2034 - a week in bombay

Synopsis

2029. The Earth was moaning because of overloaded of population and constantly increasing pollution. Pollution made 80% percent of fresh water worth nothing. The farm land had become infertile and the chain of natural disasters like earthquake, tsunami, and floods made situation bad to worse. People had neither to eat nor to drink. Nature was showing the arrogant humans their right place. Every country wanted to keep their left over natural resources in their clutches. But those who had insufficient natural resources had no option but to rob. It became question of survival and that led the world to the nuclear war. That made the situation worse. There was no country on the glob which was untouched by this forced war, no one will ever know how many races, cultures and countries were wiped from their existence. Every country had to pay for this. Be it the most powerful country, United States of America, fastest growing economy China, or the largest democracy, India. The world population had reduced from seven billion to two billions. Now, the conception of global village had lost its meaning. Insecurity and distrust were hovering over world. The organizations like, U.N.O. had become meaning less. Once, the situations had put a question mark on the existence of humans, but some how, the valiant humans survived and stood up again. Although, they were still struggling to survive and the war between humans and nature is still going on.

But some cities are still breathing, and the heart of the largest democracy Mumbai is one of them. As usual, standing tall and strong. Narrow streets have become cleaner than ever. Law and order have become strongest. But not everything is on right track. There is dirt behind this cleanliness. Police has become the mercenary killers of powerful people. Government is playing puppet whose strings are in the hands of tycoons like Gautam Virmani and Kaizad Vadia. Mumbai has become Bombay again and is not a cosmopolitan city anymore. The city is breathing under the tough laws. Migration policy has become harder for the ‘outsiders’. Everyone is being watched, every step is being followed and every breath is being counted. Mumbai is still a part of India but only on papers. Every one has accepted it considering it their fate. Those who have given their assent to this system are living a docile and quite life, and the rest…

The torn dead bodies, lying on streets and the news of missing young girls have become stale. Two millions ‘Mumbaikers’ have turned a blind eye to lead a peaceful life. There eyes are open but they don’t see, their ears are there but they don’t want to listen. They knew there is no place left outside of Bombay. They considered it the price of the life they got post ‘apocalypse’. People of Bombay left with the only option, If they want to live, they have to live like this only. The bridle of two millions breaths is controlled by some hands.

The story starts with a Sunday night where Aditya has drinks and some words with a stranger middle aged man in a pub and the very next day he finds the dead body of the old man. Aditya smells a conspiracy behind his brutal murder. He decides to go at the back of the matter. Soon, he gets the hand of a part time call girl Chandani in the investigation.

On the other hand, Gautam Virmani, the most powerful business tycoon of the new Bombay , the all in all of the most powerful corporate house Ambitions Unlimited, is making a plan with the help of the chief minister of Maharashtra Niteesh Devda, a shrewd politician and an influential spiritual guru Divya Shakti Maharaj. Soon, it is revealed the plan of Gautam Virmani and the murder of the old man are connected to each other.

Aditya and Chandani are investigating the murder and the conspiracy. There follow up goes via Gautam Virmani, The Baap of Bombay, Kaizad Vadia the business rival of Gautam Virmani and a mystery man Mohsin Khan. But as they proceed further, they find the conspiracy much bigger than their imagination.

This is the story of a week, which begins on Sunday, 23-9-2034 and concludes on Sunday, 30-9-2034.

2034: A Week in Bombay

Chapter-One: A Sunday night in pub.

Sunday, 23-9-2034

It’s a Sunday night and all the pubs must be fully loaded with the people who have to work from their head to toe, to earn their bread and butter from Monday to Friday. The last three nights are reserved for the business of pleasure like pub, discotheque, and casino and of course prostitution. Rests of the four nights, these activities are considered illegal. Monday to Thursday night, chatting, watching TV, going restaurant or cinema is the only option. And yes weekend nights are only for pleasure business. All the malls, restaurant and others shops and businesses keep their door close for the visitors. And whoever involves in this kind of activity in weekdays is found guilty of violation of law. Unlike earlier, these pleasure businesses have been commercialized by the government. License is issued for this kind of business. And those who run this business without a license are shot at ‘Hutatma Chauk’ publicly. Neither government has time or patience to keep guilty prisoners in jail. Government doesn’t want to splurge money on the food and security of criminals. The government is no longer soft on atrocities. Even small crimes like theft is awarded capital sentence. Government works on zero tolerance policy against crime. Even strike and criticizing government in public can lead someone to the gallows. These harsh rules are often criticized in rest of the nation. But as you know Bombay is a part of the country only on papers.

Aditya’s steps were moving very fast. He wanted to reach his destination ‘The Paradise Pub’ as soon as possible. He met a lot of people on the way rapt in enjoying the Sunday night. Most of them were badly drunk. Some were busy in striking a bargain with call girls. Not only men were busy in enjoying this paid pleasure. Women were second to none. Some women were going over the ‘Night boys’ like a great connoisseur. All were busy in search of fun to lessen their pain and frustration. Some hot call girls riveted Aditya but he didn’t have an option tonight. Either, he could afford a drink or girl and he opted for drink.

“Here I am at the doorstep of paradise” Aditya murmured to himself. He contemplated the lighting flash board printed ‘The Paradise Pub’ on it. It seemed out of people tonight from out side but he knew as soon as he will step inside, it will be as crowded as ever.

He crushed the cigarette under his boot and pushed the door to enter himself in paradise. Even the air was intoxicated inside. Some who had had enough of drink were in action. And some who were still in initial stage were quiet. Some were having a spurious laughter on the poor jokes of their companion. And some were telling the story of erstwhile era of the ’Myanagari.

Aditya scanned every corner of the pub, and soon his eyes noticed a chair in the corner. He never sought a company for drink. Soon he occupied the seat and ordered a drink for himself. He was served soon. He held the glass gently and sipped it once. He put the glass and lost somewhere.

“When you enjoy a drink, just drink. Don’t think. It will lessen the fun.” A voice brought him back. He startled for an instant. He looked in his left and found a middle aged man by his side. The man threw a smile at him. Aditya smiled back and lifted his glass. He was not interested in continuing this conversation more than a smile.

“You are on wrong place my boy. Tonight, you need a girl more than a drink.” The man uttered. Aditya didn’t reply. He would often go through this kind of jabbering and drunken middle aged men in Paradise Pub. He learnt the best way to deal with this kind of men. Avoid them.

“That’s the problem of this generation they don’t know what they want or what they need.” The man was not going to leave him so easily. He was in fool mood of spoiling his evening.

“I know what I need. Nobody needs to tell me.” Aditya replied without looking at him.

“Ah! You moved your lips. I thought I was talking to a robot.” The man busted into laughter. But soon he realized he cracked a really bad joke.

“Why don’t you meet them if you are really missing them?” The man continued to irritate him. But this time he caught his attention. Aditya looked at him and found the man smiling at him eloquently.

“I know you are missing your family. Go and meet them.” The man uttered.

“I don’t know where they are now.” Aditya replied sordidly. Totally hide the fact that the old man impressed him. The man knew he hit the target. Now he was sipping his drink quietly.

“And how do you know it.” Aditya asked in a perturbed voice he couldn’t hide his restiveness long. The man smiled like a victor.

“These wrinkles are not the outcome of a side effect of a beauty cream. Experience my boy, experience.” The man replied boastfully. Aditya couldn’t help smiling. The stranger contemplated at his beer glass as he was looking at it first time. He took a sip from the glass and sighed.

“You know my boy. You can easily deduce anyone’s pain if you have gone through the same.” The stranger said sedately. Aditya felt bad for his companion. After the nuclear war and the chain of natural disasters, only few fortunate were there who didn’t loose something or someone.

“Before apocalypse, I used to be a renowned playwright. Ah! What a time it was. Then this city was not Bombay. It was Mumbai. Mast Mumbai, Amchi Mumbai.” The stranger lost in enjoying old days.

“Apocalypse? Hallo! We are still surviving. The earth is still standing tall.” Aditya protested.

“Of course it’s apocalypse. You have not seen this world before kid. We used to travel around the world without any restriction. We did have to follow some norms but not like today. Forget it. Where were we? Oh yes! I used to be a great playwright. I used to travel the world with my group named ‘Loud-speaker’. We used to raise issues loudly through our dramas. Once we were invited to demonstrate our drama in Paris. We received a standing ovation by the audience at the end and we celebrated this success before Eifel Tower. Ah! Paris. What a city! German missile busted it up in 2030. By the way how old you were that time.” The stranger took a break and flipped the question at Aditya.

“23. I have some vague memories with me. People were talking about it solicitously.” Aditya shared his memories.

“Yes! But that was only a beginning. French girls were so hot. I don’t know how they look now. I don’t know whether The French exist anymore. But that time, How to say.” The stranger was reliving the old days. He took a sip and continued “We had plenty of fun with French girls. One of them was dying to marry me. But that time I had my own priorities. I had to make movies. Well, let it be so.”

“Where were you when Chinese missiles invaded Bombay?” this time Aditya expressed his curiosity. The man gazed at him for a while. And cleared his throat next instant.

“Well we had called for a candle march against war. We were standing before Gateway of India. Suddenly a shaft in sky shone and boom...” the man posed dramatically. “All we could see around us was dust and dirt. And when the smog cleared what we saw...” stranger paused for a while. Aditya knew what happened next but he wanted to hear this from him. He waited for an instant. But the stranger was not there. He was stuck in his past.

“I know what you saw. When smog cleared you saw Gateway of India had changed into ruin.” Aditya completed. The old man gazed at him. A pale smile appeared on his face. Aditya took a sip and continued “You were right. You can easily feel someone’s pain if you have gone through the same.” Aditya can visualize the black day when he went to Taj Mahal with his father. He could hear the chaos around Taj. He could read the skeptic faces. A nuclear war was standing before the glob with his jaws opened. Everyone was talking about war. The teen age Aditya heard about the invasion of North-East by the Chinese army. “See Adi, This Taj Mahal has been pride of our country. Nobody knows tomorrow it will be safe and sound or not. The condition in continent is getting worse day by day.” His father said with teary eyes. But who knows that was the day when they were seeing the Taj last time. A mortar fell like a comet on the dome of Taj and exploded. The explosion brought Aditya back in Paradise Pub.

“Forget it. I didn’t want to remind you old pains. But that was really beautiful time. In weekends, Juhu Chaupatei used to be the fun land of Mumbaikers. Gateway of India, Juhu Chaupatei, used to look so lively in weekends. We had to watch our steps while shopping in the mall lest we should step on someone’s legs. You know when I was in my teen age; I used to watch movies of 1970s. I admired the empty roads and quiet city depicted in then movies. That time I used to abuse crowded Mumbai and preys to God make it less crowded.” The man busted into laughter but his eyes didn’t accompany him. He paused. Looked into his beer glass and said “See! God answered my prayers. That time we were more than thirty millions. Now! Less than even two millions. Empty roads, clean streets, less crowed. What else I can ask for?” He emptied his glass in a draught. Both paused for a while.

“You know what? Once, our drama was interrupted during the staging by some local goons of ruling party, because we criticized government in our play. The whole nation stood by us. But today you will be hanged at Gateway of India if you do so and nobody will give it a damn.” The old man spat the fury in him and ordered a new drink. A silence again pervaded between the two.

“I know whatever happened some years back were wrong. But we should consider ourselves fortunate that only few are alive now and we are one of them. Cheers!” Aditya expressed his joy.

“We just survived. Not alive. You know the meaning of being alive? It means freedom to express yourself. But where it is now?”

“There are some more cities or countries who survived the nuclear war and natural disasters. But they are in poor condition now. And see where we are now? Clean roads wide streets, alert and agile system. We not only survived but became stronger by all means as never before. The city progressed by leaps and bounds. Mark my words; this Bombay is better than Mumbai. And thanks to Mr. Gautam Virmani and his company Ambitions unlimited.”

“Your points are beside the mark. Can’t you see the blood stain on the clean roads? And what kind of system are you talking about? It’s a puppet system and police has become a contract killer. You know when you talk on phone someone is overhearing you. Your mails are being read by someone else. Our every breath is counted, every step is watched. Businessmen like Gautam Virmani and Kaizad Vadia are deciding our future. But only dead people live here now. This should be brought round and this will be. The change is imminent.” The middle aged man said wrathfully. Aditya agreed with the old man on some points but he was still o.k. and had no complain against the system or against anyone else.

“Forget it! Do you have a girlfriend young boy?” the stranger broke the ice once again. Aditya looked at him “girlfriend? Today, there are only call girls.” Aditya grinned.

“You know what? I used to have fun with my actresses. I used to be an aesthetic artist. But that’s gone of the days. So why don’t you enjoy tonight with a call girl?” the old man kept on grilling Aditya.

“I don’t have money. I had little money with me. I had to opt between drink and girl and see I am hear.” Aditya explained his dilemma.

“Money? Oh yes that’s a problem. I have these two silver rings in my fingers. take it and have fun.” The old man removed two silver rings from his fingers and strewed it on the table. That action made Aditya really uncomfortable. “How can I take it?” Aditya stammered. That was really strange. He knew his companion had had little more.

“Who told you to take it fool? Next weekend you have to get me a drink. That’s all.” The old man made it above board. Aditya was still in dilemma although he didn’t want take it but by the time he could say anything the middle aged man walked away. He could see his back through the pub’s window pane.

“Thanks Mr...” he couldn’t recall his name. He realized he forgot to ask. He smiled. He paid for his drink, Rose to his feet and walked out of pub’s clamant ambience in search of a girl. It didn’t take more than an instant to find one. He checked her license and I card, struck a bargain and lost in dark with her.

Monday, 24-09-2034

Aditya woke up and felt he had a little more last night. The clock in his disorderly room informed him its 8 a.m. He knew he was late but still was in no hurry. He wore his shirt, slung his towel on shoulder and went into washroom.

A well dressed Aditya came out of his home. He was not the Aditya of last night who was wandering for a girl and drink. He was a collection agent of ‘Swan Lake Finance’ now. Who is adept in art of squeezing money from the debtors. He made fare amount of money at the end of the month. He didn’t have much expense. He squandered away his money on drink and girls. Since, there are less people than the houses in the city now; he didn’t have to be at a loss about a shelter. He was rushing towards his office which was a stone through away from his home. Suddenly he noticed a corpse on the road. Some was avoiding the corpse. Some people balked, looked hear and there and walked ahead. Finding a corpse on public aria had become a normal incident worth avoiding. Although, the law and order had become strict yet, words were there these dead bodies belong to those who want a change in present system. Last month, Aditya noticed a young girl’s corpse on Linking Road whose clothes were torn all over, which was telling on what had been done to the young girl before killing her brutally. But today there was something which dragged Aditya to the corpse. He went to the dead body gazed at the body for a second. It was lying on its face. He turned the lifeless body. But the face of body shocked him. He jumped two steps back.

“Oh my God, He is...” he was trying hard to recognize the face but he couldn’t place it. Suddenly he memorized something.

“Oh! God he is the man I spent the last evening with. The great and aesthetic play Wright. Who killed him?” he looked hear and there frantically. The police siren rang. His ears cocked up towards the direction and noticed a police wagon coming to the corpse he knew its better to leave now. He left the scene with some questions ‘who’ and the most important ‘why?’

Today’s work had really done up Chandani. She rose to her feet and walked to the coffee wending machine. She was filling her coffee mug just then she realized a pair of eyes frozen on her. She turned back and found Rohan. She knew it.

“Hi Chandani, Looking tiered? Wanna get a massage?” Rohan asked wryly.

“You know Rohan I charge. And your salary can’t afford me?” Chandani replied him sordidly and walked away with her coffee mug. Rohan kept seeing her walking away. Chandani knew his eyes were still there, on her hips. She enjoyed this kind of attention.

“So, how was your last night baby?” her colleague Leena came up to her desk.

“As usual, He told me that he was an engineer in Ambitions software.” Chandani replied without looking at her. Her eyes were occupied by the desktop monitor.

“Engineer, Vow! That’s so exciting.” Leena couldn’t hold her excitement. Chandani’s fingers stopped typing. She lifted her face and grinned- “so what? I charge five thousands for an hour and that’s it. I never care I am sleeping with a peon, doctor or engineer. I treat all my clients equally. If someone gives me more bucks, I consider him a good customer. And let me tell you he didn’t pay me an extra penny for this.” Chandani clarified in a breath and lost in the desk top again.

“And how was he?” Leena grinned. Chandani knew she is going to ask this only. Every Monday she faces these questions from Leena.

“Umm... Can’t remember his face. All are same for me you know.”

“I meant how he was on bed?” Leena finally came to the point. Chandani was prepared for this too.

“Told you. All are same. Always in hurry. More excitement less action. By the way, why men fall asleep after having sex?” Chandani asked innocently.

“You are asking me? Forget it. Rohan is still hitting on you.” Leena teased her but that didn’t affect Chandani at all.

“I told him clearly. You can’t afford me.” Leena received a flat reply.

“Don’t be so cruel. He really likes you.” Leena took Rohan’s side dramatically. This time, even Chandani couldn’t help smiling. She revolved her chair.

“Look Leena! today, nobody loves or like. It’s all tricks of having fun without throwing money on a call girl. And the entire universe knows I only don’t charge one person, and that’s our boss Girish Sachdeva.”

“Lair. Don’t say you don’t charge him. Admit, you don’t charge him in cash.” Leena cut the joke and the girls busted into laughter.

“Chandani, boss wants to see you in his cabin.” Chandani was informed by a colleague Leena winked and through a wicked smile at Chandani.

“speak of the devil and doth he appears. Go miss lovely.” Leena joked. Chandani smiled back and headed towards the boss cabin.

“May I come in sir?” Chandani sought permission to come inside his boss’ cabin.

“Come in.” Girish Sachdeva permitted her in his sedate voice. Chandani entered his cabin wearing black trouser and white shirt. Her outfit was too tight to display her curves.

“You called me sir?” Chandani asked adding extra sweetness to her voice.

“I gave you some work I suppose?” Girish asked without looking at her.

“Sir it’s almost over.” Chandani informed her boss.

“What happened to Lotus industries project?” Girish flipped another question. Still not looking at her.

“Sir my team has done its part. Now it’s up to Raghav and his team. And sir don’t forget you have a meeting at 4.” Chandani replied smartly. Girish lifted his face and scanned Chandani’s body from head to toe.

“You know what? There are only few people in this office who know their work very well and you are one of them. Close the door and sit hear.” Girish motioned to the chair before him. Chandani closed the door and came closer but didn’t take the seat. Girish Sachdeva, a shrewd executive, adept in flirting and flattery, rose to his feet and got closer to Chandani and coiled his hand around her waist.

“My wife is leaving for India tomorrow. You would care for a dinner with me I suppose.” Girish confided. His hand slid from her waist to her hips.

“Your wish is my command. Sir, you told me you will recommend my name to the board. I was not there in the list of promoted employees? Chandani complained sweetly without wasting a moment.

“Why do you need a promotion? You are getting more salary than your seniors. Thanks to me.” Girish grinned. His grip was getting harder on her hips.

“We are not in your bedroom.” She swaggered. “I have some work still pending.” She said and freed herself from his clutch. Girish sighed. She came out of her cabin adjusting her shirt. Leena smiled at her wickedly.

So, that’s Chandani. A working girl at Emerald Corporation in weekdays, and a call girl at Linking Road on weekends. And she doesn’t shy of to accept what she is. She is doing it of her own accord. She is at home in the art of cashing her beauty and body. She believes in living fast.

“How everything goes easy for a hot girl.” Leena told Chandani in lunchtime. Chandani laughed at her poor face. She put her tray down and took a chair.

“Bear in mind. Being pretty is not enough. You must know the art, how to use it.” Chandani confided her friend.

“Wow! Chandani you are really going well.” Leena applauded Chandani. Chandani winked and smile. Both friends got busy in enjoying their lunch.

“Chandani! I am also thinking about joining you. What I have to do for this?” Leena asked in a hesitant voice. Chandani stopped sipping her cold drink, put the glass aside.

“We have talked on it I suppose?” Chandani threw a withering glance at her.

“But this time I am serious.” Leena stammered.

“You have been serious thrice.” Chandani told her dolefully.

“But this time I am really serious. Tell me what I have to do to get a license. Tell me aren’t you my best friend?” Leena flattered.

“O.k. when you make up your mind just let me know. And yes this work is safer than earlier. Now every call girl or night boy work independently. We don’t work for any syndicate. It has been totally commercialized.” Chandani explained.

“We will talk on it later. Get back to the work. Lunchtime is over.” Leena reminded Chandani and both rose to their feet. Suddenly Chandani’s mobile beeped. She noticed a new video massage by Bombay police. In Bombay, people are allowed to use only Ambition network. All mobiles are interconnected to the important services like police, ambulance etc. any massage or information is shared with two millions people in no time. Chandani clicked the video to play. Now some footage was playing with a voiceover.

“A dead body has been found on Hill Road. A man aged nearly fifty, height 170 cm. bald and wearing brown jacket white shirt and black trouser.” A picture of dead body flashed on screen. “If you know anything about him pleas contact to your nearest police station. Information over. Tap the screen to save the video.” The video massage got over. Chandani’s hand started trembling to see the picture of dead body.

“Look Leena.” She showed Leena the video. “Look at this dead body.” She said restively. Leena gazed at video for a while “This video? I received this video massage from Mumbai police thirty minutes back. Poor old man. What happened?” she asked carelessly.

“I know this man.” Chandani stammered. “How can he die? He was all o.k. on Saturday night.” She couldn’t believe on what happened.

“This man was with you? Was he your customer on Saturday night?” Leena was surprised to this revelation.

“Customer?” Chandani murmured. She could still call up his smile. She could still hear his voice. His every word was echoing in his memory.

“Look Chandani, you need some rest. I suggest you to take a day off.” Leena suggested her friend. She was at a loss to see her friend. Chandani realized her friend was right. Chandani went to her boss. And he took no time to grant her leave.

Chandani went to her flat, opened her bedroom and lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. She had slept with many men but she never found anyone of her customer lying dead on street after two nights. She was a shrewd professional and had left her feelings and emotions far behind. But this time she couldn’t help thinking about him. “How can he be dead?” she thought. The memory of Saturday night was still fresh in her mind.

Chapter- Two: A Call Girl’s Night.

Saturday- 22-9-2034

Chandani was making lemon water for her self. She had too much of vodka tonight. She knew she will get back to her home with no money tonight if she doesn’t get back to her senses. Nobody likes to sleep with a drunken call girl. She had tried all the tricks she knew to eradicate her hangover.

“Lemon water is working but that’s not enough.” She thought and put her palm into her throat. She vomited badly. Now, she was feeling better. She sat for a while holding her head. “Why I drank so much?” she cursed herself. After a while she rose to her feet. Took out her make-up box. She did best of her make-up, wore a provocative blue mini skirt and a white tight top and headed towards her territory Linking Road although, her feet were still staggering. Some men and women were wandering there in search of fun. Some customer showed some interest in her. But deal couldn’t be finalized. Chandani decided to go to her flat. Suddenly she felt a shadow immerged from the dark. Shadow got a face in light. He was a middle aged man. “Let’s have a last chance.” Chandani thought and headed towards the old man faltering.

“Hey! Wanna have some fun?” Chandani asked her seductively. The old man looked to and fro and set aside her presence. That gesture caught Chandani off guard. She was not in the habit of receiving this kind of ignorance.

“Hey! I am talking to you. Shall we talk about money?” Chandani came to the point.

“I am looking for something?” the man gave a brief answer.

“I know what you are looking for? Chandani grinned and winked. But that didn’t act on the man. His eyes were still wandering in search of something.

“Are you drunk?” Chandani asked her annoyingly.

“Not more than you.” The man replied. Chandani decided to leave now. She abused the man and walked ahead.

“You are looking out of sorts.” The man asked her gently. That stopped her steps.

“Do you have a place?” the stranger asked. Chandani smiled. She carried the day.

“Yes, you don’t need to worry about anything. I have a suitable place to do it. Shall we go?” Chandani briefed him and both vanished in the dark.

Chandani opened her eyes. She found the ceiling much acquainted to her. “I am in my own apartment” she thought and arose. She was still feeling the effect of vodka. She held her head and kept seating in this position for a while.

“How are you feeling now?” a voice echoed in her room and startled her. Her head moved to find out the voice’s master.

“You, What are you doing hear?” she saw the old man coming from her kitchen holding a glass in his hand.

“I asked first. o.k., I can see you are feeling better now.” The old man replied with a smile. Chandani balefully checked her clothes and found nothing to worry.

“Don’t worry you are all right. Have it, you will feel much better.” The old man assured her and offered her the glass. Chandani paused for a moment. Thought for a moment and held the glass. The old man smiled.

“How did I get hear?” she asked while sipping the coffee.

“You were totally out of your senses. I had to bring you hear. You know how tough it was for a fifty six years old man?” the old man joked. Chandani smiled and resumed sipping her coffee.

“Wait a minute. How did you find out my address?” suddenly something flashed in her mind. The old man smiled again. His cunning smile sent a shiver through her.

“You were murmuring your address. Surprisingly, you don’t remember anything.” The old man grinned. Chandani resumed sipping.

“I am done with my coffee. Thanks for it. Lets do it.” She put the coffee mug aside and lay down on her bed.

“Why such hot hurry?” stranger asked cunningly. That annoyed Chandani.

“What do you mean? Do what you are up to do, pay and leave. I have more things to do.” Chandani almost reprimanded the old man.

“You told me you charge for whole night. And we still have time, and as far as payment is concerned. I have paid you.” The old man revealed. That revelation shocked Chandani.

“I got paid? When? Did you pay in cash? Why I don’t remember anything.” Chandani forced herself to remind anything.

“I told you, you were drunk. You know, once alcohol leaves your mind, you are left without a memory. You even don’t remember that you were vomiting on road, and got slapped with a penalty by the police.” The stranger briefed her.

“So where is my money? Did I loose it in the way?” Chandani asked herself and looked all around the room. Old man was enjoying it.

“Relax! I didn’t give you any money. You have not been paid. But soon you will be. And you will be paid more than you want.” the stranger had enough of enjoyment. He assured her. That relieved Chandani.

“Come and sit.” The old man commanded her. Chandani shot a strange glance at her tonight’s customer. She thought for a while and made herself comfortable. She didn’t forget to maintain a distance from the strangest customer she had ever come through. She couldn’t remember when she felt uncomfortable like this before. She couldn’t hide her restiveness from the old man’s experienced eyes.

“It seems you are making good money.” The old man scanned all around. “And I am sure you have not made all these things from your night job.” The old man grinned. Chandani had realized he is not the usual customer she sleeps in the weekend nights with. She made herself comfortable. At least she acted like this.

“Why? Don’t you think there is good money in this profession?” Chandani replied shrewdly.

“But your manners, your etiquettes are telling me something else. I mean, how many full time call girls speak in this manner and keep their home neat and clean like this.” The old man smiled cunningly. Chandani had known the old man checked her home very well. “Who is he? A cop, a privet detective?” she asked herself. Wait a minute. She heard the words that Gautam Virmani keeps an eye on his enemies. “But why he is after me?” Chandani was not able to get anything. Last month, she spent two nights with a man who is known to be a close aid to Virmani’s rival Kaizad Vadia. “So that’s the matter.” She murmured to herself.

“So, it’s sure that you have not come to me for what people want from me. I meant you have not come hear to have sex.” Chandani grinned. The stranger looked at her. Chandani smiled cunningly.

“So do you know why I have come for?” old man asked. A cunning smile appeared again on her face.

“First of all, I need to know whom I am dealing with. I mean who you are.” Chandani asked.

“Why do you need to know about your customer?” the old man grinned.

“I told you. You aren’t the usual customer I sleep with every weekend.” Chandani grinned. She wasn’t a novice. The old man thought for a while. He had realized that she was not a usual call girl. He rose to his feet and started walking around the room.

“You know what I have come for. You don’t need to know who I am. You can help me if you want. Now it’s all up to you.” The old man explained and took his seat again. Chandani smiled cunningly. She nailed it.

“Look, I am a part-time call girl but don’t charge for only sex. I charge for everything I give.” She winked. The old man knew what to do. He pulled out a deck of cash from his pocket and placed it on table. Chandani looked at the deck and smiled meaningfully. She sighed and cleared her throat.

“I know you are looking for Jabbar Kaskar. I slept with him twice last month. Since then, I have not seen him. Although, he told me he will come to me on 25th of this month. But I didn’t believe him at all. I mean there are other girls in the town.” Chandani informed him.

“Irrelevant information. I am not going to pay for your shit love story. There is anything which I need to know?” The old man said disappointedly. Chandani thought for a while. She squinted at the deck of notes. She knew the deck will disappear in no time if the cunning old man doesn’t get relevant information from her. Suddenly she recalled something she felt this information would be useful for the old man.

“Yes! When he was with me, he received a call from china.” Chandani informed the old man. The old man startled for an instant.

“How do you know that that call was from china?” the old man asked restively.

“He was talking in Chinese.” Chandani proudly grinned. The old man kept silence for a moment.

“Do you know Chinese?” the old man flipped another question.

“Of course not, what the hell kind of question is that” The silly question annoyed Chandani.

“Then how the hell do you know that he was speaking Chinese. It might be Japanese, Korean. I meant all are same for those who don’t understand anyone of them.” The old man seriously asked. Chandani found it a valid question. How the hell she knew that he was speaking Chinese? She had nothing to say. She prepared herself to say bye to the deck of notes. Then, the old man rose to his feet.

“Any thing else you forgot to tell me?” the old man asked in sedate voice. Chandani forced herself a lot to recall something useful.

“I think you have spoken up whatever you had to say.” The old man realized her dilemma. Chandani was sitting wordless.

“Here you are.” The old man handed over her the deck of notes. That amazed Chandani. Chandani was hesitant to accept the cash.

“Do you really think my information worth it?” Chandani asked timidly. The old man smiled mysteriously.

“I don’t splurge on useless things.” He grinned.

“What about having sex?” Chandani asked unbelievingly. She knew the old man giving extra money for her information.

“You are still not well. You need to take care of yourself.” The old man advised her and moved back to leave.

“Next time I will give more relevant information.” Chandani almost screamed. The old man halted, turned back and smile.

“Next time? Who has seen next time?” the old man smiled and walked out of her home living Chandani with some questions.

The door bell brought her back. She was still on her bed. She was not feeling like moving herself. The door bell rang again. Now she had to move.

“Who is this?” she asked the door bell ringer.

“It’s me, Leena.”

“Leena,” She murmured to herself and rose to open the door.

“Are you o.k.?” Leena asked her as soon as she opened the door. She replied nothing. Leena touched her forehead.

“I was at my wit’s end to see your condition. I directly came to you.” Leena uttered. Chandani was still silent.

“Don’t say you are still thinking about the old man.” Leena a asked in a concerned voice. Chandani shot a gloomy glance at her friend.

“Chandani, forget him. A lot of people die every day. Nobody dies with them.” Leena tried to console her.

“He didn’t die, he was killed.” Chandani said in a shivering voice. That revelation shocked Leena.

“How can you say that?”

“I am sure he has been murdered. And that too for a strong reason.” Chandani said vehemently. Leena couldn’t get anything. Chandani gave the sum and substance of the matter. And that made Leena more concerned.

“Whatever it is, but you don’t need to be worry by dint of this matter. After all he was just one of your customers. As you told me, it’s hard and fast that this matter revolves around the big guns of city. You don’t need to involve in this. And don’t tell anyone even forgetfully that you had been with that man.” Said Leena.

“He was not any ordinary man who wanted to tinch the flesh of a woman. Nobody gives a damn if a call girl vomits on the road.” Chandani said staidly.

“Whatever, you don’t need to involve in this. Just think it might be case of road robbery. Are you listening to me?” Leena shook her friend. Chandani startled as she was woken up from a sound sleep.

“Yes, yes I am getting, you are right.” She said like an n insane. “Leena, Stay with me tonight. I am really afraid.”

“O.k. baby, But I am not going to sleep with you. I can’t count on a call girl in this” Leena joked and winked. Chandani smiled unwillingly. Her presence really consoled Chandani. ‘Was he killed because of my information?’ that thought was gnawing her inside.

