Burning in Revenge

Don't have to pretend

Aishwarya's POV 

It's been two weeks that I joined residency. First week was ok, slowly we were given tasks, made us busy. Mahesh said, it's nothing compared to the work in future. Sometimes I get scared thinking about my future.

How am I going to manage busy schedule and night duties? I feel tired soon. I'm in second trimester, still have morning sickness. I'm avoiding Vikram as much as I can. Seeing him is making me weak. I bought car, driving myself to hospital. 

He also seems to be busy these days though he is working from home. I don't understand what he does. He completed IPS training. Uncle said his son is ACP. 

Next week I'm going to Chandigarh, PGIMER is conducting workshop on new techniques in surgeries. Mahesh is coming with me. Sushanth didn't want to go initially and said no to Vishal. when I said I would go, he wanted to join but Vishal said only one person from first year and second year could go. I'm happy about it.

We had flight on Sunday evening, will be back by Friday evening. Vikram dropped me at the airport.

"Do you have to go? You still don't look good, eating outside food for a week is bad idea" he said when we were in car

I'm trying to be civilized with him.

"I will eat healthy food and fruits" I said 

"Take care of her" he told Mahesh 

I was surprised, usually he acts possessive and little rude to Mahesh

"She will be fine, don't worry" Mahesh said 

First day was boring, second day was really intersting. End of the day my mood was spoiled seeing the person I don't want to see. I didn't care, just ignored

Next day my eyes automatically searched for the person but couldn't find

Evening we went to Chennai Maratha restaurant. We come here daily. I like onion uthappam and Madras filter coffee. 

My mood was spoiled seeing the person sitting other side.

Mahesh was talking about the today's presentation, I can hear but my mind is not processing 

"Vikram, you are here?" I heard Mahesh say

"Your seminar is here" he asked in surprise 

"You can accept that you are here for your wife" Mahesh said smiling 

"He is not here for me" i said 

"You know why I'm here?" Vikram asked in surprise 

"Of course, come I will take you to the person you want to meet" I took his hand and dragged

"See, she is here" i said taking him to Shalini's table 

She was scared to see me

"Hi Dr. Shalini Mathur, long time. How are you?" I asked bitterly 

"Aishu..." she stammered 

"It's Dr. Aishwarya Reddy for you" i shouted 

Vikram had confused look

"Why are you looking like that? Go ahead, plan how to destroy me" I said angrily 

"What the hell are you talking? Who is she?" Vikram asked angrily

"Come on Mr. Vikram Bhatia alias Sagar, you don't have to lie, I know" 

"I don't him" Shalini said 

"I know you both are Oscar actors, don't have to pretend anymore" I said 

I couldn't take it anymore, how could they pretend even now? What are they planning?

"I hate you both, how could you lie? Don't you know each other when you all planned and ruined my life.

She is your friend Vishal Kapoor alias Karan Mathur's so called sister, Shalini Mathur" i shouted 

I don't want to be weak but I have no control over my tears

I fell on the ground crying.

Vikram was looking at me in shock. He bent down tried to hold me

"Stay away from me, I'm trying to be civilized in spite of everything you did but you are still planning against me" I cried

"I really don't know her, believe me. I'm here on mission" he said 

"Yes, mission to destroy me. What else is left? Just kill me"

"Trust me Aishu..." 

"Don't utter a single word"

Mahesh was at my side, held my arms

"Please take me from here" I begged Mahesh

"Mahesh, take her now" Vikram shouted

Mahesh helped me get up and walked me holding, made me sit and gave water

I heard gunshots after sometime 

I looked behind scared

People were running. I can't find Vikram.

"Aishu let's go" Mahesh urged

I couldn't move, I want to see Vikram

"You go" i said 

He dragged me inside a cafe. 

After sometime I saw Vikram coming, I ran to him and hugged crying 

He hugged me back

"I was scared hearing gunshots" I said 

"Take them, I will join you" he ordered

What is he talking?I released him from hug

I saw few men taking two men in handcuffs.

"Yes sir" they saluted and left

So he is here to catch criminals. He doesn't know I'm coming to Chandigarh, he was very busy. I didn't even see him at dining table.

Now that I think, I never saw Shalini with Vikram. Maybe they really don't know each other. Not even once he mentioned Shalini 

"I'm sorry.... I ...." 

"It's ok, I really don't know her. Who is she?" He asked calmly 

"Why don't you ask your friend? She is his sister after all. I'm wrong now but anyone would think like me after everything happened" I said angrily

"Do you think I would hurt you now?" He asked 

I nodded

His eyes showed hurt

His phone rang

"I'm coming" he said 

"I have to go. Go to your room safely with Mahesh" he said 

"I know you were hurt in the past because of me but trust me I would never let anyone hurt you, not even me. This time even blackmail wouldn't work on me" he said leaving 

Blackmail? 

I remembered Vishal telling about Nikki blackmailing Vikram.

Still whatever he did can't be justified. It's not just about me, it's about my baby too.