Flaming Sun Collection 1: Happily Ever Afters from India Box Set (The Malhotra Bride; Meghna; The Runaway Bridegroom)

by Sundari Venkatraman

  ASHOK MEHRA WAS WAITING in Raj’s outer office when the latter arrived.

  “I’m sorry for the delay, Ashok.” Raj clasped his friend’s hand in a warm gesture. The two of them went into the chairman’s office. Raj showed him to a seat before going behind the large desk and settling in his swivel chair.

  “Tea?” he offered. The two of them couldn’t have been more different. Ashok was just a few inches over five feet, dwarfed by Raj’s superior height. Yet, they had been the closest pals since school. Their friendship had weathered many a storm and held true after four decades.

  At Ashok’s nod, Raj lifted the intercom and told his secretary to bring a cup of tea for his friend and coffee for himself.

  “Tell me what happened,” said Raj.

  Ashok Mehra ran a private detective agency. Born with a silver spoon, he had always dreamt of doing just one thing - catching lawbreakers. After attempting the tests with flying colours, he had joined the Central Bureau of Intelligence at a very young age. He had become a senior officer by sheer dint of hard work. Totally disillusioned by the red tape and lack of ethics, he quit his job to the utter surprise of his colleagues who insisted he was being foolish. Raj could relate to his friend’s feelings and helped Ashok set up the Mehra Detective Agency some years back. Now it was a thriving organisation and it gave Ashok an immense sense of satisfaction chasing crooks at his pace.

  Raj had contacted Ashok the minute Akshay received the first threat. The two of them tried to persuade the younger man to have a bodyguard. Akshay flatly refused. He agreed to use a bulletproof jacket though. Ashok and his men had taken turns at keeping vigil on Akshay 24 hours a day without his knowledge.

  Last night had been Ashok’s turn. He attended the engagement as a guest and later on followed Akshay on his motorcycle at a safe distance.

  “I saw the shooting,” replied Ashok. “The gunman was across the road. I went close enough to Akshay’s car to ensure there was no danger to his life and immediately followed him. He’s been arrested and has already given up his employer’s name.” The detective rubbed his palms together in satisfaction of a job well done. “All loose ends tied up. The gangster won’t trouble your son anymore,” he assured Raj.

  “Thank you Ashok.” Raj let out a sigh of relief and smiled at his friend. “I need another favour.”

  Ashok looked at him in surprise as if to ask, ‘so soon?’

  Raj explained briefly about Gokul Rishi wanting to cancel the engagement. He was worried about Sunita. The man appeared demented enough to do anything. “The society’s views matter to him more than anything else. He’s not bothered about his child and her feelings, the insensitive jerk!” Raj fumed in a rare display of temper.

  Ashok thought for a few minutes before coming up with an idea. Raj was all for it, as he nodded his head vigorously.

  “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.” Raj left his office along with Ashok after telling his secretary to cancel all his appointments for the day.

  They went through the plan again on their way to Ashok’s office to pick a few things. The next stop was the Rishi residence. Raj drew hope from the fact that the watchman had not stopped his car from entering the compound.

  It was 1 pm when they rang the bell. Sandhya opened the door and panicked when she saw Raj Malhotra and another dark-suited man with a stern expression. She invited them inside and seated them in the hall before going to fetch her father.

  Gokul hadn’t gone to work as he didn’t want his daughter doing something that he wouldn’t approve of. He glared at his guests as Raj and Ashok got to their feet. Raj performed the introductions formally.

  “Meet Ashok Mehra from the CBI and Mr. Mehra,” he said gravely, “please meet Mr. Gokul Rishi. He’s Sunita’s father.”

  “To what do I owe this visit, Mr. Mehra?” Gokul got aggressive.

  “I received a complaint that Sunita, Mr. Malhotra’s future daughter-in-law, is missing. I’ve come to make some enquiries regarding that.”

  Gokul Rishi’s eyes registered surprise before he wiped all expression from his face. He hadn’t expected this direct attack. “Sunita’s my daughter. You may rest assured that there’s no problem. She’s fine. And so, gentlemen,” He got to his feet, keen to send his unwanted visitors away.

  “Wait a minute,” said Raj Malhotra, “Sunita’s my son’s fiancée. I’d like to meet her now.”

