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Col Batra: Is this your final decision?

Vami: Yes sir..

Rohit: Vami kya bol rahi ho?

AK: Di.. ek baar phir se soch lo na please

Arjun: Vami..

Vami looked at him with so much vulnerability that Arjun averted his gaze not able to see her like that. He took a deep breath and made a fist.

Arjun: I.. I am with you.

Vami: Thank you AJ

Sammy: Arjun.. tum kyu support kar rahe ho ? And Vami why are you leaving force?

Rahul: It's Vami's decision Sammy. Uska career hai. Let her decide

Sammy: Lekin chachu pata to chale reason kya hai?

Rahul: She will say it when she feels comfortable to share it with us. Waise bhi yaha pe logo ko baatein chhupane ke alawa aur kuchh nahi aata

Virat: Of course.. And who knows it better than you right Rahul

Rahul looked at other side controlling his own tears.

Col Batra: If you are firm on your decision then you know the drill. Come to academy and complete all the formalities of your resignation and VRS in person. Till then If force thinks or needs, you will be called

Vami nodded in yes

Col Batra looked at others.

Col Batra: Waise to mera koi haq nahi hai kuchh bhi bolne ka aap logo ke beech me lekin ho sake to jitni cheeze ek dusare ke bhale ke liye bhi chhupayi hai bata dijiye.. kahi aisa na ho ki bahut der ho jaye aur samnewala aur toot jaye

He said last line looking towards Vami and then he glanced at Arya once. Then he went from there followed by Mrs Batra.

Virat sighed.

Virat: Bhaiya is right. Kab tak hum log ek dusare sab chhupate firenge. Kab tak ek dusare ko bachane ke liye aur hurt karte rahenge

AK: So.. are we doing this?

Rahul: What?

Atharva: Sab kuchh jo hua hai woh share karna hai Papa

Rahul: Kuchh share nahi karna hai

Rahul was rubbing his palms. Sana went to him and hold his hands.

Sana: Calm down Chachu. Apko share nahi karna na it's okay. None will force you okay calm down

She said last line rubbing his arm. Athiya came to him and hold his arm.

Athiya: Rah..

Rahul: Don't..

Athiya didn't press him much and rubbed his other arm to calm him.

Vami: Rah Cha..

Rahul looked at her.

Vami: Cha.. Actually aaj nahi to kal you have to tell everything. You are government witness.

AK: Haan Cha. And I would suggest aap yaha sab ke sath comfortable environment me apna bayaan do.

Arjun: Usko manzoor main karwa lunga lekin aap sahi me military environment me bahut uncomfortable feel karoge apna statement dena. Plus the trauma those things have given, it's better to be done in front of people with whom you are comfortable.. who can give you assurances.. who can calm you down

Rahul: I.. I understand. And I.. I am ready to give my statement lekin..

Virat: Lekin kya Rah?

Rahul (stammering): Ca.. Can we.. we.. do.. don.. done this to.. tom.. tom... tomorrow?

Athiya was rubbing his back. Seeing him stammering made everyone alert.

Sana: Chachu.. calm down.. come.. let's go to your room and you please have some rest okay..

Rahul took a deep breath and nodded in yes. He hold Athiya's hand tightly into his. She gave him an assured nod though her eyes were having tears. Atharva came to Rahul and hold his arm.

Atharva: Chalo Papa. Have some rest.

Rahul cupped his face and kissed on his forehead.

Rahul: Papa loves you a lot Atharva

Atharva's heart skipped a beat hearing this same line which he has heard years ago on a day when he has almost lost his father. But he composed himself and smiled assuringly at Rahul. They took Rahul from there.

Virat turn and almost ran to Rohit.

Virat: Kya hua tha aaj?

His question took everyone from the team and their wives off guard. Rohit internally calmed himself. He spoke in the calmest tone possible.

Rohit: You know about the accident of Rah and Tia right

Virat nodded in yes

Rohit: Woh aaj hi ke din hua tha and Tia was more injured than Rah. He was feeling guilty as he was driving

Mahi, Jaddu, Ash, Jassi, Harry all shared the look with each other.

