The Wait (Ariya FF) Part-75 Updated (Page-212) - Page 8

Part-22

"Riya ? Tum yahan.?"

Arjun asked opening the door.

" Vo Sir , Rathore sir ne kaha hai hum thodi dair me niklenge."

Riya said.

"Thik hai mai araha hun."

Arjun replied walking back inside the room, thus Riya turned to leave but stopped in the mid-way and walked inside his room mustering up her leftover courage.

"Vo Sir mujhe kuch aur bhi baat karni thi."

Arjun on hearing her voice turned to face her again and waited for her to speak up but that never came.

She kept standing there fidgeting with the tablet contemplating over whether to tell him or not.

"Riya jo bhi baat hai jaldi kaho , sab niche wait kar rahe hain hamara."

Arjun broke the silence first, thus she blinked taking a glance at her wrist watch then looked up to him.

"vo Sir baat ye hai ki...."

And she explained everything to him whatever she heard earlier in a breathe and how Rathore was in pressure.

"Sir team me aapke alawa aur koi nahi hai jo Rathore sir se iss baare me baat kar sakte hain.

Issliye..."

"Riya sabse pehli baat – Tumhe iss tarah se unki baatein ni sunni chahiye thi.

Dusri baat- Ye Rathore ka personal matter hai. Isme mai ya team me se koi interfere kare ye Rathore ko achha nahi lagega.

Toh behtar hoga tum ye sab dimag se nikal do."

Arjun spoke in a straight tone interrupting her words.

"Per Sir."

"Riya – ye mat bhulo ki hum yahan case ke liye aaye hain .

Ek ETF officer ke liye sabse jaruri hota hai apni duty ,toh achha hoga agar tum yahan sirf duty pe hi dhyan do ,na ki apni personal emotions pe."

She kept mum at his harsh voice as he walked out of the room , and sighed following him.

______________

The ETF team reached the designated street and parked the SUV a little far from the targeted house.

Chhotu ,Ayesha ,Riya fitted micro cameras around ,Rathore, Arjun inspected the area to find any suspicious activity ,meanwhile Shree, Sakshi monitored the camera in laptops inside the SUV.

After the setup was done everyone waited for the goons to take the initiative whilst staying hidden behind some houses and verandah.

"Shree is everything done.?"

Arjun asked over the walkie talkie.

"Yes sir.

Sare camera footage set hai , an bas unke bahar nikalne ki dairi hai."

Came shree's reply.

"Everyone stay alert."

Rathore alerted.

"Yes sir."

All answered in union except Arjun.

"Deva ab toh bas ye Bhairav pakda jaaye. Isko itna maar marunga ki dubara kisi bache ki taraf dekhega bhi nahi."

Chhotu murmured ,peaking from behind a wall.

"Haan aaj toh kaise bhi karke ye gang ko pakadna hai . Jitni dair hoti jaa rahi hai bachon ki jaan utne hi khatre me hai."

Ayesha shook her head.

Chhotu looked over to Riya who was silent all this time and was quietly keeping an eye on the house.

" Oye Riya kuch hua hai kya? Tu itni chup chap kyun hai.?"

Chhotu asked , thus Riya averted her eyes from the house to him.

"Kuch bhi toh nahi."

"Riya fikr mat karo, bache thik honge. "

Ayesha assured assuming that could be the reason she looked stressed.

Riya didn't reply anything instead looked ahead masking her tension.

The mission needed more of her attention than the situation going inside her head afterall.

"Shree tum ye sambhalo mai bas thodi dair me aati hun."

Sakshi handed him the laptop and started pulling the thermos from her bag along with paper cups.

"Tum kahan jaa rahi ho.?"

Shree enquired.

"Arjun ko chai dene."

She grinned getting off the SUV and ran towards Arjun's SUV.

"Arey yaar iski chai ki dukaan kabhi band nahi hoti."

Shree murmured handling the stuffs alone.

"Arjun ye rahi tumhari Chai."

Sakshi poured the tea on a paper cup and forwarded it to him, which he took without any question.

"Sakshi ek cup mujhe mil sakta hai.?"

Rathore asked glancing at them.

"Haan haan jarur."

Sakshi poured tea in another cup and gave it to Rathore who murmured a 'thanks' in return.

"acha toh mai chalti hun aur chahiye hoga toh bula lena mujhe."

Sakshi smiled at Arjun before sprinting back to the SUV.

Arjun quietly sipped his tea ,angling his head to Rathore who had his eyes fixed on the targeted house yet he seemed lost in some thoughts.

"Sir koi ghar se bahar aaraha hai."

Shree's voice came from the walkie talkie and Arjun shifted his focus back to the mission pulling his gun out.

It took a whole two hours to attack the gang members and rescue the kids those were in terrible state without proper food and water.

The kids were sent to the nearest hospital while the goons were arrested with the help of local police ,and a number of raid operations were carried out on the addresses the goons confessed about hiding more kids.

Rathore was assured all of his team members were sound and safe except shree who was a little injured in the rescue operation.

By the time the clock stroke 4am ETF members came back to Rathore's place ,leaving the police to handle rest of the formalities and chase Bhairav's right hand who went missing.

As the dawn came upon Arjun was the first to come downstair for his morning walk, and he went ahead with his morning routine ignoring the fact that the palace was getting dolled up so early for some unknown reason.

By the time he came back he still didn't find any of the team members around , making him assume all were probably still asleep due to the tiredness from last night.

"Arjun."

He stopped on his track on hearing Rathore's mother's voice and turned around to face her.

"ji maa sa."

"Aapse kuch baat karni hai."

Arjun followed her as she started walking towards a quiet hallway and stood idly waiting for her to speak up.

" Hum ab tak aapse zyada baat nahi kar paaye per hame achha laga aapko yahan wapas dekh ke.

Sameer ke sath sath aapne bhi yahan aana band kar diya ."

Rathore's mother spoke , thus Arjun shifted on his spot.

He never thought what to tell someone why did he and Rathore stopped being friends.

But somewhere he knew why Rathore could never tell his family about their broken friendship

"Aesi baat nahi hai maa sa, mai bas..."

"Rehne dijiye. Hum jaante hain bahut si cheeson me aapki aur Sameer ki soch ek jaisi hi hai.

Per sach kahein toh bhale hi aap aur Sameer humse dur hogaye ho , per hame iss baat ki khushi hai ki aap aaj bhi Sameer ke sath hain.

Kam se kam koi toh hai unke pass jisse vo khulke apni baatein keh sakte hain."

She smiled and Arjun stood tongue-tied for a moment.

" Hame lagta hai jitne dur Sameer humse hain utne hi kareeb vo apni team se hain.

Unki havbhav me dikhta hai kitni fikr karte hain vo aap sabki.

Issliye Arjun hame lagta hai ab aap hi unhe samjha sakte hain.

Unhe samjhaiye puri zindagi vo duty nibhate nahi reh sakte, aur hum koi unka bura nahi chahte aur na hi hum unhe unke duty karne se rok rahe hain.

Hum bas chahte hain unka apna parivaar ho , jo unka wahan khayal rakh sake."

"Maa sa ye Rathore ka apna faisla hai ,mai usme kaise."

"Hum jaante hain Arjun, Sameer apko kitna maante hain.

Vo apki baat jarur sunenge.

Sameer ko leke hum itna toh jaan chuke hain ki hamari koi bhi baat unhe kabhi pasand nahi ayegi.

Per hum khud ko badalne ki koshish kar rahe hain.

Hum ye nahi keh rahe hain vo ek hi din me Maithli se shadi kar lein , per unse vo mile unhe jaanne ke baad faisla lein aur jo unka faisla hoga vo hame manjur hoga.

Aaj tak humne unke kisi bhi faisle pe kuch nahi kaha hai.

Na unki padhai , na career aur na jab unhone ghar chhodne ka faisla liya tha. Bas ye aakhir baar hum chahte hain ki vo hamari baat maan lein aur hamari pasand ki ladki se shadi kar lein.

Umeed hai aap hamari baat jarur rakhenge."

She looked at him hopefully ,then started walking away meanwhile Arjun stood silent.

Arjun thought over her words for a moment and released a deep breathe before speaking up.

"Maa sa ek min."

Rathore's mother stopped turning to him ,when he came walking up to her.

"Jab Rathore ne ghar chhoda tha tab usse utni hi takleef hui thi jitni aapko.

Usse aapse ya ghar walon se koi problem nahi hai aur na hi vo aapse nafrat karta hai ,usse problem hai toh bas yahan ke taur tarike se aur khandan ki shaan ke liye hone wale jhuthe dikhawe se."

Arjun murmured thoughtfully , earning an incredulous look from her.

"Toh kya aapko bhi lagta hai tab humne jo bhi kiya galat kiya?

Humne bhi apni beti khoya hai Arjun per hum kya kar sakte the ?

Shadi ke baad betiyon ko sasural me hi rehna padta hai chahe vo jagah kaisi bhi ho , ye yahan ka parampara hai."

She said firmly.

"Aesi parampara kis kaam ka maa sa jo apni beti ko ghar wapas le aane se zyada arthi me dekhna pasand karta hai.?"

Arjun questioned her, and she fell silent.

"Jo kuch bhi hua tha Rathore aaj tak khud ko jimmedar maanta hai ki vo apni behen ke liye kuch kar ni paaya, toh aapko usse waqt dena padega.

Kuch zakhm raaton raat nahi bharte , waqt lagta hai uske liye.

Aur rahi baat shadi ki toh shadi ek bahut bada faisla hai zindagi ka , mujhe lagta hai aapko Rathore se puchna chahiye tha uski pasand na pasand . Kyunki usse kisike sath agar life share karna hai toh ye faisla bhi uska hi hona chahiye."

"Matlab ? Aap kehna chahte hain ki Sameer kisiko pasand karte hain.?"

She asked and watched Arjun lowering his lashes almost falling of words.

"Ye mujhe bhi nahi pata per itna jaanta hun Rathore bahut soch samajh ke apne zindagi ke faisle leta hai aur zyadatar vo sahi bhi hote hain.

Agar aesa kuch hoga toh vo khud aaapko bata dega , bas aapko usse thoda waqt dena padega."

He answered maintaining a straight face , thus Rathore's mother sighed.

"Lagta hai apko pata hai per aap apna dost ka sath dena chahte hain.

Thik hai hum aapko jor nahi karenge aur na hi aapke dost ko.

Lekin unse keh dijiyega hum zyada wait nahi kar sakte unke bolne ke liye."

Arjun kept mum as she left the hallway and he released a breathe he was holding for a while.

________

Rathore got ready and came downstairs where Ayesha , Sakshi , chhotu were having breakfast looking a little tired yet they looked contained with the food.

"good Morning Sameer."

Sakshi was the first to spot him, and other duo raised their heads to him.

"Good morning sir."

"Morning.

Riya ,Shree kahan hain.?"

He asked roaming his eyes around.

"Vo dono sir police station gaye hain.

Kal raat Bhairav ne jo adde ka naam bataya tha na police ne raat ko hi wahan raid mara hai aur kuch bache aur Bhairav ke gang members ko arrest kiya hain.

Shree, Riya sabki reports laane gaye hain."

Chhotu replied.

"Aur Rawte.?"

"Arjun ko toh mai bhi dhund rahi hun subah se. "

Sakshi whined.

"Lagta hai Arjun Sir ab tak niche nahi aye hain, sayad uthe nahi honge ab tak."

Chhotu answered him.

"Hm."

Rathore hummed even though he knew Arjun never slept late.

He must be working on the paper works in his room.

He thought.

"Sir aayiye na breakfast kijiye."

Ayesha offered noticing his slightly tensed figure.

" Um nahi mujhe bhukh nahi hai. Mai bas..."

Before Rathore could complete a kaka interrupted him.

"Chhote thakur sa , maa sa aapko bula rahin hain."

Rathore nodded his head already anticipating why she might be calling for him , but this time he had made his mind.

Ignoring the curious gazes from the people on the dining table he went ahead to his mother's room and knocked on the door.

"Andar aajaiye."

As Rathore entered the room following his mother's command , he found her arranging few suits on her bed.

"Aapne bulaya.?"

He asked standing at a distance.

"Hmm. Humne aapke liye kuch suits mangwaye the, inme se aapko kaunsa pasand hai.?"

She asked back pointing at the suits ,then looked at him.

Rathore stared at his mother then the 3 piece suits on the bed, confused.

"Ye sab kyun.?"

"Aap toh yahan barso aate nahi hain , ab jab aaye hain toh hum chahte hain ek chhota sa party rakhe aapke yahan se jaane se pehle. Ye sab uski taiyaari hai."

Came his mother's reply.

"Per mom hum toh...."

"Ab itna toh hum aapko bina puchhe kar sakte hain na.?"

His mother interrupted him curtly , thus he sighed knowing what she was referring to.

"Mom , mujhe kal raat ke baare me kuch baat karni hai.

Mera vo matlab nahi tha ki aap bina mujhse puchhe rishte ki baat kyun ki , mujhe bas abhi shadi ni karni."

He said calmly.

"Abhi shadi nahi karni ya Maithli se hi shadi ni karni.?"

His mother emphasized each of her words and Rathore furrowed his brows together in confusion.

"Huh.?"

"Dekhiye Sameer humne aaj tak aapko kisi baat ke liye mana nahi kiya hain, iss darr se nahi ki aap humse aur dur chale jaayenge balki issliye kyunki hum jaante hain aapki aur hamari soch alag jarur hain per aap bhi galat nahi hain.

Aur hame lagta hai aapki shadi ki baat humne bahut jaldbaaji me kar li , hame pehle aapse apki pasand puchni chahiye thi phir jaake koi faisla lena chahiye tha."

"aap kya...."

Rathore paused himself not knowing what to question her since he was already confused , while His mother continued.

"Arjun ne hame hamari galti samjhake achha kiya. aaj kal ke bache kaise sochte hain, kya chahte hain ye janne se pehle unki zindagi ka ahem faisla hum ni le sakte."

"What? Rawte.?

Rawte ne aapse baat ki.?"

Rathore asked perplexed.

"Haan. Wese toh hum unhe bolne gaye the ki aapko samjhayein per unhone hame hi samjha diya.

Aur unhone jo kaha hum wese hi kar rahe hain.

Hum aapko waqt de rahe hain Sameer , aap ki baat hame aake samne se bolne ke liye."

Rathore stood stunned unable to register her words or react even though he had made his mind to tell the exact same things , but his mind was still stuck at what she said earlier.

Rawte talked to her for him?

The Arjun Suryakant Rawte?

The same man he knows who goes around saying he doesn't care about anyone in the team?

He not only talked to his mother , but also convinced her with exact same words he wanted to convey?

"Aapki shadi ki baat toh abhi hum nahi kar rahe hain , per aapke aane ki khushi me humne jo kal party rakhi hai aap uske liye mana nahi kar sakte.

Itna haq banata hai hamara apne bete pe."

His mother's spoke stilling his chain of thoughts and he blinked realizing what she was talking about.

"Per mom mai yahan akela nahi hun."

He murmured in a low voice.

"Toh hum kahan keh rahe hain ki aap akele party me ruke. Aapki puri team rahegi .

Humne sabke liye kapde mangwaye hain.

Hame pata hai aap sab bahut busy hain per ek din toh aap hamare liye yahan ruk sakte hain."

His mother eyed him hopefully , leaving him no option but nodding to her.

"Aap jaiye hum aapke kapde aapke kamre me bhijwa denge."

His mother smiled at his agreement , and Rathore went out of the room making his way to Arjun's room.

Arjun heard a knock on the door and opened it only to find Rathore standing there with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Rathore.?"

"Tum niche nahi gaye ab tak.?"

Rathore asked.

Arjun stared at his face for a moment before questioning him back.

"Kuch kaam tha.?"

Rathore hesitated a little contemplating over what to tell him , and then remembered something.

"Vo Shree, Riya gaye hain reports laane .

Case ke related sare reports aajayenge hamare pass."

"Hm thik hai. Phir aaj case ke khatam hote hi hum kal subah Mumbai jaa rahe hain."

