FF: All the Right Moves - Chapter 14, page 129 - COMPLETE - Page 74

Originally posted by: PalyGirl

I'm sorry but this week's chapter will not post until Wednesday.

Thank you for your patience,

Paly

Originally posted by: QuboolHaiLover1

Oh my God! That was fantastic! I just read all 12 chapters in one go! I cried so much during some parts! I remember reading the first 2 or 3 ish chapters a long time ago but after re reading them and reading the new ones! Omg it's just fantastic! This was such an emotional rollarcoaster! I miss ffs, ss, os, etc like this! And I'm so happy I found one! This is great! Please continue soon! And please please pm me the updates! I would love that! It would just make me happier!

Originally posted by: webuser7

Sorry for the late feedback. I was very busy this week! I completely understand. I had to rush to get on a plane Monday morning for a business trip. I was in such a hurry I forgot to add my author's note. Oh well. I'll have to write an extra-long one for the next chapter.

What a brilliant update! Well poised for the climax!

This chapter was ruled was Dilshad! The Khan matriarch shone and proved she is a caring, loving and awesome woman! ❤️ Her love and understanding towards Zoya and Rohan, 2 orphans, who never knew a mom's love, made me emotional. Bravo for some excellent writing! 👏 Ohh, just you wait! She gets even better in the next chapter. Dilshad is truly an extraordinary woman.

Dilshad finally knows the true extent of Zoya's injury and also knows how it happened. The scene between the 2 was amazing! I loved the way Dilshad told Zoya she loves her. The following para was just perfect

"You never need to earn my love or fear losing it." Dilshad cups Zoya's face in her hands and wipes away her tears. "A mother doesn't love her children because of what they do. She loves them for who they are. Asad is my strength, Najma is my pride and you, my darling, are my light. All of our lives are brighter because of you. You are my child, Zoya, and you will always be mine, no matter what."

I have to credit my beta reader for that section and the "Asad is... Najma is...you are" sentence. It took a couple of tries to make it strong but it's become the summary sentence for the chapter. Beta readers are a good thing!

The scene at the lot brought back the adventure! How do you manage the balance between romance (subtle), emotions and adventure?! Aah, Arun is a meanie! Glad he got some punches from Asad! Uff, Rohan killed his brother! Wow, what a twist! 😲 This is actually the FIRST story I conceptualized for the series. I'm surprised that so many people find the twist unexpected since I've known about it for almost a year now.

Look forward to the last chapter!! 😃 No, I'm not ending with the next chapter. There is still a lot of plot points to explain and to set up for GHOST IN THE MACHINE. I will, however, leave off without a cliffhanger since I won't be able to post the next chapter for over a month! I don't want people to be annoyed or left hanging.

Thank you for leaving feedback!

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Everyone in the tiny lot, except Rohan, falls deathly silent after his revelation. Rohan's body continues to convulse, his breathing as choked and agonized as the last gasps of a dying man. Arun backs away from him, glaring at Rohan, clearly frustrated at losing his leverage over the superstar.

Lucky and Sunny look at each other then back at Rohan, their eyes lighting up in eager calculation, already anticipating the money they'll make from his confession. The other men look at each other in blank confusion. Asad's expression is a cross between disbelief and disgust. Zoya whispers into Najma's ear as they look at Rohan with pity and shock. Dilshad covers her mouth with her hand and looks beseechingly at Rohan.

"Rohan," she cries, twisting to free herself from Asad. "Please, Rohan, don't do this. After all you've overcome, don't let this man be your defeat."

"That man wasn't just any man," Arun corrects harshly. "It was his brother. Rohan killed his own brother when they were both kids."

"I meant you!" Dilshad lashes out. "You're the terrible force trying to destroy Rohan! You're the one who wants him to be alone and helpless, who doesn't want him to atone for his mistakes!"

"Atone?" Arun repeats. "How can he atone? He's a murderer! He's filth."

"He is not," Dilshad snaps. "I know Rohan Saxena. I know his heart. He's a good man."

Her eyes flash fire and her lovely face is flushed with anger and conviction. She fights against Asad, trying to get closer to Rohan. Asad continues to hold her, keeping her away.

"Ammi, you can't help him," Asad reasons with her. "Rohan committed a terrible crime. The proof is here for everyone to see."

"Rohan is not a murderer!" Dilshad's certainty rings out in the hot, thick afternoon air. "I know him. He would never kill in cold blood."

