Captured

Chapter 2

Ranvijay pulled out a pack of Marlboro and dabbed a cigarette between his lips. Though he was strictly abstaining nicotine, the freeloader tension made up its mind to break his six years penance. The pack had always been in his pocket but he had victoriously curbed the urge to smoke. It was a kind of meditation to him, to test his patience, to test the ability to put on hold. Except today.

He couldn't resist and dragged in a puff, relishing the feel which was almost foreign in his mouth. He deliberated on the idea to tell his uncle about the men he took in his custody but it vanished as soon as it came. Everyone so firmly believed it was an accident and he had not found any evidence to prove otherwise except those men, who refused to speak.

He spewed a cloud of smoke overhead, leaning back in his recliner and contemplated the records. It was clear. The security team hadn't messed up. Footages, signatures and guests entry was scrutinized but nothing caught his eyes. How the hell did they enter? He was so focused on finding that he didn't realize finishing the whole pack and coughed.

"Hukum." Bhushan entered his office and handed him an envelope. "We found these."

Ranvijay pulled out the contents and whispered in shock. "Randheer."

"This seems like a well-knitted scheme. The infiltrators came dressed as personal escorts of Sisodhias. They didn't catch up in security. They also had the passes." Bhushan explained, sadly noticing Ranvijay's ashen face. It must've been difficult to know that his own brother wanted to kill him.

"It doesn't explain that Randheer is involved." Ranvijay stoically mumbled, picking up the photographs where Randheer was conversing with the men. It looked like he was instructing them.

Instructing to kill me! Ranvijay lamented in his thoughts and shook himself. He wasn't buying this. Until he heard it himself, he would falsely believe that Randheer loved him just as much as he did.

"Hukum, Prince Randheer had asked Kumar to not check these men." Bhushan guiltily replied and Ranvijay roared, "And Kumar agreed? Just like that? Whom does his loyalty rest on?"

Bhushan zipped his lips.

Ranvijay threw the photos aside and covered his face, putting elbows on the table. He knew none could stop Randheer. If they had tried to, he himself would have gone mad. His staff was just trying to act accordingly. He closed his eyes, taking his time to process the information and rubbed his face.

Leaning back, he looked up at Bhushan silently. "What about those men? They spilled something?"

Bhushan shook his head. "No progress. They are just desperate to leave but won't utter a word. They won't even scream."

Ranvijay's eyebrows furrowed and he stood up. "It's weird. They are enduring the torture for three days and they are not even screaming. Why?" He thought to himself and turned to Bhushan. "Keep your interrogation on. I'm sure they'll speak. Make sure Uncle doesn't know about them. I don't want him worried."

"Yes, Hukum."

"Also, arrange a meeting with Randheer. It should be discreet."

"But, Hukum, won't it be demeaning to Prince? What will you say to Maharaj?" Bhushan hesitantly asked and Ranvijay glared at him. "I won't say discreet if I want everyone to know."

"Sorry! I will get to it."

"Where was Raghvendra during the ceremony? Was he seen around?"

Bhushan pressed his memory to recall before shaking his head. "No. He was in Maangarh. We've confirmed it. Do you think he is involved?"