Stardust #2: OS - Paradise pg 31 (21/01) - Page 18

"Ok, Armaan.." she replied, her face serious, as her dark eyes fixed upon him. "Uncle!" She suddenly added, squealing and doubling over in giggles as he growled fiercely at her. The shine in her eyes would not leave, Riddhima observed as she watched their behaviour from the kitchen door. Aliyah had grown accustomed to Armaan's presence over the past few weeks, and it helped that Riddhima herself kept inviting him over, whether it was to spend the day or to have dinner. Along with Armaan, Aliyah had also now grown used to Muskaan and Rahul, both who spent as much time as they could in the hospital with her, taking it in turns to keep her busy while Riddhima had other work to do. It was clear that Aliyah had gelled mostly with Muskaan, after Riddhima. Muskaan's bubbly nature and ability to make a joke out of everything, not to mention her undying loyalty for the ones she loved that clearly shone out through her behaviour, pulled every individual towards her. Especially someone who had lost the hope to live, like Aliyah.

She sighed. It had been three weeks since she'd found Aliyah on the road, begging for some protection. And now, she had just begun to come out of the shell she had created. It was a short time, for someone who had gone through so much! And yet when Riddhima analysed her she found out that the fifteen year old girl was so much more stronger than anyone she had probably ever known in her whole life. The Pizza Armaan had brought over was finished, and Riddhima had finally cleared the table as she stood silently, watching the duo. Was this what it felt like having your own family, she wondered? Not that she didn't have one, she had an amazing one, but this was something completely different. Something she wanted to capture and keep with her to her grave.

"How about Armaan Bhaiyya?" she asked as she made her way over to them. Aliyah's eyes widened in horror as she looked from one to another.

"NO!" she almost screamed then burst out giggling like the teenage girl she was.

"Kyun?" Riddhima asked as she seated herself on the floor opposite Aliyah and Armaan, who were watching TV but barely concentrating on it. Armaan was frowning in confusion as he waited for Aliyah to finish laughing.

"Kyunki.." she whispered, gasping for air, "phir main aapko didi aur jiju nahin bulapaungi!" and with that another burst of laughter exploded from her mouth while Riddhima stared at her still slightly confused. It took another couple of second for that statement to sink in, causing her insides to drop as though a bomb had just gone off within her! The atmosphere was now filled with Aliyah's constant uncontrollable giggles while Riddhima's eyes suddenly got stuck on the carpet! Feeling her face flush up at Aliyah's comment, she glanced at Armaan who was grinning at Aliyah, apparently not fazed at all. Shock didn't even begin to describe what she felt at that time! Their eyes met, and he winked once, making her flush a deeper shade of scarlet.

"I..uhmm.. need to get some work done." She mumbled, and went back to her refuge. The tiny kitchen in her one roomed apartment. How on earth had Aliyah figured this out?! The question kept circling Riddhima's head as she remembered the scene that took place a few moments ago. Just remembering it made her drop her mouth and want the ground to swallow her alive! How on earth..?! Trying to dismiss the thought, she turned to the dishes in the sink that she'd left for later on that night. Yes, God knows she needed to keep busy!

She had just finished the last of the plates, when she realized there wasn't any sound coming from the room anymore. Panicking slightly, she turned to find Armaan at the doorway staring intently at her. Her smile probably gave away her nervousness because the next moment, he straightened up from his leaning position and walked towards her.

"Aliyah?" she asked, drying her hands on the towel. He walked further on and placed himself on the kitchen counter with an apple in his hands.

"Temple Run."

She rolled her eyes at the game. Pathetic, that's exactly what kids needed these days. A game where you barely move your hands to get addicted to.

"Heyy, it's pure genius, whoever came up with it." He smirked, riling her up as she narrowed her eyes.

"Sure it is. Then the world wonders why kids are getting obese at such an early age."

"Maybe that's because of the food-" he began but was cut off by her glare, as he guiltily looked back down on the floor.

"Mr Mallik, I'm the doctor here. I know what the problem is."

"Yes ma'am." He grinned once more good naturedly and suddenly, all the irritation she had melted away in a puddle she couldn't find. Urgh! Damn him for being so darn cute! Idiot! "Anyway, I'm here to talk, while she's busy."

He threw the remains of the apple in the bin and washed his hands before continuing.

"Aliyah was probably drugged while she was there." Riddhima nodded.

