Xerox Part 19-24

 Part 19 Denial and Acceptance

"Is he the serial killer?" Shashi asked.

Arnav nodded yes.

Shashi looked at them shockingly. He looked at Garima who was in an extreme level of shock.

"Why not we talk about the wedding after the police catch him?" Shashi asked.

Arnav looked at Khushi who was disappointed.

"May we know the reason?" Arnav asked.

"You are in danger. The serial killer seemed extremely dangerous. Then how could we get my daughter married to you?"

Arnav was silent. Shashi was not wrong. Aarav would not be quiet if he got to know Arnav involved in this case.

"We are ready to get them married if Arnav is ready to leave India immediately, leaving this adventure behind"

"But, you wanted him to help his friend Aman, right?" Khushi asked.

"At that time, I didn't know his back story. I didn't expect he would have a direct relationship with the killer who wanted to smack him down"

"He can do nothing Babuji..."

"He killed eight innocent girls in the capital tackling the police... remember?"

"It's because they were innocent. Arnav is not the one" Khushi argued.

"I don't doubt Arnav's ability but, I can't take a risk... It's my daughter's life after all..."

"But, Babuji..."

"My decision is final. The serial killer should be caught or, Arnav should go back to Scotland, leaving the case"

Arnav stood up.

"I'm sorry uncle. Neither I can leave the case nor will I go back to Scotland without Khushi"

Nani also stood up.

"Let's go, Nani," Arnav said looking at Khushi who looked distraught.

Arnav was about to leave but Khushi came in front of him and stood blocking his way.

“That’s all?” She asked.

Arnav blinked his eyes looking at Shashi.

“Don’t look at my father because he doesn’t know what you know”

“What I don’t know?” Shashi asked.

“I will be safe only if I’m with Arnav…”

Shashi shrank his eyes.

“Because the killer knew I and Arnav have a connection. He knows me well. He must be searching for me. That’s why I wear a burqa when going out. Will you protect me if he comes here? Do you think you are smarter than Arnav?”

“But how did he know you?”

“I met him in the shopping mall. I thought he was Arnav and talked to him unaware of the truth. But I understood he was not Arnav and escaped from him by managing him somehow. You have no idea how much Arnav tightened the protection around me after that”

Shashi sat with the thud. Arnav and Nani looked at him helplessly.

“My Babuji doesn’t know about all the facts but you? You are walking away like a model having no responsibility…?”

“If your father is not ready to get you married to me, what can I do?”

“This is what you say?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Won’t you ask me to come with you?” She asked disappointedly.

“Will you come with me?”

“Why won’t I come with you?”

“Ok, come…” he extended his hand.

Without second thought Khushi kept her hand on his, making the elders stun. Arnav clutched her hand. Khushi looked at Shashi and said,

“Until I’m with Arnav, the killer can do nothing to me but he will definitely try to take me off. you will understand that when he comes here searching for me”

“But, he will be arrested before he does that,” Arnav said.

“I’m going with Arnav, Babuji. The killer will get to know about it only if we get married openly. So, we will go for a court marriage” Khushi said and looked at Arnav. he nodded yes.

“Shashiji, when they are so much clear, why are you suborn? Both of them think about Khushi’s safety. You want the same. Then why are you thinking a lot?” Nani asked.

Shashi looked at Garima she blinked her eyes.

“Ok, we will go for a court marriage,” Shashi said.

 Garima looked at the calendar and said,

“Coming Friday is a good day”

“Shall we fix the date?” Shashi asked.

 Arnav nodded yes and Nani sighed in relief.

“I’m sorry Maji, I was scared about the killer. That’s why I hesitated but I didn’t know the danger was already at my doorstep” Shashi literally apologized.

“You are Khushi bitiya’s father. It’s not wrong to be careful about her life. However, you understand the true condition and agree to the wedding. It’s enough…” Nani smiled.      

“I will make wedding arrangements”

Nani nodded ok.

“I don’t want Arnav to be involved in the wedding preparations. If the killer follows him, he will get to know about their wedding”

“Ok, uncle,” Arnav said.  

“Thank you so much, Guptaji. We are leaving. I have to go to the Ashram before the saint Shanthoshanandha comes”

“He comes tomorrow only Nani”

“Yes, you have to drop me in the Ashram. You may leave me behind if you get any urgent work in between. That's why I’m hurrying” Nani smiled.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Let’s go”

Nani nodded.

“Bye, uncle, bye aunty”

Shashi and Garima nodded ok.  Arnav left GH with Nani.

Shashi looked at Khushi and asked,

“Why didn’t you say you met the killer?”

“I just didn’t want to make you panic…”

“How did you find out he was not Arnav?”

“He frowned seeing me. his gesture alerted me”

“If he gets to know you are Arnav’s would-be wife, he will act smart. He will not show such a gesture on his face. Then how will you identify that he is not Arnav?”

“There is a difference between Arnav and Aarav”

“What?”

“A scar…! Aarav hit Arnav in his childhood. Arnav got a stitch mark below his left eyebrow”

“Oh…”

Khushi walked to her room and stopped.

“Babuji, I didn’t intend to hurt you. I just said the reality. I can be safe with Arnav…”

Shashi nodded his head.

…………

In the cab…

“I didn’t expect, Khushi would be so brave, Chotte”

Arnav said nothing. He might have expected such a reaction from Khushi.

“She loves you so much… doesn’t she?”

Arnav smiled.

“Thank God, everything is going nice…! I was fed up when Guptaji said he didn’t want this wedding to happen soon”

Arnav nodded yes.

“Call me tomorrow evening. I will tell you when the Saint leaves our Ashram. Even though he stays there for a long, I will however get permission to attend your wedding”

“Is it necessary to go back to the Ashram, Nani? Can’t you just stay with me?”

