Chapter 14

[NOCOPY]

[MEMBERSONLY]

Chapter 14

Arjun

Every time we came to this clinic it appeared as if we’ve missed something before. And the case gets a new angle. Like how we were not aware of the research Dr. Rao was doing. His clinic had nothing that could give us a hint that he was carrying out such an high end research. We must have missed a secret door or something undiscovered is waiting for us underground.

First when we approached the receptionist she was in a hurry. The clinic was in chaos too as if nothing has happened there. A new temporary entryway has been made beside the “Do not touch. Under investigation” seal. 

“What’s the rush”? Sakshi asked the receptionist. 

“There will be an important meeting of the board members. The future of this clinic depends upon this meeting only.” She said sweating profusely.

“Who are these board members? I want all the details about them. Sakshi collect those details. I want to know everything about these board members and their relation with the doctor.” 

“We are all set for the meeting. I need those stock exchange papers as soon as possible”, a lady approached the reception and said to the receptionist. This woman was here in this clinic the first time we came here. She is a junior doctor and assisted Dr. Rao in most of his operations. 

“are you guys done with the investigation? How many more days will this investigation hinder our work? Do you even know who killed Dr. Rao?” Dr. Purnima Sharma frustratingly said. What I couldn’t understand is why she would be interested in stock exchange papers in a board meeting?

“We are doing everything we could to solve this case Dr. Sharma. Its better if you will just be cooperative. We can stamp a stay on this clinic otherwise.” Sakshi threatened her. 

“we are already cooperating Ma’am. What else can we do?”

“tell us what your board members will decide about Dr. Raos pending research”? Shock would be an understatement. She was bewildered upon hearing about the research. 

“Research? What research?” she fumbled with her words. Gone was that attitude with which she was asking about the case progress. 

“Dont tell me you know nothing about his research. You happen to be the only doctor who have assisted him in all his cases.” I said. 

“I don’t know what you are talking about”. She said and was about to go but Sakshi stepped in and held her hand.

“think again. If you want to talk here or not,  otherwise we really do have a nice interrogation room in ETF. I’d rather enjoy what you’d say with a coffee.” Sakshi smiled and left her hand. Dr. Purnima Sharma was already sweating. She looked around to check if someone is noticing her or not then she eyed us to follow her. We followed her to towards the doctors chamber. She stopped in front of the sealed door. I broke the ETF label and we entered. There was nothing in that room that could tell us about anything abnormal. But Dr. Purnima stopped near a cupboard. When I closely looked at the cupboard it was actually fitted with the wall. Its holders below invisible. She pushed the cupboard , and it slides to the left side which opened a door. We could see a finely polished research lab inside the room. All the equipment required to carry out such an high end research was available in that lab and are worth crores. How did the doctor manage to arrange such a set up? 

“I can take only one with me.” Dr. Purnima said as she pulled out two sterilized jackets and two masks. I motioned Sakshi to stay outside. The inside of the laboratory was no less than looking like a part of an advanced research facility. Dr. Purnima pulled on the mask and straightaway went to another glass chamber signalling me to wait outside.. She looked frustrated again as the way she was checking something from one of the equipment. After some five minutes she made her way out. 

She pulled off her mask. “Either you guys find the murder soon and shut the case or just allow us carry on our work because we cant afford the loss that has happened”. She said.

“What loss?” 

“We have lost the last batch of culture due to lack of maintenance and we cant afford more.”

“What is this research? And who exactly are aware of it?”

“this project started after Dr. Rao lost his son. He found a very new and rare approach of treatment. While most people rely on antibiotics we tried to engineer a virus that can kill this bacteria. Even though we managed to do, we couldn’t carry further because of some limitations.”

“Limitations?”

“Yes, its difficult to get the virus inside the body. Unlike antibiotics we can’t directly administer this virus orally or via blood stream. I think Dr. Rao had found out the proper way of delivery. We were about to discuss this but he...”, the sadness on her face told me how badly she wanted to contribute to this research.

