Link to the previous chapter :https://www.tellyupdates.com/bound-to-you-book-two-chapter-7/
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Vansh trudged carefully through the village lanes. Normally, these very lanes would be abuzz with men working knee-deep in the paddy fields, women carrying water to their homes in earthen pots, and children playing around with sticks and stones. Often, gunned men which were actually Maoists, would also do their rounds through the village on the lookout for some unwanted mischief.
But today in contrast to every other day, each and every corner of the village was deserted because almost all the villagers had gathered in the grounds to take part in Sohrai celebrations.
And this was a perfect, perfect opportunity to look for Kabir.
Vansh scoured all the isolated and seemingly suspicious looking houses. But there was no trace of Kabir anywhere.
“Where could they possibly keep Kabir hostage at?” he racked his brains.
Suddenly, he remembered the secret basement camp of the Maoists where he had seen the troops practicing to carry out the impending bomb blasts.
“What if I find Kabir there? Since nobody else knows about that hideout except for the Maoists themselves, it could be a perfect place for them to keep Kabir hidden there.”
He retraced his path into the jungle where he had found the underground camp before. Since he already knew the way, this time he didn’t need to use the map.
The same map that he had stolen from Saanvi’s locker and poor Birju had to die because of catching Vansh red-handed.
He reached the dense row of banyan trees behind which was a large pit in the ground, just like before. Using the steps, he stealthily descended underground, with his precious loaded gun in his hand.
Fortunately for him, even the basement was empty with no sign of the Maoist troops around, so unlike the last time.
He began walking further and further towards the other end until he reached a narrow passage. The ceiling was so low-lying, that he had to crawl his way through the dark and damp passage, his hands and clothes becoming smudged with the dirty mud in the process.
The passage finally came to an end with the height of the ceiling returning back to normal. Heaving a sigh of relief, Vansh stood up on his feet. Truth be spoken, his knees had already started hurting due to the extensive crawling.
And that’s when, he noticed what lay ahead of him. There was a prison, behind which was none other than Kabir. Tattered clothes rendering him almost naked, bleeding and gaping wounds, and hands and legs held in metallic shackles.
His loud shrieks echoed throughout the surroundings as he was continuously being flogged mercilessly by his jailer.
“I’ll keep beating the shit out of you until you open your mouth and tell us your partner’s name!”
“I won’t tell. I…I w-won’t….tell…” Kabir barely managed to utter these words before passing out.
“Did he die?” another man’s voice came.
The jailer put his finger near his nostrils and felt for his pulse. “Nah! He’s too thick-skinned to die so soon.”
Vansh’s entire body trembled. Not with fear, but with pain, anger and hatred to see an honest officer of law and his best friend in such a state.
“You are a true patriot, Kabir,” he said softly, his chest swelling with pride.
Aiming his silencer installed gun at the two goons guarding the jail, he shot them in an instant. He broke the lock and entered inside, only to see a limp Kabir being held up by chains.
“Kabir!” He tapped his face but he was in an unconscious state.
Using his gun once again, he fired bullets at those tough, heavy metal chains. This freed Kabir and his flaccid body fell down on the floor with a thud.
With one swift movement, Vansh picked up Kabir on his back. He had to leave from this place as soon as possible, before anybody else caught them.
Vansh was a strong, burly man, and lifting Kabir up was like cakewalk for him. But the main problem arose white traversing back through the narrow passage. He not only had to crawl his way back through it, but also had to drag Kabir along with him.
Perhaps luck was on his side today, and there was nobody in the vicinity yet, and he and Kabir were able to safely escape out of the secret underground camp.
However, there was a problem. Kabir was still unconscious, and his wounds had to be sewn and treated properly with. Until he regained his consciousness, Kabir had to be hidden at a safe place.
Having no better option left, Vansh carried Kabir to the guesthouse which had been provided to Riddhima and Angre. He knew that this step could put push Riddhima and Angre into a risky situation, but he couldn’t help it.
Thankfully, the Sohrai festivities were still not completed, and the villagers weren’t back home yet.
Vansh lay Kabir on the cot and tended to his injuries. He stitched up his gaping wounds up diligently and gave him the concerned emergency medications that he always kept along with him.
Vansh could only wait and pray that Kabir woke up before the villagers returned and found out everything.
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Back in the village grounds, the festivities were still going on in full swing. Young girls were performing folk dances after folk dances. Some other group of young guys came forward and started performing all kinds of tricks involving fire. The audience hooted and clapped, and were fully engrossed by the show.
