The Present - Chapter 33

           Hellooooo… koi hai? Koi janta hai mujhe? Aur trio toh yaad hai I know, unko koi nahi bhul sakta, lekin koi janta hai Arya ko? I know I know bohot bohot bohot late aayi hu lekin apni book aur padai mai kuch zayada hi busy ho gayi thi. So sorry! But here’s the update FINALLY! And before you all proceed to read, only if you could read the previous chapter? Aur agar nab hi padna ho toh itna yaad dila deti hu ki last chapter mai humare Advocate Abhijeet ne Hospital se Bhaago specialist Daya sir ki help se Abhay ko gunhegar sabit kar diya tha aur ussi bich humare ACP sir ko begunah. So here continues the chapter from where we left in the court…

Chapter 33

Judge – So the court has made its decision… but before that… ACP Prayduman (turning to ACP sir) apne Mr. Arun ke paiso ka kya kiya?

ACP – I have saved it. Jaise the waise ke waise hi… Arya ke liye. Mera unn paiso par koi haq nahi tha toh jo bhi tha woh maine Arya ke liye bachcha ke rakha hai.

Judge – (nodding and sighing, he said after a brief silence) This was indeed one of the most complicated cases I have ever witnessed. Jaha aaj ateet ke… Vishwas sabooto ke aur rishte ek dusre ke aamne samne khade the. Jaha haarne wala bhi kuch jeet gaya (looking at Arya) aur jeetne wala bhi kuch harne ki kagar pe khada ho gaya (glancing at Abhijeet). Rishto ki aisi jung shayad hi kisi ne dekhi hogi jo humne pichle kuch dino mai iss nyay ke mandir mai dekhi! Humne yaha rishto ko tutte dekha aur kuch rishto ko aur mazboot hote. Gunah hue… Kisi ne majboori mai kiye toh kisi ne anjane mai… ek aisa case jaha sach bhi jhutla diya gaya kyuki gunah karne wale ki niyat sahi thi aur jaha saboot hokar bhi asliyat ko insaf nahi de paye. Ek baat mai dawe se keh sakta hu ki yeh case mai zindagi mai kabhi nahi bhuluga. Toh chaliye, ab jab sab kuch saaf ho hi gaya hai toh mudde par aate hai. Case ka verdict. After Mr. Abhay’s statement yeh baat hum jante hai ki jo bhi kuch hua usme kirdar toh sabne nibhaya lekin uske sutradhar woh the. Chahe woh Mr. Arun aur Ms. Gayatri ki maut ho jo ki Mr. Prayduman ke haato unhone plan ki yaa phir Ms. Arya ki kidnapping jo bhi unhone ki karwayi thi. Property ka mamla ab saaf ho gaya hai. Mr. Prayduman ne jo kiya woh fraud toh tha aur isiliye gairkanuni bhi lekin uske piche ka unka irada zarur nek tha. Aur yeh baat isse bhi sabit hoti hai ki jaisa unhone abhi abhi kaha ki Mr. Arun ki property waise ke waise hi unhone save ki hai Ms. Arya ke liye jo uski rightful owner hai. Hence, the court orders Mr. Prayduman to transfer the property to Ms. Arya as soon as possible. Coming to the murder of Mr. Arun and Ms. Gayatri… aaj se 27 saal pehle hi Mr. Prayduman ne yeh baat accept ki thi ki unn dono ki maut unke hi haato hui thi... tab is baat ko mistaken identity maan kar aur yeh samjh kar ki Mr. Prayduman yaa unki team mai se kisi ka bhi koi galat intention nahi tha and that they fired at the car in line of duty, unhe koi saza nahi hui. But now, after Mr. Abhay’s acceptance of guilt yeh baat sabit ho gayi hai ki yeh toh sajish thi par Mr. Prayduman ki nahi. Balki Mr. Abhay ki. Toh sare sabooto, gawaho, defence aur prosecution ki dalilo aur Mr. Abhay ki statement ko madde nazar rakhte hue adalat yeh faisla karti hai ki Mr. Abhay ko do khoon, kidnapping, police ko gumrah karna aur ek begunah ko phasane ke jurm mai umar kaid ki saza ho. With respect to the other charges on Mr. Abhay, uski ek jaach ho aur phir uspar sunwayi ke baad hi court apna faisla sunayega. Saath hi, Mr. Prayduman ke haato do khoon zarur hue the par inn sab mai unko phasana Mr. Abhay chaal thi isiliye Mr. Prayduman ko begunah mante hue byizzat bari kiya jata hai. The court would request IG. Pandit to reverse the suspension orders of ACP Prayduman. Mai nahi chahta ki yeh desh apna ek kabil aur honhar officer kho de. Regarding, Mr. Abhijeet’s appeal and acceptance ki unhone aur unki team ne court ke orders ke khilaf jaakar iss case ko investigate kiya tha. Par jaise ki humne dekha ki agar woh yeh investigation nahi karte toh shayad iss case ka sach samne aa hi nahi pata. Isiliye court unki iss galti ko maaf kar unhe warn karna chahta hai ki aayinda woh aisa kaam na kare aur court ke orders ka palan kare. That’s all for now. The court is adjourned.

            With a pound of his hammer the judge arose from his seat followed by the others. Insp. Dev took Abhay in his custody and IG Sawant walked over to ACP sir with another one of the SIT officers to get a few papers signed for the formalities… the formalities of release from custody. Soon he too walked away, after an appreciating nod to Abhijeet, and ACP sir stepped down the witness box, finally, without anyone by his side to keep an eye on him. The duo and the team as well as Dai maa, Arjun and Veer approached him instantly and Freddy gave him a warm hug.

ACP – Aree aree Freddy… theek hu mai.

Freddy – Sir yeh apne bilkul sahi nahi kiya… apne aap ko phasne dene se pehle ek baar toh humare bare mai socha hota.

ACP – Socha tha na… isilye toh kuch nahi kiya…

Pankaj – Lekin sir yeh bilkul sahi nahi tha (teary)

Purvi – Ha sir! Aapne socha bhi kaise ki agar aap kuch nahi bolege toh hum bhi jo horaha hai hone denge.

ACP – Aree lekin…

Tarika – Sir yeh aapne sach mai acha nahi kiya.

ACP – (smiling) Acha toh sorry, bas?

Salunkhe – Itni jaldi mafi nahi milne wali boss… lekin agar tune agli baar aisa kuch kiya na, toh dekh lena mai kya karta hu tere saath…

ACP – Acha kya karega? Jaghda karne ka koi naya tarika dhunda hai kya?

Salunkhe – Aur nahi toh kya? Tum toh lockup mai the! Tumhe kya malum market mai kitne naye naye tarike aaye hai jaghadne ke!

ACP – (chuckling) Tu bhi na Salunkhe! Chal ab sikha dena tu mujhe. Tu toh le hi aaya hoga na market se ab tak yeh tere naye tarike.

Salunkhe – Ha ha tumpe apply karke sikhauga!

ACP – (shaking his head and glancing at the duo who had been standing silent in the back through the whole conversation he turned to Arjun) Arjun?

Arjun – Mai ab bhi naraz hu!

ACP – Hmm… matlab jail se toh bach gaya par asli papad toh mujhe ab belne hai…

            Arjun glared at him and ACP sir to Veer.

ACP – Veer, thank you so much.

Veer – Aree sir, isme thanks ki baat kya baat hai. Yehi toh mera kaam hai…

ACP – Wakili ka kaam hai. (looking over at Abhijeet) Kisi ko wakil banana nahi. You went out of your way to help me out. Thank you and also sorry, maine tumhe apna wakil accept nahi kiya… ab tum jante ho kyu, par well, I’m sorry.

Veer – Sir sach mai yaha na kisi thanks ki baat hai na sorry ki… aur rahi baat inn sahab (glancing at Abhijeet) ko wakil banane ki… aap isse apne paas hi rakhiye nahi toh yeh mera competitor ban jayega. Ek second ke liye toh mujhe laga ki mai isse advocacy sikh raha hu!

ACP – Ab ha yeh baat toh mujhe bhi nahi pata thi! Natural talent hai sahab ka! Bhai, agar kabhi kisi ko zarurat ho toh batana… mere paas ek mast lawyer hai apni team mai! But ha Veer, tumhare baad hi recommend karuga!

            The others chuckled and Abhijeet just glared at ACP sir.

ACP – Chalo, ab baki baate bahar chalkar karte hai?

           At once, he looked at Dai maa who nodded and moved ahead. The others followed. Duo had once again denied giving any reaction. ACP sir shook his head and took a step ahead, proceeding to move out. But then, he paused. Glancing at Arya, who still stood leaning against the lawyer’s desk with her gaze glued to the floor and face blank. Abhijeet followed his gaze and then said to subside his unvoiced worry…

Abhijeet – Sir aap chaliye, mai usse lata hu.

          ACP sir nodded at him in small smile and headed out with his overjoyed chattering team.

          Walking over to Arya, Abhijeet put a palm on her shoulder.

Abhijeet – Chale?

Arya – (snapping out of her world) Ha?