  “There’s no need, Mr. Malhotra. As I told you over the phone this morning, the engagement stands cancelled. You may leave now.” Gokul Rishi’s rude voice rose in anger.

  “Sunita’s over eighteen,” Raj’s voice was soft, iron cloaked in velvet, “I’m sure she has a say in the matter under the law.” He looked at Ashok Mehra as if for confirmation. “I’d prefer to hear it from her.”

  Gokul was in a dilemma. He had been confident the Malhotras would come nowhere near Sunita or her family after the way he insulted Raj that morning. What he hadn’t expected was for the man to bring the law with him.

  “She’s visiting her aunt,” Gokul’s eyes shifted in prevarication. “She’ll be back in a month or so.” His brain ticked away busily, wondering whether that gave him enough time to get Sunita married to someone else.

  Raj Malhotra read Gokul’s character perfectly. He was sure that he wouldn’t let his daughter go from under his nose. She definitely was right here on the premises.

  “Where’s Ratanji?” Raj asked casually.

  “He’s having his afternoon nap.” Gokul Rishi hesitated a second too long before giving the pat answer.

  Raj looked at Ashok Mehra who needed no further prompting as he brought forth Plan B into action. “Well, Mr.Rishi, I’m sorry about this. But I’ll have to search your house. It’s part of my duty, you see.” He sounded mildly apologetic.

  “Whatever for?” Gokul Rishi’s effervescent temper rose once again. “I’m telling you my daughter’s not here. You’ll have to take my word for it. As her father, I’m telling you she’s safe. So what’s your problem?” He stood his ground.

  “Well, Mr. Rishi, as Mr. Malhotra pointed out earlier, Ms. Sunita is an adult. She has the right to protection under the law, even from her father. I have a search warrant with me,” he confidently took out an official looking piece of paper and waved it in Gokul Rishi’s face. “There’s no way you can stop me.” He deliberately fanned the other man’s temper, correctly judging that he would be too blind in his anger to actually read the warrant.

  Gokul made a frustrated snarl and stood back to allow Ashok Mehra to do his job.

  Seventeen

  Grandpa Ratan was visibly shaken as he walked down the staircase with Sunita and Ashok Mehra. Raj was sorry to see his majestic figure cowed down by his son’s behaviour.

  Sandhya ran into the kitchen to get a pitcher of orange juice and four glasses. Neither Grandpa nor Sunita had eaten lunch. Grandpa settled down on a sofa and cleared his throat.

  His voice was low but strong, “Thank you Raj - for your patience and persistence. Sunita’s lucky to gain you as a father.”

  Ratan Rishi’s sad eyes surveyed the others. Leela was hovering in the doorway. Raghu came to sit on the edge of a sofa. Sandhya handed a glass of juice to Dadaji before passing the other three to Sunita and the guests. Gokul stood in the middle of the hall, his stance defiant.

  Sunita sat next to her father-in-law-to-be on the twin sofa. Raj engulfed her in a bear hug and placed a kiss on her forehead. He read the question in her eyes, nodded his head and mouthed, “Akshay’s much better,” to which her face lit up. “He’s all set to tear the nursing home apart with his bare hands as he’s unable to contact you,” he added.

  Grandpa sipped the juice as he continued to address Raj, “What happened today is beneath contempt. I apologise to you Raj. You obviously love your son a lot to put up with the treatment meted out to you by our family.”

  “Ratanji!” Raj raised a hand in protest. He didn’t want the elder to lose his dignity.

  “Please don’t int
errupt Raj. You’re extremely tolerant. At the ceremony yesterday, both our families made a pact with each other. As head of the Rishi family, I’ll abide by that promise. The wedding will take place as planned.” Sunita smiled.

  “Sunita beti, you may have wondered why your Dada didn’t jump to your support today. I needed to know your feelings for Akshay. The way you ferociously took his side showed me how deeply you love him.” Sunita turned a delightful shade of pink.

  Grandpa Ratan wasn’t finished. “I’ve given my final decision. Anyone has an objection, speak up now. There won’t be any discussion after this.” He looked at his son expectantly.

  Gokul Rishi hung his head in shame, unable to meet his father’s eyes. He felt small in the face of the older man’s magnanimity.

