CHAPTER-34

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"Where are you going?" Radhika's voice growled in the empty hall as Sneha was about to step out of the home. She trembled at the sudden loud voice and turned around, finding her eyes bore into her while she marched towards her.

"In search of a house." As soon as she heard her answer, her confusion, as well as sprouting anger, got demolished. She gave a mean smile and asked her to wait. She hurriedly rushed inside Vivaan's room which they both were sharing now.

In a few minutes, she returned with a purse in her hand. Sneha frowned confusingly, noticing her actions. She grabbed a debit card and passed it to her sister with a smirk.

"Take it. Consider it yours and spend as much you desire."

It was one of her ways to humiliate her and apply ointment on her own wounded heart. Or might be called her approach to boost her ego by returning the favour for her five years of expenses on her.

She instantly shook her head in denial. "I don't need it." Before she could argue, Sneha stepped forward and grabbed her face lovingly which made her mute in surprise.

"The elders do not lavish on the hard earnings of their younger ones. You don't have to worry. I have some savings and ultimately I will get a job somewhere."

Radhika had taken a look at her account and knew she hardly had 5-7 lakhs in her bank account which was not much if she sought a home at a good location.

She studied her cousin for a few minutes silently and helplessly. It looked like the talks their words couldn't do, their souls were doing, eyes being the medium of communication. Their eyes had turned moist, not being able to cross the great barrier of distrust and betrayal.

Sneha placed a kiss on her forehead and was about to join her today's mission of searching for a roof, her sudden question casted her in confusion.

"Can I ask you something?"

She looked in the affirmative, gesturing her to put forward her query.

"Why were you have secretly burdened yourself with my expenses for the last five years?" Though at first, she was shocked to learn, Radhika came to know about it, yet she gave a sad smile while reevaluating the question.

"I don't know the answer. If you say it was because of guilty. It might be correct. If I state it was one of my ways of repentance or a medium to remain close to you, it can't be refused and if someone claims it one of my way to show my affection and shower my love and care for you, no one can deny it too."

Although she gave the most truthful answer to the question, Radhika couldn't believe her word. She had recognised her presence as a potential threat to her happiness and every time she had been trying to reveal her true face with her constant mean comments but to her great dismay, nothing affected her. As the cherry on the top, her innocent and naive avtaar was increasing her bitterness day by day. All the time she had been eager to confront that insatiable Sneha whom she witnessed for the first and last time in that party.

Hearing her reply, Radhika gritted her teeth but not wanting to give her any satisfaction, her mouth curved into a phoney smile.

"For only those, you haven't seen your true ugly face."

Sneha lowered her head shamefully, trying to hide her painful look. During the stay of a few days here, she came to know one thing for sure- Radhika would never forgive her though she always knew she never deserved any sort of it, considering the hefty amount of sins, she had done in her life.

"Would you have done the same to Maya?"

She raised her glossy eyes to look in her eyes, wanting her to read her mind and vulnerable soul. The sudden silence and intensity of her eyes, made Radhika let out a humourless chuckle.

"Your silence answers."

"If it is possible to forgive me someday. So that at least I can die in peace."

Before she could understand the deeper meaning of her words, Sneha rushed outside the flat with a pained expression, in want of hiding the tears of guilt.

Though Radhika wanted to scream that nothing related to her sister affected her even a bit but the fact was the mention of her death shook her to the core with a heaviness in her chest. Her restlessness increased with time.

She retreated towards the dining table where she had left her mobile half an hour ago and dialled the only number which she could think about at that moment.

After a few rings, a man, who remained connected with her throughout the search and captivity of Sneha, picked up the call.

"Keep an eye on her."

She came to her point, escaping the pleasantries and ordered him in a robust voice. Though he didn't pay attention to his duty once which she had to pay with Sneha's freedom and the constant feeling of the sword hanging on her neck, she didn't have any time to search for a new set of goons' gang whom she could entrust her work.

After three hours, a call rang which she had been waiting for eagerly. To be true, her lifestyle had become poorly affected by her arrival. All she did was setting her eagle eyes on her every movement in the house and now in her absence, her thoughts only clouded her mind.

She sighed in relief, looking at the caller id and hurriedly picked up the call, in seek of getting to know about her whereabouts.

"Madam, she is in search of a 1bhk flat. She has at least met 5-6 brokers till now."

A frown appeared on her face and her mouth set in a hard line in deep thoughts.

"Where is she now?"

"Near the Kherwadi area."