Arjun declared, meanwhile Rathore parted his lips to inform him about the party and to ask if he could stay but the words never came out of his mouth assuming he would obviously not agree to the idea.

"Thik hai."

He mumbled walked away from the room towards the hall halfheartedly.

Was it that difficult to have a normal conversation with him apart from any case?

He wondered.

"Sir.?"

He looked up to where the voice came from ,and found Ayesha standing at a distance watching him, worried.

____________________

"Kya? Rathore Sir ki Shadi.?"

Shree exclaimed in shock as soon as Riya explained the whole scenario from last night ; since Shree kept insisting about her gloomy mood.

"wait tune Ayesha ko bataya.?"

Shree asked again overcoming the previous shock.

"Nahi . Mujhe laga vo dukhi ho jayegi issliye nahi bataya."

Riya answered sighing.

"Aur tune jaake Arjun sir ko ye baat batayi.?

Ri .. tu kaafi daring ho gayi hai."

Shree nudged her lightly and chuckled.

"Aesi baat nahi hai. Mujhe laga Rathore sir humme se kisi ki baat ni sunenge issliye Arjun sir ko bataya."

"Aur Arjun sir ne kya bola.?"

As soon as the question came from shree , Riya lowered her head without any word.

"Let me guess Arjun sir ne tujhe daanta.

Hai na.?"

Shree spoke after a while and his guess was right since Riya looked up to him that instant.

"Waah itna kuch hogaya aur tu mujhe abhi bata rahi hai?

Aur jara soch , Arjun sir bhi jaake Rathore sir se kya baat karte ?

Yahi ki " Rathore tum jaake apne ghar walon ko bol do ki tum Ayesha ko chahte ho aur ye shadi nahi kar sakte. Aur agar ghar wale nahi manenge toh tum Ayesha se bhaag ke shadi kar loge." "

Shree said in a serious tone imitating Arjun ,making Riya roll her eyes.

"Shree mazaq mat karo."

"Arey Ri dekho , ab tak hum bhi clear nahi hai ki Ayesha aur Rathore sir ke bich me kya hai . Matlab hame dikhta hai bahut kuch per bas dikhna kaafi nahi hai na.

Ab tak toh unn dono ne apni dil ki baat nahi batayi hogi ek dusre ko , toh ghar walo ko jaake kya bolenge?

Issliye dekha jaaye toh Arjun sir ne Rathore sir se baat na karke achha kiya."

Shree said thoughtfully.

"Aur Rathore sir ki maa.?"

" Ab toh jo karna hai Rathore sir ko karna hai . Agar vo sach me Ayesha ko chahte honge toh apni maa se baat karenge , nahi toh chup chap vo jahan keh rahe hain wahan shadi kar lenge.

Aur jahan tak hum Rathore sir ko jaante hain vo toh kisi ki pressure me aake shadi nahi karenge.

Tujhe ek baat pata hai?

Jab tu yahan nahi thi aur naya ETF office ban raha tha , tab commissioner sir ne tera drawyer hatane ke liye bola tha.

Humme se koi nahi chahta tha ki tera drawyer hate per commissioner sir ke samne bolne ki himmat nahi ho rahi thi.

Per Rathore sir ne bhi saaf keh diya Riya ka drawyer jahan tha wahin rahega."

"Acha phir.?"

Riya asked curiously.

"Phir kya ? Kisi ki mazal hai jo Rathore sir ke zidd ke aage kuch bole ?

Drawyer wahin ka wahin raha.

Thik wese hi agar Rathore sir zidd karenge toh unke gahr walon ko jhukna hi padega. Samjhi ya samjhaun.?"

Shree said jokingly ,making Riya laugh.

" Ab chal sab wait kar rahe honge."

"haan."

Riya agreed accelerating the car driving to Rathore's palace.

_______________________

"Sir Rana ab tak hath me nahi aaya hai. Police uske ghar gayi thi per wahan kuch pata nahi chala."

Shree said putting the files on the table they had collected from the police station earlier.

"wese bhi uska boss Bhairav toh arrest ho hi chuka hai, toh vo kitne dino tak chhupa rahega.?"

Sakshi commented.

"Haan hame sare information aur bache mil hi chuke hain.

Ye Rana aaj nahi toh kal surrender kar hi dega."

Chhotu shrugged.

"Nahi Chhotu itna casually nahi le sakte. ho sakta hai uske pass kuch aur aesa ho jiske liye vo bhaag raha hai."

Rathore spoke thoughtfully.

"Bachon ke details ka kya hua?"

Arjun looked up to Riya.

"Sir bachon ki details milne ke liye thoda time lagega. bahut sare bache hain aur unme se kuch--dead bodies bhi hain issliye.

Evening tak report aajayega."

Riya answered.

"Iska matlab aaj raat tak hum ye case close kar rahe hain."

Shree sighed in relief.

"Toh hum kal Mumbai jaa rahe hain.?"

Sakshi looked at everyone expectantly, when Ayesha opened her mouth to inform her something but Rathore beat her to it.

"Nahi sakshi.

Actually Team , kal yahan ek chhota sa party hai aur meri Mom chahti hain ki puri ETF team party attend kare."

Rathore announced settling his eyes on Arjun ,who remained unfetched.

"Party.?"

Shree, Chhotu ,Riya ,Sakshi looked amazed by the sudden announcement , while Ayesha remained calm since she had already heard about it from Rathore earlier.

"Haan agar kisiko problem na ho toh hum kal ek aur din yahan rukenge aur parso Mumbai ke liye niklenge."

"Wow . RAjput ghar ki party maine kabhi dekhi nahi hai .bahut maza ayega."

Sakshi grinned along with Chhotu.

Riya, Shree exchanged a look assuming Rathore probably accepted the marriage proposal ,hence the party was to announce the news.

They hadn't even got a chance to discuss the problem with their friends ,since Rathore called for the meeting right after they returned from the police station and now the announcement came as a shock.

"Sir aap aesa nahi kar sakte."

Shree blurted out, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Kya.?"

Rathore gave him a confused look.

"Err sir shree ka matlab hai ki achanak se party kis khushi me."

Riya murmured in a low voice.

"koi khas occasion nahi hai Riya , bas barso baad mai yahan aya hun issliye.

Toh sab ruk rahe ho.?"

Rathore asked them hopefully.

"Arey sir isme puchhne ki kya baat hai , hum party ke baad hi Mumbai jaayenge.

Kyun guys.?"

Chhotu grinned excitedly , to which his friends nodded.

"Aur tum Rawte.?"

Rathore asked turning to him.

"NAhi.

Mai kal subah Mumbai wapas jaa raha hun."

Arjun replied straight, got up and left the room causing everyone's smile drop.

Rathore sighed lowering his head then turned back to his team masking his disappointment.

"Riya, bachon ki details aajaye toh mujhe call kardena."

"ji sir."

Riya mumbled ,thus Rathore nodded before leaving the room.

"Mai Arjun se baat karke aati hun."

Sakshi quickly ran towards the door while others stayed back.

"Arjun sir Mumbai me koi party me nahi jaate aur yahan Jodhpur me jaayenge? Namunkin."

Chhotu shook his head.

"Mumbai ki baat alag hai ,per ye toh Rathore sir ka ghar hai na.

Yahan sab Arjun sir ko jaante bhi hain toh sir ko rukna chahiye."

Shree murmured.

"You know guys Rathore sir ki bahut ichha thi ki hum sab yahan party ke liye ruke, Arjun sir ko milake.

Infact sir party ke liye bhi issliye raaji huye hain kyunki hum sab hain unke sath yahan."

Ayesha said, sounding worried.

"Sach mein.?"

Chhotu looked at her , amused.

"Haan mujhe Rathore sir ne bataya ki unki maa unki shadi ki baat kar rahe the per Rathore sir ne mana kiya tha. Aur aaj subah hi unki maa maan gayi aur shadi ki baat abhi ke liye taal di per uske badle vo chahti hain ki Rathore sir Party ke liye ruke.

Aur Rathore sir chahte hain ki hum unke sath ruke kyunki yahan akelapan lag raha hai."

Ayesha sighed, meanwhile Riya ,Shree exchanged a smile at the news of Rathore's mother has let go of the marriage topic.

"Ayesha chinta mat kar, Sakshi gayi hai na...."

Shree paused himself on noticing Sakshi entering the room with a dull face and asked.

"Kya hua? Arjun sir nahi maane.?"

"Arjun party ke liye rukna toh dur party ki baat bhi ni sunna chahta.

Maine usse ye bhi kaha ki tum kuch mat karna bas party me ek jagah khade rehna kaafi hai, per bhir bhi vo kuch bina bole chala gaya."

Sakshi whined, hence others kept mum.

In the evening....

"Kya ? Tum ruk rahe ho.?"

Rathore stared at Arjun both in confusion and amusement.

"Sach me? Mujhe pata tha tum meri baaton me subah nahi toh sham ko toh definitely convince ho jaoge."

Sakshi piped in smiling widely.

Chhotu, Shree exchanged a disbelief look but however kept mum.

"Suddenly ye mind change kyun.?"

Rathore asked again ignoring Sakshi's comment.

As far as he knew Arjun Suryakant Rawte he wouldn't be convinced easily by someone.

"Mai rukun isse apko koi problem hai SIR.?"

Arjun asked back ,causing Rathore to snicker.

"Gol gol baatein karna band karo Rawte.

Aur sidhe sidhe bolo, koi problem hai.?"

"Maine kaha na koi problem nahi hai Rathore.

Mai bas Rana ke pakde jaane tak ka wait karna chahta hun ,ho sakta hai usse kuch information mil jaaye.

Issliye mai ek din aur yahan rukunga."

Arjun answered him in a straight voice.

"Ab tum ruk hi rahe ho toh hamare sath party me bhi aana, bahut maza aayega."

Sakshi sounded excited.

"Tumne sayad thik se suna nahi Sakshi. Maine kaha mai yahan case ke liye ek din aur ruk raha hun, ye nahi kaha ki mai party me jaaunga."

Arjun clarified.

"haan Arjun ji maine suna per aapko sayad pata nahi hai ki party issi ghar me hai koi dur pahad me nahi hai.

Toh aapko bas taiyaar hoke room se bahar tak aana hai bas."

Sakshi said in an extra sweet voice ,earning a glare from him while Ayesha Chuckled.

"Parso Mumbai kab jaana hai.?"

Arjun asked to no one particular.

"Sir mai aapka ticket karke apko details bhej dunga."

Shree answered him quickly.

"Thik hai."

Arjun murmured and retired back to his room, sparing a quick glance at Riya who stood silent all this time.

(Flahback)

Half an hour ago....

Arjun was passing through the corridor when he spotted Riya on the dining table looking for something in the laptop and talking over the phone at the same time.

He approached her curiously as to what she was looking into while others except Rathore were chitchatting in the garden he had seen earlier.

"Riya ? Yahan kya kar rahi ho.?"

Riya looked up on hearing his voice then went ahead to finish the call.

"Okay mai aapko check karke batati hun."

Disconnecting the call she stood up with the laptop staring at his face for a moment then looked away gulping.

"Vo sir inspector ka call aya tha aur unhone bachon ke details bheja hai."

Arjun forwarded his hand asking her for the laptop to check which she obeyed quickly by handling it to him.

Arjun put the laptop on the table and started checking it , while she stood quiet fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt nervously.

"54 bache hain total.

Kuch bache toh jodhpur ke bhi hain."

Arjun murmured checking through the list.

"Haan sir."

She agreed ,still contemplating over something in her mind.

Arjun on noticing her silence averted his gaze from the laptop screen to her ,before speaking up.

"Kya baat hai.?"

"Vo sir.... umm mujhe jo Mumbai me mila tha vo pehla bacha iss list me nahi hai."

She answered hesitating a little and watched him standing up straight.

"Kya.?"

"haan jo mujhe pehle beach me mila tha vo bacha iss list me nahi hai."

"Are you sure?

Inspector se puchha kahin koi aur bacha toh ni reh gaya hai.?"

"Nahi sir maine puchha tha per unhone kaha jitne bache mile hain sabki list hai isme."

"Toh ek bacha kahan reh sakta hai.?"

Arjun asked himself.

"Sayad Rana ke pass.?"

Riya narrowed her gaze, and he whirled his head to her.

"Vo ek bache ko apne pass kyun rakhega.?"

"Ho sakta hai police se bachne ke liye usne bache ko apne pass rakha ho, taaki vo khud safely yahan se bahar nikal sake."

Riya suggested , thus Arjun thought over her words.

"Ye Rana ki puri details nikalo ,hame usse khud pakadna hai.

Ek kaam karo, Rathore aur baaki sabko bula lo."

Arjun ordered and was about to leave only to be stopped by Riya.

"Sir ek min...umm baaki sab party ki taiyariyon me bahut khush hai , aur Rathore sir bhi bahut time baad apne gahr aaye hain aur case ke chalte unko zyada time bhi nahi mila.

Toh mai ye soch rahi thi kyun na ye baaki ka kaam hum dono akele kar lein kisiko bina bataye.?"

Riya sounded hopeful , thus Arjun rethought over suggestion before nodding his head in agreement.

"Thik hai."

(Flashack Ends)

Tbc.

So it's party time for ETF ..

stay tuned.

Part-24

"Tere aur Arjun sir ke bich me kuch hua kya.?"

Shree asked , purposely staying behind with her, as everyone else made their way to the SUV.

"Nahi toh."

Riya replied shortly, stealing a quick glance at Arjun who walked towards another SUV followed by Ayesha,Chhotu.

"Jarur kuch hua hai. Jabse hum Jodhpur se wapas aye hain tera mood kuch ukhda hua hai.

Arjun sir bhi wahan se kisiko bina bataye aagaye the."

Shree looked at her intently.

"Shree tum bhi kitna soch rahe ho.

Tum jaante ho Arjun sir kaise hain , kuch kaam hoga toh vo jaldi agaye honge aur bina bataye aane ki unki aadat hai."

Riya explained.

"acha ? Toh abhi tumne Arjun sir ke sath jaane se mana kyun kar diya.?

Unhone kuch kaha hai tujhe.?"

Shree pressed further.

"Maine mana nahi kiya mujhe sach me school ke bachon se milna tha, tumhe pata hai mujhe bhoot ki stories me kitni interest hoti hai.

Aur sir mujhe kyun kuch bolenge? Maine ab tak toh unse baat bhi nahi ki hai."

"Wohi toh tu Arjun sir se baat bhi nahi kar rahi hai.

Aesa lag raha hai tum dono ka jhagda hua hai."

"Kuch bhi Shree. Arjun sir aur mera jhagda? Vo second in command chief hai aur mai ek mamuli officer.

Vo sirf mujhe daant sakte hain."

Riya replied faking a smile ,then hurried inside the SUV leaving Shree confused behind.

_______________

"Unity school. Pichhle 30 saal se ye school chal raha hai aur kaafi jaana maana school hai. Haan ye baat alag hai ki kuch salo se school ki popularity thodi kam hogayi hai, per abhi bhi kaafi bache yahan padhai kar rahe hain."

Sakshi started , as all gathered in the conference hall with the information they got throughout the whole day.

"Pichle 2 mahino se school me bhoot ka rumour chal raha hai.

Hostel me rehne wale kuch bache aur 2 teachers ne dekha hai koi bhoot.

Bachon ko toh kuch bhi bolke chup kara di gayi hai per unn 2 teachers ka bolna hai ki jab vo late night tak kaam kar rahe the tab sach me unhone kisiko dekha tha Staff room ke aas pass."

Sakshi added.

"Maine hostel ke bachon se puchha tha, kuch bache toh aese hi masti ke liye apne friends ko darane ke liye bhoot ka naam le rahe hain ,per ek bachi hai Mayra 7th class ki, uska kehna hai ki usne sach me kisiko dekha tha aur uss raat usne warden ko bhi batayi thi ye baat per kisine uska biswas nahi kiya."

Riya said and put out a drawing paper from a file on the table.

"ye drawing mujhe Mayra ke table se mili, ye sayad usne jis raat kuch dekha tha uske baad banaya hai."

She explained and Rathore took the paper keenly observing it.

