DJ's House

"I still can't believe that Raju worked for Victor and betrayed us; it just sounds too fantastic." Suraj Chacha shook his head in disbelief.

"What else is there to think Chacha? If he killed Victor that day, we wouldn't be facing this situation today, isn't it? He must have used dummy bullets and told us all a lie that Victor was dead. He was the one who carried Victor's body into our Van isn't it?" DJ asked.

"Yes, I am getting too old for that kind of things. So, I asked him to carry the body.. I mean Victor." Suraj looked at his hands again, as if he was ashamed.

"Chacha, please... don't ever think that way. In fact, I should be the one ashamed of this whole fiasco. You have always been a gentle soul, taking care of the money transactions, and keeping an eye on all our guys, guiding them. You kept away from these bloody shootings and I always respected you for that. I should have never asked you to come to the villa and then get rid of Victor's body. All our plans went for a toss when those IB agents turned up..and then Tanvir got injured, I hope you understand... I had no choice. And I could trust no one but you to get rid of Victor's body and finish off..." DJ stopped, ashamed to acknowledge what Suraj Chacha had been asked to do.

"That's okay Beta. I am always ready to do whatever is asked of me. And you are absolutely right! In spite of the utter chaos we faced, what we pulled off that night was miraculous, thanks to the quick thinking and meticulous planning by you and Loki . All we did was, follow them dutifully. When you are dealing with the murder of an IB agent, it's better to keep it within ourselves. But I still feel terrible that I had to take that innocent kid's life. Raju had no idea that his life was about to end, that too in the hands of an elderly man who was always kind to him." Suraj's chin trembled as tears began to stream along his cheeks.

"What innocent kid Chacha? He was a traitor! He betrayed us and he deserved to die!" Loki growled.

Suraj Chacha wiped his tears and looked up at Loki resignedly.

"Are you sure it is not someone from IB? This whole fiasco started when Ashwin made a call to Nanda Sir, isn't it? I mean... that's what you told us. Isn't it possible that someone other than those agents was present that night who could have helped Victor?" Suraj Chacha asked hesitantly.

"What rubbish! There was no one else. I know, because I was checking everyone from the outside. And what the hell do you mean, I told you. That is what happened! I heard Ashwin trying to call Nanda Sir and stopped him. If it wasn't for this Oaf Sunny, who was too busy smoking and enjoying the sights of bikini girls at our hotel swimming pool, Ashwin wouldn't have sneaked out." Loki's loud outburst made Sunny Cower and take a few steps back.

Before Suraj Chacha could reply, DJ's soft but commanding voice resonated in the living room..

"Loki!! I warned you before and I am not used to repeating my words. You do not speak to our elders in such tone or manner. Apologise to Suraj Chacha. Right now!"

Loki controlled hard not to roll his yes.

No one noticed Suman enter the living room.

"Dhano what is going on?" Suman asked with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing Maa, just something to do with Goa. Please go back to your room and relax. Have you taken your after dinner medicine?" DJ asked, hoping to distract her away from the discussion.

"When I am surrounded by toxic people, what can any poor medicine help? Still, I take it like a placebo. Forget about me. I heard raised voices. What is he doing here? Isn't he the one who vowed in front of everyone that he would never to step into this house again? Did he take pity on us now?" Suman kept her gaze on DJ, even as Loki looked furiously at her.

"Maa, please don't talk to Loki like that. I know you have every right to be angry with us, but cant you forgive us as the elder in the family?" DJ pleaded.

"Bhai, stop. I haven't done anything wrong and I don't need anyone's pity." Loki said, as his face flushed with suppressed anger.

"Loki, wait. Let me talk to Maa." DJ reached out to Loki and squeezed his shoulder, trying to calm him.

But Suman gave him no chance. She walked slowly towards Loki and stood facing him.

"Of course Loki, nothing ever is your fault, isn't it? You have come here to blame everyone else for the tragedies that have occurred. Why am I not surprised?"

"Maa, you have no right to criticise me or anyone else. I think you lost that right ages ago. Let me deal with this mess. If I need your advice or input, which I hope I wont, I will let you know." Loki said bitterly.

DJ's hand which was caressing Loki's shoulder till then, wound tightly around Loki's arm.

"Loki, don't you ever dare talk to Maa like that. I won't tolerate it." He warned.

"Bhai, why do you always take Maa's side? Did I say anything wrong? My life had become total shambles because of her. I have no family to call my own anymore.You don't know how that makes you feel. Like you don't belong anywhere, and it is the worst feeling ever!" Loki's eyes reddened and he turned his face away from everyone.

