As I gazed out at the sprawling city lights, my phone rang, breaking the silence. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was Brahma. I answered the call.
"Hello, Brahma," I said, my voice steady.
"Krishna, is everything alright? Do you need any help?" Brahma's voice was concerned, but calm.
I took a deep breath before responding. "I need you to track down a man named Vikram Sarkar."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Brahma's voice came through again, a hint of curiosity and seriousness. "Do you want me to take care of him for you?"
"No," I said firmly. "I'm going to kill him myself. I'll be there in the morning."
Brahma's tone shifted slightly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Okay. I'll handle the logistics to ensure everything is in place."
"Thanks," I said, my voice cutting through the static of the line.
With that, I ended the call and turned my attention back to the cityscape before me. As I stared out at the shimmering city lights, my phone rang again. Checking the caller ID, I saw a number I recognized immediately. I answered the call, a smirk tugging at my lips.
"My brother Masoom, Salam walekum," I greeted, my voice warm but tinged with the gravity of the situation.
Masoom's voice came through, heavy yet calm, "Walekum ussalam, Krishna Bhai. I saw the news. Who are these bugs trying to touch you?"
I let out a soft chuckle. "Nothing to worry about. Just bugs pretending to be lions."
"I see," Masoom replied, a hint of understanding in his tone.
"Masoom, I know you didn't just call me for that. You know those bugs are nothing to me, so what's the news?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual, though my mind was already racing.
Masoom's response was direct and to the point. "You're right. I called to inform you about something significant. Next month, a major meeting is scheduled in Paris. Gangsters and mafias from all over will be attending. It's going to be a pivotal event, with many important developments expected."
The news hit me like a jolt. Paris, the epicenter of underworld dealings for a night—this was big. "I'll be there. Have Brahma and Deva been informed?" I asked, already planning my next steps in my mind.
"Yes," Masoom confirmed. "I've already briefed them. They're preparing for it."
"Good. Make sure everything is arranged on your end. I want to be fully prepared," I said, my voice firm with determination.
"Okay, Krishna Bhai. Khuda hafiz," Masoom said, his tone a mix of reassurance and finality.
"Khuda hafiz," I responded, feeling a sense of resolve as the call ended.
(A/N: I chose Paris because the story of Vikramaditya from Oopiri takes place there, and at the end of Godfather, Brahma goes to Paris to kill the drug lords. I thought it would be interesting if, after the events of Godfather, Krishna goes to Paris for a music video shoot. We can then cover Vikramaditya's story, and Deva will also be coming there. I didn't want to just finish the Brahma and Masoom arc after the meeting, so can you suggest a movie, either Bollywood or Hollywood, that I could connect to this meeting? And if possible let me know how I connect your suggest movie's, for the marriage part, I chose the movie Fidaa. What do you think of this? Let me know)
After ending the call with Masoom, I walked back inside, my mind still preoccupied with the information he'd shared. As I approached the girls, I noticed them gathered around Aamukta's phone, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. Ma, Chaitra, Rajan, and Rajesh were absent, likely having gone inside to see Uncle Rajendra.
Seeing the girls huddled together, I asked, "Cutie pie, what are you watching?"
They turned their attention to me, and Aamukta said, "Krishna, come here quickly."
I moved over to join them and took a seat beside Aamukta. As I settled down, Aamukta directed me to look at the phone screen. I glanced at it and saw a news broadcast playing. The screen showed a female reporter standing outside the hospital, surrounded by a swarm of other reporters. The chaotic scene was a stark contrast to the quiet inside the hospital.
The reporter, her face a mixture of urgency and professionalism, spoke into the camera. "We're here outside the hospital where a major incident has unfolded. Reports are coming in about a violent confrontation involving Krishna Prasad, a prominent figure, and his associates. The police are on high alert, and access to the hospital is being tightly controlled. We're awaiting further updates on the situation."
The scene behind her was one of controlled chaos. Police officers, including Uncle Deva, were stationed at the entrance, forming a barrier between the press and the hospital. The media frenzy outside was intense, but it seemed the authorities were doing their best to manage the situation and prevent any further escalation.
