Chapter 25: Chapter 25

*Nitish Pov*

More than a continuous trail of complaints, a long-term silence is deadly. I know Shrishti must have got hurt because of today’s events with Mom ignoring her presence and also her idea to make Lisa stay at home.

She suddenly dragged me out of the house and didn’t say a word no matter how much I am asking her.

Right now, we are sitting inside a theatre but we both are not paying any attention to the movie for sure.

She sighed again and I finally turned to stare at her only to see her not even staring at the screen.

“Let’s go from here.” I whispered holding her hand and she nodded not even turning to glance at me.

After we reached the car, I felt it is better to find a place to have a good talk and drove towards a park and parked it.

“Shrishti! I am sorry on my Mom’s behalf. She really needs just some time to get to know you and I am sure you both will be close.” I assured her while she just sighed.

“Shrishti!” I called her while holding her face to make her turn to stare at me.

“I will ask you a few things and you need to be honest with me.” She whispered and I nodded promising her.

She turned on her seat to stare straight at me without turning her head and took my hands away from her face.

“Do you still have lingering feelings for Lisa?” she asked shocking me completely as that is not what I expected.

We were talking about my Mom but where did Lisa come from. However, seeing her serious expression I shook my head saying, “I don’t have any. I thought I would have some when I talked to you in the beginning about my failed first love but now she is nothing more than a special friend that I need to help when she needs me or just be a support.”

“Are you sure? I will give you time if you want to think more.” She mumbled and I smiled caressing her cheek.

“I am sure! I didn’t try to be with you just because I was trying to find just anyone to spend my life with. I am with you because that is what I want with my heart.” She finally smiled hearing those words and leaned over to kiss me.

“Okay! I will keep these words in mind forever and will not ask you again regarding your feelings towards Lisa.” She nodded and I smiled back seeing her not have that frown on her face anymore.

“Then what do you think about Lisa’s feelings for you?” before I could sigh I relief that she is back to normal, I got bombarded with this weird question.

“Her feelings for me? Where did you get that thought? She never liked me that much even when we were dating as her first priority was becoming an actress and be a popular one at that. And our dating couldn’t even be called dating as it completely involved her growing as an artist. So, she left the country when got an opportunity and even had other relationships.” I explained shrugging.

“What if… I mean what if she is back because she feels that she can’t lose you or something. So, what will be your stand?” she asked raising her eyebrow.

“That is more than impossible but maybe because somehow her mind got out of control and wish to be with me then I would apologize… no… not apologize and say I am already booked.” She laughed shaking her head before nodding her head.

“Okay! Now I know your stand at this thing, then I want to propose an idea.” She mumbled becoming serious again.

“As you said, your Mom doesn’t know me and must still be hung upon Lisa as she supported your relationship with her. Now, with her back, she must be having these ideas of getting both of you together. So, for now, I will try to spend time with her and get her to know me before deciding about me. However, I can’t try that forever and will have an end date if there is no progression. And when I end from my side of getting her to like me, I will ignore it whether she likes me or not.” She stated looking at me and it feels like there are no negotiations to her plans.

I actually don’t mind her words as I am confident that Mom will like her soon when she understands her and there is no need to even think much about it.

“Okay!” I accepted and she nodded smiling while I shited to hug her.

“I am going to leave tomorrow and will return next weekend. For the next few weeks, I will come here during weekends and spend time with Aunty.” She whispered but I frowned.

“You will be tired. No need to rush, Shrishti. We can take our time and go along with it.” I pointed out but she shook her head.

“I have these weird thoughts in my head and until I either strike them off by proving them wrong or accept that they are true, I can’t have proper peace.” I frowned at her choice of words but she shifted back saying we can go for a walk in the park and it is empty because it’s still in the morning.

“We can’t roam the streets for a whole day.” I mumbled as we walked for a few minutes holding her hand.

“How about we check in a hotel?” she suddenly asked and I got stunned hearing her suggestion as I didn’t expect her to suddenly say that.

“I mean, we don’t have much privacy or a place where we can spend here as we stay with our parents, unlike Grandma’s Villa where we have our own place. We are generally used to stay indoors and not stay out for a whole day while dating. So, we can stay in a hotel until tomorrow.” She added while I continued to stare at her.

