by Preeti Singh
Kinjal pecked her father’s forehead and headed towards her jeep with a skip in her gait. Though she was shaken at the new discoveries about DIG Uncle, she was now more determined to get to the bottom of the truth. As she pressed on the accelerator and headed home, Kinjal realised Milan was not totally wrong about DIG Uncle, but yet could not be trusted blindly, thanks to the findings in his apartment.
But neither was DIG Uncle anymore reliable. Him being fond of her mother since so long and Kinjal had no clue? It kind of felt creepy seeing Mom’s snaps taken without her knowledge; Kinjal could understand her mother’s state, as she herself felt weird when she saw her own snaps in Milan’s flat.
But Kinjal knew how devoted Mom and Dad were to each other; together they must have overcome this storm too. They seemed perfect parents and had never let any problems surface in front of their children.
Yet now, the past was revealing itself and with a million questions clouding her mind, she alone had to find the answers.
As she drove home, she muttered under her breath, DIG Uncle and Milan, now you both are being watched!
CHAPTER 7
Who to Trust, Who to Doubt!
Joshis’ Villa
Sector 12 Panchkula
Quickly showering after a long, mentally exhausting day, Kinjal settled on the couch with Amber, filling him up with all the details before Vikash came over. It dawned on her; this four legged animal was the only one she could trust now. Amber listened pensively, occasionally flapping his long ears and scratching his tummy in deep thought. He did not like what Kinjal told him about Milan and DIG Uncle. It all spelt danger for Kinjal and Agent Amber’s instinct was rarely wrong.
None of these men can be trusted, man! I have to really take care of her now. He got down from the couch, shook himself once and sat on his hind legs to have a serious talk with Kinjal. Eye to eye, man to woman, agent to agent!
“Look, KJ...now you have to really be careful. Both these men have given us reason to doubt them. Now I have to really take care of you” Amber grunted, snuggling closer to her.
“Come here, Amber let me hug you as you are the only one I can trust now”, Kinjal offered, hungry for some warmth, herself.
“Nah nah it’s okay”, Amber blushed with his ears turning red as he snuggled close to KJ and could feel her soft skin on his wet nose. I think she loves me, he thought, looking at her with dreamy eyes, when the bell rang and broke the magic moment.
Damn!
Vikash was prompt on time, looking as handsome as ever; Kinjal couldn’t stop noticing. But Amber disliked every inch of this fella who jeopardised his magic moment with KJ...he was so close to getting a kiss from her!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !
Giving him a tight hug when he held her warmly, Kinjal took Vikash by the arm into her bedroom. She wanted to share so much with him and they hardly got anytime together. Amber was following them, but the bedroom door shut on his face rather rudely.
How can she do this to me? Amber was definitely hurt being shunned like this ...all due to that two legged jerk.
“Hey! Handsome! Don’t be upset...come let’s have a chat!”Maggie purred softly in Amber’s ears. She had been hiding behind the couch watching them all the time.
“Not now, Maggie. I am in a lousy mood”, retorted Amber, irritated.
“That’s why I am here to cheer you up, buddy. I know you are upset but do try to understand, she also needs a human friend sometimes, na”, Maggie reasoned with Amber.
“But why does she have to go to the bed room with him, Maggie? Why can’t they talk in front of us, huh?” Amber grumbled under his breath as he reluctantly slouched on the cold floor.
“Cool it, man, cool it!” Maggie patted his paw. “Let them have some cosy time together, dear. And let us also get warm”, she winked naughtily at him.
But Agent Amber was seriously not in a romantic mood. He now suspected every man near Kinjal and didn’t trust anyone.
“Maggie, can you do me a small favour?” Amber asked her gently.
“Anything, sweetheart, anything. Just name it”, Maggie replied, fluttering her long lashes, excitedly.
“Maggie, can you creep into KJ’s room, from under the door and have a look what they are up to? I want to know what this guy is talking to her.” Agent Amber pleaded Maggie.
“Oh! But why do you want to spy, Amber. That’s just not right.”Maggie raised her finger.
“Come on, Maggie. If I don’t keep an eye on Kinjal, these men will rip her apart. Besides, I want you to see, is he getting close to her? You know...I hope he’s not taking advantage of her?” Amber asked, feeling shy.