The female reporter continued, her voice steady despite the chaotic scene behind her. "It's been a while, but we still haven't received any answers regarding the incident at the marketplace. ACP Deva has not responded to our questions and has not allowed us to meet Mr. Krishna Prasad. We've spoken with witnesses who described a man seated in a jeep, holding a young boy by his collar, and taking him away. Mr. Krishna and his friends approached this man, leading to a violent confrontation."
Her eyes flickered briefly as she glanced at her notes before continuing. "The identity of the young boy remains unknown, but we have identified the man holding him. His name is Beeku, a known criminal from Uttar Pradesh. What exactly transpired at the marketplace is still unclear. We have footage of the altercation, which shows Mr. Krishna using a weapon to defend himself, cutting the arms of those who attacked him. Some observers are questioning whether his actions were justified, arguing that he should have sought police assistance instead."
The reporter's tone remained professional, though the gravity of the situation was evident. "We are still waiting for a statement from Mr. Krishna regarding the events of the day. Mr.Seenu, the director of Nirvana, is here."
As the news unfolded on the screen, I saw Seenu's car pull up in front of the hospital. A surge of activity followed as reporters flocked to the car, their microphones and cameras converging on him. The air crackled with urgency and curiosity, a hive of questions directed at the seemingly composed director.
"Mr. Seenu, what happened at the market? Do you have any information on this?" a reporter shouted over the din.
Another voice cut through, "Mr. Seenu, who is that child, and what is his connection to Mr. Krishna? Why are these criminals after him?"
Seenu, trying to maintain his calm amid the barrage of questions, raised his hands in a gesture of appeasement. "I don't have all the details yet. I've just arrived and am still gathering information. I will meet with Krishna shortly and will provide answers as soon as I can."
His voice was steady, but the underlying tension was palpable. The reporters, hungry for answers, pressed on, their questions overlapping in a cacophony of confusion.
Just as the situation seemed to escalate, a line of police officers moved in, forming a protective barrier around Seenu. With practiced efficiency, they guided him through the throng of journalists and into the hospital. The reporters' shouts grew fainter as the police ushered Seenu inside, their presence a temporary reprieve from the media storm outside.
Seeing the anxiety etched on the girls' faces, I felt a wave of guilt and helplessness wash over me. I pulled them into a tight embrace, hoping to offer some solace amidst the chaos. "Don't worry, okay? Everything will be fine by morning. For now, go home with Ma. I need to handle things here."
Ammu was the first to speak, her voice trembling with concern. "Krishna, we're not going anywhere. Not after all this."
Anu, wrapping her arms around me, added with a fierce determination, "Yes, I'm staying by your side. I'm not leaving."
Raji and Aamukta nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting a mix of worry and resolve. "We're staying with you," Aamukta said firmly. "We won't leave."
Their determination was touching but also concerning. I knew they were emotionally exhausted and their presence would only add to my stress. I needed them to go home and rest. I took a deep breath, searching for the right words to persuade them.
"Don't be stubborn," I said gently but firmly. "You've already been through so much today. Things will be sorted out by morning. There's no need for you to stay here and worry all night. We have trip to enjoy."
It was a struggle to convince them. I could see their reluctance, their desire to stay by my side, but I also understood their need to be reassured. I wasn't sure how long it took, but finally, after much persuasion, they agreed to go home with Ma.
As I was talking with the girls, trying to ease their worries, I noticed Seenu and Deva Uncle approaching. I excused myself and walked over to them, my heart lifting slightly at the sight of familiar faces. Seenu greeted me with a warm hug, his concern evident.
"Are you alright?" Seenu asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I reassured him, managing a small smile despite the chaos of the situation.
Before I could say more, Deva Uncle, his expression grim, stepped forward. "Krishna, the situation is spiraling out of control."
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could speak, we heard Chaitra's voice. "Papa, can't you do something?"
We turned towards the direction of her voice and saw Ma, Papa, Bheeshma, Chaitra, and a few others emerging from Uncle Rajendra's room. The anxiety on their faces was palpable, their concern for Uncle Rajendra evident in their expressions.