“You need a coffee?” Leena shouted from the kitchen.

“I need it badly.” Chandani replied. Leena got busy in making coffee for her friend. And her friend had decided to go at the back of this matter without letting her know.

Aditya was sitting quietly in the office of ‘Swan Lake Finance’. Since the time he had seen the dead body of his weekend companion, he was out of sorts. He didn’t do a single task during the day. Aditya was not able to get why the company of an evening and few drinks had acted on him so badly? The memory of the Sunday’s evening was still alive in his mind. His mind was echoing with the question of ‘Who?’ and ‘why?’

“How are you doing Adi?” His boss asked him. He looked at his boss staidly.

“What are you doing hear? I sent you to Colaba?” Boss grinned.

“I have send Rahul. He will handle it.” Rohan said in a tired voice. Boss flipped a strange glance at him. He had never seen Aditya like this before.

“You are not looking good.” said boss. “I think you didn’t have much fun with the bitch last night.” Boss cracked a lousy joke and winked. Rohan smiled although he didn’t want to. Boss was expecting more than a smile on his lousy joke.

“Aditya, I have one more work for you. And I want you to handle this.” The boss almost commanded Aditya. Aditya didn’t react.

“Boss, Send some one else.” said Aditya, after a pause. Boss sighed. A ‘no’ from Aditya’s mouth was sounding weird to him.

“Look Aditya! If you are not feeling well, I suggest you to go home. But if you are mentally tired you should get involved in the work. That will keep you busy. The rest I leave on you.” Boss advised and waited for his reply. Aditya realized boss was right. He sighed.

“O.k., give me the case and details.” Aditya rose to his feet. Boss smiled like a victor.

“That’s like a tiger. Here you are.” Boss encouraged him and handed over him a file. Aditya possessed the file. Turned some pages and left.

Four men were sitting in the living room of ‘Atlanta,’ the chateau of ‘The Gautam Virmani’. It seemed they had been waiting for a while.

“We have been sitting for long. Isn’t it?” the bulky man grinned.

“Mr. Virmani has other matters to attend. Have some patience.” The dark man with mustache advised.

“I don’t think he will take much time. He will be here anytime soon.” The comparatively young man said with fineness. The fourth man, half bald was contemplating the beauty of the chateau. He didn’t have time to put his views. He was enjoying the unexceptional beauty of the chateau and the magnificent champagne. His nervousness shown first time he got the fortune to meet Mr. Virmani.

“Here he is.” The young man said. All of them rose. And here he was. The Gautam Virmani. The magnet of the city. The uncrowned king of Bombay. The man who rules at the waves of Arabian Sea, the ’Baap’of Bombay, who dared to adopt the orphan city when it was moaning, it became a saying in new Bombay after the so called apocalypse. All communities live in Bombay, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsees and many others. But there is no communal tension. Because all have started believing in one God and that is Gautam Virmani.

It was nine p.m. but Mr. Virmani was still in his three piece suit and black shoes. All of them were contemplating the majestic personality of Mr. Virmani.

“Good evening sir!” three of them said in a tone. But the bald man touched his feet as a dedicated devotee. Mr. Virmani replied no one. He took his seat and motioned them to be comfortable.

“So gentlemen,” Mr. Virmani said in a delegate manner. And that was allusion to brief him. The young person stepped forward with a file in his hand- “Sir! Here is the plan for our 3G network. If all goes well, next month we will be re-introducing the 3G network to the world.” The young person came forward and said in an exhorted voice. Mr. Virmani took the file and skimmed over it.

“Make sure that all goes well Mr. Banerjee.” Mr. Virmani said in his sedate voice. He smiled as he memorized something. “You know Mr. Banerjee? In 2012 when I was in my teen ages my dad was planning to launch 4G network. You men must be remember. That time I used to think where will we be after twenty years? My bet was 30G. But now see this.” He sighed and the put the file aside.

“Shall we inform media about the date?” Mr. Banerjee asked. Mr. Virmani thought for a moment.

“Not now Mr. Banerjee. Stick to the work. Nothing should go wrong.” Mr. Virmani commanded.

“Nothing will go wrong. I will take into account. Sir, Kaizad is planning to set up a power plant in C.O.S. (China occupied Sikkim) he is cashing the contacts of Jabbar with Chinese.” Mr. Banerjee informed.

Mr. Virmani paused for a while. “I will look into the matter, anything else Mr. Banerjee?” said Mr. Virmani.

“No sir!” Said Mr. Banerjee and wished him a good night. Mr. Virmani cleared his throat. The three got alert to hear.

“So gentlemen, how is everything? Mr. Rao?” asked Virmani.

“Sir, everything is going as you said. Bombay police is with you.” The bulky man with moustache grinned.

“Good. You know what Rao; I deduced your ability when I met you first. That’s why I recommended your name for the post of police commissioner of Bombay.” Virmani said with exquisite pride.

“It’s all my fortune sir.” Mr. Rao said gratefully. Virmani’s head turned to the short dark man and noticed the presence of bald man.

“Where you reach Dandeker? And who is he?”

“Sir, your plan is in full swing. That is Appa. He is union leader in Kaizad’s iron mill. A worthy man for our plan.” Dandeker briefed and turned his head to Appa. But Appa was not there. He floored him self in Virmani’s feet. Dandeker smiled on his selection.

“Rise up Appa.” Virmani commanded Appa. Appa rose to his feet.

“Virmani Saheb! It seems I have touched the feet of Mahadev. I will feel proud if can even die for you.” Appa said in a hoarse voice.

“You look good to be alive. You don’t need to die.” joked Virmani. All smiled. Virmani clapped. A servant appeared with a bottle of whine. Virmani took the whine. Servant bowed and walked back.

“Appa, its French whine. Only few can get this kind of whine now a day. This one is for you.” Virmani bestowed the whine bottle to Appa. Appa took it as a devotee is taking ’prasad ’from the temple.

“You are so lucky Appa, enjoy this whine. You can go now. Virmani sir will call you up. Soon he will reacquire your services. ” Dandeker grinned. Appa bowed to Virmani and left. Now, Rao and Dandeker were alone there with Virmani. Ambience of the chateau became more mysterious.

“Rao, did Patil say something before he dies? Like anything relevant? ” Virmani came to the point. Rao looked to and fro and almost whispered.

“Nothing much, But I have a feeling that there are more like him, and yes, we got some contacts from his mobile. I suspect they are one them.” Rao said gingerly. That information brought some sign of panic on Virmani’s forehead. Dandeker was sitting his head down. He knew it’s not good news at all.

“There are more. That’s really bad. Did you find anyone of them? I mean the contacts you got from his phone?” Virmani asked in a staid voice. A shadow of fear came over on his face.

“Few of them, they are in our custody now. Rest of them change their hideouts before we could reach them.” Rao informed. Virmani lost in thinking something. He closed his eyes and sat calmly.

“Did you get something form them?” Virmani asked in a calm voice.

“Not much sir, they do admit that they knew Patil, but nothing else. We hope to get something soon.” Rao briefed. Virmani kept sitting with his eyes closed. Rao and Dandeker knew he was thinking something.

“Set them free.” Suddenly Virmani’s voice echoed. That instruction really surprised Rao and Dandeker.

“What sir? We are trying hard to get some information from them and I believe we will get something soon.” Rao reprimanded.

“I said free them. I never said to let them go.” Virmani said. Both couldn’t understand anything. He threw a puzzled glance at Virmani. Virmani opened his eyes.

“Let them go and keep an eye on them. May be they knew Patil, I mean, he had been an artist. He knew many parsons in Bombay. But that means nothing for us. We want those who are involved with him. Set them free and count every breath they take, Follow every move they make. Keep an eye on everything they do, and those who got vanished after the death of Patil, make sure they couldn’t get out of our clutches.” Virmani opened his eyes. Rao looked impressed with this plan.

“I salute you sir. Your wish is my command.” Rao bowed his head. Virmani smiled. Now, he turned to Dandeker.

“So Dandeker how is Mr. Uddhav Pawaar?” Virmani asked Dandeker. Dandeker was ready with his report.

“He is doing fine. He has to spend some more days behind bars. It’s being said that he is getting decent support from people of Bombay over the issue of outsiders.” Dandeker informed.

“Bombay is a cosmopolitan city. We welcome everyone comes to Bombay. This outsider issue has become stale. Forget it; let him have some more fun in the jail. How is our honorable chief minister Mr. Niteesh Devda?” Virmani sought the report.

“He is doing fine sir. His trip to Shrilanka was excellent. He will see you soon.” Dandeker reported obediently.

“Remember, whoever could play a spoiler in our plan should be bore down. You may go now.” Virmani gave the last instruction. Both wished him good night and left. Virmani sighed and closed his eyes. He kept sitting in this position for a while.

“Ravi, come here.” He called in his close and reliable aid Ravi Deshmukh. Ravi appeared before his master. His face was showing that there was something wrong.

“Sir, what did Rao say?” Ravi shot a question as soon as he appeared. Virmani gazed at him and sighed again.

“Same thing you said. Police got nothing from Patil. Neither from those who have been arrested after his death.” Virmani said in disappointed voice.

“That’s not a good news sir. So, what we are up to now?” Ravi asked in a panicked voice. Virmani flipped a glance at him. Thought for a while and asked-

“Whom did you say to kill him?” Virmani asked Ravi.

“Mohsin. He is software engineer in our company.” Ravi informed.

“A software engineer? Are you mad Ravi?” Virmani asked shockingly.

“Sir, you told me only not to evolve any of our professional killers. You doubted that some are in a deal with Kaizad. Remember? In fact, Mohsin has been a murderer. He has served jail prison in charge of a cold blooded murder.” Ravi reminded him and explained his choice. Virmani memorized his words.

“Did he tell you something? I mean did he look up his clothes after killing him?” Virmani asked restively.

“Sir I have told you, he got nothing remarkable from his clothes but a note book which I have already handed over to you. I specifically told Mohsin to look him up properly. I don’t think he missed any point.” Ravi counted on his man. But Virmani was not satisfied at all. Ravi was standing there holding his breath. He knew his master take care of his men who generally don’t go wrong and if something goes wrong from their side, they are punished the way they can never forget.

“Sir, I think we are getting apprehensive unnecessarily. May be he was working on it alone.” Ravi excerpted. Virmani looked at him, as he was trying to read his face.

“No Ravi, I don’t think so he was alone. I mean think yourself, if you are in Bombay and you are prying on the Gautam Virmani, will you dare do this alone? Never.” Virmani said and closed his eyes again. Whenever he had to think on an important matter, he closed his eyes and seated like this.

“We underestimated that bastard, old man and caught a Tarter in him.” Ravi said gnashing.

“Ravi, if we get to know what all he knew, that will be enough for me. But we know nothing about his information. And that’s my biggest worry. You are right Ravi, may be we are getting panicky unnecessarily but who knows that basted old man knew a lot? I can’t take a risk at this time.” Virmani said calmly.

“Sir, shall we postpone the plan for some more days?” Ravi asked timidly. This idea shocked Virmani. All of a sudden he rose to his feet.

“No Ravi no, we can’t fall back now. Everything is falling on the right place. At this stage, we can’t put off the plan even for a moment.” Virmani said frantically. Ravi cut a sorry figure. Virmani closed his eyes and sat on the sofa again. He kept sitting in this position for a while. Ravi knew his master was thinking something. He kept standing like a lifeless statue.

“Where is his dead body?” suddenly Virmani said. Ravi’s ears cocked up.

“We should ask Rao. I believe it’s still in police custody. Nobody claimed his dead body till the evening. Tomorrow, if it remains unclaimed, it would be cremated.” Ravi informed in a breath. That’s his way to speak. He wanted to deliver the information as soon as possible to his master. It seemed, he was always in hurry to deliver any relevant information to Mr. Virmani. It seemed, he lives in fear that if the information reach Mr. Virmani from someone else. It will affect his merit in eyes of his master. Virmani heard him. His eyes were still closed.

“Tell Rao to broadcast another video message. Let everyone know that if no one claims the dead body, it will be donated to medical collage for the students practical.” Virmani commanded his aid. Ravi threw a puzzled glance at his master. He couldn’t make anything of his plan. Virmani opened his eyes.

“If someone comes to claim his body, tell Rao to keep an eye on him or her. And take him or her in custody if needed.” Virmani said in a calm voice. Here he was, Virmani again came up with a master plan. Ravi was proud of his master.

“I will inform Rao.” Ravi said reverently. He was proud of serving a master like Virmani.

“And yes, say Rao to use his brain and reach the right person. I am a business man, killing or torturing someone unnecessarily will do nothing in my favor. I don’t want Rao and his police to waste time on wrong people or wrong things. They have other job to do for me.” Virmani instructed Ravi. Ravi bowed and imbibed each and every word of his master. Virmani sighed and rose to his feet.

“Do it Ravi and go home. You are going to have a hectic schedule in coming days. Remember, you are going to play an important role in my plan.” Ravi got puffed up on his master’s praise. He bowed and wished his master a good night and left. Virmani moved to his bedroom. He ascended the stairs and stepped in to his royal bedroom.

“Welcome, Mr. Gautam Virmani.” A feminine and intoxicated voice welcomed Virmani as soon as he entered his bedroom. Virmani smiled at Mahima Kapoor, who was lying on his bed. She was looking damn hot and pretty in her red colored one piece. Her fair, beautiful legs were looking fairer and prettier in dark red dress. Virmani removed his jacket and moved to her. Virmani sat on the bed. He kissed her white, soft feet. Mahima’s laughter clanked in bedroom. She rose now and sat in Virmani’s lap.

“You made me wait for long you know.” She said and caressed her fingers in his hair. Virmani contemplated at her pretty face.

“I have some important thing to do. These coming days are going to be very hectic for me.” Virmani coiled his arms around her waist. Mahima spread her curly black hair on his shoulder. They could now feel the heat of their breath on each other’s neck.

“You don’t need to tell me. You left me alone in your bedroom. That shows how important that was.” Said Mahima and smooched him. While kissing, Virmani put his hand on her knee. As the smooch went long his hand went up. Now, he was touching her bare thighs caressingly. Mahima kept on loving and finnaly, his hand went up again and slipped into her dress. That’s what she wanted. Virmani forgot about the world and lost in her beauty.

Mahima was pouring red whine for her and Virmani. She was in a white night gown now. Virmani was still lying naked on his bed. Staring at Mahima’s back. Mahima felt a glance stuck on her. She turned and smiled. She moved to the bed with two glasses of red whine. She handed over a glass to Virmani. Virmani rose and sit. He took a glass from her. Both clanked their glasses and started sipping the red whine. Mahima sat beside Virmani after a sip. She caressed his hair.

“What you are up to Gautam?” Mahima asked Virmani softly. Virmani looked at her. Sipped some whine from his glass and said.

“Soon you will know. In fact soon the whole world will know.” Virmani uttered. Mahima smiled.

“I have never seen you so perturb like this before. It must be something big.” Mahima whispered.

“You know, Gautam Virmani doesn’t believe in doing small things. Of course I am perturbed. Just think that’s my biggest plan ever.”

“At least, I deserve to be a part of this secrete.”

“In fact nobody can. Honey, you will know it soon. And yes, I might need you in this plan.”

Mahima rose to her feet. Virmani knew she didn’t like it at all. He dragged her in his bed again.

“You know what? I sleep with many women. But you know darned well that you keep a distinctive place in my heart. When you debuted in movies in 2010, I was only 17. I used to imagine about your beautiful body. Your beauty had come over my life. Soon, you started coming to my home to sleep with my father. I couldn’t imagine you warming up my dad’s bed. I used to hear your wincing coming from my dad’s bedroom. I used to feel that someone is pouring fire in my ears. I never hated my father before. Soon, you started dating my elder brother. I started hating him too. You snatched my family from me. I only had my mom left with me. ‘The great earthquake’ of 2029, took her away also. Now, I only have some things left with me like my power, my empire and you. And I don’t want to loose anything else now.” Virmani said sanguinary eyes. Mahima looked at him.

“O.k. sweet heart,” She said timidly. Virmani realized he overreacted. He left her arms and sighed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. But you know you are like a plinth for my life. I can afford the heaven but I can’t afford a defeat.”

Mahima looked at him sympathetically. She can recall when her movie career was in full swing, she used to be the darling of each party. But as the year went by, her career was overtaken by the comparatively young girls. In her happy days, she never saved for a rainy day. Because she never felt that she could face this kind of days when she will have neither work nor money. The industry that used to treat her with esteem and love had turned a blind eye. She forced herself in prostitution. But she could not hide her secret job from the tracing eyes of media. Her career was wiped out already now; it was her left over image which tumbled down in a moment. Once she thought of killing herself. But the apocalypse of 2029 changed everything. That brought destruction for billions but a new life for Mahima Kapoor. Her wish to live woke up all of a sudden to see the death and destruction all over.

Post apocalypse, Gautam Virmani’s bedroom became her last shelter. Although, she had noticed the fascination in young Gautama’s eyes, when she used to be the grace of the bedroom of his father. But that time she was a star and Gautam was only a teenager surviving on pocket money. Gautam and Mahima were the only emotional support of each other. They never talked about being in love with each other neither they expect loyalty.

Gautam Virmani had mistress all around the glob; on the other hand, Mahima needed rather young boys time to time to satisfy her lust. But they support and adore each other.

“By the way Gautam, what happened to your production house?” Asked Mahima when she realized Gautama’s angst had gone.

“Oh! It’s just around the corner. We are planning to produce 25 big budget movies in a row. Once it’s established, you will be all in all of the production house.” Gautam informed with a smile. Mahima wrapped her hands around him.

“Once, Bollywood used to be the biggest film industry in the world. We used to produce more than three hundred movies. But in last eight years, we only produced twenty one movies of low qualities. I want to see the Bollywood again in its full swing. And I know only you can fulfill my dream.”

“I will fulfill everything you dream about.” Said Gautam and both involved in each other again.

Chapter- Three: The Follow up Begins.

Tuesday, - 25-9-2034.

Aditya woke up early today. He was still not feeling well. Last night he went on bed with a burden. He decided to find out the culprit behind the murder of his Sunday evening companion. He was still in a fix, why he was doing all theses? He didn’t know. He had decided not to go office. He informed his boss about his decision. Aditya didn’t play truant. His boss granted him leave in no time.

Aditya prepared his break fast and pour himself a cup of tea. He had the breakfast and sat on a chair with the cup. Aditya was not able to decide, where to start from. Even he didn’t know the name of his friend of an evening. “If I get a link, anything related to his identity, it will be easy for me.” he thought. The evening of Sunday, started revolving in his memories. He couldn’t find anything which could help him in starting the follow up. He closed his eyes and concentrate. Suddenly he opened his eyes, rose to his feet and went to his bedroom. After an instant he turned up with a pen and a notebook. He sat on chair and closed his eyes again.

“I used to be a great playwright.” A dictum of the old man echoed in his mind. Aditya opened his eyes and repeated “a playwright.” and jotted it down on the notebook. He closed his eyes again.

“The name of our theatre group was ‘Loud-speaker.’ The old man’s voice echoed again. Aditya opened his eyes and wrote it down on his notebook “Loud- speaker.” He murmured. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate again. But the sound of a ‘beep’ coming from his mobile couldn’t let him concentrate. He took his mobile. There was a notification of a video message flashing on the screen.

“A video message?” Aditya murmured and clicked a key to watch the message.

“Yesterday, as we informed, we found a dead body of an old man, aged nearly fifty five, fair complexion wearing black trouser and white shirt. The dead body is still unclaimed. If you know the person or anything about the man, or you want to claim the dead body please contact Bandra police station. If body would remain unclaimed till the evening, it will be donated to the medical collage. Information over, Press 2 two save this video.” A feminine voice informed Aditya with some visuals of old dead man. Aditya pressed 2 and kept the phone on table. He glanced at watch. It’s 11 a.m.

“My friend, I neither could save you nor could have a drink with you. But I won’t let you go as an unclaimed dead body.” Aditya said to himself and left for the Bandra police station.

Bandra police station was being renovated. In fact whole Bombay police was going through a make over. Bulky, overweight cops were no more than a part of the force. Overweight cops were either demoted or suspended from the police force. Police had become better equipped and tech-savvy. Police stations were as clean as the other offices. Now, the walls of police stations were not painted red by the ‘Paan’ spewing cops, who used to syringe Paan like a venom spewing cobra.

Aditya entered the police station and found an enough good looking girl on reception.

“Excuse me!” Aditya caught her attention.

“Yes, how can I help you sir?” she replied without looking at him.

“I have received a video message about an unclaimed dead body found on linking Road. I knew that person. I want to claim his dead body.” Aditya cleared his motive to come to the police station.

“We have two dead bodies unclaimed. Which one are you talking about?” the receptionist asked. She was still not looking at Aditya.

“The old man, age nearly fifty five, see this.” Aditya took of his mobile and shown her the message. Receptionist startled. She threw a scanning glance at Aditya. Suddenly she reminded something.

“What’s your name?” she grinned.

“Aditya.” Aditya replied. “Aditya.” She repeated and rose to her feet.

“I am just coming. Till then, fill up this form.” she handed over a form and rushed inside. Her action puzzled Aditya for a while. He shrugged and started filling the form. After some instant the receptionist turned up with Rao. Receptionist pointed at Aditya. Aditya noticed it. Aditya recognized Rao because his photo used to be often published in news papers.

“Why she has come back the police commissioner of Bombay? Why the hell receptionist is pointing at me?” Aditya held his breath and thought. Rao started walking toward him. Aditya’s heart beat was going up. He was pretending his best to avoid him. He became busier with the form. Finally, Rao reached him. Aditya couldn’t pretend more than this. He raised his head and found Rao, smiling at him cunningly.

“Hallo! Mr. Aditya, how are you?” Rao asked in a soft voice.

“Sir, I am fine.” Aditya tried his best to hide his fear. Rao smiled back.

“Come with me Mr. Aditya.” Rao instructed him and walked towards inside. Aditya was standing in a fix. Rao took few steps and felt Aditya was not following him. He turned back and looked at him. Aditya remembered God and sighed.

“Give it to me.” the receptionist took the form from him and Aditya began to follow Rao.

“Pleas sit Mr. Aditya.” Rao took him into a room and motioned towards a chair. There was another man present who seemed to be a junior officer to Rao. Aditya followed his instruction like an obedient pet.

“So Mr. Aditya, I just want to know how you knew Mr. Sharma.” Rao asked in a grim voice. Aditya felt he was talking about the old man. He cleared his throat.

“Sir, I didn’t know him personally. I even didn’t know his name was Sharma. Last Sunday we met in Paradise club.” Aditya explained the sub and substance of the Sunday evening. Aditya froze his eyes on Rao’s face to see whether he was convinced enough with his story or not. Rao was in a fix. He sighed.

“So, the relationship of an evening and few drinks dragged you to the police station. Doesn’t it sound strange Mr. Aditya?” Rao snorted.

“I know it’s not worth believing. But that’s true. I owe him a drink. I don’t want let him go like an unclaimed dead body.” Aditya said in a hoarse voice. Rao was looking rather convinced with the story now. But he didn’t want to let him go easily.

“There is anything about that evening’s conversation, which Bombay police should know about.” Rao asked in a rather soft voice.

“Nothing sir, in fact we were badly drunk. He was narrating me his love story and I found it interesting. He told me once he fell in love with Bengali girl...”

“No, no, no, we are not interested at all in his love story, anything relevant? Try to remember Mr. Aditya. Perhaps you can help the police.” Rao interrupted his story and grinned. Aditya pretended to memorize something.

“Not much sir, May be you are interested in his family business?” Aditya asked innocently. Till then, Rao had realized he was not going to get anything from Aditya.

“No, no. we don’t need to know about his family business or anything else. Go outside do some formalities and you will be taken to the mortuary. There, you can receive his dead body.” Rao instructed him. Aditya left the room in no time.

“Sir, what do you think?” junior officer asked Rao. Rao looked at him and smiled.

“I believe on each and every word he said.” Rao excerpted.

“How can you be so sure? Sir.” junior officer was in a fix. Rao threw a meaningful smile at him.

“When I asked him how did you know Mr. Sharma, he didn’t react. If he had known him, he would’ve reacted. It means he really didn’t know the real name of Patil. He met him last Sunday, had few drinks with him and both stepped on their respective ways. When he saw the video message, he perturbed to see his dead body. And when he knew his body is unclaimed he came hear to claim his body. That’s it. That’s the roll of Mr. Aditya in this story. You know a guest appearance?” Rao explained his junior.

“Shall we worry about him?”

“Not much. Although, he is not going to trouble us at all yet, we can’t take a chance. Keep an eye on him for next twenty four hours and report me.”

“As you wish, but sir, why this Patil and his friends are so important for us?” the junior officer asked bewilderedly. Rao squinted at him.

“Just follow the orders. You don’t need to know everything.” Rao almost rebuked him. Poor junior pocketed an insult.

Aditya was still waiting in the courtyard. The receptionist, whom he met, was not on her chair. Aditya had no option but to wait. Just then, he noticed a young and beautiful leady coming to the police station. Aditya felt that he knew the girl and tried to place her. Till then, the young lady had entered the reception. She looked to and fro but didn’t find the receptionist. Young lady’s eye bumped into Aditya’s eyes. She took a sit beside Aditya. Aditya squinted at her.

“Excuse me! Are you Miss Chandani?” Aditya asked her politely. Chandani startled and looked at Aditya.

“Yes. How do you know me?” Chandani asked rudely.

“Actually I work for Swan Lake finance company. You have some installment dues. Yesterday, I went to your home but didn’t find you.” Aditya said with a smile. Chandani glared at her.

“Weren’t you told that you are not supposed to talk about the money to your client on a public place?” Chandani said annoyingly. Aditya looked at her confoundedly. He realized he was wrong. Both seated in silence for a while.

“Do you have any work here?” Aditya asked her gingerly. Chandani threw a withering glance at him.

“I often come here for fun.” She said wryly. But Aditya was not going to give in easily.

“I didn’t mean it. I have been seeing you. You seemed to be in hurry. May be, I can help you. I have decent contacts here.” Aditya bragged. Chandani thought for a while and realized this man can help her out. She smiled at him. Chandani knew the best how to finagle when she needs it.

“Actually, I have come here to claim a dead body. But see, nobody is here to tell me what to do.” she said in a spurious, soft voice. Aditya ears pricked up to hear that.

“Whose dead body it is? Aditya asked her skittishly. His facial expressions had changed and Chandani noticed that change.

“It’s my uncle’s dead body.” She stammered and lied but was caught. She couldn’t hide her trepidation from Aditya’s sharp eyes. Aditya took out his phone.

“Is it your uncle?” Aditya played the video and asked her. Chandani looked at the video and nodded.

“Mr. Sharma was your uncle?” Aditya grilled her. The torrent of questions made Chandani more nervous.

“Mr. Sharma? Yes, yes he was my uncle.” Chandani stammered again. Aditya was now hundred percent sure that she was lying. He knew that poor girl was going to get into hot water.

“Look Chandani, I know, you don’t know this man personally and I don’t know what your motive behind telling lei like this. But I am sure if you claim this dead body, you are going to get into trouble.” Aditya explained her in a panic voice. That revelation made Chandani more terrified.

“What rubbish. What have I done? You are trying to horrify me unnecessarily.” Chandani pretended her best to hide her fear but that did no help her.

“See, I know you are still lying. But if you get into trouble, I can’t help you.” Aditya cautioned her frankly.

“But” Chandani had a lot to ask but Aditya stopped her in between.

“Just leave before you stepped on wrong path. I have seen your home I will reach you and explain the matter but for God sake, leave for now. ” Aditya said almost threateningly. Chandani felt she should leave. She rose to her feet and rushed out of police station.

It was an enormous and exceptionally beautiful farm house sprawled on the heart of Versova. Since, population of the city had reduced to two millions; one third of Bombay had become secluded. Panvel and Khandala are not the only ideal and solitary places for a farmhouse. There was a pin drop silence pervaded in the farm house. Even one could hear his own breath. Only the chirping of birds could be heard. The palm trees are dancing at the tune of oceanic wind.

In the lawn, there was a man in white outfit. The man, constantly looking at his wrist watch, was looking restive. He took the cup from the tea table kept before him, and took a sip.

“Where is Guruji?” will he take some more time?” the man in white outfit asked a man who was in his full livery.

“Guruji has been informed about you. He is busy in his Tuesday worship. He won’t take much time I suppose. Sir, would you care for another cup of tea?” the man in livery informed him and asked him politely.

“I have already had three cups.” The man said annoyingly.

“Hear he is.” The man in livery informed. The white outfit man turned his glance and found Guru Divya Shakti Maharaj coming to him with his long acquainted smile. His saffron outfit was adding a luster in his persona. His shoulder long gray hair and gray beard was looking made of silver. The white outfit man stepped forward and touched his feet.

“Long live and Vijayee bhavah.” Guruji blessed him in a soft voice and motioned him to be comfortable. The white outfit man occupied the chair again. He was looking rather relaxed now.

“Devda, I know you are chief minister of the state but that doesn’t allow you to interrupt the worship of a devotee.” Guruji said wryly. C.M folded his hands.

“Guruji, we have only five days left but have lot to do. I don’t know what is going to be?” C.M. said in a perturbed voice. Guruji smiled again.

“Now that’s the problem with politicians. You guys are always in hurry. Lord Shiva took only a day to destroy the empire of Daksha. We still have five days. That’s enough for us. That takes only few moments to create something and fewer to destroy. Have you forgotten? On 3rd October 2029, the city was as pretty and prosperous as ever. But what happened next day? Lord Shiva opened his third eye and destroyed the city. His angst shook the earth and gulped all the sinners.” Guruji explained calmly. This pravchan added more fuel to fire. C.M. was in no mood to here this kind of good words. But he didn’t allow his annoyingness to appear on his face. He just smiled.

“But Guruji, we must get serious now. After all, we are going to take the biggest step in the Indian history.” C.M. excerpted with a phony smile. A sign of concern had appeared on Guruji’s face.

“Do you think I am not taking it seriously? But what can I do? Gautam has taken each and every thing on his own shoulder. Where is he? He told me to be here at eleven. It has become more than twelve. He should’ve been here till now.” Guruji glanced at his wrist watch.

“He is the only busy man in the city. We are all reckless. I have to see a team of foreign delegates at one.” C.M. spitted his anger. Suddenly a sound of applying break echoed and the attention both gentlemen awaiting there. That was announcement of arrival of Gautam Virmani.

“Here he is.” Guruji said with a smile. Both rose to there feet and went ahead to receive the new visitor. Gautam appeared with his long acquainted aristocratic walk. He was as usual, in a three piece suit. His black shoes were shining like a mirror as one can see his face in it.

“Sorry gentlemen, you had to wait. I had an important meeting.” Gautam explained and took the third chair which was lay neglected till now.

“That’s nothing Gautam Saheb. If you tell me to wait on my left leg, I won’t feel bad.” C.M. grinned. Who could say he was the man who was abusing Gautam few moments back. Gautam smiled. He knew the disposition of the crafty C.M.

“I know C.M. Saheb that’s why I have chosen you for this job.” Gautam remarked. Guruji enjoyed it and smiled. C.M knew Gautam was hitting on him. He squirmed but he knew it doesn’t make a difference. Guruji made an allusion to his servant. He bowed and went inside.

“Gautam, C.M. has some words to say.” Guruji came to the point in no time. Gautam shot a glance at C.M. C.M. grinned.

“What I am saying Gautam Saheb, we have only five days left. What is the progress?” C.M. asked as politely as ever. Gautam stared at him for an instant.

“Guruji and C.M. Saheb, We all know that we are working on an earth shattering plan. And you know it darn well I have involved only few people in it whom I can count on. I assure you everything is going to be as per the plan.” Gautam explained. The servant appeared with a trey in his hand and put it on table and walked away.

“Have some juice Gautam.” Guruji asked Gautam politely. Gautam took a glass of orange juice and started sipping.

