"You don't know Sujan completely," Umashankar sighed deeply and said, "He is a scoundrel of the highest order. Besides, there is no solid evidence to prove our claims in front of the police. I can't even use Rahmat Miyan as a witness."
"But apart from informing the police, is there any other way to stop this kidnapping? Sujan and his friend may have strong connections in the police, but surely they haven't bought the entire department. Trust me, report this to the police," Jaideep insisted.
"I have a different idea," Umashankar said.
"What is it?"
"I am thinking of going to the airport at night. When Shefali lands in the morning, I will inform her about Sujan's conspiracy and ask her to stay at the airport until daylight. Sujan won't dare to kidnap her in broad daylight."
"You are planning to go to the airport?" Jaideep looked at his father questioningly. "In this freezing December cold? You've been suffering from a cold and cough for a week already. If you catch more cold, it will be even worse."
"I'll be fine," Umashankar said.
"No, I won't let you go," Jaideep objected.
"You are from the younger generation, so you don't understand the loyalty we feel. When you have eaten a master's salt, you are willing to give your life for his family," Umashankar said with deep emotion.
"You just want Shefali to know about Sujan's conspiracy, right?" Jaideep said. "Then there is no need for you to go. I will go to the airport and warn her myself."
"You will do it?"
"What's so difficult about it?" Jaideep said, then paused for a moment before adding, "Well, there is one problem—how will I recognize her?"
"She has sent a photograph along with her letter," Umashankar said, taking a colored photo out of the envelope. "Take this with you. Without it, even I wouldn't recognize her. The last time I saw her, she was just an eight or nine-year-old little girl. She has grown up so much that she is barely recognizable now."
Jaideep studied the photo carefully before placing it in his pocket. "If you don't mind, may I read Shefali's letter as well?" he asked.
"Of course," Umashankar said, handing him the letter from the envelope.
Jaideep read the letter:
Dear Uncle,
Based on the information you sent me recently, I have decided to come to India. I will be arriving on the morning of December 1st by a flight landing at 4 AM. I have also informed Sujan about my arrival via a letter.
You last saw me in my childhood. Now that I am grown up, you can get an idea of how I look from the photograph I am enclosing with this letter. I have also sent a photo to Sujan for identification.
Initially, my aunt and uncle were supposed to accompany me, but due to my aunt's sudden illness, I am now traveling alone. Only my maid, Sharda, is coming with me. She is less of a maid and more of a friend to me.
Yours, Shefali
Jaideep placed the letter in his pocket.
Now, he stood at the airport, watching the two women as they walked toward the exit. Initially, his plan was to warn Shefali about Sujan's conspiracy as soon as she got off the plane and advise her to stay at the airport until daylight.
However, he changed his mind later. He feared that Shefali might not believe him and might assume that he was trying to turn her against Sujan.
"It's better to let them go about their way and follow them from a safe distance," he thought. "That way, if Sujan's men try anything, I can intervene in time. This will also create a stronger impact, making Shefali realize Sujan's true nature firsthand."
Thus, he started following them at a safe distance.
A short while later, on that freezing December night, he was tailing their taxi on his motorcycle as they traveled from the airport toward the city.
Suddenly, the taxi left the main road and turned onto a secluded route. Then, it came to a stop in a deserted area.
The moment the taxi halted, six or seven men emerged swiftly from the darkness and surrounded the vehicle. They violently opened both doors and ruthlessly dragged the two women out.