Angre on the other hand, was busy increasing his general knowledge through Surya. That man was wicked, ruthless and cunning, but he had vast knowledge about many topics. If only he had put this knowledge to good use.
Riddhima sat alone, observing Saanvi from afar. She had nothing to worry because Saanvi was busy having a blast. She still hadn’t realized that Vansh was missing.
Just then, Saanvi began looking around her with a frown. She was looking for Vansh!
Riddhima realized that she had been jinxed by her own thoughts. Now until Vansh came back, she’d have to divert Saanvi’s attention to something else. But what could that be?
Her eyes fell upon a tall glass of buttermilk. She picked it up, walked towards her, and purposely clashed with her, tumbling the entire glass and its contents over her.
Completely drenched in the white buttermilk, she screamed at her. “My great lord! What did you do, you stupid woman?”
“Oops! I am so sorry, it was an accident,” said Riddhima trying her best to sound as apologetic as possible.
Looking at her dilapidated condition, some of Saanvi’s loyal disciples ran to help clean her up.
“You wretched woman! I’m not a fool to not see through your plans. I know whatever you did was done on purpose!”
“What do you mean?” Riddhima blinked innocently. “You surely are mistaken.”
Saanvi’s eyes were red with anger. “No, no! That naivety you put on, is just a facade. You very well know what you are doing. You’ve your eyes on my would-be husband, isn’t it?”
“That’s not true. I’m a married woman, don’t forget that.”
“Married and a LONELY woman, that is what you are! Your coward husband ran away and now in order to end your loneliness, you keep an eye on other men!”
Riddhima had had enough of all this. She began scolding her.
“How dare you! Just because you are the head priestess of this place, doesn’t give you the right to character assasin another woman, especially when you are a woman yourself.
And like any other doting wife, I wouldn’t bear anyone speaking ill of my husband.
Secondly, I’m not that kind of a person who keeps an eye on other’s stuff. I only keep a lookout for what is rightfully mine.”
“What’s going on here?” A warm, baritone voice made Riddhima’s hair stand on end.
“Vishnu! Thank God you are here! Where had you been? I had been looking for you.”
“I went to attend nature’s call,” he replied. Pointing to her spoiled clothes and messy appearance, he continued. “What happened?”
“Riddhima did this! She isn’t a woman but a witch!” Saanvi barked.
Vansh spoke tenderly in order to melt her. “Sshh! It doesn’t befit you to use such malicious language. Go and change, okay?”
She nodded and left the scene, but not before throwing a nasty glare in Riddhuma’s direction. Her handmaid and her bodyguard accompanied her.
Riddhima on the other hand was relieved to see Vansh come back at the right time and handle the situation well. She was dying to know if he had been successful in his search for Kabir, but she knew that she’d have to maintain the decorum of the surroundings.
Vishnu/Vansh gestured the performers with his hands to begin the show once again, which had come to a halt due to Riddhima and Saanvi’s argument.
Riddhima looked around her and found the rest of the people eyeing her with contempt. Obviously, her argumemt with their beloved ‘Gurumaata’ hadn’t gone down well with them.
Finding her alone by herself, Vasooli walked up to her, with his usual stupid grin on his face.
“So sorry Bhabhiji, for all the insults you had to endure. But one cannot help but feel pity for you. Which sane man would leave such a ravishing wife to fend for herself? Trust me, had I been in your husband’s place, I wouldn’t have left your side even for a second.”
She shot him a death stare. “Fortunately for me, my husband isn’t an idle like you and has lots of important work to do. But you obviously think otherwise.”
But Vasooli shamelessly laughed on. “Oh Bhabhiji, it seems all the loneliness is making you very cranky.” He spoke in a hushed tone. “If you want, I can end all your loneliness for you.”
Fuming, Riddhima took few steps back creating a safe distance between them.
“Do one favour. Keep your loathsome face and your frog-like croaky voice away from me. Just can’t stand them.
And thank your stars, that we aren’t in Mumbai right now, or you wouldn’t have been able to show your face to anyone after uttering that crap!”
“And one more thing,” she continued snubbing him. “Riddhima can never be lonely. Because in spite of being far from her, her Vansh still resides right beside her. Always.”
Tossing her head smugly, she left the scene, leaving Vasooli to ponder if his face and voice were really frog-like.
Vansh, who was nearby, happened to hear the entire conversation. He boiled with rage at how that scoundrel made suggestive comments to his dearest wife. How dare he!
“Once I get out of this character, I’ll punch his face so much that people won’t be able to differentiate between him and a frog!” he gritted his teeth.