“What happened to that man you were talking about last time?” Guruji asked Gautam. Gautam stopped sipping and contemplated at Guruji.

“He has been sent where he belongs to.” Gautam said and resumed sipping. C.M. looked at Guruji quizzically.

“What happened to those who were with him?” Guruji came to point. C.M. held his breath. He wanted to ask this question but couldn’t collect courage. A line of soreness appeared on Gautama’s face and Guruji noticed it. Virmani put the empty glass on table.

“Honestly, we don’t know whether he was doing it alone or he had a company. We still have to find out.” Virmani said in a rather tense voice. C.M. threw a

“Guruji, what will happen now? What I will do if plan fails? I got into this plan at the stake of my career. Guruji, you are a spiritual guru and Virmani Saheb owns an immense business empire. But I will be ruin if it doesn’t work.” C.M. started jabbering like an insane.

“Devda Saheb, you involved in this plan on your own accord. And this plan could not get failed. I told you this is not going to be a bed of roses.” Virmani said annoyingly.

“Peace, peace gentlemen, anger spoil everything. Peace. C.M., have some water. You need rest.” Guruji said in a calm voice and clapped twice. A pretty young girl appeared in saffron clothes from inside. She came to Guruji and bowed.

“Gentlemen, she is my sevika Deepshikha.” Guruji introduced his sevika to the guests. Deepshikha greeted them with a sweet Namaste.

“You know what C.M? You think a lot about the mundane affairs you should forget all these haywires for a while. Deepshikha will help you in it.” Guruji said and made an allusion to Deepshikha. Deepshikha put her soft hand on Devda’s shoulder.

“Come with me sir,” she said in soft voice and took C.M. inside. ‘Son of bitch’ Virmani murmured and spitted with anger.

“You did right thing Guruji that you shooed him away. Some time I feel that pitching him into this plan was a blunder. Scoundrel.” Virmani snorted.

“Peace Gautam. He is not here now. Now tell me what the progress is” Guruji asked in a calm voice. Virmani sighed.

“I told you, I don’t know who all were there with Patil and we don’t know what all he knew about our plan.” Virmani explained flatly. Guruji sighed and contemplated at the horizon. This report weakened the line of peace on his face.

“I hope you realize that’s not good news for us. Did you talk to them about it Gautam?”

“Not yet Guruji, in fact, I am not going to talk on this issue. I briefed them in the morning but didn’t speak about it. It’s our problem and we have to solve it.”

“You did the right ting Gautam. If they realize we are getting weak, they might go to Kaizad. And we can’t bare this loss. How long Patil had been spying on us?”

“Six months we believe.”

“Six months? Hmm” Guruji contemplated at the horizon again.

“He had been keeping an eye on us, and we took six months to find it out? Bombay police were on sleeping pills?” Guruji uttered.

“Bombay police? They are good for nothing. It’s my team of detectives who sniffed his presence.” Virmani said wryly.

“Who sent Patil behind you?”

“Who else? The Indian government.”

Both paused for a while. Only the wind was contributing in making sound. Even the birds stopped chirping for an instant. It seemed they were realizing it’s not right time to chirp.

“Forget it. Stick to the plan. May be, Patil got nothing out of his spy act. Not even a respectful death.” Guruji tried to ease the pain. That brought some relief on Virmani’s face. He took out a cigar and flashed it.

“You are right Guruji. His body was still unclaimed till yesterday. I instructed Rao to inform me if someone comes to claim his body. That might be the missing link of our phantom friends.” Virmani put his view. Guruji eyes glistened.

“What did Rao say?” Guruji said in exhorted voice. Virmani was busy in making the smoke ring carelessly.

“He has to report me yet.” Virmani reported. Suddenly, Devda appeared half necked. He was looking rather satisfied and happy.

“Come, come Devda, I hope Deepshikha took a good care of your wishes.” Guruji asked Devda. Devda grinned.

“Guruji, you are so lucky that you have sevika’s like Deepshikha. I need some women volunteer for my party. I hope you will take care of my wish.” Devda grinned.

“Once we succeed” said Virmani “there will be no shortage of anything Devda Saheb. Just keep your self calm. We will savor the victory.” Virmani offered him a cigar. Devda nodded.

“Virmani Saheb, after lord Ganesha, I only worship you.” Devda flattered. Guruji squinted at Virmani.

“Guruji, allow me I have to go now. We have a lot to work on.” Said Virmani and rose to his feet. Devda and Guruji stood.

“Gautam, keep calm, Lord Shiva is there.” Guruji said in a calm voice. Virmani nodded, touched his feet and walked away. Guruji and Devda took their seats as soon as Gautam left.

“Guruji, even I have a cabinet meeting but I want to say bye to Deepshikha if you allow me.” Devda grinned. Guruji smiled and nodded. Devda bowed and went inside.

Aditya was waiting outside of mortuary folding his hands. He was thinking about Chandani and was trying to link her role in this case. He couldn’t make anything.

“I have only her who can give me a lead.” he thought.

“Mr. Aditya.” A feminine voice interrupted his thought. He threw a glance at the direction the voice came from. He found a young girl whose livery was telling that she was the employee of the mortuary. He stood up.

“Come with me.” the young girl instructed and walked. Aditya followed her and found himself in mortuary after some steps.

“Here is your man.” The girl showed him a dead body and left him alone. The dead body’s face was covered with a white sheet. Aditya raised his hand to uncover his face but dragged it back. He stared at the dead body for an instant and gathered some courage. He uncovered the face. His vivid eyes were closed, the talkative lips were silent. Aditya gazed at his face. He was sleeping like an innocent baby. Aditya touched his face carefully as he didn’t want to awake him from a sound sleep. His talks were echoing in Aditya’s ears.

“I used to be a great playwright, ’the change is imminent. ’You don’t know the value of freedom.” Aditya recalled his talks. Aditya couldn’t recall when tears rolled down last time from his eyes. When he left his city, he left his feelings his emotions behind. He left everything which can be hurdle in surviving in the new world. But today he couldn’t reign in his tears.

“Mr. Aditya, here you are.” The girl who left Aditya turned back with a Polly bag in her hand.

“What are these?” Aditya took the bag from her and started seeing over it.

“It’s his belongings. His clothes and some more things which we found from him.” The girl explained in a mugged up manner.

“Would you like to cremate him right now?” the girl asked flatly. Aditya thought for a while and nodded.

“Follow me.” the girl said and stepped ahead. Aditya knew he had to go through some formalities to cremate the dead body. He followed the women. He was taken to a room and given a form to fill. Since, traditional cremation had been banned in view of ecosystem and all. Aditya was left with the only option to use electric crematorium. Soon, Aditya was taken to the crematorium where the dead body was kept already.

“So you claimed the body?” a man standing there asked. Aditya looked at him and nodded. The man sighed.

“He was very lucky. I can’t remember how many dead bodies have been cremated unclaimed since I have been working here.” The man sighed. A pale smile appeared on Aditya’s face.

“Would you like to see him last time?” the man asked. Aditya stared at him and nodded. Aditya stepped ahead for the last meeting with his an evening old friend.

“I still owe you a drink, remember.” Aditya put his hand on his forehead and whispered. Tears rolled down again and dropped on Patil’s face. Aditya smiled and said the last goodbye to his friend. He took some step back and motioned the man to start it. The dead body slide inside. Aditya kept seeing him until it disappeared.

“Sir, Rao Saheb has been waiting for you.” Gautam Virmani was informed by a butler in full livery, as soon as he returned to his chateau. Virmani found Rao waiting in his vast living room. Rao rose to his feet as soon he noticed Virmani’s presence. Virmani made an allusion to be comfortable.

“Give me good news Rao.” Virmani lit up his cigar. Rao cleared his throat.

“I have news but don’t know whether it’s good or bad.” Rao said timidly.

“What happened?” Virmani asked curtly.

“Sir, a young man came to claim his body. I examined him in my way and got nothing relevant.” Rao informed. Virmani looked at him and lost somewhere.

“Anything else about the guy?” Virmani asked.

“Sir, his name is Aditya and he works for company as a recovery agent. He lives alone, Spends most of the time in office and sank himself in drink and girls in the weekend.” Rao briefed him in a breath.

“Hmm” Virmani sighed and inhaled a puff. “How did he know Patil?” he asked after an instant.

“He told me, he met him last weekend only, had few drinks and words with him. When saw the visual of Bombay police, he came to claim the body.” Rao briefed him as he was expecting this question. Virmani glared at him.

“What?” screamed he “he gave the childish reason like this and you let him go?” Virmani said wroth fully. Rao smiled.

“Sir, he was saying cent percent true. Even he didn’t know the name of Patil. I told him his name was Sharma and he didn’t react anything. To be sure, I asked the men who had been given the responsibility of keeping an eye on Patil. They confirmed that they never saw Aditya before with him. If you say, I will ask paradise club for the footage of Sunday evening.” Rao said proudly. Virmani was looking rather satisfied now.

“Do whatever you think. I don’t want to leave any stone untouched. Leave some men behind him.” Virmani instructed.

“I have already done it sir; I think if we are expecting to get some relevant information from him, I am sorry to say that we are in for a big disappointment.” Rao grinned with proud. Virmani threw an admiring look at him and smiled.

“You know what Rao, some time I feel that you are the only smart person I have included in this plan, who knows his job.” Virmani admired. Rao got puffed up on theses words of admiration.

“Sir how was your meeting with Guruji and C.M Saheb?” Rao asked him timidly. Virmani knew its result of the admiration he received just now; other wise he wouldn’t have dared to ask it. He took a puff again.

“Nothing, they are ready with their part. I told you Rao, I set a great store by you. I wouldn’t be shy to admit that without you, this plan would be succeed only in dreams. But your involvement made it clear that this plan will be a success.” Virmani admired him again. Virmani is a real ’baniya’ who know how to drag out the best from anyone. He knows these kinds of admiration works as a fuel for Rao.

“Sir I am your slave.” Rao dramatically bowed.

“But your job is not done and you know it. Once our plan succeeds, you will be given bigger responsibilities to shoulder.” Virmani cautioned. Rao grinned.

“You may leave Rao.” Virmani ordered Rao; Rao bowed and obeyed his orders. Now, Virmani was sitting alone in the living room. He closed his eyes and lost in tanking something.

“Sir, Mr. Ravi is here.” The butler informed Virmani. Virmani startled. He threw a glance at his costly wrist watch which informed him its 3 p.m.

“Ravi, This time?” thought he. Ravi comes every evening for the regular briefing. But his presence at this time is unexpected and unusual for sure.

“Send him in.” he commanded the butler and rose to his feet. He started walking to and fro in the living room.

“Good after noon sir.” Ravi made his unusual presence. Virmani looked at him quizzically.

“Be comfortable, what took you here at this time?” Virmani asked. But Ravi, seemed to be in hurry didn’t took a seat.

“Sir, Jabbar Kaskar has come and wants to meet you.” Ravi informed in his long acquainted way.

“When, Where is he?” the news almost made him jump.

“In the morning, He told me he had been trying to reach you since morning.” Ravi informed in a breath. Virmani realized he must’ve called when he was with swami and C.M. Saheb. He knew Jabbar has to come today only, but it totally slipped from his mind. Virmani took a long pause. He wanted a meeting with Jabbar as soon as possible but he knew he must wait for the suitable time. Because not the whole city knew that the close aid of Kaizad Vadia passes on confidential professional information to his rival Virmani. Recently he went on a professional tour to China with his boss Kaizad, and now he was back with some relevant information which can help his ‘undercover boss’ Virmani.

“Ravi,” Virmani almost whispered after a long session of thinking. Ravi got closer to him and bent forward to hear the command.

“When you come for the daily briefing, get him with you. And you know darned well, you don’t have to let anyone know his presence.” commanded Virmani. Ravi soaked each and every word of command coming from his boss carefully and nodded.

“You may go now.” Virmani ordered. Ravi bowed and left his boss alone. Virmani closed his eyes and lost somewhere. He knew the high time had announced its arrival.

Chandani was sitting terrified in her bedroom. Whatever had happened in the morning was not a pleasant experience at all. She was a girl who believes in live fast and didn’t want to indulge herself in any trouble. All she cared for in her whole life is money and a comfortable life. She believes in live and let live.

“Why that man said I might get into trouble? Why he almost made me run away from the police station? Who was that young man? What’s his connection with the old man? Was that old man a criminal? Who the hell was he?” all these questions were gnawing her inside. She had been surviving on pain killer and tea since morning. The tension was blowing her head. She decided to have some sleep, although she had been trying for this since last few hours but it seemed she had go through theses questions in her full senses. She closed her eyes and tried to make herself sleep.

“Ding dong.” The loud sound of her door bell rang and forced Chandani to open her eyes. She rose and sat.

“Who might be there at this time?” terrified Chandani became more terrified. The loud bell rang again and that created titillation in her. Today, the sound of doorbell became the most horrible sound for Chandani.

“Who is there? She asked in a shivering voice, and received no reply. That made her more frightful. She gathered some courage and asked again.

“Who is there?” this time she screamed in a rather rasp voice.

“Miss Chandani, it’s me, Aditya. Remember I met you at the police station in the morning?” Aditya replied. Chandani was relieved to hear his voice. But the very next instant a shadow of fear hovered over her mind.

“What is he doing here? How can I count on a man whom I met in this morning only? That too in this baleful situation.” Chandani couldn’t decide anything.

“Miss Chandani, are you there? Please open the door. We need each other’s help.” Aditya kept on pleading. Chandani realized he is not going to go back. She felt she got into an uninvited situation and she must tackle it. She remembered God and decided to open the door. She stepped towards the door gingerly. She took a vase to protect herself from any danger. But soon she realized if someone like Virmani or Kaizad is behind her back; forget about a flower vase, no power in this world can save her. She kept the vase aside, hardened her heart and opened the door.

“Are you o.k. Miss Chandani? Thank god you opened the door.” Aditya banged inside as soon as the door was opened.

“What do you want from me?” Chandani asked him before he could get comfortable. This sudden and unexpected gesture puzzled Aditya. He did expect this question but didn’t expect it will come in this way.

“Can I have a glass of water?” Aditya demanded, although he didn’t want to, but he could bear the thirst anymore.

“Sit here. I will be back.” Chandani instructed him and went in the kitchen. She squinted at Aditya. She turned back with a glass of water after an instant. Aditya took the glass and emptied it in no time. He was still perspiring. Chandani looked at him sympathetically him. But she was still careful.

“Now tell me, what do you want?” Chandani repeated her question as soon as Aditya kept the glass as she was waiting for this moment only. Aditya was ready for this.

“I just wanted to know. How do you know Mr. Sharma.?” Aditya asked her gingerly. Chandani didn’t know what to say? She sighed and sat.

“Look Aditya, I don’t know why are you asking these questions to me and I don’t know who are you? But whatever I am going to say is hundred percent true. And the truth is, I didn’t know Mr. Sharma personally. Even I dint know his name before today morning.” said Chandani in a breath. Aditya sprang to hear that.

“You didn’t know him personally? So why did you come to claim his dead body? If not personally, how do you know him?” Aditya asked frantically. Chandani sat in silence for a while.

“Look, you will find my story unbelieving. But as I told you, I am saying truth nothing else. I met the old man last Saturday. I met him on linking Road on that evening when I was expecting a customer.

“Customer?” Aditya interrupted. Chandani sighed.

“I am a part time call girl.” Chandani gave him a cool response. Aditya was stunned on this gesture.

“I don’t know what you make of It.” continued Chandani “that doesn’t bother me at all. Anyway, I was looking for a customer on Saturday night. I was badly drunk. I noticed the old man there only.” Chandani elaborated the whole incident of that inauspicious night.

“That’s all from me. I don’t know you believe my story or not. But that is truth. It was my first and last meeting with Mr. Sharma. I was touched by his gesture so couldn’t not help my self when I saw his dead body. I took a human step and now you are telling me I am in big trouble. What the hell.” Chandani spat her tartness out. Aditya gazed at her. He couldn’t believe that a relationship of an evening can lead someone to this stage. But he had all reason to believe Chandani. After all, he went through the same. Both paused for a while.

“Why did you say that I might get into trouble?” Chandani broke the ice. Aditya raised his head and looked at her pretty face. He was not able to get where to start from.

“My story is much similar to yours. I also made it to the police station to carry the friendship of an evening. I was not acquainted to the existence of Mr. Sharma before the Sunday evening, where I was having some drinks to eradicate the fatigue and the frustration of the whole week.” Aditya narrated his story from beginning to end.

Both were sitting quietly. Trying to figure out the similarities between their stories, similarities between their bond with unfortunate old man and semiliterate between their emotions.

“How strange isn’t it? Post apocalypse I decided to shoo away emotions and humanity from my soul and promised myself never to use heart. But see. That old man gave me the warmth of a relation but that was only for an evening. I bet, if he had been alive, I would’ve forgotten his existence. But his death...” Aditya paused. Chandani gazed at his teary eyes.

“Aren’t I going through the same emotion?” thought Chandani. But the next instant she became careful.

“Why did you say I am in trouble? Chandani came to the point. This question awoke Aditya. He put his emotion aside.

“I have a feeling that the old man has been killed and that too for a strong reason.” Said he.

“I know. He was robbed. And the robbers, if they were more than one, killed him to avoid the fear of being identified.” Chandani expressed his opinion like an expert.

“But do you know what has been robbed? A robber knows whom to rob and the old Mr. Sharma was not a good choice for robbing. I mean, if I had been a robber I wouldn’t have chosen a shabby old man to rob.” Aditya explained. Chandani too believe this killing for a reason theory but she had been consoling herself by avoiding the theory of any kind of conspiracy. But it seemed her fear had decided to come true.

“But why? I mean why someone wanted to kill an old man?” Chandani asked in a perturbed voice.

“Neither I know, nor do I expect you to know this. We both had a one day old acquaintance with him. But I am sure; this mystery revolves around some big guns.”

“Big guns? But it might be a common case of murder. I mean property, extramarital affairs, etc.” Chandani consoled herself again. She knew some big players have been part of this. But how can she accept that her fate crossed the way of theses big players?

“It does involve big guns in it. I mean the way I was interrogated while claiming the dead body, was not normal. This was being watched by the police commissioner itself. Do you think police commissioner has time to interrogate each and every person comes to claim unclaimed dead bodies?” Aditya explained. His explanation made Chandani more terrified. She gazed at his face. She was expecting him to say all happened was a case of robbery or anything else. But Aditya broke her heart. Aditya rose to his feet.

“I have more reason to believe that there is a conspiracy behind his murder, a conspiracy involving big men in it.” Aditya took some step and halted near the window. He motioned Chandani to come closer. Chandani rose and went closer to him.

“Look at him.” Aditya moved the curtain of the window gingerly. Chandani took a glance of out side. He noticed a man in black jacket moving randomly around his house.

“What should I make of it?” Chandani couldn’t understand why she should care about a young man staring at his house.

“He has been following me since the morning. I have never seen this guy before.” Aditya made it clear and adjusted the curtain. He did it so carefully that they could see their visitor but the visitor couldn’t see he had been noticed. Both moved from the window and took their seat. The uninvited guest added more fear inside Chandani. She couldn’t think before this morning she was going to face all these. She knew she had stuck in a trouble.

“All I have to say, be careful.” Aditya rose to leave. Chandani was in a fix. She didn’t know what to do. But suddenly she realized if she is in trouble, she can’t conquer it alone. She needs a hand.

“Stop, stop. You can’t leave me like this.” Chandani was standing between Aditya and door. Aditya knew she was afraid of what happened. But what he could do?

“Look Miss Chandani, I can’t sit and protect you for long. Even I have no idea how long can I stay away of all these.” Aditya tried to explain her.

“I know. I know that too nobody can protect me and you also if there are really big men are involved in all these things. But we can work together. That’s the only way out.” Chandani persuaded him. Aditya had been realizing the fact he can’t do this alone. But what a part time call girl can do for her?

“I have decided to go at the back of the matter. You will be in trouble if you come with me.” Aditya didn’t want a spoiler in his plan. Chandani felt it’s not going to work easily.

“Have a seat. I forgot to tell you something.” Chandani grinned. Aditya threw a puzzled glance at her. He repossessed the chair. Chandani took a chair and sighed.

“I know there is conspiracy; I mean I always knew, long before you told me I had smelled the presence of an intrigue.” Chandani revealed. That revelation shocked Aditya. How the hell he could imagine that everything happened so easily?

“You know which big man is involved in this.” Chandani grinned. Aditya nodded. Now Chandani was terrorizing him.

“Kaizad, Kaizad Vadia.”

“Kaizad Vadia.” Aditya repeated. He could make no sense out of all these. Why a tycoon like Kaizad Vadia wanted to kill an old playwright?

“I know, what thinking blowing your head. Why Kaizad would kill an old man?” Chandani deduced what is running in his mind. She took a long breath.

“Mr. Sharma was working for Virmani. He must be a member of his private detective team. He was sniffing each and every movement of Kaizad. And it turned out to be the reason behind his death.” Chandani explained. Aditya threw a puzzled glance at her.

“How can you be sure?”

Chandani knew this question will appear soon. She sighed.

“Last month, I spent a weekend with Jabbar Kaskar. You know who Jabbar Kaskar is?”

“Close aid of Kaizad.”

“Mr. Sharma somehow knew about it. The old man came to me with some questions about Jabbar.” Chandani described the story of the night end to end.

A silence pervaded between them. Chandani delivered what she had to say. Aditya was sitting silently, trying to figure out a sense of the matter.

“Why did you cover this to me, I mean why didn’t you tell me about the incident of Jabbar earlier?” Aditya complained. Chandani contemplated at his face and sighed.

“I still wouldn’t have shared it. But I have no way left. If I am in trouble, as you say and as I feel, so how can I count on a man whom I met in the morning only. I still don’t know who you are and what your intentions are; I don’t know whether you are a friend or foe. But that’s a fact I have only you as an option.” Chandani clarified in a breath. Aditya sighed. He knew she was right. Nobody could be believed under these circumstances.

“Look Miss Chandani, I have no way to prove that I am a person who can be easily trusted. But as you said, there is no window open and I am your only option. But I bet you want to help me in this matter, because somewhere you felt bad about the old man. I have decided to get at the back of the case, and I need a hand. You know the perils of this matter but still if you can help me there will be nothing like that.” Aditya cleared his intentions and waited for her response. Chandani’s eyes were frozen on his face. She could read the firm determination on his face. She had always been a skeptical. She knew that there is no place for trust in this new world. And whatever she had to go through could turn anyone into a skeptical and overcautious. He was right she was feeling bad about the old man. He was the only who didn’t treat her as a peace of flesh. Chandani was living with the guilt that the old man was killed over the information he received through her. Chandani always thought about herself, it was the first time she was thinking about anyone else.

“But what we are going to do, and how? You know we have nothing in our hand right now.”

Aditya found her consent in “we”. Aditya felt he was not alone anymore, although he had decided to do it alone. He realized the jeopardy of the case He didn’t want to drag her in it.

“I told you I met him in paradise club and had plenty of words with him. I know something about him and we will start from there.” Aditya explained his unprepared plan.

“What will by my role?”

“I will tell you latter. Let me decide my role first. Thank you Miss Chandani for whatever you did for me.” Aditya showed his gratitude.

“I did it for myself and yes, if we are going to work together, we must get comfortable with each other. I am Chandani here is my card.” Chandani handed over a visiting card to him. Aditya scanned the card and pocketed it carefully.

“O.k. Miss Chandani… I mean Chandani. I must go now but we must get rid of the devil outside.” Aditya motioned toward the window. The snoop man was totally got slipped from her mind. She looked at him quizzically.

“I have an idea.” Spoke Aditya with a smile.

Chandani came to the door to see off. The man was waiting for them only he became alert. He looked at them gingerly as they couldn’t see him, unaware from the fact that his presence had been caught.

“He is staring at us.” Chandani said without looking at him.

“Let him stare. He has been hired for this. You do your work.” Aditya said with a smile. Chandani made a garland of her hands and wrapped it around Aditya. The man became more alert. Both were looking like love birds.

“Now, do it.” Aditya instructed. Chandani smooched him hard. The man’s opened wide to see all this. After a long session of kiss Chandani left Aditya. Both were taking long breaths. Aditya couldn’t get what happened just now.

“Chandani, I only told you to hug me. What did you do?”

“This kiss will leave no piece of doubt in him, and don’t pretend like you didn’t enjoy it. Now, react normally. React like this kiss was usual and expected to you. Look happy you will spoil everything.” Chandani scolded him in a low voice and with a smile. The man could only see there smiling faces but couldn’t hear a single word of what they were talking. Now the love birds said bye to each other. Aditya left and Chandani kept looking at him lovingly. Aditya passed by the man completely ignoring him. Chandani went inside her home completely ignored the existence of the man. The man took out a sell phone.

“Sir, that guy Aditya came to see a call girl named Chandani... No, no, sir they seemed to be love birds... yes sir I am sure I saw them kissing... yes sir I have been keeping an eye on him from the beginning of the day and found nothing suspicious. Yes sir... yes sir... shall I continue following him sir... no sir I don’t think so. I agree sir we are wasting our time over him. O.k. sir, good night,” The man hung up the phone.

Gautam Virmani was sitting in his enormous chateau with a drink. A lot was going on in his mind. he was sipping from the glass to refresh his mind that he could think better. He didn’t forget to throw a glance on his precious wrist watch that shows he was eagerly waiting for someone.

“Mr. Ravi is here.” The liveried butler informed Virmani. Virmani startled and rose.

“Is he alone?” Virmani asked.

“He is accompanied by someone.”

“Do you know who is he?”

“I went trough that visitor first time sir.”

Virmani was satisfied to know that the butler didn’t place Jabbar. He wanted to keep this meeting under wrap.

“O.k. send them in.” commanded he. The butler bowed and left to obey his words.

Virmani started pottering around the living room restively.

“Did he come up with what I want? If he has come with it that will be the only good thing happened today with Me.” he was fuming the smoke of his costly cigar.

“Good evening sir.” Ravi wished Virmani as soon as he appeared. Virmani turned back and found Ravi standing with a visitor equipped with a hat and goggles.

“Good evening Ravi. How are you doing Jabbar?” Virmani welcomed Jabbar. Jabbar bowed with respect.

“Enjoying your grace sir,” Jabbar replied in a peculiar manner. Jabbar Kaskar, a close aid to Virmani’s rival Kaizad Vadia, a shrewd executive adept in art of everything. A tall man with small, knave eyes which were bestowing a peculiar heinousness to his personality. He looked all around with his knave, small and scanning eyes.

“You can be comfortable Jabbar.” ordered Virmani. Jabbar sloughed his hat and goggles. Now he could be identified.

“Sir, as you ordered, without letting anyone know.” Ravi crowed. Virmani flipped an admiring glance on him.

“Well done my boy, that’s why I leave this kind of confidential cases on you.” Virmani applauded Ravi. Ravi got puffed up.

“I hope Jabbar you have brought nice gifts for me from china.” Virmani asked with a smile.

“I can’t recall the day when I came to you empty handed.” Jabbar replied shrewdly. That answer eased the pain of Virmani.

“Come with me.” Virmani ordered and walked toward inside. Both followed him.

“Ravi, wait here for an instant.” Suddenly Virmani turned and commanded.

“W… what sir,” Ravi couldn’t believe his ears that he was told to stay behind.

“I have some important issues to discuss with Jabbar. Till then, be prepared with your briefing, I want it as soon as I come back.” Commanded Virmani and went inside a room followed by Jabbar. He closed the door on Ravi’s face. That action left Ravi clueless. There is no professional issue which can be discussed before him. He had always been a part of every business talk, doesn’t matter how confidential it was. Jabbar had shared many secretes of Kaizad with Virmani in front of Ravi in past. But this time…

“What the hell kind of secret professional talks is that which I cant be a part of? Virmani sir had never objected my presence in a professional talk doesn’t matter how confidential that was.” Poor Ravi couldn’t help thinking.

“What kind of professional information Jabbar is passing on sir which I can’t hear. There might be two reasons behind this gesture either it’s a top secret kind of information or…it’s not a professional information at all.” The second possible reason sent a shiver through him.

“Is it possible? Are they really talking about a secret matter which is not related to business? No, no it’s not possible. Virmani sir has nothing got to do with any unprofessional matter. And if it is possible, if it is really not related to business, what it relates to?” the poor, bewildered man left with no clue. And the secret talk was on behind the closed doors.

Chapter Four- Two is a Company.

Wednesday- 26-9-2034

Chandani lay awake for whole night. She left the bed finally. But she was not tired at all. She was filled with energy of listening to her heart after ages. She made herself a cup of tea. She took the cup and sipped it once. She discovered that she was good enough at making tea. She was having a glance of outside through the window. She noticed a little girl on her way to school with a man possibly her father. The little girl held the big palm of her father with her tiny hand. That scene filled Chandani with a joy. But the next instant some drops of tears rolled out of her eyes. She could recall the moment when she used to go school like this only. She had always been treated not less than a princess by her father. A smile appeared on her face without letting her know. She could not recall the moment when smile and tears came together in her life last time. She had almost buried this divine emotion way back. But today she felt it’s still alive somewhere in her. She went back in kitchen and dumped the empty cup in sink. Just then her mobile rang. She left kitchen to receive the call. The name of Leena was flashing on screen. Chandani smiled and received the call.

“Where you have been baby? No office no calls?” Leena showered the question as soon as she received the call.

“At least I deserve a good morning.” Chandani complained.

“Don’t act smart. That’s not the answer.”

“I had some work sweetheart.”

“May I know what kind of work?”

“Meet me. I will explain myself.”

“O.k., see you in office. And I am gonna kill you if you say you are not coming.” Leena warned Chandani. Chandani bit her tongue.

“Actually Leena, I am not coming today. I have some important issue to solve.” Chandani hesitated. That lam excuse annoyed Leena.

“What the hell work is this which became impotent than your office work…Wait a minute...” suddenly Leena got something “does this work belong to that dead old man?” Leena asked in a puzzled voice. There was a pause on the other side of phone. That paused gave the message to Leena.

“Are you crazy Chandani? I told you to forget about him but...” Leena was interrupted.

“Leena I can’t leave it like this. Meet me its matter is not an easy one.” Chandani confided and cut the line. She was in no mood of listening to the warning words from her friend. She knew Leena cares for her. She sighed and sat for a while. She took the mobile and dialed Aditya.

“Good morning Chandani. How are you?” Aditya greeted her as soon as he received the call.

“Morning Aditya, I wanna meet you.” Chandani habitually came to point in no time. That gesture caught Aditya off guard.

“O.K, where should we meet?”

“Bloomsbury cafe, I will be there in an hour. Be there and make sure you are not being followed.” Chandani suggestion came as a command.

“I have same words to say. See you in an hour.” Informed Aditya and hung up the phone.

Chandani had been waiting for Aditya for almost half an hour. She was sipping the Turkish coffee she ordered herself.

“Chandani.” Suddenly she heard someone whispered her name. She was taken aback and looked to and fro but found no one.

“This way, I am here.” A stranger in cap and goggles whispered. Chandani glanced at him and tried her best to place him. The stranger waved at Chandani and rose to his feet. He took some step and occupied the chair opposite Chandani.

“If it’s a joke it’s not funny at all. You made me wait for half an hour and appeared like a secret agent. What the hell was that?” Chandani rebuked the stranger. The stranger removed his cap and goggles. Now Aditya was looking much normal.

“It was needed. I was on time but I was making sure you don’t get a company.” Aditya confided and smiled. Chandani smiled back.

“Are you a detective? I mean you observe things very well, you are good at disguising yourself.” Chandani was astonished.

“I wish I had been. Order me a coffee and tell me why you wanted to meet me? Did you get any clue or information?” Aditya got comfortable. Chandani smiled and waved at waiter. She ordered a coffee for Aditya.

“I just wanted to ask you. What is our next move?” asked Chandani. The question threw cold water on his energy.

“Chandani, as I told you that might be dangerous. I have some plans with me. But I again suggest and request you to stay out of it. I want to do it alone I will let you know and will recall you whenever it needed.” Aditya explained Chandani with carefully selected words. He knew a strong personality like Chandani gets offended easily.