DJ didn't know how to console his little brother or pacify his Maa. How can he take any sides? His love for Loki was no less than his respect for Maa...

Before DJ could say anything, he heard his Maa's soft and gentle voice.

"Loki.. please look at me Beta!"

Loki sniffed loudly as he turned back to face his Maa.

"Why do you say you don't belong here? Have I or Dhano ever made you feel like that? Despite everything that happened, we continue to love you the same way. Till two months ago you didn't know that I am not your biological mother... but tell me, swear to me, have I ever made you feel like that? DJ didn't know the truth, just like you, but even after he knew, did he treat you any differently? Why do you say harsh things like you have no family? To make your big brother feel more guilty?

Your tricks might work on him Loki, but not me. Yes, I admit. We both were wrong in being too protective about you and giving you everything you wanted, so you grew up in an atmosphere where you had to face no adversity or rejection. Your life is in shambles because of my mistake is it?? When did this wisdom dawn upon you?" The sadness and guilt in her eyes were slowly replaced by fury.

"Did we ask you to peddle drugs in your University? Or kill that Jared ? You came back here to escape from law and not because you were home sick, as you claimed. When you confronted me about Victor, I told you everything and begged you to reach out to him and your family. I was sure he and your mother would have embraced you, loved you and not judge you because of us. But did you do that? NO! For reasons best known to you and your brother, You chose to kill Victor instead and become his imposter." DJ gulped nervously and his face paled, in contrast to his brother. The colour in Loki's face heightened with every word his Maa was uttering.

"I know everything that goes on in this house, even if you guys don't tell me and no, I don't need any spies to find out. I am intelligent and wise enough !!" Suman's eyes blazed with fury as they darted between both her sons' faces.

"Your life is in shambles, in short, because of the choices you have made Loki and nothing else. You distanced yourself from us, for the sake of appeasing your business partner, or as you prefer to call her your 'girl friend'. And now that you realized that your clever plan has backfired, you have come back to your brother to get you out of this mess, but even now, you want to paint it as someone else's mistake."

"Wow!!! How long have you been waiting to give me this speech Maa? Everything that happened now is because of me... it's all my fault!!! Are you happy now?" Loki fumed.

"Maa. Please !! You are being too harsh on Loki. If Victor is alive, then it means there is a traitor among us and Loki was trying to find out who it was. Of course now that we know it was Raju, we can concentrate on what needs to be done to protect ourselves. And it is not just Loki.... all of us are in danger now because of Victor."

"Oh no Bhai, you are so wrong and I am wrong too...Victor is kindness personified. If only I met him back then, he would have embraced me and you and forgot that he was a spy, who was hell bent on destroying our business!! Even now there is a good chance. If I just go and apologise to him, he will pardon me because I am his twin. She has more sympathy and respect for that bastard than me and my girlfriend which left me no choice but to leave this house. Bhai, why did I do this elaborate plan to attack Victor, and act as him in the most dangerous place like IB, at huge personal risk? Isn't it for our family and business? But noo... She chose him, chose to take his side rather than agree with me or my plan. The way she talks about Victor and his family, it is as if he was her son, and not me...oops I forgot! I am not her son either!!" Loki said bitterly.

Suman eyes welled as she looked helplessly at her son and DJ couldn't hold back anymore.

"Loki please listen to me, don't do this to yourself or Maa. Maa has always loved you more than me, and I used to complain to her about it all the time. We did everything we could, so that you can have a clean peaceful life, away from us and not be judged because of your family. Maa wasn't wrong when she said you chose your path. You cant deny it either. Whatever happened, has happened. Let's get back together now and think of a way to get out of this. Nothing gets resolved if we keeping throwing insults at each other. If you want, I will talk to Zoya and persuade her to come back. I mean, you can't go back to that apartment now, can you? What if he is there waiting for you? Your security and safety is more important for me than anything else. And so is Zoya's. You have to ask her to move back in here. I will get few more men around the city to keep guard of our home. What do you say? Maa please don't say no. I want all of us to stay together now." DJ pleaded with both of them.

Suraj Chacha who had been listening silently all along, came forward.

"I agree with what DJ says Bhabhi. Zoya and Loki's lives are in danger now, and we have to protect them."

Suman blinked hard to clear her eyes and turned slowly towards Suraj Chacha.

