this much I can expect from you 💓☺️🙏🤗❤️.

This part has dialogues both in Hindi and English... Enjoy the reading 😊💕..if anyone really likes the story then please hit the rating button and write your reviews regarding this chapter in the comments section.

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Without warning, the weather abruptly changed and rain began to pour down heavily. The raindrops were so sudden that there were no sprinkles to signal what was coming. Despite the heavy rain, Sanyogita rolled down the passenger window and let the fresh, cold air kiss her skin, which brought her a sense of comfort. The cool droplets of rain tapped against the car, creating a soothing sound that blended with the melody of the music playing on the radio. The scenery outside was blurry due to the heavy rain, but the lush green trees were visible, swaying in the wind.

Her phone was lit with an incoming call.

The mobile screen flashes out with Anushka’s name.

She clicked the green button and received the call

“ Good afternoon Bhabhi" Anushka greeted her sister-in-law

“ Good afternoon sweetheart!"

Anushka's ears perked up as she heard the cheerful and melodious voice of her sister-in-law, Sanyogita. She couldn't help but ask with a hopeful tone, "Bhabi, is there any good news that you have to share?"

""Yes , my dear ...After much persuasion, Riddhima has finally agreed to take the necessary step of registering a complaint at the police station."

Sanyogita explained everything to her younger sister-in-law

As Anushka focused intently on the speaker's words, her lips parted slightly and her jaw slackened in astonishment.

“ Bhabhi yeh toh bahut achi khabar hai .. I'm truly delighted for you! “

" "Beta, it wasn't about finding bliss, but rather about experiencing a sense of relaxation. It was a feeling of calmness and inner peace that I had been seeking. Finally ek bacchi ko uski justice milegi “

“ Bhabhi how is Rddhima now ?? I want to meet her !" “ Anushka sounded genuinely concerned

" She will be doing well soon. If we all appreciate her she will soon give back to her normal life . Hope is everything Anu! “

Anushka understood " Yes, Bhabhi we will all be with her! “

" No Anu, you will not involve yourself here!

" But why, you ask for my help!

“ I was aware of the situation, and I had already cautioned Zunaid about it. Moreover, I asked him to ensure that your name would not be mentioned in this matter. Zunaid gave me his assurance that he would keep you away from it."

" But Bhabhi .. “

" Sanyogita's voice was stiff as she spoke to Anushka, "I'm sorry Anu, but your Bhabhi can't assist you with this matter. And please, don't even consider asking your brother. If Prithvi finds out about this, he will undoubtedly recommend that Mamsi send you abroad."

Anushka's voice trembled with anxiety as she spoke, "I'm sorry, Bhabhi, I can't leave India. If I did, I would have to stay away from all of you, including Zunaid, and I just can't bear the thought of that."

Sanyogita could feel the ache in Anushka's tone as if it was a sharp dagger piercing through her heart. She exhaled a guilty sigh, realizing the mistake she had made in mentioning going abroad. Her sister-in-law was very serious about their relationship, which went beyond her presumptions and even the slightest hint of distance from Zunaid seemed to make her uncomfortable.

The latter continued" Bhabhi what did you think about Zunaid?? How do you find him?"

“ Being a police officer, no doubt he is an honest cop. I cannot vouch for his character beyond his professional role as a police officer. However, given his position, I would assume that he is a trustworthy and moral individual.

Nonetheless being a human being I can't say the same as I hardly knew about him., you likely have a better understanding of his personality and behavior than I do, so I defer to your judgment."

" Bhabhi, Zunaid is from a different community. He is Muslim and I’m Hindu and belong to a kshatriya family. Nobody will be going to accept our relationship.

I thought if you agree Bhaiya will agree and if Bhaiya will agree it will be easier for us to convince everyone “

Sanyogita smiled learning the faith of Anushka in her sister-in-law and big brother

“ Anu don't think about it beta.. with time things will go smoothly"

" Bhabi I'm very frightened. Dad looked for a groom for me. After the end of my final exam, he will soon come to see me. I can't get married to anyone apart from Zunaid “

Sanyogita was speechless for a juncture as it was a recent thing to listen to from Anushka. How could she know they aren't residing at Malhotra mansion anymore?

