PART 85
(Earlier in the day, whilst Raghavan was at Mardeesh's place)
"Urmila, Im telling you na, you dont have to go anywhere alone. Im coming with you." Lakshman repeated his words for the fifth time, but Urmila was adamant.
"No Lakshman. Please. You take rest, I can go alone. Im just going to buy some vegetables." said Urmila, assuringly.
Lakshman got up from his bed in their room . He stood in front of Urmila and held her by the shoulders, lightly.
Urmila could see a kind of fear in his eyes, which was uncommon. Even his face looked tired.
"What happened Laksh?" she asked , "Are you feeling alright? You are looking so tired."
"Im fine Urmila, but... I don want you to go alone. Take me with you."
"Lakshman, you already are looking so weak. How can I take you?"
"Why can't you? Trust me I'm perfectly alright. Don't go alone , Urmila."
She realised something was wrong with her husband today. She made Lakshman sit on the bed and sat next to him.
Cupping her hand on his cheek, she asked,
"Lakshman, its not that I dont know this place or Ive never been outside alone. Then why aren't you letting me go? You know right, I dont like it when someone curtails me."
"Urmila, I know that. But its just that, Im not really having a good feeling about today. Its one of those dark days, I feel."
"Why, Lakshman?"
"I dont know Urmila. I just feel as if something wrong is going to happen."
Urmila put up a pity smile.
"Lakshman, stop being so childish ! Why should any of us have any trouble ? We all are together, in the same house. And look outside, the weather is so beautiful! Maybe you had a nightmare or something."
"No Urmila I didnt!" Lakshman was getting a little irritated. "I didnt have one. I just.."
"What?"
Lakshman held Urmilas hands warmly and caressed them.
His voice dropped and he said,
"Urmila, you, Bhaiyya and Bhabhi are my only family now. You are the only ones I look upto and look after. I dont want anything to happen to any of you."
Urmila made him look up.
"Lakshman, none of wants the other to be harmed. But trust me, if you behave like this, we all will feel hurt. You are the strongest one in the family and here you.."
"Urmi, for all these years, I haven't been able to give you anything. Not a proper house, no proper food, nothing that you're used to. And I myself have troubled you so many times. For once Urmila, let me keep you safe and well."
Urmila's eyes watered up. "Lakshman, you have kept me well for so long. Not even for one say have I felt anything less than what I am used to. Then why are all these things coming up again?"
Urmila stood up and looked away to hide her tears. Lakshman too stood and hugged Urmila from behind.
"Urmi, you are the only piece of life that holds me together. If you were not here, nor would I have been able to keep Bhaiyya and Bhabi well, nor would I have been able to stay alive myself. I would have died.."
Urmila turned and placed a finger on his lips, while still in his embrace.
"never Lakshman, never say anything like that. It hurts me."
Lakshman hugged her tightly.
"Urmila, the same happens to me when i lose sight of you for a moment. Its scary Urmila for me. I dont want to lose you."
Time stood still. The two of them were just lost in each other and they didnt know, but maybe fate was to make it their last embrace in a long time.
"Lakshman, leave me." said Urmila, smiling after some time.
"No."
"Lakshman."
"Urmi."
Urmila pushed him and broke away, laughing.
"Okay, now I have to go. Take care of Bhaiyya and Bhabi."
"Wait, so you're still going!!"
"Ofcourse, when did I say no.."
"But I thought.."
"Lakshman, Siya Di is bathing and Bhaiyya is busy with some other work. You dont look very well still. So you stay at home and look after them and Ill run and get the vegetables and come."
"Tell Jaydev Kaka no!"
"Why do want to trouble such an elderly man for such a small thing!"
Urmila walked to the front door with lakshman behind her.
"Urmi, please, dont go."
"You need to get rid of this childish behaviour of yours lakshman. Ill be back in a few minutes."
"Urmi.."
Urmila placed a kiss on cheek and walked outside. Within moments, she disappeared into the white mist.
Lakshman stood there, quiet and helpless. It was for the first time in many days that he felt so.
(PRESENT TIME)
"Why hasn't Urmila returned yet?" asked Siya as she stood beside the sofa in the living room with Lakshman and Ram.
"Bhabi, I told her not to go out so many times, but she didnt listen."
"But why did you tell her not to go out, Lakshman?" asked Ram.
"Bhaiyya... I was just not feeling very happy about it."
Siya called Urmila on her mobile again, but no one answered.
"She isn't even answering her phone," said Siya, " Should I go and check?"
"No Bhabi," said Lakshman, " I'll go."
Just as Lakshman put on his overcoat, the local phone rang.
Ram answered it.
R: Hello?
U (Unknown) : Hello Mr. Ram?
R: Yes?
U: Sir, do you know Mrs. Urmila?
(Ram looks at Lakshman and Siya)
R: Yes, I... I do. What happened?
U: Sir, please come fast near that market Chowk... Mrs.Urmila has had a big accident.
R: Wh.. What?!
