The world around Chaits started shaking as he read the names of the victims – his world seemed to rip apart – all his dreams shattered to pieces.
His head was swimming as faces of his friends appeared – one by one – smiling as ever…
He started remembering many special moments with each of them. He got up looking at haze all around holding his head tight to keep it from exploding. He ran out of the bedroom to bang against the teapoy in the hall & stumbled falling on the Indian settee – he got up & ran the opposite way & banged on the wall next to the door – not knowing what to do he ran all around the house.
Every step he put forth came to a naught & he found himself facing walls – he looked around for help but there was none – he staggered back into the bedroom – let out a huge cry of agonizing grief & fell on the bed. He hugged at the pillow desperately for comfort & cried his heart out… the scene was pathetic. Soon the grief took over & he fell unconscious…
Alisha had a check list in her hand and she was completing her tasks mechanically – her heart was at her home. She knew Chaits was waiting for her to return…
‘Oh! God!’ she almost panicked at the thought, “How am I going to face him & tell him what’s happened at Sundernagar – how will he react to this? Will I be able to comfort him?’
She mechanically collected the items on her list & put them in her bag.
“Alisha!” she heard her Chief Editor calling her as she turned around to look at him “All the best – may success be yours – and yes – PLEASE TAKE CARE of yourself & return – in one piece” he smiled reassuringly.
Alisha simply nodded & walked out of her office. She started her car & started negotiating the traffic deftly – she needed to be with Chaits to tell him all she knew about Sundernagar.
She looked in the rear view mirror she saw her news van following her. She stopped on the way to pack lunch – she knew Chaits would be hungry. She asked her colleagues to finish off their lunch & wait for her to join them. She sped toward her home as quickly as she could…
Her heart skipped a beat as she stood in front of the door – she closed her eyes & murmured a prayer – ‘Alisha! You need to be strong now’ she told herself & with a beating heart – she opened the door to her apartment….
“Chaits!” she called out softly.
There was no answer. She looked around, her heart sank. The teapoy was broken and picture of scenery that hung on the wall next to door had fallen down with glass splinters strewn across the floor.
‘Did someone come in here? Does Chaits know what’s happened to Priti? Has be already left for Sundernagar?’ she wondered & called Chaits frantically rushing across to the bedroom.
She let out a sigh of relief as she saw Chaits sleeping on the bed. She tiptoed toward him – she didn’t want to disturb him & sat beside him.
She saw his face smeared by tears and so was her pillow that Chaits had hugged. She bent & slowly reached out to touch his forehead. It was hot.
“How did Chaits know?” she looked at his mobile which was switched off. Then she looked around ‘Oh! My God! How stupid of me – I should have hidden that folder… Secretly, she was relieved that she now didn’t need to break the news to Chaits…
She got up & returned with a jar of water and a napkin. She dipped the napkin in the water & slowly started wiping his forehead and his smeared face. “Chaits!” she called him softly. She felt his forehead which had now cooled down considerably as she reloaded another wipe of cool wet napkin on his forehead…”Chaits!” she called his name softly again.
Chaits stirred a bit he did not want to open his eyes, ‘God! Let this have been a scary nightmare’ he prayed as he felt cool napkin spread over his forehead. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Alisha putting the cool towel on his forehead – her expression full of concern & her eyes moist with care…
He sprang & sat upright as he came back to his senses & looked at Alisha. He pointed a finger to the folder that lay on the floor – his eyes trustingly asking Alisha.
Alisha could no longer bear his sight & the expression of trust & put her arms around him & sobbed “It’s true Chaits! Whatever you read in the folder is true…!!”
The grief came back to Chaits as he hugged Alisha for comfort. He cried aloud like a child & all Alisha could do is to caress him for comfort. His grip was very tight & was hurting Alisha but she didn’t move or utter anything – she wanted Chaits to vent out his grief…
Alisha could feel her neck & shoulder getting wetter as tears overflowed from Chaits’ eyes. She hugged him tighter comforting him “Chaits! I’m here & with you… I’m going to be with you & help you sort out and share all the grief & pain with you-” she said softly in his ear, “I’ll be with you for every step that you take hereon” she couldn’t find more words to console him as she felt the grief herself & started sobbing.
After a while she could no longer feel Chaits sobs & his grip on her weakened & his hands resting loose on her back. “Chaits” she called him softly there was no answer from him.
She released herself from his arms & looked at him he was blankly staring at nowhere – a dead expression on his face. “Chaits!” she called him again without a response. She frantically shook him back & forth “Chaits! Please listen to me…” she was almost in tears now. She looked at Chaits – he still had the blank expression but tears now rolled over his cheeks – and he wasn’t crying.
She frantically shook him again to get him back to his senses. This time she applied all the strength to shake him & he came back to senses crying out again.
She started wiping his tears off speaking softly to comfort him – then took the wet towel & cleaned his face again as if he was a kid…. after a short time – Chaits had control over his feelings…
“I need to freshen up” he said as he got up & walked toward the bathroom. He stood under the shower to cool himself. He looked fresh ready to go when he emerged from the bathroom.
However, his face was grim & his eyes shone determination “Let me serve you lunch” said Alisha & stopped as Chaits shook his head.
