Epilogue

Six months later

Kajal stirred as she felt a sharp prod at her lower back. A warm hand snaked its way up, cupping her globe, and pulled at her taut nipple even as the throes of an early morning orgasm began to take root in her belly… KB kissed her bare shoulder from behind her and pushed his other hand beneath her body. With the other hand, he lifted her thigh even as she hooked it behind his waist and his full mast member soon slid its way into her softness.

He barely rocked a few times, and Kajal screamed his name as waves of ecstasy surged through her body, leaving her shuddering. Then, before she could climb down the zenith or passion, he gently bit her shoulder and gushed his release into her wetness.

They remained like that for a while and Kajal was startled as the alarm rang. KB chuckled as he pulled out and turned her over to face him. She loved his early morning look free of worries and the soft stubble covering his face, which she loved to touch. She loved to draw her fingers through his thick mane, which was unkept in the morning. She drove an index finger from his forehead and touched his lip. He sucked it in, and she gasped.

This was a routine morning ritual for the last six months and Kajal never got tired of it. During the day he was KB the superstar to the world but at night, he was a mean machine in bed and Kajal too looked forward for the same.

As KB reluctantly walked into the attached bathroom, Kajal smiled staring at his well-toned bare backside… it aroused her like no end and she knew she wouldn’t get out of the room if she gave in to her lust!! Well that’s what KB did to her… turned her into a lusty vixen.

Kajal’s eyes fell on the date and she sighed. It was precisely six months ago that everything had crumbled for Ramanrao Pradhan and they had finally got the much-needed closure. She had been worried about Krunal and KB. But Krunal had shown great maturity for his age and was devoted to studies.

KB, however, was an emotional wreck for the next month or so… He took a break from work and would frequently cry. She took a leave of absence and Rugved was kind enough to permit her. She dragged KB to a clinical psychologist and helped him get out of depression. He had to be medicated for his insomnia which kept him up all night and was taking a toll on his health, not to mention Kajal would worry too and not sleep. But she supported him and they exercised together. They talked a lot and she took care of his food. They frequently visited his aaji. And last month the deed to the Mudh Island property finally got through and KB was the proud owner of the entire property. He was soon to launch his dream project that would generate employment to many locals. He and Kajal had visited the place to a warm welcome by KB’s childhood friends.

KB had slowly come out of depression and his medication was now reduced to the bare minimum. She still took him for couple counseling and KB was also a part of a support group that had many of his fans. Kajal was thrilled to see him progress. He rarely got nightmares and if he did she was there to hold him till he slept off… She was madly in love with him and hoped this dream that she lived would be a permanent fixture and not end in a few months.

Her exams were due next month and KB saw to it that she studied regularly. Rugved called her often asking about her well-being and even visited them once. KB recently did a free photoshoot for a special anniversary release of Sharanya productions in the memory of the young girl who lost her life in an attack by a twisted mind. Though Rugved was cordial with KB for Kajal’s sake, she knew there still lay a few undercurrents that blamed KB for what had happened to his sister. When the press released the news about the accident that was never reported, Sharanya’s classmate came forward and revealed she had a crush on KB, who was her senior in the same school.  She had gone to investigate about her pen pal… but accidentally got her drink spiked and KB being there made her lose her senses…

Kajal hoped that someday Rugved may bring himself to understand KB wasn’t at fault…

She was on contraceptive pills but hoped to get off them once KB tore off their contract that still lay in his locker. She had her copy too tucked away in the corner of her suitcase. KB had been planning something in secret with Krunal for her birthday next month and she was on the seventh heaven. She wanted to live in the moment and not think ahead.

Ramanrao was sick after he had given up eating and even had to be hospitalized. He never recovered from his wife’s death. With all the evidence, there was any way not much he could do. He didn’t even appoint a lawyer for himself. None of his relatives or friends came forward even to meet him in prison. It was like he too had given up the fight and Kajal had recently seen him in the news as he was brought in handcuffs for a court hearing. He was the skeletal form of his old self with an emotionless face. She last heard he was in solitary confinement after some convicts tried to harm him. She only felt a little for his wife… after all Uma aunty was her mom’s friend and in her death, she had given them a huge gift.

The police found skeletons literally buried under the factory… So Kajal and KB arranged for the mass funeral of all the unsung bodies, one of which was her mother’s.

KB’s mama, Subodh Deshmukh too was arrested after his role in the attack on KB was confirmed. The police also recovered evidence on women and child trafficking from Ramanrao’s residence, which they now shared with Interpol. The last huge consignment which had children was confiscated by the coast guard and sent to the nearest harbor. The children were treated and fed before they were sent to their parents back to their country. Many of them who were orphans were being handled by different organizations in the country where they landed.

Kajal walked into the kitchen to prepare KB’s favourite breakfast, kanda poha… Life had come a full circle. She placed the milk to boil and walked towards the window, watching the world rousing from its slumber. She thought about her chance meeting with KB and how she became his bride by chance… she fell in love with him by chance and now she wanted to be in his heart all her life. To grow old with him to make a family with him… would that happen? In her heart she knew it would…

Ardent prayers never went unanswered

Arduous efforts bringing about their own  dance.

Scattered pieces of life they have now gathered

The serendipitous galore, she was a Bride by Chance!

Pune

She stared at the article online. It was accompanied with a picture of the beautiful couple. Her fury rose its ugly head. She was sick and tired of reading about KB and his dimwitt wife… They were called a power couple. POWER? Bullshit. She knew Kb better than anyone else.

He was a whacko… she had seen to it those days. But then he was going out of hand and she needed her space. She fell for someone else who was more successful and richer. But the asshole ditched her. KB was now a multi-millionaire and she deserved that wealth.

She looked around her dingy studio apartment. She wilted away in this hellhole while that bitch Kajal enjoyed the fruits of the foundation she had set. She was the one who introduced KB to the special club and now she lived on scraps.

No this wouldn’t do. She had tried to text him and called him so many times a couple of years ago and he had threatened to use a restraining order against her. She would now use her trump card.

She smirked and opened the rickety drawer and took out the envelope. This had just arrived last month… something she had been waiting for ages and finally got it. KB would have no option but to give her what she wanted.

She would soon be a rich woman… very soon!

©priyagole

Author note:

Dear readers,

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the love showered on the characters as well as for your immense encouragement in the form of comments and personal messages. I may not have responded to all of them but I have read every one of them and I thank you so much. They mean a lot.

I have received tremendous love and support from all you readers from when I first wrote ‘Traded’ two years ago. I have come a long way and as I put the finishing touches to my second novel for publishing, I want to acknowledge you all for being a  part of my journey.

Bride by chance- once again, will come soon after I submit my manuscript to the publisher. I have a deadline for that.

So in the first week of December or a little before that, I shall begin the story. It’s a short one though taking Kajal and KB ahead.

Till then… everyone take care and wish you all a very happy Diwali!!

Love 

Priya

Chapter 37

In Dongri

Rafiq hurried through the tiny bylanes or whatever they called the sparse space between the slum lines. He had grown up here and knew this place at the back of his hand and could navigate it even in his sleep. He wore his trademark black outfit with the black cap easily camouflaged among the sea of black tarpaulins adorning the shanties.

He held a small backpack which he had kept ready, knowing this day would come. It helped to play dumb. Saabji always thought he had a low IQ based on his so-called history of poor academic performances. The truth was he wasn’t interested in studies. He never wanted to go for some stupid regular jobs. He wanted to make his own money and someday open his business. Saabji had promised him the moon, but despite giving him over 15 precious years of his life, he treated him like a doormat.

Rafiq wasn’t a fool… but far from it. He had all the evidence from 10-12 years ago when he was in charge of doing the dirty work for Saabji and that other man called Batra. Money was good, but so was the risk. The way Saabji knocked off the obstacles in his path, Rafiq knew he would soon be a liability for Saabji too.