Suddenly, Rohan stops convulsing. He falls onto the filthy ground, the gun still clutched in his nerveless fingers. He is so broken he can't even raise his head out of the dirt. But his breathing eases a bit. Dilshad sees this.

"Do you hear me, Rohan?" Her voice is strong and clear. "I know you are not a murderer. I know your nature. I've seen the proof of your good heart."

Rohan lifts his head to look at her. His face is coated with tears, sweat and muck and his pale blue eyes are dull and red-rimmed but they are open and seeing. He looks at Dilshad as if she's the only lifeline keeping him from succumbing to the demons trying to drag him back into his terrifying private hell.

"Proof?" Lucky laughs scornfully. "How can a person prove they have a good heart?"

Dilshad doesn't acknowledge Lucky's scorn. She stops fighting Asad and leans down, keeping eye contact with Rohan.

"I've seen the proof." She repeats softly as she smiles encouragingly at Rohan. "I've seen your handwriting."

"Handwriting?" Lucky's voice is incredulous. "You think he's a good person because you did a handwriting analysis? Next, you'll say you're judging him by palm reading or tarot cards. I thought Dilshad Ahmed Khan was supposed to be an intelligent woman."

Asad glares at Lucky but keeps a steady grip on Dilshad.

"Insult my mother again and I'll make you regret it," he warns menacingly.

Dilshad ignores their exchange to focus on Rohan.

"I've seen your handwriting, Rohan," she says softly. "I've seen it on every birthday card, every gift box and every donation check. Every single letter is written by you. No one else helps you connect with the children, do they?"

Rohan is mesmerized by Dilshad's smile. She shakes her head gently and he follows suit.

"I watch you interact with the children," she continues. "You not only know their names, you know their stories, their hopes and their dreams. You read and answer all their letters and thank you cards personally, don't you?"

Rohan nods, swallowing so hard his throat contracts. Tears leak out of his eyes, creating streaks in the muck covering his cheeks. Dilshad holds his gaze.

"Rohan, put down the gun," she encourages gently. "You don't really want to end it this way, do you?"

"I...I can't live like this, Dilshad-ji," Rohan whimpers. "Not after this week. I can't go back to being alone or having only him."

"You don't have to," she assures him. "You never have to see Arun again after today."

Arun stiffens but Asad has his steely glare on him. Arun sees the warning in Asad's eyes and wisely keeps quiet.

"You don't have to be alone, Rohan," Dilshad continues. "We're with you. We'll help you."

Rohan rises up on his arms, drawing the gun closer. Dilshad jerks, breaking their eye contact. Rohan also jerks in reaction and looks around. He sees Lucky, Sunny and their men staring at him, calculative greed alight in their eyes. He sits up and tightens his grip on the gun as though realizing how vulnerable he is.

"You can't help me, Dilshad-ji." He puts the gun back under his chin. "No one can. I'm a failure. I failed my brother. No matter what I do, I can never make up for that."

"Rohan, what happened with Rohit?" Dilshad asks calmly, her voice low and soothing.

Rohan shakes his head, the gun wavering. Everyone except Asad and Dilshad duck down, unsure of the direction of the waving gun. Asad shifts forward, putting himself between the gun and his mother. Dilshad remains calm, leaning around Asad to speak to Rohan.

"Rohan, think back to what I told you earlier," she urges gently. "I said that sometimes our fears and burdens ease when we share them with others. Remember what you said to me?"

Rohan swallows convulsively. "I said you're the only person I've met in a very long time who I believe truly cares about me."

She nods. "That hasn't changed, Rohan. I do care about you. Please, let me help you. Tell me what happened."

Rohan is again mesmerized by her gentle smile and warm eyes. Some of the tension eases out of his body even though the gun is still under his chin. He swallows again.

"Rohit was my brother from the orphanage." His voice is low and aching. "We all took care of each other but Rohit always took extra care of me. He said I could be a great cricket player. He was the one who encouraged me and practiced with me. He believed in me."

Everyone is silent and still, focused on Rohan and the gun he still holds. His grip is firm and steady but his eyes are cloudy and unfocused, lost in the horrifying memories of his past.

"Rohit heard about a sports program that would help me develop my skills. I desperately wanted to be in the program but we didn't have the money to pay for it." Rohan's eyes fill with tears. "Back then we didn't have patrons like you, Dilshad-ji, who would give us money for luxuries as well as necessities."

Dilshad smiles at him. "No, Rohan, not me. I only volunteer and act as the community liaison for the orphanage. It's your money that pays for their toys, their cinema nights and their sports clubs."

