She was still viewing outside the small window of the train. Her lovely eyes were always waiting for him, her heart and mind belonged to him.

She knew she was hurting herself and her family but she could not pretend. This was the way she felt and her heart always has a burden of not meeting him even once.

She wanted to keep him with herself all the time and this was the only way. She would fight against crime as he used to.

The train reached a small station... Aarti looked at her bag and saw a packet of chips. She thought of eating when her eyes fell on the black jacket. All she could see was a black jacket.

Same physique, same hair. No she thought. It's just her imagination. She wants to see him and that's why she feels him around all the time.

But in the last few years she did not even took his name in front of anyone, since she has promised him.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath... As the wind blow her long black hair changed way towards her beautiful face...

----------------

Kirti was still thinking about Aarti decision.

"Do you think this job is right for her?" Kirti asked while Vikram was busy with files around him.

Kirti was annoyed at him this time "I am talking to you Vikram."

He glanced once "I know...I am listening"

"No, you are not" she said and left indignantly.

Vikram kept his hand on his head "these sisters will make me mad one day"

It was late evening...

Rama was looking at Aarti's picture "she was so naughty here..." smiled

"You know Manmohan she used to tease Kirti so much" she continued glancing at the picture...

She remembered how she used to stop Aarti from talking so much and doing silly things around but now she wants her daughter to come to life. With tears in her eyes Rama walked towards Kirti's room...

"I want to talk to you" Rama said...

Kirti was putting her dresses nicely in her wardrobe when she looked at her mother who had been crying since Aarti left "Mom... what's wrong with you?"

"You are going to settle down soon with Vikram, but I am worried for Aarti" she sobbed

Kirti condoled her mother "mom Aarti is a strong girl, she is fine. Please don't worry so much and I am sure one day she will settle with someone"

Rama nodded "I don't think so..."

She looked at Kirti "tell me honestly...was there anyone in her life?"

Kirti never wanted to tell her mother anything because she herself wasn't sure, Aarti never told her anything "I am not sure Mom. But I only think."

Rama was waiting for her to complete

"Aarti was in trouble once in college, a guy saved her. But he was rusticated from the college, and since then Aarti has changed..." Kirti said

Rama thought something "did she like him?"

Kirti looked at her mother's curious face "I don't know...and I don't want to know. Mom please don't think so much. Right now she is fine and wants to concentrate on her work. So give her some time."

Rama wasn't convinced while Kirti hugged her tightly...

--------------------------

It was almost 11pm when the train stopped at the station...she slowly opened her eyes and picked up her luggage to step outside. She tied her long hair and stepped aside to look for her name.

"Hi" she said to a short man who stood with a little hoarding of her name "ARTI"

"It's Aarti..." she said.

The man smiled

She didn't smile "not with one A"

"Ohh" he responded

"Sorry madam" he quickly marched towards the car that was parked outside the station

She hopped onto the back seat and viewed outside. It was dark but people were still walking on the footpaths. It was not like her town where people sleep early.

Big city big crime, she thought. Soon she saw the car getting into the driveway of huge building. Her apartment was on the top floor. The driver gave her the keys and helped the luggage inside.

It was 3am in the morning but as usual she couldn't sleep. She changed and kept her clothes in the wardrobe. It wasn't a big apartment, just had a room adjoining the washroom. Then a little space for a huge couch and a center table... just next the living area was a kitchen. It wasn't too small. She hardly cooks. Most of the time she will be out of the house for work.

She glanced around of the window from her room and could see all the lights around the city.

She thought of calling her family and informing them that she's reached safely.

-----------------------

Next morning

Aarti entered the huge building with a bag on her side, she pressed the button for the lift.

"Welcome to VOC Channel Aarti" said Mr. Oberoi

While Aarti glanced around the big room and then saw the man sitting in front of her. He wasn't that old as she had imagined "thank you sir"

"You know it's not an easy mission" said Mr. Oberoi

He continued as she looked at him "we need all the information and we have to make sure that it's dealt with extra security." He added while Aarti nodded "yes Sir"

"So you know you have to go there today as we will be telecasting the news tonight, you will get all the information from my PA Riya" he said and went back to work

"Sure Sir" she said and walked away.

She knew it wasn't an easy job, but deep inside her she had a feeling of putting her hands into this. She hated criminals and she hated crime. She would never go away from her mission.

She knew she has this chance and she got this with her own efforts. She quickly sauntered towards the next room to meet Riya "hi, I am Aarti"

She introduced

"Oh hi Aarti" she said and kept looking at the attractive young girl, who seemed too young for the mission

"Here is the file and other stuff is in this bag" Riya said

Aarti smiled a little and picked up the bag.

"Your cameraman is Abhimanyu and he is waiting for you in your cabin" Riya said while Aarti left.

She walked towards her cabin and saw a young man waiting for her holding a big camera "hi..."

Abhimanyu kept gazing at her, she was beautiful, and indeed so beautiful that anyone could fall for her but there was no smile on her beautiful face instead it seemed she was missing something.

"So" she said getting him out of his thoughts.

Abhimanyu was a good cameraman who was working at the VOC Channel for quite a long time.

