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Chapter 1.
The girl stumbled in the dark and fell. Her grazed knees and palms scraped on the rough surface of the deserted road. She winced. Sweat trickled her brow. She glanced wildly behind her. 'They are not here yet..', she thought. Collecting herself she ran again. She had to get far away from there. Faster...she willed herself. Soon she was out of breath again. She had to stop somewhere. She looked around. The road was lined on both sides with shops. After doing a brisk business for the day, they had closed. Their colourful shutters gleamed in the night street lights. The girl looked again.
'This won't do..', she thought. She needed to find a dark space for hiding. People chasing her must be close now. See needed to keep her wits. She scanned the row of shops again. Her eyes stopped at a narrow dark alleyway snaking through couple of shops. She quickened her pace and neared the alleyway. Her pounding heart almost felt relieved when she entered it. She sat in the dark clutching her knees to her chest trying to blend with the wall behind her. She must be quiet...she thought. She tried to control her breath. She suddenly realized she was desperately hungry. After that morning's meagre breakfast she hadn't had anything. Her stomach craved for food. Her body craved for sleep. She was bone tired. 'Just hold on little more...then it will be over', she told herself.
She waited for her pursuers. She wanted to hear them pass on the road before coming out of her hiding place and run in the opposite direction. She waited patiently. She heard footsteps and went still. She focused her senses in the direction of the sound and tried to make out where they were going. The footsteps came nearer. She tensed. There was no sound for a moment. For eternity. And then a rough hand closed around her neck.
Aditi jolted up from her deep slumber. Her bed was wet with sweat. Her hair stuck to her face. Panting heavily she looked at the clock. It was unnecessary. The dream had ended on its normal time. As if to confirm, the clock chimed 5 AM. She pushed the covers and got up from the bed. She opened the window to let some air in. The cool morning breeze refreshed her senses and she was fully awake. She looked in the distance. Across the road from her house, in the park, some early morning walkers could already be seen. She needed to hurry.
She changed into her jogging gear and left for the park. It was a lovely spring morning, flowers still in their buds. The park air was filled with mixed scent of wet grass and magnolia blooms. Aditi inhaled deeply. She loved her morning jogs. It was the elixir that gave her the energy to go through her day. She went on her usual route, waiving to the familiar faces as she jogged. She was back home after an hour. By the time she had finished her shower and dressing for work, mausi had prepared her breakfast as usual. 2 boiled eggs, cut fruit, yogurt and soaked almonds.
'I am bored of making same food every day..', mausi tried to complain again, 'I can make some good Indian breakfast as well you know...'.
'I like this mausi..', Aditi replied, taking a bite of her egg. 'I like my morning routine'.
Mausi shook her head in exasperation. 'Are you coming home today for dinner?', she asked. 'Yesterday you didn't and the food went waste'.
'I don't know mausi', Aditi replied. 'Please don't wait for me. Please leave on your regular time..You know I can't commit to normal working hours..'.
'Ok dear..', sighed mausi before starting on her chores.
Aditi smiled inwardly. She knew mausi worried for her. But her irregular timings, erratic schedule was something that came with her job. And she loved her job.
Finishing breakfast, she got up. She put on her gleaming leather shoes and checked her reflection in the living room mirror. Stars and motifs gleamed on her shoulders and medals on her chest. ACP Aditi Shekhawat was ready to start the day.
*****
Aditi parked her car in her allotted space and walked into her office. The police headquarters was abuzz with activity today. Everyone seemed to be tensed and rushing. Aditi pushed the door and entered the office of her superior. Today SP sir looked to be in especially foul mood. Without looking at her he acknowledged her with a nod of his head and pushed a thick folder to her. 'Start on this. I want hourly updates and a report by end of today', he growled. She took the folder but didn't bother to open it yet as she knew her boss wasn't finished. She waited patiently for what was to come. He fiddled furiously with a paperweight on the table. Then he turned his attention to the TV installed in on the side wall of his office. Aditi turned her gaze to where he was looking. An over-enthusiastic reporter was running a breaking news. About a renowned, young businessman absconding from his own marriage, his jilted bride-to-be sitting at the mandap still waiting for him and the worried faces of his immediate family and friends.