U: Yes Sir. Sir I can't talk much, just you and somebody else come and take her to the hospital Sir. We can't take her. We found your number in her jacket and thats why we are calling you.
R: But...
U: Come fast Sir, or she will die.
The call ended. The horror on Rams face was shocking to both Lakshman and Siya. Siya ran to him and holding him by the shoulders asked,
"What happened Ram? Who had called? Urmila?"
Ram held her arm tightly and with her support went and sat on the sofa.
Lakshman fell at Rams feet and asked,
"Bhaiyya, who had called? Tell me! If its a problem then I'll see to it!"
Ram looked at Siya with scared eyes and said,
"The man said that..."
"What?!"
"Urmila.. accident..."
Siya's grip on Rams tightened . Lakshman gaped.
"What! Urmila had an accident?" yelled Siya. She started trembling.
"The man told me and Lakshman to come at the Market Chowk and take her to the hospital.."
Ram was slurring with his words. for some reason, he didnt believe what the man said but at the same time fear for his little sister gripped him.
Lakshman got up slowly.
"Bhaiyya, I'm going to see what happened. I dont know why but I felt something like this would happen since morning. I wont let anything happen to my Urmila. Im going, now!"
"No Lakshman," Ram said slowly, "You sit here and I'll go." There was confidence in his words now.
"Bhaiyya, you need to stay with Bhabi. Let me go."
Before Ram could say anything, Lakshman set out.
Siya fell in Rams arms.
"Nothing will happen to Urmila, no?"she sobbed and said.
Ram hugged her tightly and said,
"No, nothing. Siya, please dont go anywhere unless I tell you to. I dont want to lose you Siya."
"No one can separate me from you Ram."
"Siya, never, ever leave me alone. Im not as strong as Laksman..Ill die without you."
"Even I can't live without you Ram, I need you at every step. "
The phone rang again.
Ram ran to answer it.
R: Hello!
U: Sir, your brother ...
R: What happened to Lakshman!!!
U: Sir he was running to save someone but he tripped over the stones and..
R: And..
U: His head is bleeding Sir, come fast!! Don't being your wife Sir or she'll not be able to see him in this state.
Ram threw the phone down and put his overcoat on. He cupped Siya's face in his hands and said ,
"Siya, dont go anywhere till I come. If I come back and I dont see you Siya, I will die."
"But where are you going Ram?"
Ram kissed her on the forehead and left her hurriedly. At the doorstep, he turned to look at her and said,
"Siya, be right here. Nothing will happen to any of us."
With the thud of the door, Siya felt a sharp pinch in her heart. As if..She was to never see him again...
Siya fell back on the floor, crying.
"
"Sir, both the idiots are out. She's the only one alone inside." said Mahesh sitting next to Raghavan as he looked with his binoculars at Rams house.
"Perfect," said Ragahavn. "Then lets begin Part 2 of his blockbuster."
"
Lakshman burst open the door of their house. He saw Siya crying on the floor , and no one else.
"Bhabi!" Lakshman ran to pick Siya up. She looked at him, confused.
"Lakshman! What are you doing here?"
"Bhabi, where is Ram Bhaiyya?"
"He went to find you Lakshman! We got a call saying that you are injured and.."
Lakshman yelled in frustration.
"Bhabi, listen to me carefully. We have fallen in a trap. I dont know where Urmila is, but for all I know, we are a part of a bad plan now. We should all stay together now. Relax Bhabi."
"What do you mean Relax!" Siya shot up. "Your brother and your wife are out in the open like mad people and you are telling me to Relax. Even if this is a plan Lakshman we should find them not sit here quietly!"
"Bhabi, try to understand ! We shouldn't fall into their plan! We have to be together!"
"Quiet Lakshman! Either you go to find them or I will."
Lakshman started sobbing.
"Bhabi, please!"
"Lakshman, dont you care for your wife and brother! There they are in the open, arms-less and alone and ... You know what, you never cared for them!"
"What!"
"Yes! I know understand everything!"
Lakshman cried and shook Siya lightly.
"Bhabi, you are an elder sister to me! And you are saying all this! Have you lost it!"
Siya cried and fell back.
"I dont know Lakshman! I am not in my senses. Just go.. go and find them Lakshman if not for your wife for your own brothers sake Lakshman!!" Siya's shrieking voice tore lakshman into pieces.
Lakshman had no choice. He knew it was no use making Siya understand. He had to go and bring them back.
Lakshman told Siya to get up and they went to the door way.
lakshman pulled the strong iron grill from outside and locked it from his side, putting the keys under a flower pot.
"Bhabi, do not open the door to whoever comes. Please. I have taken the responsibility of your security, dont let it fall."
"I won't Lakshman. Now go!"
Lakshman left Siya reluctantly. Siya stood there till she could see him no more.
She was all alone.
""
Urmila walked fast as she returned from the market. A tree had fallen in the way that made her go by the long route.
"God knows what Lakshman will think at home. Ive come miles from the market place now."
