Chapter 38

The cold draft pushed itself through the cracks of a moderately barred window. It circulated feebly inside the dirty dingy room and died away making the person tied to the chair shiver ever so slightly. The man squirmed once again hoping to release himself miraculously from the chains that bound his hand. The action caused severe pain making fresh blood ooze from his wound to the red pool on the floor. He tried to shout but his sound was muffled by the cloth tied around his mouth which was stained red from the many bruises on his face. Finally he gave up the fight and sat with slumped shoulders, his eyes closing with fatigue and pain. Then suddenly he heard a sound and his eyes went wide open with fear. Sweat formed on his face and he gulped the remaining saliva down his dry throat.

The hulk strode forward effortlessly carrying a chair in one hand and half a bottle of water in the other. The man cowered in the chair hoping desperately for the earth to swallow him alive than undergo another torturous hour in the hands of the hulk. The beefy man stood in front of him and placed the chair carefully opposite to the prisoner. He then stood close by with hands crossed across his chest and glared daggers. The man was puzzled at this behaviour as usually when the hulk appeared he started with a slap even before he could ask any questions. He shivered once again but this time not because of the draft but a sense of danger that was evident in the atmosphere. There was absolute silence. Even the air held its breath.

"Attention everyone" the hulk called out. The man in front of him looked around thinking whom he was talking to because there was no one other than the two of them isn't it? A quick shuffle of feet was heard and that was when it dawned on him that there were others too hidden from plain sight. Before he could think more, the footsteps approached them. He turned his head in the direction of the corridor scrunching his forehead to see who it was. Another shiver passed through him and he stiffened. He glanced at the hulk who stood ram rod straight in rapt attention. Finally, the powerful footsteps replaced with an equally powerful figure.

"Stop scaring the man Bhim," said Abhimanyu as he sat on the chair crossing his legs. "Look! he is about to pass out."

The man gasped at the aura surrounding the new person who looked like a gentleman but there was something in him that was screaming danger. Abhimanyu leaned back on the chair and looked at the man who was squirming beneath his gaze.

"I don't have the time nor the patience. I want answers and I want it now. Speak" said Abhimanyu in a cold voice that could even freeze hell.

The man stared at Abhimanyu, a new fear creeping in his veins. In all the years he was a hitman he encountered several men who had tried to scare him politicians, police officers, other gangs but no one had frightened him like the one sitting in front of him. He contemplated whether he could survive just like he survived the blows from the hulk whose name he came to know was Bhim. He tried to move his eyes but found he couldn't. The intensity in those eyes almost melted his bones and even his soul. Bhim pulled the cloth tied around the man's mouth.

"Under whose orders did you attack Vilaspore palace?"

As the words sunk into his system, the man encountered another fear. The dark voice of the devil that had given him the job surrounded him. If you get caught, you better die. That was the ultimatum. He wished if the hulk could kill him now, that was much better than this torment. The battle was fierce.

"I will not let you die so easily. I will shake out every single information I need to know from you. If you lie to me....."

"I will try once again hukum" interrupted Bhim.

Abhimanyu lifted his hand. "There is no need Bhim. He is ready to tell me whatever I want"

The battle ended.

"I-I was given the job by someone I know....... M-Mukesh Yadav, that was his name. He took me to a person. I did not see the m-man. He was b-behind the wall but I think his voice was quite familiar. Even Mukesh did not see him. In fact when he spoke to me he insisted that we should be alone. H-he told me that he wanted us to get into the palace and...." the man stumbled

"Go on," said Abhimanyu sternly

"......and create as much noise as possible. He told us where to enter from and how to evade the guards. We did not understand why he would ask that.....He warned us not to take anything from the palace. We just did as we were told."

"Who attacked the Maharaj?"

"I-I don't know. We were fleeing from the guards on the ground floor. I was hiding behind the huge pot and saw the old man falling down the stairs. I did not see anyone other than my gang and I know for sure that no one went up."

Abhimanyu got up from the chair in one fluid motion. He then caught the collar of the man and lifted him up chair and all with perfect ease. The man gasped as he realized that he was hanging in mid air and froze completely.

"Its Maharaj, understand?" said Abhimanyu clenching his teeth. "Maharaj" he said shaking the trembling man.

"Y-Yes h-hu-hukum," he floundered.

Abhimanyu dropped him with a thud and gave a side glance to Bhim who duly opened the bottle of water and poured it over his outstretched hand and later handed him a towel.

"Shift him to the dungeons," he said and walked off processing all the information he had received from the rogue.

At the mention of dungeons the man started screaming loudly "H-Hukum, h-hukum please....let me go. I will never come back again. Please.....hukum...."

Bhim pushed the cloth into the man's mouth once again. He then lifted the vacant chair and followed Abhimanyu.

Bhim placed the chair in the boot of the car. He opened the bottle and took a swig and then threw the  bottle in the nearby bushes. He proceeded to the front of the car and saw Abhimanyu leaning against the hood and looking intently at the ground below.

"I don't believe him entirely hukum" he said looking in the direction of the dilapidated house.

