CHeckmate

CheckMate Part 54

Arjun checked the time in His wrist watch. Howrah-Kalka Mail crossed Chandi Mandir station exactly on time. So, He assumed train will reach Kalka exactly on time, that is 4:30am. As per plan, Yesterday at 9:45pm, he availed the train from Delhi station. When He was coming back in Circuit House after having lunch with Vishal & Mahek, he felt He was being followed by someone, though he was unable to spot anyone but His sixth sense alerted him. He decided before that He will avail train & himself arranged the tickets without informing anyone. After coming out from Circuit House with his luggage, He first availed a taxi & went towards the direction of Airport, the taxi stopped in traffic jam, he used the opportunity & left that taxi & availed another to reach New Delhi Railway station. He can't take chance. It's about His Mission, it's about Samaira & He also can't put the old lady's life in danger just because of His carelessness.

Kalka Station located in Haryana & it's the starting point of the UNESCO'S World Heritage site Kalka- Shimla Railway, famous for its dramatic views of the Hills & surrounding Villages. Arjun came out from Kalka Station & went towards the Taxi stand outside the Station. The Taxi drivers are busy in catching passengers of Shimla. Arjun went towards the tea stall & ordered a cup of tea. He sat on the bench & lit a cigarette. A young man came towards Him.
The Man- Do You need car, Sir?
Arjun nodded his head.
The Man- Where You want to go Sir? Shimla?
Arjun- Rohru. Will you go?
The Man- of course Sir. Almost 190 kms from here.
Arjun- & How much time it will take?
The Man- Almost 6 hours!!
Arjun- So, I will reach Rohru before 11:30 am.
The Man checked his mobile to see the time, then calculated & nodded his head in positive.
Arjun- & fare?
The Man- Full & final Sir, 3500/
Arjun- Made it round figure 3000/
The Man- no, no Sir. The distance is too long.
Arjun- okay done! But I am in hurry. So, You need to drive non stop.
The Man- If there is no problem happen in road, You will be in Rohru before 11:30 am. It's Mahim's promise. By the way, Rohru is a big place. Where exactly do you want to go?
Arjun- I will give you the address Mahim once we reach Rohru.

Arjun got down from the car & paid Mahim. He also took Mahim's phone number. On the way, while talking with Mahim, the driver informed that His house is few kilometres away from Rohru in a village & He will able to stay in his home for a day. Arjun told Mahim that tomorrow He will also leave! So, He will take his taxi again. Arjun started walking. This is a residential area. He noticed most of the houses nameplates. Almost all are retired IAS, IPS officers spending their retire life in this melancholic place, in between the beauty of nature & pollution free weather. Arjun stopped. "IPS Chandrashekhar Saxena (Retd)" the nameplate caught his attention. He opened the gate & entered. He noticed two apple trees & some costly Orchids in the small garden in front of the house. Arjun felt his heart beating faster & faster. There is a strange feeling & this kind of feeling is new for him also. As an IPS officer, while working in cases, he meet with many unknown people who were waiting for justice or any mishaps happened in their family, then why this tensed & restless feeling? Is He fearing that his assumption may get wrong that Reyansh Saxena is Samaira's biological father? May be, because personally, He is involved in this case, after all, Samaira is his wife. Arjun took a deep breath to calm himself. He rang the doorbell. After sometimes, a middle aged lady opened the door. Looking at her attire, Arjun assumed She must be some localite. She is wearing a long kurta & her head is covered with a long cloth.
The Lady- Yes?
Arjun- Gayathri Saxena?
The Lady looked suspiciously at him. "Who are You? I never saw you before. Why You want to meet with Malkin?"
"So, the Lady works here!!"
Arjun- I am IPS Arjun Mehra. I am coming from Delhi....
Arjun talk was interrupted by another female voice. "Who is at door Ravi?"
"Malkin, some IPS Arjun Mehra from Delhi."
An old lady came out & stood in front of Him at the doorstep. Arjun blinked his eyes. His eyes was fixed on the old lady & He knew that His assumption based one all circumstantial evidences are not wrong. The resemblance between Gayathri Saxena's & Samaira's face is enough to make him believe. A small smile adorned on his face. So,now, He is standing at the doorstep of his grandmother- in-law's house.
"I am Gayathri Saxena. First You show me your identity proof." The old lady said in a firm tone.
Arjun quietly took out his identity card from his pocket & handed over to Gayathri Saxena. She is wearing white salwar kameez & a white sweater & also golden frame glasses. Arjun noticed her age should not be more than 75, most of her hairs are grey & few wrinkles on face. Though she is looking quite fit but his gaze didn't missed the sadness in her eyes.
"Why are you here? Why you want to meet with me?" Gayathri Saxena asked while hand over the card to Arjun.
Arjun- Mam, it's not comfortable to discuss anything standing on doorstep. May I come inside?
Gayathri- If you are not comfortable to discuss here, then You are most welcome to get lost. Neither I know you nor I have any discussion left with any Intelligence  Bureau's Officers.
Phew! Her Temper!! Arjun sighed.
Arjun- Mam, it's about Your son IPS Reyansh Saxena.
Gayathri- You are too late to discuss anything about him.
Arjun's eyes didn't missed the droplet of tears that escaped from her eyes.
Gayathri- Ravi, close the door.
Arjun- Mam please, just listen to me once. I can feel your pain......
Gayathri- No, you can't. Just leave Officer. I don't have anything to discuss with you & your Department.
Arjun- Mam, you are wise. You know  a lie can hide the truth but it can't change the truth.
Gayathri- What you want to talk about my son?
Arjun- I believe your son IPS Reyansh Saxena's death was not an accident. It was a planned murder.
Gayathri Saxena hold the door for support herself. She bites her lips.
Gayathri- So, You believe! Great to know. My husband knew the truth from the beginning. Do you even know how my husband IPS Chandrashekhar Saxena tried to reopen the case which police simply closed by stating accident? But His efforts all  got wasted. In fact, Your Department also not listened to Him once. A father failed to get justice for his son. Do you know how much painful it's for a father. I lost him also. He died heart broken! Now, You please excuse me. There is nothing left to listen.
Arjun- please mam, just give me few minutes & listen to me once. It's my request. Please for your son. I promise He will get justice.
Gayathri Saxena wiped the tears from her eyes. "Come inside."