Page 124

“It’s time to take out the trash.”

~~~~

Vikrant appears to be asleep, resting his head on her chest with his eyes closed, while Jhankar's gaze appears to remain fixed on the television screen. Jhankar, full of love and tenderness, continues to caress his hair gently. The news anchor’s voice plays in the background:

"Just this morning, reports came in that a fire broke out at Ravindra Dhanraj’s farmhouse. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the flames had already spread extensively. The entire farmhouse was engulfed in fire, and even the surrounding area suffered severe damage. Several bodies have been recovered from inside. It is being speculated that Ravindra Dhanraj and Viren Chandel were in the middle of a meeting, and an argument broke out between them, which led to this entire incident. To support this claim, we have Viren Chandel’s younger daughter with us.”

Hearing this, Vikrant immediately opens his eyes and turns his gaze toward the television. Standing there on the screen is Riya, who slowly starts speaking to the reporter with a composed yet emotional expression.

“My sister Sonakshi was never married to Vikrant Dhanraj. He married the girl of his own choice, and Sonakshi also got married to the man she loved. After this, there were some issues between Uncle and Papa. Yesterday, Uncle called Papa and invited him to come over, and it is possible that something occurred between them at the farmhouse… they both furiously fighting over the phone…”

Vikrant lets out a faint smile as everything becomes crystal clear to him. He now fully understands that Akhil orchestratedthis entire arrangement carefully, ensuring that no part of the investigation ever points in their direction. He looks at Jhankar, who is already smiling at him with pure affection. She softly strokes his cheeks with her warm palms and lovingly asks,

“Maa… how is she?”

“The doctors are still conducting numerous tests. They’re doing everything they can to provide the best treatment possible. But… she’s not able to recognize me, Jhankar. And I’m struggling to make her understand that her ten-year-old Vikrant has now grown up. Time has moved so far ahead… and this realization is breaking me inside.”

Jhankar, understanding the depth of his pain with immense empathy, wraps her arms around him in a tight, comforting hug. Vikrant simply wants to stay like that, in that peaceful embrace, but just then, his phone starts to ring. Without opening his eyes, he picks up the call. On the other side is Akhil.

“Yes, Akhil…”

“Sir, that doctor… She has regained consciousness.”

“Akhil, I don’t want to be disturbed right now. Handle the matter yourself.”

“Sir… She’s asking to meet you. She’s the same doctor who was treating Sonia Ma’am.”

Vikrant suddenly opens his eyes wide and sits up with a jerk, quickly beginning to put on his shoes. Jhankar watches him carefully as he continues speaking to Akhil on the phone.

“This is the same girl you found on the highway, right? How did she end up there?”

“Sir, she says she was running through the forest for two days straight. She had no idea where she was going. She must have gotten lost in the woods and, while trying to find a way out, wandered far and ended up there.”

“Okay… I’m coming.”

Still on the phone, Vikrant begins to head out, but Jhankar quickly grabs his hand to stop him. He disconnects the call, holds her hands tenderly, and says with determination,

“Jhankar, we’ve found a doctor who has been treating Mom for years. I have to go meet her.”

“I’m coming with you…”

“Jhankar, please try to understand. Even the doctor has advised you to rest. You’re still recovering.”

“Please…”

Vikrant doesn’t say a word—he simply looks at her, searching her eyes. Jhankar immediately extends her arms out toward him, silently requesting to be taken along.

Meanwhile, Akhil is already at the hospital, sitting near the doctor who has just regained consciousness. She is sitting quietly, waiting, and both of them are now anticipating Vikrant’s arrival. Just then, Vikrant walks into the room, carrying Jhankar gently in his arms. The moment they enter, Akhil promptly rises from the sofa. Vikrant carefully places Jhankar down on the couch with utmost care, adjusting the cushions around her to ensure she remains completely comfortable and supported.

He sits right beside her and turns his eyes toward the doctor, who now appears to be in a stable and clear state of mind. Without wasting even a second, she begins to speak the moment she sees Vikrant.

“I have wanted to meet you for a very long time. Even two years ago, I had tried to meet you, and it was because of that attempt that your father had me kidnapped...”

“Can you please explain everything to me in detail? What exactly is going on?”

“My name is Dr. Aashima Mathur. I used to work under Dr. Aastha Jain. It was through her that I met Sonia Dhanraj. From the very first meeting, I told Dr. Aastha that whatever was happening with Sonia was entirely wrong. But she gave me just one warning—never to tell anyone that anything wrong was happening, or it would cost me my life. Dr. Aastha Jain was about to retire, and your father was looking for a new doctor for Madam Sonia. Since I had already worked with Dr. Aastha for a long time and had often accompanied her during visits to Sonia ma'am, I was the most obvious choice. Dr. Aastha had also noticed that I had become emotionally attached to Sonia ma'am. Because of this, she suggested my name to your father, recommending that I take over Sonia Ma'am’s case after her. But from the beginning, there were many things about Mr. Dhanraj that unsettled me.”

“What did he want…?”