My entries for the Anniversary Contest

Once in a life time

Note: Love is something which is quite gradual in process. Love is a subject which has more things to say. I am trying to cover as much as I can. This story can be a usual one. Sorry if the story is too long. The conversation parts are highlighted in italics. Conversation is less and it will be more like a written update so that you can have a gist of the storyline.

Scene 1: CID Bureau

ACP sir, Purvi and Pankaj had left the bureau to investigate a murder case. Daya had went to meet his informer for an important case. Abhijeet and Freddy were busy cross checking some files. Meanwhile Abhijeet's phone started ringing. He saw a landline number flashing on the mobile screen.

Abhijeet (still looking at the file): Hello, Senior Inspector Abhijeet here.

A lady responded him.

Lady: Sir, we are calling from City hospital

Abhijeet: Yes, tell me.

Lady: Sir, Senior Inspector Daya has been admitted here in our hospital. He had met an accident.

Abhijeet (in a shocking tone): What? What are you saying?

Lady: Yes sir. I am telling the truth. A lady had admitted him now. Since we know Daya sir very well, we called you immediately.

Abhijeet: Oh my god! Is the lady still there?

Lady: Yes sir. She is still here.

Abhijeet: Please tell her not to go anywhere. I will be there in ten minutes.

Abhijeet ended the call. Freddy became puzzled after seeing Abhijeet's nervousness.

Freddy (in a confused tone): Abhijeet sir, what happened? Any problem?

Abhijeet (in an anxious tone): Freddy, I will tell you about it later. If ACP sir asks me just tell him that I went out for an important work.

Abhijeet rushed out and got into his car. In few seconds, the car vanished like a lightning as he ignited it.

Scene 2: City hospital

Abhijeet came rushing into the hospital after crossing the heavy traffic in the road. He immediately went to the receptionist cabin to confirm the news.

Abhijeet (in an anxious tone): Excuse me, I got a call from this hospital. Is Senior Inspector Daya admitted in this hospital?

Receptionist: Yes Sir, I was the person who spoke to you. Daya sir is in room no. 423.

Abhijeet: Thank you.

He ran and got inside the lift and within few seconds, he reached the room where Daya is lying unconscious. He saw through the transparent door, which reflected unconscious Daya. He was shocked to see his friend like that. A nurse came and gave Daya's things, which consisted of Daya's badge, wallet, mobile etc.

Opposite to the room, he saw a lady wearing saree, seemingly worried about something.

Abhijeet: Excuse me, madam. I'm Senior Inspector Abhijeet from Mumbai CID. What is worrying you? Whom you're waiting for?

Lady: Sir, I am worried about the person who is inside the room. I admitted him in this hospital.

Abhijeet: May I know your name, please.

Lady: My name is Srishti.

Abhijeet: How did you get to know about the accident?

Srishti: Sir, I was coming back from an event near Juhu. Some of the street lights were not working properly. So the road was almost dark. As I walked in that road, I found a car stood hitting the tree. I am not sure if it's a car. So I switched on the flashlight in my mobile. It was a white colour car. As I approached near the car, I found a person lying badly injured inside the car. So I immediately called the ambulance and brought him to this hospital.

Abhijeet: Did you see anything different other than this?

Srishti: Nothing, Sir.

Abhijeet: Actually, He's Senior Inspector Daya from Mumbai CID.

Srishti: Oh I see. Sir it was really pathetic to see him like that.

Abhijeet: It's okay Srishti, Thank you so much for your timely help. Can you give me your residential address? I will drop you home.

Srishti: Sorry sir. If you don't mind, can I take care of Daya sir?

Abhijeet: Why do you strain yourself? Won't your family members search for you? It's already too late.

Srishti: Sir, I don't have a family. I'm living with my friends. They will understand my situation.

Abhijeet: Okay, you can be here.

Meanwhile, the doctor came near Abhijeet and told that Daya is out of danger but he needs to take rest for atleast 15-20 days. Abhijeet got Srishti and her friends' mobile numbers. He informed ACP sir and other teammates through a conference call about Daya's condition. Freddy came to the hospital. Abhijeet told Freddy to take care of Daya and have an eye on Srishti.

For the first three days, Srishti took care of Daya, in spite of everything. Every day, each officer visited the hospital, whenever time permitted. Everyone was surprised to see Srishti's caring nature and they were no more suspicious about her. When Abhijeet asked Srishti about her job, she told that she was working in a non-beneficial organization which helps poor and orphan kids. On the fourth day, Daya gained consciousness. But Srishti got vanished that morning. Freddy went out to purchase some medicines, and shocked to know about Srishti's disappearance when he came back.

