Chapter 48 : Enough to be Worse.

Chapter 48 : Enough to be Worse.

Everyone in the room stood stunned as Jayesh and Sudheer went through the warrant that brought Manik at Lavasa. Jayesh double checked it as Sudheer sat heavily on the chair.

“Now if you have done with the checking, can I do my job?” Manik curtly said to Jayesh.

“She is not doing well and we have her anticipatory bail granted.” Jayesh tried to speak only to be over voiced by the only other person speaking in the room.

“If you have it, produce it and we also have hospitals.” He replied and added further, “The Government Hospitals, to take care of such patients with charges. You don't worry please.”

“She has done nothing. Whoever has given this information he will be in deep trouble.” Jayesh shouted.

“You are putting yourself in deep trouble in turn. Now if you allow, I have to take her with me.” Manik tried to walk past Jayesh.

“She is sleeping, under influence of medicines.” Jayesh's eyes meet Manik's who looked darn unhappy to be stopped. “If you have questions ask the doctors present here.”

“You don't have to instruct what I should be doing!” Manik pushed away him and asked for Priya.

Ram for the first time stepped to speak, with a very calm head he uttered two words without showing any interest in defending his wife, “This way" he walked past Manik gesturing him to follow. Surprised Jayesh looked towards Amarnath who has a flat reaction plastered on his face too. Without waiting for anyone talking to his lawyer over phone he rushed behind the two men. The place and sudden declaration of the warrant taken him aback and he failed to come up with a defensive move and was put in a back foot with a mistake done, leaving the anticipatory bail with his lawyer at Mumbai. He felt helpless with the absence of Ashok who went to Mumbai with Rishab to bring Riyah. The heavy rains and Ram's request made him agree to join Rishab.

“Before you say anything please once speak to the doctors.” Ram humbly requested Manik, which was accepted. Ram then showed him the way to his cabin. He pushed open the door revealing Reshma and Vehaan. At their first sight Manik remembered them but the former two didn't recognize him. With Ram's voice Manik's stance broke. “This is Dr.Reshma and Dr. Ghani. They are looking after Priya and they can explain her medical condition better to you.”

Manik sat down silently asking a question to Ram. “How you are related to them?

“Reshma takes care of this home in my absence and Dr. Ghani is a friend and he has helped me a lot in many matters in past and also in Priya's case.”

“Hmm.” Manik responded back with a slight hint of smile under his lips. “So..” he leaned forward with a deep sigh looking towards the two doctor he added, “So what you want me to know about Priya? I am running out of time and..” he stopped as Vehaan spoke.

“I will not take much time and I will not go into any deep to know about the matter for which you are here. All I need you to know is that Priya is not at all good, she needs complete medical attention and her condition has deteriorated a much in last two days and she is stressed, depressed.” Vehaan looked towards Ram when he found Manik smiling. “Do you think I am trying to stop you?” he asked unhappily.

“Even if you want, you can't.” He replied. “I am just thinking that why she will not be depressed, she knew that her end is heading close.”

“Mind your tongue.” Jayesh came into the room. “And my lawyer is on his way with the anticipatory bail granted to her and if you know you can't arrest a woman after sunset.”

“Sir, I know the law. And I think you are little disturbed. I am here a way before sunset and you can't stop me from arresting her before sunset. And as I said earlier if she has bail show it to me.” He stood up and dialled a number. He spoke loudly. “I need an ambulance at Ram Kapoor's place in heart right now!” his ordered. “And right now means now.” He looked straight into Jayesh's eyes. “Now if you all are done with the excuses and making me aware of dos and don'ts of law and order can I meet Priya?”

“She is in deep sleep.” Reshma said.

“That doesn't mean I can't see her.” Manik said.

“Please..” Ram sighed deep. “This way please.” He showed the way to him. Jayesh appeared visually unhappy with Ram's cold behaviour.

Ram opened the door of his room allowing Manik to walk into. Manik looked closely at Priya's pale face. He looked up to Ram and then to the two doctors who followed them. “Is this happened only because of depression and stress?”

“Clinical depression is a major mental condition which we don't take seriously at all. Like you, every other person will ask this point in exact. But she is in deep trouble. She needs medical attention.” Vehan stopped as he heard the alarm of the ambulance. Before he could react, he found Manik rushing out of the room. Jayesh was again talking over phone. He was unrest knowing that his powers and positions were of no use in front of the unwanted situation. His lawyer on the other side of the phone was trying to calm him down, which was going horribly wrong that moment. He stopped talking when the men in white dress and two lady constables came along with Manik. “Stop!!” he yelled blocking their way.

