Part 8:
A late evening:
Arjun walked into the garage only to be received by the usual banter. He sighed. Something hardly changes. He didn't try to look out for the recent issue. He just passed them to reach the staircase.
"Cheater... sare girls cheaters hi hai!!"
"look who is complaining? The Karan himself? Aur meine kaha cheating ki hai?"
"Acha?? Tho theri hath uss cards ke deck ke upar kya kar rahi thi? Huh?? Meine dekha hai tujhe card churate hua. Aur jhoot bhi bolthe ho?? Jhoooti!!!"
Arjun saw himself facing them. They were still fighting over the cards. Something chimed deep from him.
Her laughter... her pouted face... her acting as innocent... she trying to tease him... everything was right infront of him. As if he was taken back to the time. Her hair was fluttering in the breeze. He just wanted to touch it. He tried to touch her face. "kya kar rahe ho?" he just smiled back.
"Shera... kya kar rahe ho?" he woke up with a start and looked about. He was still on the stair case and his hand was a bit ahead of him, to touch her face.
He blinked himself out and looked down and took away his hand.
"you ok Arjun?" Simi had seen his change in expression clearly. He just nodded and went up the stairs quickly.
They sat there iself and then Simi turned to Karan. "What was that?"
"yadein..." he breathed out. They too lost the mood to play. "kahi bahar chale?"he asked piling the cards.
"haan... magar Arjun?"
"wo nahi ayega. Chalo..."
They walked away, and they knew he won't miss them.
***
Sameer was going through the old files in his off time. He had taken up the old case file to himself. He wanted to know what had happened back then.
Kiran Joshi, a simple hotel receptionist. The first tip against him was when Sameer got information about an unknown tech genius who had tried to hack into the police records. It was almost impossible back then to track the hacker. If situation was as of now, it would have been some minutes work for guys like Sree to catch hold of him. They never knew who tried to hack the system.
But with some help, he came to know about multiple hack attempts going on. Some senior expert where brought down from Delhi and they tried to pin point from where the attack came from. It was not that tough later.
In an encounter, Kiran and 2 other men were cornered. The other 2 men were not the tech guys, but they were just men who took down anything and everything at the gun point. When cornered by his own team, Sameer had seen the fear on Kiran's face at the sound of the gunshot and at the sight of blood. It didn't take long to realise back then, that the man was just in the wrong place, in wrong time with wrong situation. But he was quick to escape. At the moment of danger, its just instinct to run away. And Kiran ran away too. And he was hidden. The only way to pull him out was by the method as suggested by a friend who was a genius himself.
"Agar ladka dara hua hai tho, its natural ke wo uss kaam keliye nahi bana hai. Koi majboori hi hogi."
"ye bath tho mujhe bhi patha hai... ab aage kya karna hai, yahi sochna hai"
"Isme sochne ki kya bath hai? Uske majboori ko samjho Sam. Har kisika kuch na kuch weak point hai. Check if he has a family. Unhi se Kiran thak bhi pohonch sakthe hai."
"You are a genius Arjun!!"
"tell me something new bhai!!"
Sam placed back the file. It was Arjun's idea to look out for the family. That's how he met Avni. But what happened later was beyond his imagination. The lady had showed immense courage to turn over her husband. She trusted him. Only that he couldn't give back it to her too.
***
Sree felt bad as he had to come back without meeting Arjun again. All may say many things about Arjun or his action that had lead to the accidents. But he knew better. It was not just a rash decision by Arjun that had brought about the wrath. Someone must have pulled the thread well from behind. There must be something that all had missed. But what?
This was his thought for a long time. Somehow a matter was clicking to his mind.
How did someone know about Arjun Sir's movement to that factory? What was Arjun sir's problem back then? Liza mentioned that he was not well. Thats not natural at all. Arjun Sir had always kept a good care of his health, even though he lacked sleep and proper food. She had mentioned of him getting dizzy and angry.
And above all, just after sometime of the blast, the whole police force was over there, and they were just keen to arrest him.
Something very strong clicked in his head.