"Yes so..." he said gazing at her

She crossly looked back "we will leave tonight for this mission. I have arranged everything."

She had no signs of fear or danger near her. She did not look at him while discussing the mission. He could not believe such a beautiful girl as a crime reporter.

"You are not scared" Abhi said

"No" she replied

"Hmm, interesting. But how come you chose to become a crime reporter" he questioned again

Without looking at him she retorted "that's none of your business"

He kept quiet for a while then again thought something "there is a big risk in this mission"

"I know" she said casually

"It's not easy to cover this news" he added

This time she looked at him "it's not difficult either"

She said and went back to check the files...

Abhi smiled

----------------------

Late night

Aarti had to cover this whole mission.

She knew it wasn't easy. Some terrorists have captured small kids and made them hostages in the forest near Ramila forts.

"Are you ready to capture" she said to Abhi who was holding the camera behind her while walking towards the terrorists.

"So you have come from the VOC Channel?" said one of the terrorists

Aarti nodded "yes... and we want to know what all are your demands?"

After few minutes

She covered everything...

On her way home she was still thinking about the increasing crime in this city. Today she saw small kids being held at the gunpoint.

With moist eyes she looked outside. The driver dropped her back to her apartment.

She checked some news. Then thought of making some coffee. Suddenly she turned towards the news...

"Police is still looking for the gang that deals with flesh trade"

"And will always keep on looking" she said and then thought something...

Next Day

Mr. Oberoi was happy with the news that Aarti covered.

"You did very well" he said

But Aarti was already thinking about her next mission.

As she disclosed ...

"But how can you risk your life Aarti?" said Mr. Oberoi

"We only give news" he added

Aarti tried to convince him again "we have to put our hands in the dirt to get the dirt out Mr. Oberoi"

Mr. Oberoi wasn't convinced... "But I can't put your life in danger"

After much thinking he dialed his friend's no

"I think it's a very good idea Aarti" said commissioner Bhalla

Aarti was relieved that finally she would be doing something to get the criminals out.

After few hours...

Aarti was ready. Full team

of police and security was behind her in civil dress.

It was late night and according to the plan Aarti stopped the car in the middle of the road where maximum girls were abducted.

She had already put a tracker and a microphone in her clothes and hair. She stepped out of the car pretending her car is not working and was waiting for the gang to approach her.

---------------------------------------

Chapter 20

Aarti was ready. Full

team of police and security was behind her in civil dress.

It was late night and according to the plan Aarti stopped the car in the middle of the road where maximum girls were abducted.

She had already put a tracker and a microphone in her clothes and hair. She stepped out of the car pretending her car is not working and was waiting for the gang to approach her.

She had been standing on the roadside for almost half an hour now. Her guess was right there were two guys on a bike who stared her while going past through her twice. Another instance she saw a van coming towards her way. She was prepared to be kidnapped anyways. She screamed a little to be natural.

"Leave me" she said while the assailants were holding her arms from each side

"Such a beautiful girl, I have never seen in my life" said one

With lust in their eyes they went towards the narrow path surrounding the huge forest. Aarti kept her eyes fixed though pretending to be scared. She knew she would save many girls from this gang.

Soon they stopped neat a huge house and pulled her outside the van.

"Tie her hands and cover her eyes" said one

She was taken inside where she could here another sound

"How many girls you need more?" he said while watching Aarti...

Then smirked "your wait is over, I am sending you one girl who can replace those girls"

"Very good" he said to his guys

Aarti wanted to look at him... on the other hand with the help of the hidden camera and microphone commissioner Bhalla and other security team saw the pictures of all the criminals. "Let's attack them. This is the right time" said commissioner Bhalla..

-----

"Who is this girl, did you get her from heaven?" Gani yearned

"No Bhai. She was standing on the road" said Babban

He lusted at her "bring her into that room" Gani ordered his men. While Aarti tried to look terrified. But she wanted to beat them together.

The moment he took her to the room. He took off the cloth from her eyes she saw cautiously everywhere. The room was full of lights with cameras everywhere. So they were making dirty films here. She could hear the police sirens.

Gani walked outside the room and saw his men fired by the huge police force.

He tried to run away but was caught by the police.

-------------

After some time

"Aarti, you have done a fantastic job" said the commissioner.

Then he thought something

Aarti watched him "what happened sir?"

"Nothing, you reminded me one of my commando friends, or I must say fearless commando" he smiled

"Commando" she repeated back

"Yes, A brave commando officer. I met him in Singapore armed forces ranger course." He added

"Even now when I think of him, it sends shivers down my spine. He is made of iron. He is the only one special officer who was sent for a ranger training in Singapore an USA." He smiled

"Anyways... it's getting late for you" he said and went back to his files.

Aarti smiled "it's good to hear about him Sir... Goodnight" she left

-------------------------

Next Day

Aarti picked up the newspaper and saw the news. Finally something is cleaned from this city. She was worried for the girls who are traded all over the country. There must be the root to this. It was just the beginning for her. She has to slowly reach the root of the crimes. She had another sip of coffee when she received a call.

