Chapter 15

[MEMBERSONLY]
[NOCOPY]

Chapter - 13

She had known fear since a young age, being stalked, harassed, and kidnapped. But never had she experienced such terror that surpassed any that she felt in her entire life. It was not for her life, but the one who was her life.

Placing a hand on her racing heart, she sneaked out of the house, fearing the uncertainty that loomed over her future, but with a resolve to fight this head-on for herself and her dear husband. Now was not the time to retract, to go weak. She has been strong, and she will continue to take on anything that comes her way with the same rigor if not more. She left for the same spot where he “Jagtap” had reappeared, ruining the secret haven she had discovered with Virat. Sai wasn’t sure what Jagtap wanted from her. He had not made his intent clear. “Revenge” yes! But how was he planning to avenge himself was a mystery. Revenge was something she should be seeking for the loss of her only family, her “Aaba” He was his murderer, and she wanted him to pay for his deeds. Unfortunately, the tables had turned in his favour and Jagtap was out on his heinous hunt, with an unknown but definitely a dreadful plan.

Sai looked around nervously with sweat pooling over her forehead, and heart lurching in her mouth. Without missing the slightest of movement in the purview of her vision to the most subtle noise she held her breath waiting for him to appear before her. But it was not Jagtap, but two of his men who appeared infront of her, and if on que, her phone rang. With trembling hands, she placed the phone against her ear, only to hear that creepy, monstrous laugh on the other end. “Come along with them, they will bring you to me. Follow their instructions without any arguments. Any disobedience can cause you your husband’s life”. Without uttering a word, she quietly followed them to an unknown destination where the devil, her doom awaited. 

She squeezed her eyes shut, when her blindfolds were ripped off and the bright light intruded into the darkness that had prevailed for some time in her eyes. But within moments she forced her eyes open when the familiar, yet despicable and abhorrent smell filled her nostrils and the presence of its owner violating her personal space froze her senses. He had not changed, or had he? He had only become more evil and malevolent. He grabbed her by her chin, and she felt pain shoot through her as he sunk his fingers deeper into her flesh. She couldn’t decipher the look in his eyes, was it lust, hatred or vengeance. But then again, she was still oblivious about his motive. She had been incapacitated with her hands and legs tied, mouth taped and eyes blindfolded before getting dumped into a car and driven down to this location. Only after being forcefully pulled out at reaching their secret destination were her legs untied and blindfolds removed. Her hands and mouth were still under bondage. 

Japtap – Excited to see me my love? I can see the fear in your eyes and I’m loving it. You know why I was so crazy about you? It was your fearless spirit, your attitude. Despite being the weaker one, you never gave in to me. And that just had me attracted to you even more. You challenged me every single time. But what has that ACP done to you? He has turned my fiery tigress into a scared lamb

Sai had had enough. She was no loser, and she had taken this criminal head-on before. She would still have not given in if it was not for Virat’s life. She had been provoked and her soft eyes were blazing again with fury & disgust for the man standing in front of her, the murderer of her father.

Japtap – Oops! I’m scared (raising his hands up in the air, he roared into laughter like a mad man). That’s my girl! And I want her back. Your husband maybe a reputed police officer. But I’m more powerful and resourceful than him. I’m going to take you away from him. He will not be able to find you ever, he will never be able to lay his eyes on you again! I won’t harm him, atleast not physically. But he will suffer emotionally, for losing you forever. And that will be my sweet revenge. How dare he takes away what’s mine? He shouldn’t have meddled in my business. What did you guys think that you can defeat me, have me locked up in jail and while you lived a fairytale life together? How rudely have I shattered your sandcastle, haven’t I? (He let out another evil laugh, celebrating the success of his vile plans)

He turned to his men and gave some instructions which she couldn’t hear clearly, before he returned her.

Jagtap – Don’t worry my little one, I will be back soon, and then we will fly away to a far-away land. Never to return, never to be found. I have made the arrangements, just be a little patient.

Sai panicked. Was this her destiny, was she fated to lead her life without Virat and forced with the murderer of her father. No, not if she had an ounce of life left in her. She will fight, till she frees herself. She would rather die fighting that submit to this man’s whims and fancies. She was sure, by now help would be on its way. She had to hold on and keep fighting till then. She tried hard to set her hands free, but to no avail. She couldn’t scream or shout due to the strip placed on her mouth. While she was mentally trying to work out a plan to escape, Jagtap returned. Just the sight of him made her blood boil. 

Jagtap – My princess seems to be getting very restless to get away huh? Oh and how I love that look of anger in your eyes. You want to hit me, kill me, scream at me, abuse me? Alright, let me help you, I’m not as heartless as you believe me to be.

He pulled away her mouth restrain, and Sai whimpered at the pain. But she was back within seconds. Gulping in air to stabilize herself, she hit back at him with all her might

Sai – You think you can take me away. Over my dead body! You are a criminal, my Aaba’s murderer and you will rot in jail. Because that is your rightful place.

Jagtap – You manage to impress me every single time. Even in confinement you still hold your brave front. Even when you know that you have no way out, you still won’t give up. 