"This home is as much as Loki's as it is mine Suraj Bhai. He should be here along with Zoya, because this is where he belongs. All along, I prayed and did whatever little I can, to prevent my sons from taking the expressway to hell. I am under no illusion where this is all going to end up, but as a parent I can only try my best isn't it? Even through our best isn't enough most of the time."

She sighed and looked at Loki who was still gazing at her with contempt.

"Loki! I don't know who or what sort of person Victor is, but I know this much. If he comes after you and Dhano, it is because you both have done unpardonable crimes, and yes, it wouldn't matter if you are his twin or cousin. If he was after Dhano and his business before, then you have invited his wrath by doing this despicable thing. He probably will feel double the contempt because of what you did to him, even though you are his twin brother. So this is a hell of your making Loki! But as your family, we will go down with you and stick with you, no matter what. I am sure Dhano can think of some strategy to get you and everyone out of this mess, and if he does, I hope and pray you wont repeat such foul acts again. Please tell Zoya to come and stay with us and If you want me to persuade her, I will."

Loki's scowl slowly disappeared and DJ hugged his mother like a child.

"Thanks Maa, I know you are a forgiving soul. Don't worry about Loki Maa. I will think of something."

A sad smile appeared on Suman's face.

"I know you would Dhano. Please tell Rahim Kaka to be early tomorrow, as I need to leave for the temple a bit early. There is Annadaan and I have to prepare and carry lot of dishes for the devotees."

DJ was about to say something but held back. He nodded his head and said instead,

"Sure Maa, please rest now."

Suman began to climb the stairs slowly, as if her tired feet have lost all the ability to carry her heavy weight.

"I will see you later Bhai, I am going to Zoya's place." Loki said curtly and left the house, without giving his brother or mother a second glance.

***

Nirmala's House

9.30 PM

Victor kept praising his Maa's excellent cooking skills as he eagerly ate the yummy Chole Puri she had prepared for Dinner. Arunya, who sat next to him at the dining table, was quieter than usual throughout the Dinner, and Victor didn't have to think hard to know why.

"Di! Why don't you return to work full time now? I will check with Monty and also Ashraf Bhai to provide some extra security for you and of course Mohsin or Sunil will accompany you through out the time. You look bored as hell. Your Library must be in quite a mess by now. Who can sort those books in such a perfect order but my Di with her extraordinary photographic memory skills!"

"Chotu, stop! I am already too buttered up after eating such fatty food, as Maa is hell bent on keeping me overweight. I wasn't planning to go back to work anyway, I have plenty of leave. And I am definitely not going, if I have to trouble so many people. I wont step out of this house, ever. No way!" Arunya was adamant.

'Di, please try to understand. Now that he knows I am alive, he and his gang might try something vicious. Your safety is the most important thing to me. And I cant do my job properly because if I am worried sick about you all the time." Victor said in a frustrated tone.

"Chotu, I agree with Arunya. There is no need for extra security. Those poor agents are doing nothing but stare at the street all day. But Aru, you must return to your office from next week. You are not used to being at home like me. You will go mad. You can go with Mohsin just like before. I have enough faith in that family that they won't harm you, ever!" Nirmala added calmly.

"Of course, why didn't I think of that?" Arunya looked furiously at her mother before her eyes began to well up, and she left the table.

"Aru... I didn't mean that." Nirmala called after her in vain.

"Chotu, please talk to her. Nothing I say or do seems to get through to her. I don't know what happened. But for the last few days, she has been behaving strangely. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to burden you anymore." Nirmala said in a worried tone.

"Don't worry Maa, I will speak to her. But why did you say that about DJ's family ? I don't have to tell you this, but your eternal faith in humanity and goodness of others hasn't always turned out to be true."

"No Chotu, it has and I refuse to think ill of others just for the sake of it. I know that DJ and his men are hardcore criminals; but I also know that even in such people, humanity and love exist. Don't forget that you are alive today, thanks to the kindness and braveness of one such man in their gang." Nirmala reminded him.

"Maa please !! Someone should construct a temple in your name and start worshipping you!!" He bowed to her mockingly, chuckling hard.

"No beta, I just want to give the benefit of doubt to everyone and firmly believe that most people act out of goodness. Don't assume that I don't understand or acknowledge the fact that there is a lot of evil in this world. I do, and I also know that in your profession, trusting someone is ridiculed and even considered a weakness. But I don't want you turn into this bitter, untrusting person. You are too young and brash to realize this, but love has the power to conquer all the hatred in the world, no matter how much our politicians and spin doctors tell us otherwise. I know how close you are with Jishu and Anosha. But that's too few and you hardly spend time with them. I don't know anything about your colleagues but I hope you find more people that you can trust, not just with your life, but your heart too." Nirmala said sincerely.

