Chapter 9b

TW: Death

Two days later, 

Afternoon 

Neha was sitting at a corner table with a Subway sandwich when a fair, tall man dressed in a long trench coat walked in and sat next to her. 

“Hello! Sorry for being late, got stuck in some work.” He said in his deep, husky voice and gave her a bouquet of wild flowers. 

“Hi Alec!” She looked at the bouquet, “The flowers are really pretty! Thank you! I was hungry so I ordered already.” 

Alec smiled at her, “That’s fine, but how is eating an entire loaf of bread healthy?” 

She frowned, “Don't talk like doc, you're supposed to be the bad guy!” 

“People think I am a bad man but what have I really done? I never get my hands dirty, I only instruct my people to carry out certain things. I’m not like those multi-billionaire companies that are killing the nature and call it fair-trade. I don’t go around enslaving people to work for me and call it economy. I run a simple business of transportation. I only kill a few assholes here n’ there, more like have them killed, to be precise. I am only helping mother nature by reducing some weight of these useless people. And you still think I’m bad? Come on!” 

Neha had finished eating half of her sub, “That’s a fair point.” 

Alec tucked the strands of her hair behind ear, “Your hair is eating your food!” 

“Its alright.” She adjusted her hair to cover her scarred cheek. 

“Your scars don’t make you ugly. Remember when Atticus wrote, ‘She conquered her demons and wore her scars like wings.’ I bet he was talking about you.” 

“Cheesy. Not bad.” 

“Okay, what about this- it was her chaos that made her beautiful.” 

“Nope. Finish eating and then I’ll give you a book, read out real poem from there.” 

“As you wish mademoiselle!” 

“What is that on your hands?” She pointed at his bruises. 

“A kitten was stuck in barbed wire fence and thorny bushes. I got these bruises while saving it.” 

“You saved a kitten? WOW! You never cease to amaze me.” 

“Yes and you will love this baby!” He fetched a tiny black kitten from his jacket. 

“Oh my God!! This is the cutest floof I’ve ever seen!” 

“Keep it.” 

“Me? No. I-” 

“I really want you to keep it.” 

“Alec, you are so good, man! I can’t thank you enough!” She took the kitten. 

“You have helped me in realising that there is still some goodness in me. I had forgotten about it till I met you. You made me see all the wrong that I had been doing all this time. Had it not been you, I would not have realised that I-.. Now I have decided to leave this all and start my life afresh.” 

“That’s a wise choice but don’t give me the credit, I haven’t done anything. It’s all you.” 

“I have decided that I will wrap up my business and go to some distant country and begin a new life, away from all this bloodshed. I made this empire from scratch and now I want to tear it apart, brick by brick. I will give you all the information you need and you will have your city free from certain crimes. Deal?” 

“Why do you not surrender instead?” 

“Because I know people will have me dead before I open my mouth. I know I can trust you. You won’t abuse the information for any personal gains. You will get a chance to prove that you are a great officer - name and fame.” 

She observed his eyes, “No. I will consider this deal only if you guarantee the safety of my family because working for you will mean making a lot of enemies for myself.” 

“You have my word. No one will harm your family. I guarantee it. If anyone tries, my men will be at guard.” 

“Sounds good.” 

“But, in case you have second thoughts and decide to double-cross me,” He showed a picture on his phone, “I will reveal his true identity. You are smart enough to know what happens next.” 

She saw the picture and felt her blood boiling but took a sharp breath, “What if I decline the deal?” 

“I don’t see a reason to do that. You get to free the city from crime which is your primary goal. It is just being made easy by me. Your family stays safe, that’s a bonus. What more do you need?” 

“Right. But before I tell you my decision, I want you to read a poem from this diary.” She took out a leather diary from her purse and gave it to him. 

“You’ve written them?” He flipped through the pages. 

“Some of them, others are my favourites, copied in my handwriting.” 

