CHAPTER 19 Revelation
Neil and Mini were lying in each others' embrace. Neil looked at Mini lovingly; she was running her elegant long fingers in his hair absentmindedly, lost in her own thoughts. Neil took her hand in his and asked with concerned, "Mini, please tell me you are not regretting this, are you? Mini smoothed the lines of worry that were forming on his forehead, by caressing lovingly. "Idiot, I am fine. And how could you ever think that I will regret loving you? Neil cupped her face with one hand to make her look into his eyes, "Then why are you so lost?" Mini sighed, knowing well that he wouldn't rest until he get to know the reason,"Neil...its just nothing...I mean I was just thinking about us, our love. You know the first time we met, fell in love, it all seems so dreamy and surreal but in reality love is not always a bed of roses, it has thorns too. I sometime wonder whether we will be able to face the storms if ever come across one?"Neil kissed her hand lightly, “As long as you are with me, I can stand strong in mid of any storm. You are my strength Mini.” Mini just smiled at Neil letting go all the worries and taking in the beautiful reality in front of her.
“By the way why we are doing this role exchange today? I mean its always me who needs assurance and promises and you are the one giving them and declaring your love again and again" Neil asked chuckling. “I don't know...may be I am just overwhelmed with all that happened between us...my mind is still reeling with the after effects."She winked at him.
"Oh, so I guess we need to do something about that." Neil pretended to think, "How about going for another round so that you get used to the after effects." He asked naughtily while he pulled her towards him.
Mini giggled and tried to get out of his hold but he was too strong for her. At last she gave in when she felt his open mouth kisses on her neck. He kissed her passionately and both were soon lost in each other once again.
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It was nearly 2 am when Mini woke up at the sound of her phone. She opened her eyes and sat straight holding the sheet around her body. She looked at Neil who was still sleeping. She tried to remember when they fell asleep here and suddenly panicked when she realized that they must be here for a long time and party is going on downstairs. Then she noticed that the sound of music is not coming anymore...means party is over. She panicked more when her eyes fell on the room clock. "2 am OMG!!!Its too late we didn't even realized, Neil...Neil get up" she shook him and reached for her phone which was ringing continuously but the call ended before she could answer it. She saw 5 missed calls from Mickey. Then she picked up Neil's cell and gasped seeing 6 missed calls on his phone too...all from Mickey. Neil also got up. They both got dressed quickly. While moving out of the room, Mini was continuously cursing herself, "Oh God! How could I be so careless? How I couldn't hear my cell ringing? It must be something important that's why Mickey was calling continuously" "Mini relax, it was not your fault. You were just tired" Neil tried to pacify her.
Both of them reached downstairs and saw that party was over. Guests were gone but all of their friends standing around the sofa, looking tensed. When Mickey saw them he almost ran towards them, "Guys where were you? I have been trying your phones since ages." Both Neil and Mini got embarrassed at his sudden question and looking at their flushed faces Mickey at once understood the answer.
"What happened Mickey? Why all of you are worried? Mini asked breaking the silence. Before Mickey could answer she noticed Arya lying on the sofa unconscious. "Oh My God, Arya! She screamed and ran towards her sister.
"What happened to her guys" Neil asked his friends.
"We don't know. She was just fine few minutes ago. She looked a little tired but thats all...otherwise she was ok. But she suddenly fell down unconscious on the ground" Preet explained the situation.
"It was all my fault. I knew she was not fully well...mumma told me to take care of her but...I should have never let her alone like this." Mini said while crying.
"Mini its not the time for all this, lets take her to the hospital" Neil said while carrying Arya to his car.
All of them went to city hospital and Mini informed her parents on the way about Arya. She gained consciousness after sometime but doctors suggested admitting her and conducting some tests. Mini went to see her, "How are you feeling now?" she set beside her bed and caressed her forehead, her own tears started to fall "How did this happen? You know I was so worried for you..." But Arya spoke in between,"Oh please my drama queen don't start crying now. See, I am totally fit and fine. I don't know why these doctors have kept me here." "But you were unconscious and that’s not something we should take lightly." Neil said while he was entering the room. "Hey, I was just tired" Arya told him in her defense. "But you should have taken care of yourself little rockstar" Neil said while he sat beside Mini.
Arya teased them saying, "Iam still a kid. It was up to you two to take care of me. But obviously you were too busy with each other to give your attention to this poor kid" Mini started crying more hearing this as she felt guilty about forgetting Arya. "I didn't mean it, for God sake my drama queen I was just joking."Arya laughed at her.
Meanwhile Hanuman and Babita also came there. As soon as Babita reached there she hugged Arya tightly, "Oh my bachcha, I was worried for you" Hanuman also voiced his worries,"Are you alright Arya" Arya sighed loudly, trying to get out of Babita's hold, "Oh God as if these two were not enough now mom and dad also, Mom I am fine but I will die if you won't leave me...I can't breathe." Babita left her immediately and looked at her shocked and everybody started laughing.After sometime, being assured that she was fine Neil took their leave and went to his home.