“Look Aditya, you don’t need to care about me I am mature enough to choose my way.” Chandani snorted.

“But there is no point in jeopardizing your life unnecessarily.” Aditya stammered. Chandani wanted to argue but the waiter appeared with order. He placed two cup of coffee and walked away.

“At least you can confide me what is your next step. I mean you told me you are clueless about the old man.” Chandani said calmly. Aditya sipped the coffee and placed it on table.

“Of course I am. But this is not I know nothing about the old man.” said Aditya with a smile. Chandani looked at her quizzically.

“Look Chandani, when I met the old man we had some words. And there only I got something. Something which can help us in proceeding further.” confided Aditya. Chandani was still sitting clueless. Aditya was enjoying her clue less pretty face. Aditya didn’t want to stretch it long. He knew that will annoy Chandani. He cleared his throat to explain and leaned forward.

“Look, I told you that he told me that he was a playwright. Right,”

“Right,”

“He also told me the name of his group and that was ‘Loudspeaker’ right?”

“Fair enough,”

“It’s simple. I have to find out the rest of the members of the group and that’s all. Aditya crowed.

“One third of Bombay has been wiped out. Who knows they are still there or not? And how it’s going to help us?”

“It will help us in knowing about the old man. That will be our first step and I don’t need to find out the other members of his group. We just have to find out anyone who knows about the ‘Loudspeakers.’

“But that’s like find out a pearl in the ocean. In Bombay, There are still two millions people.” Chandani expressed her worry. Aditya smiled cryptically.

“I know many things have changed in last few years. But it is still Bombay baby. You should only know the right person to get the right information, and luckily I know one person of that kind who still exists.” Aditya threw a cryptic glance at clueless Chandani.

C.M. Devda was walking randomly in a small but clean room of Divya Ashram. A sign of fear and worry could be seen on his face from a mile away. Just then swami Divya Shakti Maharaj appeared with an everlasting smile.

“Guruji,” Devda fell on his feet as soon as he appeared. Guruji lifted him.

“What took you here C.M.? I was not expecting you at all.” Guruji looked at his face and said calmly. Devda looked to and fro.

“Guruji, I am asking you frankly. Do you really think Gautam Saheb can handle it?” Devda shot a slight question. Guruji was taken aback.

“What do you mean C.M. clear yourself.”

“You know what I mean Guruji and I know we share the same doubt.” Devda said frankly. Guruji was looking worried now. He had no idea what to say. Devda got his answer in this silence.

“Devda, doubts are there but you know that’s a big plan. We must take each and every step carefully. I admit there are some hurdles but you always knew it is not gonna be a bed of roses.” Guruji tried to pacify Devda.

“Guruji, with all due respect I would like to ask, you are courting me or you telling lie to your self?” Devda said wryly. Guruji looked at him quizzically. Devda waited for the answer but soon he realized he is not going to receive it.

“Devda, we can’t fall back at this stage.” Guruji said in a calm voice. Devda sprang from the chair.

“Who the hell is saying to fall back? I am just talking about to have a little change.” Devda said shrewdly.

“Make yourself clear.” Guruji almost rebuked him. Devda smiled and leaned forward.

“I was saying why we don’t have a talk with them directly.” Devda confided.

“Directly, you mean without letting Gautam know about it?” Guruji was trying to get the point.

“Yes, we should deal with them directly.” Devda said and looked at Guruji’s face. Guruji thought for a while.

“You know Devda; we are the three angles of this plan. You have political power, Gautam has money and resources, and I, as you say have an army of blind devotes. We both have our respective roles and importance in this plan.” Guruji explained. But that didn’t lessen the enthusiasm of Devda.

“This is what I am saying Guruji, I have political power and you enjoy a tremendous number of blind supporters and our ability is incomparable and unquestionable. But what Gautam has? Money and resources that’s all.” Devda explained but still unclear.

“Right and they need his money and resources in this plan. There is no match of his powers. Why do the listen to us?” Guruji asked in an annoyed voice.

“Exactly, they only need a man who has wealth and recourse like hell. If you give your assent we can let a man in, in this plan who has unquestionable resources and uncountable money?” Devda said in a cunning voice. Guruji threw a puzzled glance at him as was trying to read the name on his face.

“Are you talking about him?” Guruji asked sedately.

“You got it right Guruji; I am talking about Kaizad, Kaizad Vadia. Think about it.” Devda unlocked the mystery. Guruji looked at him as he already had deduced the name and of course, Kaizad was the only man in Bombay who can fit in Virmani’s shoes. That proposal forced Guruji to have a thought.

Aditya stepped in ‘Royal Tea House’. He looked to and fro and got plenty of hustle-bustle as usual over there. Royal Tea House had always been a center of the unofficial debate on various topics. It was one of few enterprises who succeed to survive the apocalypse. Before 2029, this place was hot favorite among those who would found Starbucks and C.C.D’s purview of their pockets. It did notice a remarkable fall in its customer when the city was going through a renovation after the ‘great earthquake’. But the shop didn’t take much time to win back its old grace.

The ambience and the affordable tasty tea with ’bun makkhan’ could easily take on to any delicacy served in a five star. The ambience and the tea would add fuel into the debates and discussions.

Aditya has been a member of the tea house since he came to new Bombay. He went to counter and greeted a fat man whose eyes were stick on television screen behind the counter. “What’s up Ganya bhaau?” Ganya bhai, the owner of the tea house turned back and found Aditya smiling at him.

“Hey Aditya, long time buddy, you have became rare sight these days. wait a minute news channels are running an interesting story about Uddhav Pawaar.” said Ganya and turned back to the screen.

“Today is the hearing of Uddhav Pawaar in case of hate speech.” Screaming the correspondent on screen “if sources are to be believed, he may get a bail in this case soon. While his court appearance, our correspondent Melina talked to him, take a look.” A recorded video was started playing on the channel.

“Mr. Pawaar, it is being said you might get a bail in this case soon. Will you continue your movement against outsider after getting out of prison?” The correspondent asked a half bald, edgy looking man.

“First of all I am making it clear that I am not against any community. I just ask for justice. Mumbai belongs to Mumbaikers. Mumbaikers have the first right on the city. If someone comes out of the Mumbai, I don’t mind but if someone dares to evict Mumbaikers from Mumbai, I will not keep quiet. That’s all. Jai Maharashtra.” Said the half bald, edgy looking man and disappeared from the screen. Ganya pushed the power button and turned to Aditya.

“Poor guy, don’t realize that outsiders are integral part of Bombay.” said Aditya.

“Not poor, smart guy. He knows the reality but made it a political issue. I am wondering why he is being granted bail? Forget it; tell me how did you like to come?” Ganya bhai asked Aditya.

“You know I am a selfish man. I need you. I have to find out pearl out of the ocean. I know there are only you in the whole city who can help me out in it.” Aditya flattered. Although there was a reality in his words but he deliberately exaggerated his praising.

“Shaane, I know you are good at makkhan polish. Leave it and occupy the corner chair. I will be there in a while.” Ganya slapped his back friendly and motioned him toward an empty chair in corner. Aditya smiled and walked towards the chair. He possessed the chair and scanned the shop. People were busy in their discussions which he knew soon going to change into argument. He noticed a group of Chinese tourist on a table. Royal Tea shop is a shelter of the specialists of all trades. Be it politics, art or sport. No topic was left untouched here.

Soon, a cup of hot tea arrived on Aditya’s table. He sipped it once and lost in old days of Agra where he used to be a part this kind of arguments at tea shops. Although, he was not permitted to go on tea shops but the newly addiction of cigarette would drag him. He was growing up and started enjoying the things like politics and system. He had witnessed many discussions which used to start as discussion but soon change into heating argument. Initially Aditya felt like these arguments will change into fight in next instant. But it never happened. People used shout while argue but as the session came to an end, they shook hand, hugged and wished goodnight to each other with the promise of coming back next day. How it would happen? It had always been an unsolved puzzle to Aditya.

“So hero, what’s the story?” Ganya put his hand on his shoulder and brought him back. Aditya looked at him as someone woke him up from a sound sleep.

“Nothing bhaau, I just need your help.” Aditya said with a smile. Ganya occupied the chair opposite him.

“Tell me, what kind of information.” said Ganya.

“It’s about a man who is no more now. I want some information about him and it’s kind of confidential. You know, I can only count on you.” Aditya confided. Ganya looked at him sedately.

“What’s his name?” Ganya asked after a pause.

“That’s where I stuck. I have little information about him. I only know his surname, Sharma. And he used to be a theatre artist. He would run a theatre group named ‘Loud Speakers’. That’s all I have about him.” Aditya explained in a breath and looked at Ganya hopefully. He knew he is the only man who can help him in it. Ganya froze his eyes at ceiling; he was trying his best to recall something.

“Sharma, Loud-Speakers, theater” He was mumbling the words.

“Yes I do remember something but not much. God knows it will be helpful or not.” Something struck his mind. Aditya leaned forward to listen to him.

“There was a group named Loud-Speakers. I remember, once there drama created astir in the city. I don’t recall but they portrait something wrong. I mean offensive. Even their members were beaten up by Maharashtra Sena. I remember the name because of this controversy. Otherwise, you know this art, theater have never been my cup of tea. These things belong to learned people.” informed Ganya. Aditya saw a ray of hope.

“Bhaau, can you recall something else. I mean I need to know more about it. Do you know anyone who had been a part of this group? Anyone, try to recall.” Aditya encouraged him. Although he got some information yet, it was not enough at all.

“Anyone…” Ganya was trying his best to recall something relevant, something which could help his friend to proceed further.

“Sorry Aditya, right now I don’t have much. But I will talk to my sources. If you had got more information about him, I would’ve helped you better. Do you have a photo of him?” asked Ganya. Aditya thought for a while.

“Photo… no. but I do have a video of him.” suddenly Aditya recalled something and took his mobile out of his pocket.

“Video, yes that can also help. Send me the video.” Instructed Ganya and took his mobile out and turned on the Bluetooth. Aditya send him the video which he received by Bombay police. Ganya received the video and played it once.

“This man, I recall his face.” Something flashed in Ganya’s mind. Aditya almost sprang from the chair.

“Do you recall anything else?” asked Aditya frantically. Ganya froze his eyes on video he was licking his lips as he was concentrating on something.

“What did you say the name?” asked Ganya without looking at him. His eyes were stuck on the screen.

“Sharma, its Sharma.” Said Aditya and looked at him hopefully.

“Sharma...” Ganya murmured himself. He looked at the video for some instant.

“Are you sure his name is Sharma?” Ganya flipped another question.

“Yes I am?” said Aditya confidently. But the very next instant he realized how he could be sure? He didn’t know him personally at all.

“Actually I am not. I am not because I didn’t know him personally.” Aditya sighed.

“That’s what I was thinking about. I can’t recall his name exactly but it’s not any Sharma for sure.” Ganya said confidently.

“What will you do now?” asked Aditya apprehensively. Ganya flipped a glance at him.

“Nothing, I am just going to ask those who belong to theatre and art. As your man used to be an artist, there must be someone in his fraternity who knew him. We might get some clue from there.” Ganya assured Aditya. This assurance came with a big relief for Aditya. He knew Ganya was a man true to his words and if he assured him, he will definitely try his best to find out a way.

“Thank you Ganya bhaau. You don’t know you are doing me a big favor.” Aditya said gratefully and held his hands.

“That’s nothing. You know I am always there for you. But may I ask you one thing?

“Ask bhaau.”

“Why are you so involved in this man? There is anything personal?” asked Ganya and froze his quizzical glance at Aditya. Aditya looked at him for an instant and sighed.

“I don’t know whether it’s personal or not. I will talk to you tomorrow.” said Aditya and rose to his feet. Poor Ganya couldn’t make any head or tale of his answer. He just watched him go and smiled.

Aditya came out of the tea house. He was stuck in thinking. The follow up had reached nowhere. He did get some relevant information but not much which could be fruitful. ‘Now, all depends on the information I am going to receive by Ganya bhaau.’ He thought. Now he was realizing that he should’ve pitched Chandani in the follow up. Her beauty and cleverness would’ve fetched much relevant clues. But he didn’t want her help at the stake of her life. He was standing there bewildered.

“Hallo son, how are you.” a compassionate voice came from behind. Aditya turned back and found an old man smiling at him. He exchanged a moral smile and turned.

“It seems you didn’t place me?” the old man said again with a smile. Aditya glanced at his wizened face quizzically and tried to find a sign of acquaintance. He did realize that he had seen this compassionate face before and tried to recall when and where he met the gentleman, but he failed to.

“Sorry uncle I couldn’t place you.” Aditya said apologetically. The kind smile again made an appearance at old man’s face.

“Doesn’t matter; Let me tell you I met you at the mortuary where you came to claim a dead body.” The old man said gleefully. All of a sudden Aditya recalled everything, the compassionate face, the kind gesture.

“Oh uncle it’s you now I remember. How are you? How is your job?” Aditya asked him respectfully.

“Everything is well by grace of God. You look worried. Is everything o.k.?” the old man asked kindly.

“Uncle, why are we standing here? Let’s have a cup of tea. Royal Tea House is world famous you know.” Offered Aditya

“No, no dear, I am in hurry. We will have it next time.” The old man declined the offer politely. Aditya didn’t force him much.

“Uncle, that day I was really upset. I mean, the face of government offices is changed. But the employees are as same as earlier. Rood, grumpy.” complained Aditya. The old man busted into laughter.

“Nobody wants to behave like that, but the workload and a life routine commanded by the clock needle turn everyone into a grumpy person.” clarified the old man.

“But that day, I told you the old man was lucky that he was not leaving the world as an unclaimed dead body. Remember?” the old man asked with a smile. Aditya could recall everything.

“Yes uncle I do remember. Actually it’s not him who was lucky; it’s me who bumped into him. He changed everything.” said Aditya.

“But that old man was luckier than I thought. That day, there were not only you to claim his dead body. Another one came to claim his dead body.” informed the old man. Aditya knew the old man was talking about Chandani.

“Yes uncle, she was his niece. I told her that I will claim the body you don’t need to worry.” Aditya saw no harm in accepting the presence of Chandani at the police station. But still he hid some facts.

“She, who she, where did you meet his niece?” the old man asked in an amazed voice.

“At the police station, what happened?”

“No, no, you got it wrong. I am not talking about police station. Someone else came to claim the dead body at the mortuary.”

“Someone else?” murmured Aditya to himself. “Did Chandani go to mortuary? why didn’t she inform me about it?” thought Aditya.

“Did she tell you her name?” Aditya asked apprehensively.

“She, who she?”

“Uncle you just said that someone else came to claim the dead body. Have you lost it?”

“Of course I did. But a young man of your age came to claim the body not any girl.” confided the old man. Aditya threw an amazed glance at him and the next instant he busted into laughter.

“You are at a mistake. He must have come to claim someone else’s body.” Aditya laughed at the poor memory of the old man. The old man got offended.

“I am neither that much old nor a fool. I am not doing any mistake I don’t forget faces and cases. I am cent percent sure that the young man came for the same dead body.” The old man took it as disrespect and put his point vehemently. First time the compassionate smile was not there on its place. That new revelation almost made Aditya jump.

“Are you sure a young man of my age came to claim his body?” Aditya quizzed.

“Of course I remember. He made his appearance just after you left the mortuary. I felt sorry for the young man.” The old man softened his voice.

“Did he leave any contact number behind him. Any address or anything else which can help me in reaching him?” Aditya asked frantically.

“No, even I asked for it but he declined.”

“How he was looking like?”

“He was tall, intense and had stubble.”

“Can you identify him if you see him?” quizzed Aditya.

“I told you my son; I don’t forget faces and cases. I can recognize him even in the crowd. See, you didn’t place me but I placed you easily.” the old man said proudly. This new lead filled Aditya with new energy.

“Uncle, that’s my contact number. If you meet the guy just let me know. I hope you wont mind it?” Aditya handed over him his contact number.

“There is nothing like that my son. I am happy to help you.” Old man pocketed his visiting card.

“Thank you uncle, you don’t know what kind of favor you are doing to me.” Aditya took his hands in his and said gratefully.

“That’s my duty to help. I am getting late now. If you permit me I would like to go.” Said the old man gleefully and took a leave. Aditya watched him go. The old man left Aditya with a new clue and a new question. Aditya was stuck in a wrangler. He was trying to find out the roll of this third person, and he was trying to deduce too that this new entry in the story is a friend or foe.

Aditya was trying to fit the third person in the case. Ganya told him to contact tomorrow. He had no option but to wait, and he was not sure that Ganya will come up with relevant information. His follow up was going nowhere. ‘But if some how I get to that third person, we might get something which can help in the follow up.’ A thought flashed in his mind. But right now he had no insignia to follow. He was only left with the option to wait. He had to wait for the right time. Suddenly a wave of hunger ran through him that reminded he had not eaten anything since the breakfast.

“I must have something first.” He thought and rose to his feet. He came out of his house to refill his stomach. A fast food corner was there adjacent to his house. Although, Aditya was not much into fast food, yet he decided to have it today.

He reached the counter and ordered a hamburger for himself. He decided to dampen his throat until his order reaches him. He ordered for a cola can. He opened up the can and sipped the cold drink once. By the time he emptied the can he order was ready. He took the parcel, paid for it and walked back. There were still some drops left in the can. He emptied the can and dumped it in a dustbin.

Just then he realized the mobile in his pocket was vibrating silently. He picked it out. Chandani’s name was flashing on the screen. He picked up the call as soon as he noticed her name. He prayed this call will get something fruitful to him.

“Hallo Aditya, you wont believe what happened today.” Chandani said in a chirping voice as soon as the call was received. Even Aditya couldn’t say ‘hallo’.

“Calm down Chandani, tell me what happened?” said Aditya in a rather excited voice. He deduced that Chandani had good news.

“I just received a call from Jabbar. He wanted to meet me.” Chandani informed in a exhorted voice. Aditya step boggled for an instant.

“What, are you sure it was Jabbar Kaskar?” Aditya almost cried. That was really a news worth million. Aditya knew Jabbar was the link which was connected directly to the conspiracy.

“Yes he called me himself. He wanted to meet me tonight. You know what it means?” Chandani was on sky.

“Relax Chandani; I know we hit the bull’s eye. But I suggest you to play cool. We can’t let it go like this.” Aditya said in an apprehensive voice. He had his doubts that Chandani could spoil this lead.

“He was dying to meet me. Even I told him it might be risky meeting at weekdays but he said he will manage everything. I am waiting for him eagerly. You tell me how your meeting with your source was?” Chandani asked as she recalled something suddenly.

“It was good. Meet me I will explain everything.” Said Aditya and resumed his walking. Chandani felt a kind of fear in his voice.

“What happened, are you all right? You sound a little bit off mark?” asked Chandani in a strung up voice.

“It happens when you are being followed.” Aditya confided Chandani. Chandani sprang to hear that.

“You are being followed, by whom, same guy?” Chandani

“No, not by the same guy, it’s a new man this time.

“Are you sure he is after you? May be he just wandering over there?”

“No, he is there for me only. He followed me in the morning and the same guy kept an eye on me when I went to meet my source.” Aditya said in a firm voice. His information sent a shiver through Chandani on the other side.

“Aditya, be careful.” All she could say this only in a shivering voice.

“Chandani, take care of yourself, you have to hunt Jabbar. You don’t have to play a prey there. I told you we are dealing with big shots. But now we should get aggressive.” Aditya instructed him and cut the line.

Aditya squinted at his follower. He was still chasing him. Aditya reached his door step. He put the parcel aside and checked his upper pocket to find the key. But it was not there. He searched his jeans pocket but couldn’t find the key. He shoved his hand in the left pocket and here it was. He finally got the key. He shoved the key in the key hole and twisted it. He pushed the door to get in but the door was firm on its place. Aditya put more force in his effort but all in vain. He noticed that the key was not twisted properly. He tried to twist it properly and pushed the door again. But it was still closed. He was in a dilemma. The stranger was noticing all these. Aditya got perturbed. He threw a bewildered glance all around to get a help. Suddenly his eyes got stuck on the stranger. The stranger couldn’t meet his eyes. He started looking to and fro unnecessarily.

“Hey brother, I need you help.” He shouted towards the stranger. That shout caught the stranger off guard. He looked to and fro.

“Yes brother, I am talking to you. I need your help. If you pleas do me favor?” Aditya shouted again. The stranger hesitated for a while. But the next instant he was on his way to Aditya.

“What happened?” asked the stranger in a sedate voice as soon as he reached Aditya. Aditya made a sorry plight.

“See what happened. I am trying to open up the door but the key is seem to stuck in the key hole.” Aditya explained his worry with a poor face. Stranger looked at the key and the door for a while.

“Are you sure you are using the right key to this key hole.” Aditya received a question in a raucous voice.

“Of course this is the only key I have.” replied Aditya in an assured voice. The stranger looked at the door and tried it once. Suddenly something struck on his head from behind. The stranger fell and lost his senses.

The stranger opened his eyes and blinked twice. He was staring at ceiling as tried to recall what happened to him. Last thing he could recall a strike on his skull. Even he could not see the striker. The strike still had its effect on his skull. He arose and sat on the floor. He rubbed his head and felt the blood was encrusted on his head. He was still feeling heavy and sleepy.

“Don’t worry, that’s nothing.” A voice struck in the room and assured him. The stranger was taken aback. He looked towards the direction the voice came from. He found the master of the voice Aditya, sitting on a couch next to him. Aditya was smiling at the stranger. The iron rod in his hand informed the stranger that he was in commanding position. The stranger looked at Aditya and said nothing.

“There is a pain killer and a glass of water. Have it and you will feel better.” Aditya motioned towards a table. The stranger stretched his long hand and reached the glass. He emptied the glass in a gulp and placed the empty glass on the table. The painkiller was still lying untouched there.

“Now I hope you are ready to have a question-answer session. I am making you sure since I have no personal grudge against you and I hope you feel the same way, I will not strike you or harm you until and unless I get an unsatisfactory answer or you act smart.” Aditya explained the rules of the game in breath. The stolid face of stranger didn’t get affected much by this warning. That made an allusion to Aditya that the stranger was professional one.

“So my first question is that- what’s your name?” Aditya started the quiz. Stranger looked at him sedately.

“Khan, Mohsin Khan.” The stranger said in an intense voice.

“Mohsin, hmm nice name, now tell me Mohsin why you have been following me. I mean who told you to do so.?” Aditya asked in a low but raucous voice. The strange didn’t give much importance to his question. Aditya knew he is a professional and this quiz round was not going to be easy for him.

“Look Mr. Khan, I told you that I am not going to hurt you it doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you. I am asking you once again. Who hired you, whom do you work for? Aditya asked rigidly. First time there was an expression on Mohsin’s face. He smiled at him as Aditya doesn’t deserve to be taken seriously.

“I will give every answer to your questions. But first of all I need to ask you something.” said Mohsin in despicable voice.

“Aren’t you seeing my friend? Here it’s me who has right to quiz.” Said Aditya and made and allusion to the iron rod in his hand. But the very next instant Aditya realized it’s not gonna work like this. He changed his tone.

“O.k you go first.” Aditya allowed him to ask. The stranger threw an intense glance at him and cleared his throat.

“Why did you claim the dead body of the old man? I mean, I know you didn’t know him personally.” The stranger asked in a sedate voice. Aditya startled for a while. He paused for a while to think something.

“That’s none of your business.” Aditya replied after some instant in a rasp voice.

“It is my business Mr. Aditya. And yes if you give the right answer, you will get the right answer. O.k. let me make it clear- what kind of relationship did you share with the old man.” said Mohsin with a cunning voice. Hearing his name from his mouth shocked Aditya. Aditya had realized Mohsin is a man who not only know his name but have a close and sharp look on the matter.

“A criminal like you can’t make out our relationship.” Aditya said in a firm voice. Both exchanged a cold glance. Mohsin was still sitting sedately.

“Now, you have to answer. You know me because you have been following me. But how do you know about the old man. I mean, I know there are some big guns involved in this matter and you have been hired by one of them. They must’ve instructed you to only keep an eye on me. Nobody opens up a matter to a paid soldier. So how you know about the old man?” Aditya asked. Mohsin looked down.

“I was not keeping an eye on you. I mean, I was. But I had no instruction for that. I was doing it for myself. I just wanted to meet and some words regarding the man with you.”

“You wanted to talk to me, but why, who are you?”

“I am the one who reached to mortuary to claim the dead body of the old man. But I got a bit late.” Mohsin revealed sedately. Aditya sprang from the couch to hear that. Suddenly he realized that physiognomy of Mohsin was much similar to the physiognomy described by the old employee of the mortuary. He cursed himself like anything. He almost ran to him and helped him to arise.

“Such a blockhead I am. I am really sorry, you should have told me earlier.” Aditya sought an apology. He was really feeling bad for what happened. But Mohsin didn’t take much offense. Aditya made him sit on a couch opposite him.

“Can I have one more glass of water?” Mohsin demanded as soon as he made himself comfortable. Aditya almost rushed to the kitchen and turned back with a glass of water in no time. Mohsin took the pain killer which was left neglected till now and gulped the water. Now, both were feeling better. A silent was outstretched between them for a while.

“I have yet to receive my answer. Why did you claim his dead body? Was he a friend of yours, or relative? ” Mohsin broke the ice. Aditya was still feeling guilty. He had nothing to say.

“No, he was not my relative. Yes, we were friend. I mean sort of.” Aditya replied he was not able to get how to explain.

“Sort of,” Mohsin flipped a quizzical glance at him. Aditya sighed. He didn’t know how to elaborate about the relationship he shared with him. He cleared his throat and told the story of the pub night.

“That’s all I have to do with him?” Aditya completed his story and squinted at Mohsin to see whether he believed his story or not. Mohsin was still looking down stoically. Aditya felt he believed his story. Bothe seated for a while silently.

“Was he your friend, I got to know that why you went to claim his dead body?” this time Aditya broke the silence. Mohsin lifted his face and looked at him.

“He was a friend of mine. I got a message from Bombay police and I went to police station to claim the dead body. I got to know it was claimed by someone else. I didn’t go to mortuary to claim the body. I just wanted a last meeting with my friend. But it seems this last meeting was not destined to happen.” Mohsin said in a gloomy voice. Aditya looked at him sympathetically.

“Do you have any idea who is behind his murder?” Aditya asked.

“Not exactly, But I believe there was a strong reason behind his killing.” confided Mohsin.

“Agreed, But who and why?” Aditya asked.

“Who, I know probably but why I have to yet find out. But I must suggest you to be careful.” suggested Aditya.

“I know I need to be careful. By the way whenever you need our helping your investigation, we will always be there. ” Aditya assured Mohsin.

“We, Oh I see, I have spotted you with a girl. Is she helping you out?”

“Sort of, I mean we are helping each other in the follow up.”

“Is she countable?”

“Of course,” Both seated there silently for a while. Although Aditya had his sympathy with Mohsin yet he didn’t want to share information’s related to their follow up. After an instant, Mohsin rose to go.

“If you have anything to share or you need our help. Just call me.” Aditya handed over him his visiting card. Mohsin glanced at the card for a while, thought for a while and took it from him.

“Now I must go. Don’t worry, we will succeed.” Mohsin assured Aditya and left. Aditya watched him go.

Chandani was sitting before the mirror. She just received a call from Jabbar. She did best of her make up and wore a provocative red one piece suit. She was nervous as she knew what this lead meant to their follow up. She can’t let it go like this.

Suddenly her phone rang. She picked it up as soon as she noticed the name flashing on screen.

“Hallo Chandani, what happened, has he made it to you?” Aditya inquired as soon as his call was picked.

“He should’ve been there till now. Must be on his way.” Chandani reported.

“Listen Chandani you must get careful, make sure you squeeze every information related to this case.”

“Come on Aditya, I am not a child. I know my task. I have slept with her and I know her weakness.”

“I know you are good at your job. I just called you up to say…”

“Wait Aditya, someone is on my door. It might be him I am calling you back.” Chandani hung up the phone and opened the door. She found a man outside in full livery and a Range Rover parking behind him.

“Miss Chandani, Jabbar Saheb sent me up.” The full liveried man probably the chauffer of Range Rover informed him. Chandani couldn’t make out anything. She stood there bewilderedly just then he mobile rang. An unknown contact was flashing on screen.

“Hallo.” Chandani picked up the call.

“Get in the car.” A voice from the other side commanded Chandani.

“But you told me you are coming to meet me at my place.”

“There is a change in the plan baby. You don’t need to worry just get in the car.” The voice commanded and hung up. Chandani didn’t know what to do. She knew the perils of step into lion’s den but she had no option but obey the command. She got in the car and the car left swiftly.

The car halted with a sound of screech before a bungalow. Chandani glanced at the splendid but secluded bungalow. She stepped out of car.

“Come with me ma’am.” The chauffer bowed respectfully and walked. Chandani followed him. The door was shut. Chuffer rang the door bell. The door was opened after an instant. A servant in livery opened the door and guided Chandani towards inside. Chandani left the chauffer behind and followed him. After some steps the servant halted before a closed door.

“Go inside ma’am” the servant in full livery instructed him respectfully. Chandani hesitated for a while and pushed the door in next instant. She stepped inside and found herself in a splendid, well-furnished bed room.

“Welcome beauty.” Jabbar welcomed Chandani. His voice suggested the initial influence of alcohol. Chandani threw a glance on his prey she had to hunt tonight and smiled.

“You made me wait for long. If you had not come for some more instant, I would’ve been dead.” Jabbar flattered and wrapped his hands around her waist. Chandani laughed in a clinking sound.

“You know what, I love to make wait.” said Chandani. Jabbar closed his eyes and leaned forward to kiss her. Chandani freed her self and stepped back. She winked at him and laughed again.

“Don’t make me so desperate. I will die darling.” Jabbar said and staggered towards her.

“I don’t want to talk to you. Tell me where you have been?” complained Chandani in a fake loving voice.

“I had some work in China.” Jabbar explained.

“And you turn back empty handed. Nothing for me?” Chandani complained again. Jabbar halted for an instant. He stepped back and opened a drawer. He took out a diamond necklace.

“Here you are. I didn’t forget you there.” Jabbar said and laugh. Chandani almost rant to him and took the necklace from his hand.

“Oh wow! That’s so nice of you.” Chandani hugged him. That hug sent titillation through Jabbar.

“Wear it. I want to see which is prettier.” Jabbar pleaded.

“Not now Jabbar. Tell me how the hell you got to manage to fetch an alcohol in weeknight?

“I can fetch anything baby, just command.”

“I want to make some drinks for you by myself.” Chandani ordered. Jabbar fetched a whine bottle and a glass in no time.

“Sit and let me pour you the wine.” Chandani made him sit on couch and made a strong drink. She knew it will be easy to fetch information from him when he is totally out of his senses. She poured the wine in a glass and sat in his lap.

“Drink it.” Chandani commanded and Jabbar obeyed her like a pet. He emptied the glass in a gulp. Chandani made another drink and almost nursed him forcefully. Chandani was going to pour another glass but Jabbar stopped her.

“Now, I want to drink your beauty.” He said and kissed her lips. After an instant, Chandani freed herself and ran away of his reach.

“It’s not that much easy Mr. Kaskar. Chase me first.” Chandani said and laughed. His clinking laughter and the taste of her lipstick turned him insane.

“If you want this only, let’s see.” He said in a mumbling voice and followed but fell down. Alcohol was working. Chandani laughed at him again. Jabbar arose and grasped her.

“Now, what you have to say?” Jabbar crowed. Chandani said nothing she only smiled.

“Tell me first, you got a girl and alcohol in weekdays. How do you manage all these things? I mean there are strict rules?” asked Chandani in an intoxicated voice.

“Rules my foot, rules are for weak people. People like me don’t follow the rule they only enjoy.” Jabbar said in an insane voice and turned her. He was kissing her back and shoulder passionately. His finger was sliding on her bare thighs. Chandani turned around and stopped him.

