34. Criss-cross

Akshay was fed up with Richa. He felt suffocated in her presence. All he wanted now was to stay away from her for a longer time and meet Sofia anyhow. But she was missing. He may find her out once he goes back to the UK. But for that, he needed a chance to go back on-site for his project. If someone becomes ready for taking his position in India, he may ask his seniors to give him back the chance to go back to the UK.

It was not that he didn't love his children, but he currently wanted some time away. Richa's parents were coming regularly to stay for a few months. They also sensed something was not right between Richa and Akshay. They were thinking: "Is this the same couple of the past who was eager to do and die for each other" No one would have thought that something like this would happen to them someday.

And then he got a call from Dune and Deborah, his UK friends that they had followed secretly and spotted Sofia's home in a small village near London. Hearing this, Akshay's happiness knew no bounds.

After some time, Dipesh called him, "Hi Akshay, how are you? I heard you are back in India!"

Akshay, "I am back but unwillingly. Anyway, your voice looks pale. What happened man? Any problem?"

Dipesh told him in short about recent happenings and asked him if he has any job for him with a better salary because he needed more money for his daughter's treatment.

Hearing this, one idea spiked Akshay's mind. What if he convinces Akshay to work in his place and then he can go back to onsite?

He quickly said, " Hey! Will you come to my project? It will pay you far better than what you are earning currently!"

Dipesh immediately said, "Yes! But what about the technologies that are used in your project? I have very little knowledge about it and the role is also a little different."

Akshay told him, "Don't worry about it. I will give you all the knowledge. The only thing is you will have to spend more time and work dedicatedly. But we will have to see if your manager agrees to release you from your existing project?"

Dipesh, "Actually, he may release me because somehow the recent happenings at home affected my work. He will be happy to release me!"

Akshay, "But the role which I am offering you is not easy. Such negligence will not be accepted here!"

Dipesh thought for a while and then agreed, "Yes. I will work dedicatedly. I will work hard. That will also boost my career and help me financially. I don't know how to thank you. You came like a God when I was really in need of money!"

Akshay thought, "Actually you came like a God for me. because of you, I will get a chance to go back to the UK and meet my Sofia!"

Akshay further told, "Don't say like this again! We are here to help each other. If you need some money immediately, I will give you it!"

Hesitatingly, Dipesh said, "Umm... Yes, I mean...!"

Akshay told him, "Arey Yaar! Do not hesitate. And take your own time to return it. I will not demand it until you return it. Tell me, how much do you want?"

Dipesh was unaware that, all this help coming from Akshay was only because of Akshay's lust for a foreign woman.

Dipesh, "I need 5 lacks immediately!"

Akshay, “I will transfer it by tomorrow! and now feel free and tell your manager to release you from the project!"

Their conversation ended.