FF: Power, Conspiracy, Jealousy&Lust,Ch30&Epi,p40

It seems to keep my mind away from my problems I have to write, it has become an habit and a therapy but then on what do I write on'.at present I am watching two serials, Agle Janam and Bairi piya, both dealing with Thakurs and recently watched the 3 seasons of The Tudors, so I decided to trade on an unknown path for me, to write about 'Conspiracy, Power, Jealousy, Hate, Lust etc., the extreme negative feelings of human mind'.I do not know how much I will be able to write on this subject because this is something I am not very conversant with'.not that I do not have such feelings myself, as a normal human being I do have my share otherwise I would become a sadhu / sanyasini but the degree is far less'.I do not know if I am able to do complete justice or let me say frankly be able to complete this story at all but then I do want to write how an innocent man is caught in the whirlworld of power struggle, conspiracy and how he is changes for the worse, for the better and how he learns to play the game eventually to hold onto what he is destined to be''.

Christmas in NY :https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1310081&TPN

Pride, Honour & Love : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1237744

A Shining Star : https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1220885

A Touch of Remembrance: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1172085

'The Uncut Diamond' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1152499 'Dance with me tonight' https://india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1149016.

The Emperor & the girl : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1122861

A Little Space : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1103113

A New Beginning: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1083796

The Christmas Cake : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1082945

A Tear in the Wind: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1069888

SS : The Everlasting Love : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1065677

Kasamh Se https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/929115/ff-kasamh-se-ch-51-end-pg-116-updtd-on-25-9

The Captured Heart: /forum/kasamh-se/1026470/ff-the-captured-heart-ch-18-pg-45-last-chapter

Chhoti si mulakat : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=999441

A New Dawn : https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=974981

The Phone Call : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/910155/ff-the-phone-call-epilogue-pg-52 Dil Ki Suno : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/874713/ff-dil-ki-suno-epilogue-pg-53 Eternal Soulmates: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/869198/ff-eternal-soulmates-ch-5-pg-7-end The Flowers of Spring, https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=853938&T PN=1

Ek Kashish: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/830952/ff-ek-kashish-ch-20-and-epilogue-pg-58 The Crushed Innocence :https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=800150& TPN=1#13464286

The Destiny: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=779329&T P

Ankho hi Ankho me: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=738121&T PN

Woh Raat : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/731347/ff-woh-raat-chapter-6-pg-10-last-ch

Anokha Rista (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/712391/anokha-rishta-chapter-18-and-epilog-pg42).

Chhoti si aasha https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/672677/ff-chhoti-si-aasha-ch29-and-epi-pg-76:

Kuch Achhe Kuch Bure (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/641995/kuch-achhe-kuch-bure-ch-24-and-epilog-pg71); Thori si bewafai (https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=615869) Kuch Rahen Anjaani Si (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/573991/ff-kuch-rahein-anjaani-si-ch-36-pg111): Contract Heir: https://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=536274&T PN. Return of Bani Walia, https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/515481/return-of-bani-walia-note-on-pg-31: :Business Tycoon Jai Walia marries a Mt Abu Girl(https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/486636/business-tycoonjw-marriesfinal-prt-pg64). Mai Apke bina nehi reh sakti hu (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/457994/mai-apke-bina-nehi-reh-updt-pg-11-pt-ix)& Finding Bani (https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kasamh-se/469208/finding-bani-ff-part-viii-page-8).

Power, Conspiracy, Jealousy & Lust''

The knock was loud and firm, it was continuous and non-stop, startling him from his sleep, Oh god he cursed realizing it was not in his dream but in reality, go away he moaned picking up his pillow and covering his ears'.

The knock persisted with the plea to open the door, oh God what is it that cannot wait till morning, he cried getting up finally to open it'.the servant standing before him bowed, Uthane ke liye mafi chahata hu'..

What is it Shashank? What is so urgent that you had to wake me up in the middle of the night'.