“This is ‘Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’ by W. B. Yeats” He read the poem and placed diary on table. 

“You are surprisingly good at reading poetry.” She kept the diary in her handbag. 

“Yes. Things you do to woo the woman you like.” He winked, “I really like you.” 

“A lot of people do. Thanks.” 

“So, have you decided?” 

“Yes. I am in.” She smiled, “Hope nothing goes wrong.” 

“It won’t if this remains between the two of us.” 

“I can keep a secret.” 

“And your secret is safe with me.” 

Her phone buzzed, “I have to leave now, work calls. See you later.” 

“Bye!” 

~ 

Evening, 

Spring Heights, 

“Vikram!” She opened the door and walked in. 

“Here you are, two days later. Not angry anymore?” Vikram kept his book aside. 

“I brought his fingerprints.” She turned away silently putting the fingerprints on the table. 

“Are you still upset about the other night?” She looked up and then went back to doing her work. 

“If you think I’ll say sorry then you’re wrong. I wasn’t at fault, you were.” 

“Don’t justify your sh-tty behaviour. It won’t kill you if you say sorry. You have hurt me and I don’t take it lightly.” 

“You almost killed us! Emotions are an impediment in our line of work. You can’t let your emotions cloud your judgement.” 

Neha shook her head and walked in the chamber. She found a box containing a new diary, post-its, highlighters and coloured pens. “For me?” 

“Yes.” 

She smiled and kept the box away, “I met Alec today. Says he wants to start afresh. Presented me a deal to give all his information in return of safe passage.” 

“Sounds like an amazing trap.” 

“What if it is not? See, I get to know about his associates and all the others involved, we track them, put them behind the bars and when it’s time, he also goes to jail. Pitch perfect!” 

“He’s not the type of man to be trusted.” 

“I got nothing to lose.” 

“Think it through, take your time.” 

“I’ll talk to Sameer bhai. Hopefully he has answers.” 

~ 

Rathore House 

Neha rang the doorbell. Karan opened the door and welcomed her. “Hi!” 

“Hello! Is Samie bro home?” 

“Yes. Please sit. What would you like to have, tea or coffee?” 

“Coffee would do! Thanks.” 

Sameer came in, “You’re early.” 

“Yep. Could we talk in a private space?” 

Sameer took her in the study room, “Ask whatever you want to-” 

“Be very honest and tell me, do you really believe that,” she inhaled sharply, “Sikander exists?” 

“I do.” 

“Since when?” 

“What?” 

“Have you always believed or is it a recent development?” 

“I always believed there was someone who-” Sameer paused, “but I’m still not sure if Sikander is a real person or just an alias.” 

“Why is it that I have been asked to gather the old cases details?” 

“It’s confidential but all I can say is orders from higher authorities, not my decision. Even I was surprised as to why are you being asked to do this. You are a bit inexperienced for such an important and difficult case.” 

“Well, I can’t be as experienced as you, considering your age, Uncle Sam! But I am trained at Scotland Yard and under world’s best secret agents.” 

“You do realise what is at stake here, Neha. It is not going to be easy.” 

“I had a different conversation in mind but perhaps we are not ready for it.” 

“What is it?” 

“The evening of 2nd August 2012” Neha whispered. 

Sameer looked haunted by a ghost from past. 

“I’ll see you later.” Neha walked out leaving him alone. 

~ 

Later that night, 

Rawte Mansion, 

Neha knocked the door, “Bhaiya, there’s something I have to say..” 

“Yes” Arjun made her sit beside him. 

“Bhaiya,” She took a deep breath, “I have been trying, really hard, you know. But I – I can’t get those words out of my head. You know I really tried to think of other things, but it’s not working. Every time I try to forget it, you come to me with an apology. And I am reminded of it once again.” 