She had long been numbed to the concept of this whole thing, because now she opened her eyes and ears, it was everywhere. And considering the awareness she was trying to spread in the hospital along with others, it came up in her research. Plus, Armaan regularly talked to her about how the case was proceeding, and he couldn't talk if she blubbered in front of him every time. Yet, somehow, the pain still got through, hitting right at the centre of her heart as she sighed in helplessness.

"It's hard to remember the place you hate." He continued. "I mean, especially when you try so hard to put it all behind you. She's described where she was, but it's very hazy. We've searched. And from what I can deduce is that it's more of a warehouse where they were all kept. But after her running away, it seems as though either they have moved, or taken it one step further and transported them out."

Riddhima gasped. No, it couldn't be!

"Then have you checked the transport systems?" she questioned immediately while images of hordes of frightened girls not leaving her mind.

"Yes." He looked down as the jaw clenched.

"Anything?" she whispered?

"No. Because I suspect they're using a very clever method of sending only a few girls at a time via different services. So it's really hard to track down a bunch of girls being trafficked."

Riddhima could feel her nails digging into the palm of her hand.

"Go to her family." She whispered as though giving her consent. "They may have a lead if they talk."

"Are you sure Aliyah will be alright with this?" he questioned, concern taking over.

"I'll talk to her. If that's what it takes to get the other girls then please just do it." He nodded once, studying her carefully. Clearing his throat, he then asked,

"How's the other thing going? You know, spreading awareness and everything?"

Her face lit up as she heard that. Now that was something she could talk about, because it was actually going on a full roll!

"It's brilliant! We've put up posters that identify it, and we're giving out flyers, and guess what?! People are actually starting to notice. They are questioning us and asking more about human trafficking. They are questioning patients' wounds and one woman didn't have the courage to talk about the domestic violence she was going through. So one of the doctors, Aman, called the police in for her and encouraged her to talk! I mean, when you inform them, it's amazing how many people actually care."

He smiled at the happiness shining out of her eyes. They were getting somewhere with this whole program.

"I could help you know."

"You're doing so much already." She replied, awed at how many things he could take on. Could he manage them though?

"I mean, a UN international crime investigation officer volunteered to come, after I sent e-mails to them. I'm sure he'll be able to take out some time to give a speech about it or something."

She looked on thoughtfully at him.

"I mean, only if you want of course.." he added hesitantly.

"Yeah.." she smiled once more as the idea churned in her head. "If I can get enough people to come, it'll raise awareness by loads. Oh! I've got to tell Muskaan and Rahul! They've been helping me so much!" With new found energy, she made to rush out of the kitchen to get her phone, but was stopped by sudden grip on her wrist.

"Hold your horses Miss.."

Turning, she frowned in confusion at him, and looked at his hand on hers. Sparks shot immediately through her veins, beginning from his touch. Damn, why wasn't she so brave as to just admit her feelings for him? Just this once, if she did, maybe he felt the same way. But what if, if, he turned her down? How on earth would she handle that? She'd handle it. Maybe by not being able to look at him in the face again. Yeah.

"Don't let anyone know yet. We want to keep it low so that people who are behind this don't get alarmed and guarded. Just keep it between the two of us for now alright?"

She nodded, surprised at the fact that he trusted her enough to tell her this. But maybe she had a right to know. After all, if she knew how every moment of the case was going, she should know this, and so maybe he felt obliged to inform her.

With these thoughts racing in her head, she finally bade him a good night about an hour later, and shut the door behind, heart aching to see him leave. Why couldn't she just tell him? Once and for all? Nah, she was too much of a coward to do that. Regarding Aliyah, she would have to see him every day. And it would melt her down. Maybe, after the case was over, and she wouldn't have to see him once a day (sometimes twice), she would gather the little courage she had and approach him. Maybe. Mind that.

Now, she had to go talk to Aliyah about her family. It was one thing that may give them lead, and she hoped and prayed that it would help.

* * * * *

"How could you let the girl go?!" A raspy voice shouted in the dark, leaving the five men in front of the desk trembling with fear, as they currently faced the back of the chair. "You thought I wouldn't find out?"

"Voh, humne socha ek hi ladki hai.." a brave guy, out of the four replied.

The one with the raspy voice clicked his fingers, and immediately another man appeared with a tray and a cup of tea that he settled on the desk that was full of files and papers. With one wave of a hand that possessed a golden ring, the man quickly stumbled out, relieved to be free of the master's presence.

"Ek hi ladki?" the man thundered, turning around in his seat and suddenly banging the desk with such force that the others jumped back and the tea cup rattled, unsettling the boiling content inside it. "Do you know that is thousands of dollars I've lost?!"