"Mayra ne apne parents ko inform kiya hai.?"

Arjun asked her.

"Mayra se pehle school ne uske parents ko inform kiya tha aur meeting ke liye bulaya tha ,aur unko warning di gayi thi ki Mayra ko samjhayein ki aesi kahani sunake bachon ko na daraye.

Ye baat mujhe Mayra ke parents ne khud bataya."

Riya answered without making any eye contacts with Arjun.

"Per ye banaya kya hai usne.?"

Chhotu interrupted looking at the piece of paper.

"Dekhne se toh bas kisi ke baal aur kapde dikh rahe hain muh toh dikh hi nahi raha."

He added sounding confused.

"Bhoot log aese hi dikhte hain re ,vo apna muh nahi dikhate , bas apne lambe baal aur safed kapda dikhate hain"

Shree joked beside him, making his friends chuckle.

"Shree, mazaq ka waqt nahi hai ye"

Rathore snapped at him.

"Sorry sir."

Shree murmured.

"school ke kuch teachers isko sach maan rahe hain toh kuch teachers toh strongly oppose kar rahe hain."

Sakshi shrugged.

"Aur vo teacher jo gayab huye hain? Unko kisine nahi dekha.?"

Ayesha asked curiously.

"Nahi .jis din vo teacher gayab huuye the uss din vo school aye the aur ek class bhi attend kiya tha.Per dusre class start hone se pehle vo gayab hogaye. Aakhir baar unhe staff room ke pass dekha gaya tha."

Riya answered her.

"Aur school ke CCTV cameras se koi footage mila.?"

Arjun enquired.

"school ke andar koi CCTV cameras nahi hai,bas school ke entrance pe hai aur usme vo teacher ke andar aane ka footage hai per bahar jaane ka nahi."

Rathore replied.

"Haan aur school ki security system kaafi weak hai.

Aur aese me school ke prinicipal ka ye kehna hai ki ye koi case nahi banta jo hum investigate karne ki koshis kar rahe hain."

Shree shook his head .

"Kamal hai unka ek teaher gayab hogaya hai aur unhe ye case hi nahi lagta.?"

Chhotu wondered .

"Principal ka kehna hai school ke picche bhi ek raasta hai jo ground se hoke sidha bahar jaata hai , toh ho sakta hai teacher wahan se bahar nikal gaya ho aur uske kisiko contact na karne ke pichhe koi personal reason ho."

Rathore answered then looked up to Chhotu,Ayesha .

"Teacher ke ghar se kya pata chala.?"

"Sir teacher ka naam Ashis kataria hai aur ye Delhi ke rehne wale hain, pichhle 2 saal se vo Mumbai me reh rahe the aur school me English teacher the."

"Chhotu shadi ka bio-data nikalne ke liye nahi kaha tha.

Hamare kaam ki kya information hai vo bolo."

Rathore chided.

"um sir uski basic details toh yahi hai. Yahan rent pe rehta hai aur ghar locked hai.

Padoshion ka kehna hai vo ghar 3 din se wapas nahi aya hai.

Uske ghar ke owner se bhi baat ki humne per vo kisi police case me involve hi nahi hona chahta ,yahan tak ki ghar ko check karne se bhi saaf mana kar diya."

Ayesha replied.

"per hame ek clue mila hai."

Chhotu added putting up an old paper box on the table.

"Ye hame uske bed ke niche mila ."

"ye toh koi delivery package jaisa lag raha hai."

Sakshi guessed staring at the box.

"Sahi kaha Sakshi ye delivery package hi hai.

Per isme address Panchghani ka hai."

Arjun mentioned.

"Panchghani ka address? "

Chhotu piped in.

"Haan Panchghani se teacher ke liye koi parcel aya tha.

Ab usme jo chiz thi vo toh usne nikal li hai per packet fekna bhul gaya."

Ayesha explained.

"Panchghani me koi rehta hai kya teacher ka.? Friend? Relative.?"

Riya enquired.

"Relative toh nahi hai itna unke family ne confirm kiya hai. Agar koi friend hoga toh unko nahi pata.

Wese bhi package me kisika phone number nahi hai."

Ayesha sighed.

"Ek min. Chhotu, tumne kaha ghar locked tha aur ghar ke owner ne check karne se mana kardiya tha ,toh tum logon ko ye parcel bed ke niche se kaise mila.?"

Rathore eyed him curiously and Chhotu straightened up.

"Vo toh sir...."

Chhottu trailed moving his eyes to the other end of the table and Rathore's eyes instantly snapped to Arjun who kept spinning the pen in between his fingers.

"Kya kiya Arjun sir ne.?"

Shree asked in a low voice ,even though it was audible in the silent conference room.

"Lock todke phenk diya."

Chhotu whispered, thus everyone looked down to their respective files to resume the discussion ,not reacting much to what is already known to them.

"Itni information kaafi nahi hai. Hame school ko proper search karna padega per uske liye hame warrant chahiye aur sabse pehle hame ye prove karna padega ki school me sach me kuch gadbad hai."

Rathore spoke breaking his silence after few minutes.

"Per sir School ke teacher , principal koi bhi jyada co-operate nahi kar rahe ,aese me kuch bhi prove karna bahut muskil hai."

Shree reasoned.

"Toh warrant ke liye raasta kaise niklega.?"

Sakshi asked thoughtfully.

"Raasta hai."

Arjun announced making all heads turn to him.

"Kya.?"

Sakshi looked at him curiously.

"School me abhi abhi ek English teacher gayab hua hai toh jaahir si baat hai ek naye English teacher ki jarurat padegi.

Hamme se ek wahan teacher banke jaayega , staff ko toh pure school ki access hoti hai.

Agar vo teacher abhi tak school me hi hai toh jarur koi staff isme mila hua hai , toh hame sab pe closely najar rakhni hogi."

Arjun explained thoroughly.

"Rawte sahi keh raha hai , hamme se koi ek jayega toh staffs pe najar rakhna easy ho jayega.

Mai school ke vice-prinicipal se baat kar lunga, hamara ek officer kal se as a teacher school join karega.

Per sawal ye hai ki kaun jayega.?"

Rathore looked at everyone expectantly.

"Sir hum toh aaj hi school gaye the toh mai, sakshi ya shree me se koi nahi jaa sakta school me teacher ban ke."

Riya said thoughtfully.

"Toh Ayesha jayegi wahan.

Aur ek female teacher ke jaane se koi zyada sawal nahi puchhega wahan."

Arjun declared.

"Ayesha.?"

Rathore looked at her , waiting for her answer and she quickly nodded.

"OK sir mai ready hun."

"good. Shree , Ayesha ko jo bhi equipment chahiye sab de do.

Aur Ayesha yaad rahe wahan sab shaq ke dayre me aate hain."

Rathore reminded her.

"Ji sir."

She nodded in agreement.

"Sakshi tum school ke sare teachers ke background ,aur school records ki details nikalogi.

Chhotu tum jo teacher gayab hua hai Ashis uske bank account details aur phone call records sab check karoge.

Shree tum school ke pichhle 1 mahine ke sare CCTV footage check karoge, kuch bhi suspicious laga toh mujhe inform karna.

Rawte aur Riya tum dono kal Panchghani jaoge wahan se teacher ka kya connection hai ye pata karne.

Is everything clear.?"

Riya sat up straight on hearing her assigned task and looked up to Rathore parting her lips to request to change it ,but then she had already changed her task once and seeing how Shree was watching her curiously this time she shut her lips tight nodding her head instead.

"Ok sir."

Everyone said in union , except Arjun who got up and left without uttering a single word.

__________

The next morning everyone came in time and Ayesha left for school in a teacher attire with all her necessities for spying after getting encouragement from her friends and Rathore.

Once after she left everyone else started doing their respective jobs when Riya slowly turned to face Arjun since it was their time to leave , meanwhile Arjun quietly put the SUV key on the table and left for the parking lot.

"Riya tere toh maje hain , Panchghani me duty ka duty aur mini picnic bhi ho jayegi teri."

Chhotu whispered teasing her.

"Chhotu tune dekha nahi vo kiske sath jaa rahi hai? Picnic toh dur ki baat hai vo Panchghani ka hawa bhi ni kha sakti shanti se."

Shree chuckled beside him.

"Sach me Riya mera bahut mann tha tum dono ke sath Panchghani jaane ka.

Agar Sameer ne itna sara kaam na diya hota toh mai bhi chalti."

Sakshi said in a disappointed tone.

"Koi baat nahi hum phir kabhi chalenge."

Riya assured her halfheartedly before grabbing the key and left.

Her purpose to ignore Arjun was going on just fine until this time.

She hoped for Rathore to assign at least one more member with them but it seemed like there was a lot of task needed to be done in a short time of period.

Sighing she took the driver's seat while Arjun took the passenger seat and she drove away reminding herself the duty comes first.

*******

"Hello sir mai Ayesha Kapoor. Samed sir ne mujhe aapse milne ke liye bheja hai."

Ayesha smiled standing in front of the principal.

"Oh right Ms Ayesha please sit down.

Mujhe phone aya tha aapke appointment ke liye. Aapke documents check kiye hain maine ,kaafi impressive hai."

The principal spoke with a soft smile.

"Ji thank you sir.

Maine bhi school ke baare bahut kuch suna hai."

She said taking seat across the table.

"I hope ki sab achha hi suna hai aapne."

"yeah of course.

Bachon ko gyan dene wali jagah ke baare me koi bura kaise bol sakta hai."

"I really appreciate your words Ms Ayesha , per aapke join karne se pehle mai aapko kuch batana chahta hun.

Teacher ke liye sabse jaruri hoti hai unki patience, bache aur profession ko leke patience.

Shuru me ho sakta hai aapko yahan kuch cheezein thik na lage ya phir odd lage but I can assure you that you will get habituated with everything once after you start teaching here."

Ayesha eyed the old man warily , but nevertheless smiled.

"Sure no problem sir."

the principal nodded pressing the buzzer and a peon came in.

"Mam ko staff room dikha do."

"Ok sir toh mai chalti hun."

"Sure."

Ayesha excused herself out of the cabin and followed the peon roaming her eyes around the school campus smiling at the students on her way.

**********

Arjun tore his gaze from the road ahead to Riya who was driving with utmost concentration in complete silence then looked back ahead.

Just then Riya's phone rang with Chhotu's number which she picked up instantly through the earbud.

"Hello . Haan chhotu.?"

"Riya, mai ye Ashish ke call records check kar raha tha per parcel me jo date likhi thi uss date pe toh isse sirf school ke staff ko chhod ke koi dusra call nahi kiya tha."

Chhotu spoke from the other end.

"Kya? Ek bhi dusra number nahi hai.?"

"Nahi. Call record me maximum school ke staffs ke hi numbers hai."

"Thik hai chhotu."

She disconnected the call, when Arjun turned his head.

"Kya kaha chhotu ne.?"

"Chhotu Ashish ke call records check kar raha hai aur usme jis din panchghani se parcel receive hua uss din school staffs ko chhod ke koi dusra call nahi aya tha."

She answered him.

"Iska matlab ya toh vo parcel kisi staff ne bheja tha ya phir Ashis ke pass dusra SIM card ya phone tha."

Arjun murmured.

"per school walon ke pass toh Ashish ka ek hi number hai.

Aur kisine uske dusre phone ka zikr nahi kiya tha."

Riya objected.

"Ho sakta hai dusre phone ke baare me kisiko pata na ho. Kuch log rakhte hain aese phone jo sirf personal use ke liye hoti hai aur ek jo sirf work call attend karne liye rakhte hain.

Taaki duty ke baad work phone off rakh sake."

Arjun explained.

"ho sakta hai."

Riya nodded agreeing with him and everything fell back to silence again.

On reaching the designated address after hours of driving Arjun knocked on the door of the house and a woman answered it much to Riya's confusion.

"Ji kahiye."

The woman stared at them ,when Arjun showed his id.

"ETF .

Aapse kuch baat karni hai."

"Huh?

Andar aayeiye.

ETF ka mujhse kya kaam.?"

She asked confused.

"Aapka naam?"

Arjun asked entering in.

"Ji Neha. Neha Mathur."

Riya scrolled through her phone and showed her the screen displaying the teacher's photo.

"Kya aap inhe jaanti hain.?"

Riya questioned.

"Ashis? Ye Ashis hain . Per aap inka photo mujhe kyun dikha rahi hain.?"

"Aap kahin jaa rahi thi.?"

Arjun asked her noticing her luggage near the bed, ignoring her last question.

"Mai aaj subah hi wapas aayi hun tournament se."

"Tournament.?"

"ji haan mai ek private school me sports teacher hun aur hamare school ke sports tournament ke liye mai students ko leke out of state gayi thi, aaj subah hi lauti hun."

"kitne dino se gayi thi aap.?"

"sir 4 din se.

per sir aap batayenge aap ye sab kyun puch rahe hain aur Ashish kahan hai? Unka phone bhi ni lag raha."

Arjun kept mum at her question ,thus Riya stepped forward to answer.

"Dekhiye Ashish gayab hai."

"Gayab hai matlab.?"

"Matlab 3 din pehle vo school gaye the per wahan se vo laute nahi .

Aur vo kahan hai kisiko nahi pata ,issliye hum investigate kar rahe hain."

"Kya? Ashish school se laute nahi ? Toh aap unke school me puchhiye."

The woman started crying and Riya made her sit on the nearby couch.

"school me bhi kisiko kuch nahi pata ,issliye hum jaanne ki koshis kar rahe hain ki kya hua tha.

Aur issliye aapko jitna bhi pata hai hame batana padega."

Arjun said looking down at her.

"Puchhiye , kya puchhna hai aapko.?"

The woman said wiping her tears.

"Ashis ko aap kaise jaanti hain.?"

Riya questioned when Arjun went ahead to look around the hall.

"Vo hum—shadi karne wale the."

Neha answered hesitating a little.

"shadi? Per Ashis ke ghar walon ne hame aapke bare me kuch nahi bataya."

Riya shook her head.

"Unke ghar walon ko hamare rishte ke baare me pata nahi hai.

Ashis apne ghar walon ko kuch mahino me batane wale hi the."

"Kabse jaante hain aap ek dusre ko.?"

"8 saal se. Hum dono Delhi me mile the college me, tabse hum dono sath hain.

Innfact Ashish koshis kar rahe thr ki mujhe ek job Mumbai me mil jaaye toh hum dono ek sath reh sakte hain."

"8 saal ka relationship aur usne apne ghar walon ko aapke baare me kuch nahi bataya.?"

Arjun interfered them.

"Ashish ke ghar wale bahut conservative type ke hain , unke ghar me love marriage support nahi karte hain.

Issliye Ashish chahte the pehle Mumbai me achhe se settle ho jaye phir ghar walo ko batayenge toh koi mana nahi kar payega.

Per usse pehle toh...."

The woman cried thus Arjun brought the tissue box to her.

"Aapke ghar walon ko pata hai Ashish ke bare me.?"

"Nahi. Ashish ne mana kiya tha. vo chahte the ki pehle unke ghar wale maan jaye phir hum dono milke mere ghar walon se baat karenge."

"Aakhri baar kab baat ki thi Ashish se aap se.?"

Riya questioned once after she calmed down.

"JI 4 din pehle . Jis din mai tournament ke liye nikli thi. Keh rahe the bahut kaam hai ,issliye jab unhone mujhe 3 din se phone ni kiya toh mujhe laga kaam me busy honge.

Mujhe kya pata tha aesa kuch ho jayega."

"Toh kya 3 din me aapne unhe ek baar bhi contact ni kiya tha.?"

Riya narrowed her gaze.

"Maine kiya tha per unka number switched off tha . Kabhi kabhi jab zyada kaam hota hai vo phone off rakhte the aur baad me khud call back karte the ,issliye maine unhe messages diye the per unhone reply nahi kiya tha."

"Kya Ashish ke pass 2 phone number hai.?"

Arjun asked.

"Ji haan sir unke pass 2 phone hai . Ek vo apne office use ke liye rakhte hain aur dusra unke family,friends ke liye rakhte the. Hamari baat unki dusre number se hi hoti thi."