“Fine if you don’t want to.” Rolling her eyes she took a step to walk ahead but I pulled her back.

“I will sacrifice myself to even stay at GH hotels for this idea of yours.” She shook her head hearing my words.

“For your late reaction, I don’t want to go along with this idea anymore.” Saying that she tried to get away from my hold.

“You should compensate my late reaction with my willingness to stay at GH hotels.” I pointed out with a frown.

“Your hate towards GH is directed at me too. Give up on it as it was just a business competition between you guys.” She mumbled and my smile slipped.

I can’t believe I am hiding the truth from her like this. From the part of the past incident with Anny to the part of why Rohan targeted Anny and also the huge involvement of Lisa behind that targeting.

I know it will be a moment to confess everything but what if… what if it will turn into worse. She already has a problem with marriage and needs time but what if these things turn everything worst.

We already have my Mom’s issues and it is better to not add anything to it right now. Anyway, all this is in the past and not the present. But I know how strong she stands for her friends and family which I admire in her but also get scared of.

“Fine! We are not going. You are staring at me as if I am dragging you to the marriage bureau.” She mumbled.

“How I wish you do that.” I whispered coming out of my thoughts.

“The marriage idea is pushed more into the back until I come to terms with what is going on right now with your Mom.” I sighed already guessing that part.

A family is important for her and that’s why she never thought of her friend’s family as anything other than her family. Then how can she not think the same about mine? But if my family doesn’t accept her completely then it will trouble her more than the normal context.

“I know! Let’s go and book a room.” I mumbled turning our direction towards the car.

“No need to book, there is always a room available in all the hotels of GH if anyone from the family needs it. Usually, I am the one who uses them most and fighting the first position with all the elders and Vikranth. But they can’t beat me at all mainly after recently the way I stayed in the hotel for the longest than everyone.” She proudly stated while I laughed.

“Will they know that you are going to stay today at a hotel?” I asked and she nodded.

“Only if someone comes to the hotel and decides to stay there. Then they will get notified that the GH family’s room is already occupied. Don’t worry! Everyone is in the city, why would they need a hotel room.” She assured me and I nodded before we both left for the hotel.

“Occupied?” Shrishti asked again in a shocked tone.

“Yes, Madam!” The receptionist responded without getting annoyed for getting her to repeat three times already.

“Who?” Shrishti asked before I stopped her.

“Mrs. Vikranth!” She replied shocking me.

These things will be shared too? Her announcing the name shocked me more than the name.

“Oh!” I thought Shrishti will be shocked hearing that name but she just gave that reaction and glanced at me with an awkward smile.

“Why don’t we go to another hotel?” she asked and I nodded while she took out her phone to send a message.

“Is there any problem? Why is she staying in a hotel?” I asked when we finally reached another one and even got into the room to settle.

“Must be… must be… Oh! It seems she has something related to work matters and is staying there with her mentor.” She mumbled after checking the phone and gave a sigh of relief.

“What happened? Any problem with Vikranth’s married life?” the moment I asked that she shouted, “No!”

“Are you sure?” I asked raising my brow at her adverse reaction and she sighed rubbing her forehead.

“Why wouldn’t there be any problem? He is a workaholic and she is also turning into one. So, there must be some issues but they will take care of them. Why don’t we order some lunch?” she changed the topic and I didn’t stress more before calling the restaurant service to order lunch.

****

“Why did you go along with them?” I asked staring at Lisa with a frown and irritation.

As stated Shrishti started trying to spend time with Mom and by staying at my place there is no improvement as Mom gets more involved with house matters and also Lisa is spending time with Mom more recently which didn’t give them any privacy to get closer and Shrishti decided to go for some shopping together.

She seems to have experience and also her work also kind of helps her. So, today they were supposed to go shopping together and here I am waiting to hear some good news.

“How is it?” I asked the moment Shrishti picked the call.

“Lisa joined us for shopping and of course I got ignored for two hours as if I am invisible while they both happily shopped together.” She replied and I got stunned hearing those words.

“Lisa was with you?” I asked frowning.

