Chapter 13

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[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter 13 B

Seeing your best friend being comfortable with another person would hurt more than seeing your ex with another girl. 

Riya 

ACP Arjun wasn’t my boyfriend then. And I myself chose to leave Shree. Both the conditions don’t apply to the above statements I made but it hurts.

I run my fingers through his hair as he moves away and stared with a dubious look.

“I liked the curls?” I said. He runs his finger through his hair again, creating a mess over his head.

“Nothing is same as it used to be before.” His indication was far more different than the situation we were discussing.

“Not that I am expecting Shree”, I said.

“I heard what you said in the conference room. You are just not expecting anything but you are sure to make a statement about anything different you are seeing after you left.” What he said was utterly true. I know it’s been long and change is a continuous thing. Yet, there is something unsettling about it. Like it’s unsettling for them to see me like this.

“I heard you calling me Rii in the conference room.” I didn’t intend to make any statement about that or ask explanation that everyone between us will be right but it felt right.“It just slipped...” he said. He is trying to mask his emotions. I am sure I am not reading into more than what I am seeing.

It’s also true that he’s still angry and I cannot really say when that will subside. That is because I wasn’t trying before. And I am still not trying. He is right when he said; I never intend to come back. Maybe I wouldn’t even have thought about trying to mend things with Shree before. When I came back, I just realized how much I have missed him over the years. How much I have missed out on his life. I knew bits and pieces of his life, now there are others who have the same place. Not that I mind. It’s good that he has other people around to keep him occupied. People who wouldn’t run away from him. People who wouldn’t fail him like I did. I know where I did the mistake. I never said him a goodbye. But that was for better. Maybe because we were supposed to meet again.

“Let’s go for coffee okay. At our old place.” I said. Coffee was our everyday thing. Every night after we leave the office we used to hangout at the coffee point. Time didn’t matter then. It does now.

“What’s your obsession with caffeine? I don’t understand. You didn’t even make chocolate milkshake that night” He said.

“I don’t understand either. I would make sufficient for you if the chef over there will allow” I said. “At 10”? I asked.

“I didn’t say a yes.” He said.

“I am not asking your permission or approval. I am just asking what time is feasible for you”. I said. I was leaning onto the desk when Shree was uploading the map into my phone. Through the corners of my eyes I saw ACP Arjun leave with the crime reporter. I didn’t try to see more than I am seeing. I remember the woman saying that he isn’t like that anymore and I have no interest in knowing how he is now. I made a note to myself.

“Are you still seeing Dr. Mehra”? His question was abrupt. I couldn’t say why he asked. Maybe out of concern or he’s just trying to see how much I have changed over the years. Because for him, I am holding a facet, but it’s important for him to understand that this is what I am and without a mask. “No, that was the last time. I had been stripped to my realities and they had seen more than what I have tried to kept inside the boundary Shree. I don’t need Dr. Mehra anymore to fix me for anything. I am on my own.” His face fell with my statement. Maybe that brought him back to the day. But I expected him to be proud.

Kapoor entered the chamber. Rathod sir has asked her to team up with me. She seemed a sensible female who knows how to balance work and life. She’d be an enjoyable company.

“Ma’am, from do we start?” she asked, her face turned to look at Shree, “what happened to your face, what are you frowning at?” her tone changed from formal to teasing.

“I asked him out for coffee, that’s why. And yes, call me Riya”. I said. Shree looked up in surprise but that expression didn’t last longer. Kapoor was a bit shocked. She wasn’t sure what she should reply. I don’t know just how much she’s aware about our friendship.

“I hope Liza won’t mind”. I said to make things light between us. But that irritated Shree. “She has nothing to do with this.” He said bluntly. I was happy; even though he is in a relationship he isn’t letting it be heavy upon himself. Anyone other than who works closely with Shree won’t be able to say if he has girlfriend or not. He’s got perfect balance on life unlike me. A look of confusion clouded over Kapoor yet again.

“We should start from the forensic lab. Shree would she be there right now?” I asked Shree.

“What do you think I am her babysitter?” He was annoyed now.

“No. Her boyfriend.” I said.

