Chapter 1 – Brat
“Kya haal chal Bhai ” said Mahesh fist-bumping his partner while adjusting his black headphone on his left ear. He then circled his finger under his bulging biceps to adjust his shirt. The half sleeve of Safari shirt too looked like it was on a mission to not let those huge biceps escape because that would just mean it would have to tear itself apart. So it was a battle of survival for the cloth and the pumped muscle.
Mahesh used to enjoy this battle every day or so and was amazed how every day his biceps were closer to ripping off the shirt, a smile of content automatically reflected in his face.
“Badiya bhai ” reciprocated Sagar who was shorter than Mahesh but bigger. His Biceps had won the war with the safari suit and he was now wearing a black T-shirt that expanded cordially to let his biceps grow.
Mahesh & Sagar were bouncers of a famous Club called Zinger located in the posh locality of Koregaon Park. The Building shone in the white projector light that was kept right in front of it and highlighted its beauty. The glass reflected the light and it somewhat looked like a diamond-studded crown. There was a huge iron door which sided with 2 security cabins. It was a member-exclusive Club and the huge iron doors opened only for members. As the vehicle passed through those doors it was invited by lush greenery on both sides as the cement road curved graciously towards the entrance. At the entrance stood Mahesh and Sagar with their hands clasped together in a signature bouncer style accentuating their python style arms. They had the typical stern cold look on their face. Behind them was the glass entrance door that was vibrating because of the music blaring inside. Even the disco lights managed to creep out of the doors occasionally.
“Has the asshole come? Or is he yet to arrive?” asked Mahesh who hoped for a positive answer.
“Nahi na… He is yet to come” said Sagar shaking his head and looking equally disappointed.
Just then they heard the Iron gates opening and a white Jaguar zoomed in with a screeching noise. Both of them looked at each other Here comes the devil.
The Jaguar had just stopped at the entrance when four people got out. Three of them had the same uniform as Mahesh. But one person looked distinct. He was short but walked like he was a giant. He was wearing a bright white shirt and trousers and Louis Vuitton Loafers. This figure was covered in gold. His neck was wrapped in 7 gold chains, all his fingers had gold rings while one forearm had a gold bracelet that was 4 inches in length. He was wearing Gucci Shades that was resting on his stout nose. His upper lip was covered in flimsy mustache. It was Arjun Gadre.
As he walked past Mahesh & Sagar, he stopped and walked back.
“Aye bhenchod .. Cant you salute ?” grunted Arjun while swinging his right-hand landing on Sagar’s head.
“I did salute you, sir,” Said Sagar who was boiling in anger but found himself helpless.
Arjun was the son of real estate tycoon Shivaji Gadre. He was born with a silver spoon. His father had created a huge empire of real estate in Pune & Mumbai. They earned a rental income of 2 crores per month which was just a part of their total income source from different businesses. The biggest hotel, shopping complex, IT parks belonged to them. So Arjun’s only work was to spend the money as fast as possible.
“I didn’t see you saluting.” Said Arjun removing his dark shades and staring right at Sagar with his bloodshot eyes.
Sagar was trembling in anger and hating his helplessness… Can’t do anything to the most loyal customer and a personal friend of the boss… Veins were shooting out of his temple and neck. He slowly saluted again.
“That’s it. Make sure you do this every time I come or go. That’s why you are here, Samjha” said Arjun while putting back his Gucci Shades and walking inside.
Mahesh was too stunned and avoided looking at his colleague. He pushed all his rage in his clenched fist. Once Arjun and his entourage were inside, he went to Sagar. Sagar was looking up and trying hard to hold back his
Mahesh put his hand on Sagar’s broad shoulder. “Bloody arse hole customers. They think they are the king because they have money. Don’t think much bhai, Leave it”
“What shitty life we have man, to become a bouncer in such shitty Club? What’s the point of these muscles if we cant use to defend ourselves? I can snap his neck with one hand, but can I do it? No! But he can hit me .. ” yelled Sagar to which Mahesh had no answer. Sagar in a rage punched on the pillar. Mahesh somehow held Sagar back as one more punch could hurt his hand real bad
As they were discussing, Sagar felt a tap on his back. When they turned back they saw Karan standing with an apologetic face. “I am sorry about what happened to you brother,” said Karan while folding his hands.
