Indrani was rendered speechless for a moment but as her blood boiled over this ghastly mistake by the rookie thug, her fury made her burst out.

"Is there anything called brain in that head of yours? Why the hell did you bring Advay Singh Raizada, when we asked you to kidnap this guy's son?" She spat at Keshav.

Munnah walked inside hearing all the loud arguments and realised what happened.

"Advay who? Isn't he the old man's son? But they were so close and happy together.... Shit!!!" Panic rose in Keshav's heart, as he began to realise the implications of his blunder, especially Ganesh Bhai's reaction towards him.

And this Advay whoever was calling this evil woman as Saasumaa!!! What kind of a family are these people, and what had this nice old man got to do with them? Keshav thought his mind was going to explode with all this thoughts. But now that he remembered, they weren't given the picture of the son at all as Madan Bhai said, so it wasn't entirely his fault.

He looked at his mates Munnah and Girish and they nodded their heads in his support which encouraged him slightly. But as he looked at everyone else, he could feel their accusing gaze on him. Just like a cornered animal, he did the only thing that came to his mind; he gathered up all his courage and shouted back.

"All this wouldn't have happened if you guys sent us the photo of this old man's son in the first place. So don't blame me for everything." He said defiantly.

Indrani turned her furious eyes to Ranjit now seeking confirmation if that was true.

One look at the guilt ridden face of Ranjit was enough for her to realise what happened.

Indrani closed her eyes briefly in frustration. If she thought this whole kidnap business was messy, she now realised it was nothing but disaster. And they were all in danger now that Advay Singh Raizada was held captive. She was sure that the police would be here anytime soon, considering his position and stature. She had no time to lose. If she could salvage anything out of this situation, she must act fast and save herself first.

She turned to face Advay and brought a fake smile on her face with difficulty.

"Advay! There has been a misunderstanding. This oaf, I don't know what his name is..."

Krishna Bharadwaj turned to Keshav and asked him kindly as Indrani gritted her teeth.

"Beta, what's your name?"

It took a moment for Keshav to react.

"Ke..Keshav" He muttered looking confusedly at Krishna Bharadwaj.

"I don't care what his name is..." Indrani spat at Krishna Bharadwaj.

Turning back to Advay, she resumed trying to sound as if there was no interruption at all.

"Advay ...."

But Krishna Bharadwaj interrupted her again.

"Advay beta I am sure you were able to hear everything we were talking through that door. I didn't want either of you to come out here, but we have no choice now. I am sorry to say but your SaasuMaa had brought me here so that she can... what is that term.... haan pump information out of me, as to what I told you about her. We don't have to say anything to her but just wait for the police to arrive, and arrest her and these thugs for their crimes."

Advay realised even before Kishen Chacha admitted that he was trying to protect him and Chandni from Indrani. But he can't let that happen, now or ever. Because of him, Kishen Chacha's life was now in danger. This was between him and Indrani. He had to finish her and he would do it alone without causing harm to anyone. He can't let Indrani use anyone from his family as scapegoats to score points over him, or get an upper hand in this ugly battle.

He decided to let all out in the open, so she can't play this hide and seek games anymore with him or his family.

"I know what you are trying to do here Kishen Chacha but why don't we just put my SaasuMaa out of her misery by telling her EXACTLY what I know." Advay hissed slowly at Indrani.

"No"

"No" Both Krishna Bharadwaj and Chandni warned him not to...

Advay turned to Chandni and looked into her eyes with all the love he had. She needed her approval before he did anything, her support. He gulped slowly and asked

"Chandni do you trust me?"

"Yes, with all my heart and mind." Chandni replied in a whisper as tears pricked her eyes, not sure why he was asking her such a question at this time.

That was enough for Advay, he would make sure her trust in him won't be misplaced. He would protect her at any cost, but now it was time for the final showdown with this evil incarnate called Indrani. But he would follow his Baba's example, and give even the devil, its chance for redemption.

