Billionaire's 'lost' wife

Chapter 11- Blocked, stock and barrel

Answers to two of the three questions had been found. The IPs were being used by a company headed by Chetan Shandilya. Vit knew that must be her younger brother she often talked about. Some of the IPs were linked to Indian defense establishment and had nothing to do with any of their businesses.

'Chetan is considered a prodigy and his start-up was amongst the ones chosen by the Indian defense establishment to provide high-tech services.' Yash read from his notes. 

'Is she also linked to the company?' uncle asked. 

'Yes it seems she was listed as the founder, but diluted her stake three years back in Chetan's favor. I think that was the time he got married.' Yash answered. 

'Her brother is married?' uncle queried.

'Yes and I think he even has a small child, though I don't remember much.' Vit shared. 

'I now understand why ownership of the IPs is critical to her and mentioned here.' Yash summarized the finding.

Regarding media secrecy, Yash shared his theory, 'this is my assumption. She is a very public face of the university and also a key person in her brother's business. So maybe that is why she is sensitive about her image in media.'

Vit felt a bit relieved, 'So we can rule out the marriage angle?'

'Not at all, I would say. This situation has the right mix of academics, IPs, start-up business and a beautiful woman who has been described as a 'prime catch'.'

'By Param?' Vit groaned.

'Yes, I have it on his authority and from others as well that we should not be surprised if someone has been chasing her.'

'I have a list of dozen patrons who are eligible bachelors.' Vit admitted .

Uncle who had been listening quietly, decided to ask, 'Vit did you call her? Did she say something?'

'Its Saturday evening, she might be busy.' Yash offered.

Vit felt a bit embarrassed, 'I called her but did not respond properly and when I followed up she has blocked my number.'

'Blocked your number? Wow, she has some nerve.'

'I was only asking what she was doing and who she was with?' Vit defended himself.

'You asked her that!' uncle sounded shocked. And then with a smile, 'What did she respond with?'

'I could not hear properly, she was in some market I guess.' Vit responded sheepishly.

'But evasive is not a good sign.' Yash said.

'Don't worry uncle, when she hears the magic figure of 100 crores, she will be running after me.'

'Then Vit you should tell her about it and see her reaction.' Yash was intrigued.

'Not one of your girlfriends survived my test, Vit. Anyway this investigation should be done in person. Do we have her address?' Uncle asked.

Yash responded, 'Yes we do, it is here on the papers. I can meet her tomorrow.'

Vit's possessive nerve flared again and he snatched the papers from Yash, 'Tomorrow is Sunday. I am free tomorrow. I will go in the morning, this is not very far away.'

While Yash was surprised, uncle hid a smile and said, 'Thanks and do report whatever happens.'

Rukma's reaction his queries was still stinging his ego. The suspense of why she had filed for annulment and not asked for a penny on top it all was making him overthink. He believed Yash's analysis of Rukma trying to for marriage to someone else fitted in with his lifetime of money dictating relationships. Not even a single one of his girlfriends had refused money when uncle had offered it as test of their sincerity. He knew Rukma would not last long once she knew how much was at stake. He would not ask her to unblock him, all he has to do is to mention the 100 crores she can get and she would run after him!

Vit had trouble sleeping in the night. He was on the brink of reciting Hanuman Chalisa (an Indian verse supposed to drive off ghosts and spirits) to drive away the thoughts of Rukma. First the shock of meeting again at university then the feel of her in his arms, and then the passionate kiss. He would drive one thing out and another would come dancing in.

He was happy that now his family believed in her existence but her existence had also put so many things in trouble. He had to wriggle out of this marriage before he could formalise something with...what was her name again? For the life of him he could not recollect the name of his fiancee, let alone her face or feel! But he was sure she would be far more willing that than this egotistical Rukma!

Uncle had asked him to keep the danglers and at times he would stare at them and remember the evenings in the forests. These were only shining things on many dark nights. He could not believe they had spent a month together back then. There were some memories of them fighting and also of working together. Now it all seemed so distant, especially after his partial loss of memories due to the head injury.