Harry: Tab se thode dar se gaye the Vi Bhai

Harry continued and Rohit blinked to him thanking him.

Virat: Lekin it was minor one na

Harry: Haan normal one tha lekin Bina galati ke jab accident hota to thoda affect to hota na. Bas to thoda tab se dare hue se rehte hai

AK has followed Athiya, Atharva, Rahul and Sana. When he went inside the room, he saw Sana was explaining something to Athiya and Atharva was just staring at nothing. He went to Atharva and took him from there to his room.

AK: Atharva..

Atharva hugged him tightly hiding his face in the hug.

Atharva: I am scared Bhaiya..

AK held him protectively. He picked him and took him to bed. He covered him properly while still being in hug with him. He started caressing his hair while Atharva kept hiding his face in the hug shedding silent tears.

AK: Atharva.. kya hua bachcha?

Atharva: Bha.. bhaiya..

AK: Shh.. bhaiya yahi hai bachcha. Yahi hai okay. Calm down okay.

Atharva snuggled more.

AK: Kya hua?

Atharva: Papa ne mujhe yeh bola ki woh mujse kitna pyaar karte hai

AK: Haan to yeh to achchhi baat..

Atharva cut him.

Atharva: Uss din bhi unhonne yahi bola tha

AK: Kis din?

Atharva (stammering): Jis.. Jis.. Jis di.. din Pa.. papa..

AK made the hug tighter hiding him more into hug. The kid's trauma was at the different level. He cannot forget any of those moments. AK kissed on his forehead.

AK: Bas Atharva.. calm down. Bhaiya hai na yahi hmm. Calm down.

Atharva looked at him who was already looking at him.

Atharva: Bhaiya.. kya aapko.. aapko abhi bhi lagta hai ki Mujhe Jo chahiye woh..

AK: Atharva maine pehle hi mana kiya na. And don't you dare tell that to anyone.

Atharva: Lekin What's wrong in that Bhaiya?

AK sighed.

AK: Atharva you are not a kid right. You understand everything.

Atharva: Exactly Bhaiya.. I AM NOT A KID AND I UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING AND I WILL GET WHAT I WANT

AK: Atharva pagal mat bano.

Atharva: Bhaiya.. I know what I am asking and I will get what.. whom I want and that's it

AK (quite loudly): Atharva..

Atharva: Chillao mat Bhaiya sar dukhta hai shor se.

Atharva hold his head. AK's heart skipped a beat.

AK: Okay okay.. calm down kiddo. Calm down. Medicine Li apni?

Atharva pointed towards drawer. AK took out the medicine box. He was about to scold Atharva but saw the time and realised that the timing of his medicine was at 10 PM and now it's 10 PM. He made him have his meds.

Atharva: Apko pata hai bhaiya mujhe pehle yeh meds nahi Leni thi. I used to stay awake Papa ko yaad karte karte.. Lekin ab..

His eyelids started dropping.

Atharva: Ab to.. Ab to itni neend aati hai ki pata .. pata hi nahi chalta ki.. sahi me neend aa rahi hai ki..

AK: Atharva kitni baar bola hai Aisa waisa mat bola Karo. Aage se dhyan rakhna samje.

No response

AK looked at Atharva and found him asleep. He sighed but held him quite closer. He then made him sleep properly on the bed and covered him with comforter. He caressed his hair while Atharva was sleeping innocently.

Tears were threatening to fall down from his eyes. He tried to blink back them but was unable to. A sob escaped from his mouth but he quickly put his hand over it. He burst into silent cry. He cannot even imagine what Atharva was going through even though he himself is a soldier and knows the fear of not being able to see your loved ones one last time but they were trained.. that too when they were adults.. here this kid was suffering from the past 9 years.

He felt that someone held him protectively rubbing his back. AK was crying silently with closed eyes.

AK: I.. I don't want to loose Atharva. Please save him. Bacha lo usko.