“No Alisha. I need to leave immediately… I first need to go to my flat & collect few things before I leave for Sundernagar?”
“Chaits – I know you should be leaving for Sundernagar & I’m going to come with you. I’m not letting you go alone… please gimme few minutes as I freshen up – I already have packed my bags to go along with you – and guessed you may need few things from your flat – see that unpacked bag over there I got the stuff you may need – please check it – I’ll be back in few minutes” said Alisha even as she disappeared in the bathroom…
Chaits was amazed at Alisha’s skill and her understanding ‘Bless you Alisha’ he said as he started taking out the contents – one by one.
He looked at his personal laptop & kept it aside he knew he’d need it as he had photos of Lucky, Vicky & his hooligan friends – Time had hazed out their faces from his memory but the photos would refresh his memory…
Then he fished out his licensed pistol – this pistol had won him gold at state & national level competitions “Now you’re going to help me get those bastards” he said looking at his pistol…
“Chaits… You aren’t going to kill them…”
This was a statement and not a question from Alisha who had entered the bedroom.
“Why not?” Chaits asked infuriated
“Because, if you do kill them – it may satisfy your need – but nobody would ever know and I want the world to know what happens to bastards like these when they are caught – I don’t want any other Priti or Payal or Chaps to face death in such a fashion – I’d like every criminal mind to think at least twice before even dreaming to carry out such a horrible plan…” Chaits looked at her grim & stern expressions & started thinking “I fully agree with you Chaits – these bastards should die – the only thing is I want them legally hanged & I promise you Chaits – I’d follow this up on my channel till they’re legally hanged to death with no mercy shown and I want you to physically catch hold of them & turn them over to the law – not kill them – understand?”
Chaits was still thinking – Alisha had a point to consider they should be publicly flogged to death…
“I see your point Alisha – you’re right – nothing would be gained if I kill them – I’ll hand over those bastards – ALIVE – to the law…”
Alisha still wasn’t convinced & looked at Chaits when he stressed on the word alive “Good – now let’s make a move”
“No Alisha! I’m going there – alone. It’s my battle & could be dangerous – I cannot risk your life” said Chaits.
“I’m coming with you Chaits” was a stern adamant answer… “I agree Priti was your love – Chaps, Amit, Deb, Natasha & Payal were your friends and you’re hurt by people who killed them… but Chaits I’m your Best Friend – am I not?- and people who bring grief to you automatically come under my line of fire. If you want to go by yourself I’ll not stop you – but be sure to find me there – because you cannot stop me from going to Sundernagar – if I cannot accompany you as your friend – I’ll travel there as a news reporter the choice is yours and I know you’ll need my help – so let’s agree to go there together…”
Chaits looked at Alisha who seemed to be determined to be with him & he knew she’d do what she said if he said ‘no’.
However, he was confused as to how would Alisha be of any help in a place she’d never visited…
“Ok Alisha. We’re going there together – I’m in no mood to argue” yielded Chaits.
“Fine” she said and picked up her bags – she put some packets in her half-filled bag & opened the door.
Chaits picked up his bag which he’d filled with casual wear that’d allow him free movement & his personal laptop.
As they came into the parking, Alisha signed him to wait & went out alone – waved to somebody & returned. Soon Chaits saw her news van parked in front of the gate. A person opened the door & suspiciously looked around & waived to Alisha…
“All clear…. C’mon Chaits” she urged him. They entered the van which had sideways seats & housed transmitting gadgets & panel. There was a mobile toilet inside the van. Hardly had they settled down when they heard cops approaching – their sirens booming across the street.
“Quick. Chaits! Hide in the toilet… I will manage them” Alisha said & looked at Chaits’ expression of disbelief ‘Why should I hide from the cops?’
“Go on & don’t make a sound – I’ll explain when we’re on our way & don’t come out till I call you” she said.
Even as Chaits disappeared into the toilet the sirens stopped & Chaits could hear “Police! Stop! We want to talk to Ms Alisha Fire…”
Alisha stepped out of the Van & put dark sun glares to avoid eye contact with the police officer “Hi! I’m Alisha” she introduced herself in a sweet professional tone…
“I’m Inspector Sinha” said a curt voice & Chaits was all ears to their conversation locked up in the toilet.
“Where’s Chaits?” he asked
“I don’t know” Alisha lied.
‘Oh! Alisha – you’ll be caught lying because I know you cannot… your honest eyes will give you off’ thought Chaits & waited for the cops to enter & face him.
“Don’t lie – Ms Alisha – we’ve confirmed that you received him at the airport today morning – we’ve seen the tapes from the Security Cameras of you escorting him out of airport – we have spoken to the car park man who received a Rs.75 tip for a parking ticket of Rs.25 & he did recognise Chaits as the person sitting next to you in your car…”
“I told you I don’t know” Alisha repeated with her heart beating fast & her mind thinking hard for a reasonable explanation.
“He left with you from the airport – he’s not turned up at his apartment & you’re going off somewhere… you definitely know where he is hiding…”
At this statement Alisha flared up… “Yes Inspector I did receive him at the airport in the morning and we did drive out of airport together – can I not receive a friend at airport?”
