When Pains Come Flooding Back

2 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

When Pains Come Flooding Back

As they stepped out of the police station, Sanyogita and her companions made their way towards the residence that once was a haven of happiness and peace for her and her little sister, Janhvi.

As Sanyogita walked through the familiar streets of her old locality in Delhi, she was met with a mix of nostalgia and pain. The once-peaceful neighbourhood, where she and her sister Janhvi had grown up, now seemed to wear a different face.

The narrow lanes, lined with crumbling buildings and tangled power lines, seemed to whisper stories of the past. The same streets where people had once greeted her father with respect and admiration now held a different kind of attention. The lecherous stares of men, the whispers of "tainted" women, and the pointed fingers of judgmental neighbours all came flooding back.

The locality, once a thriving middle-class neighbourhood, had undergone a transformation over the past decade. The old, single-story houses had given way to modern, multi-story apartments, a testament to the city's rapid urbanisation. However, this progress had also brought with it a sense of anonymity and disconnection.

The streets, once filled with the sounds of children playing and women chatting, now seemed empty and sterile. The only sounds were the honking of cars and the distant hum of the city's never-ending chaos.

As Sanyogita walked, she noticed the proliferation of liquor shops and gambling dens, a stark contrast to the earlier days when the neighbourhood was known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The smell of street food and fresh fruits had given way to the stench of garbage and exhaust fumes.

The park where she and Janhvi had spent countless hours playing and laughing now lay neglected, its swings broken and its slides rusted. The only sign of life came from the group of young men loitering near the entrance, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a mixture of boredom and menace.

Sanyogita's heart ached as she took in the changes around her. The locality, once a symbol of her family's happiness and peace, now seemed to represent everything that had gone wrong. The downfall of her family, the loss of her sister, and the erosion of values and community all seemed to be reflected in the neighbourhood's transformation.

The very thought of that house, now tainted by the evil intentions of those who had sought to destroy their lives, filled Sanyogita's heart with a mix of emotions.

The residence, once a symbol of warmth and love, had gradually transformed into a haunting reminder of the traumatic events that had unfolded within its walls. The memories of laughter, tears, and countless moments of sibling bonding now seemed to be overshadowed by the dark shadows of lust, greed, and betrayal.

As they approached the house, Sanyogita's mind raced back to the days when her family's life was a picture of serenity. She recalled the countless hours she and her sister spent playing, sharing secrets, and dreaming of a bright future together. But those dreams were shattered when evil eyes, fueled by lust and malice, laid siege to their peaceful existence.

The house, once a sanctuary, had become a haunting testament to the devastating consequences of unchecked evil. Sanyogita's heart ached as she gazed upon the familiar walls, now bearing the scars of a shattered past. She steeled herself for the emotional turmoil that lay ahead, knowing that confronting the demons of her past was essential to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for her sister.

Sanyogita began to imagine a gaze drifting towards the window of the room where she had found her sister's lifeless body, hanging from the ceiling like a macabre puppet. The noose, a gruesome reminder of that fateful day, still haunted her dreams, and now, it seemed, her waking moments too. The image seared itself into her mind, refusing to let go, like a branding iron of sorrow.

As she stood there, frozen in anguish, Sanyogita's heart shattered into a million pieces, the grief and pain overwhelming her once more. The memory of her sister's pleas still echoed in her mind, a haunting refrain that refused to fade. "Every night, I can feel her sister shouting at her... 'Chutki, mujhe insaaf dila de, mujhe insaaf dila de'... Bring me justice, Chutki." The words, a heart-wrenching cry for help, still lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of her failure to protect her sister.

Tears streamed down Sanyogita's face as she recalled the anguish, her body wracked with sobs. She felt like she was drowning in a sea of sorrow, unable to escape the crushing weight of her grief. The pain was a palpable thing, a living, breathing entity that wrapped itself around her heart, squeezing tight. Sanyogita's breath came in ragged gasps, her lungs burning from the effort of holding back her emotions. But it was no use; the dam had burst, and her tears flowed like a river, unstoppable and unrelenting.

Meera, who had witnessed Sanyogita's distress, vowed, "Bhabhi, dekhna, woh charo ladke kabhi chain ki saans nahi lage... They will suffer more than they inflicted pain on Janhvi Didi . They will be killed brutally and slowly. Neither the universe nor their powerful fathers will save their beast sons this time." Sanyogita's skin prickled with goosebumps as she heard Meera's words, echoing her own desire for the perpetrators - Nishant, Daksh, Gautam, and Reyansh - to face severe punishment.