Came the woman''s quick reply.

"hame vo dusra number mil sakta hai.?"

Riya quickly opened her notepad and reached to her pocket to grab her pen but found nothing.

Just then Arjun forwarded his pen to her and she took it sparing a quick glance at him and noted down the number.

"Jab Ashish ka number switch off tha aapne dusra number try kiya tha.?"

Arjun asked after thinking something.

"Maine aaj subah unke dono number pe phone kiya tha per dono hi switch off arrahe hain .

Darsal unke office number pe mai kabhi phone ya message nahi karti, Ashis ne mana kiya hua tha.

Vo apna work phone zyadatar staff room me bhul jaate the aur privacy ke liye unhone mujhe kabhi uss number pe phone karne ke liye mana kiya tha.

3 din ke baad jab dusra number on nahi hua toh maine aaj subah unke office number pe call kiya tha per vo bhi off hai."

The woman started weeping.

"Kya aap iss ghar me akeli rehti hain.?"

Arjun asked roaming his eyes around.

"ji haan mai Mumbai se belong karti hun aur yahan job ke liye 1 saal se akeli rehti hun.

Ashish har weekend pe yahan aate the aur hum sath me waqt bitate the."

Riya spared her a pitiful look and then asked.

"Kya unhe koi pareshani thi ? School ko leke ya phir koi personal problem jo aapko bataya ho inn kuch dino me.?"

"Ji nahi . Aesa toh kuch nahi tha. Haan per school ke problems vo mere sath kabhi share nahi karte the ,issliye taaki mai pareshan na ho jaaun. Apne kaam ko leke bahut serious the vo aur khush bhi."

The woman answered wiping her cheeks ,while Riya stood up from the couch and Arjun wore his sunglass being done with his questions.

"Thik hai. Abhi ke liye hum chalte hain dubara jarurat hogi toh aapko contact karenge."

"Ek min sir kya mai aap logon ke sath chal sakti hun? Mai jaake school me baat karungi."

Riya sighed at how desperate she sounded before speaking up.

"Dekhiye mam abhi tak kuch confirm nahi hua hai, Ashish sach me school se gayab hue hain ya kahin aur se.

School ne abhi tak koi officially complain nahi di hai , agar aese me aap jaake kuch bolengi ho sakta hai baat bigad jaaye aur Ashish ki jaan ko khatra bhi ho sakta hai.

Issliye aap thoda wait kijiye hum aapko jald hi contact karenge."

Riya assured her , and then they both walked out of the house.

"Gaadi ki chabi do."

Arjun said once after they neared the vehicle.

"Sir mai chalati hun."

She offered.

"Gaadi ki chabi."

He repeated extending his hand towards her, thus she put the key on his hand following him quietly.

Riya idly took the passenger's seat while he obtained the driver seat and started driving away.

The journey was mostly silent and Riya fell asleep unknowingly until the car halted abruptly and she forced her eyes open only to find Arjun unblocking his seat belt.

Confused she looked ahead then to her left and found they have stopped near a dhaba on the roadside.

"Hum yahan kyun ruke hain.?"

She asked in a low voice rubbing her eyes off.

"Lunch ke liye."

Came Arjun's quick answer.

"Per mujhe nahi khana hai si..."

Before she could complete Arjun interrupted her.

"Mujhe bhukh lagi hai."

And Arjun got off the car walking towards the dhaba leaving Riya with no option but following him.

Him being hungry was understandable since it was past the lunch hour and all they had was water in the car but what she didn't expect was him to stop by a dhaba instead of anywhere else.

Arjun sat on a nearby bench after ordering food , while she took a close look at the surroundings before taking a seat across his bench with a small table in the middle.

"Aapko ye jagah thoda unhygienic nahi lag raha sir.?"

Riya asked after a few second of silence, while looking over people at other benches.

"Bhukh mitane ke liye hygiene ki nahi Khane ki jarurat hoti hai Riya."

He gave her a blank look , just when a man came with their ordered food.

"Mera rehne dijiye. Mujhe kuch khas bhukh nahi hai."

Riya shook her head both at the Arjun and the man who paused himself from serving her.

Arjun motioned the man to serve the plate on her side ignoring her resistance and once after the man was done with serving Arjun started eating from his plate.

Riya kept mum at his stubbornness but didn't touch her plate either.

She took a glance at dusty the whole area was then at Arjun who was eating quietly.

She couldn't understand how come he was eating so peacefully in an area full of dust , unhygienic without any botherance and there she was wondering if he would fall ill after eating in such a place.

She kept staring at how he dipped a morsel of roti in the paneer curry savoring it in his mouth and suddenly she had the urge to taste the food wondering if it was that good.

Hesitating a little she tore a small piece of roti from her plate and dept it in the curry slowly tasting it and surprisingly it tasted good to her.

Arjun uppered his lashes a little watching her eating then focused back on his plate without uttering a word.

Once after they were done with lunch Arjun drove the car with Riya beside him checking messages from her teammates.

"Ayesha ka message hai , school me ab tak usse ek store room aur 2 labs jo use nahi ho rahe hain , band hai unke bare me pata chala hai."

She read out a message aloud.

"Ayesha ko kaho najar rakhe, agar Ashish ab tak school me hai toh kisi ek room me hoga zinda ya murda."

Arjun murmured.

"Murda hoga toh Neha ki kya halath hogi jaan ke."

Riya sighed.

"Mujhe kuch jaanna tha.

Ladkiyan generally apne ghar ko sajane ke liye kya kya rakhti hain.?"

Arjun asked ,causing Riya's head to whip at him in surprise.

"Ji.?"

"Baakiyon ki baat chhodo tum apne ghar ke hall me kya kya rakhti ho decoration ke liye.?"

Arjun sounded serious , thus she started thinking over.

"Mai... vase , flowers, showpieces.?"

She looked at him hoping that answered his curiousness.

"Aur.?"

He prompted.

"Umm Meri, family aur ETF ki photo frames, painting.

Per sir aap ye kyun puch rahe hain.?"

She asked.

"Jab mai Neha ka ghar dekh raha tha tab mujhe strangely kuch bhi aesa nahi dikha jisme koi personal touch ho. 8 saal ki relationship hai aur Ashish Neha ki ek bhi photoframe nahi dikha mujhe , na Neha ke ghar me na Ashish ke ghar me.

Neha uss ghar me 1 saal se reh rahi hai aur hall me ek bhi decoration ki chiz nahi thi, jabki ladkiyan 1 din me hi ghar ko chizon se bhar deti hai."

Arjun breathed in a go, earning a blank look from her.

"uske apne ghar se koi attachment ni hoga ya phir ghar change karne wali hogi.

aur rahi photoframe ki baat toh dono ne hi apne apne ghar me nahi bataya hai toh ho sakta hai issliye unhone koi photos nahi rakhi ho ghar me."

Riya mumbled slowly , hence Arjun fell silent contemplating over her words.

Tbc.

stay tuned.

You guys are literally sweet 🥺 so this chapter is for everyone 💗

Part-33

On reaching back Mumbai everyone rested for the day and joined the bureau the very next morning.

"Yaar technology ke bina kaam karna kitna muskil hota hai, ye mujhe ab pata chal raha hai."

Shree groaned eyeing the piles of paper in front of him.

"Sach me sabke statements, records sab kuch papers me hai,sab kuch type karke file karte karte raat ho jayegi."

Ayesha sighed heavily from her chair.

"jab wahan the tab pata nahi chal raha tha aur mobiles ke bina kitna achha lag raha tha."

Riya added without resting her fingers from typing on the laptop.

"Hai na? Agar bhoot ka thory na hota toh vo jagah sach me bahut shant aur relaxing tha."

Sakshi commented from her desk.

"Guys ye lo , tum sabke liye subah ka energy dose."

Chhotu came walking with a tray of coffee mugs and handed them to each and everyone.

"Kya baat hai Chhotu, aaj tumne coffee banaya.?"

Riya asked, amused.

"Maine socha pure 2 din baad hum bureau me aaye hain ,kyun na sabko welcome coffee dun."

Chhotu replied smiling.

"Hmm achha lag raha hai."

Shree murmured tasting the coffee.

"Arey per mai Rathore sir aur Arjun sir ke liye banana bhul gaya."

Chhotu scratched his head.

"Koi baat nahi chhotu , Rathore sir ab tak aaye nahi hain."

Ayesha answered.

"Aur Arjun ko uski chai maine de di hai."

Sakshi quickly added, just when Rathore came walking in.

"Good Morning team."

"Good morning sir."

Everyone chorused turning to him.

"Sir aap coffee piyenge.?"

Chhotu offered.

"Abhi nahi.

Mujhe tum logon ko kuch batana hai.

DGP sir retired ho rahe hain ,aur unki farewell ke liye department ne lunch party rakha hai aur hum sabko invite kiya hai. Liza ko bhi bula lena.

Hum 2 ghante me yahan se niklenge, toh tab tak tum sab kal ke case ka paperwork khatam karlo."

"Lunch party? Wow."

Sakshi squealed with delight.

"Per sir kal ke case ka paperwork bahut zyada hai."

Shree murmured in a low voice.

"Issliye toh 2 ghanta diya hai Shree."

Rathore spat back quickly, then roamed his eyes around.

"Wese Rawte nahi aaya hai abhi tak.?"

"Arjun apne cabin me hai."

Sakshi answered him, thus he nodded his head walking away.

"ab ye sab 2 ghante me khatam karna padega.?"

Riya whined banging her forehead on the files.

"Ri exactly 1 ghanta 57 sec hai hamare pass abhi."

Shree reminded her eyeing his wrist watch, and watched her sitting up straight resuming her work without uttering another word.

Rathore went to his cabin and walked out after a minute making his way to Arjun's cabin who was reading a file on his chair.

"Rawte I'm sure tumne dekha hoga message DGP sir ke farewell lunch party ka.

Hum 2 ghante me niklenge yahan se."

Rathore said standing across the table.

"Thik hai."

Arjun nodded his head at him, when Rathore brought out something from the back pocket of his pant and put it on the table.

Arjun looked over from the file and noticed it was his badge.

"Tumhara 3 din ka suspension khatam ho chuka hai."

Rathore put his gun on the table as well.

Arjun didn't utter a word , forwarding his hand to take his badge and gun back, when Rathore spoke up again.

"Umeed hai tum dubara aesa kuch nahi karoge ki phir se suspension ki naubat aaye."

"Uski guarantee mai nahi de sakta."

Arjun replied straight looking up, earning a deadpan look from Rathore.

__________________________________

ETF SUVs drove to the headquarters where a hall was specially arranged for the lunch party and Rathore's team walked in receiving greetings, handshakes from the fellow department members.

"Rathore."

The DGP smiled quickly excusing himself from the group he was standing at, and approach the team.

"Happy Retirement sir."

Rathore said handling him the bouquet they had brought with them.

"Thank you."

"Happy Retirement sir."

Everyone else from the team shook hand with him and stood idly.

"Maine suna ETF bahut achha perform kar rahi hai.

Yahan headquarter me aksar tum logon ki baatein hoti hai.Good Job"

Everyone except Arjun smiled at the complement when some more people approached the DGP with bouquets .

The ETF team started walking away after greeting everyone properly , just when the DGP called out Arjun's name.

"ACP Arjun, ek minute."

Arjun stopped on his track and waited for him , meanwhile Rathore and others went to greet the commissioner.

"Aaj mere duty ka last day hai, phir aesa mauka mile ya na mile tumse baat karne ke liye."

The DGP Said looking up to him.

"Aapko jab bhi baat karni hogi aap mujhe bula lijiye sir, mai aajaunga."

Arjun replied him, thus the DGP smiled patting his forearm.

"Tumhe mai barso se dekhta aaraha hun Arjun.

Tumhare jaise himmat rakhne wala department ke liye achha bhi hai aur khatra (danger)bhi.

Jab commissioner ne ETF ke second chief ke liye tumhara naam diya tha, tab mujhe darr tha kahin tum mana na kardo, per aaj tumhe dekhta hun toh khushi hoti hai.

Mujhe laga tha tum ek jagah pe ni rukoge vo bhi Rathore ke sath, per jis tarah se tum team ke sath ghul mil gaye ho achha laga dekh ke."

"Mere liye duty matter karta hai, jagah nahi sir.

ETF bhi mere liye wesa hi hai."

Arjun said in a straight tone, to which the DGP chuckled.

"ye baat agar mai ek saal pehle ki Arjun se sunta toh mai believe karta , per ab ke ACP Arjun Suryakant Rawte me pehle se bahut fark hai.

Good luck and Keep going."

The DGP gave him a last smile before walking towards another group, while Arjun stood contemplating his words.

"Rathore, last time minister sir ke sath meeting nahi ho paayi per vo Pathan ka case discuss karna chahte the.

Pathan case ke outcome se vo zyada khush nahi the."

The commissioner said in a serious tone, once after the rest of the team members went around the hall to greet others.

"I'm sorry sir.

Uss waqt situations ke hisab se hame kuch major steps lene pade jo nonavoidable the."

Rathore chirped in a professional tone.

"Situations ke hisab se ya..."

The commissioner trailed turning his head to Arjun at a distance, then looked back at Rathore.

"Sir aap Rawte ko bhi achhe se jaante hain aur Pathan ko bhi.

Hum police officers ke hath kanoon ne baandh rakha hai, aur iska faida Pathan jaise criminals uthate hain."

"I know I know Rathore.

Per jab tak Pathan ka final hearing ni aajata hame uska headache lena hi padega.

Khair..aese toh tab maine team ko warning dene ke liye bulaya tha, per vo 10 saal ka case solve karke team ne achha kaam kiya hai."

"Thank you sir."

Rathore nodded his head and the commissioner walked away making him release a sharp breathe.

"Riya, ye taste karo ye achha lag raha hai."

Chhotu said offering her his plate , thus she paused sipping the juice quickly taking a spring roll from his plate and devoured it.

"achha hai na.?"

Chhotu narrowed his gaze at her.

"Hm bahut achha hai. Ayesha tum bhi taste karo."

"Haan."

Ayesha took another one from his plate tasting it, when Riya looked around.

"ye shree kahan chala gaya.?"

"Vo wahan hai Liza ke sath jhagad raha hai."

Chhotu pointed at a direction.

"Ye dono milte hi jhgadte hain ya jhagadne ke liye milte hain.?"

Ayesha looked at their direction puzzled, to which Riya, chhotu chuckled.

"Ae tum log yahan kya kar rahe ho chalo na sab yahan photos le rahe hain hum bhi ETF ka group photo lete hain."

Sakshi looked at them hopefully.

"Idea bura nahi hai."

Ayesha gave her thumbs up.

"Hai na.?"

"Haan wese toh mai bhi jabse wapas aayi hun hamara ek bhi group photo nahi hai."

Riya murmured.

"Toh phir chalo aaj mauka bhi hai aur dastur bhi."

"Per Kya Arjun sir manenge.?"

Chhotu raised his brows at the girls.

"tum Arjun ki fikr mat karo mai leke aati hun usse.

Tum log sameer ko leke aao."

Sakshi replied fast before going towards Arjun's direction.

Riya watched her from behind with a sigh, then turned to Chhotu.

"Chhotu, mera ek kaam karoge.?"

"Haan bolo."

Riya whispered something in his ear making his eyes widened and he quickly shook his head in fear , but she pleaded him with her eyes thus he gave up with a sigh.

"Arey mai keh raha hun na wahan pe network hi nahi tha toh mai kaise message ka reply deta? Mujhe toh wahan message bhi deliver nahi hua tha."

Shree said sounding frustrated.

"Tum kal sham se Mumbai wapas aagaye the."

Liza pointed out.

"Haan vo mai kal thoda so gaya tha ghar jaake."

His voice softened.

"Specky toh abse tum apne neend se hi baatein karna."

"Arey yaar dubara nahi karunga. Aaj se mai koi message...."

Before Shree could complete ,Ayesha interrupted them from a distance.

"Shree , liza chalo photo leni hai."

Liza gave a final look to Shree then walked away, meanwhile Shree banged his forehead with his palm but nevertheless followed them.

