Ransom..!!

SHORT STORY

(Fiction)

“Vinod, Vinod. Come here, fast.” Lekha screamed at top of her voice which could wake up even a dead lion but me. Not that I am a sound sleeper but on Sunday mornings I turn deaf to absolutely anything that comes between me and my sleep. One day of the week which I feel I work hard enough to deserve my peace. Unfortunately, I had to wake up when ignoring wasn’t an option anymore.

“What is it, Lekha? Are you alright? What happened? It’s just 8:30 and I am entitled sleep till 9:00 on Sundays.” I was still rubbing my eyes and hoping this could wait another half an hour.
“Read this and you will know. There are more important things in the world than sleep, Vinod. I was in the garden when someone threw this note along with a box.” Lekha was irritated and sobbing, I could tell.

I was stunned and my sleep vanished.

“Mr. Sharma, your daughter is with us. Safe, until now. As long as you give in to our demands, she will be safe but if you act smart, then we will send her to the point of no return. If you don’t believe us, then open the box which has a small video of her along with the piece of her dress. If you reach out to the cops, then I assure you that you will never see her again. Meet my man, Prakash, tomorrow at 5 pm sharp, right next to Gateway of India. Bring along 5 lakhs in cash and give it to him. He will tell you where your daughter is and this all will end, I promise.”

I read and re read this note over and over again. I opened the box and found the piece of Nikita’s dress and the video. Lekha burst out crying after seeing the video.
“Lekha, don’t worry. Niki is going to be home tomorrow. Even if I have to give in to their demands, then so be it.” There were so many thoughts crossing my mind and couldn’t think of anyone who could play such a dirty joke on my family.
“Vinod, you don’t understand or what. There are no “ifs”. You have to do as they say. Just give them the money and get my daughter back. Please don’t get your mind strategizing to find cues. They will kill her, Vinod. Just give the money to that guy tomorrow.”
“Lekha, you think I don’t know the repercussions. She is my daughter too. I promise you that nothing will happen to Niki and for now let me be alone and think through this. Don’t worry; we will have her back tomorrow. Just go and take some rest and act normal with all the servants.”

I rushed out of the room, straight to Niki’s room. Rummaging through her stuff was in vain as I didn’t know what I was looking for but I still did. I spoke to all her friends of her last few activities. In desperation, I called my friend Ajay, who was a police commissioner, hoping he would be able to track something and sort it out discreetly.

******************************

Somewhere in some hotel, Prakash was getting worried.
“Anil, are you sure, you want to do this. What if he calls the cops?”
“Prakash, stop it. Why will he call the cops? We have made it very clear that we will kill her and am sure he loves his daughter. You just play your part. You have to get the money and that’s it. Don’t spoil it now, we have worked really hard on this. Just be cool when you meet him. Once he gives the money let him know where his daughter will meet him. Prakash, we will be rich in a few hours. All the best.”

*******************************

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Anil was pleasantly surprised to think that Prakash came so early.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” I could have slapped Nikita who looked so flustered but didn’t want to create a scene in front of strangers. And I was looking for the right words to speak before I blew my mind off.
“Niki, you are just 18 and I have seen more life than you. I would have given in to the demands of these so called kidnappers, had I not found this diary in your room where you have been writing about your new found love for Anil which both your mom and I have been unaware of. I am disappointed with you, Niki. How could you? You didn’t even think once of your mom and me.” And my anger knew no bounds when I looked at the guy. One slap on his face threw him on the floor.
“You really thought you can pull this off. Ajay, you might want to do rest of the talking with him. I have nothing to say.”
“Ok, dad it was my plan. Leave him. He didn’t do anything.” It was all too much for Nikita to grasp. She was so blinded by this guy.
“Nikita, you still are oblivious to all the facts. This guy who says he loves you, isn’t saying the whole truth. This is not the first time he has loved a rich girl. He has been conning girls for a few years now. He lures a girl into loving him and then talks about his weak financial condition and how little help would improve his life. Hence, a ransom of only 5 lakhs which is nothing for someone like your father. The idea is that a petrified but affluent family for whom such amount is meager would simply do as told and get their daughter back. These guys would get money and fly to an unknown destination and become untraceable. If your father wouldn’t have doubted this and contacted me, he would have been successful even this time.”

