As Sharath Nair led Loki inside his mansion, he couldn't but notice how Loki kept gazing wide eyed at the opulent decors and furniture inside, set against the subtle but perfect lighting.

Sharath Nair smiled inwardly. When he was living in the gutters and slums, he always dreamt of making it big and living in a rich mansion like this. Once he rose to power in the  Mumbai underworld, he got the best professionals to design and build his home in the affluent suburb of Juhu, with no expense spared, and he was immensely proud of it.

"I must say Sharath ji! You have such a nice taste. Your house and the interiors, they look superb!" Loki's tone conveyed all the admiration he felt, as he sat down in the soft Italian leather lounge.

"I believe in enjoying the wealth I have worked hard to earn Loki. I know some people feel better living in simple environment for various reasons, but not me." Sharath's smile was more like a sneer as he watched Loki's face intently.

Loki was about to say something but stopped himself. Instead, he threw his head back and chuckled loudly. He knew Sharath loathed his brother DJ, but this was not the time to think of their differences. When he finally turned his gaze back to Sharath, his face looked grave and tense and the sneer on Sharath's face evaporated.

"Now, Sharath Ji, to more important matters. Are you sure that we wont be disturbed or overheard by anyone here?"

"Of course Loki, but what's the matter?"

"Hmm you might be in for a bit of a shock... probably wont believe what I am about to tell you right now, but listen to everything I got to say and then make up your mind, okay? All these raids and loses you incurred, I felt so bad Sharath ji and that's why I thought I should help you."

Loki paused and watched the incredulity in Sharath Nair's face turn slowly into suppressed fury.

" Sympathy indeed! All these months, your brother refused to help me or even talk to me, but suddenly calls me in the morning,  to casually inform that you are coming over to pursue that IB director's murder investigation. So,  Loki.... if you don't mind, please spare me all these empty words and come straight to the point. I am a busy man, but neither your brother nor you seem to take that into account. I have to meet lawyers and check about Daniel's court hearing about the Bicholim drug sieze as well!"

"I know Sharath ji and that's exactly why I came to meet you in such a hurry. There is a mole in your gang and he is leaking all the information against you to the local police and even IB. Those raids on Joseph's Den, the Bicholim coup and not to forget the arrest of Cheriyan... they didn't happen just like that! I bet someone conspired against you and Cheriyan  and informed the police about Cheriyan's meeting point."

"What rubbish! If this is your idea of some sick joke Loki..."

"Sharath Ji, do I look like I am joking to you?" Loki stood up abruptly and his furious face stopped Sharath from speaking further.

"Remember that day when I was on my way to meet Cheriyan? One of your men asked me to take a godforsaken route to reach that place, and of course I was lost and reached late. But by then, the army and police officials were on their way. From our side, other than me and you, very few  guys knew about our meeting point right? Then how come the police ambushed Cheriyan and his men there?"

Sharath's furious face faltered, but he still looked doubtful as Loki continued earnestly.

"Even that raid on Joseph's Den by NCB and that silent coup at Bicholim!! How could that bloody Victor get all that information without someone leaking it to him or the police? I had my suspicions since then, but got the confirmation in the past few days. If you don't believe me, just do a simple thing. Gather all your men right now in front of me, and talk to them about any den of yours where you have some stock left; the least valuable it is, the better. Tell them that my brother DJ is sending a fresh stock of SPICE directly to this particular den, as your gang's activities are being closely monitored. NCB might already have some idea where your dens are, but they want to catch your men red handed so that the trail leads back to you, right? Once you discuss this with your guys,  see what happens. I bet you my bottom dollar... I mean every rupee I have, that NCB will raid that place in twenty four hours and catch your men."

"I... I just can't  believe this." Sharath got up from the lounge and began to pace the floor. Loki waited patiently for few moments before he too got up and reached Sharath Nair.

"I am sure Sharath ji that you can handle this little matter all by yourself. Find that bastard who is working against you and kill him without a second thought. But the main reason I came to meet you personally is this."

He took out his mobile and showed him a video.

It showed Sharath Nair's right hand man Daniel. Daniel was blind folded as he struggled against the ropes that tied his upper body to the chair he was seated in, his groans muffled up, due to thick black tape wound around his mouth.

Sharath Nair grabbed the phone from Loki and nearly shouted, "What the hell is this? How can the police do this? Daniel is supposed to be in judicial custody!"

As Sharath Nair played the video, someone in police uniform, with their back to the camera ripped the tape off Daniel's mouth and then proceeded to whip him with a special belt, designed to inflict maximum pain without leaving any mark on the victim's body. As he heard the heart wrenching cries of Daniel, Sharath Nair's face blackened with fury.