“You know how my Boss is, he is very moody. He just argued with his Dad and that’s what made him do that. I am so sorry brother. I see these abuses every day and am as helpless as you guys are… After all, he is my boss. ”
“Karan .. you are going to be in trouble because of him. Today he misbehaved with me, but I am a toothless bulldog. Tomorrow when he gets in crosshairs with a big guy, you will be in the midst of the storm. ” growled Sagar in a low tone.
“Do you think that hasn’t happened ?. I have lost count of the number of times I had to doze the fires he set… I know my job and the risk I am taking every day “said Karan in hopes of mellow down Sagar. He nodded in affirmation.
“All I can offer you is my forgiveness brother. Next time I will escort him right from the entrance. ” Karan folded his hands again and went inside. While opening the door the music blasted outside and mellowed down as the door closed just like a sea wave that rises and falls.
“Why do assholes like Arjun have all the money in the world while a good-hearted person like Karan slogs like an average middle-class individual?” Said Sagar
“It’s all about where you are born brother. Luck starts from the moment you get born. You are born in an affluent family, you are through. But if you are born in a poor family, you struggle your entire life. Even for Mahesh who looks like a king without a throne.” said Mahesh while appreciating the good looks of Karan. Karan was 6ft tall, fair with dark black hair and equally dark eyes. He had a chiseled body with the right proportion of muscles everywhere; his jawline was sharp with a thin sharp nose. Although built like a tank, he had kind eyes.
“And ironically a king is serving a smug asshole, “ Sagar said with dry humor, anger still lingering on his face. Mahesh busted in laughter and soon Sagar joined him. They had a good laugh after which they resumed their duty forgetting what happened.
The Club was bustling with people. It was dark in corners and the lights were mostly concentrated in the middle where there was a huge circle with disco lights. It was the dance floor and it was filled with so many people that there was not even an inch between 2 people. But people dancing there didn’t care. Most of them were high on drinks and were dancing to their favorite tracks. Some couples were glued together right from shoulder to thigh, even their sweats were happily mingling with each other, some girls had come to relax and hunt for a new partner, they were brushing themselves with all possible partners. Single boys were there for just the same reason, they wanted some stranger girl brushing herself to them and maybe if they were lucky they could, in turn, return the favor by doing the same without the clothes.
The dance floor was surrounded partially by seating areas where people were spectators of the dance floor while they guzzled up their beers, whiskeys, etc. The other half was covered with a serving counter and at a corner was the DJ scratching inside his glass cubicle. The counter was lit with bright led’s and good looking boys in their 20s were the bartenders. They had swiveling stools on the opposite side of the serving counter. Some of them were occupied by girls who were trying their luck on the bartenders, and why not? They were even better than regular boyfriends, they could come to the Club any day plus the booze and food would be free. What else does a girl in her 20s want? For them, these boys were the potential jackpots.
There was also a VIP lounge which was just above the regular seating that had smoked black glass. The VIP lounge had the best view of the dance floor minus the harsh blaring cacophony of music, people, etc. The Lounge had a black leather Durian couch with a glass center table in the middle. At the corner was a service counter with private bartenders. The walls were made of mahogany wood with off-white color ceiling that had tiny yellow Led lights. Most of the light that was descending was filled with white smoke that converted to yellow when they came in the spectrum of light. Arjun pushed the door wide and entered the lounge. The Bartenders and waiters immediately scattered like pigeons when they hear a gunshot. No one wanted to serve the hot-headed Arjun. As Arjun sat on the couch, he signaled a waiter who was almost trying to get out but the call froze him. Shit! The waiter cursed himself for not moving out early.
“Get me the regular,” said Arjun while lighting his Marlboro. The waiter ran and informed the same to the bartender who was clueless about what was Arjun’s regular drink.
Karan saw the confusion among the waiter and bartender and he went towards them. “I don’t want boss hitting any more people,” he thought while approaching them.
“ Black Dog with Ice is his regular. ” Karan could see their face transform as they were relieved by this information.
“Got it Sir “smiled the Bartender “Anything for you?” he asked
“Just a glass of water” smiled Karan.
As Karan was approaching his boss, his eyes squinted as he saw 3 people entering the club. His eyes immediately widened as he saw these 3 men were carrying guns. He immediately recognized it was Sachin Mathe.
Arjun had hit him 2 days back during a road rage incident. And here he was for revenge. They started rushing towards the lounge. Karan sprinted and pulled Arjun who was surprised and angry at the guts of Karan but he immediately understood something was not right looking at Karan sweating.