The very fact that Saabji didn’t include him anywhere in the vast consignment meant it was his end. But no… he wouldn’t go down alone. He would give the evidence to the police, but only after he confirmed they weren’t rotten like his Saabji. He had kept his eyes and ears open and had known what Saabji had planned all along. He was the final nail in the liability coffin that Saabji wanted to get rid of. He had waited, and finally, he had seen the men outside the brothel last night. He was a pro and knew they were the police. He could have surrendered and turned witness in exchange for lowering his sentence.  But again, he didn’t trust anyone.

He had run back to his place and just picked the backpack and rushed out. He had hidden in the crevices after reaching about half a kilometer and watched the men barge into his home and ransack it. He chuckled at the fools.

There was only one way he could save his hide… hand over the evidence to that star… KB or his brave wife, Kajal. He didn’t have a conscience and never felt any emotions, but something stirred in him when he saw Kajal fiercely protect KB. For once in his life, he wanted to apologise to her and give her closure about her mother.

He took out a burner stolen from Saabji’s residence last night. Saabji didn’t know he was good with numbers… lol… Saabji didn’t know anything about him. That Rajani madam had been so good to him just like Uma madam. Brought him, sweets, too,  whenever she came home. Gave him baksheesh… she was so beautiful and he had liked her so much. For once someone didn’t treat him like dirt. It had destroyed him to kill her but he had no choice. Even today her eyes as she recognized him before he struck… haunted his sleep.

Today he wanted to repent and dialled the number he knew by heart. The lady answered on first ring.

“Hello Kajal madam… this is Rafiq…I have something for you…”

There was a long pause; probably Kajal was shocked. And expectedly so.

“Hel… hello… Rafiq. What is it now?”

“Kajal madam, I only wanted to give you the evidence you all need. I don’t trust the police so I want to give this to you and disappear.”

“Rafiq… I… I don’t trust you as well… what if this is a trap?”

“Madam, I wouldn’t have called you if I was laying a trap… you wouldn’t have known what hit you… why do you think I didn’t kill you in Mahabaleshwar? It was easy for me to do it and then kill KB too… there was a reason…”

“Fine… where are you?”

“Kajal madam, there is a place near Dongri called Dongri fort. It will take you an hour to get here.  It will be pitch dark but come to the North end. There is a gate-like structure enveloped with thick overgrowth. Once you get there, I can see you and will call you. Do not… I repeat… DO NOT get the police. I know KB will be there but no one else. Else the deal is off…”

“Ok Ok… I will be there…”

Kajal disconnected and he heaved a sigh of satisfaction. He couldn’t return her parents to her but this would do… He patted his backpack and rushed towards the fort… it would take him about half an hour to reach there and he knew the hideout where he could wait and watch the world without being seen.

He smiled at his plan coming in motion and jogged towards his destination. As he emerged from the huts and took the narrow road leading to the fort, he heard vehicles… he turned around even as the bright headlights shone on him. He recognized the jaguar… it belonged to Saabji.

Without thinking, he ran into the shrubbery and crossed the barbed fence, not bothering about the fresh cuts in his hands and face. He kept running… he felt bullets whiz and mentally chuckled at the morons… He wouldn’t have missed a shot but he was an expert at dodging bullets. He kept running till he was out of breath… in his younger days he could have run for an hour and not panted but now age was catching up and so was the breath.  He sank into the huge bush only hoping he didn’t disturb snakes or the like…

After a few minutes, he could feel the sense of being alone and slowly emerged from the bush. He walked a few steps and then increased pace; he had to reach the spot before Kajal came by.

He finally reached the place just in time for the hour to lapse. He knew a pit there where at one time he could conceal guns when the police came after him. But today he removed a box from his backpack and placed it in it before covering it. He looked at the mango tree… which grew with him, but it looked more like an enormous enemy than the friend in the dark. He saw the white flag he had tied to it years ago to mark his territory amidst his friends… all of them were now dead in different gang wars. He shook his head… he was the only one who had survived so far and would continue to do so. Then, holding the backpack, he moved towards the edge of the tiny hillock and lay in wait.

In about five minutes, he saw them. Kajal and KB were visible as two dark silhouettes. They thought they were careful, but their walk was a dead give away at least to him. Nothing escaped his eyes.

As he rose from his position, he heard the unmistakable click and before he could react, he felt the painful entry of the bullet in his back. The pain was enormous, and his voice lodged in his throat… he saw stars. He had been shot before, but mostly, his agility prevented damage and he was only grazed… this was the first time he was hit point-blank. The second one followed and he could feel his lungs rupture… the blood gushed into his throat now and sprayed out of his mouth as he fell and rolled down the hill…

Kajal and KB rushed towards him and KB pulled Kajal away into the hill wall… Wise man, Rafiq thought despite the unendurable agony. He didn’t have much time now. The vehicle that had followed him drove away and KB and Kajal rushed back to him.

KB shone his mobile torch on him and he patted the ground next to him. He heard KB place the call to the police while Kajal bent forward.

“What was that Rafiq… oh God…..” She was weeping.

Only Rajani’s daughter could cry for a monster like him.

“i… I… sorry… so sorry… killed your mom… good lady…”

“What…?” Kajal looked stunned as she covered her mouth in disbelief.

“Sorry… I pushed your… fa… father on tr…tra… track… Shot… Bat… batra…too… You are… in dan… danger…don’t… go… to ffff…fact…factory…”

A sudden wave of spasm claimed him as he shuddered.

“Proof… tree… flag… pit…” There was yet another excruciating constriction and blood covered his mouth and the universe blackened around him as he finally muttered, “…Sorry…”

*****************************************************************************************************

Kajal stood stunned as KB held her close. The police had cordoned off the area and the special team had taken over. They had planned to catch Rafiq red-handed but it was too late.

The ambulance and the local police team left with Rafiq’s body.

Kajla revealed the dead man’s last words to the special team in charge and they rushed to check out the trees. KB and Kajal stood rooted to the ground as each of them came to terms with the death of their parents.

After an hour of search the three-member police team located the box from the pit and escorted KB and Kajal to their home. However, given the secrecy involved, the team in charge didn’t want to get the local police involved and decided to regroup in KB’s house.

The commissioner of Police was kept in the loop and Rugved too arrived in the penthouse as they inserted the Pendrive into the TV. What they saw shocked them to the core.

It was Rafiq who gave an account of all the murders done directly under the orders of The then Police Inspector Ramanrao Pradhan. He showed receipts of various hotels wherever trafficking and soliciting took place.

But what commonly affected KB and Rugved was when he revealed the plot to cause the accident by hitting the car with the trailer on that fateful night. The only glitch that happened was the driver mistimed. Instead of hitting the car directly, the car passed through the trailer’s body, losing its roof and beheading the intoxicated occupants in the process. KB couldn’t control his tears as Kajla held him while Rugved rubbed his eyes, swearing at Rafiq.

The video ended with Rafiq even telling about the attempt on KB’s life because of the information he had from his father. Ramanrao loved spectral colours and CV Raman was the physicist who discovered the same and hence the Alais used… Kajal could now fathom. So they were right.

“Sir, isn’t this enough to arrest that monster Ramanrao?” Kajla asked.

“No Kajal, unfortunately… this is great information but not evidence that can be admitted in the court especially since the witness is dead. We need concrete evidence… With this Ramanrao will easily secure bail… He has always been careful to cover his tracks….” The team in charge said.

“That means…” Rugved spoke aloud as he tried to contain his rage. “…can we never catch that bastard?”

“Actually only if we get evidence… proper ones…some paper trail… anything of the sort.”

“What if he admits it on his own?” Kajal asked suddenly and everyone looked at her.

“What do you mean Mrs. Batra?” The police asked and the name  thrilled her.

“I mean… KB and I will go to that factory tomorrow… and if we can get him to admit…” Kajal tried to explain.

“OIt may be dangerous…” Rugved said. “…Besides that, man is used to get his dirty work done by someone else. I doubt if he will come there…”

“He will if I tell him that I want to give him the evidence…” Kajal spoke to everyone.

Kajal placed the all-important call even as everyone heard in pin-drop silence.

“Hello…” a husky but heavy voice spoke.