Sir, dawn is about to break'.Shashank replied softly, he went to sleep after 2 in the morning so for him it is still middle of the night'

Sir, you have to leave for India immediately, as I speak to you, the flight is getting ready in JFK for take off'..

What? I mean what is so urgent about it that I have to leave immediately'..

About 40 minutes ago Bade Thakur called me to say I should bring you to India immediately'.

I hate short notices and I hate to be dragged against my will '..

I know Sir, the circumstances is such, Shashank's mobile rang'.Yes ok fine we are on our way, will be there within next 40 minutes'.yes yes'.I know air traffic is heavy and I am paying double for the slot so what is the problem, yes Sir is getting ready and we will in the car within 5 minutes flat, tell the airport control that need be the ambassador will speak to his boss and remember now the President of US of A is also not in a position to ignore India'.seedhi ungli se agar ghee na uthe toh ungli tedi karo'bekar ki baate band aur mujhe kaam karne do''Shashank disconnected the phone and bowed, Sir we are getting late'.he said softly but firmly'.

Yes I understand that I am already on my way to the airport but for what MAY I KNOW'

Bade Bhaiya nehi rahe, little while ago he breathed his last so I am asked to take you to India asap.

The news jolted him, of course he knew his elder cousin was not keeping well for sometime but heard in was on the road to recovery, things were getting better'.he wanted to flop on the sofa but somehow maintained his balance when he noticed his valet coming out from his room'.

Shashankji packing ho giya, while you take this case to the car, I will take two minutes to get Chhota Baba ready for his journey'.

+++++

After 5 minutes he stood before the glass door knocking briefly he opened the door, calling out Momma'.

The lamp was switched on, a woman in her early fifties sitting in the front of a large desk, her hair was tousled, wearing pajamas and T shirt, she came forward and stood in front of him, her eyes bright but calm' much as I hate, I will not stop you, your duty beckons you and I had promised them'..the day has come'.Go my boy, God be with you'.

The man touched her knees and took blessings'

Jai the lady called out once again,,,,

Yes Momma he looked back'.

Don't forget anything, don't forget what all I told you and don't forget about me'.

He smiled, his eyes gleamed, definitely not mom, definitely not'.

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As the crew locked the doors of the aircraft, Shashank's phone rang, humlog board kar gaye, abhi take off ke liye wait kar rahe hai'ji ji''koi chinta nehi'.He disconnected the phone and then looked behind to see Jai already was sprawled on the bed, one good thing when the boy sleeps the world is at peace and he will not get up unless shaken'.putting back his mobile, he took out another set'.sitting down on the seat, belting himself he waited for the person to pickup the call'.

Khabar mila hai na? He asked as soon as the phone was answered 'isi din ka intezaar tha, we can start the game all over again aur is bar hamara palla bhari '.are you prepared, we have to bell the cat in the first night itself remember'.

++++++++

Jai watched the landscape passing by, after a very long flight he was offered to be taken to a hotel for some rest, but thankfully he had slept through the flight, the car which came to receive him was stocked with food'.

Thakur Sahab this is Indian hospitality for you, your family is mourning but they are ensuring that their heir to the throne does not go hungry'.

I thought India is a Republican country'.

Yes it is but then wait till you reach your estate'.Thakur Sahab I am sure you will remember something from your past'.

Shashank, what is this Thakur Sahab business, Jai asked as he licked his fingers, the aloo sabji with the kachori was good'

Jai you better get used to it, from now on you will be addressed as that'.

Jai stared at Shashank, Shashank stared back, he was looking very happy and relaxed, and he addressed him Jai too, means he wants to drive his point '.Jai gave a faint smile and looked out of the window'..The sun was bright, he rolled down the window a bit indicating the driver to turn off the a.c., the breeze was cool, the car hit the highway after leaving the New Delhi International Airport the road was good, the car picked up speed.