Shaurya Khanna, the most eligible bachelor in Delhi, had done it again. 'The guy certainly knows how to stay in news..', Aditi chuckled in her mind.
'There is speculation of foul play here..I want you to investigate every angle thoroughly.', her boss growled again, 'This man Shaurya Khanna is proving to be lot of nuisance.'
She understood. Shaurya Khanna was notorius for his underhand dealings. He used police as his personal servants. But she knew she couldn't blame him alone as corruption ran deep in her department.
'I'll start on this straightaway', she said and turned to leave. Back in her own office, she rang the bell for her morning coffee and buried her head in the folder. She knew she had a long day ahead.
*****
She was still reading the folder when Inspector Dubey entered her office with another thick folder in his hand. One glance at him and she knew he was already briefed about today's breaking news.
'So where do we start, madam?', he asked.
'We will watch some TV first', she replied, 'then we will go to a wedding reception'. Dubey smiled happily. He liked what was on offer.
She turned the TV on and they both turned to watch. The news was showing top hotelier and international chef Shaurya Khanna, his multi-million dollar empire, how at such a young age he was already one of the most successful hoteliers in the country. Then it turned more interesting. It turned to his TV show - India's Super Cook. The reporter almost drooled detailing about Shaurya and one of his show's young contestant - Mahek Sharma. Aditi sat up straight when the image of a young, sweet-faced girl flashed on the screen. Dubey did a double take at his boss and went back to watching the screen. Mahek - how her innocent face lit up with shy smile when she won her first round in the cooking competition. Her and Shaurya's video footage from swimming pool and then her dancing carefree with him near the bon-fire. Then came the slap-gate. And then to the ISC finals party when Shaurya acknowledged his mistake and Mahek forgave him.
Aditi couldn't connect the dots. Something had happened in between that was not being shown. Why did she forgive him?
But the news had moved on to their marriage. They were now showing a desolate Mahek sitting at the Mandap the morning after. There was no clue of Shaurya. Aditi turned the TV off.
Dubey was looking at her expecting some reaction. When none came, he spluttered, 'Madam....did you notice?'
Aditi didn't reply. 'How could it be?', she thought. But she had no time for useless pondering. 'First things first..', she thought and went back to the folder in front of her.
***** ******
Chapter 2.
Shaurya reappeared after three days, hail and hearty, announcing the launch of his new fusion restaurant - White chillies. He did not talk about Mahek Sharma or the cancelled wedding and deflected any questions related to the topic. A phone directly to the Police Commissioner took care of the investigation and the case was dropped. Aditi grimaced. 'What a waste of police time and public money', she thought. She completed the remaining paperwork and left for home. She was expecting a visitor today.
*****
At home she asked mausi to prepare rajma-chawal.
'Is he coming today?', mausi asked excitedly. 'I think so mausi', she replied, 'He has'nt called up or anything but I have a feeling he will come today'. Mausi went to the kitchen happily to start dinner preparations.
The bell rang sharp at 7 PM. Aditi opened the door to welcome a tall, handsome man. He was in his civil clothes. He entered the house and took his usual seat on the sofa.
'How are you?', he asked. 'I am fine, thanks', Aditi replied with a smile. She was happy to see him. He was away for work for so long. This visit was long overdue.
'How are you? How are the others?', she asked.
'All good', came the reply. 'I want you home tomorrow. Madhu is coming home for her holidays.'
That excited her. It will be just like the old times. 'I'll be there in the morning.', she confirmed.
At the dinner table, there was the usual chat. They ate and talked in comfort. She was waiting for him to broach the subject. She knew this visit wasn't just to invite her for tomorrow. The face of Mahek Sharma flashed in her mind. They finished dinner and went to living room. Mausi was working in the kitchen tiding up. She knew he was waiting for mausi to leave. She waited patiently.
Mausi left after half an hour and finally they were alone. Aditi raised her head and looked at him expectantly.
'Did you see her in the news?', he asked finally getting a chance to bring up the purpose of his visit.
'Yes', she replied, 'And I don't understand'.
'Me neither', he replied. 'But there's uncanny resemblance. Some might say you two are related'.