I was glad Ajay could speak to Nikita because with my soaring temper, I wasn’t thinking much.
“Oh! Dad. I am so sorry. I didn’t know all this about him. I thought we both loved each other and he was genuinely in financial trouble. I am so sorry, dad.”

I wasn’t hearing anything and maybe just thinking of ways she would be grounded now and for how long.

Stuck with you..!!

Short story.. Fiction..!!

I woke up pretty early today or maybe I didn’t sleep last night. So much better to blame it on the jetlag from my 3 week trip to India than on the crucial presentation I have today. I lighted the candle in my temple and just stared blankly.

Today is no different a day. Abundant sunshine and Monday morning hustle bustle. Work seems hard after a long break. Luckily, my office, being on the 44th floor and with an extra ordinary view, eases off so much work related stress. With that thought, I entered the elevator and even before closing fully, the elevator opened again.

“Oh great, and there goes my day!” I thought I was murmuring to myself but he did hear me.
“Excuse me..!!” he retorted, sipping his coffee.

“Nothing, can you just not hurry up. I am already late and want to give some finishing touches to my presentation before it starts.” I realized I couldn’t have been curt than this. But he deserved that.
“Oh, Ok! Just to make things clear a bit, I’d much rather walk up all the way to 44th floor than being here with you in an elevator.” Maybe he felt bad for having said that and hence responded with a Sorry immediately.

Siddharth and I work for the same ad agency. He meant the world to me. We both dreamt growing old together and singing lullabies to our grand children. Everything seemed so magical until he kissed her last month.

“What just happened? Why did the elevator stop suddenly? What was that noise? We haven’t even reached our floor yet. What’s going on?” I almost panicked.
“Stop. Just stop, Anushka. Your shouting isn’t going to help.” She still panics. Nothing has changed. Siddharth thought to himself.

“But why isn’t the elevator moving? This is not a good sign. What do we do now? I have to be in office.” My eyes were moving constantly and pushing all the buttons again and again. Nothing happened and my eyes caught Siddharth’s eyes, who was busy sipping his coffee and whistling. I couldn’t take it.
“I am so sure, Siddharth, you are behind this. You really want to mess up my presentation. Don’t you? I knew something terrible is going to happen ever since I got up this morning.” I always blamed him for anything wrong that happened. Nothing changed even now.

“Enough. Calm down, Anushka. I have nothing to gain of this situation. You are over-reacting. Just because I’m not hyper, doesn’t mean I’m enjoying this. You’ve done your bit by screaming for help and pushing all those buttons. All we can do is just wait. So for God’s sake, stop screaming and blaming me.”
“But it is . . .” I was cut short by a third voice which came through a speaker phone.

“Hello. This is Steve Clark, calling from the Admin. There is a technical snag in the elevator. We are on top of this and will keep you posted on the progress. Hopefully, it should be fine in a few minutes. Sorry for the inconvenience and highly appreciate your patience.”

“Oh! Thank you, Steve. You have no idea what you have done here. Thanks for saving my life, man. I owe you.” Siddharth smirked. He always teased me and especially when I was angry. If in 3 years, we did anything differently, it was handling such situations. I always panicked and he acted calm and composed. Wonder how he does that time and time again.

“So, how’s the presentation coming along? I am sure the clients are in for a surprise. You will do well, Anu.”
“First of all, I am Anushka. Let’s keep it that ways. Secondly, don’t try sweet talking me into something. It won’t work. What happens with my presentation is none of your business.” This definitely wasn’t how I expected my day to start.
“Ok, Anushka. I stay clear. But why are you so bitter? You never even gave me a chance to explain. You are the one who isn’t even talking to me.” In a way he was right but then there was nothing to explain.

“What would you say, Siddharth? There’s nothing between us. It’s all over.”
“For starters, I would like to explain my side of the story. It’s really not what you think. She means nothing to me.” I sensed truth in his eyes but couldn’t get myself to believe after what I saw.

“This is what you probably told her as well about me. Isn’t it? You think . . .” Before I realized his finger was already on my lips.
“Sssshhh. Just sssshhh. You know nothing, Anushka. I don’t love her. I never have. She kissed me. And it was unexpected. I had no idea. I was shocked and by the time I shoved her back, I saw you standing at the door. Everyone knows about her reputation in office, so why don’t you trust me? I have tried everything under the sun, ever since then. But you just disappeared. You refused to take my calls. You blocked my email id. I had no way to reach you and my only hope was Preeti. Since she is your best friend, I asked her to be the messenger but she also said it’s worthless.” I remember Preeti explaining everything but then I was too shocked to absorb anything. I guess I just wanted to run away and my India trip gave me exactly that opportunity.