"You know Sharath Ji, I have always felt bad that Victor targeted your business which cost you so many crores in losses, not to mention the damage to your reputation. And as I promised to you over the phone, I have been digging around about Daniel's case for the past few days. Thankfully, Ashwin has been helping me too as he is in charge of the other case... what's his name?" Loki threw his head back in frustration.

"Joseph..." Sharath muttered helplessly.

"Yes...Joseph's case. Last night, I got this video from one of my colleagues in IB here in Mumbai. Strictly for my eyes only, as I am... I mean Victor is in charge of Daniel's case unofficially. They all know that Victor was responsible for the Bicholim Coup even though Victor's name doesn't appear anywhere on paper. And going by my colleagues' remarks, they are confident that Daniel is going to crack and will soon become an informer. I know that he has a court hearing today where your lawyers, I mean, Daniel's lawyers are going to appeal for a bail..."

"Yes, they have. You don't know how much money I have spent on this case already and feeding those leeches who call themselves as lawyers!! They assured me that Daniel was going to be released on bail today!" Sharath said frustratedly.

"Fat chance of that happening, to be honest! And from this video, you can only guess. Police will continue their torture and make sure Daniel becomes their informer, so that they can raid every den of yours and destroy your network completely! That's why I came here in such a hurry. I didn't even tell Bhai about it, because he is in deep depression due to Tanvir's death and he doesn't want me to get entangled in anything,  to avoid  unnecessary suspicion from my boss and colleagues. I just gave some excuse to him that I need to go to Goa and Mumbai for the follow up on our boss Nanda Sir's murder investigation. And luckily, he bought it and sent me here on one of his friends private plane. You know what a dangerous position I am in, don't you?"

"Of course Loki, I do. Trying to deceive a bunch of intelligence agents is not an easy job. And I am so glad you came to show me this. But what do we do now? I have full confidence in Daniel that he wont open his mouth. But.."

"No matter how trustworthy your guy is, everyone has a breaking point, and police and other agents have various techniques to force even the best criminals. And imagine how damaging it would be then? Your know your business in and out, but if I were you, I would just bury my stock in cold storage till this court matter is sorted out."

"It is not that easy Loki, especially when police are watching us like hawks. Who's this police guy torturing Daniel?If I knew, I would skin him alive."  Sharath growled.

"Okay, I understand your problem.  But isn't getting Daniel out of police custody more urgent now? I have a plan to rescue Daniel, but only on one condition, we need to do this just by ourselves. Not a single soul in your gang should know this, because I am sure they will leak it to NCB and the police. Call me a selfish bastard or whatever, but I am more worried about exposing myself rather than  rescue your guy. If someone in police or IB gets to know I helped you, I am gone. Now, I leave it for you to decide. And if you still don't trust me, do what I have asked you before."

"First tell me what your plan is all about, and then I will decide whether it is worth risking anyone's neck." Sharath rasped back.

In few words, Loki explained what they should do to rescue Daniel from the clutches of NCB and police and Sharath's face broke into a slow smile, even though he neither agreed nor disagreed with Loki's plan.

Loki strolled back to the lounge and sat there, waiting for Sharath to respond.

Sharath bored his eyes into Loki's and the latter stared back with nonchalance.

"Hmm.. Loki, I am grateful to you for helping me here. But, why are you doing this? I just cant believe that you are willing take such risks, that too without your brother's knowledge. Please spare me your lies, that you have come here purely out of concern for my business and losses."

"If you don't trust me, I can't help you Sharath ji. Let me put it this way, if you listen to me and go by my word today, it will help you in the long run in doing business with my family and my family isn't just my big brother!" Said Loki, with a smirk.

Sharath's eyes widened as he finally understood the purpose of Loki's visit and his heart felt lighter for the first time in many months, as he saw the reassuring smile on Loki's face. He bared his teeth as he walked up to Loki to shake his hands.

"Enough said, little brother. Now leave it with me. I am beginning to see the conspiracy against me. Whoever this traitor is, I will make sure his life turns into such a hell that he would regret being alive.  I just can't figure out who it could be!!! Do you remember the name of my man who suggested that route to you in that Kerala jungle?"

Loki scratched his head and thought hard.

"I am sorry Sharath ji, but I cant remember.I just spoke to him on the phone briefly and one of your men, Keshav, who was with me did most of the talking, as Keshav had no idea what the route was!"

"Yes, Keshav is new and he works mostly in Tamilnadu region. So he wouldn't know." Sharath agreed reluctantly before adding, "I just can't believe that there is a mole in my gang. I keep a close eye on everything that goes around here. But I never had these setbacks before."

"A mole need not be a new recruit Sharath Ji, but an old and trusted man, who is eager to carve his own business and wants to finish you off in the process."

Sharath's eyes widened.

"Are you suggesting Satish did this?" His voice was barely a whisper.