“This is Kajal… Manohar and Rajani Shinde’s daughter… the one whose parents you had ordered to kill…. Rig a bell?”

“My sympathies with you kajal… but I have no idea what you are talking about…”

“Cut the crap… I have video evidence provided by your trusted man Rafiq whom you killed…”

“So… so what? Just because a drunk says something you think I will be arrested and put away? Are you stupid? If there is nothing else then I would like to go back to sleep…”

“Oh no… you can’t just sleep, can you? What about the new consignment arriving… it has already set sail hasn’t it? So you can’t even stop it… If I reveal the details to the police and the media what do you think will happen…? Till now you didn’t feature anywhere… but now your name will be out. What do you think about media trial… what about Uma aunty who is already so fragile…?”

“Shut up and don’t you dare…” Ramanrao roared. “…what do you want…?”

“…I want that factory land to be transferred in KB’s name and also the Mudh island property that belonged to his father, transferred to his name…I also want you to stay away from the new consignment coming up. In return, I will give you the original pen drive… and your name will not feature anywhere… when the hell breaks loose…”

“How do I trust you…to keep your end of the deal…?”

“I know you are a dangerous man Ramanrao. And you know where my family resides… you can do anything… if I choose to betray you. Besides, you will be migrating to Dubai.” Kajal wondered how she kept her voice from trembling, given that she was a mess inside. It was just KB holding her hand clasped in his that she could derive the needed strength.

“Alright… deal. Tomorrow morning at 10 am, only the two of you will come over to the factory premises. I will be there too and… no tricks or the deal is off, and you don’t get anything.”

Kajal agreed and disconnected. She was shuddering at what had transpired that night…

For the next couple of hours, they planned to wire Kajal using a high-end taped device that was invisible to anyone and could escape the electromagnetic detector.

The following morning KB and Kajal walked through the uneven pathway leading to the old factory. The unmarked police vehicle was parked away while Kajal and KB wore bulletproof vests. Kajal was trembling in fear but KB held her hand firmly.

“Don’t worry, Kajal we have come so far… we will do it well…”

Kajal nodded. “Krish… keep your cool, alright? I know we despise the man, but we need evidence and nothing better than him admitting to his misdeeds…”

They walked hand in hand, traversing the tough pathway and weren’t surprised that the place was secluded. Ramanrao had to arrange it like that.

They reached the place and saw a Jaguar, which they recognized from the previous night. Ramanrao was already here, probably with his cronies.

They waited in the open area, which was once the factory’s entrance.

“Welcome you both…I am glad we are ending this here today…” Ramanrao walked in surrounded by three of his men.

They placed a makeshift round table with three chairs around it and Ramanrao gestured them to take a seat. Not before one of the men used a detector to check them out.

“Look KB here is the property deal for both this factory and the Mudh island one… its worth a lot but I am being generous today…”

“It rightfully belonged to him Mr. Pradhan… so you aren’t doing him  a favour…”

Ramanrao chuckled. “you are one tenacious woman… you take after your father with that impulsivity… good man in a wrong place…”

“Why … why did you have to kill them, Ramanrao? My mother was only there at your behest… she didn’t even know…”

“She knew everything Kajal. Rajani found out all she shouldn’t have…. It was going smoothly. But then that Batra fell for her… he ruined everything we had going in our favour. Your father should have kept quiet with the money we wanted to give him… he could have had a great life and you wouldn’t have struggled.”

“I am proud of my parents. Of course, they were patriotic, but you wouldn’t understand that would you?”

“I think that’s enough talk… hand over the evidence now…” Ramanrao dropped his smile and ordered.

Kajal opened her purse and looked at KB, who had been checking the papers. He nodded to her and she handed over the box and the ledger folder which KB had to Ramanrao. His man brought up a laptop and they checked the drive.

Kajal and KB stood up and Kajal spoke. “I hope that we never get to see each other again Ramanrao. I want nothing to do with you anymore.” They began the walk hand in hand to the exit even as Kajal’s limbs trembled in fright.

“Wait… what about my compensation?” Ramanrao asked and they both stopped and turned around.

“What compensation?”

“I am facing a huge loss because of you. It was meant to be my retirement nest egg… these prime properties are also now gone. I need compensation.”

Kajal looked at KB…

“I know you are wired… so first take those recorders off…” As Kajal and KB removed the tiny devices, his men destroyed them. “…and now take off the vest KB…. And walk here.”

“What the hell Ramanrao?” Kajal protested.

“He is just insurance for me till I leave the country Kajal… So if you or your police friends try to backstab me in any way, you can collect his dead body.”

KB left her hand, nodding at her and removed his vest even though Kajla protested. He started walking towards Ramanrao.  But Kajal held his hand and pulled him back standing before KB even as the guards pointed their pistols at the duo.

“Krish isn’t going anywhere… Go to hell Ramanrao… You aren’t going to escape this time… you probably don’t know but the commissioner of police himself is involved in the special classified investigation and talks are on with the coast guard to confiscate your shipment… this is the end…”

“NO…” Ramanrao bellowed. “….this is not the end…. I will tie you both here and blast this place… Kajal you can join your mother…”

“AND WHAT ABOUT ME, RAMAN…?” a shrill voice sounded and kajal turned around along with others to see Uma standing holding her saree corner tightly in her fist, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“UMA…what the.. what are you doing here?” Ramanrao rushed towards his wife but she held up her hand and he stopped.

“This is something I should have done a decade ago Raman… it was my mistake… I blame it on my mental state but at the end it was just an excuse. Today I am here to right the wrong…”

“What are you saying Uma… lets leave first…we will go home and talk.”

“Why Raman… because this place is rigged with explosives? To cover your mess? I know everything Raman… everything that you did all these years but more than that I was shattered by knowing what you did to my brother and fiancé… you are terrible. A shame… a blot on humanity Raman…Rafiq told me everything a couple of days ago…”

“That’s all a lie… a blatant lie Uma…”

“I saw the proof Raman…”

“FINE…I DID EVERYTHING FOR YOU, UMA… BECAUSE I LOVE YOU THE MOST IN THIS WORLD…” Ramanrao pleaded before his wife.

“No Raman not for me… you did it to satisfy your ego and greed. If you had loved me then you would have let me marry my fiancé and not interfered like the way you did… you have destroyed so many families… its time you pay…” Uma spoke, panting.

Kajal saw a shadow moving in the perimeter and realized the police were already there and she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Uma lets… lets leave this place and go…we can go to your village… and… and … I shall do as you please…”

“No Raman… its too late now. You have to pay for everything… surrender yourself. That the only way to repent…”

“No Uma… I won’t…”

Kajal looked at KB, wondering where the conversation was leading to and suddenly, there was a gunshot startling her.

“UMAAAAA…” Ramanrao screamed and Kajal looked in horror as Uma fell holding a pistol. She had shot herself.

Kajal and KB ran towards her even as hoards of policemen filled the place taking the guards and Ramanrao into custody. Ramanrao wailed like a kid and had to be dragged away from his fallen wife.

An ambulance was called for and Kajla sat near Uma who was gasping for breath. She had shot herself in the abdomen. “Aunty… why did you do this…?”

“Kajal… I am sorry… for everything… remember… foundations… are important…” Uma stuttered and breathed her last.

Ramanrao screamed and needed four men to control him….By the time the formalities were done, Kajal and KB had completed the funeral arrangements for Uma as well.

A forlorn Ramanrao a far cry from his usual self stood in handcuffs, watching the burning pyre. He had turned into a stone.

The news channels were abuzz with the new arrest and everyone had thronged KB’s place for bytes. The police commissioner held a press conference and gave a gist of everything that had happened over a decade ago and requested witnesses to come forward. The case was being investigated from scratch and the court had granted Ramanrao high-security custody for a fortnight.

Kajal and KB barely slept as they sat glued to the TV as the story unfolded on the celluloid.

Something still bothered Kajal.

“Krish what did Uma aunty mean by foundations?”

“Kajal… is it something to do with the painting?”