“No, chotte. I want to meet the saint… I told you know, I will come to your wedding”

“You have to… there is no second thought”

Nani nodded smilingly.

…….

On the other side, Aarav waited for the saint Santhoshanandha on the Delhi, and Kedarnath highways with his partners in crimes. It was getting dark. He didn’t think the saint would come in that last hour. Yet, he waited. His eyes slowly closed as he could not hold his sleep. He slipped his balance in his sleep and opened his eyes jerking.

That was when he saw a few men who were wearing white clothes coming towards them. He squeezed his eyes and saw them. They looked exactly like a Saint but Aarav had doubt whether they were the same saints he was waiting for because they were wearing white clothes. He decided to check. He woke up his friends. They sat and scratched their head. Aarav hit their head.

“The Saint is coming. Get ready”

“Oh… ok”

They got ready to do what Aarav instructed them.

To be continued…

 

 Part 20 Aarav in Ashram

Aarav’s men came to their positions. Aarav waited until the Saint came a little close to them. He walked towards them swaying and fell on the road. The saint and his disciples got stuck. They looked at each other as Aarav was wearing saffron clothes and Rudraksha Mala on his neck.

Swamiji looked at his disciples and said,

“Get to know who he is…”

Two of his disciples ran towards Aarav. They tapped his cheek. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at them. He joined his hands.

“Swami, please save our men. They were in the temple…”

Aarav showed the small temple that was on the road.

“What happened to your men?” one of them asked.

“We went to Kailash to give value to our birth. After touching Kaliash, our minds didn’t allow us to take any vehicle. So, we decided to visit all the Shiva temples in India. Our men lost their energy by walking. They are exhausted. Please save them” he fainted.

As of now, the Santhoshananda came to them.

“What happened?”

They recited what Aarav said. Santhoshananda was highly impressed with them. He went to the temple and looked at them. All the four were fainted. He thought for a while. He didn’t want to leave them. He came to the highways again. He saw a police van coming.

He stopped the police van, making Aarav’s gang horrified.

“WE are from Kedarnath. MY disciples were exhausted. We are going to the Shiv Shakti Ashram. Could you please drop us there?”

“Sure, Swamiji… we are going on the way only. We will drop you”

The police helped Aarav’s men and made them sit in the van. Aarav and his men smiled inwardly.

The police crew brought them to the Ashram. At first, the Ashram people panicked seeing the police. They huffed in relief, after knowing that Sandhoshananadha brought them there. The Ashram heated up. All of them rushed to them to welcome them. The policemen felt relieved as it confirmed that they were REAL saints.

Swami Santhoshanandha was taken inside the Ashram with respect, by giving a kalash.

“There are a few guys in the van. They need first aid. Take them inside and treat them first” The saint said.

The Ashram people got into the van and brought Aarav’s gang to the Ashram. They made them lay on the bed and checked them.

Aarav and his gang huffed in relief as they reached the safest place.

 

The next day

Arnav was still in bed. He took his mobile that was ringing. Without even seeing the caller, he attended the call.

“Helloooo…”

“Hey, sleepy head… wake up”

Arnav widened his eyes as it was Khushi.

“Khushi…”

“I’m on the way to your place. When I come there, you should be ready… ok?”

“Ready for?”

“We are going to our wedding shopping”

Arnav sat on the bed.

“Today?”

“Now… we have no time. Get off the bed”

“Ok ok…”

Arnav got down from the bed and went to the washroom. Taking a quick shower, he came out.

Aman who just came out of his room yawing, saw Arnav fresh.

“ASR… are you going somewhere?”

“Wedding Shopping”

“Wedding shopping? Alone?”

“Khushi is on the way”

“Oh… but why didn’t you say anything to me before?”

“I could tell you only if I know about it, right?”

“Oh…”

“Yeah, just now Khushi told me”

“Mmm…”

“What’s your program today?”

“What else? Going to go for searching your brother”

“I think he is hiding in a place we could not imagine”

“Like?”

Arnav shook his head.

“I hope you will get a clue soon”

“What about you? Did your mind stuck?” Arnav asked teasingly.

“Your twin is beyond our imagination. Only you can think in the way he thinks”

“It doesn’t mean you should not think about him, Mr. Inspector,” Khushi said leaning on the door.

Aman rolled his eyes.

“Have not you gotten ready yet?” She asked Arnav.

“A few minutes…” taking his dress, he went to the washroom again.

“It seems finally, you fixed your wedding date” Aman asked.

“Then what do you expect me to do?”

“Nothing… I know you are eagerly waiting to marry Arnav but not to this extent”

Khushi beckoned him. Aman raised his brows. She asked him to come close to her. Aman took two steps towards her.

“Actually, what you are seeing is just TEN PERCENT…”

“Whaaaat? Ten per cent?” Aman dropped his jaw.

She nodded her head pressing her lips and said,

“Even Arnav didn’t know about how eager I’m”

Aman blinked his eyes with a shocking expression.

They saw Arnav coming fully ready. He looked at Arnav miserably.

“Whaaat?” Arnav asked.

“I’m scared about your future”

“About my future? Why?”

He looked at Khushi who was controlling her smile. He hiccupped.

“What the…”

“God will save you…”

Arnav frowned.

“Shall we go?” Arnav asked.

Khushi nodded yes.

“See you, Aman”

Aman held Khushi’s hand and said,

“Hold on your eagerness until your wedding…”

“I will try” Khushi smiled.

She covered herself with a burqa and Arnav stuck a beard.  They left Aman’s place. Aman opened his mobile that was connected to him with Arnav and Khushi. He started monitoring them.  They reached the shopping mall.

“First have something” Khushi said.

“We will eat later”

“No, Arnav. it will take time. Just have something lightly. Then we will shop…”

They came to the restaurant in the mall and ordered breakfast. They waited.

