Better ✓

8. Blackmail

"I kind of predicted that you will not let me off easily. Your ego is bruised because the end results of your revenge were not as you expected. You thought, I would cry my whole life for your love, I would beg for you to let me into your life or that I will go crazy with the insult you threw at my face. But none of the above happened. Now think before you give your decision. If you think that by your excellent 'hacking skills' you can remove these videos and documents then think again because this time I am well prepared", said Riddhima with a smirk while looking at an angry Vansh gazing into his pc.

"So this is what you did in my absence." The pendrive contained videos, in which Ahana was dragging Riddhima into a store room , she was pushed into a car by a masked man, the Pooja that was being held with Riddhima and Vansh doing aarti, the Christmas party in which a bomb was discovered in her slipper, the clip of new year party, the video in which Riddhima was electrocuted by Kabir in the pool. It also contained pdf format of the documents that Kabir had against Aryan to keep him under his leash. Kabir's room was a former store room with not so efficient lock system. He, for some reason has not been here since last night so she took the risk and crushed the lock.

"Yup! Apparently your men in control room of the camera recordings were not aware of your press conference drama and considered me very much sane and as your dear wife , I asked for their little help" , shrugged Riddhima. She was really enjoying Vansh's predicament. What did he think that he will continue to dance her to his tunes? That time is over, she won't let him torment her anymore.

Vansh looked up and stared straight into her eyes, "do you think, this is enough against me?"

"You have power, so maybe you will get out of all the troubles that will be created for you if I submit all these to a police or a NGO. But if I submit this to media." Riddhima clicked her tongue , a ghost of a smile appeared on her face.

Vansh's temper was rising every second. He felt like punching or breaking something. He can never lose.

"Your great ancestral Raisinghania respect would be rotten. You are aware , what a damage it will cause, how will you fight allegations of domestic violence and abuse against your own wife." Riddhima joined her hands in a mocking way, "Come on, sign these papers. If you will do this . These things will forever remain safe with me "

"What if you shared it after I give divorce to you", Vansh was sounding like a helpless person which he didn't like one bit.

"I know what can you do, let's praise you there , this is a deal in return of you getting out of my life forever and this shall remain with me forever," answered Riddhima while sitting on the chair in front of his desk.

"I will sign this, then."

"When?", asked Riddhima. "Tomorrow is your last day", she declared and left the room plucking out her pendrive from his pc.

***

Ahana opened the box and admired her beautiful gold ring. She lifted the silver cloth under it and took out the tiny bottle. "I don't know if Riddhima is going to be present at tomorrow's party or not but I have to somehow get her to consume this. She doesn't eat anything at VR mansion, that can be my only chance . Tomorrow will mark the end of her era at VR mansion and Vansh's life," thought Ahana.

"Really! That was his expression. You rocked it girl ", Sejal was on video call with Riddhima.

"Don't be extra happy Sejal until I get successful in this", said Riddhima.

"Okay, I won't be , Tomorrow you will be free", said Sejal.

"Yeah, now, good night, I have to study till midnight, you are eating my time."

Sejal flared her nose , "Good night bookworm".

***

Dadi was performing Hanuman chalisa in chanting room. She was feeling restless and was unable to sleep. The happenings from last few weeks kept rewinding in her mind. She again and again asked herself, did she judge Riddhima wrong? What was her true face , the one which she happily accepted as her grand daughter in law or the one she is witnessing daily where she doesn't pay a heed to anyone around her. Whenever, she happens to meet her , she looks straight into her eyes as if accusing her and then with a stoic face she ignores her. Once when she tried to initiate a conversation, Riddhima bluntly ignored her. Was it all a facade that now she was insulting her with her attitude? She couldn't really understand. Vansh just made her listen the audio on Siya's phone and the rest of the story was filled into her by Ishani and Aryan. She contemplated on accepting Ahana as her daughter in law but she was like a copy of Ishani in her attitude. Her body language clearly indicated how much she was respected by her. Dadi sighed and switched off the lamp light.

"Mishra, find out Sejal's location , that is the only way I can get to Riddhima. I need her for this," barked Kabir. Tomorrow, he will devise a new plan with Riddhima. The party will be end of Raisinghania's. They both were wronged by them, he will make sure to avenge them ........