“Why are you telling me this now, Siddharth?” I wanted to hug him. To believe him. But somehow my mind was going crazy with all the thoughts.
“You don’t understand, Anushka. Do you? I love you. Only you. I always have and always will. You complete me. You have no idea how this past month has been for me. You were with your parents and here I was all alone by myself. Being punished for something which wasn’t even my fault. You know, I thought if I get one chance to explain my situation, maybe you will understand. Maybe things will come back to normal. But it seems you have already made up your mind. And I . . .” Suddenly there is a jolt and the elevator’s again on its way.

Maybe I was harsh. Maybe I didn’t give him the chance to speak. Maybe I over reacted. The door of the elevator opened and Siddharth walked out first, wishing me luck.

“Hey Sid, game for lunch. I will be free by 12:30. Same place.”

We both smiled.

Stranger to me..!!

I close my eyes. And I remember. Some flashes of the past. Of the years gone by.

*********************************************************

I believe in God. I always did. Something I was told to believe in since childhood. I was told He would always be there to guide me. My best friend. He would give me all the happiness in life which I ever wanted. And thus, I grew up with that belief. And my belief was stronger everyday.

I was born on Diwali day. While others celebrated the festival of lights, my parents celebrated my arrival. My mother, especially. My father wanted to have a son. But over the years, he came to terms with life and it's all sorts of gifts. And I was one such gift for him. They named me Disha. They believed that I came in their life and gave them a direction. Baba died when I was 10 years old. Amma recalls that was the last time she saw me smile. The spark in my eyes that could light up the room, disappeared with the demise of Baba. Unfortunately, I have faint memories of those beautiful 10 years of my life with my Baba. Amma says Baba always considered me his lucky charm. I had 3 siblings. All three sisters. Baba's failed attempts to have a son, who would make his family name proud and carry on the legacy. But all in vain.

I was given the responsibility to be mature at the age of 10. I worked odd jobs with Amma to earn our livelihood so that my sisters could be alive. That was my sacrifice for the family. Unknowingly. But I remember Amma telling me to never lose faith in God. He would always guide me to where I want to be. She told me that these initial tough years would guarantee a life of comforts in the years to come. I believed her. I Believed Him. I had faith.

I was 16 when Amma traded me off for some money. I don't remember much of that fateful day, but there was a man in his late 30s, who came home and gave high hopes to Amma. His lips were all red because of the paan, he ate every 10 minutes. I remember Amma crying and saying again and again that she could not do this to me. That I am still a child. That "brothel" is not the place for me. The word stuck with me, as it was very new to me and unheard of. I didn't understand it then. That night, Amma told me that she has to let me go. That she is trying to secure a life for other 3 girls. That she was sorry. That I shouldn't ask her too many questions now. But just have my faith stronger in God.

I have faint memories of the next morning. I sat in a bullock cart with the same man, whom I saw for the first time the day before. I saw Amma crying profusely. I felt the tears were even more than what she shed on Baba's death. I didn't understand then as she had assured me that it was for everyone's well being. That was my sacrifice for my family. Unknowingly. She gave me a painting of Ganesha. The only one at home and told me He was my protector from now on. I was confused, if God came with me then who would take care of them. But Amma had 3 other daughters.

Shabina Begum welcomed me with open arms. She was a woman of short stature with long dark tresses and kohl eyes. She called me an angel. She trained me in different dance styles and face expressions. There were other girls of my age over here and we all danced and sang together. I loved everything about that place except the nights. Because at night we had to dance in front of drunk old men, who called us all sorts of things. Maybe that's why Amma cried because she knew where I was going. I missed her. I know she did too because I had God. He no longer was at my home. Amma gave it to me for my well being.

Time flew by. Days became months and months turned into years and I blossomed into womanhood. I didn't even realize when I turned 26 but not a single day passed without remembering Amma. I yearned to meet her but Shabina Begum told me I couldn't see her because I was traded off. But she sent money to Amma every month without fail. She told me she did. I believed her.

