Chapter 42: Chapter 42

*James Pov*

“I didn’t do anything wrong. He killed her and I will kill his wife.” I groaned pressing my forehead with the heel of my hand.

“That’s it!” I said, moving away from the glass and walked to enter the room where the bastard is being investigated.

It took one week for me to get a chance of being in the investigation because of the hard officer in this city, but now even though the chance will be taken away with my interruption, I can’t stand back and listen to this crap.

“He didn’t kill her! She killed two people. Actually was about to kill ten children, but he saved them.” I stated and nodded at the officer.

“He is a drug addict and will keep on saying the words like a broken record. We have the complete acceptance of his crime and will send the tape of it by tomorrow. I don’t want anyone else to waste their time on this man. We had enough of this.” I added and glanced back to see the main officer walking into the room.

“What is he still doing here? Yesterday I said he needs to be taken to the court.” He said, frowning at his young officer and me.

“I thought he should be investigated.” The young officer said frowning.

“What? We have been searching for him all these days and now we have him. Mr. Bhuvan already talked about a tape to be sent to the court today by the time we reach there. Get him moved.” He ordered and glanced at me.

Mr. Bhuvan is already sending the tape? But I thought of removing Maha’s conversation before sending it.

“You must be feeling content with finally him being captured.” He commented and I wish I can snort out loud.

“Sure! We will be waiting for the verdict.” I said and he nodded.

“It was not a single attempt and not on a single person. I will take care of this case.” He assured and I left the room sighing.

Now what? I thought walking out of the station and reached the car before getting into it. I started driving and started thinking about my life as if I reached a fifty.

It feels like that too with this case solved and my job done with Nakul. Now, all I have to do is a lot the team I brought with me to the customers and just do that.

Suddenly it feels like I am jobless with no care or some serious thinking in the head. Who am I kidding? Now, it is the major thinking department that got situated itself in my head.

I repeated last week’s conversation I to my stupidity heard between Maha and her. Why did I have to hear that? I know she didn’t love me, but hearing that directly was kind of a sharp knife poking.

It’s been one week, but to this moment I don’t know what to do. I can’t just barge near her and say I love her to which she will definitely say ‘No thank you!’.

All I know for sure is that she will hate to be away from her sister right now and so I have to stay for a few more days until I can think of something.

I didn’t even tell her about the house I bought. Maybe I should do something about it and it may give way for me, but what if it will backfire with her disinterest.

Well, there is only one thing to do and that is to make her fall for me. It is as simple as that! I thought, and this time I let the snort out repeating my thoughts. Nothing is simple with Swathi and that sentence can be carved on the stone.

I reached the company and started opening the mails where the customers requested for security, but I didn’t have enough people to be sent but now the problem is solved.

However, two will stay back with Nakul no matter what he says about the culprit being held behind bars. Maybe not this man, but someone else will be a threat to them with his status of work and everything.

I glanced at my watch and looked at the entrance to see both of them walking out of the doors with the same lost expressions like for the last week and always stepping out of the doors at the exact time.

“How was the work today?” I asked both of them and got silence in return.

It suddenly feels like I am their parent and picking up from the school. That’s the reason I never let the people be hired for their own families even though I was fine with working for my friend.

Now, it is weird and it is also time to step back, but Nakul is also not talking about my leaving. I sighed and glanced at the review mirror to see Maha brushing a tear away.

“I need to talk to you.” I stated looking at Nakul and Maha walked off getting down from the vehicle.

“Please do not tell me you are thinking that she actually had a revenge motive behind everything. Because it was my plan to get her married to you and she wouldn’t have influenced me to do it. You are not thinking like that, right?” I asked, frowning at him, but he is looking at Maha’s back and finally turned towards me when she disappeared into the house.

“Is there anything else?” he asked and I frowned.

“Nakul!” I warned him, but he shook his head.

“Think about your own married life.” Saying that he got down from the vehicle and walked away at a slow pace.