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Yash was happily reading the contract papers of new partnership between him and Isha’s father Mr. Mehra, for their upcoming joint ventures. Yash was very happy to have this deal; joining hands with them will open new avenues to the Oberoi industries in foreign market and on the top of that Mr. Mehra was offering very profitable deal to him by offering technical support and taking very limited share in profit. He couldn't ask for better. This was his dream project and he had taken a big loan for it from the market also. He was about to sign the papers when Mrs. Mehra entered in the office, "Yash bhaisaab whats the hurry to sign the papers?" Yash gave her questioning glance. She smiled sweetly and answered, "I mean why don't you sign it in front of all people including media persons and whole corporate world. I was thinking we should throw a party to celebrate the starting of our business alliance." Yash spoke excitedly,"yes bhabhi, I think it's a great idea. We should throw a party..."Before he can say further Mrs. Mehra spoke in between, "A party in which you will announce the engagement of Neil and Isha and then will sign the contract papers...it would be a double celebration you know"
All excitement from Yash's face vanished after hearing that, "Engagement...I mean whats the hurry?"Mr. Mehra said with a no nonsense attitude, " We don't think we are hurrying it. Yash, I should come straight to the point. And my point is that you know very well that the only reason for us for coming back to India was our daughter Isha. These business ventures are just an excuse. You promised me about Neil and Isha's wedding. As you know, Isha loves him so much. But she was heartbroken when she found out that Neil was seeing some other girl. I had even thought of canceling this deal but I can’t break my promise to my daughter, so if she wants Neil then she will get him at any cost. Only because of her I am reconsidering this deal. So you have to convince your son for this marriage if you want to have this partnership with us.” Yash was a little shocked after knowing that Neil was seeing some other girl and he had no idea about it.
“Yes we don't want to waste time.You promised you will talk to Neil once he’ll return after completing his college but then he went to participate in that competition. Now he has comeback so it's a high time you should talk to him about marriage." Mrs.Mehra added in support of her husband, "You should at least get them engaged before signing this contract." Mr. Mehra finished in decisive tone.
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Neil entered the house, he was really feeling tired. Who wouldn't be tired? He asked himself chuckling softly.Last night was really something. His confession, their love making, Arya and hospital...ah!!! He felt he really needs some peaceful sleep. He was about to enter his room when Yash stopped him, "Neil come to the study, I want to discuss something important with you" Neil sighed in frustration but then he didn’t want to pick fight so went to the study after him. "Yes dad,what do you want to say?
"Neil, are you free this Saturday or Sunday will suit you more" he asked looking at the calendar.
"But for what dad? Neil asked.
"I am throwing a party where I will sign the new deal with Mehras and will announce your engagement with Isha."Yash said normally as if it was nothing important.
"WHAT? Did I hear you correct...ME?...ISHA?...ENGAGEMENT?" Neil shouted all shocked but then he started laughing uncontrollably.
"Whats there to laugh?"Yash asked irked
"You dad…now every time I think that you have said most stupidest thing in the world but you prove me wrong again and again. Seriously dad...from where do you get such whacky ideas" Neil mocked him.
"Its not any nonsense Neil.I am talking about your marriage. One day you have to do it so why not now? Why not with Isha? Whats wrong with her?” Yash asked irritated.
"Nothing is wrong with Isha dad but I don't want to marry her" Neil replied equally irritated. "And have you forgot about our deal issue all together."
"No I haven't but you yourself praising yourself yesterday claiming that you already won the challenge"
"Exactly dad...that's why you cannot impose your will on me anymore as you promised me"
"Neil" Yash hissed with gritted teeth but then cooled himself and said, "Neil...FINE... I am ready to accept my defeat but lets not bring that thing here...forget about the challenge...it was...it was...nothing"
Neil was shocked to hear this,"Really dad, now that I have won you want me to forget it. Would you have behaved the same way if you had won it?
"I am telling you Neil keep it out of this discussion. I am talking about your marriage. You will get married someday so what is wrong in this marriage. Isha is your good friend."
"Exactly dad, she is just my good friend. I don't think of her in any other way. Dad, I DON'T LOVE HER." Neil almost shouted.
"Oh come on Neil, you will start loving her"
"No dad I can't love her...forget her I can't love anyone else because I already love someone. I love Mini. NOBODY can take her place.
"Mini...are you talking about Mini Singh...Hanuman's daughter?” Yash asked after thinking few seconds.
"Yes, the very same. In fact I have already proposed her and we will get married soon"
"NO Neil, how could you do that? MINI...that Hanuman's daughter...he is nothing in front of Mehras. I should have known this...girls these days can stoop so low. I am sure that Hanuman has used his daughter to trap you so that he can become equivalent to us."Yash said with disgust.
But Neil couldn't take it anymore.He knew his dad was cold hearted person but first time he was seeing this side of his dad. Yash was insulting the love Neil shared with Mini and her parents also. He shouted in rage, "ENOUGH ! one more word against Mini and I will forget that I am your son. I LOVE HER, why don't get it?"
