A/n : Thank you all for your every review. I am glad you are liking it so far. Hope you like this one too.
Lets start
Chapter 4:
Abhijeet indicated the visitor to come inside.
Abhijeet : Aree, Tanuj.. batao kaise ana hua?
Tanuj: Jee, yaha mera ek dost admit he, us se milne aya tha toh socha Daya Sir se b mil lu. Ab kaise he Sir? Kya kaha doctor ne?
Abhijeet(lying): Waise hi jaise pehle the. Abhi batana muskil he. Jab hosh ayega tab hi kuch keh sakte he.
Tanuj: Don't worry Abhijeet, Daya Sir jaldi thik ho jayenge.
Abhijeet(fake sadly): Ha I hope so..
Tanuj: Acha me chalta hu. Kuch kaam ho toh bata dena please.
Abhijeet: Thank you Tanuj.
After, Tanuj left. Abhijeet instructed Nikhil and left to do his work.
Abhijeet reached his destination. He alighted from the cab and moved towards so called house. The very first thing he noticed, is the rusty color of the house. Dejected, he moved forward to open the lock.
He had just put one step forward inside and he could feel dullness in the air inside. The color of the wall added to the negativity. Everything in the house was in contradiction to his buddy's taste. He felt bad that Daya had learnt to compromise without complaining. He could see a layer of dust on everything available in the living hall.
"Kya daya ne kabi tv nahi dekha? Sofa use nahi kiya? Itne din?", thought Abhijeet.
"Ghar aata b tha ya nehi?"
He went into the kitchen and as expected he felt dismayed. The refrigerator was empty. Not even a single juice bottle or ice-cream. He checked for grocery containers but they were empty too.
He could notice few packets of ready to eat.
"Bas, sirf ye? Mera Daya itne din se sirf yehi kha raha tha?", thinking so he wiped his tears. He knew how difficult it is for Daya to resist food. He knew how foodie he was , he could eat anything, anytime.
He next moved into his bedroom. He scanned his entire room and found a large size photo of his hanging on the wall opposite to the bed. He could feel how much his brother had missed him in these days. He was the first thing that his brother wanted to see every morning. He felt blessed! The bed seemed like a toddlers bed to him when compared to the one Daya used in their home. He could only feel emptiness in the entire room. The bedroom is not lively as it used to be in their home. He could not feel his aura in the room, the walls did speak about his beautiful smile or the joyful laughter. He spread his hand on the bed to get the same feeling that he gets in their home, whenever he went for a mission. He failed there too!
He sat on the bed and thought, was he really living a life? Was he the same person whom he had sent 25 days before? Brushing off his thoughts he remembered why he had come.
He searched the study table drawer, side table drawer and wardrobe but did not find anything suspicious.
"Shyaa.. kuch nahi mila… sab toh dekh liya.. waise b kitni kum chize he yaha", he banged his hand on the bed. Thinking were else could his buddy hide stuff, he travelled to a memory few months back.
Flashback:
Abhijeet : Daya wo confidential file kaha he jo Acp sir ne hume rakhne di thi?
Daya(working in kitchen): Wo file , mere kamre me , bed ke andar he.
Abhijeet(murmur): Sahab ki toh bhasha b kharab ho rahi he. Kehte he ki "bed ke andar he". Koi samjaye ise , bed ke upar bolte he bed ke andar nahi.
He goes to his room and does not notice anything on the bed.
Abhijeet(shouting): Daya, yaha kuch nahi he.
Daya(going to the room): Offo Abhi, tumhe kabi kuch milta hi nahi he. Kaisi ankhe he tumhari?
Abhijeet(teasing): Acha meri ankhe kharab he? Sahab jara ya dekhiye , kuch nahi he.
Daya : Kya Abhi tum b,(lifting the mattress from the bed and picking up the file) ye rahi file… maine bed ke andar kaha tha.. bed k upar nahi.. and closed his brother's mouth who was standing with shocking expressions seeing his secret place.
Abhijeet: Ye koi jagah he file rakhne ki?
Daya : Confidential file he na?.. jab senior inspector Abhijeet is jagah k bare me nahi soch sakte toh koi aur kya sochega? Samje mere sharpshine and laughed while moving out back to kitchen.
Flashback over
"Aree ha, ye check karna chahiye. Shayad kuch mil jaye", thought Abhijeet and started to lift the mattress.
Yes, he found it. He could see some letters and a file containing doctor's prescription and tests performed. He felt excited. He felt one step closer towards his victory.
He sat down to read the letters first but the door bell rang. "Kaun aya hoga?", thought Abhijeet.
He picked up everything and put back where it was and went to open the door.
As soon as he opened the door, the visitor spoke.
Visitor(without noticing the face): Ye lijiye bade dost. Ye apke liye? Looking up, Ap? Bade dost mera matlab he Daya sahab kaha he?
Abhijeet(surprised at the kids sweet tone): Batata hu. Pehle batao tum kaun ho?
Chotu : Me bade dost ka chota dost, mera matlab chotu hu yaha ka laundary boy. Bade dost k liye gulab jamun laya tha, maa ne banaye he, unhe bahut pasand he isliye. Wo unke wajah se me apne area ke basketball competition me first aya toh maa ne banaye. Inaam me 5000 rupaye mile he, baba ki bahut madad hogi us se.
Abhijeet is amazed at his brother's skill that can win hearts of strangers by his loving actions, be it a child and an adult. He himself is an example of it. They met 20 years before like strangers and today they relationship has blossomed like a full-grown tree.
