Chapter 14
14
One week later
A nanya read the newspapers again. Every headline was praising Mihir’s latest accomplishment. He’d signed a major deal with the UK government, under which they’d be working with his company on various sustainable energy projects across the country. This was yet another feather in his cap.
She shut the papers and pushed them aside. She lay down on her bed, annoyed with him. It was late in the evening, and she felt out of sorts. It had been a week since she’d been attacked, and apart from the one time she had seen him at the hospital, Mihir had remained gloriously absent. No calls, no texts, and no in-person visits. Plus, no information whatsoever about him from any of her siblings or his. Apparently, everyone had decided to keep mum about him. Only today, after reading the papers, had she learned that he was in London.
Considering the fact that she had been hurt thanks to Mihir’s feud with his cousin, the least he could have done was care enough to come see her. But no. He continued to remain cold and distant as ever. She sighed heavily. Clearly, he didn’t feel anything for her. Well, apart from raw, physical desire that is. After their last few intimate encounters, he could no longer deny that he was attracted to her. But this attraction between them was doomed. Mihir and she didn’t get along, so it was good that he was choosing to be distant from her.
But then why was she still waiting for a text from him? Why did her foolish heart still hope that he showed some sign that he cared about her? Why, in the face of death, had her mind only thought of him ? Why was she consumed by regret at not having sorted everything out with him? She swallowed. All these thoughts were now pointless.
She touched the side of her chest. Apart from slight soreness and a small scar, she was doing alright. Well, physically, at least. Mentally, she was struggling. The attack had left her traumatized. Sudden movements and loud sounds made her anxious, and it was hard for her to fall asleep at night. She found it difficult to comprehend that she’d been targeted and stabbed in broad daylight, in the middle of a bustling street.
She’d learned self-defense—Rajiv had insisted upon it after the yacht incident with the Oshnovs. She’d continued her kickboxing lessons till date. But nothing had helped, and there lay the crux of her issue. What was the point of endlessly training to fight when she couldn’t defend herself when it mattered the most? This despair, this helplessness she felt at her own inability to look after herself was eating her alive. It slithered into her mind like a poisonous serpent, fueling her fear and anxiety.
Rajiv had told her that her attacker had been caught and dealt with, but it hadn’t eased her fears. Not that she’d told him or anyone else about her trauma. She hadn’t told anyone how she woke up in the middle of the night, panicking, her heart racing. They’d fuss over her endlessly, and her mother wouldn’t let her out of her sight.
Already, post her discharge from the hospital, her parents and Rajiv had forbidden her from going to work for a whole damn week. While initially she welcomed the break to heal, now she needed to get back to work. Perhaps a normal routine would ease her distress.
Besides, she still had loads of things to finalize for Noir’s anniversary edition. The more she thought about it, the more she believed that getting back into the thick of things at work would help her heal faster.
A knock on her door made her sit up. Her brother entered, bearing a wide smile and a large bowl of popcorn in his hand. He offered it to her.
She eyed the bowl. “Cheese and caramel mixed?”
He grinned. “Just as we like it.”
She grabbed the bowl from him and popped a few kernels into her mouth.
“It’s five pm on a Tuesday. Why are you home so early?” she asked between bites.
“I want to spend time with you.”
Grinning, she scooted, allowing him to flop on the bed beside her. He grabbed some popcorn and popped it into his mouth.
“Mmm, heaven!” he said.
She laughed, turning on the TV. She played a random episode of the sitcom FRIENDS. Watching movies and TV shows had been their thing for the longest time.
They sat in silence for a few minutes, laughing at the antics of the characters on TV.
“So, how’s the new house coming along?” she asked.
“It’s going good…” Rajiv grabbed some more popcorn from the bowl. “Mom and Sheena have finalized the designs for all the rooms. You still have to sit with them for yours, by the way.”
Ananya looked around her bedroom. “I’m going to miss this house, you know. We had some good years here.”
He smiled, looking nostalgic. “We sure did. Looking back, moving to Dubai was the best decision.”
“I agree,” she said.
“Dubai has been good to us,” Rajiv said.
To all of her siblings, for sure. They had all found their special someone here, and while she didn’t envy them their happiness, sitting at home the last few days had made her realize just how lonely she truly was.
Rajiv looked at her for a long moment before turning to the TV again.
She threw a kernel at him. “What’s up?”
“Nothing.”
“Nonsense.” She wrinkled her nose. “What’s the real reason you’re here?”
“Sheena’s taken the kids for swimming lessons,” Rajiv replied. “Why is it so hard for you to believe that I really want to spend time with you?”
She threw another popcorn at him. He caught it and popped it into his mouth.
“I’m fine, you know,” she told him, understanding his concern. “You don’t need to worry.”
He studied her. “Are you?”
She nodded.
He tilted his head. “Do you really think I haven’t noticed that you’re sleeping with a light on? That you flinch every time there is a loud sound or a sudden movement in your periphery.”
She shut her eyes with a heavy exhale.
Rajiv clutched her arm. “I know you, Ananya. Just because I have a family of my own, doesn’t mean I don’t see you. You and I have been partners in crime for all our lives. I know you’re hurting. I know you’re afraid.”
