Chapter 7 : Teasing Love

Chapter 7

“Teasing Love.”

“Since Monday you are so restless.” Asked Neha.

It was Wednesday. Priya sat disturbed and lost on the floor hugging her knees close to herself. It is third day in row; she has failed to reach Ram, even the security at his place denied her an entry. Ram must have instructed him the same, she thought. Does she make a mistake by expressing her heart to him? She has definitely hurt his ego, is that a revenge he was taking? Mysteriously he vanished somewhere unknown. What’s in her knowledge? An order to extend his casual leaves from two days to four days; post facto leaves.

“Will you just tell me Priya what is the matter?” Neha sat by Priya shaking her.

“Just leave me alone!!” Shouted back Priya, “Leave me alone.” The red eyes will anytime bulge out of the shell.

“Hell ya Priya!” Neha exclaimed, “Just tell me what's going on!!”

“I have managed to fuck myself. I thought him to be a genuine man, a caring person who has a great heart. I thought his feelings to be true!! But no. He played with me. I let him play with me, my emotions.” Priya wailed.

“If I am not wrong this he is Ram right?” Neha looked at Priya’s spoiled face, “What he did now?”

“He is a critical sadist. Since Monday he is out of the rudder what I know...” rumbled in her emotions she stood undecided how to react.

“What!”

“He is on leave.”

“Priya!!” Neha sighed showing her displeasure, “You know the reason and behaving like a two year old.”

“I don't know. Those are not pre approved one.They are sudden. Post Facto one.” Priya gritted every word away.

“Priya you are confusing me. Please brief in simple words.” Even Neha was puzzled by the way her friend was behaving.

Monday morning...

“Hey Priya.”Malhotra stopped her before she could enter the elevator.

“Good Morning. Sir.”

“Morning. Do one thing please put leave against Ram’s attendance today.” he said politely.

“We had to discuss about the marathon today. Should I re schedule it to tomorrow?” Priya asked.

“No we will carry on without him. Actually when he can re join.... might be next Monday.” His reply made Priya worried and bemused at the same time.

“If I may ask, everything is fine naa.”

“Yeah. Yesterday we met. It was his birthday... He has some urgency that’s it.” Malhotra assured, “It's just personal. Don't worry..” He walked away smiling to Priya. 

Priya restrained herself from inquiring further that might pull out the unwanted truth. She decided to wait for Ram to call.

After waiting with bated breath till evening, she decided to call him. She called him for 14^th time to his personal number since his official number was switched off. But every time it went unanswered. Anxious she decided to call Vikram. Though he received the call, he denied speaking owing to his meeting. She was left with a very less options but the best one was to visit him in person.

“So you visited him.” Neha asked.

“No. I was denied an entry.” Priya shouted, “Suddenly that diffident security got some indifferent power to guard his master from me.”

“So you are still not aware of his whereabouts? And did Vikram called you back?” Neha asked.

“Yes and No are the answers to your questions respectively.” Priya sulked. Her eyes flooded again. Scouting she hunched back.

“Now you listen to me.”Neha tried to pull Priya. But she behaved sullen. “OKAY don't look at me but I can't see you like this. Sulking and sullen. This is not really you. I know you don't want me to be a moderator. But Vikram is answerable to me. Don't go any where I will be back in no time.” She barged out.

~~

Vikram’s Office, New Delhi

“Hi this is Neha Singh.” She tried to sound as polite as she can be, while she went mad over her just found crush. “I want to meet Mr. Vikram Shergil and this is damn urgent. A matter of life and death! Please.”

“Ma’am. Please wait there.” The receptionist pointed her to the lobby. “I am informing him.” It took few minutes for Vikram to appear. Almost in hustle, Neha jumped into him blaming him for Ram and Priya’s differences.

“What are you saying?” bewildered by her blames he said, “Ram is having fever since Sunday late night. I was also not at office till yesterday. I joined back today only.”

“Why you didn't replied Priya.”

“yaar I was then at hospital and then I forgot.”

“Why Ram didn't answered her calls?” Neha asked .

“Are you deaf?” Vikram refuted, “He was unwell. He could barely sit and I had his phone in my safe custody. I can't let his mom know about it.”

“You are... defending him and yourself. Okay what about the security guard??”

“I asked him to deny entry to every visitor. If I knew...” he looked at Neha as her phone buzzed.

“Priya...” looking up from the screen she received the call.

