Crime Control Squad (Case #1 Hit and Run) Last Chapter 28 Pg 19 - Page 15

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Chapter 28 - Last chapter

""I got Tejesh to confess! You can't deny that," argued Sagar looking at the face of every member sitting around the table with anticipation.

The team sat around a shining round wooden table with a glass top which hosted several steaming dishes spread across the table. The circumference of the table- around the table sat the Crime Control squad with their family. Vikram, his wife Shilpa and his daughter Diya; Heera and her two sons; they were the ones with the family. Agastya, Charith, Sagar and Ruby- being single weren't accompanied by anyone. Vedant and Shakti gave the team dinner a miss. Everyone was dressed in their best bringing up the celebration spirit. It wasn't the habit of the team to celebrate lavishly at the end of every case. But this case was something special for them with the inclusion of the deadline and the involvement of several high profile people and cases. In addition to solving their case, they had solved or say brought about new evidence to an old case too, forcing the court to reconsider their previous judgment.

"That's unfair. Each and everyone had a part to play in the success of this case. You can't take all the credit Sir," argued Ruby back. Heera gleamed at her. Finally, she had a partner to fight against Sagar's uncalled actions.

"Sagar has the habit of collecting the entire good name at the end of every case. But you should look at him when something goes wrong," said Vikram patting Sagar's back harder than needed. Sagar grinned gritting his teeth in pain. Vikram was too strong for him.

Heera and Shilpa diverted their focus on their kids who were enjoying their noodles. Noodles! What was so special about noodles, wondered the mothers. The kids had that at home and they have it everytime they visited restaurants. The happiness and the sparkle in their eyes seeing the noodles- the mothers wished the kids showed the same sparkle when they opened their books for exams.

"Any call from the prosecution yet?" asked Vikram tearing a piece of his paratha.

"Shall we not talk about your cases at least here," retorted Shilpa.

"Yes. Let's talk of something else," said Sagar cheerfully.

"Yes! When are you planning to get married, Sir?" asked Ruby casually.

"Married? Who? Me? Why?" Sagar asked in surprised. His eyes were at the verge of popping out.

"You are growing old, Sir. Don't you think you ought to settle down in life?" Ruby was clearly enjoying herself. The others stifled a grin and watched the happenings managing a serious look.

"Old? Me? I am fit as a fiddle," replied Sagar tapping his shoulder muscles as a sign.

"That doesn't mean your age remains stagnant. It does increase by one every year," said Ruby. "So- have you seen any girl?"

"You are crazy," said Sagar laughing expecting support from others. Ruby had hit him with the subject he was most awkward with. Talking about girls was fine. But marriage? Sagar focused on his food as a sign that it was end of conversation. The team could see his cheeks turning red in embarrassment.

"Come on Sagar!" Shilpa joined the conversation. "Your parents must have been pressurizing you, right? Why not accept their wishes?"

"You too Shilpa!" Sagar was shocked and realised that he was being cornered. "Shall we change the topic please?"

"Why?" asked Ruby.

"Why not talk about your marriage then?" asked Sagar. "Even you are single."

"Oh yes I am single. And I am going to get married in another couple of years," replied Ruby.

"Who is the boy?" asked Sagar.

"Someone. But at least there is someone for me. What about you?" The team was surprised to know that there was someone in Ruby's life. "Ok. Let's make it easy. What kind of girl do you want as a partner in your life?"

"Leave me alone!" Sagar was clearly peeved leaving others grinning.

"It's a simple question. Answer it." said Ruby. "Get a taste of how it is on the receiving side of the questions, Sir."

"Ahah! Is that it? Fine. What do you want to know? What kind of a girl I like? Hmm...Someone who is confident, someone who is independent, someone who doesn't fear telling I am wrong, someone who listens to me, someone who laughs along with me, someone who walks with me holding my hands..."

"Someone who eats with me, someone who cries with me..." added Vikram controlling himself not to hit Sagar in the head. "What is this, Sagar?"

"This is what I wish for, Vikram, " said Sagar shrugging his shoulders.

"Now- if you see- I can fulfil all your demands- confident, independent, etc etc.," said Ruby. "So I am a girl whom you will like then?"

Sagar knew he had entered a very risky territory. "May be...May be someone like you."

