CHAPTER IX
Both ASR and Shyam Jha had their agendas set for the day. But by the time, ASR came down from his room, Shyam Jiju had already left for the day, so he was told by his Di. ASR took leave from the rest of the family and started driving towards the AR head office. He suddenly took a detour and found himself outside Khushi's house in Laxminagar. But instead of getting out, he sat inside and like the proverbial Shakespearean tragedy king, Hamlet, ASR was debating - To Go In or Not To Go In, but the decision was taken out of his hands. He saw Buaji and his mother-in-law watching him in awe as though he had landed him from Mars. He felt like a zoo animal and remembered the sign posted at the entrance of the zoo.
ASR: Nahi main '''''''''''''''''''''''''.
Her face fell and this in turn bothered ASR. He had hoped that Khushi may have come to her parents place, but apparently not. Hopefully, the leads that Aman would put forth would produce results. He felt his FIL look at him earnestly. This was the second time he had noticed this. He always felt that he wanted to say something, but what. He tentatively asked, "Aap kuch kehna chahtein hain"
The only response from him was soundless movement of the jaws. The only recognizable word was the soundless Khushi that was enunciated. "Khushi ke baare main''..kahiye'...boliye''''''''
His FIL was nodding furiously. How could he know where Khushi was'''''''''''.this was ridiculous, he thought, he was clutching at straws. He was gesturing at something, but what. He looked at the wall''''''''''..what was there. On the wall were prized pictures of the Guptas and ASR found the journey down the memory lane endearing. The adjoining wall had certificates framed''..wait a minute''.what the'''Khushi was a board ranker in her 12th and they did not let her study. What else'''''''''.accomplished dancer, Visharaad, level proficiency''''''''''''''.. and what the heck is "Parisanwaad". He turned and looked at his FIL and said, "Parisanwaad". The query brought a crooked smile on his FIL's face. He pulled out his 4G iPhone and googled'''.debate. Yeah, he should not be surprised, his wife an ace debater, naturally. Nothing stopped his wife, if she knew she was right. He had learnt about his wife so much in these last 48 hours. 30 minutes had flown, no conversation had taken place, but somehow his mind was at peace. He took leave from his FIL, promising to return and bid adieu to the rest of his in-laws.
From outside the house, the entire byplay was being watched by CM. CM has kept a vigil on his wife and his ex-client's wife. He had texted his trusted assistant and long time associate, Panditji, to reach home by 5.30am. By 5.30 am, when he opened the door for Panditji, he was dressed for the field, his face disguised with a grayish hue and moustache. He left after leaving Panditji with a series of detailed instructions. He then proceeded to text a bunch of investigation requests to his field investigator, Laura Adkins. On top of the list of people to be investigated were ASR and his immediate family and Khushi's family. He left soon to reach Laxminagar by 6.15 am and watched. Khushi's house was happily situated on a narrow street. The street was mainly residential, but was interspersed with a grocery store and other mom and pop joints. The garage next to the house was god sent. He quickly tampered with his motorcyle's gear box and dumped a handful of dirt in the fuel tank. This would afford him to watch the house unobtrusively. At 7.30 am, a man with blue overalls parked his bicycle and unlocked the garage door. And promptly CM pushed his motorcycle laboriously into the shop.
"Garage abhi tak khula nahi sahib"
CM: Pata hai, lekin aaj khulega na. Hamari iss basanti (motorcycle) ke bagair kahin jaa bhi nahi sakte. Teek to karani padegi.
The worker brought out of his shop a disreputable looking metal folding chair and offered it to CM. Without any qualms CM sat on it and started making conversation. The man was called Happy and had been working in the garage since its inception. Within the next half hour, CM knew every detail about the Gupta family, starting with Payal's broken marriage in Lucknow, their arrival in Laxminagar, Delhi, Khushi becoming the breadwinner of the house, the advent of their paying guest, Shyam Manohar Jha, who almost became Khushi's husband, the arrival Khushi's parents from Lucknow, Khushi's father suffering a stroke and finally Khushi's quick marriage. CM let Happy continue, but his attention was diverted by the opening of the Gupta residence front door. Out came two women. One had a bohemian look while the other traditional.
Namaste Buaji, Namaste Maussiji,"said Happy.
"Apna kaam kar, muhjale", said the bohemian one, while the other looked at Happy apologetically.
"Kuch naya nahin hai, Buaji aisse hi baat karti hain, lekin man ki acchi hain. Yeh hamari Khushi didi to Sankadevi ke naam se pukarti hai. Pata nahi kyun."
Further prodding, revealed that the PG was originally from Lucknow, but practiced law at the Delhi High Court, and was known to travel out of town cases extensively. He was a bachelor and claimed to have family in Lucknow. But since Khushi's sudden marriage to her boss, ASR, Mr. Jha had left for good. As Happy rattled, CM saw ASR drive up with his huge SUV and park outside Khushi's house''''talk about a Bull in a China Shop.
