Chapter 22

There was a stunned silence in the stuffy cabin belonging to Inspector D’Lama. But it proved to be a dormant volcano waiting to explode and it did. Anshuman flew off his chair knocking it down in the process as he scampered towards the inspector. He bent on the table before him and spoke with a constricted voice. “…What on earth do you mean by… Mee..Meera… what the fuck is happening…? My sister… she is alive…? Fuck fuck…FUCK….” He banged his hand on the table and Aman had to use his might to restrain Anshuman from hurting himself.

Inspector D’Lama said nothing but instructed them to follow him. They rode together for about an hour and soon reached Benaulim town, the same place where he had seen Simrat disappear the night he had followed her. ‘Annie Gomes home for women’ Anshuman followed the inspector in a daze. He saw some police constables already present and the harried staff running helter-skelter trying to get things under control. The chaos at the home was palpable by the shocked-looking relatives and the disoriented patients in the loose uniform. Anshuman flowed the Inspector and close on his heels were Rewa and Amandeep as they hurried to the end of the first-floor wards. The last room was open and as they stepped inside the sight that met them resembled the aftermath of a hurricane. There were a couple of monitors and a machine that looked like a ventilator. There were syringes strewn over and the bed was ransacked. Anshuman’s heart was in his throat. Before he could ask anything, a senior doctor walked in and met up with the Inspector who in turn briefly introduced Anshuman as Meera’s brother. 

The doctor walked towards Anshuman and patted his shoulder. “…So finally I get to see a family member… the poor lady lay… here all alone… and I had almost pulled the plug every time she sank…”

“…What …do you mean doctor…? Meera was alive here…? Was she sick…?”

“…Sick…? Imagine… she was comatose for almost a decade… Simrat… God bless that soul… she made sure your sister was well taken care of… the woman gave a decade of her life for your sister and … her son…”

OH God, no wonder…. Realization dawned on Anshuman. “…Manpreet is Meera’s son…” It was more like he was convincing himself.

Rewa walked towards them and spoke. “…What was all this about… we from the SOP had conducted the investigation in December and were told Meera was …. Dead….”

“…She would be if Simrat hadn’t kept her alive… Honestly speaking Meera was as good as dead… she was vegetative…we had kept her alive on Simrat’s insistence… She wanted Meera’s son to see her when he turned ten… only then she had decided to let her go… she felt the boy deserved to know his biological mother…”

Anshuman crumpled to the floor sobbing and Amandeep held his shoulders, making him stand. He knew grief from close quarters and could empathize with the guy. Fortunately, he had Nirvi with him and hoped Anshuman would soon get his solace as well. But now he was inconsolable.  He wailed. “…What kind of a brother am I … I couldn’t save her… I didn’t even know she was… here…”

The doctor spoke softly. “…Son… there was nothing you could have done for her…the tiny flame of her life flickered from time to time… threatening to extinguish but it bounced back again in the frail body… probably waiting for her brother to arrive…”

Rewa the only one thinking rationally spoke up again. “…So who was the one who died ten years ago…?”

“…that was Simrat’s sister Manpreet…she was comatose following a brain tumor and Meera’s best friend…Simrat sacrificed her dying sister to save a pregnant Meera and D’Lama here who was a new entrant to Goa those days, tweaked the post mortem report… We had to save Meera at any cost… unfortunately… after a decade those bastards found her…”

“…But why… why take her…? What will she do…? How can she harm them…?” Anshuman couldn’t understand the swines…

“…I think it’s something to do with Kasim…” Aman said. “…As you said, Kader alias Kasim is Manpreet’s biological father… which means he … had an affair with Meera… then how did Rehmat come into the picture…? It all doesn’t make sense…”

Rewa asked the doctor. “…What happened here…?”

“…Well…” the doctor looked up sheepishly. “…It was yesterday… we had a power failure and the generators were getting depleted so we had ordered rental ones for emergency patients like Meera who were dependent on the machines…. I think… the company involved got access and early morning today… a group of those people left the premises after power was restored…. We don’t have CCTV footage of the time they left or got into the room… I think… they… took her… There is no blood or anything to indicate they harmed her… I think they knew what they were doing…”

Just then Rewa’s phone buzzed. “…Ok… guys we got the location… it is close to the Mormugao port…” She then looked up at Inspector D’Lama.

He thought for few seconds and immediately picked up his radio transmitter. “…naka bandi on all roads leading to Mormugao port… right from IOCL area to MPT Vasco check-post… Alert Vasco police… to check for suspects… there will be medical equipment around…. Yes… a 9-year-old boy and a woman in her early thirties…Yes…”

Rewa connected with her superiors who arranged for the coast guard to be on stand-by and alert. The army unit was already dispatched and was to reach the tracked location in an hour. Anshuman now didn’t think of anything else… to his surprise, he didn’t bother about Meera anymore… he was worried sick about Manpreet… and Simrat… he couldn’t let them perish… not till he was alive…

They all rushed out to make a move towards the suspected venue. It was going to be a herculean task to find where the kidnappers had housed the trio… But Rewa was confident of finding them, tracker or no tracker.

Amandeep patten Anshuman’s shoulder. “…Hang in there buddy… Kasim will not harm his son… Manpreet is safe… this will end very soon… it has to… somehow our battles were linked… let’s finish this chapter once and for all…”

Anshuman only nodded rubbing his face… He looked up to the skies, thanking the Almighty for giving him some information about his sister. He hoped wherever she was now… she wouldn’t be in pain and just know in spirit that her brother was on his way…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 21

Anshuman was hysterical asd he ran from stall to stall looking for Manpreet as if the boy would muraculosly emerge. He drew a blank and his astute business sense was down to nil… his brain was fudge and he was clueless as to where to begin. Kaders and Simrat’s phones were switched off. The crowd increasing with graded intensity only added to his woes. He went to Passion but no one there had a clue about their boss. As he exited passion a blast of air hit his face and in the chill he realized he was crying. He wiped his cheeks agitatingly and looked around to see if he could find Simrat. He knew something was amiss… she wouldn’t stay away for so long withgout informing. Since Manpreet was supposed to be with him. Oh God… the boy had slipped away like grains of sand in his fist… He had promised to protect the boy and he had failed.

He should have seen the redflags… Kader’s tattoo and him addressing Manpreet by his name even though Anshuman had never revealed the boy’s anme to him… Why didn’t he have the sense to act fast…? As he turned around he saw a harried looking Inspector D’Lama rush towards the beach. He intercepted him. “…Inspector… sir… Manpreet is missing…”

He almost expected to be struck or yelled at but the inspector siged rubbing his face. “….Jesus…what on Earth just happened… Simrat is dragged away in braod daylight and you say… Manpreet too is gone…? Oh God no… No… this cant be happening…”

“…Wait…” Anshuman’s heart stopped. Clenching his chest he barely managed to speak. “…Simrat… is taken…? Oh no… Why… why is all this happening…I will never forgive myself… Wait… lets hunt for them… can police help…?” he looked expectantly at the veteran Inspector.

“…Its…its of no use son… I am ex Army and was a trainer with SOP… I am sure you know who they are… I know these guys wont be waiting around anywhere close where we can find them…”

“…so what… what can we do…?” Anshuman wailed.

“…I will… contact the SOP… Simrat is one of theirs… the police here will try but I know its not our cup of tea…” The man rubed his face again and suddenly Anshuman felt the guy had aged several years.

Later that evening Anshuman sat across the Inspector in the lattre’s cabin after pacing for almost hours. The police had launched a manhunt for Kader, simrat and Manpreet but as expected there was no lead and as the hours passed Anshuman’s anxiety and fear soared. Would Kader harm them…? No he hoped not…. The man didn’t need money that was for sure. Then what was it…? His head was splitting. Inspector D’lama placed a cup of tea before him.

“…look  Anshuman… we have no option but to wait… Somethimng tells me that Kader will call us…”

Right then Anshuman’s phone rang. It was Amandeep. Suddenly he felt confident and answered it.