Abhijeet – Mai keh raha tha chale? (Glancing at Rahul who now came ahead) Matlab agar tumhe humare saath chalna ho toh.

            Abhijeet didn’t intend, though he realized he did sound rude. However, Arya managed a small nod. Meanwhile, Rahul came forward rising from his bench and Abhijeet looked at him as if asking permission and informing him of Arya going with him simultaneously.

Rahul – Mai bhi… agar aapko koi problem na ho toh…  mai bhi chalu?

           Abhijeet gave him a nod and with an assuring squeeze to Arya’s hand, steered her out; Rahul followed.

Abhijeet – Theek ho? (quietly)

           Not knowing what to say, Arya simply nodded.

Abhijeet – Sir maaf kar denge. Aur agar dekha jaye toh woh naraaz hai hi nahi toh maaf karne ki baat aayegi kaha se?

            After a long while, Arya finally opened her mouth. Closed it again and then opened it once more. She croaked from her dry throat…

Arya – Aap… aapne… aap maaf karege?

           Abhijeet didn’t reply. He didn’t know. It wasn’t easy to forgive when someone had hurt two people, he held dearest… how could he forgive the one who caused such an injury to ACP sir’s career, prestige and feelings… how could he forgive when someone who had ACP sir arrested and stay in lockup for weeks… how could he forgive Arya who was the indirect reason behind why Daya was shot?

           At once, Arya looked at him hopefully but when he still remained silent, she downed her gaze again. They crossed the remaining distance to the vacant corridor outside the court room silently. The team and ACP sir stood there chattering and waiting for them.

Pankaj – Sir yeh galat hai!

Freddy – Pankaj mai senior hu ki tum?

Pankaj – Ha aap senior hai toh iska matlab yeh thodi na hota hai ki mai aapse zayada roya!

Freddy – Iska matlab yeh zarur hota hai ki mai jo bolu wahi final hai.

Pankaj – Bilkul nahi! Aap mujhse zayada roye the samjhe!

Freddy – Dekho Pankaj…

Purvi – Aree sir, Pankaj, jane dijiye na kya farak padta ha ikon kitna roya.

Pankaj – Bohot farq padta hai! Acha tum hi batao mai zayada roya inn kuch hafto mai ki Freddy sir?

Purvi – Ab woh… (she glanced at them both and contemplated who she should name. And suddenly she turned to Salunkhe sir and said) Sabse zayada Salunkhe sir roye!

Salunkhe – Purvi? (wide-eyed) Tum kabse jhoot bolne lagi?

Tarika – Ab sir, Purvi ne jhoot toh nahi bola…

Salunkhe – Tarika tum bhi?

Freddy – Ha sir… Purvi sahi hi bol rahi hai.

Salunkhe – Bilkul nahi. Maine total 2 aasu bahaye hai sirf! Yeh Freddy hi roya hai sabse zayada aur tumhara lalda… yeh Daya.

Daya – Aree ab mai kaha se bich mai aaya!

ACP – Tum kabhi mere aur musibat ke bich se hate hi nahi… chahe koshish maine khud hi kyu na ki ho hatane ki.

Daya – Sorry… aapki baat nahi maan paya… hatt jana chahiye tha…

ACP – Daya…

Daya – (angrily) Toh aap samjhte kyu nahi hai? Aapko taklif dene ka haq kisi ko nahi hai. Aapko bhi nahi!

           ACP sir smiled at his concern and said…

ACP – Aur tum logo ko kathre mai daalne ka haq bhi kisi ko nahi hai. Tumhe bhi nahi.

           Daya turned to him to argue but ACP sir went on…

ACP – Jab tum mujhe taklif mai bhi nahi dekh sakte toh mai tumhe aur Abhijeet ko jaan kar kathre mai kaise daal deta?

Daya – Par aap…

ACP – Daya… tumne woh kiya jo tumhare dil ne kaha aur maine woh jo mere. Phir bhi… tum sab ko apne se dur karne ki bohot koshish ki maine… uske liye sorry…

            Daya turned to argue but couldn’t find anything he could say. So he nodded tearily and Dr Salunkhe said in a fresh jolly voice…

Salunkhe – Chalo ab inn 2 aasuo ke saath yeh toh decide ho gaya ki Daya hi sabse zayada roya hai. (turning to ACP sir in a warning voice) Ab tum yeh galat famai na palna ki mujhe tumhari kuch khaas padi hai!

ACP – Ha ha… bilkul nahi padi hai. Woh toh mai dekh hi raha hu. Kitna jhoot bolta hai Salunkhe! Ab tak aakho mai pani hai tere. Poch toh leta!

             Squeezing Arya’s palm once again, Abhijeet walked towards them taking her along. As they arrived, he left her hand and walked over to Daya. The others, who had paused to glance at her, continued talking among themselves as well, so as not to make things hard for her.

              Arya came ahead of ACP sir and ogled the ground for a brief moment. She wanted to apologize, though she knew she didn’t deserve it. A random man, an enemy, the true conspirer behind the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra had been able to lure her into the trap. Had succeeded to make her question the character of ACP Prayduman. Had her stood against her father and to an extent where she filed a case against him in the court. What had happened to her? How could she fall for the illusions created to destroy her world? How had she become the reason of pain for the man who she loved the most in this world? How?

ACP – Arya?

              She snapped out of her trail of thoughts to look up at him. Was he still calling her with that much love in his voice? How could he? She didn’t deserve it! He should have hated her. He should hate her forever. But to deny his call, to tell him she didn’t deserve him and to apologize, she needed words. And her greatest power in the courtroom, the words, also, seemed to have left her. Again, she deserved it she told herself. She had used those very words against her father… used them to question him, abuse him and curse him. She didn’t deserve the power of words either.

ACP – Arnu? Beta…

Arya – Nahi…

               Not that call! Not that one! She had said ‘nahi’ louder than she had meant to. She didn’t deserve anything let alone that being referred by that loving pet name.

              With her loudness, the others who tried their best, yet couldn’t keep themselves from understanding what was happening, turned to her and then turned around again, still trying not to make her uncomfortable.

Arya – Woh… mai… papa woh… I’m…

ACP – It’s ok.

             Even before she could complete, ACP sir had said, patting her head.

ACP – Ghar chalkar baat kare?

             Arya gave a small nod and ACP sir turned to others and Daya said,

Daya – Mai gadi lata hu…

ACP – Nahi. Mai bhi wahin chalta hu. Agar mai court ke bahar aaya toh media ko avoid nahi kar pauga. Acha hoga agar mai parking se hi gadi mai baith jau.

Daya – Ji sir.

              So, ACP sir, duo and Arya headed towards the parking while others headed for the back gate wherefrom, they would join them in the vehicle.

              The parking was a multistoried building with levels above levels of parking lots. They took the elevator to the fourth floor and walked over to where Abhijeet and Daya had the cars parked.

Daya – Uss taraf sir…

Abhijeet – Meri waha par hai (indicating to the other side). Mai leke aata hu.

ACP – Acha toh hum yehi rukte hai… side mai.

Abhijeet – Ji sir.

               Duo, then walked away in the directions of their own vehicles respectively. Arya and ACP sir waited by the elevator adjacent to the staircase.

ACP – Black current ki pista?

               ACP sir asked leaning against the pillar by the elevator.

Arya – (confused) Kya?

ACP – Black current ki pista? Konsi ice cream khaogi?

Arya – Ice cream?

ACP – Ha ice cream… aise kyu bol rahi ho? Don’t tell me duniya ki sari ice cream katham ho gayi pichle 2 hafto mai…

Arya – Aap…

ACP – Aree jaldi batao yaar. Agar pista khana hai toh koi baat nahi lekin agar black current lena ho toh hum long cut se ghar jayege. Uss raste par ek ice cream parlor hai. Black current unki specialty hai. Salunkhe leke gaya tha ek din… usko batana mat lekin jagah sach mai achi hai.

Arya – Papa… iss waqt ice cream?

ACP – Ha toh kya problem hai? Chalo ab jaldi batao nahi toh mai apne hisab se decide kar lunga.

            He straightened up to face a confused Arya again. But suddenly, his eyes widened and holding Arya by the arm he hauled her aside. A loud bang echoed through the parking lot followed by a screech from Arya. She turned around to see Abhijeet aiming at a man who she recognized as the SIT officer Mahesh. She turned around again and saw ACP sir lying on the ground with blood oozing out from the right side of his chest, above his heart.

To be continued…

           Iske pehle ki koi mujhe kuch bole… sorrryyyyyy! And yeh meri galti nahi hai! Yeh ACP sir ko goli maarne ka plan Aparna ka tha. Mera nahi! So mujhe mat marna iske liye all daatna and maarna transferred to Appu ji! And though I know, you people won’t believe me, next update sach mai jaldi de dungi. Tab tak bye bye, thank you and please review with gussa to Ms. Appu!

The Present - Chapter 32

               *Peeping inside* Hello! *Nervous smile* Apki late latif writer hazir hai! Solly... Yeh chapter bohot hard tha isilye itna time laga... Aur bhi bohot sare reasons the... Par ab aayi hu toh bohoooottttttt bade chappy ke saath. So maaf kar dena ok! Go on and read... See you at the end!

