Meetha sa Ruhani ISHQ (Sequel)

232. Ritwick bears punishment

Neil: (turning Mini to him) Mini...

Mini saw his face had a small motivatedly hopeful smile.

Neil: Weakness zyada hai?

Mini: Nahi... Manageable hai... Kyu?

Neil: Let's go then... 

Mini: Kahan?

Neil: Tumhare emotional pain ko closure dene.

Mini: Matlab?

Neil: You will see.

Both sat in the car and Neil drove somewhere. It was a long way so Mini was feeling a little munchy all of a sudden.

Mini: Neil... Mujhe na ekdum se kuch thoda halka fulka khaane ka man hai.... Can we stop somewhere.

Neil: (stopping the car) Kya khaogi?

Mini: Anything light.

Neil: Fruits?

Mini: Yeah... It will do.... (looking out of the window) But fruits idhar kaise?

Neil turned back and tugged the basket he carried. Taking out a small tiffin, forwarded it to her.

Neil: Aur kuch khaane ka man ho to bolo... Raaste me kuch stalls wagera bhi hai. 

Mini: (nodding in a no) Amm.. Hmmn... It's fine.

Neil: Ok.

He drove further while Mini was looking at the street while having fruit salad.

They reached the destination and Neil parked the car. 

Mini saw it was the police station.

It was dark atmosphere despite there was ample amount of time to evening as there were a lot of dark clouds just about to have a downpour and the atmosphere seemed depressing there.

Inspector lady was waiting for them only.

Neil had his arm wrapped around Mini to support her as she still walked slowly.

Mini was confused as how will her emotional pain get a closure here.

Inspector led them to a path. It was a dark path.

Mini stopped before going further and Neil realised it's because of the darkness.

Neil: Mini... I am with you... Don't worry.. I am not leaving your side.

Mini held his hand tighter and walked further, shivering lightly draped in his arm. She felt her energy draining as she walked in the path surrounded by the haunting darkness. 

They entered a room well lit up and saw a man, sitting on a stool with his head rested on his folded arms on the table at the adjacent room to the other side of the glass windows.

He was half naked and his bare back was visible to them which had multiple long bruise marks.

They walked further till they could be in front of him but the inspector told them that the glasses are one side viewable and there is a microphone inside. Only they can see or hear him but he cannot. Saying this, inspector signalled the constable inside from the small window in the door.

Constable banged on the table and Mini shivered due to the bang.

Neil held her tighter as he was already mentally prepared for this.

The man lifted his face and Mini saw that it was Ritwick. She understood that these marks on his back was due to her slamming his own belt on his back.

She felt a little better seeing the marks and she breathed deeply.