" Anu, relax beta, without your consent, no one is going to put their decision upon you. First, don't think about it much. Your final exams are coming soon, then focus on it. I and your brother both will look after this matter, okay beta! “"

“ Thank you, Bhabhi"

Sanyogita heard a tiny beaming from her sister-in-law

After several moments of talking they disconnected the call.

Sanyogita leaned back over the seat. Although she has given words to her sister-in-law, the question was how she would accomplish it.

Prithvi’s father as well as Anushka’s both were enraged with them till now.

…………………….

Sanyogita reached the office.

She didn't go to her cabin first, rather she visited Prithvi’s chamber first.

There she couldn't find anyone. She advised Christopher to wait for her outside or have lunch as it was 2.10 in the afternoon, perhaps he was hungry. He should have his lunch in the canteen.

Christopher denied at first but in the middle of their conversation, Prithvi arrives.

Christopher greeted him in his bodyguard expressionless face tone.

Prithvi told him the same. As he wanted to talk to his wife Alone.

Prithvi locked the door after Christopher was gone.

Sanyogita was standing facing her hips against his office's thick glass table.

“ How was your meeting?" “ She asked. Watch him walking towards her.

Prithvi put his arms around her small back and pulled her into his arms.

Sanyogita put her hands over his shoulders

“ Fine. But tell me you want to go alone to meet..

Sanyogita halted him in the middle way way “ No, your selected bodyguard also was with me “ she corrected himself

" Okay but still you shouldn't go alone like this! “

" What more could I do? "

“ Okay come first here, what do you want for lunch?"

“ As usual, what we prefer !"

He smiled at her reply. Prithvi called Arjun from his office landline and told him to order their lunch.

He took a seat in his office chair and pulled Sanyogita on his lap. She circled her arms around slender his neck

“ Now tell me what made you cancel your visit to the factory??"

Prithvi exhaled a long breath but didn't respond.

Sanyogita found him a little distracted

“ What happened ?? Is there anything there that is bothering you ?" She kept her hand over this cheek.

Her fingers caressed his rough stubble, and her other hand was stroking his hair. Prithvi enjoyed this action often as it brought some soothing after a long day of hectic work

“ Just a little nervous about those German clients! “

" Nervous?? And you are !! Her eyes expanded wider automatically catching her backbone in apprehension

Prithvi gave a feeble smile but didn't utter anything .

“ Don't worry about them. You work hard this time. Here I'm your biggest witness. Everything will be fine Mr. Malhotra “

She kissed him on the cheek. She gave him a gentle smile, soothing his anxiety away in an instant

Prithvi gripped her right hand and grasped its latch to his cheekbones as he wished to feel her existence close to him. He read the faith of him in her eyes. For him, she was a cool Breeze on a warm, exhausted day. She was his foremost key in thousands of his hodgepodge.

Sanyogita wondered if she would ask him or not. Thousands of queries keep gathering in her head. She didn't want to make her husband more agitated. She would ask him about the matter later in the night

“What arose again??" His thick eyebrows frown noticing her absent-minded

Sanyogita returned from her trepidation and thought" Nothing, by the way, when will your two clients come from Germany??

Prithvi exhale a long breath before speaking “At 4.30 in the afternoon"

Sanyogita eyed him extend his hand, she stopped him and stretched her right hand to remove the cover over the glass and give the water to him.

“ What's the after plan?"

“ I asked Arjun to arrange for a dinner party in a seventh-star hotel “

" Why don't you invite them into our home? “

" What are you talking about? “

" Yes, why not .. if you invite them into our home they will get to know about our culture more than that both Mr. Maxon Spenser and Mrs Olivia Spencer will be gladier after getting the taste of Indian dishes. “

Prithvi gaped at her " Sanyo .. ridiculous how could you think that they will love that as mentioned ?“

" Trust me.. everything will go smoothly. I checked through Mr and Mrs details.. what they like and what they don't.. even I will arrange Everything for their arrival. In this way, we will provide them with both German and Indian Culture together. they will see we Indians can also embrace other cultures without forgetting the smell of our soil “

Prithvi thought about her opinion for a moment. Nevertheless, he didn't dislike her

idea completely.