“Mr. Jayesh I will not stop you from getting a good lawyer for her but the evidences that she has used her body guard to kill Rajat Kapur and also we have evidences that she has tried to attack and kill Mr.Ram Kapoor twice.” Manik said looking straight towards Jayesh stunning him with the charges.

“What did you say? She tried to kill her husband?” Jayesh looked towards Ram, who was starring down at the floor with a silent gaze. “And Ram you believe in this non sense?” he asked helplessly.

“I don't know about Ram but I don't think she can plot attacks on Ram.” Amarnath stood in his daughter in law's defence.

“Then why don't she care to share the threat messages send to her with us.” Manik showed a print out of the messages that Priya received few days back.

Reading them carefully Amarnath handed those to Jayesh. While Manik ordered his men to bring out Priya. “And Mr. Jayesh if you try to stop me or my men you will be charged according to law and if she has an anticipatory bail granted then present it to me.” All the men stood in silence as the men carried Priya away with them. Shipra tried to stop them but her cries were ignored leaving her inconsolable.

Talking over phone Jayesh left following the police vehicles. While Ram, locked himself in the room pushing out Vikram, who was trying to compose him. Vikram turned back to find Reshma and Vehaan starring angrily towards him.

“Stop starring.” He tried to shrug off them but failed. Vehaan's strong hands clasped Vikram under its might leaving the later gasp for air. “You are...” Vikram tried to struggle out of his grasp but failed miserably.

Choking him more, Vehaan chewed every word he spoke. “You were paid to execute her, then why you didn't? I was informed about her influence on Ram and I can't afford to compromise my business, just for that little bug, in which you get the equal share.”

Some manner being lucky for a moment Vikram came out of Vehan's grip. Coughing and gasping for air, he spoke. “Not me. I am not your partner. It's my wife. You people keep on blackmailing me in the name of my children and Neha, she is such a beast, even that time she stopped me from letting Ram from visiting Priya. Leave that she is the one for whom Priya has to face the trauma. If Priya had killed Rajat she should kill Neha too. She is a shame on mankind. Money only matters to her.” Vikrambroke down.

“She is an intellectual woman Vikram.” Reshma said. “You must respect her. Money is the only way of being happy in this world. The people with money can buy everything. Happiness, respect, time, everything. If she wants those in her life you can't call her a shame on the mankind. She wants a better future for you, for your kids and herself. What's wrong in that?” Reshma asked with an ease.

“In the expense of another man's happiness.” Vikram smiled looking at them.

“So what you want us to do? Or what you can do?” Vehan asked.

“Neither I can do anything nor I can ask you people to do anything else. The thing I could do is to pray. Pray for my friends and deny you people from being a part of the dirty game.” Vikram replied curtly.

“But you have to. You must do what we will ask you to do.” Vehaan said. “Else you know what Neha can do.”

“One day will come when our kids has to face the reality either they will end up in a home or orphanage. So I am done with your blackmails. I am done with it. I am and I will do nothing that will harm my friend or his wife and that's final.” Vikram announced his stand firm and clear.

“Then...” Vehan stopped as he heard foot steps approaching towards them “You will be punished.” He came apart from Vikram and peeped to see. He found Ram approaching their direction and he started acting accordingly.

“Sorry guys but is Vik..” Ram stopped after finding Vikram with them. “Vikram we need to leave for Mumbai. I need to be with Priya. Can you come with me?”

With out looking at the other two present Vikram stepped towards his friend, who turned again to address the doctors. “Reshma, please take care of the kids and Dr Ghani, thank you for coming over here in a short notice but you have other appointments too, I think you must take care of them.” Before Ram could speak further Reshma intervened asking for Ram's consent to complete the adoption which was left due. “Let them know that I am reconsidering their application. It will take time to reach to a decision.”

“But..” Reshma tried to speak.

“Discussions are over.” Ram walked out immediately.

Stunned by Ram's behaviour Reshma looked bluntly towards Vehaan, who was roaring in anger. “What should we say to them? And what about the advance we have already taken from the merchants?”

“Forget it. I will ask my men to kidnap her from here.” Vehaan pulled out his phone and dialled a number.

“Stop it!” Reshma managed to grab the phone out of his hands and disconnected the call. “Are you out of your mind? The police are all around and if we do such non sense the suspicions will come straight to me and them.”

“I don't care.” Vehaan grabbed back his phone.

