Page 96 of One Hellish Passion

“I hope this is not about us coming here without your knowledge,” Dev Malik muttered. “It was your girlfriend who insisted we come here today.”

“Ranveer,” Kunal interrupted, “What is all this about?”

“I have just one question for you two,” Ranveer snapped. Dev and Kunal Malik looked at each other confused, then back to Ranveer. “And I want to know the truth,” he added.

“What truth?” Dev spat.

“Do you have any hand in Maya's accident?”

Kunal Malik rolled his eyes while Dev Malik was still shocked that Ranveer could suspect them.

“You think we are murderers? Why would we harm her?” Kunal angrily blurted.

“Yes or no,” Ranveer asked again in the same tone.

“No,” Dev shouted back. “You won't take us as your family which is fine, but don't suspect us for something so cruel.”

Ranveer narrowed his gaze at them.

“Fine. I hope this is true. Because whoever has done this, is soon going to be behind bars.”

Kunal fisted his fingers.

“This is ridiculous, you call us in your house and then insult us like this.”

“Kunal, quiet,” Dev patted his arm. “Try to see this from Ranveer's point of view. Someone tried to harm his girl. He will obviously react this way. Such a thing has never happened before when he dated other women.”

“Maya is not any other women in my life,” Ranveer scowled. “And I want everyone related to me, to take this seriously too.”

Dev Malik sighed while Kunal Malik was still furious.

Dhruv knocked on the door and stepped inside, “Please don't fight,” he insisted. “It's such an auspicious moment for all of us. And at least think about the Bajaj family and their guest.”

Dev Malik neatened his suit again.

“One last thing,” Ranveer interrupted. “Maya's mother doesn't need to know that was a planned accident.”

Kunal frowned while Dev Malik nodded dismissively and walked out.

Dhruv reached Ranveer.

“Bro, I know you don't like Dad and Kunal but we are still a family. We need to stay together in times of happiness and need. Maa would want that too, don't you think?”

Ranveer swallowed the ache in his throat.

“Let's go out. Come,” he walked to the door and Dhruv followed him.

********************

Maya busied herself tidying up the prayer area, lost in thought. Dhruv approached and gently stopped her restless hands.

“You don't have to do all this Maya,” he said. “And you're forgetting something.”

Maya's dark brow furrowed in confusion. Dhruv chuckled and picked up the bowl of prasad. Understanding dawned on Maya's delicate features.

“You didn't serve Bro yet,” Dhruv continued, nudging Ranveer towards her.

Maya hesitantly scooped up some of the sweet offering. But before she could drop it into Ranveer's expecting palm, Dhruv interrupted again.

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