Chotu: Sahab, kaha kho gaye?
Abhijeet: Kahi nahi bas yuhi.. Daya hospital me he. Use goli lagi he.
Chotu(worried): Wo thik toh he na?
Abhijeet: abhi nahi he lekin ho jayega.. tum us ke liye prathna karoge na?
Chotu: Jee.. me jarur karunga wo jaldi thik ho jayenge. Ap kaun he?
Abhijeet: main Abhijeet hu.. before he could say anything more he was interrupted by chotu.
Chotu: bade dost k bhai, he na? Abhijeet nodded. Toh ye lijiye , ye gulab jamun ap le lijiye. Bade dost k liye me aur le aaunga jab wo thik hojayenge.
Abhijeet hesitant to take as he knows his brother loves them a lot.
Chotu: Lijiye na. Mujhe lagega bade dost ne le liye. Please.
Now how could he refuse. He took one and ate.
Chotu: Acha sahab chalta hu.. fir aaunga..
Abhijeet placing hand on his head : Thank you beta.
Closing the door, he got back to his work.
Letter 1
Agar Abhijeet ki salamati chahte ho toh, us se dur raho. Varna uske liye acha nahi hoga.
Letter 2
Kaha tha maine Abhijeet se dur raho, fir b tum us se baat kar rahe ho. Akri warning de raha hu. Aj b nahi samje toh kal kuch bada hoga.
Letter 3
Warn kiya tha maine. Ab dekha na kya hogaya. Abhi toh sirf chota blast kiya he. Agar ab b nahi samje toh abki baar khel khatam.
Oh! Toh ye wajah he Daya mujshe baat nahi kar raha tha. Wo blast b isine karvaya tha isliye Daya dar gaya. Lekin kya Daya ko kuch kaise pata nahi chala ye kaun ho sakta he? Fir be usne kuch kiya kyu nahi?
Letter 4
Andar Abhijeet tumhara intezar kar raha he. Agar tum andar gaye toh tum jante ho na kya hoga? Baki tumhari marzi.
After having read this, Abhijeet is burning with anger, he banged his hand on bed. He got up and kicked the chair. Ab mujhe pakka yekin he kaun hosakta he .. Bas ek sabot chahiye mujhe.. Fir dekhta hu kaun tujhe bacha sakta he..
He picks up the doctor's file, reads it and leaves the house.
Abhijeet reached the hospital and barged into the doctors room, seeing the doctor alone.
Even before the doctor can shout, Abhijeet started showing his batch.
Abhijeet: Dekhiye main gol gol baat ko gumaunga nahi.. mujhe apke patient Daya k bare me janna he.
Doctor(sweating): Kaun Daya?
Abhijeet (showing him the test reports and prescription and loud teasing tone): Ye Daya.
Realizing that he is caught and will not be spared if he does not speak the truth. He gathers himself and narrates how he was forced into writing a prescription of using an high power anti-depressent thrice a day that he would have recommended once a day if it would have been any other patient and that too under severe conditions. He also reveals the name of the person who forced him to do it.
Abhijeet emitting fire through his body actions and in loudest tone breaking the glass of water kept on the table: Apko pata he na apka license cancel ho sakta he ye karne k liye.
Doctor: Main kya karta? Mere bete ko kitna kidnap karliya tha. Ye video dekhiye.
Abhijeet looks at the video and transfers to his cell.
He gives a terrifying look to the doctor and leaves.
Abhijeet came back to hospital. He entered in his brothers room and panicked seeing him without oxygen mask. He immediately rushed to him and starts patting his cheek to wake him up calling "Daya". He is so tensed that he forgot to check if he is breathing well or not.
Hearing his stressed voice, Nikhil got up from his sleep and moved towards him.
"Sir, chodiye Daya Sir ko. Wo thik he.", said Nikhil.
Abhijeet in worried tone, "Nikhil, kya kar rahe the tum. Kisne mask uthara?".
"Sir, Doctor aye the unhone hi nikala he", explained Nikhil. "Sorry Sir, pata nahi kaise aankh lag gayi."
Abhijeet let out a breath and relaxed. For the first time he did not scold Nikhil for his sleep. He understands the difference between his care and others care for Daya and Daya is safe. May be if something was wrong he wouldnt have spared him.
He said Nikhil to take a break , have lunch and carry on with his activities.
Abhijeet sat there, caressing his brothers head, saying, "Daya bas ab sab kuch thik hojayega.. hum jald Mumbai chale jayenge.. Saboot toh mil hi chuka he.. Ab akri step bacha he aur kuch formalities.. Tab tak tu ut ja bas.. Kitna sone laga he.. Mumbai chalkar bilkul sone nahin dunga tumhe, Samje?. Pata he tu jawab nahi dega lekin me fir b puch toh sakta hu na.. Sahab ajkal meri baat ignore karne lege he.. Aur iski saza jarur milegi tumhe.." and smiled and slight pat on his head.
He was thinking about his next steps when he noticed Daya opening his eyes. He quickly gripped his hand and kept looking at him. Once he was completely awake, Abhijeet asked in teasing tone.
"Hogai neend puri? Ya ab b sone ka man he?".
Daya smiled at his words.
Abhijeet lifted his hand below the elbow and started rubbing it, as his drips were also removed and asked lovingly, "Kaisa he?".
Daya replied "Thik hu" without emotions.