Ayesha called Rathore and all gathered in a spot when Sakshi came accompanied by Arjun, and Shree asked a photographer to clicks photos for them.

"Tumne kaha tha Rathore kuch discuss karne ke liye bula raha hai."

Arjun gave a pointed look to Sakshi.

"Haan toh ye bhi ek discussion hi hai ,group photo discussion. Ab please khade raho."

Sakshi smiled standing beside him, and he kept mum since considering the place they were In, he couldn't just yell.

"Iss taraf kam log dikh rahe hain sakshi, yahan aao."

Liza called out her from the other end.

"Mujhe Arjun ke sath lena tha ,per chhodo.."

Sakshi walked to the other side to stand beside Liza.

"Aap sab ek sath paas paas khade ho jaiye."

The photographer instructed thus everyone stood adjacent to each other quickly.

"sir chaliye."

Following Riya's request Chhotu insisted Arjun who looked highly uninterested and Chhotu himself stood near the end of the line just in case Arjun will try to escape.

"ek min ek min."

Riya murmured noticing she was standing in between Rathore and Ayesha ,and quickly came out pushing Ayesha towards Rathore a little and took her empty spot.

One pic was clicked with all smiling except Arjun ,when Sakshi spoke up.

"sameer thoda Ayesha ke pass khade raho ,sabse zyada gap tum dono ke bich hi dikh raha hai."

Shree, Chhotu,Liza,Riya chuckled with Rathore maintaining a straight face and Ayesha bit her lip since Rathore moved one step closer to her without uttering a word.

Riya with both of her hands at back bent forward a little to see both Ayesha and Rathore's shy looks and her lips curved into a smile.

Arjun averted his gaze from the camera to Riya's head who seemed busy in silently teasing Ayesha just like her friends and then all of a sudden she straightened her posture turning her head to her other side only to meet with Arjun's eyes.

The moment she realized she actually moved Ayesha and stood beside Arjun unknowingly and the fact that he was already staring at her.

Her eyes widened for a fraction second before she looked ahead and Arjun did the same and another photo got clicked.

Soon after the lunch both Arjun and Rathore stood near the DGP for some talk ,while others kept chitchatting among themselves, and the commissioner came standing in front of the two chiefs.

"ACP Arjun, Rathore..."

The commissioner held up the file in his hand as he said.

"ETF ka new case."

_____________________________

"Abhi abhi khabar aayi hai Vishan Dayal ji ke ghar se , unke ghar me kaam karne wali maid ki achanak maut hogayi hai.

Ye ek haadsa tha ya murder abhi tak kuch saaf pata nahi chal paa raha hai, per jaise ki aap sab dekh sakte hain yahan bahut bhid ikkattha hui hai aur police enquiry kar rahi hai.

Khabaron ki maane toh kuch din pehle Vishan dayal ji ki apne ghar me kaam karne wali ek mahila ke sath affair ki aphavaah aayi thi, kya iss achanak se hui maut ki uss khabar ke sath koi samabadh hai?

Aap dekh sakte hain yahan ETF ke officers bhi maujood hain ,chaliye unse kuch sawal karte hain iss baare mein."

The news reporter walked towards the ETF SUV ,Rathore and Arjun just got off from and made their way inside while the police force present there blocked the reporters from approaching them.

"Sir sir ek min.."

"Sir kya ye murder hai ya haadsa.?"

Rathore glanced at the reporters trying hard to break the barricade and come inside ,then walked away taking off his goggle accompanied by Arjun.

"Sir , marne wale ka naam Roma hai, yahan 6 mahine se maid ka kaam karti thi.

Study room saaf karte karte ladder se gir gayi aur sar pe chot lagne ki wajah se instant death hogayi hai."

Riya chirped the basic information ,leading them inside.

"Kisine dekha haadsa hote huye.?"

Arjun enquired.

"Nahi sir jab haadsa hua tab ghar ka koi bhi sadasya ghar pe nahi tha, aur jitne bhi aur maids ya workers hain vo log sab dusre rooms me kaam me busy the issliye unhe pata nahi chala."

Riya answered quickly.

"Aur Itni bheed kyun hai bahar.?"

Rathore asked looking back at the crowd gathered near the main gate ,excluding the reporters.

"Vo issliye kyunki Vishan Dayal ji ek active social worker hain, agle saal vo MLA seat ke liye bhi khade ho rahe hain aur log unhe bahut maante hain yahan.

ye jo sare news channels me unke affair aur iss haadse ko leke baatein ho rahin hai usse protest karne ke liye bahar bheed jama hui hai."

Replied Sakshi approaching them.

Rathore released a sharp breathe and went ahead climbing the stairs, when Arjun roamed his eyes around the house following him.

As they reached the study room Shree, Ayesha, Chhotu were already present there talking with the other workers, taking snaps of the dead body from every angle and looking around the room to find any clue of foul play.

Arjun bent down to observe the dead body then looked up to the large wall mounted book shelf that was almost touching the ceiling and the ladder laid there on the floor, while Shree spoke up.

"Sir, ye table hai jisse inka sar takraya hai.

Table ke corner me blood mila hai,aur phir vo niche giri hongi."

Rathore eyed the table kept at a distance from the book shelf.

"Left side sar ki chot ko chhod ke body me koi aur chot ke nishan nahi hai. Par haan lagta hai ek tarfa girne se hath ki haddi tut gayi hai."

Ayesha commented holding the dead body's hand.

"kaafi bada book shelf hai ye, itni unchai se koi girke koi table se takrayega toh sidha upar hi jayega."

Chhotu added staring up to the shelf.

"Sir Vishan Dayal ji kal se kisi meeting me gaye the, aur vo laut rahe hain abhi.

Aur unki wife bhi kal se apne mayke gayi hui thi, maine phone kar diya hai vo bhi aaj yahan aajayengi."

Riya informed entering the room.

"Iss ghar me kya ye dono hi rehte hain.?"

Rathore asked curiously.

"Nahi sir unka ek 22 saal ka beta hai,college student hai per vo yahan nahi rehta.

Mumbai me hi hai per apne college ke pass ek dusre apartment me akela rehta hai, yahan sirf family occasions aur functions me aata hai.

Sakshi uss dusre ghar ki information le rahi hai."

Riya answered before walking out of the room.

"Dekhne se toh accident hi lag raha hai, aur iska dusra angle hai ya nahi post mortem ke baad pata chalega."

Rathore murmured. Meanwhile Arjun kept mum silently observing the room.

Riya stood on the top floor looking down at the hall taking a brief look at the modern interior and the show pieces.

"Kya dekh rahi ho.?"

Shree asked walking out of the room and stood beside her.

"Dekh rahi hun kaise ab tak Vishan Dayal ji neta nahi bane hain per unka ghar dekho.

Alishan mahal lag raha hai andar se."

Riya replied still not taking her eyes off the hall.

"Wese maine suna tha vo apni zyadatar paise social work me laga dete hain,phir itna paisa bachta hoga kya jo ye mahal banaya hai unhone.?"

Shree wondered.

"Agar dono ka mahal dekhna ho gaya ho toh Roma ke ghar chalein.?"

Arjun's curt voice interrupted the duo from behind ,making them turn around that instant and found Arjun standing there with his usual stern look.

"Yes sir."

The duo said in union and quickly followed him to downstairs.

On reaching the address provided by a worker of the house Arjun, Shree and Riya made their way to a slum area and stood eyeing the number of houses in front of them.

"itne sare ghar me Roma ka ghar kaunsa hai kaise pata chalega."

Shree murmured, confused.

"Shree, tum dusri taraf se dekho hum iss taraf se dekhte hain."

Arjun commanded ,which Shree immediately obeyed taking one route and Riya accompanied Arjun asking about Roma's house to few people around showing her photo in mobile.

After a while they finally stood in front of a small house ,where a woman was stacking up some vegetables on the verandah.

"Excuse me. Kya ye Roma ka ghar hai.?"

Riya asked approaching the woman, who paused her work and glared them.

"Kya chahiye aapko.?"

"Hum ETF se hain, Roma ke baare me kuch puch tach karni hai."

Arjun said earning another glare from the woman.

"Kya puch tach karni hai aapko?

Pareshan karke rakh diya hai. Mujhe kya pata uska affair kiske sath chal raha tha aur kyun chal raha tha.

Vo toh chali gayi ab aap log ussi se kyun nahi puchhte? "

Shree from the back alley approached the house on hearing the commotion and watched both Riya ,Arjun standing with a woman shouting on them.

"Aapko koi galatfehmi hui hai hum koi reporter nahi hai. Police hain."

Arjun clarified with a straight face.

"Aap chahe police ho ya koi bhi mujhe kisiko kuch nahi kehna hai.

Vo ladki toh chali gayi muh kaala karke aur yahan aap log meri jaan khane chale aaye ho.

Abhi abhi maine yahan se 2 reporter ko bhagaya hai, apni bhalayi chahte ho toh yahan se nikal jao..warna.."

"Dekhiye mam aap pehle shant ho jaiye , hum yahan aapko pareshan karne nahi aaye hain."

Riya said trying to calm her down, meanwhile Shree scratched his forehead and quietly went inside the home from back to see if the woman was purposely hiding something or was just plainly frustrated.

"Chilane se ya dhamkane se aapko agar lagta hai ki aap pe investigation nahi hoga toh galat lagta hai.

Yahan nahi toh ETF bureau me aapse sawal puchhe jaayenge , jiska jawab aapko dena padega."

Arjun chirped sternly folding arms across his chest , well aware of Shree had went inside the house and hence they needed to keep the woman distracted for the time being.

"Police wale ho toh mai darr jaaungi kya? Maine kaha na mai koi jawab nahi dena chahti, aap log jaate ho ya...."

The woman frustratedly looked around to find something to hurl towards them ,instead picked up a carrot from her sack and threw it at Arjun's direction ,then pushed the sack to the ground not to let them come near her.

"Dekhiye mam hum aap ko dara nahi rahe hain ,hum bas aapse kuch sawal puchhenge aur chale jaayenge. Aur Roma ki maut ko kuch hi ghante huye hain kya aap jaanna nahi chahti ki uske sath kya hua.?"

Riya tried to convince the woman in a calm voice, whereas Arjun kept staring at the madness of the woman without flinching a little.

But then he suddenly realized the carrot never hit him even though it was thrown at him hence he looked down right away only to find Riya had her one hand stretched towards him without touching his frame ,right above his stomach and he turned his head to her swiftly who kept talking to the woman, before looking back at the woman.

Shree who had come out of the house a while ago among the chaos , stood facing the back of the woman and shook his head in denial the moment Arjun looked up to him for some confirmation.

Riya withdrew her hand from him stepping ahead without breaking her conversation with the woman, who just refused to listen to her.

"Rehne do Riya."

Arjun spoke up interrupting them, and then turned to give a look to the woman.

"Abhi ke liye toh hum jaa rahe hain , per dubara jarur ayenge."

And he walked away , with Riya hurriedly running behind him.

"Sir Investigation ka kya.?"

"Abhi inse puchhke koi faida nahi hai, agar jarurat padi toh arrest karke le jaayenge."

Arjun answered her quickly, and went ahead while she reduced her speed waiting for Shree to arrive.

"Kitni khatarnak lady hai.

Lagta nahi hai ki Roma ke maut ka kuch zyada gum hai inhe."

Shree commented reaching beside Riya as they both made their way out.

"Hm dekha kaise baat kar rahin thi uske baare me? Uski maut ko abhi 1 din bhi nahi hua hai ,aur uske liye ek aanshu bhi nahi hai aankhon me."

Riya shook her head.

Shree nodded in agreement but then smiled on remembering something and nudged Riya.

"Ri , ek sawal puchhun.?"

"Hm.?"

She hummed checking out the messages in her mobile.

"Tum bahut pasand karti ho na Arjun sir ko.?"

Riya stopped on her track for a second and gave him a puzzled look.

"Suddenly ye kyun puch rahe ho.?"

Shree didn't answer instead put his hand around her shoulder recalling what he saw a few minutes earlier and smiled to himself nodding his head as a yes.

"Bahut pasand karti ho."

He replied his own question continuing to walk , while Riya walked beside him looking confused.

"Khudse hi kya baat kar rahe ho.?"

"Kuch nahi ,chal."

Shree kept smiling broadly until his gaze fell on Arjun standing near the car eyeing them only and his smile died down as he quickly withdrew his hand from her maintaining his posture and the duo went to the car without uttering another single word.

______________________________

"Sir , hamare side head ki skull sabse thin hoti hai, toh jab koi girta hai ye kisi chiz se side head ko chot lagti hai toh direct brain affect hota hai.

Roma ki case me same kuch hua hai.

Ladder se girne ke baad uska side head uss table se takraya tha jiski wajah se brain me direct bleeding hone lagi aur uski wahin pe maut ho gayi."

Liza explained putting the post mortem report on the table ,after arriving to the bureau.

"aur haan jo hath ki haddi tooti thi vo bhi ek side pe girne ki wajah se hui hai.

Body me koi bhi aur nishan ya chot nahi hai."

Liza added quickly.

"Toh kya niche girte hi Roma ki maut ho gayi thi.?"

Chhotu questioned.

"Haan chhotu, aese brain damage cases me kisika bachna bahut muskil hai. Bahut kam aese patients hote hain jo bach toh jaate hain per coma mein chale jaate hain."

Liza answered him.

"Agar koi itni unchai me saaf safai kar raha hai toh uske liye safety measures toh rakhna hi chahiye tha."

Riya commented.

"Aur ek baat pata hai uss study room saaf karne ke liye akele Roma hi jaati thi, aur koi nahi jaata tha andar.

Aur vo har roz vo book shelf saaf karke aati thi."

Sakshi informed them.

"Per akeli Roma hi kyun.?"

Rathore enquired.

"Dayal ji ke orders the. Roma ko har subah sabse pehle study room saaf karne ke instructions the,uske baad hi vo kuch aur kaam karti thi. Jis din Roma chhuti me rehti thi vo study room lock hi rehta tha.

Isse zyada workers ko kuch nahi pata."

Ayesha shrugged.

"Agar study room lock rehta hai toh aaj kisne khola? Dayal ji toh yahan nahi hai."

Shree questioned.

"Study room ke 2 chabi hai, ek Dayal ji ke pass rehta hai aur dusra jo room saaf karta hai uske pass matlab Roma ke pass. Aur jo room saaf karta hai usse chhod ke baaki koi bhi staff andar room me allowed ni hai."

Chhotu answered this time, glancing at Arjun who kept observing the photos taken from the site quietly.

"Iska matlab Roma se pehle jo bhi study room saaf karta tha uske pass bhi chabi hoti thi.?"

Riya asked them.

"Haan Roma se pehle jo tha uski dusri acchi job hogayi bahar, issliye vo chala gaya aur Roma uski jagah pe kaam kar rahi thi."

Chhotu said ,to which Riya nodded her head.

"Iska matlab ye ek fatal accident case hai. Isme ETF ko involve karne ki kya jarurat thi.?"

Sakshi looked in between Arjun and Rathore.

"Vishan Dayal jis party ki taraf se MLA seat ke liye ladhne wale hain uss party ke head ne ETF enquiry ki demand ki thi.

Ab lag raha hai jaise Vishan Dayal ke image clear karne ke liye ETF ko involve kiya gaya hai. Taaki public ka dhyan uske affair se hatke iss case me lage aur sab issi me uljhe rahe ki ye murder tha ya accident."

Rathore said sounding bitter.

"Toh affair wali news sach hai ya jhuth.?"

Liza looked at him curiously, earning a blank look from him.

"Liza usse hamara koi lena dena nahi hai. Ye ek accidental death case hai ye report hame bhej denge toh bas case close."

"Ho sakta hai ye accident hua nahi karwaya gaya ho."

Arjun spoke breaking his silence, making all head turn to him.

"Tum jo tabse chuchap baithe the mujhe laga hi tha Rawte tum last minute me kuch bolne wale ho. Adat nahi jaayegi tumhari."

Rathore looked at him irritated.