Deva Uncle's face grew more somber as he looked at Chaitra. "No, Chaitra, if there were a normal person in Krishna's place, perhaps I could intervene. But right now, things are far from normal."
Hearing what Deva Uncle said, I took a steadying breath and replied, "It's okay. I already have a plan." As I spoke, my phone buzzed with a new message from Athreya. I pulled it up and saw a detailed dossier on Vikram Sarkar's illegal activities.
I quickly typed a response to Athreya: "Thanks." The information was exactly what I needed to move forward. I turned to Seenu, who was waiting nearby, and said, "Seenu, I just sent you the information. Please make a printout of it as quickly as possible."
Seenu nodded and immediately set off to get the printouts. I then addressed Balu, Rajan, and Narayana, who were gathered with anxious expressions. "We're leaving for Ananthapur within the hour," I said firmly. The urgency in my voice was unmistakable.
Balu's face reflected concern. "But what about Papa?" he asked, looking towards the hospital where Uncle Rajendra was being treated.
Before I could respond, Sridevi stepped forward with a reassuring expression. "Don't worry, Balu. Rajesh and I will stay here with Uncle Rajendra. We'll make sure he gets the care he needs."
Balu looked at her gratefully. "Thanks, Sridevi."
With a nod of acknowledgment, Sridevi gave Balu a comforting pat on the shoulder. Balu's shoulders relaxed slightly, his worry momentarily eased.
I turned to Rajan and, trying to ease his nervousness, said gently, "Rajan, where is that property paper?" I tried to sound as reassuring as possible, but I could see the hesitation in his eyes.
Rajan fidgeted, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's... it's in my Iron Man toy," he admitted quietly.
I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry, Rajan. You believe in me, don't you?"
He looked up at me, his eyes reflecting a mixture of trust and uncertainty. "I believe in you," he said, his voice firm despite his nervousness.
Rajan carefully opened the head of his Iron Man toy, revealing a hidden compartment. He pulled out the documents and handed them to me. I took them with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Rajan."
As Rajan's small hands released the documents into mine, I turned my attention to Bheeshma. "Bhaiyya, please take Ma, Papa, and the girls home. I'll be back tomorrow."
Bheeshma, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded solemnly. "I will. Be careful out there, Krishna."
The look in Bheeshma's eyes was a mix of concern and confidence, and it was clear he trusted me to handle what lay ahead. I could see the concern etched on Ma's face as she stood nearby, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. I gave her a reassuring smile, trying to convey that everything would be alright.
I turned to Aamukta with a gentle smile. "Cutie pie, could you call your papa for me?"
Aamukta nodded eagerly and dialed her father's number. After a brief moment, she handed the phone to me. "Papa, Krishna wants to talk to you," she said before turning away to give me some privacy.
I took the phone from her and stepped a few paces away from the group. The bustling hospital corridor seemed distant now, as I focused on the call. "Hello, Uncle Paani?" I began, addressing him with the respect and warmth that came from our deepening relationship. After all, he would soon become my father-in-law.
On the other end of the line, Uncle Paani's voice was steady but laced with curiosity. "Yes, Krishna. What is it?"
I took a steady breath and spoke with purpose. "Uncle Paani, I need you to prepare a document for me. In it, write that Vikram Sarkar is transferring all his property into my name."
There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost hear the wheels turning in Uncle Paani's mind. His voice, tinged with curiosity, responded, "Why? What are you planning, Krishna?"
I reassured him, hoping to convey the gravity of the situation without revealing too much. "You don't need to worry about the details right now. It's crucial for Aamukta's and my future. I need this document prepared within the hour."
Uncle Paani's tone softened with understanding, yet a hint of exasperation colored his words. "Because of you, Krishna, my dear Aamukta has changed so much. But alright, I'll have the document ready within the hour."
Relief washed over me at his prompt agreement. "Thank you, Uncle Paani. I'll be there within the hour to pick it up."
After ending the call, I walked back to the others and handed the phone back to Aamukta. Her eyes met mine, filled with a mix of worry and trust. I gave her a reassuring nod before turning my attention to Seenu, who had just returned with the printouts.