" When did you do that?? “ He asked with disbelief

" Mr. Husband, when you disclosed this to me? “

Prithvi waited as he brushed through his memory

“ 26th Dec last year, one week ago"

“ Yes, and what did you tell me after that?

" That our child is very lucky for us! “

" After that, I began to collect details about your clients”

Prithvi goggled at his wife with a surprised gaze

Sanyogita proceeded with “ I know from the past few days I couldn't think about anything. Not even I can't give attention to you. You were upset with me. I agree but I can't keep myself blindfolded. I couldn't save my sister. Di ko mein bacha nahi payi thi. But I promised myself whatever would come I'll not let anything happen to this girl. Don't know how many Janvi, How many Riddhima are waiting to get justice? “Sanyogita's voice slows down gradually. Her eyes grew heavy so her chest

He felt tight in his lungs. He strengthened the grip around her and began to stroke her back to make her relax.

She hid her face in between the arc of his right neck and shoulder.

“ Everything will be fine. We will win this battle too!!" Prithvi patted on her head and back with his hands

He felt her face rubbed against the exposed skin of his neck

Sanyogita lifted her face from his shoulder, Prithvi was still holding her in his arms. She motioned her eyes over his calming face

“Look at me I came thought to lighten your mood here I …

“ You again commenced your Ganga yamuna” He teased her with a grinned

Sanyogita rolled her eyes “ Badmash!! "

His grinning became louder, he caught her hand and kissed it.

Sanyogita blushed, " Mr. Husband doesn't think about much, leave everything to me !" She brushed her right palm over his stubble cheek. She stared at him with lovable eyes

“ Are you sure? .. I didn't want to put much pressure on you! “ Prithvi gazed at her romantically

" Don't worry everything will be fine. Anyway Dadima isn't at home I'll be bored so it's better to do something productive “ Sanyogita smiled

" Oh my God.. Shit!! “ Prithvi lips pout as he cursed his star

" What happened? “" She asked him worried

“ I forgot to ask Grandma if she had reached or not. His face showed the shades of embarrassment

" Don't worry, Mr. Husband. I dropped Dadima and Mrinali Aunty at the airport “

“, they have reached safely at Dadima's younger sister home . I talked with them a few hours ago"

“ Okay, thanks sweetheart. Without you what will I do!" “ He planted a soft kiss on her shoulder. His voice had extra sugar in his tone

Prithvi stretched his left hand over her shoulder and then her cheek. Holding her chin in his index he brushed his lips over her forehead.

Sanyogita rolled her eyes. This action of him left her to grin" Mr. Husband stopped buttering me. You have selected a bodyguard for me and didn't bother to inform me about it" She made a face of complaining

" So don't you like my gift? “ Knowing well what would be her reaction still he asked her

" Gift .. I don't need this gift “She puffed her cheeks

" But I have no option. And after the last night incident, I couldn't take any risk further “

Sanyogita didn't answer back. She knew well there wasn't any point arguing with her husband. He was always extra protective of her. And he wasn't wrong. She acknowledged

Finding her absent-minded he snapped before her eyes “Where were you lost for so long??

Sanyogita landed back to reality “Ohh!"

“ What ohh! What were you thinking for so long?? And don't lie to me this time!" His stern voice spread goosebumps on her skin . Especially the last line as he cautioned her with strict warning.

“ Today I called Arjun and then learned you were still in a meeting. I thought to wait for you but then heard today’s morning news..

Sanyogita looked at Prithvi in silence.

“What news ?? He seems to be bewildered

“ Narayan Rao’s black market business… okay holdup let me show it to you…

Prithvi saw her get up from his lap and took out her mobile from her branded beige bag.

She came and took the same position.

Prithvi wrapped his wife in his arms close to his chest

“Look, read it…

Sanyogita saw his sights land on the screen, his expression was as questionable as her

“It was the news of today's front page, everyone is discussing it “

Prithvi withdraws his arrow from the screen to his wife

" Even Dadima and Mrinali Aunty gave me this news. At first, I was shocked, like you…

“ But there is nothing to shock about it. I mean one fraud man is caught red-handed and police did their duty that’s it" Prithvi sounded casual

Sanyogita's widened lips diminished after hearing his words

“ Did you not find anything strange? “

Prithvi's rubberneck at her clueless.