  “Gokul,” Grandpa called out to his son, love and forgiveness in his voice.

  He rushed to his father and touched his feet. “I’m sorry, Pappa. I’m truly sorry.” There were tears in his eyes as he looked at his father. He then turned around and looked at Raj. “I’m extremely sorry for my behaviour, Rajji—especially when you’re undergoing a rough patch. I’ve added to your trouble instead of being supportive.”

  He put a beseeching hand out to Raj who got up and embraced him. “Just forget the whole thing as a nightmare, Gokulji.” Raj was relieved that the drama was finally over.

  Gokul turned to his daughter. His eyes had opened the moment she ran over to Raj Malhotra and cuddled up to him like a kitten seeking security and warmth. He had always kept his family members at arms’ length, never knowing the value of a hug.

  He opened his arms wide to hug his daughter who buried her tear-streaked face on his shoulder. “Forgive me, my dear.”

  Sunita placed a finger on his lips, shaking her head, “No Pappa. You please forgive me for the rude things I said to you.”

  “Sunita my dear,” called out Grandpa Ratan. “Get ready. Let’s go visit Akshay.”

  “No Pappa.” Everyone turned to look at Gokul in shock. “I mean not just you and Sunita. Let me also come,” finished Gokul drawing forth a cackle of laughter.

  RAJ AND ASHOK LEFT TO GET BACK TO WORK. Sunita, Gokul and Ratan Rishi along with Leela, Sandhya and Raghu got into the car to visit Akshay.

  It was a noisy journey as everyone spoke, working hard at relieving the morning’s tension. Sunita was quiet. She felt completely drained after all the happenings over the past 24 hours. She had run through a whole gamut of emotions.

  Her engagement was a happy event. There was the shock and tension when Akshay was shot. Her brain had muddled trying to find a reason for it. Her father had angered her later. She felt betrayed when she was locked in her room. Lastly, the relief when Raj Uncle had rushed to their rescue. The tension-filled drama later had taken away the last bit of her energy.

  All became silent when they reached the nursing home. Grandpa and Sunita walked in to find Akshay reading. His eyes lit up on seeing them.

  “Sunita!” as she went to him. He held her hand as he greeted Grandpa, “Hello Dadaji!” Sunita gave him a tremulous smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. He looked at her, his eyebrows up in query.

  “You tell me, Son. What’ve you done to yourself? You gave us all a fright.” It was obvious that Grandpa was worried.

  Akshay was distracted by the fine tremors that ran through his fiancée’s body. He did his best to concentrate on what Dadaji was saying.

  “I’m sorry that everyone had to undergo this anxiety. But in a way it’s for the best. That’s why Mehra Uncle could nab the gangster.” He made light of the situation, not seeing the look of horror on Sunita’s face. “And where did you guys disappear in the morning?”

  “That’s a long story Akshay.” Grandpa winked at his favourite grandson, not wanting to bother him with it. “The others are waiting to see you. I’ll go now. You need to rest.” Grandpa got up to leave the room. “You stay back with Akshay, Sunita,” he ordered as an afterthought.

  The rest of the family traipsed in, enquiring after his health. They all chatted amicably before the nurse came in and shooed them out.

  Akshay looked at Sunita piercingly. “What happened, Sweetheart? Where did you disappear after you left me?” His scowl had deepened.

  Sunita refused to meet his gaze. “I, err… went to sleep.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Sunita,” Akshay snarled. He was disturbed by her sad face and wanted to know why.

  “Please, Akshay,” Sunita laid a pacifying hand on his chest. “There’s nothing worth discussing. You please rest, you need it.” She raised a hand to push the lock of hair that had fallen on his forehead and was shocked when he moved away from the caress.

  “Sunita,” his voice went softer as his temper mounted. This was no chivalrous and loving boyfriend she was used to dealing with. “I’ve been tied to this damned bed for a whole day. Don’t you dare tell me to rest some more.” She was fascinated to see his dark brown eyes blazing with anger.

  With a smile on her face, she bent down to kiss his rough cheek, the fuzz tantalising her lips. Her smile grew wider at the confused look on his face. Akshay crushed her to his chest and kissed her passionately.

