Monsoon

9. Threat

Naina scanned the QR. "How much?" she asked the vendor.

"Rs. 238," the fruit vendor said handing over a bag. Naina punched her pin and flashed the screen at the vendor before turning away. Her eyes fell on the car parked in front of her.

The bag slipped through her fingers as she stumbled back.

A voice in her head was screaming at her to run away but she couldn't take her eyes off the much familiar driver.

"H- How do you kno-"

"Madam is waiting for you."

Naina felt herself freeze. Had she been able to move, she would have left her bag and ran off. But the threat in his words held her rooted in her spot.

Quietly, as if he was used to it, he collected the bag and held open the car door for her. Naina swallowed and sat inside, knowing that if she did not go to the estate, someone will drag her from her workplace. Drama at hospital was the last thing she wanted.

Sitting on the edge of the seat, she clawed her hands, recalling every visit to the estate in past ten years. Never had she left that place without tears and dread. For a moment, she even considered jumping off the car. Her hands shook at the thought of facing her grandmother.

She knew, Naina thought. She knew about her Mumbai trip. How hard had she tried to keep it undercover! She had thought no one was following her. She had checked on every turn of the road and yet she had been followed. The old woman knew about her every moment.

Pull yourself together Naina, she chided herself. You have done nothing wrong. No law broken. She has nothing on you.

Does she know about Shardul's offer? Fear crept into Naina's heart, making her sit straighter. If Grandma had come all the way to Delhi to reprimand her, what will she do to him? For the first time in a decade, Naina felt helpless.

No, she will not let anyone hurt Shardul. Especially for walking the thin rope between herself and her father. Befriending him was her mistake not his. Wait! How was that even a mistake? Shardul was the best thing that had happened to her in last ten years!

She took a shaky breath. There was no way she was letting anyone involve him in their family drama. And for that, she was ready to do anything.

The car stopped outside a spacious estate in Saket.

Somehow the thought of Shardul's calm face filled her with adrenaline. She banged the car door and stomped up the stairs, walking the well-versed path to the study. The servants stepped back as she crossed corridor after corridor.

Blood was pounding in her ears when she entered the study and froze at the sight of her grandmother.

Sitting behind a large black mahogany desk was the only person Naina had learned to fear. Dressed in crisp white saree, string of Rudraksha adorning her neck, and a sandalwood tikka on forehead, she looked like a world forsaken Sadhvi. Yet Naina knew, at the age of eighty, she still held an iron grip on the family business.

Her eyes were full of hatred and disgust. The room felt cold and thick, making it hard to breath. Normally, Naina would cower at her glare and stepped back. But not today, when Shardul's career was on stake. Today, she stood head held high.

The doors slammed, making her jump. Her uncle, Rupesh Kaka locked the door and claimed one of the seats by the table.

"Finally," he said.

Naina ignored him and kept her eyes trained on the bigger threat in the room.

"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "You cannot just order people to appear in front of you. I could have been in hosp-"

"Well, you weren't."

"I will-"

"Shut up!" Grandmother barked.

"I have come here today only to tell you that this is the last time I am following your order and from now on, if you send anybody to 'get me' I will lodge an official complain. I have had enough of this."

Naina turned to grab the door but thunderous voice of her grandmother stopped her.

"What were you thinking?" grandmother snarled at her.

"About what?" Perhaps it was stupidity but Naina couldn't keep her mouth shut today.

"How can you go to see Vishwesh when I have clearly told you to stay away from him?"

Naina let go the breath she had been holding. She almost wept in relief. Grandmother had not called her because of her Mumbai trip or stay at Shardul's flat. Maybe she had no idea about Shardul's plan or the job offer she was considering.

"He is my father and if he is not well, it is my right to know about his well-being."

"No, it is not," grandmother said firmly.

"You don't get to decide that," Naina went head on. "You have no right to decide what others should do or not do."

"He was in that state because of you!" Rupesh kaka growled.

"That is not true," Naina said firmly. Shardul had told her Papa had been restless since morning that day.

"Kannan told us what happened."

"Kannan was finding an excuse to blame me," Naina snapped. "Had she been least concerned, she would have seen Papa showing symptoms since morning."

"Don't blame Kannan for your mistakes."

"How is it my mistake when I didn't even see him?" Naina huffed. "Had she not been ignorant, perhaps Papa wouldn't have collapsed."

"Your mere existence is a mistake," Grandmother spat, ignoring her comment.

"Unfortunately, you will have to live with this mistake then," Naina said opening the door. "And one more thing," she added. "Court orders are the only orders that I mean to follow from now on. So whatever I do, don't send your men to drag me here. I won't be answerable to you anymore. I am done here."

"I dare you," grandmother narrowed her eyes.

"I have nothing to lose," Naina shrugged and walked out.

"But Shardul has," Grandmother called and Naina paused. Her mouth went dry. Damn woman held the trump card for the last round.

"Don't," Naina turned back. "Don't you involve him into this."

"Then behave yourself," Grandmother snapped. "If you try to get closer to Vishwesh again, I swear I will destroy Shardul."

"You won't do that," she steeled her voice. "He is your legal advisor. He knows too much about your business."

"Try me,"

"If you touch even one hair on his head or try to ruin his reputation," Naina said holding back her tears. "I will sell all my stake in Mrugnaini Fabric to your rivals. Then watch the company crumble."

"Oh please," Rupesh Kaka snapped.

"Oh, I will," Naina promised.

"Get out," Grandmother ordered.

"Gladly," Naina said storming out of the room. She pulled out her phone and texted a message while walking.

The driver opened the passenger door for her but Naina slipped into the driver seat and turned on the engine. She waited for pressing the accelerator only long enough for the driver to sit.

Shewas ready to take her grandmother's bullshit but if Shardul was subjected toit, she will not hesitate in crashing the Mrugnaini Group.