“What was cooking between you and Aman?” Arnav asked.

“I just said, how eager I’m”

“Eager about?”

“Marrying you”

“Okkkk… but why was he scared about it?”

“I said it’s just ten per cent… that’s why”

Arnav looked at her raising his brows.

“What? Why are you reacting as if you don’t know about it? Because of me, we are getting married. Remember that. Thank God, I took the lead. Or else, I don’t know when we would have married…”

Arnav chuckled.

“You have no idea how disappointed I’m with you”

“Why?”

“I thought you would fight for me but you were silently listening to my Babuji. Is this what your love is?”

“I would not have been silent if he had given any other reason but his fear is justified. Any father would think about his daughter’s betterment only, Khushi. Will you say it’s wrong?”

“He might be right… it doesn’t mean we should accept it because we have a different point of view”

“Yeah, that’s why you showed your point and made him say yes to the marriage…” he smiled.

Khushi pouted.

“Honestly saying, I was so glad when you stood for me”

“Why? Didn’t you expect it from me?”

 “Nope… I didn’t…! I thought you would ask me to wait”

“Haan, you will wait for another seven years too… but, I’m not ready for it”

“What does that mean? Why so urgent?” he asked teasingly.

Khushi folded her hands.

“What do you want me to say?”

“If you ask me, I will say I can’t hold myself for long to get close to you”

“I too can’t hold myself from getting close to you… to be in your arms… to be snuggling into your chest… to be forgetting the world, including my own existence”

Arnav smiled pleasantly and pressed her palm. They grow expectations about their future. They knew it would only be possible if they removed the biggest hindrance, Aarav.

On the other side, Aarav was settled down in the Ashram well. No one suspected them as they reached the Ashram with the Saint. The Ashram people thought they were the Saint’s Disciples. So, there was nothing to be suspected but no matter how often the snack removes its skin, its venom would last for long. Aarav was no less than a snack.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 21 Spotted

Aarav saw a girl coming to the Ashram. She looked so young and beautiful. Aarav's friends looked at Aarav meaningfully. Their eyes were full of lust. Rakesh came to Aarav and whispered,

"Aarav... Doesn't she kick your sense?"

Aarav was looking at the girl.

"She is tempting me of course but we are not in the position to think of girls. We have to be patient for a few days. But trust me, before we leave this place, she will be tasted by us"

Rakesh was disappointed. Yet, he had no choice other than waiting for the right time.

That was when Aarav's sight fell on Nani. She was happily talking to the Ashram head Mr. Devnath about Arnav's marriage and also how Khushi fought with his father.

"Is it? Did the girl fight for Arnav?" Dev asked unbelievably.

"Yes, Devji. Nowadays girls are so brave and understanding"

"They must be... In our time, we don't even get the courage to talk to our parents" Dev said.

"Finally, Arnav's wedding is fixed. I'm so glad about him." Nani said feeling delighted.

"When is the wedding?"

"Coming Friday, Devji"

"Oh... That means you won't be here on Friday"

"I too want to talk to you about it, Devji. I want to attend the marriage. Please don't put any pooja scheduled for me on Friday" Nani requested.

"Oh... Ok, Devyaniji. I will manage the pooja with others"

"I am sorry for troubling you, Dev Ji..."

"There is nothing called trouble. It's your grandson's wedding. You should attend it. Then what is the meaning of our life if we skip such happiness?"

"Thank you so much, Dev Ji"

Aarav raised his brows. What made his Nani so happy? He was curious to know that. That was when the name board of the Ashram with the phone number of the Ashram caught Aarav's eyes. He thought something. he noted the phone number. Coming to a hiding place, he called the Ashram's landline number.

Mr Devnath attended the call who was with Nani.

"Hello, this is Shiv Sakthi Ashram..."

"May I talk to Mrs Devyani?"

"May I know who is speaking?" Dev asked looking at Nani.

"I am his grandson..."

"Oh... Congratulation..." Dev said delightedly, thinking that he was Arnav.

"Congratulations for what?" Aarav frowned.

"For your wedding..."

"Wedding?" Aarav shrank his eyes.

"Your Naniji told us that your wedding is fixed"

Aarav was confused. Whom he was talking about? Before he asked anything, Dev passed the phone to Nani.

"Devyani ji your grandson is on the line"

 Nani gladly took the receiver and spoke.

"Hello Chhote..."

"This is not Chotte but Bade..." Said Aarav.

Nani was horrified, hearing that. She understood who was on the line. She needed a few seconds to make up for herself.

"Naaaaniiii..." Aarav called.

"Aarav... You?"

"Yes, it's me..."

"The police said you are dead..."

"Who are they to declare my death?" He asked with attitude.

"Yeah, you are right. No one could do that” said, Nani.

"It seems your Chotte's wedding fixed..."

Nani was shocked. He should have connected the dots. Aarav got to know about Arnav's wedding. Her mind worked fast. He should not know the exact details about Arnav’s wedding. Thank God she was there when Dev attended his call. She knew what Dev spoke to him.

"Yes, his wedding fixed" She tried to be casual not showing her nervousness.

"When is his wedding?" he asked curiously.

"Next month" she lied.

"You are going to attend his wedding... Right?"

"How could I attend his wedding as it is going to be held in Scotland?" she again lied.

"Scotland?"

"Yes... He is still in Scotland only. Don't you know that?"

"Oh... doesn't he get the courage to enter India?" She asked sarcastically.

"He is working as a professor at Scotland University. He is busy with his work. So, he didn't get time to come to India"

"Oh... That means the bride belongs to Scotland only?"

"Yes, Scotland settled Indian girl..." Nani said.

"Oh... won't he come to India after his wedding too?"

"As of now, he doesn't talk about coming to India..." Nani spoke to him carefully without giving any clue about Arnav.