He turned slowly towards Kishen Chacha first. He had to explain why he was doing this to him too, if he could.

"Kishen Chacha I think it is high time Mrs Vashisht knows what sentences are waiting for her in jail. Trust me I have thought about this while I was in there. She will keep pestering us and interrupting our lives like this till she gets put behind bars once and for all. I know the police are not here yet, but I want to give her one last chance for any show of remorse or offer explanation for her deeds."

Kishen Chacha was about to say something but held back himself, and nodded to Advay to go ahead.

Indrani felt confused and terrified as she listened to the whole conversation. What are these two talking about?

Before turning to Indrani, Advay paused and turned to Keshav first.

"Keshav I am really mad at you for hitting me and I will deal with you later on that. But I am glad that you mistakenly brought me here with Chacha; I can take care of him and protect him against this woman who unfortunately is my wife's stepmother."

Did this guy just threatened me and thanked me in the same sentence? Keshav wondered as his brow cleared somewhat, even though he had no idea what Advay was talking about.

"So Indrani, I have personally made sure that police know about your treachery all those years ago, where you and that thief Gangaram have replaced the antique and sacred jewellery belonging to all the gods in Shiv Temple." He wanted to make sure that all the blame lay with him, so Indrani wouldn't think of anyone else who helped him in this quest.

There was a huge gasp from Girish, who was a god fearing man, and he glared at Indrani for committing such sinful act. Ranjit looked at him in irritation.

"Police have already confiscated the real temple jewellery that you tried to keep for yourself all those years ag,o and they are coming to arrest you for that."

Indrani's eyes widened with fear momentarily but her stare became cold again.

"What rubbish!!" she scoffed.

"Trust me Indrani, I have better words to describe how filthy your deeds and mind are, and rubbish is not one of them." Advay growled at her.

He walked slowly towards Indrani like a predator on prowl. Even with his hands behind his back, he still looked dangerous and menacing and Ranjit looked haplessly around, unable to decide whether he should attack Advay or duck for cover. His hands automatically went to his pocket where he had a small pistol for his own protection. But he knew that even pointing it against someone like Advay Singh Raizada would be blasphemous.

Keshav and Munnah looked at each other as they observed this unfolding confrontation between Indrani and Advay, and they decided they would rather keep out of it. All they could get was that there was a lot of history between them and Indrani seemed to be hated by one and all.

Indrani stared back at Advay with a mixture of defiance and desperation.

"They have eye witness accounts of the whole thing and yes... your dear friend Gangaram has already confessed about how you two falsely framed the previous Mahant with the same crime sixteen years ago. And we also know how you spread false rumours about the Mahantani being a witch, and instigated the mob against her." The ferocity and the hatred in his blood red eyes terrified her.

Desperately, she plucked up her courage with sheer determination and argued back.

"What the hell are you talking about? I framed the previous Mahant, Mahantani? Someone had been filling your ears with all this hateful stories about me. You don't even know who you are talking about. They were just criminals who ran away from Allahabad with shame once their crimes came out. I have got nothing to do with it."

Chandni looked at her Maa with contempt. 

She knew, deep down her Maa wasn't the type who would back down, but she at least expected her to own up her faults a little. She averted her gaze towards her husband and her heart went out to him. What agonies he must be going through to listen to all these lies her Maa is uttering about his parents??

Advay's rage erupted inside him. How dare Indrani utter his parents name with her filthy mouth, and that too repeat the same lies she spread all those years ago? He lost whatever little restraint he had on his temper.

"Don't you dare Indrani!!! Don't you dare! They were noble people, the most kind and brave of all and you dare to say all these lies against them. Shame on you! Don't you even have any ...even a tiny bit of remorse in that cold venomous heart of yours? You instigated the mob against them. You got one of the thugs to murder the Mahant and worst of all..." He almost choked as he remembered the burning of his Maa...