“If police gets hold of me you will not be spared Mr. Vehan Ghani.” Reshma raged with all-time favourite statement.

Red in rage, Vehan stood silently breathing heavily there without any plan to execute.

~~

At the other end, when Ashok got the news of Priya's arrest when Riyah was with him and Rishab. The news made Riyah pretty surprised. “We had a plan to shift out PriyaBhabi from there and before we could all this happened. Shit!” Her words didn't catch Ashok's attention. He was in deep thoughts and the next moment he asked Rishab to drive to the hospital and he called an acquaintance.

“You know about it? About Priya Sharma's arrest?” He asked and paused. “So who tipped him? It was ..” He paused and looked surprised and shocked at the same time. Disconnecting the call he sat in deep silence disconnected from the world in deep shock.

After driving for an hour and few minutes they reached the hospital where Priya was supposed to be brought. On his arrival Ashok saw the lawyer waiting there. He waved to him and almost ran towards him. When he was talking to the lawyer, Rishab came and wanted to join the discussions which was pretty rudely denied by Ashok. “This is our family matter stay out of it!!” he said pushing Rishab out. Rishab wanted to give back but stopped by Ashok. “Step back. I am not in myself. If I punch you next it will be your fault not mine.” He warned.

“What the ...” Rishab was taken aback by sudden change in behaviour of Ashok. Riyah acted like an intelligent woman and he suggested Rishab to stay calm.

After almost 4 hours Ashok stood up when Jayesh's car came into his notice. He rushed towards it followed by the lawyer. Jayesh hopped out of the car, and breathed a deep sigh of relief finding his lawyer ready for action.  Soon his relief turned into agony when he heard that Ram has tipped Manik about Priya's involvement in Rajat's missing case which is probably a murder. Ashok hung his head as he disclosed that he had shared that piece of information with Ram.

Jayesh’s was visibly shaken and an angry rage was plastered all over his face. “I will take care of it. Have you informed Meera?” He asked.

“No. I was waiting for you.” Ashok replied.

“Ask her to come over. Talk with Fortics Hospital and get Priya shifted out of here and instruct her not to allow Ram or any member of Kapoor family or any one related to them to meet her. Once I clear this mess I will shift her to Delhi.” Jayesh said. After Ashok nodded in acceptance, he continued. “Call Vishesh. Ask him to act according to my instructions.”

When Ashok looked clueless to him Jayesh heaved out a deep breath and added. “Just do it. He knows what he has to do.” With that Ashok knew there was something that he didn't know. He nodded obediently and did as asked.

Soon after Jayesh's arrival the Police van along with the Ambulance carrying Priya came there. The lawyer approached Manik and handed him the papers. Reading them he glanced at Jayesh and smiled in despair. “So you have done it.” While Priya was wheeled inside the hospital, Manik signed the relevant documents and checked the criteria mentioned the bail. “As soon as she gets backs her consciousness you must inform us.” He said to the lawyer.

“We will remain abide by the law.” The lawyer smiled. “Now if you allow we want the best treatment for our client and for that matter this order has been granted specially by the magistrate to shift her to the best possible hospital available so that she can help you in the case getting in good health as soon as possible.” He handed the piece of paper to him.

After reading it, Manik knew he had to step back. “Hmm.. ok.” He heaved out a deep sigh and whispered into his sub ordinate's ear. The man immediately walked in and soon after he was seen back with Priya behind him in the stretcher.

“Thank You.”

The Ambulance that stood ready came in fore front and an unconscious Priya was taken away accompanied by Ashok only. Rishab and Riyah were denied an entry and Jayesh asked them to inform the Kapoor family to stay away from Priya. “If your brother himself thinks that Priya has murdered Rajat and can take his life too, tell him we will see him at court.” Jayesh walked to his car, the lawyer accompanied him in his car, which wheeled out of the compound swiftly and vanished into the Mumbai crowd.

~~

On the first sight of Ram, Jayesh got alarmed. He was accompanied by Amarnath and a not so happy Rishab. He stood up walked to them at a pace and stopped right in front blocking their way.

“Jayesh how is Priya?” Amarnath asked. “We care for her.” He added.

“We are still alive to care for her. Her Family.” Jayesh's reply was curt.

“Is everything fine?”

“Will be, if not. And I chose the wrong partner for her. I pushed her to a man who always thought her bad. I am sorry for that to my daughter.” Jayesh said looking sharply at Ram.

Amarnath looked to his way and looking at Ram he turned his head back to Jayesh to ask if he is unhappy with Ram.

