Page 65 of The Maze

I quickly say goodbye to Simran and rush to see what’s going on.

Vishnu, Aksh bhai and my father are engaged in a heated argument in the living room. The expressions reveal they are arguing about something important. I’m taken aback, wondering what’s happening now.

“Dad, what’s going on here?” I interject, trying to diffuse the tension.

Aksh bhai’s face softens as he sees me. “It’s nothing, Meher. Just a minor disagreement.”

Dad growls at him. “Minor disagreement? It’s the question of my daughter’s life.”

“And it’s also a question about your political career right now,” Vishnu interrupts.

I’ve never seen Vishnu arguing with Dad. And it’s not rocket science for me to realise they are discussing Ayaan’s marriage deal.

“Sir, you need to understand the gravity of this situation,” Vishnu insists, his voice earnest. “Ayaan’s proposal presents a chance to mitigate any negative impact on your political career. It’s a golden opportunity to regain the trust of your people and political allies, allowing you to contest and win the upcoming elections. You can’t afford to let this slip away.”

Dad looks sceptical, not convinced by his words.

“You do know what happened today at the party office. How can you ignore that?” Vishnu presses on, clearly trying to make Dad see the urgency of the situation.

My curiosity gets the better of me, and I can’t help but interrupt. “What happened today?” I inquire, eager to know about the incident that Vishnu just voiced.

“Today, some rabble-rouser set fire to the banners and hoardings we had put up at your father’s party office gate for his upcoming elections,” Vishnu informs, his tone tense. “I don’t know how, but they seem to have found out about his car’s involvement in Kailash Shergill’s accident. Thankfully, they didn’t storm the party office today, but you don’t know what tomorrow might bring?”

The shocking revelation leaves me speechless. The situation seems to be spiralling out of control, and I can’t help but worry about the consequences.

Dad, however, remains composed and unyielding.

“Nothing will happen tomorrow, and even if it does, we’ve dealt with such situations before,” he counters, his voice filled with determination.

I see the clash of perspectives between Vishnu, who’s concerned about the immediate threats, and Dad, who’s confident in his ability to handle crises.

“This is an unprecedented situation, Sir. The media is relentlessly pursuing the Shergills for a statement regarding your alleged involvement in the accident. The public sentiment is in their favour, and whatever they say will be taken at face value. We need their support now more than ever. Ayaan Shergill himself has come forward to offer it, and though his proposal to marry Meher may not seem justified, we cannot overlook the chance to redeem your image in the eyes of the people before the elections. Think about this carefully,” Vishnu stresses, trying to make Dad see the importance of the opportunity before us.

“What’s the guarantee he will stick by his words? No matter what, my reputation is at stake. I cannot take the risk of letting him be a part of my daughter’s life,” Dad argues.

“But he already is a part of her life,” Aksh bhai interrupts this time. “Meher loves Ayaan. There’s no stopping her from marrying him if that is what she wants. It’s better to support her decision rather than create more obstacles.”

“Huh! Aksh, it would be better if you don’t speak at all. I can’t believe you are still taking Ayaan’s side despite him fooling you.”

“I’m not taking anybody’s side. Nor do I have any sympathy for Ayaan Shergill. I just care for Meher. I regret whatever I did to her in Dalhousie. She did not deserve that. And now, as her brother, I just want to support her in whatever she decides.”

“Support her?” Dad scoffs. “Look at your own life first. In a matter of days, you’ll be expelled from the party. In fact, you should support my decision not to agree to Ayaan’s deal. Because if I do, my political career will soar again, which is something you never wanted. You’ve always wished for my downfall, and now is the time for you to rejoice as my political career plummets before your eyes. Enjoy the spectacle while it lasts!”

“Our equation is different,” Aksh bhai retorts, clenching his jaw.

The guilt in his expression suggests he regrets his actions in the name of vengeance against Dad. But it’s too early to pass judgment on him.

“Now it’s about Meher,” Aksh bhai continues. “Her heart is on the line. I couldn’t support her before, but this time, I’m standing by her side, whether you approve of it or not.”

“I approve of it or not?” Dad mocks with an angry tone. “When did I ever matter to you? You were never on my side, Aksh.” Dad fires back.

I step in between them, feeling like a referee in a wrestling match. “Okay, okay, calm down, both of you. And Dad, if you get this hyper, it will affect your health again. Please, let’s just wrap up this discussion.”

“I’m alright,” Dad replies, dismissing my concern. “Let them speak, Meher. I’m curious to witness the sudden transformation in these two. The brotherly side of Aksh has suddenly emerged, and I never expected Vishnu to oppose my decision. He used to obey my every command without question. So, let them speak. I want to hear it all.”

“I’m not against you, Sir,” Vishnu quickly clarifies. “I’m just trying to protect what you’ve accomplished so far. Though I am not fond of Ayaan Shergill, we must acknowledge that he has saved Meher’s life multiple times. I believe he will continue to be a protective shield around her. As a father, wouldn’t you want the same for her?”

Dad sighs, clearly torn between his ego and his concern for me. “You think I should just forget all that the Shergills have done against me so far and give in to this proposal?”

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