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“Fine. Let me fetch your phone.”
************
Maya stood outside the apartment, waiting for Ranveer Malhotra to follow her. The moment he came out, she closed the door from outside, ensuring her mother or Pammi couldn't see or hear them. Ranveer kept a keen eye on her actions.
“You like complicating things, don’t you?” she scowled. “I exactly know why you are here. And if you think you can blackmail me using my mother’s health, then—”
Before she could continue scolding him, he placed his palm over her lips and pinned her to the door. Her breathing roughened. She struggled to set free, gripping his hand that had shut her mouth, but he didn’t budge from his action.
“You still have to apologize to me, Maya Bajaj. For whatever you said to me in the hospital. So, the next time you open your mouth is going to be for an apology.”
Maya was stunned by his audacity. She used all her strength to shrug his arm.
“You are quite strong,” he said, dumbfounded by her energy. “Just stay away from us, especially my mother,” she warned.
“You said and I heard,” he snapped. “I don’t like to take orders, Maya Bajaj, but I am very fond of giving you some. I have all the reports of your mother, I am aware of her self-harm nature. The sessions you have started for her with Dr. Rishikesh, I am aware of them too. It is going to cost you a fortune to get her treated, unless you do exactly what I tell you.”
Maya swallowed hard. She couldn't believe he could dig so much information about her mother in such a short span. He had the power to spy inside people’s lives and make it terrible.
“I don’t need your help,” she scowled.
“Then get ready to see your mother die,” he threatened. The moment he said this, Maya raised her hand to slap him, but he held her wrist and pinned her arm at her back, drawing her closer.
“Cannot even think of something like that happening, can you? Then why don’t you just let me handle this situation while you do what I want. It’s going to be a deal, Maya Bajaj. No more, no less. You do your part; I will do mine. You get me what I want, I will get your mother treated. No ifs, no buts. I have nothing to lose in this, if you don’t accept, but you? You will lose everything if you deny me this time. I have heard you spent all these years giving your mother a good life, good health. I don’t think you should miss this golden opportunity.”
This piqued her interest. Though he was being intimidating, she felt like giving it one shot, only because it was in her mother’s interest. He kept looking at her, waiting for her approval. She was confused, and it was quite evident she was considering this, though she still had no clue about what he expected from her.
“Fine,” she finally muttered, gazing back into his eyes. “My mother is all that I have. I will do anything for her.”
Ranveer smirked hard. She had fallen into his trap. He let go of her arm and stepped aside.
“But I won’t do anything that is against my dignity. I might be desperate to see my mother well again, but it won’t be at the cost of my self-esteem.”
Ranveer laughed with sarcasm.
“Women like you always talk about self-esteem, but they are the first ones to break it for money and power,” he mocked.
“You've met the wrong women so far then,” she snapped. “And I don’t need to certify you anything. Just tell me what this deal is about. What do you want me to do?”
Ranveer checked his watch.
“I have to be somewhere. You have killed enough of my time today. Will brief you tomorrow.”
Ranveer made his way to the elevator and pressed the call button. He turned around once and noticed her. She was still standing at the door, confused.
“Get some sleep, Maya Bajaj. You look exhausted.”
The elevator doors opened, and he got inside. Before the door closed, he passed her a wink with a lopsided smile. Maya’s palms sweated. What had she done? Accepting any kind of offer from this man could be dangerous. However tempting and necessary his deal sounded; she could not forget one harsh reality. He had the capability to crush her down again. One single mistake from her, and he could turn everything against her in a fraction of a second.
************
The next morning, Maya was all set to resume work. She was glad that her mother was feeling much better and recovering slowly.
“Mom, these are your afternoon medicines. Ritu is coming to look after you. She will remind you of the medicines,” Maya instructed Garima.
“I will take them on time. You leave my tension, Maya. Think about yourself now.”
Maya smiled at her mother’s maturity and kept packing her purse.