“…Hey Anshuman… I am on my way along with Rewa… we are at the charted airplane terminal… should takje us another hour to reach where you are… hang in there buddy… we will get them… that’s a promise…”

Anshuman was choked with grief and could only nod before he disconnected. But he felt better than the last six hours after Simrat’s and Manpreet’s disappearance.

Soon they were joined by Rewa and Amandeep. Rewa immediately too control and Inspector D’Lama gave her an independent room to set up her systems. The group of SOP guys rushed in and out setting up their equipment. The computer panel was set they were joined by the burly receptioninst from that dilapidate hotel Manpreet had taken him few days ago to meet Simrat. It seemed like a lifetime ago to Anshuman. The Stern looking receptionist was their Tech lady and she immediately got hitting the keys. Among the other men he recognized the man who had questioned him on the beach that day after his randezvous with a gun trotting Simrat.

Rewa walked into the cabin where Aman now sat with Anshuman and took a seat in the additional chair. She thought for a while and spoke. “…Don’t worry…we will soon get the location… just so you know… all our operatives have a tracker installed subcutaneously which is slow but still something. She is currently at a place with electronic jammers so its tough but not impossible…”

“…but Rewa…why… why did they pick them…? What did little Manpreet ever do…?” Anshuman spoke his voice chocking at the thought of the boy being harmed.

“…Don’t worry Anshuman… that man wont harm either of them…” Rewa declared.

Anshuman must have looked confused. Amandeep patted his back and said. “…Anshuman, it’s because Manpreet is Kader’s… son… biological son… he probably wanted to claim rights over him…Simrat was taken as a caretaker because otherwise Manpreet would be scared…”

Anshuman sat upright in his chair. “…Oh goodness… that means … that attack in the mall… were they Kader’s men…? Oh God I actually walked into the Lion’s den… Wait… his son…? Goddamn son…? Why didn’t Simrat ever tell….”

“…Don’t jump the gun Anshuman…” Amandeep spoke. “…After you left Mumbai we had been frantically digging information… Mainly about Kader because eof the kind of people he had been meeting off late… he met a couple of guys who arranged easy transmission to other countries via cargo ships for a big fat fee… that got us alert… and we probed him… it turns out… Kader is no one else but… Wajid-Ul-Rehman’s older elusive son… Kasim…”

Anshuman would have fallen off if not for the chaior where he was glued to. The information overload was too much to bear. “…. So that terrorist… will he take Manpreet away…?”

Aman stood up and paced with an agility, no one would ever doubt he was normal and not an amputee. He turned back to Anshuman and with determined look in his eyes, he spoke. “…Not on my watch… the army is alerted a swe talk and they have offered complete support… the Navy is also on standby so escape from sea is next to impossible…”

Just then an orderly walked in and spoke something into the Inspectors ears who looked as of he had seen a ghost. He rubbed his face , this time way too slowly…

Aman looked back at Anshuman. “…Our priority is to bring back both of them safely…”

Anshuman nodded but Inspector D’Lama spoke. “…Not both… bring back all three of them…”

All pairs of eyes turned to D’Lama.

“…Excuse me… three…?” Anshuman asked puzzled.

D’Lama nodded and looking into Anshuman’s eyes he spoke “…yes… Simrat, Manpreet and … Meera…”

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 20

Anshuman spent the next two days with Manpreet. Simrat had been busy at work and he only hoped she wouldn’t endanger herself. He was often filled with worry for his lady love… yes, he was in love with the woman. He knew she was hiding something but also knew nothing would change his opinion of her. She had been a strange intrusion in his life 4 years ago and had taken his heart away long before he realized he loved her. And then her little boy… as he watched Manpreet drawing yet another sketch of his, he chuckled watching the boy hold the tiny tip of his tongue between the front teeth as he concentrated. He didn’t know why…. But everything about this boy brought back Meera’s memories. Especially his superior artistic abilities, the way he relished food, his dislike for academics, and even the mature look in his beautiful eyes. The gleam in those orbs reflected the purity of the heart exactly like Meera’s. She was the kindest soul he had known and not because she was his sister. Anyone who knew her would say the same.

As Manpreet sketched away to glory, he continued to watch him realizing this boy meant more than a child reminding him of Meera. Manpreet had made a permanent place in his heart’s chambers. He loved the boy as if it were his son and yearned to protect him every single time. He wished to give the boy the world. Just then the pages of the sketchbook flipped when Manpreet raised his hand to change the pencil. Anshuman saw the glimpse of the rose… he immediately asked Manpreet. “…hey buddy how come you drew this one here…? It looks very familiar…”

“…Oh this one… I love roses… even mom does… but I saw this picture here…”

Anshuman’s heart thudded… this just couldn’t be… even Meera had loved roses and spent time every day irrespective of what she painted she sketched at least one rose in some unique manner. He rushed to his shelf and took out her sketchbook. As he flipped the pages he saw the identical sketch of roses and wines at the end. It was the last sketch of hers in the book. He had shown her book to Manpreet just once before and the boy had duplicated the intricacies just too well. He was a genius… suddenly Anshuman’s heart skipped a beat. Was Manpreet… Meera’s son…? Was there a possibility…? Just a bit…? Why would Simrat hide the fact from him…? No… probably not. He looked at the boy closely. His attributes were way too familiar, but except for the eyes, there wasn’t much physical resemblance with Meera. But facial features… they were familiar as well… where had he seen those features? Especially the deep cleft in the chin…?

He couldn’t meet or talk to Simrat about anything in the two days. Finally, the carnival day arrived and Manpreet walked with a spring in his leaps as they moved towards the venue. Because of the traffic regulations, they had to park the rental quite a distance. The crowd was swelling by the hour despite the police warning on speakers. He couldn’t find Kader. He wanted to know if the guy had found someone. Kader’s contacts tree had deep roots. Manpreet tugged at his hands and he walked ahead. He saw Simrat was looking around cautiously, probably attuned to her job, and was habituated to the manner. He wished she would relax as well… He wanted to introduce her to Kader… he couldn’t get the image of her pointing the gun towards Kader’s guests out of his mind. Kader had to be warned as well about the shady guests visiting him. Irrespective of Anshuman’s doubt about the guy he had been helpful about Meera so far. As they walked ahead they met a harried Inspector D’Lama who greeted Simrat and Manpreet in a friendly manner but raised his eyebrow at Anshuman. But unlike their last meeting, he didn’t seem hostile. He nodded and asked them to keep their distance as he did to everyone else.

The carnival music had heightened up the local spirits and people were thrilled to be out after months of enforced hibernations. Soon the carnival began to fade the music and people were directed to the beach fair. Watching the crowd Anshuman was in awe of Kader’s business acumen. The guy would have recovered his investments already. He had indeed hit the jackpot with the carnival, and beach fair.

Anshuman felt Simrat stiffen as they entered the beach area where the fair was held. Manpreet had a blast visiting different stalls dragging Anshuman along. They got identical tattoos done and Manpreet reveled in the festive atmosphere. He wished Simrat would let loose as well. But he knew she was alert because of her job.  As they moved towards the merry go rounds, Simrat got a call and she excused herself to find a quiet place to answer it. Before leaving she told Anshuman not to leave Manpreet alone even for a minute. She then disappeared into the crowd.

Anshuman held Manpreet’s hand tightly as they navigated a little crowded zone. Fortunately, Manpreet didn’t make a fuss about masks and was very cooperative. Manpreet insisted on sitting on the biggest attraction of the day, the giant wheel. Anshuman shuddered at the very thought given his vertigo issues where the giant wheel was concerned. Besides the rose drawing had occupied his mind since morning… there was a sense of familiarity with the rose drawing and Manpreet’s facial features… something he couldn’t place. He wondered how he could passify Manpreet to wait for Simrat when he felt a pat on the shoulder. Kader walked around them. “…Hello Anshuman, I hope you are having a good time… my men have mixed with the crowds and are digging information as we…talk here…”

Anshuman looked at Kader. The guy looked haggard with a few days old stubble and unkempt hair. That was so unlike him. He had worn a pair of sunglasses hence his eyes weren’t visible but Anshuman knew they would probably be bloodshot. The man was invested in the event. He wished he knew about Kader’s vested interests in the same. Just then Manpreet tugged at his arm again wanting to go to the giant wheel.