+++++++

The family of Digvijay Singh Bundela belonged to a clan of Rajputs who had fled from Udaipur in Rajasthan to come and settle down in an area between Gwalior and Jhansi'.it is believed that the their forefather was one of the 'Senapati of Marwar District', during the late 1600s in a struggle of succession Senapati Digvijay Singh sided the younger prince who was mysteriously killed in middle of the power struggle in his tent in the middle of night when the solders had retired for resting, Senapati Digvijay was closest to the Prince and finding him dead, he knew he would not be spared, the Rana's people had infiltrated the army and was able to get the prince, Digvijay immediately knew he was their target next, to help the intruders into the side someone must have betrayed them, Digvijay did not delay, with very few trusted lieutenants he left the camp, riding non-stop for next 2-3 days, on reaching this place they stopped too tired to ride, they camped on the banks of the river, early morning when they woke up they found the area greener than the place from where they belonged. He being a man with vision, decided immediately to make this place their home but then they had little money and were minority, Digvijay was a young man with high ambitious, he quickly hatched plans how to make this land their homeland, he observed the area for a few days, the land, the location, the river, the soil, the people etc and then swore with his fellow solders life long allegiance, they elected him their leader, committing their full faith in him'.As your leader I will protect you and your family, here we will settle down and have our families and establish our clan. We are 15 of us here so we will not use strength of muscle but of brain. I am your leader I have your trust but till the date I cannot give you proper home you will also stay under my roof, we will have food from the same kitchen, share our clothes and weapons'.

And women too, somebody joked'a roll of laughter followed'

Well women yes but not wives remember'..Digvijay announced, from today we are all brothers, we will call each other bhai and there will not be intra marriages amongst our children but once we establish our lineage, we will marry our sons to wealthy families around this area and daughters to powerful Rajput clans, remember to control the world we need wealth which will bring us strength'. our moto of life 'wealth and strength''..Digvijay addressed his men standing on the rock under a peepul tree. Other than clothes on his back, few coins in his purse and the sword in his waist, he had nothing, his horse too had become lame but not his dreams. From that day within next three years Digvijay was married to a local girl whose father was the village headman and when he died, Digvijay took over the village bypassing the sons, i.e his brothers-in-law'soon he was acquiring lands from the neighbouring regions, as promised to his fellow brothers he was able to give all 15of them land and kothi and ensuring they remained bounded to him for lifetime, he crushed any sort of uprising or thoughts of breakaways, from Digvijay Singh he became Digvijay Singh Bundela, the son of the soil.

++++++++

Jai watched the landscape he was having a feeling for home coming, strange, he left this place when he was hardly 5 and never returned, New York has been his home for last twenty years so why is he having this strange feeling, just like the one he had when he returned to his estate in New York'.Jai peered the land, trying to recollect, it was very hazy, very very hazy though the smell was known as the air touched his face'as the next town approached, Jai saw the shanties and the slums on the outer fringes of the city, not that New York did not have its slums but the sight here was not very pleasant, they seemed to be more naked and bare, Jai sat back, Shashank who was observing him smiled'.well Jai wait till you arrive at 'Bulandgarh', your idea will change'.

Jai smiled, of course he knew from where his father came from, the moto of 'Wealth and Strength' is not unknown to him after all his mother, inspite of trying to get lost in this big world could not remain hidden, she was eventually tracked down, she had run away with the male heir, it was precious for survival, with the Indian Government putting family planning as their top agenda, many of the ancient families are fighting to keep their lineage alive'the government has made the plan but could not stop its outcome, in many states the sex ratio has become screwed severely and now with women fighting for their rights things have become difficult, the powerful and moneyed family use many hand twisting methods still making women victim of social practices, well not all women are not strong as his mother'.

+++++

Thakur Sahab utho, Shashank shook, him, Jai sat up with a jolt, the sun was about to set, Jai looked out, they were next to the river and on the banks of it, a pyre was set up'Jai turned sharply toward Shashank, Shashank sighed, your elder cousin did not have any children, you are therefore to light the pyre, come'.Jai stepped out feeling dazed'.

