Imposter for hire

Part 22.

Oberoi mansion.
Table.
Raghav and Tej are chatting away...when Svetlana comes to interrupt them.
"Sorry for interrupting you gents....but...do you mind if I borrow Mr Oberoi for a few minutes," Svetlana said.
"No problem...you came at the right time...we are done with our conversation," Raghav replied.
"Thanks for understanding.....Mr Oberoi after you," Svetlana said.
"Be right back," Tej replied.

He and Svetlana walked nearing to the stage.

"Svetlana.... don't you understand...we are in a public place...moreover....it's my eldest son Shivaay's engagement....I have to be there for him," Tej said.

"Relax Tej... you're getting me all wrong....I just came to say everything is a go....you can now address the congregation," Svetlana replied.

"Ooh...for a second...you scared the wits of me....so is everything ready?" Tej asked.

"Indeed my darling...the stage is all yours," Svetlana replied.

Tej went to the stage....with his glass of champagne...he made a toast.

"May I have everyone's attention please....at me," Tej requested... everybody gathered in front to listen to whatever he was going to say.

"Thank you....first and foremost.....I would like to thank you all for coming....at short notice....am sure....you must been busy....but regardless...thank you...as you all know...today is my eldest son Shivaay's engagement ceremony.....with Bani Mehta.... daughter of one of my dearest friends...Raghav Mehta....it's not only an important occasion for him...but me as well....living up to this day...to see my eldest son...tying the knot.... anyways.... enough with the sentimental talk....enjoy yourselves and my hearty congratulations to the new couple in town...you may now proceed to whatever you were doing," Tej said....the crowd gave him the applause and carried on with the party.

Shivaay was looking at his phone....we all know a workaholic he is....despite his day...then Ragini comes.

"Shivaay," Ragini said.

"Ooh Rags....it's you...tell me...is everything going well with the party...are you having challenges?" Shivaay asked concerned.

"Relax Shivaay...all is well.....good wine by the way.... anyways.... Shivaay do you find anything strange about Bani... literally....she's behaving unlike her today...take a look over there....she's mingling with everyone....but as far as I know her...she's more of an introvert..... don't you find that strange?" Ragini asked.

"Give her a break....come on...it's been long since we last saw her.....people open up...once they become adults.... likewise her..... ( Phone rings)....sorry but I have to take this," Shivaay replied.

"Sure...go ahead," Ragini replied...he left.

"There is something fishy going on...it's up to me to find out what it is.... Bani you may fool Shivaay...but not me....I'll find out what it is your up to," Ragini thought.

( Phone starts ringing).

"Grandma may I," Anika requested....she was having a chit chat with Kalyani....who was surprised to see her mingling with her...... because she usually kept off.

She left.

She went outside.

"Mom...any problem at home?" Anika asked apprehensively.
"Why are you always a pessimistic.....I just wanted to thank you....for sending money.....that's all...but don't burden yourself too much.. because you're father and mother...can manage alright Anika?" Pinky replied.
"Noted mom...but still...I'll continue chirping in...once in a while.....and just to be clear you and dad aren't a burden but my strength okay?" Anika replied.
"Alright...but....stop with the emotional talk...anyways.... goodnight...I mean have a good day," Pinky replied.
"Likewise mom bye...pass my greetings to dad," Anika replied disconnecting the call.

She left leaving to join the rest in the party.

Later on....Anika was drinking juice in the open bar alone...Ragini takes advantage of this...goes to her.

"Well...well....Well...look what we have here....Bani Mehta," Ragini said.
"Am sorry...but...I don't remember you....may you please tell me who you are," Anika replied courteously.
"Don't you remember.....Ooh....I remember....the last time we saw each other....I was overweight...but now am am sexy.....but no biggie....see what I did there....let me jog your memory.....the fatest girl in highschool.....Ragini Gupta.....does that ring a bell ?" Ragini explained.
"Ooh...Ragini," Anika replied confusing.... because she never met her before.
"Yes...but I didn't come here for chit chat.....I came here to tell you aren't you tired?" Ragini asked.
"Well yes....but only a matter of hours...then the party will be over," Anika replied.
"Am not referring to that.....am talking about Shivaay.... aren't you tired of giving him hopes...then crushing them at the end....as if it was enough...in middle school...then highschool....now even when we are adults...mature...really Bani.....am sure......you have a conscience...right?" Ragini explained.
"Am sure she must be lying....Bani is one of the nicest women I have met...a bit strict...but regardless....let me show what I can do," Anika thought.
"Well....that matter concerns only me and Shivaay.... nobody else....as they say...three is a crowd....I hope you try and understand...now if you excuse me...I'll take my leave," Anika replied....she left...smiling as she is victorious.
Ragini was pissed off.....she orders the waiter....one shot...and drinks it all in one go.
"Bani...now am very convinced that...you are definitely hiding something.... because....how can someone.. just out of the blue....fall in love...I'll have to find out...your secret...in order to save Shivaay from your clutches...then he can finally realize that..am the best option for him," Ragini thought...smiling manically.

Thanks for reading.
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End of the chapter.
#Imposter for hire.