“mmm”

"By the way where are you, Aarav? How did you get my Ashram number?" She tried to get something from him.

"I think you forgot one thing,"

"What?"

"I am Aarav... getting a phone number is not a big deal for me and I can be anywhere..." he disconnected the call.

Nani sighed. She noted the phone number from which Aarav called her because the landline phone had caller ID. Aarav was unaware of it. Otherwise, he would not have called her. She immediately called Arnav. He attended the call.

"Chotte..."

 Arnav sensed nervousness in Nani her voice.

"Nani, is everything alright?"

"Aarav called me..."

"Whaaaat? when?"

"Just now..."

"What did he say?"

"I'm sorry Chotte, he got to know about your wedding but I managed to tell him that you are in Scotland and your wedding is going to be held in Scotland only"

"Did he say anything about his whereabouts?"

"I asked him but he didn't say. I noted his phone number"

"But how?"

"The ashram landline has caller ID"

"Wow, that's great. Give me his number"

"Note it down"

"Yup"

Nani told him the number.

"Ok, Nani, I will call you later"

"Ok, be careful"

"Yeah..."

Arnav disconnected the call and looked at Khushi who was sitting in front of him.

"Aarav called Nani..."

"What...? But how did he know her number?"

"I too have the same doubt... Wait"

He called Aman. He attended the call.

"What made you remember me in between your shopping schedule?" Aman asked.

"Aarav called Nani..."

"Is it?" Aman asked.

"Yes, I sent the number to you. Check where is he"

Yeah..."

Aman disconnected the call. Arnav saw Khushi in a deep thought.

"What are you thinking?"

"Why did Aarav call Nani all of a sudden?"

Arnav became thoughtful. He was also thinking the same.

“Do you think he will be in the same place?”

“No. I don’t think so but we can understand his whereabouts. We can search in the surroundings”

“Then our action should be faster”

“Yeah, that’s why I immediately called Aman. He will find the area”

“Mmm…”

“Let’s complete the shopping before Aman finds the area”

“No, you carry on…”

“But why?”

“It can’t be completed quickly because I’m going to buy wedding jewellery”

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Is it necessary to buy jewels?”

“Means?”

“However you are going to come to Scotland. We will not get a chance to wear jewels there. Then, why are you wasting money on jewels?”

“What do you think? Am I going to buy ancient design jewels? Many simple designs can be worn with modern outfits too…”

“Oh… I have no knowledge in that matter” he smiled.

“Soon, you will also become an expert in that matter” she laughed.

Arnav was looking at his watch again and again. He was waiting for Aman’s call. He wanted to know Aarav’s whereabouts. Khushi noticed it.

That was when Arnav received the call from Aman. He attended it in the first ring.

“Haan Aman… tell me”

“ASR, the signal range shows the Shiv Shakti Ashram”

“Whaaaat?”

“Yes, ASR… Aarav is in the Ashram” Aman said.

Arnav was shocked. Aarav was in the Ashram. Being in front of Nani, he intentionally called her to know about him.

“Aman, round up the Ashram,” Arnav said.

“Yeah, the force is getting ready,” Aman said.

“I’m also coming” Arnav disconnected the call and looked at Khushi. She blinked her eyes and permitted him to go to the Ashram.

To be continued…

 

Part 22 Deal

Aarav gathered his men.

“Aarav, this is irritating. Do something. We can’t pretend like saints” Rakesh said.

“Yes, Aarav… this is ridiculous… eating vegetables like a cow is annoying me” another guy, Samrat said.

“Let’s take the Ashram under our control,” One of them said.

Aarav became thoughtful.

“Ok… go and check all the directions…” he ordered the four.

They nodded ok and went to check the Ashram’s features in every direction. Aarav came to the office room. He saw Mr. Devnath checking the accounts. He smiled at Aarav.

“Do you want anything, Swamiji?”

“Bade Swamiji asked about your Ashram’s food chat” he said while running his eyes in the office room.

His eyes got stuck on the landline phone. His eyes widened in shock seeing the phone had CALLER ID.

“Could you please meet our Swamiji?” he said.

“Oh, sure…” Dev went to meet the Saint.

Aarav checked the numbers on the phone. After he called Nani, there was only one outgoing call registered on the phone. He gritted his teeth. His eyes caught the sight of HIS phone number written on a piece of paper. He quickly connected the dots. Nani should have written his number from the caller ID. To whom did she tell his number? He thought for a while and dialled the only outgoing number that was registered on the caller ID. Obviously, it was Arnav’s number. Arnav saw the Ashram number flashing on his mobile. He attended it without delay and said,

“Nani…”

Aarav was stuck for a second. he didn’t expect Arnav would be on the other side.

“Nani, is everything all right? Don’t worry, Nani. We are coming”

Aarav got alerted. Arnav was coming.

“As of now, the local police would have rounded up the Ashram,” Arnav said.

That was it. Aarav composed himself.

“I don’t know you would become so smart my dear younger brother” Aarav chuckled.

Arnav was shocked to hear Aarav’s voice. He closed his eyes fisting his fingers. What had he done…? Aarav got to know he was in India.

“How cleverly the old woman lied to me you know?” Aarav laughed.

“She said you are still in Scotland. It seems you guys are still scared about me… don’t you?”

“I heard your wedding is fixed…! This is not done my dear younger brother… being my younger, how could you get married before me? don’t you think of your elder brother before fixing your wedding?”

Arnav was silent.

“Didn’t that old lady tell you the custom? How would she say, when she was all set to do my final ritual…! Didn’t you think I was dead?”

“The police told us,” Arnav said.

“That’s how I created the scene… by the way, what that old lady told you about me?”

