Page 10 of Forbidden

“What’s wrong? What did he do now?” I ask.

“He must have bribed Advani who has the papers of this mansion and now Advani wants us to clear the debt in one week. If we don’t, he will sell it off to someone who is interested.”

“WHAT?” I yell. “Is this some kind of joke? He can’t sell the mansion just like that. You had a contract, didn’t you?”

Daadi sighs in disappointment.

“Mohit didn’t check the contract terms properly. We missed a clause which clearly states that Advani can sell the property to whoever and whenever he wishes before we settle off the debts.”

“God.”

I don’t know what to say. How can Mohit be that reckless? First, investing in a failed project and now missing such an important clause in the mansion mortgage papers?

“Your wedding is in three days, and all this is happening now? We have no time to arrange that much funds and get the property back.”

I am speechless, but Daadi is right. It is Aarav doing all this. He wants their destruction, and he is ready to stoop to the lowest level. But I will not lose hope.

“Let me make a few calls. I am sure I can liquidate some of my funds. Let me speak to my lawyer and team.”

Daadi grabs my arm.

“I don’t want you to do that, Jhanvi. We cannot take your money.”

“Please Daadi.” I press my hand over hers. “It’s high time you stop saying that. This is my family, my house too and I want to contribute.”

She understands my point, and considering there is hardly any other way out, Daadi agrees. She informs Mohit about it, who is again annoyed that all the emergencies were coming up at the same time, so close to our marriage date. We mutually decide to push the wedding by a few weeks. That’s the only way to buy some time to settle these issues before we tie a knot. Though disheartened, Mohit promises to land in a day in Mumbai and handle the things here. I have to agree, but I have no time to ponder over the postponed marriage. I need to arrange the funds for saving this mansion first.

I dial my lawyers to check how much funds I can liquidate from whatever Dad had saved for me and how quickly. Despite all the attempts, we could collate only 30% of the debt amount. It’s not enough.

Daadi calls friends and relatives, informing them about the postponed wedding. She gives a business emergency excuse, and people actually believe it considering Mohit is still in Dubai.

That night, I sleep with thoughts of Aarav Raichand screwing my head again. Ever since I have returned, he has haunted all my dreams, smiles and fears. I don’t have a good feeling about this, but if he ever tries to touch my family, I will not take it lightly.

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

Next Morning

I get a message from my best friend, Jaya Parekh’s assistant, that Jaya had boarded the flight yesterday to Mumbai, which should land in Mumbai in a few hours. In all this mess, I forgot to inform Jaya about my postponed wedding.

I quickly send a car and driver to pick her up from the airport based on the flight details shared by her assistant.

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

It's been two hours since the flight landed, and the driver tells me Jaya never made it to the arrivals. That’s strange. I dial her number, but even that is switched off. I can’t believe Jaya’s phone went off like this. It never happened before. Daadi has gone to meet Advani and take some more time to settle off the debts. Mohit is still in Dubai, and I got his message this morning stating he cannot return for a few days. I don’t like this a bit. I am so upset with everything that has been happening ever since I am here, and hence want my bestie, Jaya, around me. With her next to me, I could at least have another support. But where is she?

I keep dialing Jaya’s number, a bit worried for her safety when finally, I get her call. Thank Goodness.

“Hello, Jaya? Where the hell are you? I am worried,” I shout the moment I answer the call.

“Hey, Jaan.”

That voice scares me.

“Aarav?” I gasp.

What is Aarav doing on Jaya’s phone? My nerves tingle thinking about the possibilities.

“Where is Jaya?”

---