The smile on Victor's face evaporated. He looked away from her.

"Let me go and speak to Di." He said, and slowly got up. Nirmala went back to the kitchen to place the leftovers in the fridge.

Victor was lost in his thoughts even as his feet moved towards Arunya's room. Few minutes later, his brow cleared and his face broke into a small smile as he began to dial a number. After speaking for few minutes, he cut the call and knocked on the door of Arunya's room. After waiting few moments, he opened the door, only to hear angry muttering from his Di..."Chotu go away!! Don't you dare barge into my room like this!"

He ignored her rant, as he very well knew she didn't mean it and entered the room.

As he stood near the door, observing her and the room, she pretended to ignore him and continued with her drawing.

He went and stood next to her, making sure his tall frame hovered over her, and was happy to see that her face reflected all the irritation and anger he was expecting to see.

Still, Arunya continued to draw a pair of beautiful eyes which seemed kind but equally sad. There were a few torn sheets in the dust bin and before he could check them, Arunya tore the current sheet of drawing too, and let it join the others in the bin.

"Di, I didn't know you were into self portraits. How did you know your eyes look so beautiful? Were you looking at yourself in the mirror or something? Why the hell did you tear it?"

There was no answer.

"Di! How long are you going to ignore me?" He asked her, as he picked up all the torn sheets in the bin and glanced through the drawings. His brows furrowed as he began to check them carefully.

"Give them back!" In vain, Arunya tried to grab those sheets off him but he held them up high in one hand, ensuring they were out of reach.

"Chotu! Return those sheets to me right now! Otherwise..." She warned as she tried to pull his arm down.

"Otherwise what... Di. If you want those sheets, you have to tell me why you are so upset. Simple!"

Arunya stopped pulling his arm down and walked away from him towards her bed. As she sat on the bed, with her head bent, Victor sighed and sat next to her.

"Di please. I know or I can guess what might have happened. But I don't understand why you have to be upset about it."

"Of course Mr Spy, you know everything, right? Don't try to be over smart with me Chotu! Give me those sketches back." She stretched her hand.

"Di, I honestly don't know. I am just guessing because... because I cant see any other reason why you are so upset, all of a sudden. Maa told me that you went to University last week. I am just putting two and two together. Here, take your sketches." He handed her the sheets.

"You have met them, haven't you?" He added in a soft tone.

She looked up at him, startled and then bent her head down, as if ashamed.

"What's wrong Didi! They might have wanted to see you, talk to you . You don't know this but I met Sumanji and she told me..."

Arunya raised her head and Victor was stunned to see the fury in her eyes.

"Don't you dare talk about her or anyone else from that house Chotu! Unless you want to hurt me!"

All the anger on her face was replaced by utter desolation and Arunya couldn't control herself anymore as tears began to streak down her cheeks.

Victor sighed and kneeled down on the floor, facing her.

"Shush... Di.. please. Stop. Okay, I wont talk about them if you feel so bad." He held her face in his hands and wiped her tears away.

Arunya looked helplessly at her brother and fought hard to control her tears. Slowly, after sometime, her tears subsided. Victor brought her a glass of water and made her drink.

She took some deep breaths and began,

"Believe me when I say this, I didn't mean to see or meet them. I swear, it was an accident."

"Di... You don't have to swear. Of course I believe you. Did she come to the temple?"

"How do you know?" Arunya's eyes widened.

"She told me. She wasn't a regular visitor to this temple before, but ever since she knew that you visited during lunch hours, she came more often, just to catch a glimpse of you from a distance." He smiled sadly.

Arunya punched him hard on the shoulder.

"Ewww!! What was that for?" He massaged his shoulder, his eyes full of mock hurt.

"Stop your drama queen act. Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"Why.. you are still asking me why Di?" All the humour disappeared from Victor's face.

Arunya swallowed hard and looked down at her hands.

Victor noticed Nirmala enter the room just then and pleaded with his eyes. She nodded her head and stayed back at the door, so as not to disrupt their conversation.

Victor turned his gaze back to his sister and held her hand in his. "Please Di, tell me what happened. More than me, Maa cant see you like this, you know that right?"