“Is there any chance that this I mean your findings is leaked to any other source”?

“it was only the board members who are aware of it. We didn’t even go for journals to keep this confidential. We were waiting till it clears phase II trials. But now without Dr. Rao, I don’t think we can do this.” She said. 

“What you were doing is really great for the mankind. I will make sure you start your project as soon as possible”. I promised her. “but before that I want to check and collect evidence from this laboratory. Is there any stock missing or anything that you found unusual in this laboratory?”

“Dr. Rao has ordered some stocks and it should have been here by last week but we didn’t receive any stock. I don’t know if its related to his murder.”

“what exactly is this product?” I was asking her. But our conversation was interrupted by my phone. 

We made our way out where Sakshi was reading some paper from that desk. I received the call. It was Rathod. 

“Yes Rathod. What happened? You sound worried.” I asked.

“The situation is like that Rawte, just reach central coast guard office as soon as possible.” He said.

“Why there? What’s wrong?” 

“I don’t have time to explain. Just reach there. Aisha and Riya need help.” I was stunned to reply. What help they need. Rathod sounded more like someone have them at gun point. And coast guard office? Why that place? 

“Sakshi, just stay here and wait for the board members. I want to know everything about them. This lab needs to be sealed for a day. Ask Liza to help you over here.” I ordered Sakshi.

“What happened Arjun? You sound worried. Everything alright?” she asked in a worried voice too.

“Aisha and Riya are in need of help. I have to go to Central coast guard office”. I explained.

“But what happened?”

“Just DO as I say!!” cant this woman just do what she’s asked to do? I left the clinic and went straightaway towards the Central coast guard office. The traffic was having a toll on me as it started pouring down. I just hoped whatever the trouble they’re in they’d manage till I reach there. But what I saw at the CCG office shocked me. I was immediately rushed to the helipad of that area. Stretchers were being pulled inside as someone pushed a pile or life jacket into the chopper. It appeared as if they were preparing for a rescue operation. I saw the paramedics get inside. At the same time another person came forward. By his rank I could say he’s a lieutenant from Navy. But what the hell has happened?

“This is lieutenant Srivastav and he’ll help in this rescue operation. We received strong signal for backup from that location.” Said  the director who was overseeing everything. Before I could even ask what has happened, the pilot made a signal and we rushed inside the chopper. It rained as if the sky will crack and there was no end to that agony. After many wind hits and tumbling the bird was on air.

About some fifteen minutes later when the chopper just started making rounds around a particular location, I went along with the lieutenant to open the exit door. What I saw stunned me for life. 

As I looked down, at the raging sea and the stormy night I realized one thing. She can't keep herself out of trouble. The lights of the chopper flashed down there, I saw her. She was holding the remnants of the boat as if it's her life. Beside her Aisha is holding another man I don't recognize. The lieutenant who was with me at the back seat looked down too. He cursed heavily as he realized the person down there with the ladies. 

He called out for the pilot, to bring the wire down. "I will go"! I said. I couldn't wait here until he brings her up here." shut the hell up. My girlfriend's down there"! And he was climbing down. There's only two girls down there. Aisha and Riya. Which among them is his girlfriend. 

“Your girlfriend”? I asked totally puzzled. He softened a bit.

“Huh! Look, officer. There is no landing surface down there. I can’t risk losing any of them down here. You could be helpful up here”. I tried to progress his words into my mind but I couldn’t stop worrying about the situation. After so so so long, something as this has managed to scare me for life. I just didn’t want to lose her like this.

The lieutenant slowly grappled the wire with much precision and signalled the pilot to bring the wire down. When he was finally in the air, he shouted for the safety harness they use for rescue operations. I helped him take it down along with him. There’s a lot he has to do down there. First he will have get this harness around the injured man down there as his condition is worse among them. That would be the part where he’d have to struggle the most. 