…………..

As they walked through the locality, a few people couldn't help but stare at the trio, their attire suggesting a privileged background.

Sanyogita exuded elegance in a stunning saree and matching blouse, her beauty enhanced by understated yet sophisticated accessories. A delicate gold mangalsutra, a few slender gold bangles, and small gold earrings added a touch of refinement to her overall look. Her hairstyle, a chic modern messy bun, framed her face perfectly, with a few loose strands accentuating her striking features.

Her nose was a masterwork of elegance, with a straight bridge and a gentle, rounded slope, slightly upturned at the tip, giving her an endearing and innocent look. The soft, rounded tip twitched with every emotion, making her expressions captivating.

Her lips, a work of art, boasted a Cupid's bow that curved upwards in a perpetual smile, inviting and alluring. The upper lip formed a gentle, rounded peak, while the lower lip was full and plump, painted a rosy hue that seemed to glow with a soft, subtle light.

Her eyes, deep and mysterious, shone like black pools, fringed with natural thick eyelashes that added to their allure. Her glowing, fair skin tone completed her captivating appearance, making her a vision of poise and grace.

Meera exuded a modern, edgy charm, her attire a perfect reflection of her confident and enigmatic personality. Her formal shirt and jeans were paired with trendy sunglasses, which added a hint of mystery to her demeanour, shrouding her eyes in an air of intrigue. A small clutcher held her hair in place, while the rest cascaded down her slender neck, drawing attention to her graceful features and accentuating her olive skin tone, which glowed with a warm, sun-kissed radiance.

Her hair, a rich, dark brown, framed her heart-shaped face, with subtle layers adding volume and texture to her locks. Her eyes, though hidden behind sunglasses, seemed to gleam with a sharp intelligence, as if constantly assessing her surroundings. Her lips, full and plump, curved into a subtle smile, hinting at a sharp wit and quick humour.

Meera's olive skin tone added a unique warmth to her features, a golden undertone that seemed to glow from within. Her slender neck and delicate collarbone only added to her elegance, making her seem like a modern-day goddess, confident and self-assured.

Justice Indrani Jaiswal exuded professional poise and gravitas, her attire a testament to her impeccable taste and attention to detail. Her beige knee-length formal pencil skirt and maroon shirt were tailored to perfection, accentuating her slender yet athletic build. The subtle sheen of the fabric hinted at a high-quality silk or cotton blend, and the precise darts and seams showcased the skill of the tailor.

Her shoulder-length hair fell in soft, luscious waves down her back, framing her heart-shaped face and highlighting her sharp jawline. A few stray strands escaped her sleek hairstyle, adding a touch of effortless elegance to her overall look.

Her eyes, a deep, piercing brown, shone with intelligence and warmth, conveying a sense of empathy and understanding. Her nose was straight and proportional to her other facial features, and her lips were full and plump, painted a subtle shade of pink that complemented her maroon shirt.

Justice Jaiswal's confident stride and dignified bearing commanded respect, her presence seeming to inspire trust and confidence in those around her. Her shoulders were back, her head held high, and her gaze was direct, yet not unyielding – a true embodiment of a strong, compassionate leader.

Together, the three women made a striking trio, their diverse styles and personalities blending in a harmonious balance of beauty, brains, and authority. As they walked, they seemed to embody the very essence of feminine strength and resilience.

As Sanyogita walked, a woman in her forties, reminiscent of her mother, caught her eye. The woman's gaze lingered, and Sanyogita felt a sudden jolt of recognition. "Rohini Aunty," she whispered, her heart skipping a beat.

Rohini's face, etched with warmth and familiarity, broke into a gentle smile. She welcomed Sanyogita and her companions into her home, where the aroma of freshly brewed tea and sweet snacks enveloped them. Her daughter-in-law arrived with a tray, and they sat down to chat.

Rohini's eyes sparkled as she praised Sanyogita's radiant complexion and the elegance of her mangalsutra and vermillion. "You've grown into a beautiful woman, Sanyogita," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Meera and Indrani Jaiswal observed the exchange, their faces quiet and attentive. But as Sanyogita shared her story, her voice trembling with determination, Rohini's expression transformed. Her smile faltered, replaced by a look of concern, as if she had heard something unsettling.