“I am going to meet Ram. I will end my miseries today. I can't take anymore. I am dying inside and you will not stop me from doing so.” In one breath Priya said and the reflex seconds took the chance away from Neha to react.

“What happened? Is she okay?” asked Vikram.

“She is going to meet Ram and you have barred entry to visitors. You know what will happen. The guard will get a taste of her hand. Bitter taste.” Neha looked aimlessly while replying, “I can visualize him crumbled lying on a hospital bed.”

“Wait!!” Vikram pulled out his phone, “You said Ram will not receive any call?” Neha asked. “He has a land line.” Rebuked Vikram, “Wait for a moment. I will be back after wrapping for the day.”

“Haan Ram. There is a huge misunderstanding going around. Priya is coming there and she may react mad. Handle it. Please.” Vikram informed Ram soon after he said hello in a heavy voice. Neha could hear till this; his voice muffled as he walked away from her.

“But why she will be mad over me yaar. I was thinking to visit her today. I am feeling good today.” Ram said sniffing.

“I said you, there is some misunderstanding; partially for me. Please handle it. Please.” Vikram pleaded. “I know you are innocent but she doesn't know it. Please handle it. You will have enough time to kill and burry me. But right now call the security and ask him to allow her. I have barred visitors and I forgot to reverse the instructions.”

“Fuck!” Ram coughed after he shouted over his friend, “Who needs an enemy when there is a friend like you?”

“Please yaar..”

“Keep your fucking face away from me and if she denies to believe me, I will put you in your grave in the casket of your choice.” Thumping the receiver Ram sat on silence for few minutes before calling the security on duty.

“Was there any madam, who came to visit me?” Ram asked after the almost sleepy guard received the call.

“Sir, today or in two days?” the security asked.

“Why? Was there anyone?”

“Yes Sir. The same madam who left the parcel for you. But she is not here today; yet.” The guard replied.

“Okay.” Ram knew he was already in deep trouble. “Look! Listen to me carefully that same madam will come today. Do one thing show her my parking space and ask her to park her bike there and escort her to the lift and most importantly call me before you show her the way to lift. Okay!!”

“Okay Sir.”

Disconnecting he cursed Vikram a thousand deaths.

~~

Coffee Shop

Seated in a coffee shop both the friends looked worried. “What do you think will happen today?” asked Neha taking a sip from the cup.

“I don't know about today. But Ram will kill me once he gets hold of me.” Lost in another world Vikram replied.

“What a bore you are?” Neha sulked. “Trust me! If he doesn't, I definitely will. I am worried about their just bloomed love that is definitely glooming away and you are worried about your life.” Neha was having a sullen mood.

“Why shouldn't I think about my life? I am still a bachelor and didn't even tell you that I like you.” Vikram realised what he spoke out of his nervousness. He looked away from Neha trying not to get jailed in her surprised look.

“What!!” Neha said with her eyes bobbing out.

~~

“Sir.” The security called Ram as soon as he saw Priya’s bike heading to the society gate. He informed him in brief. Wrapping his housecoat around Ram stepped out and waited for Priya.

“Madam. This side.” The guard showed her the parking place. She looked at Ram’s Car. Though she wanted to ask him about Ram but she kept her reserved and climbed into the elevator next. Pressing no2 on the key pad she had to wait for less than half a minute to get to the desired floor.

Her anger vented into thin air as soon as her eyes meet his. “Come.” Ram said extending his hand towards her, which she denied. “Okay. But please come inside.” Ram looked at Priya who stood still at her place. “Just come inside.” Grabbing her by wrist he pulled her inside. Before putting off the housecoat he locked the door.

“Please make yourself comfortable. I will be back in no time.” Ram walked inside. When he came back, Priya was still standing at the same position.

“Priya!!” he tried to hold her, she dodged his touch.

“What do you want?”  Priya yelled.

“Really do I need to repeat what I said?”

“You have said nothing.” Priya accused him, “You accused me for keeping you in dark. But at least I called you on the same day but I still don't know why you neglected me?”

“Are you blind?” With Ram’s each step, Priya stepped back. “Can't you look that I am not fine! I was having cough and cold. Vikram was with me till yesterday. This mess is partially for him”

“Don't drag him between us.” Priya gasped looking into his eyes. She tried to look angry but his intent look failed her.