“Neha-” 

“Let me finish. Bhaiya, honestly, you need to stop apologizing. I understand that you are sorry for whatever you said. But the thing is I can’t forget it. I will, someday, eventually be able to forgive you, maybe. But I will never forget what all you said. I tried, you know, to act like everything is normal and tried to think that nothing like that ever happened at all. It didn’t work. Honestly, I just want to go on and pretend that this never happened. That is what I am doing, will be doing. It’s just all so messed up, I don’t know what I’m saying. Do you understand? It’s all so messed up, I can’t even- ” She felt a sharp pain in her throat, holding back her tears. She closed her eyes and covered her face with hands to hide her tears. 

Arjun patted her back and held her close. 

After crying for a while she wiped her tears and looked at him. “I know you are not bad, but not so good either.” 

“I don’t deserve-” 

“I know you love me more than anyone, that’s all I need.” 

“Of course.. I love you my child!” 

“I know you do.” 

~ 

A week later, 

ETF Conference room, 

“Okay! Listen up folks!” Neha announced, “Tomorrow is bhaiya’s birthday and I’m hosting a small surprise party. So make sure none of you wish him in the morning. Everyone is invited home in the evening but no gifts allowed. Alright?” 

“A birthday without gifts? Not fair.” Sakshi pouted. 

“About that-” Neha took out a handmade card from her file, “Write something nice for him. I know it’s difficult but y’all sweeties can think of something good. I want you guys to finish this by today evening. And make sure it remains a secret.” 

“Done!” The team said in unison. 

~ 

Next morning 

Rawte Mansion 

The alarm buzzed, Arjun turned it off with his eyes closed. 

“Arjun! Wake up! Its 10 o’clock!” Roshni pulled the sheets. 

“Roshu! It’s not even 8! Five minutes!” Arjun hid his head in pillow. 

Roshni took the pillow, “Arjun, it’s your birthday, is this how you want the year to start, sleepyhead?” 

Arjun put his arm around her, “This is how I want it to be!” He was about to kiss her when they heard a baby cry. 

“Anu is crying! Let me go!” She tried to escape. 

“Aai says that kids should cry, it opens their vocal chords.” 

“Whatever!” Roshni pushed him and went to check on her baby. 

Arjun sighed and went behind her. 

“Arjun, pass the diaper.” 

“Give her to me, I’ll change.” Arjun picked the diaper. She nodded and went into kitchen. 

Arjun began changing the diaper, “Princess, tell me, could you not stay quiet for a few minutes?” 

6 month old Arnika yawned loudly. “Are you mocking me?” She chuckled. Arjun pecked her forehead and patted her back, within a few minutes she was asleep. He placed her in the cradle and rocked it gently. 

“Roshu!” Arjun walked into kitchen and embraced her, “Before the kids wake up again, let me have my moment of peace.” Roshni kissed his lips softly. 

The alarm buzzed again. 

Arjun was combing his hair when Neha barged in, “Hola brother! Wish you a very happy birthday!” She placed a tray on the table and hugged him. 

“Thank you!” He cut the cupcake in half and fed her. 

“Tastes amazing! I’m a good chef!” She fed him and smeared the leftover chocolate on his face. “Now open the gift.” She wiped her hands and pulled out her camcorder. 

He unwrapped the gift and looked at the handmade journal, “You made this?” 

“Obviously!” 

He opened the first page, it was a black and white picture of a new-born. A handwritten message below it read- ‘You might not be perfect, but are smart, strong and the most reliable person I know.’ 

He turned the pages, more pictures from his childhood, every picture had a caption, some funny, others meaningful and deep. 

“You gon’ take forever? Flip the pages quick. I don’t have an entirety.” 

“Stop recording.” 

“No, this is treasure! Now flip through, read later.” 

“Why would you select the most embarrassing pictures?” 

“You are an embarrassment, I can’t help.” 

“Shut up!” Arjun turned the next pages with pictures of Roshni and their kids. He gently touched the picture and a tear trickled down his cheek. 