Sai – I’m neither scared of you, nor will I accept defeat. You will soon be in for a surprise, when you get whisked away to your rightful dwelling..Jail. And then I will have the last laugh. Just wait for it

Jagtap – That’s enough! Let’s go

Putting the strip back on her mouth he pulled her up on her feet, before dragging her out of the room. He had his men waiting outside the room. He gave them directions while still holding Sai by her arm. Sai constantly tried to break herself free from him, but she was under his death grip. He took her to a car amidst a fleet outside and pushed her into the passenger seat before following her inside. Only to be shocked to see Virat waiting for him in the driver’s seat. Jagtap tried to grasp Sai, but she flung her legs to kick him in his gut and escape out of the car. Virat got off and hugged Sai and checked to confirm that she was fine. Jagtap recovered from the blow and got off the car, calling out to his men. But he was in for a shock, as he realized that the entire area was rounded up by the police. His men were at gun point. He didn’t even realise when his entire game had flipped over. Virat couldn’t hold back his anger and rained power packed punches on him repeatedly. Samrat was close behind catching Jagtap when he tried to escape from Virat’s grasp. He took over and gave the deserved treatment for kidnapping and threating his little sister. Virat was still raging and snatched Jagtap from Samrat and started to kick and punch Jagtap. That’s when Samrat & Sai intervened and pulled him away. They asked the officers standing to take charge of Jagtap and his henchmen and drive them back to the police station. 

Samrat hugged Sai, and placed a kiss on her head. He was relieved that Sai was safe. It had been a hell of a chase to get to her and all the while prayed for her safety, and for them to get to her well in time. He then gave Sai & Virat a moment with each other. He could imagine what they had been through and their emotions of being back together again. Virat hugged Sai as if he would never let her go. Despite knowing Jagtap was now under arrest, the fear of losing her was not leaving him. He wanted to hold her in his embrace as if that would protect her from anything and everyone. But Sai found her solace, her safety in his arms. She could never feel more secure anywhere else in this world. 

Sai was welcomed home by Bhavani with aarti and she hugged her before letting Ashwini get her hands on her darling daughter-in-law. Bhavani was determined not to let anyone know of her true feelings for Sai, but her kidnapping and Bhavani’s distress took over and she couldn’t stop herself. The entire family had been worried for Sai’s safety and only after they received a call from Samrat that Sai had been rescued and was fine and safe, and Jagtap was now behind bars, did they all sigh in relief. The entire house had been surveyed and cleared of all the bugs placed by Jagtap. After getting a brief on how it all had happened, Ashwini asked Samrat, Virat & Sai to retire to their rooms and freshen up while gets their food to their respective rooms. 

Sairat room

Virat had showered and was on the phone checking on the developments with Jagtap case, when Sai came out of the washroom. She looked pale from the entire episode and reliving the dreadful days that she had apparently left behind. Sai met his earnest gaze, carefully reading her, and offered a weak smile. He quickly closed the call, walked upto her in quick strides and wrapped her in his arms. They stood there in each other’s arms for a while, savoring the moment, the comfort, pouring in all the emotions and just reestablishing the fact to themselves that they were finally back together. No words, just their silence speaking volumes, conversing in their own language. Placing his chin over her head, not loosening his arms around her he finally spoke

Virat – I can’t even think back on this. The fear of losing you, of something happening to you was killing me. It was not until I saw you that I could get hold of my heart beat. I’m just thankful to Bappa that he got me to you in time and you were unharmed. 

Sai -I was sure that you would come for me, I just wanted myself to hold up to him strongly till then. But now I’m happy, and safe in your arms. That’s all I want, and I’m thankful to Bappa for keeping you safe for me.

She looked at Virat and saw the still worried look on his face. She smiled at him before grabbing his cheeks and pulling them sideways. 

Sai – KJ is still looking worried. Where is my gabbar? 

Virat – Gabbar is very much here. But now is not the time to unleash him (that had an underlying meaning and his eyes twinkled in mischief)

But the next moment his eyes softened and holding her face in his palms he placed a peck on her lips. That’s when they heard a knock at the door.

Patralekha – Sorry for disturbing you both. But I was just concerned about you guys. I wanted to check on Sai to ensure that she is fine

Sai – Are you seriously here to check on me Pakhi didi?

Patralekha – Yes Sai. We may not share the best relationship, but I can never think so ill of you that I would wish for your death. I’m just glad that you are safe and back home. 

“I’m just so happy to see your genuine feelings and goodness Patralekha”

They all looked up to see Samrat join them.

Patralekha – Its not that I have any wrong intentions Samrat. It was actually the circumstances and I have accepted them and come to terms with it. And now I hold no animosity or bitterness towards Sai. She is after all part of this family, my family. So, I would always pray for her well-being. Thank you for understanding me, standing by my side and giving our marriage a second chance. 

They all smiled, content that all was well in the Chavan household now

Ashwini entered carrying food for Sai & Virat. She looked suspiciously at Patralekha but noticing Samrat next to her and the smiling faces of everyone she didn’t say anything. 

Ashwini – I have got your meal, you both have it and take some rest. You might be tired after everything that has happened today.

Sai & Virat – Ho Aai

Ashwini – And Samrat you should also get some sleep now. You also must be tired. I will go and get your food to your room. 

Patralekha – Don’t worry Ashwini Mami. I will take it to our room and ensure Samrat eats it and gets proper rest. You have been worried about Sai the whole day; you also need relax now. Samrat, wait for me in our room

Ashwini and Patralekha left, while Samrat stayed for a bit, chatting up a little with Sai and Virat before leaving.

Samrat & Patralekha’s room

Patralekha placed the food on the table and sank on the floor. Folding her hands in prayer.

Patralekha (Tears streaking down) – Thank you Bappa. You are a saviour. Thank you so much. I’m so grateful. 

Its not the end.

+ Bonus Chapter - before the curtains fall!!

[MEMBERSONLY]