It's how you see

Chapter 4

Rajeev Kothari was a 60-year-old man, he stood at the head of the conference table facing everyone. Soon a man in his late 20's entered the room, who was filled with arrogance, and his carelessness clearly evident on his face, it was none other than Tanav. He recklessly entered the room and seated himself in a chair distant from everyone, he was followed in by his lawyer. Tanav was engrossed in his phone, it was clear that he was insulting the respectable man in his own office, no one opened their mouths. Fed up with his behavior Tanav's lawyer requested him to pay attention to Mr. Kothari.

Tanav never properly met Adira's parents nor her family before. Vikram was fuming at the mere presence of Tanav, but he had to restrain himself for his wife who wanted to avoid all kinds of complications and was traumatized by the news of her daughter possibly being dead. On the other hand, Tanav's presence repulsed Rakshitha and Laya too, but he remained unaffected. Rajeev cleared his throat and initiated the talk, "hello everyone, first of all I Wish to convey my deepest condolences to Adira's family, she was a very strong girl. It's a relief that her death is not confirmed yet. But as per her testimony, we requested your presence to read a part of her Will that she wanted to be revealed in case of her disappearance for more than 2 weeks. Since it has already been 3 weeks after her disappearance, we can now access a part of her will." he said and took out a few documents from the brown file, and began reading the documents, "Ms. Adira Srivastav D/o Vikram Srivastav is making this testimony in complete consciousness. In case of my disappearance for more than 2 weeks I would like my Mother Shanti Vikram Srivastav to take over 60% of my shares in my companies and be recognized as a board member of the company. Laya Ayushmaan Suryavanshi W/o Ayushmaan Suryavanshi will oversee 5% of the shares, and the remaining 5% will be taken care by Rakshitha Srinivas D/o Sanjay Srinivas, until my possible return. My partner Mr. Tanav Khanna S/o Amith Khanna is denied any kind of control or responsibility to the 70% shares i own." the attorney read.

"What the hell!" yelled Tanav, he instantly stood up from his chair. Tanav smashed a water glass on the table, attracting everyone's attention. Tanav's reaction seemed to be expected by the attorney, he remained quiet, he then softly said "Control yourself Mr. Khanna, I'm afraid your ex-wife is not here to use her influence and save you.". This statement pushed Tanav's temper beyond control. Tanav had to battle with his building rage, but he knew what Rajeev said was the bare truth.

Maybe for her reputation, or hidden motives, Adira always protected Tanav, while Sira needed his cover, both Tanav and Sira lived securely because Adira was watching out. All this while Laya, Shanti, Vikram and Rakshitha were still in shock.

"That bitch has no idea what she has done!" Tanav said, through gritted teeth, Vikram then smacked Tanav who fell to the ground. Vikram lost his control, "You moron! Don't you forget that she is my daughter." Vikram yelled, he then turned to his wife "this disgusting creature never deserved my kid, but she never listened to me." he said and walked out of the room. Soon Tanav walked out of the room along with his lawyer, Rakshitha and Laya too got up from their chairs to leave, but the attorney asked them to hold off since he had more information for them. Rakshitha and Laya exchange perplexed looks as the attorney pulls out two sets of stapled papers.

He handed those sets one each to Laya and Rakshitha, "the specifics of the 10% share that she guardianed you both are included in this paperwork. Look at the accounts and details." he said sitting on his chair, "they are just duplicates, you can take them with you" he informed, as Laya and Rakshitha examined the documents. They walked out of the room with the documents.

After leaving the office, Rakshitha and Laya made their way to the parking lot.

Laya got to know that the cab she booked got canceled, listening to which Rakshitha offered her a ride. They decided to go to a cafe first, which was located near Rakshitha's workplace. Ishaan and Swetha who were already waiting for Rakshitha there, met Laya at the cafe. They all sat at a corner table, "so, tell me what the status of the case." Laya asked as they placed their order for coffees. Since we have access to her accounts, I believe our investigation will go more smoothly." Rakshitha disclosed. Ishaan asked in a perplexed tone, "Access to Adira's accounts?" Ishaan asked, "Yes Ishaan, Adira made us the guardians for 10% of her stake." Rakshitha informed.