"And worst of all you made the mob burn the Mahantani alive!!! How could you....How could you do that to another woman? What harm did she do to you? All you and your spineless husband ever wanted was to become Mahant and Mahantani right? They would have gladly given up their position for you, however undeserving you are, if only you just asked...but you...YOU EVIL WOMAN....you killed them both!! Why? WHY????" His anguish filled roar shook everyone around, including Indrani.

Chandni rushed to her husband and hugged him tight, trying to absorb his pain, his anguish. She was equally afraid that if she didn't control him, he might end up losing his restraint completely and unleash his fury on her Maa and everyone around. Even as Advay kept his hateful gaze locked on Indrani, his arms automatically wound around his wife, after he freed the ropes around his hands.

Keshav, Munnah and Girish were looking at Indrani with such contempt that they didn't even notice Chandni and Advay have freed their arms.

But Indrani did and so did Ranjit. But before they could say or do anything, Krishna Bharadwaj strode forward and stood in front of Indrani, arresting her with his hatred filled gaze.

"Don't even try to wiggle your way out of this, because I saw you .... I saw you that day giving money to that thug to stab my Guruji. I rushed to tell him but just then remembered that my Shiva was in your house, playing with your kids. As I was hesitating where to go, I ran into that very thug you paid, and he looked at me suspiciously. I saw you notice me from the corner of my eyes too. I stayed rooted to that spot, filled with fear, unable to go and alert my dear Guruji." Krishna Bharadwaj choked.

"I died a thousand deaths that day, ashamed of myself and my cowardice but what could I do? I was too scared for my family. But I will not repeat the same mistake today. When the police arrive here, I am going tell everything that happened that day and I will make sure you will rot in jail. I will ensure that my Guruji's son will avenge his parents' death and put an end to the stigma attached to his family and the temple because of you." Krishna Bharadwaj declared as all the anger and hatred in his eyes poured out as stream of tears on his cheeks.

Indrani looked at Krishna Bharadwaj first and then Advay. Some deep fear began in the pit of her stomach which she never felt before and couldn't even understand what it was.

"By the way Indrani, you only know me as Advay Singh Raizada but I am none other than Dev... Dev Kashyap!!" Advay's drawl sent a chill down her spine and she couldn't look him in the eyes.

"I watched my parents get killed right in front of me, threw my brother away, only to escape, survive and come back to Allahabad after all these years, to avenge for my family. You can't escape from me Indrani, I have come to deliver what the fate and other elements couldn't deliver... your long due punishment for your sins. But I am still giving you one last chance, for the sake of my lovely girl here to show some remorse, some guilt so that when you go up to meet my parents, you have some face to save." Advay hissed at her.

Indrani was filled with deep fear and shock as she heard Advay's declaration. Ranjit was just gaping with his mouth wide open at Advay, Krishna Bharadwaj and Chandni. Ranjit's assistant was looking warily at Advay as he could sense the danger, but he was waiting for Ranjit to give orders to him, which at the moment, he seemed to be incapable of.

"It is time for you to realise that Dev, your Nemesis is here now Indrani, and he will make sure you will face your justice in this world. You can't be forgiven for your crimes but enough remorse might enable you to get a better justice in the eternal world." Krishna Bhardwaj's solemn words spelt like death knell to Indrani.

Indrani was looking like a cornered animal looking everywhere for an escape and she noticed the bulge in the Ranjit's pocket which he was nervously touching.

Just then the driver of the black van rushed inside shouting in a fearful voice.

"Keshav Bhayya, I could see some movement faraway, I don't know but they look like police."

Suddenly there was chaos everywhere.

Ranjit plunged his hand into his pocket to retrieve the small pistol but Indrani was too quick for him. She grabbed the pistol off his hands and pointed it at everyone around her and walked slowly backwards, trying for a possible escape route.

Keshav shouted to Munnah and Girish to go and look outside while he retrieved his knife .

Munnah and Girish rushed outside along with Driver to see and find out a possible escape for them all.

Ranjit was furious at Indrani for stealing his pistol but there was no time to think of her betrayal now. He shouted instead at his assistant in panic "What are you waiting for, finish off these guys!!"