“Why I should be unhappy with him? I am angry on me! I am angry to know that how stupid I am.” He yelled. Realising the place he lowered his voice and stepping to Ram he continued, “Since when you are afraid of her, Ram Kapoor?”

“Excuse me.” Meera's voice intervened. After the group of men paid attention to her she asked Jayesh to come quick as the doctors has something important to speak. When Ram tried to join Jayesh stopped him and to avoid any argument Meera asked Jayesh to put up the matter for a while as Priya and her health is more important than anything else. He understood and walked along her.

~~

In the Doctor's cabin Jayesh found a team of five doctors waiting for him. Finding two unknown faces i.e of Amarnath and Ram the head looked at Jayesh enquiring. Meera addressed their query disclosing their identity before Jayesh could speak, which didn't go good with him.

“I am afraid she has gone through a lot in recent past.” The head of the team of doctors started.

“What do you mean by that?” Jayesh asked.

“That means she has gone through physical violence in last few days and as her husband is here I want to ask him if there is anything he wants to share.” The doctor looked towards Ram.

“Vi...violence.” Ram struggled to speak. “I was with her all the time for last three days how ...” he stopped.

“There are marks on her hands and legs that shows she has been tied up. There are struggle marks in her body and also marks that show she has been bitten up badly. We will be conducting some medical test to know if there is any sexual assault too.” The doctor said. After a pause he continued. “Her this unconscious state along with her dizziness in consciousness and failure to respond to the external stimulus worries us more. We have decided to conduct a series of tests in her and Mr. Rawat can we talk to you in private please.”

“Sure.” He looked back urging everyone to leave. While everyone stood up to leave Amarnath wanted to stay back but the doctors denied him humbly.

“Ram.” Meera stopped him at once. “Do you understand what the doctors said? Physical assaults? Did you..?” She stopped herself.

“I will not blame you. But I don't know what is happening. I really don't know!” he sat down while Amarnath's angry gaze fell on Meera.

~~

Inside the cabin the doctor locked the door and turned to Jayesh. “Jayesh I treated her that time also. I don't think this time any sexual assault happened with her but I suspect some kind of unnatural activity that happened with her. Someone did some unwanted things with her. Do you suspect her husband?”

“No I don't think he can do such ...” Jayesh stopped. “I have no idea just treat her and get her back. Once I lost her almost I don't want to loose her again.” He said helplessly.

“I suggest you to report this to police.” The doctor said.

“Yes. That I will do.” He stood up to leave.

~~

Police Head Quarters Mumbai.

“Sir!” the young man addressed Manik. “Mr.Jayesh is here to meet you.”

“Hmm.” Manik replied. As Jayesh walked in Manik smiled and turned towards him. “Please sit and before you say anything can you tell me how the hell do you manage to manipulate my investigations?”

“Sorry!!” Jayesh looked narrowly.

“I was trying to get Rajat Kapur's whereabouts and was failing miserably and after I arrested Priya the news just got dropped on my lap. How should I label it Mr. Jayesh?”

“I am here to lodge a complaint. According to doctors Priya is physically tortured and may be assaulted sexually too. Tests are going on. I want you to look after it.” Jayesh said in a shaking voice,  “and about Rajat, yes I called his mother to come and meet you.”

“Your complainant will be addressed. But how you know her?” Manik asked.

“I wanted to report the crime that took place then to the police. I had Rajat in my custody too. But he fled away and before I could catch him, he tried to commit suicide which left him in deep coma. Since then I take care of the business his father left behind. I am taking care of his medical expenditure wishing once he will wake up and I will see him behind the bars. When ever I failed to reach his mother at the month end or beginning, Priya used to visit her to hand over the cheque to her. The share she has in the business. And I have a written agreement with her which I can produce to you if need to see it.” Jayesh leaned back on his seat after he finished.

“I don't believe in this.” Manik said. “I really don't believe you. If Rajat is alive then where is he? If he is your daughter's rapist then why you are helping his mother? Why didn't you let him die?” Manik asked.

“I want the law to punish him. Who am I to punish him? And why should I be taking law in my own hands? I don't want to set a bad example for my daughter.” Jayesh said.

“I still don't believe you!” Manik had a faint smile.

“That's the truth you heard and you can get the truth from Rajat's mother itself and you can find Rajat in this address.” He pulled out a card and handed it to Manik. “And before I leave I want you to know that Rajat's mother knows what her son did to Priya. You can confirm this from her.” He heaved out a deep sigh. “Now if you take my complaint seriously.” He added.