               The previous chapters were too complicated to summarize in a recap... So if you are confused do glance through them. Or else go on and read!

                             Chapter 32

              The tricolour fluttered high above the stone building. The pillars stood tall supporting the peaking roof and a crowd rushed along the premises. The media crammed outside the gate looking for one breaking news that they could juice out over the whole next week while the police stood guarding the fronts. Away from all the hustle, in one of the many court rooms were a few people waiting for the verdict of their life.

              Abhijeet, sitting on his chair for the defence, stared at the table with the intensity enough to burn a hole through it and the prosecution, Arya just took deep breaths trying to somehow suppress her anger. While Abhijeet was worried for Daya and his wellbeing, he could just not stop himself from wondering if this was indeed going to be his last day as a CID officer if Daya didn't arrive in time. Arya, on the other hand, was was fuming at Abhijeet's abduction of her. She just couldn't decide if she should say it to the court. As lawyer she believed it had to be said... That it was the right thing to do and also would prove as a useful pointer for her. But then the sister in her believed that Abhijeet deserved to get away with it... He never wanted to harm her, did he?

              Freddy, Dr. Salunkhe and Tarika were sitting behind in their chairs were more than restless. The truth was known by them but nothing seemed enough when Arya, the advocate was the one you had to counter. They believed in their win but still couldn't help with the tiny scare in their heart. Veer tried his best to convince them and his own self that this was it and they were not going to lose from here. Oh, only if they knew that Abhijeet was to lose his job if Abhay was not caught.

              The witnesses sat in their places... Arjun, Advocate Raghuveer, Vinay, Prateek and everyone else who was in anyway related to the case. The courtroom had commotion but silence of fear. It was one of the biggest and the complicated cases in the history of the judiciary as there were so many lives and relations at stake.

              A little distance apart, stood ACP sir... In all his calmness and glory. With his tired eyes beaming in confidence and his weary face graced with determination. His demeanor, though looked physically exhausted it screamed of victory.

              The judge walked in, all stood up, and sat down as he settled. He shuffled a few pages and turned to Abhijeet...

Judge - How's Insp Daya?

Abhijeet - He is fine your honour. Thanks for your concern.

Judge - (smiling softly) Khayal rakhiyega. (Stern again, facing Arya) Ms. Prosecution please begin...

Arya - Your honour before I begin with respect to ACP Prayduman... Mai Mr. Abhi...

            She paused to look at Abhijeet who was sitting on his chair behind. She knew he was well aware of what she was about to reveal but showed no change in expression and not even a trace of regret. She sighed and still changed her mind.

Arya - I am sorry, forget about it. Case pe wapis aate hai... Your honour iss case ko behtar samjhne ke liye uss encounter yaa better say murder ke din kya hua tha usse shurwat karte hai.

              Abhijeet walked over to her and asked from behind, very calmly...

Abhijeet - Agar aap ko koi pareshani na ho toh yeh kaam karne ki izazat mujhe milegi?

            Arya observed him for a second and then nodded in yes.

Abhijeet - Aap baith sakti hai... Ajj apko zayada bolne ki zarurat nahi padegi.

            With a stern look Arya kept standing at her place so Abhijeet turned away to the judge rolling his eyes at her...

Abhijeet - Your honour, Mr. Arun ki maut kaise hui ko ek minute ke liye baju mai rakhte hai. Shurwat karte hai iss baat se ki Mr. Arun Dhanraj Malhotra the kon?

             While the others looked confused on the mention of Mr. Arun's complete name that they didn't what it was... The judge looked taken aback. So did IG and Insp. Dev. Others, even the remaining cops were utterly clueless as to where this was going.

Abhijeet - (To Arya) Bohot lizam lagaye apne... Bohot theories banayi... Kabhi pata karne ki koshish ki apke biological father actually the kon? (After a second) Your honour, Mr. Arun as we all know bohot hi ache, sache aur great businessman the. Itna bada business empire apne aap khada kiya... Apna pariwar banaya... Par iske aage kya? Woh the kon? Koi janta hai? Nahi? Kyuki unhone kabhi kisi ko bataya hi nahi. Woh apni uss pehchan ko chupana chahte the. Par ajj mujhe batana padega. Mr. Arun, Dhanraj Malhotra ke bete hai. Yes, exactly as the court may know wahi Dhanraj Malhotra jo ki ek wanted gangster the par kabhi pakde nahi gaye. But don't worry isme Mr. Arun ki koi galti nahi hai. Woh apni uss family ko chod kar bohot pehle hi nikal aaye the kyuki woh crime ki duniya mai nahi jana chahte the. Par crime ki duniya ne unhe nahi choda. Unhone toh apna business empire khada kiya par unke bhai ne... (To Arya) Ji ha unka ek bhai bhi tha... Infact hai! Unke uss bhai ne apne pita ka criminal empire inherit kiya. Unka bhai... Abhay Dhanraj Malhotra... Matlab ki Taipan gang ka head hai. Just to remind, Taipan gang wahi hai jiske encounter ke liye uss din Mr. Prayduman gaye the.

Arya - Yeh jo itna kuch aap bol rahe hai kya proof hai apke paas?

              Abhijeet nodded and walked back to his table. Picked up the pendrive and forwarded it to the judge's assistant saying...

Abhijeet - Isme uss har ek baat ka saboot hai jo mai bol raha hu. (To Arya) Ek goli ki kimat par laya hai 'mera' Daya... (Turning back to judge) Your honour, uss encounter pe wapis aate hai. Par uss din kya hua tha yeh mai batau usse behtar yeh hoga ki koi aisa admi bataye jo waha uss din maujud tha! Mr. Arun ki gadi mai! Jo uss gadi mai se zinda nikla aur jisne (looking at Arya) apko bhi bachaya. Yeh admi uss case mai tab se involved hai jab se Arya. Par kabhi samne nahi aaya... Aur uski wajh bhi mai jaldi batauga. Your honour, I would like to call Ms. Sarita in the witness box. The one who we all recognise as Dai maa.

             Arya was confused as to what did Dai maa have to do with the case. But was also scared that if she was also involved in some way? She did not have the courage to lose anyone anymore.

             Coming up in the witness box Dai maa took a few deep breaths and for once glanced at Arya. Then she glanced at ACP sir and then at Abhijeet. Abhijeet came forward to her and said...

Abhijeet - Ghabrane ki zarurat nahi hai apko. Aap bas sach bataiye.

              Dai maa nodded slowly and then began,

Dai maa - Judge sahab... Mai Arya ki Dai hu... Tab se nahi jab se ACP sahab ne mujhe rakha tha. Tab se, jab Arun sahab aur Gayatri didi ne mere haat mai 3 din ki Arya ko rakh kar kaha tha ki 'ab se yeh tumhari bhi zimedari hai jitni ki humari.'

              Arya still stared at her... Afraid of what would follow.

Dai maa - Uss encounter ke din mai bhi uss gadi mai thi... Charo taraf se goliya chal rahi thi... Log mar rahe the... Maut ka tandav ho raha tha. Sahab ko ek goli lag chuki thi aur sari koshisho ke baad bhi waha se nikalna namukin dikh raha tha... Tab Gayatri didi ne mujhse Arya ko leke jane ko kaha. Maine unhe mana bhi kiya ki mai unn dono ko aise chod ke kaise jaa sakti, par unhone kaha ki Arya ko bachana hai toh mujhe jana hoga. Arun sahab ne toh unse bhi kaha tha jane ko... Par unhone mana kar diya unhe chodkar jane se. Aur mujhe jane par majbur kar diya Arya ki baat kehke. Par mere gadi se nikalne ke pehle Arun sahab ne mujhse kuch kaha... Itne saalo baad bhi woh baat meere kaano mai ghungti hai. Apni aakhe humesha ke liye band karne se pehle bas ek baar apni beti ko haat mai leke kaha tha... Dard mai karhate hue... Apne khoon bhare haato se mujhe usse lautate hue... Ki... Ki 'Ajj se tumhara kaam waqai shuru hoga... Maan lo puri duniya meri bachchi ki dushman hai. Koi vishwas ke layak nahi... Siwaye uske jo iss waqt mujhpe goli chala raha hai. Meri wajh se musibat toh uss par bhi aayegi par jab sab mamla shant ho jaye meri beti ko uske paas le jana. Bas aage woh dekh lega... Tab tak meri bachchi ka khayal rakhna.' Uss waqt maine unki baat suni toh thi par samjhi nahi thi. Chaaro taraf goliya chal rahi thi... Mai dar gayi thi. Mai gadi se bahar nikli aur Arya ko leke jungle ke raste se bhaag gayi. Mai bhaag kar waha se apne gav gayi aur Arya ko apne paas hi rakha. Jaisa ki Arun sahab ne kaha tha. Police ne Arya ko bohot dhunda par koi mujh tak pohach nahi paya. Kyuki koi yeh baat janta hi nahi tha ki uss din mai bhi uss gadi mai thi unke saath. Mai toh uss waqt ghar par bhi nahi thi jab woh dono nikle the. Unhone mujhe raste mai se hi pick kiya tha. Kisi ko mujh par shak nahi hua. Logo ne samjha ki jaise baki log iss case se dur bhaag rahe hai shayad mai bhi bhaag gayi. Toh mai Arya ko chupaye 2 mahina baithi rahi. Mamla dhere dhere thanda ho gaya. Maine thoda aur intezar kiya... Mera dimag manne ko tayar hi nahi tha ki jis admi ne Arun sahab aur Gayatri didi ko mara tha ussi ke paas mai meri bachchi ko le jau. Maine bohot socha par phir mai Arun sahab ki akhiri baat kaise taal sakti thi... Aur toh aur mai Arya ko woh zindagi dene ke kabil nahi thi jo iski naseeb mai thi. Mai iski basic zarurato ko chod ke isse kuch nahi de pati!Toh mai le gayi isse Mumbai. Uss din ped ke niche jab Arya sahab ko mili thi... maine hi usse choda tha waha. Thode thode waqt mai... Mai jati thi yeh dekhne ki sahab Arya ka sahi dhayan toh rakh rahe hai na? Waise hi ek din jab mai chup kar dekh rahi thi toh maine dekha ki sahab usse kahin le jaa rahe the! Maine unka picha kiya... Mujhe unpe vishwas hone hi laga tha ki woh usse jaise le jaa rahe the mujhe dar laga ki kahin kuch gadbad na ho. Maine dekha ki woh usse orphanage le gaye. Woh usse waha chod bhi aaye! Par sab kuch janne ke baad mai Arya ko waha kaise rehne deti? Arun sahab ne kaha tha ki sab iske dushman hai... Waha bhi yeh safe nahi ho sakti thi. Toh mai isse waha se wapis le aayi. Aur sahab ko beach pe dhund kar unhe sab sach bata diya!