Then, came fateful Diwali night, the same year. After the dance, Shabina Begum told me there was a man, who was willing to marry me. I didn't want to, somehow I had come to liking this place with Sabina Begum around. I believed this to be my home away from home. But Shabina Begum mentioned that I was "fortunate" that there was a respectable man who asked for my hand in this "brothel" business. The term I understood so well now. She had the same tears Amma had while I left home. Shabina Begum assured that if I say yes, then I would be able to send more money home to Amma. That was my sacrifice for my family.

My husband was in his mid forties and married me for free sex every night. I don't remember a day when he didn't come home drunk and didn't beat me. I don't remember a day when I didn't give in to his screaming. I don't remember a day when I didn't cry like Amma did, sitting alone in the dark. I remembered Amma telling me that God was my protector and I waited for Him to show up. But every night, nothing changed.

Ten long years passed and I couldn't give him a child. So my husband married again and I was left to wander around at home like a maid. But God was there. I know it because my husband sent the promised money to Amma every month. Infact, he gave it to me and I sent it myself with a hope that someday I could tell Amma what I had become. Would she cry the way she did then? Would she hug me tight? That was my sacrifice for my family.

It was the day of Diwali, when I ran away from home. From my husband. From the town where I lost everything and all I got in return was tears. Ramu kaka, who used to send the money to Amma, helped me buy a bus ticket to my home town. To Amma. To go back to where I belonged. To see Amma after so many years. To see those tears again but this time it would be shed in happiness.

Today, I reached home. Finally. Amma saw me but didn't recognise. After all, it was 20 long years. She bid good bye to a girl and I returned today, a woman. She led a healthy and peaceful life, I could tell. My sacrifice didn't go futile. Her eyes were moist when she realized it was me. Her Disha. But she didn't hug me. All she mustered up to say was I shouldn't have come back. My sisters were married and well settled in respectable homes. My sudden appearance would shatter their lives. Amma didn't talk much about me to the other 3 sisters, I could tell. I didn't exist here. Amma didn't ask me about my well being. I didn't belong here. All she said "You shouldn't have come back. You shouldn't have come back. Couldn't you stay in the dark and sacrifice yourself completely for the family?" Now I saw the same tears in her eyes. Tears of letting me go. Tears of not having me back ever. I didn't understand then. I understood now.

I turned back and walked. I stared at the mirror, which Amma had decorated at the entrance door. I saw a reflection there. Not clear anymore of who she was. Looked like a stranger to me. And I closed the door.

**********************************************************************

I open my eyes, as I stand here in front of Shabina Begum's doorsteps. One deep breath. This is where it all began. After all, this is the place where Amma traded me off. My home away from home. For the first time in years, I don't have any tears. No remorse. Maybe God didn't want me there. Maybe I didn't belong there in that world anymore. Maybe He gave me the hints before but I never understood them. Maybe this is my final sacrifice for my family. For their well being. Finally, God did protect me from my miseries. I smile. I walk in and accept the new reality of my life. My identity for as long as I live now.

Waiting for a miracle (Conclusion)..!!

After 6 hours long operation, Karan came out with a sober face. Rahul was jittery and he didn’t want to hear the bad news.
“The operation was successful. Kriya would be in ICU for 2 days under observation. There are no complications and she is breathing just fine. She should be awake in couple of hours and you can see her then. Few days and she can go home but she will have to keep coming back for regular check ups.” Karan told Rahul.
“Thanks, man. Thanks for saving her. I am so very grateful to you.” They hugged.
“But, Rahul there is a bad news. She won’t be able to conceive again. I am so sorry.” Tina had already come there by now and listening to Karan she cried vehemently and just hugged Rahul tight.
Rahul stood there still and tears trickling down his eyes and couldn’t move. As if the whole world came shattering down.

**************************************************

Present:

Today it was their anniversary again. It’s been 2 years since that fatal accident but still is fresh in Kriya’s memories. It still haunts her. Even though Rahul has been ever supportive of her but they both have a feeling of loneliness deep within. All this time, she hasn’t been able to forgive herself. She still blames herself for talking over the phone while driving that day. Tears were trickling down her eyes as she looked out of her home window. Suddenly her phone buzzed.