Her eyes burned with unshed tears. Rajiv had indeed been her partner in crime for the longest. They’d fought and made up and fought again, thus repeating that endless sibling cycle, all through their lives. Being just two years apart in age, Rajiv had always understood her better than anyone else. She loved Navya and Reina, as did Rajiv. But the bond Ananya shared with her brother was above and beyond everyone. And she knew he reciprocated this feeling.
“I’m going to confide in you,” she said. “But I need you to promise me not to tell anyone else. I don’t want everyone fussing and worrying over me.”
“You have my word,” he reassured her.
She looked into the bowl. “That moment when I was stabbed… all I could think about was that I was dying and there was so much unfinished in my life. That I had so much left undone. I didn’t… I didn’t want to die.”
He put his arm around her. She snuggled into his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent. Allowing it to soothe her nerves. Rajiv had always been her go-to person for everything in life.
“The attack,” she continued, “…was so unexpected and so easy for them to orchestrate. It makes me wonder how easy it would be for them to get to me again. And I’m so scared about that. I can’t sleep easily at night, and when I do, I wake up panicking. This wasn’t a situation where I had time to even think or act to protect or defend myself. Thinking about it makes me feel so helpless.”
Rajiv kissed the top of her head. “No one will get to you again, I promise. I’ve increased the security around all of us, and well, so has Mihir. I didn’t know he had someone following you, until I heard that his guy, Anton, had managed to capture the man who hurt you. But now, he has two people following you. They’re outside even now.”
She glanced at her window and then shook her head. “What am I going to do about him, Rajiv? I want to hate him. I’ve tried hating him. But even that is so hard.”
“Hmm, perhaps I have a solution for you.”
She sat up. “What do you mean?”
“This morning, Armaan and Vedant came to me with a problem. I believe you posted something on Noir’s socials today, again pointing to Mihir.”
Her eyes rounded. “Seriously, what is everyone’s problem? Today’s was a good post.”
She opened the post and read it aloud.
‘Lady Luck’s favorite orphan is blessed with the golden touch—what he touches does turn into gold. #fortunefavorsthebold.’
“Why is this a problem? It doesn’t mention any names, and it’s not scandalous in the least.”
Rajiv arched a brow. “Seriously, sis? People are not foolish. Everyone is going to assume it’s Mihir. You’ve used the words ‘Russian Billionaire’ in your past posts on him; you’ve mentioned ‘Dubai’ in reference to him. Today, you’ve mentioned the word ‘orphan’ in the post, that too just when he closed that major deal with the UK government. How hard do you think it is for people to join the dots?”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s all gossip and speculation at this point.”
“Look, his brothers told me that they have a major board meeting in Russia in three weeks, which they all have to go for. However, now, Mihir will be the only one attending, because Armaan and Vedant refuse to leave our sisters alone in Dubai, especially after the attack on you. Which means Mihir has to handle all the board members by himself.”
“So? He’s the MD not for nothing. I’m sure he can handle whatever comes his way. What has that got to do with my posts and me?”
“After their father’s death, Mihir was chosen as MD by the board. He was… is the most capable to handle that role. But O-Corp’s media department is quite strong, and their board is filled with nosy old geriatrics who are happy to create a fuss simply for the sake of it. The Oshnovs don’t need the added stress of Mihir’s position being contested thanks to a scandal. They’re all already stretched thin with their existing responsibilities.”
“What are you trying to tell me?”
“Well, we all have come up with a solution to resolve this dilemma. That is, if you agree.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m listening.”
“We think you should interview Mihir for Noir.”
“What?” she gasped.
“You’ve been wanting to interview him for the longest, haven’t you? Besides, haven’t you been going on about how glamorous and special you want Noir’s anniversary issue to be? Perhaps Mihir is the answer. He’s never given an interview to anyone. Noir’s readership will hit the sky if you get to interview him for the magazine. Your anniversary edition will be a phenomenal success, just like you want.”
She lifted her jaw. “What’s the catch?”
Rajiv spread his hands out. “No catch, I promise.”
The wheels in her brain churned. She had been wanting an interview with Mihir for the longest. Securing this would definitely skyrocket Noir’s popularity.
“Assuming I agree to do it,” Ananya began. “What does Mihir think of this? Has he agreed?”
“Yes.”
She blinked. “What? Just like that?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t buy it.”
Rajiv flicked her nose. “Stop being suspicious.”
“How can I not be? It’s Mihir,” she said. “I don’t get why he’s agreeing for me to interview him.”
“He’s the one who suggested it,” Rajiv replied.
Wait, what? Mihir wanted her to interview him ? Why? Why the change of heart?
Rajiv continued, “Look, why don’t you use this opportunity to get all the answers you need from him? Haven’t you wanted that for the longest? Well, this is your chance to do so.”
“Is he okay to answer all and any questions I pose?”
Rajiv made a face. “Do I have to do all the hard work here? Talk to him and convince him to give you what you want.”
“Sure,” she scoffed. “Like he’s the easiest person to deal with.”