Taking the papers from him, I quickly scanned the information. Everything seemed in order. I then looked at Deva Uncle and said, "Uncle, please arrange everything outside the hospital. I'm going out to answer their questions."
Deva Uncle nodded and headed out to make the necessary arrangements. I turned to Balu, Rajan, and Narayana, my voice firm but calm. "You three, come with me."
They all nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Together, we started walking toward the hospital entrance. As we neared, I could see a crowd of reporters eagerly waiting, their eyes filled with anticipation. The police officers stationed there were doing their best to manage the situation, holding back the reporters who were trying to push forward.
The moment they spotted me, the reporters began bombarding me with questions, their voices merging into a chaotic symphony. I raised my hand, signaling them to calm down. "Please, calm down. I'm here to answer your questions."
The crowd gradually quieted, their eager expressions showing that they were hanging on to my every word. The city lights flickered behind the crowd, a silent reminder of what was at stake.
"I know you all have many questions," I began, my voice steady and clear, "and I'm here to provide answers. But first, I ask for your patience and cooperation as we address this situation properly."
As soon as I finished speaking, a reporter stepped forward and asked, "Mr. Krishna, who are these people, and why did they attack this child? And who is this kid?"
I glanced at Rajan, who was standing a bit away from me. Smiling, I called out to him, "Rajan, come here."
He hesitated for a moment, then walked over to me, his small steps filled with a mixture of fear and trust. As he reached me, I gently placed my hand on his shoulder, offering him silent reassurance. Turning back to the reporters, I spoke with a steady voice, "This is Rajan, the last heir of the Ananthapur royal dynasty. In Ananthapur, there's an ongoing conflict between the Jagruthi Foundation and Vikram Sarkar, a well-known businessman. If you're unfamiliar, you can easily find out that Vikram Sarkar has been eyeing the Jagruthi Foundation's land. He found a loophole due to the absence of the original documents and tried to take over the foundation, but he was opposed by Narayana Rao, the trustee of the foundation."
I gestured to Narayana Rao, who was standing beside me, his expression solemn. "Narayana Rao filed a case in the judiciary, promising to produce the rightful heir and the documents within a month. However, before Narayana Rao could reach the heir, Vikram Sarkar got there first. He approached Rajan's father, Raja Rao, with a deal. But when Raja Rao refused, Vikram Sarkar... he had Rajan's father and mother killed."
As my words hung in the air, the reporters erupted in questions, their voices overlapping in a chaotic frenzy. In the midst of the noise, I felt a small tug on my leg. I looked down to see Rajan, his small arms wrapped tightly around my leg, tears streaming down his face.
I knelt down beside him, gently patting his head, my voice softening, "Don't worry, Rajan. You're safe now, okay?"
Rajan looked up at me, tears still glistening in his eyes, but he nodded, trusting me completely. I gave him a reassuring smile before standing back up, turning to face the crowd of reporters who had gone quiet, their attention now focused on the vulnerable child beside me.
As the crowd of reporters began to settle down, one of them stepped forward, his voice carrying a note of skepticism. "Mr. Krishna, you're making serious allegations against Vikram Sarkar. Do you have any evidence to back these claims?"
The air grew tense as everyone waited for my response. I nodded confidently, knowing this was the moment that could change everything. "Yes," I said firmly, "I do have evidence."
With that, I look at printouts in my hand the stack of printouts Seenu had brought earlier. I handed them to the nearest reporter, who quickly flipped through the pages, his eyes widening as he read the details. "This is information about Vikram Sarkar's illegal activities," I continued, my voice steady and clear, making sure every word hit its mark. "You'll find documented evidence of his involvement in numerous crimes—embezzlement, fraud, land grabbing, and more. The man who attacked Rajan is one of Vikram Sarkar's henchmen."
The reporters' murmurs grew louder as the information was passed around. Their pens scribbled furiously, capturing every word, while their cameras clicked, immortalizing this pivotal moment. The weight of the truth began to sink in, and I could see the shift in their expressions—from skepticism to shock, and finally, to a grim understanding of the gravity of the situation.