“She said you called her”

“So, you guys are in touch”

“We would have to… we have no one…”

“What are you saying, my brother? You are going to get into a new relationship with a girl… by the way, what she looks like?”

“Aaraaaav….”

“Hey, relax… I just asked for general knowledge. By the way, I met a girl in a supermarket. It seems you ran to Scotland betraying her…?”

“Whom you are talking about?” Arnav asked as if he didn’t know who she was.

“The girl looked so fetching. She scolded you like she would kill you if she saw you. you know how happy I was hearing that?”

Arnav smirked.

“I thought only I’m in the bad book of girls… it seems you are also not less than me”

“Don’t compare yourself with me. No one would be like you” Arnav said.

Aarav could not understand if he was taunting him or something else.

“Yeah… you are a coward who ran out of the country to save yourself from me”

“Yes, I’m a coward… unlike you”

Aarav frowned. Why did Arnav accept what he said?

“Does your fiancé know about how BRAVE you are?” he mocked.

“I haven’t gotten a chance to tell her about it yet. I will surely tell her when I get a chance” Arnav simply said.

Aarav was annoyed. Why the hell Arnav was not getting hyper? Was he planning something? he was coming to the Ashram. Let him come. He would get to know who Aarav was. Disconnecting the call, Aarav came out of the office and ran his eyes in the Ashram. In no time, he signalled his men to close the main gate of the Ashram. They locked it.

All of them came to the main hall where the Saint was giving advises to the Ashram people. They closed the main door of the hall, making people panic. They gathered all the people and brought them to the main hall. The saint looked at them with confusion as he didn’t know why people were saved by him doing atrocity. He stood up and asked,

“What are you doing here without my permission?”

“Your permission? It’s you who must get our permission to even move”

“Whaaaat? Who are you?”

“Have you heard about the serial killers?”

The Saint frowned because he didn’t hear about them as he was not fond of something other than GOD but people in the Ashram started to shiver. They started screaming in fear.

“Shut up…” Rakesh removed a gun.

People closed their mouths with their palms and sat on the floor. Nani saw Aarav removing his disguise. She was shocked to the core. Aarav smirked seeing her.

“Hello, Nani…” he saluted her.

Nani looked down feeling ashamed to be called Nani by him.

“How brilliantly you saved your grandson from me… you proved that you are my Nani. You are so smart like me”

Nani didn’t look at him.

“Your grandson is coming here… For one last time, look at him well because hereafter, you can’t see him…”

Nani looked at her horrified.

“It’s because he will not be alive anymore”

“Aarav… don’t do that. what did he do that you want to kill him? He never troubled you”

“I don’t know why, Nani…whenever I think of him, I feel like killing him”

He saw the girl he eyed on.

“Hey, you…” he flicked his finger.

The girl looked at him gulping down.

“Come here”

She looked at others fearfully.

“It’s a waste to seek other’s help. No one is in the condition to help you because they themselves are in trouble” he smirked.

The girl nodded her head from left to right.

“Bring her” Aarav ordered.

“Nooo…” Nani shouted, coming in front of the girl.

“See, I won’t mind you are my Nani”

“I too won’t mind you are my grandson… be careful. Arnav is coming. he is not like before. He will finish you in a blink of an eye”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, you will see that when he comes here”

“Let him come… I will see what he will do” Aarav said carelessly.

How did he know what Arnav was up to? According to him, Arnav would be the same guy who went abroad to avoid problems.

“Ok, old lady… if your grandson dies in my hand, you will not stop me from getting this girl… deal?”

Nani looked at the girl who was shivering.

“We will see that later…”

At the same time, through the window of the Ashram, they saw the police getting down from the police van.

Aarav called Arnav. He attended the call.

“Arnav, if you want the people in the Ashram to be alive, you should come to me alone”

Arnav looked at Aman who nodded no.

“If you delay, I will kill all of them one by one”

“No… I will come…”

“With no weapons… be careful”

“Yeah…”

“Good boy… come come…” he disconnected the call.

Arnav got out of the van and headed to the Ashram.

To be continued…

 

 Part 23 Face Off

People in the Ashram area gossiped seeing the police force around the Ashram. They got to know that the serial killer was lurking in the Ashram. Though they were scared about the killer they wanted to see what the police would do. They were curious to see the police encountering the killer.

Arnav headed to the Ashram thinking about all the possibilities that how Aarav would attack him. would check him and remove everything from him. He might make him faint by using chloroform. He would demand something from him that he could not give him.

Though Arnav knew how much risk he was taking, he was ready to face it because he had no choice. He could not deny Aarav because he was Aarav. He was a psychopath. He would not understand anything. He won’t feel other’s pain. He just wanted what he wanted. He would do anything to get satisfied. He would get satisfied with other’s pain.  

As Arnav expected, Aarav’s man checked him when he entered the hall. He removed his watch and pen and kept them in his pocket. He pulled a locket from Arnav’s neck and threw it away.

Arnav saw Aarav advancing on him with an evil smirk.

“Welcome my dear younger brother…! |It’s been so long since we met… isn’t it?”

“Yup… it’s been so long since we met… but I didn’t expect our meet would be this way”

“Yeah, I too didn’t expect I would meet my COWARD brother who ran to a foreign country…”

“Yeah… I’m not brave like you who FRAMED his death and made everyone believe that you are dead… how brave you are! Bravo Brother…!” Arnav mocked.

Aarav who didn’t expect it felt ashamed! He thought Arnav would talk kindly like, how he talked to him on the phone.   

“Where is his phone?” Aarav asked.

“He didn’t have a phone” Samrat who checked Arnav said.

“How it is possible? I spoke to him on the phone a few minutes ago…”

“He should have left it with his friend,” Samrat said.

Aarav took his phone and dialed Arnav’s number. The call was attended.

“Hello, ASR…” it was obviously Aman.