Rohan blinks, the first sign that he's emerging from the trauma. "The children shouldn't be forced to make the terrible choices I did."

"They won't," she assures them. "They have you to guide them."

Rohan blinks again. "There were only two ways for kids like me to make money back then. I either had to sell myself or sell drugs." Tears overflow again. "They were both against the orphanage rules but Rohit was sure I could be a great player. All I needed was one chance. So..."

He stops speaking and drops his head as though his past is too ugly to face. Zoya sobs softly while Najma, her own face wet with tears, rubs her uninjured arm soothingly. Dilshad pushes at Asad. He sighs but allows her to move out from behind him, but still keeps his arm up to protect her from the gun under Rohan's chin.

"So you started selling drugs, even though it was against the orphanage's rules." Dilshad continues for him.

He nods. "Even with our combined money, we still didn't have enough for the program. We didn't have a lot of time. The program was about to close enrollment. It was my only shot. I didn't know what to do. Then Rohit came and he had the money."

Rohan falls silent, wiping his running nose with his filthy t-shirt sleeve. Arun clucks his tongue in distaste but Dilshad ignores him to focus on Rohan.

"Do you know where he got the money?" she asks gently.

Rohan nods. "He told all the other runners that our dealer wanted him to collect the day's take. He stole the money. He said it would be okay because we'd pay it back with my earnings when I became rich and famous."

"You left the orphanage that night, didn't you?" Dilshad prompts.

"We both did," Rohan confirms. "Rohit said he needed to do one last thing then he'd meet me at the bus station. I waited but he didn't come. I had to choose between going back to look for him or getting on the bus. I...I choose to get on the bus." Rohan shuts his eyes tightly, as if trying not to see his own mistakes. "I choose to leave my brother behind."

The lot is so quiet that only Rohan's harsh breathing and the buzzing flies can be heard. Even Dilshad is quiet, her expression composed and gentle, her eyes as warm and forgiving as always. Rohan takes a deep breath and opens his eyes, shame and guilt making them darkening almost to grey.

"I came back three days later, after I'd secured a place in the program." He keeps his gaze on the ground, unable to look at Dilshad. "I hid behind the orphanage all day hoping to see Rohit. He wasn't there. So I came here. This was where our dealer handed out supplies. And I found him."

"Rohit was here?" Dilshad's voice is soft and even, non-judgmental in even this grim situation.

Rohan nods, his eyes bitter and angry. "What was left of him after the crows and the vultures picked apart his body."

Zoya and Najma gasp in horror but everyone else is silent and still.

"Your dealer killer Rohit," Dilshad states quietly.

"No, I killed Rohit." Rohan's voice throbs with guilt and rage. "I left him behind. I didn't protect him. My brother is dead because of me."

"Rohan, you know why the orphanage strictly forbids drugs. Not only will they make you sick and dependent but those dealers are vicious monsters. They don't let go of runners once they sink their claws into them. They would never have let you live. They--"

Dilshad suddenly stops speaking. She has a flashback to Najma's meltdown.

"We didn't doubt you, we just wanted to protect you, keep you safe." Dilshad holds Najma at arm's length. "I love you more than life itself, Najma. I would die to protect you."

A tremendous clatter makes the ladies jump and turn. Rohan stands behind them, so still he could be carved from stone. Free weights roll around on the floor at his feet but he isn't aware of them. His pale eyes are grey and cloudy, full of such deep agony, it appears that the pain is drowning him from the inside out.

"You know you didn't kill your brother, Rohan." Dilshad looks deep into his anguished eyes. "What's really destroying you is knowing Rohit sacrificed himself so you could be the successful sportsman that you are today. You brother didn't die because of you. He died for you."

"That's even worse." Rohan looks away, his whole body shuddering. He presses the gun harder under his chin. "Why did he come back here? Why didn't he stay with me?"

Asad uses his outstretched arm to bring Dilshad back, his body tense and ready to react. Dilshad continues to focus on Rohan.

"You knew about the drug dealers. You knew they would never let anyone get away with stealing from them. Such disloyalty would have to be punished severely. Your brother knew they would retaliate against the orphanage or go after you if he didn't give them a target. He protected you by offering himself up instead."

"It was wrong," Rohan whimpers. "It was my dream, my selfishness. I should have been punished, I should have died, not him. My greed killed my brother."

"Taking your own life won't bring Rohit back," Dilshad points out gently. "Allah needs you to be here. He has always saved you."