“Shall we leave?” I asked Kapoor as she made her first move. Since I didn’t know where that forensic lab is.

“How did you know they are in a relationship”? Aisha was first to ask.

“I just found out after coming here. But I always had a feeling they will make it together.” I smiled. I can never forget the way Shree wouldn’t stop describing her. She really got into his head big time.

“But Liza joined ETF three years ago.” Aisha was confused again.

“And I know him all my life.” I said. There’s nothing to hide.

“Liza told me they we in same college.” Aisha continued.

“They used to be rivals in every competition”. I laughed at that.

“Once he called me and said that he lost the competition because of Liza won by cheating. I asked him how she cheated. He said, she winked at me. He was very frustrated that day.” I added. Kapoor burst out laughing. Chotu joined and was surprised seeing Kapoor laughing this hard.

“Well well, Aisha what’s so funny?” Chotu ask.

“I was just telling her, how Liza won the competition by cheating.” I said and Chotu couldn’t control his laugh as well. “They were totally crazy in college, isn’t it right?” “Yeah”.

The three of us left together towards the forensic lab where Liza was examining the box now. The box looked a bit

polished since the last time I have seen that. She welcomed us with a smile.

“What’s with this box?” Kapoor asked her.

“I did some chemical analysis of the surface of the box. That would help us in finding a bit more about the surrounding where it was kept.” She said.

“That’s interesting. What did you find out”? I asked.

“I found traces of salt and some plankton; even though they are of microscopic level I was able to identify some of them.” She said. “It is possible that this box was smuggled through the waterway. You should check for the routes closer to the ocean”. She added later.

“This is really helpful Dr. D'Cruz.” Her analysis was apt and made our investigation easier than before. We only had a route nothing more. But now we can focus on a particular location.

“Let’s check all the docking sites close to our route.” I said putting forward my plan.

“We should check with coast guard security as well, we could at least keep a record of anything unconvincing that might have happened”! Kapoor said.

“That sounds like a nice idea. We will check that too. I know someone over there who could help.” I said as Chotu nodded in agreement. On our way out we saw Rathod Sir coming out too. His gaze fixed upon Kapoor. Did I miss the heat? She slowed on her track to match his pace and they had that looking-at-each-others-face and eye lock thing. This is the first ever time I have seen Rathod Sir softening towards someone. It felt nice; it felt as if finally someone is doing

something worthy in life. I increased my pace giving them some space tailing Chotu. Once near the SUV, we looked back. They were talking about something. Chotu was looking their way.

“What do you have to say about that?” he asked, fixing his gaze upon them.

“He looks happier than the last time I have seen him”. Chotu understood which last time I was talking about. Chotu was right in all the senses. If there was anyone who could reason with me that day, it was Rathod sir. I knew he was bound to his duty. I wouldn’t complain about that. It’s his mistrust that broke me.

“You know he and Arjun Sir used to be best friends before. Before you know Arjun Sir’s wife...”! I always knew there was something more than they were showing. Their anger their indifference towards each other was just way beyond any professional conflict. Yet, I always had seen a faint concern in Rathod sir for the ACP. I still couldn’t believe how a single day changed so much in my life.

“What do you think they are now?” I asked.

“Well now they agree over too many things, without killing each other.” The way Chotu said, he made it sound like he was surprised too.

“What about you? New friends eh?” the grim face he made give away to what I was about to ask more.

“They are fine. Aisha could be the female version of Arjun Sir, if you will cut down his rudeness. Liza, well I already knew her, all thanks to you and Shree. And about Sakshi, I don’t understand her. She’s a good company if she will keep her nose in the right place. But then that’s all about her. The ladies are all too nice with each other. I don’t think if you can mingle with them.” He finished.

“I am not here to make friends Chotu.” I said thinking about the way he said it. I have no intention of growing another relation with anyone which I wouldn’t be able to maintain for long. I would be happier if I’d make it up with Shree. That’s all I could ask for right now.

“Yeah you already have got some friends.” He said and I know to whom he was indicating.

“Anshu is good friend Chotu.” I said smiling.

“He freaked out last night when you didn’t receive his calls.”

