A Fake Scheme #1

"Why are you both drinking like this when it is my engagement party?" Shrishti asked looking at her two best friends Vikranth and Prathap.

"How can you just marry someone you met recently?" Prathap asked looking at her with drowsy eyes while Vikranth laughed.

"It is not that difficult to marry someone you don't know, Prathap." Vikranth confirmed while taking out his phone and called someone.

Shrishti sighed sitting back but got startled with her phone ringing and found it is her Dad who finally decided to call her after being mad for the past one month.

"I need to leave guys. My Dad wants to meet me. Did you call someone to pick you guys?" she asked looking at Vikranth who gave a nod while still drinking another glass.

She gazed at him one last time before leaving the place while trying to push back the feelings that are trying to come out.

"Are you okay?" Prathap opened his eyes hearing someone's voice and found Vikranth being supported by his wife while another person is shaking him.

"Yeah!" he mumbled shifting and sat properly only to slip.

"Anitha! Help him to the car. We will drop him as his place." Vikranth's wife commented and Prathap found himself being shifted a bit and leaned over someone.

"I will take a cab from here. It is better if you guys leave early. His condition doesn't look good." He felt someone's voice near his face and continued to walk as the person dragging him.

He passed the key when asked about it and walked into his house before reaching the bedroom and fell on his bed.

He never expected he would wake up the next day with someone shouting his name, "Prathap!"

"What is it?" He asked turning a bit and felt someone in his arms.

He opened his eyes to meet his Dad's furious eyes and glanced at his side and found a pair of eyes looking at him in shock. What is going on here?

*Prathap Pov*

Ugh! This is child abuse for sure and maybe I can try to sue him for forcing me to sit here and work on something I am not interested in.

It's been three years and I am already 27 but he is still insisting on me to continue working here. I am 27 for god's sake and I shouldn't be doing all this.

"Sir! You have a meeting scheduled within an hour." I turned my seat to look at my pitiful secretary.

Maybe even he can sue me along with my Dad for forcing him to work for me like this. I sighed glancing at the file he placed near my sight.

"Do you know what important meeting we need to have right this moment?" I asked closing the file to stare at him.

"Prepare on how to deal with the later meeting, Sir." He replied with a confident look but I shook my head losing the hope that he is not made for me.

"No! Prepare the energy to bear with the later meeting." Saying that I stood up and took my coat from the hanger before stepping out of the cabin while he rushed behind me by calling my name.

When we reached my favorite place, I smiled before standing in the queue and he followed my suit.

I waved at the canteen staff before checking out the food while checking which needs to be tested today. They gave their opinion and I finally chose two from the menu before sitting on the corner table.

"Why are you eating in such a rush? Food needs to be enjoyed properly. Do you know how much effort it takes to cook?" I asked frowning at my assistant while he kept on mumbling that we need to prepare for the meeting.

I shook my head and turned a bit only to stiffen when I found my best friend walking towards the canteen which is not a weird thing as he is the Vice-President of this company already at 31.

But the person beside him who seems to be really close to him. I turned towards my assistant before gesturing her and he nodded before explaining everything he knows.

"She is a model who is getting popular with every commercial she is doing but the main gossip is her connection to the Vice-President." He explained and I frowned at him.

"Connection?" I asked not believing it as Vikranth is not someone to be in gossips with any woman in the company atmosphere no matter how much time passed as he is a workaholic and work passes even through his veins. So even his relations are always disconnected from the company completely which showed that those were never serious at all.

"Yes! He is giving her attention for the past month and a few rumors circling the company. As this is the first time to have a rumor from Vice-President, everyone is showing too much attention." He continued and I glanced at the said couple as it doesn't feel normal between them.

That thought caused me to feel the hope that I never felt the moment I fell for Shrishti, my other best friend as she is always thinking about Vikranth and no one else even though we both are of similar age and spent more time together.

Shrishti and I wouldn't have been friends with him if not for our fathers to work under Vikranth's. Talking about my father, I got disturbed with his call which I am sure to remind me of the meeting.