“Hey, Tina. How are you?”
“What’s with the sad tone, girl? Don’t tell me you are sitting again thinking about the past. Wipe your tears and get ready. I’m coming to pick you up. We will go out for lunch and catch up on the last week’s stories.”
“Tina, not today. I am really not in a mood. Please just not today.”
“You know it, Kriya, I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll be there in 15 minutes. So see you then.” And she disconnected.

They went to a nice Chinese restaurant and were waiting for their order to come.
“Ok! Kriya, first of all, wish you a very Happy Anniversary and here’s a small gift for you and Rahul from Karan and me. I know you don’t like gifts, but I am sure you won’t say no to this. Open it and tell me what you think.”
Kriya was taking her own sweet time to open the gift carefully, making sure the wrapper stays intact.
“Kriya, it’s Ok. If you like the wrapper so much then shall get you in bulk. You can tear this one apart and just see the gift. I am anxious to see your reaction.”
Kriya opened the gift and tears trickled down her eyes.
Tina held Kriya’s hand, wondering the reaction “I didn’t mean to make you cry, Kriya. I thought you will love this.”
“Oh! ofcourse I do, Tina. I couldn’t have been happier. This means a lot, thanks.” Kriya was a strong devotee of Ganesha. Nothing else mattered to her more than her prayers to Him. She had a huge collection of Ganesha in different styles, art, work, paintings, all over her home.
“I knew you would love this and wouldn’t say no. Ok, listen, now there is another surprise for you. Remember, I told you about the 7 day trip that I won for exceptional performance in my team. Finally, I have got the tickets today. Karan and I have decided that Rahul & you definitely need a change of place so instead of us, you both would be flying to Paris.”
“What. Paris. Tina you must be out of your mind. There is no way we can go. Rahul & I don’t have any leave so you guys just go ahead. I don’t need any trips. I have work here which I can’t let go.”
“Yeah, did you say it all or something is still left? You both are going and I am not listening to any of your crap. Full stop. It has been decided. That’s it. You know I don’t take No for an answer, Kriya so why are you even trying.”

After a lot of persuasion from Tina & Karan, Rahul & Kriya flew to Paris. This was their first trip there and they looked at the city in complete awe. It just couldn’t have gotten better. The soft music in the background and the Eiffel Tower in the evening was alluring and for once they seemed to have forgotten their sadness and were back to being their self like before. Their hotel room overlooked the Eiffel Tower and they cherished every moment of exploring the city. Just a day before when they were about to leave, Kriya overheard the hotel receptionist talking about the Magical Fountain where wishes come true. Kriya, curious to know more, enquired about the place and went to visit it.

She reached the fountain and took out the coins from her bag. Somehow gasping for breath, she just sat down for a while, close to the fountain. Her mind was racing with different thoughts but the droplets of water falling on her face gave her some inner tranquil. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. With tears flowing down her cheeks, all she could say was “I would be lying if I say I am extremely happy and contended but I don’t blame you for that. All I want is inner strength and a hope to never lose the faith I have in you. I will wait for my turn if there can ever be a miracle. And yes, even as I speak, I do have faith.” She threw the coins and walked away. Tinkerbell, who was listening to her prayers, was touched by her honest wish. She felt the sadness in her voice and a tear trickled down.

Kriya went straight to her hotel room. Rahul had a surprise waiting for her.
“Kriya, I haven’t said this to you in days or even months but I always have. I loved you even when I didn’t say and I love you even more when I am saying.”
“What took you so long, Rahul? What happened to us? I love you too and missed you so much. These 6 days have been eternity for me. After a long time I have felt being free.” Kriya was crying and hugged Rahul. Rahul took her out on the hotel balcony where he had made the arrangements for a candle light dinner. Kriya was still in tears and he held her tight and wiped her tears. “Come, let’s enjoy us. Let’s celebrate our last day here in Paris.” They both hardly ate and were yearning to be in each others arms. They hadn’t seen each other like this in quite sometime now.

The next day they returned back. Tina & Karan picked them up from the airport.
“So how was your trip? Hope you guys enjoyed and had a nice time. Show me the photos. Ok, what did you get for me?” Tina said it all in one breath and then noticed both of them sitting close and thought it indeed was a worth it trip. Kriya smiled, looking at Tina.
“It is so nice to see you smiling, Kriya.” Tina hugged Kriya while dropping them at their home.
After a few days, Kriya went for her regular check up and found out she was pregnant. All she could think of was to call Rahul. She still didn’t believe what happened but she was happy and thanked God for a second chance.