"Good," said Ruby with appreciation. "But Sagar Sir, a girl like me will never like a man like you," winked Ruby. A laughter erupted and Sagar knew he was the clown of the day for them. He joined the laughter.

"But there is still time for me. I have two juniors whose lives I have to settle before I look into mine," said Sagar directing the target at Charith and Agastya. Charith was bewildered while Agastya glared.

"Leave all these marriage talks. Marriage will happen when it should," said Shilpa.

"You don't seem so happy talking about marriage," said Sagar eyeing closing at Vikram.

"Don't get me into trouble," said Vikram, shifting closer to Shilpa.

"When are you joining the team again, Sir?" asked Charith successfully changing the topic.

"Not sure. I still have my enquiry pending. But yes- the fact that I didn't shoot any civilians down is an advantage. The sentencing might not be severe," said Vikram.

"May be a few months suspension, and then you would be back," said Heera.

"Yes. Back to work. But not sure if I can get back to the team," said Vikram.

"Why not?" asked Heera shocked.

"Do you think our boss would want me back in his team? Honestly, if I was in his position, I would be glad to get rid of an officer like me. I don't think Sir would want me back in his team after all that has happened. I have broken his trust," said Vikram.

"You can win it back," said Sagar. "And our boss is cool. He wouldn't let the past influence his current decisions. I am sure you will be back in our team soon."

"If not, we will force Sir to get you back," said Ruby.

"Thanks for your support. But my hopes are low. Even if Sir wants me back, I don't think he can do anything if the orders come from the top. Better to be prepared for the worst."

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Steering the wheel left to take his car down into a muddy road- a road leading to a familiar territory, Vedant could feel his heart pounding in fear every inch he neared his destination. He had never felt this frightened for a long time because he had somehow avoided the situation, avoided the confrontation, though not deliberately. He also knew that things were going to be very difficult as soon as he reached the place. Every movement of his would be gauged. Every move of his face muscle was crucial. He had been postponing this task for nearly 6 months and he knew it was completely unfair of him to do that. He should have mustered up courage to face the circumstance rather than running away from it.

It had been a two hour drive from his place to his destination. The experience of the past few days with the rain had dulled its significance. People had got so used to live in the rains now, so did Vedant. He was dressed for the rain- a thick jacket covering his grey collared T-shirt. He predicted he would face a moment in the near future where he would have to meet the rain on the face without the protection of his car.

Apart from the rare street light guarding his path from pitch darkness, the route was utterly deserted. His destination stood at the far end of the colony of houses at the entrance of which he was standing. He drove cautiously through the darkness. He could feel the tyres of his cars getting bathed in the muddy water. The roads were flooded with water possibly because of a breakage of pipe somewhere. The rain wasn't very severe for it to have flooded the roads. There wasn't a single human being seen on the roads. The dogs and cats scurrying helter-skelter on the roads for shelter was the only evidence to prove he was still on earth. Lights dotting very few houses suggested there was a power cut and the service of the UPS was installed. The locality wasn't a posh one for every resident to afford UPS. A mixture of coconut and palm trees, both competing with each other in height, painted the background of the outer layer of the surroundings hiding the horizon, and its dark shadows fell on the ground in scalene designs. The bright headlight of Vedant's car lit the path. The houses were stacked in a straight line on either sides of the road, painted in bright pink, yellow and purple colours. The walls of few houses showed patches of dirt while certain walls showed peels of paint protruding outside. Vedant wiped the inside of the front glass which was covered with vapour. He couldn't see the way ahead clearly, yet the path was etched in his mind. It was like the mathematical tables for him- he could tell the route even in his sleep, with closed eyes, he could go reach his destination. In the current situation, the only resultant would be him tripping down due t the bad condition of the roads.

Vedant stopped the car noticing a horizontal series of bricks lined on the road and huge branches of leaves seasoned over it- clearly a notice for the travellers. He immediately realised that the bricks and leaves were a sign of halt, a caution. Something on the other side wasn't right for people to travel. A broken road, a collapsed bridge or a disguised pothole- the number of options were always on the high. This was expected by Vedant. A lash of rain and the entire area was filled with problems of electricity, roads and drainage. Things hadn't changed even after all those years. The only major difference was the shooting up of many residential houses whereas it was all barren land when he used to live in the area years back. His house was one of the very few houses that was in erection back then.

