Together Forever

The Kidnapping

The day of Saanvi's engagement dawned bright and sunny. Her house was lively with relatives, as numerous rituals started. The function was to be held in the terrace of the house. Just when Shiv was close to a nervous breakdown, dealing with caterers, etc, relief arrived in the form of Vasudha and Narayan. Even as Narayan and Virat helped, Saanvi noticed that Vikram was not to be seen.

When Nidhi asked his whereabouts to Vasudha, Vasudha looked a little downcast. "He left in a hurry last night. It seems some problem has come up in the army base."

Saanvi was concerned now. Not wanting to call Vikram, she asked Nidhi to check with Dhruv on what was the problem. Just as Vijay and his family arrived for the rituals, Nidhi hurried to Saanvi.

"It seems Rohan was kidnapped by the terrorists, and they are demanding release of Nawaz."

Without a moment's hesitation, Saanvi replied "Book me a plane ticket right away. I am going there to help."

Hearing this, Vijay stopped her "You can't leave now. What about our engagement?"

Saanvi answered "Look, this is a matter of life and death. I need to leave now."

Vishakha angrily interjected "It is not your family member. Then why are you so worried?"

Saanvi's anger rose "So if it is someone else, you just leave them to die?"

Shiv tried to pacify her "Saanvi ma, please just finish the engagement and leave."

Nidhi shook her head "No Dad, there is a flight right now, after which next flight will be tomorrow."

An argument broke out between Saanvi and Vishakha, by end of which Saanvi said decisively "If you can't postpone the engagement, let us just drop this whole marriage thing. I am fine to stay as a spinster."

Prakash immediately intervened "Don't come to hasty decisions. We can do the engagement just the day before the wedding. That's ok."

Relieved Saanvi left for the airport, while Prakash pulled Vishakha outside.

"Duffer, keep your mouth quiet for some days. That girl is a golden egg laying hen.". Seeing her confusion, Prakash explained "Her mother's ancestral property is worth crores. Why do you think I pushed your brother to propose to her? Till this wedding is over, we will abide with whatever she says. Once we get her property in our hands, then you can do whatever you want with her."

Vishakha reluctantly agreed to put her plans to trouble Saanvi to rest, at least for now.

†*******************************************************************************************†

Abhay was deep in conversation with the police when Saanvi walked into the army office. Worry written all over his face, he explained to Saanvi.

"It was Faizal. We underestimated him. He kidnapped Rohan from the school and has given us deadline till tomorrow 10 am. If we don't release his brother, then he will ... Roha..." his voice broke unable to complete the sentence. 

Saanvi held his hand, assuring him that she along with Vikram will bring Rohan back safely. Abhay then introduced her to a guy who was checking out the CCTV footage. "This is Sujith. He was our main guy in IT earlier, but then he took few months off due to his personal health issues."

As Abhay left, Sujith nodded appreciatively at her. "They told me all about your great work but missed telling me about your beauty."

Saanvi moved to her place, ignoring his comment, and started looking at the CCTV footage of the vehicle's movements. Presently she took her laptop and headed into Abhay's cabin, to explain her idea.