Tinkerbell felt happy that she could bring happiness to Kriya and glad she granted her wish who waited so long for a miracle.

Waiting for a miracle (Part I)..!!

“OK! Where the hell did you keep my wallet, I can’t find it anywhere.” Screamed Rahul, trying to leave for office in the morning.
“It is right there on the table, where you kept those papers. Can’t you just see before screaming.” Answered back, agitated Kriya packing lunch boxes.
"You know I am always in a rush in the morning so why don't you keep my stuff all together. Anyways, did you sign those papers for the insurance. I will take them now."
"Clearly, i have my own errands to run in the morning, so you should take care of it yourself, Rahul. I haven't signed the papers, didn't find time. I shall get them to your office by evening."
Rahul slammed the door and left for office in disgust.

This has been an every day story. Both Rahul & Kriya have lost the charm. The magic that used to be there in their relationship has long gone. All that is left today is two strangers sharing the same roof. Two souls who leave in a rush in the morning for office and come back late in the evening.

Things were never like this between the two. They were dating for 4 years before they finally decided to tie the knot. This was 5 years back. But last 2 years have been very difficult for both of them emotionally. It seems like yesterday when they both seemed so happy and yearned for each others company.

************************************

2 years back:

Kriya was 7 months pregnant and every thing seemed so perfect. At times, even their friends used to envy their relationship. One day as Kriya was getting dressed to leave for office, Rahul came from behind and put a beautiful diamond pendant in her neck.
“Hey beautiful, I win again this year. I am the first one to wish you a happy anniversary consecutively for the third year in a row. Now, how does that make you feel?”

Kriya feeling embarrassed only could say “Thanks, hon. Oh! I wish I could do something to my memory. Let me just kiss and make it upto you”. They both smiled and kissed and left for office.

While on her way to office, Kriya called up Tina, her friend of 8 years “Hey there. So, are we all set for today evening?”
“Don’t you worry, dear. I have it all under control. I know with a bloated tummy like yours, you wouldn’t have managed it without me. So, just relax as all the arrangements are done”. Assured Tina.
“You know Rahul just gave me a beautiful diamond necklace and is still thinking that I forgot about our anniversary again this year. Thanks to you, there is a surprise party arranged now which I am sure will really take him on cloud nine.”
“Forget about everything that you just said. I am still hooked onto the first sentence. You got a what. Diamond necklace. Girl, aren’t you just plain lucky. You guys have been together for so many years but still have a relationship so fresh. Karan should learn a bit from Rahul. But honestly, Kriya, am really happy for you. You couldn’t have really asked for more.”
“Ok, now before you get all mushy again let me just hang up as Rahul is calling. I will talk to u later. Bye.”
“You just left 10 minutes back and he is missing you already. Let me call Karan right now then. Bye babes, and don’t worry about the evening. It shall be a night to remember.”

“Hey, sweets. What’s up?” Said Kriya answering the phone.
“Did you reach office or are you still driving?” Rahul sounded cautious as he never liked Kriya driving and talking over the phone. One quality he totally detested but couldn’t do much about it as she had her way.
“I will be there in 10 minutes. Don’t worry I have my eyes on the road even while I talk. Tell me, why you called.”
“Nothing, I just called to know the plans for the evening. I have booked dinner for two in your favorite resta…..”
“Hey, listen, hold on. I told you we have to go for my office party today. We have to be there as my boss is also coming down. Don’t you remember?”
“Yeah! I thought it might ..... what was that noise… Kriya. Hello. Are you there. Hello….. what happened.” Rahul tried to connect again but phone was not reachable.

Rahul panicked and sensed something wrong happened. He picked up the car keys and rushed to Kriya’s office place. On the way he called her colleague but Kriya hadn’t reached office yet. Just few blocks from her office, Rahul saw her car toppled over and another SUV smashed few meters away. His heart skipped a beat. He rushed to the car but she wasn’t there. The cops told him that she was severely injured so the para medics took her to the hospital.

At hospital, doctors told Rahul that her condition was very critical and he would have to decide whether to choose the baby or her. “Save Kriya. Save her, please Karan. Do anything, everything, whatever you can but save her, Karan.” Rahul said frantically without batting an eyelid. He signed few papers and the operation started. Rahul made all the necessary phone calls to family and friends.

********

Conclusion in next post..!!