I took a step back, giving the reporters space to digest the evidence, and continued, "We're heading to the Ananthapur court to submit the original documents of Jagruthi Foundation. This isn't just about stopping Vikram Sarkar; it's about ensuring justice for Rajan and everyone who has suffered because of this man's greed."
With those words, I let the moment hang in the air, the silence punctuated only by the shuffling of papers and the occasional click of a camera. It was Deva Uncle who stepped forward next, his presence commanding as he began to address the crowd, expertly handling the flurry of questions now being thrown his way.
I took the opportunity to glance down at Rajan, who was still standing close by, clutching my hand tightly. His eyes were red from crying, but there was a new determination in them—a reflection of the resolve that had taken root in his heart.
As I approached the group of girls, the night air was filled with a mix of concern and fatigue. The hospital's bright lights cast long shadows, adding a surreal quality to the evening's events. I turned to Aamukta, my voice gentle amidst the commotion. "Cutie pie, you come with me. I'll drop you home."
Aamukta looked up at me with a tired smile, her eyes reflecting the weariness of the day. "Okay, Krishna," she said softly.
I then turned to Bheeshma, who was standing by with a look of quiet determination. "Bhaiyya, could you drop Ammu and Anu home? They need to get some rest."
Bheeshma nodded, his face serious but understanding. Before he could move, Anu spoke up, her voice firm despite the exhaustion. "Krishna, I'm staying with Raji tonight."
I gave her a reassuring nod, acknowledging her decision. "Alright, Anu. Make sure to get some rest. We'll catch up tomorrow."
With that, I leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Aamukta's forehead, then did the same for Ammu, Anu and Raji. Each kiss was a quiet promise of protection and care amidst the chaos. The girls responded with smiles. They said their goodbyes and departed with Bheeshma.
Aamukta and I, along with Balu, Rajan, and Narayana, climbed into the taxi waiting outside. The vehicle, though modest, offered a momentary escape from the overwhelming events of the day. As we settled into our seats, I glanced at Aamukta, who was sitting beside me. Her presence was a comforting anchor amidst the turmoil.
The taxi began its journey through the quiet streets, and I looked out at the city lights that seemed to blur together in a peaceful, rhythmic dance. The day had been long and fraught with challenges, and the calm of the night offered a brief respite.
Aamukta leaned her head against the window, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. I reached over and gently squeezed her hand, a gesture of reassurance and support. She looked at me with a grateful smile, and I could see the comfort she found in our shared silence.
The drive to Aamukta's house was smooth, the quiet streets giving way to familiar neighborhoods. The rhythm of the taxi's engine was soothing, and the occasional streetlight cast soft shadows that danced along the road. Balu drove with a steady confidence, navigating the streets with practiced ease.
As we drew near, the familiar sight of Aamukta's residence came into view. The house, with its warm lights glowing softly through the windows, felt like a beacon of comfort in the midst of the ongoing turmoil.
Balu parked the taxi smoothly, and Aamukta and I stepped out, our footsteps echoing softly on the quiet street. The night air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the stuffy confines of the hospital. I glanced at Aamukta, her tired eyes reflecting the strain of the day. Despite her exhaustion, she managed a gentle smile.
We walked up to the front door together, the comforting familiarity of her home providing a brief respite from the chaos. As we entered, Aamukta led me to the living room where I took the documents from Uncle Paani, carefully tucking them away.
"I'll be going now," I said, my voice soft but resolute. "Take care."
She nodded, her eyes conveying a mix of relief and apprehension. " You too. I'll see you tomorrow."
With a final, affectionate smile, I stepped out of the house, feeling the cool breeze kiss my face as I walked back to the taxi. The street was quiet, the only sounds being the distant hum of the city and the occasional rustle of leaves.
As I settled back into the taxi, I glanced at Balu, who gave me a reassuring nod before starting the engine. The vehicle pulled away from Aamukta's house, and we began our journey towards Andhra Pradesh, Ananthapur.
(A/N:If you want to support me, please use this UPI:-omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar")
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