Sweet Revenge

5. Trapped

'Why was he here?'

He asked himself once again looking up the building where there was a magnanimous insignia of A&K.

It had all transpired so quickly. 3 days back the evening of Paritosh's return, Kavya had come running into his arms, crying about how she had failed yet another interview.

It had been her 11th this week but to no avail. Even he could not place why such an experienced woman like her was being denied everywhere.

He had been unable to offer anything but empty consolations that day. And the next day, all hell had broken loose. His café was raided by food inspector on account of violation of hygiene standards as someone had tipped them off. And until the investigation was underway, his café could no longer function.

Worse was the notice he had received from A&K's legal team. While taking loan against the house, Anupama had signed the house deed to Anuj until he was returned the full amount. And according to the contract,the down payment of 5 lakh had to be paid this month only. Since half the house was under his name, he had to be the one to pay half the amount. The issue was,he had no savings. All of it was spent in setting up the café and going through daily necessities.

Samar did earn enough but his pride as a father didn't allow him to ask him for support. Kavya had been sitting duck for long enough and the café was in deep waters too. And Anupama! She could easily pay up his share too, only that his ego didn't approve.

So, here he was outside Anuj's cabin, awaiting his turn, in the hopes of negotiating with the man. Though he had a gut feeling that it wasn't going to be easy.

As he entered inside, Anuj looked up from his files. "Mr. Shah, can you bring that stick over here?" He gestured to the hockey stick standing by the door and Vanraj complied, puzzled.

Placing the stick in Anuj's corner as he had pointed, Anuj thanked the man and nodded towards the chair,"Have a seat, Mr. Shah"

"So, how can I help you?"Anuj asked politely, his smile but a mask, for his fangs were ready to sink into the despicable and oblivious shah.

"Mr. Kapadia...I..uh..can I perhaps pay my share of down payment at a later date?" Vanraj asked upfront,biting his cheeks as he saw ghost of a smirk on Anuj's face.

"That's not my money, Mr Shah. It was the company that loaned the money to you. Unfortunately I can offer no reprieve, though I'm sure Anu could easily pay your share too. She transferred 2.5 yesterday only!" Anuj remarked casually and Vanraj clenched his fist, his unnatural anger simmering. "That's my share of the house so I should be the one to pay for it!"

"Fair enough!" Anuj shrugged leaning back in his chair, as he scrolled through his phone.

He had not been misplaced in judging Vanraj. This man lacked the rationale to make intelligent decisions.He would never let his ego take a plunge.

'Well cheers to that, I can manipulate him easy'

Vanraj roused from his chair and was making his way for the door when Anuj interrupted him. "You do realize that you only have two more days? And if you fail to do so, my company will be taking your share of the house under their control until you pay the entire amount+ the penalty interest".

Vanraj nodded well aware of the terms. Anupama had signed a ridiculous contract and he had to be the one bearing the brunt of it.

Anuj stared at Vanraj calculatingly. A cornered rat may flail around if pushed too much. There existed a very tiny probability that Vanraj would actually seek Anu and the other member's help if it became too much.