She thought about it. 'You know that can't be possible', she said, 'After all I am an orphan.'
'You are NOT an orphan', he said tersely. 'Yes, you don't know who your biological parents are, but that's different'. She agreed and apologised. She knew she was being unfair to him. After all it was because of him that she was even alive today.
'You resemble Mahek Sharma to the extent that some might feel you are twins.', he mused again. 'The only difference is...your eyes'. He looked at his daughter, proudly noticing her most striking feature - her eyes. Almond shaped, luminiscent steel gray in colour, covered with thick long lashes. The eyes that had captivated him when he found her being chased by those goons all those years ago. She was an under-fed, eleven year old, bony street-urchin back then. Now he scanned her again proudly...She has grown into a strikingly beautiful woman..he thought. Suitors were already lining up at his door. He remembered the extra visitor they were going to have tomorrow and the significance of his presence. He smiled.
She was watching him. Her saviour all those years ago and adoptive father had aged gracefully. If it wasn't for him ten years aso, she would either be dead or in a brothel now. He had taken her home, raised like his own among his own family, given her his name and the respect that it entailed. She in turn had accepted them as her own and thrived. She only among his kids had carried on his profession, taking up the IPS after her graduation and earning a gold medal. Vivaan, his eldest son was a businessman. Madhu his youngest daughter was training to be a doctor. I'll see them all tomorrow...her eyes sparkled with happiness.
'Would you like some coffee, Dad?', she asked. 'Not now Adu', he said, 'Your mum must be waiting. I'll see you tomorrow. Don't be late.' He left soon after that.
******
It was nearly 11 PM when IG Police Ranveer Shekhawat reached his home. The sentries at the gate saluted him and rushed to open the gate. As the car entered the driveway he saw Megha, his wife coming to the door to welcome him. He was returning after a month long tour and had missed his family. He hugged his wife and smiled.
'Is she coming tomorrow?', she asked.
'Your husband is returning home after a month and all you can ask about is your adoptive daughter', he complained mockingly. But he couldn't keep her waiting long. 'Yes, she will be here for the weekend. We will celebrate Madhu's return as a family'.
Megha was visibly relieved and looked much happier. Aditi had lived with them until she finished her IPS. But soon after that she had moved to her allotted government house citing the reason of shorter commute to work. Megha missed her daughters. With Aditi at her new home and Madhu away for her medical education, she found herself getting lonely. She couldn't wait for tomorrow to begin.
*****
The next day went in a flurry. The family reunion went as expected. Madhu chattered non-stop. Vivaan didn't leave any chance to tease and mock. And Aditi smiled and basked in the love and attention she received. She was eternally grateful and thanked God for the wonderful family she had. She didn't know her biological parents, but that was more than remedied when she was taken in by the Shekhawats. She now not only had loving parents, but also a caring elder brother in Vivaan and a naughty, bubbly younger sister in Madhu. Aditi was content.
In the evening the family was joined by another visitor - Ajay Mehra. He was Vivaan's business partner. He belonged to an influential family of builders in Delhi. With a management degree under his belt, rather than joining the family business, he had started his new venture in partnership with Vivaan. They had met at an business event in London six months ago and hit it off instantly. Vivaan was in awe of his partner and wanted him to meet his family. Hence today's dinner invitation.
The dinner was set up in the expansive gardens of the IG Police residence. As Ajay took his seat, he was greeted by Ranveer and Megha Shekhawat. They chatted amiably and then were joined by their two daughters. Ajay was instanly mesmerised as he was introduced to Aditi Shekhawat, the eldest daughter of the house. Tall with thick, ebony hair falling to below her waist, her clear honey skin seemed luminiscent in the night light. She greeted her parents with a smile and turned to him. He smiled, confidant in his own abilities to impress her and proceeded to shake her hand. His smile vanished as their hands met. Instead of a soft shivering touch that he had expected, he was met with a slightly calloused, firm and strong grip. As her steel gray eyes met his, he decided this will not be an easy task for him. She was no damsel cowering at the first touch of men. This was a confident young woman, sure of her own abilities. After all, she was gold-medalist, best of the breed police officer. Confidence and self-assurance came with the territory.