            Arya took a few moments to register all the information that was thrown at her. Then came ahead and asked Dai maa taking a few deep breaths.

Arya - Toh apka kehna yeh hai ki Mr. Prayduman Mr. Arun ko jante the?

             Instead of her Abhijeet answered...

Abhijeet - Ji ha jante the... Aur unpar vishwas bhi karte the. Uss waqt bhi jab unn par wahi goli chala rahe the.

Arya - Aap witness ko apne liye laye hai yaa mere liye? Apne mere ek nahi do points prove kar diye ki apke sir Mr. Arun ko encounter se pehle jante the aur saath hi mere legal guardian banne ke pehle yeh baat bhi ki mai Mr. Arun ki hi beti hu!

             Abhijeet gave her a disappointed look and then asked...

Abhijeet - Waise apne pucha nahi ki Mr. Arun kaise jante the ACP Prayduman ko? (Arya was about to say something when Abhijeet continued) Woh isliye kyuki sir yeh baat jante the ki Abhay Mr. Arun ka bhai hai! Aur ek baar unko iss baat par confront bhi kiya tha. Though Mr. Arun ka apne bhai se koi lena dena nahi tha except for the formal relations that he could not cut off isilye iss baat ka mention kahin hua nahi. Mr. Prayduman did keep an eye on him for a while. Lekin last mai issi conclusion pe pohache ki Mr. Arun is innocent. He didn't mention him in any of the official documents kyuki Mr. Arun ne unse request ki thi.

Arya - Yeh sab toh theek hai... Par yeh apka Abhay hai kaha? Hai bhi yaa nahi? Sirf apka imaginary character toh nahi hai?

Voice - Yaha hai Abhay!

              Everyone turned around to see Daya standing at the door holding the collor of another man. While Daya looked just fine after his adventure of walking straight out of hospital followed by severe exertion, the other man looked worse with buries from what would have been from the fight with Daya. Pankaj and Purvi stood by his sides.

              There was sudden eruption of murmurs in the courtroom about the man and why was he brought here in this condition. While Arya, judge and everybody still stared at him, Daya gave him a forward jerk.

              Abhijeet looked at Daya in pride and appreciation. For once, he had never understood how could Daya commit to get hold of a man who the police was searching for, for past 30 years... Yet never got hold of him. But Daya got him in a couple hours! Only he knew how! And Abhijeet was not only proud of his brother but also indebted to him. So now this was not his last day as a CID officer but thankfully the last day as an advocate.

              All this while, Arya had been plainly looking at the man. He somewhere looked similar to Arun... Obviously from the pictures of him that she had seen. Except for softness that graced Arun was replaced by harshness that clocked Abhay.

              Breaking all trails of thoughts, the judge pounded his hammer twice and commanded...

Judge - Silence in the court.

              The mutterings stopped immediately and the judge asked...

Judge - Kon hai yeh?

Abhijeet - He is Abhay sir. Iss sare fasad ki jad. I would request your permission to present this witness your honour. I could not mention him previously as mai nahi janta tha ki Daya isse la payega yaa nahi. Par as Daya brought him miraculously fast... I would request ki aap please iss witness ko allow kare.

Judge - Okay. Please take him to the witness box.

              Daya jerked the man again as he climbed up the witness box, Abhijeet took the charge coming forward and shooting him a glare.

Abhijeet - Ab aage batane ki mehnat tum karoge ki mai hi karu?

              Daya head to the chairs for public and settled with the team.

              Meanwhile, Abhay shot a glare to Abhijeet and then to ACP sir who was already looking at him in calm fury. Turning away he wiped the blood from the corner of his lip with his thumb and then ran a hand through his grey messed up hair. He tugged on his blazer to straighten it up that had turned into this condition due to Daya when his eye caught a sight of Arya. He looked at her with his angry red eyes and smirked. Noticing his gaze Abhijeet growled...

Abhijeet - Jawab!?!

              No matter what, he was still a protective brother and no one could dare give any unwarranted look to his sister in his presence. Only he knew how he had controlled wanting to punch him in the face as he smirked evilly at her!

              Abhay shot Abhijeet a glare and growled...

Abhay - Ha maine marwaya tha Arun aur Gayatri ko.

               At this, Arya tore away her gaze from Abhay and turned to look at ACP sir. He wasn't looking at her though. He did not even care to know her reaction to Abhay's acceptance. As if he already knew. On the other hand, she longed to be under his eyes... Atleast for a few seconds. She knew, she would not be able to look into them if at all whatever this man, Abhay, was going to say was true, still she desperately desired to know that he cared for her and wanted to earn her back just like she had suddenly started wishing deep within her heart.

               She was forced to look back at Abhay when Abhijeet growled at him...

Abhijeet - Kyu? Bhai the woh tumhare? Apne hi bhai aur bhabhi ko marwa diya?

Abhay - So called bhai tha woh mera! Aur waise bhi mai usse marna nahi chahta tha... Par usne mere paas aur koi rasta choda hi nahi!

Abhijeet - Shurwat se batao sab kuch!

            Abhay took in a raged growling breath and begun...

Abhay - Arun humesha se hi sidha tha... Kuch zayada hi sidha tha. Usse crime ki duniya se skat nafrat thi. (Chuckling) Usne toh dad ko bhi underworld se bahar nikalne ki koshish ki thi par obviously dad mane nahi. Toh usne ghar chod diya. Jakar apna business shuru kiya... Shaadi ki... Aur woh boring si (sarcastic) adarsh zindagi jeene laga. Maine dad se gang takeover ki. Mujhe Arun se koi lena dena nahi tha. Jab tak woh mere raste nahi aaya mai uske raste nahi gaya. Bas agar kabhi kahin milna ho jaye toh hum bas hi hello karke nikal jate the. Woh toh mere saath dikhna bhi nahi chahta tha... Uski image jo kharab ho jati! Par maine bhi chod diya... Akhir bhai tha mera. Sab barabar chal raha tha par phir yeh (glaring at ACP sir)... Yeh ACP meri zindagi mai aaya! Kitne officers aaye aur chale gaye par koi mere kareeb nahi pohach saka! Ek deal thi meri... Mera sab kuch laga diya tha maine uspe... Jitni security thi sab ensure ki... Apne sabse trusted admiyo ko lagaya aur dekha ki kahin se koi bhi information leak hone ka chance na ho... Par pata nahi kaha se isko (ACP sir) information mil gayi. Uss waqt toh yeh humare case pe tha bhi nahi phir bhi mujhe barbad kar diya! Jo officer uss waqt mere gang pe kaam kar raha tha isne usse bata diya aur meri deal fail hogayi. I went bankrupt! (He yelled) Mere kuch khaas admi pakde gaye! Mujh tak bhi pohach jate yeh log agar mai waha se nikalne ka intezam nahi karta! Par mai isse itni aasani se kaise jitne deta... Mujhe uss waqt apni gang ko wapis khada karna tha. And that required money. Mere paas aur koi rasta nahi tha... Maine Arun se help mangi. Aur woh? He simply refused! Par mujhe kisi bhi tarike se paiso ki zarurat toh thi! Aur Arun ke alawa mere paas koi aur zariya tha nahi. Maine Arun ko extort karna chalu kiya. Tab tak yeh ACP ne case bhi khud ke under le liya tha. (Chuckling) Isse laga tha ki jab mujhe itna kamzor kar hi diya hai toh katham kyu na karde? Par itna aasan kaha tha. Par woh sala Arun... Dhamkiyo ke baad bhi paise nikalne ko tayar nahi tha... Jaan se zayada pyare the shayad usse paise. (Glaring at Arya) Gayatri aur Arya ke naam ki dhamki ke baad bhi nahi mana. Toh maine decide kiya ki usse marne ke alawa koi rasta nahi hai mere paas. Problem yeh thi ki uske baad uske paise aur property Gayatri ko jati aur phir Arya ko. Mera claim inn dono ke baad tha. Aur toh aur jab maine usse extort karna chalu kiya toh usne apni will banawa li jiske hisab se uske marne ke baad sari property Arya ko jaye. Toh mujhe akele usse marke fayeda hota nahi isilye maine inn teeno ko marne ka plan banaya.