“Bhaiya?” She wiped off the tear. 

“This is the most beautiful gift Neha. Thank you so much!” 

“There’s more. Wait for it.” She opened her laptop and played a video. 

“Hello papa!” 4 year old Aryan said cheekily. 

“Hey dad! ‘Sup?” Arnika joined. 

“We will perform something for you!” Aryan and Arnika said dramatically and made a performance. 

“This is amazing!” 

“It is! Our parents have also sent some message recordings for you!” 

“I will watch them later!” 

“Cool! Enjoy your day! Toodle-oo!” She blew a kiss and walked out. 

~ 

Evening, 

Neha was dressed in a pastel pink chiffon ball gown, hair tied in a half up half down manner. 

“Is this a theme party?” Vikram asked. 

“No Princess, I haven’t worn this dress ever, thought it’d be a good idea.” She wore heels, walked a few steps and stumbled twice. 

“Do you really need to wear hee-” Neha tripped over him and before he could balance, they fell on the couch. 

“Neha everything is ready-” Karan came in and saw them on the couch, “Sorry, I’ll come later.” 

“No! It’s ok” Neha got up and straightened her dress, “these heels are terrible” 

“It doesn’t matter, no one will see it!” Vikram grumbled. 

“It’s for the Look!” Her black kitten meowed, “Even Nyx agrees!” 

“Wearing 5 inch high heels and tripping thrice for the Look is stupid.” 

Neha rolled her eyes, “Karan, you were saying something?” 

“Yeah, everything is set, we are waiting for you. Bhai is on his way, will be here in five minutes.” 

“Cool! What if I wear my Heelys and slide down?” 

“No! NO!” Vikram protested. Neha put on the shoes and hurt her knee at the table corner as she slid past. “Never mind, will wear something else.” 

“Why do you do this yourself?” 

“I learn from my mistakes. That’s the motto of my life.” 

“Did you wear those heels because you wanted to look taller than me strawberry shortcake?” 

“Call me strawberry shortcake one more time and I swear-”She shook her head, “Just get my stilettos from the top right corner.” 

“Quit it!” 

“My momma didn’t raise no quitter” 

“Not a quitter but surely an idiot.” Vikram chuckled. 

She stared at him. They heard the car honking, “He-ll! They’re here! Turn the lights off!” She looked around in darkness and heard faint noises, “F--k! It’s too dark, is anyone-” 

Vikram turned his phone light on, “Don’t panic, everything is alright.” 

She held his arm and walked towards the hall. 

Arjun opened the door and turned on the lights. He found the ETF team waiting for him. The dinner table was beautifully decorated with scented candles, flowers and food. 

“No balloons?” He looked up and saw a large balloon in the centre, filled with confetti. 

“I know you’re not five so one balloon would do!” Neha uncovered the cake, “The cake would be destroyed by the weight of thirty candles, so just one-” 

“What?” 

“Subtle reminder that twenty years later you’ll be fifty!” She grinned. Arjun crossed his arms and glared. 

“The candle is melting, blow it. But wait! Make a wish first!” 

Arjun closed his eyes momentarily. 

“What did you wish?” 

“That you keep your mouth shut for rest of the evening.” 

“Alright. I’ll do that.” 

Arjun blew the candle and cut the cake while everyone sang ‘Happy birthday to you’. 

They sat at the dinner table. 

“The pasta is delicious!” 

“Thank you!” Vikram bowed a little with smile. 

“Wouldn’t be possible without me-” 

“Don’t even talk. You invited me for the party and made me cook this entire time while you couldn’t choose what shoes to wear.” 

“Why is no one talking about the cake? I put in so much effort to make it, also burnt my fingers-” 

“No one asked you to do it!” Arjun said. 

“I didn’t raise you to be an ungrateful child!” 

“No gran’ma, you didn’t!” 

Neha was about to pick a piece of pizza but Vikram took it first. Neha pouted, “You’ve stolen a pizza my heart!” 