Lined he saw men wearing white dhoti kurta standing, the priest chanting mantras, as Jai stepped forward an elderly man came forward, Jai you have to change before you light the pyre, he held out a white dhoti, Jai looked down, he was wearing his trademark jeans and T shirt with a jacket over it'.Shashank accepted the dhoti, ayo Jai let me help you to change'..

The man lying on the pyre was not much older than him, looked at peace and handsome, he was suffering from quite sometime Jai knew but then he did not look it, it seemed he would sit up any moment and greet him'.The priest was reciting the 'mantras loud; and finally indicated to light the pyre, in no time the flames rose up, Jai with the corner of his eyes saw the people assembled, all must male, most probably representing the family of the 'Bhais', the famous brothers whose forefather's swore his ancestor to remain faithful and protect his family in turn his forefather had promised for life long lodging and boarding, in short free food and shelter, like the 'doles' the government gives to the homeless people back in USA'.Jai thought watching the flames when his eyes fell on a figure standing beyond wearing red dhoti and angvastra (shawl), with white flowing hair and beard'.Bade Thakur'.Jai recognized'.

++++++++

Jai disconnected the phone, he informed his mother about his safe arrival, I never doubted that beta, you are too precious for them'she joked'..

Ma I had to light the pyre'.

Yes I guess you would, after all these people still survive on the moto 'aan baan and shaan', they will die but will not forgo their traditions and word of honour'his mother mocked'..

So you admit they are honourable men'Jai asked'..

There was a silence from the other end and then she said, I will not say they are not but it suffocates you and beta remember there is shadow under the lamp, diya tale andhera'..

Jai looked out of his window, little while ago when he entered Bundelgarh, there was eerie silence, the roads deserted as if the whole place was mourning, finally he reached the Haveli which was in the centre of Bundelgarh the large semi fort like area, Haveli was huge and when the car came to stop in the portico, a distinguished looking man came out to receive him, he was the estate manager, waiting for his arrival, I am sure you must be feeling very tired, your room is ready but since you are coming from the crematorium kindly have your bath and freshen up, that way please, the servants will help you, Jai wanted to say he could take his own bath only to be taken at the well in the courtyard, you cannot enter the house with this clothes on, you have to clean yourself, not that Jai was not used to having bath in public places like the swimming pool or water falls when he went camping with his friends but somehow he felt queer, the silent Haveli, dimly lit, slightly cool air as it was already end of autumn, as the servants poured water, his white dhoti stuck around his legs, he felt he was being watched but he saw no one other than the servants, finally he was made to change into his own clothes thankfully inside the change room next to the well, he had wondered is it here he has to take his bath everyday, not that he was ashamed of his body but he wanted his own privacy.

His room was large, like the one in any old buildings and very well maintained, the high ceilings and thick showed it strength and the dcor its wealth, there was an attached bathroom too, must have been converted later as it was almost as big as his room but with all latest fittings, well Ma you are wrong, it seems they are changing, the window gave him good view, it was dark and the lights twinkling like nightlamps'.

Suddenly he heard noises, cars coming in, Jai quietly came and stood looked out from the window overlooking the courtyard, alongwith Bade Thakur all the others came, the well was visible from his window, all of them were having pouring water over themselves, in silence or speaking in low tone, changing their clothes they stood in line in front of Bade Thakur, who addressed them, Bhai you have once again proved your loyalty and brotherhood, we will mourn for our Suraj Singh Bundela and after the mourning period is over, we will do the 'tilak' of Digvijai Singh Bundela, mark the name my brothers, now he is our sole hope and like his namesake, the father of our dynasty, I am sure he will lead us to this new world'..

As the words reached Jai, a shiver shot through his body, a certain feeling as if to say this is your calling and this is what you are always meant to do'.

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Wonderful story👏........i was waiting for you to start a new ff

As the words reached Jai, a shiver shot through his body, a certain feeling as if to say this is your calling and this is what you are always meant to do….

