RE-CLAIMING

12

Raunak stood in disbelief as Abhimaan delivered the shocking news.

''Are you sure?" He asked his voice trembling.

''I saw the hole. It wasn't because of a puncture. The tyre had burst open due to a gunshot. The thing that took my attention was- the bullet was removed. It was due to a gunshot.I need to retrive it from the police before some tampering happens'' Abhimaan said firmly.

"I will come with you," Raunak offered, his voice filled with concern.

Abhimaan hesitated, weighing the risks in his mind. "Thank you so much, buddy, but I have to tread alone. Wish me luck."

Raunak felt a lump form in his throat as he realized the severity of the situation. "I will be there with you, Maan. I promise."

But Abhimaan's eyes darkened, and his grip tightened as he pulled Raunak closer. "I have promised that I will keep you out from all this. I don't want you to go through what I have gone through."

Raunak's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you kidding me, Abhimaan?"

With a heavy heart, Abhimaan's words cut deep. "Our friendship ends here."
Raunak felt a wave of shock and hurt wash over him.

"Maan, please don't leave me. Don't push me away from you. I am your family."

Abhimaan's resolve was firm. "Yes, you are, and I have to protect my second family."

Desperation crept into Raunak's voice as he clung onto their friendship. "Abhimaan, please!"

But Abhimaan's decision was final. He pushed Raunak away, his voice firm and unyielding.

"I am sorry, Raunak. If I stay alive, we will meet again someday. For now, leave. Please leave. Never see my face again, Raunak - Tujhe humari dosti ki kasam hai."

Raunak stood frozen, his heart shattering into a million pieces. "If this is your decision, then I will repect it because I love as well as respect you and your choices. Good luck Abhimaan Verma," he replied, his voice devoid of any emotion as he turned and walked away.

A lone tear escaped Abhimaan's eye, betraying the wall he had built around his emotions. He wiped it away, his resolve unbroken, as he prepared to face the storm ahead, knowing that the sacrifice he was making was for the greater good, even if it meant sacrificing the one person who had stood by his side through thick and thin.

And as Raunak walked away, carrying the weight of their broken brotherhood, the echoes of their unspoken words lingered in the air. Abhimaan stood alone in the hall, watching as Raunak's retreating figure disappeared into the night.

The weight of his decision settled heavily on his shoulders, the echoes of their fractured friendship ringing in his ears.

He clenched his fists, trying to fight back the turmoil of emotions threatening to consume him.

''I have no one now that I can lose. I have nothing to lose now. O God, help me and if I die then I will be less sad because I have nothing to lose. My only hope is YOU.'' He muttered to himself.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to focus on the task at hand. The car was his only lead, his only chance to unravel the tangled web of secrets that had entwined their lives.

As he approached the police station, a sense of foreboding washed over him.  Abhimaan knew he was on his own, with only his wits and determination to guide him through the night.

Inside the station, a sense of unease settled in the air as he met with the officer in charge. The officer's gaze bore into him, a silent challenge that Abhimaan met with steely resolve. He demanded the release of the car, his tone unwavering despite the tension crackling in the room.

After what seemed like an eternity, the officer finally relented, handing over the keys with a warning glint in his eye.

Abhimaan felt a chill run down his spine as he made his way to the impound lot, each step heavier than the last.

There it was, the car that held the key to unlocking the mysteries that had torn his world apart. With a trembling hand, he opened the door, his heart pounding in his chest. And then he saw it - a flash of metal glinting in the darkness. As he touched the spot, he came to know that it was a bullet.

He was relived that the police hadn't seen this.

Checking the brakes and other things- he sat on the driver's seat and drove the car back to his house- slowly and carefully.

''That means two bullets were fired.'' He muttered as he got down from the dilapidated vehicle.

''Abhimaan Verma?" Abhimaan jumped in fright.

He turned and saw a man. His head was wrapped in a bandage.He recognised him instantly. He was the same man that he and Raunak had helped.

''You?" Abhimaan asked with a relieved sigh.

''I wanted to thank you'' Alok said.

''Its fine. I hope you are alright uncle'' Abhimaan replied softly.

''I came to know about your parent's demise. Stay strong.'' He said.

Suddenly the rain started pouring heavily and strong winds blew.

''Looks like a small rainstorm. Please come inside. Its not safe to stay outdoors.'' Abhimaan said and ran towards the house to unlock the door.

Alok followed him, his steps gentle.

''Please stay here- till the storm ceases'' Abhimaan said and pulled a chair for Alok.

He then tried to switch the lights on but it did not work.

''Damn! The electricity is gone. Please wait here.'' Abhimaan lit up the torch from his phone.

Alok too lit up his phone's torch. The torch beam fell on the big frame on the wall infront of Alok.

His face paled and his eyes widened as he saw the frame.

The frame had Abhira, Armaan and Abhimaan's pictures. The three, were in a line- Abhimaan in between them.

''Armaan sir and Abhira mam?" Alok said, loud enough for Abhimaan to hear.
Abhimaan's jaw clenched and he held a vase in his hand.

''HOW DO YOU KNOW THEM? HOW DO YOU KNOW MY PARENTS?" He asked, his voice high pitched.

''Abhimaan, I am not a stranger neither a goon. I am Alok Tatrari. I used to work in Poddar Firm with them. I was their employee. I WAS ARMAAN SIR'S EMPLOYEE AND ASSISTANT. AND YOU ARE THEIR SON? ARMAAN AND ABHIRA'S SON?" Alok inquired, his eyes tearing up.

''Yes.....yes...but I don't know you. And what did you just say? My parents worked in PODDAR FIRM? PODDAR AND PODDAR ASSOCIATES?''

''YES!''

''HOW? YOU ARE LYING! TELL ME OTHERWISE I WILL BREAK THIS VASE ON YOUR ALREADY INJURED HEAD!"

''I AM TELLING THE TRUTH- YOU ARE MISTAKEN. Your parents were Poddars before. THEY HAVE LIED TO YOU.'' Alok answered firmly and Abhimaan knitted his eyebrows in confusion.

Suddenly the lightning struck and the room was illuminated for a second.

''I don't believe you!''

''You have to Abhimaan.'' Alok replied.

-------------------------

JOURNEY TO THE PODDAR MANSION BEGINS AFTER TWO CHAPTERS! ABHIMAAN AND RAUNAK BROKE THEIR FRIENDSHIP- ABHIMAAN WAS PROTECTIVE OF RAUNAK AND RAUNAK UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT- 

ALOK HAS TOLD THE SECRET- WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? WILL ABHIMAAN FIND A SOLID PROOF?

HOW WILL THE PODDARS REACT?

STAY TUNED!

DROP IN YOUR VIEWSS! AND DO VOTE READERS!