“Yeah, I’m also ASR but not the ASR you want”

“Who is speaking?”

“Didn’t you say, ASR… I mean, Aarav Singh Raizada… your friend’s brother”

“You may have the same name… you may resemble Arnav…but you can’t be Arnav”

“Of course, I can’t be Arnav… I don’t want to be Arnav though”

“Why did you call me?”

“I need Arnav’s phone”

“Arnav himself is in front of you… but you need his phone?”

“Yes… I need his phone”

“But why? If you ask his phone to get money from his account, I will give you”

“Money? Not everything is money, Mr…?”

“Aman Mathur…”

“Yeah, money can’t make us happy, you know…”

“What kind of happiness will you get through his phone?”

“Why should I tell you that? Send his phone”

“Ok…”

Aman looked at Arnav through the camera that was lying on the ground. Yes, the locket that was removed from his neck was a microcamera. Arnav gestured him something through his eyes. Aman smiled as he had already DONE what Arnav wanted him to do. Arnav knew Aarav would check his phone for a particular detail. That was why he left it with Aman. So that, he would delete the information from his phone.

Aman gave Arnav’s phone to Aarav’s masked man. he took it from him. Aman didn’t hesitate to reveal himself. He didn’t think it was necessary because he knew it would not last for long and Arnav would finish the drama soon. The man brought it to Aarav. He looked at Arnav and raised his brows.

“Scot,” Said Arnav.

Aarav typed it on his phone and it was unlocked. Aarav searched his phone smirking. His face lost its charm because he didn’t get what he was searching for. He looked at Arnav and asked,

“Don’t you have your fiancé's photo?”

Arnav flipped his lower lip simply. He knew Aarav would try to see his fiancé. That was why he asked Aman to delete all the details about Khushi from his mobile. Khushi would not call him as he already alerted her not to call him until he called her after the mission. Didn’t he know how Aarav would attack him? After all, he was a guy who got happiness in other’s pain. What would give pain to Arnav other than touching Khushi? 

“Why?” Aarav frowned.

“She is here” he touched his heart.

Aarav rolled his eyes. He extended his phone and said,

“Call her…”

“She will be sleeping because it’s night in Scotland,” Arnav said.

Aarav frowned.

“Scotland?”

“Yeah, she belongs to Scotland…”

“So what? Won’t she attend your call?”

“Of course, she will but her phone would be on flight mode. She used to put her mobile on flight mode to avoid the effect of RAYS”

“What’s her number?”

“Sweety” Arnav said with a plain expression.

“Sweety? Really?”

Arnav was silent. it was his college principal’s name. her name was Sweety but Aarav thought Arnav dearly called her Sweety. Arnav told him she would not attend the call, yet, Aarav dialled the number and heard,

The number you are calling is out of the coverage area.

Aarav was disappointed as what he wanted didn’t happen. He looked at Nani and said,

“You exaggerated a lot about him…? See, he is under my control now…! Send the girl to me” he said looking at the girl.

Arnav looked at the girl who suppressed her shivering hands.

“Chotte, why are you like this? I trusted you. that’s why I accepted his challenge. Save the girl. You could even die if you could not save her” Nani shouted in anger.

“Hey, old lady… shut up… have you gone blind? See his condition…! He is under my control now. He is not a movie hero to tackle any situation. He might have done that if someone was in Aarav’s place. I’m Aarav… don’t forget that”

“I swear, Aarav…, an evil man like you will meet a terrible ending…! You played a lot with innocent girls. You danced a lot without revealing your identity but now, the police are here. You can’t escape from here”

“You can’t have to bother about me. I know how to escape”

“Chotte… if he escapes, I will kill you for sure,” Nani said.

Aarav was irritated by her outburst. Taking an empty water jug from the table where he was sitting, Aarav threw it on Nani. It hit her forehead. In no time, Nani’s forehead started bleeding.

“Ahhhh…” Nani shouted.

Arnav looked at Aarav gritting his teeth. A sudden nervousness spread in the hall. Arnav took a step towards Aarav. Aarav pointed the gun at him.

“Don’t you dare move… I won’t mind shoot you” he gestured to his men.

They pounced on Arnav and punched his stomach. That was it. Arnav acted fast as if he was waiting for the chance. He fell on Samrat and pulled the PEN he snatched from him. In no time, he shot Aarav with the micro bullets. It penetrated Aarav’s throat. He fell down dropping the gun in his hand. His men stood looking at him shockingly. They realized that their end was near but to their surprise, Arnav shot their leg and shoulder, making them perplexed as well as confused.

To be continued…

        `

 

 Part 24 Case over

The micro bullet penetrated Aarav’s throat and he fell to the ground with overflowing blood. His men stood looking at him shockingly. Before they composed themselves, Arnav shot their shoulders and thighs.

“Snatch the weapons from them” Arnav shouted. 

The ashram people snatched the weapons from their hands and stepped back. 

Aarav’s men didn’t know what happened to them. They could not believe they could be shot with a PEN. At the same time, they didn’t know why Arnav shot their shoulders and thighs when he shot Aarav to death. He could have killed them on the spot just like he killed Aarav. Then why didn’t he do that?

Arnav came to Nani.

“Nani… i…”

“Don’t feel bad, Chotte. I’m proud of you”

Arnav smiled at her.

Aman, waiting for the right time, entered the Ashram with the police force. He arrested Aarav’s men and dragged them with him. They went with them laming. People around the ashram looked at the rapists wrathfully. When they came out, people pounced on them like a storm and started beating them. Aman pretended to stop them. So did the force. Within a few minutes, all four of them fell to the ground lifelessly. Aman took his revolver out and shot towards the sky. People left the killers and ran from them.   

Arnav gestured for the policemen to take them to the hospital. Aman came to him. they saw the police bringing Aarav’s dead body.