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Shashank sat with a drink in hand, though they are mourning and but with long travel he has earned it, when a man entered his room, a well built gentleman with salt and pepper hair, he was in his late 50s, comes and takes the chair opposite Shashank, Shashank raises the glass, he replies well the doctor has asked me to go off it, well I am now using this mourning period to take a break….

Kya socha hai aapne Uditji….

Banda ko dekha pass se, he might be brought up in the west but he look wise he shows his family traits.….

Ha khun bhi utnahi garam hai shayed….Shashank commented

Utnahi? Uditji raised his brow…

He does have an eye for those kinds of beauties but he has got a strict mother, ma ka ladla hai, Shashank replied…

Kitna din ma ki anchal tale rahega, jawan ho giya hai and knowing his mother she will not set a foot in this house….

No never, she should have been a man, lekin kya kare…

Hu huh too good for us, now Shashank we have to strike fast apna paid jamane ki pehle we have to take him under our wings….

Don't worry I am with you….

Yes, the world is changing fast and no way we can stick to old rules, my children are getting impatient and I want control before others do….Uditji's eyes turned hard…

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Jai sat in the darkness of his room watching Haveli which was sleeping, even in its sleep it seemed to him it was mourning, not a noise of snoring or noises one make during sleep, except for lights in the passages everything was covered with a dark blanket, Jai could not wait for the morning to break when he saw a flicker of torch, a noise of wooden sandals on the stone floor, Jai leaned out of the window….

It was Bade Thakur, in his usual red dhoti, muttering some slokas and going out, suddenly Jai noticed a woman came out of the darkness and touched his feet….

Uto beti, he said to the woman….Jai could not see her face but she had pallu over her head…..

Mera kya hoga Bade Thakur….the woman cried….

You are a good girl, in today's world you have adhered to our values and wishes, before I die I promise you that you will have something to look forward in life…..just have faith in me…..

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Thakur sahab get up, get up it is morning, Jai opened his eyes to see a jolly looking man about his age shaking him….he frowned….

Tum kaun ho….

Mai Radhe hu, aapka naukar, from now on I have been assigned to you, to do your personal work…

Hmmmm after 4 days they remembered him, all these days there were only puja, the final one done yesterday where the whole lot of people assembled, Jai stood in one corner to see Bade Thakur receiving the people alongwith his co-brothers….

Thakur Sahab today you will be introduced with your family and brothers, they are all invited for breakfast, please lets get ready…..afterwards Bade Thakur will take you around the 'Garh'

Garh

Bulandgarh sahab apki zamindari….

Jai smiled, it is hardly his zamindari now but these people are locked in the past….

Jai sat up, suddenly the house seemed to come alive, he could hear voices of people, he leaned to see the courtyard, servants running about, people coming in, spices being grounded, it was looking colourful too, the white shrouds which were the only things he saw seemed to vanish….

Kaunsi kameez nikalu, yeh laal nehi toh yeah pila wala? A voice asked from behind holding two bright and heavily embroidered kameerz and dhoti…..

O my god, I am not getting married now, kono nehi, I will stick to my clothes for the time being, he pulled out his favourite jeans and a black shirt….

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The area being between Gwalior and Jhansi, Digvijay Singh set up trading and money lending business, his co-brothers were sent off in neighbouring areas to look out for other trades, the amount of business they brought in, they were given commission on the basis of it, Digvijay Singh laid down various rules to govern his families and business. He even provided for the local people but they were no way part of his core group.

The succession law was also strange, it was not automatic like from father to elder son but amongst the male members of his family who was evaluated and voted by the core group to succeed as Thakur of Bundelgarh. Digvijay never claimed himself to be a king or took the title of Raja like many did but he was no less powerful, as money brought power and he was making loads of it.