“Let’s go, the guy you hit 2 days back, Sachin … he is here with people and guns.”
“Let him come. Give me your gun, let’s finish the Madarchod once and for all.” Roared Arjun with his thin voice
“Boss, please listen to me. Now is not the time for this. Please … come with me. Shivaji sahib told not to get you into such trouble” pleaded Karan as his eyes were fixated at the approaching footsteps.
“You are my bodyguard, not my father’s, so listen… we will kill him here. I want his blood “
Karan realized it was too late to get out. As he was thinking a way out while his heart was pumping blood in gallons. Just then his eyes caught sight of the switchboard. He picked the Black Dog bottle, swung his arm like a baseball player towards the switchboard. The bottle raced like a bullet and rammed into the board causing a huge crackling noise of glass followed by a blackout and fire on the switchboard.
Karan heard to door opening.
“Aye Arjun… Kidhar hai sale ..,” yelled Sachin as he was frustrated by the sudden darkness.
As Arjun was about to get up and reply, Karan hit him on the back of his beck knocking him down unconscious.
Karan signaled the other 2 bodyguards to go towards the door. People in the lounge were screaming due to the darkness and yelling of Sachin. All of them started heading towards the exit but were fumbling in the darkness. The only light visible was the fire from the switchboard. Karan saw the silhouettes of Sachin and his men.
He realized they were standing at the only entry and exit point. Seeing no other option he slowly crouched towards them and as he reached near, he got up and thrust his hands with full force. The push was a surprise and just like dominoes, all three started tumbling down the staircase. The guns in their hand pressed the trigger sending bullets in all random directions. Some hit the smoked black glass cracking it and the pieces fell. For a moment it looked like a shower of glasses.
Karan immediately lifted Arjun on his shoulders and sprinted down the stairs and towards the exit. He put unconscious Arjun in the back seat of Jaguar as he rushed to the driver seat along with 2 other bodyguards joining. Karan pushed the accelerator fully that made the jaguar launch like a missile. As he raced he saw the gate closed, he honked continuously to signal the guards to open. As he was approaching rapidly he could see the gates not opening.
They were either going to escape in the next 2 seconds or they are going to hit the iron doors sending everyone injured or dead. But Karan kept his foot on the pedal. Its either death or escape. He kept honking and just as he was about to reach the gates, the gates started opening. But as the gate was not open fully he passed the gate with 2 loud thud noise of their outside mirrors shattering. Nonetheless, they were out in the open and danger was avoided.
Karan had saved Arjun’s life for the 19th time now. Although he hated him, he was very loyal.
Karan was the reason Arjun was alive and Shivaji, Arjun’s father knew this. Hence he had taken oath from Karan that he would always be with Arjun. And as Karan loved and respected Shivaji, he agreed.
But even his loyalty was going to be tested shortly. A Storm was approaching fast that was going to rip Karan’s as well as Arjun’s life apart.
Chapter 2 – Blood Relation
Karan went to Arjun’s home to drop him
It was 1 am and the roads were deserted with the occasional sprinkle of yellow street lights. A little foggy atmosphere with the cold breeze flowing and along with it the dust, plastic bags, leaves, and other garbage. The only thing rampaging in this serene and silent stretch of road was the White Jaguar with broken mirrors dangling up and down.
Karan saw from his windscreen the familiar gates and the mansion. The gates opened as soon as they approached while making their regular screeching noise. The road inside was made of stones and it curved ahead towards the entrance of the mansion with 2 cylindrical pillars that were supporting the entrance roof. The mansion was just like what you see in movies, made of brilliant white color, the entrance had footsteps made of shiny marble. The door was at least 8 feet in size made of dark brown mahogany wood with exquisite carvings of designs along with the holy symbol of Om in the middle. Karan braked the Jaguar hard near the entrance that made everyone in the car inch jerk ahead. All of them came out of the car with 2 people carrying Arjun. The entrance door opened with Arjun’s mom and Dad rushing to see what happened. Karan signaled them to calm down by his hand wave.
“What happened to my Baccha “screamed Arjun’s mom with the usual melodrama that ladies and especially mom’s do with no idea about the premise. Arjun’s dad Shivaji was calm yet a little alarmed. As everyone entered the hall which was a huge space with marble flooring and 2 winding staircase at the end. The Hall had a white sofa made of white leather. It was in L shape and could fit at least 10 people in one go. The center table was made of glass on a hollow table with pebbles of different sizes and shapes in the middle. Just in front of the sofa was a huge 70 inch Samsung Curve TV with 2 bose soundbars that were standing like guards.
