Chapter 15

PART-14

 

"That makes sense." Rajveer was pensive. He could see a logic in Huda's explanation.

"So do you think we should end the truce period and work together. We need to crack this."

"I suppose... you are right."

"May I suggest something?" Naina intervened.

"Yeah sure." Rajveer's attitude after a very long time softened for her.

"I think we should check his quarter here."

"What? He uses staff quarters here."

"Yes. Whenever he had to stay back for longer hours after work or felt too tired to drive back to main town... he used to stay back here. And that used to be some 10 to 12 days a month."

"We should have considered it before. But anyway let's not waste any time and get going."

"You are right Huda. Let's check the place now."

 

Three of them rushed towards the staff quarter and on the way they bumped into Alekh coming out from the building.

"Alekh... What do you think you were doing here? You were supposed to be at the base, right?" Naina asked him.

"Yes ma'am... Actually I forgot something in my flat. Just came to collect that."

"Collect what?"

"Ammm... My phone Ma'am." He was stammering.

"Okay." She found it unusual to see him stammering but she had other things to focus on.

"Alekh you also come with us." Rajveer commanded him.

"Where to, sir?"

"Major Rastogi's quarter."

"Major Rastogi's quarter? Okay sir." He followed them.

 

Huda unlocked the door using a lock pick.

"Spread out and search each and every corner in the room." Rajveer ordered.

"But what exactly are we looking for?" Alekh questioned unaware of the progress they have made in the case.

"Anything.... Anything at all that says that he might be behind those missing ammunitions."

 

Alekh looked a little taken aback. He thought he heard it wrong but the other's demeanor told him that he had heard it right. He followed the orders given to him.

 

They checked minutely every corner of the room. Alekh was the first one to come across a piece of evidence against Major Rastogi.

"Sir.... Ma'am..." He shouted out. All the three rushed to him and saw him with two big envelopes of hard cash. The money in them was worth lakhs.

"Looks like we found something... This can't be from an Army Officer's pay check. Look for more. I am sure we can find few more evidences." Huda told them.

 

In the next two hours they found a few confidential documents' Xeroxes and his computer hard disc was impounded for scanning. Rajveer took that responsibility and they decided that they were done for the day.

 

******

 

Alekh and Rajveer retired to their quarters while Huda stayed back at Naina's place for a cup of coffee. No one else at the base knew about their affair.

"Congratulations." He said pulling her in his arms.

"I am so relieved now. Thanks for everything Huda."

"Anything for you, my love."

She smiled.

"Acha tum baitho... I'll get you a cup of coffee."

"Naina...It's such a big occasion. We should celebrate and you are trying to get away with a mere cup of coffee. Not done. Make some nice plan jaan."

"Okay let's do one thing. You make the plan while I make some coffee. I badly need some caffeine to calm my senses."

"Calm your senses... I thought you must be happy today."

"Exactly... I am very happy and excited today. Things haven't looked better than this for a long time now. I'll just be back."

 

In 10 minutes she returned with two mugs of coffee.

"So made some plan."

"Actually even I am not up to much today. Let's have a quiet dinner and then go for a long drive."

"Perfect."

 

They finished their coffee and Huda got up to leave.

"I'll pick you up in half an hour. So basically you don't have much time to get ready. Rush up now."

"Okay."

 

While on the door Huda hugged her and planted a peck on her forehead. He gave her a big smile and left. As the door behind him closed, he turned around and his expressions changed. His face stiffened. Something else was reeling in his mind.

 

******

 

"The weather is so lovely... Isn't it?" She asked as he drove on the forlorn roads of the suburb.

"Yeah... Lovely and romantic."

 

After driving for another 20 minutes, he suddenly stopped the car in the middle of that deserted road.

"What happened? Why did you stop the car?"

"I thought, may be, we can have better ways of enjoying the lovely weather."

"Oh and what according to you can those ways be?"

"Ammm..... How about some heart to heart talks?"

"Heart to heart talks... How romantic!" She said mockingly.

"Believe me you'll love it." Saying this he stepped down from the car and she followed.

 

"By the way, I have got something for you."

"Really? What's that?"

Huda took out a few sheets of paper and handed it over to her.

She examined them carefully. Her lovely smile faded as she returned him a cold stare.

"What happened? I thought you would like it."

"Very smart... Captain Huda." This time her tone was much serious.

A malevolent smile came on his face.

"You bet... Captain Singh."