______________________________________
Kabir opened his eyes weakly. His entire body felt sore. On scanning his surroundings, he felt immensely relieved to have been freed from his enemies’ clutches. Moreover, he found himself to be neatly clothed and his wounds bandaged properly. He concluded that it must be Vansh who had rescued him.
“Before something inevitable happens, I must find Vansh and pass him on the information about the bomb blasts,” he thought determinedly.
He got down from the cot, his weak legs barely being able to carry his weight.
Not giving up, he managed to walk weakly ahead right towards the door.
He was in a decent looking house, but he didn’t know who stayed here. And he didn’t even care. The only thing keeping him going was his strong will power to meet Vansh, come what may.
He hadn’t even taken few steps outside the house, when his balance wavered and his body came crashing down on the ground.
Uggh! Why was he so helpless and weak?
“Kabir!”
Kabir flinched with fear as he heard someone call his name out from behind. His first instinct was to run away as fast as he could, but on better judgement decided to look back at who the person was.
“Riddhima!” he gasped not able to believe his own eyes.
She sat down before him, thankful and overjoyed to see him safe and sound.
“What are you doing here?” he said worriedly. “This place is quite a dangerous one. Leave this very imstant!”
“Right now, it is you who shouldn’t be all out in prowling in the open,” she remarked. Through the corner of her eye, she saw Bindu appearing around the corner.
Before she could notice anything unusual, Riddhima swiftly dragged Kabir behind a huge tree.
Riddhima ushered, “See? You have to stay in hiding or else…”
“Or else, they’ll kill me,” Kabir completed the sentence for her. “But I’m not afraid of my death. But I’m definitely afraid of the thousands of deaths that will be occurring in the future.
I don’t know till when I can stay alive. But you must give this information to Vansh at any cost. “
He leaned towards her ear and said the following,
“5th December 2021. 11AM IST. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.“
Riddhima’s eyes widened. This was the very information that Vansh had been wanting to get hold on. The bomb blasts were going to be held on 5th december, in 3 different cities. Shockingly, her beloved birth city, Mumbai was also one of them!
Before she could say anything further, a loud round of claps was sounded in the air.
Riddhima turned around and saw that it was none other than Saanvi herself! She was surrounded by her handmaid and 2 hefty, armed men. All of them were pointing their respective guns at the duo.
“Wonderful! So you are also on Kabir’s team, huh? Now, I’ve enough reasons to kill you even!”
She started laughing menacingly, her shrill voice echoing through the air and even scaring off the flock of birds perched nearby.
“Riddhima, since you know Kabir so well on a personal level, you must be very well knowing about his wife too. So didn’t you tell him what happened to her?”
Riddhima’s face became pale. This wasn’t the right time to inform Kabir about Ahana’s death.
At the mention of his wife, Kabir began getting frantic. “What happened to Ahana? Is she fine?”
Riddhima stayed quiet, not having any answer with her.
“C’mon Riddhima, don’t be shy. Tell him everything frankly,” Saanvi added more fuel to the fire.
Getting desperate, Kabir roughly shook Riddhima’s shoulders.
“Tell me, where is my Ahana? Just say it damn it!”
Saanvi pointed a finger towards the sky. “She is up in the heavens for now. May her soul rest in peace.”
Riddhima squeezed her eyes shut. This wasn’t the way she had expected the matter to be out before him.
Kabir felt the ground beneath him shake, and the sky above him to crash on his head. His entire world came crumbling down. But in spite of that, a flicker of hope kept burning in his heart.
“Riddhima, please tell me she’s lying. Please…” he begged with folded hands.
“I am sorry, Kabir. I tried saving her but…” Riddhima hung her head down, as pangs of guilt hit her.
Kabir cried his lungs out, his wails piercing through Riddhima’s heart and soul.
His wife…he had barely spent 1-2 months with her. He still remembered how difficult it was for him to leave her and embark on this mission. And even more difficult when she told him that she was pregnant.
He remembered how bad he had felt while lying to her about his profession and dogding her numerous questions.
He had thought of so many things. He had decided to take a long leave once this mission got over and spend the remaining time with his wife and his baby.
But all his dreams were shattered now. Irrevocably.
“What was her mistake in all this? Why did you kill her?” he screamed in pain.
Saanvi clicked her tongue. “Because she wouldn’t let us ransack your house, Kabir. To be honest, it’s entirely your fault that Ahana is dead. Had you cooperated with us fully and told us the name of your partner-in-crime well in advance, then Ahana wouldn’t have to lose her life like this. Your adamance led her to her death. You killed her!”