They all remained quiet, aware of the wrath their boss may have in store for them.

"Ek hi ladki." He repeated, as though building himself up for another fight. "Mujhe voh ladki chahiye, kissi bhi halat main. Before she says too much to the police. And in the meantime, koi aur ladki dhoondo. Uski behen toh hogi. Aur jab voh ladki miljaaye, uski behen ko usse aur sab ke samne bhejo. Sab ko pata chale bhagne ki kya sazaa hogi."

The four men before widened their eyes at the command, but stayed silent.

"Aur tum.." he pointed to the one that had spoken before, who swallowed and stepped forward, leaving no space between himself and the desk. The boss picked up his cup, and continued, "Ek hi ladki thi?" he questioned, then suddenly without warning threw the cup and the boiling tea right at the man's face.

The hot liquid quickly scalded his face, while shutting his eyes was the only instant reaction he could manage and the cup bounced off. Immediately, the man screamed as the heat sunk into his flesh, destroying the living cells that worked to protect his body. The shatter of the glass cup as it hit the floor was drowned by his continuous howls as he could feel the piercing in each and every pore. The whole time the moon remained hidden behind the clouds and others flinched slightly.

"Aaya bada zaban ladane mere saamne." The man behind the desk gave a satisfied smirk, knowing that this would leave a mark on the sobbing guy's face whose name he wasn't even sure of. He eyed the others, who were all looking at him (then quickly at the floor), terrified of what would happen with them.

"GO!" he shouted, and they didn't need telling twice, as they hurriedly scrambled away, sobbing one inclusive.

* * * * *

Riddhima had insisted on coming. There was no way she would let Aliyah go alone with Armaan. Not that she didn't trust him, Aliyah had been terrified of going back home, even if it was for a little while. And Riddhima wanted to be there for her. She remembered Aliyah's questions and terrified eyes as soon as she mentioned the word 'home'. Her gorgeous smile had vanished to be replaced with a horrified look. With trembling lips she then asked a startled Riddhima whether she had done anything wrong, and that she didn't want to go back. What if they sold her again? What if she couldn't escape this time? It was then, that the older girl had taken her in a hug, and whispered comforting words, promising that they were just paying a visit and no one would ever snatch her away. She wouldn't let them, simple. Finally Aliyah nodded, proving how brave she was. On the plus side, she got to see her siblings.

The scent of sewage mixed with garbage immediately hit her nostrils as soon as she entered the area. How could people live here, was her first thought as her vision took in the open gutters, broken houses and muddy footpaths. Stray dogs were ambling around, with damaged limbs highly infectious while women peered from their barred windows at this new company, forming gossip in their mind. Children stopped running to and fro, intrigued by the new, healthy faces with a hopeful look. Maybe these people will take them out of this dump.

Aliyah on the other hand looked around nostalgically, tears welling up in her eyes as she remembered all that had occurred.

"Maine yaheen tak aayi thi. Lekin unhone mujhe phirse pakad liya.." she whispered, and Riddhima let her take it all out. In response, she held Armaan's hand, squeezing it gently to make him go slower. "Koi bhi nahin aaya jab maine chillaya.." If Riddhima had had anything for breakfast, she was sure that she would be vomiting it all out right now. She could feel bile rise up her throat and pushed it down, swallowing with it her disgust at human nature. Yet when she looked at it from their point of view, she couldn't really blame them. They had their own family, their own children to feed. God forbid something happened to them, how on earth would the others survive?

Riddhima had listened to how Aliyah had broken away while they were taking her away from home. However, walking through the area felt as if she was living that experience! And she stopped immediately, wondering whether this was the right thing to do. Throughout, Armaan had been silent as he matched Riddhima's steps and followed Aliyah's lead. This time, he looked at her and blinked once, assuring her it was alright. She could read the grief that poured out of his eyes, and with just that small action on his behalf, she found the strength to continue as anger mounted inside her. She wanted to meet this woman! The woman who sold her own daughter! She wanted to meet her and give her a piece of her mind.

Aliyah stopped. She looked back at Riddhima with frightened eyes, and ran back to hold the hand that was free. Her grip was so tight, that Riddhima felt sure she would never let go.

"I think this is it.." Riddhima whispered to Armaan as she took in the state of the house, with a steel roof which looked as though it would come off with one blow. The thick wooden door was barely held in place by its hinges and if someone gave a good sharp kick, it would surely fall down without putting up any fight. The think paint was peeling off the walls, revealing more dirt and crumbling cement that took advantage of the constant sunlight and rain, to fall apart. The whole structure wasn't nearly as big as Riddhima's one roomed apartment, so she wondered how on earth the whole family lived there. But they managed it, didn't they?