To lighten the mood, Abhijeet continued in same teasing tone, "Itna miss kiya mujhe ki khane k bajah goli khali?"
Daya smiled and said "Wo tum nahi the na daatne k liye"
"Main nahi tha toh sahab ne socha, wo kuch b karenge toh mujhe pata nahi chalega, he na?" teased Abhijeet again.
Daya nodded and become sad thinking something. Abhijeet observed the change in his response and in his body.
"Daya, kya hua ? Tera haath kyu kaap raha he?" asked Abhijeet in concern.
Daya did not reply. His whole body started shivering.
He was staring at the ceiling.
Abhijeet started calling him again "Daya, kuch bol" in panicking state.
"Ab..ii... mu..jhe...s...a..b.. b...lur...red..dikh... ra...ha...he..", Daya said with stammering words.
"Abh...iii...", trying to say something more in stammering words but interrupted by Abhijeet as he could not see his bunny stressing more and wanted him to relax.
"Daya, dar mat.. me doctor ko bulata hu.. ha.. tu himmat rakh.." and was leaving to call Doctor but he noticed Nikhil entering and said "Nikhil Doctor jaldi". Nikhil ran to call the doctor.
Daya became restless, his body shivering, stammering words and having blurred vision..
"Ab..ii.. me..ya..ha.. reh..na.. nahi... ch..a..ta..", still stamerring and trying to grip his brothers hand in response to his grip..
Before Abhijeet could reply, doctor arrived and started checking him. "Daya, relax karo..., tumhe kuch nahi hua he, dont panick..sun rahe ho Daya mujhe?", asked Doctor while treating him.
Daya did not reply and went unconscious.
Doctor gave him some injections.
Abhijeet, stepped forward and asked, "Doctor, ye sab? Kya hua Daya ko?"
Doctor replied, "Ye b seizure attack tha Abhijeet. Maine kaha na kuch dino tak aisa hoga, anti-depressent k overdosage k wajah se... hum treatment kar rahe he... isliye behtar yehi he ki ye jyada se jyada sote rahe.. isse brain relaxed rahega.."
Abhijeet nodded after being assured that these are just side effects, although he cannot relax after seeing his brother's scared face and his trembling words.
He said to his brother, "Tujhe lene hi aaya hu Daya..aram kar abhi, me kuch kaam pure karke aata hu", and covered him properly, patted his heart and head and opened the door to step out of the room.
He had barely stepped out of the room when man running towards his direction collided with him, he put something in his chest shirt pocket, patted there and left saying, "dost, late ho raha he", even before Abhijeet could notice his face or grab him.
Everything happened in seconds.
He was confused hearing his words and his actions. With strange expressions he touched his pocket and noticed a letter in it.
Holding the letter in hand, he retraced his steps and sat on the couch in Daya's room reading it.
Dost,
Aj me apko unlogo ke naam batana chahta hu jo apke bhai ke is halat ke jimmedar he. Ap soch rahe honge ki ye toh apko pata he lekin apko ek hi naam pata he, dusra aj me bataunga apko. (Abhijeet shocked). Maaf karna deri hogayi, lekin me kya karta. Mere pariwaar ki jaan khatre me he.. isliye me dar gaya hu.. akhir baal bacho wala admi hu..apno ko khone ka dar apse behetar kaun jaan sakta he..lekin mera zameer mujhe jine nahi dega agar maine apko nahi bataya toh.. in kuch dino me maine apke bhai ko bahut karib se dekha he.. he is gem of a person.. unka khyal rakhiyaga hamesha(Abhijeet looked at Daya's face).
Unka naam he Senior Inspector Sameer aur Inspector Tanuj.( Abhijeet surprised reading Tanuj's name) Unhone ye q kiya aur kaise kiya ye ab apko pata karna he. Me wahi hu jisne apke bhai ko hospital me admit karvaya tha..
Mujhe dhundne ki koshish nahi karna haath nahin aaunga... (Abhijeet could feel smile in the author's face while reading this line).
Apke bhai ka,
Shubhchintak
Abhijeet smiled, folded the letter and kept it in his pocket.
He should have been angry, after knowing the culprits, isnt it? Yes he should but seeing so much of love for his brother from a stranger he felt happy. The happy feeling dominated his anger. He thought, "Kaun ho sakta he ye? Jo Daya ki itni chinta kar raha he, wo b Kolkata me? Itni hoshiyari se kaam kar raha he.. kahi par b usne "Daya" ka naam nahi liya.. Hamesha "apka bhai"... Jo b ho bhagwan usse hamesha khush rakhe.. hume jab milna hoga kismat mila degi..".
He looked up at the wall in front of him, it contained frame containing a quote in it,
"Its not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves".
"Agar socha jaye toh ye kitna sahi he...destiny ne hume alag kiya lekin Daya ke ache karm aur sache dil ne is shubhachintak ko bheja jisne uski jaan bachai aur destiny hume milane par majbur hogayi.. khair koshish karni padhi lekin bina koshish k kuch milta b nahi.. shayad isi ka naam he jindagi...", he said to himself.
He dialled a Acp's number and requested him to prepare some documents and discussed the next plan. Then he moved towards his brother, kissed his forehead, caressed his head and said, "Daya, hum bahut jaldi apne ghar jayenge. Taiyar hoja." and pulled his nose lightly.
