Page 127 of Wicked Trap

Girish Shetty was arrested, and the older man was proven guilty by law on all accounts. He was responsible for the murders of Ashok Vardhaman, Tanvi’s biological father, and Tanvi’s mother.

The court trial had lasted for only four months because of the readily available proof and the recorded confession obtained from the warehouse confrontation.

Aryan recalled how it had been a tough time for his mother, listening to the confessions. But with the love and support of her sons and her daughters-in-law, she stood strong. She had even said she felt vindicated because her husband’s name was finally cleared.

The world now knew that Ashok Vardhaman was a kind and generous-hearted man who wanted to help the underprivileged by building lower-income homes. He was betrayed by his close friends and murdered by a greedy, jealous man.

Two months after the final verdict, Girish Shetty was found dead in the jail cell with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Although Aryan would have wanted the bastard to live longer and suffer, he was glad the old man was dead because he didn’t want to risk the possibility of the older man using his influence and getting out of jail.

“By the way,” said Bhargav. “Just so you know, Ma is going to drop several hints about wanting another grandchild.”

Aryan shook his head with a smile. His mother had already been hinting about grandchildren, saying Vardhaman Estate deserved to be filled with laughter from more children.

Even though Aryan had cleverly indicated that his brothers would be adding to the numbers, a part of him was excited at the thought of having a little girl who would look just like Tanvi and be equally sassy. He would most likely pamper his daughter, driving her fiery mother crazy.

He grinned at the thought.

“Take the entire month off,” Yash said to him once again. “Bhargav and I will take care of things here.”

Aryan knew his brothers wanted him to take a break. For the last five years, things had been quite busy at work as they moved their headquarters to India. He had been flying to New York and other locations to get things sorted, while his brothers took care of the new headquarters and the estate along with their growing families.

As a freelance writer, Tanvi’s work wasn’t dependent on a specific location. She accompanied him most of the time to New York or other locations and would continue in the future until they decided to start a family.

“It’s fine,” he replied. “Tanvi wants us to spend time at the estate before we move to her place.”

Tanvi’s mother’s home would be their primary residence. Like Yash and Narmada, they would visit the estate on the weekends and holidays. Personally, he didn’t care where he lived as long as Tanvi was with him. She was his home.

There was a burst of feminine giggles. He smiled when he saw Tanvi stepping out of the mansion surrounded by family and friends. His mother must have already had the talk about grandchildren because Tanvi’s cheeks were flushed.

“Ready?” he asked as she neared. He was standing next to one of his bikes.

She nodded.

Her friends giggled.

“You are the first couple I know who are going to their honeymoon on a bike,” Rashmi teased. “I envy you.”

Aryan grinned. It was strange, but it was perfect for what he and Tanvi were planning. Their first honeymoon destination wasn’t that far, and Tanvi enjoyed bike rides with him. They often went on long rides, mostly from the city to the estate.

“See you next month when you fly to London!” Divya Mohan hugged Tanvi.

Although the other girl was briefly engaged to Yash, and her father was killed during confrontation at the estate, Divya Mohan didn’t have a grudge against the Vardhaman family. She was close to Narmada and Tanvi.

Tanvi’s other friends hugged her too. “We can’t wait to see you again.” Since both her friends lived in New York, Tanvi often got to meet them when she accompanied him on business trips.

Waving to their family and friends once more, Tanvi finally sat on the bike behind him.

“Ready?” he asked again.

When she nodded, he took off.

He stopped the bike barely five minutes later in front of a small wooden cottage by the river. The spot was often used by his brothers and their wives when they needed some time away to their busy lives. He had brought Tanvi once as well. Everything remained the same at the scenic spot except for the small cottage that offered more privacy along with a few comforts of home.

“Finally,” he said as he parked the bike in front of the cottage. “I thought your send-off party would last until tonight, and I might have to kidnap you again.”

Tanvi giggled and whacked him playfully. “Jerk.”

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