They had evidence of Arjun sir blasting at the whole team. Now how would anyone else get that video from the office? Was there a mole in the office?
Was there a way to know it?
He looked around. It was comparatively calm day in the office. He had his laptop back in his hand. He took out the hard disk which carried some personal folders and materials that he had done long back in ETF. Some programs that were installed in the old office, some controls etc.
But to verify anything, he may need to go back again to Mumbai. And for that he needed permission. But there was another problem too.
If anyone had placed any mole back then, would it be there still now? Will it not be taken out? Who all were involved in it? It seems difficult to trust the department again. But he needed access too. There were only a few people who could help.
One was unfortunately Arjun himself.
Sree thought for a long time and by night he had a decision.
Almost near to the midnight he dialled the number which now belonged to Arjun. Thanks to Coehlo who had given it to him in the last Mumbai trip, unknown to Sameer.
He waited with held breath for someone to pick it up. "hello..." came a voice that once belonged to a man who had a charisma around him. Though far away, he could still feel it.
"hello Sir... Sree here"
He could hear silence over the other end. He too waited for a while before speaking up again.
***
Few days later:
"saab... Kiran saab ko Mumbai bhejne ke kya zaroorath hai?" the minion almost had a shiver when he asked it. The Boss looked up from the paper that he was reading. He gave a smile that only raised the shiver in the spine of the viewer.
"jaana hai, Shakir... jaana hai. Kuch adura kaam hai waha. Use niptane use hi jaana hoga"
"koi aur kyu nahi Saab? Pichle baar tho..."
"pichle baar meine wo socha tha aur iss baar ye. Tumhe koi problem hai?"
"nai nai saab. Aap jo bhi decide karege... wo soch samajh ke hi hoga na... hum tho bas..."
"BAS!!"
The men were silent. The boss resumed to stare at the newspaper. But he was hardly reading anything.
"use wapas jaana hi hoga. Jo kaam pichli baar meine adhura choda tha, use complete karna hoga. Bar bar mere koshish nakyaab raha hai. WO tho abhi bhi waise ke waise hi hai. Aise ab aur nahi chod saktha... aur ab firse time aaya hai... Kiran ke wafadari check karne ka. Kafi unchi awaaz me bath karne laga hai... uske udne ka soch abhi ke abhi khatam na kiya tho galath hoga. Ye ek kaam kafi hai... ek theer se do se zyaada nishana..." he smiled to himself. He knew his plan was fool proof.
He had a call. "saab... Kiran saab ka call hai...puch raha hai ke kab jaana hoga"
He smiled again. "3 din baad. usse kaho ke rath ko call kare. Bohot bath karni hai."
***
Anjali looked at the frustrated Avni. She was pacing up and down.
"Mumma... relax. Aapke idhar udhar jaane se kuch nahi hoga. Relax and decide."
"isme decide karne ko kuch bacha hi nai Anjali. I am not going"
"are you sure? Ithne mahine se aap uss hospital me kaam kar rahe ho. Sare ke sare medical camp me aap jaane se inkaar kar diya, ye kehke ke mere sath rukhne ne ko koi nahi hai. Aur aap mujhe akele chod ke nai ja sakthe. Ithne time se apke hospital ke log aapke bath maan bhi liya. I don't think, is bar wo apko sunega."
"aur mein kar bhi kya sakthi hu Anjali? 3 din ke medical camp hai. Sab log pressurize kar rahe hai. 3 din.. tumse dur? Kaise? Na mein tumhe chodke jasakthi hu. Aur na leke ja sakthi hu. I wont go"
"Mumma... iss bar apko deadline bhi mili hai na... ke agar aap camp pe aane se inkaar kiya tho..."
"haan... (rubbing the temple) ab mein kya karu?"
Anjali makes Avni sit in the chair. "mumma relax. Aap jayiye."
"par beta..."
"Mumma... iss bar mein akeli nahi hu na? Pehli bar mere bhi kuch ache dost mile hai. I am sure wo mere achi se khayal rakhega..."