“There are more pieces.” 

“That was cheesy but you’re grate” 

“No, please!” Vikram grumbled, “One more pun and I swear-” 

“What? You gon’ break up? I thought we were mint to be together.” 

“Never mind.” 

“Neha, what are you high on?” Sameer asked. 

“Weed! I wish! But I’m completely sober since last thirty two days.” 

“I hate to admit that your drunk self is more tolerable than sober one.” 

“That means I can drink now?” 

“No!” 

There was a loud thunder rumbling. 

“I told you, it’s gonna rain tonight!” Neha smirked. 

“You are not going out in rain.” Arjun stated. 

“No. I will just bring Rocky and Sandy in.” She went out and brought her dogs in, “Stay here and don’t bother Nyx, alright?” They nodded and she back in the garden. 

“What are you doing?” 

“Ritual sacrifice of the season!” She yelled from outside. 

“What’s that?” 

“Jumping in puddles of first rain.” 

~ 

A deserted street 

Sikander was strolling when it started raining. He stood under a tree and a few street dogs were barking. He approached the dogs and drove them away. One of the dog was protectively covering a bundle near the large dustbin. He went to take a closer look and found a new born baby crying. The dog barked at him but he took the baby in his arms and walked away with it. 

~ 

Later that night 

Neha was sitting in her room near the window, silently sniffling. It was drizzling and little raindrops fell on her with gently blowing breeze. 

Vikram sat next to her, “Neha? Are you alright?” 

She leaned on his shoulder, “I’ve never said this to anyone. My gran’ma used to say that a woman’s heart should be vast like ocean, holding everything inside. Don’t let the ocean spill or it will destroy your little world. I don’t care about her stupid advice anymore. I’ll tell you something I’ve never told anyone.” 

“Go on, I’m all ears.” 

She took a deep breath, “Five years is a long time, or so I thought. It was my 18th birthday. Maulik had gifted this dress to me, his first design. My bhau had planned a big surprise for me. That evening, I was with my friends, giving them a treat when the news channel flashed news of bhau’s death in an accident. I rushed to his place. I was stunned to see the decorations. Must’ve spent entire night putting it up. There were a lot of people. Then a group of uniformed officers brought in a dead body. They said it was my bhau. Bhaiya had just came in. He tried to see the face but couldn’t. It was badly burnt. I happened to glance at the hands and I knew this body wasn’t ours. I tried to tell everyone, nobody believed me. They thought I was in shock. I was not. How could I not recognise the hands that taught me how to hold a pen, how to fight. The hands that supported me in everything I did. I came back home. I saw mom and dad were fighting. Mom was screaming at dad. My mom never raised her voice this high, she was screaming at dad, he just sat there, clutching his left shoulder. I called in the ambulance. Dad suffered from a major attack. They performed a surgery, saved him. I spent all night by his side. They say being an adult is not easy. Never knew it would be this hard on day one. Everything was different the next morning. I felt like I aged a hundred years in one night. I didn’t cry, I couldn’t. I was surrounded by people but I’ve never felt so alone. I never wore this dress but I thought today I’d wear it and everything will be normal. No. Nothing will ever be normal in my life. Fun fact? Not even I am normal.” She laughed sadly. “Five years may be a long time but it feels like all that happened five minutes ago. Never mind. Thanks for listening, have a good sleep.” She smiled at him and snuggled in her bed. 

Vikram looked at the pouring rain. 

“Ma, baba, good night!” “Good night beta!” 15 year old Vikram went to his room upstairs. It had been raining for past three days. He was barely asleep when he heard his mother’s scream. He sat upright in his bed, his heart pounding and body numb. He heard his father’s scream and rushed downstairs. He found both his parents lying in pool of their blood at the doorstep. There was no one around them. Bullets had pierced their vital organs and they died before reaching the hospital. 

~*~

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