PAYBACK TIME

C H A P T E R - 14

''Thanks Aryan.''Prachi said.

''No mentions, let us help you to take him to the car.''Aryan said nudging Ranbir who seemed to be in a trance.

''Yeah.''He said. Prachi was about to deny the offer but pondered over the thought for a few seconds and then decided the opposite.

''Sure.''She replied curtly. Her voice crisp and firm. She felt weak seeing Ranbir but she will never show it to him. She would never let herself down. She would show him that she is better off without him.

Aryan slouched down and lifted Vihaan. He took one arm of of Vihaan and circled it around his shoulder balancing him.

''Arrey, why are you staring? Come and hold his other arm.''Aryan said looking at Shahana. She leaped forward and balanced Vihaan's other arm.

''Lead the way.''He muttered and glanced at Ranbir mouthing an 'All the Best'.

Prachi turned on her heels to follow them. But Ranbir's voice stopped her.

''Prachi! We need to talk.''He exclaimed. His voice sounded so desperate.

She turned around to face him. ''What is it?''She asked her voice harsher.

''About Us.''He said.

''There is no Us.''She stated.

''What do you mean by there is no us? You suddenly disappear and then reappear after a whole fucking month that too in a rich guy's party. What's going on? You're the one whose being distant. But you act as though I have done something wrong.''He ranted.

Prachi's fisted her hands at the side. Her expression was hard. The eyes which Ranbir had admired now appeared distant to him. ''You don't know what you did?.''She said which sounded more like a question.

Ranbir was taken aback by her harsh tone. ''I-I really don't know. ''He pondered over that question and thought for a million times. What had he done wrong?

''Before me did you love someone?''Prachi asked.

''What No?! You are my first and last love Prachi.''Ranbir said. If Prachi didn't know the truth about Ranbir she would have melted upon hearing his confession.

''Liar! You're a cheap bloody liar. How could you? You betrayed my faith. I don't even know how I trusted you.''Prachi said with gritted teeth. Her eyes were bloodshot red and Ranbir could feel the anger in her. He realised she was indeed very angry with him. But he didn't know what's the reason.

''I swear. I had a few crushes but you're my first love.''He said.

''So, you wanted to fake a relationship with me for your crush huh?''She asked with gritted teeth. Ranbir didn't understand her words.

''What-''He was cut off by Prachi's mobile.

''Hello.''Prachi answered.

''Yeah, I'm coming.''She responded and disconnected the call. She took a deep breath.

''Aryan is waiting for you.''She said and with that she strode away leaving him confused.

~ Ranbir Kohli ~

I was confused was an understatement. Her words kept ringing in my mind.

So, you faked a relationship with me for your crush huh?

What did she mean by that? It doesn't even make sense. I walked out the club with a heavy heart. I saw Aryan leaning against my Mahindra XUV700.

''Did you talk?''He asked.

''Yeah.''I replied getting inside the car. I sat in the passenger's seat. I was in no mood to drive. He too got inside and grabbed the key from me.

''I guess it didn't go well. Your face tells it.''He said starting the car.

''We didn't even talk properly. She was very angry at me.''I began and narrated everything to him.

''Ranbir are you hiding anything from me?''He asked after a few minutes.

''Why would you think so?''I asked.

''Initially you liked Rhea before Prachi right''He stated and I know where this is going. Suddenly it clicked. Prachi was talking about Rhea. Now I realised what's the matter.

''I got it.''I said. Aryan looked at me as if expecting me to explain.

''The only thing I ever hid from you is this one.''I said.

''I told you I didn't get an opportunity to Propose Rhea on my birthday. ''I spoke choosing my words carefully. My actions on that day was very worse and I want to go back and change my decision but it's too late now.

''Yes, after a few days you realised that you love Prachi . So I thought Rhea was just an infatuation.''Aryan said.

''But I had proposed Rhea that day.''I said.

''What?!''Aryan exclaimed in shock. It took him a few seconds to calm down.

''I don't like where it is going.''He muttered.

''When I proposed her. She told me that she'll accept to be my girlfriend I agree to her condition.''I said.

''And that condition was getting Prachi to love you.''He completed for me.

''I didn't expect Rhea to stoop too low. How can she do this to another person.''He said frustrated.

''Her plan was after Prachi falls for me I will break her heart. She wanted revenge.''I said. The car came to a halt infront of MK Mansion. We both got down and walked towards their house.

Aryan paused for a bit and spoke, ''So Rhea lied to Prachi that you accepted to that condition. But how did Prachi believe it. I think Rhea showed some fake evidence. Don't worry bro, we'll find out what's the fake evidence and prove to Prachi that you are not wrong. I know you will never do that to a girl.'' Words got stuck in my throat. I couldn't utter a single word to him.

I know I should tell him the truth that I accepted to Rhea's condition. But I don't have the courage to accept my bad deed. Instead of telling the truth I nodded and we walked inside. The door was wide open. I could clearly hear Alia aunty's loud shouting from her room. She's probably talking with some lawyer. Even my father looked stressed. Rhea was no where around and I was thankful for that.

I slowly tip toed to my mother and whispered, ''Any good news?'' I asked. I really felt guilty. I should be helping my dad to find a lawyer for Chief. ''No, the situation has gotten worse. The company's name is tarnished after Abhi's arrest. In almost every news channel Abhi's arrest is going on. Most of the lawyers don't want to take the case as the complaint was given by Abhijeet Taneja.''She said.

''What about our Lawyer Mr.Rayudu?''I asked.

''Alia is talking to him.''She said. I hope we'll get a good lawyer soon.

Author's Note:-

Hi buddies! What's up? I hope you all are fine and happy. So here's my next update. If you enjoyed reading the chapter then don't forget to press the star button at the bottom. Leave lots of comments. Your comments make my day better.

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And an important question. In the last update many of you have commented that you don't want Pranbir. So here's the question - Pranbir or No Pranbir? Leave your comments so that I'll know what you think.

Thanks for reading. Bubye👋👋👋

- Chloe 💙