Chapter 1

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 1

Sai! A sigh escaped Virat's lips. It had been a week since Sai had left for her hostel, yet he could feel and breathe her in every moment. Her absence only made her presence more evident in every corner of their room. The pain in his heart however had refused to subside. If the longing he had experienced when she had left for Gadchiroli had torn him to the core, this separation was driving him crazy. Sai had been adamant, and she kept her word. She left the day, the doctor had confirmed that Virat was fit to resume work. All arguments made by him to stop her had fallen on deaf ears. No amount of coehersing or convincing were able to make her change her mind. He had tried the most vague and wierd excuses, but all she did was smile at his antics. Ashwini and Mohit had also tried their best to make her stay back, but Sai had been resolute in her decision. She stood her ground while Virat hoped till the last minute that he would be able to convince her. Her resistance won over his persistence and she walked away through that door leaving behind a plethora of varied extreme emotions experienced by Chavan family members. If Bhavani, Ninad and Omkar were happy, Patralekha was ecstatic. All through this period since Sai returned, she had been miserable. She dreaded that Virat would convince Sai and she would stay back. Everytime she saw them together, holding hands, passing smiles, conversing with eyes gestures, she felt daggers ripping her apart. She was holding her breath when Sai was leaving and Virat was running after her pleading. A sigh of relief left her mouth only when Sai stepped out of that door, not sparing a glance back. Only then did she feel like her confined heart had been freed. It felt light and she just couldn't supress her smile and happiness.

A month later

It had been over a month, and Chavan family had resumed life as usual. Though some did feel the absence of Sai, but they had somehow accepted the reality and more so wanted to respect Sai's view point and decision. Meanwhile Patralekha had tried to get closer to Virat and rekindle their friendship, but he had ensured that he maintained a safe distance from her. Virat had become uncomfortable with her advances and had started to doubt her intentions. He had always considered her as a friend, and felt guilty and sad about her current state with Samrat MIA, but lately he had started to see a new side of her character and he dreaded the consequences.

Chavan Niwas

Virat - Aai, DIG sir is organizing a party in the honour of all the police officers who were part of the covert operation. He wants to celebrate the success of the mission and recognise the officers for their bravery. The party is next week. Families are invited, so I wanted to let you know in advance and so everyone is prepared

Bhavani - Ofcourse Virat! We will all be there. It will be such a proud moment of the entire Chavan Family. 

Ashwini - (Teary eyed) I'm so happy and proud to be your mother my Godu.

Patralekha - I'm so proud of you Virat. I will definitely be there with you.

Virat - (ignoring Patralekha) Aai I have to leave for another mission. It is a high profile case and I can't divulge any details. Hopefully I should be back before the party, but incase I can't make it, please be there to represent me. 

Everyone got worried, as it had barely been over a month since he was shot on a mission. With the trauma of it still fresh in the minds of everyone, they were sceptical.

Patralekha - Virat, do you really need to go? Don't you remember what happened last time? You can't even imagine what I .....I mean we all went through. Why can't you request to be relieved from it stating that you are still recovering? I'm sure they will understand.

Virat - (Sternly)I'm a police officer, and I'm committed to my duties and they are of utmost priority to me. And nothing and no one can make me walk away from it.

Patralekha (understanding the sensitivity) - I understand Virat. I was only concerned about your well-being. You know how much I care for you. Please call regularly and be in touch constantly. Don't hesitate if its late, you can call me and I can take the message for every one. You won't disturb the others that way.

Virat (turning to Ashwini, ignoring Patralekha) Aai I may not be able to contact you during this period owing to the  confidential nature of this mission. Now I'll quickly go and pack my bag. I need to leave right away.

Patralekha - I can help with the packing

Virat - I can manage on my own

Patralekha - It's fine Virat. I don't mind helping you

Ashwini interrupted

Ashwini - Patralekha, Virat just said he does not need your help. Why don't you get the message even when it is spelt out clearly to you? Why do you keep imposing yourself on people. Virat said he can manage on his own..he is not a kid. And if he needs any help he will ask. His wife may not around, but his Aai is here. So you don't need to go through any troubles

Ashwini's reprimanding tone compelled  Patralekha to retract and lick her wounds in silence. Virat soon packed and left on his mission.

A week later (The day of the function)

It had been a week since Virat had left and no one had heard from him. The ambience around CN was sombre. Every phone call was met with panic stricken look to each other, and it ended up with strange mix of relief and anxiety rising up in their hearts. While dreading the worst they were holding on thin shreds of hope with each passing day. Every one was dressed for the ocassion, but the excitement that they had when they heard about the event was now missing. Though they did feel proud and happy, the current uncertainty about Virat's whereabouts had clouded their hearts and the feeling of happiness didn't reach their eyes. Patralekha had been acting wierd and crazy. Ashwini had tried to restrain herself as she herself was dealing with her motherly fear for her son's safety, but there were instances when she was so overwhelmed with emotions that she got pushed and ended up rebuking Patralekha for her seemingly possessed actions. They had outburst in front of the entire family where had questioned Patralekha’s  intentions and integrity, citing how she was dealing with Samrat MIA news for so many months and Virat not being in contact only for a week. When the former was her husband and the latter her brother-in-law. To which Patralekha had openly qouted that Virat was her friend and Ashwini was always trying to humiliate and taunt her as she derived sadistic pleasures from making her cry. While Bhavani and the others supported Patralekha, Mohit was the only one standing strongly next to Ashwini. But their voices were subdued under the roar of the mighty Bhavani and her followers.

As the Chavan family arrived at the venue they were met with death silence around. They had tried to call Virat on their way to check if he was back and would make it to the venue. But they were not able to get through his number. Just when they tried to look around and figure out where the party was actually taking place, they noticed a large group of people gathered around in a corner. Now when they where here, they felt a strange fear grip them. They tried to peep in and see why the group had gathered together and what was happening that they were all so engrossed in. Just then someone moved from the crowd and they got a glimpse through a small aperture. But nothing had prepared them for what they saw. Gaping open mouthed they just stared. Stunned was an understatement!

Next Chapter - Restrained beats

Chapter 2 - Page 3

Chapter 3 - Page 8

Chapter 4(A) - Page 13

Chapter 4(B) - Page 18

Chapter 4(C) - Page 21

Chapter 5 - Page 26

Chapter 6 - Page 30

Chapter 7 - Page 33

Chapter 8 - Page 35

Chapter 9 - Page 39

Chapter 10 - Page 43
Chapter 11 - Page 49

Chapter 12 - Page 54

Chapter 13 - Page 58

Recap - Page 60
Epilogue - Page 60

[MEMBERSONLY]