“I have to. Having 104 to 105 degrees temperature I was almost out of senses. What he did with me, I don't even remember that. I will see him soon with a welcome punch between his eyes. But now you have to listen to me.” Ram knew with two or three steps he will have Priya locked within his firm hands. “I didn't have an idea that you were here, that bustard gave instructions to the guard not me.” With the last step Priya felt her back against the wall behind. Before she could react, Ram caged her. “Look at me.” In his husky voice Ram ordered. “If you want to shout, scowl anything do it now. I don't want to stop you from anything. But...” Priya could feel his warm breath over her face. “I was really unwell. Still I am not doing good Peaches..”

This time it was hard for her to hold back. Priya looked up and got caught in his intent eyes. “You wanted to know why I choose to call you Peaches?” With his one hand still pressed against the wall he shifted the other to her nape. “May I?” Her heart raced. She could feel it thumping against her rib cage. “I know you want to, but I will not till you will not ask for it.” He said under his smile. Moving a little closer Ram moved her face to him holding her chin. “Don't you think we have fought enough for now?”

“Please... let me go.” Priya whispered before she sighed.

“Can you go if I let you?” playfully he asked. “I don't think so.” He played with her hairs. Pulling her closer he nuzzled against her hair. “You look more beautiful when you are angry.” Priya felt his smile.

“Please let me go...” Priya gasped.

“Really?”

“Please..”

Stepping back Ram smiled with his hand folded near his belly. He smiled looking at Priya who still breathed heavy. “Sit here I will get you something.” He turned to leave.

“I am fine. I don't need anything. I need to talk.” Replied Priya.

“We will. I will answer everything that you have inside your head. But before that I really need to check with my food in the rice cooker.” Ram walked inside asking Priya to make her comfortable. When he came back Priya was standing by the terrace door. “It leads to the terrace.” Ram pushed the door holding its latch.

Priya looked back and faced him. “Why you didn't tell me about your health?”

“Look.” He sighed and held her hands on his, “You said me that you are a rational thinker right? Then you must know that we still don't know each other well. I find myself helpless only if I have cough and cold. I loose my senses that was the reason I couldn't concentrate on anything and the exact reason I couldn't inform you.” He looked at Priya and found her in deep thoughts. “Next.”

“Haan..”

“Next question?”

“Nothing!! I need to go. It is getting late.” Priya robbed her sling for her keys..

“I thought you were here to fight with me.” He said under his smile.

“Why should I fight with you? Who am I for you?” Priya asked fuming.

“Do I need to say ?”

“Yes. If you cant...” She felt a pull against her hand. Next moment she stood enveloped in Ram’s arm, one hand wrapped around her waist and other on her back. “Pleeaase.. le...leave me..” Priya  said after a great struggle. Their lips were less than an inch away from each other. Teasing, Ram pulled her more to him. The strand of hair that blocked her view, he tucked it behind her ear. He was a little away from kissing her, but something stopped him.

“Priya you know everything but if you want then..” he sighed. “I never said this to any girl. You are the first woman in my life and I want you to be the one, the only one forever and ever.” Cupping her face he made her look to him. “I love you Priya with all my heart and everything I have. I don't know why I behaved insane but I felt betrayed. I don't know why I waited for proof but I did. I don't know what made me jealous when you spoke to your friend and What made me mad when I saw you hugging him. I trust you Priya completely but I don't know what made me do all those.. Please forgive me and give me a chance.” Ram had to stop as the door bell rang.

“Is that society people?”

“No. Here people are concerned about themselves. They don't have time to indulge into other’s business or personal life and this floor is mine. So that is definitely a guest and I pray to God it is not my parents.” Ram walked to the door and looked through the hole. “Don't mind my tongue okay.” Smiling broad he pulled open the door. “You bustard, idiot, thank your luck that two ladies are here otherwise I would have made you revisit our IIT days.”

“Ram I said you sorry yaar. Priya I am really sorry.” Vikram pleaded to Ram.

“You need this. Ram don't leave him for spoiling the romantic environment.” Neha walked inside.

“There is nothing like that. We should leave Neha, we are getting late.” Priya turned her ears deaf to Ram and pulled Neha out. When Ram followed them till the parking Priya looked back, “Good Night Mr. Kapoor. We will talk later.” Ram stood there as Priya zoomed out into the traffic.

“Why did you address him as Mr. Kapoor?” asked Neha.