FEW HOURS LATER

Abhijeet came to the hospital. He wondered seeing Freddy's face. Freddy was quite anxious, and his face showed signs of expectation.

Abhijeet: What happened Freddy? Why are you so anxious?

Freddy: Sir, Srishti is missing.

Abhijeet: What?

Freddy: Yes, sir. I went to buy some medicines. When I came back, she was not here. I asked the receptionist and she told me that Srishti left just before I came here.

While Abhijeet was thinking about this, Doctor came out from Daya's room and informed him that Daya gained consciousness and they can meet Daya.

INSIDE THE ROOM

Daya slowly opened his eyes and saw Abhijeet and Freddy. He could feel an intense pain caused by the injuries. In spite of this, Daya smiled at Abhijeet and Freddy.

Abhijeet: How are you, Daya? I know it's really painful. I'm praying God for your wellbeing.

Daya: I was really afraid that I couldn't see you anymore.

Freddy: Please don't say like that Sir. Without you we are nothing.

Abhijeet: Freddy, you know about our job, right? By the way, how did this happen Daya?

Daya: I went to meet my informer in a coffee shop. After our meeting, I started the car and after a little distance, the brakes were not working. A black car started to chase my car. My car lost control and hit the tree. After that, some men came with black masks and started beating me. I tried to attack them, had a fight with them but at one point they overpowered me and sprayed something on my face and I fell down unconscious. I don't know what happened after that. The road was quite lonely.

Abhijeet: So it's purely a murder attempt. We have many enemies. Who might have done this? Freddy, ask Pankaj and Purvi to check Daya's phone location records on that day. Try to check the CCTV footages of those locations.

Freddy left the hospital. Abhijeet and Daya were silent for sometime. A nurse came and gave some medicines to Daya. Daya broke the silence.

Daya: Who admitted me here?

Abhijeet: A lady named Srishti admitted you here.

Daya: Srishti... Can you show me her photo?

Abhijeet: Wait for one minute.

Abhijeet went to receptionist asking for CCTV footage of the hospital, exactly before he came to the hospital, as he really wanted to know when Srishti left the hospital and it would be convenient to show her face to Daya.

Few minutes later...

Abhijeet came in with his tablet to show the CCTV footage to Daya. After seeing Srishti in the footage, Daya's face showed surprise.

Daya: This girl... Did this girl admit me here?

Abhijeet: Yes Daya. What happened Daya? Do you know this girl?

Daya: Yes, boss. Srishti. She's my college mate. Actually she's my junior. She used to win all the competitions in our college. She's a bright student.

Abhijeet: Oh I see. Actually she admitted you here. We got suspicious at first. But she took care of you for these days. Today morning she left the hospital without informing us. I even tried to call her, while checking the footage, but her number was out of reach.

Daya (little surprised): Really? Actually we used to be part of our college cultural events. She's too calm and reserved. She is not a talkative. After I left the college, I lost her contact.

Abhijeet: Oh I see. Nice to hear about her. She's really a good girl. Her behavior is good. She's working as a social worker. Maybe she got an urgent call. That's why she might have left without informing us.

Daya: Maybe Abhijeet. I must thank her, if I meet her.

Abhijeet: I hope we can meet her. Okay Daya, you take rest. I will inform ACP sir about you. Get well soon, bro.

Abhijeet patted Daya and left the room.

One and a half month later...

Daya got recovered and started involving in investigation. One day, Abhijeet and Daya were investigating a case near Malad. When Daya was searching for some evidence, he found a lady walking towards a coffee shop which was on the opposite side of the road. He identified the lady as Srishti. He went near Abhijeet to inform him about this.

Daya: Boss, I found Srishti.

Abhijeet (curiously): Where?

Daya: She went to the coffee shop there (pointing the finger towards the opposite side). Shall I go and talk with her?

Abhijeet: Okay Daya. But come back soon.

Daya reached the coffee shop and sat opposite to Srishti's chair.

Srishti (in a surprised tone): Daya sir, are you alright? Sorry I left the hospital without informing anyone. Actually I got a call from my colleague. A kid was admitted in the hospital and fighting for life. That kid wanted to see me. I had to take care of that kid. By the way, how's your health Daya Sir?

Daya: I'm fine. Srishti, don't you remember me?