Karan directed the other bodyguards to put Arjun on the sofa. Arjun’s mom started fondling Arjun’s face with the usual melancholy.
“What happened to him? What happened to my Arjun ” she yelled with tears rolling down her slightly wrinkled face.
“Nothing madam, he had a slight concussion. Nothing to worry … he is alright” Said Karan while looking at Shivaji and signaling him to meet outside.
“Sir, Arjun’s boss’s behavior is becoming erratic day by day. Today we were almost in a gunfight. I somehow managed to get us out. This is getting out of control.”
Shivaji sighed while looking down. There was a visible disappointment in his body language that Karan had seen many times. He could also see his helplessness.
“I don’t understand Karan, why is he doing all this. He has all the comfort in the world and he has an opportunity to do anything with his life, yet all he does is spend his time getting boozed or laid or getting into brawls” Shivaji said in his deep worn-out voice
“I can ignore the boozing and getting laid, but why does he get into the brawls, why?”
“Things come in a package, sir. You cannot take one and ignore another. I have never seen a guy who boozes and never gets into a brawl. How many times am I supposed to save him, sir? I know I am his bodyguard and this is my duty but that does not mean Arjun’s boss should purposefully get himself always in fights. Someday things will turn out bad, it’s just a matter of time sir “
Shivaji nodded in approval, he put his arm around Karan.
“I will talk to him tomorrow. I will try my best to make sure he takes it easy. ”
“I don’t understand one thing sir; you are so calm and composed in every situation while Arjun is just the exact opposite of you. He acts like he is just waiting to explode. It’s not just in extreme situations. Yesterday his girlfriend Maya had come to Rajam ice-cream lounge; he ordered his regular Mastani and her’s hot chocolate with a brownie. Maya said she was full and does not want it, he got up and smacked her in front of everyone. I had to take her out and send her home. ”
Shivaji rubbed his fingers on his forehead.
“Even I don’t know the answer. I guess you got to handle what comes in your way when it comes to your son. If I had a choice I would have taken you as my son” laughed Shivaji. Karan just gave a feeble smile.
“I will take your leave, sir. It’s very late” said Karan looking at his watch. It was 3 am.
Karan nodded and went out towards his Royal Enfield bullet parked at the corner of the mansion. It was an old bullet that rusted in corners. The black color had faded away in time especially at the sides of the tank. It had the old Enfield badge.
He looked at the dial and at the exact moment he kicked started it. The familiar rumble and thump somehow soothed his tired body. The vibration from the bike acted like a massage for him.
He parked his bike in the narrow lanes of Ghorpadi and went to his home. The lane had a damp smell that was present all the time. As he entered his house which was a 1 bhk he saw his parents were in deep sleep. He went inside opening the wooden doors making minimum noise possible. Karan undressed in the darkness which showed the silhouettes of his chiseled body with all sorts of scars on his right shoulder, some on his upper back and a dark circular spot just near his lower back, other marks were some early altercation that happened in the early days of being a bodyguard but the black circle was different. It was a bullet wound. Karan was very proud of these marks as it showed his loyalty towards his profession. He took a steel glass kept above a water container and drank 2 glasses of water. In the dim tube light that was flickering occasionally, he saw a plate that was kept inverted. It was his dinner, but he was so exhausted that his hunger died. So he went and made his mattress kept in the hall and lied down. He looked up at the fan that was rotating in a very incoherent way; he looked at it and without even knowing his eyelids were shut.
“Who hit me yesterday? I want to know. Who was that madarchod? ” Arjun with his uneven hair and droopy eyes that were exhausted was screaming at his highest pitch. He had just woke up and last night memories came rushing to him, where he recalled he was about to confront Sachin Mathe when he suddenly felt a hit on his neck after which everything was blank. He was sitting on the sofa and his 2 bodyguards were standing in front of him with their heads down.
“I am asking you guys … who hit me?” Sachin roared again.
“We didn’t see anything, sir, we were getting ready to confront Sachin when suddenly the lights went out and the next moment we saw Karan carrying you on his shoulder. “ mumbled Naren, one of the bodyguard.
“Where is he? Where is Karan?” Arjun’s eyes started searching for him.