"Akku"

AK opened his eyes with jolt and looked at the person only to find Virat there. He cursed himself for not identifying Virat's protective touch.

AK: Papa..

Virat: Atharva ko kya hua hai?

AK looked at other side

Virat: I asked you something Akku. Kya hua hai Atharva ko.

AK shook his head in no though the tears were falling from his eyes.

Virat sighed.

Virat: Akku.. If I can handle Vami and Rah's news, I can handle this too. Tell me the truth.

AK: Atharva.. Atharva ko brain me.. brain me clot hai

Virat was shocked hearing this.

Virat: Ath.. Atharva ko.. clot.. no... No.. usko kuchh nahi hua hai

AK: It's the truth Papa. Mujhe bhi abhi kuchh din pehle hi pata chala. Main khud.. khud iss baat ko accept nahi kar pa raha Papa.

Virat got tears in his eyes. He sat on the bed with a thud. AK hold him.

AK: Sambhaliye khud ko Papa..

Virat: Rah.. Rah ko pata hai?

AK nodded in yes

Virat: Pata nahi uspe kya biti hogi. And Atharva.. he is a kid Akku. Uske.. uske sath aisa..

AK: Sana ne bataya ki head injury ki wajah se..

Virat: Head injury..

AK: Ussi hadse ke dauran hui thi jis hadse ne Rah Cha ko..

Virat's heart skipped a beat.

Virat: Rah.. how would he be able to give his statement Akku? No.. you should not ask him for this

AK: Papa.. we need to know everything. Unke bare me jitna ho sake utna taki future me kuchh aisa na ho aur..

Virat looked at him as he took a pause

AK: Rah Cha ke andar se woh sab bahar nikalna zaroori hai Papa. I am a soldier papa.. Hume train kiya jata hai tab jake hum aise reh paate hai. He is a normal human being. He needs to vent out.

Sana who has come to check Atharva came inside.

Sana: He is right Chachu. Rah Chachu ke man me kafi kuchh hai jo hum log nahi jante. And all those things are affecting his health. Apne pero pe khade to ho gaye lekin unki body aur weak ho gayi hai.

Virat: Did you check him now?

Sana nodded in yes

Virat: Theek hai na?

Sana: Chachu.. woh almost brain dead condition se yaha tak pahunche hai. It's not easy for the body to adapt everything. Physiotherapy, exercises ne unki body ko function karne me help ki lekin body me woh takat nahi hai ki yeh sab exhaustion handle kar paye. His body has been on high dosage of medication, it will affect him in many ways.. he can become over emotional or over sensitive or he can become less sensitive.. He needs calmness jo shayad hum log kuchh bhi karke nahi de sakte kyuki even if everything falls in place, Atharva ki health is the concern. Tension to hogi hi na unhe

Virat sighed. He felt that he was pressing the wrong matter as the biggest one.. Atharva's health is something could be the biggest matter to handle. He is the youngest one amongst everyone.. Virat frowned

Virat (in mind): Atharva itna Chhota kaise?? Hamara jana could not be the reason.. To 9 saal???

Virat: I'll talk to him.

AK: Aur aap apna bhi dhyan rakhoge Papa. No cheating. Apne meds li?

Virat nodded in yes

AK: Chalo phir so jao

AK and Sana took him outside the room and closed the door and were going to take him downstairs when he stopped them.

Virat: I want to see Rah once.

Sana: Chachu woh so rahe hai

Virat: He was disturbed Sana. I know abhi uski neend khul gayi hogi

Virat went towards Rahul's room..

Sana: He is sleeping. Koi fayda nahi hai Jane ka

AK: How can you be so sure Sana?

Sana without replying him followed Virat and AK too followed them. The room was opened only. Virat saw Rahul was sleeping with a drip attached. He then saw Athiya was sitting near window and was looking into a file. He frowned.

Virat: Yeh andhere me kon si file dekh rahi hai?

Sana: Pata nahi. Lekin Chachi ko hamesha rat ko aise files dekhte hue dekha hai Maine. Main padhti thi na rat ko. Kabhi kabhi unka room khula hota tha to Nazar chali jati thi. But I.. I used to get scared. Medical line lene wali thi phir bhi.