The lieutenant slowly went down with wind hitting him furiously, but he tried as much to keep himself stable hanging in the air. The wire went down, as it reached the wooden log where they were stranded. The lieutenant then pulled the safety harness and linked it with the wire that took him down. Aisha pulled the man down there with best of her efforts and made him t a sitting position. The lieutenant grabbed that man’s hand and pulled him into the water, as he instructed something to Riya. Riya then let go of the log from her hand as she struggled in the water. What the hell is this man doing? Riya went around the lieutenant to reach for that man. She pulled the safety harness around that man and sealed him with safety and immediately returned to the log holding it tight again. The lieutenant signalled us to bring the wire up. The pilot then pulled the wire and I saw them finally coming up. At the exit door of the chopper, the lieutenant pushed him up as I grabbed his hand. Faint sounds escaped from his mouth as he winced in pain. I carefully pulled him inside and made him lay flat on the seat and checked for his vitals. His pulse rate was slow and his breathing was faint. I checked his body for injuries. He was shot twice. There was a bullet in his right hand  and another has hit him in the left shoulder. How did these three managed to get themselves in such a dire situation? 

I unhooked the safety harness and the lieutenant went down again. Meanwhile the doctor took over with the para kit and started examining the injured man lying on the seat. I let him do his work and appeared at the exit door and saw the lieutenant in the mid air again.  He slowly let himself down. I saw him exchange some words with Riya. A ripple of argument went there when she forcefully took the harness from the lieutenant and pulled across Aisha. Aisha struggled too. The women down there were having some sort of argument. At this time? Then I saw Riya, pushed Aisha into the water. The lieutenant was fast enough to grab the harness and tucked her safely with it. He signals us again to bring the wire up. I saw the boat broke into half. One half just washed away and vanished in between the waves. I looked down at Riya. She was flat on her stomach as she held the remaining part of that drowning boat. Her struggles fainting. My impatience grew to a concern I don’t understand myself. Seeing her down there, scared me for life. I felt as the ocean will engulf her if we wouldn’t reach down there in time. No, nothing will happen to her. I tried to console myself.

The Lieutenant brought Aisha up. I pulled her inside the chopper. Her breathing was slow too. Even with her pain she was motioning downwards. The concern on her face was visible. “Riya! She’s shot.” She said in between her heavy breathing. I immediately unhooked the harness so that the lieutenant could go down again. I let the paramedics take over Aisha checking her for injuries.

I was half hanging in the air with anticipation, as the wire went down for the final time. She wasn’t moving. She helped Aisha and the other guy down there. I don’t think there is any more energy left in her to even move hand. The lieutenant hovered over her, for longer than required. He was gauging the angles. He cant just step on the that broken boat to tie her with the harness. And he can’t just pull her into the water, thanks too the powerful waves. There is no other hand that could help him out there. Something inside me told to jump down and carry her with me away from all of this. But the gravity of the situation didn’t allow me. 

I saw the lieutenant taking out his life jacket. He poked Riya, he shook her trying to stop her from slipping into unconsciousness. Then he signals us to lower the wire even more. Now he’s finally touching the water. He swam across half broken boat and stopped near Riya, then he made her wear that life jacket. Then instantly  he pushed her into the water. 

For a moment I lost the sight of her. The orange life jacket didn’t appear over the surface for the next few moments. My breath hitched in my throat. I couldn’t focus what Aisha was telling me from behind. All my concentration was down there and she was no where to be seen. I cursed the lieutenant. What the hell is he just doing. I went to the pilot asking for another wire so that I could go down. But he wouldn’t allow me. Desperately I went to the exit door again.

Relief washed over me as I saw Riya, her arms securely around the lieutenant as her body was pinned to his. He tightened the hook of her harness and signalled me to pull them up. I immediately informed the pilot and he brought them up. The moment he pushed her up to the door, I grabbed her form encircling her arm around my shoulder. She winced in pain, her eyes still closed. I heard someone sigh behind me. Aisha was now on her back, finally relaxing over the seat. Both the seats were occupied, but I noticed a stretcher at a corner inside the chopper. I motioned the paramedics to bring the stretcher. 