She was asking him something and his reverie broke. He answered and the evening proceeded. The entire evening he observed her as she talked, smiled and ate. Vivaan shook his head as he noticed his friend's condition. His eyes met those of his father's. He got a slight nod of acknowledgement as both men continued with their respective conversations.
Ajay looked a little dazed when it was time to leave. He didn't say much as he got in his car and left. Vivaan smiled happily. The evening was a success.
***** *****
Chapter 3.
Aditi came back after spending the weekend with her family and got busy with her work again. Days flew by. Ajay Mehra tried his best to woo her. He didn't get many opportunities due to the nature of her work and in whatever limited time he was able to spend with her, he received no response. Finally they had settled for the cordial relationship they had now, he being her brother's business partner and she being his partner's sister. Aditi smiled and shook her head. She had noted the effect she had on Ajay at the dinner at her parent's house. She also had watched her brother and father exchanging a pregnant glance. She knew they were trying to set her up with Ajay. But she was not ready....not yet. She had her dreams...or rather...one specific dream...She couldn't look forward to the next phase of her life when she had unsorted issues in the past.
*****
Shaurya Khanna was back in news again. This time for a change it was not of his own making. His wife Mahek Sharma had drowned in a river when they were on vacation in Hrishikesh. The news showed a desolate Shaurya lighting the pyre of his wife.
'At least his grief looks real this time', Aditi thought in her head, 'the guy must be really in love with his wife.' She chided herself for being this skeptical about the man, after all she hardly knew him. But then it was part of her job to be skeptical, question each evidence, doubt even the most innocent of faces. She had trained for it and was best at it.
*****
Months flew by. Madhu completed her course and started work at a renowned hospital in Delhi. It was a relief to have her back. After another happy weekend with her family, Aditi was back in office that Monday when she was called in by SP sir.
'The Home Minister's daughter's wedding. You are in charge of the security.', he said pushing a folder to her. 'It will be the event of the year. With many celebrities, politicians and other influential people from all over the country, possibly including some international guests. Its a big responsibility, Aditi ', he paused, looking at his most reliable officer. 'Are you up for it?'
'Of course, Sir', she replied without a second thought.
'Good', he said as he received expected reply. She was his most capable officer, in the short span of time that she had worked with him she had already shown an aptitude and intelligence that will take her to new heights. The IG Police Ranveer Shekhawat's eldest daughter was a force to be reckoned with.
*****
Sitting at her office desk, sipping her black coffee, Aditi opened the folder. She went through it quickly, scanning the details and making mental notes.
After an hour, she was on her way to inspect the venue finalized for the wedding. Inspector Dubey was accompanying her, along with another constable. They came to halt at the venue parking and Aditi got off turning off the ignition. She stood there taking in the scene.
A Beautiful white building set in acres of lush green grounds rose to greet them. Tall trees surrounded the grounds, she detected faint scent of Neelgiri mingled with the other prominent scents as she walked on the path that lead to the most famous Michelin star restaurant in Delhi - White Chillies.
It was mid-morning and the restaurant was not busy. She called for the manager showing her their IDs and told the purpose of the visit.
'But Shaurya Sir is not in today.', the manager stated.
'That's okay. We can start on the preliminary work. I don't need him yet.' , Aditi replied, noting the manager's worried look. Note to self - He must be a controlling boss if his workers are not comfortable handling things in his absence.
'I can't allow you to start without his permission, he won't like it', the manager now looked more worried.
'I don't need his permission to do my job', came the reply. The manager looked at the woman in front of her, noticing for the first time what she had missed before. She gulped and retreated leaving Aditi and her team to get on with their work.
*****
Aditi's team started quickly, taking notes, photos, sketches evaluating them from security point of view. By late afternoon they had finished with preliminary inspection of the place.
They had not had any lunch and her team was already starving. Aditi asked the manager to get her the building plans, Fire safety records, kitchen layouts, staff list, rota, etc. The manager started perspiring again.
'Madam', she pleaded again, 'I do not have access to all these records. We have to wait for Shaurya Sir'.
'I don't need it now', she replied pitying the terrified woman, 'We are done here for today. It would be great if you can get me the details by tomorrow'. The manager looked relieved.
