Realisation And Nurture (BOOK #2) ✔

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The old man at the inn lifted his head up and scratched his beard when the profound voice of Vihaan began interrogating him. It was midnight and the entire town of Omkareshwar was devoid of any noise, except for the booming intensity of Vihaan's throat.

"I have received complaints against your lodge that illegal goods are being smuggled from here." Vihaan directed in his usual way and produced his identity before the owner of the inn. "I am leading the mission of smuggling at Omkareshwar and have gotten the permission to search every nook and corner of this area."

"I am sorry Sir, you might have been mistaken." The old man cooed and breathed hard. "My inn is the oldest in the town and has a good reputation."

"Criminals have a tendency of using reputed locations so that they are not doubted." Vihaan's anger was hiking and he displayed his gun, warning him one last time. "Do you want me to get the arrest warrant for you?"

The owner froze in his place and put his hands into the pockets of his pajamas and nodded, seemingly convinced of the proposition. "Sir, you can go ahead with your task but please don't let this incident ruin my reputation."

"It won't unless you yourself spread the news." Vihaan shoved his gun deeper into his pocket and took a step forward. "Make sure you are not telling anyone that your lodge has been searched. In case you do, you won't be spared."

Vihaan held up his mobile and lit the torch as he walked along the length of the corridor. There was a horizontal row of rooms to his left with each one numbered from hundred. He exactly knew where he had to halt and which door to knock, while keeping his senses alert and steady.

He stopped at door number 109 and put his ear against it, trying to collect any information he could binge upon. There was darkness around him and no sound emerging from inside the room. He was informed that Pratyush was hiding in the same room and without much thought, he chose to knock on the door.

As it had been planned beforehand, he knocked thrice and the knob of the door unlatched, revealing another old man to him. Vihaan took a few seconds to study him closely against the dim light of the candle burning in the corner of the room.

Only when the man opened his mouth and whispered, Vihaan was thoroughly convinced of him. "Vihaan Sir?"

"Pratyush?"

"Please come in." The man sounded fearful as he pulled Vihaan inside the room. Locking the door behind him, he urged pleadingly. "Sir, have you met Tejal? How is she? How's our newborn?"

"Both of them are safe. Besides, Tejal is my cousin, and keeping them protected is my responsibility." Vihaan was trying to console him. "When are you going to leave for Vishakhapatnam?"

"We have a train reservation for the day after tomorrow."

"Don't worry, I will escort the three of you safely to the station." Vihaan tapped on his shoulder. "Uncle has told me that you needed my help in this. Secondly, I wouldn't let anything happen to my sister."

Pratyush whipped around on his toes and held his forehead as he plopped down on the chair. "Do you think this is the best solution to run away without facing the reality? Tejal and I wanted to make things better and easier for both families. We never expected the things to deteriorate in such a way where Tejal's family got threatened and her father arrested without a reason."

"I am of the similar opinion as yours, Pratyush. Trying to escape from the reality will do more harm than good in the long run." Vihaan took a seat beside Pratyush on the bed. "Above all, you can't afford to run away from your family year after year while leaving Tejal's parents at stake."