“He will be here at 2 pm Sir”
“Call him now. I want to meet him… Now “said Arjun and both bodyguards pulled out their phone to call him.
Just then Arjun’s phone rang…
“What? Where? I am coming …” Arjun got up still comprehending what he heard on the phone. He started heading towards his room when he stopped and turned.
“Naren… Call Karan and tell him to come to Jehangir Hospital. Dad’s admitted”
Karan’s heart was pumping hard while he entered the automated entrance of Jehangir Hospital.
He went to the reception and asked for Shivaji Gadre. He was directed to the 2nd floor Room 203.
The Hospital was filled with people. Most of them had buried themselves in their phone. As Karan was climbing the stairs he hated the smell familiar to a hospital entering his nostrils. He always hated it and hence always tried to avoid coming to a hospital. As he reached the 2nd floor he saw Naren and rushed towards him.
“What happened?”
“Shivaji Sir met with an accident on Mumbai Pune highway. He is admitted. “
Karan looked at Arjun who was standing near the operation theatre door with his hands clasped. He gazed at Karan, he had a lot of things to ask him but right now he didn’t want to get into it.
Karan approached Arjun.
“Boss, how is he?”
“I don’t know “He replied in a dry tone.
Karan understood the dryness. He knew Arjun wanted to know what happened the earlier night.
The Emergency door opened and a doctor with the usual apron, gloves and face mask came outside.
“We need blood. Who is the son?”
Arjun lifted his hand. The doctor called a Nurse and mumbled something in her ears. The Nurse took him and went into the adjacent room. Karan was chanting Ganesh Mantra with his eyes closed when he heard the adjacent door open. The Nurse and Arjun came outside; the nurse knocked on the operation theatre door again. The Doctor peeked his head out.
“I am sorry, your blood doesn’t match, “said the doctor looking at Arjun and then at Karan
“How is it possible?” asked Arjun with an expression of ridiculousness on his face.
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders
“Can you try our blood ?” whispered Karan to the Doctor.
The Doctor again mumbled something in the Nurse ears and Karan and other bodyguards followed the Nurse to the adjacent room.
Arjun was confused and irritated “How is this possible. My blood should have matched. What is happening today” he thought.
As he was in his thoughts he saw the Nurse come out with a bright face and Karan.
She came with 2 bags of blood and knocked on the operation theatre door again. The Doctor peeked and was happy to see the bags.
“Awesome … so the blood matched.”
Karan and Arjun both were confused in their way. Both exchanged glances.
Was this just a coincidence or was it something else…
Chapter 3- The Nurse
Shivaji was being served “Dal Khichdi ” by his wife with even more affection than before. He while enjoying this special attention given by his wife was also in pain. He had suddenly realized that age had taken a toll on his body. “It’s amazing how we all think we will always remain in the same healthy condition not realizing age is quietly squeezing the body of its vigor and energy by every passing day and year,” Shivaji thought while looking lovingly at his wife.
Karan was watching their romance from the glass square opening on the entrance door; a smile appeared on his face looking at his boss happy after the horrible accident.
“Karan!!” he heard a voice from behind. It was Arjun.
“We need to go to Koliwadi property, some dispute happening.”
“Ok boss. I will get the Car out” whispered Karan.
“How the fuck did his blood match? This low life? Was it just a coincidence?” Arjun was thinking while looking at Karan who was sitting in the front passenger seat. He glanced at his biceps that looked like a big hard potato.
“Karan, I never asked. Since when are you staying in Pune?”
“Born and brought here boss. My parents had moved from Sangli to Pune 30 years ago” replied Karan who was taken aback by the sudden personal question by Arjun.
“Did my parents know your family before you started working for us?”
“No Sir, I came to Shivaji sir when I was 15. He used to come near Ghorpadi for the Zega Mall construction. He took me as an office boy and then looking at my enthusiasm for bodybuilding took me in as a bodyguard when I was 20.”
“Ok… Chalo good. You have been with us for a long time. Can we go to your home in the afternoon? I am craving for some home food.”
“Definitely boss. Let me make a call “said Karan who was even more curious about the sudden change in his crooked boss’s behavior. He almost felt as if he had eaten a bitter gourd but instead of being bitter, they tasted like chocolate.
“Food was really good aunty.” Arjun complimented while licking his fingers. He happily looked at his plate which was earlier filled with Chapati, Salad, Brinjal Sabji, Amti & rice. What was left now was just some mixture of red, yellow spread that was curved on the plate with sprinkles of leftover rice grains.