Having nothing else to do today, he moved towards the window. With hands on his chest, leaning on the wall, he started looking outside. He felt like noticing this city, for the first time. He could see a huge garden on the left, a 3 storied mall having glass wall on the right, in his front were group of people from all age group standing at the street food stalls enjoying phuchka, misti doi, kati roll and beguni... There was a street separating the hospital and these food stalls, used by trams, rickshaws and taxis. Next to the street there was a footpath, where a ballon seller was blowing ballons to sell, children, old and young people wearing traditional and western attire walking to and fro... He felt energized looking at all of this, he felt happy and a genuine smile crept on his lips, as his burden is off his shoulder, he felt satisfied being able to fulfill his brother's promise.
He returned to his brother's side, settled on the stool and slept resting his head on Daya's hand.
Next morning
Abhijeet got up and got to work. He first dialled Tanuj's number.
Abhijeet: Hello Tanuj, Good Morning
Tanuj: Hello Abhijeet, Good Morning
Abhijeet(requesting tone): Ek madad chahiye thi yaar, kya tum thodi der k liye Daya k pass rukh sakte ho? Nikhil ko achanak Mumbai jana pada aur mujhe doctor se milne jana he second opinion k liye...
Tanuj(excited): Ha jarur.. Kitne baje ana he?
Abhijeet: Thank you .. 10 baje tak aajana..
Tanuj(wicked smile): Sure
Now, he dialled second number.
Abhijeet : Hello Sameer, Good Morning
Sameer : Good Morning Abhijeet. Kaise yad kiya?
Abhijeet : Mujhe ek doctor k pass jana he second opinion k liye, kya tum mujhe le chaloge ? Wo kya he jagah nayi he aur mere pass gaadi b nahi he.. Jaldi aa jayenge hum...
Sameer : Ha ha kyu nahi.. kitne baje aau?
Abhijeet : 10 baje tak aajana.. Thank you..
Disconnecting the call, he went towards his brother, looked at his face, put his hand on his head and smiled.
Both reached as expected and met Abhijeet.
As said Abhijeet left with Sameer and left Tanuj with Daya.
Tanuj laughing wickedly and telling him, " Kya kismat he tumhari Daya... Mujhe toh laga tha ki tum bach gaye... Lekin dekho tumhara bhai hi tume mere haathon me sop kar chalagaya.. Us din bar me, maine hi tumhare upar goli chalai thi.. aur tumhare mobile se sabko message b bheja tha.. Taki tum wahi mar jao.. Pata nahi kaun tume hospital le aya. Khair koi nahi.. ab b mauka he mere pass.. Ab aur taklif nahin hogi tumhe.."
He took out an injection and filled it with poison, moved towards Daya, grabbed his right hand and held the needle near to his skin. He is proceeding to inject him when Acp walked inside held him by the collar, took the injection and threw it away, and slapped him hard.
Burning with anger, "Daya ko maroge tum? Ha? (shaking him by his collar), aree wo sher he.. aur ghayal sher b khatarnaak hota he. uske bhai aur baap abhi jinda he.. (and slaps him again)".
He ordered Nikhil to handcuff him and called Abhijeet.
Abhijeet came there with Sameer, seeing Tanuj hand cuffed standing with Acp whose is in lion avatar, he got scared and tried to run. Abhijeet grabbed him by his collar and said in his ever teasing tone, "Aree, Sameer, tum kaha ja rahe ho? Is picture ke toh tum b hero ho? Aao jara gupshup kare" and slapped him.
Sameer felt insulted, he growled, "Abhijeet tum shayad bhul rahe ho main ek Senior Inspector hu aur bina saboot k toh tum mujhe chu b nahi sakte".
Abhijeet calm like a drop of water, "Kya Sameer, tum b... Chalo ye batao mera kitne saal ka experience hoga?"
Sameer not able to guess.
"Daya ka kitna hoga.. ye toh bata sakte ho na?".
Sameer replies, "20 saal"..
"Sahi kaha, mera b utna hi samjlo.. toh me bina saboot ke tumhe pakadne ki bewakoofi kar sakta hu kya?", and slapped again..
Abhijeet ordered Nikhil to take off the spy camera and voice recorder fitted next to Daya's bed.
Acp ordered Nikhil and Sachin to take Sameer and Tanuj for interrogation to Mumbai.
Sameer, playing his last card, "Tum log hume Mumbai nahi le ja sakte. Daya Kolkota ka officer he aur hamare khilaf koi case b nahi he.. tum log kuch nahi kar sakte hume".
Abhijeet replied calmly with a his sarcastic smile, "Sameer, tumhe sab samjana padta he. Kaise senior inspector ban gaye? Chalo thik he tumhe ye kahani hum sunate.. fir tum apni sunana mumbai chalkar".
Abhijeet looked at Acp. Acp called Acp Anurag and requested him to come to hospital.
After Anurag arrived, Acp said to him, "Anurag, tumhare officers tumse permission lena chahte he mumbai aane k liye, toh tum inhe please samjaoge".
Anurag gave a disgusting look to both of them and started in a firm voice, " Sameer aur Tanuj tum log aisa kaise kar sakte ho Daya k sath. Jab tak ye case khatam nahi hojata tum dono suspended ho.. ye rahe tumhare suspension letters. Aur Daya ab Cid Mumbai ka officer he, uska transfer already ho chuka he.. Acp ne mujhe sab kal hi bata diya tha lekin mujhe yekin nahi ho raha tha.. isliye ye sab karna pada.. Acp Pradyuman tum inhe le ja sakte ho" and he left from there...
