Chapter 14: Chapter 14

*James Pov*

“So, you are here? Where were you the whole night?” she asked, strolling near to me as I was sitting on the small wall attached to the house.

I remained silent and just stared at her still thinking what was I even thinking. She frowned, but reached near to me and looked around like she is feeling awkward.

Good! Because I am not far away from that. Why? Why did I kiss her yesterday? I should have walked away. Actually, I shouldn’t have stayed in the house only like the past few days and return only during early morning to catch that little sleep.

“You only sleep for a few hours and you missed them completely today.” She pointed out as if she can read my mind but she can’t.

If she does, then she would know I am kind of contemplating to take her to investigate right now. Now, I remember the anger I was feeling yesterday and it has increased more now.

“You will not dine with Nakul anymore in his house.” I said and she immediately frowned at me.

But her expression changed to smirk before she leaned over me saying, “Why? Jealous? Just because we kissed?”

“It was just a kiss, James. No need to act so high over it.” She said rolling her eyes.

Good! It is good that she is not hung up over that like me. But with this if she says she will again go inside that house then she is wrong.

I held her shoulders and said, “Stop going there or I will start bringing someone here.”

“What?” she asked frowning.

“Yes! In your words, if you don’t stop entertaining him or even going into that house, then I will start bringing someone here to entertain.” I replied with blank face but I have actually rolled my eyes in my head.

From where will I bring someone when I don’t know anyone in this country? I thought sighing, but waited.

“That’s called cheating. I will not allow it.” She stated.

“Why? When you are doing the same?” I asked and she sighed.

“Because I am not going there for romantic moments and he is my sister’s husband.” She replied as if it is obvious.

“Why go in the first place?” I asked and she stilled before clearing her throat.

“To spend time with Maha and to see whether he is treating her well.” She replied looking straight at me.

So, she can actually lie without making others suspicious. Because I know she goes there to get anything she can find against Nakul with her searching his study day before yesterday night.

I was glad she didn’t find any of company documents but felt too much anger when we saw her snooping inside the study. I shouldn’t have thought of her to be not that much trouble.

The whole day it was like hell to be calm, but inside anger was brewing which reduced, seeing Maha’s hurt when that stupid Nakul brought the Ex. Somehow, everything ended up with that goddamn kiss.

“I don’t care about the reason. So, what will you say?” I asked removing my hands from her shoulder.

“Fine! I just can’t bare infidelity no matter what.” She replied folding her hands.

“Why? Just five and half months and it’s over.” I said, frowning and she rolled her eyes.

“After divorce, you crawl to thousands of women, but now I will not allow it. I feel disgusted with it and I already felt it when my Ex-boyfriend cheated on me.” She said shrugging.

“Now, can we talk about the kiss?” she asked and I shook my head.

“It was just a kiss. What to talk about it?” I asked and moved away from her to walk into the house to freshen up.

“So, you will feel shy and stay away from sleeping here altogether?” she asked when I was wearing my coat.

“I ordered for a cot and it will be here soon.” I replied glancing at her.

“Why?” she asked, frowning.

Because I need to keep an eye on you and if I keep a tight leash, then you will not make any mistakes. Unless you do, I can’t take a serious action against you. And I don’t want yesterday’s event to happen again.

“Now, it would be bad when you get married to Nakul. So, I just realized separate beds would be better.” I said and she immediately reached my collar. Why my collar always?

I know she will never get married to Nakul when he gets to know what were her intentions for him all this time as I will not hide anything after we get a proof towards Nakul to fight against Guptha’s.

“I will never marry that person. Do you understand? And I will save Maha from him too.” She said, glaring and then her eyes widened realizing her words.

“No filter to your mouth during temper session, right?” I asked, smirking, but she shook her head moving away.

“And what happened to you? Why are you acting like a person who got their first kiss? Are you inexperienced?” she directed a barb in a mocking tone for my words and ended up with my hands in her hair.

“I would love to show my inexperience, but you are not worth it. All this fake beauty is not my thing no matter what.” I said and pushed her away while her jaw dropped.

I walked to the door, but stopped hearing her words, saying, “I will make you beg and this is my challenge.”

“What will the dear person whom you love with fake words will say when he hears it?” I mocked not even turning around and walked out of the house.

This is complete madness and nothing else. What are we both thinking? And what am I thinking? She is here to hurt Nakul and I am feeling attracted to her. This is bad! I thought and glanced up to see Maha walking to the gate not looking any side but just walked off.

