The day that was

by The TrendSetter

There was something fishy. No one became deaf because of a cold. The boy was up to something. He was sure. But what? He couldn't, for the life of him, imagine. But secretly, he was enjoying it – every bit of it. 'If only Pankaj would tell me what he's up to', he thought to himself smiling. He decided to keep a watch over his activities through the day.

4. Chapter 4

A/N:All those of you who had been waiting for this update, Apologies for making you wait so long. Was out on a vacation and unfortunately, haven't still managed to get my senses back. I have tried my best to do justice to the update. But just incase you feel it is not fit to be called an update or that it is taking away from the main story, do feel free to let me know. I will try and put it right. Thank you all once again, for putting up with me.

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The new day finally dawned, all bright and clear. There seemed to a great deal of excitement - in all of the officer's houses as well. Even sleepy heads like Daya and Nikhil got out of bed early, looking forward to the day with eager anticipation. Purvi was simply dying to see Pankaj's reactions to all that they had in store for him, while Tarika couldn't wait to start enacting her part, for which she had so painstakingly practiced the previous day. And Shreya was looking forward to showing off her acting skills to Daya, whose attention she was trying to gain in the last few days, but kept failing miserably each time.

Only Freddy seemed to look forward to the day with mixed feelings, for try as he might, he had been unable to think of playing the fool with someone on their birthday. It wasn't that he didn't like playing pranks or anything, for he did. But he didn't feel that the day – Pankaj's birthday, was the right choice of day, to play a prank on him.

They had all reached the bureau quiet early. The girls had gathered at Tarika's house for an early breakfast and had reached the bureau by 7:30, only to find the boys already there. They had reached the bureau as early as 6 O' clock and had just finished their breakfast. Even Dr. Salunkhe was with them. ACP was the only one missing.

'Just like Pradyuman to show absolutely no interest when rest of the team is overjoyed about something' said Dr. Salunkhe banging his fists on the table. That made a loud noise, but what startled the others was a louder noise that came from the direction of the ACP's cabin. 'Jagga?' 'The case in the high court?' 'The case papers' were the thoughts that ran across everyone's minds as they raced to the cabin; imagining the worst. But when they finally reached there, they were in for the biggest surprise.

For there on the visitors' sofa, was lying a pillow, recently slept on and a sheet, crumpled from being used; and right beneath it - on the ground, lay the ACP himself, in his PJs'. For a minute, the whole group kept staring at him, until Shreya finally recovered and gave a small cry of surprise. The girls immediately giggled and turned away, while the younger boys followed suit.

'Pradyuman… Pradyuman.. Hey… Pra…ddyyuu…mannn!' yelled the doctor, almost bending over his friend, who now grunted, and turned over, to what seemed like a more comfortable position. He gave up, exasperated. 'Sir.. ACP sir', it was Abhijeet this time. Daya just looked on with his hands over his mouth, least a giggle escaped his lips. 'Haannn…' the ACP grunted again, before sitting up and lifting his hands up to his eyes.

'Raju.. Bring me my tea…' he yelled, stifling a yawn. The three others in the cabin looked at each other and exchanged smiles before Dr. Salunkhe put his hand on his friend and said 'Open your eyes Pradyuman and look at the world around you. Neither is this your house, nor is there a Raju here'. The ACP, surprised at hearing a familiar voice, that was unfamiliar at home, forced open his eyes, only to have the biggest shock of his life. 'How did I reach here?' he asked springing to his feet, totally ashamed of himself and his attire. He initially squirmed in embarrassment when he saw the others outside the cabin, but regained his composure pretty soon and began questioning the others about random cases from the past. Since they pretty much knew that it was just an attempt to hide his embarrassment, they gave answers with serious faces – all but Daya.

Daya, who had been using all of his will power to control himself, could hold it no longer when the ACP, dressed in nothing but his PJs' stood questioning the others. His sudden explosion was shocking, but sadly contagious, for that had got the others started as well. The ACP, realizing that it was futile even attempting to hide his embarrassment, decided to let go and laugh with the group – but not before deciding to get his own back, at Daya. He explained that he was very excited about the whole plan, much more than he had seemed to and that must have led to him sleepwalking into the bureau – pillow, sheets and all.

The others soon got to work as the ACP headed home to change. It was close to 9 and Pankaj could be expected anytime. It was very important that he didn't smell a rat.

But no. No Pankaj came. It was past 9 and Pankaj was still missing. Looked like he was late. The girls were getting impatient with every passing minute and kept looking at each other for solace. Vineet looked at his watch for the 57th time in 30 minutes. 'So that's roughly about 2 times per minute' he thought to himself. Sachin sat with a bunch of files in front and pretended to be making notes, when in reality, all he was doing was writing the English alphabets A to Z innumerable times. He was getting impatient as well and was worried about his pen running out of ink.

Rajat, Daya and Abhijeet sat at the table in the farthest corner of the bureau – giving others the impression of an important discussion. All they were doing were taking turns in asking 'When do you think he will come?' to each other and discussing the excuses he would probably come up with, for being late. Nikhil and Freddy on the other hand, sat at their respective desks flipping through magazines that were cleverly hidden in between case files.

The huge clock, near the door struck 10 and Dr. Salunkhe let out an exasperated sigh. He had been sitting in the bureau pretending to have come down to discuss a case with the ACP almost an hour back. Tarika was due to join him in another 20 minutes. But there were no signs of both - Pankaj and Pradyuman. Just then, the door opened and in came the ACP, his eyes searching for Pankaj as he walked in. He stopped at the girls' desk and enquired about Pankaj only to be told that he hadn't come in as yet. He walked to his cabin disappointed.

No sooner than he had sat down on his chair, he buzzed for Daya. 'I'm afraid I have some disappointing news for you' he said as soon as Daya had walked in. 'You will have to go and attend the hearing at the high court. The advocate had called to ask for the name of the witness from our end and I have given yours. Its almost time for you to leave. It will only take an hour's time. You will be back by lunch.' he concluded, looking triumphantly at the horrified Daya, who was looking forward to playing the prank on Pankaj. This was his way of getting back at Daya for laughing at him.

Having completed his task for the day, he sat, just like the others, hands folded, waiting for Pankaj.