Acp answered his remaining question, "Aur rahi baat case file karne ki, toh uske bhai ne matlab Senior Inspector Abhijeet ne tum dono k khilaf case likhwaya he attempt to murder ka, toh ab chale? Ya aur b kuch puchna he?"
"Le jao inhe, baki interrogation Abhijeet kal karlega", ordered Acp.
Sachin, Nikhil, Sameer and Tanuj left.
"Chaliye Sir doctor se milkar Daya ko mumbai lejane ka puchte he".
Both left towards doctors cabin.
Acp : Doctor hum Daya ko Mumbai le jana chahte he.
Doctor: Thik he. He is much better now. Me kuch dawaiya aur injections Abhijeet ko samja deta hu. Aur ek hafte bad kuch test karke mujhe reports mail kar dena. Agle 2-3 din aise hi sote rahenge aur agar koi seizure attack aata he toh panick nahi kariyega.. Dheere kum hojayenge.. He will be fine in another week.
Abhijeet : Ji Jarur.. Thank you Doctor.
Abhijeet completed the discharge formalities and came back. Acp arranged for tickets, cab and other facilities for Daya.
Finally Acp and Abhijeet left Kolkata taking Daya in sleeping state.
They reached Mumbai around night time. Abhijeet and Acp laid down Daya in his room. Abhijeet felt the joy of being back home with his friend, collegue and brother.
He left Acp with Daya to make dinner. When he returned, he saw Acp sleeping in half lying position, holding Daya's hand. He did not wanted to disturb a father enjoying his sons company after a long time. He could see both father and son having a small smile.
He turned back and went to his room. He slept today night calmly without any stress or fear. He knew his brother is close to him, in his shelter and having the worlds safest company now. He too slept unknowingly.
Next morning, Abhijeet got ready and stepped out to take bed-coffee for his father but he was surprised to see him sitting in the living hall with 2 cups of coffee, waiting for him..
"Good Morning, Sir! Apne kyu taklif ki iski?" mentioned Abhijeet caringly.
"Kyu ye maira ghar nahi he ya tumhe mere haat ki coffee pasand nahi he?", replied the father mischievously.
"Nahi.. Nahi.." and he was stopped by his father.
"Kya? Tumhe mere haath ki coffee pasand nahi he?", questioned his father again naugtily.
Without saying anything further, Abhijeet grabbed the coffee cup and started sipping it, clearly understanding his father is in jolly mood today..
Acp smiled and picked up his cup too..
After coffee, Abhijeet went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He stopped at the dining table looking at the well-arranged plates, glass and food.
He wondered, how can his father, who is the strict head of CID, Mumbai, be so loving towards his children that are not even his own!
Acp walked towards the kitchen to find why Abhijeet is taking so long to return and stopped seeing his son standing near the table lost in his thoughts.
"Kya dekh rahe ho Abhijeet?", asked Acp.
"Ye..", pointing towards the food and with a loving smile.
Trying to negate the feelings that Abhijeet was having, Acp tried to justify as, "Wo me jaldi ut gaya tha.. toh bana diya…".
"Jee Sir.. main samajta hu", with a sarcastic smile filled with love saying so Abhijeet moved into the kitchen. Leaving a father standing there, feeling like a kid whose mischief has been caught.
Both have their breakfast discussing all that happened in last week, including the shubhchintak and his letter. Later, they stepped into Daya's room who was trying to open his eyes.
Acp, sat on the bed holding his hand and Abhijeet was standing waiting him to get up.
As soon he woke up, he noticed his father sitting next to him on left, he felt familiar with the wall colours, window curtains, the photo-frames hanging on the wall and off-course his bed. A huge one where he can roll like a snail! He realized where he was, he felt delighted. He did not need assurance from anybody to know where he was. He tried to get up in respect to his father, but he was stopped.
"Lete raho Daya", commanded the father and then added mischievously, "Abhi jitna aram karna he karlo, bureau me file work tumhara intezar kar raha he".
Daya, still feeling weak and drowsy under the medicine effect did not protest and continued lying with a mouth open in O like expression.
He scanned the room to find his bhai. Noticing him on the left, feeling energized by the positive vibes present in his room, he tried to have some fun time. He ignored him and looked towards his father and said, "I missed you sir.. I missed you soo much.." in a very loving tone.
His father too, placed his hand on his head and replied in same loving tone, "Me too.. very much".
Abhijeet, who had noticed his actions, and could see the environment turning into a tears, interrupted immediately as, "Sahab, kya order karna chahenge breakfast k liye?".
"Aloo paratha, matar paneer, gulab jamun, gazar ka halwa, orange juice aur ek ice-cream", replied Daya instantly cutely.
Acp and Abhijeet both looked at each other and burst out laughing which frustrated Daya and he immediately pretended to fall in sleep that panicked Acp. Abhijeet calmed him down saying, "Aisa hoga Sir , doctor ne kaha tha.. don't worry."
Acp then replied, "Thik he, tum bureau jao. Pata karo kyu kiya undono ne aisa, main yaha hu".
Abhijeet nodded and left for bureau.
Hearing the door getting closed, Daya opened his eyes thinking he was left alone in the room but got caught by his father who was observing him.
"Ghar aate sath hi , chiranjeev ne shaitani shuru kar di"…
Daya felt embarrassed and did not reply anything but smiled.
"Me keh deta hu, jaldi se thik ho jao varna dubara Kolkata bhej dunga. Samjhee?", threatened Acp to Daya who immediately placed his head on his lap and closed his eyes.