Abhijeet - Kya plan tha tumhara?

Abhay - Ek teer se teen shikar! Arun, Gayatri aur Arya ko marne ke saath ACP se badla aur Arun ki property apne naam karwana... Teeno kaam ek saath karne ka plan banaya maine. Maine Arun ko dhamki dekar family ke saath Lonavala bulwaya. Maine apne hi ke kuch admiyo ko waha Lonavala ke raste par ek deal ke naam par bejha... Aisi deal ke naam par jo hone hi nahi wali thi... Aur saath hi uss deal ki khabar maine khudhi leak karwake ACP tak pohachai. My plan worked! Teeno ussi waqt ussi raste par pohach gaye. I made sure meri gang Arun ki car ke colour aur model ki gadiya use kare. Meri gang mai se sirf ek mera khaas admi tha jo yeh baat janta tha ki mera plan kya hai. Woh toh suicide mission par gaya tha mere liye. Usne ensure kiya ki gadiyo ki position aisi ho ki inn police walo ko yeh baat kisi halat mai na samjhe ki uss gadi mai meri gang ke log nahi hai. Everything went perfect! Ha mere log mare gaye par thodi bohot kurbani toh deni padti hai na! Mere admi ko chod kar koi nahi janta tha ki waha par teeno hi mere haat ke mohre hai aur woh kar rahe hai jo mai chahta hu. Sone pe suhaga toh tab hua jab ACP ne apne hi haato se Arun aur Gayatri ko maar diya! Par pata nahi kaise Arya uss gadi mai nahi thi. (Looking at Arya) Yeh bach gayi!

Abhijeet - Apni 3 mahine ki bhatiji ko marne ki koshish ki tumne? Sharam nahi aayi? Dai maa lekar gayi thi usse! Aur ajj tak tumse bacha kar rakha!

Abhay - (glaring at Dai maa) Janta hu! Iski wajh se mera plan pura successful nahi ho paya. Do mahine tak Arya gayab thi. Maine usse dhunda par kahin nahi mili! (Laughing) Yeh ACP toh apne hi kanoon ki zanjiro mai jakda tha. (Mocking) Koshish kar raha tha sabit karne ki, ki isne kuch nahi kiya! Ki isse toh samjha hi nahi tha ki uss gadi mai Arun aur Gayatri the... Par kya kare? Akhir yeh bach hi gaya! Aur jante ho? Isse toh akhir tak pata nahi chala ki woh case mistaken identity nahi... Plan tha. (To Arya) Ha Arya... Woh plan hi tha! Par tumhare iss so called baap ka nahi, mera! Yeh toh sirf mere haat ki katputli tha... Jiske haato maine Arun aur Gayatri ko marwaya!

              Arya looked away from him once again feeling uncomfortable... At nothing else but the realization that she had unknowingly trusted this vile man above her father. Gathering all her courage she once again looked at ACP sir. But he was still only looking at Abhay ignoring her silent plead of comfort that she knew only he could offer. Even a sarcastic or a teasing glance? Even that would have done for her... She knew she didn't deserve his warmth... She hoped she at least would be blessed with his coldness. But just like the past whole month... He stood unaffected, calm and expressionless.

              Meanwhile Abhijeet gritted his teeth in anger at Abhay's insults of ACP sir. He somehow managed to control himself as he was in the court.

Abhijeet - Phir kya hua?

Abhay - Phir? Phir kuch nahi hua! Mai Arya ko dhundta raha par Arya mujhe mili hi nahi! Akhir Arun ko maine jitna bewakoof samjha tha woh utna bewakoof nikla nahi na... Usne iss Dai maa ke zariye Arya ko ACP ke hi paas pohachwa diya! Maine sapne mai bhi nahi socha tha ki Arya uske paas hogi jisne Arun aur Gayatri ko mara tha! Isne bhi usse chupa kar rakha... Legal guardian ban gaya aur property ki power of attorney bhi apne paas rakhwa li. Manna padega! Isne sab kuch iss tarah kiya ki mujhe pure 5 saal tak bhanak bhi nahi padi ki Arya iske paas hai! 5 saalo mai... Maine apni gang wapis toh khadi kar li thi kisi tarah par uss makam par nahi pohach paya tha jis par mai pehle tha. Iss ACP ne apni pehli galti ki jab Arya ko isne school bejhne ki shurwat ki. Isse laga tha ki ab toh mai shant baith gaya hu aur Arya ko dhundna bhi band kar diya hai. Par jaise hi isne Arya ko school mai enroll karwaya mujhe khabar mil gayi aur Arya ke first day of school maine usse kidnap kiya. (ACP sir had an institution in when he dropped Arya to school on her first day; refer Chapter 4) Court ne ACP ko sirf Arya ka legal guardian banne diya tha... Adoption hua nahi tha toh agar mai Arya ko maar deta... Toh tab bhi uss property par claim mera hi hota. Par mai usse marta uske pehle hi yeh ACP usse chuda le gaya. Uske baad isne usne America bejh diya aur bohot koshisho ke baad bhi mai usse dhund nahi paya. Kuch saalo baad maine dhundna chod diya kyuki my gang was doing better. Mere paas apne tarike the aur phir mujhe Arun ki property ki koi zarurat bachi nahi thi. Inn sab ke 22 saal baad... Ab Arya India aayi. Aur mujhe apna badla chahiye tha... Iss ACP se!

Abhijeet - Arya ko woh notes ke zariye Malhotra Mansion tumne bulaya tha?

Abhay - Ha maine bulaya tha... Waha par Arun aur Gayatri ke death certificates maine hi rakhe the. (Arya remembered about the open window that she saw in the bedroom of the Malhotra Mansion when she first went in) (Smirking at ACP sir) Iska aur Dai maa ka muh bhi maine hi band karwaya tha Arya ke naam ki dhamki deke! (To Arya) Yaad hai tumhara accident hua tha? Uss din jab tum police station se wapis aayi thi aur apne sawalo ka jawab mangne inke beauro jaa rahi thi? Maine karwaya tha! Tumhe zinda choda taki dekh saku tumhe ussi ke khilaf khada hota hue jo 22 saal tak tumhe mujhse bachata raha! Mujhe iski yeh khali aakhe dekhni thi na! (Refer chapter 11/12) Isse uss dard mai dekhna tha jo tum isse deke gayi thi uss din! Aur tumne mera kaam kiya bhi! Pehli baar ACP Prayduman gave up! Isilye nahi ki mera plan perfect tha... Isilye kyuki mere plan ka ek hissa tum bhi thi! Mere liye tumne iski takat todi. Ha... Mai chahta tha ki isse fhasi nahi toh kamse kam life imprisonment toh hi... Woh bhi tum usse woh saza dilawao yeh chahta tha mai. I wanted my revenge! And you were my instrument to get it! Woh bhi uss gunah ke liye jo isne kiya hi nahi! Par yeh Abhijeet aur Daya ki wajh se mera plan pura nahi ho paya. Par theek hai... I have no regrets... I have no regrets (shaking his head in a winning smile) Mai aisa pehla insan hu jisne ACP Prayduman ko toda... Usse ghuthne tekne pe majboor kar diya! Sala zarurat kya thi isse mere kaam ki bich aane ki? Bewajh apna sab kuch dav pe laga ke baitha tha tumhare liye! Apna sab kuch khona bhi tha na phir isse. Jaise maine khoya tha iski wajh se! Bas agar yeh dono nahi hote toh ajj ACP Prayduman would have been finished! (Glaring at duo). Yeh dono! Sale manne ko hi tayar nahi. Jaan dene tayar the par piche hatne nahi! Yeh Daya Arun ke office se woh dhamkiya le aaya jo maine usse di thi aur na jane kaha kaha se saboot le aaye yeh log. Aur yeh Abhijeet! Mera bas chale toh isse toh mai zinda gaad du! Maine ACP ko dhamki di thi ki jo jaisa chal raha hai chalne dena... Apne aap ko bachane ki koshish karne se mana kiya tha maine isse. Par yeh iska lawyer banke baith gaya!