I want to do it more than you know, man. But the other part of my married life is hiding at her workplace. I shook my head and reached the office building which will stay like that with a gate being made between the two houses for me to use this building.

However, there will be a wall constructed to separate it from Nakul’s. I thought Mr. Bhuvan wouldn’t like it, but he was more than fine with that plan.

Now, I need not find any new office building and work so close to the house too. I yawned sitting on the dining chair, looking at the clock.

Maybe staying near the house and working would be a bad idea in the future if I will be waiting like this for Swathi. Maybe she is going to be late because to not be in my presence for long.

I heard a sound and glanced at the door to see her entering the house pressing her shoulder and sat on the cot not looking here and there.

“Why are you so late?” I asked before thinking about my words and knew I did a mistake seeing the way she stiffened.

“Is it the way of you trying to be a husband?” she asked with her words being sarcastic as usual.

“I am your husband.” I pointed out and she gave a snort out making me narrow my eyes but then I remembered my mission of making her fall for me which will not happen if I started goading her for a fight.

“I am just asking.” I replied and she moved her purse away from her before rubbing her shoulder again.

“Which is totally unnecessary and it will be better if you leave me alone. I am already tired.” She mumbled and laid down on the cot.

“What happened?” I asked, standing up, but she closed her eyes.

“Just give me five minutes and I will prepare the dinner.” That’s all she replied ignoring my question.

“I already did!” I said and that brought a reaction on her face along with her eyes directed at me.

“Why?” she asked, frowning and I smiled, walking near to her.

“Why not? Now, tell me what is wrong with your shoulder.” I said, sitting beside her and she immediately stiffened.

“Nothing! Just have your dinner and leave the room.” Saying that she closed her eyes again and I shook my head.

“Is it paining? Did you hurt yourself?” asking that I moved my hand to touch her shoulder and the next minute and she is sitting up.

She moved at the other end of the cot with her hands fisted and fire in her eyes. I frowned more not understanding her behavior.

What happened if I just touch her and why is she behaving like this? I thought and couldn’t find a reason at all.

“Do not touch me!” she gave a warning, but in a normal tone.

“Why? We have done more than just a hand on the shoulder.” I pointed out and she closed her eyes.

“That was before…” and she trailed off opening her eyes.

“Before?” I stressed, but she shook her head.

“What do you want now, James? You will be getting what you wish for then why are you acting as if everything changed?” she asked frowning.

“I don’t have any idea about what you are saying, Swathi. I reacted badly hearing you say that you lied about attraction and were trying to fool me with your father? Yes! I accept that completely and was trying to amend it, but every time you react as if I am a devil incarnated who is here to take your soul.” I said raising my voice but then closed my eyes realizing another mistake.

“Let’s talk!” her words made my eyes open in the next second filled with shock and confusion as that was not the reaction I was expecting.

“About what?” I asked her frowning.

“About Tina!” she replied and that is another shock.

“What about her? Why are we even going to talk about her?” I asked and sat properly to stare straight at her.

“You said she acted to be in love with you, but you were angry about it.” She replied and I nodded still not understanding.

“When was that?” she asked and rubbed her shoulder.

“Before that tell me what happened to your shoulder?” I asked and she narrowed her eyes but then sighed.

“I lifted a box and it was heavy, but then didn’t give the hand a rest with other works. So, it has sprained a little and that’s all.” She replied and I moved my hand but she again jerked back.

I shook my head and stood up before reaching the bedroom and returned with the spray. I stood behind her and saw her stiffen as usual.

“I am going to just spray. Move your shirt.” I ordered and she hesitated for a few seconds before unbuttoning her shirt a little and moved it.

I sprayed where she showed and then moved to sit before her, but that was another mistake with her shirt not buttoned completely making it possible to lose my conscious completely.

“Look away!” she uttered not covering herself with the spray to get dried.

“Why? I am enjoying myself.” I said shrugging.

“Pervert!” she said, shaking her head.

“Hey! I am not looking at any woman. I am looking at my wife.” I said, shrugging and she gasped with wide eyes staring at me.