“Sometimes he turns like that overprotective boss.” I said thinking the way he was worried for me last night. The thing that happened to Tasha has affected him to the core. He should have been there, rather than being here. Tasha needs him over there. I don’t understand why Chief had to send him here.

“Will you ever talk to him”? Chotu asked looking towards Rathod Sir.

“Talk to him about what? There is nothing to talk. I think we were very clear about everything last time.”

“I am asking you to make peace with yourself. I know you looked troubled this morning. And what’s with this Aditya Rao case. Why are you digging up so much?”

“Peace? I have already made peace with myself Chotu. I can’t go back to all those again. They have broken me for a reason and I am living up to that. It was their decision then but it’s my decision now. And about the Aditya Rao case. Yeah this will bring me peace.” I said. My focus should be more with the smuggling case. ETF can find the murderer on its own. I have already given everything they needed from me. What’s the point of now to keep this collaboration? I need to find a gateway. I can’t stay here for anymore. I have to find evidence enough to prove that my case has nothing to do with the case ETF is handling. My primary focus should be on Azim Hussain. That ba***rd shot Tasha.

Kapoor and Rathod sir stopped near the SUV. “Keep me informed.” He said to us. His eyes matched mine. I couldn’t say anymore of what he could be thinking but he didn’t give me that indifference.

“Riya, I really wanted to say thank you for staying.” He said. This time genuinely. I nodded my head in appreciation. It was awkward to just stay mum in front of him.

ACP Sameer Rathod was the closest person I have had as a senior. And just like ACP Arjun, he didn’t wear his emotions on his sleeves. He very wisely tucked it under that rough appearance. I looked out for him, be it for training or advice. He never disappointed me, until the last time. It would be wrong on my part to say that. It was all about a little understanding that lacked at that moment. Now when I looked back, I realised the understanding was never there. And maybe that’s why I feel this disconnected with him. But one thing is sure, he isn’t indifferent towards me. He never was. Kapoor, Chotu and I left with the GPS taking us towards our destination.

Koliwada, Worli, Mumbai. That’s the closest distance from, the road Shree has put on the map. The trucks followed the Pravadevi road that joined to SVS road and to the warehouse at Bandra. But there must be someplace where the goods need to be stored. Liza has suggested us to look closer at the coast side. Chotu received a call from the clinic that leaves Kapoor with me only. Koliwada is one of most crowded fish markets of Mumbai having conventional and cultural values mostly for the Mumbai fishermen. Our interest lingered at the docking site.

We decided to disperse. She moved towards the market while I followed the way towards the docking site. Unlike the other beaches, this one is a steep. I noticed the boats around. Nothing unusual as I noticed the sky changing into a gray shade, yet I felt the warmth of Sun. Its past noon, but you never trust Mumbai monsoon. We will have to finish before the weather gets on our bad side. I talked to my friend at Central Coast Guard office. He was a batch mate in school. Even though we weren’t in touch for long time, the mention of my name just made him agree to meet me. I didn’t expect him, but he complied.

This area of Mumbai might just leave ajar by the coast guards owing to the crowd of the fishing community. I noticed two constables, merrily enjoying a chit chat with each other near the small tea point just at the edge of the dock, their lathis the only source of defence they could implicit on anyone were leaning over railing of the docking site. That’s all on the name of security? This is a vulnerable sight, with pretence of obliviousness. Isn’t this the reason why we were attacked the last time?

I noticed the lean figure in casuals. Not that I expected him in a uniform. “What brought you here from your polished desk and executive halls?” That was the first question he asked since he laid his eyes on me. His statements weren’t laced with sarcasm or mockery. He just couldn’t come up with a plausible explanation of my appearance in such a place. “When was the last time you people made any water mafia unhappy? And yes, I don’t do the desk anymore. Just so you know.” “Long time eh? You have changed drastically”! He commented and I smiled. Later he pulled me for a hug sideways. I looked around, into the chaos of the surrounding. Nobody seems to notice us. “And you still look like you are fooling around, just without a girl”! “That was mean to say”! He retreated smiling. I smiled back.