It was becoming difficult for her to stand, as her body limped against mine. I made her lay on the stretcher and allowed the doctor to examine her properly. She was shot on her right hand. That wouldn’t cause her much problem, yet I couldn’t just reduce my worry. I couldn’t stop my hand to graze over her face, as I kept away the wet hair sticking to her face. She didn’t react or she didn’t pushed me away either. She was unconscious. 

This single moment has taught me many things. I can’t afford to lose her. My eyes fell on her face. Her beautiful face with eyes that could slay with a look. Looking at her I realised what I am missing in my life. I can’t waste anymore time. I have to talk to her. She will have to listen to everything. 

The lieutenant finally made his way inside and shut the exit door, then we headed towards the Central coast guard officer. Rathod said he’d be there soon before we took off. I expected him to be there. His worry for Aisha wouldn’t keep him away. I looked at Aisha who was still lying on her back. No one spoke about what has happened or how did they got into a situation like that. 

The lieutenant first checked upon the guy who was brought first and who was shot. He asked the doctor about his situation. His treatment requires extensive medical attention and he can’t be operated here. He just nodded his head and walked around the stretcher finally facing Riya. He had an incredible look on his face as if he couldn’t believe what he’s seeing. Then he just smiled and made himself comfortable on one of the makeshift chair that was inside. Who the hell smiles at a person who’s unconscious and is shot in the arm? I leaned over the frame of her stretcher and waited for the pilot to take us to our destination.

We reached at the Central coast guard office after fifteen minutes of a frustrating silence. The chopper landed on the helipad.

Several guards rushed in our direction. The lieutenant got down first, barking orders. He asked for stretchers. Along with the guards I saw Rathod, Chotu, Shree and Sakhsi rushing towards us. I got down and made some space for the stretcher where Riya was unconscious to be taken out. The guards ushered her out and put her on another stretcher. Shree was the first one to run towards us and as he leaned over Riya. Then he followed her towards the emergency room they have at their base along with Chotu.

Aisha was helping the doctor and lieutenant inside the chopper to shift the injured man. Later two more guards helped him out on another stretcher. The lieutenant followed this guy behind those guards. Then I helped Aisha get down from the chopper. She looked weak but managed to stay strong the entire time.

Rathod who looked worried as hell stepped forward taking her arm. “You okay"? He asked with worry etched all over her face. She just nodded her head. Whatever have happened down there was traumatic for her. I felt it just by thinking about the situation they were in. And I don’t know how Rathod would have handled himself if he’d have been in my place.

Aisha just wrapped her arms around him. There was comfort and there was assurance in that embrace that eased Rathod to normalcy. “I am fine.” She said and parted from him. “We should go, check up on Riya".

Sakshi who was a silent spectator of all these finally came forward to check on Aisha. “what in hell were you doing there Aisha?You should at least have informed someone”! She obviously sounded worried. “I should have yes. My mistake but asking for backup was not my call. It was Rohits. Unfortunately it stopped working because, maybe they were using jammers. And it worked immediately after the other boat was set on fire. That’s why help came immediately”. She glanced at Rathod for any reaction to that but he remained silent. I couldn’t say he is angry. Anything could have happened. The possibilities were too frightening. Sakshi shook her head in disbelief.

“And what did you mean by other boat? Who else was there”? She kept on questioning. “We can have that discussion tomorrow Sakshi. Aisha needs rest as for now”. I said and that silenced her. 

“let’s go check up on Riya.” Rathod said much to my relief. The paramedics said they will take out the bullet once they reach the emergency room. She was unconscious because of exhaustion and also for the bullet.

