CHAPTER 36
OBEROI MANSION
Ranveer’s Room
Ranveer wakes up from his sleep and looks at his mobile.
Ranveer: Oh!! It’s already noon. (Keeps his mobile on the bed.) Ok. I will get fresh and go to the hospital. I need to talk with Neil. (He leaves to the washroom to fresh up himself. He comes out and gets ready.) I will inform Priyanka and leave. (He leaves from his room.)
Ranveer goes to Priyanka’s room and sees she is not there. He thought that she might be in Soumya’s room and goes there. He sees Rudra who just woke up rubbing his eyes.
Ranveer: Rudra?? You are here??
Rudra: (still feeling sleepy) Yes. I slept here. Are you going somewhere?? (He asked seeing him got ready.)
Ranveer: Yes. To the hospital.
Rudra: Just wait for a while. I’m coming with you. (Ranveer nods. RuRan think for a while.)
RuRan: Have you seen Soumya/Priyanka??
Rudra: Prinku is not here??
Ranveer: Soumya also not here??
Rudra: (looks at the bed) Mishti also not here?? Maybe they are with Ishana bhabhi.
Ranveer: Ok. I will go and meet them there. You get ready first. (Rudra agrees and leaves to his room while Ranveer goes to Omkara’s room.)
Rudra’s Room
Rudra is getting ready when Ranveer comes with a worried face.
Rudra: What happened, Ranveer??
Ranveer: Ishana is not here.
Rudra: (shocked) What?? Where did she go??
Ranveer: I don’t know. Mishti is not here as well.
Rudra: (worries) Ishana bhabhi is not here. SouPri also not here. Maybe three of them went together.
Ranveer: Why they didn’t tell us before leaving?? Fine. Let’s do one thing. I will call Ishana. (He takes his mobile and calls Ishana. He ends the call.) The call is not connecting.
Rudra: I will call Prinku. (Rudra calls Priyanka.)
At somewhere
SouPriMa reached a place and look around.
Prinku: Mahi, is this the place??
Mahi: Yes, Priyanka. This address is indicating this place only.
Soumya: We try to ask someone. (She sees a lady walks passing by them.) Excuse me. (The lady looks at her. Soumya stops a lady and shows the address.) Aunty, do you know where is this address?? (The lady looks at the address.)
Lady: It should be on that side. (Pointing towards a street. They thank the lady and walk towards the street.)
Mahi: This is the street. (Looking at the board)
Prinku: What is the house number??
Mahi: No. 25.
Soumya: We need to walk more. This house number is 9. (They walk along the street.) This is the house, No. 25.
PriMa: Yes. (Priyanka presses the calling bell but no one opens the door. She presses again but still the door is not opened.)
Mahi: See!! The door is locked outside. He must have gone out. Let’s wait for a while. (SouPri agree and they wait outside the house. Priyanka’s mobile rings.)
Prinku: (looks at the caller ID) Rudra bhaiya. (Answers the call and puts on loud speaker) Hello, bh….
Rudra: Prinku, where are you?? Is Soumya with you?? And how about Isha…… (cuts by Priyanka.)
Prinku: Bhaiya, Soumya is here with me.
Ranveer: Where did you go without telling us??
Prinku: Both of you were sleeping at that time. That’s why we couldn’t tell you.
Rudra: (towards Ranveer) They are not answering our question but giving the answer for their own question. (Priyanka bit her tongue looking at SouMa.)
Ranveer: Right. Priyanka, the question is ‘where’, not ‘why’. Tell us where are you.
Prinku: Ranveer, just now Mahi called and told me that she got the waiter’s address. That’s why we came to his house to meet him. (RuRan are shocked.)
Ranveer: What?? Are you mad?? Why did you go without telling us?? Do you know how serious is the matter?? You should have told us first before going there. That man can be dangerous for you as well. If he can spike Ishana’s drinks for money, he can do anything to you too. Do you understand?? (In angry tone making three of them startle.)
Prinku: Sorry, Ranveer. Both of you didn’t sleep last night. That’s why we didn’t want to disturb you. We thought to help you. (Ranveer feels bad hearing her voice which almost cracked. He recalls how she cared for her this morning and mentally slaps him.)
