Page 64 of Married in Vengeance

The initial portion of the interview went seamlessly, every question fielded and answered with wit and ease. It felt like theywere professionals who did this every day. He hoped they never had to do it again.

“So, Mr. Gadde.”

He focused on the man who was smiling at him like a piranha sighting his first meal of the day. “We all know you’re an ambitious man. You had a seat on the Supreme Court bench in your sights.”

Ram held his gaze, his own level and cool. “I don’t hear a question.”

The other man’s smile faltered. “Yes, of course. My question is, don’t you think this stain on your reputation is going to wreck your chances?”

“My reputation?” Ram arched a brow. “I love mywife. Any interaction I have with her, is one I cherish and am proud of.” He looked directly at the cameras as he added, “Anyone who thinks that our love for each other is a stain needs their brains checked. And ifit’sa stain, it’s one I wear proudly.”

“Mrs. Gadde.” The man decided to abandon his attempt to rattle Ram. “How does the leak of this sex tape make you feel?”

“Violated,” she said crisply. “How would something like this have madeyoufeel?”

The man gave her a tight smile. “Violated of course. We would all feel the same.”

“And yet,” Aadhya returned coolly. “You still plan to air it knowing the impact it will have on our lives. This is our personal lives, our families’ reputation and our futures at stake. And yet, you’ll happily violate us for your TRP’s. So, no Sir. We don’t all feel the same. I would never do to you what you’re doing to us.”

Ram stifled a grin as the interviewer gaped at her, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Behind the camera, Virat smiled, a small lifting of his lips.

“Tell us something about your court case, Mrs. Gadde,” the asshole went for her jugular. “We believe it’s not just your company but you, personally, who has been named.”

“That’s right,” she said calmly, even though her face paled.

“The case is sub judice and cannot be discussed outside a court of law,” Ram interjected smoothly. “Shall we stick to the matter at hand?”

“Yes, of course. I-“

“The matter being,” Ram spoke over the other man, staring right at the cameras. “That whoever is behind this hachette job on our family and its reputations will not win. We will find you. And when we do, we will come for you.” He smiled, letting the world see his intent. “Take a good look at my face. It’s the last thing you’ll see before the prison doors shut on you.”

Silence fell on the set until someone started to applaud. The interviewer decided to end on that note knowing nothing good would follow with any of his questions and, to Ram’s eternal relief, the cameras finally stopped rolling.

“I’ll be right back,” he told Aadhya. Ram ripped off the mic and stood, striding across the set and towards Virat. He shouldered his way through the milling crowd.

“Tell me you have good news,” he said as soon as he reached the other man.

Virat nodded. “I do.”

“You traced the bastard who was sending the emails?”

Virat nodded again. “We got him.”

Ram closed his eyes, relief seeping through him. “Finally,” he whispered.

“It was never her.”

“I know.” Ram thrust his hands through his hair, tugging hard. “I knew. I think I always knew.”

Virat smiled. “Yeah. And now you have proof.”

“I’m going to kill the bastard.”

Virat nodded calmly. “I’ll help you bury the body.”

“What emails?” Aadhya’s voice so close behind him had him freezing. Wide eyed, he stared at Virat but the other man shut his eyes, for the first time in the history of their acquaintance, his cheeks flushing with shame.

“What emails?” Aadhya asked again, coming to stand between them, her head swinging between the two of them. Neither of them said a word.

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