“Hmmm, okay. I understand”, Maggie said and stealthily slid into the room from the little space under the door. Amber could only see her long thin tail in front of him.
Maggie sat quietly and watched as Vikash held Kinjal’s hands.
Each ounce of Vikash wanted to make love to her right there and then, feel her lips, gently put back her strands of hair and take her innocence in his arms. But he forced the humane side of him to die and let the devil in him rule. He wanted to conquer Kinjal’s soul, not her body. Though he fantasized about her often and secretly harboured feelings for her, he wanted to ruin her peace of mind first.
Vikash knew he had her eating from his hands. Kinjal loved him like crazy and anything he would say, she would believe blindly and with this power he wanted to destroy her. In fact, one of his long term ploys was to make her fall in love with him, with his constant charm, friendly moral support and keeping his subtle distance, craving for her to long for him.
He had done this with many women and succeeded. But Kinjal had created a stir within him, unlike many women he had slept with. She was focussed on her goal on finding her mother’s killer and that was challenging for Vikash; to break her goal with her own game. He had begun hating women since his mother’s accident, but for Kinjal he had a soft corner.
In his heart, Vikash knew he was not a bad man. He was a loving son to his Pinky Mom, a good friend to Kinjal and a competent doctor. But he had a goal to achieve; the goal to ruin the happiness of the Joshi family and find his father. And Vikash knew only Kinjal Joshi could find him.
His tender faced slowly turned menacing as a wry smile came over his rugged jaw. Kinjal was blindly in love with him to notice it, so was continuing to blabber her findings, thus revealing each detail of the case to her so called confidante.
But Maggie watched each changing facial expression on Vikash’s face.
She quickly slithered back under the door, to an anxiously waiting Agent Amber.
“Well?” Amber asked curiously. “What are they up to? Are they...you know ...doing it??” he asked nervously but also feeling awkward.
“Doing what? Oh God! You guys are just so one track mind...totally tharki ”, sighed Maggie.
She sat on the couch; aware that she was testing Amber’s patience but she had to teach him, to calm down a bit. The guy was getting hyper unnecessarily.
“Well...Madam Maggie?” Amber could not contain himself more.
“Take a chill pill, Amber. They are sitting on the bed and talking. Kinjal is telling him all the clues and details she has found so far and he is listening intently.
“And? Is he touching her or something? You know...?” he asked hesitantly.
“No, dear, he is just holding her hands as she sounded upset. But, come to think of it, Amber, I also didn’t like the look on Vikash’s face...it seemed slimy, you know. I think we should get her out of the room.”Maggie gave her valuable opinion.
“Yes! That’s what I wanted to hear, baby!”Amber said excitedly and licked Maggie with his long tongue and she toppled down from the couch, blushing!
Amber, now happy and reassured Maggie was by his side, began barking loudly outside Kinjal’s door. He just wanted to get her out of the room. But when after barking for 5 minutes, there was no response, he tried another strategy. He ran towards the end of the room and banged a
gainst a table, dropping a flower vase, creating a loud shattering noise.
It worked and Kinjal stepped out.
“Hey! Amber, what happened, darling? I hope you didn’t hurt yourself?” she asked gently, patting Amber, while pushing away the broken pieces of glass.
Amber put on his most cute, apologetic look and looked at her with puppy eyes. Maggie, meanwhile looked above at the roof and murmured poora nautanki saala.. But she too was glad; Kinjal was out of the room and safe.
Vikash picked up his jacket, waved a casual goodbye to Kinjal and left. He was disturbed with Kinjal’s latest findings and needed to think now. But Amber noticed the sudden mood change in Vikash.
Now was the right moment to approach Kinjal.
“Did you notice something?” he asked Kinjal gently, as she was sweeping the floor for any glass particles that may hurt Amber’s paws. “Vikash left by bike, KJ.” he said.
“So? I know he has a bike, Amber. What are you trying to say, sweetheart?” Kinjal asked curiously.
“KJ, that night when you and me were chasing a prowler outside your bathroom, we saw a bike zoom by, remember?” Amber reminded her.