Acp nodded at his behaviour and started ruffling his hairs.
Abhijeet reached bureau and without noticing anyone, just stormed into the interrogation room, where Sameer and Tanuj were waiting. He was followed by Freddy , Sachin and Rajat. Not because they thought him incapable of doing the task but they could imagine the plight of the culprits after his interrogation. To save him from the trouble that might come up after his dose of treatment to the culprits.
Placing hands on the table, looking at them with burning eyes, he started, "Dekho bahut dino se maine apna dimag shant rakha he. Ab ye ghum chuka he, Daya b yaha nahi he, toh isliye bina samay barbad kiye sab sach bata do".
Tanuj ignoring his tone, started laughing loudly and saying Daya with hatred in his tone. This was enough to trigger Abhijeet. He slapped him as hard as he could. He turned towards Sameer, "Chalo tum se shuruat karte he. Batao jaldi.."
Sameer who now scared started , "Main Daya ko sirf kaam se dur karna chahta tha. Wo bade hosiyari se case solve karna laga tha. Maine ek din Acp ko uski tarif karte hue suna… Wo mere promotion k bich anew wala tha, isliye maine use pani k through depressant dena shuru kiya. Use bottle se pani pina pasand nahi tha lekin maine use convince kar liya.. fir use jab problem hone lagi toh doctor k pass le gaya aur doctor ke bete ko kidnap karke us se jabardasti high dose ka prescription likh vaya. Lekin use maarne ka koi intention nahi tha. main chahta tha ki Acp sir ko us ki bimari ki wajah dekar use ek lambi chutti par bhej du..".
Abhijeet with rage, "Mujh se kyu dur rakha"?
Sameer replied, "Wo kehta tha, tum use bahut ache se jaante ho Bina kuch kahe samaj jate ho. Agar tumse milne deta ya baat karne deta toh tum turant jaan lete uske sath kuch gadbad he".
Abhijeet, could not control now, he grabbed him by his collar and 1...2…3…
"Sir, chodiye… please chodiye…", said Rajat and tried to separate him from Sameer.
"Sameer, tumhe pata he tum pakde kaise gaye?", taunted Abhijeet. Sameer nodded.
"Jealously me tum itna doob gaye ki apni akhal hi kho bete. Tumne apne hi number se us doctor ko kidnapping wala video bhej diya." And Abhijeet laughed. Sameer banged his hand on the table.
He stepped back , adjusted his coat and turned towards Tanuj.
"Tum bologe ya me puchu…?"…
Tanuj was not scared but laughing and said, "14 August 2009… Yad he tume?"
Abhijeet's face went pale, his body shivered, he stepped back and disbalanced but Rajat held him.
Rajat and Sachin both were surprised to their him in this state during interrogation for the first time. Freddy could imagine what was coming up next.
Tanuj seeing his reaction, laughed loudly and continued "Isi din mere bhai ki maut hui… Tumhare hato, Wo b Daya k wajah se… Yaad aya?.. Rocky.. Rocky mera bhai tha..".
Abhijeet was not responding, his mind went blank. He felt his mouth dry remembering the incident. He lost his power to talk. He could feel his helplessness of that time, his pleading to the doctor, his brother going away from him because of him..
Tanuj, continued, "Me tum dono se badla lena chahta tha, isiliye maine DCP ki beti ko kidnap kiya aur Daya ka transfer karvaya. Bas fir kya.. Ek ache mauke k intezar karta raha..Us din bar me maine dekha Daya ko dekhne me taklif ho rahi thi, jisse ek gunda uske haat se nikal gaya. Fir usne Daya ko rod se maara aur dusre ne goli chalayi. Daya chahta toh goli se bach sakta tha lekin use dikhayi hi nahi diya..aur wo bhag gaye.. Maine mauka ka fayda uthaya.. aur us par goli chal di.. yaha (pointing towards heart) jaise tumne chalayi thi Rocky par.." and he started laughing…
Abhijeet gained his senses with his loud laugh, moved towards Tanuj, held him by collar, dragged him towards the wall and hit him. He started kicking him and punching him. His own hand started bleeding.
All 3 ran to hold him and started requesting him to stop but nothing was working.
"Sir, please chodiye.. Daya sir k liye hi chod dijiye. Agar ap musibat me gir gaye toh unhe kaun sambhalega", said Freddy.
Abhijeet gave an angry glance to Freddy , pushed away Tanuj and stepped out of the room.
Rajat and Sachin tried to stop him but Freddy said, "Jane do.. wo nahi rukhenge. Tumhe nahi pata us waqt hum sab par kya biti thi..". Both nodded and got back to their work of completing other formalities of the case.
Abhijeet drove to the beach, he sat on the sand, looking at the sea… His minds started rewinding the incident.
"Kya keh rahe tha ap? Daya, Daya nahi bach sakta? Kaise doctor he ap?"
"ap jhooth bol rahe he na doctor.. Daya ne kaha ne hum log ko darane k liye..."
"Ye dekhiye mere haath kaap rahe he.. ek cid officer k haath kaap rahe he doctor".
"Salunkhe Saab, ap kuch kar sakte he na doctor , ap kariye na please. Ap daya ko bacha lijiye please. Me vaada karta hu apka kabi majak nahi udaunga".
"Daya, main Abhi".
"Laash nahi he ye doctor. Ye Daya he.Laash wo hoti he jo hum din raat dekhte he.."