"Well", mused CM, "Apni Numaishi nahi karvani hai to, niklilye bahar ASR, nahi to nikale jaoge." And just as he had thought, the 2 women returning with milk, stood aghast, looking at ASR as though he was some prized primate. A few minutes later ASR walked into the house. Happy's running commentary continued.
"Yeh ASR hai, Arnav Singh Raizada, Khushididi ke husband. Pata hai bahut bade aadmi hai. Aur humne bhi inki gaadi ke ooper kaam kiya hai".
While Happy continued to chat, he also gave CM an overview of the problem and estimated price for the job and the approximate time to complete the job. CM knew that the quote was not far from what he had expected. The other garage attendees also started to come in and resume their work. CM's cell phone started beeping as he watched ASR leave the Gupta residence. Laura acknowledged receipt of the instructions. She had downloaded pictures of ASR, Shyam Jha, Akash and Dyanchand (assumed Mamaji's name) from the internet and had already procured background information pertaining to ASR and Akash. As regards, Mr. Jha, it would take some time as he was supposed to have completed his education from Lucknow.
He had to figure out a way to get into the house. The entire area was bustling with activity, with vendors and hawkers. Just then a young lady stepped out of the Gupta door. Obviously, this was Mrs. Raizada's sibling, Payal, and the same was confirmed by Happy. He excused himself on the pretext of stretching his legs and followed Payal from a safe distance. He tailed her to the vegetable vendor and to the corner grocery store. Payal's return journey was laborious. She was armed with way too many bags. The house was close but not so close. CM saw the opening and used his pocket knife to slash two of Payal's bags. And like Sir Galahad, very graciously offered to carry them back. As they passed the garage, Happy acknowledged CM and received an update on the repair job.
CM stepped into the house and was introduced to the occupants. The two women were helping the invalid in the wheelchair and CM volunteered. Being a big man, he effortlessly, seated the Khushi's father in the chair and wheeled him into the bedroom. He then gently proceeded to lay him on the bed. This prompted Buaji's rantings, "Hai Re Nandkisore, hamre Shyambabua kitna khayal rakhe the, humre Sasibabua ka. Par humre bhaag mein kahan aisan jamai. Par humre Sanka Devi ke bhaag mein to woh raakshas hi likha tha"
A glare from Khushi's mother stopped Buaji's tirade. She had come into the room with her husband's medication and water. CM volunteered to feed it to Mr. Gupta and took the medication from Mrs. Gupta's hands. Close inspection indicated that the seal of the tablet was already broken, otherwise unnoticeable. He asked Mrs. Gupta if she had broken the seal and she said she hadn't. He intentionally dropped the tablet on the floor and asked Mrs. Gupta to get another one from the medication supply. Mrs. Gupta handed him the entire bag of medication. He pulled out the strip of tablets and found what he had suspected, the entire strip was tampered. He found Mr. Gupta's eyes watching him intensely. Not wanting to arouse any suspicion, he quickly put the entire strip back, tore off another tablet from the strip and swiped the prescription from the bag. The former tablet and the prescription were quickly pocketed. He pretended to drop the medication in Mr. Gupta's mouth and fed him just water. CM was now invited for tea and he grabbed the opportunity with both the hands to observe the Gupta household routine in closer proximity. As the women folk busied themselves, he walked to the wall behind Mr. Gupta's bed. On his way, he took the medication bag and examined the contents and was pretty disturbed at the findings. Mr. Gupta was being fed digestives, a paracetamol and a mild blood pressure medication, while the prescription indicated heavy duty heart medication. The broken seals on the blood pressure medication indicated tampering, and he suspected that they were laced with poison. He had an idea what was happening here, but he needed Nalini's expertise for confirmation, but before that he needed to make a stop at Divyanka's. He proceeded to glance at the pictures and certificates that were displayed proudly on the wall. He quickly made a mental note of the schools that Mrs. Raizada and her sister had attended. He had too many bases to cover and he knew at least two lives were in danger. He quickly took leave from the Guptas and took possession of his repaired motorcycle from Happy. He then headed straight to the forensic lab to Divyanka Iyer.
"Yes, I am here and busy"
"I want this analyzed now''''''''''..look I think'''''''''''''."
"Take a ticket and stand in line buster", said Divyanka
"I won't bother you again. I need to know now someone's life is in danger."
"That's what you said the last time", said Divyanka
CM: "Look I think this is laced with poison and I have a suspicion that it is not exotic, trust me it won't take long for you, just trust me.
Divyanka: I could get into trouble you know by putting your work ahead all the time. Tu nahi manega''''''.chal de specimen. If I can't find anything at the first shot, I am going to put your request right at the end of the line.
CM: Please, you have monopoly here. Kaun karega itna kaam. And I know you will find poison. I just need your confirmation, to keep the patient safe.
In less than 20 minutes, Divyanka looked up at CM and the look is all the he needed.
"Son of a gun",he said and ran out of the door.