“I killed her? I am responsible for her death?” Kabir started echoing her words, his mind getting out of control.
Riddhima tried to instill some sense into him. “No Kabir! You are not at fault. Don’t blame yourself. She is plainly manipulating you.”
Saanvi spoke over Riddhima, letting her pleas go unheard. “You deserve to die, Kabir. Don’t you want to go to your dearest Ahana?”
Tears ran down Kabir’s eyes as he closed his eyes, accepting defeat and ready to embrace death.
Riddhima’s eyes frenzily ran all over the place. She had to escape from here. But how’d she do that? She only had one revolver with her, and in order to get hold of that, she’d have to take it out from under her dress. This however was not feasible with literally four guns pointing at her and Kabir, waiting to fire. She was scared that even if she moved an inch, a bullet would surely be shot towards her direction.
“First, we’ll kill this Riddhima. She’s the biggest thorn in my way,” Saanvi declared wickedly. “Any last wish?”
Just then, they heard a ruffle through the bushes behind them. Saanvi and her minions quickly took their positions and aimed their guns right at the bush.
They were almost about to open fire, when Vansh emerged out of the bush raising his hands up. They immediately put their guns down on seeing him.
“Relax! It is me.” Looking at Kabir and Riddhima crouched against a large tree, he said. “By the way, what is happening here?”
“You came at the right time, Vishnu. These two are our blo*dy betrayers,” said Saanvi.
“What? How dare these two commit such a big sin of betraying the very head priestess herself!” Vansh exclaimed angrily. “They deserve a gruesome punishment. And Riddhima…you deserve the worst…”
His eyes turning dark with fury, he slowly advanced towards her. “We treated you like a guest, gave you respect, love and honour, and you do this? Make fun of our hospitality?”
Pulling her by her hair, he brought her ear close to his mouth. “Where is your revolver?” he whispered.
Even though Vansh was just acting, yet it still pained when he manhandled her like that. But keeping calm, she replied, “Under my sari.”
His back was turned to Saanvi and her men, and his large and broad figure conveniently hid Riddhima’s tiny and slender figure from their sight.
His one hand still entangled in her hair, Vansh put his other hand right inside her sari.
As his fingers ascended up her legs, Riddhima could feel tingling sensation all over her body. He was her husband all right and they had gotten intimate many times previously. But still he had so much effect over her.
She mentally berated herself that they were stuck in a life-threatening situation for now, and not the time to have such mindless thoughts.
A ghost of a smirk played on Vansh’s lips, when he finally had the revolver in his hand, but still cleverly hidden from the other onlookers, to whom it seemed like he was still roughly tugging at Riddhima’s hair. Saanvi was especially happy to dwell in this misunderstanding.
All of a sudden, Vansh turned around like lightning, and fired four bullets continuously, with each one piercing right through each of the four enemies’ chests. Completely taken up by surprise, they couldn’t save themselves from getting shot in the nick of time. They all fell down onto the muddy ground instantly.
Saanvi gaped in horror and stupefaction. Vishnu, her lover and her soon-to-be-husband was a betrayer too! He was the other spy who was Kabir’s partner in this mission! He stayed in front of her very eyes day and night, then how did she not know?
“W-who…are…y-you…?” she asked in broken words, holding her bleeding chest.
“Vansh Raisinghania.”
“Rid..dhima’s….h-husband-d…?” she gasped.
Vansh nodded smugly while she breathed her last. He didn’t know what had killed her, the pain from the bullet or the pain of being betrayed in love.
“Riddhima, Kabir! Let us leave before they catch us with these dead bodies. Come on!”
Riddhima readily stood up and ran to Vansh, taking him in her embrace.
“I was so scared. I thought I’d die without seeing you for one last time,” she sobbed.
He caressed her head. “I’d never let anything to happen to you. Even if I had to lay down my own life for that…”
Riddhima placed her palm over his lips, preventing him from saying anything further.
“Don’t you dare bring such inauspicious words on your tongue again.”
He kissed her palm gently. She retreated, realizing that Kabir was also there with them.
“Kabir, we need to leave.” She called him out. But he simply kept staring into the blank space.
Vansh knelt down before him and shook him violently. “Where are you lost…?”
He let out a sharp cry when Kabir snatched the revolver from Vansh’s hand, and pointed it at his own head.
“Let me die. There’s no reason for me to live anymore.”
“Kabir!” Riddhima and Vansh shouted together.
*
Hello everyone! That is it for today guys. Do comment.
Peace out!