"Which part?" asked Abhimanyu pushing his hands into the pockets of his blue jeans.

"That he did not see the person who sent him"

Abhimanyu lifted his head and looked toward the sky which was dotted with millions of stars. He tilted his head at a particular one which was shining brightly. "Maa loved star gazing" he said out of the blue. "She spent hours on the terrace at Vilaspore with her telescope." He took a deep breath and brought his head down surveying the surroundings. "What was he searching for?" he asked out loud.

Bhim's forehead creased. "Hukum?"

"The commotion on the ground floor was a ruse. The one who went to the first floor wanted something. Unfortunately, father got in the way."

"But hukum, the man said he did not see anyone else other than his gang members."

Abhimanyu closed his eyes. To a normal person he looked like someone who was meditating but in fact his mind was in a frenzy. He was accessing situations, conversations and memories for a clue. Faces, places, persons ran amok and he rifled through it all seeking an answer. Could he conclude that the unknown person was Suraj? If he was wrong his father would be devastated at having suspected his nephew. The first floor did not contain anything special. Even the rooms of the family members were on different floors. Then what? An errant thought came to his mind. What if the person was searching in his uncle's room? Though his uncle Aditya Raj had shifted his quarters to another wing of the palace after he had abdicated, a room was left untouched.

He opened his eyes wondering if his theory was right and for that he needed to go to Vilaspore.

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"Nandini, think about it and let me know. Don't take any hasty decisions"

Psychiatrist Sidharth Garg M.D. glanced at the lovely woman sitting in front of him. He had last seen her five years back when her brother and Uday had brought her to him. She was in a bad shape at that time uttering someone's name often and screaming out suddenly, having nightmares, refusing to sleep or eat. She was scared of the dark, scared of people.....in short scared of life itself. She did not want to recall the incident that had shaken her and so he decided the best way was to repress her memories by hypnosis just like putting a bedsheet over furniture to protect it from dust. But, that was all he could do, he couldn't help her till she was willing to speak about the incident herself. But now.....after five years.....she wanted to know. Why couldn't she let things be and move on.

"I understand doctor," spoke Nandini in a soft voice bending her head. "I-I have been suffering these five years", she paused recalling her life "I hate a person who was once important to me. I keep seeing visions and I still have nightmares, its just that I don't bother anymore." She looked at the doctor and pointed at Uday. "My brother and Uday believe that someone caused me harm but....but I know that that person had no part in it. I want to be sure. I want to know."

Dr. Sidharth sighed, "Very well....Uday told me the need for secrecy, so I think a week from now..."

Nandini interrupted, "I can't wait that long doctor. The day after tomorrow is fine."

"Nandini these things can't be hurried. You need to be mentally prepared and I will suggest some medicines...."

"No...I am prepared....I think I have been preparing since five years," she said in a slightly stern voice.

Uday reached out and held her hand, squeezing it lightly, reassuring her. The doctor looked at them and finally relented.

"Okay as per your wish Sunday it is. Lets fix the time at 10'o clock. How does that sound Nandini?" he asked noting it in his personal diary.

Nandini nodded, "Fine"

The duo left the doctor after speaking some more. In the car Nandini was silent and Uday was musing. He had made plans of his own and he crossed his fingers hoping that it would work out. At first the doctor wasn't convinced blabbering something about work ethics but he had managed to convince him after much persuation. Uday glanced at Nandini who was fast asleep and his gaze softened. God I hope what I am doing is right. Its for your sake sweetheart.......and for my sake too.....

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Abhimanyu held his father's hand a bit tighter than usual. He looked at the pallid face and pressed a light kiss on the hand. When will you wake up father? You need to wake up and tell me who was the person who did this to you? I need you more than ever. I need your strength. He turned to the nurse, "Father opened his eyes today?"

"Yes sir, Maharaj ji opened his eyes and looked at me for few minutes. He is doing pretty well. I think he will be fully conscious in a day or two," the nurse quipped enthusiastically.

Abhimanyu nodded and gently placed his father's hand on the bed and kissed him on the forehead. He looked at the nurse. "If you need anything just let Bhim know."

The nurse blushed and retreated back shyly.

Abhimanyu walked to the door and knocked. The guards opened the door and let him out then immediately closed it shut. As he proceeded to the lift his phone rang. He looked at the screen and his expression soured and he thrust it back into his pocket. The ringing stopped and he got into the lift and leaned on the wall. The lift stopped on his floor and he got out. His phone started ringing again. He let out an expletive as he saw the same name on the screen.

"What!" he barked into the phone.

"Good evening to you too Yuvraj Abhimanyu. Glad to know that your manners are intact"

Abhimanyu pressed his lips to a straight line. "You called me at this hour to teach me manners?"

"I want to talk to you"

"Look Uday, I am tired so please go bug someone else."

"Listen Abhi, I am serious. I want to talk to you privately in person......I can come there!"

Abhimanyu ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I cannot handle you right now in my office because I will maim some part of you," he paused for a second, "I'll call you from my private number. If this is about Uttara then I will hang up immediately" he said cutting the call.

After few minutes Abhimanyu seated in his chair dialed Uday's number. "What is it?"

