Posted on: December 09th, 2019

Randeep

"What are you doing here?"

I push off the wall adjacent to the room where Narayan Raichand had been kept. I perk a brow at my cousin, "You think you're the only one with access to security monitors?"

Aarush catches on that I watched his conversation with Jhanvi - and no, I have no qualms about listening in and neither will I apologize for it. In the past couple of days, he's given me plenty reasons to be concerned about him and I'd be damned if I let him go about this himself. Even if the security monitors did not register audio, it didn't mean that I couldn't read lips off a clip.

When it looks like he'll argue about this arrangement, I interrupt his thought process, "Save it, bhai sa. It might have worked on Jhanvi, but not on me. No way in hell am I letting you do this by yourself. So, let's just go in and get it over with."

He debates internally for a moment before sighing and nodding at the guards standing in front of the door to leave before taking the only key that opens the door and putting it in the keyhole. Narayan Raichand looks up from a magazine he is reading, entertaining himself, while seated on a plush, comfortable sofa. He should be rotting in a jail cell - not looking like he is having the time of his life with all the luxuries the world has to offer... even if the door was locked. I get the feeling that he would have stayed in the room even if the door hadn't been locked in the name of self-preservation. The man knew - he was safe within the walls here. If he had escaped, the people he had been running from his whole life would find him. It would have only been a matter of time.

Narayan's eyes land on Aarush. Then, he puts the magazine away. "I'm sure this isn't a social call. So..." He stands up. "Where does it start? Threats? Torture?"

Aarush steps up, letting the door click shut behind me, while crossing his arms over his chest. "Sit." Without so much as a grumble in protest, the man twice our age listens and sits back down. "You are going to tell us everything you know. From the starting."

"There isn't much." He fesses up easily. It sounds as if he has rehearsed this in his head. He's certainly had plenty of time to figure out exactly what to say - knowing that we'd get to him eventually. "As I've told you, I don't know any names. I've never met anyone. I started getting threat messages a few years after we shifted to Mumbai. Always a different number. And if it was sent through a parcel, then stamps would be from all over the place. The death threats..."

Hmm... stamps. There were few on that envelope that I had gotten from Aarush. They were from that guy... what was his name? Jhanvi's ex-fiancé. It could be another start. Possibly a way to get some fingerprints of whoever put the stamps on those mails.

"....started soon after and I knew it was time to disappear. Kaveri and Dinesh... well, that was just perfect timing. She would have never agreed to leave, so I made a plan to disappear with Jhanvi. But then that insolent Raizada child interfered and ruined everything."

That is news. No, not Aarav's involvement, but the earlier part. "You planned on taking Jhanvi with you."

He lets out a scoff, "Don't go on to believing I care for her. She was a means to an end I would have used at the right time. Once Kaveri and Dinesh had paid for their betrayal and I would have been pardoned for marrying out of royalty, I would have been the beneficiary to the Raichand estate."

What a bastard. I watch Aarush clench his jaw to not march up and give him a beating for his sick and devoid personality, Thankfully, he keeps his reaction to a minimal as if understanding the need to shift focus away from Jhanvi and towards the people he claims to be scared of.

He asks, "And you were certain these people would have let you off the hook? Just like that?"

"Ofcourse not. But, what choice did I have? If I didn't do as they wanted, I would have been long dead."

"But you are not." I point out. "All these years and you are still alive."

"So is he," he directs towards Aarush. "You don't hear me complaining." He leans forward, trying to push his buttons. "Tell me, just how did you manage to go undetected? Crossing international borders and all."

Aarush offers a calm smirk, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"I have to say," Narayan replies on realizing asking him point blank was not going to work, "I was surprised when I learned from the guys I had sent that someone got the drop on them and managed to save Jhanvi. They were supposed to be best - considering how much I had to pay them. But, knowing now it was you, I get why they failed. They couldn't be better than you."

See, this manipulation of his wasn't going to work either. Aarush leans forward as well, placing his elbows on the desk between us, "Did you think the Raizada's wouldn't have gotten the best to keep her safe?"

The composed expression on his face pales. Just the mention of the family brings his anger to the surface. He isn't as good in hiding his sore spots. After all, they had forced him to live in the shadows, always on the run, for almost two decades.

Bubbling in that emotion, he makes a mistake. "Tell me, why do you care about her? So much that you came out of hiding for her. She reminds you of someone you lost, huh? I'm sure you couldn't have ignored the similarities."

Initially, I question to myself which similarities he is talking about. Sure, Charu and Jhanvi both had that big-heart thing going for them where they wore it on their sleeves. They were the kind of women one would have to work hard for to get their attention. The kind of women a guy would go to the ends of earth for. But then, how could he have known that? Even if he had kept tabs on Jhanvi through Mohini, he couldn't have known Charu. He was already in hiding when she first came into Aarush's life.

That is when it hits me. The similarity in their personalities and nature is not what he meant to hint at. He has no idea what he's just given up.

I cut into their conversation, "You know what, bhai sa. This is a waste of time. He doesn't know anything about them that could help us identify them."

