Rajas : Passion Unveiled

Chapter 32

Ishani's POV

Humans are unpredictable. They say one thing and then behave the exact opposite. Just like my father. Which is why I am currently standing outside my parents' house. Its been two days after the incident in the maze. I have been drowning in work , which I consider to be a good thing , so now that I don't have to think about 'other things'.

I met with Shreya the next morning and I told her everything. She, of course being the over caring best friend that she is, heavily reprimanded me on my actions. Either way , all of that nuisance was now over or so I had felt until my dear father had called and asked, sorry demanded , my presence immediately.

I took a breath as I rang the doorbell. Hurried footsteps were heard and the door swings open revealing my beautiful mother whose face was marred by a nervous look. Strange, I think. But again given the person she shares her residence with, I sigh as I shake off the thought and enter. We enter the living room and I find father sitting on the sofa with a drink in his hand.

Oh hell. That is NOT a good combination. And now I realize the reason behind my mother's nervousness. I spot an empty bottle discarded beside the table at the centre as I take a seat. He merely just stares at the TV while my mother brings me some water.

Why has he called me? What does he want now? I think as I drink the water to soothe my parched throat. Was it dry due to dehydration or anxiety? I hoped the former.

The TV shuts off as I keep the empty glass on the table. Father throws a file before me. He still hasn't looked at me. I glance at it in confusion but pick it up. I open it and scan the first page-

No. don't tell me he is-

I take a deep breath before I speak as calmly as possible, "You do realise that this project was shut off for a reason right?" I say. He stares at the drink in his hand as he speaks, "I am well aware of it , thanks to you" he says , the bitterness evident in his tone. "Then why are you restarting it?" I ask "that too after so many years?". He closes his eyes in frustration as he downs the drink. The glass lands on the table with a loud clink and my mother flinches while I stiffen. I inhale and exhale slowly. Calm, you have to be calm, I remind myself.

"The project will yield a lot of money. And it won't fail this time because I have taken the necessary... precautions" he says stiffly. "Agar aapne sab decide kar hi liya hain toh mujhe kyu bulaya hain?" I ask. He motions for me to read futher. I contain my frustration as I scan through the pages. Everything seems normal-

My grip on the file tightens as I see the name on the page. At the top of the list of investors, in bold letters is the name Trilok Ranawat. I see father smirk noticing my hands.

"No" I seethe "You are not involving him in this. These people are good people. Don't you dare trick them" I snap , the leash on my anger getting loose by the second. "Who said anything about tricking" he says with a smug look on his face "He read the contract , he liked the idea and so he signed it off. Like I said this won't fail because I have taken the necessary precautions-"

"Necessary precaution?!" I say, my voice pitching higher with my temper as I slam the file on the table. "You damn near committed fraud the last time!! Do you realize how much trouble you would bring by restarting this?!!"

"Lower your voice while talking to me" he shouts and stands and so do I.

"No I won't" I yell. "You" I seethe "You do whatever the fuck you want but don't you dare drag that family into this mess". I say pointing my finer at him.

"This is none of your business. You are not to interfere in my business or have you forgotten?" he shouts his voice hoarse and his words slurring. He reeks of alcohol and the smell combined with his presence makes me nauseous.