Kajal scooted and they together brought the painting to the center table. Kajla touched the painting throughout and finally found a bulge at the place where the banyan tree roots lay.

Using a knife, she diligently cut through the canvas and a pouch was revealed.  It contained folded papers. Kajal and KB were dumbstruck watching papers for the ships and consignments signed by Ramanrao…It also involved transcripts of Ramanrao’s conversation with the Russian criminal syndicates. When did Uma aunty gather this? Unfortunately, they would never know.

The next morning they handed over the papers to the police and were told that it was incriminating evidence. Kajal also overheard them discussing talking to the government officials to work with Russia to curb trafficking from their side.

Kajal’s mama-mami and Krunal visited them later in the morning being worried about what had transpired. For a change, maami was very cordial and spoke well about her parents. They left after Kajal assured them all was fine.

They later visited aaji who had been worried too. She was all praises for Kajal and KB for working towards bringing down the criminals.

Later that night as KB rocked into her soft welcome folds, she held him tight and as they came together with a bang, they couldn’t hold back tears as they cried into each other’s arms…

Finally, they had got the needed closure….

©priyagole

Chapter 36

Ramanrao moved through the dungeon which was once a factory belonging to Ranjit Batra. He knew KB was obsessed with the idea of buying it but he had the indirect control over the property by default, courtesy an alcoholic binge spree that saw Ranjit sign over the deed to him. He hadn’t risen to this level without foresight.

He had kept the property under litigation for over a decade with the sole means of milking it now. He still couldn’t sell it but he would now use it as a bait.

No one, not even Rafiq knew it belonged to him. Only the front-man he had created and paid for ages, knew the secret but if he opened his mouth he knew the repurcussions. So Ramanrao was rest assured. The only way to claim the insurance was burning it to the ground… the broung that buried all his secrets. And what could be a better than bury the last remnants tugging onto him from the old life? KB and Kajal knew more than he had thought. He was sure… they both needed to go. And this was the best place to bring that chapter to an end.

It would put the final nail in the coffin of his past deeds. Kajal could join her mother too… He walked deep into what remained of Ranjit’s cabin. There was an old locker that had been broken open by Rafiq under his instructions but they had found nothing then accept some unwanted papers and petty cash.

Ramanrao walked back outside unable to bear the malodour of neglect emanating form the walls and ceiling filled with creature he didn’t even want to  think of.

Knowing that he was all alone outside the dilapidated structure he placed the call.

“Hello Ganpat? There is something you need to convey to KB and Kajal. You remember that factory in Virar? Yes… the one belonging to KB’s father. KB wants to buy it and I can arrange for the conditions to be lifted…”

“Oh Saheb… that’s fabulous news. Kajal had mentioned how much KB wanted to buy it. They wanted to convert it into an NGO for orphaned children. Good cause Saheb…” Ganpat kept talking to his utmost annoyance. Why on earth did people want to keep doing charity?

“Fine fine… but just remember, I have had to go through a lot to get this arranged for the sake of Kajal… she has suffered so much and I owe this much at least to Manohar…”

“Saheb… you are great…”

“its nothing Ganpat… but don’t breathe a word that this is coming from me… KB may not like it and I don’t want anyone from the force knowing about it as well…”

“Ho Saheb… I wont tell them. I will convey this piece of information to KB and Kajal. They would be thrilled.”

After he hung up, Ramanrao made the next call.

“Yes Mr. Victor Sergey… We are ready here. I hope the package is ready as well… I shall personally escort the consignment this time and there shall be no hindrance I assure you… Cu soon.”

He disconnected and smiled. His plan this time was fool proof and there wouldn’t be obstacles at all… He made that much awaited call.

*******************************************************************************************************

“OMG… KB what is all this..?” Shipra squealed wide eyed as she saw the CCTV clips from the pendrive.  KB and Kajal sat back on the chair before her giving her time to assimilate while Mr. Mehta sat with the forlorn look etched on his face.

“Shipra ma’am, we need your help in making this public. The people who died and those young girls who are pushed into flesh trade being victims of trafficking need to be saved at least prevented to the best of our abilities. But if the law enforcement is only involved then whom can we approach? We can’t go the ususal way because Ramanrao Pradhan is too shrewd. As you see these videos don’t incriminate him… but they feature his henchman we found out his name is Rafiq and we know the brothel he frequents. If we can catch him he can become a material witness…”

Shipra thought for a while and spoke. “We are a PR firm so we cant deal with this directly but I know reporters who can do a great job and I will see to it that you guys don’t feature anywhere… Since Raj is already dead and his parents now in an old age home, we can use his name. Is that OK Mr. Mehta?”

Mr. Mehta nodded. He hadn’t disclosed the location of the old parents. He had kept them someplace safe for the time being. KB too had offered to pitch in the money needed to help them out.

Shipra made a few calls. She then turned to them. “Its done… my reported friends will be doing the expose tomorrow. But at the same time, the police should be ready to catch that man named Rafiq….”

“Yes, Shipra ma’am, we are meeting with Rugved sir in a while….”

In Sharanya productions

“So Kajal and KB… to what do I owe this pleasure?” Rugved asked, leaning back on his chair.

Kajal placed the pen drive before him, asking him for his help after telling him why she missed work. But it didn’t escape her attention that KB was transfixed to the framed photo of Sharanya… in Rugved’s office. Of course, the young woman was way too beautiful…

Rugved looked furious.

“Goddamn, these bastards… I was longing for some evidence. My late sister’s pen friend was involved in this, and Sharanya had tried her best to get information… that eventually led to her death….” Rugved rubbed his face even as Kajal looked wide-eyed… what on earth was happening?

“Is she… your… sister?” Finally, KB, who was silent all this while, spoke.

Rugved got up and walked to the photo adjusting the sandalwood garland around it properly and lighting an incense stick.

“This is my sister… Sharanya. She passed away a decade ago…. It was tough… because we only got her dismembered body lying outside our home…no idea what had happened…” he rubbed his face and turned around. “…But KB, why do you ask…?”

“She… she was with us in that club and in that car… we were all in an accident, and I was the only survivor…” he shuddered, and Kajal placed her hand on his.

Rugved rushed to KB and held his collar pulling him out of the chair.

“What the fuck KB? What do you mean club? My sister never visited clubs, and what was she doing in your car? She would never go without informing us… she was way too timid for that…? So… tell me you are bluffing… why didn’t we get any information about the accident?”

“Rugved, sir, please let go of him…” Kajal grabbed his hands while KB stood still with an expressionless face. Kajal was worried KB would once again sink into the blame game.

Rugved let go and KB slumped on the chair.

“Rugved, sir, KB is a victim like all of us here, and the mastermind behind all this is that Ramanrao Pradhan.. he was the one who spiked the drinks. He was the one involved in trafficking and didn’t blink before he got rid of witnesses. KB recently had three attempts on his life as well… My dad was caught in the rut, and my mother… I don’t even know if she is alive anymore. SO… please help us. We need your contact with the commissioner of police and to convince him. Please, we have to catch Ramanrao before he makes his next move….”

Rugved walked back to his chair. He sat heavily on it, holding his face in his palms.

“I spent a decade trying to figure out what had happened to my sister and in the process, had forgotten what she was after…. This is terrible.”

He composed himself and placed the all-important call. The commissioner of police was his best friend’s father, and he had access to the hotline.

About fifteen minutes later where Kajal heard only one side of the call even as KB stared at the floor, Rugved disconnected,

“Commissioner uncle will help us. He is assigning a special team to us shortly. They will guide us and use the evidence we have. A small team of select policemen in plain clothes will now be placed near the brothel to catch that Rafiq…as soon as he makes his appearance there.”

Kajal and KB rode back home and all the while she was worried to see a silent KB who had gripped her palm. Her heart broke seeing him in pain.

As they reached their complex, the security guard came and informed them about a delivery that had come in their absence. After checking for explosives by the assigned guards, Kajal and KB took it upstairs to the penthouse. It was strangely in Kajal’s name and she wondered who knew she was here… to send her a gift.