Srishti: How do you know my name? Did Abhijeet sir say anything about me?

Daya: Srishti, you still don't remember me? I'm your college mate.

Srishti's face turned pale after hearing this from Daya.

Srishti (in an irritated tone): Sir, I have never met you before that accident. I think you've mistaken.

Daya: What happened now? Did I say anything wrong? As far I know, you are my college mate. Please don't play prank on me.

Srishti (in an angry tone): Try to understand me. Even if you ask me thousand times, I would say the same. I have never met you before that accident. Sorry sir. I don't know why I saved you.

Daya became shocked seeing Srishti's weird behavior. Meanwhile he got a call from ACP sir, asking him about the case proceeding. He made an excuse stating that he was searching for the evidence and he would get back to him after ten minutes. Daya then continued speaking with Srishti.

Daya (little embarrassed): Okay, I'm sorry. I might have mistaken you. Anyways, thank you very much for saving my life.

Daya left the coffee shop and went to investigate the case. He told Abhijeet about the incident which happened in the coffee shop. Abhijeet told that he would resolve the matter if he met her. Few days later, Abhijeet met Srishti in a temple. Abhijeet requested Srishti that he would like to talk with her.

Srishti: How are you, Abhijeet sir?

Abhijeet: I'm fine.

There was a silence for few seconds. Abhijeet resumed the conversation.

Abhijeet: What's wrong with you, Srishti?

Srishti: Why sir? What happened?

Abhijeet: I know everything about the incident happened in the coffee shop on that day.

Suddenly he picked out a photograph of Daya and Srishti, which was taken during their college days. He showed her the photo.

Srishti (in a shocked state): Sir, I don't know what to say...

Abhijeet: Why did you behave rude on that day?

Srishti: Sir, you cannot understand my situation unless I tell you the truth.

Abhijeet: What's that?

Srishti: I'm a memory loss patient.

Abhijeet (little shocked): What?

Srishti: Yes sir, 10 years back, I lost my memory in an accident. I don't know who I am until my childhood friend told me. She took care of me when I struggled with my memory. I accepted her as my friend. According to her, actually I lived with my father. He was a heart patient. I was passionate about my studies and was not interested in marriage. Suddenly my father became ill and I had to marry a person before anything could happen to my father. When my fiance and I travelled to give invitation to his friends, we met a dreadful accident and my fiance lost his life. It took months for me to recover. I didn't even know about my father's death. I couldn't mingle with the people around me. I couldn't recognize anyone from my past. I felt like I have lost everything. I couldn't face anyone and I felt rejected by everyone around me. They also told me as a sign of misfortune. My childhood friend helped me fight the situation. It took a long time to accept myself and my so called past. I had to leave the place where I lived. I began a new life by helping unprivileged kids and elderly people. But when I meet someone from my past, I tend to lose my control because of the dreadful experience I had with the people around me.

Abhijeet remained quiet for sometime. His face showed signs of embarrassment. Then he continued to speak.

Abhijeet: Srishti, I know how it would be to lead a life like this. I know how painful it would be. I too share the same problem as you do.

Srishti: What? Really? I couldn't believe this Sir...

Abhijeet: Yes Srishti. Actually I got a family, only when I joined CID. Daya had been a vital part in my life, even in my tough times. He gave me the confidence to fight my problem. I'm alive now, only because of him. Don't worry Srishti, we are there for you. Consider me as your brother. We will help you if needed.

Srishti: I'm sorry Abhijeet sir. I shouldn't have behaved like that. I must apologise to Daya sir immediately. I might have hurt him with my behavior. Can you give me Daya sir's number?

Abhijeet: Sure. Why not?

Abhijeet gave Daya's number to Srishti. Srishti told that she would call Daya and talk to him. Both left the temple bidding goodbye to each other. Abhijeet told Daya everything about his meeting with Srishti. Daya got little excited when he came to know about Srishti getting his number from Abhijeet. Because Daya admired Srishti during his college days. He still wondered thinking about her because though she forgot her past, her character has never changed. Circumstances didn't bring Daya and Srishti together during their college days because their relationship was more like a senior - junior relationship. Srishti called Daya that night.

Daya: Hello, Senior Inspector Daya here.

Srishti: Hello Daya sir, I'm Srishti.

Daya: Tell me Srishti. Are you still angry with me?

Srishti: Sorry sir. I shouldn't have behaved like that.

Daya: Actually I must say sorry. Abhijeet told me everything about you.

Srishti: Sir...