Sanyogita was too astonished Observing his blank face

“ Narayan Rao about whom I told you last night. He was behind everything. How could you forget??

" Ohh yeah I remember that "

Sanyogita was irked and also disappointed watching his strange side

“ Just because Narayan Rao is hospitalised and all his business banded Riddhima and her mother get hope. They agreed to register a complaint at the police station. I'm so happy for them that finally she will come back to her life. We will have to help her consistently.

Prithvi watches his wife like a silent listener.

“ I couldn't understand why the Mumbai police raided Narayan Rao's property. And moreover that is why there isn't news leaked out about him on TV news channels even ACP Zunaid also didn't know anything about this raid"

A foolish smile crept on Prithvi’s lips

“ Jaan, how could you think that the police are going to expose their secret mission to you? And here CBI is involved. Why did you want to put your nose into it? “

Sanyogita didn't respond. She couldn't convince herself how her husband remained very calm, she couldn't make a mistake to catch him.

“ Jaan, it's good for Riddhima and also for that family. You spoke out it earlier “

She shook her head after agreeing with him “ Yeah you are right. Chalo ek cheez toh sahi hua.. ek begunah ladki ko uska insaaf mileage “

Prithvi nodded his head with a positive attitude

Suddenly her optimistic face was substituted with riddle worries

“ What happened, is anything there annoying you? “" Studying her aloofness he asked

" Prithvi did not make you furious upon hearing Narayan Rao sent his man to threaten your wife and Jagga in anger was about .. , her eyes dropped to his lap

Sanyogita's straight question made him perplexed.

Prithvi understood but he didn't show anything in his demeanour. He was behind the disaster of Narayan Rao. One of the influential ministers pursuivant helped him to sort out these matters.

She was waiting for him to reply But it seemed Prithvi was lost in a different world

She spoke with trembling lips as the road incidences flashed before her eyes like a spine-chilling reel “If you didn't come perhaps I was gone"

Prithvi thought somebody had grabbed his throat.His arms tightened around her waist

“Jab tak mein Zinda hoon nobody can dare to lay eyes on you”

Sanyogita gaped at him . Hearing his stern voice sent goosebumps skittering across her skin making her shiver.

Prithvi’s lips parted after inhaling a relaxing breath “ And talking about Narayan Rao, I remember, You told me yesterday night . I thought about talking to the police to arrest him but before that police raid at his dark business. ".”

Sanyogita's shaken eyes turned into a relaxing chuckle

“ Chalo Acha hua. I don't want you to stain your hands with blood. “

Prithvi goes speechless. He glared at his wife when she emphasized “Stain your hands with blood"

“ Did she catch me? No chance. Prithviraj Malhotra isn't a weak gamer. He is the wazir of chess. He accomplished his mission with his hands clean. No clue, no evidence he left behind.

Sanyogita watched Prithvi's silent face

“ Did you hurt Because of my words?"

“ No, why are you thinking so?"

“ Because You are one of the most honest people I have come across. You are my inspiration, you give me strength to fight against injustice. After my father if I can believe blindly in anyone it is you only"

Prithvi's eyes were fixed on his wife, his gaze unwavering. He felt a deep sense of shame, knowing that he had defiled her pure soul with his own bloodied hands. As he looked at her, a troubled thought weighed heavy on his mind: "If you were to discover this dark side of me, would you be filled with hatred towards me, Jaan?"

"Sanyogita's heart skipped a beat as she felt his intense gaze on her. She looked towards him and noticed the longing in his eyes, just like a loyal puppy waiting for his master's attention."

“ "You have a pure heart and your actions always stem from good intentions. Unlike Jagga, who resorts to dirty tactics, you always choose the high road. You possess a rare quality that many lack. Your moral compass guides you to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. Keep up the good work and never let anyone make you doubt your values!"

As Prithvi gazed at her, his eyes were filled with an overwhelming intensity of emotion. A deep sense of passion burned within him as he spoke in his mind with a hint of desperation, "Jaan, please promise me that you will never leave my side. I cannot fathom how I would find the will to keep breathing in a world without you." The weight of his lungs hung heavily as Prithvi's heart raced with fear and longing.