 KB and she settled in the drawing-room.

“Krish, are you ok? You have been quiet for a long time…”

“Kajal, how many more graves are my father and that Pradhan responsible for?” KB blinked back tears, and she saw he was finding it tough to control his emotions.

“Krish…” she held his hand, kneeling before him. “… we can’t be responsible for what they did… good or bad. We have suffered too… I shudder at the thought that I had almost lost you, Krish… But we have made it this far is because we have to unearth the truth and bring that man to justice. So let’s open this thing first….”

KB nodded as she tore open the haphazard wraping. It was hand-delivered, and there wasn’t any return address or name of the sender.

They were surprised they removed the wrapper totally to reveal the painting… it was the same one she had seen in Pradhan’s home, made by his wife.

There was n envelope taped to the plastic covering the painting.

Kajal opened it and it read,

‘Dear Kajal,

You probably may never forgive me for not being there for you when Rajani left us. But I wasn’t in the right frame of mind too… I had lost my best friend too and felt responsible. I should have stopped her from going undercover.

I don’t have anything to give you except this one. Rajani and I had painted this together. It was titled mirror image… I know you may not be having your mother’s painting, but here is a little blessing from your Uma aunty, and your mother would have loved you to have it.

Do you know why we painted a banyan tree? Because it has strong roots that laugh at the storm…That’s it… our FOUNDATIONS have to be strong. Rest will follow…Remember when in peril, go back to the foundations and carve out a future PATH….

Love

Uma aunty’

Kajal stared at the letter blinking back tears, unable to fathom what was going on. Despite her hatred for Ramanrao, she couldn’t bring herself to dislike Uma aunty. She was her aai’s friend after all and probably meant well.

KB helped her hand the painting, which was quite heavy despite the plain canvas and light frame. Then, before she could think of anything, her phone buzzed. It was Ganpatkaka.

“Hello, kaka?”

“Kajal, there is something good… in our last meet, you had mentioned in passing about that factory in Virar which KB wanted? Well, its available for sale and will be auctioned soon by the municipal officers… the ban has been lifted. But the factory will be demolished in a few days, and the land will be auctioned. So KB can now try for it.”

“Oh, that’s good, kaka… and when is the auction?”

“Auction dates haven’t come out, but the property is now open for appraisal. If you want you can visit. Before the demolition… KB may want to see it one last time. I can arrange for that. They are particular about not allowing people before the auction, but I can arrange for you to visit tomorrow itself. Let me know…”

“I will talk to KB and get back.”

After hanging up she turned to KB. “KB do you want to see that factory? It will be demolished soon…”

“Kajal, don’t you think it’s such a  coincidence when we now have this proof?” KB spoke softly.

“I know that KB and I think we should take the bait to lay in another bait… from our side.”

“What do you mean Kajal?”

“Tomorrow it will all be in the papers and TV news channels so Ramanrao is bound to be flustered. But, at the same time, if we are in the factory, he is bound to try something and get caught red-handed…”

“Kajal… its too dangerous. We have seen to what extent he can go to. So I will go alone.”

“No, Krish, we are tied to this together… I now think we weren’t put together by chance… we were destined to be. The universe had conspired to do it…. So we go together.”

KB pulled her close to him, and they stood like that in each other’s arms.

By evening they had connected with Ganpat kaka, who had secured permission for them to visit the factory ruins. Unknown to Ganpat kaka, Rugved and the special police team was intimated. The necessary arrangements were made stealthily.

That night as they slept in each other’s arms, KB was soon fast asleep, but Kajal remained awake. Tomorrow they had to get the evidence at any cost. They had attacked Ramanrao from all directions.

The cruise towards justice was now coming to an end…

Would they wobble on the tides, or in the deep sea would they blend?

©priyagole

Chapter 35

Ramanrao paced the drawing-room, still having the lingering traces of the snacks Uma had served Kajal and KB. He had thought he had them in his fist, especially Kajal when he told her her aai was a hero. He had thought she would start despising KB, knowing the truth about his father. That idiot Subodh must have mistaken like always…

Subodh had found out that KB had a contract marriage for getting his inheritance and that weasel was helping Ramanrao just for laying his hands on that wealth. He had seen a golden opportunity when he had known Kajal was KB’s wife and had used the sympathy card as well as the divide and rule card just like he had done with her mother.

Yes, he had, through unsuspecting Uma poisoned Rajani’s mind about her husband and his alcoholism. Of course, Manohar wasn’t a drinker, but Ramanrao had arranged the situations that made him look like one, particularly after frustrating him. After all, that idiot refused to accept bribes and look the other way. Manohar was all set to confiscate the most significant consignment from Russia, and he had to get rid of him… mainly because Manohar was almost onto him.

Thankfully Manohar hadn’t left any evidence behind else; everything would have been over. Ramanrao had prided himself over his manipulative abilities. He had royally treaded over the Shinde couple and used the naïve Rajani for his gains. He knew she wasn’t interested in that Batra. But Batra, who was once a pioneer partner in his nefarious business, was losing his touch. Alcohol had diluted his blood and gotten into his head as well. He had fallen for Rajani, knowing she was married and with kids. Ramanrao had knowingly pushed him towards Rajani. It was easy to get rid of him in that manner. He hadn’t counted on Batra to leave behind evidence or suspicious kid.

As he looked into the night vision of his vast garden beautifully tended to by Uma, he snorted. He had come a long way covering his tracks. But today KB looked stricken, probably taking the bait but unexpectedly, Kajal didn’t seem to be affected. Far from her docile mother, she was tenacious. He couldn’t spew more venom trying to link her mother and Batra because Uma was getting emotional remembering her old friend, whom she missed even today. She was in a precarious mental state, and he didn’t want her to get a clue of whatever he had done.

He could lose anything but not her.

His phone buzzed, and it was a call from the syndicate in Russia. His final consignment was to arrive, and it was the biggest ever… because it had many little kids this time. There were foreign nationals across the country and also rich Indians who liked ‘being with’ kids. The money also doubled. He would make the most money ever, and his target would fulfill. Something that had eluded him for the past decade. He would retire permanently abroad, where he had stocked money and had already invested in an apartment. It was suitable for Uma where she could spend time with her gardening and designing. He hoped she would paint again. She had given up painting after Rajani had gone.

Time was running out and he had to take care of KB and Kajal. He didn’t know how much they knew but they knew something that they didn’t reveal. Kajal was too intelligent and not easily trusting. This consignment was on the line… He was no longer on the force, and he had to be extremely careful. The police were alredy alerted on the attempts on KB’s life so they would be looking for clues…

He dialed a number.

“Hello Subodh, long time… looks like you need to earn your keep…”

“Uh… Pradhan Saheb… we tried, didn’t we? I gave you the information on Mahabaleshwar… everything, and it should have been a cakewalk for your man… he delayed it, and by then, Kajal reached there with the cops. So it isn’t my fault, is it?”

“Subodh, don’t try to act smart with me. I am not one of your cronies. I have a lot of dirt on you, so don’t even think of double-crossing me. I have dirt on you as well… I know it was you who caused KB’s grandfather to fall and have that hemorrhage. Just imagine what would happen if the Deshmukh group came to know of it… You and your family will be disowned with immediate effect, and the minuscule tidbits that you enjoy will also be lost. I am now giving you the responsibility. Take KB and Kajal out, and you will get that inheritance and a share from my profit.”

“Uh… tumhi naaraz jhalat… (you got angry). How can I now do it? KB and I don’t get along so he will suspect me if I keep visiting him….”

“I don’t care how you do it. I want those obstacles out of my way in the next few days. I will give you a week. Otherwise, your information that’s been under wraps for so many years will see the light of the day. So get ready for the repercussions.”

He hung up, feeling frustrated. Good-for-nothing morons surrounded him. He was tired of threatening and arm-twisting tactics. He wanted results now… It was time. He walked into his study. Sleep long gone; he looked at the picture of him and his wife taken when they were newly married. She had been so vibrant and full of life. He had fallen in love with her instantly after he had first seen her at a cousin’s wedding. He was an orphan and had struggled to reach where he was, and something about her filled his lonely heart with hope. She had been engaged to another guy named Amit, but Ramanrao wanted her at any cost.