"Learn more about those rumors and the truth behind them." I ordered him before getting up and left the canteen not falling in his sight.

"Why are you not preparing for the meeting?" Dad barked the moment I stepped into my cabin.

"I went to have lunch which you should too. Do you want me to suggest the dishes you may like?" I asked walking leisurely towards my chair.

"Do you have any idea how important this meeting is for your career?" he shouted slamming the file.

"How important? Can you give the key points so that I need not go through this file?" I asked folding my hands and it feels like he just turned into a pressure cooker.

"Look at Vikranth and how much he is walking in his father's steps but look at Shrishti and you. When will you both listen to us?" he asked frowning.

"Uncle is fine with Shrishti's job choice and why can't you learn the same? Vikranth's passion is this work and he is doing it. I want to do the same and I will." I replied not at all in the mood to hear all that.

"What do you mean?" he asked frowning.

"Wait for my resignation letter soon to appear on your table." I replied and he gave a disbelief look.

"And? What will you do? Can you open a restaurant with the funds you have?" he asked scoffing and I fisted my hands.

"Don't worry about me like that, Dad. I already have my plans and now please leave my cabin." I said gesturing the door and he frowned at me but went on his way.

This will be the last month and I can finally leave this place for sure. I know he wants me to walk Vikranth's path but that is just not for me.

Now, what is about that model I just saw? Is he finally serious about a girl? Then Shrishti will give up on him and then I can finally... I took a deep breath to calm my thoughts and decided to wait for a few days to get a clear picture.

****

"They are still roaming around the company together and that's all you can find out?" I asked frowning at him and he nodded looking down.

"She is meeting him nearly every day but they are meeting in his cabin. But we heard she is going to join our GH Entertainment and is going to leave her old one even though there is still time on her contract." He added and I immediately stood up.

"Our company will be paying the penalty fees, right?" I asked and he nodded and I gave him a nod before asking him to leave.

GH Entertainment is still at the starting stage and that too it is Vikranth's idea completely as the board is not completely in tune with the idea but he is already spending money like that just to add a new rising model.

I got startled hearing my ringtone and smiled looking at the caller ID. I lifted the call and my smile slipped hearing her first words.

"Vikranth is not lifting his phone. Is he busy?" I sighed brushing away the disappointment while thinking about the new character that could solve this huge problem between us.

"Why would I know? What is it?" I asked sitting down.

"I finished a major Event yesterday which made me reach my first goal and took rest the whole day. Tomorrow I want to treat you both. Can you inform Vikranth?" she asked and I stiffened hearing those words.

"First Goal?" I asked remembering the meaning behind those words as she said the day she reaches the first goal, she will propose directly to her crush instead of hiding her feelings.

She is stupid to think none of us know whom she likes but they both are stupid to not know my feelings and we don't even think about Vikranth as he always talks about his relationships normally.

"Yes! You remember too? I am confident that it will result in positive as my crush is not in any relationship recently." She chuckled and I closed my eyes.

"I will inform him." I mumbled before cutting the call while staring at my phone in silence for the next hour.

No! She needs to know that this time he is in a serious relationship or is going to be for sure with all the actions he is doing because of that person.

But I need to confirm it first and with that thought, I stepped out of the cabin and ordered my assistant to find the contact details of the model along with her name before leaving the building as I need to make some preparations before submitting my resignation letter tomorrow.

****

"What is the meaning of this, Prathap?" I removed the phone from my ear to not get them damaged with the range he is shouting right now.

"I think I wrote the spelling properly, Dad." I mumbled and he continued to shout but I cut the call when my assistant gestured the person who is just walking out of a small independent house.

I glanced at the message from Shrishti informing the dinner appointment changed to lunch appointment as Vikranth already has plans and she even scolded me for not informing him yesterday but I really forgot and it was not intentional.

"You can go your way. I already resigned and you are no longer working for me." I said gesturing him to leave.

