Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter - 6

THE SCANDAL  Part-1

Priya sat at her office remembering the time of her divorce. When asked about what she wanted as alimony she had simply asked for the hotel which was going to be bankrupt at that time, to which her then mother-in-law Sheila had happily agreed. Also, Sheila had asked her to sign a mortality clause which stated that she had to attend any family events which her mother-in-law summons her to. Also, one being Priya had to maintain her dignity even after divorce, and never behave in a way that would harm the reputation of the company.

While signing and adhering to that clause, she had not thought about issues arising in such a manner. Right after the divorce, her life had come under the limelight, anything she did was the hot topic the next day, she had always ignored the paparazzi and not given much thought about it, until now. Today it was different, it wasn't just her reputation that was in the public eye, her simple need had dragged Ram into it as well.

Sheila got inside Priya's office, which broke her thought. She could already see her ex-mother-in-law fuming. Priya looked at Neha; and understanding what her boss meant, Neha with an apologetic face left the room closing the door behind her.

"What the hell were you thinking? Did you forget about the mortality clause you signed during the divorce or do I have to read it out to you again?" Sheila said sitting in front of Priya.

"Did you mean regarding maintaining my dignity?" Priya asked, just to be sure.

"Yes, you foolish girl. Exactly that- How dare you to get yourself involve in such scandal, with a man? I am trying my best to stay calm but I can't. Do you understand what you've done?" Sheila added.

Priya looked at her with confidence in her eyes "I did not break any rule here ma'am. I was simply having a meal with someone I was indebted to"

"You don't understand do you?" she asked getting annoyed. She took out a file, which had the resume of Ram and some photos. The pictures of Ram with who seemed to be like his mother and father. Priya held her fingers tight, feeling uneasy and very very guilty for dragging Ram into this. Sheila wasn't her mother; she couldn't speak up.

"I never did anything to be ashamed of. I did not do anything to harm anyone's reputation. We - " her words were sharply cut by Sheila who scolded her in a much louder voice now "Priya, the fact that Khaneja's daughter in law got involved in such a scandal is already a thing to be ashamed of. People will be talking about us now"

"I am no longer your family member. There is no reason for you to be this harsh on me, ma'am" Priya replied with tears on her eyes.

Sheila scoffed "You may be divorced but don't think about cutting ties with our family. You are mature enough to understand that it is because of me and my family your father has managed to become who he is today. Now don't act up"

As Sheila stood to leave the room, she looked at Priya "Did you hire him because of his looks? He isn't the most handsome – "she was cut off by Priya.

"You are crossing the line now" Priya was fuming, she held hands tight, sweat forming over her palms.

Sheila moved forward and cupped her face. It wasn't the softest touch "I care about you; you are so much better than that woman my son was dating but I don't want you to act recklessly. "

"Fire him. Or else I'll invoke the clause in the divorce contract and revoke the ownership of your hotel. You do know what power I hold right" saying this she left the room, closing the door loudly after her.

Priya just stood there, staring at the photos of Ram with his parents. Tears rolling down her face.