Arunya pressed Victor's hand softly and began to talk, her gaze still fixed on their entwined hands,

"I.. I went back to the library last week. As you said, as it was messy, I mean messy by my standards. I worked long hours to update the catalogue and make sure we are tracking all our inventory correctly. Mohsin too helped me time and again, even though I protested so much. He is one gem of a guy Chotu. So unlike you, even though he is a spy."

"Do you have to criticise me at every opportunity like this Di?" Victor asked in exasperation.

"Shut up and Listen. Where was I? Oh yeah.. So it was Thursday and I went to the temple as usual during my lunch break. Ever since you have come back, and I came to know about everything that happened, living in this constant fear of being attacked had changed me, I guess. I have become hyper sensitive to everyone and everything around me. I went to the temple as usual, and Mohsin accompanied me there too but he kept a distance. And for some reason I felt as if someone was following or observing me. But whenever I looked around, I didn't see anyone suspicious. Normally I feel so peaceful and content when I am in the temple, but that day I felt so disturbed. So, I didn't stay long, and as I was getting down the stairs on my way back, someone coming in the opposite direction was carrying a large framed photograph of Ganesha. As the sun reflected on the glass surface of that frame, I saw her reflection in the frame. She was a few steps behind Mohsin but there was no way I couldn't recognize her. I was so shocked that I forgot where I was, and just stood there till Mohsin whispered in my ear to move on. I quickly turned around, but she was gone. As if whatever I saw in that moment was a mirage. I can assure you, it was not. It was her...she was there." Arunya's eyes welled again and she paused to gather herself.

"And later, as I was walking towards my car, another strange thing happened. I walked past a big car which was parked right behind my car, and I saw the reflection of the driver in the side mirror, who looked a lot like her, but with more sharp and strong features but his face a bit scarred. He was probably in his late thirties. Mohsin was still following me. I peered into the window of the car hoping to get a better look, but it was too late. He closed the window and the car sped off. I wasn't sure if I should let Mohsin know about it. I... I wanted to tell you when you were here."

"Wow... So DJ came out to see you.. That... that is incredible. I have heard before and now know for sure. He never comes out of his house unless it is absolutely necessary. He must have been really desperate to see you Di. But what is there to upset about it? Huh?" He patted her cheek affectionately.

Arunya began to say something but stopped. She looked away and muttered, "what if he had come to kidnap me?"

"Hmm.. Di! In my profession, I do know a thing or two about kidnapping, aaaaand kidnappers generally don't run away in cars when their target comes willingly near them." Victor began to chuckle.

Arunya looked at him furiously.

"Oh come on Di! That's not what you are really bothered about. Although this was before they knew I was still alive. So, of course we cant rule out kidnapping now." He added in a more serious tone.

"Chotu, I feel so ashamed. I... I just cant accept that they are my family, that's where I come from, from the bottom dregs of society." Arunya said in a choked voice.

"That's because you are NOT. You are my daughter and we are your family." Nirmala said firmly from the door, before walking towards her children.

"Maa.." Arunya looked up at her mother with quivering lips.

Nirmala sat next to Arunya and hugged her tightly before kissing her on the forehead.

"Aru, why didn't you tell me instead of bottling up all this inside you? There is nothing to be ashamed of Beti!! And remember this. You know nothing about them except what I and Chotu told you, and our opinions can be highly biased too. So, don't judge them before knowing them. That's not how I raised you both." Nirmala corrected her daughter, in her own loving manner.

"No matter how twisted their lives are, I am sure their love for you is pure. Nobody and I mean nobody DJ or PJ will dare to touch you. Trust me on this. And your brother Victor will not allow this either. Okay? Now please stop worrying." She kissed her daughter once again on the forehead.

Arunya's face broke into a broad smile and she hugged her mother back.

"Maa, you are always partial to Di, you never kiss me on the forehead like that... ever!!" Victor said grumpily.

"That's because I am the good one aaaaaand the smart one in the family!!" Arunya said with a wink.

****
^===========^

Families are funny aren't they? They are the best thing that you could be part of and sometimes the worst...

Here I tried to show the crisis faced by Loki and Arunya who are in conflict with their identity.
But of course Loki is in deep trouble thanks to his heinous crimes while Arunya is a gentle soul.
But how their sense of identity is restored by the rest of the family members forms the crux of this chapter..

Why don't you share what are the best and not so best qualities of your family? (if you feel comfortable in doing so)

My father's side of the family talk in such soft tones that they can be heard by all neighbours...and most of them are also good singers..so at every family function or wedding, there is a looooong singing session till the venue owners request us to stop. 😂😂😂

Eager to know what you thought of this chapter.

Love

Sesi