"He is punishing me," Rohan cries, his tears dripping down his chin to stain his already dirty t-shirt. "I see what other people have but I'm not allowed to have it for myself. My life is hell."

"So you tried to drown yourself in alcohol," Dilshad continues. "But it never worked because there was always that voice inside you, pushing you through, forcing you to move forward, to practice and to work, to make yourself who you are today."

"I'm a failure, Dilshad-ji," Rohan whispers. "I failed to protect my brother. A man who deserts his family is a man who lives every day in hell."

Dilshad nod. "Yes, I know."

Rohan jerks his head to look at her. Dilshad's eyes fill with sadness.

"You know my family history. You know what happened with my husband. I saw him a few weeks ago." Dilshad touches her shoulder and the bullet wound hidden there. "He is a man in constant torment. This lot is part of the penance he pays every day."

"Does it help him?" Rohan asks.

"No," Dilshad admits. "He's a weak man who leans on others because the weight of his mistakes is too much for him to bear alone."

Asad stiffens and turns to look at Najma. Her chin trembles. She covers her face with her hand and shakes her head. Zoya squeezes her shoulder comfortingly.

"He made a choice," Asad growls, looking back at Rohan. "He chose to leave, knowing full well the pain and misery he'd cause. He wasn't a child who had to make desperate choices with no idea of the consequences of his actions. He deserves to pay penance every day of his life. You don't."

Rohan stares at Asad, uncertainty and the first spark of light appearing in his cloudy eyes. Asad nods encouragingly.

"Rohan, you are not like my husband." Dilshad's voice is clear and true. "You're a strong man. You can overcome this. I know you can."

"I'm not strong, Dilshad-ji," Rohan says.

"Yes, you are, Rohan," Dilshad insists. "You are strong, you're principled and you do good deeds every day. Navi told me how you saved her."

His eyes widen in shock, "Navi was only five. How can she even remember?"

"Rohan, how can a child forget anything as traumatic as what she went through? She remembers her father taking her out of their house and into the market. She told us about how men poked and prodded her and offered her papa money for her. She was terrified and prayed for God to save her."

Asad's mouth tightens and he shakes his head. He looks back at Najma and Zoya, who are silent and wide-eyed with horror. Even Lucky and Sunny look shocked but the other men don't react. Their eyes are blank and cold, hardened by years on the streets. The story doesn't surprise them.

"Navi said an angel suddenly appeared to rescue her. She knew he was an angel because he had eyes so pale and clear she could see all the way into his soul." Dilshad says softly. "Children are pure, Rohan. They know goodness when they see it."

Rohan swallows convulsively but says nothing. Asad looks at him with fresh admiration while Zoya and Najma huddle together, sagging in relief. They take their first steps back towards Rohan.

"The angel offered her papa more money than any of the other men and took her away," Dilshad continues. "But he didn't hurt her. He put her in his car and drove for hours to bring her to her new home. He stopped along the way to buy her food and bags of toys. She was scared again when he left her at the gate but he assured her she would love living at the orphanage."

Dilshad pulls away from Asad and this time he lets her go. His eyes soften considerably but he remains vigilant, ready to pull Dilshad back at the slightest provocation. The lot is quiet as Arun, Lucky, Sunny and even their men lean in to hear the story.

Slowly Dilshad reaches into her purse but keeps talking. "He said she would have hot meals and clean clothes every day and she would be safe. The other children would welcome her because she was bringing bags of toys to share. But Navi was still scared. So what did the angel do, Rohan?"

Rohan stares at her, drinking in the warmth and acceptance in Dilshad's smile. He blinks away his tears and shudders visibly.

"I...I drew a happy face on a paper bag and wrote 'I love you' on it," Rohan admits. "I told her to look at it every time she was scared and remember that I would always be with her."

"That was four years ago. Navi isn't scared anymore, Rohan." Dilshad opens her wallet and extracts a frayed scrap of paper. "So she let me borrow this."

She holds it up. Rohan stills, seeing his past staring at him in the faded pencil-drawn face and the words of reassurance written in his own handwriting.

"You saved Navi's life, Rohan. She's safe, healthy and happy because of you." Dilshad pauses to make sure Rohan has heard her words. "We contacted Navi's mother. She agreed Navi was safer with us than at home with her father. She calls every month to check on her. Every time, she asks me to thank the angel who saved her daughter and assure him that he is always in her prayers."

Zoya and Najma come closer, stopping directly behind Asad and Dilshad, tears streaming down their faces. Asad looks at Rohan with new respect. The men shift restlessly, unused to the tender and confused emotions thickening the air around them.

