Brute's Paradise

Chapter 40 -"Obscure intention..."

"I came to her to apologise for my yesterday's behaviour. Sometimes, I wonder how much she has changed me. I have never apologised to anyone in my life...whether I was right or wrong. I am still the same Manik Malhotra, but not when it comes to her. I don't know what magic she has worked on me. Manik Malhotra, the rock-solid man, melts in front of her. There is something in Nandini's eyes that makes me feel I can bow before her. And strangely, it doesn't feel like defeat. It feels like fun...conquering her by willingly accepting defeat. I was about to enter her room when SP Bhosle called me. This man... I hate him, yet somewhere deep inside, I respect him. Honesty is rare these days, especially in the police department. And Bhosle is one of the rare ones. But his closeness to Nandini irritates me. He knows too much about my past...things that could ruin my relationship with Nandini. And I can't let that happen. But right now, it's about Abhimanyu, Mukti and the dark past of the Notorious 5. Most probably, the attack on Aliya is connected to it too...at least, that's what Bhosle suspects. I take the call and learn that Aliya's condition has deteriorated. Someone had even managed to enter the hospital disguised as a staff doctor. That makes one thing clear...Aliya is still in danger. I decide to take Nandini with me. If Bhosle wants to question her, I would rather be there. So, I bring her along. Our car finally comes to a stop in front of the hospital."

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"But how is that even possible? How could a fake doctor walk straight into her cabin? This is your security! Anyone can stroll in and try to harm a patient!"

Manik's voice rises. His impatience is barely disguised frustration. Bhosle remains unusually calm, his expression turning grim.

"I know. Someone from my department underestimated the seriousness of this case. But..."

He pauses. That single word makes Manik and Nandini exchange a tense glance.

"But what?"

Manik demands.

"Is there something more that we don't know?"

"Yup...most probably the same man who called the hospital reception, asked about Aliya's condition, and instructed them to inform him on priority if she regained consciousness. Ironically, he introduced himself as her husband, even though we all know Dr Aliya Saxena is unmarried."

Bhosle pauses, watching their reactions.

"We asked Mr Dhruv if he was the caller. He denied it. The mysterious man even shared his personal number with the receptionist."

Manik's eyes narrow.

"And?"

Bhosle gives him a grim look.

"We traced the number. Guess what we found?"

Manik and Nandini ask together,

"What?"

Bhosle chuckles darkly.

"One of your friend's personal numbers...Mr. Abhimanyu Thakkar."

Manik and Nandini exchange a stunned look.

"Surprised? Now you understand why I'm digging into the Notorious 5's past. All of you are truly notorious, Mr Malhotra. And mysterious."

He pauses, letting the words sink in.

"A supposedly dead Abhimanyu Thakkar suddenly calls the hospital. Dhruv Dhawan, Aliya's fiancé, claims he has no idea who could want her dead. Aryamaan Khurana, a mafia king, helps his best friend Manik Malhotra to disappear. And Cabir Dhawan has no clue where his own brother Dhruv was while his fiancée was attacked."