“Tell me what you want to know?” He was back to the serious self and it’s time for the talk. “We found a box full of AK47 and AR-15, in a warehouse at Bandra. And we suspect it was smuggled through the waterways.” The colour from his face drained and he looked sceptical. “The area where you are standing doesn’t hold much ground for activities like that Riya.” I tried to keep his words in my mind. Don’t they choose the less suspicious area as the right place? “You know better about this place and more than I know Rohit, but I still need to check. Was there anything unusual happened in this area. Just anything that might have gone unnoticed or looked normal yet questionable?” I pressurized him to remember. “There is nothing I can remember but if there is something that has really happened, it would surely be in the police records”! He said. That leads us to the Koliwada police station at Worli.

There wasn’t any case that required any police attention but we found a single FIR. It was registered by one of the members of fishermen community who reported the death of a member of their community. It was the case of drowning. The man went into the sea at night, and in the morning his body returned. The deceased belonged to a fisherman community and it’s highly unusual that he just drowned. “Do we have a post-mortem report”? “Yes. He just drowned. We found water in his lungs. It was a high tide day with grade two alerts Ma’am. He shouldn’t have gone there in the first place.” Even though there wasn’t anything unusual, I wasn’t sure if I should take a lead or not. “Give me his address”! I finally gave in. “When did it happen”? “A week before ma’am”! A week before and as per Shree, the gate check entries were exactly five days ago which was a monthly rotation. We found the box exactly 4 days ago and they found his body two days before that. If my suspicion is right the next consignment will be here tonight. I have to find out if there is any link between the man who died during the high tide and this consignment. I along with Rohit went back to Koliwada as per the given address. On my way back I informed Kapoor about my findings and texted the given address. She will join us soon.

Girish left behind a tormented wife on the name of family who must be distraught. That’s what I find most difficult in this job, intruding someone’s grief. It was the members of the fishing community who reported the death. Rohit followed behind as I knocked over the rusty door that hardly could hold up with the frame it was connected to. After a minute of waiting, the door

opened and a lanky woman appeared. Looking at her face I couldn’t grasp much about her state of mind. She must be devastated, I speculated. But she showed no sign of it. She closed the door from outside and waited for us.

“Are you the wife of Girish?” I asked just to confirm. “His widow.” She said blandly. “You are from the police?” she asked as if she was expecting us. I nodded in agreement. “I told him not to go; we have had enough for the day. But he didn’t listen. He said he’d bring a fortune, something she had never imagined in her entire life. But his body returned in the morning.” She said. She had all of these imprinted in her mind and she just let it flow. “What did he mean by he’d bring a fortune? Did he talk about receiving anything?” “No madam ji, that’s all he’d said.” That’s pretty odd. It would be wrong to say that it’s his fisherman instinct that he followed and marched into a raging sea to find a fortune. There’s more to it than it appears.

“At what time did he leave that day?” “It was past afternoon?” “Why would he go in when most of the fisherman man just pack for the day during that time”? I asked. “The dock gets crowd in weekends as most of shipments are done during weekends only. But if the weather department already had a set a warning out there, it was foolish of him to just give in.” Rohit said in his casual tone. “Was he involved in any kind of shipments that required his presence”? The woman’s response was negative. “Is it the first time he gave into such actions?” She tried to remember hard. “Once before a fortnight, he came home very late. He behaved very unusual and mostly kept to himself the entire week. It’s only a week before that he said all those things and went away.” She said, remorse fading from her face. “We are really sorry for your loss.” Rohit said. “Don’t be. I am not.” with that she opened that rusty door and locked herself inside. Some people can’t get over their grief and some people just become oblivious to the reality of it. I didn’t notice any of the two in this woman. She appeared as if nothing has happened. She didn’t ask if there could be anything more to the case. She didn’t ask if he was murdered. She didn’t like the sympathy. She didn’t ask for help. Her audacity in such a situation would test anyone’s emotional boundary, yet she remained unfazed. “She looks like she doesn’t care.” Rohit commented.

“Do you think she could be involved with his murder”? “I don’t think so Rohit. If she had, she wouldn’t have openly said that. She lacked conviction. But that doesn’t make her the culprit.”

Kapoor joined us as we made our way out of the lane. I explained to her about our findings and she was too sure that there is more this case. I introduced her to Rohit and she did the formal handshake thing. “What now?” he asked.