"I'm not an angel, Dilshad-ji." Rohan shakes his head. "If I were I would have saved my brother."

"Yes, it's terrible that you lost Rohit," Dilshad agrees, "but his spirit is always with you. He's the strength that pushes you, who allows you to give so much of yourself even when you're in such pain. Your brother knew Allah had a great destiny for you. Rohit was your angel. It was his mission to guide you forward."

"And my mission?" Rohan asks. "What's my mission, Dilshad-ji?"

"Your mission is to spread hope," she answers confidently. "You've inspired an entire generation to believe anything is possible, if they work for it. You may have lost one person, Rohan, but you will save a thousand more."

The clouds fade from Rohan's pale blue eyes as something bright and powerful burns through them, the strength that is always inside of him fighting to the surface. Rohan sucks in air like a resuscitated man, his chest expanding and color rushing back into his muck-coated face.

"Put the gun down, Rohan," Dilshad orders softly. "You can't leave us. Allah needs you to continue His work on Earth."

Slowly, Rohan lowers the weapon. His hand is shaking as if he has to force himself to do it, the guilt still at war with the truth Dilshad is trying to make him accept. Finally he puts the gun down on the filthy ground and uncurls his fingers from the handle. Dilshad's shoulders sag in relief.

"Come to me, Rohan." She holds out her hand for him, acceptance and love making her beautiful face glow in the hot afternoon sun.

Rohan runs his hands down his sides but his shirt and jeans are just as filthy. "I'm dirty, Dilshad-ji."

"No, you are not, Rohan Saxena." Dilshad's smile is grace itself. "Come to me."

Rohan takes slow, unsteady steps closer to her, but his hand is outstretched and his body leans forward, eager to accept the salvation Dilshad offers him. He is less than a yard away when Arun suddenly pounces. He knocks Rohan off balance and grabs the gun.

"Stop!" he orders, the gun held out.

His action breaks the heavy stillness. Rohan turns to face Arun as Asad twists to shield Dilshad with his body. The men all surge forward as the tension rises.

"Rohan, come back here," Arun orders. "This woman may believe your sob story but I don't. The public won't believe it either. Not when I play them all the recordings of you drunk out of your mind, confessing to killing your brother and burying his body. You'll be ruined if I give that to the newspapers."

"We are giving it to the newspapers," Lucky says. "It doesn't matter if he's a murderer or a guilt-ridden fool. Either way, his story is worth tons of money."

"No!" Arun shifts so he can turn the gun to Lucky but still watch Rohan. "You can't tell anyone! He's not worth anything if he goes to jail, you fool."

"You mean he's not worth anything to you if he goes to jail," Lucky corrects. "We make money from his story either way. You only make money if he's a star."

"I'll shoot you!" Arun threatens.

Sunny pulls out an ugly switchblade and flips it open. "There's twelve of us and only one of you. Do you really think we'll let you live if you shoot my father?"

Asad inhales sharply. "Is that blood on that blade?"

Sunny smiles maliciously. "Yes, it is. I'm very good with a knife."

"Did you use it lately?" Asad stands very still.

Dilshad looks from Asad to Zoya and back again, realization dawning. Her face pales and she grabs his arm, preparing to hold him back, if necessary.

"Asad," she warns. "Stay calm. Please."

Zoya puts her uninjured hand on his other arm. "Mr. Khan, you must control yourself."

Asad doesn't hear them. His body is tense and ready, his whole focus on Sunny. The idiot expands with false swagger, blithely unaware of the threat that is Asad Ahmed Khan.

"Yes, I used my blade last night," Sunny boasts. "We were teaching Rohan a lesson when his friends interfered. They got away but not until I gave one guy something to remember me by."

Zoya gasps and turns away, as if trying to protect her wounded arm.

"It wasn't a guy, it was a girl." Asad's voice is a low, angry hiss. "And she nearly bled to death from you cutting her."

"She?" Sunny's eyebrows draw together in confusion.

"Yes." Asad tries to shrug off Dilshad and Zoya's hands. "She has fifteen stitches in her arm because of you."

"Asad, no!" Dilshad tightens her hold.

Zoya isn't as strong and her grip on Asad slips. Najma puts her hand on her shoulder to steady Zoya as she stumbles back.

"Arm?" Rohan repeats. He turns to look at Zoya. "That was you last night? You went up against all these guys? Why?"

"You needed me," Zoya says simply. "I couldn't let them hurt you."

