The Other Half

Chapter 31

(2005: Delhi)

"And here," Divya Rani stood proudly at her college gates, "is where I'll become one."

Shyam patted her head and looked at Akshya smiling at them.

"Something is changing in you," she commented.

"I thought you couldn't do that."

"Just an observation." She mused.

They had been a team since a year. Tracking down orphans who needed investment for higher studies. Divya was their 7th joint venture. And it had brought him to AIIMS in Delhi.

"Honey, why don't you go and have a great first day? We'll stop by for lunch."

"Okay didi. Bye. Wish me luck."

Shyam chuckled. "Good luck, Dr Divya Rani."

He moved towards the front gates again.

"Do you want to look at hostels or PGs?" Akshya asked.

"Hostels, always safer. She is not the type to want to stay in a PG."

"Fair. Let's head to them, then."

But they had not even taken ten steps when he spotted her. He stood shocked. Of all the places, of all the roads, of all the people. He couldn't believe his eyes.

Anjali Malik pulled out her phone, as she walked slowly down from the pavement, unaware of the incoming bike. Adrenaline coursed through Shyam.

"Shyam!" He heard Akshya cry out.

But he was holding Anjali in a firm grasp as the bike screeched to a halt centimeters from her, from where he had displaced her.

Anjali Malik looked up at him, thanking her stars.

"You fool, can't you see!" Shyam roared at the biker.

"I'm really sorry," the biker undid his helmet. "Mam, are you fine? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"N-no, I'm fine." Anjali found her voice.

"Your dupatta is torn." Akshya reached them.

"I- I'll buy a new one." Anjali said, not finding words. "I- Thank you."

Shyam nodded and realized he was still holding her by the shoulders. He let go as if she had burned him.

"Sorry, I-"

"It's okay. You saved me." Anjali cut through the awkwardness by her charm.

"You can run along now." Akshya ordered the biker. She turned to Anjali. "Are you absolutely sure you are okay? Do you need us to drop you somewhere?"

"I'm fine, really. Could do with a better dupatta."

Akshya smiled. The woman seemed fine. "I'm Akshya Wardha."

"Anjali Singh Raizada. And you are?" She smiled, dazzling Shyam.

"Shyam Manohar Jha," he answered, as Akshya gasped.

"You are ASR's sister. Aren't you?"

Anjali closed her eyes in embarrassment.

"Don't worry, won't rib you. Might rib your brother."

"Well, he deserves it." Anjali chuckled.

"Your brother is ASR?" Shyam asked. Did Arnav know Akash needed protection? What were the Raizadas up to?

"Yes. Now you also don't start. So, who are you guys and what are you doing here?"

But Shyam would have none of it. He needed to confirm something. A gut feeling that been pricking him for a year. And this would kill two birds with one stone. "Ms Raizada, could we table this interrogation for an actual table?"