Ramanrao leaned back on his easy chair, holding the photo frame. It was for Uma that he had indulged in the first crime of his life. He was a newly appointed sub-inspector, and it was easy to lure Amit to a secluded location. A banker by profession, Amit didn’t know anything about law enforcement, and it was easy to push the unsuspecting Amit on the train track. The body was crushed beyond recognition. Uma had loved Amit and had been inconsolable. Ramanrao had been right there ‘helping’ out with the police formalities as well as ‘investigating.’

He had given Uma a shoulder to cry on, and it had taken her two years to get over the grief while he had patiently waited. Uma’s brother, who was also Amit’s close friend, had begun to suspect Ramanrao and had started to investigate him stealthily, and Ramanrao had landed up committing his second crime. The young man had followed a planted lead to Goa, and pushing him into the high tide after drugging him at the dead of the night was a piece of cake. The brother’s bloated body was found a week later, and again, Ramanrao had been there for a devastated Uma and her family.

He and Uma were married six months later.

Uma poured all her attention on him and their new life. One day about a couple of months into their marriage he overheard her conversation with her mother who suggested she go for a child. Uma declared that she wanted a baby to pour all her love and the thought had enraged Ramanrao. He loved Uma and had gone miles to claim her not to lose her attention and love to a measly baby. He had got a vasectomy done the very next day and after a few years of trying and failed IVF methods based on the reports ‘rigged’ by Ramanrao, she had given up.

Uma had often wanted to adopt a child, but Ramamrao had convinced her otherwise. He had done everything to amass wealth just so that he could retire early and spend a lifetime with Uma in a place of solitude. But he had been deprived of that so far, and now it was finally time.

There was also one more obstacle who knew about his past. Rafiq. He was turning into a white elephant. He was always short of money, and his drug addiction was also getting on Ramanrao’s nerves. It was time he got rid of the guy… he had planned something to incriminate him in KB’s attempt to murder case, and very soon, the dimwit would be arrested. He would then arrange for about in jail that would get rid of the man forever. After all, gang wars in prison were a common feature. His new man Friday didn’t know anything about his past, and after this consignment, he would take care of that man as well.

Ramanrao sighed, placing the photo back on the study table. He walked out of the room, switching off the lights. It was time for a bright beginning… a new chapter.

********************************************************************************************************

KB and kajal just finished their late breakfast. KB helped Kajal put away the dishes and despite the upheaval in their lives, KB seemed calm. They spoke on mundane topics staying away from the one which had caused stress in their ripple-free waters.

As they settled in the drawing-room to ponder over the next course of action, the doorbell boomed, and KB answered it. Mr. Mehta breezed in huffing and panting. The man seemed to have lost weight and had bags under his eyes.

“Mr. Mehta? Is your wife alright?” Kajla asked him, offering him water.

“Madam, she is fine now recovering in her mother’s place.” He sighed, lost.

“What is it, Mehta?” KB asked now, and Kajal knew something was troubling the man.

“KB sir, I couldn’t come to terms with Raj’s death. We know its murder but no way to prove it. Yesterday I went to meet his parents and they are in bad shape. Devastated… no one to take care of them. I just transferred some amount in their account and will help them wind up his office… KB sir, I feel responsible. By the way, his father gave me this pen drive… it was kept in their family locker… and Raj had specifically told his old man to give this to you. But he hadn’t remembered till I met them yesterday….” Mr. Mehta placed the pen drive on the center table.

KB plugged it into the TV so that they could all see the contents. They were all stunned to silence as some CCTV garbs came up. They looked old and grainy, but one could make out young women being brought in groups into the hotel. Men would come in cars, and they would be escorted by the women inside. Many women would walk out bruised and wailing only to be pushed into a waiting car.

KB already knew this from what Raj had told him the last time they met. But something caught his attention, and he paused the streaming. He walked to the TV and pointed towards a young familiar-looking man with a scar on his head.

“Kajal, do you remember him?”

Kajal nodded.

“KB sir there is something else you should know.” Mr. Mehta chipped in.

“What is it Mehta?”

“Sir, I dug in a bit through my contacts in the police and found out how the security details changed and what the confusion was on the day of your trip to Mahabaleshwar….” He rubbed his weary face. “…Sir, it was your uncle, Subodh who had caused the issue. He went as your representative and canceled the reservation. But he had forgotten to sign some documents that’s when they called me and I found out. So… I think…”

“…The bastard in involved. He is equally a culprit… the backstabber.” KB spoke angrily.

“Krish… there is one thing we can do now…” Kajla spoke firmly as the two pairs of eyes trained on her. “… We hand over this evidence to the commissioner of police.”

“How do you think we can approach the commissioner?” KB asked. Even he didn’t have that kind of clout.

“Rugved sir can help us. He knows the commissioner personally… old contacts I heard. And another thing, let’s leak this to the media… Shipra maam can help here. She is the best person to shape news to suit the purpose. So let’s turn the heat on the perps….”

“How will this help Kajal?” KB asked

“Krish, I am sure if even today, the culprits are worried, it’s because there must be something huge coming up. With Ramanrao’s clout, he can manage to slip out, and there is no concrete evidence against him. But if this becomes public, he will become nervous and make some mistakes… that’s what we are after….” She spoke in a single breath and looked at the two of them, watching her wide-eyed.

KB walked up to her and hugged her tightly.

“Did I say… you are a brilliant woman…?” when she nodded, he continued. “… and did I ever tell you…I love you?”

©priyagole

Chapter 34

Kajal looked around spellbound. She didn’t know such houses existed in Mumbai. But, if KB’s aaji’s estate was huge, this took the cherry on the cake. The enormous bungalow in the central suburbs of Mumbai with an enviable lawn boasting of a variety of flora fauna made her go weak in the legs. Ex-ACP Pradhan indeed had made it big in the department, she thought.

As KB and Kajal waited after their entries at the gate, they waited outside the massive ornated door of the bungalow. The beautifully carved wooden door fascinated Kajal so much she could only stare at the skilled craftsmanship. There was some movement they could hear before the door was opened by a man, probably the Pradhans’ man servent. He gave them a once over. Kajal immediately disliked the way he glared at KB and then at her. There was a dangerous-looking scar on his forehead and his eyes… well, something about that man sent a shudder through her body. KB gripped her palm, probably realizing her tension.

The man moved, and they passed him into the vast foyer. The wall was decorated with several paintings, beautifully done in acrylic. There were some fabric paintings, too, framed and hung at strategic locations. It was signed UMA in capitals. Suddenly  Kajal stared at a painting… she had seen that somewhere. Wait… there was an identical one at her home where she grew up till aai left. Exactly identical. Her eyes filled. Baba hadn’t allowed her to carry anything that belonged to aai as it would remind him of her.

The only difference was the painting was a mirror image of what was in her house. It was beautiful scenery, but there was a house on the left of the banyan tree, but the house was on the right in her home. But what was the painting doing here?

“This was a masterpiece created by my wife…Uma” A baritone sounded behind her, startling Kajal, and she turned around to face a man with a handlebar mustache and salt and pepper hair. He held out his hand even as KB shook hands with him and Kajal nodded. “…Welcome to my humble abode. I am retired ACP Ramanrao Pradhan. Please come in.” He gestured to them as they entered a massive drawing-room again filled with paintings, and a wall was devoted entirely to photographs of the Pradhans. There were no pictures of children and Kajal assumed they were issueless. They took a seat even as they were served tea and snacks. Kajal had the tastiest Bhakarwadi ever and she could see even KB relishing it.

“This is my Uma’s specialty. She is an amazing cook and an artist par excellence. She is a designer… loves to dabble in fabric.” The man rambled on and suddenly, he quietened, looking up.

Kajal followed his eyes and saw a petite woman, beautiful and the pictures didn’t do her justice. She was way too elegant and had an air of aristocracy about her. She walked in and sat next to him, looking fondly at Kajal.