Avni thinks for a while about whom she is speaking and then gathers it.
"no... bilkul nai. Mein tumhe unke paas nahi chodega. First waha rehne ka koi tikaana hi nai. Wo din bhar busy hoge. Iske beech thera khayal kaun rakhega? No... never"
"Mumma... kaam bhi sambhalni hai. Aur mujhe bhi. Tho aap hi koi achasa tareeka bathayiye"
Avni goes silent. She already got a warning note from the hospital management. She can't decline it. But how can she leave Anjali at Arjun's hands?
She said she will think about it. She had 3 days in her hand.
***
Arjun was still thinking over his conversation with Sree. The ever so silent Sree had spoken in such a way that he had never thought of. At last when Sree probed again, he couldn't stop himself from saying, "give me sometime Sree. I will call you back"
Its already been sometime. Still he hasn't called back. He didn't know what to tell, so thought of giving some more time.
His mobile rang and saw Avni's name on it. After the hospital incident they did not speak except for the time when he went for dressing and that too minimal. He had tried to keep his distance from Anjali, but it was hard too.
He took the call after a few ring. "hello..."
She replied after some hesitation. "Hello..."
"kya hua? Sab teekh tho hai na?"
"haan... bas... wo..."
"bolo..."
"ek favour maangni thi... only if you don't mind"
"bath kya hai?"
"hospital se 3 din ka medical camp me jaana hai. Ithne mahine se meine sare camp avoid kar rahi thi. Anjali akeli thi na... par iss bar jaane keliye majbor kar rahi hai. Aur Anjali... yaha koi nahi hai jisse mein thoda bharosa kar pau. I mean... Anjali tho..." she stopped for a while. He could gather her hesitation.
"kithne din keliye hai?"
"3"
"kabse?"
"3 din baad. Friday se"
"koi bath nahi. She will be safe with me... if that's what you need..."
"haan... wo... I mean... I am still not sure. Anjali zidd kar rahi thi... aur mein..."
"you can trust me Sister Avni. She will be safe with me"
"thank you. Friday sham ko jaana hai. 4 baje"
"I will reach your home by 3"
"ok... um... thanks..."
"its ok"
There was silence again and she cuts the call. She was not sure if this was right decision. But she didn't have another choice. Anjali seemed too happy too.
***
Kiran had to reach Mumbai by noon. He has to accompany Boss's few VVIP teammates. But he was given hint that he would have to stay back in Mumbai for a while. So bigger work was in queue.
He was having some negative vibes from the time when he was given the news to go back to his town. Its been 3 years since he has left Mumbai. And the last visit was something that haunted him for a long time. But he can't say no now. He was bound to serve the Boss.
Tickets and passport were ready. Boss had men in every point. So none would ask anything to them. He was body guard for the VVIPs till he reached Mumbai and then he will have to wait for new work assignment.
***
Friday: Noon:
Kiran and his team of people were received at the Mumbai International Airport.
The air was warm as it always had been. Even though he had all the luxuries till date, he had missed the Mumbai air. The city was as busy as always. He felt a suffocation and longing inside him. He wished to run away from that feeling. If given a chance he was ready to board the next flight. But he had orders on him. He can't say no.
The VVIPs were taken away. Another person took him to a shelter which will serve as his adda for a while. He freshens up and looked out to see the buzzing street. Nothing had changed much. The city is more busy... more crowded and all were still busy.
His mobile rang. Boss was on the other end. "kya karna hai mujhe?"
"Kiran... mere bhai... Mumbai me ho... thode taza hawa khao... ithne bhi jaldi kya hai? Ghoomo firo... araam karo. Kaam ke bath baadme."
He gave out his irritating maniacal laugh and Kiran cut the call. He hated it to the bottom level.
After some brooding in the room he decided to go out. He was given a bike and key for his free trip. Papers were ready, though he knew none would dare to stop him. Even if someone did, he knew how to get out of it.
He drove through the town, beaches and crowding city. He never knew how time went. He found himself in the same lane that he had crossed long back.