Jai's grandfather Jagath Singh Bundela had three sons, the eldest Jayant, now known as Bade Thakur did not contest for succession, he was a man who was peculiar habits, he was a profession earlier in his life, doing research in Astronomy, a man who took passion in studying the forces which controlled the earth etc., suddenly left everything to go to the Himalayas to become a sanyasi, leaving his two brothers to fight it out amongst themselves….Dharam Singh and Uday Singh who were already famous for their notoriety like many of their forefathers split the core group into two in struggle for power, the result was both of them died before their time, leaving their underage sons to make it to the hot seat, that time Bade Thakur returned from the Himalayas promising to guide his young nephews till one of them takes over the family legacy, there was only one nephew as Jai's mother Krishna had fled with him leaving Bundelgarh till she was tracked down in USA, though she refused to return or part with her son, she was made to promise, if needed she has to return Jai to his rightful place….

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Radhe took Jai down the stairs, he noticed that Radhe was leading him to the basement of the Haveli, they entered what he thought was a big hall or central meeting room where all decisions were taken…..as he stepped in he realized all of them were in traditional attire and he looked severely out of place….seeing him enter, Bade Thakur who was standing in the corner came forward, ayo Digvijai, let me introduce you with everyone, of course you know Shashank and me, this is you taiji, that is your cousin's Suraj's mother, Jai looked at a woman dressed in cream sari wearing matching pearls looking very unlike a woman who lost her son recently, she was fat so she cannot be the woman whom he had seen the other night falling at the feet of Bade Thakurji…..

Digvijai you might be knowing that when our forefather, your namesake built this 'Garh' we had 15 brothers including ourselves but unfortunately the family of 5 are lost, there are no descendants from the male side, let me introduce with the nine remaining, all friends of your father's, you will get to know them better once the days goes by….

Jai observed them, each looked restless trying to say something to him but then in the presence of Bade Thakur they were hesitating, some of them asked basic questions about his education and hobbies though Jai knew there are well informed, he replied them politely…..

Beta, Bade Thakur intervened, come with me to my office, let me give you a brief overview of how things are managed….

Jai entered an anteroom next to the hall, bare of luxuries it contained basic furniture and various models to astronomical bodies, in his red attire wearing his wooden slippers Bade Thakur went and sat in front of huge blowup of the sun in a plain wooden chair,

Jai I never wanted to get into all these but I guess you cannot change what is written here, showing his forehead, I never wanted to head this family legacy but it seems my younger brothers have left me carry on the torch, now I am the caretaker of this huge burden……

I am sure you were not forced into this….Jai remarked

There is something called destiny, your mother took you away but could she keep you?

Jai gave a lopsided smile, it is too early to come into conclusion he thought, he has come because his mother always wanted to the settle the score….

Bade Thakur suddenly looked directly into his eyes, you want to do something but then the pull of destiny is very great

Sitting down, opening his laptop, he started briefing him about the business and power, within few minutes Jai was intrigued, Jai knew bits and pieces about his father's family as they are not very well advertised over the internet and his mother was reluctantly to speak, he had no idea about the strength of it, "Garh' was like a password in many walks of life………..

When you have such a legacy Jai, it is very difficult to walk away….

With so much of power, there comes corruption, greed and jealousy…..

Bade Thakur's eyes gleamed, yes of course and I will be watching very carefully how you tackle them…..All the best to you Digvijai, day after you will have your 'Tilak' and officially will take over the business, much as we want to mourn our dead but life has to go on…

As Jai came out of the office, Shashank came forward, Thakur Sahab, meet Uditji, of course you met him a little earlier, he wants to invite you, actually his wife is a fabulous cook, the whole 'Garh' swears by it, no one misses the opportunity to eat in his house, Uditji's wife standing next to him smiled indulgently, ha beta, our children are of your age, we were very close to your father even but then…..I will love to cook for you….

Jai felt many pair of eyes on him, with the corner of the eyes he saw they were all had a queer look on their face, as if they were about to lash out, thank you for your invitation Uditji and Maam but as you know my stomach is not too well, I think it is the water, anyway once things settle down I will definitely come by, to each one of your house, he said nodding at others, he could hear many sighs of relief, Jai looked behind him to see Bade Takhur observing him, the game has begun he thought, he left the basement with a strange feeling….

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