I had just finished getting ready, and the wedding mandap was all set, when my father-in-law's call shattered the silence.
His panicked voice greeted me on the other end. "I need a hiding place," he pleaded. "The police are looking for me and the village representatives."
"What happened?" I asked, alarmed.
"We threw tear gas into Anita's restaurant," he replied.
My instincts shouted with a warning.
I didn't want to get entangled in the mess, as it would tarnish my reputation and reflect poorly on my company.
To protect myself, I ended the call and ignored his subsequent attempts to reach me, blocking his number to avoid any implications.
Not long after, a knock at the door made my heart skip a beat.
I opened it to find a team of police officers, their stern expressions sending a shiver down my spine.
"Why are you here?" I stuttered, panic creeping into my voice.
The inspector's cold, calculating gaze met mine. "We're here to search your house for Mr. Deshmukh and his acquaintances. We have reason to believe they're hiding here, and we intend to arrest them."
My brow furrowed. I feigned ignorance, trying to sound convincing. "Who's Mr. Deshmukh? I don't know who he—"
But before I could finish, the inspector brushed past me, his team fanning out across the house.
My mother, grandmother, and Rashi rushed down, panic appearing on their faces.
"What's going on?" my mother asked.
The inspector's expression remained rigid. "We have a warrant to search the premises. Please step aside."
"By who? Who issued the warrant?" Mother asked with concern on her face.
"Miss Anita," the inspector replied, before following his team upstairs.
I whispered urgently to my family, "They're searching for Anita's father, but we don't know him, nor do we have any connection to him."
Grandmother's voice trembled. "Is Anita mad? Will she arrest her own father now?"
I placed a cautioning hand on her arm. "Not now, Grandma. Let the police leave first. And please, if any of you have her father's number, delete it immediately." My eyes moved onto theirs, emphasizing the urgency.
Grandmother nodded, her hands shaking as she deleted the number from her phone. I too followed, erasing any digital trail.
•••••
Days have passed since the chaos happened, and I'm still grappling with the aftermath.
The whereabouts of her father remain a mystery, and frankly, I'd rather not know.
But what gnaws at me is Anita's silence.
Why won't she return to me?
My pride is wounded, and the company's descending finances only add to my frustration.
Our gross revenue is in free fall.
Just weeks ago, our financial outlook was rosy and beautiful, buoyed by the successful deal with Anita's restaurant. New opportunities even poured in, but now, several clients are backing out at the last minute.
Although our products still sell well in the market, investor confidence has disappeared.
Key backers have withdrawn their support, and that makes me extremely worried.
What's driving this sudden downturn?
My phone's sound exploded in the air, my mother's name flashing on the screen.
I answered, my exhaustion evident in my tone, "I'm listening."
"Your grandmother is insisting Rashi return to Banaras with her," her voice cracked. "She wants to marry her off. Please, son, they're leaving. Rashi is devastated and crying uncontrollably. You have to do something."
My heart sank.
I couldn't, I will not let them force my little sister into a loveless marriage.
I sprang up immediately, grabbing my car keys from the table and rushing out the door.
I sprinted out of the company, with the keys clutched in my hand, and dove into my car. As I sped away, my life began to unravel before my eyes like a slideshow.
Suddenly, my breath caught in my throat.
My chest constricted, and my lungs burned.
I gasped, struggling to fill my starving lungs with air.
Memories flooded my mind: the helpless child I once was, witnessing my mother's abuse at my grandmother's hands while my father remained silent; the happy day I landed my job at Global Supply Solutions; the shocking proposal from my boss to become partners, followed by his unexpected passing, leaving the company in my hands.
The day of my wedding also flashed by, and my vision began to blur with a bright light that surrounded me, forcing my eyes shut.
My car screeched to a halt, and then everything went white.
Funny banter:
Author: Well, Rajiv, it's time to bid good-bye. I created you as my male lead, but somehow Akash stole the show. The audience prefers him over you. Any parting words?
Rajiv: (smirking) Ah, sweet escape! My sudden death saves me from further backlash. Honestly, I'm relieved to leave before the hate train gained more steam.
Author: (laughs) You're taking it surprisingly well.
Rajiv: (chuckles) Hey, at least I dodged the bullet – or rather, the readers' wrath. Akash can handle the spotlight; I'll enjoy my peaceful afterlife.
Author: (smiling) Farewell, Rajiv.
Rajiv: (winking) Farewell, author. May Akash bring you better ratings.
Author: But wait. We're all curious about the fate of Anita and Akash. Should I make Akash the new male lead? Add his POV? I'll consider your opinion.
Rajiv: (possessively) Anita was meant to be mine. Even in death, I don't want her with anyone else. Let her find independence, but not with Akash or anyone.
Author: (amused) Possessive even after death?
Rajiv: (smirks) Can't help it. She was my pair.
Author: (laughs) Alright, I guess then readers will decide her fate. Your final words?
Rajiv: (sighs) I never thought this book would reach 10,000 views. Thank you, readers.
Author: (smiles) I'm stunned too. Exceeded my wildest expectations.
Rajiv: And thank you, Author, for bringing me to life. It's been a wild ride.
Author: (laughs) You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Rajiv: (curious) Now, I'm eager to see what's next. Will Anita find happiness?
Author: (teasingly) You'll have to leave that to my imagination.
Rajiv: (serious) On a different note, I appreciate the readers and you, despite their hatred. At least—
Author: (interrupts) I don't hate you, Rajiv. You're my creation.
Rajiv: (smiles wistfully) That means a lot. Thanks for understanding me.
Author: (nods) You're a complex character. Flawed, but relatable.
Rajiv: (nods) That's the best farewell gift. (smirks) Thanks again, Author. I wish you'd swapped our roles, though. Akash could've been the one leaving, not me.
Author: (laughs) Hindsight's 20/20. Maybe I shouldn't have created Akash at all.
Rajiv: (chuckles) Water under the bridge. It's done. Now, enjoy the story unfolding without me.
Author: (nods) Your departure will certainly shake things up.
Rajiv: (confidently) Exactly! And I'm sure there are more twists awaiting the readers. My exit won't dull the excitement.
Author: (smiles) You're right. The story will evolve, and probably Akash will take center stage.
Rajiv: (teasingly) Just don't make him too perfect, okay?
Author: (laughs) Don't worry, I'll keep him flawed.
Rajiv: (smirks) Good. Now, farewell, Author. It's been real.
Author: (nods) Farewell, Rajiv. Your legacy remains.
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