Standing in the outer courtyard of the airport, Jaideep's keen eyes were carefully observing the passengers coming out. As soon as he spotted a somewhat familiar face at the customs counter, he became even more alert.
"Perhaps this is Shefali," he thought.
To confirm whether his assumption was correct or not, he cautiously took out a colored photograph from the inner pocket of his coat. The face in the photo matched.
"So, this is Shefali," he told himself while putting the photo back into his pocket.
Despite recognizing her, he made no attempt to approach her. He continued to observe from a distance, standing near a pillar, and thought that the woman accompanying her might be her maid, Sharda. But her clothes looked quite expensive—almost American.
"Why not? She is an American maid, not a local one who would wear ragged clothes. I've heard that even janitors in America go to work in cars. And, according to the letter, Shefali considers her a friend."
"This is life," he sighed.
Once they cleared customs, both women walked toward the airport exit with their luggage. They passed close to Jaideep, and that's when he realized that the maid he had assumed to be American was actually Indian. He had been slightly deceived by her fair complexion. However, unlike Shefali, she wasn't wearing ultra-modern attire such as pants and shirts, nor was she in a sari. Instead, she wore a skirt and blouse, and Jaideep found her quite attractive in it.
When they reached the outer doors with the porter carrying their luggage, Jaideep moved from his place and started following them.
At around 8 PM, when Jaideep returned home from the Carat Club, he found his father unusually worried and asked, "What's the matter, Papa? You seem really tense today."
"A letter has arrived from your uncle in Ratlam. His health has worsened," his father replied.
"Well, worrying won't improve his condition," Jaideep said. "It would be better if you and Mom visit Ratlam for a few days."
"I was considering that… but another letter arrived as well," his father said.
"Another letter? From whom?"
"From Shefali." Manager Umashankar showed him an American postal envelope. "She is arriving here on the 4 AM flight tomorrow morning."
"Who is Shefali?"
"She is Seth Padamchand's daughter. Before my dispute with Sujan, I used to manage her family's properties."
"So, are you going to receive her?" Jaideep asked.
"Forget about all these matters. Let her come. You can meet her after returning from Ratlam," Jaideep suggested.
"It's not just about meeting her, son," Umashankar said in a worried tone. "The situation is becoming more dangerous than I expected. I never imagined that Sujan would stoop so low."
"What has Sujan done now?"
"You already know that after Trilochan's death, Sujan started operating freely and created chaos in Shefali's inheritance. When I tried to stop him, he fired me from my job."
"That was months ago, Papa…"
"But those old events are now leading to a new danger, son."
"I don't understand."
"When Sujan dismissed me, I wrote to Shefali in America, detailing everything—that he was mismanaging her father's property after his death. I am sure that after receiving my letter, she decided to come to India."
"But her arrival is a danger for Sujan. Why are you worried about him?"
"I am not worried about him. I am worried about Shefali."
"Why?"
"Rahmat Miyan called just before you arrived. He informed me that Sujan is planning to kidnap Shefali."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm telling the truth," Umashankar said. "Sujan's father, Trilochan Singh, Rahmat Miyan, and I were always well-wishers of Seth Padamchand. That's why, as long as Trilochan was alive, we managed his daughter's affairs with complete honesty. Not a single penny was mishandled.
"But, unfortunately, Trilochan passed away six months ago, and Sujan took control of everything. How such a devil was born in a noble man's house, only God knows. In just six months, Sujan has caused unimaginable fraud. When I opposed him, he threw me out.
"Rahmat Miyan is a household servant, but he is loyal to his real master's daughter. That's why he informed me about Sujan's conspiracy."
"But it's hard to believe that Sujan would go as far as kidnapping," Jaideep said.
"When a man is blinded by greed, he doesn't hesitate to commit even murder, let alone kidnapping. Sujan is obsessed with wealth. He can do anything."
"We should inform the police about this immediately," Jaideep suggested.
"I thought of that too," Umashankar said.
"Then what's the problem?"
"Sujan is being backed by Kulwant."
"Who is Kulwant?"
"A transporter who is actually involved in smuggling. He has strong connections in the police. If we inform the police, I fear the information will reach Sujan through Kulwant, and he will become cautious."
"Let him be cautious. At least he won't be able to kidnap the girl."