“I am not even surprised. It’s like she is protecting your Mom from getting closer to me. We need to have some talk tonight before I go back.” Saying that she cut the call and I immediately called Lisa to come to the office.

I thought there will be some progression but why did Lisa go with them. She stopped coming to the office recently while spending time with Mom. That helped Rohan and me to work more without any sudden get-togethers for weekends but that is ruining Shrishti’s work.

“Why would you go with them? Do you know how tired Shrishti is by traveling every week just to get my Mom know her more? You are visiting my house every weekend and for what? Even I am trying to stay away from home to give them space but now because of you…” I asked raising my voice before I can stop myself and she stared at me in shock.

“Nitish?” she called my name in a hurt tone while I rubbed my forehead to calm myself.

“I am sorry! Why did you go with them?” I asked in a calm tone.

“I… I saw how Aunty seems to be distant from Shrishti. When Aunty told me how… how they are going shopping together, I thought if they both stayed silent then it will be a problem. So, I went to ease the mood and let them talk like I was trying during the time when I visit Aunty. I went… I went for you.” She replied while brushing away her tears.

I felt guilty to shout at her like that while she just tried to help me in this way. I got up from the chair to reach her side.

“I am sorry! I just wanted them to meet alone. I found that at home, you were there a few times and when I found out that you even stayed with them when they went out, I lost it. I shouldn’t have shouted at you. I am sorry!” I apologized while she nodded.

“You know that I care for you, Nitish. You are my closest friend and even if we haven’t stayed in contact for a few years, it doesn’t feel like there is any distance between us. I can see that you are stressed because of the difference between Aunty and Shrishti. I don’t know why Aunty is like this with Shrishti. She is such a sweet person and will get close to your friends easily but now she is somehow distant. Maybe as Aunty liked me immediately, I didn’t know Aunty is that careful on getting close to other people.” I sighed hearing her words.

“It’s fine! Shrishti is strong and Mom is not irrational. It will be fine soon and I thank you for trying to help but don’t get involved again.” She nodded but frowned before turning to look at me.

“Shrishti complained you about me? But I already told her today before leaving that I came to get the mood light and make them talk. She didn’t tell you that?” I frowned but didn’t say anything before calling Rohan and Arjun so that they all can spend time while I need to leave.

“You saved us, Lisa. He is making us work during weekends without any mercy.” Rohan complained the moment he walked into the cabin and froze looking at her.

“You cried?” he asked in a shocked tone and even Arjun frowned.

“What happened?” Rohan asked looking at me.

“Ask her! I need to leave and you guys can leave early for today.” Saying that I walked off as she can say what happened.

Right now I have a very important thing to handle and this explanation is not that important for me.

When I reached her place, she is already waiting for me outside as I messaged her that I will be coming to pick her up.

“Did you leave early?” she asked in a calm tone when I started driving towards the hotel she already booked for the weekend like the past few weekends.

“Yeah! You uttered those words and expected me to sit calmly and work?” I joked but she didn’t smile and we both ended up in silence.

After reaching our room, I took hold of her hand saying, “Lisa is trying to get Mom open up…” she cut me off saying, “So that Aunty and I can get closer?”

“Yeah!” I mumbled while she snorted shaking her head.

“Nitish! It’s been two months and I tried my best already. Now, I am giving you my decision. I already had a hunch before I started all this plan to get closer to her but now I am confident in it.” She stated taking her hand away from my hold and in turn, held my hands.

“Aunty’s problem is not because of me, Nitish. Her problem is that she wishes you to be back with Lisa. It doesn’t matter who is in my place, but all she cares about is how to make you realize how perfect Lisa is for you and how you open your eyes and go against your Dad to be with Lisa. So, she doesn’t care who I am and what I am but the moment I was introduced to you as a marriage proposal for a business matter by your father, she closed her eyes regarding me. Even if I say you live only if you are with me, she will not accept me.” She continued and my shock just raised hearing such things from her.

“And your dear friend Lisa is not here for a vacation but to get back together with you. I feel even your friends want you to be with Lisa. It’s they everyone is pushing you towards her and on the way trying to look down on me and blaming me and faulting me for everything. I didn’t say many things that happened during these times but I am sure about these things.” She finally stopped while I shook my head.

