The Dead Officer's Truth OR Facet. ONGOING

Part 53 - Realization

Part 53 

RIYA POV 

It's been a while now that I have been able to go out and enjoy some time surrounded by my family and friends, laughter and joy filling the air. It's been just few months since my return and this time of reunion has given me many more cherished memories. But deep down, I know very well that my life as a dedicated agent will be resuming, and with it, the bittersweet reality of leaving everything behind once again. The first time was definitely unplanned but this time I have everything planned out. Even though not everything has gone as per my initial planning, but I know that I can still turn the situation in my favor. 

In an attempt to bring Chotu and Chandi closer, we have been recently coming to her restaurant as much as we can.  Which is why today on our day off, we are here for lunch again. With Chandini joining us after a lot of convincing, we chat and laugh as we wait for our food to arrive.  

However I can't shake off the eerie sensation that someone is watching me, as if an invisible force is fixated on my every move. My eyes darts around discreetly, scanning the faces of people in the restaurant, trying to identify the source of this unnerving feeling. It is then that I see him, sitting at a table across the seating space, his penetrating gaze locks onto mine. There he is, Baba looking at me  with a stern yet sympathetic expression 

I excuse myself from the table, my heart thumping in my chest, feigning a casual excuse to my friends. I leave the restaurant with practised ease, following a nonchalant detour towards Baba, all the while ensuring I am not being followed or observed. As I approach him, I noticed how he has blended effortlessly with the surroundings, dressed impeccably in a simple yet elegant manner. 

Baba's stern yet composed expression softened slightly as I get near, and without uttering a word, he gestures me to follow him to a more discreet corner. Walking in his direction away from everyone's eyes, my mind is racing with thoughts of what lays ahead. Finally, we arrived at a secluded corner, hidden from prying eyes and electronic surveillance. The atmosphere feels tense, but I know better than to show any sign of vulnerability.  

As we reach a secluded spot, ensuring we have not been followed or that anyone has noticed us, Baba speaks as his voice carries a mixture of confirmation and compassion as he delivers the news. "Riya, we almost have got everything we needed. I just wanted to give you a HeadsUp that our role here will be done soon." 

At Baba's words, I could feel so many emotions clash within me. On one hand, I feel a surge of pride for my accomplishments, knowing that her decisions have made a difference. On the other hand, the thought of leaving my family and friends behind again, possibly missing out on important moments and milestones, kind of weighed heavily on me. 

But how can I stop what I started years ago?  

I guess I have come way too far to give up now. 

Making sure that he doesn’t pick up the internal turmoil going on in my mind, I say with a straight face. " That's great news Baba. You know what to do next right!" I somehow manage to find my voice determined. 

Yet Baba looks at me with extreme concern. "Really!... what about your family? Your friends? Your damn husband! You've just got back, and now you are willing to leave again?"  

His words tinged with both anger and a flicker of resistance. 

"Baba, I came here with the very mission to go back one day. My family, my friends, I know how to deal with them. And this time, I'll make sure it doesn’t hurt the way it did then. After all, this time I can choose to break it to them." I make sure to repeat my reason to come to Mumbai to Baba and to myself as well. Then with a forced smile, I feel the need to point out another major point, "And the damn husband you're so worried about is just waiting for the day he can say that he wants to get rid of the relationship between us. Mom and Dad may be unaware, but you Baba.... you are very much aware of most of the things that has been going on between me and Arjun."