Crime Control Squad

Chapter 14

Unlike his speedy rash bike driving, Sagar was over cautious with the car. In spite of arguing strongly against taking his boss' car for his sleuthing task, his boss had won. He wanted to take his luxurious sports bike to wander around even with the rains lashing around madly. But his boss had ordered otherwise and it would be an eighth wonder if he could successfully convince him. His only respite was not being forced with the official SUV. He hated the huge vehicle. He always felt as if a huge burden was pushed down on his shoulder to prevent it from dropping down whenever he took the steering. He was glad his boss had offered his own personal car for the task.

Chopra Garden City was a lavish, exuberant architectural genius of bungalows, apartment towers, penthouses and commercial complexes. Situated in the outskirts, its radiant presence could be seen and felt at least 5 kms before it's reach. Shelter and investment for most of the top businessmen of the country and NRIs, Chopra Garden City hosted the country's most important men and women living in the city. Smooth roads with green plants and trees positioned as escorts on either side of the road, Sagar never expected to enjoy his drive. The area was such a contrast to the city. Clean with no garbage sleeping on the sides, road maps and signals erected at the right places, parking spaces marked clearly, the area seemed to look like a developed foreign country.

"Definitely under private jurisdiction," murmured Sagar. He turned down another point of the car AC, feeling the cold taking a toll on him. Shivering slightly, he blew out air, rubbing either side of his arms leaving the control of the steering wheel for a moment. He switched on the music player and was not surprised to hear a sober old Hindi song.

"Like boss, like song," he commented to himself. He connected his phone to play blasting music, shielding all sound from outside the car. "No mention music player. Finally you are put to perfect use."

Minutes flew as Sagar entered the main gate of the luxurious township. Uninterrupted anywhere, he travelled over the many speed breakers, changing gears swiftly, swirling his neck left and right, gazing firmly at the several huge commercial complexes which had its own independent gates and security. He had to travel at least 2 Kms from the entry into the magnificent 'city' to reach the residential buildings. Sagar wasn't sure if he was mighty impressed or mighty frustrated at the extravagant display of richness when the same city sheltered people slogging in poverty. Even a small percent of the total investment made in this project could have served thousands of people to live a better life, at least out of the road side platforms.

A huge arch hoarding displayed Chopra Gardens in stylish word art. A check post barrier obstructed the path. Sagar could already see a man in uniform coming out of the security cabin with his hand raised above in a stop. Sagar scurried for his ID card, a strong common gate pass over any halt. He downed his window to flash his card but the security still didn't seem to be in any mood to let the car pass. He picked the card from Sagar, as he finally stopped at the barrier. Observing the card closely and matching it with the face protruding from the inside of the car, he returned the card. "Sir! Could you please come over and sign the register to acquire the gate pass?"

Sagar was irked. He hated to waste time on petty things like that. He was a police officer and had already proved himself to be one with his ID. Yet, he was forced to follow unnecessary protocol. "I am on duty," he tried to release himself of the security hook. Deep down he knew as an officer he had to follow the rules instead of trying to dodge it.

"I am sorry Sir. We have to follow rules. It would take less than a minute. Please Sir," said the officer respectfully. Unable to refuse, Sagar stepped out of the car, locking it behind. He entered the small cabin which consisted of just a table and a chair, the table filled with registers and a landline phone. The officer picked a register which was titled Visitor. He jumped the pages to the latest one and turned the register towards Sagar and handed over a pen. Sagar obliged as he entered the date, his name, the name of the resident he was visiting and the address details, and his mobile number. The officer observed the address details and picked up the phone to inform the resident.