Secrets of the Past (Completed)

5. The beginning

ASR and his wife were welcomed warmly. The grihapravesh ritual went smoothly and Anjali heaved a sigh of relief. Finally her brother was married. Hopefully he would mend his ways and give attention to his wife. But Shyam knew what would happen next.

*******

11th November 2019

The next morning, when the matriarch of the family, Mrs. Devyani Raizada, came down from her room for the morning pooja, she was pleasantly surprised to see her new bahu making everything ready.

A tiny part of her felt guilty for making this girl married to her ruthless grandson, but her heart harbored a small hope that he may mend his lifestyle. His professional front was not a worry. He was the best. But personal life was always shady.

After finishing prayer, she got the breakfast ready and was about to serve the family when a shrill ringtone could be heard. It was an unsaid rule that no phones are allowed during the eating time. Apologizing for the inconvenience, Shyam received the call and he was shocked.

Refusing breakfast and a quick sorry to his wife, he started immediately. He was not able to believe what he heard. Before the family came to know, he has to confirm the facts.

When he reached the spot, there was so much crowd and the police were finding it difficult to go inside the building.

Showing his ID proof, he went in and was shocked to look at the body. So much of cruelness he had never ever seen in his life. After confirming his doubts, he called his wife and ordered her to immediately tell her darling brother to come to the Uday hotel. Not wanting to get into her husband's bad book in the morning itself, Anjali duly informed her brother.

*********

Something was not right. Why would his jijaji call him to that hotel when he was there for his marriage functions just yesterday.

Getting down the vehicle, he got a message regarding the floor and room number. Surprised that that was the same room he was staying, he went there immediately.

ASR was shocked. He didn't expect such a scene. The forensic department was checking each and every inch of the room and the police were investigating the hotel staff. Media was having a field day and no one was able to come out of the brutual murder they had witnessed.

Getting the commissioner on line, Shyam explained the situation and forced Arnav to get home and not come out before he says.

Not having the will to oppose, he reached Raizada mansion. On the way home, he informed his PA Aman to hire a private investigator and would give the details later.

Shyam came home after an hour. He was tired. He still had so much of work but this was important.

Gaining the family's attention, he started speaking

"You all would have come to know about the murder at the Uday hotel where we had Arnav's marriage".

Anjali " but what has that got to do with our family? We had vacated the hotel around 11pm and there is proof right".

Shyam " no Anjali, the point is the body was found in Arnav's room and the doctors are yet to give a post mortem report. The time of death is still a mystery and the body is unrecognizable. The worst thing is that...."

Shyam gulped and was finding it difficult to say it infront of the family.

Anjali patted his shoulder softly and made him sit. " what happened Shyam?"

Shyam whispered " it's Liza's body".

This time it was Nani "Who?"

Anjali knew what that meant. She immediately gestured the maid to take her kids to their play room. She sat near Kushi who was confused with whatever that was happening. Why was everyone so tensed except Nani? What was she missing? Her Dadi had told that Arnav was an angry young man but good at heart. This murder case which they were discussing was giving her a slight fear. What was the truth?

Shyam replied to only to Nani's ears "Liza was Arnav's live in girl friend for the past 3 years".

Nani didn't show her anger. She just gripped the sofa so that she would not lash out at her grandson. She knew where this was going.

Shyam to the others, "Liza is Arnav's company model, the police are investigating. Since it was Arnav's room from where the body was retrieved, he is under house arrest, but only when the report comes, we can further move the case".

**********

The news of the top most model Liza's death had shaken the entire fashion industry. Media people were digging into her history. The only good thing was that no one knew ASR and Liza's affair.

AR Corp legal team and PR were ready if anyone pointed their fingers at them owing to the fact that ASR's marriage was held in the same hotel and the rivals may come up with anything to jeopardize ASR's personal and professional life.

Kushi was sitting in her room thinking about her marriage. She was clueless. She didn't know what to do. Her Dadi had left for her pilgrimage and she was out of range. She had no one to whom she could share her fears.

Flash back- first night