“I can a see a master bed over their.” Chandani motioned to the bed. Jabbar startled for a while and lifted her next instant. Chandani laughed again. Jabbar dumped her on bed. He kissed her thighs. His finger was scanning each and every curve of her body. He was groping her insanely.

“Why such hot hurry? I met you after a long time. Don’t you think we should have some words before doing it?” Chandani complained. Jabbar halted for a while.

“Speak sweetheart. I want to listen to you.” Jabbar said mildly.

“You didn’t tell me how did you manage to get drink and a girl? I know you are a closed aid of Kaizad Vadia. If men of Virmani get to know about it, you will be finished. You know C.M. is a buddy of Virmani?” Chandani asked in a breath. She knew she could squeeze the maximum relevant information until and unless he gets into his sense. Jabbar guffawed.

“Nobody can dare of it. Virmani Saheb is always there for me.” he confided. That revelation startled Chandani for a while.

“You work for Kaizad Vadia I suppose and both are at daggers drawn?” Chandani asked frantically. She couldn’t make any head or tail of this shocking revelation. Jabbar guffawed again.

“You know what? I squeeze money from both.”

“It means you are playing a double cross?”

“Yes double cross. But it won’t go long. From Monday onwards, I will obey only the one master and that will be Virmani Saheb.” Jabbar laughed again. Chandani threw a quizzical glance at him.

“Why, are you leaving Kaizad’s company?” Chandani quizzed him. Her heart beat fastened. She had a feeling the she was almost there, before the revelation of the conspiracy.

“No sweetheart, I am not leaving him at all. From Monday, There will be no one except Virmani Saheb. And those who stand against him will be finished. Like that basterd old man.” Jabbar snorted. Virmani Saheb is all set to change the history and the geography.” Jabbar said and guffawed again. But this times his guffawed sent a shiver through Chandani. She couldn’t understand anything.

“But how, what Virmani is going to do?” Chandani asked fearfully. The question halted his laughter. He threw a sanguinary glanced at her.

“Listen girl, we have enough of talk. Now, please me.” snorted Jabbar and forced himself on Chandani. He was groping her passionately.

“Just one more thing,” Chandani stopped him “can you arrange a meeting with Kaizad?” Chandani asked innocently. Jabbar was taken aback.

“Why the hell you want to meet Kaizad?” he asked quizzically. Chandani held her tight and said

“You said you squeeze money from him. I think if you can squeeze money from him why shouldn’t I?” Chandani winked.

“You pretty bitch.” Said Jabbar and started groping her again.

“No, promise me first you will do this for me.” Chandani said.

“O.k., I will talk to him about you, happy now? Now make me happy.” Jabbar promised and lost in her beauty.

Jabbar was having a sound sleep. He was lying naked beside Chandani. Chandani was sitting half naked and puffing the cheroot brought by Jabbar. She threw a glance at the naked body of Jabbar.

“Virmani is going to change history and geography. What the hell was that?” puffed Chandani and thought. Soon, she rose from the bed and redressed her self and left the bungalow with some informations and questions.

Thursday- 27-9-2034

Aditya was waiting for Chandani at the Royal Tea Shop. He had already had three cups of royal tea. His eyes were stuck on the television screen. Since the morning there was only the news of Uddhav Pawaar who was supposed to get a bail today. He could see the scrum around the court. The volunteer of Maharashtra Sena were buffeting. The correspondent was trying to report the situation but his voice was audible in the hubbub.

Just then, Chandani made her appearance and looked to and fro. Aditya waved at her. Chandani noticed him and smiled. She reached him and possessed a chair opposite him.

“I hope you easily got the address.” Aditya asked her as soon as she occupied the chair and waved at the counter for a tea.

“Not at all, I mean address was easy but the volunteers of Maharashtra Sena were swarming in the whole city.” Chandani took a sigh of relief.

“Yes, the supreme of the organization is supposed to get a bail today. Forget it, how was your meeting with Jabbar?” asked Aditya desperately.

“Fruitful. In fact, the biggest break through so far.” Said Chandani and elaborate the whole night.

A silence was outstretched between them. Aditya was trying to elicit a meaning of whatever happened.

“Virmani is going to change history and the geography. From Monday onwards everything will be changed. What it could be?” Aditya was clueless. Chandani had finished her tea.

“At least, he confirmed the role of a conspiracy behind the death of Mr. Sharma in his unholy confession. It means we are on right track, right?”

“But what is going to happen? The words of Jabbar suggested there is a big conspiracy and we have only three days.” Both seated for a while clueless. None of them knew what to do next.

“I must talk to him. May be he could help us out.” Aditya said and took his mobile out of his pocket.

“Who, whom are you talking about?” Chandani looked at him quizzically. Aditya paused for a while and glanced at her. He realized that he didn’t tell her anything about the third entry in the drama.

“Chandani, there is one more guy who has to do something with this case.” Aditya sighed and elaborated his sudden meeting with Mohsin Khan.

“Can we count on him Aditya?” Chandani asked. Aditya smelled the apprehension in her voice and that was natural.

“Honestly Chandani, I don’t know. I even don’t know whether he is a friend or foe, and I don’t even care. Cause we don’t have an option. You have heard yourself we only have three days. We can’t play safe all the time.” Aditya explained.

“How are you hero?” suddenly Ganya appeared and slapped Aditya’s back.

“Where you have been bhaau? We have been waiting for you.” Aditya said desperately. He pocketed his cell phone.

“Busy in getting some information.” Explained Ganya and took a chair. Aditya and Chandani exchanged a quizzical glance.

“Did you get something?” Aditya couldn’t hide his desperation. Ganya paused for a while and squinted at Chandani.

“Oh don’t worry, she is my friend Chandani and she is helping me in the case. You don’t need to worry about her presence.” Aditya assured and introduced Chandani. Chandani threw a smile at Ganya. Ganya nodded in reply.

“Listen hero, I told you I can recall his face. His name was not Sharma, he was Govind Rao Patil. He used to be a renowned theater personality.” Informed Ganya and looked at their faces to see the reaction. Aditya and Chandani exchanged a ‘what the hell’ kind of glance.

“So, why the commissioner told a fib to me?” Aditya couldn’t make out anything.

“I have no idea about that. But it is confirmed that it was Govind Rao Patil’s dead body you showed me.”

“Anything else bhaau,”

“Yes, I have found out a woman named Nirupama Dutta who used to be an actress in her theater group. Here you are, her address and contact number. Right now, that’s all I have.” Ganya concluded his information. Aditya and Chandani looked at him gratefully.

“Thank you very much Ganya bhaau. I don’t have words to thank you.” Aditya said gratefully.

“Anything for you bro, now let me go to the counter there was no one to handle the accounts.” Ganya said and rose to his feet. Aditya and Chandani said nothing but watched him a go gratefully.

“Another clue, another confusion,” Chandani said. Aditya was busy in thinking something.

“Look Chandani, we should only zero in on the clues and leads we have. More we think more we get confused.

“But still, what’s up now.”

Aditya flipped a glance at her. He was going through the same question. Just then, his cell phone rang in the pocket. He took it out and found an unknown number was flashing on the screen. He looked at it for an instant and picked it up in next moment.

“Hallo.”

“Aditya it’s Me.” a sedate voice emerged from the other side. Aditya placed the voice in a second.

“Mohsin, how are you?” Aditya said. The name of Mohsin caught Chandani’s attention. He looked at Aditya’s face as she was trying to find out what they were talking about. It was a brief conversation and ended soon.

“What did he say?” asked Chandani as she was waiting for end of the conversation. Aditya put his mobile in his pocket and rose to his feet.

“He wants to meet me.” Aditya informed and walked to the counter.

“I am coming with you.” Chandani said in a firm voice. Her voice halted his step. He looked back.

“Let’s go.” Chandani said. Aditya was not willing to take her. But he knew Chandani will not let him go easily. He paid the bills and walked out of the tea shop.

Rao was busy in going through the files. He had to make a soft copy of these files. He was figuring out the files which could be worth of his personal interest. Just then his mobile rang. He threw a glance at the screen and picked it up as soon as possible.

“Yes sir,” Rao said respectfully.

“What happened to our consignment?” A raucous voice on line inquired.

“It was landed safely and has been sent where it should be sent.” Rao reported marking each and every word carefully.

“Good Rao, we are receiving our last consignment on Saturday evening. Make sure it lands safely.”

“Yes, I am on with my men sir.”

“Rao, that’s going to be our last consignment, be ready for Sunday.” The man on other side ordered and disconnected the line. Rao put the cell phone in his pocket. He put the piles of files aside and interlocked his fingers of both hands and lost in thinking. Suddenly his junior officer Kulkarni crashed in his cabin.

“Sir, you should have a look on it,” Kulkarni informed and rushed back. His gesture caught Rao off guard. He sprang from his chair and followed Kulkarni.

Next instant, both were standing in the conference room. CCTV footage of Tuesday was playing on a screen.

“Sir, look at him it’s Aditya, the man who claimed the dead body of that old man that day.” Kulkarni pointed at the screen. Aditya was walking in the police station in the footage.

“There is no big deal.” Rao said a little bit annoyingly.

“Sir, wait for a moment.” Kulkarni said and froze his eyes on the screen after an instant; a young girl walked into police station and took a chair. Rao leaned forward. Aditya went to the girl and had some words with the girl. Rao’s interest was getting deeper. Their conversation was getting longer. Suddenly the girl rose and almost ran from the police station. Rao was taken aback by this visual.

“Who was that girl?” Rao asked frantically.

“She mentioned her name Chandani in the visitor book. Why she came to police station and why she made a sudden exit is not clear at all. Since, she was talking to the man who has been a subject of interest for you; I thought I should inform you.” briefed Kulkarni in a breath.

“You did the right thing Kulkarni. Do you have more information about the girl?” Rao asked insanely.

“Almost everything sir,”

“Go and get her.” Rao ordered. He smelled the entry of game spoilers in the game.

Aditya and Chandani were standing before a secluded and abandoned building. Only few persons could be seen around the apartment.

“Where is your fiend?” Chandani shot a question on Aditya. Aditya was looking upward.

“He told me to be here. I don’t know his flat number.” Aditya said bewilderedly. Just then, his mobile rang. He noticed the same number he received a call from at the tea shop was flashing on the screen. He picked it up in no time.

“Come upstairs.” A voice commanded him and disconnected. Aditya went ahead to take the stairs Chandani followed him. After few step they were on first floor. The stair which leaded to the 2nd floor was before them. They don’t know whether they have to stay on first floor or had to go ahead. Suddenly a door opened with a sound of screech. Mohsin’s face could be seen from an ajar door. Aditya sighed in relief. He threw a smile on Mohsin. Mohsin’s face remained intense.

“Come inside.” Mohsin commanded them. Both entered the flat and found themselves in messy drawing room. Mohsin took a look of outside and banged the door.

“I hope you didn’t have much problem to find out the address?” Mohsin greeted him with a question.

“Not at all,” Aditya replied him politely. Chandani was still busy in scanning the room.

“Take a seat, I am just coming.” Mohsin made them sit them and went inside. After an instant he turned back with two cola can.

“Here you are.” Mohsin offered him the cold drink. “So how is your follow up? Did you get to know about the old man?” Mohsin asked.

“Not much, do you have something to share?” Chandani said before Aditya could speak. Aditya was taken aback by her gesture but said nothing. He knew Chandani was not ready to welcome this new friend at all. Mohsin glanced at her intensely.

“Not much. But there is something cooking and the old man some how got to know about it, and that was the reason he was killed.” Mohsin informed.

“O.k. how did you know him?” Chandani shot another question. The question caught him off guard. Aditya pressed her hand to calm her down. Mohsin looked at them and kept silence for a while.

“The old man was a friend of mine.” Mohsin replied in his intense voice.

“Oh, he was your friend right? But still you don’t know his name; you keep calling him the old man.” Chandani said wryly.

“Chandani, we are not here to interrogate Mohsin. He is just trying to help us.” Aditya held his hand and tried to pacify her.

“Oh really, Look Aditya we are walking on a briary way and risking our life. I can’t trust each and every person comes in our way claiming that he wants to help us.” Chandani sprang from her chair and shouted.

“Chandani, what are you doing? Calm down.”

“No Aditya I will not, ask him how can he be so sure that there was a conspiracy behind his death? I mean we took a long time to reach this conclusion and look at him.” Chandani kept shouting. Aditya was still trying to pacify her. Mohsin was still looking silently with his stolid face. He was looking unaffected by all these mayhem.

“If you please calm down, I can explain you everything.” Mohsin said finally in his intense voice. Both the visitors looked at him. Aditya made Chandani sit on the chair and reoccupied his. Mohsin thought for a while and sighed.

“Your friend was right Aditya, I never know the old man personally.” Mohsin reveled. This revelation shocked Aditya but Chandani was still looking calm as she was expecting this only. A silent was outstretched between them.

“And how are you so sure about the conspiracy?” Aditya said finally in a shivering and gloomy voice. Mohsin looked at him and then shot a glance at Chandani. Her face sought the answer too. Mohsin cleared his throat.

“Because, it was me who killed the old man,” Mohsin reveled in a shivering voice.

Chapter- Five: Few Hands in Casino.

Friday-21-09-2034

Mohsin was holding the deck of notes in his pocket tightly. As if they could fly away if he looses the grip. He had enough money to have some hands in the casino. He had been waiting for the weekend nights to try his hands in casino. Mohsin was one of those fortunate people who lost nothing in the apocalypse. He can’t blame the God or anything else to snatch everything he loved. Because whatever he lost, he lost it himself. The addiction of gambling snatched everything away from him. He lost his wife, lost his career and lost his daughter too. But he couldn’t get rid of the addiction of gaming.

He entered the casino ‘Lucky Basterd’. Since it was a weekend night, all the gamblers were gathered there to try their luck. It’s one of those casinos which could be afforded by the monthly paid job goers. Casinos like ‘Million Dollar Hands’ and ‘Royal Luck’ were for the rich people. Soon, Mohsin found a player who was having a sharp luck tonight. Mohsin was in the habit of challenging the luckiest basterd of the night. Soon he occupied a chair opposite him.

“Don’t you think you should play with a man?” Mohsin said with a pride in his voice. The burly man scanned him from head to toe and smiled at him cunningly.

“Tonight, I will snatch away the proud of being a man from you.” The burly man guffawed and made an allusion to the bearer. The bearer appeared with a pile of chips. Reds were hundreds, blues were five hundreds and white ones were thousands. The bearer placed the mountain of chips on the table. Mohsin lifted some chips and scattered on the table.

“That’s the stake.” Mohsin declared. The bulky man threw a glance at him and nodded.

The game began.

It was a five -card stud game. The player who would get better hands will be the winner. Both were dealt five cards. Aditya Picked up four of his cards, one card was still lying hiding its face. Mohsin squinted at his hand. He got a seven, eight, nine and jack of hearts. He was one card away from straight flush. He smiled, and picked the last one. Alas! He missed it. It was two of heart.

“Show,” The bulging man said. Mohsin was taken aback. He was not expecting the ‘show’ that early. Probably the bulging man was trying to check out his opponent. Now, Mohsin has no way but to show his hands. He scattered his card on the table. The man looked up his hands and smiled cunningly that showed he got the luckier hand. He showed his hands. A ten of heart, a queen of red heart and a jack, accompanied by a king and an ace of spades, a clear hand for the man, he tucked the chips on his side and laughed out loud. His sharp luck continued to shine. But there was no sign of desperation on Mohsin’s face. He was all set to have the second round.

The second round was on.

Both were dealt five cards. Mohsin looked at his hands. Much better than the last time a ten of heart, a jack of red heart and a queen followed by a seven and a king. Mohsin smiled. It was his term to call show. And since he had such nice hands he didn’t hesitate to call a show. The bulging man squinted at Mohsin. He thought for a while and showed his hands. Mohsin smiled at the man and his smile sank the heart of the man. He showed his hand. The bulging man almost jumped of his chair. The pile of chips was getting higher by each passing bet.

“Go home boy, my luck is at its best. Show mercy on left over money in your pocket and leave.” the man advised grumpily and laughed. That didn’t affect Mohsin.

“What do you think about upping the stake?” Mohsin said sedately. This proposal applied a break on the laughter of the man. He thought for while and found the proposal worth accepting.

The game resumed.

Stake had been upped. The red chips were five hundreds, the blues were thousand and white ones were two thousands.

Cards were dealt. Aditya got better hands this time. He faced no hurdle to win the round.

‘Let the child win few hands or he will run away.’ Thought the bulky man and geared up for the next round. But Mohsin’s luck continued to shine.

After the few rounds the sign of worry could be seen on the face of man. It seemed Mohsin could do nothing wrong tonight his hands got magic. If the bulky man would get good hands, Mohsin’s hands were better.

“The card is not suiting me at all. Change the fucking deck.” The bulky man roared to the bearer. The deck was changed. But that did nothing good in his favor. Mohsin was clearly the luckiest basterd tonight.

Soon the bulky man realized he underestimated the kid. He had no better option but to quit. He threw a sanguinary glance at Mohsin and left the chair. Mohsin started collecting the pile of chips to get it cashed. Suddenly someone held his hand. That caught Mohsin off guard. He turned back and found a middle aged man smiling at him.

“Don’t you know the rules kid? You can’t leave until and unless you got a player to play with.” The old man smiled shrewdly. Mohsin scanned the middle aged man shabby old man from head to toe.

“I know the rules but nobody dares to play against me tonight. I must wait for the next weekend.” Mohsin said wryly. Arrogance crept across his face. The old man smiled at him and occupied the chair opposite him. Mohsin couldn’t make out anything of his gesture. The old man made an allusion to sit.

“So, you want to play with me? If you want to be defied by me only, let it be.” Mohsin accepted the challenge and repossessed his chair.

The game was on.

They were playing a five card stud. Cards were dealt. Initially the win and looses ran evenly but soon the old man got the hand. Initially, that didn’t affect Mohsin much but soon that caused a worry for him. If the old man had poor hands, Mohsin had worse. If Mohsin had good hands, the old man had better. Suddenly the ‘Midas touch’ got disappeared from Mohsin’s hand. His pile of chips had shrunk to almost nothing.

Mohsin got perturbed. The middle aged man was still smiling. Mohsin never had a tough luck like this before. He threw a withering glance at the old man and sighed.

“It seems, the kid has cooled off.” The old man said wryly. Mohsin shot a sanguinary glance at his smiling face.

“O.k. lets play a table stake. I bet the pile of chips I have.” Mohsin motioned towards the pile of chips in his side. The old man squinted at the pile of chips on his side and nodded agreement.

“Before this stake I suggest you to look at your hands first. I give you the privilege to up the stake after having a look at your cards. That will be your call to up the stake.” The old man showed mercy.

“I am on.”

The game resumed. Five cards were dealt to each. Mohsin picked up the four of them and looked at it. It was six, seven, eight and nine. His heart began to race. He was only a card away from a straight flush. Last time he missed it, but this time he could not afford to miss it. He knew if he gets a straight flush, it will be unbeatable. He knew a straight flush will beat whatever the old man was holding. He looked at the last card which was still lying on the table. He picked it up with trembling hand. He looked at it and he couldn’t believe what he saw, a ten of heart. He looked at the old man who was still smiling.

“So young man, what is your stake?” The old man asked with a smile. Mohsin knew he was only bluffing. Nobody could have a better hand than his. He placed the pile of chips at the center of the table.

“Sky is the limit.” He said and made an allusion to the old man. The old man thought for a while. The next instant he placed all of his chips at the center.

“show.” The old man said with a smile. Mohsin smiled and placed his cards on the table, six, seven, eight nine and ten, an unbeatable straight flush. Mohsin smiled and stretched his hand to collect the chips. But the old man held his hand. Mohsin was taken aback.

“Why such hot hurry? Don’t you think you should have a look on my hands too.” The old man said with a smile.

“Don’t you see the straight flush? Mohsin sniggered. The old man smiled and placed his cards on the table.

Mohsin’s eyes opened wide with amazement. “How it could be happen?” he mumbled with amazement.

He was beaten by a royal flush. Ten to ace of spades, two straight flushes in a game, Nobody had witnessed this miracle ever. Mohsin still couldn’t believe what happened just now. He had no option but to leave empty handed.

“You learnt nothing from your past.” A voice from the back side caught Mohsin’s attention. Mohsin’s ears cocked up towards the direction the voice came from. He found a bearded man was smiling at him wryly.

“I was hoping that you must be busy in collecting money for an out of court settlement. But here you are, squandering away your money in casino.” The bearded man hit at Mohsin again. The old man glanced at them and tried to get the matter.

“That’s none of your business. If they want to see me in court I will talk to them there only.” Mohsin snorted and walked away. The bearded man shot a withering glance at him and smiled.

Mohsin took a corner chair far away from this hubbub. He was sitting alone. That’s what he needed most at that moment. He was badly needed a drink. Only few casinos were allowed to serve drinks and lucky basterd was not one of them. Mohsin couldn’t go to a pub. There was no single penny left in his pocket.

“Wanna have a more hand buddy?” the old man took a chair beside him and asked. Mohsin looked at him. He was in no mood of having a company.

“Of course I want, but next weekend. You will walk away from the casino like a beggar.” Mohsin snorted and smiled.

“Oh, I like it. And what’s your problem with Sinha?” the old man asked. This question caught Mohsin off guard.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Of course not, but since Sinha is a lawyer and I know that, and that makes it clear that you are having a legal battle with him. And since I have been a lawyer too, I think I could help you.” The old man explained. Mohsin looked at him.

“I have already got a lawyer who is looking after the matter.”

“But, you don’t seem to be satisfied with the progress. Do you?”

Mohsin lost in thinking. After a brief session of thinking, he turned to him.

“I don’t have much money. You must adjust with your fees.”

“If I find the case convincing, I will be affordable to you.” The old man put his proposal, I proposal that was hard to deny.

“Look, I have a daughter and I want custody of her. But my in laws are butting in the matter. That’s all.” Mohsin briefed the case in a line. The old man heard him carefully.

“You went through a divorce?” old man quizzed. Mohsin glanced at him.

“No, my wife is no more. There is only my daughter who can keep me alive in this world.” Mohsin sighed.

“Hmmm... I don’t think so it’s going to be tough for you. I mean you are her father you have first right on her.” Old man explained. Mohsin looked down.

“That’s the catch. I won’t be easy. I have a criminal record. At the age of 14 I killed someone. I spent four years in juvenile rehabilitation center. And my past is going against me.” Mohsin said with a sigh. A silence outstretched between them. The old man looked at him sympathetically. After a long pause the old resumed.

“I heard something about the out of court settlement. Is there any window open for that?” the old man asked after a long silence.

“My in laws are greedy people. They have no affection for my daughter. They only want money. They know I can do anything for my daughter. They are demanding a hefty amount to settle the matter out of the court.” Mohsin said in hoarse voice.

“How much they want?”

“Two million rupees, that’s the price a father has to pay to get her daughter back in his life.”

“Two million rupees,” The old man mumbled. The silence between them regained its existence.

“Honestly, neither I am a lawyer, nor I have two million rupees. But I know a lawyer who can advocate your point in court on your behalf.” The old man said sympathetically.

“That’s so kind of you. Once a criminal always a criminal, nobody is going to listen to me.”

“Don’t loose hope. Let me talk to my friend about you. But I am sorry to say my friend; it’s not going to help you at all if you keep going with your habit of gambling.”

“I squander away the money because I don’t have anyone to save for, if I get my daughter back in my life, I will be a new person.” Mohsin assured the old man. The old man put his hand on his shoulder.

“Let me see what I can do for you. Can I have your contact?” the old man calmly. Mohsin handed over him a card. The old man took the card.

“Don’t worry young man everything will be all right.” The old man assured him and walked out of casino. Mohsin kept watching him until he disappeared from the sight.

There was a pin drop silent. Chandani and Aditya were gazing at Mohsin’s face. Mohsin could not meet their eyes. His eyes were stuck on the floor.

“I work as a software engineer Ambition Software’s. The manager of the branch Ravi called me once. He knew about my compulsion and past. He gave me an offer which I couldn’t deny. On Sunday night, when you were having some drinks with old man I received a call commanding me to be there. I waited out side till the old man came out of the pub. I followed him and I struck when I found the time suitable. He fell face long. I turned him and I got utterly confounded to see his face. Ravi didn’t show me photo of him. He only said you have to done it on Sunday. I couldn’t see his face in the dark and did that sin. Whatever I did, it was a mistake. They took advantage of my compulsion. Now, it’s all up to you. I am going to expiate my sin. If you help me in that I will be grateful to you, if not I am going to do it alone. ” Mohsin completed his story. Chandani and Aditya didn’t know what to say. They looked at each other’s face.

“What happened to your daughter? I mean you got money in to kill him.” Aditya gathered courage and said. Mohsin looked at him.

“I never went back to collect the money. I don’t want my daughter back with the help of this blood money.” Mohsin said. Aditya looked at Chandani.

“You know what; I used to think if I get to know who killed the old man I will rip him off. But now, you are sitting before me and I don’t know what to do?” Aditya said in a hoarse voice. Chandani was still sitting like a statue.

“After my wife, it’s only my daughter who gives me reason to live. Even I couldn’t see her. She is going to celebrate her first birth day on Monday. I don’t know how she looks like. But I know she must be pretty like her mother.” Mohsin said with teary eyes. Aditya looked at Chandani.

“Let the pass burry the dead. I count on you. If we share informations with each other, we will be at the back of the matter soon.” Announced Aditya all of a sudden and glanced quizzically at Chandani who was still sitting stolid.

“Chandani, do you count on me? There is no use of working together until and unless there is trust.” Mohsin sought an answer from Chandani. Aditya froze his eyes on her too. Chandani arose and sighed.

“I can trust a father. Because someone has once said you can easily deduce the pain of someone if you have gone through the same.” Chandani smiled. Aditya gladly held her hand. A pale but satisfied smile appeared on Mohsin’s face too.

“So now, we must get on the work. Mohsin, what information do you have?” Aditya asked exhorted. Mohsin cleared his throat.

“First of all I will talk about the points which are clearly indicating towards a conspiracy. Ravi, known to be a close aid to Virmani got ready to give two millions easily to get him killed. It means his life was a threat to Gautam Virmani. I mean not every life is worth two millions.” Mohsin explained.

“But there might be personal interest of Ravi in getting him killed?” Chandani protested.

“As far as I know Ravi he can’t get someone killed without Virmani’s consent. Let’s assume Ravi had personal grudges against him how the hell he could arrange two millions?” Mohsin explained.

“Fair enough,” Chain looked convinced with the point.

“My second point is the whole world knows that Virmani has an army of killers. Even he could get him killed by Bombay police too. But why he picked me? Because he didn’t want to take a chance, he wanted to keep this killing classified. If he had got a professional killer, it would’ve been disclosed. I mean chances had been there. That’s why he pitched me in it. It means there is a big conspiracy.” Mohsin concluded.

“Mr. Patil was working for Virmani. He was prying on Kaizad for him.” Chandani confided.

“How can you say that?” Mohsin asked.

“When he met me he had come to have some information about Jabbar who was sleeping with me. As we all know Jabbar is a close aid to Virmani’s business rival Kaizad.” Chandani said and looked at them. Mohsin had nothing to say about it.

“But Chandani Mr. Patil never came to you.” It’s Aditya who broke his silence after a long time.

“What rubbish Aditya, I have already told you the story of that night.”

“That’s right. You told me you ran into him that night not he. He never meant to come to you. You met him coincidently that night.” Aditya said with a smile. Chandani was puzzled. She forced herself to recall something.

“You are right, our meeting never meant to happen. He was standing there and it’s me who ran into him.” said Chandani “but he sought information about Jabbar.” Suddenly she recalled something.

“Again you are at a mistake. He never sought information. It’s you who gave this proposal. May be, he was trying to connect a link between Kaizad and Virmani, or may be he knew Jabbar was working for Virmani too?” Aditya clarified. Chandani realized she had been at a mistake since the night.

“What you have got till now?” now it was time to report Mohsin. Aditya was all set to report.

“Nothing much, I only got to know about a lady who used to be an actress in his theater group.”

“Breakthrough, Virmani has been having frequent secret meetings with Swami Divya Shakti Maharaj and C.M. Devda. And if I am not wrong they are involved in it too.” Mohsin reported. Big names like Guruji and Devda turned their faces pale.

“I told you there are big guns involved in it.” Aditya told cahadani.

“When I killed him, I was told to check him properly. I got a notebook and a wallet which I have already handed over to Ravi. But I got some interesting stuffs from him.” Mohsin confided and took out some peaces of roughly folded papers of his pocket.

“What is this?” Aditya took that peace of papers.

“Its map of Bombay marked all over and what the hell is this, a 10 rupees note?” Aditya couldn’t make anything out of these peaces of papers. Chandani snatched the papers from his hand and glanced at them quizzically.

“Even I couldn’t make any head or tail of this. I got these papers from his inner pocket. That suggests their importance. So I kept it without letting Ravi know about it.” Mohsin explained. Chandani was still scanning the peace of papers.

“So what’s up now?” Aditya quizzed.

“We should play our part respectively. I am going to attend the Friday Pravachan at Guruji’s ashram. May be, I earn some grace of God.

“I have to meet Nirupama. May be I get some information about Patil.” Aditya said.

“I have to meet Kaizad. Because there is only one man in the city, who is as powerful as Virmani, we will seek help from him.” Chandani reveled. That revelation shocked Aditya.

“But why the hell he will meet you?” Aditya asked.

“Because I have fixed it,”

“When, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“There is a lot you need to learn about me. There is one more thing you have to do.” Chandani said.

“Now what?” Aditya asked annoyingly. Chandani sighed and paused for a while.

“You know Mahima Kapoor, the mistress of Virmani? My friend John plays a toy boy of her every weekend night. But this Friday he is not going to do that.” Chandani said and paused again.

“So?” Aditya asked.

“You have to go there. She is the only one who can give us the deepest information of Virmani.” Chandani said and winked. Aditya was taken aback.

“But…”

“Come on Aditya that’s a fun task. She is pretty. And that is important too. She is the only one who is closest to Virmani.” Chandani tried to peruse him. Aditya looked to and fro.

“I will see.” He replied.

Two men were enjoying the whine in Virmani’s chateau with Guruji and C.M. Devda. They seem to be waiting for Virmani. Virmani loved to make someone wait. That filled him with a feeling of proud.

“Mr. Krishnan, how do you like to enjoy the whine?” Devda grinned.

“That’s nice, but it would’ve been better if Mr. Virmani had been here. What do you say Mr. Reddy?” Krishnan said wryly.

“Agreed, I came here almost running from Andhra. Mr. Krishnan had issues to sort out in Kerala. But we appeared here, and Mr. Virmani is making us wait like this.” Reddy complained. Devda squinted at Guruji, who was looking calm as ever.

Virmani walked in, in his aristocratic manner. All stood up to see him.

“I am really sorry gentlemen, and thanks for waiting. I hope you had good time with Guruji, Mr. Devda and the French whine.” Virmani greeted them.

“That’s all right Mr. Virmani. We are not in the habit of waiting like this. Anyway, I don’t expect any change in the plane.” Krishnan asked sharply.

“Of course not, we are ready with our part. We are waiting for Sunday. We are going to have a new dawn on Monday. What about you?” Virmani asked calmly.

“We are ready too. Land of Andhra is all yours. Mr. Krishnan will take care of Kerala. Don’t forget Mr. Virmani, Bombay is just an experiment. If it gets succeed, we have to zero in on south India.” Reddy grinned. A smile appeared on Virmani’s face.

“I hope you and they will take care of south after Bombay. We are helping you on this condition only. Make sure it gets succeed without any odd. And we must leave. We have to arrange for Sunday.” Krishnan said and both rose to their feet. Virmani, Guruji and Devda wished them a good night.

Now, there were Devda, Guruji and Virmani only. Virmani lit up his cigar made a smoke ring and turned to the visitors.

“Guruji, your progress.” Virmani glanced at Guruji.

“My followers are ready. They are only waiting for an allusion.” Guruji reported with a grin. A satisfactory smile appeared on Virmani’s face.

“C.M. Saheb.” Virmani turned to Devda. Devda was ready with his progress report.

