His Forced Wife

36 | Decoding The Plan

Malvika :

For hours, I sat trying to console Meera but she had drowned into the self guilt mode.
Vanraj had screamed at her like no tomorrow and stormed off.

I finally realised, as much as she claimed to have moved on, she still had a soft corner for him.
His words affected her.
I didn't exactly have a problem. I knew Vanraj had it too, and he'd go into his guilt mode sooner or later.

Bhai's behaviour was of real concern. I was used to running from situations but him leaving with a random letter and no solid reason was strange.
Plus, Samar wasn't back and I knew Vanraj's annoying ex had managed to do all of this.

I drew in a deep breath and stood up.

Meera, who lay on the bed, dozed off due to fatigue.
I called up Vanshika.
She picked up instantly.

"Don't worry. Vanraj is here. Adi's operation was a success but he's still unconscious.", She said, her voice trembled with joy and relief.
I felt my lips curve into a smile of relief.

"Thank God.", I said softly.

"I will keep Vanraj here for a while. He mentioned about someone named Arshi, saying she is the culprit. You should find a lead maybe, because this might just be the beginning.", She said.

I drew in a deep breath and nodded.

After saying take care, bye - we hung up the call.
I glanced at Meera and then walked out.

I sat back into my car and turned it towards our office.
It was already late evening, when I strode into our cabin.

The television screen stood shattered.
I went and sat on his seat.
Where was I going to find Arshi?
I felt lost.

•

Vanraj :

I sat in silence.

There was a tempest raging within me. The helplessness just made me more desperate.
My son was lost, my father on the hospital bed, my company's reputation shattered.

Maa had finally rested her head on the backwall, and dozed off.
She had refused to eat anything until she heard her Adi speak.
They had shifted him out of the OT to a seperate cabin, to keep him under observation.

Everyone had to go through all this because of me.
That Arshi was my ex.
She was seeking revenge from me.
And now everyone was suffering because of me.

I stood up. I pushed the door of Dad's cabin and walked in.
I walked down to his bed, drawing in a deep breath. The ECG was on, saline's syringe inserted in his hand.
His usual confident suave look was gone.

He looked like a defeated man.
I felt tears well up in my eyes.

I slowly raised my hand and placed it on his forehead.
He drew in a deep breath.

"Vanraj..", he mumbled softly.
"How do you know it's me?", I asked.
He finally opened his eyes.
He looked at me, with a forced smile.
"You are my son. How can I possibly not recognise you?", He said, his voice was broken.

"Where's Vanshi?", He asked.
"She's outside. Asleep.", I stated, softly caressing his hair back.
He drew in a deep breath.
"Make her eat something. She has medicines too.", He said.

My lips broke into a smile.

"You love her so much and still couldn't quit smoking?", I asked.
He smiled.
"Can you quit getting angry and wrecking everything for Malvika?", He asked.

Suddenly guilt hit me.
He just looked at me with a knowing look.

"Papa how-"

"I know you because you are an image of my own self. And that is why I am afraid.", He said.
"I know this is not exactly a good situation but you've got to stay with Malvika.", He added.