Ranveer: (calmly) Where are you now?? Have you met him??
Soumya: No, bhaiya. The door is locked. We think he has gone out.
Ranveer: Send me the address. We will come there as well. But three of you move away from the house first. (They agree.)
Rudra: That means Ishana bhabhi is not with them. (SouPri are confused.)
Ranveer: Priyanka, did you see Ishana before leaving??
Prinku: She was sleeping at that time. I gave Mishti to Annika bhabhi and asked her to take care of her till we return. Maybe Ishana bhabhi is in Annika bhabhi’s room.
Rudra: Ok. We will go and see at Annika bhabhi’s room. (They end the call.)
OBEROI MANSION
RuRan are on the way to ShivIka’s room when they see Pinky coming out from there murmuring something to herself.
Pinky: Where this Annika has gones without tellings anyone?? (She goes towards Kalyani who is sitting at the hall.) Mummy ji, have you seen Annika??
Kalyani: She must be in her room.
Pinky: No, mummy ji. I just went and checked there but she is not there.
Kalyani: Maybe she went out for a while. Don’t worry. She will be back soon.
Pinky: But she never goes without telling me. Mummy ji, Prinku and Soumya also not here.
Kalyani: Maybe three of them went out together. You know, right?? Three of them were very close last time. Maybe, Annika wants to convince Prinku to talk with us.
Pinky: If that happens, I will be very happy.
Jhanvi: Don’t dream too much, Pinky. Because not only them, Pinky but that girl also not here. I just went to Omkara’s room. Neither he or that girl in that room.
Pinky: What are you sayings, jethani ji?? Does that mean that AniSouPri went with that girl?? Already, she has made our RuPri against us. Now, she is going to influence my bahu also?? No, I won’t let that happen. I will kick her out of this house. (Rudra clenches his fist in anger but Ranveer calms him down indicating that this is not the right time to get angry. Rudra nods his head and walks towards the ladies.)
Rudra: That will never happen, Oberois. I hope that you still remember what I and Prinku said that day about my Ishana bhabhi’s rights staying in this house. She is having more rights to stay here more than anyone of us. So, please change your thinking. Ok?? Let’s go, Ranveer.
Jhanvi: I don’t know what RuMyaPri saw at her till they are loving her like this.
Pinky: They are immature, jethani ji. That’s why they are easily influenced by her.
Outside Oberoi Mansion
Rudra: Annika bhabhi also not here. Does that means, both of them went out together??
Ranveer: I am thinking the same. Try to call Annika. Ishana’s number is not connecting. (Rudra agrees and calls Annika.)
CITY HOSPITAL
Ishana is shocked by Annika’s question.
Annika: Why did you say that Mishti is her baby??
Ishu: Woh…..
Annika: Because she is your friend who took care of you and Mishti. So you have given the same rights to her too?? (Ishana is about to say something but they already reached the ICU.)
Ishu: I’m going to visit Pooja. Do you want to come with me??
Annika: Can I??
Ishu: Yes. Why not?? (Annika smiles. Both of them wear the attires given by the nurse and enter inside the ICU. Ishana cries seeing Pooja’s state. Annika calms her by patting her back. Ishana closes her eyes and prays for her well being. They leave after some time.)
Annika went to the canteen and bought mineral water. She walks back to Ishana who is sitting on a bench at the corridor. She hands over the bottle to her.
Annika: Ishana, drink this.
Ishu: (takes the bottle) Thanks. (Drinks the water. Annika’s mobile rings.)
Annika: (looks at the caller ID) Rudra. He must be awake and confused that all of us are not there. (Answers the call and puts on loud speaker.) Hello, Rudra.
Rudra: Bhabhi, where are you?? Are Ishana bhabhi and Mishti with you??
Annika: Rudra, relax. Yes, your Ishana bhabhi is with me. (RuRan sigh in relief.)
Rudra: Where are you now??
Annika: We came to the hospital.
RuRan: Hospital??