“He is dead,” Aman said.

Arnav nodded yes.

“Didn’t you feel bad to kill your brother?”

“More than my brother, he is a serial killer who killed more than eight innocent girls. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness”

“You shot his throat but wounded his mend them too. Why did you want them to be beaten up by the public?”

“Aarav is not a normal guy. He is a Conduct Disorder patient. He could not analyze anything. He could not feel other’s pain and his happiness lies in other’s pain. He won’t care about the consequences. He just wants what he wants. His mind had no ability to think beyond that. So, he should not be given a chance. But his partners are not like that. They knew everything. They could feel others’ pain. They can analyze the consequences. Yet, they didn’t care about the girls’ pain. So, they should know what’s pain. At the same time, criminals should fear to do such a crime again. No one would dare to do the same again because they should know what would happen if the public got angry. To frighten the criminals only I asked to bring the killers openly because I know the public would lose their temper if they saw the killers.”

“Amazing… your plans are so amazing, ASR. More than everything, how do you know Aarav would try to know about Khushi?”

“Not only that. he would have tried to get her here if he got to know who Khushi was. Then, he would not have stopped. He would have become mad in the process of winning me. He would have tried to defeat me using Khushi”

“Thank God, nothing would happen like that… I just can’t imagine even though you would not have let it happen”

“No Aman, this is not a matter of taking risk because it was about Khushi. I can’t take a risk”

That was when Aman got a call from the commissioner. He attended the call.

“Yes, sir”

“Well done, Aman”

“Thank you, sir”

“I would like to meet you, Aman. Come to my office after finishing the formalities”

“Sure sir… I too want to tell you something, sir”

“Yeah, we will talk when you come to my office”

“Ok, sir”

Aman disconnected the call and looked at Arnav who was listening to him.

“Commissioner wants to meet me”

“Oh… go ahead”

“You too come with me, ASR”

“Me? Why?”

“I’m going to tell him killed the killer”

“It’s not necessary”

“ASR, do you think you will face a problem because you killed the killer?

Arnav was silent.

“Don’t bother about it. The commissioner will manage it. I want the commissioner to know you. please meet him, ASR. He should know about the talented professor”

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“You are coming with me… that’s final”

“Ok…”

 They finished the formalities. Aarav’s body was sent to the mortuary for the post-mortem. Aman assigned an SI to collect the post-mortem report.

The other criminals were admitted to the hospital with high protection even though they were not in the condition to escape.

Aman and Arnav headed to the commissioner’s office. Aman was driving the jeep. He looked at Arnav smiling.

“Whaaat?”

“I can’t believe this case is over”

Arnav smiled.

“I don’t know how to thank you, ASR. We would not have closed the case if you had not been with me…”

“Nothing is like that… it would have taken time… that’s all”

“No, ASR… I was scared like hell when he lurked in the Ashram. It’s a sensitive matter ASR. Without losing any life, we would not have saved the Ashram if you were not with me”

Arnav removed his phone from his pocket as it rang. He smiled, as the call was from Khushi.

“Did you take your phone from Aarav?” Aman asked.

Arnav nodded yes and attended it.

“Hi, Khushi…”

“Arnav, you are the headlines in all the news channels”

“Mmm…”

“You became headlines in my house too…”

Arnav smiled.

“I want to meet you immediately…”

“We are going to the commissioner's office to meet the commissioner”

“Oh… ok, I will catch you there”

“Are you coming to the commissioner's office?”

“Yes… bye,” she disconnected the call.

“Is Khushi coming to the commissioner's office?”

“Yes…”

“That’s nice…introduce Khushi to the commissioner and invite him to your wedding”

Arnav smiled.

When they reached the commissioner's office, Khushi was waiting for them there. She rushed to Arnav and shook hands with him.

“Congratulations…”

“Thanks”

“How did you handle Aarav?”

“Just did”

“Khushi, I will explain everything… it was purely an action blog”

“Is it?”

“You are so lucky Khushi… you are getting a husband who thinks everything in advance”

Khushi tapped Arnav’s shoulder smilingly.

A policeman came to Aman and said,

“Commissioner sir is calling you”

“Let’s meet the commissioner,” Aman said.

Arnav and Khushi followed him. Aman saluted him. he shook hands with Aman.

“Congratulations, Aman”

“Thank you, sir… he is my friend from Scotland. He is the one who helped me to kill the serial killer and arrest his partners. Without him, I would not have done that, sir. I know we should not include any non-uniform person in our case but I had no choice, sir. he is a professor at Scotland University. He knows how criminals think. That’s how he knocked Aarav. And, Aarav is none other than his twin brother, sir.  She is Khushi. They are getting married this Friday. They would like to invite you, sir.”

The commissioner looked at Arnav and extended his hand. Arnav clutched his ha

d and shook hands with him.

“Thank you for accepting my request, Mr. Raizada. Thank you so much for taking this case”

Arnav nodded his head slightly. Aman and Khushi looked at him frowning.

“He is not a professor but a SECRET AGENT. I’m the one who brought him to India to close the case” The commissioner said making Aman and Khushi awestruck.

To be continued…

Part 25 Last Part

Khushi and Aman looked at Arnav shockingly. SECRET AGENT? Arnav stood smiling.

“Do you remember, we talked about bringing a secret agent into this case?” the commissioner asked.

“Yes, sir. I do…”

“You didn’t want the Indian agent to get into this case”

“Yes, sir… you said you would bring an agent from a foreign country”

“He is the one” The commissioner smiled.

“That means, are not you a professor?”

“I’m an honorary professor at Scotland University,” Arnav said.

“Means?”

“I would share my experiences with the criminology students in the cases I handle and clear their doubts”

“That means, you are not a professional professor…”

“No…”

“By the way, thank you for your help, ASR. We would have struggled with the case”

“That’s ok, sir. I had a purpose to visit India. That’s why I accepted the case” Arnav said looking at Khushi.