Daya: Srishti, I shouldn't have told about myself. Now I don't need your past. You have saved my life. Can't we become friends now? Do you mind befriending me now?

Srishti: Sure sir. I am really happy to have you as my friend. I was bit scared because I don't know how you will consider me. I thought you're quite rude.

Daya (smiling): Yes I am rude. I am rude to criminals. But I am not rude with everyone.

Srishti: Sorry for everything that happened before. I will meet you when time permits.

Daya: It's okay. You know about my job right? We don't even have time for ourselves. I will try my best to meet you one day for sure.

Daya's life was as usual, chasing criminals, fighting for justice, filled with some funny moments, some casual conversations etc. Srishti's phone calls were just an addition in his life. One day, he met Srishti in a bus stop, and they shared their everyday life stories with each other. As days passed, the duration of their conversation in mobile started growing and they started developing a strong friendship between them. Srishti was simple in her dressing and in the way she presented herself. Her attitude impressed Daya very much. They occasionally met each other, only when they got free time from their job. Later, Srishti used to call Daya for the orphanages and old age homes where she used to visit regularly. Daya used to mingle with those kids and old people very well.

Six months later...

ACP sir, Abhijeet and Freddy started noticing some difference in Daya's behavior. He started smiling a lot. Daya appeared to be so soft and calm in nature. Abhijeet felt that Daya became more charming than usual. Daya's life had seemed to change after meeting Srishti. He enjoyed Srishti's company and felt comfortable being with her. One Sunday morning, Abhijeet paid a surprise visit to Daya's house. Abhijeet was surprised to see the door open. As he went inside, he heard some romantic Hindi songs being played on a higher volume in the music system. Daya was not there in the hall. Abhijeet was sitting on the sofa. Suddenly he found a diary on the table, and a pen was kept on it.

He curiously picked the diary and started flipping the pages. He got surprised to see Daya's poetic skills. Meanwhile Daya came out from the bathroom, wiping his head after a shower. He was shocked to see Abhijeet reading the diary.

Daya (shouting): Boss...

Daya was about to snatch the diary from Abhijeet's hand. Abhijeet hid the diary playfully.

Abhijeet (in a surprised tone): What's all these Daya? You have never told me that you're so much talented. I'm noticing many changes in you, nowadays.

Daya (hesitating): Oh boss, nothing like that. I just wrote it for time pass.

Abhijeet (naughty): Don't lie. Who's that girl?

Daya: Abhijeet...

Abhijeet: I'm a CID officer. Moreover your friend... Tell me who's she?

Daya: Srishti...

Abhijeet: Oh my God! I had a wild guess about this and you proved it... That's why your phone is always engaged...Did you tell this to her?

Daya: No, I didn't tell her anything. Will you help me?

Abhijeet: Wonderful Daya... You will fall in love with a girl and I will tell your love...

Well this time I am not going to take risk. I'm done with the past. It's upto you to handle this...

Daya: Abhijeet...

Abhijeet: Don't worry... I will support you... But only you can express your feelings...

All the best Daya...

The rest of the day Abhijeet spent his quality time with Daya. That night Srishti called Daya, and they were discussing some general topics. Suddenly Srishti asked a question...

Srishti: Why you didn't marry? You are not interested in marriage I think...

Daya: No, I was interested in marriage. I didn't get a nice girl... I haven't met my ideal partner...

Srishti: I'm really surprised that you're still a bachelor. You're good looking, kind hearted and also a well settled man... Many girls will be drooling over you... How long you will be a bachelor?

Daya: Don't worry... I will tell you about my marriage when time comes... What about you?

Srishti: I am not really interested in marriage. I love being with kids and elderly people. I just want to dedicate my life to those people. That's it.

Though Srishti's answer was little disappointing to Daya, he still had confidence in his love. After this conversation, either Srishti or Daya didn't speak for few days. Daya was busy handling an important case. He didn't have time to call Srishti. After the case got solved, Daya felt that it won't be good to delay. He was desperate to meet Srishti and open up his heart. One fine day, Daya called Srishti and told that he would like to meet her and he had something important to say. Srishti told that she too had something to say so she would meet him at his house. She told that their meeting should be secret.

Daya was quite excited and he wanted to arrange everything before Srishti's arrival. He must pickup Srishti as well in the evening. He went to ACP sir asking for leave.Abhijeet was also discussing with ACP sir about a case.

Daya (with hesitation): Sir, I need leave today.

ACP: Why?