Rohan stares at her, wondrous amazement in his expression. Zoya gives him a tentative smile. Slowly his mouth curves into an answering smile, his building strength showing in his straightening spine and high-held shoulders.

Rohan turns back to Arun, fire now blazing in his pale-blue eyes. "It's over, Arun. No matter what, I won't let you control me anymore."

"No, it's not!" Arun sneers. "I own you body and soul. You're nothing without me!"

He swings the gun back toward Rohan but he's no match for Rohan's speed and agility, honed through countless hours on the cricket field. Rohan goes in fast and low, his shoulder connecting with Arun's midsection, slamming the agent into the dirt. Arun's finger squeezes on the gun trigger and a bullet shoots straight into the air. Everyone ducks.

Everyone except Asad. He leaps forward and catches Sunny's knife hand by the wrist, twisting his arm back with such force that they all hear the bones crack. Sunny lets out an agonized scream and the knife falls out of his hand. Asad throws him to the ground and comes down with his knee grinding into Sunny's abdomen. He hits a sharp undercut to Sunny's jaw before the other men pounce on him.

"Asad!" Dilshad screams.

"Mr. Khan!"

"Bhaijaan!"

Zoya and Najma rush forward but Dilshad catches them.

"No! Not you, too!" she cries.

Asad doesn't hear them. He's like a man possessed, kicking and stomping on Sunny, twisting frantically even as the men drag him away from Zoya's assailant. Sunny struggles to sit up, his eyes glazed with pain. The break is so severe that bone has broken through the skin, streaming blood down his arm.

"I'll kill you!" he screams at Asad.

He lurches forward but stops when a bullet lodges into the ground only inches from his feet. He looks to see Rohan holding the gun, Arun curled into a fetal position on the ground at his feet.

"No, you won't." Rohan says quietly. He points the gun to the men holding Asad. "Let him go."

"There's...there's twelve of us," Sunny gasps, holding his useless arm close to his body. "You only have eight bullets left."

Rohan's mouth curves into a cold smile. "Count again. Asad has already rendered you useless. So eight bullets, Asad and me makes it ten against eleven. I'm willing to take those odds." He points the gun at Lucky. "Are you?"

Lucky pales, his greedy anticipation dissolving into building panic. Rohan sees this and nods.

"Now, let Asad go," he says calmly. "Or I'll start evening the odds with you."

Lucky steps forward, his hands raised. "You're not going to shoot us. We all know you're not a killer."

Rohan breaths deeply and nods. "No, I'm not. I know that now. But you also know that I'll go to any lengths to protect those I care about. I won't kill you but I'll definitely injure you."

Lucky and Rohan stare at each other. Despite being covered in muck and tears, Rohan stands tall and steady, his gaze calm and certain as he faces off against Lucky. Finally Lucky nods and turns to his men.

"Let him go," he orders.

The men let Asad go. He moves away from them and suddenly strips off his t-shirt, his powerful arms and chest glistening and golden under the hot afternoon sun.

"Asad!" Dilshad gasps. "What are you doing?"

Asad uses his t-shirt to pick up the fallen knife. "This knife has Sunny's fingerprints and Ms. Farooqui's blood on it. He's going to jail for a long, long time."

"No!" Lucky cries. "You can't send him to jail. It was a mistake."

"Attempted murder is not a mistake," Asad growls. "It's a crime. Your son nearly killed her!"

Lucky falls to his knees, his hands clasped beseechingly. "Please," he begs. "Don't do this. He's my only son." He turns to Dilshad. "Mrs. Khan, you're a lady of mercy. I beg you. Don't do this."

"Mercy has no place here," Asad snarls at Lucky. "Your son hurt and nearly killed a member of my family. No one gets away with hurting my family."

"But you've hurt him in return. Blood for blood," Lucky points out. "Surely that makes us even."

"There is no even!" Asad roars. "You didn't spend the night going out of your mind, terrified that you might lose someone dear to you!"

Lucky turns back to Dilshad and raises his clasped hands. "Please, don't destroy my son, Mrs. Khan. You must understand. You have children, three beautiful children."

"And your son nearly took one of them away!" Asad is so angry he shakes visibly. He turns to Dilshad. "Ammi, his son nearly killed Zoya. Imagine having to live the rest of our lives without her!"

Najma cries out and hugs Zoya tightly, as though fearing someone will snatch her away. Dilshad's mouth drops open. She looks at Lucky at her feet then at Asad's fury and Rohan's dirt-coated body. She turns to Zoya who smiles and nods encouragingly.