Yet, as she gazed into Sanyogita's resolute eyes, Rohini's face softened. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Sanyogita's arm, and whispered a blessing. "May you find the strength and courage to fulfil your mission, child." The warmth in her voice enveloped Sanyogita, filling her with a sense of hope and reassurance.

As they ventured out of their locality, Sanyogita's anxiety grew. She had managed to gather information about a few of Janhvi's college batchmates, and they were now visiting them, hoping to gather crucial leads. But Sanyogita was worried about how to initiate the conversation, fearing that her connection to Janhvi might scare them off.

Advocate Indrani Jaiswal sensed her apprehension and cautioned her to tread carefully. "Most people are reluctant to speak out about rape, let alone testify. We must approach them with sensitivity and understanding."

Their first few attempts were met with rejection. Three girls, upon learning that Sanyogita was Janhvi's sister, shut their doors, unwilling to revisit the painful memories. But then, they met Priya, a timid-looking woman who hesitated before agreeing to talk.

Sanyogita poured out her heart, sharing her determination to seek justice for Janhvi. But Priya's expression remained sceptical. "I appreciate your efforts, Sanyogita, but we're helpless. You're a powerful businessman's wife; you have protection and influence. We're middle-class people; no one will ensure our safety if we speak out."

“I understand your fear, Di. I truly do. I'll ensure the police will give you and your family protection . just think of Janhvi she was your batchmate , you are too a woman Di. Just think of what she went through. Don't her rights, her justice, matter?" Sanyogita pleaded.

Priya smirked “police , hmm.. they aren't for us common people. They are in the service of rich people like you. I have my family, my husband and children. If anything happens to them, tell me, who is going to compensate for that? Do you have any answer for that?" Priya's voice trembled, her eyes welling up with tears.

Sanyogita's face fell, unable to meet Priya's gaze first.

Priya raised her hand, interrupting Sanyogita. "I appreciate your efforts, but my mind is made up. I have my family to think of. I can't risk their lives, no matter how noble the cause.”

Sanyogita leaned in, her tone gentle but urgent. "Priya Di , please reconsider. Your statement could be the turning point in our case. We'll ensure your protection, your family's safety. We'll do everything in our power to—”

Priya shook her head, her expression resolute. "I'm sorry, Sanyogita. I want to help, I really do. But I have to prioritise my family's safety. You can't blame me for that."

Sanyogita nodded slowly, understanding Priya's perspective, even if it meant that another door had closed in her quest for justice. "I don't blame you, Priya Di . I just wish...I wish there was a way to make it right."

Priya's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on Sanyogita's arm. "I wish that too, Sanyogita. But sometimes, wishes aren't enough.”

Sanyogita's face fell, but she refused to give up. "But Priya Di, think of the bigger picture. If we don't speak out against these atrocities, who will? We can't let fear silence us. We owe it to Janhvi Di, to ourselves, to fight for justice."

Priya's expression remained resolute, her voice firm. "I understand what you're saying, Sanyogita. But I'm sorry. My answer is final.”

Sanyogita tried to reassure her, but Priya's words cut deep. "Tell me the truth, Sanyogita. If you weren't married to a rich man, would you have the courage to reopen this case?" Sanyogita's silence was telling her answer.

Priya's eyes filled with a mix of fear and resignation. "I got my answer. I'm sorry, Sanyogita. We can't afford to take that risk. We can't do anything in this situation." The door closed, leaving Sanyogita with a sense of defeat and a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead.

…………….

………………………….

Six days had passed since Sanyogita's visit to Delhi , and Prithvi was consumed by his work. On this particular night, one of his business partners, Siddharth , had organised a lavish party at an upscale hotel in Mumbai. The who's who of the business world mingled, sipping champagne and discussing lucrative deals. Prithvi, resplendent in his tailored suit, was engaged in a buisness conversation with Siddharth, their voices rising above the din of the party.

Arjun, Prithvi's personal assistant, hovered nearby, ensuring his boss's glass was always full. Two burly bodyguards, Vinod and Kumar, stood discreetly at a distance, their eyes scanning the room for potential threats.

As the night wore on, the conversation turned to more personal matters. Some men commiserate about their marital woes, while others boasted about their conquests. Siddharth, a middle-aged man with a paunchy stomach and a lecherous grin, leaned in close to Prithvi. "We've arranged for some beautiful companions to join us tonight," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Would you like to meet them?"

Prithvi's expression remained neutral, but his mind recoiled in distaste. The memory of the incident in the restroom still haunted him, filling him with guilt and unease. He had tried to push it to the back of his mind, but the image of the girl's terrified face lingered. He shook his head, his voice firm but polite. "No, thank you, Sid . I'm not interested."