“Oh! God, Amber. Now you are getting sceptical about everyone, including Vikash. He’s my best buddy, dear. You don’t have to worry about him, sweetie.” she said planting a kiss on Amber’s forehead.
“Yeah yeah...and DIG Uncle was supposed to be your father figure, right?” Amber could not stop the sarcasm in his voice. “When will you wake up, KJ? No one, I repeat no one is to be trusted now. And you know my instincts are never wrong.” He growled; annoyed at Kinjal not trusting his wisdom and experience as the best canine agent the USA had. Huh!
But Kinjal had her way to cajole Amber. She allowed Amber to sleep in her arms and sang him her Mom’s favourite song. But he was annoyed. When will this girl understand, that no one can be trusted? She is such a child at heart! He looked at her with loving eyes, enjoying the pampering while she was at it. As soon as Kinjal dropped off to sleep, Amber woke up, alert.
He knew he had to be on guard & double alert now. He sat at the bedroom window, his eyes keenly watching the road for any bikers or peeping toms. Maggie, always devoted to him, snuggled herself next to his warm tummy. Amber felt good, watching over the two most important single ladies in his life. Even though he wanted to catch up with his forty winks, he fought sleep. Not now, not till the scoundrel is caught, he promised himself.
Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre
Mohali, Chandigarh
Vikash had reached his room at the hospital, with his palms sweating and heart thumping wildly. It was certainly not an adrenalin rush after being so close to Kinjal; it was a volcano of anger bursting within him. She was edging closer to finding his Pinky Mom and he didn’t want anyone...no one to know that he was an adopted child. It seemed a taboo in society and a black scar on his well earned reputation.
He didn’t want Kinjal to dig into his past and spoil his plans of ruining her future. But he also knew Kinjal was good in her job and she would get to the bottom of the truth, by hook or crook. Yet, a part of him knew the only one who could find out his father’s identity was Kinjal. And he yearned to meet his father, once.
Confused, Vikash made a phone call.
He then went to meet his crippled mother in the other room and paced up and down sharing his frustration. Pinky Bindra, listened quietly, helplessly, as Vikash let out his pent up anger. She always had been a calm woman who accepted what life had offered her, without any complaint. After her accident, she had surrendered her soul to God and would quietly keep murmuring prayers in her wheelchair, praying to the Almighty to calm down Vikash. She often wondered when God would listen to her.
Today too, Vikash was furious. Pinky was against her adopted son taking revenge on the Joshis’, but she was helpless, lying crippled. For Pinky, it was meant to be and no one should be blamed. Maybe she did some bad karma in her past birth, for which she was paying now. She never blamed Mansi or Gautam for her condition but Vikash had not let her meet them again. Unknowingly, in his fierce affection for his Maa, Vikash, had trapped her away from the world and just yearned for revenge.
In her own way, she would try to calm him down, by humming her favourite college song as she did today, as she could not speak. Vikash immediately rushed next to her and held her hands, reading her eyes. She hummed the song, patted his palm in regular intervals like Mansi and she would pat each other. Vikash calmed down and sang for her.
“Hush little baby,...don’t say a word...
Papa’s gonna buy you a little mocking bird...
And if the mocking bird won’t sing...
Papa will get you a little diamond ring”
Since he was a child, Pinky would sing him this song, the favourite among her college friends. A song, which had unknowingly bonded many, lives together.
And now, had connected their deaths too.
Joshis’ Villa
Sector 12 Panchkula
The constant ringing of the doorbell and the sleazy looking milkman ogling at her, in her almost transparent gown, always irritated Kinjal. But that daily bell would actually wake her up for duty.
But today, she crept back into bed to sleep five minutes more; cuddling with Amber, when Milan called her to join him at the Alchemist Hospital, soonest. Rest he would tell her there, itself. Though her mind was still full of doubts about Milan and she had promised herself to unravel the truth about him, duty came first and she understood the urgency in his voice.
Kinjal could hardly budge as Amber’s heavy paw was on her chest. Sigh! Over the months she had learnt not to move, lest his sleep gets disturbed. He looked so damn adorable, while asleep.