Kader smiled looking at the boy. “…hey Anshuman… why don’t you do what he likes… he will enjoy the wheel…”

“…I…uh… I have vertigo… so I can’t..”

“…oh is it…? Then why don’t I do the honors for our little guest here…? What say, man…?” Kader sat on his knees and spoke to Manpreet. The latter looked confused and looked at Anshuman gripping his hand tightly.

“…Oh…that’s all right Kader… his mom will be around soon…she will take him…”

As Anshuman was about to turn they were joined by a pretty woman with a  young girl in tow. “Anshuman… meet my wife Ruby and daughter Karishma… we are going on the Giant wheel too… let Manpreet join us… we will take good care of him… don’t worry…”

Meanwhile, Manpreet looked at Anshuman with hopeful eyes and he looked around at the swelling sea of people. “…Can I please go Anshuman…? Please…please…? Mom won’t allow me either… she is sacred as well…”

Anshuman tried weighing in the options when the little girl held Manpreet’s hand and they started to walk towards the giant wheel without a care in the world. Anshuman stood rooted to the spot and Kader assured him he would take care of Manpreet. But Anshuman’s gut feeling screamed about something being amiss. He turned behind to look for Simrat and when he looked back to refuse to Kader… the man was gone… so was his wife and Manpreet and Karishma disappeared as well… WHAt the hell was that…? Anshuman panicked and his heart paced as he looked around frantically.

He ran towards the giant wheel but as expected they weren’t there at all…  he called Simrat but her phone was switched off. She would never do that when Manpreet was here… that meant something had happened.

Right then like a lightning, it struck him… the familiarity. The rose was the faded tattoo he had seen on Kader’s hand when he had moved up his sleeves and… Manpreet… his facial features were very much like Kader’s as if he was Kader’s biological son… His heart threatened to tear out of his chest…

Did Kader… abduct Manpreet…? And where on earth was Simrat…?

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 19

 Anshuman had the time of his life. Despite the sword hanging on his head, he loved being with Manpreet and Simrat. He rented a car and Simrat guided him as they traversed on roads not usually taken by the regular tourists. He didn’t even know they had existed though he had by hearted the map literally. Manpreet was chatting away to glory without a single stutter as he told some stories about the food, he had last night or how his mom clumsily fell tripping on the doormat today morning as they were rushing to his condo. Simrat sheepishly looked away blushing and Anshuman had a tough time suppressing a smile.

After about an hour of maneuvering traffic, they reached the Kakolem beach. Simrat knew a corner away from the usually scant but curious tourists. They spread out the mat and opened up their picnic basket diligently prepared by Simrat’s mother. Anshuman for a few blissful moments let go of his turmoil… he felt light at heart hearing Manpreet’s chatter amidst the cacophony of the sea birds scaling over their heads in the hope of landing a few crumbs. Manpreet tried to shoo them off and his antics brought about the much-needed cheer for Anshuman and Simrat. They ate their snacks and sat on the mat even as Manpreet rushed to the nearby natural clove to check out the little pup which had disappeared there. Simrat kept a watchful eye on him even as Anshuman observed the woman who had shown him different shades of her persona in a span of few days.

While in Mumbai 4 years ago she was a sex siren, here she was a strongly trained cadet with the SOP. She didn’t hesitate to spar with the enemy knowing that it would put her in mortal danger. At the same time, she had shown him her vulnerable side which had breezed its way into his heart. And at this moment she was the doting mother who was fiercely protective about her son. Anshuman was moved by her actions… As he looked at her retreating form as she went to check on Manpreet and get him back, he vowed to make them a family. He would go out of his way to convince Simrat to give him a chance to be a good husband she could rely on and a father to Manpreet. His heart swelled at the thought and right then the sea roared as if giving its consent… Meera’s consent.

They left the beach an hour later and Manpreet lay sleeping on the back seat holding his favorite little sketchbook. He never let it go. Simrat and Anshuman barely spoke each lost in their thoughts. Simrat jingled the bag of seashells Manpreet had gathered to make some project he yapped about on the beach. They halted at a place Simrat recommended for a late lunch. Manpreet now fresh from his nap relished the delicacies and Anshuman couldn’t help but smile at the way the boy chewed on the chicken bone as if it were the last one left in the world. His eyes filled thinking about Meera. His sister too loved to relish her food whenever she wasn’t in a rush to get back to her painting. She too chewed away her food to the last inedible bit. He blinked the emotions away… for the first time in a decade… he had felt a little at peace. Something told him, Simrat and Meera knew each other and he hoped to find out the facts soon… hopefully, today. He also saw Manpreets sketchbook when was away at the washroom with Simrat. Besides his obsession with Anshuman’s sketches, he also saw a strange kind of sketch… it had a huge rose and some strange wines around the rose. Where had he seen that picture…? He had for sure… but at the moment Anshuman’s memory failed him.

On their way back to Varca, Manpreet insisted on visiting the mall he had been to with Anshuman last time. The boy had probably not understood the gravity of the situation. But Simrat was visibly terrified to even refuse him and Anshuman promised to take him there someday while changing the topic. The boy who was constantly pleading with his mother instantly agreed and sat back to stare at the passing scenes. Anshuman insisted they come to his condo and have dinner with him, as they reached Varca after a long drive which he didn’t want to end. Manpreet was hopping away in happiness and Simrat agreed. She didn’t move away when Anshuman held her hand as they followed a jumping Manpreet to his condo. Later that night Manpreet slept off early being tired in all possible ways.

Anshuman and Simrat sat on the rocking chairs in his balcony staring at the sea which was distant yet so close. They sipped on the wine he had purchased recently. He had somehow thought about Simrat when he had been there and opened it to the sparkle in her eyes. He knew there was a lot behind those beautiful orbs and he wanted her to lay bare before him. After a couple of glasses in silence, Simrat sighed.

“…Anshuman…?”

“…Yea…?” he drawled.

“…thank you… for today…it was… the best day in Manpreet’s life so far… I think…I have never seen him so… so happy or comfortable…”

“…Anything for you two…Simrat… I hope you know that by now… and it isn’t the wine talking…” he chuckled.

She sat upright and turned towards him. “…Anshuman… I like you… I really do… Manpreet loves you… he adores you… but…”

“…But what Simrat…?”

“…Anshuman… you don’t know much about me… my past… it isn’t good…”

“…I don’t care about all that Simrat… what matters is now… let the water under the bridge be gone… let’s look towards the future… you said this was your last mission right…? So let’s consider this after the mission…”

Simrat held his hand in hers. “…Anshuman… can you promise me something…?” He nodded as she continued. “…In case something happens to me… please take care of Manpreet… take him away from here… my mom can go back to our native to her brother’s home… but Manpreet…”

“…Simrat relax… nothings going to happen to you…”

“…Anshuman you don’t know those people… they are monsters…”

“…Then why don’t you delegate it to someone else Simrat…?”

“…That’s because it was triggered because of me… almost a decade ago… and I should be the one to see it to the logical end…”

“…You mean the sleeper cells activation…? YOU triggered it…? Come on…Simrat that’s atrocious…”

“…Like I said Anshuman you don’t know me at all…”

“…then tell me Simrat… what did you do… that you have been suffering for so long…?”

“…If I tell you… you are going to hate me for it…”

“…You came to me in Mumbai… on purpose right…? It wasn’t a chance meeting…” he suddenly spoke and Simrat stilled.

“…Anshuman…I …I …”

“…Simrat… just tell me one thing… was that all… that happened that night… real…?”

Simrat was silent for a while before she spoke. “…It was very real…Anshuman… not meant to happen, but real… and you are right… I had come there to warn you to put off searching for your sister as it would be dangerous for you…”

“…Then what happened to my sister, Simrat…?” He gripped her hand even as she tried to free herself.

“…Anshuman…” she whispered as tears swam unshed in her beautiful orbs.

“…Just… just tell me… if Meera is dead or alive…”

“…Anshuman…” her tears now flew freely.

