It was a bit darkish in the room. He had been waiting impatiently for Col Khanna to reappear.
He had checked every bolt in the room – they were secured – no chance – no hope of escape. The room had interiors of medieval times – the furniture was heavy in weight, made out of strong and thick mahogany – exquisitely carved in oriental style.
The doors were thick and sound proof. The curtains were pulled up for security, from any prying eyes…
He closed his eyes and prayed, “God! Please let her be safe, sound and healthy.”
He had nothing more to do than wait for his fate – the way he had been waiting all day long for any news of what the fate had for him…
The door opened creakily and he saw a lean person walk in, “Dinner, Sir…”
That’s all he said, kept the tray on the table and walked out – bolting the door behind him…
He was hungry but he couldn’t eat. He was worried. Finally, the hunger got better of him and he ate his food quietly – still – no sign of Col Khanna.
He slept a terrible sleep – all that had happened in the past few days came up in tits and bits, in his dreams – it was more of a delirium… Finally, he saw her in his dream – smiling as ever and he slept off…
He woke up in the morning – eager to hear some news – but the entire day passed off in seclusion. This was his fifth day in seclusion – he had been incommunicado since he was brought in – there was no entertainment – no TV – no radio – the SIM card in his mobile had no roaming facility – all he could do was look at the photos in his mobile and smile in her memories – with every smile that appeared on his face – his concern about her safety grew…
He was about to change into his sleeping gear when he heard the door to the room unbolted. He sat upright and alert… “Did you find her?” that was the first question at soon as he saw Col Khanna.
“Yes – we did.” came the reply in a very calculated and a solemn voice.
“How is she?”
“I’m sorry – but we found her in a very bad shape – it took us about 5 hours to identify her…”
“Identify?”
“Well, here is the deal…” Col Khanna’s voice was curt now, “midnight, we ship you out of here to Subang International Airport amid security and then put you on a chartered flight to New Delhi – I will be glad when I hear the news that you have reached safely.”
“Alright – I will go – but before I go…” he pleaded – nay – almost begged, “Can I see her once?”
“No.” was the curt answer… “look here son, last 5 days have been hectic for me, trying to save you – if you go out of this place – it will be the way I want – the other option is to get out your way – and face the Judiciary trial – or get killed by those people…”
“Maybe…” he said hopefully, “You can bring her here – I swear – I will not even meet her… and just leave, looking at her without saying a word.”
“I wish I could do that son.” Col Khanna said musingly,” but she is in police custody at a morgue – we found her half eaten away by fish, in complete horrible state…”
“NO!” he cried out in pain as tears overflowed.
He took almost an hour to recover from his pain and shock – to be his normal self. He obeyed Col Khanna’s instructions without a murmur…
“I don’t say this to anyone…” said Col Khanna, “but as an exception – I will say it to you…” he shook hands, “Thank You – Chaits…”