Manik left a deep long breath before pressing the bell. The same man came in. “Take his complaint and report to me.” Manik instructed. “You just do the formalities with him. I will be forming a team and take up the case immediately.”

Jayesh thanked him and stood up to leave. Just then Manik asked. “Do you feel this could be a domestic violence?”

“I don't think so.” Jayesh fell silent. Remaining in silence for moments he continued in a feeble voice. “I don't know. All I know I have almost lost her once I don't want to loose her again.” He walked out of the room slowly, letting Manik know how fragile he stood then.

~~

Back in the hospital.

Desolated Priya opened her eyes. Confined within a pitch black dark room she couldn't find any one to speak. Her vision was not clear. But within few seconds her eyes became accustomed with the darkness. She tried to push her body upwards trying to sit but she failed. She thought she might have slipped. Now she again tried to sit and she failed again. She failed miserably in all her attempts making her relentless. Then she panicked. And tried to speak, when she felt a pair of hands over her body under her clothes, only to find herself gaged.

Her struggles became violent. The more she struggled more she hurt herself. Now she could feel a hot breath over her face. Slowly those breathes became fast and came closer to her. She tried to free herself. Her struggles became more urgent. She felt the touch becoming harsher, rougher! When she again tried to scream she felt a slap against her cheeks one after another leaving them sore. She felt the weight over her body closing in, hurting her more. With all her power she tried to free herself and she succeeded. Putting her all might and courage together she put together all the power and screamed out her right then, “RAAAAAAAAMMMMMM"

Until we meet

Love

NB

Chapter 47: Dark Days Part III

Hey My Dearest Readers,

Hello People, Meeting you after a long time. Well I am doing good and I went offline for the UPSC Exams that happened on 3rd of June 2018. But now as I have some leisure time, I will keep on updating this story on regular interval as I used to do it. Please do read the next chapter and let me know your views on it. Adding to it, I will be publishing this story on Wattpad too, so if you are there please show your support there too. 

Love

NB

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Chapter 47: Dark Days Part III

“We will be doing everything to help her.” Reshma said sitting near Ram, accompanied by Jayesh and Ashok.

“I don't doubt your capabilities. But I want to take her to Delhi, where she will fit better around her own people.” Jayesh said.

“So aren't the people here her own?” Amarnath asked curtly. Without getting any response, he sighed and indicatively asked back about the reason of such cold reaction. Failing to get a response even this time, Amarnath knew it would be good to guess Shipra has filled Jayesh’s ears with the past indecent incident that took place a day earlier. “Look hit of the moment it happens and what she and Vishesh did to Vikram can't be accepted. Even apologies are not enough to be forgiven.” Amarnath added rudely.

“She has already thrown Vishesh out from his services, if I am not wrong.” Sudheer joined the conversations coming out to the balcony. “Like you were not aware of her past, she was also not aware of it. What do you think she has grown up with? To be non thankful to people who are important in her life? We have not put such lessons to her anytime and neither she was one such!” he defended her daughter.

“And if it is bothering Vikram or bothered him that particular moment why he is maintaining silence or why didn't he react that very moment?”Jayesh added after his friend. He looked to Vikram, who was looking straight to the floor. “Why don't you express your feelings with us?”

“Like Priya I also don't like to discuss my past.” Vikram replied.

“Even then when you are being charged falsely?” Jayesh asked.

“Yes.” Vikram answered.

“That is really not good Vikram.” Ashok joined the conversation. “Sometimes it is better to speak for good, even if it hurts us.”

“I prefer not to and you can't force me to.” Vikram replied curtly.

With Shipra coming out of the room, Ram stood up to leave for the room. “I must not leave Priya alone.” He walked inside the room. Closing the door behind, he looked towards Priya sleeping like a piece of crumbled paper with the visible scars of pathetic emotions running all over her face. The voices from the balcony indicated the arguments growing around them, pushing their future in more danger. He walked straight to the door and stopped. He wanted to stop the families from having some heated moments just then he heard a knock at the door. Managing to calm down his uneven breathes he pulled open the door to find Vehan in front. He looked back once but it didn't stop the people from getting into more intense arguments. “Let me in Mr. Kapoor I need to speak to you.”

Ram moved away from the door and allowed Vehan to step in. Ram came and sat by Priya after closing the door, his eyes remained fixed on the pale and drowned face of hers.

“I heard everything from Reshma and Ram she did the right thing by calming her down.” Vehan started the conversation, at least he tried. Failing to make Ram respond he shrieked cleared his throat and added more to his advice. “Ram, let her wake up; let her get into her own self and let us study how she behaves next.”