"I am coming now" she said

Abhimanyu was ready with the camera when he saw her walking towards the building "so you are ready" he asked

"Yes... let's go "she said and walked towards the company's Van

"But when did this happen? "She asked Abhi

"I don't know, I got the lead from one of my friends that goons are attacking common people in the supa center mall. We have to cover it" he said looking at his camera

"What about the police and security?" she queried

"Well do you know about Raghu? " He said

"That terrorist who was arrested last week? "She asked

"Yes... and with great difficulty one of the officers... he must be under cover, so no one knows his name, had beaten him up and put him behind the bars. Now his terrorist brothers want to get him released. That is why they are keeping bombs in the city and causing commotion" he completed

"These terrorists must be hanged to death" she said indignantly closing her fist...

Soon they reached the supa center mall where people were running around. There was a total disarray everywhere.

After few hours...

Aarti had covered the news for the channel, she was about to sit in the van when she saw few gangsters were running after a girl... "I must save her" she said and started running towards the other side of the building...

Abhi nodded his head "who will save you lady Hitler"

It was getting dark. Abhi left leaving her behind as he had to report the news as soon as possible.

Aarti could not see anyone around. She had reached the basement of the building. Not many cars were parked around. She thought of walking back to level one when someone attacked her from behind.

She could feel her arm twisted at the back, she was unable to turn around to see the face. She heard some laughter and tried to look back but the assailant pushed her towards the wall. Now her face was touching the wall, her arm was twisted and held by the goon. They were laughing as he pulled her jacket and threw away. She tried to look back when he pulled her hair and was about to tear her top when someone hit him hard on his head.

Aarti looked back with moist eyes. She watched one person beating seven goons at one time and in few seconds they all were lying on the ground almost half dead. She amazingly watched at the brave man who saved her... She walked closer while he picked up her jacket...

"Thank you so much" she said...

He turned around to hand over the jacket

The moment she looked at him... Her eyes could not control the tears that she was holding since last so many years... she stepped closer and hold his collar "where were you?"

She cried out aloud. Her tears did not stop and she leaned against him... slowly bent down towards his feet... she felt fragile.

Veer bent down and lifted her in his arms... without saying anything he took her out of the building.

---------------------------

After few hours.

There was silence. She was sitting on the couch while he made sure she was safe and was about to leave... "Wait" she broke the silence

He turned around and stopped "I swear I will kill myself this time, if you leave me" she said loudly... and walked up from the couch towards her bedroom...

Veer followed her while she was about to shut the door ...

"What are you doing?" he said

She looked at his eyes.. He was the same. There wasn't a single sign of despair, not a single drop of tear. Face without any emotion.

Slowly she stepped closer to him and curled her arms around his neck and cuddled herself against his strong chest

His hands slowly went to curl around her waist and hugged her tightly in his arms. She closed her eyes... for few minutes the embrace was tight and did not break.

"I love you" she whispered slowly.

"I died thousand times in these years" she added

He pulled away and wiped the tears surrounding her beautiful eyes

Confusedly she watched him "even I never forgot you Aarti"

She smiled and hugged again.

After few minutes

"I am hungry" he whispered back making her smile

"You sit here... I will make something" she ambled towards the kitchen

His eyes beheld her standing in the kitchen. She was not the same. Something was different. He kept gazing at her long hair, fair shoulder and beautiful face but she missed that smile that she always carried. It was because of him, he knew she cried a lot and he was the one who made her sad.

"Aarti" he stepped closer to her..

"Hmm"

"What are you doing in this city?" he asked

"I work here" she answered back

"Work, in Mumbai... but why?" he queried

"You are my reason for everything" she replied

He smiled and walked closer to her and gazed at her beautiful face... he cupped her face in his hands "it's not safe to stay alone here"

"I am never alone" she whispered softly and touched his hands...

He touched his forehead with hers... "I hurt you a lot" he said softly

She took a deep breath "no...it was my fate"

He gazed at her deep eyes that were asking him, he could not imagine how she could change herself so much because of him. He held himself responsible to cause the sadness in her life...

"What do you want Aarti" he whispered softly with his eyes looking in her eyes.

"You know my answer" she whispered back

"All these years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds I only thought about you and only you" her hands slowly moved towards his strong shoulders.

He knew Aarti loves him a lot and he could clearly see this from her eyes. For the first time he felt he did wrong with her. He always thought she would be safe if he was not in her life but today he realised she was living but not alive. He looked at her lips...

Slowly without thinking anything he placed his lips on hers. She would die hundred times to stay with him. His breath was touching her soul. His hands cupped her face and slowly walked towards her neck and shoulders. Soon he embraced her in his arms...

She encircled her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. She was missing him, he was her life.

Slowly he lifted his head and looked at her

With closed eyes she whispered "I was dead, you made me alive"

He hugged her tightly

-------------------------

After few seconds she heard the whistle of the pressure cooker

"Let's eat something..."she walked away to get the plate...

He heard his phone ... quickly he checked the no "Aarti I have to leave now"

"But eat something first" she quickly served food...

He finished eating and walked towards the door then looked behind... she smiled at him...

He embraced her tightly before leaving "I will come back soon"

"I will wait for you" she said

-------------------------------