"I actually thought you were planning to damage Vikranth Sir's reputation in front of board members and raise your position with all the spying, Sir." He mumbled frowning at me.

"You watch too many dramas. I am going to ruin his reputation but at some other place." I explained and he sighed before leaving to catch a cab while I stood near my car as she needs to pass the car to go wherever she wants to.

"Excuse me, Ms. Anitha!" I called her as she didn't even glance at me but my voice caused her to shift a bit to look at me and she got startled after realizing that I am standing there.

"Oh!" that's all she said while I smiled at her.

"I am a friend of Mr. Vikranth Guptha." I offered while extending my hand which she took after pausing for a second.

"Is there a change in the appointment? We are meeting for dinner, right?" she asked frowning at me, and that kind of confirmed a bit as he is never the one to cancel our appointments unless it is for company issues.

"Are you close to him?" I asked and she nodded while clearing her throat.

"Yeah! Then... about the appointment..." she trailed off while looking around and I can understand her discomfort.

"You need to join for the lunch appointment instead of the dinner." I explained and she glanced at her watch.

"I will cancel it then. I don't have enough time to get ready." She mumbled but that's nonsense as she is fine as she is now but I can understand her feelings to be perfect near the person she likes.

"It's okay! Everything is ready and you need not worry." I gestured her to get into the car and she did without asking another question.

"You are looking forward to meeting him?" I asked looking at her nervous glances.

"Yeah! This is an important one. But why are you picking me up like this? You are not his assistant, right?" she asked frowning.

"Is it uncomfortable that I am picking you up?" I asked back and she immediately shook her head.

"Do you like... someone, Ms. Anitha?" I asked after a few minutes and she glanced at me with a startled look.

"If it's too personal, you need not answer. But I think it is better if you express to the person you like confidently." I added and she smiled at those words.

"Thanks for that advice, Mr. Prathap." She mumbled and I glanced at her in surprise.

"You know me?" I asked her and she nodded smiling.

"You don't remember me?" she asked back while frowned because this is the first time I am actually talking to her.

"Oh! You mean by your profession?" I asked but she shook her head in negative and the conversation stopped when we reached the place I hired for the day using the company's card for the last time.

I got her a dress prepared and even the makeup artist is ready to get her ready. I had to wait just half an hour for her to get ready and we again got into my car.

"Thanks for all this but this is like too much." She mumbled glancing at her dress.

"It's okay! Today's meeting is important, right?" I asked and she nodded taking a deep breath and we finally reached the restaurant we three generally meet as there are private rooms available and one set aside for us all the time.

We both walked into the private room and found two pairs of eyes looking at us in shock. Vikranth immediately came out of the shock before standing up to receive her while smiling at her.

"We are supposed to meet for dinner, right?" he asked in a whisper and she immediately glanced at me.

"He said the appointment is preponed." Hearing that reply he glanced at me with a confused look.

"Shrishti! Congratulations on reaching your goal." I said walking towards her while ignoring the other two but she is glancing at Anitha completely ignoring everything else.

"Who is she?" she asked looking at Vikranth.

"Could be his girlfriend soon!" I commented and heard three people shouting, 'What?' instead of one like I expected it to be.

That day I never knew the schemes I planned will return to bite me at a huge level even after a long time passed. If I had any idea then I would have just shut my brain and wouldn't have done a single thing for sure. Well, I was childish to the core with my actions and I may deserve some punishment but not at this level.

*Prathap Pov*

"Where did you got that thought from?" Vikranth asked looking at me while I still stared at them in shock even though they recovered from it.

"He must have gone mad. Let's sit first before discussing the matter." Shrishti mumbled while gesturing them but they continued to stand there.

"They both have been meeting every day and that too at his cabin alone. He is even paying penalty for her so that she can join his entertainment company. Don't you think they are interested in each other?" I asked looking at Shrishti and she frowned hearing those words.