So lost in her thoughts was she, that she barely registered Armaan raising his hands, and knocking sharply on the door twice. At that sound, a small dirty face peered outside from the iron bars which served as windows. His, or her, Riddhima couldn't tell which at the moment, eyes widened as the face suddenly disappeared and the door flung open inwards with a groan.

"Didi!" Eyes strikingly similar to Aliyah's lightened up as the girl lunged forward, pulling her elder sister into a hug so tight that Aliyah was forced to let go of Riddhima's hand and reciprocate after stumbling back a bit. The greased plait behind the girl's head reminded Riddhima of how long Aliyah's hair used to be. Obviously, in an effort to make her look different so that those sadistic bas***ds don't recognise her, her beautiful hair was chopped into shorter layers, giving her a more mature look. Plus, now that her cheeks had filled out slightly, and a shine had replaced the tunnels in her eyes, Aliyah looked a lot more like a Mumbai city girl, than someone from the streets.

"Asiya..!" Aliyah murmured, "Kaisi ho? Aur Zain kaisa hai? Abhi bhi badmaashi karta hai?"

Asiya wiped her tears, and shook her head.

"Tum chali gayyi, tabse koi kuch bhi nahin karta. Ammi bhi sirf ibaadat karti hai aur Zain bahar bhi nahin jaata." She then noticed the presence of the couple, who both smiled down at the two sisters, one probably three years younger. Her eyes directed themselves to the floor automatically, as she whispered a small "Assalamualaikum," to them.

"Walaikumsalaam," Armaan replied, shocking both, Riddhima and Aliyah.

Asiya led the way inside.

Riddhima was busy taking in the place. It was a square room, where in the right hand corner, a woman with a worn out scarf sat on a praying mat, her eyes closed while her lips moved continuously. She had taken the effort to clean herself before praying. A bed had been pushed to the left hand corner of the house, with two dusty sheets folded on top, which Riddhima assumed were for the kids. She glanced once more at the woman behind her now, who looked so sincere, that any plans of shouting at her were thrown out of the window. The wrinkles showed her age, and the burnt and calloused hands that she held up in prayer were proof of the hard labour she'd done. They probably cooked outside then, Riddhima concluded as she saw a shelf of battered and broken cooking utensils pushed on the other corner on her left, opposite the bed.

"Aap ke liye kuch le aun? Chai ya paani?" Asiya offered and they declined politely, before an eight year old boy turned around from his cardboard toy, that roughly resembled a car without wheels.

"Didi!" he squealed as he ran straight towards her, hugging her to himself. Aliyah grinned and Riddhima was sure she saw tears glistening fall onto his bushy hair that looked untameable. When he saw Armaan and Riddhima, he hugged her tighter to himself, whispering constantly, "Aap didi ko nahin lejayenge. Main usse kabhi nahin chodunga." He was short and overly skinny for his age, but determination filled his dark eyes, as he hugged her with all his strength.

"Zain, voh acche hain. Unhone meri bohot parwah ki hai." Riddhima smiled at the love the siblings had. It was one thing when siblings fought to no ends, but it was a whole other, when they loved. Sighing, she wished she sometimes had siblings. Well at the moment, she had no one. Her parents had shifted, and though there were occasional calls and Skype conversations, she still missed them incredibly. Only now, she had become too busy to talk a lot. Plus, they didn't need to know about Aliyah yet. They'd be more worried for her own safety. Something she found herself questioning as well.

"Aliyah?" A soft voice from came from behind, as though disbelieving. Instead of turning around, Aliyah stiffened, and resumed her hold on Riddhima, who only now noticed that her and Armaan's hands had been entwined the whole time. Regardless, she still held on tightly, enjoying the warmth that was gushing from his body into hers.

The woman came around, and Riddhima saw her eyes glistening with tears as she looked at Aliyah almost hungrily.

"Tum theek ho.." she whispered and as she moved forward, to caress her daughter, the same daughter backed away, as her frightened gaze locked into her mother's. Hurt crossed the lady's face and eyes as she looked over at Armaanand Riddhima.

"Assalamualikum. Jee aap kaun?" she questioned, masking the pain.

"Main Riddhima." Riddhima spoke up, and looked at Armaan. She was shocked to see anger in him to such an extent, he clenched his jaws to stop himself from replying. "Humme aapki madad chahiye.. uhmm.."