“All is going as you said. I and my men are ready to play their part.” Devda replied in his long acquainted cunning smile. All had a grin on their faces. Virmani puffed up again and made three peg.

“All right gentlemen, congratulations! We are going to create history.” Virmani said and all raised a toast. The night and the mystery were getting darker with each passing moment.

When Kaizad saw Chandani sitting in his living room, He lost in her beauty. Chandani was wearing a blue dress. Kaizad approached to her.

“Now I know why Jabbar recommended you. I don’t regret to call you.” he said and contemplated her beauty from head to toe. He leaned forward to kiss her. But Chandani rolled back. She smiled sexily. She knew the best how to cash her beauty.

“Wait Mr. Vadia. Why such hot hurry. I have more things to give you.” she winked and smiled.

“More things to give? what is this?” Kaizad was taken aback.

“If I tell that there is someone who is taking advantage of your gentleness, what will you give me?” Chandani said.

“Who it could be?” Kaizad mumbled.

“And if I confide you that Virmani is having a plan which will make him stronger than ever if succeeds what you have to offer me?” Chandani winked again. Kaizad stood aghast.

“First tell me the name of that traitor.” Kaizad said gashing. Chandani held his hands.

“Jabbar,” She confided.

“Jabbar?” he mumbled “are you insane? He is the closest aid me. How can he…?” he paused for a while and asked.

“And what about the plan of Virmani?” Kaizad said in a raucous voice.

“I exactly don’t know. But it’s big for sure. Guruji and Devda are also part of it. Jabbar is also there to help them in all possible way.” She said. Kaizad gazed at her face and guffawed.

“You exactly don’t know what the plan is and you want me to count on you. Is it some kind of joke.” Kaizad said wryly.

“I told you he is making a plan to make himself bigger. To confirm my words you have your team of detectives. I am sure you can’t afford an invincible Virmani.” Chandani rolled the dice. Kaizad thought for a while.

“And what you want in return?”

“Get my words confirmed first. I will tell you what I am seeing for.”

Kaizad thought for a while and said to her balefully.

“Listen girl, I find your information worth nothing, you will be ripped off in pieces.”

“I won’t complain.” Said Chandani and winked.

Chapter-Five: The Weekend Goosebumps.

Friday- 28-09-2034

Aditya was all set to meet Nirupama. He had fixed a meeting with the leady on phone. Informations from Nirupama might be the biggest breakthrough in the case. Since, Nirupama had been in contact with Patil, she might have some relevant information about the activity of the old man. Aditya, Chandani and Mohsin had decided not to have much talk on phone. They had a feeling that they were being snooped. They had to work without catching someone’s eyes.

Aditya rang the door bell of the house. After an instant the door was opened by a middle aged simple looking leady. Aditya didn’t take much time to recognize her.

“Come inside.” the lady invited him inside. Aditya followed her.

“Be comfortable.” The leady made him sit and went inside. After some instant the leady turned back with a glass of water. Aditya took the glass and emptied it. He needed it badly. The leady took a seat opposite him.

“You want to ask something about Govind?” the leady broke the silence. Aditya wanted to ask her but didn’t know where to start from. Perhaps, the hesitation was deduced by the leady.

“Ma’am, do you know what did Mr. Patil do?” Aditya asked in a hesitated voice. Nirupama sighed.

“He would help others. I mean he had nothing much to do after the city wiped out.” Nirupama briefed him calmly. Aditya looked at her silent face.

“Do you have any idea why he has been killed? I mean why someone killed an artist?” Aditya asked with all respect. Nirupama gazed at his face for while, as she was not able to decide whether she wanted to answer it or not. Aditya deduced her hesitation.

“ma’am, I know what you are going through. I believe there is a big conspiracy behind his death and we are almost there, at the beck of the conspiracy. But we need your help. But I won’t force you for that.” Aditya said respectfully. Nirupama looked at him and sighed.

“He told me that he has been keeping an eye on Gautam Virmani for a while. He told me that he got some strong evidence against him. Few days back he told me that Virmani and his men had got to know about his act and his life is at risk. He instructed me not to contact him. Since then, I never had a chance to talk to him. Few days latter I got to know about his death.” Nirupama said. The tears rolled down of her eyes. Aditya looked at her sympathetically.

“But why he was staging of Virmani? I mean who told him to do so?” Aditya looked at her.

“Manoj Kumar Shinde, the cabinet secretary of India, has been a friend of him. He told him to do so.” Nirupama informed calmly.

“Cabinet secretary of India, why he?” Aditya murmured to himself. He couldn’t make any sense of it.

“Ma’am I think I should leave now. Thanks for your help.” Aditya thanked the leady and rose to his feet. Nirupama rose to see him off.

“Listen son,” Nirupama called Aditya turned back.

“Yes ma’am”

“They are big people, be careful.” Nirupama advised him lovingly. Aditya looked at him respectfully and wished her good bye.

Chandani was sitting alone in Leena’s flat who had to fly away to Delhi to see her aunty. She was waiting for the call of Jabbar. She knew there was a lot riding on her meeting with Kaizad.

“Don’t know what happened to Aditya’s meeting with Nirupama?” she was talking to herself. Suddenly the ring of the phone made her jump. That was a call from her friend Leena who had a flight to catch for Delhi, although, she was expecting a call from Kaizad.

“Have you not boarded yet?” Chandani shot the question as soon as the call was picked.

“Relax Chandani; I am still waiting in the lounge. You know what something weird is going on here.” Leena complained. Chandani couldn’t get anything.

“Weird means?”

“I don’t know passengers of Delhi are being interrogated like hell. I am sure that’s not a part of normal procedure. I am stuck here for two ours.” Leena replied annoyingly. Chandani laughed at her.

“They must’ve got orders. Don’t worry.” Chandani tried to pacify her.

“There is nothing like being worry, I am just getting bored. By the way, I hope you are not having much problems in my messy flat?”

“Not at all Leena, I am quiet comfortable here.”

“Sounds good, I just called to know that how are you doing there. Take care.” Said Leena and disconnected the line. A smile appeared on Chandani’s face.

“Are you going anywhere?” Mahima came to meet Virmani but Virmani was ready to leave for somewhere.

“Oh Mahima, good to see you, I have some important work to discuss. Why don’t you have a tea, I will be a while.” Gautam rose to go. Mahima halted his way and held his hand.

“Nice perfume Mr. Virmani. It seems you have a really important meeting.” Mahima smelled him but Virmani was in no mood of playing romantic.

“Mahima, I have to go. I will catch you tonight.” Virmani kissed her uninterestingly and resumed walking.

“What happened to you Gautam?” Mahima asked in raucous voice. His steps halted. He turned back.

“What happened to me?” Virmani asked sordidly.

“I am not blind Gautam. I can notice ignominy in your eyes for me.” Mahima said wryly. Gautam threw a withering glance at her.

“There is nothing like ignominy. It’s my work which is keeping me busy these days and that’s it.” Virmani snorted. Mahima smiled and got closer to him.

“I have seen you working Gautam but never like that. Don’t you think your new and the most important project of your life taking much time of yours.” Mahima grinned.

“Mahima, for me my work always comes first. I have more important issues than sleeping with you.” Gautam concluded the argument and walked away. Mahima kept looking at him with sanguinary eyes.

Chandani was making herself a tea. It was not that she was dying to have a tea, but this kind of small works were eradicating her boredom which was hovering over her through out the day. She poured herself the tea and switched on the television. Chandani was really having a tough day. There was nothing worth watching on television. Chandani cursed herself.

Just then her cell phone rang. An unknown number was flashing on the screen. She gazed at the screen as she was trying to identify the number but she failed to.

“Hallo.” She picked up and said.

“You were right Chandani. Virmani is cooking something with Guruji and Devda. What is next?” Kaizad spoke from the other side. Chandani hit the bull’s eye.

“Wait for our next move.” Chandani suggested.

“Shall I capture Jabbar; I will make him speak like anything.” Kaizad said gnashing. He seemed to be in a hurry.

“No, no sir, believe me, I will let you know when it’s right time.” Chandani pleaded. She knew a wrong step in haste will spoil all the efforts they had done so far. Kaizad thought for a while. Since, the lead came through her; He decided to count on her call.

“O.k. Chandani, I will wait for your call.” Kaizad said and hung up.

Mohsin was standing in front of the gate of Divya ashram to attend the Friday pravachan. He was wearing a white Kurta. A saffron stole was coiled around his neck. A red tilak applied on his forehead, was adding a remarkable luster in his persona. Since, Divya Shakti Maharaj had been an influential spiritual guru; a huge flock could be seen in his pravachan. His sevaks and sevikas in saffron outfits were busy in welcoming people.

Soon, Mohsin found himself in huge a magnificent awning. There were hundreds of devotees sitting already. Devotional songs playing in the background were adding more spirituality to the ambience. A voice was thanking people and appealing them to keep calm intermittently.

Soon, swami Divya Shakti Maharaj appeared on the stage. Whole ambience resonated with Guruji’s ovation. Guruji waved at them to keep calm and made an allusion to sit down. The hubbub subside the next instant. People took their respective chairs. Guruji sat on his throne. Guruji cleared his throat and started speaking calmly.

“Friends, wealth is an important part of our life. But wealth more than your need could spoil your life too.” Guruji’s pravchan soon caught the pace. People were listening to his words and never forgot to cheer Guruji intermittently. Mohsin was listening to the words supinely. It seemed the rigmarole was never meant to get an end. Guruji was accosting the gathering in a sedate voice. The people gathered there were imbibing each and every words of Guruji. There was a pin drop silent pervaded. Only the sound of wind could be heard except Guruji. Guruji was delivering his pravchan with carefully selected words.

“But not everyone in the world collects money to live a voluptuous life; few are still there who use their wealth and energy for the wellbeing of others. Our very own Gautam Virmani is one of them.” Virmani’s name from Guruji’s mouth cocked up Mohsin’s ears all of a sudden. His interest in pravchan suddenly woke up.

“Friends, people earn money for happiness. But they forget happiness and satisfaction can’t be bought. People spend entire life to find joy, but there are some people who find happiness in others. Gautam Virmani is one of them. Did you forget what happened few years back? The earth was dying. The burden of evildoers had almost killed the earth. But God said himself until and unless even there is a single good man remains on earth, it will be stand tall. So friends, I would like to say if we have survived the angst of Lord Shiva that happened because of people like Gautam Virmani.” The praising was on. Mohsin couldn’t make a sense of it. “Why this praising words for Virmani in the middle of a pravchan?” Mohsin thought.

“When we were waiting of our death, we were left to die by the Indian government. Our city flourished the economy of India for years but what we got in return? Betrayal.” Guruji’s voice became rasp. That sudden change of tune caught Mohsin off guard.

“May God bless Mr. Gautam Virmani, who adopted the orphan city. We stood back. And progressed by leaps and bounds and became a paradigm for whole world.” Guruji carried on. Mohsin’s mobile vibrated in his pocket. It was Aditya’s call. He disconnected the phone.

Suddenly the people stood up. The long session of pravchan was over. Now, the devotees were queuing up to have prasad. Mohsin decided to have a look through the ashram in search of getting something relevant.

The Divya ashram was sprawled in more than 100 acres. It was almost impossible to scan it in a glance. Since, Mohsin was not much acquainted of the place, it became harder for him. Suddenly he noticed Guruji surrounded by his body guards. His eyes followed Guruji. Guruji halted before a room. Mohsin hid himself behind the shields of plants and kept an eye Guruji went inside the room and turned back after an instant. He was instructing the saffron liveried guards something, after an instant Guruji disappeared of the sight. He left few guards behind to look after the room. The saffron outfitted guards took their place. The security out of the room was clearly indicating that there was something inside which needed to keep safe and sound and Mohsin did no mistake in realizing it.

“Why this security arrangement out of the room?” Mohsin thought. Suddenly a hand fell on his shoulder. Mohsin turned back all of a sudden and found two saffron outfitted sevaks staring at him.

“What are you doing here, don’t you know you are not allowed to be here?” one of the sevaks threw a sanguinary glance at Mohsin and asked. Mohsin didn’t know what to say?

“I was looking for my wife and child, they were here only few instant back, but now don’t know where the hell they disappeared?” Mohsin made a poor face and told a fib. He had no better story at that moment. The sevaks looked at each other bewilderedly.

“What’s the name of your wife and child? The sevak asked in a raucous voice.

“Chandani and Aditya,” These names out of his mouth all of a sudden. And that was natural. His life had been moving around these names since last few days.

“So, go and get it announced. They will be back to you. Now go.” Sevak advised him sordidly and shooed him away. Mohsin made a quick exit from the sight in no time.

Aditya was in taxi and on his way. He had a gratifying meeting with Nirupama. He wanted to meet Chandani as soon as possible to discuss the case and informations they were having. Suddenly the taxi halted with a sound of screech.

“What happened?” Aditya asked the cab driver.

“There is a kind of rally. Traffic is creeping. We will have to wait.” The cab driver informed. Aditya peeped through window. A flock of people could be seen. The yellow flag among the crowed suggested Aditya that the rally was called by the Maharashtra Sena.

“Oh yes, the supreme of the party has been granted a bail toady.” Aditya recalled the bail granted to Uddhav Pawaar was dominating the morning news, but he forgot about it in this hest. Uddhav Pawaar was there in the middle, accosting the crowd.

“Friends, I am not against any community. I talk about the well being of Mumbaikers. But it seems it has become a sin. I was thrown in the prison. And my sin was I stood by Bombay, I stood by the Mumbaikers.” Pawaar poisoned the ears. The crowd cheered him insanely. Pawaar waved to them to calm the hubbub.

“Friends, I want to ask you, more than a dozen sates have been wiped out of the map of India after apocalypse. The Indian economy is surviving on the strength and recourses of Bombay. But what our city gets in return, the crowd of outsiders?” The flock went berserk again. Pawaar paused for a while. When the hubbub subsided, he resumed.

“But it won’t be tolerated anymore. If they hang me for this, I will consider myself fortunate. The government could do no more than what they did in 1960, when the police of Indian government showered bullets on people who were demonstrating peacefully. I am ready to die a martyr’s death for my city. Can you do this for Bombay?” Pawaar flipped a question towards the crowed. The flock replied positively. This time the sound of grumble doubled.

“Look at this tomfool; he is still stuck in this kind of things. How the hell he got bail?” Aditya said to the cab driver.

“He is saying nothing wrong sir. People of Bombay must think about it.” The cab driver replied flatly. Aditya was taken aback by this reply.

Mohsin and Chandani were waiting for Aditya at Royal Tea House. They got a text from him. They were gathered there to report each other their respective progress. A lot was riding on Aditya’s meeting with Nirupama.

“He should’ve been here till now.” Mohsin glanced at his wrist watch.

“He will be here anytime soon. He must be stuck in traffic.” Chandani assured Mohsin.

“He knows its weekend night and the tea shop is going to shut. He should have made it quick.” Mohsin said in a perturbed voice.

“See, here he is.” Chandani noticed Aditya and waved at him. Aditya waved back and came to them.

“Sorry I got late. Traffic was crawling as there was rally called by Uddhav Pawaar.” Aditya explained.

“So how was your meeting with Nirupama?” Mohsin asked quickly as he was dying to ask this question.

“That’s good. In fact I got some unexpected information.” Aditya confided them. That woke up the curiosity of both.

“What kind of unexpected information?” Chandani asked restively.

“Guys, we know that Mr. Patil was spying on Virmani. But you know who hired him to do so?” Aditya glanced at them quizzically. Both nodded negative.

“You won’t believe your ears. He was hired by the government of India.” Aditya exploded. Their eyes opened wide with amazement.

“But why?” that’s all Mohsin could say. Aditya sighed and elaborated the information he received by Nirupama.

“Now what do you make out of these?” Aditya flipped the question.

“Why Indian government of India had an eye on Virmani?” Chandani asked in a puzzled voice.

“That’s what we have to find out and that too very soon.” Mohsin said sedately.

“What about you’re meeting with Guruji?” Aditya sought report. Mohsin threw his intense glance at Aditya and said

“I went to attend the Friday pravchan in Divya ashram. But it was not the usual pravchan at all.” Mohsin elaborated from Guruji’s pravchan to the secret room. A silence was outstretched between them. All three were trying to explain the informations in their own way. But they don’t seem to reach on any conclusion. Suddenly the mobile ring of Chandani broke the silence.

“Hi Leena, have you landed or still waiting in the lounge?” Chandani asked her friend as soon as she picked up the phone. She had some words and hung up the phone soon.

“What she was saying?” Aditya asked as he had already deduced that it was Leena.

“Nothing, she landed in Delhi.”

“This time, you told me she had a morning flight to catch?”

“Of course she had. She told me the passengers of Delhi were being interrogated at the airport she was stuck in that only.” Chandani replied. Mohsin was amazed to hear that. Aditya was taken aback too. Mohsin was trying to link the weird incidents he and his friends have been witnessing since the morning.

“Aditya, first the weird pravchan of Guruji, then the provoking speech of Pawaar and now the interrogation of Delhi passengers, don’t it sound weird?” Mohsin asked uneasily. Aditya too was taken aback by this question. An intrigue was clearly in the air.

Rao was sitting in his cabin restively. Aditya and Chandani was still purview of their reach. The problem raised his head at this high time and he couldn’t afford it at all. He summoned his junior officer Kulkarni in his cabin.

“May I come in sir?” Kulkarni made an appearance in no time. Rao looked at him and made an allusion to come in. Kulkarni saluted him. Rao motioned him to sit down. His face was looking embattled.

“Kulkarni, what happened to that girl?” Rao sought report.

“Nothing much sir, we sent our men in her office. They reported she has been playing truant since few days. Even her home was found locked.” Kulkarni reported in a breath. A line of unease busted on Rao’s face. The report was not good at all.

“Keep reporting me the progress. You may leave now.” Rao instructed Kulkarni. Kulkarni saluted him and made an exit. Rao closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Kulkarni came out of Rao’s cabin and entered his. He was still not able to get why this girl and that young boy who claimed the dead body of the old man became a subject of interest for Rao? He couldn’t remember a case where Rao didn’t take in confidence. But he could easily see a curtain of secrecy in this particular case. He thought for a while and summoned the cop whom he gave the responsibility to find out the girl. The cop appeared before him and saluted. Kulkarni threw a glance at him.

“What happened to that girl I told you to find out?” Kulkarni said to his dependable officer.

“Sir, I gave you the early reports of her sudden disappearance. Since then we got nothing. Now we are zero in on her friends and relatives. As soon as I get a clue, I will let Rao sir know about it.” Officer cut a sorry figure and reported. Kulkarni leaned forward and said.

“If you get her, you don’t have to let him know. You have to report me. Take it in to account.” Kulkarni said calmly. The junior officer threw a quizzical glance at Kulkarni.

“Got it sir,”

Aditya was standing before the bungalow of Mahima. There was a pin drop silent pervaded. Aditya was really strung up. He was going to enter the lioness’ den. Aditya knew if something went wrong, the information about their spy act will reach Virmani in no time. Mahima was not only one of her mistress but she was a close confider of him too.

Aditya knocked at the closed gate and waited for an instant. The watchman peeped from the gate cabin window.

“What do you want?” the liveried watch man asked him.

“I was called by Miss Mahima.” Aditya informed the watch man.

“Wait a minute.” The watch man shut the window and picked up the receiver of intercom. Aditya deduced he must be seeking permission from Mahima. He had no option but to wait until the gate opens.

Soon the gate opened wide with a screech. Permission granted. A gate keeper motioned him to come in. Now; Aditya could easily see the grand bungalow. The gate was opened by another liveried gate keeper. The first watch man was still in the cabin. Since, the watchmen knew about the madam’s weekend night program, they found nothing weird in Aditya’s presence.

“Go inside, ma’am is waiting for you.” The gate keeper said and threw a meaning full smile at him. Initially, Aditya could not get the reason of his smiling like this but realized it in next instant. He avoided him and his weird smile and walked ahead. The gate keeper closed the door and went in the cabin.

“Mani, I am not able to get why ma’am splurges money every weekend night on these young boys. Why doesn’t she give us a chance? I swear I will not charge a single penny for that. ” the first watchman asked the other cunningly.

“For us, there are a lot of call girls wandering at road on weekend nights. Someone like Mahima ma’am is out of our reach.” The other watchman replied in a calm voice.

“But still, today’s young men surviving on Viagra can not satisfy her. She needs a man like me.” the watch man winked.

“Get on the job.”

Aditya was about to knock the door but realized it was open. He entered the well furnished living room. He found no one there.

“Come inside.” a feminine voice instructed him. He followed the instruction and halted before the room it came from. He hesitated for a while and knocked the door next instant.

“Get in.” he got instructed by the same feminine voice. He pushed the door and found himself in a well interior bed room. A found a feminine figure lying on a bed. The light was off but still there was enough light that they could see each other’s face. Suddenly the room was lighted up. Now, Mahima could easily see the visitor’s face. Her eyes were red which was indicating that either she was badly drunk or she had been crying through out the day. Mahima scanned Aditya from head to toe. She was wearing a night gown.

“Come closer.” She instructed Aditya in her intoxicated voice. Aditya hesitated for a while and got closer. She scanned him again. She smiled at him and poured a glass of whine for him.

“Drink it.” She offered him the glass and instructed. Aditya took the glass and sipped from it once. Mahima took out a cheroot and lit. She inhaled it deep and poured all the smoke on Aditya’s face. She puffed the cheroot again.

“Have a puff.” She offered him her lipped cheroot, an offer which sounded more like an order. Aditya knew since he has been haired for whole night there was no option of saying no. he took the cheroot and puffed it once. He could feel the sensation of her lips on the cheroot butt.

“Sit.” She ordered Aditya. Aditya took a seat on the bed she was lying on. She unbuttoned him and caressed his well toned bared chaste. She kissed his chaste passionately. Her lipstick mark could be seen on Aditya’s bare body. But that kiss created no titillation in him.

“I hope you are good at giving massage. I love to have a massage before doing that.” She said to him and turned. Aditya kept sitting there like a statue. Aditya gazed at her body for a while.

“I have not come here to do it.” Aditya gathered courage and said finally. Mahima was taken aback to hear these words. She turned.

“What did you say?” Mahima asked in a rasp voice.

“ma’am, just listen to me carefully. I just wanted to ask something about Gautam Virmani.” Aditya stammered. Mahima rose to her feet angrily.

“Who sent you?” Mahima snorted.

“It’s not important at the moment. Virmani is busy in a nasty deal. I don’t know what it is. But his intentions are not holy for sure.” Aditya tried to make her understand in his unclear and strung up voice. An eerie smile appeared on her lips.

“He is Gautam Virmani, all matters for him that is profit whether it’s a good or bad. He doesn’t give a damn.” Mahima sniggered.

“He is playing with innocent lives.” Aditya said.

“If he gets something out of a death, it doesn’t matter for him at all. He is a business man in search of an absolute power.” Mahima said wryly.

“But still ma’am there is something beyond profit and power. People like Virmani can’t understand this I don’t expect him to do. But at least it can be expected to an artist.” Aditya was trying his best to convince her.

“You know what? if Gautam gets to know about your intentions, you will be ripped off. You will be disappeared in no time and nobody will ever know that someone like you ever existed on the earth. I suggest you to leave.” Mahima said balefully. Aditya knew she was a great nut to crack.

“I just wanted to know whether you have noticed anything suspicious about Gautam. Any thing which looked weird to you?” Aditya gave it a last chance.

“Get out of my sight.” Mahima seemed to be unaffected by all his efforts. Aditya accepted his defeat. He sighed and moved towards the door. He turned back.

“Ma’am I know Virmani is doing something fishy and since, you are the closest to him you can help us. Believe me, you can save some lives. In case you change your mind just let me know.” Aditya had his last words and left. Mahima watched him go.

Even at the midnight, a corner of Divya ashram was awake in its full senses. A neat and clean room was witnessing a secret meeting. A whine glass was placed on a table accompanied by a plate of roasted cashews. Three shadows were whispering carefully that no one could hear them.

“That’s the last night we have to prepare. Tomorrow is Saturday, and at the midnight of Saturday, our guests are coming. Make sure they get a perfect welcome.” The first shadow in a three piece suit even at the midnight, confided.

“Not at all, we are ready with our part. Let them come. They will get a welcome they will never forget. How about our guest of honor?” the second shadow in a saffron outfit whispered.

“He will be there any time soon but you must get prepare. Before our plan takes off, he will have a look on our preparation.” The white outfitted third shadow replied.

“Let him come. We are all set to create history.” The saffron shadow said with a wicked smile.

“I hope the weapons are safe and sound.” The suited shadow asked the saffron one.

“You have seen it your self.” The saffron shadow shot a smile at him and replied.

Now all the three shadows were looking contented. The white outfitted shadow made drink for everyone, and raised a toast.

“To the history,” The shadow in three piece suit cheered and both clanked their glasses.

Aditya turned back from Mahima empty handed. The three musketeers were eradicating their frustration by having drink. Although it was almost midnight yet, the Paradise Pub was cashing the weekend night. This hustle-bustle was going to be continuing for next two nights.

“I told you we will get nothing from her. Why should she care about innocent lives and any intrigue witch yet to discover. I mean, she is mistress of the most powerful man of the city and having a good life on his money.” “Mohsin said in an intense and disappointed voice. Chandani threw a glance at him and sipped the whisky. Aditya was having his drink without speaking a word.

“What we are going to do next?” Chandani broke the ice. Aditya didn’t care much about the question because he had no answer of it. Mohsin gazed at Chandani’s face for a while.

“We will zero in on the leads we have before Mahima.” Mohsin said sedately.

“And what we have? Nothing, we have been only finding a way in the dark. We know there is a conspiracy. But what can we do?” Aditya put an unanswerable question. Mohsin had nothing to say.

“Shall we go to the police?” Chandani gave an idea. Although she new it was not the good one.

“And what basis on, what we know about the conspiracy? And madam, don’t forget police commissioner is also involved in it. And if Mohsin’s theory is to be believed Devda too has been a part of this. And if still we think Bombay police can help us, we are the biggest stupid alive on earth.” Aditya snorted. Chandani already knew it was a bad idea. The threesomes sat silently as none of them had to say anything.

“Forget about there was an old man we ever met. Forget about we were moved by his thoughts and talks. Forget about that his dead body was found lying on the road. Forget about this week ever happened to us. We will forget, and one day the whole world will forget.” Mohsin said in lost voice and emptied his glass. All three started having their respective drinks silently, unsure about the future which lay ahead of them

Chapter- six: the conspiracy unlocked

Saturday- 29-09-2034

Mahima was still awake. Even the drink and sleeping pills couldn’t help her. The talks of Aditya were not letting her sleep. She glanced at the clock. It was 1:30 A.M. and sleep was still miles away from her eyes. He was right; Gautama’s behavior had changed since last few days. She knew whenever he gets into a new plan or project, he gets perturbed until and unless the task is done. But this time, it’s totally different. He never behaved the way he did in the morning. After a long time she tasted this ignominy. All of a sudden she arose and sat. Some drops of sweat could be seen on her forehead. She suddenly felt there was not enough air to breath. She came out of her bedroom. Now, she was feeling much better. She went to the wash basin and splashed on her face. That lessened the pain in her. She looked at herself in the mirror. The drops of water were still there on her face. She went back to her bedroom and took out the mobile. She thought for a while and dialed the number of Gautam. The phone was received after some rings.

“Hallo, Gautam where are you?”

The watchman was woken up by the sound of horn. He woke up all of a sudden. The head light of her car was flashing on his face. The car blew the horn again. The watchman rushed to open the gate. He opened the gate as quickly as he could. The car passed swiftly as soon as the gate opened wide. Till then, the second watchman woke up too.

“Where is she going at his time?” the watched asked the other when he came back to cabin. The watchman shrugged in reply.

Mahima applied the break of her car before chateau of Gautam Virmani. The car halted with a sound of screech. Mahima contemplated at his chateau. She blew up the horn and waited the gate to get opened. She didn’t have to wait for long. She ran inside swiftly and parked her car. She got down and contemplated on the chateau. Gautam was not there but as she had been a frequent visitor to the chateau, that didn’t bother her much. The door of the chateau was shut. But she always carried a key of the chateau. She opened it and got inside. The chateau was out of people. She looked to and fro and since, there was no corner of the chateau which was not accessible for her, she moved to the Virmani’s bedroom. She knew if there was something worth hiding, it must be in his bedroom, even she new that too, where it could be in the bedroom. She opened the bedroom and piled in. She looked at the locker in the corner. She knew all answers lay there. She knew the password of the lock. It was her date of birth. She entered the password but all of her amazement she was denied the access. She was taken aback.

“When the hell Gautam changed the password?” she murmured to herself. But that assured her there was something which has been kept there purview of everyone’s reach. There was nothing in Virmani’s life which Mahima can’t know, so what the hell was that which was kept out of her reach? This thought was gnawing her inside. She gathered her courage and prepared herself to enter the password again. But this time she had to choose her password carefully. ‘If wrong password is typed more than once it gets blocked.’ She recalled once Gautam told her.

“What the password should be?” she murmured to herself. Suddenly something flashed in her mind. She decided to enter the new password. She was typing each and every digit with extra care. Her fingers were trembling. She completed the process of entering password and waited for the response. She knew once it got blocked she will never be able to unlock the secret which was lying inside the locker. She prayed to God. Suddenly the locker got unlocked with a click sound. She opened it. There was pile of files. She took out each and every file and scanned it at a glance. She knew she didn’t have much time. She had to find out something which is relevant to her before Virmani made an appearance. But she could find nothing. Suddenly some papers fell on the floor from the pile of files. That caught her caught her eye. She picked up the papers and went through it, and her eyes kept getting widened with each moment. She couldn’t believe on what she was seeing.

“No, it can’t be possible.”

Aditya was awakened by the mobile ring. He had few sessions of drink few hours back with Chandani and Mohsin. He was having a sound sleep. Before looking at the cell phone he glanced at the clock. It was it was quarter past three.

“Who the hell is calling at this time?” he cursed the caller and found an unknown number flashing on the screen. He was not expecting an unknown caller at this time.

“Hallo,” Aditya said in an annoyed voice.

“Be here. You won’t believe what I have got.” The feminine voice from the other side spoke in a restive voice.

Mohsin applied the break before the bungalow of Mahima. He was accompanied by Aditya and Chandani.

“Blow the horn.” Aditya, on the back seat instructed. Mohsin followed the instruction and blew up the horn and waited for a moment. The watchman peeped out of gate cabin window. He rubbed his eyes and threw a glance at the visitors. Aditya waved at him. The watch man did no mistake in placing him. After some instant the gate was opened for them. Mohsin drove in. the watchmen were taken aback.

“Mani, isn’t he the guy we welcomed few hours back?” The first watch man asked in amazed voice.

“Yes, it was him only. But there are one more guy and a girl.” The second watchman replied with his eyes opened wide.

“But why did he come back at this time?” the first watchman kept on astonishing.

“May be, he couldn’t satisfy madam. Don’t you remember he was looking nervous and ma’am was looking upset when he left?” the second watchman unlocked the mystery.

“And this time he was back with another guy.” The first watchman said.

“And with a girl also,” The second watchman was still amazed.

“Madam seems to be in full mood tonight.” The first watchman concluded. Both exchanged a weird glance.

The threesome found Mahima waiting in the living room only. Mahima rose to his feet when she noticed Aditya. But halted for a while when she noticed that he got a company.

“Ma’am, why did you call me at this time? Aditya shot the question as soon as he saw her. Mahima glanced at Mohsin and Chandani quizzically. Aditya knew the reason behind her hesitation.

“Ma’am they are with me in it. You confide me anything before them.” Aditya assured her. She glanced at them once again.