Abhijeet - (smirking) Mujhe zinda baad mai gadna... Pehle apne aap ko toh bacha lo! Tumhe kya laga tha? Arya ke naam ki dhamki deke unhe chup baitha doge toh kaam ho jayega tumhara? Mere aur Daya ke hote hue tum jaise log unki taraf aakh utha ke dekh bhi nahi sakte! Tum unhe tod nahi sakte Abhay! Unki deewar ban kar hum khade hai unke aage. Aur agar kabhi galti se tum unke aas paas pohach bhi gaye toh hume unhe jodna aata hai! Agli baar humare liye bhi plan bana kar aana. And remember, ACP Prayduman will never be finished!

             The team looking at duo in pride... Adoring and idolising them even stronger than before.

             The others the courtroom still failed to understand how could a relation of juniors and senior be this pure and sacrificing! It was indeed a mystery!

             They were all forced out of their thoughts by Abhijeet asking sternly...

Abhijeet - Daya par goli kyu chalwayi thi tumne?

Abhay - Goli tumpar chalwayi thi! Woh toh yeh bich mai aa gaya! Pata chal gaya tha isse ki mai Arun ka bhai hu. Isse chup baithana zaruri tha toh maine tumhare naam ki dhamki di (on marine drives) par yeh phir bhi nahi mana. Jab yeh court aa raha tha toh maine apne admi bejhe isse saboot lene! Tum mere sniper ke nishane pe the toh isne saboot toh chup chap mujhe de diye par mai janta tha ki yeh aise hi chup nahi baithega. Yeh Arun ke ghar gaya tha. Aur humari bachpan ki photo thi iske paas aur meri bachpan ki marksheet jis par mera naam pura naam tha. Jo saboot mere admiyo ne iski gadi se liye usme woh photo aur marksheet nahi thi... Woh dono chize uski gadi mai thi hi nahi! Maine isse phir bhi jane diya. Bas yehi galti thi meri ki maine yeh soch liya ki tumhare naam ki dhamki ke wajh se yeh chup baithega. Magar yeh court aaya aur ussi waqt jab yeh ACP finally court mai khud ko guilty accept karne wala tha. Mere paas koi rasta nahi tha ussi waqt mujhe goli chalwani padi. Aur yeh samne aa gaya!

Judge - Woh photo aur marksheet kaha hai?

              As all eyes were fixed on Daya waiting for the answer... But instead of him Rahul stood up saying...

Rahul - Mere paas hai, my lord.

              Everyone turned to look at Rahul while Abhijeet gave Daya an unbelievable look. As even he turned to look at Rahul... He pulled out an evidence bag from his pocket and forwarded it to Arya. Arya who was all silent since a long time didn't move an inch. She was not stumped unlike others at the revelation of Rahul having the photograph. She had many other reasons already to be shocked, broken and hurt. Abhijeet forwarded his hand to Rahul to take the evidence bag saying sarcastically...

Abhijeet - Mera saboot hai!

            Rahul looked away embarrassed while Abhijeet spared a glance to Arya to see her reaction. She still didn't move. She was happy. She was sad. She was breaking. She was healing. All at the same time. The fact that ACP sir was innocent gave her peace like nothing else ever did buy the realization that she accused him, hurt him, cursed him, fought him, blamed him, insulted him and did all that she never imagined was killing her at the same time. She was happy that his virtuousness but at the same time wished to pull out a gun and shoot herself for not trusting him and for being the reason of his pain. She was happy that the 100% track record of her's as a lawyer was about to be broken in the best possible way but she was dying at the breaking of her bond with her father. Only if she could turn back the time... She would have believed ACP sir this time.

            Tears finally fought their way through her eyes and she blinked trying to keep them from flowing out.

            This time ACP sir was looking at her. But she didn't have the courage to look back at him. All that she did was stare at the wooden floor of the courtroom with her blurred vision.

            Pitying her condition Abhijeet walked to her and muttered...

Abhijeet - Theek ho?

              She wanted to answer but couldn't even make her head nod. She was frozen... So frozen that she couldn't even raise her head to receive the warmth from the eyes that now only held compassion for her. She couldn't have looked back at Abhijeet. How could she? Sighing, Abhijeet walked over to the judge to hand over the photograph and the marksheet to the assistant.

              The judge asked Arya...

Judge - Prosecution... Would you like to question the witness?

              This time Arya managed to shake her head a little. Abhijeet gestured wanting to say something...

Abhijeet - Your honour, mai aur humari puri team janti hai ki humne court ke orders nahi mane. Hume iss case ki investigation se roka gaya tha par humne phir bhi investigate kiya. Par aap please isse contempt of court mat lijiyega. We have all the faith and respect for the judiciary aur humara contempt of court ka koi irada nahi tha. All our lives we have abided by the rules and brought justice in the way we can. But after all this, hum majoor the. Saboot kuch iss tarah se pesh kiye gaye aur ACP Prayduman ko iss tarah frame kiya gaya ki kisi ko bhi woh gunhegar hi dikhe. Aur ab sach apke samne hai... Humne jo kiya agar woh nahi kiya hota toh ajj ek gangster ki jeet hoti aur ek police officer, ek baap, ek beti, iss nayaypalika ki haar. Phir bhi agar apko lage ki we have a guilty conscience then we are ready to face our consequences. With all the respect my lord, I rest my case.

            And now the exasperated eyes finally softened. He looked satisfied. He looked assured that now no one could cause any harm to ACP sir. No matter what verdict was given on them. He spared a glance to ACP sir and then head back to his chair.

              The judge turned to ACP sir and said...

Judge - Mr. Prayduman? Do you have anything to say?

               ACP sir glanced around the court. He stopped for a brief moment when his eyes met the team's and he took his time to adore duo. They had fulfilled the promise he had not even asked for... Gave in their blood and sweat, quite literally, and yet never complained. Blessed... Blessed was the word... He was blessed to have them.

               He then paused to look at Arya. She was still staring the ground leaning on the table. With the moisture glistening her eyes she stood oblivious to the surroundings. He waited for her to look back but she didn't. She couldn't. So ACP sir turned back to the judge.

ACP - I am guilty, my lord.

              He said very calm and composed. Neither too high nor low. Not fast not slow. The judge didn't ask the people to be quiet... But the court fell silent just as he started speaking. He was speaking finally... After all the accusations and insults. After ignoring love and care. After custody and trials. He was finally speaking and everyone wanted to hear him.

ACP - I am guilty of fraud. I am guilty of producing a false witness against myself. I am guilty of keeping my daughter in oblivion. Of hiding the truth from my team. I am guilty of killing Arun and Gayatri. I am, indeed guilty. No matter the reason. Mai kitni hi koshish karlu... Iss sach ko nahi badal sakta ki Arun aur Gayatri mere hi haato mare gaye the... Mai nahi badal sakta iss sach ko ki Arya ko anath maine kiya tha. (He looked at Arya) But trust me Arnu, jab maine pehli baar tumhe apni god mai liya tha... Mai nahi janta tha ki tum Arun ki beti ho... Aur jab mai tumhe adopt court aaya tha... Uski wajh na meri guilt thi aur na hi tumhe bachane ki khwaish. You were my love at first sight... And you will be my love till my last breath. (Arya slowly looked up at him and blinked twice... Not to push back the tears but to let them flow down so she could clear her vision and see him unhindered.) Thoda romantic sound kar raha hoga i know (he chuckled) par a daughter is always the most loved girl by a man. (He turned to look at back at the judge) Sattais saal ki yeh jung aasan nahi thi. Bohot baar maine socha ki ab toh mai jeet gaya aur koi mujhse meri beti nahi cheen sakta... Par mai galat tha. Mai galat tha jab mai Arya ko kindap hone se nahi bacha paya. Maine socha tha jung toh katham ho gayi par woh toh shurwat thi... Shurwat thi 22 saal tak apni beti se dur rehne ki. Mai apni galti dohrana nahi chahta tha. Isilye maine property papers pe Arya ki sign dhoke se li woh property uske naam pe hone ke bas kuch hi din baad. Taki Abhay Arya ko koi nuksan na pohachaye... Usse property toh milti hi nahi kyuki phir woh mere naam par thi. Ha mai usse sach bata sakta tha. Koi wajh nahi thi mere paas Arya ko na batane ki... Siwaye mere dar ke. Kyuki agar ACP Prayduman kisi chiz se dara hai toh woh hai apno ko khone se. Mai Arya ko khona nahi chahta tha. Mujhe dar tha ki agar mai usse bata du ki anjane mai hi sahi mere haato uske mata pita ka khoon hua hai toh woh mujhe chod degi. Mera dar hi wajh tha ki maine Arya ko kabhi yeh nahi bataya ki mai uska legal guardian hu adopted father nahi... Legal guardian toh sirf athra saal tak hota hai. Mai woh papa sunne ka haq itni jaldi nahi khona chahta tha. Ha ACP Prayduman bhi darta hai... Apni beti ko khone se har pita darta hai! Par iss baar maine usse kho hi diya tha... Yeh jung mai haar hi gaya tha... Par mere... (he turned to look at duo and paused. Sighing he looked back at the judge) Ab kya bulau mai inn dono ko? Officer kahuga toh woh meri feelings ko justify nahi karega aur jo yeh mere liye hai, woh kahuga toh unprofessional karar diya jauga. So I better stick to their names. Hmm... Toh mere Abhijeet aur Daya... Inhone woh had bhi paar kardi mere liye jo mai chahta bhi nahi tha ki yeh kare! Mai nahi chahta tha ki yeh mere liye apni jaan, apna career, apna sab kuch daav pe laga de. Maine inhe isliye kuch nahi bataya kyuki mai chahta hi nahi tha ki yeh mujhe bachaye. Par yeh bhi haar maane walo mai se kaha hai. Zameen aasman ek kar diya mere liye. Mujhse hi lad gaye yeh mere liye! Bas ek akhiri baat kehna chahuga mai Abhay... (He turned straight to face Abhay as he was still standing in the witness box) Tum aise pehle criminal ho jisne mujhe sach mai challenge kiya. Woh shayad isilye kyuki mere andar humesha hi guilt rahi ki maine Arun aur Gayatri ko mara tha... Marna nahi chaha tha par mara tha. Tumne bohot ache se meri guilt ko exploit kiya. Par tum jante ho tum kyu hare? Kyuki tumne humesha hi galat rasta chuna. Agar mai sab bhul bhi jau toh tum bhi toh Arya ko adopt kar sakte the? (Abhay looked at him in shock) Chacha the tum uske! Property waise hi tumahari ho jati! Par nahi... Tumne humehsa hi nafrat ka rasta chuna. After all these long years... I have the last laugh! Cause I loved her (Arya) and you hated her.