“Swathi!” I whispered when we continued to stare at each other and I moved near her to before holding her face before she can move away.

“Don’t!” I added when she tried to move and pressed my lips to hers.

“Answer me!” she whispered over my lips and I frowned, but then remembered her question.

“Ten years! It was ten years ago.” I mumbled and in the next moment I was pushed away and she scrambled off from the cot.

“Ten years?” she asked and I nodded, but she shook her head before buttoning up her shirt.

“I am going to freshen up.” Saying that she just walked away leaving me in confusion. Now, what happened that she gave such reaction to the reply?

*Swathi Pov*

Oh god! I thought standing under the shower shaking my head. How much more screwed up will it become?

It took him ten years to forgive her and that too when he loved her back. Then how much long will it take to forgive me?

When he reacted badly about me lying to him, I thought he is doing over the top, but then he was already burned in that area.

I know how he must have felt and if he so as kisses someone else I would bring hell to him being burned one for more than that before.

When I know how much it may hurt, then how can I expect him to forget my lie. But he is behaving as if he didn’t care.

As if wishing to settle with me. Did something happen with her because he was ready to marry her or something as a plan, right?

Did she reject the idea of staying here and wishing to return to their island, but he didn’t want to go because of the business there and his work?

Is he like settling for me? I thought and realized I am being more than childish with my thoughts like some teenager and maybe they will show more maturity.

But he was happy with her and he already love her so much that there was a relief in his face, removing his hardness when he settled everything with her about their past.

I can never top that for sure. Maybe like he said it is just attraction and nothing else like from the beginning.

What if… what if I take up the chance he is giving and go ahead with the married life forgetting everything else? I gave a thought to it and winced.

God! It will be like sweeping the problems under the carpet, which would not do its purpose of hiding anymore after some time which would be more hurtful for both of us.

At least now we can cope with all this and restart a new life after separation. I shook my head, feeling the pain, even thinking, but I know that would be best for both of us.

We both know only to fight and that’s all we will ever do. Someday, some fight will be too big to ever make up for which would destroy everything.

This is for the best! With that thought I changed into nightware and stepped into the living room to see him still sitting on the bed.

“Dinner?” he asked, staring at me and I nodded.

I will try my best to not fight with him, at least for the next less than three weeks of this married life and be as invisible as possible.

I didn’t utter a word and haven’t even glanced at me before finishing the food and cleared my throat mumbling, ‘Thank you!’.

“Swathi!” he whispered with a groan of frustration making me frown.

Will he have a problem even with my politeness? Then what does this man want me to do? Not utter a single word?

“I want to sleep.” I said after washing our plates and turned to see him standing near the cot.

I frowned and walked near to him, but then glanced at the spray he is waving. I sighed and turned around knowing well I need it.

Before I can move the cloth covering the area he needs to spray, he moved it himself touching me and I closed my eyes to not snap at him.

“Thanks!” I said and waited for him to step back, but he moved the hand before my shoulder to my waist before pulling me in his arms hugging me from behind.

“Those polite words looks like hell from your mouth.” He whispered in my ear and I stifled a smile rewinding my decisions.

“You sure you want to sleep here? Our bed will be comfortable for your shoulder.” He suggested and I closed my eyes, enjoying the comfort, but then opened them in the next second, remembering a picture.

I stepped out of his hug and turned around to see him, frowning at me with confusion and I wish I can say the reason for not letting him touch which he must have forgotten.

“What is the problem if I touch you?” he asked frowning.

“Tell me!” he demanded when I didn’t reply back.

“Because I don’t like it. I am feeling uncomfortable.” I replied and he stepped back hearing my words.

“I can’t believe this.” He whispered and he closed his eyes and bent his head to hold it in his hands.

“Is this your decision?” he asked after composing himself and I opened my mouth but then nodded.

“Why?” he asked, clearing his throat.

“It is for the best.” I said after a few minutes and he continued to stare at me.

He turned around and walked into the room and I slumped on the cot before lying on the bed feeling the tightening of the chest.