Virat: Apno ko aise dekh ke dar lagta hai Sana

**********************************

Sammy was looking at Arjun with crossed arms whereas he was looking at particularly nothing. They were in the balcony of the first floor.

Sammy: Ab tum mujhe sab kuchh sach sach bata rahe ho ya nahi?

Arjun sighed.

Arjun: It's not my place to say Sammy. It's Vami's.

Sammy: She is taking VRS and tum usko support kaise kar sakte ho Arjun?

Arjun: Agar woh VRS nahi legi to bhi main usko hi support karunga Sammy. I am with her in all her decisions. I am not gonna leave her alone to fight the battle.

Sammy: To tum kuchh nahi bataoge?

Arjun shook his head in no.

Sammy: Tum na..

Vami: Sammy.. AJ ko kuchh mat bolo aur meri wajah se please aap dono bahes mat karo.

Sammy: Tu hamari chhod aur mujhe yeh batao ki yeh kya bakwas karke aayi ho tum Col Batra ke samne

Vami: Bakwas nahi ki hai. Jo karna chahiye wahi Kiya hai

Sammy: To matlab force chhod ke housewife banne ka irada hai. See agar aisa sahi me hai to Let me tell you Arya, Jinks Chachu, Radhika Chachi kisi ko tumhare officer hone se problem nahi hai

Vami gave her a look

Sammy: What??

Vami: You know we are friends and not gonna be anything more than that. Then why the Fu*k are you making it more difficult for me by saying all this?

Sammy: Because you fu*king are not telling me the truth.. the reason of anything..

Vami: Reason janna hai na tumhe to suno.. Tumhare uss best friend ko bachane ke liye.. usko aur takleef na ho iske liye usse door hui hoon main. Pyaar ka matlab hamesha pana nahi hota.. kabhi kabhi apne pyaar ko takleef se bachane ke liye bhi usko dard Dena padta hai

Arjun: Vami calm down.

Vami: I am calmed AJ. Main waise bhi isko sab batane hi aayi thi. I need her to handle Arya merw jaane ke baad

Arjun: You are not going anywhere

Vami: I am talking about Bangalore Bhai

Sammy: I thought of Bangalore only. But Arjun what did you think?

Arjun got caught off guard. Vami forwarded a file to Sammy.

Vami: This is the reason

Sammy frowned and opened the file. She checked it once then twice and thrice.

Vami: Nothing is gonna change chahe jitni bhi baar dekh lo

Tears fell from Sammy's eyes.

Sammy: This should not be true

Arjun: But It is

Vami: I want to tell the truth to Arya. Samaj nahi aa raha kaise kahu

Sammy: Are you mad? How can you talk so casually about this?

Vami: Sam..

Sammy: Bhad me gayi Sam..

She ran to her room crying. Arjun signed Vami to go to her and she too went after her. He sighed and sat there on a chair doing something on his phone with full concentration when he saw a hesitant shadow on his phone's screen.

Arjun: You can sit here with me Arya

Arya sighed and sat beside him on another chair.

Arya: I didn't want to intrude

Arjun: I know

Arya: Can.. Can I ask you something?

Arjun: No you can't.

Arya looked at him who was already looking at him. Arjun gave him a faint smile.

Arjun: I know what you want to ask and it's not my place to tell you..

Arya: Lekin..

Arjun: Mere Dad ne badi chalaki se hum Banglore jaye tab tak ka time buy kar liya hai. Now it's upto you Arya ki tab tak kaise tum Vami ko samja paate ho

Arya realised that they indeed have some time.

Arya: Thanks for making me realise

Arjun smiled at him.

Arjun: Anytime buddy.

Arya got up and started leaving but Arjun stopped him.

Arjun: Arya..

Arya: Haan..

Arjun: Ho sake to Dost banke jaana.. Uske liye share karna easy rahega. Agar uska pyaar ban ke gaye to kahi woh tumhe aur door na dhakel de

Arya's heart skipped a beat hearing this.