"They both will become a couple eventually for sure." I assured her and her expression turned into a doubtful look.

"Did you forget the agent I chose for her to be in the same cabin along with my assistant? And is it wrong to invest in someone who has potential? Do you know how your words are sounding right now? You are disrespecting both of us here." He shouted and I turned to glance at him hearing that tone.

I stared at both of them before realizing what I just uttered as I was too focused on making sure Shrishti gives up to propose him.

"Let's meet for the appointment that we fixed in the first place for agreement signing." That girl Anitha commented before leaving the room without giving a second glance towards the table.

Vikranth stared at me for a few seconds before glancing at Shrishti who composed herself and asked him to continue to join us.

"I will be going. I am not in the mood for this." Saying that he walked off but not before staring at me for a few seconds with a blank look.

"What have you done, Prathap? I need to wait for a month before following my plan." She mumbled groaning while drinking the full glass of water.

"What?" I asked hoping she will not reveal that he is the one she has a crush on because then I can't do anything openly like today.

"I like him, Prathap. I wanted to confess my feelings for him after lunch but because of your actions, he left without even having lunch. He will be going to leave the country for business-related matters. Now, I have to wait for one whole month." She mumbled sighing before glancing at me.

"But with the way you just talked, it seems there is a high chance for him to be with someone soon. I need to hurry before that happens." She suddenly said before holding my hand.

"You have to help me when he returns. I need to plan properly next time." She added smiling at me while I just stared at her feeling hurt and also angry at myself.

What if I wasn't this haste to show her that he has someone in his life, then all this wouldn't have happened, right? Or maybe it would have because of the bad luck that is roaming around me right now.

Now, he is angry at me and she wants me to help her with this thing too. I need to apologize to him first as he looked disappointed in me after listening to my words.

Just because she likes him doesn't mean I don't like him for sure. I respect him and want to be his friend for as long as I can but I am just selfish regarding my feelings otherwise I would have forgotten my feelings for her long back.

They both are important and that's why I am hung up like this. But then he doesn't like her back and that's what pushing me forward with my feelings. If they like each other then I would have long back up as I will be just a stupid person then.

*Vikranth Pov*

"I am glad to be a part of this and thank you for giving me this chance, Mr. Vikranth." Ms. Anitha said extending her hand after we signed the contract with her new agent present.

"I will be looking forward to the results and I hope you didn't mind the schedule that is planned for you. We were lucky to find a good commercial event plus a small web series even though it's outside our country. You will get a good base from the foreign market and after a year or two, you can get more offers from our country. I will make the needed arrangements before you reach the place as I will be going there tomorrow itself." I explained showing the schedule and she looks excited but worried too.

"Any problem?" I asked her frowning.

"No! I stay with my friend and I already informed her but this will be tough for her. You need not care for such things and I will deal with them. I am already glad to get this opportunity." She replied smiling before we started having our dinner.

"I will make sure she doesn't get any trouble for sure, Mr. Vikranth." Her agent Mrs. Keerthi assured me before leaving the place as I offered to drop Ms. Anitha as it is on my way to the company.

After driving in silence for a few minutes, I finally opened my mouth saying, "I am sorry about today's afternoon's incident, Ms. Anitha. Please don't take him in the wrong way."

"You need not apologize because of that as I... it was my mistake to just go along with him while feeling lost in the moments." She mumbled and I can understand as she already told me that she has a crush on Prathap which I completely ignored but I never thought she will get hurt because of him like this.

"For two years I liked him from far but now I think I will feel embarrassed whenever I think of those memories. I was so building dreams over the clouds with today's meeting as I thought he must have found out about me and that's why he was there and the way he interacted too gave me a push. But then they all crashed down with a snap." She added shaking her head and a few tears rolled down her face.

"I am sorry for talking too much like this. I think the wine is taking effect." She mumbled brushing her tears away while I stayed silent.

"However, it felt like he wants us to be in a relationship, or maybe you in a relationship. Why? Is he concerned about you or maybe like someone who likes you?" she shook her head and I nearly ran over the divider hearing those words and she sobered a bit after that.

