Chapter 16

Next part – Love always triumphs

 

Kaajjal was much calmer, now that Payal explained her suspicions and Devs strange behaviour the fact he hadn't called her once in those last two days. She should have guessed something was not alright instead of stupidly trying to plan this party. Fresh tears broke out at her denseness, and inability to grasp his troubled state. Payal hugged her assuring her that she musnt blame herself not once. It wasn't their fault.  They were dealing with a very crafty if not evil character.

It was morning now almost. They had talked thru the nite. Payal told her, they must find a lawyer and see if they could stop the English Police from taking Dev to London. Kaajjal was glad to have some practical matters to put her mind to. She quickly got changed and ditto with Payal. The rest of the family enquired anxiously about Dev – Kaajjal hugged them all. Kaajjal refused Veers help saying she will do it herself. Veer glanced at Payal strangely but she looked away. In the last few days, some deeper feelings were developing between the two, but Shivansh return shattered it all. Now she couldn't meet his gaze even.

 

The lawyer was the country's best. But he looked at her sympathetically and said," They have charged him under the international terrorist act Mrs. Singh, and according to the new extradiction treaty signed last week between UK and India to support UKs war on Terror, which means member countries can swoop in any time and pick you up. No one in the Indian government can help you. Or should I say will try and help you Mrs. Kaajjal Pratap Singh." Kaju was shocked. She stared at the lawyer. They had told her that he was the best. He knew the law inside out. She took a deep breathe and left wordlessly.

 

On the way out, Kaju saw the newspaper and grabbed it. Her eyes widened as the headlines read – "Famous Media Tycoon a terror suspect. Being held in Carnac Bunder Jail before he is taken to London"….her eyes were frozen in shock and horror. She took a deep breathe to steady herself, no Kajjal you musnt weaken at any cost. Tightening her resolve she went out where Payal was waiting anxiously.There were two blank calls on her mobile already. Her anxiety only grew as her fear. What did Shivansh want with her? Why was he doing all this.

 

Seeing Kajus pallor Payal didn't need anything else. She told she had decided to go to Shivansh wherever he was and hand herself over. Kaju slowly turned to look at her and though her eyes were still in shock. Very softly "Dev – did not compromise, Payal. He did it because he didn't want to hand you over to that monster. Nor will I. I am with him, all the way on this. So don't even think about it. Besides we have work to – like catching a flight to London". Payal was stunned – London." What".

 

She told Payal at the moment there were no plans. But she had faith on her Gannu Bhaiyya. He would help her she was certain. Just like he had in the past, when she found Dev with his ML in Rajgani, when the whole world thought he was dead. A ghost of a smile touched her gaunt eyes when she said to Payal softly," Dekho Payal – Kaise aaj bhi hum dono ki Dhadkhane ek hain. Mein unhe kitna kareeb mehsoos kar rahi hoon. I know he is missing me a lot. But he knows I am not weak, nor is he. Unhe pata hain, I wont give up. He knows – Payal. He never said to me once, don't come after me. Not once. "She firmly brushed her tears now that she began to feel her old faith on her love rise within her and GB giving her the needed strength.

 

Payal hurried after her, "where are you off to now…wait Kaajjal" Kaajjal said "Carnac Bunder – where they have taken him. I am going to my Dev. " they jumped into the car. Kaju was on her mission, there were no room for tears.

 

Dev refused to eat the food, staring out silently ahead of him, his face a grim mask of concentration. He hadn't slept a wink. There was a soft hint of a stubble already on his taut jaw.The constable informed him suddenly, he had a visitor. "Devvv…." A soft whisper - Dev looked up slowly, then shocked to see her. He stood up looking like he had seen a ghost," Kaajjal…" it was a whisper.

 

She lunged into his arms, fervently" Devvvv…." she hugged him like there was no tomorrow. Sheer disbelief and joy all paralysing him momentarily. Slowly his arms wnet around her, tightening as he said through clenched teeth"Kaaajjja…lll….Kaaajjal…", Then his eyes came to life as his lips moved over her hair, like a man who suddenly saw a few drops of water in a scorching dessert. Her tears flowed, unabated. She broke her own rule for the first time in her life and bribed the two officers on duty a hefty sum to give them at least an hour. They agreed to look the other way.