"Zeenat." The woman filled in, then looked at her younger daughter. "Asiya, zara mehmaano ke liye kuch bethne ka aur chai ka intezaam karo."

"Hum theek hain." Armaan cut across rudely. Riddhima felt Aliyah shaking next to her out of continuous tears and immediately pulled her into herself, shielding her from her mother's gaze. "Humme bas yeh poochna tha, voh log kaun they?"

"Kya?" Zeenat looked genuinely confused.

"Kya aap unn logon ko jaanti hai, jinko apni beti.." Armaan trailed off. Rude as he was, he couldn't be harsh. He could clearly see the amount of internal torture the mother was already going through.

The heat in the room increased by a lot, while Aliyah turned into Riddhima's shoulder once again for support. After a long time of silence, Zeenat glanced once at her eldest daughter, who still refused to look her in the face.

"Dekhiye, main majboor thi. Mujhpe karz tha-" but she couldn't finish off as Armaan interrupted with such force.

"Karz tha? Aap poora din ibaadat karti hai, lekin kya aap jaanti hai ek beti ki kya keemat hai Islam main? Kya aap jaanti hai ki ek aurat ki kya keemat hoti hai sabh dharm main?" he looked at her with the most disgust Riddhima had ever seen. She stood, astounded at his outburst, and finally, when she could co-ordinate again, squeezed his hand to show him that no matter what, she was there for him. She glanced back at Zeenat and realized the tears of guilt and helplessness that trailed furiously down her cheeks.

"Hum Aliyah ko yahaan chodne nahin aaye hain. Please bass thodi si madad keejiye humari." She requested in such a sincere voice, that Zeenat nodded.

But she had no real clue who they were. One of the men helped her when she was on the road, finding it difficult to feed her children after her husband's death. He'd given her money and shelter, saying when the time came, he'd ask back for it. Unfortunately, it all came for a price. A price she regretted paying. But for a couple of years thereafter, the time never came. Until one day, he and a couple of other guys found her and demanded the payment. Unless she wanted to be skinned alive (what would happen to her children?) she had to give up her daughter. She didn't mean to! Honest!

"We can try and have her identify the men." Armaan murmured thoughtfully. "They might be ex-prisoners or on the police records somewhat."

Aliyah still couldn't face her mother and in all honesty, Riddhima couldn't blame her. The torture that a fifteen year old had to experience, that no girl in day or age should ever see, was so strong, that forgiveness at an early stage like this was almost impossible.

"Nahin.." Zain held Aliyah tightly by her legs, as she turned to go with Armaan and Riddhima. "Please matt jao." He whispered and continuous tears started roll down his sunken cheeks.

Riddhima look helplessly at Armaan next to her. What could they do? Leave Aliyah there for a while then come back for her? Maybe after a day? When she looked at Aliyah hugging her little brother to herself, she remembered how she had made a promise of not leaving her. She couldn't go back now!

"Aap sab humare saath kyun nahin chalte?" Armaan suddenly asked, looking directly at Zeenat. Aliyah gasped, as she turned to look at Armaan hopefully. He smiled at her and nodded in consent.

"Nahin, hum kaise.."

"Please?" Riddhima put in. She didn't know how she was going to house them, if she was. She had no clue what she might be putting herself into by inviting unknown people to spend time with her. But she had to take the leap. If it made Aliyah happy, she was ready for that.

An hour later, they were all sitting in the jeep that Armaan had brought, Zeenat at the front, Riddhima at the back with the kids. Aliyah would not let go of her, and her siblings wouldn't let go of Aliyah. The way things sometimes turned around, was just un-explainable. And for that, Riddhima had to give credit to Armaan's quick thinking. He knew he needed Zeenat's help, but she could only help truly if she felt that she was in a safe environment.

* * * * *

"What is it?!" The raspy voice was back, this time on the phone. He stood next to the window, watching the sun go down. "Kiske saath thi voh ladki? Kya voh sab wapas aayenge? Theek hai."

Anger built up. Frustration built up. Someone was hot on their tail. And he had missed it. That individual was taking every lead he could which would take them to the girls, and ultimately him. How didn't he know about that?!

"F**K!" he shouted, and hurled the brand new Sony mobile he'd bought a week back, into the wall with all his might. That person was going to pay very dearly. He liked games a lot. And this, this was his forte. There was no way he would go down.

"Armaan Mallik, welcome to my game without rules." He gave a satisfied grin that cut sharply across his stubble and straightened his collar after pushing up his tie. Calmly, he then walked out, ready to see what the enemy had planned.

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