“You look just like her…” Mrs. Pradhan spoke softly.

“I am sorry?” Kajal was surprised.

“Your mother…Rajani… You take after her. She was equally beautiful when she was your age.” She blinked back tears and Kajal only stared at her.

“Um… Mrs. Pradhan…”

“…Call me Uma…” She sniffled back tears and her husband patted her fair hands.

“Um… Uma aunty, did you know my mother?” Kajal asked.

The older woman nodded and used a neatly folded handkerchief to dab her eyes. “Rajani was my best friend… my soulmate. We were together from school till we graduated. I was there the day she eloped with Manohar. Her parents had filed a police complaint, but how could they do it against police itself…?” She chuckled, remembering. “…We lost touch and met again after years only to lose her again….” She became silent again.

Kajal and KB were stunned to silence as they heard it, and Ramanrao cleared his throat.

“So Kajal, what is it that you wanted to know?”

“Actually, sir…” Kajal tries to regain her composure. “… my mother went missing over a decade ago, and the case was later closed… So I just wanted to know if anything… I mean, is there anything you could throw light on…”

Ramanrao was lost in thought even as Uma sniffled again into the handkerchief.

“Kajal, I don’t know how to tell you this… but Rajani was a brave woman. She had elected to go undercover for the police department. But, it was way too taxing, physically and mentally and emotionally for her, especially… because…” he looked away.

“…What is it, Sir?” Kajal spoke even as KB held her hand.

“I am sorry, Kajal, but this young man here…” He pointed to KB. “…his father was the prime accused in a case. The one that your father was investigating. And he… he fell for Rajani… She was working in his Virar factory and gathering intel for us… she found Ranjit Batra had a built-in underground place where he housed some of the trafficked women. She brought it to our notice and even helped us with the evidence but unfortunately disappeared before she could get it to us. I tried my best to find her, but it was like she didn’t want to be found… I don’t know, but she was gone without a trace… within a couple of months, Ranjit committed suicide… and the case turned cold…”

He stood up and walked towards the French windows overlooking the beautiful garden. “I am sorry Kajal, that you had to hear this, and I am also sorry that you didn’t know the truth about your husband.”

That didn’t sound good at all to Kajal, who was reeling under the shock of hearing about her mother. KB had turned into a stone and he would have taken his hand away of she hadn’t gripped it in hers.

“Sir, with due respect, I am proud of my mother. I knew she wouldn’t do anything she was accused of, and despite everything, I thank you for revealing the truth about her… I am also glad she had her closest friend during the period of the tremendous stress she was going through… but having said that, I don’t… I repeat. I DON’T ever regret marrying my husband. Whatever happened was in the past, and it was his father who was involved. My husband was only a teenager and knew nothing about all the nefarious activities going on… he doesn’t deserve to be punished…” She stood up, dragging KB, who seemed to be on autopilot.

“Sir, Uma aunty, I thank both of you for your time and the memories. I hope my mother returns home someday….”

She walked away with KB in tow even as she heard Uma silently weep into her handkerchief. Her heart went out for the woman. But she was too upset, and despite everything, certain observations didn’t escape her eyes. She couldn’t wait to get back home and discuss it with KB.

But as they reached home, KB was in complete silent mode, only nodding to answer her queries. She was exasperated by the time they went to bed. She had so much to tell him, but he had drawn up a wall around him, and she found it difficult to penetrate.

However, he dozed off, and she decided to call it a night. She knew he was too hurt and decided to talk to him the next day morning. It took a while for her to toss and turn around in bed till she fell asleep. But somewhere in the middle of the night, she woke up and immediately knew KB wasn’t in the room. She walked out of the bedroom and knew without being told; KB was in the special chamber. She had earlier read a few articles on BDSM and had cringed at what she had seen.

She climbed up the stairs in silence with only the clock ticking, resonating with her heartbeats thudding in her chest.

She came to the door and tried to turn the knob, and to her surprise, it opened. She walked into the dimly lit chamber and the world beneath her feet slipped away as she saw KB hanging upside down completely bare facing the wall and there was a electrically powered whip that was hitting him on the back. Despite the darkness she could see the welts taking shape on his back.

What the hell… she rushed and shut down the power for the machine, and KB immediately held the ropes, pulling himself up. She saw tears running down from his bloodshot eyes, and there were some marks on his wrists as well.

KB tried to look away, but she held out her hands.

He hesitated, but in the next moment, he was in her arms, digging his head into her neck as he sobbed. She held him close and rubbed his sweaty back. Then, she moved back, holding his shoulders, and made him sit on the large poster bed. His forlorn look mixed with tears broke her heart.

She rushed to the attached bath and wet a towel before getting it out to him. She dabbed his face and shoulders even as he stared at her with downcast watery eyes.

“KB, does that sting? Your back?”

He nodded as he gripped the sides of the bed till his knuckles went white. She covered his hands and loosened them. “KB, is there a first aid box in here?”

He nodded and gestured towards a corner cupboard, and she rushed and got an antiseptic cream. Then, climbing up the bed behind him, she applied the cream even as he gasped. Her eyes teared up despite her self-control, and her fingers trembled as she applied the ointment.

She helped him put on his boxers. Then holding his dazed hands she looked at him and said softly. “Lets go Krish… out of here. Into our world. Come on”

He walked out with her closing the door behind them and she hoped he wouldn’t ever need it again.

Back in the bedroom, he lay on his side facing her.

“Krish, why are you punishing yourself?” she muttered softly, placing a palm on his cheek.

“I am… sorry for everything Kajal… my father…” tears flew again as he spoke in a hoarse voice.

“…Exactly… Krish… your ‘father’ and not you. Whatever your father may have done, my mom had entered the arrangement with open eyes. And though I am proud of her for what she did I can’t help but also feel dejected because she didn’t think of us before taking up something so dangerous. My baba was already involved in something deep and dangerous… she should have stayed with us… But all that is in the past, Krish, and we can’t do anything about it. You were a victim too… remember that…?” She was breaking down too, but still, she couldn’t give up. “…Krish you are my strength now… my elixir as we battle this. I could face my demons only because you were with me…and now we are close to finding things out… don’t give up on us Krish… please…”

He held her hand and pulled her close to him.  She dug her head in his chest and he rubbed her back. “Kajal, there was something I had to tell you… what caused me to…go berserk…”

She moved up her head. “What is it, Krish?”

“There were photos on the wall, remember…?” he said, and she nodded as he continued. “…in all those photos, Ramanrao was dressed in full sleeves, even sweatshirts… but there was one where he was holding his dog, and the pup’s paw had dragged his sleeve a little above and … And I saw… the bent hand of the Swastika tattoo…”

Her heart was in her throat again… “…And …?” She could barely whisper.

“…And … it was the exact same tattoo my dad had, and so did that assailant in the hospital…”

Kajal was stunned. “Krish… I wanted to say; I found the man strange… he knew everything yet he was hiding so much… How could he not trace us knowing how close Uma aunty and my mom were? Things aren’t matching up… and the kind of lifestyle he has… that kind of property. Do you think it’s possible on a policeman’s salary? Something doesn’t ring right… and the name ‘chief’ in the ledger also translates to Pradhan, but I am yet to figure out what ‘spectral’ means….”

“Kajal, there is another thing that struck me later on the way here…”

“What is it, Krish?”

“That manservant… with that scar on his forehead? I remembered where I saw him… he was there in Mahabaleshwar on the cliff… he had come to push me… his face was covered, but I saw a part of his scar; when he wiped the water…I was too stoned, and finally… I concluded…”

“What was it, Krish…?”

“That feeling of being lightheaded…flying like a bird, in Mahabaleshwar was exactly like how I felt on the day of the accident… a decade ago. I have had drugs before, but nothing got into me the way that drug did… so that means…”

“Ramanrao Pradhan was the one who spiked your drinks, and he is after you…” Kajal sat up even as Krish joined her. She held his face and continued. “…Krish… that means, Ramanrao knew everything, and he was the….”

