Guilty Pleasures

8

"It doesn't matter what's in front of her, because of what is behind her..."

The time for him to lift his hands came sooner then expected.

He watched from the distance as vile accusations were thrown at her, watching as she failed to force her words out. It confused him slightly, how someone so strong could appear so weak. It was baffling. And it was obvious that she was now just going to listen until she was granted the permission to plead her case.

He knew that time wouldn't come, and he could see it in her posture that she knew it too. She stood however rigidly, not once backing down despite the obvious pain that was being drawn from the words directed at her character.

He and Farhad looked at each other momentarily, Raghav's stare intense, waiting for her to finally speak up in her defence, but her punishment had been decided before she even could.

A dark black liquid marking her light blue sari. A sign that she was used, that she was vile. He saw the same woman take a Garland of used shoes, her arms raising to place it over Pallavi.

And without a second of hesitance he stood in front of her like a barrier, catching the way she looked at him from the corner of his eye. And he could practically feel the anger already radiating off her.

He ignored her. His eyes focusing on the woman in front of him.

"What kind of shit is this!?" He demanded, his tone fully authoritative, that seemed to have the women expose their necks in submission.

"Who the hell are you?" He was greeted with.

"Listen lady, do not try and answer my question with another question. I am asking you what the hell you think you're playing at. I am the owner of this shop-"

"Oh so it was your child that she aborted."

Raghav's face softened, his words dying on his lips as he turned to Pallavi who was now staring at the woman in front of them, unable to meet his eye.

"First of all, don't you dare ever cut me off again. Second of all, the rubbish that is coming out of your mouth is nothing but vile and a reflection on your character. How dare you think it's proper to stand here and tarnish the image of another woman. Women are so supposed to help other women, just like this Sari Ka Dukaan does at every turn. Every purchase made at this store offers women respect, to protect their image and you're here saying she is impure? Tell me, were you aware that she donates her hard earned money to protection homes for women who are abused, and how the rest of it is given to her family? No right? So how dare you stand here and state nothing but complete nonsense. I am warning you once and once only because Raghav Rao does not like to repeat himself so listen carefully, you come near this shop again, you come near Pallavi Deshmukh again, and you'll find yourself in front of Raghav Rao, answering to only me, begging for me to let you go. I'll destroy you and your name for generations to come so that you are unworthy of showing your face amongst my streets. Do you understand? Well you better understand."

He heaved a breath, his eyes blazing. "Now get the fuck of my property before I forget all the values my mother taught me of not raising my hand against a woman."

"We are going this time but listen Pallavi Deshmukh we will make sure you and your lover are punished heavily for this."

Raghav looked towards Pallavi, who stood glaring at the lady. His eyes threatening the lady once more.

Within seconds they dispersed. Raghav turning to Pallavi, knowing full well by her expression that he would not be receiving a thank you.

"I swear to god Sari Ka Dukaan your entire life is literally like one of those over the top dramatic star plus dramas that TRP aunties love. Like seriously, whenever I come across you, you're always in some type of trouble. If it's not fainting in my arms, it's you having a masters degree in being kidnapped-"