Karan’s mom blushed to hear the compliment. Arjun went inside the bathroom to wash his hands while Karan and his mom were communicating with their eyes. His mom asked the reason of this sudden visit with her finger pointing at Arjun along with eyes that were open wide with eyebrows curving on her forehead. Karan shrugged his shoulders for which his mom rolled her eyes.
As Arjun came out wiping his lips he signaled everyone to get going. Just when everyone including Karan was out through the door, Arjun went inside again pretending he left something and whispered to Karan’s mom
“Aunty, by the way, Karan was born in Pune ?”
“Yes beta “
“Which hospital Aunty?”
“Saint Angles Hospital, Katraj.”
Arjun’s eyes narrowed hearing the hospital name.
“Karan, you go to the hospital and be with Dad; I have some personal work to do.”
“Let me come with you boss” insisted Karan again being confused by Arjun’s behavior since morning.
“No. Dad will need someone there. I will come by evening.”
Karan nodded in approval.
“So apart from Karan and me sharing the same birthday, we were born in the same hospital?” Arjun thought while his Jaguar was racing towards the hospital through the heavy afternoon traffic. At the signal, he saw a little boy begging, he was banging on the window while signaling his right hand towards his mouth. As the signal went green, the boy realizing his efforts went in vain started abusing and spitting towards the Jaguar. But strangely Arjun didn’t get angry. In his normal self, he would have grabbed the boy from the signal, dump him in his car boot and smack him until he bleeds and cries for forgiveness. But not today, today he was calm as his mind was occupied in solving a mystery.
The Jaguar was parked on an open space from where they could see lanes going inside towards the chawl. The lane was so narrow that forget Jaguar, even 2 people cannot go side by side in the lane. So Arjun and his 2 bodyguards went walking into the lane.
An old man was sitting outside a home. He was so skinny that his bones were visible through his skin that resembled brown jelly. Even his wrinkles had become old; his mouth was open with no opposition of teeth as there weren’t any left. His spectacles showed the magnified version of his worn-out eyes.
“Chacha … Where does Mary Thomas live? “Asked Naren
“Yes the nurse, where does she live?”
The old man pointed his finger to a home on the 1st floor of the chawl.
All of them proceeded towards it. It was an old chawl made mostly of wood and brick and stones. Just like a traditional chawl, it was square in structure with rooms located on two floors. As they started climbing the wooden stairs it creaked. Naren knocked at the door. There was a cross sign fixed on the top of the door. The door too was wooden with an iron chain made of 3 rings that were dangling from the top. It was used to lock the home as well as used as a doorbell.
An old Lady opened the door.
“Is it Mary Nurse ? ” asked Arjun to which the lady nodded while fixing her brown spectacles.
“Can I speak with you ?” to which the lady opened the door and signaled them to sit.
The room was a typical Christian one with Jesus’s portrait dangling from the wall and remaining walls filled with Quotes from the Bible. All of them sat on a wooden chair while Mary sat on a rocker chair. She was curiously looking at Arjun.
“Nurse, My name is Arjun. I was born in on 3rd Sept 1987 at Saint Angles, Katraj where you were a nurse at that time …”
Arjun had visited the hospital and had checked the history of the hospital on the day he was born. The doctor who was in charge was already dead and one nurse had shifted to Singapore along with her son. So there was only Nurse Mary who was the evidence of that night and could give him some clue to the mystery.
Mary stood up immediately went closer to Arjun. She started touching Arjun’s face, his gold chains, and his Rolex watch.
“I am so happy to see you, child. You can’t imagine how elated I am today. Such a proud moment.”
“Proud.. why?” Arjun asked as he was uncomfortable with the old lady’s touch.
“Oh … you know why. That’s the reason you are here.” Said Mary while making an imaginary cross by her hand.
Arjun was confused at the old women’s reply.
She smiled looking at Arjun.
“I am the god that changed your fortune. I made you Gadre. You were born to a poor family of Gaikwad but I made the change .. I swapped the child and with it their fortune. And look at you now with gold chains and Rolex watches .. enjoying your life.” Mary said this with a stern voice but with a smile on her face.
Arjun’s doubt was true. This was the reason why his blood didn’t match.