Annika: Ishana wanted to see her friends. SouPri went out and both of you were sleeping. I can’t let her to come alone. That’s why I came with her.
Rudra: Is bhabhi fine??
Ishu: I’m good, Rudra. Don’t worry. We just visited Pooja in ICU.
Ranveer: How is she??
Ishu: Still the same. In coma.
Ranveer: Where are AvGau??
Ishu: Bhaiya and bhabhi came just now. They took AvGau with them to their house.
Ranveer: Ok. Have you met Neil??
Ishu: Not yet. The doctor is checking him.
Ranveer: Ok. But don’t tell him anything about Pooja.
Ishu: Ok, Ranveer.
Ranveer: Annika.
Annika: Yes, Ranveer??
Ranveer: Thanks. For accompanying Ishana. (Annika just smiles.)
Annika: You don’t have to thank me. I did what all of you would have done if you were there.
Ranveer: (smiles) Ok. We are going to meet SouPri now. We will come there with them. If it’s getting late, both of you come back first. Mishti can’t stay there for a long time.
Ishu: Ranveer, Mishti is not with me. I sent her with Avni just now.
Ranveer: Oh!! That’s good, Ishana. They must feel better by seeing her. Ok. We will come soon. (They end the call.)
Ishu: (looks at Annika who is still standing) Why are you still standing?? Sit here. (Annika sits beside her.) Thanks.
Annika: For coming here with you??
Ishu: (shakes her head in negative) For supporting me in the ICU just now. (Annika smiles.) That is the reason you followed me inside, right??
Annika: This morning when I saw you in that state, I felt so bad. I don’t want to see you like that again. And I don’t know in what condition that girl was. How if you fall apart again?? That’s why I came with you. (Ishana smiles.) Thanks to you too.
Ishu: (confused) For what??
Annika: (clutches Ishana’s palm) For not doubting me. For trusting me.
Ishu: I will never doubt you.
Annika: Why??
Ishu: I don’t know but I won’t doubt you.
Annika: Surprising. We just started to talk a few days ago but you are trusting me this much. Ishana, this is not good. We can’t trust everyone like this. The outside world is not that much good. It’s too cruel.
Ishu: I know. I have experienced it as well. I’m talking about my world. (Annika looks at her confusingly.) My world is too small. Since I was a kid, my world surrounded by my friends only, Neil and Gautham.
Annika: Your family??
Ishu: (smiles sadly) Family…. (A nurse came towards them.)
Nurse: You can go and visit the patient now but don’t take too long. He needs to rest.
Ishu: Ok, sister. (The nurse leaves. IshAni too leave to Neil’s ward.)
Neil’s Ward
IshAni enter inside the ward. Neil smiles looking at Ishana.
Neil: Ishu, why do you come here?? You supposed to take rest. You didn’t even sleep properly last night.
Ishu: (holds his hand and sits beside his bed) Why?? Can’t I come here to see you?? I was worrying a lot about you and come here to see you but you are complaining like this. (Sulks)
Neil: (chuckles) Why are you sulking?? Even I was worried about you. Shouldn’t I worry about you??
Ishu: Yes. You should not worry about me. See, I’m very strong. (Neil chuckles again.) How are you feeling now, Neil??
Neil: Still the same, Ishu.
Ishu: Is that very painful?? (Neil nods making her feel bad.)
Neil: But the pain can become less if you smile. (Ishana smiles at him.) See, now the pain becomes less. (Ishana slaps his arm gently. Annika smiles seeing their bonding. Neil looks at her.) Ishu, who is this??
Ishu: Oh!! I forgot to introduce both of you. Neil, this is Annika. And Annika, this is Neil, my friend. (Annika smiles at him which he reciprocates.)
Neil: Annika?? Shivaay Singh Oberoi’s wife?? (Annika looks down in guilt.) Glad to meet you, Annika. (IshAni look at him in surprise.) How are you??
Annika: I’m good. I am the one should ask you. How are you??
Neil: I feel that I am doing good but I don’t know what the doctor will say. (Annika smiles.) Thanks, Annika. (Annika looks at him confusingly.) I heard that you care for Ishu just like RuMyaPri. So, thanks for that.