"I am right? He was trying to talk to the lady with you regarding us by stressing the words. So, she likes you but he likes her?" she continued to ask and I felt I need to add a condition to her agent to never let her drink more than two glasses of wine.

Why is she able to know all those details with such perfection when those two were stupid all this time? Do they think I am blind or what?

I know Prathap likes Shruthi and he knows that she likes me. And as for me... I shook my head to not go to that part.

"So, he wants you to be in a relationship which would give him a chance with his crush? Maybe you should start dating someone but I already heard you be in relationships before then why didn't he get the chance. Maybe you need to be in a serious relationship like engagement or maybe marriage. Then the problem will be solved but then if you like her too then it's another matter." She continued to talk and I immediately messaged her agent regarding her alcohol tolerance.

"We are here, Ms. Anitha." I mumbled sighing in relief after reaching the address she gave me and I found someone waiting for her.

"You are drunk!" the person who must be her friend whispered the moment Ms. Anitha threw her arms around her friend.

"What will do when I go away? I will be leaving within a week. What happened to you?" she shouted at the end and I glanced at the person only to find a few bruises on her face.

"I am fine!" her friend mumbled before glancing at me.

"She has a low tolerance for alcohol. Please inform that to your boss." Saying that she turned around to leave.

"What? Did you give up your education fees for that stupid father of yours? What will you do now? I was hoping you will get living arrangements after joining this course." She continued to shout.

"I will handle it." Her friend shouted back while I closed the door which they didn't close so that I can keep the voices away from my head as it is aching too much right now.

Prathap is really taking serious steps now and I don't know what will happen if something goes wrong and I can't let that happen. Maybe... I thought with a frown covering my face at the words ringing in my head.

#After a Year#

*Anitha Pov*

"I want to sleep in a comfortable bed." I whined rolling in my seat as the car just passed another bump as we are returning from the airport.

"You wanted to return to India today itself, Anny. We could have stayed a week more before returning so that you could have got enough rest." My agent Keerthi commented while her husband grunted accepting those words.

Why did I hire her husband as my bodyguard again? They both always team up against me for the past year. Right! I felt bad she has to stay away from her husband because of me and pleaded Mr. Vikranth to accept this.

"Today night there is a party for my friend's first anniversary and she doesn't have any family to be her side. So, I need to be there." I explained it again.

I still feel guilty and also angry that I was not present during her marriage and there are still questions revolving my head regarding her marriage but it's already been a year and it's too late to question now.

I wish I was able to return to India after that but like they warned me the schedule was hectic but then it was profitable too and I am glad to not damage the trust Mr. Vikranth had in my capability.

"We will be staying at a hotel for now. She thinks it is better if I don't stay there as there will be gossip attached for sure." I mumbled when Keerthi asked again whether I am sure to stay at a hotel and not at my friend's place.

After reaching the hotel, I covered my face with the shades before entering the lobby and reached my room while they both went to their room after assuring me that she will wake me after an hour.

I finally lay down on my bed to sleep but somehow I couldn't sleep even though I am feeling sleepy. Ugh! I started rolling on the bed this time before sitting properly.

I got freshen up before getting ready by the time Keerthi rang the room bell. She scolded me for not taking proper rest and continued to nag me whether she really doesn't want us to accompany her.

"It's a personal event and I want both of you to rest properly. We have to leave soon after meeting with our boss, right." I told her but still let them drop me at the mansion standing lonely at the far end of the road before asking them to just leave.

When I reached the gate, the security guard immediately opened it saying their madam already informed about me.

I smiled thinking about how she makes sure to never inconvenience someone even though it is the least of it.

"Your amazing friend is here, Kanika." I said the moment I found her standing near the entrance while ordering someone regarding the lightings.

"Supermodel Anny is here or should I start calling her an actress." She said smiling at me before hugging me tightly.