'And yes, please ask Mr. Khanna I would expect him here tomorrow at 10 AM.'
The manager nodded. Aditi turned to leave only to be greeted by a good-looking young man. 'Good afternoon,' he started enthusiastically, 'You must be ACP Aditi Shekhawat, security in charge for the event?' Asking his question he looked at her. Colour drained from his face.
'Yes, and you must be Mr Vicki Khanna', Aditi replied offering him a handshake, 'Good afternoon'.
Vicki didn't reply as he shook her hand mechanically. 'We are just leaving now. We have finished our preliminary inspection and will be back tomorrow for more'.
As they left the restaurent parking Aditi thought about Vicki's reaction and shook her head. She was looking forward to tomorrow when she would meet the Boss.
*****
Aditi didn't meet Shaurya Khanna the next day or the next. In fact she didn't see him for the entire week. It was Vicki who she was liaising with on a daily basis. The young man seemed capable enough but didn't have the authority or the management acumen this event required. As the event approached, she was having misgivings. The owner of the restaurent chosen as venue to Home minister's daughter's wedding didn't seem to be interested in the security or success of the event. She couldn't take any chances.
'I need to see him urgently', she demanded. Vicki ran his hand in his hair in frustration.
'Look Ms Shekhawat', he started, 'My brother is still in shock after his wife's death. He is not as involved in his business as he was before. He needs some time to recover from his loss. Please try to understand the situation.'
'I sympathise with Mr Khanna's situation. But I must tell you that I see his disinterest in this event as a serious flaw in the arrangements and security planning. Should he choose not to meet me and clarify his position tomorrow, I'll have to escalate this to the Home Minister himself. As a result he might reconsider his decision over the choice of venue for this event. So please consider this as a warning and ask Mr Khanna to be present at our next meeting'.
Vicki stood there dumbfounded. He didn't want to pressure his brother to start work when he was clearly grieving. But he also didn't want to lose this contract to host this grand event. It would be disasterous for their business and reputation. He closed his eyes and considered his options. He made a call to his Karuna Bua and left for home.
*****
It was 9 AM the next day and Shaurya was still in bed. Normally at this hour he would already be in office ready to start work. But now he just didn't feel upto it. A lethargey had set in. The days dragged themselves and Shaurya just went with the flow. He had stopped exercising. He didn't visit his beloved restaurents any more. A deep sadness had set in that had robbed him of all his vitality. Without his Mahek, he was just a shell of his former self.
'Shaurya beta....', he heard his Ma calling. He turned his head to the door and saw her standing there looking worried. He got up slowly. Karuna entered the room and sat beside him. 'I need a small help today Beta', she said. 'Yes Ma, what is it?', Shaurya asked sitting up straight. Why was Ma asking for his help when she had an army of servants to command, not to mention Dad and Vicki?
'My friend is coming from US and I need to see her. You see, she is a Doctor and I had asked her for some advice about my knee pain.', she lied. Shaurya listened attentively. He didn't know his Ma had knee pain. When did this happen?
'I had told her about your new Michelin start restaurent. So she wants to meet me there for lunch. I need you to take me there today.', she waited for his reply. She knew he would want to go himself if it was related to her health.
'Ok Ma..', Shaurya replied reluctantly. 'When do you need to be there?'
'In an hour', Karuna replied happily. 'Get ready beta, we'll start after your breakfast.' Karuna left Shaurya's room happily and dialed Vicki. 'We'll be there at 10.', she told him.
*****
Aditi was running late. She was waiting for the team of electricians they were hiring for installing additional security cameras at the venue. While she waited she went through the the plan of the venue noting the entrances, exits and orientation. 'Hmmm....', she thought, 'there will have to be some changes..'.
She was an hour late when she finally reached. She immediately started work, explaining the electricians the positions of security cameras and CCTVs, handing them detailed instructions and plans. She then went out to inspect the grounds. It was a breezy day today, the trees surrounding the grounds swaying lightly with the wind. She called for Dubey to bring the map of area around the restaurent and left for a little tent they had set up temporarily in the grounds as a control room.
