Chapter 104: chapter 104

    Amar’s hands, gloved, scribbling his patients reports. He locks the file into his drawer and stretches. The hospital is quiet at this hour. Suddenly, a knock. Firm. Rhythmic. He turns to the door. Nurse "Sir, police are here to see you". Amar frowns. He walks out into the hallway.Two plainclothes officers, stern-faced, stand waiting in the hospital reception. One among them asks "Dr. Amar Mehta?". Amar without knowing the issues on going "Yes. Can I help you?". The other officer who kept numb till now, says  "You need to come with us. We have a warrant for your arrest". Amar although stunned is calm but seeks the reason for the warrant"Arrest? For what?". Officer" Misuse of unapproved pharmaceuticals. Complaint filed by Ms. Upra Tagore. Also citing emotional exploitation and ethical misconduct and finally threatening to keep shut by slashing a cheque for 10 crore.  The words hit like a brick. Amar’s face doesn’t crumble, but his eyes sharpen with disbelief. Amar in low Voice "That’s not true. I saved her life". Officers "You can explain it in court. Please co-operate ".  Nurses and interns begin to gather around, murmuring. Whispers ripple through the hallway. Amar holds up a hand to stop any drama. He removes his lab coat slowly, folding it neatly. Hands it to the receptionist. Amar "Give this to my assistant. Tell her to inform the board. The files are locked-she’ll know where.". Receptionist panicked"Sir... what is this? There must be a mistake!". Amar quietly says "There is". Amar is walked out of the hospital by the officers and sees Media vans have already arrived.As Amar steps out, handcuffed loosely- not for criminality, but “procedure" - frenzy erupts.People starts to question him "Dr. Amar! Is it true you conducted illegal experiments?""Did you have a relationship with your patient?""Is the hospital covering for you?"Amar doesn’t blink. He keeps his eyes on the horizon, jaw tight. His face, once known for awards and compassion, is now flashed on dozens of cameras under ugly headlines. He says nothing.A reporter shouts:"Do you regret using the drug?"Amar finally speaks. Calm. Cold.AMARNo. I’d do it again.Because she would’ve died otherwise.The reporters are silenced for a moment- but the damage is already done.POLICE VAN – DRIVING AWAYAmar sits alone in the back of the vehicle. His hands rest quietly in his lap.He doesn’t look out the window.He doesn’t flinch.But his phone, lying beside him in a sealed bag, begins to vibrate. Rhea’s name lights up the screen.He closes his eyes.Amar "Rhea… I’m sorry you’ll see me like this. But I didn’t break. I did what I had to do". Adi and Ram reaches police station the moment the inspector who filed the complaint, reported to Adi immediately. They reach the police station even before Amar reach. Amar gets down with handcuffs. Adi and Ram is broken looking at him in this state. Amar too feel ashamed, for once he went against his dad's word to be with her. Amar was taken In, Adi and Ram stands outside the police station. Not to cause further trouble to Amar. Later, as the group gathers around a bonfire, Ajinkya sits in Kajal’s lap, wrapped in a blanket, half-asleep. She strokes his hair gently as Rahul plays the guitar and Rhea roasts marshmallows.Kajal watches the fire, feeling warmth- outside and in. For the first time in a long time, she doesn’t feel broken. She feels safe.And it’s this little boy’s quiet company that made it possible. The flames dance gently. The group is gathered in a semicircle. It’s pure joy. Innocent. Whole.Suddenly, Rahul’s phone buzzes. He casually picks it up, shielding the screen from the firelight, just to check.A message from Ratim  “Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Amar Mehta arrested for medical misconduct involving patient Upra. Reports suggest unapproved drug use, breach of ethics. Full story breaking now...”Rahul freezes. His fingers stiffen. The screen lights up his stunned face. Rhea notices and calls him out Rahul? And asks What happened?". Rahul quickly pull him back to self "Nothing. Just... spam message". He flips the phone down. His chest tightens. He glances at Rithesh, who catches the change in his expression instantly. They exchange a loaded glance. Rahul pass the message to Rithesh and says We have a problem. Rhea smiles at them and thinks "Amar ji... didn’t message me today. Let me call him before he sleeps". She pulls out her phone, dialing. Rahul stops her desperately "Rhea... maybe he’s busy. Or.... Rhea laughs out and says "He’s never too busy for my calls". She walks away from the group, phone to her ear.The phone rings... and rings... and rings.VOICEMAIL.Rhea frowns "That’s strange...".She tries again. No answer.A Revenge....