Vedant parked his car close to the wall of one of the houses, safely. He switched off the headlights and realised how much those headlights had been guiding him throughout his drive. It was dim dark outside except for the few bulbs glowing in front of few houses. Those minor lights were of no great use for travellers. He pulled up his jacket collar and brought out the long torch from outside the dashboard. He checked its operation by clicking it on and off few times. Satisfied, he opened the door of car and stepped out into the rain. His first step splashed into the muddy water and he felt a slight slip of his foot too. He could sense his feet getting soaked in water. The rain water had breached his shoes and socks. He remembered the time when he used to run in these muddy pasty roads with enjoyment. Not any more.

Slow cautious steps and few low jumps to avoid rain filled potholes, Vedant made his way to his destination. He could see the huge house standing alone, strong. Two tall trees stood guard on either side of the gates. Every step he took towards his house, nervousness hit him. He even considered returning to his car and going home. He couldn't decide what he would tell when the door opens for him. Should he smile? Should he stand grim? Or should he stand ashamed with heads lowered? He had no idea. He had been in this situation before but that was years back, and when he was younger. But he felt the same childish fear inside him.

Nodding his head to himself, assuring himself and gathering fake strength, Vedant opened the gates to the house. He wasn't surprised that it wasn't locked. The gates were never locked. The creaky noise of the gate as it opened to the visitor served as a door bell. Vedant closed the gate behind him, bolted it and walked towards the door. An old fashioned jeep stood to his left side while a well maintained garden flourished to his right. It wasn't like he was visiting his house after years and he stood feeling nostalgic about it. It had just been 6 months since he visited the last time. But he always felt a strange sadness everytime he visited his house, a sense of guilt. He wished he had remained a small boy and had never grown and entered the chaotic life of an adult. In spite of the gloomy atmosphere, he could feel the brush of peacefulness grazing his face, something he had been craving for a long time. He stood closing his eyes and absorbing the silence. Whatever he was about to face, how much ever critical it might be, he felt happy that he had finally made time to make this trip.

He rapped at the door twice, instead of using the bell, and waited patiently. He unconsciously checked his appearance, smoothing his hair in place. He wiped off the rain water drops on his face with his handkerchief and pocketed it back, neatly folded. He felt like standing outside the room of his school principal. The person inside was no less than a school principal.

The door opened and Vedant managed a wide smile, a creepy smile, which immediately vanished looking at the strong figure standing in front of him, blocking the way inside the house.

"Yes?" The man stood enquiringly showing no recognition.

Vedant opened and closed his mouth unable to bring any words to his tongue.

"Yes Sir, may I help you?" asked the man again, eyebrows furrowed in question. The man was in his mid seventies, but could easily pass for a man of late fifties. Tall and handsome for his age, the man displayed his fitness with his broad strong shoulders and his flat stomach. Hair receding, a grizzly moustache dawned his upper lip. His tone didn't sound pleasant for someone who was enquiring at the door, talking to a stranger.

"It's me, Vedant!" croaked Vedant with surprise. The man couldn't have forgotten him in 6 months, could he? He wondered.

"Vedant? Who? I know no Vedant!" said the man closing the door back.

Vedant's eyes widened. Was the man suffering from amnesia? Or worst- Alzheimer?

"Dad! It's me Vedant. Your son," said Vedant in disbelief, pushing his hand to let the door remain open.

"I have a son? I don't remember having a son," said the man shrugging his shoulders.

Vedant looked around in confusion. "Dad! You don't remember me? You are my father! "

"Oh! Ho! I am glad you do remember that," said Deveshwar Vashisht, his tone turning from the fake astonishment to sarcasm. "I thought you were suffering from amnesia and forgot your family."

"Dad!" called Vedant a little relieved. Deveshwar let the door open and went inside. He wore a yellow apron over his long green kurta. Vedant was about to take his first step when Deveshwar shouted from inside.

"Don't dare dirty my house muddy! Remove your dirty shoes and place it outside. Use the spare slippers. Remove your jacket and leave it to dry!"

Memories swirled as Vedant remembered the strict rules of the house and the disciplinarian in his father. His father hadn't changed at all even after so many years. He commanded the same respect and control over his sons- just a son now. Vedant followed all the instructions and went inside the house carefully. He didn't want to upset his father. He hadn't been to visit him for nearly 6 months now- from the time he took over Special Branch. He had called him a couple of times but had to always end the call abruptly due to other work related interruptions.