"As I said, I have no idea. Why don't you try that little experiment I suggested and find out for yourself?"

"Hmm... Okay. Let's go to my office and I will gather everyone."

"Before we do that, can I suggest one more thing?"

Sharath Nair looked impatiently at Loki.

"I know what you are thinking Loki. I will make sure that all my guys, well... as many as possible, to stay inside my mansion today so that I can keep an eye on them."

Sharath rang someone on the mobile and began to order for a multi course lunch to be delivered to his mansion in half an hour.

"Wow!! Sharath Ji. You are a genius! You and I , we think alike!" Loki shook Sharath's hands with enthusiasm and then followed him to his office and sat opposite to him. Even the office looked like a suite from a five star hotel, spacious and richly furnished. Within five minutes, all of Sharath's men including Satish Deshmukh and Chetan  assembled in his office.

Sharath asked everyone to be seated while he turned to Chetan and asked, "Chetan, are you taking care of our stock in Virar area? Do we have enough maal to cover the festival season?"

*City of Mumbai and the main suburbs referred.

"No Sir. Satish Bhai told me to look after the Goregaon area. I think Joseph was taking care of  Virar area before he got arrested. But now.." Chetan looked apprehensively at Satish.

"Sharath Sir, since Joseph's arrest, I have taken the additional responsibility of Virar Vasai area too. We have plenty of peddlers there who bring in new customers as well serve our regulars and I send Altaf and Sachin to deal with any issues. But so far, it's been good. Joshi, the local Sub Inspector of police is our man and he keeps quiet, as long as we give him his share of profits. Virar market is very low when compared to our other markets, and we just keep enough stock on a week to week basis." Satish explained.

"I know, I know... I was thinking it over, after what happened.... But, if you are in charge of that, I have nothing to worry." Sharath chuckled loudly.

"I am going to send some additional stock tomorrow. It seems there are a lot of parties happening over the weekend." Said Satish, as he nodded his head at Altaf and Sachin who were standing behind Chetan.  

"No Satish. Let's keep our stocks where they are. Loki has given me some happy news just now. DJ Bhai is going to send fresh stock directly to our den in Virar, and it may probably arrive there in few hours. Just send Altaf and Sachin and make sure it is pushed to everyone to cover for the weekend."

Satish opened his mouth to object but then held back."Okay Sir, as you say. I will send our guys."

"Where is your den in that area,  Sharath Ji? I mean, I can send my men to help you guys. I know you are quite stretched as it is, with these raids and police surveillance. My guys will get the job done without a hitch." Loki intervened, drawing incredulous stares from everyone except Sharath Nair.

"Hahaha Loki, thanks for the offer, but my men are more than capable of doing such a small job. Where are your guys by the way?" Sharath looked around suspiciously.

"Oh! I had sent them off to get some fresh air. But they will come back in a minute if I summon them." Loki assured, and asked again with a smirk, 'Why such secrecy Sharath Ji? Don't you trust me and my men enough? We are in this together you know!".

Sharath Nair laughed aloud and assured,"Of course I trust you Loki. Our Den is right next to the Union Bank on the link road. Quite handy and hardly known to anyone. And if you insist, we can send one of your men along with Altaf instead of Sachin. What do you say Satish?"  Sharath gazed keenly at his right hand man.

The disconcert and suppressed animosity on Satish's face was quite evident now.

"Sharath Sir... why do we need someone else to do our job? Our guys are sitting idle most of the time, thanks to..."

Just then Loki's mobile rang, interrupting their conversation.

Satish pleaded in a whisper "Sharath Sir, can I talk to you just for few minutes." Sharath got up reluctantly.

Loki looked up at the caller ID and announced with a smile to everyone, "it's my Bhai", before answering the call. "Haan Bhai, what's up? I am at Sharath Ji's place much earlier than planned. That Goa business had to be postponed till tomorrow. Do you want to speak to Sharath ji?" Loki began to handover his mobile to Sharath.

Sharath had one look  at Satish's impatient face and shook his head at Loki.

"Ah Bhai, Sharath ji is talking to some supplier at the moment. I will ask him to call you back, the moment he is free, okay?" Loki smiled at Sharath and left the room as he continued his talk with DJ, leaving behind a relieved Sharath and his men.

Sharath and his men could still hear Loki's voice faintly as he strolled along the hallway, but Satish could no longer contain himself. "Sharath Sir, why are you asking that good for nothing guy to help us? Haven't we faced enough trouble in his brother's hand? Who is he to meddle in our affairs?  Since when did DJ began to send SPICE supplies to us?"

"Satish, calm down. Do I look like a fool to you? Don't I know how to control my empire? Loki is really keen to help us. Just trust me on this, as I can't explain everything right now. But let us send Sachin and Altaf to Virar so that they can receive the stock. We don't need to use Loki's men. But we need to hurry up."