*****
Shaurya frowned as he neared his favourite restaurent, the pride of his empire. It seemed like some building work was going on. There were workers around making noisy rennovations to his restaurent. He noticed the rubble and the dust and was instantly incensed. Turning the car ignitition off, he shot out of the car. 'Ma, you carry on. I'll be back in a minute'. Without waiting for her response, he ran inside. Karuna followed him nervously.
Aditi was discussing the grounds security with Dubey when the heard shouts and loud bangs coming from the restaurent. She and Dubey hurried to the restaurent. As they came up the steps, Aditi stopped. She took in the broken equipment on the floor. Work had stopped and people were gathered in the centre around someone. That someone seemed to be angry and shouting. Her steel gray eyes gleamed in the sunlight. 'So the absentee Boss Shaurya Khanna is finally here and is not liking it', she chuckled to herself. Straightening her face she entered. 'What's the commotion?', she a demanded in her no-nonsense voice.
Shaurya and Karuna turned and stopped. A young woman in uniform was striding towards them. Silence fell as she walked. The police and workers around them respectfully parted to let her pass. The sound of her leather shoes resonnated against the polished floor and died down as she came to a halt in front of Vicki.
'Mr Khanna, may I ask why the work is stopped? We need everything ready by the end of Friday for the dry-run on Saturday'. She waited.
Vicki, visibly worried, looked from her to Shaurya.
'You need to talk to me, Ms Whoever-you-are', Shaurya started boiling with anger. His face had contorted with rage and he intended to take this upstart woman to task. 'I am the owner of this restaurent and....'
His voice faded as he stared at the woman. She had now turned from Vicki to him and was giving him an appraising look. She slowly moved to him and stood in front of him. Shaurya's heart exploded, his brain went numb.
'Mr Khanna', she said holding her hand out, 'ACP Aditi Shekhawat. Security-in-charge of this wedding you are hosting here. I am glad we met finally.' Stressing the last word she waited for his response. She knew her appearance was causing him distress but that was just occupational hazzard at this stage for her. She waited for another ten seconds before turning back to Vicki.
'As I said, my direct orders are to report any concerns I might have about this venue to the Home Minister himself. If things don't improve, I might do just that.'
Vicki went cold.
'I hope there won't be any more hinderance or interfernce', she proceeded calmly, 'And I would expect any damages to be repaid in full, ASAP'.
With a nod of her head she signalled the workers to resume. Then she turned her back on them and walked out of the restaurent towards the control room.
***** *****
Chapter 4.
Shaurya was quiet on the way home. Karuna kept glancing at him but kept to herself. 'Some battles must be fought alone', she thought. She was thinking of the scene in restaurent. ACP Aditi Shekhawat was a doppleganger of Mahek. 'Well...not exactly...', Karuna thought ,'There is striking resemblance. The features are similar... but...' She had also noted subtle differences. Mahek was a pink, cute, chubby girl with a smile constantly plastered on her face. ACP Aditi Shekhawat on the other hand was...different. Lean with chiselled face. With steel in eyes and countenance. With confidance in her gait. Clearly she was respected by those she worked with and no one questioned her authority.
'Ma...', Shaurya called breaking Karuna's chain of thoughts. 'What are you thinking?' He needed to hear her voice.
'I am thinking about what the ACP said, beta', replied Karuna carefully. 'She might escalate your lack of interest in the event which will be a disaster for us.' She waited with bated breath. This was the only thing that might bring her son back from the brink of self-destruction.
Shaurya nodded in agreement. He had to start taking an interest in this event. Or at least feign his interest to find out more about her, he mused. He hadn't felt so alive in months. Not since Mahek left him. 'Well, she might not have left at all...', he thought. Though he had lit Mahek's pyre with his own hands, Shaurya had never come to accept Mahek's death. Now after seeing this ACP, his hopes were high. In his heart he wanted her to be his Mahek. He had to find more about this ACP.
Karuna noticed Shaurya's fingers tapping on the car door. His face looked like his old self, the face of a man with purpose. She smiled. 'This might just work' , she thought happily.
