There were large spaces on the right and left sides of the temple. Fitting 500 people needed a lot of space, luckily these spaces were enough.
The security personnel guided the unfortunate people to a place to sit. After all of them had seated, the Nikambes started serving food. The meal was supposed to be a treat for them, so they were provided with a lot of food. The remaining leftovers would also be given to them. The event's purpose was to make the unfortunate souls happy, even if it was for a very short time.
The Nikambes split into couples - Shani-Jhansi, Ananya-Charan, Roy-Shanti, and Swami-Anu.
It was a full-course meal with many variety of food. For these people, who struggled to find a piece of bread to survive. This event was like heaven.
While the Nikambes were busy serving food, a commotion had occurred at the gates of the temple.
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After failing the mission, Roy was full of regret. He wanted to repent for his failure. He came to the Ganesh Temple to talk to his God. No one would listen to his misgivings besides his god.
There were more than 100 steps to climb for reaching the entrance of the temple, a normal person would be panting after the climb but this was like a walk in a park for Roy.
He noticed the event going on in the temple. This piqued his interest. He was already wondering where the unfortunate people who beg for money were as he climbed the steps. Security guards blocked his vision from seeing what was happening beside the temple.
Roy asked the guard, "What's going on over there?"
Guard 1 said, "Nothing that concerns you, Sir. Please proceed to the temple to pray to the god. "
Roy's curiosity was piqued even more, "Why won't you tell me? What so secretive about it?"
"A special event is going on. Those who came to see the god can pray. Please proceed."
"I want to know more about this event."
Guard 2 responded menacingly, " Sir, we told you to move forward. Follow our instructions or face the consequences. We are ordered to not let anyone enter."
Roy became alert readying himself for a fight. However, an old man's voice diffused the situation. Amitabh appeared at the gates. The old man looked at him with curiosity ,"What's going on?"
Guard 1 said, " Sir, this person was trying to enter the special event with no authorization."
Amitabh frowned, "Really" he looked straight at Roy, "Who are you and why are making such rukus?"
Roy retorted, " Who are you?"
"I am Amitabh, curator of the Ganesh Temple."
Roy introduced himself, "I am just a big devotee of Lord Ganesh. The special event piqued my interest."
"It did, ha? It's nothing special. Just the NIkambes are serving food to the unfortunate people."
Roy was shocked, " There are such people in the world, willing to work for others' happiness. Is it the old citizens wanting to do some good before leaving the world?"
"No, each one of them is around 18-20 years."
Roy made up his mind, "Sir, aren't you guys shorthanded? Having extra hands to help would surely be in your best interest."
"Yes, serving so many people is no small task ofcourse."
"Then what's stopping you from accepting me?"
"If you know whats good for you don't associate yourself with The Nikambes. It might put your life in danger."
Roy widened his eyes, "People with such pure hearts are always in danger."
Amitabh exclaimed, "Ohh, I spoke too much."
Roy tried again, "Sir, please. Give it a thought. Why not ask the head of Nikambes before completely declining?"
Amitabh was persuaded by Roy's stubbornness. He had thought the common man would become scared at the threat of death but it seemed the strategy backfired. The common man was even more interested than before.
"Young man, what's your name?"
"Roy"
"Roy, I am impressed by your stubbornness and am willing to give you a chance. But, there is nothing I can do other than that."
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Shani and Jhansi were busy serving food to the unfortunate people. Amitabh's arrival diverted Shani's attention, but Jhansi continued serving.
"Sir, there is a matter I must discuss with haste."
Shani spoke without giving a glance, "What is this about?"
"Sir, not here. Somewhere private".
"I am busy here. If you have something to say, then say it. Or else leave."
Amitabh spoke in a hurry, "There is a boy, Roy standing outside. The kid is adamant about the event. He's a stubborn guy. Surprisingly, he didn't move even after knowing the threat to his life."
Shani glanced at Amitabh, "Can you guarantee, he's not a threat to us."
"Yes."
"Hmm, if he wants to help that badly, then who are we to stop him? People willing to help others are rare."
"Thanks, Sir." Amitabh rushed to the gate.
"Boy, you can go and help out in the event. Consider yourself lucky to be accepted."
"Yes, of course."
Roy was now really curious, "Just who are the Nikambes? I want to know what this group stands for. Are you ready to face the top prodigy the RAW organization had produced?"
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The 8 members of Nikambes stood leaning against the wall. All of them were panting after serving food to more than 500 people.
Shani was proud of his friends, "Job well-done guys."
They managed to reply with a smile.
"However, this was just round 1. Now, they will start calling us for more food and the work is going to increase."
They could only groan.
The temple was located in a picturesque area from where tall mountains and pristine clean lakes were visible. Shani was enjoying its view and he looked at the entrance to see a figure entering. As the figure came closer and closer, his breathing quickened.
"This figure belongs to him, doesn't it? How? How could he know about me? I was perfect at hiding my face and voice. There should be no way for them to find me. But somehow he found.
Roy greeted them, " Hello, I am Roy."
"Shani …. Jhansi …. Shanti…" The others introduced themselves.
Roy spoke with bright eyes, "So, are you all part of the Nikambes."
"Yes."
Shani controlled his nervousness and rapid heart. He needed to act calm and find out everything he could.
"Amitabh said you wanted to help us in the event."
Roy nodded, "I am curious about the lot of you. For such a noble cause I am willing to help however I can."
Shani inwardly gasped, "A close save. Roy, he was the officer who forced me to a corner. He came very close to catching me. To think we would meet again in this way. Now, he knows about me. Luckily, it seems he hasn't connected me to the bank robber. That's the only respite for my current situation."
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