“…Please Simrat… I promise I won’t ask you anything after this… is she dead…?” his voice cracked in the end.

Simrat freed her hand and rose. “…Don’t get your hopes high Anshuman… everything is just a façade… you have beautiful memories of Meera… let it remain like that for the sake of your sanity… please… I beg of you…when …when this is over you will know everything… every damn thing…”

“…Simrat…”

“…please Anshuman… I am tired… totally tired… I have been at this relentlessly for 10 years now… fighting for what looked like a lost cause… but… but… now… I have hope to see this through… so … give me some time Anshuman… please…”

He nodded as he looked back at the sea. The dark horizon somewhere out there in the vastness promised infinite possibilities…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 18

The next morning as he neared the clove for his morning run, Simrat joined him. They ran a bit passing the rock cave and ahead in silence, the only sound being, the roar of the morning tide and the seagulls squealing away to glory. He wondered if he had to raise the topic of Manpreet’s conversation with her…They halted at the end of the long beach panting and he saw Simrat wipe the saline sweat off her brows. The simple action along with the tracksuit acting like her second skin did nothing to pacify his aroused state ever since she had joined him.

He sighed and stared at the distant horizon…not failing to notice the uncanny resemblance with his life, spread like the sea before him full of waves and its acumen further away blurring into infinity. Simrat moved close to him. “…Anshuman… about last morning…”

“…its… it’s fine… I understand… I know why you don’t want me to meet Manpreet…”

“…And yet you saw him behind my back…” She interrupted him.

“… It’s not like that Simrat…He insisted and I couldn’t deny…”

“…but why Anshuman…? Why do I have to repeat myself…?” She sounded exhasperated as she panted with her hands on her hips.

He turned towards her and saw tears welling up in her eyes. He held her shoulders. She tried to prove time and again that she was strong but all he could see was the vulnerable single mom fighting battles dime a dozen. “…Simrat…look at me please…” he said softly and she peered into his eyes. “…Simrat… I have no intentions of causing any harm to Manpreet… I am capable of protecting him… so don’t be scared… OK…?” But she shrugged away his hands and moved away crossing her hands at her midrib.

“…Anshuman… it’s way beyond even your imagination… I… I cant risk Manpreet at all…he is…he is all I have… and….”

“…don’t you think Simrat…in the garb of being protective you are depriving him too…”

“…I want him to survive Anshuman…”

“…I want him to survive as well as have a good life Simrat…” he was annoyed.

“…You are living in a fool’s paradise… you know nothing… the world is cruel and deceitful…”

Anshuman stared at the woman with blazing coals in her pretty eyes. “…Simrat… since you have been watching me so far… you know why I am in Goa in the first place… I am sure you must have heard what had happened to my sister here… She lived a life of misery and even died a cruel death…” He paced a moment to gather his breath and bring down the upward surge of emotion threatening to clog his throat. Looking back at Simrat he continued. “…Simrat… something about Manpreet… it just…it calms my inner turmoil… I love that boy… I am willing to do anything for him… do you know…? He doesn’t stutter at all when we chat…isn’t that something…? He is not the dyslexic child that he is touted to be… he is really good… and for crying out aloud…Simrat… your profession is more dangerous for him than him being with me… don’t you think he has improved in the few days…?”

“…That’s enough… please Anshuman… I am on my last mission now… I have lived the last nine years only for Manpreet… everything I am doing now… its for him…more than the country…All that improvement you are talking about is valid…but…only if he survives…”

“…Who were those men Simrat…?” Anshuman abruptly asked.

“… who… who… are you talking about…?”

“…The man in the mall…they were looking for Manpreet… why… why do they need a small frail kid…?”

“…Its… it’s because of me…Rewa Ma’am must have updated you…our team has been after the sleeper cell activated here in Goa and I have been busy all these years building a net to trap the bastards… they got wind of it and now are after Manpreet to rein me in…”

“…Simrat… this doesn’t make sense… they may stop you but not the entire SOP… so what’s the point in…”

“…there is a lot more than what looks the eye…” Simrat blurted and the emotion on her face this time wasn’t anger… it was fear.

Anshuman pulled her close and she went into his arms willingly. “…Simrat… I know you are strong, trained and all that… but I am here for you and Manpreet… just remember that… I won’t ask you your job details… because I know it’s classified… but can you at least let me in… at least where Manpreet is concerned… just… let me be the shoulder you can lean on…” he rubbed her back and felt her relax.

They stood like that in the company of the warm sun rays heating their bodies. Simrat looked up into his face and he couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her. Holding her face in his palms he apprehensively bowed and slowly his lips touched hers. The tender petals immediately parted letting him slide in and he reveled in her soft warmth. They kissed for a while and all world had come to a standstill… it was just the two of them giving and taking solace from each other, each fighting their internal demons.

They walked hand in hand towards the rock cave and the silence beckoned them. He stopped and looked into her eyes…his want was reflected in her beautiful depths and without another word he held her hand and walked into the semi-dark turning, hiding them away from the rest of the world. Their love-making surpassed all emotions he had ever felt… as they lay spent in each other’s arms, he said. “Simrat…?”

“…Hmmm…?” She yawned lazily.

“…there is a carnival and fair at Baga… its specially for children… can I take Manpreet there…? He will enjoy it for sure… I promise to take care of him…”

After a pause Simrat replied. “… fine but I will be there as well…”

Anshuman chuckled… this was something he had always wanted ever since he had known Manpreet was her son.  “…feather in the cap, Simrat… of course you will be there as well…”

And then his heart swelled further when Simrat asked. “Anshuman… what about spending a day together… all three of us… today…?”

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 17

Anshuman rubbed his face as he stared at the sea spread before him. The old men had left a  while ago and he was in a chasm of doubts… probably without any means to vindicate anything. His mind drew a blank whenever he tried to think about what the man had told them… was Meera alive? But would his little sister stay away without any contact for a decade? How could the SOP go wrong in their information?

He wondered if he should tell Rewa about this development. Would the SOP be interested in helping him find the truth? Because if anyone had the resources to do so…it was the SOP. But currently, they were busy with the terror cells and they wouldn’t bother about something not related to national security. Just then Kader sat next to him on the lounge chair chugging water out of a bottle, and placing the bottle on the table he wiped his mouth.

“…I am sorry man…I couldn’t help you much… but the information was… don’t you think you should work on it…?” He spoke.

Anshuman didn’t know how much to trust the guy but now he was the only option he had. “Uh… yes… but I cant approach anyone without proof… so…”

“…I will help you, man…” he straightened on his chair as he spoke.

“…Why Kader…? Why are you doing all this…?”

Kader sighed and looked away. “…I know what it means to lose someone you love… you feel like the end of the world only to realize you have to drag in the treacherous breath every day to survive because they would have wanted you to… life just goes on…but the wounds don’t heal… every time you encounter the similar path the band-aid is ripped open to give you the pain of the same intensity…”

Anshuman stared at Kader. The man had a forlorn look as he gazed at the horizon. What was his story…? Kader had hit the nail on the target… Despite a decade passing, Anshuman’s wound still felt raw… engulfed by guilt. “…Fine… so how and where do we start…?”

Kader turned towards him. “…if… if your sister is alive… we can first check out her whereabouts in Goa… I don’t think she has left the place… I mean… where would she go…? She was docile, wasn’t she…?” he rolled back his sleeves and it was then Anshuman saw his heavily tattooed arm… there was a strange design that didn’t make any sense. It seemed vaguely familiar though. But then artists made abstracts all the time and mostly it didn’t make sense.

Somehow his hopes sored a bit. He nodded slowly. “…so you mean… she could be in… Goa… then how would we know…?”

“…Wait…I have an idea… a mini carnival…look… a major attraction here is the local carnival which is usually held in December on the road to Christmas… but because of the pandemic we didn’t have it… let me organize one this weekend… the whos who around here will flock the place…there will be rumors…I will spread my staff to gather information… what do you think…?” Kader seemed excited.