"It's okay, Phupee," she assures her. "As you taught me, we should always treat people with kindness and generosity, not because they deserve it but because we do."

Dilshad smiles and turns back to Lucky.

"Ammi, no," Asad starts to protest.

Zoya touches his rigid arm and stops him. "Phupee is doing the right thing, Mr. Khan. No good can come from sending Sunny to jail. We've already seen enough misery today. What will any of us gain by adding to it?"

Dilshad pulls Zoya close and kisses her temple. The both look to Asad. He sighs and shakes his head, helpless against the combined love and generosity of the women in his life.

"Fine," he mutters with ill grace.

Dilshad looks down at Lucky, who is still kneeling silently at her feet.

"Go," she orders. "But remember, we have the knife and the police commissioner's wife is a close friend. If you ever say or do anything to hurt my family, I won't hesitate to send your son to jail. Understood?"

Lucky nods eagerly. "Thank you, Mrs. Khan, thank you! I swear to you, we will never do anything against you or your family."

He gets up and jerks his head towards his men. They file out slowly, assisting the injured Sunny, while keeping a wary eye on Rohan's gun. Lucky waits until all his men have left the little lot before he turns away.

"Wait a moment!" Dilshad calls out.

Lucky stiffens and looks back, apprehension clear on his face. Dilshad crosses to stand beside Rohan and puts her hand on his grimy arm.

"You do know that my family includes Rohan, don't you?" she asks quietly.

Rohan stiffens, his body so still he even stops breathing. Lucky looks at him then back at Dilshad.

Lucky nods. "Yes, Mrs. Khan. No one in your family, including Rohan, has anything to fear from me and mine. We will not bother you ever again."

Dilshad nods, a small, satisfied smile on her face. Lucky hurries out of the lot as if fearing she might change her mind if he stays any longer.

Rohan takes a slow, steady breath. "Can we trust him, Dilshad-ji?"

"Yes." She pats his shoulder. "His love for his son is greater than his greed. He won't sacrifice Sunny's life for money."

Rohan looks down at Arun, still curled at his feet. "Arun will sacrifice anyone for money, including me."

"It's time to defang the snake." Dilshad looks down at Arun then takes out her cell phone.

Arun struggles up onto his arms. "What are you going to do?"

She holds her phone out to Rohan. "It isn't for me to do. Rohan will talk to Mrs. Reddy. She volunteers at the orphanage and has seen firsthand what a wonderful and generous person he truly is."

"What does that do?" Arun demands. "Who is she?"

"She's the police commissioner's wife." Dilshad glances at Arun but her focus is on Rohan. "Talk to her, Rohan. Tell her about Rohit. He was an amazing person and his story deserves to be told. Don't allow his sacrifice to go to waste. His death shouldn't be a weight that burdens your soul. Free his spirit and let his love raise you to new heights."

"It won't work," Arun warns. "No one will believe you. You were nothing before me and you'll go back to being nothing without me."

Rohan and Dilshad open their mouths to protest but Asad takes control of the situation. He grabs Arun by the throat and yanks him to his feet.

"No," Asad hisses. "You're nothing without him. You were nothing before he dragged you to the top and you'll be nothing now that he's finally broken free of you."

"I'll tell the newspapers," Arun threatens, wrapping both hands around Asad's wrist. "He'll be ruined."

"No, you'll be ruined," Asad contradicts, his grip unbreakable. "Once people find out how you abused and blackmailed a broken young man and preyed on him for years, no one will associate with you. You'll be nothing without Rohan's fame and success."

"It's my word against his!" Arun protests, still trying to tug free.

Asad's mouth curves into a satisfied smile. "No, it's just your words."

Arun stops struggling. "What do you mean?"

Asad glances back at Zoya. "Ms. Farooqui, I assume you've been recording this whole episode on your cell phone? You recorded Arun threatening Rohan, didn't you?"

Zoya shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Khan. I couldn't operate my phone with only one hand."

Arun slumps in relief but Asad's smile doesn't waiver. Behind him, Najma holds up her cell phone.

"Zoya asked me to do it, Bhaijaan," she explains. "I have the recording."

Arun stills and tries to swallow but Asad's grip is too tight.

"Let me go," the agent croaks.

"Gladly."

Asad releases him and Arun stumbles back, rubbing his bruised throat. The sports agent is no longer puffed up with self importance. Unable to bask in Rohan's reflected glory, he looks small and shriveled, as though all the power and control has been sucked out of him.

"Leave now, Arun," Asad orders quietly. "Don't ever bother us again or I will destroy you for the sheer pleasure of it."