"What are you doing?" Vedant asked walking to the kitchen where his father seemed to be busy doing something on the stove.

"Cooking," said Deveshwar. "What else will you do in a kitchen?"

Vedant knew his father was displaying his annoyance over him not visiting him. He knew his father had all the right to do so. His mother had died 5 years ago and his elder brother a couple of years after that- both to cancer. He knew what a huge blow it was for his father to lose two people who were so close to him. They were his prime support. He had always been quite distant from his father and his work took him away from his family for so long that he never got the chance to take any step towards mending his stranger-like relationship to a stronger one. He had always been glad that his family understood the nature of his job and had always stood beside him, proud. But with his father alone now, he knew he should become more involved and take care of him. But something was stopping him. He was ashamed for some reason because of which he just couldn't talk to his father openly. It wasn't that they never had open talks. The distance in their relationship was the literal distance they had- in terms of their location. Whenever Vedant visited his family, he and his father had sat down to discuss various issues and he had always loved those moments. His father had always shown keen interest in hearing about his work. There was a barrier somewhere- but the barrier wasn't too tall for it to create a problem between them. They had always managed to cross that barrier. His father was a retired bank officer. He was known for his temper and principles at work. He was the same at home too- with his rules, principles and discipline. Vedant despised following the rules when he was a boy but realised how helpful it was when he joined the police.

"Like to drink something?" asked Deveshwar, realising an awkward silence generating which needed to be broke immediately.

"Tea would be great," said Vedant, perching on the kitchen platform relaxed, realising he was cold because of the rain.

"Good. The tea is on the top shelf. Sugar is on the second. Use the induction stove. The vessel is already there. Take the water from the jug," instructed Deveshwar.

Vedant stood paralysed for a moment.

"What did you think? I was going to make tea for you?" asked Deveshwar teasingly.

"No!" said Vedant quickly getting into the kitchen. "I'll make it...for both of us."

The clinking of the vessels and the whooshing of whatever was on the pan were the only sound on the otherwise eerily silent room. Vedant turned to look at his father every few seconds. He could see the anger in his stature.

"Dad! I am so sorry for not visiting you. Things were really busy at work and I just couldn't get myself away."

"Couldn't get or didn't want to?"

"Sorry Dad. Please. I am truly sorry. I am here now and I promise I will visit you regularly."

Deveshwar switched off the flame, closed the pan and went to the living room. Vedant took two cups of tea, each in one hand and followed in the rear.

"Why don't you use the tray!" frowned Deveshwar, taking one cup from his son.

"How are you? Your health is fine? Last time I spoke to you, you said something about asthma," enquired Vedant.

"And you didn't think of calling me back and..." Deveshwar paused knowing it was of no use to continue shooting his son with guilty arrows. "I am fine. Had trouble breathing for a week or so but it got better after that."

The hot tea travelling through his throat sent a wave of relief to Vedant. "How are you spending time??"

"Apart from the few consulting I am doing every month, I spend most of the time reading and gardening. And if you are trying to ask me if I have any problems or if I am happy, the answer is I am happy and peaceful." The conversation headed towards being a normal and genuine one.

"Good to hear," said Vedant. "Why don't you come and live with me Dad?" Vedant didn't know where that question popped up in his mind and why he asked that.

"Live with you!" Deveshwar roared in laughter. "Why should I come and live with you? To clean your house and tidy up is it?"

"No Dad," replied Vedant, a little embarrassed. If his father visited his house, he would kill him for the mess he was living in. "I just meant- we could be there for each other."

"I don't need anyone," said Deveshwar bluntly. "Do you?"

Vedant remained silent. He wasn't sure if he should voice his problems with his father. But he was the only one whom he could talk to.

"What's wrong?" asked Deveshwar immediately sensing something was wrong. To coincide with his question was the sudden darkness which enveloped the house. "Must be the UPS! It has been behaving very badly recently. The fuse must have snapped. Wait here."

Deveshwar swiftly moved in the darkness to the location of the UPS. He seemed deft in handling the situation probably because of the frequency of the incident. The sound of the thunder roared outside and the windows rattled with the falling of the raindrops. The rain had intensified suddenly. Deveshwar pressed the switches off, removed the plug from the board for safety purpose, removed the back cover of the UPS, pulled out the small fuse which looked like a tiny bulb and replaced it with a fresh one which he had placed just near the UPS. He pushed in the plug and switched it on to illuminate the house once again with light.