“…But… I don’t know Kader… I don’t know even if she is alive… my sister was never into parties or socials dos… she was a very private person…”

“…I am not saying she would be here… but there would be some news… some thing to point us in the direction of beginning to search….look… she was last seen in Baga… so who knows she must… she must be somewhere closeby… or may have been for a while…”

Anshuman nodded. At that moment it seemed like a good idea. “…So what kind of carnival are you talking about…?”

“…Oh… it’s mostly dancing on the streets… and I will extend it to the beach fun too… arrange merry-go-rounds for young kids … have stalls for games and food… that will help us attract the crowd of ur sister’s age group…”

“…Wow… you seemed to have planned it all…sounds good…”

“…whatever happens at the end, the children will have a blast… they usually do such times… poor kids barely got a respite in lockdown… no schools… stuck at home… this will be a change for them too…”

The passion in Kader’s eyes was palpable in the gleam shining as he animatedly spoke about the program. Anshuman couldn’t help himself. “…Kader, you seem to love children…”

Kader smiled and nodded. “…Yes… I do… children are very innocent with malleable minds…” His smile faded as he continued. “…But then these children often are molded into something that they shouldn’t be… and misused… abused… left to…rot… or abide by the monstrous elders…” he began to hyperventilate and Anshuman only stared at the man who had changed right before his eyes. Gone was the suave businessman he knew… in its place was a man who looked defeated and lost to a different universe.

Kader recovered from the momentary fudge and smiled rubbing his face. “…I am sorry Anshuman… I am burdening you with nonsense… So do you like my idea…? There is nothing to lose though…”

Anshuman remembered Manpreet right then. Would Simrat allow him to bring Manpreet to the carnival..? That boy would have a blast. He would try and convince her… he decided.

Later after discussing the plan with Kader, Anshuman was in high spirits as his vehicle approached Varca. He almost ran to Manpreet’s house hoping to catch Simrat. But she wasn’t there… however Manpreet rushed into his arms the moment his grandmother answered the door. Probably the boy had seen him coming. There were still two more days for the carnival and Anshuman hoped to convince Simrat to take the kid. He knew Simrat would be away for a while so brought a chirpy Manpreet back with him to the condo and they spent the rest of the day solving maths problems, playing board games that he had purchased recently, and of course, sketching. Manpreet unlike his apparent diagnosis of a learning disabled was very quick to grasp whatever Anshuman taught him.

Later that evening Anshuman served him dinner of his favorite chicken soup with floating eggs. Manpreet regaled him with his tales from school before the pandemic and Anshuman realized the boy missed being there. Soon it was time to drop the boy home but Manpreet refused to move from the sofa.

“…Come on buddy… we have to go… your nani must be waiting…”

“…No…i…I  ddddont wa…wa…want to gggo…” He stuttered for the first time in hours leaving Anshuman surprised. The boy’s anxiety levels had risen. He sat next to him and gathered the boy in his arms. Manpreet held on to him tightly as if his life depended on it.

“…Buddy what is it…? Are you upset…? Has something happened…? You can tell me … you know that don’t you…?”

Manpreet nodded. “…I don’t like…mmmm….mmmom….”

Softly rubbing his hand over the boy’s head, Anshuman said, “…you don’t say that buddy… your mom works hard for you… that’s why…”

Manpreet jerked away from him and moved to the sofa corner pouting and crossing his arms at his waist as he stared at the wall in front. The wide eyes filling with unshed tears. This was so unlike Manpreet.

“…Buddy what’s wrong…? I promise I will keep it a secret… what happened…?”

Manpreet shook his head and looked down tears now flowing freely. Anshuman’s heart broke. The boy was hurting… but what had happened? “…Ok… buddy… did mom scold you…?”

He shook his head. And Anshuman asked again. “…Did your mom raise her hand…?”

Manpreet replied in the negative and Anshuman sighed. “…Buddy please tell me… so I can help you…” He held Manpreet’s hand softly and moved closer to the boy.

Manpreet looked up and said. “…mmmom on…on…only… cccrying…”

“…When…?” His heart fell. Simrat was fine till the little argument that morning.

“…Mo…. Mo…. Orning…Shhe th…th…thought I wwwas assslee…eep….”

“…But why was she crying, buddy…?”

“…I…I…don’t….dont…nnnn…know…but…she touched mmmmy…fff…face and sssaid … ‘So…so…sorry …I…am nnnot a gggood mmmom ttto yyyyour ssson…’… ttthen sshhe held the llloocck…locket in hher hhand… and cried…”

Anshuman stood up. Did Simrat cry for Manpreet’s father…? Did she still miss him…? He hesitated and asked,“…Manpreet… do you know anything about your father…?”

Manpreet shook his head. “….mmmom gggets Aa…aangry when aaasked… she said… hhhe wwwas bbbbad mmman… Hhhit mmmy mmom…”

Anshuman was angry at the monster who scared the woman and his child for life. Was that also the reason why Simrat kept Manpreet hidden…? He held Manpreet close to him and said. “…I promise you, buddy… I will take care of you and your mom too… you won’t have any problem… no one will hurt you…”

That night as he dropped an unwilling but drowsy Manpreet back to his house he had made up his mind. He decided to ask for Kader’s help in locating the boy’s father and settling the bill once for all.

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 16

Simrat vigorously wiped her tears as she sprinted along the shoreline, even as the morning breeze blew her unruly curls all over her face. For over a decade she had been relentless at her job pursuing it with a passion no one had heard of. She had become an integral part of SOP’s undercover division. But not many knew the true cause of her diligence. She had given up her prime with a sole aim… she had only one target for which she had slogged all these years and now that she was close to achieving it, her heart was playing footsie…

She couldn’t contain her attraction to Anshuman. She had made a similar mistake in the past for which she was still paying. She had promised herself and her mother, this was the finale after which she would resign from the SOP and take up a desk job. Things were heating up and she was the only one Manpreet had. She couldn’t endanger herself. She had just lost her guard that evening and was caught unawares by Anshuman. She had her target on sight and their mission would have probably been on the last track. But Anshuman had ruined it… nonetheless the enemy was now alerted and they would do anything to protect themselves. The worst part was SOP still didn’t have the know-how of what the enemy wanted. She and her team were to find out. She had been waiting up last night to warn Anshuman about the impending danger but things had spiraled out of control and to her chagrin she had loved every bit of it.

But in the morning, reality had sunk. Anshuman was an honorable man… he would never forgive her if he knew what she had done or what she was hiding from him. He was already attached to Manpreet and vice-versa. She couldn’t imagine her life without Manpreet and she couldn’t afford to lose him to Anshuman. But watching Manpreet bloom a little in the last few days she didn’t know if hiding him was the right way to protect him. She had failed as a mother all these years…

As she entered the house in the clove she decided she would come clean before Anshuman before things went South. The man was perceptive and would find out the truth sooner or later. He was obsessed with Meera and would go to any length to find out the facts. The idiot didn’t even know he was teaming up with the enemy. But she couldn’t warn him without the risk of revealing everything and messing up their mission. Her arm still hurt where he had accidentally hurt her. With great difficulty, she had dragged him away from the location to her colleagues… if they had been caught by the enemy it would have been the end of everything. The SOP by rule would have disowned her. As she undressed in her bathroom and stared at her abdominal scar in the full-length mirror her eyes filled. The ever-strong Angie who was a lethal machine when in her element, was now all mush inside. That bastard Haider… had ruined her.

She had been so naïve … in her mid-twenties and a trainee with the Punjab police when the asshole had befriended her during some passport verification process. She had been attracted to the charismatic personality who had shown a great deal of interest in a simple girl next door… Simrat had stars in her eyes and been swept in the wave…

She had excellent reflexes and had caught the eye of the Crime branch which was recruiting for the SOP. She had been thrilled but due to the NDA, she couldn’t disclose it to Rehmat. He had been gone for weeks during their 6-month-old affair but being busy herself she hadn’t suspected a thing. He took great care of her ailing father too whenever he was in town and had bowled over her family despite religious differences. But then tragedy had struck multi-folds. She was very new in the SOP and they had received intel about the possible sabotage on the Army battalions in Kashmir. The SOP was being deployed to get into the details. She was among the three field operatives who visited the high tension sites the attack was expected. There was no trace of anything else besides what the preliminary investigations had found out.