"Agar tumne thik se suna nahi toh ye post mortem report dekh lo, koi foul play ke chances nahi hai."

Rathore added pushing the post mortem report file to him.

"Mai ye nahi keh raha hun ki girne ki wajah se Roma ki maut ni hui hai, mai ye keh raha hun sayad usse girwaya gaya ho.

Aese situation create kiya gaya ho jaise ki sabko lage accident hai per asal me vo hai nahi."

Arjun clarified further looking straight at him.

"Per Arjun safai karte waqt bhi room andar se band hota hai. Toh kya kisine usse andar aake dhakka diya.?"

Sakshi asked him.

"Mai ye nahi keh raha hun Roma ko kisine dhakka diya tha."

"Tum ye bhi nahi keh rahe ho, vo bhi nahi keh rahe ho toh kehna kya chahte ho Rawte.?"

Rathore raised his brow.

"seedhee ke position ke hisab se Roma niche girni nahi chahiye thi."

Arjun said putting the photos on the table he was observing all this time.

"Aur ye explain karne ke liye hame wapas uss ghar me jaana padega."

He added in a serious tone.

"Tumhare 2 min ke explanation ke liye abhi hum uss ghar me ni jaa rahe hain RAwte. Jo explain karna hai yahin karo."

Rathore declared thus Arjun threw a glare at him and others kept mum not daring to interrupt them, until Arjun spoke up.

"Chhotu do (2) seedhee leke aao."

___________________________

"ye Arjun sir kya kar rahe hain.?"

Ayesha murmured watching two ladders were brought to a hall in the bureau , and Chhotu hung up few paintings on the wall in a straight line at a height following his order.

"Scene recreation.?"

Riya answered unsurely, just when Arjun spoke up.

"Ayesha tum ek seedhee pe chadho."

"uh yes sir."

Ayesha went taking a piece of cloth on her way that Arjun offered.

"sakshi tum dusre seedhee pe chadho."

Arjun commanded handling her a piece of cloth as well.

"Mai? Agar ye slip kar gaya toh itna bada seedhee hai."

Sakshi gulped a little.

"Sakshi dhyan se dekho seedhee ke niche rubber feet hai , itni asani se ni girega. Thik wese hi jaise uss ghar me tha."

Arjun explained.

"Oh."

Sakshi muttered under her breathe , before climbing up on the second ladder.

"Paintings jis height pe hai,aur inki width uss book shelf ki tarah hai jo uss ghar me tha.

Toh Ayesha book shelf ke end me khadi hai seedhee pe, aur Sakshi book shelf ke bich mein.

Roma itne upar chadh ke kya kar rahi hogi? Safai ? Toh Ayesha aur sakshi tum dono apne apne positions pe paintings saaf karo,aur Ayesha tum apne left side me aur Sakshi tum apne right side me jahan tak hath pahunchta hai wahan tak saaf karo."

"Per Arjun agar hum side se saaf karne ki koshish karenge toh ye seedhee hilega."

Sakshi objected.

"Uske liye chhotu, tum sakshi ki taraf khade ho jao jab vo gire usse pakad lena.

Aur shree, tum Ayesha ki taraf aajao."

Arjun ordered , which Shree and Chhotu obeyed quickly.

"Per sir mai yahan book shelf ke end me khadi hun toh left side me kuch hai hi nahi , kya saaf karun.?"

Ayesha asked ,meanwhile Riya, Liza and Rathore kept observing them.

"Bas saaf karne ki acting karo Ayesha, per dhyan rahe tum dono ki seedhee ek side ki taraf girni chahiye."

"Shree, tum pakad loge na.?"

Ayesha asked him hopefully.

"Tum halki toh ho na.?

Vo itni height se kisi ladki ko pakadne ka experience nahi hai mujhe."

Shree mumbled slowly looking at her then at Arjun.

Arjun looked over his shoulder to his back where Rathore was standing ,who narrowed his gaze stepping ahead towards the scene and took Shree's spot motioning him to go back to his audience mode.

Rathore looked up to Ayesha assuring her through his eyes ,to which she smiled a little standing ready for her work.

"Ready ?

Go."

Arjun announced , hence both Ayesha and Sakshi pressured the side of the ladders causing it to imbalance and fall to two different sides.

Chhotu caught Sakshi swiftly and landed her safely to the ground, and there Rathore too caught Ayesha in his arms who looked a little scared until her eyes met with his.

Liza and Riya suppressed their smiles from Arjun's back as everyone stood watching Rathore and Ayesha lost in their own world, until Arjun's words echoed in the room.

"Shree, seedheeion ke positions ke photos le lo."

Rathore on realizing everyone was present there, quickly landed Ayesha on her feet.

"Tum thik ho.?"

Rathore asked gently.

"ji sir"

Ayesha nodded ,this Rathore walked out of the hall towards the conference room without meeting anyone's eyes.

"Ab inn dono photos ko dekho inme se kaunsi photo Roma ke scene ke saath match karta hai.?"

Arjun asked putting up photos on the table.

"sir ye pehla wala jis seedhee me Ayesha thi."

Shree pointed out.

"Toh iska matlab ye hai ki Roma aur seedhee jab gire tab Roma bookshelf ke end corner me khadi thi."

Ayesha said thoughtfully.

"Per jaise Ayesha ke left me kuch nahi tha wese hi book shelf ke left me bhi kuch nahi tha uss ghar me, khali wall thi.

Toh Roma ke left side pe pressure aaye aur seedhee gire aese vo left side me kya saaf kar rahi thi.?"

Riya questioned to no one particularly.

"Definitely deewar toh saaf nahi kar rahi thi."

Arjun murmured before looking up to Rathore.

"Itna kaafi hai ya aur samajhana padega.?"

And Rathore released a sharp breathe looking back at him.

Tbc.

Part-39

"Sir CCTV camera footage se pata chala hai Rajan roz ek hi route se office aata jaata tha, aur uska ek hi stoppage tha coffee shop jo uske office ke paas hai.

Vo wahan ka regular customer hai.

JIs din Rajan Airport ke liye nikla tha usne cab bulaya tha per bich raaste me utar gaya tha, ye statement cab driver ne khud police ko diya hai."

Ayesha started the discussion , right after everyone returned to the bureau on time and their two chiefs were waiting for the meeting.

"Sir family details se bahut kuch pata chala hai.

Jaise ki Rajan ki jo maa hain vo uski asli maa nahi hain , sauteli maa hein.

Rajan Mr Kapoor ki pehli wife ka beta hai , unhone 22 saal pehle dusri shadi ki thi aur unka aur ek beta hai.

Unki dusri wife nahi chahti thi ki Rajan ko Mr Kapoor ki property se kuch bhi hissa mile ,jiski wajah se Mr Kapoor bahut baar apni will change kar chuke hain.

Ye unka last modified will hai , jo ab tak unke ghar walon ko dikhaya nahi gaya hai."

Chhotu explained forwarding a file to Rathore and continued speaking.

"Iske hisab se puri property ki 55% Rajan ko jaayega aur baaki 45% unke dusre bete ko."

"Agar ye will unke ghar wale dekhenge toh unki wife toh aur naaraj ho jayegi."

Ayesha commented.

"Per jab hum unke ghar gaye the Mr Kapoor bahut naaraj lag rahe the Rajan aur Kavya dono se.

Phir bhi unhone zyada property Rajan ke naam pe kiya hai.?"

Riya looked confused.

"Haan aur unke lawyer ne ye bhi kaha hai ki Mr kapoor ne iske baad will me koi modification ki baat nahi ki hai unse."

Chhotu informed her.

"ye will last kab banwayi thi unhone.?"

Arjun asked from his chair.

"Sir 6 mahine pehle."

Replied chhotu quickly.

"Matlab tab tak toh Kavya aur Rajan ki shadi already ho chuki thi."

Sakshi murmured.

"Toh Rajan ke missing case me ye dusra angle ho sakta hai ,Property dispute.

Mrs kapoor ya phir Rajan ka dusra bhai dono me se koi bhi ho sakta hai jo nahi chahta tha ki Rajan ko zyada property mile."

Rathore said thoughtfully , then took a sip of his coffee and instantly made a face.

"Ye coffee itna kadwa kyun hai.?"

"huh? Sir meri toh thik hai."

Shree said beside him tasting his own coffee.

"meri bhi."

Chhotu too tasted the coffee from his mug.

"Coffee Ayesha ne banayi hai."

Sakshi announced , thus Rathore whipped his head to Ayesha who gave him a side eye keeping mum.

Rathore sighed inwardly well aware of the cold treatment she was giving him ever since she got to know about the threatening notes he was getting from the training center and decided not to tell her anything.

Although he tried to pacify her but she seemed to be too adamant to let it go.

"Nahi thik hi hai wese."

Rathore muttered quietly , carrying on with drinking the bitter coffee ,meanwhile Sakshi and Riya suppressed their chuckles.

Riya unconsciously moved her gaze to Arjun who had his eyes on Rathore while sipping his regular tea then diverted it to her and she looked down that instant feeling too guilty and confused how to apologize to him for colliding their foreheads like that.

"Aur kya pata chala hai.?"

Arjun asked chhotu.

"Aur sir maine Kavya ka background check kiya hai.

Delhi ke ek orphange me vo pali badi hai ,wahan ek part-time teacher hua karti thi , aur ussi school me ek teacher se usne pehli shadi ki thi per shadi ke thik 7 din baad vo apne ghar ke chhat se gir gaya tha aur uski maut ho gayi. Police report ke mutabik usne kaafi pee rakha tha jab vo chhat se gira tha.

Uske baad ladke ke ghar walon ne Kavya ko apne ghar se nikal diya tha ye bolke ki shadi ki wajah se unke bete ki jaan gayi ,aur vo yahan Mumbai aagayi job ke liye.

Ek call center me job kar rahi thi Kavya jab Rajan se uski mulakat hui thi. Rajan ke office ke pass me ek coffee shop hai wahan mile the dono.

Milne ke 6 mahine baad hi dono ne shadi ka faisla kiya aur kyunki Rajan ka apne pehli wife se divorce ho chuka tha issliye unhone zyada wait ni kiya."

Chhotu explained.

"Kya baat hai ek hi raat me tumne toh unki puri love story dhund nikala."

Shree whispered near his ear, sounding impressed and Chhotu pulled his invisible collar up.

"Per Rajan ka divorce kyun hua tha.?"

Sakshi asked.

" Unka arrange marriage hua tha, Rekha tha unka naam. Kisi zamne me vo modeling ka kaam karti thi , aur uske taur tarike Rajan ke ghar walon ko shadi ke baad achha nahi laga. Toh vo unke sath adjust nahi kar paayi aur divorce le liya. Abhi Mumbai me hi rehti hai."

Chhotu answered.

"Sir call records me bhi kuch ajib hai.

Rajan ka secretary Sashi constantly Mr kapoor ke contact me hai, har 2 din me unki baat hoti hai.

Rajan ke gayab hone ke ek din pehle bhi Sashi ne Mr kapoor se baat ki thi."

Shree spoke up his part.

"Aur Mr Kapoor Sashi ko har mahine paise bhi bhejte hain."

Riya added.

"Aur sir ek aur baat Saroj ne 2 mahine pehle ek Puja naam ke ladki se sath bahut baar baat ki hai.

Ek hi mahine me unke karib 25 se upar calls hain ,per surprisingly uske agle mahine me unn dono ki koi baat nahi hui hai."

Shree explained.

"Ye puja ke bare me kuch aur pata chala.?"

Rathore asked him.

"Nahi sir mobile switch off hai , aur sim ke liye jo address diya gaya hai vo galat address hai,sayad naam bhi galat hi ho."

"Pakka Rajan ka affair Puja se chal raha hoga."

Sakshi pointed out , earning blank looks from the two chiefs.

"Riya, Rajan ke account se kya pata chala.?"

Rathore asked eyeing her.

"Sir uska accounts clear hai per pichhle 2 mahino se thik 15 taarikh ko Rajan apne personal account se cash withdraw karta tha, 50,000. Jabki uske secretary ne confirm kiya hai ki Rajan cash rakhna prefer nahi karta, vo har jagah card use karta hai."

Riya said putting up the papers ,she had red marked.

"Itna sara cash .?"

Chhotu narrowed his gaze amusingly.

"haan aur iss mahine ke 15 taarikh se pehle hi vo gayab hogaya tha."

Riya added.

"Per 15 taarikh ko uske schedule toh pura clear rehta hai ."

Sakshi piped in curiously.

"Mai uska schedule check kar rahi thi aur 15 taarikh ko Rajan ki koi meeting ya appointment nahi hoti."

Sakshi added.

"Toh vo har mahine ek date pe 50k cash withdraw karta hai , aur uss din uski office schedule bhi clear rehti hai ,toh ho sakta hai vo kisise milta ho cash dene ke liye issliye busy rehta ho uss din.?'

Ayesha guessed.

"Puja ho sakti hai. Rajan ke records me ek wohi hai gumnam ladki."

Chhotu spoke up.

"Per puja se usne toh ek hi mahina baat kiya hai. Toh uske agle mahine vo 15 ko usse 50000 cash kyun dega jab usne usse baat hi nahi ki hai.?"

Arjun pointed out breaking his silence.

"Aur 15 ko Rajan ne kisi unknown number pe phone bhi nahi kiya hai , sirf apni wife, secretary , aur ghar walon ko chhod ke. Itne jo pichhle 2 mahino me constant hai baaki toh uske clients hai ."

Shree murmured checking the call details again.

"Shree kya unn clients me se kisika number repeat hua hai 2 mahine me.?"

Arjun enquired.

"nahi sir ek bhi number repeat nahi hua hai."

Shree answered.

"Rajan ko apne secretary ko cash dena hoga toh vo apne office me bhi de sakta hai, wife ko bhi same apne ghar pe de sakta hai uske liye apna schedule clear karne ki jarurat nahi padegi.

Toh baaki bache unke family members."

Riya pointed out.

"Per Kavya toh bata rahi thi na Ki Rajan ki family usse baat bhi nahi karti."

Ayesha questioned.

"Vo phir bhi unhe call karta hai, haan ye alag baat hai ki vo log phone uthate nahi hai."

Rathore answered her.

"Per sir ho sakta hai ghar se hi koi phone uthata ho cash kab aur kahan dena hai vo batane ke liye?

Kyunki ghar walon ke alawa koi aur suspecting number nahi hai uss date pe jaise ki shree ne kaha."

Riya said , making both Rathore and Arjun turn to her ,while Rathore had an impressed look, Arjun refrained himself from bringing any expression on his face.

"Actually haan ye ho sakta hai .

Rajan ke ghar walon se koi ho sakta hai, aur bank transaction me na aaye issliye Rajan cash deta ho."

Shree nodded in agreement with Riya.

"ye case jitna sidha dikh raha hai utna hai nahi.

Ek kaam karte hain Rawte , Riya, Shree tum log Rajan ki family se puch tach karo, Chhotu ,Sakshi tum dono Kavya se milke aao ho sakta hai Puja ke baare me kucch pata chale, mai aur Ayesha iss secretary se milke aate hain."

Rathore announced getting up from his chair and others obeyed him walking out of the bureau.

"Sir mai gaadi chalaun.?"

Riya asked as she , and Shree followed Arjun towards the parking.

"Nahi."

Came Arjun's fast reply.

"Aee Ri tu Arjun sir ke sath aage baith jaana ,mujhe pichhe baithna hai neend aarahi hai wese bhi."

Shree whispered in a low voice pulling her back a little ,thus she eyed him contemplating whether she should just explain the whole situation to him as to why she didn't want to sit next to Arjun or just pretend like nothing happened.

Before she could finalize Shree hopped in the back seat , leaving her with no option to get on the passenger seat.

She went to her seat quietly avoiding looking at Arjun, but then for the next few seconds the car didn't even move from its place.

Confused she craned her neck to her beside only to find Arjun staring at her through his goggles, then she looked to the back where Shree was looking in-between them a bit confused, just like her.

"Seatbelt."

Arjun said in a flat tone , which was enough for her to grab the seatbelt securing it into the lock and she sat looking ahead wordlessly as he accelerated the car.