"Have to get this box serviced as soon as possible, especially in this weather conditions," he said as he walked back to the living room. He stood stunned to see his son seated, shivering, closing his face with his hands, drenched in sweat. He knew it wasn't sweat due to the usual hot sun. His son was shivering with fear. He immediately sat beside him, holding his shoulders and patting his back. He realised what had happened. He forced his son to drink a glass of water and ordered him to take deep breaths. He reassured him that everything was fine and made him see the bright surroundings.

Vedant took his time to recover. The sudden darkness had pushed him to face flashes of the terrible memories which he feared and which he wished never had to remember. But the darkness always brought those tragic moments back.

"You still haven't recovered from that problem?" asked Deveshwar after giving his son enough time to recover. Vedant shook his head. "You have to overcome this, Ved. It has been what? 20 years now?"

"Any amount of years can pass, Dad. But those moments always slice my heart fresh. Those images- those faces- they are etched in my mind. I can never..." Vedant sighed blowing out shakily.

"Everything is possible if you believe in it. You have to let go. It was your mistake, son. It wasn't. Each and every one of us have told you, have assured you, that whatever happened wasn't your mistake."

"I should have been there, Dad. I promised to be back in time," said Vedant, his tone in a straight line.

"And you have never kept that promise and everyone knows that. You had never ever presented yourself in time. Your wife knew that. You were late by an hour, that's it."

"And that hour made all the difference," said Vedant recounting the incident. "It was a similar night. Rainy and messy. I had promised to take Indira for a check up because she had been feeling so uncomfortable and she felt the baby would be out before time. I was to pick her up at 6 pm but- I was caught up in a meeting. I should have informed her that I would be late, but I didn't. I took advantage of Indira's understanding nature. I reached home only by 8 pm. I can see everything in front of my eyes so clearly, Dad, even now. There had been a powercut and...no UPS those days. I knocked the door but there was no reply. I called for her- but no reply. I opened the door with the spare keys and walked inside the darkness calling out Indira's name and received only silence as response. I panicked. I shouted out her name, peeping into every room- kitchen, dining, bedroom, back-garden- but there was no sign of her. I ran to the stairs to check the spare room upstairs. I tripped on something. I bent down to look at the obstacle while I slowly brought my little torch to lighten the space. That's when I saw her lying on the floor covered in a pool of blood." Vedant covered his face controlling hard not to lose control of his emotions.

"You took her to the hospital and saved her life, Ved," continued Deveshwar.

"But lost my baby, Dad. We lost our baby- our daughter. It was due to my careless attitude and irresponsible behaviour that we lost our daughter and Indira was bed-ridden for 3 years."

"It was not because of you, Ved. Indira went upstairs. Power went off. She didn't have a torch. She came down slowly in the darkness, slipped in the stairs and fell down unconscious. You could have done nothing to stop that."

"If I had been there- she wouldn't have gone upstairs in the first place. We would have gone for the check up and..."

"If you are hell bent on blaming yourself- then I can't help. But neither I nor Indira or anyone blamed you for what happened. It was an accident. In fact, Indira told me that she was to be blamed for whatever happened."

Vedant wasn't ready to accept the words. "From that day, darkness had always tortured me. Every time I was thrown into darkness, I could see the bloodied face of Indira- I could see my dead little girl- I..."

"You have to move on Ved. You have to be strong. Remember, how strong you were when you took care of Indira and supported her in her recovery. Three years! Three years you were on her side. You did everything for her. You gave her the strength and the hope to have a normal life again. You led her back to stand on her own legs, walk on her own. Your love for her saved her life."

Vedant remained silent.

"And yet- and yet- you divorced her?"

Vedant took a deep breath to calm his nerves which had been dancing madly. "Dad, it was a long time ago. It was the right decision for both of us. We didn't have anything- any reason to live together anymore."

"Really?" asked Deveshwar, sitting back relaxed on his sofa. "Not even love? Come on Ved. You can fool yourself but not me. I know how much both of you loved each other. It was so evident to everyone. Even after the accident, you were there for her and she was there for you- never blamed you for everything and you didn't blame her for anything either. You went to great lengths to take care of her to bring her back on her legs. You were perfect for each other and here you are saying there was nothing between you after that."