             He looked back at the judge and the judge nodded. Then he looked at Arya and asked.

Judge - Prosecution... Aap kuch bolna chahegi?

             Arya at first was about to shake her head in a no but then decided against it. She sniffed and gulped at once. Then wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and stood straight. She nodded to the judge in yes and then walked straight to the witness box to Abhay. Looking straight in his eyes she said...

Arya - (smiling ruefully) Bhai the tum unke... (She still couldn't address Arun as her father. It was always reserved for ACP sir) Ajj pehli baar apna koi khoon ka rishta dekha hai. Ajj tak dil ke rishte ke saath jo rahi hu! Aur badi aasani se mujhe uss rishte ke khilaf khada kar diya tumne. Mere biological parents, mere papa ke saath ke 22 saal, unka pyar, apni hi nazro mai apni izzat, apne bhaiyo ka vishwas sab maine tumhari wajh se khoya. But you know what? Thank you.

              All looked at her in shock. Thank you? To the man who spoiled her life? Not even Abhay could stop himself from giving her an inquisitive look.

Arya - Thank you. Kyuki agar tum nahi hote toh mai aaj Arya Prayduman nahi hoti! Tumne mujhse sab kuch chinne ki koshish mai mujhe sab kuch de diya Abhay. Mujhe mere papa de diye! So thank you. (She turned away from him to face the judge but then spun around again and added to him with her voice echoing throughout the courtroom) And yes... ACP Prayduman is not finished. He will never be.

              Facing the judge she added,

Arya - I have nothing more to add my lord, I rest my case.

Judge - Ok then. The court has made its decision...

To be continued...

             Hash hogaya! Kya verdict hoga judge ka? Aur uske baad kya hoga *wink* PS. Take my wink seriously *devil smile*.

             Is this the longest chapter i ever wrote? I guess yes! So this chapter must have the longest ever review from you all? Definitely yes! Toh chalo jaldi jaldi review.

The Present - Chapter 31

             Hello... Hello... Helloooooooooo! No bak bak and only chappy. Chalo jaldi jaldi pado!

                            Chapter 31

             The door of the ward opened and Pankaj and Dr. Salunkhe entered inside with Dai maa. Purvi and Tarika were already here with Arya lying unconscious on the couch. Seeing her lying like that Dai maa asked panicked...

Dai maa - Yeh Arya ko kya hua? Yeh aise kyu...?

               Giving a small pat to Daya's hand Abhijeet got up giving a break to his silent conversation. Then walked back to Dai maa and said calmly...

Abhijeet - Aap baithiye hum batate hai...

Dai maa - Lekin beta Arya ko hua kya hai? Woh yaha kaise aayi aur yeh so rahi hai kya? Par uth kyu nahi rahi? Aur mujhe kyu bulaya hai yaha par?

Abhijeet - Arya bilkul theek hai. Aap pehle shant ho jayiye. Hum sab batate hai.

              He glanced at Arya saying this. When Purvi and Tarika had come in with her he had not not even cared to look at her as he was busy with Daya. But now as he did, he somewhere found anger again gripping him. But exhaling a deep breath he calmed himself down and sat down besides Dai maa and as she impatiently waited for him to say something, he took his own time to brace himself... Brace himself for 'the truth'.

              Meanwhile team also settled taking their own places knowing this was going to be a long conversation.

              As Abhijeet was ready now he directly got to the point...

Abhijeet - 27 saal pehle... Kya hua tha?

              Dai maa averted her gaze and mumbled...

Dai maa - Mujhe nahi pata beta...

Abhijeet - Aapko pata hai aur yeh hum jante hai. Apke fingerprints Mr. Arun ki gadi mai mile hai. Encounter ke din aap bhi uss gadi mai thi! Aur agar ACP sir ka alawa koi sach janta hai toh woh aap hai.

              She nodded her head in a no but obviously knew that she did not have any other escape. The realisation brought some tears in her eyes and looking at Arya she said slowly...

Dai maa - Dekha tha na Daya bete ke saath kya hua jab woh sach tak pohacha? Mai meri bachchi ke saath aisa kuch nahi hone de sakti!

Abhijeet - Mai wada karta hu apse Arya ko kuch nahi hoga. Aur mai yeh wada isilye nahi kar raha kyuki mujhe sach janna hai. Isilye bhi nahi kar raha kyuki woh sir ki beti hai. Isilye kar raha hu kyuki maine usse apni behan mana hai! Naraz hu par nafrat nahi karta mai usse. Woh galat hai par gunhegar nahi yeh mai janta hu. Usse kuch nahi hone dunga mai. Aur uski safety ke liye hi hum usse yaha laye hai. Aap befikar sach bata sakti hai.

            Dai maa turned to look at him. For the first time looked in his eyes since she had come in. She seemed to be trying to find something. Truth in his eyes that she could trust him... Trust him with her Arya. When she found the truth of his words reflecting in his eyes she asked slowly.

Dai maa - Kya janna hai mujhse?

Abhijeet - Sab kuch...

*Next morning*

              The day of the hearing arrived. The team was pretty sure it would be second last hearing, as Abhay was still missing. They knew everything. Everything that had happened. Everything that forced ACP sir to be quiet. Everything that caused Daya to be hit with a bullet. Everything that made Arya her father's enemy. And everything they had been searching for. The only thing missing was Abhay. Who would take them a little more time to be caught. But Abhijeet knew the hearing would be last for him. Cause IG Shrikant had already told him it would be last for him! He had not yet told the team about it. Or else they would panic without any reason. Without any reason? Him losing CID was not just any reason! But when at stake were ACP sir and Daya he was ready to lose his all... Even if meant losing CID.

              Dai maa had left for home. To freshen up before the hearing. Cause she had an important statement to make. Pankaj accompanied her for her safety. Arya was still unconscious and with Purvi and Tarika. In Purvi's home. To make sure she stayed safe. When she would wake up she would obviously ask questions and maybe even tell the court that they kidnapped her. But as far as it was about her safety they had to take the risk. Freddy was still trying to get any leads of Abhay. How could they give up until the last moment? And Dr. Salunkhe did the formalities of the hearing like giving out the list of witnesses and organisation of evidence. Abhijeet stayed in the hospital with Daya. Looking at his security and taking care of him.

              Unlike the past two days. He was calm now. No anger, no frustration, no hurry. He was calm and composed. On the verge of losing his CID but on the verge of getting back his ACP sir. So he was on the happier side of the calmness. Just that Daya would wake up and everything would be fine. He was ready for the sacrifice... And he didn't even call it one. For him it was a responsibility. Of being a son and a brother. Yet a small part of his heart pained... Cause today he was going to lose what gave him everything... His relations... All his memories... And a reason to live.

              Holding Daya's hand, he sat. This time conversing in words... To someone he could share the truth with. Someone who he could tell that he was going to lose CID today. He wanted to share it with Daya. No matter he would not get up to console him but sharing it with him would be enough consolation for him.

Abhijeet - Pata hai Daya... Ajj na akhiri hearing hai. Matlab shayad second last par meri akhiri. Ab kyu... Woh mai tujhe nahi batauga. Naraz ho jayega na tu. Par haa... Ajj ACP sir zarur begunah sabit ho jayege. Bas ek baar Abhay uska gunah kabul karle phir woh wapis aa jayege... Humare paas. Maine tera kaam aadha nahi rehne diya Daya. Maine sach pata kar liya. 27 saal pehle kya hua tha woh bhi. Aur ab kya ho raha hai woh bhi. Bas ab tu bhi apna wada pura kar. Aur jaldi se uth jaa. Mere liye nahi toh sir ke liye. Unhe lene unka ladla nahi jayega toh unhe acha nahi lagega na?