"Tum ab tak naaraj ho.?"

Rathore asked stealing a glance at Ayesha beside him.

"Nahi toh. Mai kyun naaraj hungi sir."

She replied in a monotone voice looking ahead at the road.

"Ayesha samjho, mai nahi chahta tha tum sab pareshan ho issliye nahi bataya.ye baat mai tumhe 3 din se samjha raha hun."

Rathore murmured earning a pointed look from her , thus he quickly corrected himself.

"Matlab mai ye nahi keh raha hun ki maine thik kiya, per jab agli baar aesa kuch hoga toh mai sabse pehle tumhe bataunga. Ye nahi sochunga ki tum pareshan hogi."

"Matlab aap chahte hain aesa kuch dubara ho.?"

Ayesha looked at him incredulously.

"Nahi. Ek ladke ke chakkar me Training center me kitna nuksaan hua hai pata hai? Dusre trainees pe bhi galat asar pada hai vo alag."

Rathore groaned , meanwhile Ayesha shook her head at him in disbelief.

"Toh ab tum naaraj nahi ho na.?"

Rathore asked after a minute of silence.

"Nahi. Per ye last time hai."

She warned him, to which he quickly nodded smiling.

________________________________________

"Damn it. Waqt nikalta jaa raha hai aur ab tak ye case sulajh nahi paa raha hai, ulta ulajhta jaa raha hai."

Rathore banged a file on the table frustratedly, while others in the conference hall kept mum.

It was now the fourth day since they took over the case and had reached till the midway in solving it.

"Ek admi apni biwi se jhuth bolke ghar se airport ke liye nikalta hai aur bich raaste me hi gayab ho jaata hai.

Na vo airport gaya , na bus stand , na railway station kahin bhi, hawa me gayab ho gaya.

Family se leke business tak har koi shaq ke dayre me aata hai, sabke pass motive hai Rajan ko kidnap karne ke liye.

Rathore scoffed.

"Ya phir maarne ke liye."

Arjun completed his words , earning a blank look from Rathore.

"Tumhe lagta hai Rajan marr chuka hai.?"

"Sirf kidnap kar ke kisiko rakhne ka motive nahi hota Rathore. Itne dino tak ek bhi ransom call nahi aya hai uske ghar walon ko ya phir biwi ko.

Iska matlab jo bhi hai inn sab ke pichhe vo Rajan ko maarne ke motive se hi leke gaya hai."

Arjun explained.

"Toh kya kare? Uske dead body milne tak wait karein?

Aur uss ladki ka kya jisse Rajan ki bhabi ne Rajan ke sath dekha tha café me.? Uska ab tak koi pata nahi chal paa raha hai."

"Sir vo ladki ko na kavya jaanti hai, na Rajan ke office wale aur na hi Rajan ke ghar wale.

Sirf ek baar Rajan ki bhabi ne unn dono ko sath dekha tha aur usse leke vo Rajan ko blackmail kar rahi thi , aur bas issiliye Rajan 2 mahino se unhe 50k cash de raha tha taaki vo ye baat kisi aur ko na bataye.

Ladki ka sketch maine police station me bhijwaya hai, kahin na kahin se toh uski data mil jayegi."

Chhotu said interrupting them.

"Aur sir inn sab me Rajan ka secretary Sashi aur Rajan ke father bhi major suspects hain.

Mr. Kapoor Sashi se Rajan ki sari khabar lete the, vo kahan jaata hai, kiske sath baithta hai sab kuch. Yahan tak ki unhe pata tha ki Rajan ne 3 din ki chhuti li hai."

Shree added.

"Aur unki family me aur kisko pata hai ye baat.?"

Rathore enquired.

"Nahi. Mr kapoor Sashi ke through Rajan pe najar rakhe huye the aur ye baat unhone apni wife aur dusre bete se bhi chhupaya hai."

Arjun answered.

"Per ye thodi ajib baat hai na agar Rajan chahta toh sidha sidha affair ki baat mana bhi kar sakta tha, kyunki uss ladki se usne ek mahina hi baat kiya hai na usse pehle na uske baad.

Phir vo har mahine 50k dene ke liye raaji kaise ho gaya.?"

Ayesha questioned.

"Aur ho sakta hai uski bhabi ne hi Rajan ko gayab kiya ho.?"

Sakshi guessed.

"Per usse toh baithe baithe 50000 mil rahe the toh vo kyun karegi aesa.?"

Chhotu asked back.

"Toh Rajan ne mana kar diya hoga aur paisa dene se."

Sakshi shrugged.

"per sirf phone pe baat karne se ya milne se hum ye nahi maan sakte ki Rajan ka uss ladki se affair tha.

Aur agar koi aur wajah ke liye vo milta bhi hoga toh kuch bahut strong reason hoga jiski wajah se Rajan nahi chahta tha ki Kavya ko ye baat pata chale aur issliye vo apni bhabi ko paise de raha tha."

Riya murmured thoughtfully.

"Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Bhale hi case ke sare angle Rajan ke jayedad (property) ki aur ishara kar raha ho per baat kuch aur hi hai. "

Rathore murmured to himself , just when Shree got a message.

"Sir ,Binod patel wapas agaya hai Mumbai me, uske talent agency se revert aaya hai."

"Rawte, Riya tum dono milke aao usse."

Rathore commanded, thus the duo got up and left the bureau while others sat back to re-discuss the case to find the missing parts.

Riya and Arjun on reaching the office building of the talent agency made their way towards the entrance ,just when Arjun got a call.

"Tum chalo mai aata hun."

Arjun said staying back to attend the call, and Riya nodded walking ahead towards the reception.

She noticed a man who was standing near the reception in an office suit was repeatedly looking at her direction then to the receptionist girl , but she choose to ignore it approaching the desk.

"Excuse me. Hame Mr Binod patel se milna hai, kya vo abhi available...."

"Mujhse.?"

The man on the other end of the desk interrupted her ,sounding amused and quickly walked near her.

Riya's forehead creased at his creepy smile, then she turned her head to the receptionist who took the chance to answer.

"Mam yahi Binod sir hain."

Riya turned back to the man in realization , when the man spoke again.

"Jahan tak mujhe yaad hai mera abhi kisike sath koi appointment nahi hai."

"ji nahi mai appointment leke nahi aayi hun. Mai darsal..."

Before she could complete he interrupted her again.

"It's okay . Aap jaisi khoobsurat ladki ke liye mai ek din apni schedule adjust kar sakta hun.

Wese shorts aur one-piece chhod ke kisiko jeans aur shirt me itna sundar dekhe huye jamana hogaya tha."

Riya glared the man who quickly scanned his gaze from her head to toe ,before settling them on her face.

"Mai yahan jo puchhne....."

Riya released a sharp breathe getting interrupted yet again , while the man shamelessly smiled leaning a little towards her.

"wese aap bura na mane toh mai ek suggestion dena chahta hun.

Mere iss talent agency me maine bahut ladkiyon ki life bana di hai, aesa mauka aapko bhi mil sakta hai.

Aapki figure model banne ke liye perfect hai."

Riya looked away uninterestedly ,eyeing several other girls going inside and coming out in groups while the man in front of her continued speaking.

"Mai aapko chalke aate huye dekh raha tha, aap chalti bahut achha hai. Bas thodi si practice ki jarurat hai."

Riya this time angled her head back to the man , and flashed a smile at him.

"wese mai chalati bhi achha hun."

"huh? Gaadi.?"

The man asked confused, and the fake smile on her face got replaced by sternness as she replied.

"Nahi.

Gun.

aur uske liye mujhe abhi yahan practice ki bhi jarurat nahi padegi."

The man's smile slowly died down as he asked.

"Kaun hai aap.?"

"ETF.

Rajan kapoor ki missing case investigation kar rahe hain hum."

Riya answered straight , and watched him straightening up with a serious face.

"uske case se mera kya lena dena.?"

"Wohi toh hum pata karne aaye hain, uss case se tumhara kuch lena dena hai ya nahi."

Arjun answered coming walking from Riya's behind and stood beside her , as the man eyed both of them displeased.

"Mujhe uss admi se koi lena dena nahi hai, toh phir aap log mujhse kya puchhna chahte hain.?"

Binod asked as soon as he escorted the two officers to his personal chamber ,to avoid being questioned Infront of his staff.

"Rajan se aapka kya rishta tha.?"

Riya started her questioning.

"Mera koi rishtta wishta nahi tha usse, buniess karta tha mai uske sath , partner tha uske sath.

Arey partner kaheka dhokebaaz ne dhoka diya tha mujhe. Mere sare share hadapna chahta tha, aur maine case kar diya uspe."

Binod scoffed.

"Toh case withdraw kyun kar diya.?"

Arjun asked this time.

"Vo settlement ke liye raaji hogaya, issliye.

Usne mere sare paise lauta diye toh maine bhi case band kar diya. Aur deta bhi kaise nahi, aaj tak iss Binod patel ka ek bhi paisa kisine khane ki himmat nahi ki hai."

The man chuckled proudly , just when a girl came inside with coffee mugs on a tray and put two mugs on the table in front of Arjun , Riya and forwarded the third mug to her boss who touched her wrist instead of the mug with a flirty smile.

Arjun eyed the movement quietly ,while Riya's forehead shrieked a little at how uncomfortable the girl looked as she quickly drew her hand back , stood up and left the cabin after forcing an awkward smile on her face.

"Humne suna hai tumne Rajan ko uske office me maarne ki dhamki di thi, uske baare me kya kehna hai.?"

Arjun's voice made Riya focus back on their interrogation , and she released a sigh maintaining her calm posture.

"Arey sir vo toh maine usse darane ke liye bol diya tha.

Aur aap jaisa soch rahe hain mera Rajan ke gayab hone ke pichhe koi hath nahi hai, mai toh uss din yahan tha bhi nahi. Mujhe uske gayab hone ke 2 din baad pata chala.

Aur rahi dhamki dene ki baat toh mai uss din bahut gusse me tha , toh muh se kuch nikal gaya hoga."

The man shrugged nonchalantly.

"zubaan aur hath dono chalane se pehle insan ko ek baar nahi sau baar sochna chahiye , nahi toh musibat me fass sakta hai. Samjhe....ya samjhaoon.?"

Arjun said standing up from his seat followed by Riya , while the man stood up with an unapologetic face.

"Mai koi investigation se nahi darta sir kyunki maine kuch kiya hi nahi hai.

Aur haan agar meri jarurat dubara padegi toh mujhe bula lijiyega."

Arjun didn't say anything and was about to walk away, only to be stopped by the man's voice.

"Aur haan madam, maine pehle jo aapko kaha tha please don't mind. Aapke liye complement genuine tha wese, agar life me kabhi dusra career banane ka khayal aaye toh mujhe jarur yaadd kijiye."

Arjun stood confused eyeing the man flashing a big smile at Riya who stared at him blankly, before smiling back at him.

"Oh I'm sorry maine ab tak aap ko complement ke liye thank you nahi kaha.

Thank you so much."

Riya extended her hand to him for a handshake, which the man gladly accepted.

Arjun watched Riya smiling through the handshake but the man's smile died down as soon as she put pressure on his nerve point and he instantly snatched his hand away throwing a glare at her.

Riya casually walked out of the room and Arjun followed only to find her inhaling exhaling sharp breathes as they made their way out of the building.

"Liichad admi."

She muttered under her breathe getting inside the car , when a water bottle was forwarded to her.

She angled her head to the driver seat where Arjun was holding the bottle with his eyes to the front , thus she took the bottle from him taking a sip of water and he accelerated the car.

"Sorry sir , vo mujhe aese react nahi karne chahiye tha."

Riya murmured after a few minutes of silence ,realizing she took out her anger right in front of Arjun and he hadn't spoken a word to her after that.

"Bahut saari cheezein hoti hai Riya , jo duty me sunke ignore karna padta hai.

Ye tumhare chief Rathore sir ka maanna hai.

Aur agar kahin lage ki action lena jaruri hai toh vo tumhare chiefs pe chhod do, nahi toh commissioner sir ko explanation letter dete dete thak jaogi."

He chirped straight still looking ahead.

"Sir jab kisi ladki ke sath harassment hota hai aur uske liye ladhne ke liye ek ladka bahar aata hai , tab bhi log yahi sochte hain ki ladki hai issliye khud kuch nahi kar paayi aur usse defend karne ke liye ladke ko aana pada. Usme bhi vo ladko ki mascunality ke taarif karne lag jaate hain.

Problem ye nahi hai ki sirf ladko ki taarif hoti hai, problem ye hai ki log bhul jaate hain ki ladkiyan bhi khud ko defend kar sakti hai."

Riya explained ,then turned her head to him with a smile.

"Agar aap mujhe wahan defend karte toh definitely mujhe achha lagta..."

Arjun gave her a pointed look before looking back ahead , and she resumed speaking.

"Per mai ETF ki kamjori banna nahi chahti."

She looked ahead at the road and sudden silence filled the atmosphere until Arjun decided to speak.

"Rathore ka call aya tha ,Rajan ki laash mili hai."

___________

"Liza, post mortem se kya pata chala.? Kab hui hai iski maut.?"

Rathore asked as soon as Liza entered the conference hall with the lab reports.

"sir iski maut ko 10 din se upar ho chuka hai. Pehle sar pe kisi bhari chiz se vaar kiya gaya hai , aur phir wire se gala kaata gaya hai."

Liza answered him handling the files.

"Toh matlab jab isko kidnap kiya gaya uske ek do din ke andar hi isse maar diya gaya."

Shree murmured.

"Arjun sahi keh raha tha isse maarne ke liye hi kidnap kiya gaya tha."

Sakshi added.

"Body me koi hathapayi ke nishan.?"

Rathore narrowed his gaze.

"Nahi sir, lagta nahi hai isne zyada struggle kiya hai.

sar pe pehle vaar kiya gaya hai pichhe se, toh jab iska gala kaata jaa raha tha ye sayad tab hosh me nahi tha.

aur aap log jo wire leke aaye hain ussi se uska gala kaata gaya hai, per body me ya wire me kahin bhi fingerprints ni mile.

Khooni ne jarur gloves pehne the."

Liza explained.

"ye jarur uss ladki ne kiya hoga jiske ghar pe hame dead body mili."

Chhotu spoke up.

"Sir hum jis ladki ko dhund rahe the uss ladki ka asli naam Priya hai pooja nahi, aur wohi uss ghar me rehti thi jahan Rajan ki dead body mili hai.

Humne jab ladki ka sketch padoshion ko dikhaya unhone confirm kiya.

Pichhle kuch dino se priya kisiko dikhi nahi , aur aaj subah jab ghar se gandi badboo aarahi thi jab jaake neighbors ne police bulaya."

Ayesha explained thoroughly.

"Priya ki car se Rajan ka suitcase mila hame.

Lagta hai bich raaste me cab se utar ke vo Priya ke sath uski gaadi me chala gaya tha.

Wese humne neighbors se puch tach ki per unhone kaha din bhar toh vo ghar pe nahi thi, aur raat ko itni baarish ho rahi thi toh vo kab ghar aayi kisiko nahi pata."

Shree said putting up the photos of Rajan's suitcase.

"Iska matlab Priya ko pata tha Rajan apni biwi se jhuth bolke ghar se nikla hai , aur sayad ussi se milne ke liye nikla hoga. Tabhi toh uske sath uske ghar chala gaya."

Sakshi guessed.

"toh ladki ne usse ghar le jaa ke maar diya.?"

Liza questioned.

"Nahi. Jiss tarah se uska gala kaata gaya hai lagta nahi hai kisi ladki ka kaam hai, isme koi aur bhi hai ladki ke sath.

Per sawal ye hai ki vo ladki kahan hai.?"

Rathore murmured to himself, just when Arjun and Riya came walking inside the bureau.

"Tum dono itni dair tak kahan the? Binod se milke toh kabka nikal chuke the."

Rathore asked eyeing each of them.

"Vo sir...."

Riya started , only to be interrupted by Arjun.

"Hum Kavya ke ghar gaye the, phir Rajan ke ghar."

"Huh? Kyun.?"