“You should arrange a boat. Let’s see what fortune he was talking about.” I said. Both Kapoor and Rohit agreed to the plan. Through the muddy ground that’s half dipped in waste and plastic, we made our way towards the site where the fishermen found the body of Girish.

The horizon looked gray. It was difficult to draw a line between where the ocean and the sky met. “Do we have clearance for such things?” Kapoor asked. “We don’t. That’s why we have Rohit.” “We shall go undercover.” Kapoor suggested. I saw the crowd around fading slowly. It’s about time nobody would pay two heeds to what we people are doing. “I really appreciate your idea but look around. Do we really need that?” I asked. I didn’t intend to be bossy. I just wanted her to see the obvious. “Let me guess ETF blew up your undercover operation and now you are here?” I asked. ETF is too intruding for undercover cases. Am I not here for the same? She frowned at the mention of it. An easy guess then. “Yeah they did, but the chief was really cooperative and I could not say no”. She said. She didn’t frown while mentioning it which explains her inclination towards Rathod Sir. She’s totally in love.

A splitting sound of motor broke into the air as a boat appeared close to the dock. From afar I saw a silhouette, more like Rohit waving at us. I found the cue and we made our way towards the boat through the narrow wooden bridge.

“Don’t you think this one will be too loud?” Kapoor asked. “We’ll use the engine first and the switch to manual. I am hoping a hand or two for help.” Rohit looked really hopeful for a positive response. “What about the boatman?” I asked. “No boatman. It’s only between the three of us and I am more than sufficient for this boat”. You can’t say he was bragging about it. He pulled me into the boat first and then I helped Kapoor to get in as well.

Rohit ignited the engine as we cut through water and went deeper, away from the shore. “Where do we stop?” Kapoor asked. “I have checked with the police station. They did a round or two find the boat Girish took that

night. They only found a few remnants floating. We could stop somewhere near that. That’s about some 14 kms from the shore.” He said. “I have set the map. I know where we’d stop.” He said again.

The horizon faded and darkness engulfed the sky. The clouds were adding up to our misery. I prayed for the weather, not to get on our bad side. Kapoor braced for her gun, the Glock 17 looked sleek as her grip around it tightened. About three quarters past, Rohit finally switched off the engine. We stilled over the water for some moment and then swayed with the flow of slow waves. I looked around the surface, and in such huge wide ocean we were the only people floating around. Rohit made his way towards the oar and landed it on the water. I jumped into action and did the same with the other one. We pushed ourselves swaying the oar as the boat kicked into motion. Kapoor was keeping an eye around for possible intruders. We rode the boat for another twenty minutes when suddenly an exotic voice startled me. Rohit made a halt and I followed too when he pulled out his phone. “Damn.” He cursed. “What’s wrong”? “She’s down and I think we are close”. What is he speaking? Kapoor eyed him with curiosity but she was quick to avert her eyes and continued what she was doing. I raised a brow to which he answered, “my Google girl. She’s lost connection. But we are close.” Just how can he rely on Google assistant not to betray us in such a situation? I just hoped he’d have something for backup.

After five more minutes we finally stopped rowing. We really had nothing at view, yet I pulled my pistol from my holster and tightened my fingers. I motioned Rohit to make himself weapon ready. We waited there for another thirty minutes when the sky roared in an ear-splitting sound along with the flare of lightening that illuminated the entire sky. Soon it would start raining. Rain was an understatement; we’ve gotten ourselves right into the storm.

But we noticed something else too, when the sky erupted with lights, a faint orange glow was clearly visible. I gauged the distance, not more than 400 meters. Then with the faint illumination we noticed a silhouette that appeared more like a boat. Rohit started rowing in the direction of the light. Kapoor helped him in moving faster. We still had to stay out of sight. That thought made me laugh. Its pitching dark and we could barely manage to see each other, yet we have to stay out of sight in an ocean without any backdrop. Nice! Very nice! We could clearly see the light now. Along with the light there were people too. The shadows appeared as I outlined the human figures. There were at least five of them and they were busy doing something.