When we reached near the emergency room Shree and Chotu were outside. Worry never left their face for a second. After all she’s their best girl. Sakshi helped Aisha sitting on one of those benches outside the emergency room. The lieutenant was nowhere to be found.

The doctor then came out. Shree was the first one to approach him. “How’s she”? “we took out the bullet but she isn’t being very cooperative with the treatment.” The doctor said. And what did he mean by she isn’t being cooperative? Shree just shook his head in disbelief and started towards the emergency room. Chotu followed behind.

“Aisha, I think you should go home and get some rest.” I said to Aisha and she nodded her head.

“Sakshi, take her to the parking. I will drop you both.” Rathod said. Aisha followed Sakshi as both of them made their way out. 

Rathod came forward placing his hand over my shoulder. “You too need rest Rawte.” “i want to stay here.” I said. I couldn’t just leave her here. I didn’t know what I’d do if I leave. But I just wanted to stay around. Stay near her.

“she wouldn’t be in her best moods Rawte, so don’t try anything stupid”. Rathod was easy to judge her mood now as he’s getting used to her attitude. 

“you dont know how she was struggling down there. You dont know how helpless she looked. I felt as if I’d lose her.” Its becoming difficult to talk about losing her.

“You lost her the day she resigned from ETF Rawte.” 

“I have decided. I would talk to her.” I said determined. 

“Good luck with that. I’d still say don’t push her too much. I won’t mind if I will see you with a black eye in the morning.” Rathod said with a smirk on his face. He trusts her enough to punch me in the eye if I force her for anything. Yeah yeah, 12 years of friendship and that’s the best my best friend could think of.

“You seriously think she’d do that?” I asked curiously. 

“It’s always you who doubted her capabilities Rawte. Not me.” He said gravely.

“dont you think you are making your lady wait a bit too longer”? I said and his snapped in my direction as if he had forgotten something. “Take care of her.” I said and he hurried outside.

“I don’t understand why she’s being so stubborn now.” I heard Chotu saying to Shree who was worried before but is annoyed now. “I myself don’t understand her Chotu.” Shree said with despair.

“What’s wrong”?

“uh..Sir she isn’t taking painkillers”! Chotu replied.

“if she can manage the pain, let’s not force her.” I said shocking both of them.

“you didn’t go home”? Shree asked.

“I will be staying here. Both of you go”. They were silent.

“Trust me, she'll be fine”, I tried to convince both of them.

“Are you sure Sir?” Chotu asked. 

“I will take care of her.” I said. They weren’t still convinced. But I was surprised when both of them made their way out.

When I reached her room, she wasn’t sleeping. An expression of annoyance clouded her face. But she looked cute that way, tucked under a blanket in that. And as usual with her current mood she looked disastrous. I know what chance I am taking. Rathod has warned me  about not irritating her. Why everyone keeps warning me about going near her? And where is that overprotective I-will-kill-you-if-you-go-near-her boss? 

She frowned when she realized who’s in the room. “What are you doing here? Where is Shree”? Isn’t it a good thing that she asked for Shree? She could have asked for that boss of hers. She appeared to be in some kind of turmoil. “He isn’t  here!”

“I don’t want to be here either.” She said with frustration. I couldn’t find any reason that could frustrate her. She reached for the saline tube pricked to her left arm. I rushed to her side holding her hand. She wasn’t expecting such an action. She frowned, and glared.

“You need this”!

“This? Salt water.” She questioned. I sighed. I was trying to understand if she’s frustrated for real or just being a child who hates hospital.

“Okay. Let me help you.” I said and stopped the flow from the bottle. I took out the pipe connecting to her vein and then pulled that slowly. She closed her eyes shut, but a single line didn’t appear on her face. Taking some cotton I pressed it to her skin then pulled out the plastic needle. She didn’t react to any of it as if she’d experienced this hundred times. But she looked less irritated than before. I didn’t say anything and took the seat beside the stretcher bed she was lying. Then she came to a sitting position. I didn’t know how much time has passed but we were just staring into each other. 