Aarush turns to face me, narrowing his gaze slightly at me from a corner such that Narayan can't catch a glimpse of his expression. He might not understand now, but thankfully he plays along. "You're right. We're better off running down other leads."

"Wait, that - that's it?" Narayan questions, taken aback. "What leads? Maybe I can help? Direct you in the right direction."

I can understand why Narayan seems shocked that Aarush is ready to wrap this up within fifteen minutes. He probably expected him to bring on the heat. I expected he would have to do that too. He was just getting started with the questions, after all. But, then again, what is the fun in playing into predictable scenarios? He has had a few days locked up in here to imagine all the possible ways this could have gone down. He has probably thought of every way to work them in his favor too. I bet, though, that he hadn't expected this. In trying to outsmart us, he doesn't even realize what he let slip.

I remind him, "You just said you don't know anything."

Aarush starts walking towards the door, "Coronation is the day after. You'll stay here till then and after... well, justice delayed is still justice."

In other words, he lets him know that he'll be put to trial for his crimes after he'll have all the official powers of being the King. He could still serve out his punishment and no one would question it, but he is going to lead straight to the finish line.

When we appear at the end of the hallway, the guards proceed to take their position, but I stop them. "You are relieved from your duties."

Aarush questions, "What are you doing?"

"Trust me," I let him know that I know what I am doing.

I can't very well expect Narayan to make his move by having him on a tight leash. Eva has wired the entire palace with eyes aka cameras. Time to let out the bait.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

"Kuwar sa, I was told you were looking for me?"

I look up from reading the fingerprint analysis reports and wave at Mohini to enter my room. "Please, no formalities. Have a seat." She walks in to take the seat on the other side of the table. I close the file and put it aside for the time being. "Tell me everything you know about our families."

Her forehead creases as her brows draw closer. "I don't understand the question?"

I lean forward, placing my elbows on the surface of the desk. "I haven't asked a question yet, Ms. Raichand. But, allow me to clarify. You are the only living elder around whose words I just might take at face value. So, tell me how our families know each other. Our history. How close were they?"

"Well, we were as close as any other royal family, I suppose. We'd see each other at social events. Our ancestors may have been friends at one time. Our great grandfathers, actually. But, since democracy, that started to fade. Before, they'd see each other quite frequently for affairs of the states. Then, there wasn't a need to. The families separated into their own regions. So, no such relationship between our families to speak of."

"Are you saying you don't know my parents?"

"Sure, we know of each other and a few of us from our generation may also have attended same institutions for higher education as most parents who would send their children to prestigious universities with their money but that must be it."

"I see. Then, what are the chances that my parents know your brother?"

She opens her mouth to give a quick answer, but then stops short as she grasps the underlying meaning. "Randeep, you can't seriously think they could be involved in any of this?"

"What I think is my business. You just answer my questions."

She shakes her head in disappointment as she sits back comfortably in the chair. "What is wrong with your generation these days? Painting your parents out to be monsters? You may not agree with every thought of theirs or hold grudges for however your relationship must be with them, but at the end of the day, they are your parents they want the best for you. Atleast what they believe is best for you - even if you might not think that way."

I interrupt her rampant, "I don't recall asking your opinion. So, how about..."

She stands up and leans forward placing her hand on the desk between us. Locking her eyes with mine, standing up to me, she speaks over me. "No, Randeep. How about you ask the right questions, and then I will answer. Until then, good luck beating over dead horses."

Using my momentary surprise over her poised confidence and the fire in her eyes, she turns to leave. I recover just as she is steps away from my door. "Wait." Coming to a swift pause, she faces me again, but doesn't walk back. Her message is clear from her stance. If I want anything from her now, I would have to go to her. She did me the courtesy the first time by coming to me when I sent a servant to call her, but she wasn't a lady who'd let just anyone walk over her and make her feel anything less than she believes herself to be.

Pushing back my chair, I circle the desk to stand at the other side. "I told you, if you said something then I would take it at face value. If you say my parents are not involved, then I will believe you."

She probes for a catch, "But?"

"But believing something is not the same as proving innocence. Not when you yourself know the manipulating ways of your brother. He'll have everyone believing he's been on the run to save himself, but maybe because I have been distanced from everything for this long, I see it clearly and know better than to fall for that. No one who claims to be that afraid for their life manages to go by unscathed for almost 20 years."

Her back stiffens as she stands taller, shoulders tensing. "You think he made it all up?"

I turn the question on her, "What do you think?"

"I... I know he's shrewd and for his own greed... but..." Her words start to fade as her brain and heart start to play tug-of-war. Deep down, however, I think she knows it too. She never quite accepted the reasoning either.

I take soft steps towards her to break the news gently to her, "He isn't just responsible for murdering Dinesh and Mrs. Raichand, and attempting the same for Jhanvi and Inaaya. He has killed my uncle and aunt, cousin, grandparents. And Charu. Her family. And the next Rawal."

One too many people's blood has been spilled.

She is confused for a passing second again, "What?" before it dawns. "Aarush and Charu."

