Chapter 11

PART-10

 

 

It's been a fortnight for Rajveer and Huda having deputed at Simla base Camp. All they could find out in these days were innumerable problems that seemed to be never-ending as well but not even a single clue in breaking that complicated and unfortunate series of events was visible. Not even any hope was there. They remained equally clueless about the location of Captain Singh and Major Rastogi. All this was making them frustrated now. Both of them along with Lieutenant Alekh used to ponder endlessly through days and nights over the issues but didn't even know where they should begin with. One similar night they all sat at Huda's place looking over the entire matter for one more time when they suddenly heard a car stop outside with a screech. Then there was a peculiar sound that followed. It sounded so much like something big being dumped. They could hear the sound inside the room almost clearly. The car had stopped very close to the guest house or probably right outside it. That was something too weird. They all rushed out and the sight shocked them.

 

Naina was lying on the doorstep, unconscious and the car had sped away. She was there in the same clothes she was wearing that night. There was a little wound on her forehead but that was fresh. It looked like that she got the wound when she was dumped from the car. After that she was absolutely fine. They carried her inside and Huda sprinkled water on her face. It hardly took her around 5 minutes to regain consciousness.

 

Slowly she opened her eyes to look around but closed it immediately. She covered her eyes with both her hands and got up to sit. She was having problem in facing the light. Her eyes somehow appeared unaccustomed for light. Huda switched off the tube light and lit a small night bulb. That felt better though even that took her a little time to get adapted. Finally she could open her eyes. She looked at the 3 men around and was very pleased to see warmth on Huda's face while the other two faces showed curiosity and questions.

 

"Are you okay?" Huda asked her considerately.

"Yes." Her voice was very weak.

She noticed the bandage on Huda's head.

"Tumhein kya hua?" She asked touching that bandage gently with her shaky fingers.

"Kuch nahin. You forget about all his and tell me what actually happened with you that night."

"That night when I was looking around the place someone suddenly came from behind and covered my mouth, forcing me to inhale chloroform. And I passed out."

"Then?" Rajveer enquired.

"I don't know what exactly happened after that. Later I found myself at an unknown place, all tied up. My eyes were blindfolded."

"Did you see anyone or hear them talking?" He further asked.

"No. I told you I was blindfolded. I just heard the sounds of footsteps and that's it. No one even talked anything. I don't even know how many people they were. From the sounds all I could make out was that I was locked in a small room and during the entire day only once that door was unlocked and someone used to come inside to force me eat something. They used to stuff food in my mouth and leave." She was almost in tears and her face showed a disgusted expression.

"And they didn't tell you anything, didn't ask you anything.... They just let you be." Rajveer looked too confused. He turned to Huda.

"What do you think was that supposed to be? Doesn't sound like abduction at least."

Huda was quite. He didn't answer him. He himself failed to gather what actually the motive was behind Naina's supposed kidnapping. Naina looked at two of them trying to make out if they believe her or not but she was disappointed because they had a problem believing her.

"Huda I am not lying."

"I didn't say anything like that Naina. But you know how it is. Pehle Major Rastogi and then you are kidnapped....Then I am attacked. And you return back safely after 5 days.... without any scratch. Those people didn't talk to you, they didn't harm u...Just kept you a few days and let you go... why would anyone do that? And what about Major Rastogi? Where is he?"

"Huda I don't know that. But I am telling you the truth. Believe me." She broke down into sobs. But deep down even she knew that what she is saying is hard for anyone to believe. But she had to make them believe that because that was the truth.

 

"Ma'am please relax." Alekh tried to sound normal. He turned to Rajveer and Huda.

"Sir, can't we discuss this tomorrow morning? It looks like she needs some rest."

"You are right Alekh." Huda then turned to Naina.

"You just calm down. Hum subah mein baat karte hain. Till then you relax."

 

He escorted her to her quarter. She got inside and he turned to leave but she stopped him.

"Do you trust me Huda?"

He gazed at her for a while. He wanted to trust her but this time it was proving to be slightly difficult. But her moist eyes still prompted him to believe her and he did.

"Yes I do."

 

Her face finally showed him a little smile and she just came closer to him. She clung to him and held him tightly to find some solace in his arms. The last few days have been very difficult for her and the coming days looked all the more difficult. He also held her tightly. She felt better. At least someone believed her.

"Thanks Huda." She said in a bit shivering voice as they separated after a prolonged hug.

"You take a nap Naina. I'll see you in the morning. Take care."

She nodded gently and closed the door. He left. He was feeling somewhat relieved to see her back safely but the current situation and its ever increasing complexity was getting on his nerves.