Suddenly, Urmila felt someone following her. There were people around, but she felt as it there was someone just behind her. She turned, but saw no one.
Indraneil tried to go as softly as possible behind Urmila. The drug scented handkerchief in his hand looked suspicious to everyone around, but no one said anything. Neil wanted to run away as fast as possible.
Urmila neared a lone place, crossing which would be her house. She stopped, as she felt someone behind her again. But she continued further.
"Maybe its just my mind," she said to herself.
Neil neared her. He was about 10 feet away from her when.. He heard .. Police. A police van nearing him. Neil ran and hid behind one of the trees. He saw Urmila moving ahead but he couldn't go, or the Police was sure to see him.
The police van brushed past him, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He also saw Urmila getting into the Van; perhaps the police would drop her.
Neil threw the handkerchief in frustration.
"Dammit! I had one job!! "
Truth was, more than the dear of being caught, he had the fear of harming an innocent person. Neil was not like ragahavn, after all. But never would he show that.
Neil pulled out his phone from his pocket. He knew exactly what to do.
Ne: Hello?
Naina: Neil?
Ne: Do you love me Naina?
Na: Wh..What kind of a question is this?
Ne: DO you love me Goddamit!
Na: Of..Ofcourse I do Neil. Why?
Ne: I need you to do something for me Naina. It will save my life.
Na: Neil (worried) , are you okay? Where are you?
Ne: Can you do this for me?
Na: Tell me, I can do anything for you.
Ne: Listen. Take one of the handkerchiefs from my personal drawer and put ... ... (tells her to put the drug substance on it and bring it to Urmilas house, to drug Urmila.)
Na: Neil! What is this! Im not doing this Neil!
Ne: I will die if you dont do this Naina!
Na: Neil! (sobbing) How can I?
Ne: Take Badi Di with you in her car. She'll tell you.
Na: But you won't do anything to her right?
Ne: You dont love me..
Na: Neil!
The call dropped. Neil sat down, panting. He knew Naina and Shipra would get his job of drugging and kidnapping Urmila, DONE.
"
Naina and Shipra stopped in front of the house.
"Are you sure this plan will work?" asked Naina.
"Of course it will. Just go, and call me. I'll do the rest."
"Badi Di, isnt this a crime?"
"Naina, when you belong to the Dharvesh Family, you dont care about crime and criminals."
It was the first time that Naina repented being a part of the family.
Naina slowly walked towards the door. She looked back at Shipra, who signalled her to move forward.
Naina wore a cap and a big jacket, and carried a backpack. She was a courier woman, for the time being. Shipra and her plans.
Urmila walked slowly up to the door and saw her standing.
"A courier woman? Why isn't anyone opening the door?"
Urmila went there and placed her vegetables down.
"Yes?" she asked.
Naina cleared her throat and said,
"m...Ma'am... I had come to give this parcel.. But seems like no one is there. "
Urmila pressed the bell twice but no one answered. Siya was inside, but she was told not to open the door to anyone.
"Hmmm... Perhaps they've gone out. Usually they tell me, but ...Whatever.. Give me the parcel.." said Urmila.
Naina slowly pulled out a box from her bag, and under it was the handkerchief. She was careful, so as to not show it to Urmila.
She handed over the box to Urmila and dropped the Hanky.
"Ill pick it up," said Urmila. She picked it up and handed it to Naina.
"Where's this weird smell coming from?" asked Urmila, unaware that it was her hand that was smelling.
And that was it.. Urmila brought her hands close to her mouth and Shipra groped her tightly from behind with Nainas handkerchief.
"Lakshman!" she yelled.
Urmila shook, yelled and punched Shipra, but no use. The drug was so strong that it took away Urmilas senses in a few seconds .
Urmila fell to the ground , dropping the cardboard box.
Naina was still trembling. All this had been too much for her to take in. She picked up everything as fats as she could and hiding her tears dragged Urmila to the car. Shipra not wasting a moment, sped off. Not a single eye witness.
"
"Thank you so much Naina, you dont know how much this means to me." said Neil and cut the call. Work was done. He informed the same to Ragahavn with pride, though not taking Nainas or Shipras name. He took it as his own credit.
Raghavan smiled in his car.
He looked at himself in the rear mirror.
A white false beard, wrinkles under his eyes drawn, and his whole suit covered in a black and orange loincloth.
He looked exactly like an old, poor man, and even his eyes didnt reveal who he was.
"Sir, I swear, you are unrecognisable." said mahesh.
Raghavan smirked.
"For such a long time I wanted to have that Siya in my hands. Today I finally will. Ram..." Raghavan roared with laughter.
He took off his boots and stepped into brown, torn slippers. His unkempt feet didnt need any effects.
Raghavan broke his voice to that of an aged person.
Removing all his jewels, he stepped out.
Walking to Siyas house, he took a deep breath and yelled,
" Anybody here ? Help me!"
"""""""""""""vvv""""""""""
PHEW!!!!!
THE LONGEST PART IVE EVER WRITTEN !
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