“After all this mess, I will make sure he begs to hear his name.” A sudden warrior in her woke up.

~~

Next Morning. At office.

Priya was checking with the regular post mails that get stuck for her. “Did you check before accepting it?” she asked the receptionist.

“There were no such instructions Ma’am. We were askes to receive anything that comes to us.” Defended one of the receptionists.

“Hmm.... Unofficially this is an instruction from my end that before accepting any mails for HR department ask me. And for official instructions I will put this in Morning Meeting once Mr.Kapoor joins back and get a nod from every other departmental head.” Priya said with her back facing to the entrance. She turned after the ladies infront wished Ram.

“Good Morning Mr. Kapoor.” Priya wished, “Please register your post facto leave. See you in Morning Meeting.” Ram traced his eyes along as Priya walked away until Malhotra bumped welcoming him back.

“What happened actually?” He asked Ram.

“Cold. Still it's there. But I was feeling good so I thought to join today.” Ram replied after he entered the elevator behind Priya.

“I thought you will be utilizing the long weekend.” Malhotra patted Ram, “After a long time there comes a long weekend. From Friday till Sunday. I wanted to rest but wife is insisting to go to her parent’s place. I tell you Ram bachelor life is the best. You are a lucky one.” He laughed hysterically which definitely didn't go good with Priya.

“My life partner is a rational thinker than emotional.” He smirked, “I am really a lucky one.”

“Excuse me.” Priya excused herself on the second floor and walked to the cafeteria.

When the elevator came to a halt on their desires floor Ram remembered he had to order his lunch for the day. He called the Supervisor from his desk, “Hey Alok! Good Morning Ram here. Can you arrange some vegie soup with bread sticks for me in lunch?”

“Sir, Priya Madam just ordered plain chapatis and boiled vegies for you. Should I change?” Alok asked.

“So madam was there for me.” He smiled while he thought. “ No. It is good. Thank you.”

~~

Same day, Parking Lot. After office.

Priya walked towards Ram’s car and found him standing with his hands pressed against his forehead. She pulled out her phone and called Vikram. Her voice made aware about her presence. “Vikram can you please share Mr. Kapoor’s Doctor's details.”

“Yes. But what happened is he fine?” asked Vikram from the other side.

“Not really but don't worry I will take care of him. You just sms me the details.” Priya replied.

“okay..” little perplexed Vikram did the needful after disconnecting the call.

“Make yourself comfortable there.” She pointed to the seat by the driver's “and keys please.”

“You know how to drive?”

“Yes.”

“This is a SUV not a hatchback or sedan Priya. It's little difficult to drive.” Ram said surprised.

“Less difficult than a bus or even a truck.” She smirked, “Now go and sit.” She ordered.

“You know to drive a bus and a truck?” Surprised Ram asked as she pulled the car out from the parking to the busy roads.

“7 types of vehicle. Thanks to Aarman and my craziness that I end up doing all the crazy stuffs.” Priya replied.

“I need to know a much about you.”

“Try. We will see if you succeed.”

“Don't challenge me.”

“I know how much you are good with challenges so I will never challenge you. Don't worry Mr. Kapoor.”

“Why are you calling me Mr. Kapoor?”

“Because you asked me to.”

“Come-on Priya I was angry that time. Please stop it and I am sorry to hurt you.” Ram said venting his frustration.

“Hmm.. but you need to convince me for that.”

“What ever you want!”

“Really?”

“Try me.”

“Okay then as you see how much obedient I am.” She teased, “So, if you want to hear your name again from me, then make me do so.”

“You are challenging me again.”

“Whatever!!!”

“I will make sure that you call me again by my name.” Ram sounded victorious already.

“Best of luck.” She grinned.

“You need that Peaches. Not me.” He smiled wickedly.

After visiting the Doctor Priya drove back to Ram’s apartment. Parking his car she slipped the key back to him. “Come.” Saying Ram walked towards the entrance.

“No Mr. Kapoor. I need to go. I am already running late. Neha had plans for movie today. She already booked tickets and I have to join her in less than an hour. I really need to rush. She will kill me if I miss it. ” She explained, “And don't think I am running away. You have a long weekend. Think how you can convince me again. Till then Good Night.” Smiling she walked out and stopping a taxi successfully she slipped inside it.

“You will definitely call me again Ram, my little obedient lady.” Ram smirked wishing her luck.

Until We Meet

LOVE

NB