~|| CHAPTER 23||~
~Flashback Continues~
Reyansh lay in a cramped and confined cell, his body broken and battered beyond recognition. He couldn't even lift his arms; legs were a distant memory. He couldn't hold back the tears as the sheer pain overwhelmed his senses. He whimpered in agony, helplessly bound by his own despair.
The police had been hitting him for the last 2 hours and had just let him die right now. His despair was all-consuming, as he cried out for anyone - his "Rudra Bhai," "Papa," or "twin brothers" - to save him from this dreadful predicament. He could only hope that someone, anyone, knew of his dire situation and would step in to rescue him before it was too late.
The sound of the main door opening echoed like a beacon of hope to Reyansh, as if the gods had finally heard his desperate pleas. Hope flickered within him, giving him the strength to hang on a little longer.
Rudra walked up to the deputy inspector's desk and forcefully slammed his hands down, his demeanor exuding an imposing authority that sent tremors through the police officers present. The sound of his abrupt gesture reverberated through the air, commanding attention and instilling fear in those around him.
"Why the hell have you arrested my brother and on what basis?" Rudra's piercing gaze swept through the room, his eyes searching for a glimpse of his younger brother.
Reyansh's voice, hoarse and weak, barely reached a whisper as he rasped, "Bhai...Ana..." His words were the faintest of murmurs, desperately seeking the attention of his saviours.
Rudra, consumed by a mix of anger and anguish, fixed his intense gaze upon his battered younger brother. His entire aura took on the fierce intensity of a lion's fury, as if he were on the verge of erupting in a violent outpouring of emotions. Ana and Sheila immediately surged forward, sprinting towards Reyansh and dropping to their knees near his cell, their expressions aghast, mirroring the depths of their concern for him.
Sheila had extended her hand into the cell, wanting to provide some comfort, but Anaisha cut her off, crying out for her best friend's suffering and raining down profanities on the officers responsible. Anaisha then reached into the cell and took hold of Reyansh's hand, offering him consolation and gentle caresses.
Sheila was taken aback by this display, withdrawing her hand as she witnessed Reyansh nuzzle into Anaisha's hand, finding a rare moment of ease and comfort in her presence.
"Get my brother out of his cell now or I'll throw you guys in the most torturous prison cell on Earth. Get him out. NOW." roared Rudra.
The police officer trembled, "Sir, he was..... accused of molesting a...woman."
"I know for f**k sake, that my brother didn't do any of that s**t. And even then, he has all rights to a lawyer. I have one. Now, get him out." The officer couldn't do anything but nod. He ran towards the cell and was going to open the lock when a loud voice prevented him from doing so.
"Your brother is a miscreant and sexual offender. How can you support him?" The director had come along with his nonsensical words and even trashier supporters or slaves.
"SHUT UP. NOT, ANOTHER WORD OR I'LL SPLATTER YOUR BLOOD ON THE WALLS OF THIS STATION."
The director felt a fleeting moment of fear, concerned that his plan might crumble before his eyes. Yes, his plan. He hated how Rey had grown such a huge amount of fame in such a show time interval. His own son couldn't get a hit even after being in the industry for like 8 years. He hated this man. If Rey could be removed, he could cast his own son and save money as well. This was why he had blackmailed one of the artists and installed a secret camera in his vanity van. He would mark him as a harasser and make it viral. His fans would hate him and it would be the perfect plan.
"You are an a**hole too. You're not even ashamed of your brother's actions."
It was at this point that Anaisha had enough. She marched towards the director and smacked him right across his face.
"You better zip that mouth of yours right now or I'll zip it for you and that wouldn't be pretty."
"So, now a tiny woman like you will fight against me for a harasser? What a woman you are. Instead of supporting another woman, you're supporting the wrong man. Shame on you."
"First of all, the woman you are accusing Rey of molesting is herself supporting him. So, shut that useless mouth of yours. And I dare you, I'll remove Rey from this jail within the next 48 hours. Is that clear?"
The director was terrified. This was the woman who was softly supporting Reyansh a few minutes ago was now bellowing on him like a fierce lioness. Women were truly unpredictable.
Anaisha turned towards the inspector and said, "Your prisoner has a lawyer. He deserves to say something from his side as well."
The inspector just silently nodded his head.
The next few hours, went away in a breeze. Adhir, Rudra and Anaisha were busy discussing what to do and how to rescue Rey. They were going through hundred possible ways to rescue their brother and friend.
Suddenly, Adhir got an idea. It was a terrible, terrible idea. He shouldn't even think about this. But, there were very limited amount of options left due the influence of that godamn director. He took a deep breath and turned towards Anaisha.
"I have an idea but it involves you." Anaisha was taken aback but she was ready to do anything and everything for her best friend.
"Anything. Just say it."
"You would have to marry Rey. A real marriage."
Anaisha's eyes widened in shock, but her resolve only strengthened. She firmly responded, "I'll do it. But, how will it help Rey?"
Adhir explained the plan in detail, leaving the trio to realize it was the most plausible solution. Despite their concerns, Rudra and Adhir asked Ana numerous questions, wanting to ensure she was fully comfortable with the decision. Time and again, Anaisha met their queries with a determined and firm "yes."
Adhir said, "Ok, let's ask Rey now."
As they approached his cell, their hearts clenched with a mix of sorrow and determination. Despite the emotional turmoil, they held their tears at bay, knowing they needed to remain strong for their brother. Adhir laid out the entire situation, and throughout the conversation, Rey found himself gazing at Anaisha, unable to tear his eyes away from her. He was baffled by her willingness to go to such lengths for him, and his heart filled with gratitude for having such a devoted friend and family.
As his mind reeled from the weight of his predicament, Rey's focus shifted to one thought: escape from the torment. His response was immediate and resolute, his voice steady as he declared, "I'll marry Ana." The simple yet profound words echoed through the air, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Rey gazed at Anaisha, his determination shining in his eyes as he spoke, "I'll always keep you happy." Anaisha smiled warmly, tears welling up in her eyes, her heart warmed by the sincerity and promise in his words.
Ana kneeled down near his cell and forwarded her hand. Rey grasped her hand tightly.
"Just tell me one thing."
"What, Ana?"
"You weren't involved with Sheila at all, right? Romantically or sexually? Right."
Rey's gaze held Anaisha's as he spoke, but there was a hint of deceit behind his words. "I wasn't involved with Sheila romantically or sexually," he continued firmly. "It was never like that."
He had to lie. Anaisha would never agree to marry him then. He had to. But, everything else was the truth. Everything else.
~Flashback Ends~
"I will kill you and serve you to the dogs, you ungrateful son of mine."
Rey looked at the door shocked and mellowed, "Maa!"
~|| CHAPTER DUSTED||~
YOU ARE READING
The Saxena Complexity
Romance"I don't care if our marriage was a business deal; I'm rewriting the contract to ensure my happiness comes first." ~Aahana "We've weathered storms that would break others, but we find comfort in our resilience and the unbreakable bond we share." -Ra...