A Victory which Matters (Dedicated to 27 and 45)

Part 13

Rahane began to stir, wondering why his right arm felt so sore and stiff. As the world came into focus, he saw his arm stained with blood.

And then he noticed Rohit, lying on the ground, his chest covered with blood. He looked at least ten times worse than Rahane felt.

Jinks saw the unknown jacket on himself and in a flash realised what had happened.

The two men on the horses glared down at him as he started to get up. The second man's gun was still positioned.

Instinctively, Jinks threw down the jacket over Rohit's bleeding chest and head.

"Do not try to shield him. We need you to come with us. He isn't needed."

Rahane looked up at them, still keeping a protective hand on Rohit's head. He realised how futile it would be to resist them.

But one thing was sure-- he would not let them hurt Rohit anymore.

"You remove the shield off him. Otherwise we recall our army."

It sounded pretty awful.

But still, "No," said Rahane.

The man blew his whistle a second time.

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At once a tremendous sound of hooves came from all directions.

Amidst his horror and fear, Jinks' eyes fell on the unmoving Rohit.

He had to save his best friend--he had to...

"The Devil's offer!"

Rahane jumped out of his skin as a shrill voice spoke in his ear.

"Mr. Ajinkya Rahane--the Devil's offer for you!"

Rahane saw a misty little figure fluttering in front of him."

"I'll grant you one wish."

The horses were coming nearer. Jinks' hold on Rohit tightened

"Yes--please take us anywhere--so that Rohit could be cured," said Jinks in a rather shaking voice.

"In return, I'll impose something on you--and you'll have to do that," said the Devil.

The horses had almost reached them.

"Anything--anything!" cried Rahane. "Just let them be all right!"

The battlefield around then vanished.