"Every morning I woke up to get ready for my work. Indira packed my bags and lunch and got it ready. I spent my entire day at work while she worked on her research. I came back in the evening or night or late night, woke her up from her sleep and then- the day is over and it's the same the next morning."

"You made it like that Ved. You refused to give meaning to your life- your personal life, and plunged into your profession."

"It's not like that, Dad. When the doctor said we cannot have any more kids, I couldn't stop blaming myself. If only I had..."

"Enough!" said Deveshwar sternly. "It's been what 7 or 8 years now since you and Indira got divorced. Are you happy now? No. I can see that clearly. Indira isn't happy either. She wasn't happy to give the divorce in the first place. She thought you were a fool to even propose that plan. But still she did that for you- thinking you would be happy. At the same time, she knew you would realise your mistake soon. Look at yourself Ved. You are ruining your life when you can have a good and a peaceful life, with your wife. I know how it is to be alone. I still miss your mother. I could feel her presence everywhere. Even though your mom and I have always been at loggerheads like Tom and Jerry, I could see now how much she meant to me- how much she was part of my life. I could feel the void and it's not easy to live with that. I regret not voicing my love to your mom. I regret not doing loads of things for her. I regret speaking harshly to her. But I know there is no point in living with regret. I am living now with all those happy memories I had shared with her. It's not too late, Ved. You can still patch up with Indira and give your married life another chance. I am sure Indira will understand. She is definitely matured and understanding than you. Lock up your past and look at the future. Living a guilty life is of no use to anyone. Move on. Learn to handle your fears. If you can't, I am sure Indira will help you to."

Vedant couldn't say a word. He couldn't say that he had regretted divorcing Indira every moment after that. He had realised that he couldn't live without her and his life was in a mess because of her absence. He also knew he had ruined her life too. The past 7 years had been tormenting for him every time he reached home to his loneliness. He had avoided going home many a times and stayed back in the station. He had no one to talk to. He didn't want to talk to anyone. He always felt a strange anger and frustration. He became stubborn and arrogant and avoided his family completely. He didn't visit his parents for nearly a year after his divorce. His mother's illness forced him back into his family.

"I am sorry, Dad," apologised Vedant taking his father by surprise. "I know I have been really difficult for the past few years. I failed to handle myself and made stupid decisions..."

"For the last time I am telling you," said Deveshwar menacingly. "Don't talk about the past. What do you want to do in your life, Ved? Catching criminals is fine. But apart from that what else? Do you want to get Indira back in your life, again?"

"How will I face her?"

"We can cross that bridge when we have to. But answer my question. Do you want her..."

Vedant closed his eyes remembering those moments of loneliness in his apartment. He remembered the time he spent with Indira- the happy moments being with her. She was a formidable woman- intelligent, matured, organised- someone who was perfect in handling a man like him. In a way, he was perfect for her too. They were a perfect couple. He ruined that perfection because of his foolishness. He wanted to set things right. The case had a huge role to play too. He realised how important it was to have a companion in life.

"Yes. I want Indira back in my life. I will win her back."

Deveshwar laughed at his son. "It isn't like she is angry with you and you have to win her back. She has always been open to the idea of you both getting back together. Stop acting like a youth lover."

Vedant smiled embarrassed. "She is still in Dubai?"

"Yes. Completed her PhD and she is working as a professor in the National University. Call her. Meet her. Talk to her." Deveshwar paused eyeing his son closely. "You have been in constant touch with her, if I am not wrong?"

Vedant nodded. "Yes. We do talk from time to time. Just pleasantries and making sure the other is alright. Friendly talk. I have been a fool, haven't I? To divorce her? What was I thinking?"

"You weren't thinking, my foolish son," said Deveshwar patting his son's back and getting up. "Ready for some salads?"

"Salads?" asked Vedant shocked. "We are having salads for dinner?"

"Health is very important. Look at yourself. You are putting on weight," Deveshwar tapped at his son's tummy. " This will directly affect your heart, I am telling you. I am sure you aren't exercising. You will..."

"But salads? Just salads??"

"I cook only healthy food."

"But..."

"The pizza boxes are on the table. Put it on the oven for heating, will you?" asked Deveshwar casually.