Apparently, tired of guarding at the window last night, he finally snuggled next to Kinjal and snoozed off. Carefully removing his paw, tucking him well in the sheet and kissing him on his forehead, Kinjal slipped from the bed to change her clothes. She skipped her shower and began slipping on her tracks, as she was rushed for time.
Turning her back on Amber, Kinjal began undressing. But being the guy he was, how could he sleep with a pretty woman in front of him in bare essentials?! And sure enough, Agent Amber opened his one eye dreamily to feast his eyes...hmmmmmm...Kinjal changing in front of him. Wow! She looks so yummy; he licked his lips hungrily watching her creamy skin, while his little tail wagged endlessly, as he fell in love with her all over again. Just the porn I have been missing all this while, man! Whoa!
“Behave yourself, dude!” Maggie crept up and covered his face with the bed sheet.
“What the hell...?” Amber grunted but suddenly played dumb and shut his eyes when Kinjal walked next to the bed to pick up her revolver. And soon she was off on duty.
“Excuse me, Maggie! Haddd hai huh! Come on, man, let me also have some fun, yaar!” Amber grumbled, not used to being nagged by a lady, but yet enjoying the attention he was getting.
“Shut up, Amber. You are now with two ladies; you got to behave like a gentleman at least. Now get up, we will make your Bounrvita milk.” She said sweetly, making up, but loving this mischievous side of him too. Maggie believed in unconditional love and loved him...as he was....a perverted gentleman...a complete package.
Grumblingly, Amber surrendered. Women always have their way. He grunted, as he went to pee with his one leg raised, careful to put the toilet seat up, with two ladies in the house. I only have to always give in to have peace at home. Sigh!
The Alchemist Hospital
Sector 21, Panchkula
Milan was at the parking waiting for Kinjal. As he took her towards the ICU, he briefed her. “Ma’am one of the two women we were finding, Suman Misra, was assaulted last night at her home, by our UnSub only. The MO was the same, so we know she’s our Suman Mishra only. But luckily she has survived, though she is still critical.” Milan said, trying to keep up with Kinjal’s quick pace.
It was indeed a miracle that Suman Misra had survived the attack. Her family surround
ed her bed, as she was lying helplessly in pain, bandaged all over, but lucky to be alive. Milan requested the family to step outside while he and Agent Kinjal questioned the victim.
Suman Misra’s wrists were slit and bandaged now, of course. Her throat had been strangled by a dupatta and the bruises were harsh, indeed. She could barely speak but she was determined to give all possible details to Kinjal, to get the scoundrel arrested. While Milan noted down each detail she spoke, Kinjal began questioning her as gently as she could. For her, each of these ladies was her mother’s college friends and in a way, she saw her Mom in them.
“Ma’am, I am Agent Kinjal and need your help to find the assaulter. Please help us as much as you can” Kinjal said, warmly holding the lady’s weak hand.
Suman Misra nodded. She was weak, but alert. The family had stepped out as requested, but the doctor stood by, watching her vitals.
“Ma’am, can you please tell me, exactly what happened, last night?”Kinjal asked gently, while Milan jotted down each detail.
“ I...er..Was alone at home and my husband and daughter had gone to attend a wedding nearby. I got a call from a young man saying he was my college friend Mansi Joshi’s nephew and wanted to meet me”, Suman Misra managed to fumble, though her strangled throat ached.
Kinjal’s knuckles turned white in anger, when it dawned on her; the killer was using Mom’s name to meet the victims. He had done the same with the 2nd victim, Mrs. Karuna Bhatia.
But she composed herself and asked, “But you know Mansi Joshi died long back, Ma’am, then why did the nephew want to meet you now?”
“Yes, I wondered the same. But, when he said that she had left some old hand written cards for me, I was eager to take them, as she was a good writer. I gave him my address and told him to come to my house.” Suman Misra said, a little tear trickling down her cheek.
“But Ma’am did you know that Mansi Joshi never had any siblings, so where would a nephew come from?” Kinjal asked curious.
Suman Misra nodded saying, “I knew she was a single child but I thought maybe the boy was Gautam’s nephew. I never gave it a second thought, honestly. But the instant this man attacked me, I knew he was not related to Mansi and I had been conned.” she said in a grim tone.