If I so as see you with any woman stepping out of your line before the divorce, then trust me, you will never I mean never will be able to touch me.

Why did I make that one warning of mine as a life goal and can’t forget that and also him hugging that Tina with all the happiness in the world. If it was some girl, I would have just shouted and fought, but he loved this girl and felt pain all these years. How can I even ignore that?

I thought the next three weeks would be like some kind of time which would pass slowly and thought of enjoying the time I have with him even though from far. But they passed away like a jet with him ignoring me back.

However, one day before the eventual day, I entered the house early and saw some cardboard boxes lying in the living room.

“What are these?” I asked him, frowning when I saw him counting them.

“For packing away the things so that it will be easy to shift. You can start packing your things.” He replied, not even glancing at me.

“James!” I mumbled with the blood drained away from my face.

“Don’t start a fight for this and just do this one thing without giving me a hard time.” He said and turned around with a frown but it turned into shock seeing my face.

“Swathi! Are you fine?” he asked, moving near to me but I stepped back to which he flinched and moved back himself.

“You will get your wish, James. Maybe even an advanced one.” Saying that I turned around and walked off towards the main house, ignoring his calls.

“Di?” Maha asked, staring at my face when I stomped into the house before reaching the kitchen.

“Are you fine?” we asked each other, but I felt panic seeing her tired face.

This one month all I did was work and nothing else even during weekends and didn’t meet her properly. How did I ignore my own sister?

Looking at her face and shadows under her eyes made me feel like to slap myself for being this ignorant. I moved and hugged her, ignoring my pain.

“What happened, Di? I know you are tiring youself out with the work. You should take care of yourself.” She scolded me and I moved back trying to compose myself.

“That is like one thief calling the other thief as a thief.” I said and she frowned shaking her head.

“I know, I am bad at jokes. You should see your face before scolding me and that’s what I am saying.” I added and she looked away.

“He thinks I am here, to have a revenge on him, Di.” She whispered and gasped.

“Did he tell you that?” I asked and she gave a sad smile.

“Words are not needed.” She replied and I hugged her again.

“James brought boxes so that I can pack and leave tomorrow.” I said and she stiffened.

“Why tomorrow?” she asked, frowning after cursing him, which is a big surprise for me.

“Six months will finish by tomorrow, right?” I explained and I moved back to see her pale face and she staggered to lean to the counter.

“Where is this stupid man? I will kill him.” I said, but she shook her said saying he is out.

“I forgot about all that, Di. He was like the separation was something impossible thing to happen, but now…” she trailed off.

“Even now it is. He didn’t ask you to leave.” I said frowning.

“What is the use of staying here, Di? I don’t think I can bear this pain and that too by staying close to him for any longer time.” She said.

“I will leave with you, Di.” She suddenly stated looking at me and I frowned.

“Maha! You need to talk to him. You both love each other.” I said, frowning and she shook her head.

“He must be hating or even disgust with me now thinking all that about my words which were uttered because…” she couldn’t finish the sentence and closed her eyes.

“Fine! But I am leaving today night or tomorrow morning, but not the day after tomorrow.” I said and she nodded.

“We will leave tomorrow morning. I will go to work and take leave for two days and then it is weekend.” She said and I know she thinks she need that time to be able to deal with everything but I know it will take longer than that.

“Get your things packed then and I will get them moving tomorrow before coming to your workplace. We both will go together.” I mumbled and she nodded.

“But think about your decision tonight.” I added and she nodded again but glanced at me.

“Why don’t you talk to James and…” she couldn’t finish when I lifted my hand.

“Let’s just not advise each other right now? I am sure we both will not listen to them.” I said and she nodded.

“I will go and pack.” I added and she gave a sad smile before saying she will do the same.

I walked off and she climbed the stairs to reach her room. We both are going to do the same thing, but what if we both are throwing away something precious? However, that thought left when I saw the boxes and him nowhere in sight. Maybe we are doing a wrong thing but maybe it is better to do this wrong thing only.