“What is it han?” she finally asked.

“What is that?”

“This staring at me. What made my face appear interesting to you overnight”?

“Its mutual.  You were staring too”.

“let’s get to the point. What do you want?”

“I just want talk with you.” Her eyes flashed with anger.

“I am already frustrated. Don’t add up. I don’t want to talk.”

“Let’s start with why you are frustrated”? Her uninterested eyes had a glimpse of concern now. She took some time. Then said, “I am sick of hospitals. I don’t want to see these walls, this bed or this freaking saline.” She was trying to control her trembling body while saying that. She looked both angry and vulnerable. “why are you even interested”?

“I just want to talk and I see we already are talking.” I said. She didn’t want to talk, yet was saying more than she tried to keep for herself.

“Don’t consider this as any ‘talk’. You are plainly adding up to my frustration.” She replied bluntly.

“Anything I can do so you will be less frustrated?” She wasn’t listening to me as her entire body started trembling. She looked like she’s lost somewhere. She started sweating profusely. I felt like she was having an anxiety attack or something like that.

“Get me out of here.” She said. She just wanted to get away from this place.

“But Riya you can’t get out of here”. She’s plainly being stubborn now.

“Here’s your deal. Get me out of here and I will talk with you. Whatever you wanted to talk.” She said now, desperation etched in her voice.

“This cant be the bargain for your situation Riya. You need to rest.”

“I just need to get the hell out of here. Why I am even asking you.” Saying so she brought her feet on the floor and was about to get down when I stopped her. Her body was still shivering.

“Get out of my way ACP.” She warned me now turning utterly aggressive. 

“Let’s go.” Now her expression was priceless. She was ready to do anything to just get out of that room. And she was already on her feet and marched towards the door even before I could say anything. The she turned back after seeing through the glass door. The guards won’t allow her to go unless she’s discharged or accompanied by someone one close to her. I went near here and opened the door.

“you are too breathless to talk Riya. I think you need some air. We should get outside” I said and pulled her aside leaving the guard wondering behind us. The doctor has advised both of them to rest. But she wasn’t anywhere near taking a little bit of rest.

We followed the way towards the emergency exit and finally made our way out silently. The SUV was parked just beside the emergency ambulance they have. She looked way calmer than she was in that room. I opened the door of the passenger seat and let her settle inside. Checking around for guards I went to the drivers seat. No one from the emergency room followed us so this that was the perfect timing for our escape plan. The SUV made a little noise ,but we were all set to go. Our logo of ETF on the SUV was enough to stop the guard from checking us.

The SUV picked up its speed when we were finally out of the Indian Coast guard base camp. It will take another 30 minutes before we reach my apartment. The road to our destination was calmer than before. Rain has reduced to occasional mist now, which was fogging up the windshield. I rolled down the glasses and let the light air filled with mist pass through the SUV. She exhaled heavily and leaned on the headrest finally relaxing. The desperation with which she wanted to get away from that emergency room has subsided. What really troubled her.

“What happened back there? You just freaked out?” I asked now that we have a bargain.

“I just freaked out, as you said. Hospital rooms sickens me.” That’s it. She said still closing her eyes. That was the end of our conversation. Back those days she used to understand my silence even without knowing what I was feeling inside. I cant say I am capable of that. She has layers of things guarding her emotions. She looked vulnerable without a reason and she became normal as if nothing has happened. Nothing about her can be explained in simple terms.

“that day I heard Shree talking to you on the phone. He was talking about those recordings”. I had to start somewhere. Somewhere everything changed for me. Her eyes shot up instantly, yet she made no movement. 

“I thought you planned all that along with Shree.”

“Yeah, more than five shots down with devils spring and my mind was stable enough to plan this. Nice! I don’t doubt your thought process anyway and that’s why you were angry and didn’t listen to me.” She stated. She wasn’t over analysing the words or the situation. She appeared as if she completely understands.