“Did Maha tell you what happened yesterday?” I finally asked and glanced back when we stopped at a signal to see him staring at me.

“I didn’t talk to her.” He replied and frowned looking outside.

“Are you still hung up on love?” I finally asked and waited for his reply.

“No! I don’t think I have loved her at all. Maybe it was just an attraction.” He replied and I felt a weight removed.

I didn’t want to hide about the Swathi’s actions against him if he is still in love with her. Now, that he is not I can continue my work. I took a deep breath and drove us to the company stopping for breakfast in the middle with each of us lost in our thoughts.

“What do you mean she cancelled it?” I asked, frowning while holding the mobile in a tight grip.

“Your wife cancelled it, Sir.” The man repeated and I closed my eyes.

What is she doing there at this point of time when it is just four? I can’t even go right now with Nakul still inside. But then I saw him walking towards the car and sat in without saying a word.

I waited for a second for Maha but when she didn’t come, I sat in the driver seat and drove off in urgency to reach the house and talk to this woman.

“I will not be going today anywhere.” Nakul informed and walked away to his house while I walked to mine.

I opened the door only to stop in my tracks. There in the living room so many cloths are spread and some type of equipments and in the middle of them she is sitting holding a big book.

“What is all this?” I asked her frowning.

“Well, do you remember about my new contract?” she asked back.

“After you talk about it every day, will I forget?” I asked and she grinned.

“I need the work to be done, but was feeling bored at the boutique and not much space too. So, I brought my work here.” She replied shrugging.

“Why did you cancel the cot when they came here to deliver it?” I asked, folding my arms.

“They said, they have to put it here. As you can see that the place is not there, I cancelled it.” She replied again shrugging like it is a small thing.

“What are you playing at?” I asked in confusion and she stared directly at me.

“No one said I am not worth something and do you think I will let it go?” she asked and I sighed.

“Good! Have the whole house for yourself. I will take my things and shift to my team quarters.” I replied and walked out ignoring her words.

“Why are you so scared?” I heard her when I reached the driveway near the car.

“Why are you so behind me? I married you with an aim to take your company away, remember?” I asked and turned around to see her standing still a little away from me.

“Because… well… I am attracted to you.” She replied with such a force that I can see she wish to be anywhere but here.

“I am sorry for such a difficulty.” I said, nodding and she narrowed her eyes at me.

“If you will not have romantic notions for your sister’s husband then you shouldn’t have for your sister’s boyfriend.” I added and she fumed at my words but closed her eyes calming down.

“Did you forget we are supposed to be under a roof? If you do this then the time will extend. I didn’t know you like me so much that you wish the divorce never to happen.” She said, shrugging and I mentally slammed myself for forgetting it.

“Fine! Your work should be shifted to the bedroom while I will stay in the living room like you wished.” I said but she shook her head.

“The bedroom will not be enough.” She said and I felt my anger raise more and I started walking near to her.

“Then sleep in the living room while I will stay in the bedroom.” I said and again she shook her head.

“What do you want, Ms. Swathi?” I asked, holding her shoulders and tightened my grip on them.

“Well, I don’t know!” she replied, frowning and I sighed, knowing well my team members can hear all this.

The camera’s are everywhere in the open area and one in Nakul’s study and at the entrance, but anyone from outside can’t find them.

I stepped back before bending and lifted her up ignoring her scream and threw her on my shoulder before walking back into the house and continued until we reached the bed.

I threw her on it saying, “Even I am a little bit attracted, okay. There I said it and no need to beat yourself over your ego. Now, stop all this nonsense before something worse results from all this.”

“You are right! I was not thinking clearly.” She said, nodding while covering her face and I sighed before sitting in front of her.

“I don’t trust you and I am sure you don’t trust me. Mixing something new with the already created mess would be a disaster. It is for the best.” I said and she nodded, looking up with a smile.

I smiled back before forwarding my hand, which she shook and we stayed like that before I stood up.

“It will be placed here.” I said, gesturing the space in the bedroom.

“There will be no space to walk.” She mumbled and I frowned.

“Did you bring the work because you wanted to piss me off?” I asked and she shook her head.

“No! I genuinely brought it for the reasons I said.” She replied and I shook my head.

“When will your work be finished?” I asked and she opened her mobile looking at it.

“Just a few days!” she replied and I hope she is not lying at least this.

“We will adjust for these few days then.” I said and she nodded before laughing.

“I acted like a mad woman.” She mumbled and leaned back on the bed which I will aso accept. I sat back on it before thinking what to do regarding this revenge plan of hers and this attraction of ours.

