Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter- 15

"According to the reports, the man is a stalker. Is that correct?" he questioned loudly, making everyone around him gasped.

Priya starred directly at Ram, who smiled conveying her that he was okay with whatever she replied. It was him assuring her that he won't hold it against her and will be by her side, always.

As Ram started to leave to take the pressure off, he heard her voice saying "The man is not a stalker, we are in a relationship" Ram froze and turned back to look at her in shock, but Priya was already looking right back at him, with a wide smile on her face. 

Ram walked outside the hotel unable to control the delighted grin on his face at the memory of Priya announcing to the press and the world that they were dating. No one knew who the guy was except for the staffs but their loyalty was at hearts as they had kept quiet not to let it out to the reporters. 

Ram had least expected for Priya to go public with their relationship; he knew she had so many responsibilities and she had to be careful around reporters but seeing her do that, made him want her more. It meant she was serious about the relationship, she was serious about Ram. 

"Stop smiling" Anita announced standing behind him. 

He hugged her from the side and crushed her "I am sooooo happy" he said enthusiastically.

"I can see that. Go hug your girlfriend" she separated herself from his hold, and rubbed on her shoulders "and Ram, I am sorry for saying all those things about Priya and your relationship" she seriously stated. 

Ram huffed with a slight smile "So, what do you think about your question now?" he asked. 

"I think she'll have your back as well" they both grinned at each other. "Now stop dreaming and come inside, help us clean up" saying this she dragged her dreamy friend inside the hotel. 

**********

Shipra wasn't thrilled with the turn of events. Once they got back to the Mumbai hotel, she barged inside Priya's office and made her face her forcefully.

"You stupid girl. Why would you do that? God, you must be crazy"

"If that's how it seemed, so be it" Priya announced tiredly, getting back to sorting the papers. Shipra huffed in annoyance and made her daughter face her again "Look at me while I am speaking. I am you mother"

"OH! Are you now?" 

"Priya!" she shouted her name at the top of her voice "Okay, let's just say you went crazy for a moment. Call Mrs. Khaneja right now and apologize. Actually no, you and I should go to her house" she panicked "Let's go and beg her for forgiveness. Tell her that you were out of your mind."

Priya released herself from her mother's hold and stepped back stunned "I'd actually have to be out of my mind to beg her for forgiveness. A normal person can't live such an inhumane life. What wrong did I even commit?" by then Priya had tears rolling down her cheeks. 

Shipra gritted her teeth "I warned you to be a useful child to me--"

"-- that's how I have lived until now. But from now onwards I am going to live my own life, my way and you don't have a say in it"

"Let us see." looking at the confidence in Priya's eyes, she knew she couldn't fight her tonight so she left the room warning her for the last time.  

**********

Back at the hotel in Mumbai, Priya stared out of the window. She was as giddy as Ram, recalling his happily shocked expression after her public confession. She was gald she did that, she left light abd happy and she wasn't scared of anyone anymore.