Rathore sounded confused.

"Aur Arjun tumne mana kyun kiya, Rajan ki dead body milne ki baat uski family me kisiko batane ke liye.?"

Sakshi stared at him intently.

"Waqt aane pe bata denge unhe, per usse pehle jaruri hai qatil ki motive ka pata karna."

Arjun answered her.

"Aur ye tum unn dono ke ghar jaake pata karne gaye the? Aur kya pata chala jara hame bhi pata chale."

Rathore said sarcastically.

"Sir kya BInod ka koi motive ho sakta hai.?"

Ayesha asked next.

"Nahi. BInod nahi hai, kyunki uska sara paisa Rajan ne lauta diya tha. Toh uske pass koi wajah nahi hai itna sara planning karne ki."

Riya replied taking her seat ,then quickly added.

"Per hum ..Kavya ko ye kehke aaye hain ki hame ek major clue mila hai case ko leke.

Aur pata nahi kyun Kavya mujhe thodi si ghabarayi hui dikhi.

Uske baad Rajan ki family me Arjun sir ne Mr kapoor ki will ki baat sabko kehdi, aur uske ghar pe bhi sab ka mood kharab ho gaya tha, khas karke Mrs kapoor ki."

"Aur ye sab karke kya mila Rawte.?"

Rathore raised a brow.

"Batata hun.

Shree ye photo apne laptop pe transfer karo aur 2nd row ki fourth ladki pe zoom karo."

Arjun said forwarding his phone to Shree , who took a look at the photo.

"Sir ye toh kisiki school ki group photo hai.Upar banner me likha bhi hai '10th class section B'"

"Haan kavya ke school ka, uske ghar pe laga tha ye frame."

Riya answered quickly.

Shree looked up to her confused, but nevertheless did as per he was asked.

Once the photo displayed on his laptop he zoomed on the 4th girl in the 2nd row whose face was lightly burned from one side.

"Shree, ab uske burn marks ko clear karo."

Arjun commanded thus shree quickly got in to work, while others kept starting at the screen curiously.

"ye....... kahin dekha hua nahi lag raha.?"

Chhotu asked first eyeing the girl on the screen , once after shree was done with his work.

"Ek min iski right cheek pe jo mole hai , thik aesa hi priya ke sketch me bhi hai."

Sakshi muttered , and suddenly a look of realization came over on everyone's face except Arjun.

"ye priya hai.?"

Ayesha sounded surprised.

"iska matlab Priya Kavya ki schoolmate hai .Toh usne hame jhuth kyun bola ki vo usse jaanti nahi hai.?"

Shree looked up confused.

"Shree, ho sakta hai Kavya usse pehchan hi nahi paa rahi ho, uske burn marks the na pehle."

Chhotu answered him ,then asked another question.

"per iske burn marks kahan gayab hogaye.?"

"surgery karwaya hoga."

LIZa answered him.

Riya stood watching their bewildered faces just like she had reacted when Arjun informed her the same earlier in the car, and Rathore spoke up.

"USne sirf half face pe hi surgery karwayi hai, pura chehera nahi badla hai uska jo Kavya usse pehchan na paaye."

"Exactly.

Kavya ki ek schholmate Rajan se mil rahi thi ,aur jab humne Rajan kisi ladki se milta tha ye baat kavya ko bataya aur usse sketch dikhaya tab bhi kuch react nahi kiya tha aur na hi hame sachai batayi."

Arjun clarified.

"Per vo jhuth kyun bol rahi hai.?"

Ayesha questioned.

"ye ab hame Kavya batayegi."

Replied Rathore standing up.

_____________________________________________

"Sir aap logon ko kuch pata chala Rajan ke baare me.?"

Kavya asked on arriving the bureau.

"Humne ussi ke liye tumhe bulaya hai. Rajan ke sath sath aur bhi bahut kuch pata chala hai."

Rathore said putting up Priya's sketch on the table.

"Isse jaanti ho.?"

Kavya stared at the sketch then at him, before shaking her head lightly.

"Nahi sir."

"Kavya, agar hum tumhe dubara kuch puch rahe hain iska matlab hame already sach pata hai, bas tumhare muh se sunna chahte hain."

Arjun said in a serious tone leaning on both of his hands on the table, and the girl lowered her gaze.

"Aap log kya keh rahe hain mujhe samajh...."

She paused herself as soon as shree put his laptop on the table that displayed her school group photo.

'Ab kuch samajh me aya.?"

Riya asked ,watching the colour drain from her face.

Kavya stared at the screen then blinked her eyes looking away ,gulping unnecessarily.

"Tum jitna chup rahogi tumhare liye pareshani aur badhti jaayegi."

Ayesha reminded her.

"haan mai jaanti hun uss ladki ko , toh kya? Mai aap logon ko batati ki mere pati ka affair meri schoolmate ke sath hai.?"

Kavya looked at them with tear filled eyes.

"Ye toh tum bhi achhe se jaanti ho Rajan ka koi affair nahi tha tumhari friend ke sath.

Nahi toh jo apne pati ko itni desperately dhund rahi ho , vo ye baat police se kabhi nahi chhupayegi ki vo kisi aur ladki ke pass bhi jaa sakta hai."

Arjun declared.

"Kahin tumne hi toh nahi maar diya apne pati ko jealousy me ,ki tumse jhuth bolke vo Priya se milne gaya tha.?"

Sakshi questioned , thus Kavya stood up from her chair in shock.

"Kya? Rajan ki maut ho chuki hai? Aap logon ne mujhe bataya kyun nahi ? Kahan hain vo.?"

"Zyada naatak karne ki jarurat nahi hai.

Pehle khud apne pati ko kidnap karke maar deti ho, phir khud police case karti ho aur ab naatak bhi kar rahi ho.?"

Ayesha scoffed.

"Nahi. Mai kyun maarungi unhe ? Maine nahi maara apne pati ko.

Aap log ye sab kya keh rahe hain ? Rajan kahan hain.?"

Kavya started crying.

"Kavya, sachai chhupane se kuch nahi hoga abhi.

Tum pe investigation kiya jaayega , aur Rajan ki body ko uski family de diya jayega. Issliye tumhare liye achha hoga ki sab sach batado."

Riya said in a firm voice, and the girl slumped back on the chair sobbing hard.

"Maine nahi maara unhe.

Haan mai jaanti thi ki Rajan Priya se milte hain, per mujhe nahi pata tha ki vo mujhse jhuth bolke Priya ke paas gaye hain.

Mujhe laga unka shaq dur hogaya tha."

"Kaisa shaq.?"

Chhotu pointed out , thus the girl abruptly kept mum.

"Hum kuch puch rahe hain Kavya tumse."

Rathore sounded stern.

"Vo Delhi me sabko lagta tha ki maine hi apne pehle pati ko chhat se dhakka de diya tha, ye baat Priya ne Rajan ko bataya aur Rajan mujhpe shaq kar rahe the. Per maine unhe bahut samjhaya ki aesa nahi hai, phir vo samajh gaye the. Aur mujhe nahi pata tha vo mere pith pichhe Priya se mil rahe the."

"Toh kya tumne sach me apne pehle pati ko mara tha.?"

Shree questioned.

"Nahi. Maine unhe nahi maara ,vo apne aap gir gaye the."

"Toh tumhari friend aesa kyun keh rahi thi ki tumne maara tha.?"

Riya asked this time.

"Mujhe nai pata. Sabko lag raha tha maine insurance ke liye maar diya apne pati ko , per aesa kuch nahi hai. Mujhe toh pata bhi nahi tha vo fisal jayenge, hath me bottle pakad ke vo khud gaye the upar aur khudko control nahi kar paaye."

Kavya rambled.

"Maine vo case file dekha tha, usme tumhara statement tha ki jab tumhare pati chhat se gire the tab tum niche room me so rahi thi, toh tumhe kaise pata vo jab chhat pe gaye the tab unke hath me bottle thi.?"

Arjun asked leaning back on his chair.

Rathore averted his gaze from Arjun to Kavya who sat tongue-tied.

"Vo vo .. maine sone se pehle unhe dekha tha bottle ke sath."

"Tumhare sone aur uske chhat se girne ke bich me 2 ghante ka fark tha Kavya.

Aur agar mai galat nahi hun toh uss din jab tumhare pati ghar aaye the tab tak tum apne kamre me so gayi thi , aesa tumhari saas ka statement tha jo akele uss din tum dono ke sath ghar pe thi."

"Kya tumne jaan bujh ke usse chhat se girne diya.?"

Rathore asked, to which the girl kept mum and he banged the table with his palm making her shudder.

"Pura din nahi hai hamare paas."

"vo Mai Dinesh hi pyar hi nahi karti thi, vo mujhse pyar karta tha. Mujhe pata chala ki vo achhe ghar ka hai , issliye jab usne mujhse shadi ke liye puchha toh maine haan keh diya.

Per uske ghar wale, shehar me rehke bhi shehar ki chal dhal kabhi nahi sikh paaye aur Dinesh bhi unke sath wesa hi rehta tha. Mujhe embarrassment feel hota tha unki harkaton se.

Uss din jab Dinesh ne mujhe neend se jagaya mai bahut chidi hui thi uspe aur maine usse apne paas aane nahi diya , toh vo ek bottle nikalke chhat pe chala gaya.

Mai uske pichhe pichhe gayi thi aur maine gaya vo pura bottle pee gaya hai aur chhat me idhar udhar ghum ke khudse baat kar raha hai.

Vo chhat ki dhar pe khada tha aur mai usse wapas khinchne jaane wali thi , phir maine socha aese admi ke sath puri life adjust karne se achha mai usse jaane dun.

Kam se kam uske insurance ke paise mujhe mil jaayenge aur mai apni life apne tarike se jee sakti hun."

"Aur issliye tumne usse marne diya.?"

Riya eyed her in disbelief.

"Kitne paise mile insurance ke.?"

Chhotu enquired.

"25 lakh."

Kavya replied hanging her head low, whereas Chhotu exchanged a look with Ayesha.

"Toh ye baat Priya kaise jaanti thi.?"

Arjun asked.

"Priya aur mai sirf schoolmates nahi the, coinicidentally vo ussi school me job karti thi jahan mai aur Dinesh the.

Wahan sabko pata tha mai Dinesh ko pasand nahi karti thi, aur hum dono ki shadi ko leke sab bahut hairan huye the.

Dinesh ki maut ke baad jab sab baatein karne lage tab maine Delhi chhodne ka faisla kiya ,bas mujhe insurance ke paise milne tak ka wait tha.

Tab sabko laga ki maine paison ke liye Dinesh ko maar diya aur phir mai Mumbai aagayi.

2 mahine pehle Priya mujhe ek movie theatre ke bahar mili jahan mai Rajan ke sath gayi thi.

Vo wahan Dinesh aur uski family ke baare me baat karne lag gayi aur usne jaan bujh ke Rajan ke samne Dinesh ki maut ek accident nahi thi aesa sabko lagta hai ye bhi bolne lagi. Maine gusse me usse wahan daant diya per Rajan ke mann me shaq reh gaya.

Phir ek din maine Rajan ke phone me priya ka call dekha , aur tab mujhe pata chala Rajan Dinesh ke bare me jaanne ki koshish kar rahe hain, mai bahut muskil se unhe manane lagi ki vo jo soch rahe hain wesa kuch nahi hua hai.

Per lagta hai Rajan tab bas jhuth ka maan gaye the.

Per sir sach mein maine Rajat ko nuksan pahunchane ke bare me kabhi nahi socha."

"Ye hum kaise maan le ? Insurance ke paison ke liye tumne apne pehle pati ko marne diya, aur Rajan ke paas toh bhar bhar ke paisa tha, aur usse tumpe shaq ho gaya tha issliye tumne maa diya hoga usse, aur koi tumpe shaq na kare issliye ETF ke paas agayi."

Rathore chirped straight.

"Nahi sir mai aesa kabhi nahi karungi, mai toh pyar karti thi Rajan se.

Haan mai naaraj ho sakti hun unpe per mai unhe maarne ka soch bhi nahi sakti."

Kavya shook her head, when Arjun got up and left the interrogation room hurriedly to check the lab reports.

"Ye Kavya kitna bhi mana kare per mujhe lagta hai issi ne maara hai Rajan ko."

Shree murmured from his behind.

"Rajan ko shaq ho gaya tha Kavya ke pehle pati ki maut pe, aur vo laga hua tha sach jaanne ke liye. Bas Kavya nahi chahti hogi ki usse sach pata chale."

Sakshi nodded her head in agreement.

"Per Rajan ko maarna, aur Priya ko gayab karna dono ye akeli kar sakti hai kya.?"

Riya asked confused.

"Mujhe bhi nahi lagta ki itna kuch isne akele kiya hoga , koi aur toh jarur tha."

Ayesha mumbled thoughtfully.

"Priya kahan hai ye batane se Kavya mana kar rahi hai."

Rathore announced walking out of the interrogation room in the last and stood near the table raking his head through all the possibilities to trace the other missing person.

"Usse pata nahi hoga toh kahan se batayegi."

Arjun said making all heads turn to him.

"Kavya sach bol rahi hai, Rajan ka khoon usne nahi kiya."

"Aur ye tumhe kaise pata.?"

Rathore asked him.

"Rajan ke sar pe jo vaar kiya gaya hai vo uske sar ke bich pe lagi hai.

Kavya ke height ke hisab se agar vo kisi chiz se Rajan ke sar pe vaar karegi toh vo Rajan ke sar ke pichhe lagega ,na ki sar ke upar bich me.

Agar hum maan bhi le ki kavya kisi chiz pe khadi hoke aatack kar rahi thi , per utni dair me koi bhi alert ho jayega.

Iska matlab Rajan pe aatack kisi aese ne kiya hai jiski height RAjan ke height ke aas pass hai."

Arjun explained.

"Per sir Priya ke ghar me zabardasti ghusne ke koi nishan nahi hai. Toh jaahir si baat hai koi jaan pehchan wala bhi andar gaya hoga unn dono ke alawa. "

Chhotu interrupted them.

"Jaise ki Kavya.?"

Sakshi guessed.

"Ya phir Rajan ke ghar se koi.?"

Riya added.

"Shree Kavya aur Rajan ki family sabki GPS location track Karo , jis din Rajan gayab hua uss din ki.

Pata chal jaayega kaun tha wahan."

Rathore commanded.

________________________________________

"Sir aap log? Aayiye andar aayiye. Kuch pata chala Rajan ka.?"

Saroj asked after answering the door where the ETF team stood ,before entering in.

"haan issliye toh aaye hain."

Rathore asked walking up to the hall and roamed his eyes around until the other members of the house too came there .

"sach mein? Kahan hai Rajan.?"

Saroj asked delightfully , then turned to his parents who looked curious as well.

"Dead body mili hai hame uski. 10 din pehle hi usse maar diya gaya hai."

Chhotu answered and watched the change in everyone's expressions.

"What .?"

Saroj exclaimed in shock.

"Kya.?"

"Jarur uss Kavya ne kiya hoga."

His parents said simultaneously.

"Ji nahi . Kavya ne aapke bete ko nahi mara."

Shree spoke up.

"Toh .?"

Mrs kapoor sounded confused.

"Aap me se hi kisine maara hai usse."

Riya answered her and the old woman fumed.

"Kya bakwas kar rahe hain aap? aap ko koi aur nahi mila toh hum pe ilzam lagayenge ? Uss kavya se jaake kyun nahi puchte aap log.?"

"Hum apna kaam kar chuke hain ,aur hum bina saboot pe kisi pe ilzam nahi lagate madam.

Aap hi ke ghar walon ne Rajan ka murder kiya hai."

Ayesha snapped.

"Kya aapko ye baat kavya ne bataya ? Vo kuch bhi jhuth bolegi aur aap uski baat maan ke hame pareshan karne aagaye.?"

Mr. Kapoor shouted.

"Awaz niche rakhiye Mr Kapoor. Hum kisiki baat sunke yahan nahi aaye hain.

Hamare paas proof hai aapke bete ke khilaf."

Rathore pointed a finger at Saroj , who suddenly gulped shaking his head.