*Maheshwari Pov*

I stood before the elevator for a second and immediately walked to the stairs before climbing them. I stopped after some time feeling tired, but I continued within a minute and reached the needed floor.

“Ms. Maha! Why are you climbing the stairs? Is elevator not working?” hearing the words I gave a small scream, but calmed down when I saw that it is Manjula Madam.

“I… I am trying to be fit.” I replied and she gave an awkward smile making me realize climbing ten floors is no way near fitness thing.

I walked off to the cabin and sat at my table, leaning back to stop my fast breathing. Slowly I started arranging everything and then he walked inside, but glanced at me for a second.

He frowned, but again turned away before reaching his table and sat down. I took the notepad and reached near him.

He gave instructions and I noted them down before going back to the table. I tried to concentrate on the work, but I felt like something bad is going to happen but it already did right.

I sighed in relief when he left for lunch and I sat comfortably to have my food, but choked when the door was suddenly opened and the person reason for my nightmare entered.

“So, I was right that you liked my attention. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.” He said, smirking and I immediately took my mobile out before getting up from the chair and moved away.

“I will not do anything, Maha. Just wanted to see how you are.” He added and gave a creepy look staring at from my face to my legs.

“Get out before I call someone.” I warned, but then he immediately bent before taking the pendrive from the system.

“Look what do we have here.” He said smirking.

“Place that back, Mr. Manish.” I said glaring at him.

“So simply? How about I keep it with me and you come near me to take it?” he asked and I moved, but then stopped when he gave the creepy look again.

“I will complain to HR as sexual harassment.” I warned but he just laughed.

“But you are not hired through that, darling. Anyway, I am the head for it.” He said and I frowned, but typed James number but he dangled the pendrive.

“I will take this with me now and you can take it by meeting me in the basement.” He added and started walking to the door.

“What?” I asked him frowning.

“Tomorrow evening at six after everyone leaves. Otherwise, this pendrive will be used in a high level.” He replied and just walked off while I stood there in shock.

This is my mistake! Why did I place that important one to the system? I thought groaning and placed my mobile back feeling my hands shaking.

“What should I do Madam?” I asked after telling her everything and she gave a pity look.

“Look, Ms.Maha! What he did is wrong and you need to tell the CEO immediately. Only he can take action for this harassment against PA’s.” she replied.

“What if… what if it is from the CEO itself?” I asked and she shook her head.

“The board of members will be notified.” She replied and I frowned but nodded.

“Please notify him and as far as I got to know him as boss, he will take action against him. Are you okay?” she asked when I stood up.

No! I am not okay and I wish I had never joined here. But it could have been anywhere. I just nodded to her and walked out of her cabin before reaching mine to see him already at his table.

I copied the files that were opened on the system and fisted my hands feeling them shaking. I should inform him at least about Manish taking the company pendrive.

However, he was busy with phone calls and I was busy to calm my nerves, that it took a few hours before I entered his cabin after knocking.

He glanced at me and then glanced down continuing his work. Please, just give me some strength to let him know everything.

“Mr. Singh!” I said and he nodded, not even looking at me.

“I need to talk to you.” I added and he waved his hand to continue.

“About yesterday’s events.” I mumbled and he immediately looked up.

“About yesterday’s events?” he asked and I nodded.

“I don’t want to hear anything, Ms. Guptha. You may leave.” He replied and I frowned.

“But Mr. Singh! This is really important.” I said and moved towards his table, but he showed his hand.

“I said leave, Ms. Guptha.” He said sternly and I opened my mouth, but seeing his hard expression I walked away thinking I will talk to him again.

However, the moment I moved to my table he left the cabin saying he is going home. I just sat there with dejection knowing he will not listen to me.

I sat there for some time and immediately left knowing well I should talk to James about it. I hugged myself in the bus, but saw James talking to my sister when I reached the driveway.

I was walking towards them and then stilled when I saw him lifting Di up before throwing her on his shoulder before walking inside their house.

I frowned and brushed my tears away, which were falling from the time I was sitting on the bus thinking about what to do.

I turned towards the main house to see Nakul standing near the steps looking at me and then at the outhouse. I walked near to him, hoping he will listen but he walked inside.

I rushed to reach him before he locks himself in some room, but I was late. I felt more tears and reached my room before sitting on the bed.

Picking up the phone I dialled my Mom’s number, but stopped when I realized how angry she was. I threw it away and covered my face before letting out the sobs.