Not only words, he could also see visuals coming up. He could see Daya's eyes requesting him to save him, gasping for breath, closing his eyes doctor giving his shock treatment and declaring him dead.
He shouted, "Nahiiiiiiiii…".
Realizing where he was and seeing the time, he composed himself, got up and walked few steps, looked down, picked up a shell and threw it in the sea as far as he could with full force.
Acp had been briefed about the interrogation by his other officers. He wasn't expecting Abhijeet to be back home soon. He sat on the sofa with closed eyes and was waiting for him but his mind went down the memory lane too..
"Aree kya sambaliye..Itni jaldi har kaise man sakte he ap.. Karo na jakar kuch"
"Daya ankhe band mat karna, ankhe khuli rakho daya"
"Kuch nahi hoga Daya tumhe.."
Abhijeet entered door with his keys, noticed his father sitting on the sofa and moved Daya's room. He slowly opened the door and saw him sleeping. Closing the door, he turned back and saw his father standing in front of him. He immediately lowered his gaze but his father had noticed his red eyes, hand where bleeding had stopped but dried blood on it and tired body. He did not say anything and just moved aside and let him go. He understands he need to give him time. Abhijeet wanted to hug his father but his mind did not let him think straight. He thought better to go as he did wanted to show himself as weak.
He got fresh and came out. Acp said, "Aao, yaha baitho",politely.
He did as instructed. He took his hand and started bandaging it and started slowly, "tumhe pata he Daya ne kya kiya tumhare jane k bad?". Abhijeet nodded no. "Usse laga koi nahi he room me, isliye ankhe khol li aur dekhne laga.. aur jab maine pucha ki shaitani karne lage toh jat se meri goud me aakar sogaya..".
A sweet smile crept on Abhijeet's lips which made Acp also smile.
Then he continued, "tumhe Daya se classes lene chahiye apni baato ko kaise manwaya jaye". Abhijeet confused but with a smile replied, "Ye toh me apke daant se bachne k liye uski baat man leta hu".
Acp counter-attacked him with, "Meri daant? Hafte me 5 baar bahar ka khana, aur 2 baar shopping kaun karvane le jata he?".
Abhijeet asked sarcastically, "Aphika ladla he, na le jau toh ap mujhe chod denge kya?".
Acp now strictly, "thik he fir, me apne ladle ko apne sath le jata hu", and he was immediately cut by Abhijeet, who held his hands and said, "Nahi Sir, please nahi..". Acp took the opportunity and grabbed him his hug quickly. Abhijeet felt relaxed. Both did not say anything but were feeling good, one consoling his son and other feeling relaxed to get the support. After sometime Acp separated him from his hug and said, "jo hua use badal nahi sakte , lekin ab use yad b mat karo." Abhijeet nodded. "Chalo ab mere ladle se milte he. Intezar kar raha hoga."
Both entered inside and saw Daya lying awake staring at the ceiling. They looked at each other and went near him. Acp sat on the bed. Daya asked him, "ap log kya bat kar rahe the.. mujhe awaje aa rahi thi..". Abhijeet did not reply he put his head down. Acp replied mischievously, "Wo me keh raha tha ki me apne ladle ko apne sath le jana chahta hu..aur Abhijeet b man gaya he" Daya shocked. He felt scared and looked into his eyes. Acp gave him sacchi, Abhijeet se puchlo kind of look. Daya looked at him and saw him in head down mode and silent. He felt Abhijeet has agreed and he knew very well that he would not disobey his father's order.
Daya immediately grabbed his father's hand took it near to his heart, and pleading tone said, "Main janta hu ap mujhe se bahut pyar karte he , lekin me Abhi k bina nahi reh sakta…Ap please mujhe yahi rehne dijiye.." Acp asked angrily like a kid, "Aur mere pyar ka kya?". Daya thought something and then replied, "Ap yehi aajaye rehne k liye. Ap b khush me b khush".
Acp smiled looking at his sons innocence and replied, "Chiranjeev, me apko bata du ki me dono se barabar pyar karta hu. Aisa kaise ho sakta he ki me tume le jau aur ise yehi chod du?"
Daya realized , yes he was right and he also knows this then why didn't he think of it.
Acp then said, "main majak kar raha tha." And pat his head lightly.
"ab tum dono khana khao aur aram karo. Main chalta hu", said his father.
Patting both of his sons cheek and wishing them goodnight he left.
Abhijeet entered with food plates for both, which they had in silence. He gave him his tablets and left to clean the kitchen.
He came back and settled on the couch in Daya's room.
Daya requested with a very gentle tone, "Abhi, please yaha baitho na".
This tone is something that Abhijeet cannot refused. He got up and sat next to him.
Daya then said , "Mujhe sab janna he Abhi".
Abhijeet replied angrily, "Kya karoge jaankar? Tum toh ignore kar rahe the na muje .. toh karo wahi..".
Daya did not reply anything. He just kept looking down. Looking his dear bhai sad, Abhijeet narrated everything to him. Getting no response from him, he looked up and found Daya crying with tears rolling down his cheeks and he looking down at his fingers.
This is something that Abhijeet cannot see, he immediately melted and took him in hug. The hug that destroyed the coldness between both.
"Boss, I am sorry. Mujhe maaf kardo please.. maine tumhe bahut pareshan kiya", said Daya while in tears.
"Its ok Daya.. tujhe mujhe batana chahiye tha. Mujhe pata he tu dar gaya tha mere liye.. lekin fir b.. hamare pass kitne tarike he baat karne ke, he na?" Abhijeet said to console him.