Satish nodded his head reluctantly and signalled to Sachin and Altaf to make a move.

"Altaf, call me the moment you reach Virar, and keep me informed of everything." Sharath said in a grave tone.

"Yes Boss, will do." Altaf looked confusedly at Satish and Sharath and left the room.

Loki returned to the office shortly while he was still speaking to DJ, albeit in a tense tone.

"Damn!! I didn't expect Rajiv to regain consciousness so quickly. Well, as long as our guys keep their mouth shut, we have no problem Bhai. Anyway, I will also speak to Ashwin and find out what is going on. Please don't worry. Sharath ji is free now, do you want to..."

Loki's face stiffened  as he heard his brother's terse voice on the phone and with a final goodbye, he cut the call with a sigh.

As he looked up apologetically at Sharath, the latter smiled back."Don't worry Loki, I know your brother too well to be upset by such small things. Why don't we have lunch while we wait for the stock to arrive.  Satish, why don't you join us?" Sharath asked in a cheerful tone

"That's okay Sir, I have got some urgent work. You guys please carry on." Satish began to move towards the door.

"Satish! Please, I insist. What would Loki think of us? He has come here for the first time and we should show him how well we treat our partners and friends. I have asked the caterers to bring lunch to all our guys today so we can eat together like old times. Come, you can do everything afterwards.." Sharath's lips were curved up with a wide smile, but his tone was as commanding as ever.

"Of course, I will join you. Let me handover some tasks to the rest of the guys who are out on the road, so that we all can have lunch in leisure."

Before Sharath could object any further, Satish left them both to make a few phone calls.

Shortly afterwards, the caterers arrived along with the sumptuous food and one by one, all of Sharath's gang members entered the dining area.

Satish too joined them after a short time. Sharath encouraged everyone to eat, before serving food for himself, while Loki had double servings of all the tasty dishes.

During the prolonged and tense lunch,  Loki tried his best to keep Satish and Sharath humoured as he recalled funny incidents from his college in jersey. Sharath laughed louder than necessary to his every joke, while Satish barely smiled.

****.

3 PM
Sharath Nair's Mansion, Juhu.

As Loki observed Sharath and Satish, he couldn't decide who was faking most to look cheerful and relaxed. This better be over soon, he prayed inwardly.

Within a few seconds of gap, both Sharath's and Satish's mobiles began to ring loudly. Satish almost jumped to answer his phone, while Sharath observed Satish keenly before answering his mobile.

After speaking frantically over the phone, Satish turned to Sharath who was still speaking gravely with someone.

"Sir... this is urgent.."Satish intervened and Sharath asked the caller to hold and turned to him.

"Horrible news Sir. It seems NCB has raided our Den in Virar and caught Altaf and even shot him in the leg as he tried to escape. Sachin also got arrested. One of our peddlers who was there with them, somehow managed to escape and has called me just now."

Sharath nodded his head gravely, and was lost in thoughts before he was brought back to his senses by the urgent tone of his caller.

"Hmmm.. Joshi, Don't panic. I am not suspecting you at the moment. I don't know who is behind this treachery, but trust me. I will catch that bastard and show him what I am capable of. Keep me posted, okay?"

He ended the call and turned his attention to Satish.

"Was that Joshi..." Satish paused.

"Yes, that was SI Joshi from Virar Police Station. He says he had no idea that NCB had organised the raid,  that too with minimal force from the central branch, and it was all over before Joshi or his constables could intervene. He is begging me to forgive him."

Loki, who was listening their conversation with a neutral face till then, couldn't stop his chuckle anymore.

"Aaah bless our police... We should give a medal to that SI..."  Loki's derisive comments were cut off by Satish who looked murderously at him and shouted, "Sir, I knew it , the moment this guy told us about the drop this morning, I knew something like this would happen. That's why I asked one of our regular peddlers to keep an eye on the den and report to me. He set us up. He and his mighty brother. They want to destroy you Sir, and that's why they are doing this."

"And all this time, I thought I was good at telling jokes. Anyway, Sharath ji, I am so tempted to say I knew it, but I leave the commentary to experts." Loki said, as he gave a mock bow and walked out of the room. A bewildered Satish turned to his boss Sharath Nair, who was watching him malevolently.

Just then, one of Sharath's men walked in and announced that a team of lawyers have come to meet him.

^========^

Sorry for the late update but my hand pain is still giving me a lot of grief.

Coming to the story, apart from the obvious, there are so many underlying currents that can be noted here.
So, what do you make of this chapter and what are your conclusions, deductions?
As always, I await eagerly for your responses and will answer all your questions leisurely tomorrow.
Sesi.