“Are you trying to make her a subject for experiments?” Ram looked straight and continued, “If you also have that in your mind, you can leave. I will do what ever I have to, to get her back.”

“Mr. Ram I am not projecting her as an object to experiment with. But mind is a typical place and it behaves differently. It is not like all other parts of our body that works indifferently our mind is a mysterious place and different for every individual. We have to study her and get the right path to get it back to her place. Trust me I am not going to hurt her.” Vehan tried to win his trust by pressing more to the last few words he used. Ram maintained his silence making it difficult for Vehan to read his mind. With every single second passing by, Vehan became impatient. He was about to speak again when Ram broke his silence.

“I am counting on you.” Ram left out a deep sigh before he continued again. “I am really counting on you. I want her back. I want her to be the same old girl I knew from my college days.”

Claiming victory over Ram’s trust Vehan knew he has conquered the half of the quest. Looking into the circumstances and conditions prevailing he was confident of getting Ram dance to his tunes too. Expressing none of his cunning status to the man seated opposite to him, Vehan kept a firm hand over Ram’s to assure him a safe procedure of treatment that will take place with all the precautionary measures. When nothing safe is going to happen little did Ram knew more danger waits ahead for Priya, him and their marriage.

In the middle of the chaotic emotions that made Ram numb for the moment he remained unaware of the people who were in the verge of announcing a war to claim the rights of deciding his and Priya’s future have left. To know their whereabouts and to get update about the girl he requested Vehan to ask Shrestha to come up. Nodding politely he left towards the main building.

Coming inside he sat down by Priya leaning back on the head rest, this time without any thoughts, caressing Priya’s head he gazed at the roof and tried to find a meaning in the meaningless abstract designs carved on there.

How long he was doing so was not known to him when he hard the knock. Looking down to his watch he learned almost 40 minutes passed away since He asked Vehan to inform Shrestha. Annoyed by her behaviour Ram opened the door and found Rishab in front instead. “Oh! That’s you.” The unhappiness in his voice was immediately absorbed by the visitor and he knew the reason.

“Shrestha is waiting downstairs. I asked her to wait.” Rishab started and added further. “I wanted to speak to you alone.”

“Come in.” Ram gave his brother the way.

“There is something about this Vehan.” Rishab started. “Riyah said she will share everything but in person and it will take at least one day and half for her to come here. You know bhai she is a junior doctor and that also posted in ICCU. So over a night she couldn’t manage a leave. But she will be here as soon as she gets permission to leave.”

“But what did she say about Vehan?” Ram asked adding more to it. “Is it something serious?”

“I don’t know but he was arrested few years ago in an organ scam but he was acquitted later and no one challenged the decision of the court so since then it was taken that he is clear.” Rishab said.

“What??” Ram said recalling the information passed on by Vishesh. The couple he met was also arrested and acquitted later. Co incidentally they run a private hospital too. He thought hard to distract himself from linking the two cases but he couldn’t. “Whe..when is Riyah arriving?” He asked.

“I told you Bhai it will take one day and half for her to come.” Rishab said again. “You know what kind of job she is into.”

“Hmm. I can understand.” Ram replied engulfed into deep thoughts. “I know. I know.” He repeated until he asked Rishab to leave and send Shrestha to him as soon as possible. The sense of urgency in his voice startled Rishab but he knew that was not the right time to argue. He left for the main building informing Shrestha about Ram’s wish.

Finding the door ajar Shrestha walked inside. Ram felt alarmed with her touch. Coming out of his thoughts he started the conversation. “I need your help.” He turned towards her. “Something is very wrong and I have no evidence to voice against it. Shrestha call Vishesh and ask him to get every details of Dr. Vehan please. ”

“I will surely do that Ram but why you are feeling so worried.” Shrestha tried to make him feel better.

“I am fine Shrestha. Please do what I asked you to do. Please. My sixth sense is alarming me about a worst situation approaching. This guy was also arrested and acquitted, and they were also. Is it a mere co-incidence or is it related? We have to find out. Please ask Vishesh to go deep into the matter as soon as possible.” Ram requested.

Heaving a deep sigh Shrestha tried to smile. She looked towards Priya once before she turned back to leave. Something bothered her. “Ram, what if something happens to this home? Where will we go?”

Ram looked back in deep shock and before his mind could chalk out the reason of her such thought the girl spoke again. “Please don’t let anything happen to this home. We see a new hope of life here every day. We don’t want our life to be the same again.”