“You did this … why ?” Arjun’s curiosity was at its peak
“Because I wanted at least one of us should get a chance to be a prince and one of them should know how it feels to be on our side. I have spent my entire life in this pile of rubbish. People say you work hard and you get out of your poverty. But that’s a lie … I worked 12 to 16 hours every day, yet I am here right from the beginning. Nothing changed. It’s all a myth. But today I am happy. At least I changed one person’s luck. Oh, Lord… Thank you.”
Arjun was silent and so were the surprised bodyguards. He couldn’t believe that he was not a Gadre, he was not the realty tycoon Shivaji’s son but he was a son of taxi Driver Bajirao’s son (Karan’s Dad) … a fucking taxi drivers son? A chawl resident’s son. Arjun went numb … he couldn’t contemplate the reality.
“Can I have a glass of water?” Arjun pleaded to Mary.
Mary happily went inside and came with water in a steel glass. He drank and slowly regained his composure.
“I am sorry I couldn’t meet you early Nurse Mary. Thank you for what you have done.” Smiled Arjun.
Mary nodded and there was pride shining from her face. She looked like a warrior who had won a war.
Arjun’s right hand went to his back and it came up with a Glock .45 caliber gun, the room trembled in the gunshot noise. Mary collapsed with her forehead and stomach punctured by the bullet.
“Mary, you made me lucky … and now I will do whatever it takes to stay lucky”
Chapter 4 – Fate
“Beta” Karan felt a nudge on his shoulders with a familiar sound falling on his ears. He was running on a grass with snakes all around following before the nudge shook him of the weird dream. He woke up with a jerk to see his boss smiling at him.
“Yes, sir! You need anything?” said Karan rubbing his eyes looking around.
“No beta. You have been here for a long time. Go home; Manjula is here to take care of me. You go home and take a day off.”
“But Sir, you might need me…”
“No … Go home. I am good” smiled Shivaji
Karan smiled and nodded in approval.
As Karan entered the familiar buzzing lane of his chawl he saw a familiar soothing face smiling and talking to his mother. It was Shalini. Shalini was engaged to Karan 2 months back and they were going to get married in a few months (The Pujari had not yet given them a favorable date of marriage and Karan’s mom was an ardent follower of auspicious days)
Shalini was short in height but was very beautiful. She had big round eyes that were pitch black which rested under her thin and curvy eyebrows, even her long eyelashes were a sight to be seen. She had a slender body with a long neck and her skin was glowing white. Karan was particularly fond of touching her soft cheeks which made her blush pink.
“Here he comes, where were you, Karan? Shalini has been waiting for you since long” asked Karan’s mom. Karan felt good to hear someone was waiting for him; it brought a smile on his tired face. Shalini meanwhile was looking out of the window while her cheeks went pink along with a smile.
“I heard Shivaji Sir is in hospital, how is he now?” Shalini spoke in her soft whispering tone that immediately soothed Karan’s ear. They were now in the bedroom
“He is well now. That’s why I didn’t come here earlier. I had to stay with him.” Said Karan looking at Shalini with dreamy eyes. Shalini too did the same and for a moment the room was filled with warm silence. Shalini approached Karan with her gaze fixated at his lips. Her soft pink lips touched his and Karan wrapped his arms around her. Her soft slender body was now happily crushing against Karan’s hardened body. Just then Karan’s phone rang to which both of them slide back to reality realizing that they were at home. Karan’s hand went into his trouser pocket while Shalini looked at her pink saree to cross-check those folds.
“Karan… Karan… come at once to Khardi Chawl behind Angles Hospital… I… I am in danger”
Karan disconnected the phone and checked his pocket for keys and immediately rushed outside the bedroom when he realized Shalini’s presence, he looked back
“Arjun sir is in some trouble, I need to go” Said Karan while holding her face with both hands. She nodded in approval and Karan kissed her on the forehead.
As Karan entered Mary’s home, he saw a pool of blood on the floor and the walls. Mary was lying near the wall with her white saree almost painted red with blood while Naresh and Salim were shot point-blank range and were lying on the floor with eyes and mouth open. He saw Arjun in a corner who too was wounded. Arjun screamed as soon as he saw Karan.
“What happened here, boss?” Karan asked while holding Arjun
“Naresh and this Nurse wanted to kill me while Salim was killed by Naren. It’s a long story. Get me out of here first. There might be more people coming” said Arjun while his face drenched in sweat and left arm in blood. A bullet had brushed past his arm
Karan immediately lifted Arjun and took him to the jaguar parked outside the lane. He put him in the back seat while rushing to the driver’s seat. He started the car and accelerated hard creates a white smoke around the rear rolling wheels.
