THE REVOLUTIONISTS

Chapter Ten

- We have received a couple of disks from a group called 'The Revolutionists'. They left these recordings in our office building with their name on it. It said, 'From, The revolutionists; for a better future.' On these CDs we found some mind-blowing evidences to prove the rumor about the bribing scandals going on in the Municipality and in the admission process of Reluna University. Let's watch those footages.'

The reporter on the TV finished and they started showing the images and videos we sent them. Atreyee, Devansh ji and I were in the hospital. Vijay was watching the TV with a shine of satisfaction in his eyes. He was getting better. He could talk, move; but still had trouble walking. So, the doctors gave him a cane to assist him in case there was no one around.

- Change the channel.' Vijay said Atreyee. 'Let's see what others are saying.'

The University premises looked like a battlefield. The students were on hunger strike in front of the VC's chamber. Some reporters were interviewing some of the students. And they were fierce with their choice of words.

Every channel was showing things like these. Atreyee got bored and switched off the TV.

- We don't need to see all these. We did well. Maybe this was what we were always meant to be.' She said.

- This is perfect.' Vijay got excited and tried to get up from his bed. We stopped him.

- Have you gone crazy?' I said helping him lie down again. 'Stay right there. And you know what? You guys became 'The Revolutionists' you wanted to be. When I first arrived here, you were a bunch of murderers. But this is real; this is your ultimate achievement. Be proud of it.'

- No... buddy. You are the one who drove us to the right direction.' Vijay couldn't comtrol his tears anymore. 'You are the perfect revolutionist.'

I had no words. And everyone around us was silent too. I spent a few more hours there and left. Atreyee stayed with him for the rest of the day.

...

I was strolling through the woods like I used to in my earlier days. I was thinking what's next. I didn't want to stay there forever. People are talking about this group everywhere. And in a few days the whole picture was changed. People started marching in protest of their govt. and students continued their strikes against the VC. Yesterday I saw in the news, there has been a violent fight between civilians and the police. They are becoming more and more uncontrollable day by day. This little operation of ours opened everyone's eyes. The people started fighting against the corruption.

- You did it.

I heard the voice. It was Devansh ji; he followed me here and he sounded very proud and satisfied.

- No, they did it. I just convinced them.' I said.

He was still smiling at me like it was all for me. Then said,

- I have to tell you some things. Which I think you must know.

- What?

- Remember? In Karshahi operation there was a fire incident way before the explosion happened.' He was gazing upwards through the tree leaves.

- Yes. That almost ruined the plan.

- That was me. I tried to stop you guys from attempting a mass murder.

- What?' My jaw dropped.

- Don't be so surprised. There's more.

I was totally shocked. But he kept talking.

- I went to save Vijay, because I knew your Uncle ji ordered you to kill him.'

There were literally no words I could say. 'How did you even think that I'll kill Vijay?' I asked.

- Boy... You know nothing about life. You have no idea how far a man can go to gain his freedom. I've seen the dark days. And I hope you won't have to.

He paused for some moments; the sky gazing filled the time between the words; then he continued;

- When I heard that you told about Uncle ji's plan to Vijay; I knew from that moment that you are a good one. Only you have the power and guts to do things right. That's why I chose you to help me. And now you did it.

There were a lot to take in. But I was trying not to think too much.

- And the day in the University;' Devansh ji smiled. 'The security guy was an old friend of mine.' He looked at me after a few seconds' pause. 'I think that answers all of your questions.'

Yes; it did answer almost all of my questions; except that who this guy really was? When I turned back; he was already gone.

...

Vijay was back. He was getting better and better. He could walk without the cane alright; but he kept it any way. And that gave him a new persona, a magnificent appearance. Atreyee became a silent person these days. Sometimes we spent some time together walking along in the presence of bright moonlight. I was still not sure if she loved me.

I decided to get out of there; start a new life in a new city. I asked her,

- How about we leave now. Life will be different. We will start over.

- I can't leave.' She said. 'Not now, after all we have achieved together.'

- Why not? Don't you wanna be with me?

- Of course I do. I love you, and you know that.

- I don't wanna do these anymore. I need a fresh start.

- You go ahead. I won't stop you living you life. But I can't come.' She said with a painful voice.

I couldn't find anything to say to her. She made her choice. And I better move on too.

Next day I found myself standing in the platform, waiting for the train with no one but a huge backpack with me. The setting sun on my face felt like freedom; a painful one.

THE END