Arya (scared): Kyu? Pyaar.. pyaar me kya kharabi hai? Is.. is everything alright with her? She.. she is fine right

Arjun: You know Arya.. fauj me na ek baat boli jati hai ki har soldier apni aakhri saans tak ladta hai aur jab tak woh aakhri saans baki rehti hai tab tak umeed Zinda rehti hai aur jab tak umeed Zinda rehti hai.. Sipahi Jung nahi chhoda karte..

Arya: I'll remember this

Saying so he started leaving but again stopped and looked at Arjun.

Arya: And I'll make sure she remembers this too

Arjun show him the thumbs up.

Arjun: Great now go to your room and have some rest. We have a very tiring day tomorrow

Arya nodded in yes and went from there.

**********************************

Rahul was able to listen some giggles and chuckles. His extended family was having fun he could guess the light environment hearing the voices. As his mind's haziness was reducing, he was able to listen and identify the voices clearly. He felt his hair were being caressed lovingly and his hand was being held with the familiar love, faith and warmth. He felt his legs were feeling relaxed as they were getting massaged in firm yet gently way possible. He felt the restlessness of yesternight was fading away and he was feeling quite lighter.

Rahul opened his eyes slowly. He blinked it a few times to adjust to the daylight. First person he saw was Athiya who was sitting in front of him holding his hand in a firm assuring hold which was having the same love, faith and warmth which were there earlier. Rahul saw Atharva was sitting at other side near his legs and was massaging them. They both smiled at him to which he smiled back.

Athiya: Good morning Rah..

Atharva: Good morning Papa..

Rahul: Good morning..

His voice was though normal but the tension and weight of the situation was clearly heard. Rahul looked beside him and found Virat was sitting beside his head and was caressing his hair.

Virat: Good morning Rah. How are you feeling?

Rahul smiled and snuggled more towards him. Virat gave him a hug.

Virat (whispering): I am here only okay. I am sorry for pestering you to tell me the truth related to yesterday when you were working hard for standing up again on your feet.

Rahul (whispering): Aap raho mere sath please. I am quite scared you know

Virat (whispering): I am here only kiddo. Calm down okay

They broke the hug.

Athiya: Rah.. tum ready ho jao tab tak main tumhara salad and coffee leke aati hoon

Atharva: Papa help chahiye?

Rahul shook his head in no. By the time he got ready, the ladies have arranged breakfast for everyone.

Rahul: Aap sab ne breakfast kyu nahi kiya?

Harry: Are yaar tujhe aur Tia ko chhede bina breakfast karne ka maza nahi aata.

All chuckled.

Jassi: Aur tum dono ko chhed rahe honge tab tak yeh Akku meri biwi ko line nahi marega

Angad: Papa yaar itna possessive to main bhi nahi hoon Mumma ko leke

Vami: Are tum Chachi ko leke thodi honge, tum to kisi aur ko leke honge na

Sanjana: Waise aaj kal dance practice nahi ho rahi

She too joined.

Rohit: Haan aaj kal koi cute nakchadi chipkali ko bhi miss nahi kar raha.

AK was drinking coffee when Rohit said it and he choked. He gave a pleading look to Rohit who chuckled.
The light environment made the anticipation of future on hault.. giving them some moments of peace before the storm.

They were done with breakfast and now were just chilling out when Col Batra came there in his uniform.

Col Batra: Special Agents..

The agents stood up in attention just in one call.

Col Batra: Mr Rahul ke statement ko record karne ke liye video call arrange ho chuka hai. Go get ready.

AK: Who will be conducting this? Don't tell me my request was rejected. If BB sir is not managing this meeting, I am not gonna allow Rah Cha to even utter a word. This matter is way too much emotionally sensitive for him and for us.

Col Batra: Relax Akrosh. Are kabhi to mujhe bharosa kiya karo.

Arjun, Vami, Amy controlled their chuckle whereas Atharva chuckled openly. AK glared at him to which his chuckle turned into laugh making others chuckle. Rahul hold Virat's arm and kept his head over his shoulder.