"Neil don't be a fool. See your parents. We have done love marriage but what happened to us...love is nothing. It vanishes from relationship after sometimes. Mera sab kuch daav par laga hai. I have taken huge loan from market for this contract. Agar ye deal nahi hui toh Mehras mujhe barbaad kar denge. Mini se shadi karke tumhe kya milega? Isha ka haath thamo, Oberoi industries us makaam par hogi jo humne kabhi socha bhi nahi hoga. Ye pyar vyar kuch nahi hota, us Mini ne bhi tumhe paiso ke liye fasaya hai.” Yash tried to explain.
"Stop it, I still respect you as my dad, don't make me regret it. And I know my Mini. Our love is pure. She was there for when I was alone. She loves me unconditionally. Nothing can change my decision, I love Mini and will marry only Mini" Neil started to leave as he didn't want to argue with him any more as he knew he won't understand it. A man who never cared for his own love can never understand his son's love.
Even though Neil started to move Yash continued his rant in desperate attempt to convince him, "Believe me Neil, she is just after your money. She will ditch you one day..."
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Arya was sleeping while Mini and Babita and Hanuman were sitting in her room. Babita noticed the ring on Mini's finger. She held her hand and touched that ring then looked at Mini with questioning eyes. Mini understood what her mother is asking from her. She remembered the events of last night and her cheeks turned red. Babita smiled looking at her blushing daughter and asked out aloud, "Whats the matter Mini?" Mini replied hesitating a little...woh... mumma...Neil...he proposed me for marriage" she once again looked away unable to hide her shy smile. Babita hugged her and caressed her face, "Aww my baby...I am so happy for you" then she felt her eyes become moist all of a sudden and she said while wiping her happy tears, "I can't believe you have grown up this fast...ab tum hume chhod kar apne sasural chali jaogi" Mini also hugged her. Hanuman smiled looking both of them, "Both of you mom and daughter...stop your emotional scene...it's a good news. Ab bachho ne decide kar hi liya hai to hume bhi der nahi karni chahiye. I will take to Yash today itself." But Mini stopped him, "No dad, Neil said first he will talk to his dad" Hanuman smiled at her daughter, "Ok I don't have any problem with that...but tell him to be quick. We should at least announce your proper engagement."
The family was sharing their happy moments when Arya's doctor, Dr. Sharma called Hanuman and both of them went to Dr. Sharma's cabin.
"Yes Dr. you wanted to discuss something about Arya" Hanuman asked when he looked at that tensed expression on Dr. Sharma's face.
"Yes Hanuman, apart from being your family doctor I am also your friend. I don't want to hide anything from you" Dr. Sharma replied
Hanuman got worried now,"What is it...just tell me? "
"Hanuman, relax, we are still not sure...but I think her condition is more serious than it seems."
Hanuman lost his patience,"what do you mean doctor...kya hua hai meri bachchi ko?"
Dr. Sharma, "I want to be double sure Hanuman...thats why I have prescribed those tests. Lets us wait for the results first...I just wanted to warn you so that you could prepare yourself for the worst. As for now you can take her home in the evening."
Hanuman turned to leave. His legs felt heavy. He couldn't believe his little sweet heart could be in grave danger. He looked up and found Mini standing there with the same expressions on her face which were conveying the fact the she has heard their conversation. He reached to her and opened his mouth to say something but then couldn't find right words...he didn't know what to say in such situation when he himself was so lost. Finally he managed to utter some words, "Mini, don't tell anything to your mom till results of the tests are out, you know she can't handle it." Mini just ran towards him hugged his dad as she felt he badly needed someone's support, "Don't worry dad...doctor said they are not sure...Arya is going to be alright. I am sure there is nothing to worry." Hanuman just nodded his head.
In the evening they took Arya to the home. They had hardly settled themselves on the sofa when Hanuman's cell started ringing. He picked up the phone and what he heard made him shocked to the core, "WHAT?" Hanuman shouted. Mini asked him whats the matter but he didn't reply instead he went to switch on the TV and checked out all news channels. All were showing the same breaking news- "Another corporate scandal came in to light." "Oberoi Pharma, one of the leading pharmaceutical company involved in corporate scandal." "Mr. Gupta,one of the Directors of the corporate giant Oberoi pharma was arrested today for allegedly involving in insider trading (manipulating share prices for personal gains). Not only that, but he even dumped their new medicine in the market without having proper clinical trials and permission thereby putting people’s life at risk just to establish monopoly in the market in that area. Cops suspect that he is not alone. He may have accomplice from the company. The office of the company has been sealed by the authorities for further inquiry."
Hanuman as well as Mini was stunned by the news. They have always observed fair practices; never done anything against the law then how can this happen? Mr. Gupta...how could he stoop so low and what does they mean by other people could also be involved. Mini felt so many questions were hammering her head. She sat down holding her head. Hanuman put his hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry Mini...I will try to figure this out. You stay at home and take some rest. I am going to office to find out whats going on there." When Mini looked apprehensive. Hanuman caressed her hair and said, "Don't worry dear...I know problems are coming in our way from everywhere but its all going to be fine soon."
Only if he knew that this is just the starting...
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to be continued.....
Precap- Yash meets Mini
Edited by anjali0111 - 5 years ago
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