Daya feeling better, separated from the hug said, "Jis tarah se wo mujh par nazar rakh raha tha, me dar gaya tha ki agar tumhe kuch ho gaya toh? Fir wo bomb blast toh sab such laga", trying to explain like a kid.
"Toh tune janne ki koshish nahi ki kaun ho sakta he?", curiously.
"Ki boss, lekin informers ko kuch mila nahi isliye mujhe b pata nahi chala.. aur Sameer par toh kabi shaq b nahi hua" with head down again.
"Tune apna ghar nahi check kiya, koi bug ya kuch?"
"Kiya boss, lekin waha par b kuch nahi mila."
"Toh tuje nahi laga ki ghar par ane k bad hum baat kar sakte the?"
"Shayad us waqt me kuch soch hi nahi saka.. ek toh depressant ka effect aur tumse baat b nahi ho rahi thi toh uska dukh… me tooth gaya tha" and he again started crying.
"Acha acha thik he.. abhi roh mat, me aise nahi dekh sakta tujhe.. ab sab thik he .." and takes him hug again but Daya is still crying.
Now to make the environment light, he says, "Dekh Daya rona band kar varna chote dost ko teri aisi roti hui tasvir bhej dunga..". Daya immediately stopped crying and separated from the hug. He held his hands and said , I missed you Boss very much. Abhijeet also held his hands and replied with same love, me too.
Daya noticed the bandage on his hand and understood its reason. He then said, "Tum beach gaye the?"
Abhijeet knew he is caught and looked down to avoid his gaze and said "Nahi".
Daya replied, "Dikh raha he, ankho se aur bandage..". He could see tears forming in his eyes now. He continued, "firse sab yaad kiya na tumne?, mana kiya tha maine rocky wala incident yaad karne se, samaj nahi aati tumhe? Pata he na kitni mehnat karni padi thi muje", asked in a strict tone.
"Nahi Daya.. teri kasam me, bhul chuka tha sab kuch , lekin jab aj Tanuj ne kaha toh.." and he couldn't complete and started crying..
Daya took him in his hug and started patting his back. He did not say anything just continued patting his back. He knew that the "Rocky chapter" is something that cannot be erased from his memories. That fear he felt for loosing him, his guilt , his helplessness and those few minutes of his death.
He let Abhijeet cry for sometime. Now, when he saw, he was not stopping , he said separating him, "Dekhe toh Senior Abhijeet rote hue kaise dikhte he" naughtily. Abhijeet, separated but was still crying and before he could ask or say anything Daya clicked his photo. Abhijeet heard the shutter sound and realized what had happened. Daya tightly clutched the mobile in his hand and said, "Le sakte ho toh le lo" and gave a sarcastic smile. If it would have been usual scenario, he would have attacked on him but due to Daya's wound , his options were limited. He tried to loosen Daya's fist but failed. Getting tired, he fell on the bed next to him and murmured, "Ghayal he, fir be strong he".
Daya chuckled hearing his murmur. He replied, "tum jo mere saath ho". He lifted Abhijeet's right hand and stretched it open and then lied down on it using as a pillow and said, "Ab yaha se uthakar dikhao toh janu..", knowing very well his bhai would never do that. Both smiled at each other, wished each other good night and slept.
1 week later
Daya is declared fit to resume work. Duo get up, got ready and left for bureau.
As soon as Daya entered bureau, he felt how badly he missed this place! His desk, his team, those small get togethers and the interrogation room. He jerked out of his thoughts , when Abhijeet said, "Chalo Daya".
Entering inside, he noticed, his desk was beautifully decorated with flowers and a Welcome banner.
There was a small cake at the center of his table.
Everybody came forward to meet and greet him , including Acp sir.
"Sir, apko wapas paakar bahut kushi ho rahi he", said Rajat.
"Sach me, Sir", added Sachin.
Freddy said, "Sir", then looked at Abhijeet and then back at Daya and continued, "Ap nahi the na yaha, toh humse sirf kaam karvaya jata tha", in the most innocent tone ever.
Abhijeet glared Freddy and said, "Freddyyyy…".
Daya noticed his glare and interrupted, "Kya boss tum b .. chodo na… main kya janta nahi hu tume" and winked.
Acp came forward, "Welcome back my Son!" and hugged him.
They had the cake cutting session with casual chit-chat and some music.
Suddenly Acp said, "Sir, ap yaha?"
All stood their place as they had seen a ghost.
Dcp replied sarcastically, "Kyu me yaha nahi aa sakta"?
Acp calmly : Nahi mera ye matlab nahi tha. Kya kaam tha apko?
Dcp ignoring him : Kaam toh he tumse nahi, Daya se he.
All got shocked. Freddy quickly murmured, "Pata nahi ab kaunsa toofan layenge".
Dcp moved towards Daya, Abhijeet and Acp moved behind him as if to protect him.
Dcp said in requesting tone, "Daya, I am very sorry. Mere wajah se tumhe ye sab sehna pada. Meri majburi thi.."
Daya replied, "Its ok Sir. I understand".
Dcp asks, "tumne sach me mujhe maaf kar diya?"
Daya smiles and nods.
Dcp smiling says , "to fir tum ab ye bolkar dikhao".
Pad kid poured curd pulled cod.
Everyone shocked and standing with open mouth.
In the same tone, he continued, "All shock, Dcp rocks!' and winked.
End of the Story!