Arun looks from Asad to Rohan and then to the ladies. He slumps in defeat at the steely resolve on the faces staring back at him. He swallows hard and darts out of the lot. Dilshad's brows draw together as she watches Arun scurry out of the yard.

"Asad, can we take him at his word?" she asks worriedly.

"Yes." Asad turns to her. "But you should stress his involvement to Commissioner Reddy, just to make sure the police do a very thorough job of questioning him. A few hours in jail will convince him that silence is the best choice."

Dilshad nods and turns to Rohan. "I know this will be painful, but trust me. It will hurt so much less than what you've suffered until now."

"I'll do it if you think it's right, Dilshad-ji." He smiles at her, devotion and gratitude shining in his eyes. "I know I can trust your advice. Should I call her now?"

Dilshad smiles back and touches his dirty cheek. "No. Let's go home and wash up first. We're going to have a lot of guests tonight."

"I can't leave Rohit," Rohan protests. "Not like this."

"We need to leave the scene as it is, Rohan," Asad explains. "But as soon as the police finish their investigation, we'll come back here and take care of Rohit. I promise."

Rohan looks uncertain. Dilshad puts her hand on his shoulder.

"You carry your brother in your heart, Rohan," she says gently. "He's always with you. Come. Let's go home so you can tell his story. That's how you'll truly honor his memory."

Rohan nods and covers her hand with his, gratitude and adoration chasing away the last shadows in his eyes. Zoya and Najma crowd close, smiling even though their cheeks are wet with tears. Rohan turns to them, the little boy who is no longer sad or alone shining through the dirt crusting his face.

"I thought I had no one to depend on but myself," he says softly. "But you were here for me. I can't believe how you came to my rescue."

Zoya and Najma look at each other and smile.

"We're glad you're okay, Rohan." Najma wipes her wet cheeks with her dupatta then reaches up to wipe his face, too.

He jerks away. "I'll get your pretty clothes dirty."

"It's only dirt." She calmly wipes away the tears and filth covering his cheeks.

Zoya tilts her head to study him. "You should wear dark colors more often, Rohan. They really bring out your eyes."

"Ms. Farooqui." Asad's voice is a low, warning growl. "Proper young ladies do not--"

"Don't you dare lecture me about tameez and tehzeeb," she interrupts him. "Allah miya, what's wrong with you, Mr. Khan? Proper young men do not go around without their shirts on!" She looks into his deep brown eyes and smiles. "Jahapanah six-packs kahi ke."

Asad brings the bunched t-shirt up to his chest, as though just realizing he's only half-dressed. It does nothing to hide his well-developed biceps or washboard abs. Najma and Dilshad giggle and Rohan grins broadly. Asad's cheeks flush with color.

"I was preserving the evidence against Sunny," he mutters.

Dilshad shakes her head and urges Rohan forward. Zoya threads her arm through Najma's and turns to follow them.

"Can we stop for a candy bar, Phupee?" she asks sweetly.

Dilshad frowns at her. "Why? Do you feel faint, Zoya? Do you need to rest?"

"No," she looks back at Asad and winks slyly. "I just suddenly have a craving for rich, sweet chocolate."

Asad jerks to stop, confused. Suddenly he hears Zoya's voice in his head.

"I love those beautiful brown eyes. Every time I look into them I feel like I've drowned in a pool of warm, rich, melted sweet chocolate."

He has to duck his head to hide his small, tight smile. "Mahendra Singh Dhoni, you have nothing on me."

Author's Notes: As always, all mistakes are mine and made accidentally. This story is not intended to hurt anyone's feelings, culture or beliefs. Much thanks to my wonderful beta readers for their support, assistance and endless patience! My stories would never be as clean, clear and tight without their help. They help me craft every page, every paragraph, every sentence and even every word. I learn and improve my writing every time I read their revisions and suggestions.

I'm sorry to post this chapter late. Life has gotten very busy now that I'm leaving for India on Saturday morning. This story isn't finished but I'm not sure of internet access or even writing time while I'm away. I hope I have left it at a good place and you'll wait patiently for me to return. The next update will be on Monday morning, March 17, New York time. I'll send a PM to everyone on my friends list when I post the next chapter.

Thanks to everyone who posts feedback and sends private messages. I don't normally respond to feedback unless you've asked me a question or I want to comment on a specific points you've made. Please know that I read (and reread!) and treasure your feedback. It keeps me motivated during these long, long chapters.

Take care,

Paly