Ranjit's assistant lunged at Advay but Advay was too swift for him. As Advay gave a heavy punch in his guts and a side kick in the ribs, that guy fell flat on the floor with stars in his eyes momentarily.

Advay blocked Ranjit as he was trying to escape and repeated the same treatment that his assistant got. But Ranjit grabbed onto Advay's foot and tripped him over.

As Keshav tried to rush out, Krishna Bharadwaj warned him.

"Keshav beta, please don't try to run away but surrender to the police. You still got a kind heart inside you somewhere; this path is not for you."

Keshav looked into the kind old man's face, and he didn't know what came over him. He used his knife to rip off the ropes tied to his hands.

"I am sorry Pandit but I can't stay here." Saying this he rushed out.

As Advay was fighting with Ranjit and his assistant, Chandni could see that Indrani was slowly edging her way towards the door at the back.

Chandni rushed to her, oblivious of the gun and threat it posed, confident that her mother would never hurt her.

"Maa please don't do this ! Confess to your sins and make peace at least now. We have all suffered enough." She tried to stop her Maa but with a snarl like a wounded animal, Indrani threw Chandni out of her way with such force that she fell on the ground.

Krishna Bharadwaj rushed to Chandni's aide but Indrani was too quick.

She pointed the gun right at his face and threatened him to stay where he was, not allowing him to go anywhere near Chandni.

Advay watched Indrani throw Chandni to the floor through the corner of his eyes, and rage erupted like Lava within him. 

He gave one final kick to Ranjit and his assistant, which rendered them motionless on the ground, before rushing to see if Chandni was ok. She was whimpering in pain but there was no major injury to her.

Advay kneeled down and made sure Chandni was able to sit up comfortably against the wall first, before slowly getting up to face Indrani.

He stepped over the whining body of Ranjit, whom he had beaten to pulp, and moved towards Indrani with such rage that she shivered in terror, in spite of holding a gun in her hands.

But she pointed the gun right at the temple of Krishna Bharadwaj and Advay was forced to stop in his tracks.

"Dev, Advay whoever you are... get this in to your head now and forever.No one can threaten me or my position and get away with it; I have destroyed everyone who came in my path and your parents were the last hurdle in my assent to power. I have NEVER regretted anything in my life. This fool Krishna Bharadwaj tried to stop me, and I thought I eliminated him forever by throwing him out of the temple. But I probably should have killed him too so that I didn't have to see this day.  Now don't do anything stupid, and let me go peacefully and no one gets hurt. Otherwise..."

Advay could hear a loud bang and scuffle in the front of the farmhouse and was relieved that some help had arrived.

Indrani too heard the noise and felt desperate now. She dragged Krishna Bharadwaj along with her to the back door and opened it.

"Indrani No!!! Please don't do this, leave Kishen Chacha alone." Advay reached Indrani and her hostage in two strides but still held back as she lowered her gun to push into the back of Krishna Bharadwaj and used him as a shield to protect against possible assault from Advay.

She stepped back into the backyard slowly.

Unlucky for her, Veer and his friends were waiting there just then.

It took a moment for Veer to realise what was happening, as he saw Indrani backing into the door, dragging an old man with her,which he assumed to be Krishna Bharadwaj.

Advay was relieved to see Veer and his friends at the backdoor but he was equally aware of the danger Indrani and her pistol posed.

Veer acted instinctively and tried to push back Indrani into the living room, while trying to free Krishna Bharadwaj from her clutches. There was a split second delay before he finally realised the gun in Indrani's hands.

Advay shouted "Miku careful!!!" As the pistol in Indrani's hands went off with a bang, there was a loud groan and a thud as someone collapsed on the ground.

^---------------------^

With this chapter we have come to the most explosive part of the story, where Indrani comes to realise the true identity of Advay Singh Raizada.

Hope I have given you a suspense and action filled climax chapter in this. 

I have nothing further to say but await your feedback and comments.

Lots of love

Sesi