“Aditya, you were right. Gautam is involved in a conspiracy, a conspiracy much bigger than your imagination. When you left I thought about what you said. I gave it a thought that I should have a word with Gautam. I called him but he told me he can’t talk right now. And he will call me back. I waited for his call but it never came. I deduced there is something fishy. I went to his home. He was not there. There is a locker in his bedroom. Beside Gautam, there was only me who can access the locker. I unlocked the locker and see, what I found there.” Mahima explained restively in a breath and handed over them the file. Aditya took the file and opened it. Mohsin and Chandani, standing by him too tried to catch a glimpse of it. Aditya opened the file and whatever was written in bold widened their eyes in amazement. All they could read written in bold-

The Republic of Bombay

Their eyes were still opened wide in amazement. Aditya turned the next page to get the details of this unholy project. And as they read further their amazement kept on increasing.

Nobody had to say anything after what they just saw. The reality exceeded their imagination. They found the conspiracy bigger than their weirdest surmise.

“So that’s the plan. Gautam and his friends want to free Bombay from India. They wanted to make it a republic, a nation.” Mohsin broke the ice.

“Cabinet secretary was a friend of Patil. He found Gautama’s activity suspicious and instructed Patil to keep an eye on him.” Aditya said in a lifeless voice.

“While his spy acts, he got some clues about this unholy project, and that’s why he got killed.” Chandani said. The conspiracy was clear like a mirror to them. Suddenly Mohsin recalled something.

“Aditya, I have handed over you some papers which I found from Patil. Where are those papers.” Mohsin flipped the question all of a sudden. Aditya was woken up all of a sudden.

“Since the time I have got it. I have been struggling to solve the puzzle of this map and the currency.” Aditya said and frisked his pocket. It was there. He took out and threw a glance at them. Chandani, Mohsin and Mahima got closer to Aditya to catch a glance of it.

“Holy shit, why the hell I didn’t notice it earlier?” Aditya said frantically. Mohsin glanced at him quizzically and almost snatched the map and the currency.

“Oh God, It’s not only a ten rupees currency. It’s a sample currency of Bombay, the republic of Bombay. Look at that.” Mohsin handed over the currency to Chandani.

“Bank of Bombay, What the hell is that?” Chandani puzzled to read on what was written on the currency.

“What about the map?” Mahima who was still in shock asked after a long pause. Mohsin glanced at the map. He took a seat and expanded the map on table placed in center. All took a seat on the chairs placed around the table. Now everyone present there could have a look on the map.

“Look, this is map of Bombay. You can see the marks all over it. No country is completed with some fundamental offices like president house, embassies, parliament, offices of ministries etc. these marks are showing theses only. If republic of Bombay comes into an existence, these offices will be built on these marked places. This is what I feel. I might be wrong.” Mohsin explained in a breath. None had time to be agreed or disagree at that moment.

“But what is the Chinese connection which has been mentioned in the papers?” Chandani quizzed. Mohsin had no idea of it.

“That’s a big plan, and that can’t be done without a military help. Although Gautam is a mighty man yet he doesn’t have an army, and since china has success fully invaded north-east, Gautam found a natural ally in them. By the way in 2030 Chinese missiles brought enough of destruction in Bombay and other parts of India. That left the marks like ruins of Gateway of India and ravaged Taj Mahal behind.” Aditya explained the Chinese connection. Now, Mahima got the reason behind Gautama’s frequent visit to china.

“Now I got why Guruji and Devda have been pitched in the plan. Guruji enjoys the support of blind supporters, and Devda has been the power center of the Bombay politics for long. If the plan of the republic of Bombay gets a support of a powerful and spiritual preacher, that becomes more easy. Devda will take care of the political catch of the matter.” Mohsin explained. The conspiracy was getting clearer layer by layer.

“But as you said to launch military operation you need weapons. Where are the weapons?” Mahima asked. Mohsin paused for a while.

“You guys must remember I told you about my ashram visit, there I noticed a highly secured room. I am sure if weapons have been dispatched to Bombay, it has been kept there safe and sound.” Mohsin confided.

“But one thing, if Chinese army is involved in that so where are the soldiers till now? I mean they don’t have much time. If they land in Bombay all of a sudden don’t you think it will raise a doubt? That will catch the eye of Indian agencies.” This doubt came from Aditya. Mohsin found it a valid question.

“May be they have already landed.” Mohsin gave a thought.

“Don’t you think it’s a point worth digesting? I mean to handle this operation one needs a whole troop of army. How the hell they managed it without catching the eye of the secret agencies?” Aditya explained his question and Mohsin found nothing wrong in what he said. A silence outstretched among them. Finally an unanswerable question busted on.

“They are coming in installments.” Chandani exploded. This answer caught everyone off guard. All threw a puzzled glance at Chandani.

“Yes, they are coming in installment to avoid the glance of secret agencies. Don’t you feel the crowd of Chinese tourists has increased dramatically around us?” Chandani defended her logic. All gazed at her face for a while.

“Sorry, it was such a childish logic.” Chandani cut a sorry figure.

“Don’t be you are right.” Aditya screamed “she is right. They are coming here as tourists followed by their weapons.” Aditya screamed with joy. Chandani got puffed up but she knew it was not the right time to be happy.

“And what the role of Reddy and Krishnan mentioned in it.” Mahima flipped another question.

“If I am recalling it correct, Reddy has been an influential politician of Andhra, and Krishnan has a good hold on the people of Kerala. Andhra is the closest state to Maharashtra. So its land can be used as an entry point for the Chinese army. Kerala’s sea coasts have always been important strategically. Sea coasts way can be used as the same way. And since, Kerala has been a core communist territory in the past that became easier for the china.” Mohsin explained their parting the plan. . All had a grim silence on their faces. Nobody knew what to say?

“One more thing, why china is taking so interest in the plan?” Chandani quizzed. Mohsin sighed and took a deep breath.

“Before 2029 there were few powers on earth. Like U.S.A, Britain, Japan and China. But the apocalypse changed the equation overnight. U.S.A. has been washed out. You must have heard the news about the famishment in U.S. Japan was washed out in the great tsunami of 2029, and the other powers almost met the same fate. There are still some country which are surviving but they have nothing much to offer. China and India suffered badly but stood up again. India would’ve been finished if Bombay had not been there. We all know India and china have always been at daggers drawn. So, china got a golden opportunity to have the last laugh. Which is the most powerful and progressive city of the planet right now?” Mohsin shot a puzzled glance at them.

“Certainly Bombay” Aditya replied.

“Exactly, so here it is. Once China gets Bombay in its clutch, they will be the almighty of this new world. And if Bombay slips out from India‘s hand. India will have nothing.” Mohsin concluded the whole conspiracy. All were exchanging puzzled glances.

“So that is it. Guruji has been glorifying Virmani and cursing India in his pravchan. And I see the bail granted to Uddhav Pawaar for the same reason. They are filling people with acute anti India feelings as people could see no harm in accepting Bombay as a republic. As we all know Bombay is a part of India only on papers and this move will be the official announcement of partition.” Aditya added his view to the conclusion. A silence outstretched among them. The shocking revelation about the conspiracy had snatched the words from them.

“Now, the most important, what we are going to do next? Chandani shot the million dollar question.

“What can we do? Can’t you see? From police to government, from business tycoon to spiritual guru, everyone is part of this, we have no way left.” Mahima replied sad voice.

“But we can’t sit idle like this. Mahima ma’am is right. No one will listen to us it means we have to do it of our own.” Aditya was ready to be part of the battle.

“He is right, for the time being, we should get in action coz we don’t have an option.” Mohsin supported Aditya.

“But without a plan, it’s almost like committing suicide.” Mahima said. Aditya and Mohsin thought for a while. They really needed a plan.

“If somehow we get to the Indian government, this could work in our favor.” Chandani hit the bull’s eye again. Aditya looked at her and found she had a valid point.

“But how, you know passengers of Delhi are being detained like anything at the airport. How will the information reach them? The airport must have been sealed till now.” Mohsin said sedately.

“I can reach there. I mean no one will dare to detain mistress of Virmani.” Mahima said gallantly.

“I appreciate that. But how, there is no flight to Delhi for next eight hours, and we can’t wait for that much.” Aditya said.

“I will use the charter plane of Virmani.”

“At this time? That will raise a doubt in him. It’s high time for his plan; he must be extra vigil at this time.” Mohsin asked. A silent was outstretched again.

“If it so, we have only one man who can help us right now.” Chandani confided. All glanced at her quizzically.

Kaizad was running on the trade mill in his luxurious gym. He realized he had enough of running for the day. He halted and sat. He was gasping. He wiped the sweat scattered around his face and called for the juice.

After an instant a liveried servant appeared with a glass of orange juice. He picked up the glass and sipped it once. The servant bowed and left. After few instant the servant turned back.

“Sir, you have early morning visitors.” The servant informed him respectfully.

“Visitors? at this time?” Kaizad startled for a while. He was not expecting visitors at this time. “Who is that?” asked Kaizad after in instant.

“She said her name Chandani?” servant informed. The name of Chandani sprang Kaizad. She rose all of a sudden.

“Make her sit in living room and tell her to wait.” Kaizad instructed and went inside the bath room.

The visitors were waiting in the grand living room of Kaizad’s mansion. Restiveness could be seen on everyone’s face. Nobody knew what they were going to get out of this meeting. Just then, Kaizad made his aristocratic appearance. All stood up. Kaizad boggled for a while to see the visitors. He was only expecting Chandani. Specially, presence of Mahima shocked him.

“I hope there must be a strong reason behind your early morning appearance.” Kaizad made an allusion to sit and asked.

“We need your help.” Chandani could say this only. Kaizad totally ignored her and shot a glance at Mahima.

“I hope you are permitted to be hear.” Kaizad said wryly to Mahima. Mahima could say nothing should have scratched his face if they had been an option. But she knew that was not the right time.

“Sir, we need your help. I told you that Virmani is planning for something big. But what he is planning is beyond our imaginations.” Chandani confided him without wasting time. Kaizad couldn’t get anything.

“Make yourself clear.” He instructed Chandani. Chandani looked at everyone. She didn’t know where to start from.

A silent was outstretched there. Aditya squinted at Kaizad to see whether he believed on Chandani’s story or not. Chandani threw a clueless glance at Mohsin who was sitting there sedately. Kaizad was still silent.

“I can’t believe Virmani can go that far.” Kaizad finally spoke after a long session of pause. He sounded convinced with their story.

“So, what do you want from me?” Kaizad threw a quizzical glance at them

“We need to pass that information to the Indian government. Only they can stop it all. We need a charter plane to be their quickly, and since there is Chinese troops involved in this we need armored men. You are the only one who can provide us both.” Chandani explained in a breath. Kaizad thought for a while. Although he was not cent percent sure with The Republic of Bombay theory yet, he couldn’t take a chance, coz if the republic of Bombay gets its existence, he will be thrown out of the new nation.

“O.k I have twenty gunmen, and you can use my plane to travel to Delhi.” Kaizad announced and rose to his feet.

They have crossed the first hurdle successfully. The charter plane was ready to fly and Aditya put the twenty gunmen on stand by.

“But I don’t know whom to meet there?” Mahima asked Aditya before boarded on the plane.

“Cabinet secretary Manoj Shinde, Just send him message that you knew Govind Patil. I am sure he will run to meet you.” Aditya confided.

“All the best,” They wished her a luck.

Guruji, Devda and Virmani were busy in giving the plan a final push. Rao and Uddhav Pawaar were waiting outside of room.

“O.k. gentlemen, we don’t have much time. The final consignment of weapons will be there in the evening. Now, we should have a quick recap of our today’s plan.” Virmani said frantically.

“I have to receive the Chinese delegation. Our guest of honor change will be there in the team. He has come to check out the oppression.” Devda reported. Virmani glanced at Guruji.

“I am taking care of the weapons kept in my ashram. My sevaks are waiting for the instruction.” Guruji said in a calm voice. Virmani was looking contented. He summoned Rao and Uddhav.

“Pawaar, you know what you have to do?” Virmani glanced at him quizzically.

“I have to address a rally at Gateway of India. There I have to announce about an acute movement against the outsiders.” Pawaar said. Virmani, Rao and Guruji took a sigh of relief.

“So gentlemen get to the work.” Virmani concluded the meeting and rose to his feet. He left them in the room and walked off.

“Virmani Saheb,” Rao called Virmani and followed him out of the room. Virmani boggled for a while.

“What Rao?” Virmani asked quizzically. Rao hesitated for a while and said.

“Sir, I hid one thing from you. I mentioned you there was a guy who came to claim the dead body of Patil?” Rao reminded him. Virmani threw a puzzled glance at him.

“You said we don’t need to be worry about him.” Virmani raised his eye brow.

“No, no sir, I still don’t see a danger, but we found out he was accompanied by a girl. We have collected some information about her. Her name is Chandani and she works at Emerald Corporation, and she is a part time call girl also. She might have some information about our plan. ” Rao reported.

“So why are you telling me all theses? Go and get her.” Virmani ordered in raucous voice.

“Sir, right now she is unreachable to her. But we will get hr soon.” confessed Rao. Virmani shot a withering glance at him.

“Rao, make sure she couldn’t pass the information till tomorrow, after that her information will be worth nothing.” Virmani commanded and left.

Aditya and Mohsin were having tea at Royal Tea Shop. There restiveness was increasing with each passing moment. They knew it’s going to happen, but when and where? It’s still unanswered.

“What should we do now?” Mohsin asked.

“We can’t do anything but wait for the right moment.”

“Any information about Mahima?”

“She is unreachable. God knows what happened to her.”

Suddenly the volume of television caught their attention. The news of the arrival of Chinese delegation was playing on the screen. Their eyes froze on the screen.

“May be they are one of them.” Aditya expressed his in a rasp voice.

“Aditya, what do you say? Words are there this will strengthen the indo- china tie?” Ganya expressed his query.

“That is going to break the Indo-China tie,” Aditya snorted.

“Today’ is weekend night. Jabbar must get out of his hideout to have some hands in Million Rupees Hands Casino. We can hunt him there.” Mohsin suggested. They knew right now Jabbar is the only lead they had.

“Yes, that’s right. Jabbar will surly go to the casino, but we must wait for the evening, coz before 7 P.M. no casino is going to open its door. We can’t interrogate Guruji, Devda or Virmani. Jabbar is a perfect pick.” Chandani supported Mohsin. Aditya thought for a while.

“That’s right. We must wait till then?” Aditya said.

“Till then what should we do?” Chandani puzzled.

“Go and have some sleep, think sharp, eat healthy and be positive. We are going to have a war.” Mohsin advised them sedately.

“Yes, a war, an imposed war.” Aditya murmured to himself. Chandani sighed. All rose to their feet to leave.

“Be careful Aditya, there was a gathering of Maharashtra Sena’s

Volunteer outside. It is being heard that Pawaar was going to launch a march to Hutatma Chauk tomorrow evening to sharpen his outsider propaganda.” Ganya advised them.

The night was getting glittery as it was getting murkier. People were playing with their luck in Million Rupees Hand casino. Chandani was waiting for Jabbar there. With her red one piece skirt and her beautiful smile she caught eye of many men, but she was waiting for him someone else. Aditya was sitting in a corner. He squinted at Chandani but turned his glance in next instant. Just then his mobile phone rang. It was call from Mohsin.

“What happened, Aditya?” Mohsin said as soon as the call got received.

“We are still waiting. Don’t know whether he is going to come or not?” Aditya said annoyingly he felt they were wasting time.

“God forbid. He is the only one who can be interrogated mean we can’t interrogate Virmani or Devda. Be patient, stay calm.” Mohsin pacified him.

“That is total waste of time.” Aditya annoyed. “Wait, wait he is here.” Suddenly he noticed Jabbar and cut the phone. Jabbar appeared elegantly in a three piece suit. Aditya signalized Chandani. Chandani squinted at her prey. Jabbar possessed a table to play. Chandani went to her and put her hand on his shoulder. He looked back.

“Hi Jabbar, how are you?” Chandani said in intoxicating voice. Jabbar was caught off guard. He was not expecting her at all.

“Chandani, good to see you dear,” He kissed her chick. She kissed his chic back.

“Don’t you think you should have some hands on bed rather than casino?” She whispered in his ear. Her perfume reached his nostril.

“Baby, I even didn’t start. Let me have some hands first.” Jabbar almost pleaded. Chandani sat in his lap.

“If you win here you will loose me, think.” She whispered and caressed his thighs. Now Jabbar couldn’t stay sane.

Jabbar came out with Chandani. His hand was coiled around her waist. Aditya followed them.

“So where I should take you baby?” Jabbar asked dramatically. Suddenly a heavy object fell on his head and he lost his senses.

Jabbar opened his eyes and found him self in a room. He could still feel the pain. He tried to arose but found he was tied up. He didn’t take time to realize that he was honey trapped. Suddenly he felt step throbbing on the floor. He lifted up his face and found two stranger young men he never saw in his life.

“So, Mr. Jabbar, let me tell you we want you to answer some of our questions and since, we don’t have much time or patience, we can’t a afford a wrong answer. Am I clear?” Mohsin motioned to the iron rod in his hand and said. Jabbar glanced at them for a while.

“Listen kids you don’t know me. Once I get out of here, you will be finished and that bitch too.” Jabbar said gnashing. Mohsin sighed and hit his legs. Jabbar screamed with pain.

“We know who you are, and that’s why you are here.” Aditya said with a smile.

“What do you want, money? Get me out of here or let me make a call. There will be more than you imagined.” Jabbar said moaning. Mohsin walked to him.

“We only want answers and I told you earlier neither we have time nor patience. So let me come to the point. What is the plan of Virmani?” Mohsin made it clear. This question caught Jabbar off guard.

“You are at a mistake. I work for Kaizad Vadia.” Jabbar stammered. Mohsin looked at him for a while. The next instant he struck. Jabbar’s scream shook the room.

“We know who your lord is. Just answer me, what is the plan of The Republic of Bombay? What is the Chinese connection of it? Where are they going to strike?” Mohsin showered the questions in no time. Jabbar’s eyes popped up with amazement.

“How the hell you…” Jabbar stammered

“We know everything. We just want to know the targets of Chinese soldiers. Listen Jabbar keeping mum is not going to help in your favor at all, if you co-operate with us that will be less painful, rest I leave on your wisdom.” Aditya said in a rather soft voice. Jabbar squinted at Mohsin who was gazing at him with his sanguinary eyes.

“I am just playing a pawn in this game. I was the one who negotiated with Chinese on Virmani’s behalf and that’s all. Virmani cashed my decent contacts in china. I only know there are almost five hundreds Chinese soldiers to tremble the city. They have to target ten different places in the city. They will only strike pleasures business. They will fall into ten troops. Each troop will have fifty soldiers. That’s all I know.” Jabbar spewed informations. Aditya and Mohsin glanced at each other. They never imagined that will be that much easy.

“Where they will strike first?” Mohsin kept on interrogating.

“They will attack in a sequence but I have no idea about that. If you want more information you must interrogate Virmani.” Jabbar said. Aditya and Mohsin glanced at each other. Mohsin hit him again and Jabbar got unconscious again.

Aditya and Mohsin came out of the room. They got some relevant information from Jabbar but there were still some things which were hidden behind the curtain.

“Shall we count on him?” Aditya asked Mohsin.

“Do we have another way?” Mohsin asked him back.

“May be he is hiding some facts from us? I mean five hundred soldiers can curb two millions people?” Aditya said leery.

“Don’t forget they are accompanied with five thousands cops, and that becomes easy to handle if people are filled with an anti- India feeling. We must zero in on what we have. Forget about the facts we don’t have.” Mohsin suggested. Aditya nodded agreement.

“Here you are, you boys gave us a good run.” Suddenly a voice came from backward and both turned back. They found A.C.P. Kulkarni was smiling at him. Aditya had a meeting with him at the police station. Their faces turned pale.

“Boys, I am in no mood of playing quiz-quiz. Just one thing I need to know.” Said Kulkarni and approached to them. They rolled back.

“Why you guys became a subject of interest for the commissioner of Bombay?” Kulkarni asked with a smile. His smile sent a shiver in them. Aditya and Mohsin stood like a statue.

“Do you want me to take you guys in study with your friend Chandani? I am making you sure the ambience of custody room will encourage you to speak.” Kulkarni said in baleful voice. Aditya looked at Mohsin.

“Sir, you are not going to believe what we are going to confide.” Said Aditya and squinted at Mohsin who was making an allusion for not to confide anything about the conspiracy. But Aditya knew they had no way left. He sighed and elaborated the matter.

A silence was outstretched there. A smile was still there on Kulkarni’s face.

“Wow, such a nice story. But you know I am not much in the stories, your bad luck. I hope you and your friends won’t mind having a chat in my custody.” Kulkarni said.

“Sir, we knew you will never believe it at all. But we have a man who can make you rethink.” Mohsin said. Kulkarni threw a puzzled glance at him. He was taken inside by them. He found Jabbar tied up there.

“Jabbar Kaskar. Why the hell you kept him hostage?” Kulkarni snarled.

“He is the only one who can make you believe our story.” Aditya said and splashed water on Jabbar’s face. He woke up all of a sudden. He noticed the third visitor whom he placed in no time.

“I have told you everything I know about the plan. What else you want?” Jabbar stammered.

“Tell Kulkarni sir, the whole plan. Everything you confided us just now.” Mohsin instructed him rudely. Jabbar gazed at their face. He sighed and elaborated the whole story.

Kulkarni was still not able to believe what he heard just now. He had all reason to believe Jabbar’s word now.

“What we can do now?” Kulkarni broke the silence. Aditya looked at him.

“Sir, how many men do you have? I mean we can’t expect anything from Bombay police till Rao is there.” Aditya asked.

“I have five cops in my team who can die for me.” Kulkarni said. Aditya looked at Mohsin. He knew they were far behind in number games but something is better than nothing. He confided his plan to Kulkarni.

“O.k. but let me take Jabbar in my custody. I will make him speak.” Kulkarni said.

Chapter- seven: the conclusion.

Sunday- 30-9-2034

Aditya was woken up a y his mobile ring tone. He lay awake for almost whole night. His eyes were still swollen and red. That suggested he couldn’t have a proper sleep. He threw a glance at the mobile screen. That was from Mohsin. He picked the call in no time.

“Aditya, where are you? Switch on the T.V.” Mohsin instructed him before he could say hallo. The restiveness in his voice suggested Aditya that something wrong happened. He picked up the remote and switched on the T.V.

“That was a low intensity explosion. There is no report of any demise or any major loss. Uddhav Pawaar and swami Divya Shakti Maharaj aka Guruji have been admitted to the hospital. Doctors and officials are tight lipped about their condition.” The news anchor reported. Aditya couldn’t get anything anything what happened. He called back Mohsin.

“How did it happen?” Mohsin shot the questing frantically.

“Don’t know. Pawaar was addressing his supporters and making the strategy of evening’s march. Guruji came to show his support and blessings to the movement. He went to the dais. And suddenly there was an explosion. Guruji and Pawaar were rushed to the hospital.” Mohsin reported in a breath.

“Where are you right now?” Aditya asked as he could hear the hubbub in the background.

“Out of the hospital, there is a flock of media and their supporters. People like Virmani and Devda have come to inquire after their health. Followers are filled with outrage.” Mohsin briefed him the situation. Suddenly Devda came out of hospital accompanied by Virmani. Reporters rushed to them to get a bite of them.

“Aditya, I call you back.” Mohsin hung up and cocked up his ears to listen to them. Devda waved at the supporters to subside the hubbub. The outrage could be seen on their faces. Devda took a loudspeaker and appealed to the crowed.

“Friends, I request you to keep calm. I know what you are going through right now. But I had words with doctor and he reported they are out of danger.” This report ran a joy among the supporters but the rage was only dormant for the moment only.

’Sir, do you have a comment about who is their behind this explosion?” a reported asked Devda.

“It’s too early to comment on it. I am waiting for the agencies report.” Devda replied in calm voice.

“Sir, words are there, there might be an Indian connection behind the explosion.” A reporter asked. Devda paused for a while and scanned the crowed. The crowed was waiting for the answer.

“Look, I have said I am waiting for the inelegance report. But honestly I can’t deny such speculations. But I am making you sure nobody will be forgiven.” Devda said and ran inside. That statement created astir in crowed. Mohsin picked up the phone and redialed Aditya.

“Have you heard?” Mohsin asked s soon as the call was picked.

“I watched it on T.V., rascals; they planned the explosion to sharpen the anti-India feeling.” Aditya said annoyingly.

“That’s right. Meet me there and take Chandani with you. I will be there.” Aditya hung up.

Virmani and Devda left Virmani’s Limousine. As the time of their mission coming closer their queasiness was increasing with each passing moment.

“That idea was really explosive Virmani Saheb. Their followers are at a rage.” Devda grinned.

“Make sure today’s proposed march to Hutatma Chauk doesn’t get called off. This movement is trump card for our mission.” Virmani instructed.

“Not at all, the march will go as per the plan. That explosion added more fire into the followers.” Chang is happy till now as we are going.” Devda grinned again. Virmani was still silent.

“Devda Saheb, I think if the news of Pawaar’s minor injury fills his supporters with an extreme outrage, what happens if he dies?” Virmani was still contemplating out of the window. That question caught Devda off guard.

“What do you mean?” Devda asked quizzically.

“You know what I mean.” Virmani said and turned his glance at Devda. Devda gazed at his face.

“I have announced myself that they are out of danger. And by the way, we can’t do this to Guruji.” Devda protested the proposal.

“I ma not talking about Guruji, I am talking about Pawaar. Think about it.” Virmani grinned. That proposal made Devda to think. Virmani was in no mood of living any stone untouched to make this plan successful. He had noticed The Republic of Bombay file missing from his locker, and Mahima’s sudden disappearance informed him they must do it soon.

Aditya, Mohsin and Chandani were deciding their strategy. The explosive incident compelled them to rethink on their plan. Everyone was present at the tea shop was talking about that incident. All eyes froze on television screen.

“That’s a masterstroke. They turned the game in their favor with this move.” Chandani said with disappointment.

“Not now Chandani, it’s only the beginning. We should not loose hope.” Mohsin said. Aditya said nothing. Suddenly a news flash caught their attention.

“Just now we received the news that the proposed march to Hutatma Chauk will not be called off. Early reports were there that the march might be called off coz the supreme of the organization is in hospital. But now it’s confirmed everything will go as decided earlier. Although it’s not clear Uddhav Pawaar will be a part of this or not.” The news reporter reported. The whispering increased at the tea shop after this report.

“Pawaar Saheb is right. Indian economy is flourishing on our recourses. But we get nothing in return. And now see, he was attacked by Indian agencies.” They heard a young man said in a raging voice.

“But why they are doing this to us? Even they tried to kill Guruji.” He was supported by the other. They could see an anti India feeling is busting on their faces. This explosion plan was really acting on people.

“You can see we don’t have much time. They will start the operation as it gets dark. And if jabber’s words are worth believing, they will target any casino or pub. But where they will start from? We are still clueless about that.” Mohsin said.

“Be positive, at least we know when they are going to launch their operation.” Chandani consoled them.

“I think we should take our part to play. I am going to contact Kulkarni. I will tell him to keep an eye on Guruji’s’ ashram. He can report us their every moment. Chandani will talk to Kaizad and ask for their gun men. Ten gun men will be with Kulkarni and ten will be with us. Mohsin, be part of the march. It’s clear they are going to handle this operation with bullets and words. Be a part of the crowed and report me the every moment.” Aditya explained his plan.

“And what will you do?” Mohsin asked.

“I will try to find out their target. Right now, that is our biggest worry.” Aditya explained his role. Both nodded agreement.

“So that’s done. Mean while keep on trying to get Mahima.” Mohsin advised. All rose to their feet and left for their mission.

Virmani was having a drink in his chateau. He knew he had only few hours left. He was drawing a draft of the fencing of new republic. He knew it’s just a beginning. After the republic of Bombay gets a shape he will have two empires to take care of. He picked up his mobile and dialed Devda.

“Devda, tell them to gather at the ashram and collect their weapons and don’t forget to instruct Rao to be ready with his soldiers. Keep them on stand by and tell them to wait. The time has come.” Virmani instructed victoriously.

“They are ready. Let the history write itself.” Devda grinned and hung up. Virmani was seeing himself severing the victory.

Kulkarni’s close aid jack was keeping an eye of the conspiracy center. He was instructed to report each and every moment. Right no, he didn’t have much to report. He was well hidden himself in the behind the shields of the bushes. Suddenly he noticed a wagon stopped at the ashram gate. The wagon was filled with Chinese people. The wagon waited at the gate to open. A sevak opened the gate and wagon piled in the ashram and vanished. Jack took his cell phone out to report Kulkarni.

“Sir, I just see a wagon full of Chinese. The wagon went inside the ashram.” Jack whispered.

“Keep on reporting me.” Kulkarni said and hung up the call. He called Aditya.

“Aditya, Chinese are gathering at the ashram and soon they will leave to hit their target.” Kulkarni confided. Aditya knew they were not going to leave until it gets dark.

’keep on reporting me sir.” Aditya said and hung up the phone.

Mohsin had joined the crowd which was ready to march to Hutatma Chauk. He could see a huge gathering there. Supporters were claiming of fifty thousands people but Mohsin could bet there were more than that. He could see the wrathful faces of young guns in the crowd. Everyone had words of criticism for Indian government. The crowd’s huge support to the march was clearly visible. His mobile rang. That was call from Aditya. He knew he has called to get the report of the march.

“What’s going on there Mohsin?” Aditya asked in a queasy voice as soon as the call got picked.

“The march is all set leave for Hutatma Chauk. The situation is critical and it might get worse. There is a rage running among the crowd. The volunteers of Maharashtra Sena and Divya ashrams are adding fuel to the fire. There is any clue of Mahima?” Mohsin reported and asked.

“No, Kulkarni informed me the Chinese soldiers are gathering in the ashram. They are all set to hit the target.” Aditya informed.

“Inform me if something happens?” Mohsin instructed and cut the line.

The sun was sinking in the west. Virmani was contemplating at the sun set from his window. A wicked smile was playing on his face. He was seeing a new sunrise in this sun set. Meanwhile, he didn’t forget to get updated with mission report. He dialed Devda.

“Can you see this sun set Devda?” Virmani asked Devda with a grin.

“It might be a sun set for all. But I can see the sun rise of The Republic of Bombay.” Devda grinned.

“Your name will be written with golden words. Niteesh Devda, the first prime minister of the republic of Bombay. Congratulations!”

“You will be glorified as a hero by the history Virmani Saheb. Without you it would, have been possible.” Devda said reverently.

“Devda, we have had enough of wait. It’s time to begin the game.” Virmani instructed with a grim satisfaction in his voice. He cut the call. Sat on a couch and made him a drink. He sipped it once and placed it on table. He closed his eyes and lost somewhere.

Jack was still standing firm on his place. He became an easy target for the mosquitoes as soon as it’s got dark, but was firmly keeping an eye on them struggling with mosquitoes and other insects. Suddenly, he noticed a truck coming out of the ashram his. His supine eyes got in action all of a sudden.

The truck was full of Chinese soldiers. Probably they were leaving for their mission. He picked up the phone and dialed Kulkarni. Kulkarni picked the call as soon as he noticed jack’s name flashing on screen.

“Sir, the first troop has left for the target.” Jack whispered. Kulkarni sprang from his chair.

“What, are you sure?” Kulkarni asked in a perturbed voice.

“Sir, they are armored.”

“Do you have any idea where are they going to hit?”

“Sir, I am clueless about that.” Jack expressed his compulsion. Kulkarni didn’t know what to do.

“Keep on reporting me.” Kulkarni could only say it. Kulkarni was feeling a like thirsty man who has an ocean before him. He could see water all around him but can’t drink a single drop of it. He knew the city is going to burn but he can’t do anything to prevent it. He had no way but to wait for their action. He told his team and Kaizad’s gun men to be ready for the moment.

The march had reached Hutatma Chauk. The anti-Indian government slogans were resonating in the ambience. People were waving torches in their hands. After a long time Hutatma Chauk was witnessing this hustle-bustle. It used to be a great tourist attraction earlier because of it’s glorious past. But in new Bombay the ravaged Hutatma Chauk is only know as a punishment spot which was used to hang the culprits involved in heinous crime. Once again Hutatma Chauk caught people’s attention, but all for a wrong reason.