  “Mmph,” protested Sunita. Akshay moved his head away to take a look at her, his temper cooling rapidly. “That hurt.” Sunita raised her hand to rub her lips that throbbed from the violence of his kiss, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

  Akshay’s face darkened. “I’m so sorry, Sweetheart. I’m taking out my frustrations on you.” He hugged her close, rubbing his chin against her hair. “Please forgive me. My only excuse is that I missed you terribly. Your father wasn’t any help when I called in the morning. I’m sorry Sunita,” he repeated.

  “What happened?” Akshay was like a dog after a bone.

  She shook her head, not meeting his gaze. She didn’t want to break down. With his strength down, it was not a cry baby he needed on his hands. She said, “You’re obviously better,” hoping to distract him.

  “Sunita.”

  “Hmm.”

  His voice went up an octave, “Look at me.” Nuzzling her ear, “What’s it, Sweetheart? You can surely tell your boyfriend,” he cajoled.

  She slowly lifted her eyelids to look at Akshay who gasped at the pain he saw in her grey-green eyes shining with unshed tears. “Sunita!” He pulled her close to his body, his left arm tightening protectively around her.

  She looked at his right arm. The skin around the bandage was discoloured in varying hues of purple. Startled, she laid a gentle hand on his arm. “Does it hurt awfully?”

  “Obviously not as much as you seem to be,” came the reply. He gently stroked her hair. She looked at him with shimmering eyes.

  “Akshay, please don’t ask me anything. I don’t want to cry.” She burrowed her face in his broad shoulder with a shuddering sigh.

  “Okay.” Akshay decided to let the matter rest for now as his gut wrenched at the pain in her voice.

  “Did you have lunch?” he asked.

  “Did you?”

  He looked at her pinched face. “No,” he fibbed. “Let’s go out.” Akshay got out of his bed, quite steady on his feet.

  “Akshay!” Sunita yelped. “You’re in no fit state to go out for lunch. Get back into bed.”

  “Is that an invitation?”

  Wild colour flooded Sunita’s cheeks. “Akshay, please.”

  “Hey Sweetheart. You don’t need to plead. I’m thrilled to oblige.” Akshay walked around the bed to her, his eyes glinting with mischief.

  Sunita put her hands on his chest, unsure what he was going to do. He took her hand in his and walked purposefully out of the room. He had slung a cotton jacket over his right shoulder. Looking at him, no one would guess that he had been ill. He looked dashing in jeans and a sleeveless tee.

  She went along, having no energy to protest. He winked at the nurse-in-charge before stepping out into the sunshine. Kamat opened the car door after enquiring about his young master’s health. Akshay replied t
o him with a smile before directing him to Busago at Bandra. She sat quietly, calmness stealing over her, her hand engulfed in his, her head against his shoulder.

  Akshay sat at the table sipping a cold drink as she tucked into the Kaukswe and rice noodles she bought at the counter.

  “You’ve eaten,” she accused.

  He nodded, grinning at her. It felt good to be out.

  She studied his face, looking for signs of strain. “Do I pass muster?” he asked. She nodded, refusing to rise to the bait.

  She felt much better as they got back to the nursing home. He was tired when they returned to the room, where they found Dr. Ramprasad staring at the empty bed.

  Akshay promptly held his hands to his ears and said, “Sorry, Uncle.” The twinkle in his eyes belied the statement. Sunita looked fearfully at the Doctor.

  “Akshay,” sighed the Doctor who had treated him since childhood. “You play truant the moment I turn my back. Not changed much since school days, have you?” an answering smile appeared on his lined face.

  Dr. Ramprasad checked his pulse and temperature and pronounced him fit. He directed the nurse who came in to remove his bandage. “The wound’s healing well. You can go home tomorrow. And listen, one more day at home before getting back to work.”

  “Yessir!” Akshay nodded his head vigorously as the doctor applied a fresh bandage.

  “You’re a rogue, Akshay. You shouldn’t have left the hospital,” she scolded him after the doctor left.

  “Come on, Sweetheart, we’d fun, didn’t we?” He grinned incorrigibly, unabashed.

  He finally got her to talk about the morning, reading between the lines as she glossed over her father’s behaviour. He was glad that their differences were settled now.

  “Does your arm hurt badly?” she asked a frown on her face.