 

Cupping his face tremulously, she kissed him all over his face, tasting his tears hugging him several times over, reassuring him, joyous to see him again. She felt a shudder go thru his frame as he trembled in her arms. But when she told him what Payal had, he went completely still, for a moment holding her tight afraid – really afraid what Shivansh might do to her. But Kaju was undaunted. She moved away and cupped his face again, facing him looking into his dark troubled eyes lovingly," Dev…look at me…please….ek baar meri aankhon mein dekhoo DEvvv…sirf ek baar…" His eyes had been clenched shut, with pain and denial. Slowly he opened them – they were moist. She moved her fingers over his lashes tenderly," Gannu Bhaiyya Ke hote, kuch nahin ho saktha mujhe. What did he tell you that he will kill me, if you talked to anybody."

 

Dev shuddered even as he heard her say those terrible words. He sobbed against her cheeks, hugging her again, " "n…n..no….no….da..dam…dammit….say it….K…K..Kaajjal..dont…eve..even…say…it…dammit….dont…." he was crying in her arms as she cradled his head, softly soothing him , reassuring him saying it will be alright. Then a strange expression came in her eyes and she smiled softly," But he cant – Dev, no one can kill me or you. Don't you see Dev…don't you see…."Then moving slightly to face him she gathered him to her, her fingers brushing his eyebrows lovingly, his cheeks, his jaw seeking reassurance herself….trying to convince him," Devvv - Our love is our greatest strength. And you Dev are my strength. He is a weak man, burdened by his own inability to handle his weakness. He can't hurt us. For he is a coward. We will find a way out. I know we will. I have faith in GB, in our love. Please believe me." She hugged him again. Her eyes closed, fervently hoping for him to have faith.

 

He took a deep breathe trembling all over as he did, desperately wanting to believe. "If something happened to you – Kaajjal, I swear I will die…I will die" He cried softly, against her ear. She couldn't bear to see him like this wanting desperately to give him strength and hope and prayed to GB continuously to show her the way, to give Dev a lot of strength.

 

She was trying to be strong for his sake resolutely keeping her tears at bay,

 

"Dev, nothing will happen to me, I promise nor to you. You see -I am coming to London." She added softly.

 

He was shocked at the last bit and shouted "What – dammit." He moved away, "What – did you say". She nodded with a faint smile. He took a deep breathe, remembering the old glint that was in her eyes now.

 

At firs he refused to hear of it. his jaw was clenched tight, stubbornly as she remembered...."no - kaajjal you are not coming to London and thats final" his voice and eyes said it all. Kaju pleaded but to no avail.

 

Her eyes glimmered with fresh tears, but the glint came in slowly, a glint which he remembered - The same glint had been there, when she climbed the 10 storeyed building to jump for his sake, or when she made him stay overnight after she had drugged him.

 

She took his hand before he knew what was happening and putit on her head "tum he meri kasam Dev - I am cming to London, like it or not. You fear for my life - so be it, kill me now but you cant stop me Mr Dev Pratap Singh". He turned pale, galring at her while trembling at the shock of her words. tears glimmered in his eyes, and he swore softly and hugged her.....wordlessly....she closed her eyes and repeated "Dev...you cant stop me" it was very soft...after a long time he stirred,.....took a deep breathe

 

Then he moved slowly cupping her face, his hands quivering and whispered shakily," Kaajjal – Dammit, you are crazy. Sweetheart – you are mad, and I love you. Dammit – I love you hear that, you crazy woman."  His eyes were balzing like old, fiercely with some of the passion she wanted to see and he hugged her with a heartfelt sigh," I love you, Kaajjal I love you." She returned the hug with equal fervour, part of peaceful that he was beginning to show faith. DPS angry was a good sign, she thought with a smile.

 

Deeply content to feel her arms around him again, some part of his numbed heart began to function again, as familiar feelings rose within him – her fragrance as beautiful as ever, her breathe like a warm ray of sunshine and her voice gushing like the first waters of spring. Yes, he was home now, not so terrified anymore.

 

Gently he nuzzled her neck, and found a smile from somewhere it was wry as it was slightly afraid," I feel sorry for Scotland Yard, for they haven't met you yet. Have pity on them, dear." He muttered against her ears, holding her tight, content to feel her heartbeats against his not knowing when he might be able to hold her again. "I am so glad we had the whole day to ourselves yesterday and we were able to spend it together like we did." he said with feeling, but his voice was a bit more calmer now as his mind started to work.

 

She sighed fervently," Y..yes…Devv…But we will be together soon….I know….we will." Payal who was a silent spectator stood there watching, then a strange expression came in her eyes. She was smiling. It was sad.

 

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