She hummed and gave him further instructions.

"Update me on her every move."

After the call hung, she dialled a number and a person picked the call with an energetic hello.

"Namaskar, Shastri Ji." She replied in an equally athletic voice.

Kumar Shastri had been one of the employees of Chandra Enterprises almost a decade ago but after a few years of work, he resigned and started his broker business.

He used to visit Chandra home frequently at that time and had a good relationship with the family. It was then Radhika came to know about him and luckily she met him in a mall a few months ago, coincidently.

"Tell me more, how have you remembered me? How can I serve you?"

She smiled at his eagerness to help her. She wished he could at least accept her one single demand.

"I need a favour from you."

"Is it something to tell? Your order." He stated laughingly.

"I need you to offer your deserted flat situated at the outskirts of the city to a lady at a minimal price." A line of worry appeared on his forehead. She had demanded one of the flats which no one had ever sought in years, due to its location. He tried to argue with a better deal but she cut him off.

"Just tell her, the owners are in a hurry to shift from the city or make any relevant excuse. Anyhow she has to accept your luring offer. Don't worry about the payment. I will pay the remaining amount." She tried to negotiate the deal but the fact was who could deny the unsaid arrival of Lakshmi in his residence.

"Okay madam as you say."

"By the way, Who will I offer it?" She sighed in relief after knowing at least one work that happened with her will this time. She smiled and exuberantly replied, "I am sending you her details and location. Remember, it has to look like a genuine approach."

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After one week of leave from the office and making sure Sneha didn't remain anywhere near them, she finally returned to her office.

But still, she had a minimal concentration on her work and from time to time, she used to get distracted and engrossed herself in the thoughts of Sneha to this extend that her local goons were still following her every move.

Even now, she had been looking through the pen drive where she had stored data of Sneha's laptop. Though she didn't find any official file there and most of the data were personal but it didn't stop her to peek inside.

She was continuously and furiously clicking the right mouse button of her laptop keyboard, to slide the pictures. They consisted of their family, her college time and office time with colleagues. But the latter was very few as compared to others.

After the end of her search, Radhika was left confused at Sneha's love life. It could be an understatement if she declared that her lifestyle seemed to utterly disgust her.

Much to her dismay, a knock on the door was heard, she precipitously removed the pen drive and stuffed it in her drawer, before confirming the person's entry.

Akshay entered her office with a wide smile. She returned a formal smile and asked about his wellbeing as a custom. "How are you?"

Meanwhile, she closed the file, kept on the table, in front of her, which she had hardly studied in the last two hours.

He passed a vibrant smile, taking a seat on one of the chairs, meant for the visitors, in front of the study table, he replied, "All good as always. I want to ask the same."

She scrutinized his actions minutely and in a few seconds, her mouth curved into a very unreal smile.

"I am fine."

He passed an uncomfortable smile, witnessing her strange actions that day, but ultimately gave words to his thoughts, that was burdening him for a few days.

"Knowing Vivaan's past and his love interest, hope Sneha's entry hasn't caused any problem in your both relation."

Her eyes bored into him as she scoffed, indirectly disparaging him.

"Have you not talked with your best friend?" A line appeared between his brows in confusion and immense worry.

"That's the main concern. He is not speaking a single word in this regard."

"I guess you should then, stop butt in someone's marital life, running here and there in search of any spice." He sighed frustratedly, bearing her peculiar behaviour. He shook his head and tried to justify his degree.

"You are taking me wrong. I am just concerned about you as an elder brother."

She nodded and passed him a faked smile of agreement, not believing the fact that Vivaan had not discussed anything with his so-called best friend.

"I am just joking. Don't worry if anything goes wrong this sister will approach you first." His face lit up, whose reason didn't go unquestioned.

"I am glad to be referred to as a brother." He answered with a genuine smile and a satisfied face.

"Don't you have any sibling or cousin?" His forehead creased, as he quizzed back. "Vivaan never told."

She shook her head negatively, not remembering any maintained tale of Akshay's family. He took a deep sigh, turning serious.

"My parents left this world a few years ago and now I live with my cousin brother."

"What about his parents?" She curiously asked.

"They left this world when he was two years old."

"Oh, I am sorry."

"Never mind. And yes for the answer to your question, it is a very emotional and proud feeling to be called a sister's brother." She chuckled at his comment.

"You are dramatic. But yes, sometimes let me meet with your brother too."

"Everyone says the same. And I promise you will come across him soon."