Daya: I have to meet my informer.

ACP: Who's that informer? Ask him to come here.

Daya: You never know that informer, Sir.

ACP (glancing Abhijeet, who was smiling): Who's that informer I never knew before?

Abhijeet: I know that informer Sir. Please grant him leave Sir.

ACP : Okay Daya. You can go. But I will call you when needed.

Daya left the bureau. The most awaited time arrived. Srishti didn't speak anything with Daya while he picked up her. Srishti came to Daya's house. She was quite surprised to see Daya's house because of the way it appeared. Before Daya could say anything, Srishti gave him a box. She looked serious and she was quite nervous. Daya opened the box and found a ring inside. Daya exclaimed as the ring was beautiful. But Srishti got the ring from him and opened the ring and took out an SD card. Daya got puzzled and inserted it into his laptop. The SD card had details about some underworld criminals, who were involved in human trafficking and organ trafficking. One of the members in the orphanage had a link with those underworld criminals. Srishti told that she has a life threat and requested Daya to take action. She also told that she was being stalked by some people. He immediately informed CID team to come to his house. The entire team came to Daya's house. They were shocked to see the evidence .

For the next few days, the entire CID team started working on this case. Purvi stayed with Srishti in order to protect her. CID team worked day and night for this case. They were nearing those criminals through their investigation. Daya got a clue from the accident which happened to him few months back. Further investigation made it clear that a notorious criminal was involved in many cases, which were interlinked like a chain. One day Srishti got a call from her friend, asking to meet her. Purvi and Srishti went together in a car to meet Srishti's friend. Again the car got into an accident, as happened to Daya earlier.

ACP sir, Freddy and Pankaj rescued Purvi but became shocked to know that Srishti is missing. Abhijeet and Daya started searching Srishti and Abhijeet in the other hand, instructed police force to search the hideouts of the criminals. The whole team remained connected with each other through their mobile. Eventually Daya found Srishti in a badly injured state, tied inside an under construction. While Daya went to rescue her, he got trapped. He managed to escape the trap with the help of his teammates. He escaped with some injuries and rescued Srishti risking his life. The team accomplished in attesting the mastermind, who was one of the leading businessmen in Mumbai. Daya admitted Srishti in the same hospital where she admitted him few months back. The whole team was waiting for Srishti's recovery. Daya was very much worried about her.

Doctor told Daya that Srishti was responding well to the treatment but only after 24 hours he could say anything about her. Daya went inside the room and sat near Srishti's bed. He started crying after seeing her.

Daya (in a breaking voice): Srishti, I hope you will hear me. I am really confident that you will hear me, because while you took care of me when I was injured, my soul could feel your soft touch, though I was unconscious. I told you that I will tell you about my marriage. I think this is the right time to open up. My life will be complete only if I open up my heart. I am really lucky to meet you again. Only after I met you, I realized that my life is incomplete without you. I have met many girls, but not a pure soul like you. I am never afraid of hardcore criminals, but I tend to lose myself when I look into your eyes. I promise you that I will give you everything which you lost in your life. I am not ready to lose you anymore, at any cost in my life. For you will be my better half. I'm here alive because of you. Come back Srishti. I lost many years in my life, because I am destined to get a precious gift like you. Will you marry me? Will you take care of me? I am waiting for your answer Srishti.

Daya started crying. ACP sir and Abhijeet consoled Daya. The whole team was worried about Srishti's health. 24 hours passed, and doctors were struggling to treat her. Two days later, Srishti gained consciousness. She told the nurse that she wanted to speak with Daya. Daya came into the room.

Srishti: How are you? How is your health?

Daya: I'm alright. I must ask you these questions. How do you feel now?

Srishti: I am feeling better after seeing you.

Daya: Did you hear anything what I said?

Srishti: How can I hear you when I'm unconscious?

Daya paused for sometime. He didn't speak anything.

Srishti: Do you think I don't know anything?

Daya (little surprised): What?

Srishti: I read your diary.

Daya: How? When?

Srishti: When you went inside the room to get your laptop, I found your diary. I really loved the words written in the diary. I even felt like those words are written for me. After I got kidnapped by the goons, I realized that I am in love with you. You're not a superhero for me, but you're the best person I have ever met. I really longed for you, just to see your face and your smile. You live with good people around you. Can I be your better half? Can I consider your teammates as my family members?

Daya kissed on Srishti's forehead to show his approval. The entire CID was happy to see Daya and Srishti together.

THE END