“Ananya, this is really your chance to get closure on the past. You need to move on, and so does he. Maybe this will help you both to move forward in life. This is the way to do it.”
She thought through his words. If Mihir agreed to answer any questions she posed, she could finally get the closure she needed. Her spirits lifted. Maybe she’d finally know why he was mad at her and why he’d hated her so vehemently for years. Maybe she wouldn’t need to live with the regret of not clearing things out with him before she ended everything with him.
“What about photos?” she asked. “Has he agreed to those?”
Rajiv grimaced. “Unfortunately, he won’t do a photoshoot. I think it has something to do with his scar. He hates it, and hence, he hates photos of himself. I believe he regularly pays all the major news outlets to never publish pictures of him.”
Oh, she hadn’t known that Mihir hated his scar that much. Perhaps, with this interview, she’d get a chance to ask him more about it.
“So, where and when am I doing this?” Ananya asked.
“Moscow,” Rajiv said.
“Why Moscow? I thought he was in London.”
“He was, but now he’s in Moscow or will be reaching there soon. He has to attend the board meeting there, and hence, he’ll be working from there for some time. Besides, we all think that you need to get away for a few days. Changing locations might just help you recover.”
“Uff, I have so much to do at Noir…” she thought aloud.
“Oh, please. It’s not like you can’t work online. You do it all the time, and this is work too.”
Ananya scowled at him. “Why do you always have all the answers?”
“I can’t help it if I am crazy smart!” He smiled. “And sensible. And hot.”
“Ugh.” She scrunched her nose in distaste.
“Hey, I am hot and sexy. Ask my wife,” he said mischievously.
She wrinkled her nose. “Gross. Never doing that...ever.”
There was a knock on her door, and her parents entered.
“Wow, you two are also at home?” Ananya sassed. “My lucky day.”
Her mom, Sara Mehra, glared at her. “Don’t be snarky for the sake of it.”
“I suppose you’ve told her,” Ananya’s father, Anvay Mehra, said. “And now she’s in a twist about whether she wants to interview Mihir or not?”
Ananya clucked her tongue. “Dad!”
Rajiv chuckled. “You got that right, Dad.”
Her parents sat at the foot of her bed.
“We are worried about you, my darling,” Sara said. “You’ve always been very sensitive and quiet when it comes to what troubles you.”
“You’re always trying to protect your siblings,” her dad added. “You’re always worried about them. You do your best to ensure they are alright and happy. But the thing is, Ananya, they all have their partners now to look after them, and they are all happy. You’ve done your bit for them, and now it’s time for you to be happy. Live for yourself. Look after yourself first.”
Her mom studied her. “End this thing with Mihir. Close it and move on, Ananya. Your dad and I have several men lined up for you to meet once you are ready. Good men, who will make you happy. You cannot live alone forever. A good partner can be a blessing. Why don’t you try this route to find a decent man to be with?”
Her heart lurched. Arranged marriage? She’d never even considered it. She looked at Rajiv.
He nodded. “It’s worth a shot, sis. No harm in meeting them, and no one is going to force you. The decision is going to be yours. All yours.”
She thought through his words. Perhaps they were right. After Mihir, she had barely lived, barely gone out and met other men. He’d consumed so many years of her life. And to what end? It was never going to work between her and him. Perhaps the interview could be the final step in ending everything and moving on. Her heart twisted in pain.
Perhaps she’d be able to find another man who could make her happy. Who’s touch she’d welcome. Who she could fall in love with, and who would heal the ache in her heart. A man who would accept her, despite her failed marriage and love affair with another man.
From beyond her door, she heard the sounds of feet running and kids squealing.
Smiling, Rajiv stood. “The mayhem has reached home. I’ll go down and help Sheena with the kids. It’s going to be dinner and bedtime soon.”
Her parents also rose.
“We’ll leave too,” her mom said. “Just remember, it’s time to put yourself first, Ananya.”
They all left her room, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She picked up her phone and typed a message to Mihir. She wanted to hear from him that he was ready to do this interview with her.
I heard you’ve agreed to me interviewing you
His reply was instant.
Yes
What are your hard limits?
Meaning?
Questions I cannot ask
Let’s talk when you come here
Where are you right now?
Moscow
When do you want me there?
Come next week. I’ll organize your stay.
Alright
Text me the details of your arrival. A car will be waiting to fetch you. Let’s finish this
Her heart ached as she reread his last words over and over again. Let’s finish this.
Not once had he asked her how she was. He clearly hadn’t cared enough to, and that hurt and made her mad at the same time. His indifference had always hurt, no matter how many times she’d tried to move past that pain and him.
Staying mad at him was better. For her own sanity, it was better to not let other emotions consume her. She had to focus on her anger. Fill her heart and mind with it, and let him go. She had to finish this. Finish them.
And while doing that, she had to also heal that part of her that had broken after her attack. She’d train her body and mind to overcome her fear and panic. And once she was healed fully, she’d tell her mother that she was okay to meet the men she’d selected for her. It was time to take a chance on her heart again, and hopefully, not get disappointed.