“Nothing is going to happen, Shrestha.” Ram looked up trying to smile but his heart knew something is really wrong. Real hard time is ahead.

~~

“WHAT!!” Vishesh voice echoed through the room startling his men in front. “What do you mean by he was in his home?”

“Sir, we have thoroughly checked the CCTV footages and every entry and exit point. Our informers also have not fetched anything odd in Vikram Shergill’s movement. He went back to his home on time and he was seen to leave for office next day morning only.

“Did you get to know about his car?”

“He has two but none was of that brand which you gave details about.”

Vishesh leaned back on the chair engulfed in an eerie silence. Looking straight into no where, he was in deep thought trying to figure out the missing link. How he could be so wrong in his judgments, he thought. Digging deep into his logical thinking he tried to focus. Then a slight smile appeared at the corner of his lips. He heaved out a deep sigh. “Check with Neha Shergill’s name, there must be a car or two may be.”

“Sir, we did it but there is no other car that the Shergills own.”

This time lines appeared on his forehead. “But how can he be so clever? How was he doing all these?” Vishesh looked much worried. “This time we have a dangerous suspect in front and this time it is going to be more and more difficult for us to crack.” He looked down to the phone. Shrestha’s name floated on the screen. It made him more aware. Before taking the call, he instructed his men to leave.

“Yes Shrestha.” He answered the call.

“Sorry to bother you this time.” Shrestha continued, “Ram asked me to convey his message.”

“And that is?”

“He asked you to get every details of Vehan Ghani.”

“Dr. Ghani?”

“Yes.”

“But why?” Vishesh sounded pretty surprised.

“I don’t know. He just asked me to convey this to you after he had some conversation with Rishab.” She said.

“Rishab? But..” Vishesh sounded confused. He heaved a deep sigh and added. “I will get back to Mr. Kapoor tomorrow morning. If you get a chance to speak to him convey my message.”

“Right and Good Night.” Shrestha didn’t give chance to Vishesh to add any further to the conversation.

Vishesh was left confused with sudden and quick development. He thought himself to be on right track but it was different. Either he has made a mistake by suspecting Vikram or the later is too clever to be out played so easily.

~~

Next Morning, almost near to noon, after everyone has visited Priya was still sleeping under the influence of the medicines that her blood took into. Taking leave from the works and off course from the intruding Manik, Ram retired back to his room and looked surprisingly towards Priya. Not even in college days ever Priya slept for so long. It bothered him. Next what bothered him was Manik and his words.

Priya was in Lavasa that was not being updated to the police and that was Manik’s concern. He even threatened to arrest Priya if she does this same mistake again. When Ram tried to protect her raising the concerns about her health, Manik was so rude that he asked Ram to submit a report to him within 3 days from a Government Hospital. He refused Ram’s offer to see Priya, that also pretty loudly and curtly. The meeting ended in an awkward note when Manik even asked Jayesh to be in his limits. The heated argument between the two was playing in front of Ram’s eyes he heard a noise from his back. He turned to find Priya sitting on the bed astounded and looking for something.

“Priya.” Taking her name Ram approached her. “What are you looking for?”

“Watch..” Priya continued to hover her hands under the pillow to rumble the bed side table. “What’s the time?” She asked Ram continuing her quest for watch.

“11.40 am.” Ram answered.

“What??” That was Priya’s first reaction. “Shit!! Meera will be so upset with me.” She jumped out of the bed all at a once. With one hand on her hips and other on her forehead she turned to Ram and asked for her phone.

“Hmm..” Ram pulled out the phone from the drawer and hand it to Priya. “May I ask why Meera will be angry with you?” He asked.

“I had an important meeting today scheduled at 10 and I am late by one hour and forty minutes.” Priya said putting the phone on her ear.

Those words relieved Ram. He smiled to himself knowing Priya’s condition. She is still the same workaholic. He stepped back and walked to the open terrace. When he just took his seat on the garden chair decked on the terrace, he heard Priya to shout. Hurrying inside he saw Priya to continue the argument with Meera.

“What happened, Priya?” Ram sat holding her along the shoulder.

“Ram, ask Meera to stop joking. I said sorry to her but she is still continuing to joke with me. I know I over slept but she is frightening me with her words. Please tell her to stop.” Priya said under her sobbing as the phone fell from her hands.

Picking it up Ram asked Meera about the matter and was about to reveal her about the medicines she was under influence off. Meera’s words stuck him badly.