“Alcohol made me stupid ACP. But it didn’t make me erratic during that case. I knew what I was doing. I just expected a little cooperation from you.” She expected me to trust her. Cooperation was her way of saying to make things less exaggerated. If whatever we did is the reason she changed so much, she should have been flaring with fury now. Its becoming difficult to gauge her mood and her predict her actions. Either she’s still lingering in that previous frustration or she has just moved on from everything. It was very unlikely to say that she has moved on, owning to her behaviour in that doctors house. And now we are talking about it. She didn’t react to what I said. She didn’t react to the fact that I knew about those recordings. 

“It was my mistake. I should have...”

“Yes it was a mistake. Mistakes happen. I don’t know why acted that way before. I don’t understand why you are trying now after all these years. Is that all you wanted to talk about?” she asked. I can already see our conversation dying even before I get to the point. What more I wanted to talk? I want to talk about everything. That case, her actions and my decisions. How I couldn’t trust her. How I scrapped up her self confidence and brought her boundaries down. How a single decision finished her already blooming career in ETF. We broke her enough to crumple, yet she defied to bow down.

“I just wanted these things to settle between us so that we can effectively solve the case. You didn’t inform us about your situation. Anything could have happened there, you can’t always risk yourself and others with your instincts.” She had risked her life before.

“You are right. This time it was my instinct but not always. Central coast guard was aware of what we were doing. I took my personal connection to convince the captain to give into our plan. We just had to press a bell to call for back up. It’s my mistake that weather turned furious. It’s also my mistake that the people on the other boat were using jammers to block our connection. And I am extremely sorry I put the life of your teammate in danger.” This conversation wasn’t anything I have expected.

“Riya, I am not blaming you for anything. I am just asking you to be more careful. We were worried.” What I said was completely true. I was sick worried seeing them down there.

“I am not expecting anything less than this from you ACP. And I wont be surprised if Kapoor and I will face a jury to explain things in the morning.” She said bluntly. There we go back to square one again. “But I will be careful next time.” She added later, “careful enough not to bring any trust issues”.

By the time I thought we couldn’t have anymore conversation I realised we were already in front of our society gate. Strangely she didn’t ask where I am taking her. She looked outside as I made the SUV inside the society gate. Now she looked confused.

“I didn’t expect that you remember where I used to live.” She said as she stepped out from the SUV. She was observing everything in the society. “nothing really changed in all these years.”

“Well thank you for getting me out of that room.” She said, her eyes completely exhausted now. Then she followed inside, talking with the security. I securely parked the SUV and came back to see her getting into the lift. I pressed it open and entered.

“I think I said we are done talking”. She said lazily between her yawns. 

“I took a risk taking you out when you needed rest. I don’t want any trash-talk from Rathod if anything happens to you after I leave you alone. And yes we still have  a lot to talk.” If Rathod would come to know that I sneaked her out, he’d be angry but that’s all. I guess he’ll understand. I won’t put much strain over him like the last time.

“I really don’t have any energy left in me to argue with you. Just do whatever you want.” She said when we were heading towards our respective flats just opposite to each other. She walked out first and I followed behind. I saw her leaning to the ground. She pulled the carpet up revealing a single key. The key to her flat. Then she clicked the door open and entered. I followed her inside. 

“You’re not my guest. So suit yourself however you like.” She said once she realized I followed her behind. For a tiny moment she stopped and looked around the living room. She went closer to the pictures on the wall. A particular picture in the middle of all pictures stopped her long enough to be back to that arrogant self she is now. Even though she didn’t say anything seeing the ETF team photo, I knew something pinched her strongly. Later she took the sofa and leaned over to make herself comfortable and closed her eyes. But her expressions looked as if she’s in pain. I heard from Chotu that she’s made a fuss about taking pain killers. Why cant she be a little easy sometime?