*****
The event was a success. The wedding went as planned without any glitches. Aditi felt relieved. Shaurya Khanna had spurred up at the last moment and much of her work load was taken over by him. Where Vicki was lacking in intelligence and management, Shaurya excelled at it doing quick job of many otherwise time consuming tasks. Aditi could concentrate on the security aspect leaving the running of actual event to Shaurya Khanna. The man was a multi-tasker and had the knack of getting things done. 'No wonder he has built this business empire', Aditi thought as she monitored the wrap-up activites after the event.
She was in the makeshift control room instructing on storage and safekeeping of the CCTV tapes when she heard her name from behind. She turned to see Shaurya Khanna striding towards her. 'Mr Khanna,', she started,'we would be leaving soon. It was good to work with you.' She meant it in the way of goodbye. Shaurya looked at workers clearing equipment from the control room. 'Actually Ms Shekhawat, I was thinking.. I would like to invite your team for a complementary lunch today, as a thank you from White Chillies management. I hope you accept the invititation.' He waited.
'Sorry Mr Khanna. Some of the team have already left and some have already had their lunch..', she said pointedly glancing at her watch noting it was nearly 2 PM.
'No problem,' Shaurya replied disappointed. He had stupidly allowed himself to get involved in an investor meeting today, that had run over and taken up all of his morning. He hovered a bit not knowing how to keep the conversation going. She had already turned back to her team, guiding them on the wrap-up of the control room itself.
Shaurya left from there in a huff. He was cursing himself at his inability to get Aditi accept his invitation. For the past whole week he was trying to find an opportunity to talk to her alone. He had taken over much of the work so that she would not be overwhelmed. On the first day itself he had realized his mistake in letting Vicki handle things by himself. While Aditi was taking care of security perfectly, his own staff had failed to carry out their work in his absence. He had to spend much of his initial time setting things right.
Once that done, he had turned his attention to Aditi. He watched her from afar, trying to find any traces of Mahek. So far he had got only an occassional smile, an expression or a look. The ease with which she handled her team reminded him of Mahek working with his kitchen staff. But the command and authority Aditi weilded was something else. Their features matched but the similarity ended there.
Then there were her eyes. Almond shaped eyes of steel gray. They might be coloured lenses, he thought. Her eyes revealed little about herself. They worked as walls to her inner world, protecting it from intruders. Her piercing gaze laid bare the soul of onlookers but gave nothing away. 'That must have taken a lot to master', he thought wryly. His Mahek was definitely not like that. Mahek's eyes were a mirror to her soul, full of love and laughter. Anyway...he thought, there was one more thing he needed to confirm to be sure. It was an awkward little task, but he was going to do it anyway for the sake of his Mahek.
He raised his head to see the last police van leave, leaving his restaurent and grounds pristine as they were before the event. He shook his head. Nothing was the same anymore...he thought and left for the day.
***** *****
Chapter 5.
Karuna watched as Shaurya entered the house. She had dreaded the day the event will be over and Shaurya will have no cause to get out of the house. She was counting on the mysterious ACP Shekhawat to hold her son's interest long enough to bring him back to the world of the living. She didn't care if Ms Shekhawat was Mahek or not. She just wanted her son back. She felt ashamed at her selfish thoughts as she searched Shaurya's face. She was relieved that there was no trace of the lethargy, the sadness that engulfed him after Mahek's death. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to God and resumed her work.
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Aditi reached home at 8 PM. Mausi had already left for the day. Aditi took a shower and went to the dining room. Mausi had left her food on the dinner table with a note of re-heating it before eating. Aditi threw the note in the bin and ate the cold food watching TV on her sofa. After some time, yawning and stretching, she went to bed.
Outside her window, in the shadows, someone was waiting for the lights to go off. The man waited silently for another couple of hours, until the road outside went silent and the moon came up. He lightly balanced on his arms and lifted his body off the windowsill to enter Aditi's bedroom. He gently shut the window behind him to stop any noise escaping. Securing the window, he turned to Aditi. He got her general position in the dark but he needed light to see her properly. He tiptoed to her back and turned his mobile light on to get a closer look. She was sleeping soundly on her side. She had pulled her soft blanket to her chin and slept clutching it to her chest. He needed to remove the blanket...