CM ran out of the lab after receiving confirmation from Diyanka and headed to his house. As he drove, his felt his blackberry pinging every 10 seconds. Someone was trying to get a hold of him or information was trickling from Laura. He soon reached home and started scanning his blackberry. Laura's dossier on ASR and Akaash Raizada were as expected, but the information about their BIL, Shyam Jha was troublesome. Laura's inquires at the court revealeded that Mr. Jha was very helpful and was an ace criminal lawyer. But his practice was not thriving. He was primarily funded by his wife, ASR's older sister, Anjali Jha, who in turn was provided for by ASR. Further investigation had revealed that all the recent cases represented by Mr. Jha were litigation cases and more that often Mr. Jha was preying on his ignorant clients. One of his colleagues indicated that Shyam was originally from Lucknow, was single and had no family in Delhi. Until recently, he resided at Laxminagar as a paying guest at Madhumati Sahay's house and was going to get married to the landlady's niece, Ms. Khushi Gupta.
Attempted murder, harassment, cheating, extortion, almost bigamy'''''.what more crimes are left to add to your crime kitty Shyam Jha?, thought CM.
CM called Laura.
CM: Laura just check if Shyam Jha has made an appearance again at the Gupta residence.
Laura: Alright boss, am on it.
CM made another call to Divyanka
Divyanka: Don't ask for any favors, I am really busy.
CM: I am asking for a favor from your fianc, Aman, and not you
Divyanka: Haan? Should I be worried? Kahin yeh naya Dostana mujhpar bhari na pade?
CM: Was that a joke, if it was I am not amused. Secondly thank you for your faith in my abilities. Do seedhe bandon ke baare main aissa kaisse soch sakti ho tum. Anyway, Aman se kaho to call me ASAP. He is not picking up his cell phone.
Divyanka: Sure''will get to it.
Nalini looked at her husband: Can I be of assistance?
CM: Yes, I need it badly that too as a physician who is going to make a house call in Laxminagar. But you need to know everything about this case.
Nalini: You have never discussed any of your cases till now,
CM: Yes I know, but this case is going to be an exception as everything is interconnected.
CM briefed his wife on all facts of the case, his suspicions, conclusions and the morning's events at Gupta residence and his findings about Shyam Jha.
CM: And this is Shashi Gupta's prescription but here is the medication that is being fed to him. I just got this blood pressure medication analyzed by Divyanka at the lab. And just as I had suspected, it is laced with poison. First of all we need to get him off that medication and his body needs to be detoxified. I suspect that Mr. Jha has been making sure that Mr. Gupta never got his correct medication for the last 2 years. I am trying to figure out how to get the Guptas away from Mr. Jha's influence for good. In the short run, I hope this Aman calls soon. His presence for this operation is crucial. You will accompany Aman to the Gupta residence on the pretext that their SIL, ASR, has sent the physician. You can check out the patient. I will leave it to your professional judgement as regards the kind of treatment Mr. Gupta needs. Aman will be the perfect foil. While the two of you do the needful, Panditji will mind your patient, Khushi Raizada. I will be at home too working on my plan to relocate Khushi and a permanent solution for the Guptas.
CM's phone pinged again, and this time it was Laura giving him an update about Mr. Jha's visit to the Gupta's residence in the last two years was very sporadic. He only stopped by to provide the Guptas with Babuji's (Mr. Gupta's) medication. Nalini in the meanwhile accessed the web and browsed two websites, drugs.com and pdr.net to ascertain what had been prescribed to Mr. Gupta by his attending physician. CM had already updated on the medications that were being fed to Mr. Shashi Gupta. She also called Divyanka to get her opinion on the examination of the pill.
On cue, Aman called CM and Aman was instructed what had to be done.
Gupta Residence, Laxminagar
As discussed both Dr. Nalini Singh and Aman went to the Gupta residence. The door was promptly opened by Buaji, who was not at all pleased to receive the unexpected visitors. In fact she was pretty antagonistic,
Buaji: Hai re Nandkishore, kis baat ke liye us raakshas ne bheja hai aapko? Humra Shyam bitwa humre babua ko bahut khyaaal rakhe hein. Aapko kono zaroorat nahi ihaan par. Pichale do saal se Shyam bitwa hi hum sabka khyaal rakhe hein.
Aman: Buaji, humko bheje hain to kaam karne dijiye na varna ASR hum dono ki khatiya khadi kar denge. Please.
Buaji: Chaliye bheetar,
Both went in. While Aman kept Payal, Garima and Buaji engaged, Dr. Nalini checked out the patient. She found in the medication bag a lot of sleeping pills. She figured that Mr. Gupta's body was under the siege of numerous toxins, therefore, she recommended admission of Mr. Gupta under her care in the same hospital where he was first admitted more than two years ago.
Babuji was in the hospital for a week and was treated comprehensively. His body underwent a series of detoxification process and he was prescribed a new set of pills. By the time of discharge, Babuji had acquired a healthy glow losing the grey pallor. During discharge, Dr. Singh told the three Gupta women to take care of Mr. Gupta's medication and not delegate it to anyone. After making sure, that the Guptas were comfortably settled, the duo of Dr. Singh and Aman returned to their place of operation at the Maheshwari residence after successful completion of phase one part of the plan.
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