The Mafia's Collateral

Part 41

Deep's P.O.V.

Joginder was inside the apartment with Uncle Navin. They both were sitting at the table, having a jolly time, laughing and giggling with each other. I looked at them a bit annoyed at this man. He stood up seeing me and Avinash. "What are you doing here?" I asked him. "Oh! I'm sorry! I lost my way and ended up here," he said. "It's ok Deep. He's a very interesting man. He brought me outside and even served me my food," Uncle Navin said. I went up to him and rested my hand on his shoulder asking, "How are you feeling now?" He held my hand and said, "I am better. I am recovering a lot by the day." "I'm happy to hear that," I said smiling. He looked up at Joginder and said, "This Jogi is so jolly! After meeting him, I am feeling like my old self once more. I can't even remember the last time I had laughed so much since Arohi left." I frowned upon hearing that. "You did good by hiring him. He's quite intelligent!" he praised him. I looked at Joginder smiling at the compliment he received. "Oh! No Uncle! This is how our culture is! Wherever we Punjabis go, we spread happiness," he said. "Thank you for coming. Please come and visit me again," Uncle Navin said. Looking back at us, he looked at Avinash who was standing at a distance behind me and said, "You have come to meet Ananya as well?" I turned back to a nervous Avinash amused. "I...uhh....am...." he stammered. I looked back at Uncle Navin saying, "Yeah, we will meet Ananya and leave for work." He smiled and nodded. He held my hand and said, "Deep, whatever you have done for us, thank you very much. You have went above and beyond to help my girls and I and I will always remain grateful to you." "Uncle, we mafias don't do anything for free. I have a selfish motive behind all of this as well. When the right time comes, I am going to ask without hesitation," I said. He smiled and said, "I promise you that when that day comes, I will give you whatever you ask for."

Arohi's P.O.V.

I looked at Dad thanking Mafia and began to feel overwhelmed. My eyes teared up and I quickly wiped them before anyone could notice. I was even more surprised when Dad called Mafia Deep and Mafia called Dad Uncle. At least something good happened behind my back. I am so happy to see Mafia and Dad getting so close. I looked as Deep stooped down in front of Dad and held both his hands. "Uncle, protecting you all is my life's mission. I will give my life if it is required to protect you, Ananya and Arohi," he said whispering when he reached my name. "Don't make such a trivial matter your life's mission son. You have a lot to do yet in life. And I'm sure that you are going to be as successful, if not more than your father," Dad said. I was touched seeing the both of them. I am impatiently awaiting that day when I can come in front of them as Arohi without any fear. But until then, I have to portray Joginder Sahni's role. Mafia looked up at me and said with determination, "I promise you Uncle. I will protect you from anyone whom tries to hurt you." I knew that he was saying that for me. I shook my head. This man is impossible! He looked back at Dad and said, "I will take your leave now. I will visit Ananya and then leave for the campus." Dad nodded and Mafia stood up. He turned around and looked at Avinash. "Shall we?" He asked. Avinash took a deep breath and nodded. He almost looked as if he was preparing himself to meet Ananya. I looked at both of them going inside Ananya's room.

Ananya's P.O.V.

I knew that Deep was outside since I heard his voice but I sat on my bed, unable to get up thinking about if Avinash was with him. Never have I felt this way before. I never even got so excited and impatient for even Deep. Then why Avinash? Is it because he saved me? Or am I feeling guilty because he got hurt for me? While lost in those thoughts, Deep came inside my room and I looked behind him with a smile and satisfaction upon seeing Avinash with him. Coming to me, he said, "Good morning." I smiled happily and said, "Good morning." I looked at Avinash and said softly, "Good morning Avinash." He nodded with a small frown. He stood close to the door afar from my bed. "Looking at your face, I don't think that I need to ask if you are fine or not," Deep said to me. I bent my head smiling. I looked back at Avinash and asked softly, "How are you? Have your wounds healed?" He looked at me and nodded. He was somewhat acting strange. Or was it my perspective? I smiled and said, "I'm sorry I didn't ask you before." "Don't bother," he said. The place was then silent. No one spoke. It was awkward. I stared at Avinash as he looked back at me. The sight of him being stabbed came before me and it pained me inside. I cannot even imagine the pain he must has been through and he bore it for me. Deep cleared his throat breaking my eye lock with Avinash and smiled at us. Looking at Avinash, he asked, "Is there anything you want to say to or ask Ananya?" Avinash shook his head. He could have said yes. "Then shall we leave?" Deep asked. "Yes sir," he said. They both were about to leave when I stopped them asking, "Is there someone else outside? I heard an unknown voice." Both of them looked at each other and then at me. "We had hired a secret advisor in Arohi's place. That's him outside," Avinash replied after a bit of hesitation. "Oh! That's good," I said. They both looked at me surprised and Deep asked, "You don't feel bad that he has come in Arohi's place?"