The house that once he called as his home was still there. He parked his bike at a distance and leaned onto it. There was a time when it was heaven. Then came when he was snatched from there... because of her.
He felt a pain and frustration in his heart.
Soon his thoughts were disturbed when a jeep passed by him and parked infront of the home. It peaked his senses. He saw an outline of a well built man in a brown jacket in the jeep. His back was facing Kiran and so he couldn't see the face. The man honked and looked at the doorway.
Kiran was getting a terrible feeling. Who is this man? Have she already moved on her life? What about his Anjali? Is she happy?
He kept on thinking. Suddenly he heard a voice. "Mumma... jaldi kar... he is here..."
He saw a little girl in a frock moving ahead to the jeep. Kiran moved forward keeping himself hidden. That was his Anjali... she had featured of her Mumma. Long hair plated on both sides. The bandage on her leg was prominent. Glasses on her nose and smiled at the man in jeep. He got down from the jeep and walked towards him.
Kiran saw a band on his right hand. But still the face was not seen. The man placed his hand on her head and patted her cheeks. Kiran felt bad to see Anjali's happiness on her face looking at an unknown man's face. It should have been him who deserved to see her happy face and here he was hiding from her.
Soon he saw her... Avni... she had a bag and walked to the jeep.
She looked the same as before, except that she looked more mature. The naughty Avni was missing. Now she was a mom.
Avni handed over the bag to him. There was some hesitation on that face. The man placed the bag in the jeep and said something. She just nodded. She bent down and hugged and kissed Anjali. Gave some tips and the kissed again. Anjali was helped to the jeep by him. "thank you Mr. Arjun..."
He heard her saying it. The man nodded and turned to reach the driving seat, and thus Kiran got to see the face.
Shock... surprise... any word could not match what he felt. The jeep went away with Anjali waving at Avni. She was looking till they were out of sight. She sighed and turned to go in, but then stopped and turned around. Kiran ducked behind the tree.
She could always feel his presence. And it seems it remained so. He waited for a while and then peeped out. She was not there. After a moment another van came with a hospital's name. And she came out with another bag, and went away in it.
He was again alone in that lane. He stood there for a while. He walked to the closed gate and stood by it.
Everything was crashing down again.
Avni seemed to be ok. His girl was with a man... whom...
He closed his eyes and sighed.
3 years back:
"boss aapko aane ke kya zaroorath hai? Mein use dekh lunga?"
"nai Kiran... iss bar mujhe aana hi hai.."
For the first time his Boss had come down to "see off" someone. He and his men went to a home... small but sweet. A couple was there, enjoying their best moment of the life. Kiran himself had trailed this policeman for a few days and he knew it was his wedding anniversary. And the Boss had decided to strike on the same day. Kiran didn't want to do it. He knew what the value of a family is, but he was not in a state to argue. When Boss said he would do the honour of getting the man out of the way, Kiran was happy. Atleast he was not going to strike on a family. But it didn't last long as he was asked to accompany him.
The anniversary day went out as the most dreadful day. He was there when Boss had caught hold of the wife of the man. He wanted to protest, but Boss didn't hear him out. Then the policeman was beaten to death but still left alive. Infront of the half dead man, the lady was stabbed many times. It was pure terror to watch it. Kiran had felt dizziness watching it. Then the boss scratched off the tattoo that was written on his hand with a knife.
For all the process, Kiran stood as a witness as did many others.
"Roshni..." the dying man had breathed out. The boss pulled his hair to face him...
"jiyo ACP Arjun Rawte... aur jabhi apne biwi ke yaad ayega, thab mere naam bhi yaad rakhna... Sikander!! Wahi jisne tumhe zinda chod diya... pal pal marne keliye..."
He laughed aloud.
Kiran opened his eyes. He was panting.
The ladies scream... the man's cries... the harsh laugh...
Even it haunted him till date. And now his Anjali was with him.
What is his relation with Avni and Anjali? How did he survive?
Was this the incomplete work he had come down to finish as mentioned by his boss, Sikander?
Edited by kunchu - 11 years ago
Shiv Shakti
22