Virat: Atharva has the same control over Akku which you have over me Rahuliya

Rahul: Don't call me that

They both chuckled

Col Batra: Special Agents.. Do I need to remind you all that we have a meeting in 30 minutes?

The agents ran from there to get ready.

Athiya: Yeh sab kidhar gaye?

Mrs Batra came there in her uniform.

Mrs Batra: Abhi to civilians the.. Special Agents banne gaye hai. Darsal jinke sath call hai woh hamare bhi uper ke level ke officer hai. And it's an official meeting to official decorum to follow karna padega na

All agreed. All were waiting for the Agents to come after getting ready. They all were excited as they have not seen them in uniform as of now. The only uniform they have seen was their mission's clothes at max that too for Atharva and Sammy. Rest all have always seen them in casuals mainly.

Virat has kept his other hand over Rahul's hold on his arm. He knew giving the statement was not easy. But he was feeling proud of Akku for the way he was protecting Rahul.

Rahul patted Virat's hand which was kept over his. Virat looked at him.

Rahul: Vami apne career me zaroor age badhegi dekh lena aap. I have this feeling. And you know na..

Virat: Vami ko leke tumhari feeling kabhi galat nahi hoti..

Rahul nodded in yes

Virat: I just want this particular one to become true Rah, If not anything else..

Rahul gave him an assuring nod.

Soon enough the Special Agents except Vami came and well the aura they were possessing was literally something else when they were in their uniforms. Sammy and Sana were lost in Arjun and AK respectively while Angad was looking at Amy with open mouth. Arya was looking here and there to get a glimpse of Vami but she was still getting ready. Soon enough she too reached there and Arya felt like whistling seeing her in her uniform. The ICT was all awestruck. Virushka were emotional yet proud of Vami.

AK: Ab hum logo ko taad liya ho aap logo ne to hum log meeting shuru kare?

All chuckled and it broke Sammy and Sana's trances too. Sana was surprised that how come she got lost  but she shrugged off the thoughts.

Vami: Rah Cha.. ek pal ko bhi uneasy feel ho to bol dena okay. Sana be with him throughout the call. Rah Chi.. aap aur Atharva saath me betho. Dono sath me honge to you guys will be able to stay calm.

All did as per asked.

Vami: Team take positions.

AK, Arjun and Amy stood behind Col Batra, Mrs Batra and Vami and Vami connect the call with Brigadier Bimal Bakshi aka BB sir.

Agents & Cols: Jai Hind Sir..

BB sir: Jai Hind.. At ease officers

The agents and Cols relaxed a bit

BB sir: So Mr KL Rahul..

Rahul: Ji.. Good morning. I am KL Rahul

BB sir: Yes.. so you are the one who will be giving statement

Rahul nodded in yes

BB sir: Well we already know all the background of the case. Kindly do proceed with the statement. And anyways we have been requested to not press the matter too deep as it is too sensitive emotionally

Rahul took deep breath.

Rahul: Uss din..

Flashback

Rahul was getting ready in front of the mirror. Atharva was looking at him longingly.

Athiya: Rah.. kidhar jana hai and kyu Jana hai? Hum log bahar jane wale the na Aaj

Rahul: Haan baba. We will go. Main bas yeh team ki requirements ke hisab se new NCA me kya kya chahiye uska written application sab ke sign ke sath hai woh submit karke aa jaunga. And then main, tum aur hamara ladla Atharva bahar ghumi ghumi karenge

He said last line to cheer up Atharva who was looking at him with cry baby face.

Athiya: Atharva.. beta kya hua aapko? Aise kyu muh bana rahe ho sad wala?

Atharva: Papa.. no jana

Rahul: Beta papa ko kam hai

Atharva hugged Rahul's legs

Rahul: Atharva.. beta kya kar rahe ho? Papa ko Jana hai na. Aur jaldi jayenge tab hi to jaldi wapas aayenge na kiddo

Atharva shook his head in no.

