Sense & Sensibilities

Aarambh

"Thank you, on his behalf." The lady adjusted her glasses, slowly wiping off her tears as she gave a broken smile.

"He would be hating this, we all know it." There was a chorus of laughter in the audience. "He hated spotlight. Never liked to go to a gathering, hated meetings, and hated people. But ironically, he was in the profession of people.

This career had repeatedly given him spotlight. He handled this city, then went onto train people. I believe some of you are here with us." There were some nods. "He loved the work. It made him so happy, though he was cynical. He loved figuring out things, loved solving a puzzle." Clearing her throat, the lady continued. "I shouldn't be here, I have no right. But this is such an unfortunate- anyways. Thank you once again. My husband, Dustin Co. . . "

Riya tuned out the rest of speech, vacant eyes going over the audience. It was overflowing, cramped into this modest auditorium on the occasion of National bravery awards. He had changed so many lives, had so many impact.

She was also a little bit free- sir's family had got out of the hole, it seems. There will be eternal sadness, the heart will always be broken. But they are surviving this. Even though she had failed to check on them, they lived.

Her phone rang, it was Arjun. "Where are you?"

She took a last look at the podium, then walked out.

The ETF team along with Special squad was present at the court, awaiting the hearing which can start anytime. Outside the courtroom, Aryan and Sameer had a few words.

"Officially, this case is over. But it still feels so. . . "

"Unsatisfactory?" Rathore supplied, earning a smile and nod.

"Yes. But we cant do anything else legally. He killed a man due to his idolization of another killer." Aryan shook head, "what a mess."

There was a commotion, and the men turned to the scene. A small crowd was heading towards them, bystanders and reporters alike. Camera flashes went on, people cleared their paths for the obviously important persona.

It was Damre, with a displeased looking Sakshi Anand in tow. She hid it the moment she saw them.

"What . . . " Aryan whispered, sharing a look with Rathore who was murderous.

Damre was, in general, a man who had no emotion. No sadness, no happiness, eyes vacant, which made him look creepier. But today, there was a glint to his eyes. He headed straight towards the courtroom, stride quick and purposeful.

Rathore hissed when they came closer, words aimed at Sakshi. "What the hell you are doing here?"

"Just to see a man who had committed a murder in my name." Damre replied, giving both the men a blank look. "We are allowed, aren't we?" He turned to the woman.

"They cant stop us legally." She looked at Rathore, "we will stand in a corner, wont participate or hamper your case. We will leave once its over. Lets not make a scene."

"What about the scene you have brought with you?"

"Look. . . " Aryan intervened, but a bell rang.

The hearing has started.

The judge stroke hammer, pushing the case to another date. The accused came out of courtroom, but stopped next to Damre, eyes shining with tears. Damre stood taller, looked proud, and gave a nod. Police took the other man away, but they kept looking.

The whole scene was bizarre.

Riya reached ETF before others, making her place in the record room like she does every day. She got the rundown of court from Shree who was agitated himself, and started to think deeply about all these mess. Her laptop and bag remained untouched.