She had an amazing instinct just like her boss Rewa Nagarajan. She wasn’t convinced withg their findings and had secretly gone to one particularly suspicious site the same night… She was shivering in the cold night trying to find out what she could amid the piling snow and scattered houses in the vicinity. It was then she had seen a  movement in the dark corner towards the house she had suspected. The man had moved towards the house and tried to pick the lock. She had then shown the high power light suddenly and rushed towards him. But he had turned towards the light just then and she had almost dropped it in shock when she saw he was Haider. But he didn’t flinch and attacked her continuously instead before she could get out of the shock and left her for dead.

The uproar roused the neighbors who took her to the hospital and though she foiled the impending attack on the army battalion at that particular time, she was a mess with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen. She had lost the ability to carry a child in the future… She later got to know Haider was a noted terrorist on Interpol’s wanted list and a master of disguise. He probably knew she was with the SOP but had lost interest in her since she didn’t share any intel with him.. The double whammy struck when her father passed soon after and her younger sister Manpreet was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After getting out of the hospital, the SOP still offered her a spot after her recuperating which was huge, given her history with Rehmat. She had been a fool to not go with her instincts… She had decided to first visit her younger sister in Pune where she studied and look after her as the young girl wanted to give her final exams. It was her dream despite facing the grim reality that awaited her. It was there she had met her sister’s best friend who could pass for her twin… the young and pretty Meera who was a fabulous artist. She had heard of Meera often from her sister. The girls were very close and willing to go the extra mile for each other. But something told her all was not right with Meera and the young woman was not just upset because of her friend’s tumor but there was more.

One day, when she returned from a session of chemotherapy with Manpreet, Meera had disappeared. Meera barely spoke to anyone so no one knew about her whereabouts. It was then Simrat had seen the pregnancy test kit in their dustbin in the hostel room which she shared with Manpreet and Meera. She had shuddered at the thought wondering how Meera would be facing the turmoil alone. Meera had told her about her archaic family and how only her older brother Anshuman supported her. But at the time Simrat didn’t have his contact as well to inform him.

After about 2 months Meera called Manpreet who was sinking and barely in her senses. Simrat had chosen to stay in Pune waiting for the results hoping her sister would live to see the graduation certificate. She answered Meera’s call. Meera was hysterical saying she was in Goa near Bagaa and she was in danger from her husband named Rehmat…Meera had then taken Manpreet along and rushed to Goa. Manpreet’s last coherent speech was a request for her to save Meera at any cost. Simrat knew she was taking a huge risk but there was no time left. She had struggled for a couple of days to find out about Meera’s whereabouts. Baga was a huge place and she didn’t have the contacts. But she was well trained and had managed… Meera had only slipped the information that she was now Shifa Begum after marriage. Simrat had admitted Manpreet to a center for the terminally ill and had rushed to save Meera.

But by the time she had reached the warehouse where Meera was kept it was kind of late. The woman had lost it… Meera was tied and bruised, probably beaten up. There was a huge blow to her head which fell limp over her frail body. She had dragged her out of the place and taken her to the center where Manpreet was admitted. She couldn’t contact anyone in law enforcement because Rehmat sounded dangerous and he would find out sooner and kill all of them. Though they tried to treat Meera, she was as good as brain-dead. But they decided to help the baby survive. Simrat pledged everything she had to pay for the expenses and to shut their mouths. She then dragged an almost dead Manpreet with the help of an employee at the center and shed tears as she undressed her surgical wound on the head. Tying her sister to the same chair she bid her adieu… As she was escaping from the place she had a glimpse of the man and his group who had come to the warehouse. She had barely made it outside and when she looked from her hideout she was shocked out of her wits… it was Haider alias Rehmat. She then waited for a while to see them bring out a bundled-up body in a white cloth… the assholes hadn’t realized it was the wrong person. Simrat had a tough time containing her tears and her heart cringed as she saw them move away with the almost dead body of her terminally ill comatose sister.

So Haider was the bastard behind all this. She had decided to reveal everything to SOP… when she opened her sisters’ photo gallery… Meera had sent a  grainy picture to Manpreet about 4 months ago… and she looked happy. And the guy with her was not Haider… he was older and someone else. Oh God, What on earth was happening…? She had then shared all details with the SOP. She had decided to stay in Goa to watch over Meera and had got her mother too. The SOP had entrusted her to new projects based out of Goa. To everyone else, it was because her sister had passed in Goa but for Simrat it was because of Meera…

Finally, tiny Manpreet came into this world four months later by C-Section and had to spend a month in the NICU… while Meera was still in a coma.

Today, as Simrat emerged from the bathroom and looked at Manpreet’s still sleeping form, her heart filled with love for the boy. He was a living epitome for her sister… a living proof of Meera’s and Manpreet’s deep friendship. If only Anshuman could know the truth… but not before she found out about the man in that picture with Meera… Manpreet’s biological father…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 15

The phone rang shattering the quietness around and woke Anshuman with a start. He had slept like a log…he couldn’t believe it. He shifted and beside him, Simrat stirred and turned around and continued sleeping. She probably didn’t have her quota of sleep too. He quickly walked out of the bedroom and shutting the door checked the phone. It was Kader… why was he calling so early in the morning…?

“…Hello…? Kader…?”

“…Hi Anshuman…I am sorry to have bothered you so early in the morning… but I have some information that might help you… I have found someone from that period you are looking for…”

Anshuman still hadn’t got rid of his suspicions around Kader and the only way to find out was to visit the guy. But right then he could only think of his explosive reunion with his Angie… it was difficult for him to acknowledge her as Simrat. He went to the kitchen to fix breakfast for them. Should he call Manpreet here…? He didn’t know how the boy would take the intrusion in his life. Especially watching his mother in this house. He heard Simrat use the washroom as he poured the scrambled eggs in the plate and two cups of piping hot coffee. He took the tray to the drawing-room as she emerged fully dressed. He gestured towards the breakfast but Simrat shook her head.

“…Anshuman… I have to get going… Manpreet must be waiting for me…”

“…uh… About Manpreet… I wanted to…”

“…Anshuman… I am sorry… but please stay away from my son…now that you know about my profession… just keep away… you will bring danger to him…”

“…But Simrat… he is suffering… his stuttering, learning problems… I can help him Simrat…”

“…No… No Anshuman… I am very close to finishing this mission and this is the last mission of my career… I am then retiring and… will move from this place with Manpreet and my mom…”

Gosh, the woman was exasperating. “…Simrat…. Manpreet and me…we get along so well… I love that boy Simrat… he has hugely impacted my life… Please don’t do this… I promise I will protect him by all means… and no one would know about us…”

“…Cut it Anshuman… I don’t have the energy to deal with this… my mission…”

“…Manpreet isn’t your Goddamn mission Simrat… He is a little boy who needs… someone to help him battle his demons…and I… I need him too…”

Simrat straightened her back and narrowed her slits as she stared at him. “…for the last time Anshuman… get this straight… you will not keep any contact with my son… he doesn’t need any kind of distraction right now…he misses a father figure and so is drawn to you…but I can’t complicate his life…”

“…I promise I won’t leave him…”

With her hands on her hips, she moved closer. “…If you ever meet Manpreet… I shall be forced to use restraint… so stay away…” She turned around and left the house, the banging of his door echoing through the walls and his heart as well.

Didn’t last night mean anything to her? Didn’t she trust him with her son…? What the hell…? He rubbed his face. He had to meet Kader and start putting an end to this chapter that was now pushing its tentacles deep into his heart and soul.

Soon after Simrat left he made his way to Passion. Kader was pacing along the now empty lobby. He gestured him in and served him freshly ground coffee. For the usually calm and composed man, Kader appeared nervous. Anshuman didn’t know if it was his observation or some kind of bias. In a few minutes, Zulfikar chacha wobbled his way along with another man in a grown white beard who looked even older. Kader moved quickly to assist the other man and helped him settle on the chair. The older man was panting with the little walk and he stared at Anshuman.