Atharva: No jana

Atharva started crying. Rahul picked him up and hugged him to calm him down.

Athiya: Lagta hai isko bhi nahi bhejan. Subah se aise hi udas sa hai

Rahul: Papa will come soon Atharva. Abhi Jane do

Atharva kept crying. He started coughing because of the continuous crying. Rahul made him have some water. Atharva again hugged him tightly to which Rahul was rubbing his back while holding him protectively.

Athiya: Rehne do na Aaj

Rahul: Tia.. captain hoon team ka. Main hi yeh sab important cheezo pe dhyan nahi dunga to kaise chalega and we really needed them before the cricket season starts

Athiya: Theek hai. Lekin Sambhalke Jana aur jaldi se wapas aana

Rahul: Of course My Love

He kissed on her forehead.

Rahul: Main Atharva ko sath me leke  jata hoon. Waise bhi itna time nahi lagega.

Rahul then went from home to go to BCCI office

Flashback ends--

Rahul: I.. I again took the worst decision of my life

His voice choked. Atharva sat beside him and hugged his arm giving him assurance that he is there with him and giving himself the assurance that HIS PAPA is there with him

Virat made Rahul have some water and caressed his hair.

Vami: Rah Cha.. Should we stop here? Are you feeling any sort of issues?

Sana (in mind): Yeh to Mera question tha. Di kyu puchh rahi..

Sana: Chachu calm down please okay. You are doing good. Aise hi man shant rakh ke aap age complete kar sakte ho statement

Atharva: Main bhi statement dunga Papa ke sath. I am the eye witness too. Jo Jo papa ko nahi pata hoga woh mujhe pata hai

Rahul and Atharva both took a deep breath and continued.

Flashback

Rahul reached BCCI office with Atharva. He then submitted the application in the respective department and then went to meet Mr Khanna to ask if he has found anything related to Virat in any nation's cricketing arena or not.

Rahul reached Mr Khanna's cabin and was about to knock when he heard him talking about some money. He frowned and silently opened the door. But he made sure to turn on the video recording and kept his phone on the front pocket of his blazer.

Mr Khanna: Already 75 crores transfer ho chuke hai. Baki ke 75 crores bahut jaldi transfer ho jayenge. Pagal hai yaha ke log. Cricket ke pichhe sab kuchh baha dete hai. Humne Virat ko fasaya woh sahi kiya tha. Lekin yeh sab players abhi bhi unko dhundh rahe hai. Agar unko pata chala ki humne blast karke Virat aur Anushka ki puri family ko maar diya tha ki woh log chale jaye yaha se

Rahul: What??

Mr Khanna looked at him and was shocked.

Rahul (angrily): You traitor.. you made Vi Bhai and Bhabhi run from us. She was pregnant at that time you dog.

Rahul punched him hard.

Mr Khanna: Yeh tum sahi nahi kar rahe Rahul. Aur tum yeh sab chhodo.. meri baat suno.. hum logo ke sath jud jao.. Abhi jitna kama rahe ho usse bhi zyada kamaoge. Are tumhare iss ladle bete ko kuchh bhi karne ki zarurat nahi padegi

Atharva was just looking at everything going on.

Rahul (angrily): Bas.. bahut hua. Ab tumhari sachchai sab ke samne aake rahegi

Rahul went from there taking Atharva. Mr Khanna took his phone and kept it on his ear.

KK: Khatam karna hoga isko.

Mr Khanna: Woh abhi abhi yaha se nikla hai. Main uske pichhe ja raha hoon aap bhi aa jao

They disconnected the call.

Rahul was driving quite rashly. He first uploaded the video on drive in a particular folder he knew none would open. He then called Rohit who picked it up in second ring.

Rohit: Hello

Rahul: B-Ro I..

Atharva: Papa dheere chalao na. Dar lag raha hai.

Rahul: Atharva beta Papa hai na. Kuchh nahi hone denge apko okay

Rohit: Rah why are you driving faster?

Rahul: B-Ro.. you please listen to me.