Annika: Don’t mention it, sir. I did wrong to her too last time. I am trying to rectify it.
Neil: Ishu too did wrong to you unintentionally…. (Ishana looks down in guilt.)
Annika: Sir, please don’t talk about it. Ishana has suffered a lot because of that. I don’t want to hurt her by talking about it anymore. (Neil smiles seeing the care Annika is having for their Ishu.)
Neil: Hey, Ishu. What magic you have thrown on Annika till she cares for you this much?? (Annika chuckles.)
Annika: The same magic she has thrown on you. (Neil laughs.)
Neil: True. But till now we didn’t know what is the magic. But we love her like hell.
Ishu: (feels embarrassed) I didn’t throw any magic. You are talking like I am a witch. I’m sulking again. (Pretends to sulk and gets up from her place. Neil wails in pain. Ishana becomes worried and goes towards him.) What happened, Neil?? Should I call the doctor?? (Neil laughs again. Ishana understands that he is playing with her.) Neil!! Don’t play like this.
Neil: Ok, sorry. (He is about to hug her but he couldn’t get up.)
Ishu: Neil, doctor asked you to not to strain yourself. (Ishana lifts him a little and hugs him. Neil kisses her forehead and hugs her.) Get well soon. (Breaks the hug and kisses his hand.)
Neil: Where are AvGauPoo?? I didn’t see them after you came with them this morning.
Ishu: They did come, Neil but you were sleeping. They didn’t want to disturb you. In fact, Siddharth bhaiya also came with bhabhi to see you.
Neil: (surprised) Siddharth bhaiya came here??
Ishu: Yes but you were sleeping. So, they thought to come later. They took AvGauPoo with them. Bhaiya and bhabhi insisted them to stay with them. So, Gautham is going to check out from the hotel with Siddharth bhaiya and take all of your luggage to their house. (Ishana tells carefully without blurting out about Pooja.) Ok, Neil. You take rest first. RuMya and PriVeer will come in some time. (Neil smiles.) Take care. (IshAni about to leave.)
Neil: Ishu!! (IshAni turn towards him.) Be careful.
Ishu: (salutes) Yes, sir. (Neil smiles.) Take rest. (IshAni leave from there.)
Neil: Why I have a feeling that Ishu is hiding something?? I hope nothing wrong happened. Or did I miss something?? It’s good that AvGauPoo will stay with Siddharth bhaiya. Ishu?? She is safe until she is…. Ranveer?? I need to talk to him.
UNKNOWN PLACE
SouPriMa already move away from the waiter’s house and goes to a nearby stall waiting for RuRan.
Prinku: Sorry, Mahi. We are troubling you a lot.
Mahi: Don’t be sorry, Priyanka. I felt bad that my working place is one of the reasons for whatever happened to your bhabhi. So I’m just trying to help you as much as I can.
Soumya: So sweet. (Mahi smiles. They see RuRan.) They come ready. (Waves her hand towards them. RuRan wave back and come towards them.)
Ranveer: Sorry. We are late.
Prinku: It’s ok. Have you found bhabhi’s whereabouts??
Rudra: She went to the hospital with Annika bhabhi.
Ranveer: Where is the waiter’s house??
Mahi: (pointing towards a house) The fourth house but he didn’t return yet.
Ranveer: Let’s go and ask the neighbours. Maybe they know something about him. (They go and ask the people who are staying nearby the house. A man comes out from a house.) Let’s ask him. Excuse me, sir. (The man looks at them.)
Man: Yes.
Ranveer: (shows the waiter’s picture) Do you know this guy??
Man: Haan!! He is Manveer. He stayed at that house only. (Pointing towards the house which SouPriMa went just now.)
Rudra: We went there just now but no one is there. Do you know where he has gone??
Man: His mother is not well. So he went to visit her at his hometown.
Mahi: Do you know where is his hometown??
Man: No, I don’t know.
Ranveer: Never mind. I will give you my number. Please inform me once he returned. (The man hesitates at first.)
Prinku: Please, sir. It’s very important.