“He came to India to get married to his love, sir,” Aman said.

“Oh… nice”

“Yes, sir… he is a talented agent but hasn’t confessed his love for seven years” Aman chuckled and Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Is it?”

“It’s because of his brother, Sir. he didn’t want me to face problems because of him” Khushi took a stand for Arnav. That made Arnav smile.

“You are invited to our wedding, sir,” Khushi said.

“Khushi, Sir the one who helped me to clear lawful problems of our wedding” Arnav said.

Amana and Khushi looked at the commissioner surprisingly.

“Arnav, what a great help you have done to me. what I did for you is a simple help” The commissioner said.

“Thank you so much, sir…”

“Welcome ASR. You can ask me for any help, any time”

“Sure, sir… we are leaving” Arnav extended his hand towards the commissioner.

They shook hands.

Arnav came out of his cabin with Khushi and Aman. They were gazing at him.

“I don’t know you are so cunning, ASR”

“Why?” he chuckled.

“How casually do you play your cards without spilling beans?”

“That’s my profession… that’s what I paid a high salary. Then how would I spill beans?” Arnav smiled.

“He didn’t even tell me about it.” Khushi pouted.

“It’s because he knew secrets would not stay in girls’ hearts” Aman laughed.

Khushi dropped her jaw and Arnav laughed.

“I’m going to arrange a party for you, ASR”

“What about Akash and Payal’s wedding?”

“You came here to attend their wedding but your wedding date is fixed before theirs. Their wedding is after yours” Aman laughed.

Arnav looked at Khushi who bit the tip of her tongue.

That was when Arnav got a call from the government doctor. He attended the call.

“Yes, Doctor?”

“Mr. Raizada, your brother’s post-mortem is over. You can take his body”

“No, Doctor, I would like to donate his organs and body to the medical college. Please proceed with the formalities”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Raizada”

“Welcome doctor” Arnav disconnected the call and looked at Aman and Khushi.

“Are not you going to do his final rituals?” Khushi asked.

“I will do it but I don’t think his body is needed. He never helped anyone when he was alive. But now, he is going to help a few people with his organs. At least now, let him help others”

“By the way, ASR, Khushi’s father was not fine with the marriage just because you were involved in the case. What will he do if he gets to know about your completely dangerous profession?”

Arnav looked at Khushi, biting his inner cheek.

“Don’t tell him about it. According to him, Arnav is a criminology professor at Scotland university. Just maintain the lie” Khushi said.

“Khushi, how do you think we can maintain the lie? After all, he is my father-in-law”

“We are not going to be in India but in Scotland. He will hardly come to Scotland. Then what’s the problem with lying to him? I don’t think, he must know the truth. He will not understand. More than that, the Secret agent must be a secret!”

“Wow… Khushi, you are thinking like a qualified secret agent’s wife” Aman extended his hand towards her for a shake.

Khushi shook hands with him giggling.

“Ok, guys… you carry on. I have some work to complete. I will meet you later” Aman said.

“Ok, you just carry on”

Aman left the place.

Khushi looked at Arnav, keeping her hands on her hips. Arnav controlled his smile.

“You are so mean; you know”

“I know… let’s go”

“Where?”

“Somewhere else…”

“Let’s go to Aman’s place. Let me prepare something for you”

“Mmm…”

Khushi gave her scooter key to Arnav.

“You ride”

“Are you sure?”

“Mmm…”

Khushi started the scooter. Arnav sat behind her, keeping his chin on her shoulder. Khushi smilingly rode the scooter.

They reached Aman’s place. Khushi was supposed to go to the kitchen, but Arnav stopped her and pulled her towards him.

“Are not you scared?”

“Why?”

“It’s because I’m a secret agent…it’s a dangerous field. Always risk…”

“Everything is risk in this life…! When we walk on the road, ride the bike, or travel in the car… everything is at risk… this is your passion. Our career should be up to our interest. Do it…”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m not scared…”

“But, I’m…”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not going to continue as a secret agent.”

“Whaaat?”

“Yes. I’m going to resign the job”

Khushi looked at him perplexed.

“I don’t want to put your life in danger Khushi. Agent’s life is very risky. It will not stop with me… it will affect you and our kids. I would like to give you a peaceful life. It will not happen until I’m a secret agent”

“It doesn’t mean you should give up on your passion, Arnav. I feel guilty if you do that for me”

“Instead of feeling guilty, you should feel proud about it. My passion is not more important than you. You are the most important person in my life, Khushi. I have been alone in my life. I lost my parents in my childhood. My Nani was always bothered about Aarav. And you know about my brother. After coming to India only I started experiencing something pleasant because of you. I want my life to be the same with my wife… with my family… kids…”

“I don’t know you are so emotional”

“We will go to Scotland if you want. Or else, we will sit down in India”

“What will you do settling down in India?”

“I already applied to a few universities. I will surely get a job. And I can continue at Scotland University too. I’m leaving it to you. Chose what you want”

“Do you want me to choose your career?”

“Yes, because it’s you who is going to live with me. you are equally responsible in my life. So, decide what you want”

Khushi was stunned. She knew Arnav loved her so much but she didn’t know, he would even sacrifice his career for her.

“No, Arnav… Whatever it is. I will be with you. Choose what you want. I will not have a problem and I will adjust to your profession”

Arnav was about to say something, but Khushi stopped him and said,

“I feel so proud to be your life partner, Arnav. I will never make you regret anything. Do what you like” She hugged him smilingly.

Arnav reciprocated to her feeling blessed. He was going to marry the girl he loved. He was going to do what he liked. What else a man would need in his life? He kissed her hair delightedly.

The END.