CHAPTER 34 - Some Answers
A day before Suhasini was to appear before the inquiry committe, Swadheenta got a call from Minister A.K. Chowdhary.
"Yes Mr. Chowdhary...Oh, that's great news. So finally good sense has prevailed... Yes, I will talk to Reena and decide on the conditions of the settlement...Sure, don't worry about that...Yes, thank you."
Swadheenta put down the call and gave a sigh of relief.
Adarsh was listening carefully all this while. He got an idea from hearing one side of the conversation, still he asked to confirm,
"So, the minister has agreed for an out of court settlement?"
"Yes, they have agreed to hand over the custody of the child to Reena. In return we will take back the charges."
Swadheenta explained.
"But, how can you let off those kidnappers so easily ? After all, they have committed a crime and they need to suffer."
Adarsh reasoned
"I understand, but more than anything we need Reena to have her child back. If the case draws out any longer, it will become more and more difficult for the boy to accept her. He has got so attached to Avinash and his wife. And you know Mom cannot lose a case without dragging it for years. I thought all this through and it appeared to be the best solution. But wait...Mom is not losing the case"
Swadheenta said excitedly
"I still don't understand what you are trying to say"
Adarsh said cluelessly
"Look, Mom had promised before the media that she would give up her practice if she loses the case. Mark the words, she never said that she would win the case. Now, the third hearing is still a week away and there is only one day left for her interrogation. If found guilty, in all probability she will not be allowed to argue the case . Even if she is found innocent, she knows that both parties are seriously considering out of court settlement. In either case, she is not losing the case, and therefore will not be having to keep her promise of giving up the practice."
Swadheenta joined the pieces.
"If she has made such an elaborate plan to save her practice, then why is she taking the blame of the bribe money upon herself. She is risking her career bigtime with that."
Adarsh was still doubtful.
"That makes me more and more assured that she has a plan to save herself."
Swadheenta remarked.
"You mean to say that Mom is the biggest pawn in her own game?"
Adarsh asked with surprise
"Yup, I just hope she does what I am expecting her to do"
Swadheenta said
"If she doesn't, I have a plan B"
Adarsh said mysteriously.
"Really ? That's awesome. I know my Robinhood will not be sitting quiet."
Swadheenta was pleasantly surprised
"But I don't want to use it unless it becomes absolutely necessary."
Adarsh said looking a bit worried
"Why? What is your plan?"
Swadheenta asked
"Wait ..let me lock the door properly first. I don't want anyone to get a whiff of it"
Adarsh went and checked the door. He came back and then said in a low voice
"Listen..."
Meanwhile, there was a knock on the door of Jaidev's room. He was summoned to Delhi as a witness to the case. Jaidev went and opened the door. He saw his mother standing.
"Can I come in ?"
Suhasini asked
"Oh sure Mom. Please come inside."
Jaidev said, happy to see her.
"Thank you"
She said and sat down on the couch. Then she continued,
"I have come here to ask something of you."
"What is it Mom?"
Jaidev asked suspisciously
"Your brother and sister in law are trying to disrupt my plan. I wanted to know if you are on this with them"
She asked
"They have not told me anything, but if they need my help, I won't be able to decline"
Jaidev said firmly
"Hmm...you know that they want to save me from money laundering charges?"
Suhasini questioned her son
Jaidev kept quiet
Suhasini continued
"Look son, I am not as principled as Adarsh and Swadheenta, I am very selfish. I want to save myself the pain of seeing Manohar in prison, even if I have to stand on the opposite side of justice for that. As for me, they won't be able to put me behind bars. It's a win win in both ways."
Suhasini paused.
"But why are you telling this to me. You could have talked to Adarsh directly"
Jaidev asked, still not able to guess her intentions
"Because they won't listen to me. They feel I am deliberately jeopardising my career to save your father, but you know that I am equally guilty. Why should Manohar alone pay for it. Jaidev, only you can help me with this."
Suhasini pleaded
"What do you want me to do ?"
Jaidev asked
"You will have to deny all knowledge of Manohar's involvement in Broad's case"
Suhasini suggested
"But I don't want to lie. I don't want to walk on that path again"
Jaidev said
"I am not asking you to lie straightaway. You were never directly involved in anything. You know only what Manohar has told you. You will just have to twist the truth about what he said."
Suhasini explained
"It is still wrong Mom."
Jaidev pointed out
"It may be wrong but it is not going to hurt anyone. It is just a trick that every lawyer applies to win a case. Your Dad may not be innocent, but as his family we ought to give him a chance. Just one chance."
Suhasini urged
"OK, I will try."
Jaidev could not say no to his mother. The desperation in her eyes did not let him.
" You were telling something about Adarsh.."
Jaidev reminded her
"Oh..yes.I almost forgot. The hearing will be after 12. Before that you I want you to meet someone and convey a message."
Suhasini said.
"What message?"
Jaidev asked
"That I will let you know tomorrow"
Saying this she got up and left the room
Book Talk
Aami Daakini