Setting his mobile softly on the side table, he moved closer. He started removing the blanket when she felt the movement and turned on her back, now facing him. He jerked behind and went still. He waited with bated breath for her to move again. When she didn't, he started again. She was on her back now, he needed her on her side. On her front will be best...he thought. He moved forward and slowly adjusted the mobile light so it wasn't directly on her face. He stopped a moment to look at the face. His heart lurched in its ribcage and his throat went dry. He waited to compose himself before raising his hand to uncover her. The soft blanket came off slowly... revealing her beautiful body and he stood mesmerised. Her pearlescent skin glowed in the feeble light. Her silky long hair lay on her pillow framing her beautiful face. She slept peacefully like an angel. Oh how he had missed her! His body and mind yearned her touch, her scent. 'Soon....', he promised himself.
He found the hem of her top and slowly started to lift it up. It came up easily, revealing the soft curves of her waist, the flat plane of her belly with that succulent centre that he knew he loved to lick. He must resist this temptation...he thought. There would be time later....
He bent his head to her tiny waist. Somehow he had to turn her...he was just thinking when he was struck on his head with a mighty force.
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Aditi realised there was an intruder in her bedroom. She controlled her breath and waited for the right opportunity to land first blow. He received it on his head and the next was a kick in his stomach before she pounced on him and pinned him to the bed face down. But she was a bit too slow. She had lost the element of surprise and now he was alert.
He turned on his back and managed to push her arms away from himself. In the feeble light of the mobile, they both stared at each other. Aditi saw the face of her intruder and was shocked...Shaurya Khanna. Shock and dread flared through her. Shaurya stilled a moment, breathing hard, taking her in. Her open hair fell on her face as she sat atop him panting. Her thin t-shirt stretched tight on her chest, exposing outlines of her glorious breasts. Her tiny pajama shorts were exposing those endless creamy legs that were straddling him right now. He went crazy.... He needed to do what he came to do urgently. He flipped her over and pressed her to bed face down.
Aditi's heart shot to her mouth. All her training, all her tricks could not save her from this brute if he gained on her. She tried to resist but couldn't. Her body was paralysed with shock and fear. She tried to kick hard but her limbs won't move. He pulled her top up with a jerk and the thin material ripped through exposing her shapely back to him. He restrained her with his knee on her neck. His hands holding her firmly down, he bent towards her back.
Aditi's mind went blank and numb. She was back in her orphanage, cowering in the dark corners, trying to hide from her persuers and failing. They had caught her finally. How naive she was to think she had escaped them when her Dad found her...No...they were here..she had failed. She tried frantically to move, but the weight on her back continued to press her down. Fear consumed her. Hot tears of humiliation and rage clouded her eyes.
As she closed her eyes tight and prayed for a way out, she realised nobody will come to save her...she had to save herself as she had always done... she needed to keep her wits.
Shaurya was staring at the creamy skin, unblinking. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was just as he expected...even wanted it to be.
Aditi felt his grip slackening. The pressure on her neck had shifted. She did not waste this second chance. She rolled over pushing him aside and kicked him in the balls. His face contorted in agony. The next second she had him face down, and pulling his arms behind his back she handcuffed him. She kicked his leg in the shin that sent him in another spasm of agony. Before he recovered, she had tied his legs together with a chain and secured it to her bed.
'Mahek...', he panted ,'release me Mahek. What are you doing...are you out of your senses?'
But she was not done yet. She punched him in the face for good measure and then pushed a cloth in his mouth gagging him. Finally she taped his mouth shut and stood back appraising her handiwork.
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Aditi changed into her uniform and waited. She was boiling with fear, shame. But most of all anger. Anger at her helplessness, anger at his gall to enter her bedroom and treat her like a piece of meat. She, ACP Aditi Shekhawat, will protect herself from this brute. And teach him a lesson. She pulled open the drawer of her cupboard and extracted her gun. 'Now onwards', she made a mental note, 'I'll keep this loaded under my pillow. Next time he won't leave here alive.'
Inspector Dubey rang the bell and she let him in. His eyes widened when he saw Shaurya Khanna handcuffed, gagged and chained to his Boss's bed. They loaded him in to the back of Aditi's car and started for the police station.
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