Swaraaj : The Devil

CHAPTER TWELVE

Pradhan House, Mumbai. 

"What's the news from Dada Sahib?" Bimal Pradhan asked one of his men once he entered his private chambers.... Bimal Pradhan was the man of many skills, one of his skills was deception, like he was doing right now.... He was eager to know what was reply of Dada Sahib but he acted really calm and composed around his men to maintain his order..... 

"NO answer Sir," Man said.... Bimal Pradhan stretched his back on his revolving chair and looked up at the ceiling.... Bimal Pradhan had sent an apology letter to Dada Sahib once he heard about his son's mistake.... But he also sent another message into Swaraaj about Karan Mehta and his supposed false claim about being Panchhi's husband.... Bimal Pradhan dared to ask an explanation on the statement of one of his men.... It was third day already since he sent these messages, but Dada Sahib hasn't reply on any of it.... Bimal Pradhan was now regretting his mistake about daring beyond his grade.... He knew that his family was strongest among all other families, but this time he wasn't dealing with another Family or his head, this time he had made biggest mistake about overestimating himself with Dada Sahib.... "Did you meet him?" Bimal looked at his man and expected that he would say yes.... 

"No Sir, his guard said he's not meeting anybody today.... And the guard also asked to take appointment next time if we want to meet him...." The last thing he said widened Bimal's eyes.... 

"Appointment?" Bimal was shocked.... He picked the phone and dialed Dada sahib's number.... The phone rang for some time and after a long wait Dada Sahib took the call.... 

"Pradhan, after a long time..." Dada Sahib's voice was pleasant... Bimal's eyes widened more, Dada Sahib was talking to him like there was no matter at all between them..... 

"Har Har Mahadev, Dada Sahib....." 

"Mahadev Har...." 

"Dada Sahib, I wanted to apologize on behalf of my son's doing...." Pradhan started with apology so that Dada Sahib would at least give him chance to explain himself..... 

"No need Pradhan, none of my men is in hospital right now.... So leave it..." Dada Sahib said coolly.... But he added afterwards, "But, that doesn't mean that your son is allowed to make same mistake again.... keep him in leash..." Dada's voice was firm and commanding this time.... The voice was scary enough to give him Goosebumps..... 

"No, Dada Sahib... I totally understand...." 

"It's not you who needs to understand this, it's your boy.... Swaraaj won't change its rules for your son..... Remember that...." Another command from Dada Sahib.... 

"Yes, Dada Sahib.... But...." Pradhan stopped.... 

"But?" 

"But Dada Sahib, I have one objection against Karan...." 

"Karan?" 

"Yes, if my son was wrong to follow Panchhi, then what was he doing with her? Doesn't same rule apply to him too? Who gave him right to attack my men?" Pradhan's tone was accusatory... but after hearing Dada Sahib chuckling on the line, he was little bit confused.... 

"Oh Pradhan, I thought from all the heads you were the smartest...." 

"What do you mean Dada Sahib?" Pradhan felt insulted, his tone was changing with his emotions.... "Karan is part of this Swaraaj for almost 10 years now.... Don't you think he knows the rules of Swaraaj the same way that you do.... And yet you're asking me this question...." 

"So you're supporting his claim...." 

"Supporting? Pradhan, I was the one who gave him the claim...." Dada Sahib said it boldly... Pradhan's eyes were widened..... but Dada Sahib didn't stop there he continued, "You wanted me to speak, so here's the truth, I married my granddaughter to him 9 years ago...." Dada Sahib said it honestly....