" ACP Zunaid Yusuf Imam Mallick warned me, You beat Jagga so much he is in ICU even his two men's conditions are too critical

"

"It's understandable to feel intimidated by the police, but try not to let him get on your nerves . It's their Sigma rule that scares people who aren't working under laws. It's unfortunate that their presence is often associated with negative situations, which is why I personally didn't like law enforcement. They tend to show up after things have already gone awry, rather than being proactive in preventing issues from arising in the first place."

With a fixed gaze, Sanyogita stared at her husband . She didn't even blink, as if she was trying to read his mind. Her thoughts were preoccupied with Anushka's voice, which kept echoing in her head. Anushka was worried about how to persuade her Big brother to believe in Zunaid's innocence, especially since Prithvi had his own doubts about the police and their investigation. Sanyogita was lost in her own thoughts, trying to come up with a plan to help Anushka in this difficult situation.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, interrupting their conversation.

As Sanyogita slowly climbed down from his lap, she gracefully arranged her saree, while Prithvi quickly straightened his hair and smoothed out his formal office suit.

As he turned the doorknob, it creaked open to reveal a man standing on the other side, holding a tray of steaming hot food. The aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air, making their mouths water in anticipation. The man served their lunch over a small glass made table . Prithvi carefully locked the door behind them after the man was gone , ensuring their privacy and security. Before settling in, they made a quick stop in the bathroom to wash their hands, feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy their meal..

“ Okay let's have some food first. I'm really hungry. And I'm thinking about to visit the factory once to check the new model… “ he bit his tongue

" I mean car model " He corrected himself, he gave a naughty wink to her

Sanyogita gave him a wild cat look

“ "You still can't get that model out of your head. You're impossible," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. He playfully brushed his finger across her cheek and asked, "You had a dream last night, right? What did I do in the dream?" He sounded mischievous

Sanyogita averted her arrow from facing his naughty eyes towards the wall in front of her l . " It was your mistake you teased me ..

Her face flushed as Prithvi ran his thumb along her jawline, causing her to mumble.

" Achha!! Then in that case I should correct my mistake"

Sanyogita felt his strong arms pull her closer to him than before, Prithvi’s rough stubble beard brushed against her soft skin.

"Mr. Romantic, please stop what you're doing unless you want lunch to get cold?

Prithvi fell over her sofa and brought her down below his length still holding her in his arms.

Sanyogita put her hands over his shoulders, her breathing grew heavy as he drew closer to her , their noses brushed against each other, sending shivers down their spines. The warmth of their breaths mingled together, tickling their faces and necks. They couldn't help but smile as they reveled in the intimacy of the moment.

“ Did you know Grandma said often .. shubh kaam karne pehle muh metha karke na chahiye " I wanna take sweet revenge for two days from you !"

Prithvi grinned, and he gave a wicked wink to her and He whispered husky in her ear further " Aaj raat mein tumse poore do din mujhse jhagra karne ka badha meeta badla lunga ,Jaan"

Sanyogita's eyes go extra wide.Goosebumps scattered across the skin after learning his naughty intention" So spoiled brat!" “ She giggled at his action

As he leans in to kiss her, her laughter fades away and she starts to feel the warmth of his lips on hers. Slowly, but surely, she begins to respond to his touch, and their kiss becomes more passionate and intense. It's a moment of pure bliss, and they both lose themselves in the moment.

..........

Arujn was happy when he got relief after hearing he didn't have to work at night, especially tonight. As Sanyogita invited the client into their home.

Arjun couldn't find his happiness, he thought nobody could save him from the anger of Maya tonight. But Sanyogita accomplished that.

She couldn't understand the reason behind his happiness when he said to her “ Madam, you are a Goddess you saved my marriage. Sanyogita blinked her eyes with confusion.

She exchanged a peculiar glance with Prithvi who did the same.

“God bless you both with hundreds of children “

Hearing this Sanyogita's eyes grew wider

Prithvi coughs a little as he wants to hide his embarrassment.

Arjun realised what he lurched out erroneously “ I mean God will bless you with long live "

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]