Kader spoke. “…Well… Anshuman this is Salahuddin Kazi… he used to officiate weddings in this area till a decade ago… can you show that picture…?”

Anshuman took out his mobile and showed the picture. Salahuddin Kazi held the instrument with his trembling hands adjusted his glasses as he squinted to watch the photo. After about a minute he returned the mobile to Anshuman even as the latter held it with a thudding heart, wondering what was to unravel.

The old man coughed deeply and cleared his phlegm panting again as he spoke. “…Beta… I remember this beautiful girl… it was the last wedding I… got done… weird… totally ajeeb… I don’t her name… she was a Hindu girl… nikah with Muslim… name changed… Nikahnama very quick… they were already married for a while… Her husband…namaqul… Allah will never forgive him… I heard he died… no Jannat for him…” The man started to cough violently and Kader had to order hot water to help him sip. The man held up his rough trembling hand and continued panting. Every breath he inhaled was labored. “…Allah punished me too… I wanted money so did it… but I had tried to rectify it when I heard the poor girl died… I told police… and that Army man who had arrived… senior man… the girl was Hindu… he thought she was his daughter… but later found she wasn’t …He cremated her…performed Hindu rites…I was there… right there…” He rubbed his wrinkled face struggling to breathe. Anshuman was finding it difficult to hold back his tears even as rage boiled inside him. How he wished his sister had called him just once… how he wished he had listened to his gut feeling after her last call and not waited. The old man cleared his voice as he continued. “…you see… Allah never forgives wrongdoings… I am suffering too… I have lung cancer…won’t survive long beta…”

Anshuman inhaled deeply and spoke. “…Kazi saab… I thank you for telling me all this but I… I already know about it… I was hoping to get additional information…”

The old man held up his hand to stop him. “…Beta… Kader here said… your sister was pregnant when she died…”

Anshuman nodded. “…Yes, Kazi saab, 3 months pregnant I was told…”

“…That can’t be beta… you have the wrong information…”

Anshuman’s head shot up. “…What…?” he saw even Kader who was pouring hot water for the old man still in his tracks.

“…Beta… I was always guilty about ruining that girl’s life to an extent… I had tied a sacred thread from our dargah to her wrist… hoping Allah would protect her from that villainous husband of hers…But when I heard she died the same week… I rushed to find out what happened… I know the doctor who handles such deaths… the post-mortem was conducted before that Army man reached here… that woman who died… was not pregnant but she had a brain tumor in the terminal stage… and …” He looked into Anshuman’s eyes. “…the dead body was bloated beyond recognition but there was no sacred thread on the wrist….”

Anshuman stood up on wobbly legs, the news becoming too much to sink in. 

The old man spoke as if no one existed. “…Either your sister had taken off the thread and she wasn’t pregnant… or… that woman wasn’t your sister at all…”

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 14

Anshuman sat on the nearest chair with a thud. His head was reeling and suddenly he realized what had been off with Simrat last night. She had a little limp in contrast to her regular taut spine whenever she walked and she had been holding her left hand as if it was paining her. Oh God, she was the one who was shooting last evening and he had ruined it for her. Rewa had to know that, hence she must have hinted. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up. Nirvi and Keshav sat next to him. Amandeep had gone to drop Rewa till her vehicle.

“…Are you all right Anshuman…?” Nirvi asked in her soft soothing voice.

He rubbed his face. “…I don’t know how to feel Nirvika… I just… I just want this to get over…I… I want to know what happened to Meera… what exactly happened that she had to be killed and she was goddamn… pregnant… why…?” He also remembered Zulfikar Chacha’s doubts which irked him…but at the moment he kept silent. Those were just postulations after all and Rewa had proof…

“…Anshuman…” Keshav spoke. “…We can’t run from our destinies…it always catches up… if I have learned anything in my life… it’s that we have to face whatever is thrown at us… you know about Avanti and me…don’t you…?” Anshuman nodded. Avanti was Keshav’s wife. Her father had been like a father figure to young Keshav and had been working on a wonderdrug in this very place Vedshastra. He was a farsighted man and arranged for his older daughter, Avanti’s sister to marry Keshav as a means of cementing a business relationship. Fate had other plans and the old man had been killed in an airplane crash. Just on the morning of the wedding, Avanti’s sister had taken off and Avanti had married Keshav instead. What was initially a friendship between the two had soon blossomed into love and Avanti and Keshav were each other’s strength and support systems. Keshav had hereditary Huntington’s disease and the miracle drug was to help him contain the symptoms and it did. He didn’t have any symptoms to date. Anshuman had seen the camaraderie between Keshav and Avanti and also between Amandeep and Nirvika. Whenever the men were in the same room as their partners the sparks always flew. Anshuman had felt it many times. He often remembered Angie…alais Simrat those times but now… he lost all hope. Simrat had probably been playing a role that night four years ago… probably trying to pry information out of him. Didn’t she feel an iota of attraction that he felt for her…?  Was it just a casual lay for her…?

He knew he couldn’t openly confront Simrat, she couldn’t blow her cover. Even as he boarded the return flight that evening he couldn’t help getting annoyed at the woman. Why on earth did she drag her son into the mess. The boy was suffering because of his mother’s need to keep secrets about her job and cover. The little fellow was forced to live with an old temperamental lady just so his mother could keep up the farce of her work. Later in Goa, as he got into the cab to get to his condo, he suddenly realized the danger involved in her job. Last evening was an example. He chided himself for hurting her, though it wasn’t intentional. Simrat was exposed to danger constantly. He now knew that the hotel job was a front. That’s why the hotel looked shabby… it wasn’t a real hotel at all. He remembered Manpreet crying on nights when his mother didn’t get back home from work. The little boy missed her and she was trotting around in dangerous waters. How could she do this job now that she had Manpreet. How could she put his well-being at stake…?

As he neared his condo he checked the time it was almost 1 AM…. It was pretty dark since the street lights weren’t functional for a while outside his condominium and he reminded himself to put up a letter to the local authority soon. It was dangerous for the scarce residents who lived there. As he navigated the dark pathway towards his condo, he thought he saw a shadow at the entrance and he was alert. He shone his mobile light in the direction but there was no one. He was sure he had seen someone. He shut the light and walked slowly in the direction. He wasn’t a trained operative but knew how to walk without making a sound. He could feel the presence of another human being. But he also knew that if they had to kill him, they would have done by now. Heart thudding he walked towards his house and just as he opened the door someone pushed him inside and shut the door. Before he could get up the lights came on and he saw Simrat standing with fire in her eyes and hands on her hips. She had the same outfit from outside Passion last evening and her sleeve had a bulge at the arm which indicated a bandage.

“…What the fuck do you think you are doing…?” she spoke. Her voice dripping in anger.

“….Simrat…I…”

“…Do you know… how you ruined our mission yesterday… just to satisfy some stupid curiosity…?”

“…Stupid curiosity…? Do you even realize what you are talking about…?” He stood up to his full height towering over her.

“…huh… you ruined months of hard work and alerted the enemy… you idiot… you have been messing around ever since you arrived here…”  She spewed the words staring daggers at him.

“…Cut the crap… Simrat or should I call you Angie…?” At her stunned look, he chuckled. “…you think I wouldn’t find out…? How on earth would I know about some goddamn mission of yours… my sister didn’t know either…she was fooled and got caught in between… just like me and …now… you have the nerve to accuse me…?”

Simrat recovered quickly “…Why the hell do you civilians interfere in such things when you have no business to poke your noses…? Why the fuck did you ask around in Baga about your deceased sister…” she spoke accusingly pointing her finger at him.

“…I came here to find out the truth about my sister… her last days… I didn’t even get to see her ashes… do you even know what that means…? Had you all done your jobs well… my sister would probably have been alive or I would have known the truth… I wouldn’t have led a life of desperation for the last decade… like a vagabond in quest of the truth…” he was panting and he walked close to her. She moved back till her back hit the wall and right then under the glowing brown light her face looked flushed and now sans all that make-up she looked beautiful. The nose stud that had been his Achillies heel shone brightly illuminating the darkness in his heart. Her eyes softened and filled and a tiny drop of tear tried to slide its way down her shining cheek. He held the errant tear on his fingertip and she sucked in a quick breath. She was as affected as he was… he could see that.