She started with, “What is happening Ram? Priya is one day back into time.” With no reply from Ram she continued, “ Priya called me apologising for not being punctual to attend the meeting that took place yesterday headed by her only.”

“What did you say?” He looked towards Priya sitting silent by his side. “Did you want to mean that today..” he again stopped and looked to his right. “I am not getting anything.”

“Ask her what’s the date? What she remembers about tomorrow and today’s appointments?” Meera waited but felt Ram seated silently without any kind of conversation. She added with a deep sigh, “Can you please put the phone on speaker Ram?”

“Yeah.. yeah..” Ram hurriedly followed what he was asked to.

“Priya.” Meera took her name softly. “Can you hear me dear?” She added. “Please tell us what is bothering you?”

“You and your lies are bothering me. Why the hell you are intimidating me by those weird comments?” Priya said under an uneven breathes. “Tell me.”

“I am not intimidating you. I just want to inform you there must be something that you are missing.” Meera tried to speak but was cut short by Priya.

“What did you want me to inform? That today there is no meeting?” she added more, “I remember clear about the meeting.”

“Yes you do. But that happened yesterday. You are missing it.” Meera said.

“Priya.” Ram held her between his strong arms. “What you did yesterday? What happened yesterday?”

Priya kept on looking into Ram’s eyes before she spoke out, “I… I.. Today is Sunday right?”

At first Ram felt the time has stopped for him, he fell short of words but managed to collect himself. Cupping his wife’s face he gulped air into his dry throat to acquire enough courage to declare the truth to her. “Priya, today is Monday.”

“What??” Priya almost snatched her self out from Ram’s arms and shouted again. “Are you …” she looked lost. Turning around she looked around, lost. She tried to speak but every thing seemed to dry up under her throat. Meera’s voice was still audible in the background. She was left lone unattended by the couple. While Priya gazed through the room to locate something in particular, Ram tried to get her attention towards him. Suddenly she paced up to the table and opened up the flap of her laptop and turned it on. It took less than a minute for the machine to come into life. Once it was her eyes went straight towards the corner of the screen. To be double sure she clicked on the icon and the clock showed up. The date and day beneath, it took her last slice of courage away. Pushing her into deep disbelief the reality suddenly became the most unwanted burden on her. Still she believed it was a dream, turning towards her husband she tried to express her worry. She tried to speak but voice somehow denied taking her commands. Her lips shivered but nothing came out. Tears bulged at the corners of her eyes. She looked back and pointed to the laptop, her throat dried out; pain made its way out through the unsaid tears. Feeling her own fragility she looked for an answer from Ram. With much hope she looked at him. He was the only hope left who could answer her. But he was feeling the same helplessness like her just in a different manner. With a little confidence left inside him, Ram stepped and guided Priya to the bed and made her sit. Knowing her fragility, he asked Meera to hung after promising her to call back soon with updates.

Soon he returned to Priya and knelt in front. Her eyes were lost in nowhere searching answers for her innumerable questions. He knew that. With his touch she looked at him like she was seeing him for the first time and with that sense of helplessness like a prey look at its predator just before it claims the life.

“Hey.” Knowing her state of mind he tried to make the things easy. “Nothing really happened. You are stressed, your brain needs rest that’s it. Just have a good sleep and you will see every thing will be at its place.” Ram beamed.

She looked up like she was asking if he can be trusted.

“Yes. Trust me.” He smiled again. “Lie down Priya. I am here by you.” Ram helped her to climb the bed and lay down. Pulling the duvet over her he started caressing her head and to his very astonishment he found Priya to drift into deep slumber soon. He found it little odd and at first decided to call the doctors who he entrusted Priya’s health with but on second thoughts he changed his mind and called Riyah. After closing the call with her, he called Manik. Making himself stronger he decided to disclose the details to the officer about Priya that he fetched from Ashok.

Back in Mumbai.

Vishesh was shocked by the developments. The news of Vikram of not having a car of the same specifications that he noticed that day bearing Rishab Kapoor’s car’s registration number and next thing bothered him about the incident from Vehan’s past that somehow left out from getting into his notice.

Just when he was about to sip to his tea, his phone rang with an unknown number.

“Yes.” He responded and remained in silence. “But how do you get my number?” There was again a long pause before he spoke again. “Ok I am coming. Be ready, send me your location, I will be there as soon as possible.”

Vishesh knew something grave is going to happen and he has to take step to protect Priya from it at any cost.

Picking up the car keys he looked down to the message he received and jumped into action.

Until we meet.

Love

NB