Mohsin noticed a young boy in his early twenties was distributing a pamphlet. He handed over a pamphlet to Mohsin also. The pamphlet was full of anti- Indian government slogans. He knew behind the curtain of criticizing Indian government, people were being crammed with anti- India feelings.

He noticed the march was well received by the women also. He could see a fair number of women and young girls in the march. The volunteers of Maharashtra Sena and Divya ashram were provoking people with their words. Intermittently he could hear some fanatic youths shouting anti-Indian government slogans. He knew theses anti-Indian government will change into anti-India slogan in no time. His mobile ring tone caught his attention. The caller was Aditya. He picked up the phone expecting something good from him.

“Hallo Mohsin, the first troop of Chinese soldiers have left for the target.” Aditya shot the bad news as soon as the call got picked.

“Do you have any idea where will they strike first?” Mohsin asked frantically. Aditya replied negative. Mohsin sighed.

“Where is Chandani?” Mohsin asked.

“She is with me. What’s going on there?” Aditya asked. Although he knew there is no good news from there. He was constantly watching news and reports were not good at all.

“They are pouting their anti-India agenda through the crowd. Where is Kulkarni, what will be his next move? ” Mohsin sought report.

“Kulkarni has nothing in his hand. Nobody has an idea where are they going to strike. We have no option but to wait.” Aditya said.

“Jabbar must know about that. Kulkarni should use every possible torture on him.” Mohsin said gnashing.

“Kulkarni has been grilling him since the time he got him but all in vain. He is just playing a pawn in this game.” Aditya replied.

“But Rao can handle this. He is the head of the Bombay police.” Mohsin gave it a last try. He knew Rao will stay away with his force.

“Why should he help us? We have no option but to wait. Keep on reporting me.” Aditya said and cut the line. Aditya sat stoop. He knew they had lost the battle much before it begins. Chandani looked at her sympathetically. She put her hand on his shoulder to give him a calm courage.

“We lost it. We lost it Chandani. We know Bombay is going to die and we have no option but see it dying.” Aditya said in a shaky voice.

“Nobody can defeat us until and unless we accept our defeat. The war is not over.” Chandani couldn’t let him break like this.

“But what can we do? I wish I never had known about this conspiracy. It would’ve been easier for us.” Aditya said.

“But if Jabbar’s words are worth counting, the phalanx must have a sequence of it.” Chandani said.

“Yes, that’s the point. We don’t know the sequence of it. If we know about it we can prevent these attacks.” Aditya said annoyingly.

“We should have an eye where do they strike first. That can give us a new point to think about their next step.” Chandani showed a way.

“But till then we will loose many lives.” Aditya said.

“I don’t think so they are going to kill people like hell. If they do so, it will backfire at them. I mean, Mumbaikers will not accept a mass killer. They are only using bullets to prevent any probable uprising.” Chandani confided. Aditya heard her carefully. He felt she was right.

“I agree. But still we can’t let them shower bullets all over the city.” Aditya prevented.

“We don’t have a way left. We must wait for their action.” Chandani suggested.

The ambience at Hutatma Chauk was getting murkier with each passing moment. The crowd added more numbers in itself in last few hours. The queasiness and rage was growing in crowd eye. Suddenly a man climbed up on dais and waved at crowd to subside the hubbub.

“Friends, we all know that a calamity has been imposed on us. Our beloved Guruji and brave Maratha soldier Pawaar bhaau are in hospital.” The man spoke on the laud speaker and paused for a while to study the reaction.

“Fiends, you know why this calamity fell on us? Do you feel it?” the speaker flipped a question the crowd. The flock roared negative.

“Because we never stand together, we kept quiet when we were shot at Hutatma Chauk, we didn’t care when flock of outsiders was imposed on us. We never complained when we were treated partially and now, our beloved leader is struggling with death. Why? What has he done? He raised voice in favor of Mumbaikers. He talked about Mumbaikers right on the city. Is it a crime talking of Bombay’s well being?” the speaker shot another question although he knew what he was going to receive from the crowd, a huge no.

“But now it has become a sin. But we don’t fear of Indian government. Let them use their whole power against us. We are ready to die or kill. Are we?” He whooped the crowd and found a positive response first time. The mob kept roaring until and unless the speaker disappeared.

Mohsin could see the growing hate in mob eye.

Guruji was walking restively in his highly secured ward. He was having a close watch on news.

“Why they didn’t start it till now?” Guruji mumbled to himself. He tried to reach Devda and Virmani but he couldn’t. He was watching the Hutatma Chauk mayhem, and he knew the first chapter of destruction has begun. But the delay in military operation created astir in him.

“Is there any change in plan? Are Virmani and Devda cooking something keeping me in dark? No, it’s not possible. But it could be. I know how shrewd they are.” Guruji was busy in deducing the new equations. Suddenly he felt his mobile vibrations. He picked it as son as possible.

“Devda, what is taking so long?” he rebuked Devda.

“Guruji even I am unaware of what Virmani Saheb is up to? He told me it will start any time soon but its 8 now. How is Pawaar?” Devda said ignorantly.

“I don’t know. We have been placed in separate wards. This shrewd merchant is not worthy at all. Talk to him and tell him to start and get me out of here.” Guruji snarled.

“You have to be there for a while. Words are there you being treated. Your sudden appearance will spoil everything. Keep calm till then and let me talk to Virmani Saheb.” Devda informed and cut the call.

Aditya’s mobile ring caught his ears. He picked up the phone. This call was from Kulkarni.

Aditya, reports are there that a pub in Chembur is under attack.” Kulkarni informed Aditya as soon as the call was picked.

“What?” Aditya sprang from the chair. Chandani deduced the operation has begun.

“Yes, a pub has been attacked by some gunmen. I am rushing to the spot with my team.” Kulkarni reported in a breath.

“Have you contacted Rao?” Aditya asked in a perturbed voice.

“He is unreachable. It’s visible that he is no mood of taking any kind of action on that.” Kulkarni said.

“How many of you are there.”

“I have five cops and ten of Kaizad’s gunmen. Now I hang up I will report from ground zero. Till then for god sake try to solve this puzzle.”

“But there is no news of any kind of attack on T.V.” Aditya said his eyes froze on the news.

“Virmani is manipulating the media. Now I hang up. You just focus on the target sequence.” Said Kulkarni and hung up.

“What happened?” Chandani was waiting for the moment.

“A pub is being attacked in Chembur. Kulkarni has rushed to the sight with his team. The operation has been launched.” Aditya informed her frantically. A sign of grimness could be seen easily on Chandani’s face.

“Chembur, it means they targeted a pub first.” Chandani said.

“Yes, but we don’t know where are they going to strike next.” Aditya said bewilderedly. He was concentrating on breaking the sequence.

“Jabbar said they are going to target the pleasure business, There next target must be a casino.” Chandani tried to solve the puzzle.

“I know, but they are dozens of casinos scattered in whole city. Finding out a particular one is a Herculean task.” Aditya shouted insanely. His shout shook Chandani.

“Aditya, don’t loose your cool. Loosing the patience is not going to work in our favor. We must act cool here.” Chandani tried to calm him. Aditya felt she was right. He had to work with a calm head.

“But what should we do?” Aditya asked bewilderedly.

“Bide your time.” Chandani suggested.

Virmani was celebrating his soon to happen victory with a Champaign. He just received a call confirming the operation launch. He felt the victory is few steps away.

“Congratulation Devda, The mission has begun.” Virmani called Devda to congratulate the victory.

“Virmani Saheb, there are still some time left. I talked to Chang. He doesn’t want much bloodshed on streets.” Virmani grinned.

“Devda, we are meant to rule not to kill. Their will be no unnecessary blood. “Virmani assured him.

“Let me pass the good news to Guruji. The old man was getting lunatic over it. By the way, what is the instruction for Pawaar?”

Mohsin was feeling the heat at Hutatma Chauk. The provoking speakers were sickening the ambience. He had heard the dozens of loathsome speeches till now. Right now the speaker had nothing new to offer. The flock was getting dormant. Meanwhile, some fanatic anti- India slogans would try to fill the crowd with fire. Suddenly, a man shined up the dies and whispered something in speaker’s ear. Crowd was agog to know what happened, whispering begun among the crowd.

The speaker heard the visitor’s whisper sedately. He stepped ahead and spoke in an intense voice.

“Friends, we must get strong, we are having a bad news from the hospital. Our leader, reverent Mr. Uddhav Pawaar got critical.” The speaker said and paused for a while. The berthing resumed in crowd. The speaker waved to calm them down.

“Doctors say coming hours are critical for him. I request you to pray for him.” the speaker said hoarsely.

The news poured a new fire in fragile crowd. All rose their feet and resumed shouting anti-India slogans, the hate begun to dust off. Crowd got berserk on the news. Mohsin’s mobile rang.

“Mohsin, bad news.” Aditya told Mohsin.

“I have worse news.” Mohsin said sedately. “Reports are there Pawaar’s condition got critical. The crowed is going insane over the news. “Mohsin reported.

“What, how could it happen? It was reported earlier that he only suffered miner injuries.” Aditya asked in frenzy.

“They are adding fuel into fire. Tell me what happened?” Mohsin sought the report.

“They have launched their military operation. A pub in Chembur has been attacked by some gunmen.” Aditya reported. Mohsin reacted like he was just waiting for this inevitable news.

“What police is doing to prevent it?” Mohsin asked.

“Nothing, Kulkarni left for the spot with his team and gunmen of Kaizad. I don’t know what is going on there. I told Kulkarni to report me.” Aditya briefed. He could hear the clamor in the background.

“Jabbar said the attacks will go with a sequence.” Mohsin almost shouted. The chaos at the venue was making him almost deaf.

“But that’s the issue we don’t know what sequence they are following.” Aditya annoyed.

“The situation is getting wore hear. I am calling you back.” Mohsin cut the call.

Aditya was getting lunatic over the situation. Chandani too couldn’t get what to do? The news of Pawaar’s critical condition was being played continuously on television. His mobile rang one more time. Kulkarni was calling him. He plunged to the phone.

“Aditya, a casino in Tilak Nager has been target. I have sent a team there.” Kulkarni shot the bad news. Aditya sighed helplessly.

“What is the condition in Chembur?” Aditya murmured lifelessly.

“It’s visible that the strikers are well trained and well equipped. They are firing intermittently. Two have been killed in the gunshot.” Kulkarni said suddenly an explosion took place in the background and the line got dead.

“Hallo, hallo.” Aditya screamed frantically but all in vain.

“What happened? Chandani asked gingerly.

“A casino in Tilak Nager has been attacked.” Aditya replied restively. Chandani sighed. Aditya was sitting silently. He didn’t know what to do. They had no option but to see the destruction. Suddenly, Aditya rose to his feet.

“What happened?” Chandani asked.

“They are going with a sequence and we have to break it right?” Aditya asked.

“Right,” Chandani replied with a puzzled glance at her face. Aditya frisked his pockets. Chandani was wondering what he was up to. Aditya took out the map and glanced at it once.

“Got it,” He screamed all of a sudden. “I got their sequence.” He screamed again. Chandani still stood aghast.

“See the map is marked all over.” Aditya showed her the map.

“Yes, these marks show the proposed offices in new Bombay.” Chandani got nothing surprising in the map.

“No, glance at it carefully; see there is a mark on Chembur, and the second mark was on Tilak Nager. They struck on a pub in Chembur, and now they have targeted a casino in Tilak Nager. As we all know they are only targeting pleasure business. So where will be the next pleasure shop?” Aditya quizzed in a zealous voice.

“A pub in Kurla, so Kurla will be their next target,” Chandani suddenly got the puzzle.

“See here you are. See, the mark on Kurla confirming the sequence.” Aditya laughed. Chandani found the logic valid.

“And Jabbar said there will be a certain time difference between the attacks. Chembur got struck on 8:00. The casino in Tilak Nager was attacked on 8:30. That means…”

“They are going to hit at 9:00 next.” Aditya completed Chandani.

“We don’t have much time. Call the gunmen we must leave for the sight.” Chandani said and both rushed to their target.

The night was getting young with each passing moment Royal Pub. Since, it was the last night of the weekend and people wanted to soak as much as they can. Even one can’t blame the drink; it was the ambience which was intoxicated too. The pub was glistening with happy faces.

Two cars stopped at the door step of the pub with a sound of screech. A young boy and a girl got down of the car with ten liveried gunmen.

“It looks everything is alright here. They should have been here till now. Shouldn’t they?” Chandani asked.

“They must have got stuck in Bombay traffic.” Aditya joked.

“How can you crack a joke at this time?” Chandani said wryly.

“Enjoy. That might be last the moment of our lives. Soon our heads will be blown up by Chinese bullets.” Aditya said in a sedate voice. Chandani said nothing in reply. Aditya made an allusion to pile in. The gunmen followed them.

Aditya and Chandani were standing in the lounge of the pub with their gunmen. Nobody paid a heed to them. All were busy in enjoying the night.

“I want everyone listen to me carefully. This place is going to be under attack anytime soon. I request you all vacant the place as soon as possible.” Aditya shouted all of a sudden. This announcement from an uninvited visitor caught everyone off guard. A pin drop silent outstretched over there. But the next instant a wave of laughter eradicate the sedate ambience.

“This young boy badly needs a drink. Come young boy bring your girl and friends too.” A drunken old man invited Aditya. Soon they ignored the presence of these new visitors.

“Why didn’t they give an ear to my words?” Aditya asked quizzically.

“If someone shouts all of a sudden that too in a pleasant atmosphere, nobody is gonna believe. By the way, not everyone present here have an idea about the conspiracy.” Chandani explained. Aditya sighed. They stood like statue for an instant.

“Suddenly a torrent of bullets came from the window with deafening sound of bang. All went down to escape the attack. The sudden gunshot created astir.

“Don’t get panic, everyone lay on floor, don’t raise your heads.” Aditya shouted. The bullet shower continued breaking whine bottle and glasses. After a session of brief destruction, the bullets took a rest. Everyone on the floor stayed fragile. Aditya squinted at the pub. The pieces of glass were scattered everywhere. He raised his head gingerly and found dozens of gunmen waiting outside to resume their firing. One gunman noticed a head peeping and he opened fire. Aditya escaped the bullets. The firing created a chaos again.

“Everybody, please calm down, stay wherever you are. Don’t raise your head if you don’t want it to be blown up.” Aditya instructed. A pin drop silent outstretched again. Aditya noticed the bartender.

“Hey you! Is there any safe hideout?” He whispered loudly. The bartender looked back but soon realized the words were flipped at him only.

’yes, there is a basement which is used as a godown.” The bar tender confided in a panic stricken voice.

“Good. Take them all with you there. Everyone please follow the guy carefully don’t raise your head.” Aditya instructed. People had all reason to follow his instruction now. They crept behind the bartender who was guiding them to basement.

Aditya took a sigh of relief when the last man went to the basement. Only a dozen persons were there now he, Chandani and ten gun men of Kaizad. He could here the Chinese’s jabbering. Suddenly, they opened fire again destructing the left over glasses in the pub. Aditya motioned to a gunman. The gunmen threw a pistol to him.

“We must launch a counter attack.” One of the gunmen whispered. The gunmen were clearly instructed to obey Aditya. Aditya nodded positively. One of the gunmen rose gingerly and opened fire all of a sudden. Two more gunmen followed him. The pub lounge was filled with the smell of gunpowder. Aditya and Chandani shot bullets with their guns too. This counterpunch added fuel to fire. The Chinese soldiers got berserk. Their machine gun started pouring fire at the pub. Aditya bided his time. Once the Chinese guns put on to rest he made an allusion to attack. This time he heard some sound of moaning that indicated he and his team was giving them enough of tough time.

The Chinese commander was in a dilemma. He was not expecting the counterpunch at all. He was clearly told there will be no force. So who the hell are they firing back at them? The commander was waiting for the next move of the enemy.

A pin drop silent was outstretched there. Even one could here his own breath. Chandani threw a panic struck glance at Aditya.

“How long we will take on like this?” Chandani whispered.

“Till the last breath or bullet,” Aditya said with a smile. Both gazed at each other’s faces for a while. Suddenly an oval shaped object made its way from the window and landed on the floor. Aditya and Chandani stared at it and try to place what the hell thing was that?

“It’s a grenade. Run away.” Aditya shouted all of a sudden and ran to escape the range of the grenade.

‘BANG’

The explosion shook the whole pub. A layer of smog dusted onto the lounge. Aditya could see nothing. All he could here the sound of coughing. When the smog got clear, he noticed a gunman of Virmani lying on the floor. His eyes glanced to and fro to find Chandani. There she was.

“Chandani.” he shouted and rushed to her. She was lying there. He saw a hairline of blood on her forehead. The blood was trickling out of her nose too. She put her head on his lap.

“Chandani, Chandani, open your eyes.” He shook her body. But the body reacted nothing.

“Wake up, open your eyes.” He shook her again insanely, but all in vain. Chandani kept lying there with her eyes closed. The drop of tears rolled out of his eyes and fell on her chick. He put her on the floor again and looked to and fro. Virmani’s gunmen were moaning the death of their friend silently. He crept to dead body of the gun man, and looked sympathetically at the gunmen.

Suddenly he felt there is no fear of death exists in him anymore. He became beyond the fear all of a sudden. He looked at the machine gun lying on the floor with his stolid face. He took it and rose to his feet. He knew there were enemies outside waiting for moment to fire. But he stood up fearlessly. Chinese gunmen opened fire as soon as they notice a target in the range of the barrel of their guns. Aditya put his finger and pressed the trigger to shower the bullets on them. He wanted to flow a river of blood in lieu of a drop. His finger kept pressing the trigger without a pause.

Even the boredom of midnight couldn’t cool off the zeal at the Hutatma Chauk. The crowd had got over about everything. Even they didn’t care the next morning is a working one. All they remember, the hate, the angst.

Mohsin was trying to contact Aditya but he was failed to. Even Chandani’s call ended unpicked. The panic in him and the rage in crowd were growing with each passing moment. Dandeker had taken on loudspeaker again. Before him few more orators had spewed venom on Indian government. Tonight everyone had something against India.

“Friends it’s high time. Its time to payback all the atrocities have been done on our city. There are still few who talk of piece but our reverent leader Uddhav Pawaar says peace is crutch of weak people. Gallants take revenge.” He shouted. The crowd cheered him. The cheering was filling him with more fire. Suddenly some fanatic young men started vandalizing the sight.

“See these kind of brave men are remembered in history. They are the jewel of Bombay.” Dandeker encouraged the young goons. That action encouraged many to follow them. Soon the whole mob turned lunatic. Mohsin knew soon this so called ‘peaceful march’ will turn violent. Mohsin could see rampage in the mob’s eye. The destruction has begun.

A car stopped there. Nobody paid a heed to the car. All were busy in contributing in the pay back.

“Stop, I say stop this insanity.” A voice echoed on a loudspeaker. People looked at the dais but the voice didn’t come from the dies.

“Violence is solution of northing. Stop it here.” The voice echoed again. The mob turned quizzically.

“Guruji, Pawaar what are they doing here?” Mohsin was taken aback. There was whispering all over in the air. Nobody in the mob had an idea when the hell they were discharged.

“Guruji and Pawaar are looking well.” “They are walking of their own.” “What the hell is going on? Pawaar was said to be critical.” All had their own queries. Mohsin gazed at the sudden visitors. He too was struggling with some queries like this. Guruji and Pawaar walked to the dais and took on loudspeaker.

“I request all my sevaks to get in ashram right now.” Guruji announced from the dies. Volunteers of Divya ashram were taken aback. But they knew it was not a request at all; it was an order by reverent Guruji. They walked out of mob. Pawaar took the loudspeaker from Guruji.

“As being the all in all of this movement, I call off this movement by immediate effect right now. Thanks for you kind support.” Pawaar did a brief announcement. The mob was clueless so was Mohsin. Nobody knew what happened all of a sudden.

Aditya and his gunmen were still crouched. It’s been long the heard a sound of gunshot. It seemed they ceased fire.

“We must check where they are?” one of the gunman approached.

“They must be hiding in the bushes. It might be a trap.” Aditya protested.

“But I think they have gone. There is no sign of any existence outside.” The gunman replied. Aditya thought for a while. It’s had been more than half an hour without a bullet. He made an allusion to go outside. The gunman rose and walked towards the door gingerly. He opened the door and caught a glimpse of the outside. He held his breath and stepped outside of pub. He scanned to and fro.

“Ah... What happened?” Chandani grunted.

“Chandani, are you all right?” Aditya shouted all of a sudden and hugged her.

“I thought you are...”

“You thought I am dead? The shock made me unconscious I suppose. What’s going on here? Are they still there?” suddenly she called something and got vigil.

“I don’t know. There have been no gunshots for more than an hour. I have sent a man to have a look.” Aditya explained.

“I think they have gone.” The gunman shouted gleefully.

“Gone?” thought Aditya and rose to his feet. All stood up.

“Shall I tell them to come out of the basement?” one of the gunmen asked.

“wait.” Aditya instructed and walked out of pub gingerly.

“I have checked everywhere and found no sign of them” the gunman informed as soon as he came out. Aditya looked to and fro in amazement.

“Tell them to come out. It’s clear.” Aditya shouted. Chandani joined him. Aditya wiped the blood line from her forehead.

Hutatma Chauk was left abandoned again. There were only few including Mohsin, who was still trying to solve the puzzle of this sudden back out. The people who were still there were discussing on the inanity of the movement. There was a still silence now. Who can say this place became a war ground an hour back. Suddenly Mohsin’s mobile rang.

“Aditya, where you have been man?” Mohsin rebuked almost rebuked him.

“Mohsin, you wont believe what happened here?” said Aditya and elaborated the whole story.

“May be they left for their next target.” Aditya put his view after listening to him.

“I talked to Kulkarni; there is no unpleasant report from anywhere. People are enjoying the last night of the weekend peacefully.” Aditya said gleefully.

“I would have been unbelievable for if I had not been witnessed of what I saw here.” Mohsin said and elaborated the story of the sudden fall of the movement.

“What? What’s going on here? Aditya couldn’t understand anything. “We must meet. Stay there we are coming.” Aditya informed him and cut the line.

Mohsin was waiting for them. All left Hutatma Chauk one by one. Suddenly a car stopped there with a sound of screech. Chandani and Aditya made there way to Mohsin. They were looking contended. Mohsin approached to them.

“We have scanned the whole city. There is no sign of any kind of mayhem all over. People were busy in basking the weekend night, unaffected by the attack or the movement.” Aditya reported in a breath. There was content on their faces.

“It might be the lull before storm.” Chandani expressed her query. Aditya and Mohsin exchanged a glance.

“It might be. There is change in their plan.” Mohsin could not deny her point. Just then, Aditya’s mobile rang in his pocket.

“Hallo,” Aditya picked up the phone. “Mahima, where you have been man, you don’t know what happened here.” Aditya complained. The name of Mahima brought avidity on Chandani and Mohsin’s faces. They looked at each other quizzically.

After a brief session of chatting, Aditya cut the line. Mohsin and Chandani were waiting for this only.

“What happened, what she said?” Chandani quizzed.

“She said it’s over.” Aditya informed gleefully. They were looking amazed rather than pleased.

“How can she say so?” Mohsin asked.

“I don’t know, she called us to meet.” Aditya said.

“Where,”

Gautam Virmani was sitting like a crap shooter in his bungalow. He had had enough of alcohol to eradicate the feeling he was going through first time in his life. He made another drink and gulped it in once. His hair was looking uncombed. His eyes were red. His clothes were messed up. Overall he was looking shattered.

“Suddenly, he felt three shadows made their way to him, three stranger shadows.

“Who are you? How did you get in?” he shouted.

“It’s over Virmani. You lost the unholy battle.” Aditya said. Virmani gazed at them for a while.

“Let me guess. You are the very same young man who came to claim the dead body of Patil.” He said gnashing and turned to Chandani “and you, the part time call girl.” He shot a withering glance at Chandani and finally he approached Mohsin “and you the young man who killed Patil right?” Virmani said gnashing and poured one more drink for himself.

“I can’t believe. A collection agent, a part time cal girl and a software engineer with a dark past messed up everything.” said he and guffawed.

“It’s ’your lust and arrogance which defeated you, the arrogance of being almighty and the lust of absolute power.” Mohsin replied calmly. Virmani shot a withering smile at him.

“And it became easier with the help of an insider.” Virmani smiled at Mahima who appeared all of a sudden from nowhere. Nobody noticed how and when she got in. She couldn’t meet Virmani’s eye.

“It’s over Gautam. You lost the battle.” Mahima said.

“I am the Gautam Virmani and I am invincible.” He roes all of sudden and shout. His shout shook everyone. A silence outstretched there again. Virmani poured one more glass.

“What do you think, it’s over?” said he and guffawed “you have only postponed the destruction. It will raise its head again. India can’t keep Bombay for long.” He said with sanguinary eyes and gulped the drink.

“You were wrong Gautam; you don’t even imagine the meaning of Chinese invasion. Once they get Bombay they would’ have betrayed you.” Mahima said in a hoarse voice. Virmani shot a withering smile at her.

“Betrayal, oh yes. Do you even know how does it feel to be betrayed, Just one thing, how the hell you broke the password?” Virmani asked gnashing. Mahima couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Your date of birth, lucky guess.” Mahima said. Virmani sighed.

“But you know Mahima; I can forgive anything but betrayal?” Virmani said and before anyone could understand anything a pistol shone in his hand.

“You won’t be forgiven.” Virmani said and aimed Mahima. Nobody was ready for this. All could see blood in his eyes. Suddenly a sound of gunfire shook everyone. All eyes closed for a while.

When the eyes opened, they saw Virmani standing still. A bloodline was there on his chaste. His white shirt was soaked in blood. Virmani put the hand on his wound and fell on a couch. Mahima rushed to him and put his head on her lap. All realized the bullet was fired behind. They turned back and found Kulkarni with a pistol on his hand, accompanied by a suited gentle man. The gentle man smiled at them and approached to Virmani. Chandani and Mohsin threw a quizzical glace at Aditya.

“Cabinet secretary Manoj Shinde,” Aditya whispered.

Mahima was still sobbing holding the lifeless body of Virmani. Shinde put a consoling hand on her and separate her from the dead body.

“Take the guys out side.” He said to Mahima respectfully.

Chandani, Aditya and Mohsin were standing out of the bungalow of Virmani. Kulkarni and Shinde were still inside. Nobody had anything to say.

“Where is Mahima?” all of a sudden Aditya realized Mahima’s absence.

“She told us to wait here. She will be a while.” Chandani informed. Just then, Mahima appeared. There was something in her hands. When she came closer they realized it’s a baby. Mohsin’s heart beat fastened. “Is she…?” he gave it a thought.

Mahima came closer and said gentleman, meet my new friend, Sarah Khan, the cute daughter of Mohsin khan.” She announced pleasantly. She handed over the baby to her father. Chandani and Aditya looked at the baby gleefully. Mohsin held her with trembling hand. He couldn’t believe he was holding her daughter, a peace of his own soul.

“Oh my God, Look at her, she is so cute.” Chandani was gushing over the baby. Baby was asleep.

“Hey Mohsin, she exactly looks like you man.” Aditya said gleefully.

“No, she is pretty like her mom.” Tears rolled down of his eyes. He looked at Mahima gratefully.

“Thanks, but how you…?” Mohsin wanted to ask.

“In the middle of theses, Chandani told me everything about your daughter.” Mahima replied.

“Shall I wake her up?” Mohsin asked gingerly.

“No, let the princes sleep.” Chandani rebuked him and laughed. After a long time they had a chance to laugh. Kulkarni and Shinde were coming out of Virmani’s chateau. That made them to wear the sedateness again.

“Good job young men, god job Chandani.” Shinde praised them. They looked each other and smiled.

“Sir one thing, why Chinese soldiers fell back all of a sudden?” Aditya was dying to ask that. Shinde smiled.

“I requested Chang to stop it. Simple.” Shinde grinned. All exchanged a quizzical glance. Shinde kept on smiling.

“The Chinese delegation was being leaded by Mr. Chang, a former army officer. I requested him to stop al these.” Shinde informed.

“It means soldiers were not receiving commands from Virmani, they were being commanded by Chang.” Aditya said.

“Virmani offered him a good deal and I offered a better. Guruji and Pawaar have been dealt on a different way. And that made them to call off their movement.” Shinde looked at Mohsin and said. He knew Mohsin was keen to question about that. But some questions were unanswerable. Shinde knew it.

“Mahima reached me at the right time, but still I took some time to be here because of this.” Shinde grinned and handed over Mohsin a news paper.

“What is this?” Chandani said quizzically.

“Today’s news paper, the answers to all your questions.” Shinde grinned. Mohsin opened the news paper dated 1-10-2034.

“Business tycoon, the Baap of Bombay was found dead in his bungalow.” Mohsin read it loud he threw a puzzled glance at Aditya and Chandani and then glanced at Shinde quizzically.

“Continue.” Shinde said with a grin.

“Minor terrorist attacks reported from the different arias of the city. No big threat or loose. C.M Devda and commissioner Rao offered resignation on morel ground. A.C.P Kulkarni likely to be the new commissioner.” Mohsin read the second headline. Nobody could understand anything but Shinde. There was still a smile playing on his face.

“So, Rao, Virmani and Devda got what they deserved but what about Guruji and Pawaar. Will they be forgiven?” Aditya asked.

“Nobody will be forgiven. There will be no reprieve. They will be punished in a different way. And yes, forget about everything. That was only an unsuccessful terrorist attack.” Shinde said.

“What about the people who suffered the attack and what about the media?” Mohsin asked. Shinde smiled again.

“Do you think it’s only Virmani who can manage media? I told you forget about everything. There is no invasion, no conspiracy. Think this week never happened to you.” Said Shinde with a smile and walked. Kulkarni followed him and threw a praising smile at them.

All took a sigh of relief. Some birds woke up that was sign of the new dawn although, it was still dark. There was more darkness outstretched in Mahima. She was still sedate. They knew it was not easy for her. They looked at her sympathetically. She stepped towards the bungalow.

“Where are you going?” Mohsin asked.

“I need to spend some more time with Gautam.” She said and went inside the bungalow. They watched her go.

“Let her go. She really needed it. So, what’s up now.” Aditya asked.

“Nothing, it’s all over. Lets get to work.” Mohsin said with a smile.

“Let’s drive to Juhu.” Chandani suggested.

“Juhu at this time?” Aditya asked.

“Yes that’s the time.” Mohsin supported the proposal.

All of three were sitting on the car bonnet. The sky was getting reddish which is indicating the arrival of the dawn any time soon. They are contemplating the waves playing over the surface of Indian Ocean. The sound of waves was adding more joy to the quietness of the beach. The cool oceanic winds were giving them a kind of solace they had been looking for.

“So, it’s over?” Chandani broke the ice.

“Of course not, recall the words of Virmani, we just postponed it.” Mohsin said.

“What the hell Shinde offered to Chang that he ordered to fall back.” Chandani asked.

“It’s classified. When Chinese soldiers fell back, Guruji and Pawaar knew it’s over and they called their moment off.” Aditya explained.

“Shinde said the whole operation was classified. It means people will never know about the Chinese invasion or the conspiracy of The Republic of Bombay, right?” Chandani puzzled.

“Absolutely, it’s the need of the our. After the North-East, government of India can’t afford the loose of Bombay. The news of Chinese invasion will snatch away the left over faith of people in Indian government.” Mohsin said. Her daughter was still asleep. First time she got the privilege of sleeping in her father’s lap and she was cashing it fully.

“It means people will never know about our heroics? Chandani asked disappointedly.

“By the way, we never meant to split on any conspiracy. We just wanted to find out the killer of Patil. It’s the conspiracy, who ran into us, and it’s not about our heroics, it’s about Bombay.” Aditya said. All had a smile on their faces. Quietness outstretched there for a moment.

“But…” Chandani suddenly recalled something.

“Forget everything enjoy the dawn.” Aditya dismissed her in middle. The saffron son was emerging from the Indian Ocean. The blue waves became saffron for a moment. The threesome lost in contemplating the beauty of Bombay.