Siddharth raised an eyebrow, surprised by Prithvi's disinterest. "Come on, Prithvi! Lighten up! You're not getting any younger." He chuckled, nudging Prithvi with his elbow.

Prithvi forced a smile, his eyes darting around the room in search of an escape. "Maybe later, Sid . I need to attend to some business matters." He excused himself, leaving Siddharth to wonder about his unusual behaviour.

As the music pulsed through the room, the pub girls took to the dance floor, their bodies swaying seductively to the beat. They laughed and spun, tossing their drinks in the air, the liquor splashing onto the floor. Prithvi watched, his discomfort growing, as some of the businessmen began to touch the girls inappropriately, their hands roaming over their barely clothed bodies.

A waiter approached Prithvi, offering him a drink. He hesitated, knowing he needed to keep his wits about him. "Just juice, please," he said, opting for a safer choice. But Siddharth, his business partner, intervened, pressing a glass of whiskey into his hand. "Come on, Prithvi, just one drink! It's on me!"

Arjun, Prithvi's personal assistant, had already had a few shots, but he was pacing himself, mindful of his wife's warning. He chatted with someone on his phone, oblivious to Prithvi's growing unease.

Prithvi took a sip of the whiskey, feeling the burn in his chest. Suddenly, he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, followed by a creeping sense of euphoria. The room began to spin, and he felt like he was hallucinating. He knew he needed to leave, to get out of there before things got out of hand.

As he made his way to the washroom, he didn't notice Arjun, still engrossed in his phone call. His two bodyguards, Vinod and Kumar, were distracted by a group of rowdy guests. Prithvi felt a hand grab his arm, pulling him into a dark corner. He tried to shake off the feeling of unease, but it was too late. Everything went black.

As Prithvi's head spun, he felt a gentle touch on his neck and waist. He smiled, thinking it was Sanyogita, his wife. The girl led him to room 710 on the 20th floor, and as she closed the door, a man emerged from the shadows.

With a swift, practised motion, the girl activated her spy camera, positioning it discreetly over the table. Then, with a fluidity that belied her earlier flirtatious demeanour, she began to shed her disguise, revealing a stunning transformation. She slipped off her long coat, exposing a daring red dress that hugged her curves

Next, she removed her black face mask, revealing a pale, diamond-shaped face with high cheekbones and a pointed chin.

Finally, she pushed her sunglasses up onto her forehead, revealing piercing chestnut eyes that sparkled with mischief .

Prithvi's eyes widened in wonder. He beheld a vision of loveliness, her face radiant and her body curves accentuated by the skintight dress. The dress, a deep red hue, hugged her torso, barely containing her ample breasts. The hemline rode high, exposing her toned thighs. Prithvi's hallucination convinced him that this was Sanyogita, his wife, standing before him.

With a joyful cry, he pulled the girl into his arms, his lips crashing down on hers in a desperate, passionate kiss. He kissed her lips, pouring all his love and longing into the embrace, hallucinating that he was kissing his beloved wife.

The girl, taken aback by the intensity of his kiss, responded hesitant at first, but soon found herself getting caught up in the passion of the moment

His hands roamed her body, tracing the curves of her waist, hips, and thighs. He kissed her neck, the soft skin sending shivers down his spine. His lips trailed down to the valley between her breasts, the dress barely covering them. The girl's skin was soft and fragrant, intoxicating Prithvi further..

As their lips touched, Prithvi's mind was hijacked by visions of Sanyogita, his heart aching with longing.

"I love you," he whispered in the girl's ear, his words barely audible, "I miss you," he added, his voice cracking with emotion, as the girl's face blurred into Sanyogita in his mind's eye.

Unbeknownst to the girl and Prithvi, a hidden observer watched from the shadows, capturing every intimate moment of their encounter on camera. Concealed within the hotel room, the mysterious cameraman continued to roll footage, documenting Prithvi's ardent declarations of love and the girl's flirtatious responses.

Their private moment was being secretly recorded, and neither of them suspected a thing. The cameraman remained silent and unseen, chronicling the unfolding drama with an unblinking lens.

He was lost in the moment, his desire and happiness blinding him to the reality of the situation. But, unbeknownst to Prithvi, this was not Sanyogita, and this encounter would have far-reaching consequences.

[MEMBERSONLY]

[NOCOPY]