He said this much when he heard a gun shot sound. He saw some cars were following him. Rahul increased the speed.

Rohit: Rah what was that voice? Where are you?

Atharva has started crying.

Rahul: B-Ro.. please check my live location and come with police force. I.. I have something to share. I can't share on call.

Rahul's phone fell and he didn't bother to take it back as he had to first save Atharva.

Rahul was just driving towards as much far from his house as he could as he cannot risk Athiya's life too. He was about to take a turn to other side when a bullet hit his car's tire and he could not handle the steering wheel and took the turn at other side. His car hit with a tree but due to airbags, Rahul was not injured much but Atharva got injured on the side of his head.

Atharva (scared & crying): Papa..

Rahul cupped his face.

Rahul: Papa loves you a lot Atharva

He kissed on his forehead. Rahul came out of the car and took Atharva and hid him behind the bushes.

Rahul: I am sorry bachcha.. lekin Papa ko aapko yaha pe chhupana hoga. Please don't get scared. Papa will come back and take you home

Atharva: No.. Papa..

Rahul took him in a hug and patted his head lovingly. He kissed on his forehead again. Atharva was feeling quite dizzy due to impact of the injury. He fell unconscious which Rahul took it as he fell asleep. Rahul carefully made Atharva sleep and put some leaves above him.

Rahul then went to totally opposite direction and was trying to find as many stones as he could do that he could use them in self defence. He cannot go much far from there else Atharva's life will be in danger. He just had to pass time till Rohit and Police arrive. He motivated himself anyhow.

But soon enough KK, Khanna and his men arrived. They tried to search Rahul and Atharva but were not able to find them. Rahul tactfully knocked down 3 men with stones but then he was caught.

Atharva got consciousness and he opened his eyes slowly. His head was paining.

Atharva (whispering): Papa..

He got up slowly and stood up but the scene in front of him shocked him.

Rahul was fighting with few bad men. He was doing well but A man with a tattoo on his hand came and hit Rahul with rod on his head. Rahul's head started bleeding.

Atharva: Papa..

He looked here and there and saw stone. He took it and throw it at the man who hit his father without thinking anything. But the shock of seeing Rahul getting hit and falling down made its impact and Atharva too fell unconscious behind the bushes.

KK and his men were about to go towards the direction from where the stone came but they heard some faint sound of police vehicle siren and they ran away from there.

Atharva got consciousness after a while. Atharva opened his eyes and saw here and there. His own head was aching badly. He rubbed his eyes and looked again and finally found his father's body covered in blood sliding downwards from the cliff edge as it was getting broken. Atharva ran towards his father. Atharva has held Rahul's hand tightly but it was slipping. Atharva was crying. But before he could do anything, Rahul fell from the cliff.

Rahul opened his eyes slightly and saw blurry image of Atharva who was calling him while holding his hand.. but he fell..

Atharva (shouted): Papa...

He fell unconscious again due to shock and blood loss

Flashback ends--

Rohit: Main, Jaddu, Police hum log jab waha pahunche to Atharva behosh tha. Rah ka koi pata nahi chal raha tha lekin luckily hume uska blazer dikha and we got that he was down there. We reached in time to save both of them.

There was utter silence as everyone was feeling the heaviness of the incident.

Rahul: Tia.. tumhara phone dena..

Athiya gave him her phone. He share the video recording to AK and Vami. They checked it and it was approved as an evidence.

The official call ended.

All were looking at Rahul and Atharva who both were sitting with blank faces.

Rahul took Atharva in a side hug to which Atharva hid his face in the hug as he could not control his tears. Atharva could feel Rahul's raised heartbeats. He started rubbing his back while being in the hug making Rahul hid his face above Atharva's head making his tears started falling.

Everyone sighed in relief and went from there giving the Father - Son duo some alone time to be vulnerable in each other's embrace and to let out the pain of the guilt they both were carrying since years.

In that moment, Rahul and Atharva both just let their pain out while giving each other the assurance that they are there with each other.. They are together

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So that's it for this chapter. Hope you guys like it

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