I felt weak and let the sleep consume me within a few minutes and I slept off not knowing what to do tomorrow at all.

“Well, I am not weak.” I mumbled picking out the things I thought I need and stood before the mirror.

“If everyone is busy with their words, then I will help myself.” I added and then walked out of my room to see Nakul stepping out of his.

“I will not be coming to work.” Saying that he walked off passing me and climbed down the stairs while I halted in my steps.

If he will not be there, then whom should I ask help for if I need it. No! I can do this and I tried to tell him, but he is not listening.

I even know why he is not coming to work as he doesn’t want to see James after watching yesterday’s incident. Well, he loves her then he will feel hurt, right?

But he also knows them to be married and maybe that’s the reason he is showing indifference but staying away. I shook my head clearing away these thoughts and climbed down the stairs.

I didn’t see James or anyone and reached the gate but then saw my two bodyguards. I calmly asked them their names and took their numbers.

“If… if I don’t come out within six thirty then come to the basement.” I said and they nodded but frowned.

Well, I am sure I will not go there by six only and will try to do something to dodge this situation. But when he walked out of the elevator with a smirk while I was moving towards the stairs, I know he is sick and will not back off.

I ignored him and climbed the stairs before reaching Manjula madam’s cabin only to see her in a hurry for a meeting she is dealing.

“We will talk after my return. He is taking care of all this, right? That must be the case for you to be here.” She said smiling and I opened my mouth but she had already walked off.

God! I thought moving towards my cabin and tried to do the work I didn’t finish yesterday. I sat there holding my stomach feeling hungry, but I don’t feel like going downstairs.

I should have had my breakfast and brought the lunch. I lifted the receiver hearing it ringing and talked to a client before noting down, saying Mr. Singh will be here on Monday.

Why did he have to keep leave today only? I thought, rubbing my forehead and laid my head on the table before closing my eyes.

I sat up startled hearing the alarm ringing which I put for six. I stood up and paced before feeling the strength I thought leaving me slowly.

No! No one is there to help you, Maha. You need to do this on your own and you will be fine. I held the bag tightly and walked out of the room.

I reached the basement through the steps and saw that it is a little dark but we can see what is happening. I slowly walked towards the shadow where a person is there opening my bag.

“Give me the pendrive!” I said and heard his creepy laughing.

“So easily?” he asked and I took out the pepper spray holding it tightly.

“I said give it to me.” I ordered and then I stiffened feeling another presence beside me.

“Oh! You are right, Manish. She tries to be so strong.” The person said and I panicked before moving back and started reaching the stairs but he held my hand.

“Leave me!” I said spraying the pepper on his face and he screamed before leaving me, but the spray got knocked out of my hands.

“You!” Manish shouted and reached me before pushing me to the wall.

I screamed in pain at my back but moved my hands to push him away. He laughed and I immediately lifted my leg to hit on his weak point but he dodged making me feel lost but I continued to push him away.

“You really think you can fight me? I thought of being nice but you hurt my friend.” He said and moved his head pressing his lips to my cheek when I turned my face.

“Ahhh!” I screamed and pushed him with all my force making him lose the grip and I pushed him more.

He finally released me and I moved to the stairs but he again dragged me and this time I was ready to kick him and I did making him fall down in pain.

I was about to take a step away but the other man whom I forgot held my hands now. I saw that he has his one eye opened. I panicked but as per the time count within fifteen minutes they will be here.

I again tried to dodge him and felt his punch on my face, making me stagger and feel my eyes rolling back. I suddenly didn’t feel what is happening around me and I placed the hand on the wall but then felt someone holding me.

“No! Leave me!” I shouted or I tried still feeling the effect of the punch.

“Shh! You are fine!” I heard the words and opened my eyes a little more to see the person I didn’t think I will.

Nakul is holding me while the two men were being held by the bodyguards. I lost the strength and whispered, “He has company pendrive.”

“You stupid, stupid fool” Nakul mumbled and I felt myself falling, but he lifted me up in his arms.

“Get the pendrive and make sure they both have serious punishments.” He said and started climbing the stairs, but stopped a little when I heard James voice.

“What is it? Why did you run to here…” James trailed off making me realize he reached us.

“What happened to her?” James asked, but Nakul continued to walk.

“We will talk later about this woman’s stupidity.” That’s all Nakul said and I placed my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes.

I let the tears flow and felt them rolling down and he tightened his hold on me before he sat in the car still holding me. I closed my eyes and slept off feeling tired and weak and peace at a time.