The Unventured Passions

Deathly Dealings

Shock is that feeling of pause while the brain makes a new connection, one that brings high emotion of either joy or sorrow. It is finding yourself unexpectedly on a platform, train approaching, realising that this time the destination is not a choice.
Bondita had heard Raimoti's heartfelt wailing, her mind had registered the words as she gripped the table firmly, to support her trembling body. Her brain stuttered for a moment and her eyes took in more light than she expected, every part of her going on pause while her thoughts caught up. She clutched the telephone receiver to her bosom and closed her eyes.

Deep breath Bondita... Take long deep breaths... One, two ...three...

Anirudh's voice echoed in her ears. It's exactly how he used to calm her down, it's exactly he used to sooth her, protecting her in the sheath of his arms.

"Barrister Babu..." A cry left her throat, as she opened her eyes taking a deep breath once again.

Her hands had quickly dialled the reception of Calcutta medical College, but at that dead hour of night, no one responded. It was expected, she knew it already, and at that moment, there was only one person she could think of... Only one!

She could go alone, in search of her husband, and she would as well, but Anirudh had taught her the difference between courage and foolhardy, and no doubt, he had taught her well.

With trembling hands she reached for her notebook and took out the small rectangular card from it. And, murmuring an earnest prayer, she dialled the number.

"Hello??" An old cracked voice replied with an northern accent.

"Jewish Bakery?" She asked, her hands gripped the receiver and her heart thudding violently.

"What do you want?" The old crackling voice asked again.

"Basu... Basudev Krishna?" Bondita blurted out.

"We don't sell that here." The man was about to hung up the telephone as Bondita almost shouted out the words.

"Dwarikadhish...I want Dwarikadhish!"

A few seconds of silence, and the man responded in a grave slow tone.
"Who is calling?"

Bondita swallowed. Her eyes were burning, and each minute was critical.
She pressed her eyes shut and squeezed a drop of tear.
"Sudama."

The telephone line got disconnected, as a steady dial tone rang in Bondita's dampened soul for a moment.
Her Barrister Babu was in danger, and all she had was herself. Inhaling sharply, she almost ran towards her bedroom and pulled the empty revolver from under her pillow, as in another two minutes, one of the sleeping guards woke up for a minute, only to see a glimpse of the Maalkin leaving the house in her black car.

"Where is she going now?" He called his partner.

"What's the time? 2:10am?" The second guard rubbed his eyes.

"Stay here, Gurcharan... Guard the house, and don't sleep... Let me go out and check the streets." The first guard had picked up his stick and as he walked away in the dark, following the smoke trail of Bondita's car, with an anxious heart and a strong will.

................................................................

"It's so sad to see you dying like this Barrister!!" The fourth man spat out the blood from his mouth, wiping his lips with his finger.
"You are a strong one..." He chuckled.
"I don't remember when was the last time anyone could beat me like this... You broke my teeth, you bloody Barrister!!"
He picked up the fallen Bamboo stick and lunged Anirudh once again, breaking two of his ribs, and making him writhe in excruciating pain. He still hadn't lost his consciousness.
Another blow on his broken leg, and another, and even in his almost unconscious mind, as he lay bloodied on the street, his mind relayed the possibility of the pistol lying a little away. He won't give up... He had never learnt to give up, and at that very moment, as all the beckon of hope seemed to fade away one by one, Anirudh opened his eyes, blood dripping from his lashes, as he slowly dragged his limp body towards the deserted weapon.