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Roopa zipped her jacket and covered her head with the hood. It took her ages to wait for Mala to fall asleep and to get out of the house. She had time to think about what the stranger had told her. If someone was offering her help why should she not take it. However she did not understand how that man who called had got her number or how he knew what had happened. She did not want to dwell on things. She needed ways to achieve her goals and if it meant Nandinis death so be it. She hurried into the street and walked in the direction of the main road. Thoughts flooded her mind. The man had said there would be a car waiting to take. A cat ran past her startling her for a moment. She quickened her steps and reached the main road which was almost deserted. No shops were open save for the small medical store on the far corner. The streetlight above her flickered now and then causing her more distress. As she surveyed the road on either side she saw a black car parked under a tree. Is it that car? she wondered and took slow steps toward it. She turned and looked behind her every now and then to see if anyone was following her. After taking few steps she stopped realizing the seriousness of the situation.

What the hell is wrong with me! Someone calls on the phone and I come out at this hour to meet him. I must be losing my senses, she thought. No! I need to get back. This is a bad idea. She quickly turned in the direction of the street from where she had come. As she was about to hurry to the safety of the flat, a black car stopped beside her. Roopa froze, her brain forced her to move but her feet refused to comply. She watched in horror as two men got out of the car and walked toward her. The incident at Vilaspore swam in front of her eyes. Finally gathering courage she kept her head down and continued walking forward trying to avoid the men. The men obstructed her way forcing her to stop. She lifted her head to look at the men. They looked scary enough. She gulped praying that they would leave her alone. Last time Abhimanyu had saved her but now......

One of the men came a bit closer and stared at her. "Are you Roopa Sharma?"

Hearing her name she jerked her head in confusion. She did not know if she wanted to say or simply not reply at all.

"Are you Roopa Sharma?" the man repeated his question.

"Y-Yes" she said finally

"Please come with us. Sir is waiting for you."

"I-I don't want to meet anyone. I-I am going home" she said and took a step.

"Please wait. If you don't come now then sir will be very angry. You need to come with us. The rest sir will decide."

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Abhimanyu was seated in his chair, his feet propped up on the table and looked out of the window to the inky sky. His eyes were distant and clouded. The call with Uday had ended half and hour ago and the things he heard from Uday confused him. He absently tapped a finger on his lips as he recalled a conversation he had with Nandini at Jaypore Palace. The coil around his heart tightened as the scene played out in his minds eye. He sighed watching the blinking light of an airplane as it sped through the night sky. He had wanted Nandini at Taurus just to take revenge, to make her pay for what he had gone through. He wanted to punish her, pull her to him and cruelly push her away to break her completely, but, he never envisioned her presence to slowly thaw his hard heart. He wondered if it would have been this way had she been in Jaypore for the last five years. Would she have had the same power? The moment he laid eyes on her at Vilaspore in a maid's costume, she had started to work magic. He couldn't keep her away,  and he didn't want her anywhere near him too. Was he going mad? Probably.....

Uday's words hovered around him. He stood up all of a sudden. It was time for decisions, he told himself. I need to put it behind me once and for all.....

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Roopa found herself staring at a figure who was seated on an elaborate ornamental chair. The place was empty except for the two men who stood far away guarding the entrance. She was pretty sure there were others around. Gathering her courage she spoke, "I don't want to be a part of anything. Please let me go."

"You are backing out Roopa, are you a coward?"

Roopa's brows lifted as she listened to the voice. She had heard it before definitely heard it before but where?

"I liked you Roopa, because I thought you were someone who went after what she wanted irrespective of the challenges."

Roopa wet her lips before speaking, "I-I love Abhimanyu and I want him but...but I don't think..."

The man got up, "Tch, tch...there is no ifs and buts, if you want something you just grab it. You make it yours by hook or by crook. Now, I am offering you a chance to get Nandini out of your way,"

"How do you know me and how did you know that she slapped me?"

"That is not of concern to you. Your concern should be how to get into Abhimanyu's heart and for that Nandini should go. I am ready to take her off your hands........ and no one will know", he whispered the last words.

Roopa bit her lower lip. The offer was quite tempting but again she had heard the voice somewhere hadn't she?

"I don't give much time to think. If you say yes then you will have a beautiful future and if you say no then well......"

"yes" she said not allowing time for any more contemplation. "What do you want from me?"

The man laughed, "Very good. I will tell you what you need to do and when you need to do. Just wait for my orders. My men will take you home."

"Wait...what is your name?"

"You can call me SIR"

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A/N

Hello dear ones. Thank you all for your support and love. I was able to sail through the turbulent ocean thanks to all you lovelies.

When i started writing this story i had thoughts of making Abhimanyu into an invincible man but then i realized that it is not so in real life. No one is perfect, they have their flaws and idiosyncrasies, their good times and bad times and negatives and positives. All of this together is what makes us human and beautiful. Our decisions are not always right, our choices might not be right but we have some beautiful relationships with amazing people that can make even the dreariest days bright.

Whatever it might lets be hopeful that we will get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Love always

Noreen