Chapter 214 - She had been too lazy to care about her childishness.

Even during university days, Shreya and Malini were never enemies. They were not friends… but they were never rivals either. They just for some odd reason stayed out of each other's way. They were just two people who did not bother putting effort into knowing each other closely.

Shreya personally respected Malini for her skills and perseverance. Malini was someone who was disciplined and focused. She worked hard to get anything. For a loafer like Shreya who got everything easily… who could learn anything with just a glance and who did not bother learning things that are hard to learn… Malini's characteristics were admirable.

Her own parents never really been strict or demanding of her… so she pretty much did everything and anything she pleased. She was just lucky that her IQ was high… or else she was sure she would have ended up being good for nothing by the time she reached the off age. She would have ended up being a spoilt little brat who was born with a silver spoon.

Between the two of them, if only Shreya's parents were still around and if only Malini had not been Abhimanyu's daughter- their achievements would have been reversed. Malini would have achieved things Shreya could only imagine about. But having Abimanyu control every move of hers… questioning and having to justify each and every decision she makes for the company had curbed her talent by half. And losing her parents had given Shreya the drive she never had before… the drive to be better. The drive to be stronger… the best so that she can protect everyone around her. Something she never knew she had until she actually lost the two people who had protected her all their lives.

Malini looked at the pen drive suspiciously all over again.

"Why are you telling me this now and why are you giving me the evidence?" This question is bugging her.

If what Shreya said was true, then shouldn't Malini be the last person she approaches. So, of all the people, why would she give it to her if she did not want something from her in return.

"I am telling you everything because I need your help!" Shreya said straight away once again not beating around the bush.

"You mean… you need my help bringing my dad down," Malini asked her face going cold.

"Yes…" Shreya said simply.

"And why would I help you with something like that?" Malini asked back.

"Because you know I am right… and I am trying to do this the right way. I am looking for justice and not revenge. And you wouldn't want me looking for revenge. Trust me. It wouldn't end well for you or your family," Shreya said nonchalantly as if she was talking about the weather. But her arrogance came from power and not ego. So, oddly enough it actually looked attractive and not repulsive.

Malini's brows frowned all over again as she said smirking, "You sure have a nice way of asking help…"

"Don't get me wrong Malini… but that wasn't a threat or a warning. It is a promise. You should choose wisely… which is going to be better for your family and which side you are in. Once you find the extent of damage your father had done, I don't think you will have any doubt about helping me. So, go do your homework… And mail me once you are done. I will be waiting for your reply. You have a week," Shreya said and got up from the place.

After all, she had already said everything she came here to tell and she had already given Malini what she came here to give.

But before walking away, she looked at Malini one last time and warned her, "Don't do something stupid like showing this to your dad. I know you are loyal to your family and all… but your dad is going to end up doing something stupid and don't come to me and complain if I end up retaliating. It wouldn't take me long to do the same thing your dad had did to my parents. And you know me enough to know that I would do exactly as I say I would. And that I would never give empty threats." Shreya then walked out of the café without turning back.

Malini looked at Shreya's back with a complicated look. She had kept her mind and emotions in check so far but her restraint was wearing thin. If not for her extraordinary self-control she had practiced from when she was young, she was not sure she could have actually sat through the conversation so calmly for so long. She was not used to showing her emotions to anyone and it came in handy in front of Shreya. Except for the initial shock, no other emotions seeped through her face till now.

Once Shreya was out of sight, she sat back on her chairs and contemplated the whole situation seriously.

Shreya had never had any hostility against her, ever. Even when she herself had shown dissatisfaction towards Shreya because of her achievement. She had been jealous and envious and naïve back then. But Shreya never even bothered about it. She had been too lazy to care about her childishness.

And Malini also knew Shreya wouldn't have made such an accusation lightly. And that if she said she could do something, then she could. There was no doubt in that.

So, she was more inclined to believe in her words. But it was not just because of Shreya.

Malini had been working in the company for a long time now and if she hadn't found any discrepancies by now, she wouldn't be much of a genius now would she?

And she knew her father…

Now that she thought about it, she had noticed that they would have a sudden spike in cash flow in the company without any reason and her dad will just brush it off by saying he had borrowed from a friend or something but then would never end up paying it back.

If it had been one or two times, she wouldn't have noticed it. But over the years, this had happened so many times and it had become a habit… something she does not even enquire about. But what Shreya just said… it would explain everything.

And she always had the feeling that her father was hiding something. He had always been just way too cautious around her and her mom. She even thought once that maybe he had a family outside. But she could never find it. And she never had the courage to actually confront him.

But now, after Shreya… it was like all the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place on itself.

But it was also worse than she had ever imagined… Only after doing her research will she know how worse it actually was… it had been so much worse than she could have ever imagined. She was not able to believe that the person who did all that could be her father.

But, as Shreya had predicted… if her father had really done what Shreya had claimed… Malini would actually support Shreya… it did not really matter if it was because Shreya would do much worse or because she could not stand the thought of her father being a bad person.

But no matter how much it pained her… she would not do anything against her consciousness. If her father had been responsible for the death of 3 people, then as far as she was concerned… he must pay the price that comes with it.

Malini could also see that Shreya was being dead serious when she said it wouldn't be good for her own family if Shreya ended up having her revenge. She did not know if Shreya would actually go through with it… but Malini could never take that chance. Not with Shreya. She would never let her family pay the price of her father's mistakes.

Malini stayed there for a long time composing herself and trying to put the pieces together. Once she was sure that she got her bearing back, she got out of the café and walked out.

She got into her Bently and drove off in a whiff.

Even though she was inclined to actually believe Shreya, she did need more information. And that information would not present itself just like that with her staying there in that café. She first called the office to tell them that she wouldn't be coming back after that. And she also confirmed that Abimanyu was in the office.

Malini drove straight home after that. Her mother was out at some party. So the house was empty. She went straight to her father's study and opened his laptop. From young till now, she was never allowed to enter this room… she had never questioned it before. But she did now. If Abimanyu had anything to hide, it should be in here.