              Interrupting his one sided talks, his phone rang. And seeing it was one of his informers calling he attended the call and went outside the ward to talk to him.

*10 minutes later, in the ward*

               The ward was unnaturally silent. With only a few beeps from the machines and nothing else to be heard around with Abhijeet having moved out now. In the still silence that had engulfed the room the only movement that was being made was by Daya's ring finger. And as it continued moving without any support from his other fingers his breathing became a little heavy. Taking in a few of those ragged breaths, he moved his head to a side slowly... Trying to press it hard on the pillow to reduce the throbbing pain that had his head gripped. His eyelids fluttered trying to open but the headache was so excruting that instead of opening his eyes he pressed them close even harder. Just as he was trying to hold his head suddenly a few flashes came to him. With his eyeballs desperately moving behind his closed eyelids he took a few more of ragged breaths and then sprang up sitting straight. With his eyes shot open and he gripping onto the bedsheet he huffed a few times. Then looked around the room trying to understand his surroundings... And then inaudibly mumbling, "Mu... Mujhe... Jana hoga..." stumbled out of the bed. The drip and other machines attached to his body pulled him back but he pulled at them roughly and put them to side. Then stood properly trying to maintain his balance. Groaning in pain he tried reaching his back's wound but he couldn't. His legs felt extra heavy so he was not able to walk properly but and ignoring it he somehow stumbled to the bathroom.

              A few minutes later Abhijeet entered the room saying into the phone...

Abhijeet - Kuch pata chale batana mujhe. Rakh ab...

               And as he looked straight Daya was missing from the bed. Confused and panicked he looked around but unable locate Daya he moved back to the door to see outside. He was fearing that someone would have kidnapped him and cursed himself under his breath for leaving him alone in the room. But before he could open the door of the ward, the door of the washroom opened and noticing the door opening he walked over to it to see Daya stepping out.

Abhijeet - Daya! (Happily) Tujhe... Tujhe hosh aa gaya (examining him from top toh bottom and holding his arm to support him) Theek hai na tu? Zayada dard toh nahi ho raha? Aur tu khada kyu hua sidha. Lete rehna tha na. Ab aa baith! Mai doctor ko bulata...

             Cutting him off Daya asked still uncomfortably shifting in his place...

Daya - Abhay mila?

Abhijeet - Abhay?

             He had forgotten all in happiness! And why wouldn't he? His Daya was here standing in front of him... All fine! In his complete consciousness and on his legs, moving his hands, that is with no paralysis.

             After a second he realised who 'Abhay' and said...

Abhijeet - Abhay ko baad mai dekhege... Tu baith pehle...

              Tugging on his hand slowly not wanting to hurt him, Abhijeet tried taking to him bed but Daya didn't move from his place and fired his next question...

Daya - Hearing kab hai?

Abhijeet - Aree yaar ajj hi hai... Par tu...

Daya - Toh tum court kyu nahi gaye?

Abhijeet - Chala jauga na. Abhi doctor tujhe check karle phir mai nikalta hu. Time hai abhi!

Daya - Theek hai. Tum court ke liye niklo mai Abhay ko arrest karke lata hu. Tum tab tak sambhal lena court mai.

Abhijeet - Kya? Kya bol raha hai tu? Halat dekhi hai apni? Iss halat mai tujhe Abhay ko arrest karne jana hai! Pagal ho gaya hai?

Daya - Abhijeet baat ko samjho! Abhay hi gunhegar hai. ACP sir ka, humara, Arya ka, sab ka. Jab tak hum usse dhund kar nahi late hum sach jaan ke bhi sabit nahi kar payege!

Abhijeet - Ha toh next hearing mai karege! Par abhi tu kahin nahi jayega!

Daya - Abhijeet itna waqt nahi hai! Woh nikal jayega yaar... Mujhe jaane do mera jana bohot zaruri hai!

Abhijeet - Daya tum...

Daya - (angry) Tum kya chahte ho ACP sir zindagi bhar uss gunah ki saza kate jo unhone kiya hi nahi? Apni hi beti ki nafrat bina wajh sehte rahe woh? Humse, CID se sabse dur rahe jabki unki koi galti hai hi nahi!

              Abhijeet held his hands that he was moving in random directions in anger and then said slowly trying to calm him down...

Abhijeet - Pehle tu shant hoja. Kuch nahi hoga. Samjha? Hume pura sach pata chal chuka hai. Kya hua tha 27 saal pehle yeh Dai maa bata chuki hai aur usse sabit karne ke saboot bhi hai humare paas. Abhay gunhegar hai yeh baat hum sabit kar sakte hai!

Daya - Aur tumhe lagta hai ki hum sab sabit kar denge aur woh chup chap baitha dekhta rahega? Sach hi batane aa raha tha mai uss din court... Nahi bata paya na? Jab tak woh humari giraft mai nahi hoga hum sach jaan kar bhi sabit nahi kar payege!

Abhijeet - Par Daya ab waqt nahi hai. 8 baj rahe hai. 9 baje court ki hearing hai... Aur hume pata bhi nahi hai ki woh hai kaha? Freddy ab bhi laga hua hai... Par uski location hume nahi pata!

Daya - Ha toh waqt nahi hai isilye toh mai bol raha hu ki tum court jao. Mai usse leke aata hu. Mujhe pata hai kya karna hai!

Abhijeet - Par teri halat...

Daya - Zinda hu! Kafi hai! Zinda rehkar bhi mai kya kar lunga agar sir ko begunah sabit nahi kar paye toh. Please Abhi... Mujhe kuch nahi hoga.

              Daya had started angrily but at the end turned teary. And how could Abhijeet turn down his Daya's teary request. Reluctantly he agreed nodding his head in yes and instantly added...

Abhijeet - Par tu akela nahi jayega. Team ko saath leke jaa!

Daya - Tum bhi akele nahi jaoge. Mai Pankaj aur Purvi ko le jata hu tum Freddy ko leke jao...

             Abhijeet sighed in disappointment but didn't waste time arguing as he already knew the result of it. And seeing him convinced... Not exactly convinced but agreeing... Daya said...

Daya - Theek hai phir mai chalta hu...

Abhijeet - Aree par doctor?

Daya - Ha toh doctor ko tum bol dena mai chala gaya!

Abhijeet - Hain?

Daya - Ha!

             And without waiting for anything more Daya hurried out of the ward while Abhijeet followed him wanting to say something but then seeing Daya moving to the fire exit ended up saying something else...

Abhijeet - Ab yaha se kyu jaa raha hai?

Daya - Kyuki mai Arya jaisa pagal nahi hu. (Indicating to his hospital clothes) Ke logo ke samne se jau!

             In small smile Abhijeet nodded his head in a no and as Daya somehow ran down the stairs and disappeared from his vision, he head to the doctor's cabin... To inform him that his patient was fine and already out of the hospital after gaining back his senses after two and a half days.

*About an hour later, outside court*

             Abhijeet stood leaning on the car as he impatiently tapped his foot on the ground. Beside him, stood Freddy glancing at the main gate every now and then. They were waiting for Daya, Pankaj and Purvi. But instead of them Arya drove in with Tarika and Rahul who the team had informed about Arya's whereabouts. As Tarika parked the car, Arya got down to face Abhijeet, to look into his eyes demanding answers. Knowing he owed her an explanation he said,

Abhijeet - Tumhari safety ke liye zaruri tha.

             He waited a second for her to reply. But when she couldn't frame her words by then he said...

Abhijeet - Chalo hearing ka waqt ho raha hai...

Arya - Ek minute! Aap jante bhi hai aap kya bol rahe hai? You literally abducted me! And you say it was for my safety?

Abhijeet - Yes it was. And you are free to reveal this in the court. (After a pause) Ab chale?

             Arya nodded her head in a furious disappointed no and walked off with Rahul. Veer also arrived at that moment and so all others followed them inside silently. In their hearts hoping for Daya's success.

             Soon as they settled in their respective places ACP sir walked in with the SIT. Abhijeet turned to look at him while he smiled at him softly. For the first time in past few months... He smiled assuringly.

             And then walked in the judge. All stood up and as he settled in his seat they sat down. ACP sir went up to his place in the accused box and stood there calmly. Waiting for the hearing to begin. To see what did his team find out today...

To be continued...

            So kya hoga? Daya sir ko Abhay milega? Agar nahi mila toh Abhi sir toh CID se nikal jayege! Aur woh sach hai kya jo Dai maa ne team ko bata diya but maine aap logo nahi bataya (giggling). Acha acha no gussa. Agle chappy mai pakka. Abhi mujh jaldi jaldi review de do. Kuch hi reviews karne hai ab iss par. Only a few chapters remaining in The Present! And once again sorry for the small chappy. But this was important aur mai isse zayada isme nahi likh sakti thi nahi toh suspense kharab ho jata!