"Pizzas!!" exclaimed Vedant. "You said you cook only healthy food!"

"I said I cook only healthy food- but I eat everything."

"Dad! It's not good for your health," said Vedant.

"Look who is telling," said Deveshwar again tapping at Vedant's tummy.

Vedant and his father got down to prepare their dinner. Vedant was glad he finally visited his father. He felt relieved after talking to him. He would put in a call to his wife first thing and sort out their relationship. He had been wishing to do that for some time now. He just wanted assurance that his decision was right.

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After two weeks, the case had made to page 5 from the headlines. The public interest and the media interest faded and the proceedings became more smooth and sane. The prosecution laid their case strongly and was confident of winning the case. The defence didn't have much evidence to oppose the ones presented. The Commissioner was happy. The team was happy. They had been working on evidences for the cases which were on trial, on request from the prosecution. Every day was a challenge which they awaited eagerly.

Vikram's hearing ended positively for him as he was released of all criminal charges. He was given suspension from duty for 6 months for not following protocol.

In spite of the team performing really well and closing the cases at a quicker rate, the budget for the team was overpowering.

"The Commissioner feels our team is too expensive," said Vedant to his team in the squad room.

"We are bringing our own lunch," said Sagar laughing receiving the same from everyone.

"What kind of expenses?" asked Heera.

"We are 8 in our team- including Ruby and Dr Shakti. He feels it is way too many for a team. Other units may welcome support especially from senior officers."

"They can't be seriously thinking about splitting our team," said Heera. The team had become a close knit and it was impossible for her and the others to think of a scenario of change within the team.

"It mustn't be a surprise. We work in a department where transfers and changes happen every week or a month," reasoned Vedant.

"What has the Commissioner proposed? Who are they chucking out of the team?" asked Sagar.

"Vikram," said Vedant. "Vikram is the first." The team gave an accused look at their boss. "Look- it wasn't like I didn't want him in my team. Vikram straying out of rules isn't new to me. He is a terrific officer and I would love to have him with us."

"Then why aren't you fighting against the decision?" asked Sagar.

"Two Senior Investigating Officers in one team? The Commissioner thinks that's unnecessary. And in a way he is right too. Hence- Vikram would go on to head another unit- probably Drugs Control."

Sagar nodded with approval. To head a unit is a step higher than working under a boss.

"I did think about chucking you out, Sagar. You are a SIO too. But to head a unit- some kind of sanity is required. Hence I had to drop the idea," added Vedant teasing Sagar.

"Ha-ha-ha, good joke," replied Sagar wearily.

"Just Vikram Sir then?" asked Ruby.

"For now- yes. But some plans are going on to take another one from this team," said Vedant.

"I am sure that would be me," said Charith sadly.

"No. We won't let that happen," said Heera.

"Even if it's you, you will still be in this building. So don't worry," said Vedant. "Are all the reports ready?"

"I want another case! I hate paper work," said Sagar.

"Enjoy the peace until another man or woman falls dead," said Vedant walking back to his room.

The team and their boss got back to their routine work and awaited their next challenge.

THE END!

Originally posted by: ...Shibu...

Awesome👍🏼
want to read ur next story soon

Originally posted by: vishruthaLN

Have been a silent reader throughout your story. But, i had to break my silence now!

THIS STORY IS BEYOND AWESOME!!!

I fall short of words to appreciate it!

From the beginning to the very end, there is not a single moment where the reader's interest declines!

What I loved the most about this story is, every chapter gave a new dimension to the case and proved my previous assumptions wrong, which I had made reading the previous chapter.

I used to wait every Friday for your update, to see if my assumption was right and everytime I was surprised at the turns the case would take!

You made each and every member of the team loveable by shaping their character so beautifully!

The fact that you continued your story undeterred, inspite of getting a meek response for such a wonderful story, increased my respect for you as a writer!

Waiting for the next case eagerly.

And thanks for pm'ing me throughout the story 😊

Originally posted by: Cieli.Santi

Read entire story in a go

And God this story was so amazing m absolutely in love with it

Originally posted by: uhs313

Hi Shweta, I am ujala, I just read your story and it was simply amazing. I could see all the scenes visualizing. You are a great writer do write more stories and please continue this story too. Eagerly waiting for new chapter and new case 😊