Page 118

Story: Substitute Bride

Vikrant immediately stood up upon seeing him, and Ravindra walked up to him, pulling him into a tight hug, gently patting his back. While still in his father’s embrace, Vikrant spoke softly.

“Finally, you managed to find time for me.”

Hearing the subtle displeasure in Vikrant’s tone, Ravindra sensed the underlying frustration in his voice. Pulling back slightly so he could face his son, he spoke with a conciliatory tone.

“Oh come on, son... there’s no need to be upset like this. You already know how demanding politics can be. With new responsibilities being handed over to me, I have to act accordingly. Just imagine for a moment, if I become the chief minister of this state, I’ll be out most of the time, swamped with work. You’ll have to get used to it. Besides, you’re a grown man now. And regarding your wedding, well, that’s something I wanted to talk to you about…. When you called me last night and stressed that you were going to marry her today, I rushedto come here. What happened suddenly? I told you about everything. ”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Vikrant replied coolly. “I’ve already sent Jhankar back to her home. I think very wisely. After all, your CM campaign is more important. And to be honest, that’s the most important thing for me, too. What difference will it make if the wedding is delayed by five months?”

Ravindra smiled proudly, holding Vikrant by the shoulders and puffing up his chest as he looked him in the eye.

“I am proud of you...”

As Ravindra looked around, he noticed that many of the guards had changed. Concern flickered across his face as he turned back to Vikrant, who immediately responded.

“Virendra Chandel launched a surprise attack when we went to pick up the gun consignment. Many of our trusted guards were killed in the ambush. That’s why we had to replace a lot of them. He collaborated with Australian mafia leader Mark and launched attacks at several locations. We still haven’t figured out how he managed it—or why.”

“He attacked?” Ravindra asked, stunned. “Then why didn’t you inform me? You should’ve told me immediately!”

“You were busy,” Vikrant said firmly. “What would have been the point of disturbing you with these problems? Anyway, he escaped. But if he dares to attack again, we’ll be ready this time. We’ll capture him.”

Ravindra stared at his son, absorbing his words. But something didn’t sit right with him. None of his men had contacted him about this. A sense of unease crept in. Without saying a word,he abruptly turned and began walking toward his room. Vikrant, following closely behind, called out.

“What’s wrong? Why do you look so disturbed? Everything’s under control now, and it will remain that way moving forward.”

But Ravindra didn’t respond. Instead, he was frantically dialing numbers, trying to reach some of his men. No one was answering. His worry intensified as he paced back and forth, trying call after call, while Vikrant silently observed his every move with sharp, calculating eyes.

“What happened, Dad...?”

Vikrant’s loud and concerned voice made Ravindra suddenly look at him. Sweat trickled down his forehead. With a grave expression, he turned toward Vikrant and said in a tense voice:

“Listen, I didn’t want to tell you this. I was hoping to solve the matter quietly because I didn’t want any of this to spill into your life and cause you problems. That’s why... I kidnapped Virendra Chandel’s wife and daughter.”

Vikrant’s expression darkened instantly.

“You know very well I hate such actions. Why did you do that? Maybe that’s why he attacked us because he was trying to save them. But how did he escape with them so easily, despite your men capturing them? He might launch another attack on us... and this time, it could be even worse…. Where are they?"

Ravindra was now visibly anxious. Without saying another word, he rushed out of the house. Vikrant followed close behind, a faint, almost unreadable smile forming on his face. He knew exactly where Ravindra was going, why he was going there, and what he would find. More than that, he was curious to see Ravindra’s reaction when he saw it for himself.

"Dad, where are you going…?"

"To my farmhouse, don't you dare to come there."

"What at your farmhouse? You keep them there, and you are stopping me."

Ravindra quickly turns to face Vikrant, who is looking at him with many questions in his eyes. Ravindra looks around; there are many new men here. He doesn't know any of them, and he is sure Chandel has already located the location of his daughter and wife and is trying to attack that place. He actually needs men to save himself.

"Come fast…"

A convoy of cars sped down the highway. Even in the chilled interior of the car, Ravindra was sweating profusely. Vikrant quietly pulled out a handkerchief and offered it to him.

“So... where exactly did you keep them? I don't remember the place. Do you think Virendra Chandel knew about that location?”

Ravindra was in no state to answer. After an intense forty-five-minute drive, they finally arrived at the destination. The moment Ravindra stepped out of the vehicle and looked ahead, he froze. Before his eyes stood his farmhouse, now in a completely shattered and ruined condition. It felt like his heart skipped a beat. Vikrant looked at the broken structure and said with a calm voice laced with irony:

“So this is where you kept them. Judging by the condition of this place, it seems like he got his wife and daughter back. That would explain why everything suddenly went quiet. The war ended too easily.”

Ravindra ran inside the farmhouse, his eyes darting around frantically as he took in the destruction. His breath quickened as he dashed toward the back of the building. Vikrant stayed close behind him. They reached a hidden door leading to a secret basement, Ravindra’s private storage area. To his horror, the door was wide open. His anxiety spiked. He rushed down the stairs with trembling legs. But the basement was completely empty. Seeing the emptiness, Ravindra let out a heart-wrenching scream, his voice cracking with shock and denial.