Man: Ok. I will tell you. (Ranveer gives his number to Ranveer.) Your name, sir??
Ranveer: Ranveer. Your name, sir??
Man: Pradeep.
Rudra: Thank you, Mr Pradeep. We are leaving now. (They leave from there.)
CITY HOSPITAL
IshAni are sitting at the bench. RuMya and PriVeer came after some time.
Ranveer: Sorry, we are late.
Ishu: It’s ok. (Towards SouPri) Where both of you went??
Soumya: Di, my friend came from Chandigarh to her relative’s house here. She is new to Mumbai and doesn’t know the places here. That’s why she called me. I was afraid to go alone. So I took Priyanka with me.
Ishu: Oh!! So, have you sent her to her relative’s house??
Prinku: Yes, bhabhi. We sent her by booking a cab. We received Ranveer’s call during that time only. (SouPri look at RuRan who are looking amused at them. They didn’t know that SouPri are well prepared to answer Ishana.)
Rudra: Bhabhi, what happened to your mobile?? We tried to call you a lot of times but your number couldn’t be connected.
Ishu: Yesterday, my mobile fell down and broken. So, I left it in the room.
Ranveer: Ishana, have you met Neil?? How is he??
Ishu: Yes. He is telling that he is good but I don’t know what the doctor will tell us.
Ranveer: Ok. Both of you are here for a long time. Should I book a cab for you to go back??
Ishu: No, Ranveer. Actually, I want to stay here taking care of Neil tonight.
Rudra: Bhabhi, we can’t let you stay alone.
Annika: She won’t be alone here. I will be staying with her as well.
Rudra: How about your husband?? Will he allow you to stay here??
Annika: I will talk to him. He will agree. Four of you go and visit your friend first. Ishana, do you want to go with them??
Ishu: You will be alone here. Never mind. I will be staying here only tonight. Ranveer, four of you go and see him. (Four of them leave to Neil’s ward.) They must never have anything yet. Can we go to the cafe and buy something for them to eat??
Annika: Yes. Let’s go. (They leave to the cafe.)
At the cafe
Ishana is buying some sandwiches for RuMya and SouPri.
Annika: Ishana, I need to make a phone call. Just wait here and don’t go anywhere. (She makes Ishana sit at a table and she goes outside the cafe to make a call. However, her eyes never move from Ishana.) Hello, Shivaay!!
Shivaay: Annika!! Where are you?? Mom said that you went out with that girl. Is that true??
Annika: Yes, Shivaay. I came with Omkara’s wife. Her friend is not well and admitted in the hospital.
Shivaay: If her friend is not well, she is the one should go. Why did she take you with her??
Annika: She didn’t take me with her, Shivaay. It was me who came with her. SouPri were not there at that time. How I can let her come alone?? I did what a responsible and protective sister would have done.
Shivaay: (surprised) Sister?? Seriously, Annika!!?? You are calling yourself a sister for your sister’s murderer.
Annika: Why?? If you can call yourself as a brother for your brother after whatever he has done?? Why can’t I call myself a sister for a sister who did a mistake unintentionally?? (Shivaay is dumbfounded.) Listen. Don’t make me speak more worst, Shivaay. I called you to inform you that I won’t be coming back tonight. I will stay with Ishana at the hospital.
Shivaay: No. I won’t allow you to stay there. Better you come back.
Annika: I am not asking your permission, Shivaay. I am telling you. If you don’t like me to stay here, then, you also come and stay with us here. (She ends the call before Shivaay could say something.) Tadibaaz!! (She goes inside he cafe towards Ishana who is sitting at the same place which Annika told her just now.)
Neil’s Ward
Neil sees RuMya and PriVeer entering the ward and sighs in relief.
Ranveer: What happened??
Neil: Luckily, Ishu doesn’t come with you. I need to tell you something.
Rudra: Should we wait outside??
Neil: No need. I just don’t want Ishu to know about this.
Ranveer: What’s the matter??
Neil: Ranveer, whatever happened to me is not a normal accident. It was preplanned. (Four of them are shocked.)
To be continued…..