Adarsh's Pov
We rushed towards the exit after ending the call. The call really had me go down on my knees and pray for mercy. Even Rey was rushing after he heard what happened.
"Adarsh, Rey where are you two rushing to at this hour?" Asked a worried Uncle Yash.
"Uncle, please take care of Atharv and Ayush. I'll be back." I shouted still running.
"It's a hospital for goodness sake, don't shout. And what?" He seemed more confused now then before.
"Dad, we'll talk later. Just take care of the kids." Rey asked running right behind me.
We both didn't look back to notice the worried expression on Uncle's face, which I knew was there. We got into the car and raced towards the tea estate which was on fire. Yes, FIRE!! I recalled the call I received from Faisal.
"Adrash, where are you? Forget it! Just come to the tea estate of Vincent Hill, NOW!!" He said with an agency.
"Wow, Fais cool down. What happened?" I asked totally confused by his worried voice.
"The estate is on bloody fire. Now come quick." With that said he disconnected the call.
So that is the reason we were heading towards the estate in a hurry right now.
"Did he receive the call?" I asked Rey who was trying to get in touch with Faisal right now.
"No he is not answering the call." He said still trying but to no avail.
"Goddamitt! Fais pick up the damn phone." He said frustrated. I didn't say anything to that.
Because the truth is I am feeling the same frustration as him. I know Faisal must be doing whatever to put out the fire but we couldn't help but be frustrated.
It took us an hour to reach the tea estate, which was totally covered in flames that were reaching towards the sky and lighting it up as it were still day time. We saw many firefighters and police on our way to were the workers were standing.
They were the people I was worried about. The estate can be rebuilt again and even the losses can be recovered but it were these loyal people of my father, whom he cherished like his own family and took care off, for whom I was worried about.
As we reached near them they all started wailing, pointing towards the estate. This estate was not only of my father but it was also the blood and sweat of these people. It was their means of livelihood after all.
"Chote Babu(Sir), we are sorry. We were unable to protect the estate. We are so very sorry, Chote Babu(Sir)."Baba(Grandpa) Rajdeep said crying uncontrollably.
"What are you saying, Baba(Grandpa)?You all being save is more than enough for me. I never expected you to keep it save. That's my job and I failed to protect it. I am the one who should be sorry. I'm sorry Baba(Grandpa)." Saying that I hugged Baba(Grandpa) and tried to calm him down as I looked over to the group of workers that worked on my father's estate.
"Mr. Dewan?" I heard a voice call my name. As I turned, I was met with a police officer, who was standing there with a sympathetic look.
"May I have a word with you?" He asked looking around.
"Go Adarsh, I'll take care of everyone." Reyansh said coming over towards me.
I nodded and went with the officer towards the firefighters who were trying to keep the fire under control now.
"Yes, what is it, Officer?"
"We have found out that the fire started with an shot circuit, So now you have to sign these paper, which states this." He said handing me the papers to sign.
I looked around the estate which was almost totally brunt. It hit me hard then that it has really happened and I was at the edge of breaking down. I just took the papers and signed them before handing them over to the officer.
"You have got some great friends who consider you as family, Mr. Dewan. They really can do whatever they can for you." He said looking towards the ambulance.
At first I didn't get what he was implying but after a pause I remembered something or rather someone.
"FAIS!!" I ran to the ambulance.
"Are you alright? God! How could you be alright? Look at that bandaged hand. And why the hell is a needle stuck in your nerves?" I asked agitated.
"Calm down, would you. I'm more than fine. It's just glucose, they are insisting I take as they think I could feel weakness later on. And my hands are alright too. Chill bro." He said smiling at my abnormal behaviour.
Yes, I know I'm acting out of character here but I can't help it. I don't want to loose more people in my life, specially those I care about deeply. After hearing him say that he's fine, I sat down near him with a heavy sign.
"Great day, huh?" Faisal said looking at my state.
"Excellent." I said sarcasm clear in my voice while rubbing my hands with a tired expression.
"Well if there is any other problem just contact the police. I'll take my leave now." Officer Rohit Verma, as I came to know his name was, said walking away.
I heaved a sign. I was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. I knew the loses would be huge but more then the loses I was worried about the workers, we also have to rebuild the estate again then there is Atharv, then my dad and then it was me. All this was draining me. I wanted to shout, cry and rent out my pain and frustration but I knew I have to be strong or atleast stay on my feet until I was alone.
I didn't realise that Reyansh was standing beside me also looking over the estate as the firefighters were almost done putting out the fire.
"You should go to the hospital. Maa and Dad must be worried and the kids are also there." He said without taking his eyes off the estate.
"Hmm." I hummed as I was distracted from my endless thoughts.
"Go, I'll take care of everything here." He said finally looking at me.
I just nodded my head and looked towards my friends who were and are beside me in my worst. And without saying anything to them I left the estate absent mindedly. I was driving mindlessly towards the hospital when I reached the forest area. As I was passing it, I suddenly remembered Danish's words.
"Have you heard about the legend of Prabhat Akashi?…You should go there even if your wish doesn't gets fulfilled, you will have your piece of mind…It's near the hospital, into the woods."
His words rung loud and clear in my ears. I don't know why I remembered his words now but I did. And that was what took me towards the forest. Unknown that there was someone waiting for me to arrive.