Swetha and Ishaan exchanged shocked glances, and Laya got lost in her thoughts. "What happened?" Swetha asked, "I don't understand why she gave us a share. If you see the documents, she mentioned you as Ms. Srinivas, and she drafted that testimony 2 months ago." Laya said, Rakshitha understood what she was trying to convey, Swetha and Ishaan were clueless, "Well, before Adira left, I was engaged to Madhav, who was my parents' choice, our marriage was scheduled to happen 2 months after Adira's marriage, and as you all know she just left, and we never got to contact her after that. It was as if she vanished from our lives." Rakshitha said.

They all became deeply contemplative. Ishaan then spoke breaking the silence at their table "it's quite simple, she always kept an eye on you all. Maybe you were right Rakshitha, she is the Adira you both knew all that while." he said. A smile appeared on Rakshitha's face. But Laya seemed upset, "I was right Laya, she was our friend and will remain our friend." Rakshitha said looking at Laya who started glaring at Rakshitha, "stop it Raksha, stop talking like a fool. She is not the same person anymore. Our friend was generous and understanding. She was nothing like her present self, a ruthless, stone-hearted, businesswoman." Laya said and stood up. She then marched towards the glass door to leave the cafe.

Laya was sobbing, her sadness and emotions were overpowering her rage. Swetha then dropped Laya at her residence. Ishaan worriedly approached Rakshitha "what is it Rakshitha?" He asked, "Me and Laya always had this argument ever since Adira left all of us and married Tanav." she said, holding her tears back. Ishaan tried to calm her down, but it didn't work well, as Rakshitha wasn't calming down. Swetha returned to their office after dropping Laya at her place. "We got all the required permissions to proceed with our interrogation, DM sir said we can proceed officially as he too can sense some conspiracy in this case." Rakshitha informed Ishaan and Swetha after regaining her composure.

Aadir suddenly walked in clapping his hands to gain their attention, "I don't get your obsession with Adira, I'm aware that she was your best friend, but then you should understand how characterless she became. She married a worthless man for money, she is the reason for someone's break up. She deserves to die. Such a bitch she was." Aadir commented, Rakshitha gave him a tight slap which left its marks across his face. Ishaan and Swetha were surprised by Rakshitha's reaction but then that didn't stop them from glaring at Aadhir for his remark on Adira.

Aadir was mad at Rakshitha because of her attitude towards him. Ishaan intervened between Aadir and Rakshitha as Aadir approached her while frowning aggressively. This angered Aadir even more, "back off Ishaan!" he yelled. Ishaan remained rooted to his position. Ishaan seemed physically weaker than Aadir who had a well-built body, yet Ishaan was unwilling to retreat. If they fought, it was obvious that Aadir would win, but that didn't scare Ishaan, "SIR! This is office, we respect women here, whether they are accused or victims, and of course including our co-workers irrespective of their designation in this workspace." Ishaan said in a dominant voice, Rakshitha was surprised, she never knew Ishaan could be dominant, his simple and tenderness was not visible anymore. Rakshitha was getting attracted to him even more. Aadir was losing control of his anger, "BACK OFF ISHAAN! This is something deeply private between me and my future bride." Aadir said, everyone was shocked at Aadir's revelation. "Not anymore Mr. Verma. I'm calling our engagement off. You were never the right person for me." Rakshitha said while throwing her engagement ring at Aadir's face and left. Ishaan and Swetha were speechless, while Aadir was in a state of shock, they noticed Maya standing at the door, Aadir was beyond worried, by her expression he could understand she witnessed the entire scene that just took place. Maya was glaring at Aadhir "How could you Aadhir?" she cried with both anger and pain, she was heartbroken. She left the room without waiting for his explanation. Aadir couldn't handle his frustration anymore and threw a glass vase at the wall.