"I missed you." She mumbled and I repeated the words hugging her back.

"Look at you, managing a party like this huge." I mumbled when she continued to make the last-minute adjustments and is taking care of everything without wasting a small thing.

"How is your preparation for your dream? Are you being able to manage that while doing all this?" I asked when we both sat down as there is time for the guests to arrive.

"Just a year more." She mumbled looking at her hands before glancing at me with a smile.

"Where is my brother-in-law?" I asked looking around and she shook her head because of the title I used.

"How can you call your boss like that?" she asked back and I stared at her silence wishing to ask how did my boss became your husband but then I don't want to disturb the mood.

"Already celebrating the first anniversary when you are just twenty-eight while I am the same age but still don't have a boyfriend." I whined in a joking manner and she chuckled hearing that before hitting my shoulder.

****

"Where is he?" I asked her in a whisper after the party started and all his business-related members are here along with his family and everyone has the same question but their tone is way higher than normal, unlike mine.

"I... I don't know!" she whispered and she looks a bit scared for a second before she closed her eyes and opened them again with a determined look.

After that, she managed to entertain the guests alone and they left the party earlier than expected and I couldn't involve myself when there were unnecessary comments here and there but she completely ignored them.

When everyone left, I finally glanced at her asking, "Will you tell me now why are you in this situation in the first place?"

"I..." her words got cut off when her phone started ringing and she immediately picked up the call.

The moment she heard the voice from the other side, she immediately rushed to get her purse from the table before glancing at me.

"How will you go home? It's late!" she mumbled checking the time.

"What happened?" I asked looking at her.

"He lost time while celebrating his friend Shrishti's engagement party. He is drunk and wants me to pick him up." She explained sighing and I felt surprised as I remember the name.

Did she get engaged to him after his rival got married to my friend or what? I thought with a frown and immediately brushed the thoughts away as my embarrassing moments too entered my mind the moment I thought about him.

"I will come with you." I mumbled wishing to give him a class for abandoning her like this during their anniversary party.

"It's fine! I can manage and it's not like the first time." She mumbled before rubbing her forehead.

"You look tired and it's best if I am there beside you." I stood my ground and she finally let me come with her and I covered my face with the scarf I brought along with the shades before getting into her car.

I stared at her profile and found her looking disturbed even though she is trying to act like she isn't bothered by any of this.

"You should let him know this is not right." I whispered calmly.

"I can understand! She is important to him." She mumbled with a dejected look and we reached the place before I could ask her to explain that sentence.

"Oh god!" I mumbled looking at the two people completely wasted after pouring themselves I don't know how many drinks.

"Is he the groom?" I asked gesturing Prathap and she shook her head in negative and that surprised me a bit and maybe a bit satisfying which I immediately pushed away.

"Are you okay?" She walked towards her husband while I walked towards the other person to repeat the question.

"Yeah!" he mumbled shifting and sat properly only to slip after which I took hold of his shoulders before he completely slip.

"Anitha! Help him to the car. We will drop him as his place." Kanika mumbled and I nodded at her before supporting him while she supported her husband.

"I will take a cab from here. It is better if you guys leave early. His condition doesn't look good." I mumbled when we reached his place as I can see him nearly about to vomit and I don't want to go through all that now.

She looked hesitant but then gave me a nod before driving away while I climbed the stairs of someplace which looks like a business place for some kind as she explained earlier before reaching a small flat on the third floor.

When I asked for the keys, he calmly passed them and I opened the door before walking towards his bedroom immediately as it is just three-room flat and space is also smaller unlike what I expected it to be.

When I shifted him a bot so that he can lay on the bed, he shifted his hands to hold my waist and dragged me down along with him and we both ended up lying on the bed.

What is this headache now? I am already tired and still feeling sleepy and maybe can have a good sleep after returning to the hotel room but now I need to remove these steel bars around me.

I need to leave soon before those both get worried about me is the only thought running my head but then he opened his mouth and all the thoughts just left my mind.