He palmed her cheek and she leaned into it shutting her eyes. At that moment she wasn’t a hardcore operative but a vulnerable woman who had been fighting a battle. Despite everything, his heart went out to her. The hibernating attraction rose with full force and in the next moment, he slammed into her lips. She circled his neck holding him by the death grip as if her life depended on him. They kissed like there was no tomorrow. In the solitude of the night, the only sound they heard was their lips slurping at each other amidst heavy breathing. He feasted on her as if she could take away the hunger pangs from his stomach deprived of food. But at that moment nothing mattered… he felt the same arousal and his boner was penetrating his boxers painfully for the first time since that night four years ago.

She suddenly moved back and looked into his eyes. She wet her lips and he thought he would explode right there. “…Anshuman…please…”

“…What is it..Simrat…?” his heart fell at the thought that she would want to leave.

“…please… make love to me…” She pleaded softly and he didn’t know what got over him, he lifted her in a fireman’s carry and took her to his bedroom.

They undressed each other in record speed and his eyes fell on her bandaged arm. “…I…I am so sorry Simrat… I didn’t know…”

“…Shut up Anshuman… don’t talk about that… please I just want to forget it……just…”

She didn’t have to say anything more. He had recently purchased a fresh pack of condoms… his heart soared at the trust she put in him as he sheathed himself and he stared at her lying eagle spread on his bed with passion-filled eyes gripping the bed on either of her sides… though the room was dark except for the soft glow of the corner night lamp, he saw those indents on her stomach. He bent forward and kissed her on her belly and she gripped his hair. He kissed her torso all over upwards till he reached her beautiful and full bosom. He loved the way they felt in his palms and took in a soft nub into his mouth and sucked at it even as he gently fondled the other globe. She was writhing holding his head close to her chest and he gave her a tiny bite on the nub. In the next moment, she shattered shuddering to his arousal. He couldn’t hold it any longer. He moved to position himself at her apex and plunged into her wetness. Finally, he was home…

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.

Chapter 13

Anshuman went through the daily news updates… which was just to while away his time and drive away from the accompanying restlessness. He was seated in the meeting room of Vedshastra, and he waited for the others to arrive. Something constantly pricked at his conscience… what was it about Simrat that disturbed him…last night…? He wasn’t even curious about what she was doing in that women’s home… that was her life, maybe a part of her job at the hotel… but then something was not right. As he pondered over a cup of fresh coffee there was a commotion outside and Keshav entered the meeting room followed by the burly Amandeep and Nirvika. He couldn’t miss the beautiful couple in love holding hands and communicating with each other through their eyes. It was only when they saw him that they separated and smiled greeting him. He couldn’t help but chuckle… would he ever have that with any woman…? He didn’t believe in love at all but as the thought passed his mind there was only one image that came up before him… his mysterious doe-eyed beauty who had taken his breath away every time she had encountered him.

He stirred out of his thoughts as Keshav and Amandeep enquired about his stay and life in Goa. As they spoke there was a knock and the door opened. Anshuman was amazed to see the tall beautiful woman in a Navy blue suit jacket and trousers looking every bit professional, walk inside. She carried an air of supremacy and attitude which charged up the atmosphere in the meeting room. Anshuman didn’t need to be told She was Rewa Nagarajan. He had heard about her a little from NIrvika… she was the one who had found out about his late sister and he was grateful to her for that.

Rewa placed her laptop on the table and Amandeep quickly made the brief introductions for Anshuman’s benefit. Without wasting any more time Rewa opened her laptop and projected her presentation on the flex board behind her. “…Well as you all know this is classified information and nothing that we speak here goes out of this room… the only reason I am here is that the recent intel we have gathered is linked with Amandeep and Anshuman to some extent and we would like your inputs in the time to come… am I clear on this…?”

Anshuman looked at a grim Amandeep who had interlocked his fingers with Nirvika. Anshuman had known traces of their story… Amandeep was an army major who had been badly injured in a sabotage attack on his battalion a decade ago… almost the same time his sister had met with her watery grave. Amandeep was an amputee who had faced all odds and battled his demons. Nirvika had stood by him as he had cruised through the plot laid by the enemy and had emerged victorious. Amandeep and he shared the same nemesis named Haider-ul-Rehman Alais… Rehmat, a wanted terrorist. The bastard was married to his sister only to kill her… Anshuman’s blood boiled at even the thought of what had happened to Meera…

Rewa flipped the slides and the projector threw up a grainy image. “…this… is Wajid-ul-Rehman, the founder of Al-Harb-Alfaith…the criminal syndicate from across the border. The guy never dirtied his hands but hired and brainwashed young men from the bordering villages of Baluchistan to carry out the mission across the world… mainly in our country. Since the last decade, he has been inactive because of his health which is failing him, and the funds running dry, thanks to our government and the ever-vigilant army. As you already know, he had two sons… one his biological son Kasim known to be his commander in charge in India whose whereabouts now aren’t known, nor do we have any picture of his. It’s like he disappeared a decade ago. The other is his adoptive son Haider alais Rehmat. Rehmat was killed in the encounter with the army last month. And before that, we got to know of his deceitful rendezvous with Army a decade ago… We also know that he had married Meera and impregnated her before doing away with her because she was privy to their secrets….” Anshuman cringed as he heard the words which were not unknown but still… they hurt. He sighed as he looked at Rewa. Rewa stared at him and continued. “…the SOP had been requested by the GOI to track and weed out any sleeper cells belonging to Al-Harb-Alfaith existing from that time before they get woken up and launch an attack on us… So we first checked out all their active members. All are dead and accounted for but for Kasim. There is news that he went abroad and is settled in the UK though the news is yet to be confirmed…”

Rewa took a sip of water and changed the slide. “…Anshuman, the reason I requested for you to be here is we now have intel about a sleeper cell being active in Goa. They have been there for the last decade or so and are now gearing up to cause trouble. We don’t know the details but there have been talks about the perps taking advantage of the pandemic and infusing life into their members financially to activate them. They are also recruiting local guys… in their late teens or early 20s to tackle the backlog and to leave them high and dry if things go south…having locals also makes tracking for us difficult…” Rewa looked at Anshuman.

“…I get it till here Rewa… but what does that have to do with me…?” Anshuman asked

“…the SOP had been active all over the country for years tracking down any kind of untoward activity to nip it in the bud. We have our undercover operatives spread across the country. The SOP channelized a special division with our special operatives and they are active in Goa as we talk. They are gathering information by blending with the locals. And Anshuman we have just discovered that the new sleeper cell is being activated to complete a mission left undone because of your sister’s interference a decade ago… though we aren’t sure as yet as to what the mission was and how it was linked with the sabotage on Amandeep’s battalion…”

Anshuman began to breathe hard. What was this leading to…? What had his innocent Meera done those years ago? Rewa continued. “…Anshuman we are keeping a discreet watch on you just in case… you are our bait for those perps now… because you have been asking around and ruffled feathers… So you have two choices. Either you leave Goa till we are done or stay and help us… we cant take away the vigilance… because you are in danger as well…”

“…but…I have no clue about anything…”

“…We know that Anshuman… but those perps don’t… they believe you may have the information they need and may go to any extent to cover up… so you have to be alert… and don’t worry you won’t even know you are being watched…besides our special agent has been doing active work there for years now…”

Anshuman’s head reeled with the information overload. There was no second thought on what he wanted. He agreed to help the SOP. That was the only way he could get his closure as well.

Rewa wound up the meet and just before she left she walked up to Anshuman. “…One more thing Anshuman… our guys will contact you if needed and there is a code for each of our operatives. The one in charge of ur protection… who has been doing a good job so far goes by the name… Angie…”

©priyagole. No part of the story can be copied or shared anywhere without the consent of the writer.