“You misunderstood, Shrishti! Mom thinks that Dad is forcing me and that’s all. She is not that hell-bent on Lisa and maybe in the beginning but not after the engagement. Lisa is really trying to help you and she didn’t succeed but she doesn’t have any ulterior motives and my friends just care for her and that’s all.” I assured her but she just sighed.

“I know you will not believe me because you know me for less time than them and that’s why I said I am giving up.” She mumbled and I stared at her in shock.

“What… what do you mean?” I asked frowning with a worry visible in my voice.

“It is no longer my duty to assure Aunty regarding our relationship. It is completely yours from now on to show that you like me and are happy with this marriage and not getting forced. I will respect her like she is an elder and also as your Mom and that’s all. Everything else is not of my concern. I want to be with you and I will and you want to be with me and you will. That’s all I am going to focus on. Of course, I will not bear any ill-treatment from anyone. What do you say?” she asked without a slight hesitation while saying those words.

What she is asking me is not something big but actually something normal. It is my duty to prove to Mom that I want to be with Shrishti.

“Okay! You can forget these things and just be happy with me.” I promised her and she smiled leaning forward to hug me and I hugged her back in relief.

I really got worried because of her words but it turns out to be a simple decision from her side. She is thinking too much because of some incidents that Lisa is here for me and also Mom pushing me towards her but that’s all not true.

She will relax her thoughts about these things soon and for now, I need to focus on Mom to accept that I am happy.

*Lisa Pov*

“Lisa! Why did you cry?” I ignored Rohan to think about Nitish’s earlier behavior.

Does he really like her? How? Wasn’t he madly in love with me? How can he fall for someone like her?

He hates to get involved in politics matters and follow his Dad’s plan and he got blackmailed into this engagement because of his Dad, right?

But today’s behavior is completely opposite from that. Or is he slowly falling for her now even though it started with force?

Who cares? I need to get him and I don’t have any other option. His company really is in trouble now but his family is enough to get it stronger and need not worry about this small trouble.

“Lisa!” Rohan waved his hand and I controlled my expression to stare at him.

“I went to shopping with Aunty and Shrishti. She called him and complained about it and he shouted at me in stress as her getting upset will reach his Dad too, right?” I explained looking down.

“What? How could she do that?” Rohan shouted.

“Why would she do that?” Arjun asked in a confused tone.

“And I am seeing you both not talking properly with Shrishti. Do you have any problem with her?” Arjun asked and I glanced up to find Rohan stiffen hearing those words.

“We are trying to come up to terms as Nitish is being forced into this marriage because of business.” Rohan explained.

“And whose fault is that? I kept on telling you to not target Anny as she is with GH but you didn’t listen to me.” Arjun commented and I fisted my hand hearing that bitch’s name.

That Anny really got lucky to escape from everything but the moment my position gets clear with Nitish, I will not leave her alone.

“By the way, I heard you left your agency from the states? Are you changing to another one?” Arjun asked glancing at me while ignoring Rohan.

“I am thinking of settling here.” I commented and he frowned.

“Why?” I sighed shaking my head.

“Anyway, I may join this company again. But now Nitish is angry at me because of Shrishti. I don’t know what to do.” I mumbled sighing while Arjun frowned.

“She didn’t seem to be like that who attacks the friends.” He mumbled but Rohan gestured at me by shaking his head to not say anything.

When Arjun left saying he has some work and will meet us within an hour, I finally asked Rohan regarding Arjun.

“You know Arjun doesn’t see things clearly and is always working just like Nitish. It is better to keep it down before him. But did Shrishti really lied about you and make Nitish shout at you?” Rohan asked and I nodded to which his expression changed.

“I was trying to be cordial with her as she is still in the position of his fiancé but now she is even emotionally torturing him and making him attack his friends. We need to do something.” He mumbled and I nodded feeling relieved that at least Rohan will listen to me otherwise everything would have been hard.

It doesn’t matter whether Nitish like Shrishti from the start or recently started but until Rohan doesn’t know that, my work is easy.