“…Mole in the department… of course because he was the mastermind….”

©priyagole

Chapter 33

Kajal put the final touches on her salwar kameez and the subtle make-up. She didn’t need to, but the anxiety was getting the better of her. They were to meet ex-ACP Pradhan tomorrow. What would they find out?

They had reached Mumbai yesterday. But, given the span of events in Mahabaleshwar, the production house took a break yesterday; she met Ganpat kaka outside Chintamani temple.

Watching a flummoxed KB, she told Kaka briefly about her connection with KB and how their pasts were linked. Ganpat kaka had been silent for a while and then spoken.

“Kajal, my child, every time I am told about that man… I mean your… KB’s father, I am reminded of that scene before my eyes. I had witnessed your mother… well, I don’t know what to say now. I know he is your husband…” kaka had looked sheepishly at KB, who had looked away.

Kajal knew it was probably eating him up to hear all this. After all, he had loved his father somehow and had also been fond of her mother.

“But kaka, KB is innocent in this, and he resents his father for whatever he has done. KB was a teenager for crying out aloud….”

“Kajal… I think Pradhan Saheb will be able to throw more light on all this. He was investigating the case of your mother’s disappearance. So I think he will clear things.”

“Kaka, you must not forget baba had spiked the drinks that night… somehow I feel guilty too and… you had provided baba with the drug….” She said softly. Somehow she had the fierce need to defend KB in all respects.

Ganpat kaka had a forlorn look on his face. He sighed and said. “KB… I am sorry for what happened that night but we aren’t responsible….”

“…But kaka…” Kajal interrupted, but kaka held up his hand to silence her.

“Its true that your baba wanted to spike his drink to make a show before the media that late Ranjit Batra’s son was a druggie. Your baba wasn’t in the right frame of mind after your aai had left. He couldn’t see Batra’s progeny having the time of his life while his children suffered. He had asked me for the drug, too, because I had contacts in the NCB. But Kajal… I didn’t give him the ‘drugs’.”

“What? But kaka, you told me the other day…”

“…yes… I gave him sugar powder. It wasn’t drugs. I didn’t want to antagonize your father, given his precarious mental state. He had been drinking too much and had already come under the supervisor’s notice. So… your baba didn’t truly drug the boys.”

There was a moment of silence… For Kajal, the world had stopped, and tears fell freely as relief set in. Her baba hadn’t drugged KB.She saw KB blink back tears, hands in his pocket and she knew he was holding on by a fragile thread. She only wanted to hug the guy. He had been through so much by association.

“Kaka… can you tell us something about that case baba and your team was handling… since we are now linked directly. KB was attacked thrice already…”

Ganpat kaka nodded. After thinking for a while he sighed.

“Kajal, I was only a constable, so I didn’t delve much into the case. I was mostly assigned mundane work like moving files or running errands. But your baba who was given the charge of the case had been working tirelessly for over a year and he shared some things with me in moments of melancholy. But, trust me child, it was tough for your father. There was lot of pressure on him from both sides… the higher-ups wanted the case closed ASAP while the criminal syndicate was sending across bribes to look the other way. But your father couldn’t do it… his conscious didn’t permit him….”

“…I wish he had shared with aai… she would have helped him cope up.” Kajal reminisced.

“No Beta… your aai knew it all. She was against your father working on the case given its dangers. But your baba was hell-bent on taking the case to its logical end because that would give him a huge career boost.”

“kaka, was this the trafficking case? Where women were brought from emerging countries and sold here to the highest bidders…?”

Kaka nodded. “Yes, child. But it’s more profound than you think. Your father unearthed a huge nexus… where there was an insider mole then. But, unfortunately, he couldn’t find out who it was. So every time the perps would know about our raids in advance, and we would face flack. Also, seeing the prime accused in tandem with your aai… it broke him.”

“Kaka its very difficult for me to believe aai would do something like this…” She choked and KB held her close. She thanked God for his strong presence.

“I never believed it till I saw her that day with that… man.”

They stood silently for a while, watching the devotees throng the temple unmindful of the storm in her heart.

“Kajal, tomorrow morning, we are meeting Pradhan Saheb. He would help us out… tell him all you remember. Maybe something might come out of it after all.”

Kajal and KB returned home in time for lunch, and they didn’t speak a word. After lunch, she joined him in the drawing-room on the couch.

“Krish, can you bring that ledger and receipts you mentioned that were found in the basement in your old house?”

KB nodded pensively and walked to their bedroom. Yes, she had moved into his room, and KB had only requested her once tentatively. He had been thrilled, and their lovemaking last night had crossed all boundaries. She clenched her thighs, thinking about how she had come on his mouth as she had welcomed the dawn. She was yet to see the special room and wanted to let KB take his time.

KB walked in with a bundle of papers and spread them on the center table.

“Krish, why didn’t you want to reveal this stuff to Ganpat kaka? He would have probably known something….”

“Kajal, I am sorry, but I don’t trust anyone here. If this is what the goons were after, it must contain something that would incriminate the prime accused. Wouldn’t it put Ganpat kaka in danger as well?”

Kajal nodded. KB spread each tattered paper from the folder.

“This is a ledger. Can you see these entries? My father made these, and it appears they are payouts. I have no clue, but the amounts are obscene… I recognize my father’s handwriting. This bank account looks strange. All my dad’s accounts had me as a nominee, and of course, I barely got anything after he passed because I had to pay back everything to clear dues. My grandfather didn’t want me to have any links with my dad and shut down everything. But this account… we didn’t know.” KB rubbed his face.

Kajal looked at the numbers ranging from a minimum of one lakh to 25 lakhs INR… gosh, what kind of beasts were they. Trading women and little girls. Were they still in the picture, and did her baba struggle to put them behind bars? Why did her aai do what she did… did she know KB’s father was involved in this crap? That part still didn’t make sense.

Suddenly something caught her eye.

“Krish… do you see these funny names? Probably the pseudo names of people who received the ill-gotten wealth, This says, ‘king of lords plaza’. This one here says ‘self-manifestation rest’ but this one name is consistent… it says ‘spectral chief.’ What do you think?”

“I have no clue Kajal. I have tried going through them. Here see these receipts… I got these hotels checked… especially this one hotel, Indra plaza and this one Hotel Swayambhu, and hotel Giridhar plaza… That investigator I hired unearthed some shady information from their past but he feels few are still active. These guys all have the Swastika tattoo on their arms and are dangerous…that investigator was killed,” KB rubbed his face yet again.

Kajal shuddered and tried to figure it out. She had that feeling like when giving a complex examination, the answer to the question would be right in front of her, but it wouldn’t strike her. She looked up at the muted TV playing some mythological serial which neither of them was watching.

Suddenly she looked at the names again.

“Krish… what did you say the names of the hotel were?”

“Indra plaza… Swayambhu, Giridhar plaza…”

“Wait…Krish, listen to me…” She spoke as excitement surged through her. “… Indra means kind of God… i.e.?” She pointed at the ledger entry.

“Oh gosh… its King of lords plaza…” KB spoke, stunned.

“Bingo and Swayambhu means self- existed or…”

“…Self-manifested… FUCK…Kajal…you are a genius…” He hugged her, and they both tried to figure out the rest of the list.

After an hour, they got the list of about ten hotels that existed in the past, when the payouts were made.

Only one name didn’t make sense, and they let it be as Kajal laid her head against his chest, her favorite place in the world, as she heard his accelerating heartbeat. He rubbed her hand, placing his chin on her head. They were both lost in thought.

Chief if translated like the others, could mean many words. What was the meaning of ‘spectral.? KB’s father had taken efforts to hide the names and the proof for his back up but couldn’t use them.

They both hoped tomorrow’s meet with the Ex-ACP would yield something productive.

“Kajal…?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s not reveal our cards tomorrow as well. Instead, let’s see what he has to offer and then think after getting back home… deal?”

“Deal… I agree.”

The expositions converging towards the parabolic zenith

Would it give the breakthrough or crush them underneath?

©priyagole