"Yes." After a brief pause, I expand upon my theory. "He didn't just want Jaipur, Mohini sa. He wanted everything. And he played one fine game to get it all. To remove everyone standing in his way while also painting himself to be the victim. Tell me he isn't capable of that."

She remains tightlipped. Yes, that part of her. It knows just what her brother is capable of. Just what lines he would cross on the name of power and wealth. There is only so much a person can do to turn a blind eye towards family.

Then, after a harsh swallow, she squares her shoulders to push past her breaking heart. "You'll need proof which, if I know him, then you won't find."

I walk back to the desk to pick up the file. "I have a starting point, but nothing definitive." I forward the documents to her. "These are the fingerprint analysis results from the stamps on the envelopes that Hiten received. The inside layer caught a partial print. He was clever enough to get someone else to place the stamps. Probably a hired goon. Now, if I can just find proof of connection between the two."

"Why are you coming to me with this rather than taking it to Rawal sa?"

"When you arrived here, you said you wanted to make amends with Jhanvi. Help me with this and we can both take the full picture to them. We have two days till the coronation. So, whatever we do has to be before that."

"And if we can't find proof by then?"

"Then there is always plan B."

"Plan B?"

"And C and D."

She nods, looking impressed. "Not a man anyone wants to cross right now, are you?"

That's right. You best believe that I am leaving nothing to chance. Not when it's about the only family I have left in this world.

Aarush might think he's got a handle on everything and that he'll walk into battle head first. But, he doesn't know that if he is the weapon, then I am his shield. I am not letting him put himself in front of the crowd at the coronation as a well-dressed target openly inviting his enemies to have another go at his life.

Even if that means I'll I have to remove him from the equation myself.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

Not soon after I relay my plan to Mohini and she leaves my room, there is another knock on the door. I close my desk drawer, hiding the fingerprint analysis report before turning to face the doorway. Jhanvi walks a step inside, "Did I just see my bua walking out of here?"

I give her a version, "She wanted to know why her brother hasn't been dealt with already. Figured she shouldn't bother bhai sa so came to ask me."

It's tough to tell whether she believes me or not. I don't know her that well to make that judgment. I won't underestimate though. I'll just like to believe that I am a decent liar. She walks further inside towards my desk and stands on the other side, holding the back of the chair and leaning forward. "I don't like walking around the bush so I'll get straight to it."

"Please," I say to encourage her to get to the point. I didn't much have time either and I could appreciate a person who cuts through the bullshit. There would be time for getting to know each other, but it wasn't now.

"Aarush says you believe your parents are involved in all of this."

"And you're here to try to convince me they are not?" I realize my tone may come off a bit hostile than I intend for it, but I can't keep having this same conversation with different people. My thoughts are mine to hold.

For a second, she only stares at me. If she is waiting on me to apologize for my tone, she is not going to get that. Then, as if making some of a conclusion to herself, she smiles back softly. Standing taller on her own balance, she imparts a few words of wisdom, "It is one thing to be suspicious, Randeep, and another to be paranoid."

My lips part to debate over this, but she doesn't give me the space to interject.

"Now, you obviously know your parents from having lived with your whole lives while I only talked to them the other day for like a moment. So, I am no one to tell you that you are wrong."

I cross my arms defensively across my chest, "Then why are you here?"

"To tell you that I'll be praying for them to prove you wrong. Only I know what I went through after learning about my father and aunt. I don't want that for you or Aarush, and if you think there is even a sliver of doubt, then you need to give them the benefit. Rather than laying a trap to catch them in their own lie, ask them. I get the feeling they wouldn't lie to you."

"And how would you know?" I challenge. She just said she only talked to them for a moment. Ergo, she doesn't know crap about them. I do.

She bobs her head towards her shoulder, "I know a thing or two about what a parent would do to protect their child."

That does the trick in silencing me. I can't argue with that. I suppose she would know. She's probably spend the better part of last year doing just that. She's still doing that.

She offers yet another kind smile, "Think about it."

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

It's now two days later, and I turn the knob to enter bhai sa's room. I open my mouth to call his name, but instead, clear my throat. I seem to have forgotten that we weren't kids and I couldn't just walk into his room at any time of the day.

Jhanvi pulls back from Aarush and clears her throat as well, as if composing herself before speaking. "I should go check on Inaaya."

Aarush bites back a smile and nods. Just when she turns to leave, he reaches out for her elbow and tugs her back to him. She says his name in a scolding, but that never stopped him. This might all be new to Jhanvi, but I have seen how he can get when he loves someone. I was around to see him fall in love with Charu - even if I was a bit too young and it has been a lifetime since then.

She adds in a whisper, "Your little brother is here!"

Looking into her eyes, he instructs me, "Randeep, close your eyes."

With a quiet chuckle, I obey and give them a moment because after this, there is a possibility that he might be mad at me for a long time. But that's something I will worry about later - or not worry about at all because for me, what I am about to do feels right.

I am saving his life, whether he is asking for it or not.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

∞ author note ∞

QOTC: What do you think Randeep is up to? Please let me know what you think of his character!

Do vote and comment instead of being a silent reader :)