I silently made my way to unlock my door. I remember having a first aid box. I found the strip of Aspirin and sprinted out of my flat. “ Have this, it will help.” I said when she opened her eyes to look at me. At first she stared then looked at my hand and noticed the pain reliever. “where you’d get this at such a time.” She asked taking that from me and peeling up the cover and gulped down instantly. “From your neighbour” I said and  searched for water which was thankfully placed on the dining table in the adjoining room beside this living room. I made a move and handed her a glass of water which she gulped slowly.

“Neighbour? Chotu and Anshu both said I ain’t gonna like them”! She appeared as if she’s talking to herself. Chotu is giving such impression about me to her? It was well expected from that boss of her anyway. 

“well he had a pain reliever for you. It’s up to you if you like him or not.” I said keeping my calm.

“Who’s he anyway? Do you even know him?” She asked again gulping down water from that glass.

“Yes. Certain ACP Rawte, he works in ETF”. I said without any strain in my voice. She puffed hard, all the water in her mouth was now sprinkled on the tea table in front of the sofa and I was thankfully safe from that spit shower. She was utterly shocked with my reply. It was obvious she didn’t know about it.

“that cant be true.” She was in denial. After all the things I did to her, the last thing she’d ever expect is to find me as her neighbour. She got up and sprinted towards the door. I knew she’d do such a thing. So I stepped into the doorway quickly as her body hit mine in an abrupt movement. I blocked her way and she struggled against me.

“you don’t have to do this Riya. You can just ignore what I said earlier.” I said as I wrapped my arms around her. She stopped struggling instantly as if she wasn’t ready for that touch. Her whole body froze against mine. I let her ease a bit as I loosened my grip around her.

“I know and understand this thing between us is not settled and I wont push you too far. But Riya please take some rest. You need it really badly.” She had struggled too much and she looked worn out. It was obvious she needed rest only if she allows herself to. She parted from me, poked a finger to my chest and said, “Why do you keep doing this? Everything won’t go according to the way you want ACP. You don’t decide what I should do or what I shouldn’t. Why do you want to settle things now? And what things? There was nothing between us in the past and there wont be anything in future. I am here just for a case. Don’t try to stop me beyond reasons because it was you who allowed me to leave back then. You spoiled everything. You broke my confidence. You always doubted my capabilities. You compromised my work life. And after all these you are saying me to take rest standing right in front of my door. Who do you think you are to do all that? What more you want now?” Her voice was hysterical. Her eyes were teary. Her accusations pushed me deeper into the guilt I am already living with. I thought it wouldn’t matter when she left but it affected me beyond imagination. Letting her go was the second big mistake I have ever done in my life. And letting go of her now just doesn’t feel right. I want her to stay close to me. Beyond reasons and beyond questions. I think I am becoming crazy. 

“I just want you to acknowledge that I really regret it. And I am really sorry. Oddly I can’t handle this brashness anymore from you. I don’t know why but I can’t see what you have become over the years. It hurts me to realize that somehow I was the reason behind everything.” I reached for her face, she looked as if she might burst into tears anytime. She she’s testing her limits. she freed herself from me and stepped away to keep some distance.

“Then find out why and don’t waste my time. I might forgive but I won’t forget anything” Saying so she banged the door on my face. My phone beeped again. I expected no one but Rathod. Surprisingly it was Sakshi.

“are you fine Arjun? Did you reach home?” She asked. I am tired to telling this woman not to bother with me but she wont listen.

“Just don’t bother okay. I am fine”. With that I cut the call. Everything about my conversation with Riya made me restless. She came back to my life like a forgotten dream, left unexplored. I feel an irresistible attraction towards her that’s beyond my control. I desperately want to settle things between us because every time we take a step closer to finish the case, I am seeing that deadline of her staying here fade. I cant let her go. I won’t let her go.

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So that was all about this chapter. 

I want both of them to get to this past thing little slower and not abruptly.

I hope you like this chapter, and please leave your valuable feedback. This keeps me motivated. 

Regards,

Ankita