“Who did this? Why would Naresh try to kill the boss? I know Naren for a long time. He was living a good life with a wife, 2 kids, and everything. Something doesn’t feel right.” Karan thought as he drove while occasionally looking at Arjun through the mirror.
“Boss.. what happened? And why on earth did you go to that chawl? I am confused “
Arjun surprisingly smiled followed by a long laugh and coughing in between. Karan was confused
“That chawl my friend and that lady changed our destiny.”
Karan still didn’t understand what Arjun was saying
“The lady was Nurse Mary who worked in Saint Angles hospital. Where you and I were born.”
“Boss… I am confused. What’s that got to do with today?”
“Karan … oh …Karan … life has been so unfair to you. You were destined to be a prince but u became a slave and a slave became a prince. Karan … when we were born this Nurse switched our places out of some stupid revenge against the rich class. You are biologically my dad’s son and I am Bajirao Gaikwad’s son.”
“What?” Karan just couldn’t understand what was happening
“Remember when Dad need blood at the hospital and when I went to give mine it didn’t match? While yours matched? Can you connect the dots now?” laughed Arjun
Karan now understood what Arjun was saying was making sense. He never even thought about the blood.
“Yes, Karan… that’s right, you are the REAL PRINCE … I am just a dummy. I was supposed to be living in chawl while you were supposed to live in the palace. But destiny played a googly. And even now destiny is ready to fuck you again” said Arjun while pointing a gun at Karan
Karan’s face turned from shock to rage
A series of events flashed through Karan’s eyes. Shivaji Sir being calm while Arjun the exact opposite. Even Karan’s father Bajirao was a hothead when he was young and had even served jail time before getting married and settling down. The marriage somehow made Bajirao a different person, more so after he was born. At least that’s what his mom used to say. Even in the chawl people were surprised to see Karan was Bajirao’s father. Karan was well built and quiet and adaptable person while Bajirao for the major part of his life was reckless.
“Karan … My friend… I want to stay PRINCE and for that to happen I need to kill you. Just the way I killed 3 people there. I don’t want to go to the chawl or that gutter, hell I wouldn’t even survive there. I am good here. Also, I have told you the truth and murder I have committed. So that’s one more reason for you to die. You are a good man Karan, you served well and I will always be grateful for that. Goodbye … ” Said Arjun while loading the gun
“Arjun, you forgot one thing. I am driving the car” smiled Karan. Arjun didn’t understand what he was saying and he went ahead to pull the trigger when Karan pressed brakes hard making the wheels screech. He braked so hard that Arjun who was not wearing a seat belt was catapulted towards the front windscreen that shattered and Arjun was thrown out of the Car. The sudden brakes made the Airbags come out as well.
As Karan stepped out of the car, he saw Arjun lying face down motionless. He carefully went ahead. As he turned him around, he saw his face drenched in blood with a crack on his forehead. His head had smashed against the divider on the road.
Arjun was dead.
Karan took the body to Arjun’s home. He told his mom that they met with an accident on the road while running from some goons who had come to kill them. Naresh and Salim too were killed in the attack while an innocent lady was shot in the crossfire. Arjun’s mom cried continuously for 2 days while Shivaji tried to control himself and his wife. Weirdly Shivaji was relieved after Arjun’s death as he was constantly under the pressure of what Arjun would do next. At least he was relieved of the suspense.
Everyone agreed to Karan’s story as they all knew Arjun had enemies at every nook and corner. This was bound to happen today or tomorrow. But Shalini didn’t buy this story, she insisted on Karan, to tell the truth. Karan finally told her the real story after she promised not to disclose to anyone ever. Her eyes were wide open listening to reality.
“Karan, you should have told them the truth. You should have taken your place as the REAL PRINCE. I still don’t understand why you didn’t do it. If it was anyone else, they would have already done it. ”
Karan smiled “Shalini whatever the reality, my mom & dad are these people” he pointed towards Bajirao and Ramadevi
“I am happy with what I have. And you don’t need a designation to be the Prince. Shivaji sir has offered me to take over the business and handle it. He said I am the only one who has been with them for such a long time and I know in and out of the business.”
Shalini smiled and hugged Karan
The REAL PRINCE finally took his rightful place.
THE END