"By the way, do you know where she is now?" She frowned at his question. Though she was aware of it, she never wanted anyone to meet her. She passed him an accusing look full of contempt, which confused him more.

"I mean she is still my friend. I will be happy to meet her once." He tried to explain himself which made her roll her eyes frustratedly. She leaned on her rolling chair and shrugged.

"I have no clue about her whereabouts."

"Oh." He sounded disappointed, not being able to see her long lost friend. But he quickly changed his composure as weather, which remained a matter of astonishment for Radhika, and excitedly announced, "Anyways, I came here to remind you about an important thing." He continued, as he gained her intense attention.

"Next week. It's Vivaan's birthday. Hope you have not forgotten and already have started preparing for it."

Though she didn't remember the date in between every tension of her life, she didn't want anyone to know about it. She passed him a smile with an assuring look, inwardly planning to set a reminder before she might forget it.

"You don't have to worry about that." He grinned and vigorously nodded in enthusiasm.

"Let me know if you need anything. I am just a call away."

She looked at him, smiling at his genuine help approach and nodded assertively.

Later in the evening, when Radhika returned home early from her office frustratedly for not able to execute any work properly. But in the next half an hour, her solitude was disturbed by the early appearance of overly-excited Vivaan. He approached her and lifted her in his arms.

"Radhika." He exclaimed happily and singing and twirled around. She examined him confusingly.

"What has happened?"

"The trial period of the American deal ended and now the contract is permanently ours for the next five years." He lifted her in his arms and swivelled on his axis gaily.

Her eyes went round at the sudden action. Though she was very happy with his success. Doubt started blooming in her already turned venomous mind. It was a time she didn't know what she should do. Should she be celebrated when someone could be plotting the next move to ruin her life?

"Congratulations. And now put me down." She shrieked. He, after a few turns, put her on the down and explained cheerfully.

"Now get ready because tonight's treat is from my side."

She sighed and tiredly took her seat on the sofa, said in a dismissing voice. "I am busy." He rolled his eyes at her unwillingness and approached her. He grimaced at her reaction.

"Don't be a party pooper."

She eyed him in anger for being mentioned with that term and ultimately agreed to get ready, but not before throwing a cushion on his face and muttering a few curses under her breath in his honour.

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At the same time, Sneha had been settling a bowl, containing her self-prepared khichri on the two sitter dining table.

She considered herself lucky, for getting this deal. Though it seemed too unbelievable to hear, she had bought this flat in 1/4th of its authentic price. To the cherry on the top-she didn't have to waste her saved money on buying required furniture or other electrical pieces of equipment. Regardless, they were old, but still, they were at their best working position.

The only disadvantage and her main concern was- its location. It was on the outskirts of the city. Even though it had a mediocre population, proper market around and was well connected to the city but the distance from the business hub of the city, being at the exact opposite corner, made it difficult for her to travel every day. It could take her almost one hour to travel one way and just the thought of running from one corner of the city to another was tiresome in the long run.

But she didn't even complain either, knowing very well, buying a residence there could cost her a fortune. And being aware of her condition, she stuck on the plan of saving as much money she could, until she got a proper job. She sighed, being tired of her regular mental estimations.

She had applied for a few job vacancies and was just praying to get selected in one. Her trail of thoughts was disturbed by the doorbell ringing sound. She frowned, wondering who would have wanted to visit her at this time.

She shivered inwardly in anxiety and wiped sweat beads on her face nervously and gradually approached the door. She unlocked the lock and narrowly slide one of the doors panels, peeking outside.

As soon as she got sight of the visitor, her eyes went round. She gasped and suddenly tried to close the door but he had already forwarded his foot, making her halt in her struggle to close the door. She hurriedly takes many steps back in fear, not being able to do anything now.

The man pushed the door open and slowly approached her with a mean smile on his smug face. She gulped her saliva in anticipation.

"Y..you...u..." She shuttered, being unable to utter a proper word as terror had overtaken her features.

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I am a bit late but never mind.😅😆

Who is this uninvited guest whom Sneha fear, so much?

Let me not built too much suspense...😁 It is the main villain/ the mafia boss.😉😏

Her part of the story is coming next.....🙃

Radhika cares for her sister, doesn't she?🤭

What do you think about Akshay? And didn't Radhika behave too rude with him and isn't she unnecessarily suspecting everyone around her?

And isn't she unknowingly destroying her beautiful present with her insecurities?😣

Next update- Till next Saturday/Sunday.

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