Rohit pulled out the torch and flashed the light when were about hundred meters away from the boat. We felt rushed up activities as we noticed men with weapons drawn out, pointed straight in our direction. Rohit put down the torch and braced himself in position for some action. One thing was sure; we didn’t waste our time on the name of a water tour. Secondly we found men heavily armed at this time without any possible explanation. This could mean only one thing. These are the intruders. These are intruders that have been invading us since years and we just sit idle ignoring the obvious.

Rohit cursed again with frustration. “Why the hell this isn’t working”? “What in hell is not working Rohit?” “The transmission Riya. I can’t call for back up without this and looking at what’s in front of us, we f**king need a back up. A loud sound of something being thrown into the water came and I wasn’t sure if a thing was dumped or a person just jumped. But we were alarmed. I aimed my pistol while Rohit and Kapoor took position. But it wasn’t us who fired initially. It was a blind hit. The bullet touched no one, not even the boat. I heard the sky roaring again with lightning. We fired then. We aimed for the shadows that were visible from the orange light. The firing continued from both sides. I heard a yelp from Rohit as he crouched down, covering his shoulder with his other arm. No doubt he was shot. I screamed at Kapoor to take cover. She lurched forward pushing aside Rohit and took a stand and started firing. Rohit who finally balances himself got a hold on the sides of the boat and with his good hand he started firing.

“Try one last time.” I said to him and he nodded. “The signal here is too weak. I don’t know if its causes of the weather or these f**king b*****ds are jamming it all. But let me try one more time”. He did. Failed again. I lost all the hope for a back up. I don’t know how many we took down and how many are still there. A crackling sound occurred, somewhere close. Kapoor looked at me; with the faint illumination of the lighting sky I noticed the horror on her face which must have replicated mine. Our boat is compromised. Water started gushing in. But there is still time and the firing didn’t stop. Not yet. I continued firing as I heard a scream and a something splashed into the water. I have never shot this irrational in my entire life. Not when I was afraid to even lift a gun and not when I actually learned how to. Water inside the boat kept on rising. I felt a sharp pain shot through me in my right arm that landed me on one side of the boat. I asked Kapoor to take cover for me too. She’s done a lot for Rohit and now I also became a burden on her. She lowered herself to where Rohit was sitting and crawled towards me. “I am okay, stay low. We need to do something

about this boat.” I started to think and tried to devise a plan, trying to forget the pain in my arm. More bullets came in and our boat was just sinking with each stroke of waves. I felt the sea raging, and in all its fury. Then the sky started pouring. Yeah that’s exactly we needed. The thunders started raging to a whole new level. The lights made everything transparent. i saw the sky turning into its brightest shade. I saw the lighting to its roots as it tore apart the sky and suddenly my body shivered. I felt as if the light hit me. This made me terrified. But what I saw next blew up my mind. A furious yellow glow has replaced the faint orange glow on the boat. The light was so bright that we could see everything. I noticed shock in Rohit’s face and Kapoor just stilled in her place. In seconds their boat was on fire, putting an end to the firing. But our misery didn’t end there. Rain started pouring furiously, adding more water to our already drowning boat.

Kapoor jumped into action. She kicked the benches made of wood that was for sitting arrangement. It came out after the third trial. She’s trying to lose more weight from the boat. But I knew it won’t help much. “Let him stay on the log, and let’s jump. But we never leave the boat!” I said and she nodded in agreement. In between all these I found Rohit still engaged with the transmission. I only hoped for luck to work because there isn’t any way this would work otherwise. The wooden log Kapoor kicked out is in the water now, long enough to support at least one person. I asked Rohit to jump first. He did, with his arm falling at his side he struggled to grab that piece of wood. I told Kapoor to get ready. She braced herself and came closer to me, putting much weight on one side. I couldn’t think or imagine for a miracle to happen. All I could think of is I am going to miss that coffee date with my best friend. I counted three and then we jumped.

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I hope you enjoyed the chapter. 

This chapter really tested my patience and sanity. so fingers crossed. I would love to listen from you about this one.

PMs as well will be sent very late this time as i have to catch up on many things. hope you all dont mind that. 

Regards,

Ankita <3