Against All Odds

Chapter 19

Author's POV

" So you finally decided to join the family business? "

Came a very polished woman's voice from the other side of the phone. Even the voice was enough to convey the position and the pride the woman held.

Shikhar's grip on his cell tightened. He was already frustrated. Like always, her timing was perfect to send him off the edge. He closed his eyes imagining Ashu's face. It did help reduce some of his frustration and help him format a reply without cursing.

" Wow! Straight to the point. No wonder you are a great business woman. Well, how can I forget my manners which my brother taught me? How are you Mother? To what do I owe this pleasure of your invaluable time? "

Shikhar's voice was laced with sarcasm. If not for the manners inculcated in him, he would have lashed out showing the woman on the other side that she meant nothing to him. It has been five years he had last seen her. That too was only for a second as she brushed pass him, just nodding her head which showed that she had noticed his presence, while talking on phone.

" I knew it, no one can possibly make a living out of cleaning others dirty teeth. Reputed people like us do not clean others dirt. We need to maintain our standard."

Every word from her mouth was like a bow laced with poison which was piercing his heart. Why can't she be happy with whatever choice he makes. And till when is she going to prefer their reputation more than happiness of her own sons.

" My practice is doing very well mother. I have no intention of joining the business which does nothing but leave no time for family."

Shikhar was quick to reply. He wanted to clear his position as fast as possible. He was never interested in their business and never will be.

" I thought you would have come to your senses by now. Anyways, I wasn't expecting much from you. But do go and knock some sense in your brother. Tell him to throw that down market girl out. If she wants more money tell her we aren't going to give any. "

It took some time for Shikhar to register what his mother was trying to say.

First of all, how did she know he was even here? No one recognizes him except for Shaurya and his secretary.

Secretary! That bas*****. It had to be him. No wonder Shaurya uses him like a punching bag.

His mother is definitely a piece of work. She doesn't even leave the son who did nothing but fulfilled all their wishes.

Shikhar was silent, processing every word of his mother carefully. He knew how good she was at trapping people in her words.

" Do you know Niyati? What do you mean by more money? "

Shikhar didn't want to sound desperate while asking the question, so he asked as calmly as possible. However he was anything but calm. He wanted answers. How the hell did his mother know Niyati?

Why was his mother calling him he wondered. She could have called Shaurya and asked him to get rid of Niyati instead of asking him. Something was fishy.

" How can I ever forget her? Your brother wanted to marry that thrash. All she wanted was his money. So I paid her off and got rid of her. I should have guessed she would come back for more. We are nothing but ATM for these middle class piece of crap."

In normal course Shikhar would have given his mother hell for using such words for Niyati. She was like his own sister. But his mother's words had knocked the air out of him. For a second he forgot to breath.

Shaurya wanted to marry Niyati?

" When was this? I mean when did this happen? How come I have no idea about this?"