“You definitely can – but when cops ask you… You also need to tell them what you know…”
“I told you – I don’t know – I told him what happened at Sundernagar – he was supposed to marry Ms Priti Patel – one of the victims – he asked me to keep his luggage at my flat till he returns & left – I dropped him at Mulchand Flyover – he must be on his way to Sundernagar” Alisha hoped Inspector Sinha would buy her story.
“Hmm! Possible – but you know us lady – don’t you? We are damn suspicious of any information anybody gives us – I’d like to take a peek in your van – just to be sure…”
“Do you have a search warrant?”
“My dear lady – I’m not searching your van – I’m just gonna take a little peek inside to be sure – a routine security check – I hope you understand” he said sarcastically and waived to one of his men who promptly yanked the door wide open & peeked in – he saw the TV crew stare blankly at him & then moved out…
“He’s not in here, Saar” he acknowledged
“I still have my doubts Ms Fire – Where are you going?”
“That’s official business Inspector – I’ve no binding to letting you know my plans….”
“Your choice” he was sarcastic again, “I’ll not search your vehicle – but I’ll not allow it to move either – security is our prime concern & you’d be here till you tell me”
“Ok. We’re going to Rajasthan”
“Rajasthan?”
“Yes Inspector – haven’t you heard the news of unprovoked firing of shells from across the border? We are going there to cover the plight of those innocent people who’ve suffered for no rhyme or reason & let the whole world know about it – we have official permission from home ministry & army for this coverage – would you like to confirm your suspicion by speaking to someone in authority in the home ministry?” Alisha challenged him tauntingly.
At the mention of home ministry, Inspector Sinha was left speechless – he knew the high level of contacts that Alisha could use & certainly he didn’t wish to seek any displeasure from the department. He pulled out his mobile & dialled “Hello… Sir! Inspector Sinha reporting. The bird has flown southward & heading toward you – unfortunately he changed his plans & arrived in the morning instead – thank you, Sir! Any further orders?”
He looked meaningfully at Alisha as he related the incident “Thank you, Sir!”
He turned and looked at Alisha “You should’ve informed us of his arrival – we have strict orders to detain him here till the investigations at Sundernagar are completed – we fear a fatal attack on him if he goes there…”
“How should I know what your orders are? If you’d have informed me – I’d have done that & handed him to you” said Alisha.
“Alright… You may proceed now however, be sure a police car will follow you – and in case if you’ve hidden Chaits somewhere in the city & you pick him up – you’ll have a lot to explain” he said & banged his stick on the van.
Alisha stepped into the van & sighed relief as the van started. After few minutes, she looked at the driver of the van who confirmed that a police car indeed was following them… She reached out & tapped on the door of the toilet “You can come out now” and Chaits came out & stretched himself to release the cramps he had from travelling on the toilet seat…
“See – how I can be of help to you?” Alisha said, “I knew they’d detain you here in Delhi & it may take several weeks for them to allow you to visit Sundernagar… will depend on the pace of their investigation…”
“Thank you. Alisha…” Chaits said realizing what it meant – he would need Alisha’s help till he reached Sundernagar.
“Madamji – we’re approaching the border & police have barricades and are checking all the vehicles” warned the driver.
“I’ll go back to my uncomfortable seat in the toilet” said Chaits & quickly moved in.
They slowed down as they approached the barricade. They were overtaken by the police car that had been following them – even as they stopped, Inspector Sinha got out & tapped the door of the van with his stick – Alisha got up & opened the door.
“Delhi police limit ends here – I’m glad you spoke the truth – anyways Inspector Sharma will take care of him when he reaches Sundernagar.”
“Inspector Sharma – who?” Alisha asked searchingly.
“Oye! Inspector Sharma – special division, Crime – CBI” said Inspector Sinha pompously as Alisha’s heart sank at the introduction. She’d met him many a times & knew that he was a hard core, merciless officer… famous for being skilful & totally incorrupt.
He was always with a company of officers who had undergone commando training & equally merciless. She remembered how she’d pleaded & begged for a sting operation permission she wanted to carry out at a huge farm on outskirts of Lucknow. She had information about meeting of many small & big Kingpins of the underworld…
He had a strict ‘No’ & said “I’ve already planned an operation – good you didn’t go there directly”
The next two days he carried out his operation & sealed the farm with his officers and once the operation started – it had taken him only an hour’s time to encounter & kill everyone seen on that farm. She knew how strict he was… She looked at Inspector Sinha who put on a sarcastic smile & waived her to cross the border.
She pulled at the curtain on the rear window – relieved that Inspector Sinha’s car was heading back toward Delhi.
She tapped the toilet door & Chaits once again was seated comfortably. She pulled at the curtain & peeped out again & to her dismay found a car belonging to Rajasthan police following them…
“Oh! No! We’ve got to shake these cops off our tail – but how?” Alisha sat wondering…
She called her colleague who worked with Rajasthan studio for help & related her concern.
“Driverjee… we’ve a change of plan – we’re going to our studio at Jaipur & not the hotel”
“As you say, madamjee” replied the driver as he drove on…
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