16 Who Is Mrityunjay

Mumbai-Gaekwad Mansion-Present Day

Shivani was in shock. Inspector Anirudh's visit had come like a bolt from the blue, totally unexpected. If the case was reopened, then soon the whole world would know that Mrityunjay is alive and well. And the media? They would have

a field day with this story. Their favourite whipping boy, back. Shivani shut her eyes tight to block out all the thoughts that were running through her mind.

She picked up her Laptop and typed out an email marking it as URGENT. Mrityunjay had insisted regarding no contact with her on phone. He only gave her the mail ID, when she insisted on some form of communication with him. "I will go mad, not knowing how you are, whether you are fine or not.... please," she had beseeched.

No one could know Mrityunjay was alive, not until he was ready to reveal himself to the world. If what Mrityunjay suspected was true, then Brihannala was still watching them and she had to be careful... very, very careful.

Mumbai Police Headquarters - Anirudh's Table.

Shivani had completely taken over Anirudh's thoughts. She must not be older than 27-28 and had lived through the nightmare of losing her husband, taking care of his huge inheritance, all alone. Anirudh's heart went out to Shivani.

He would help her find answers and find love again.

He picked up his mobile and dialled her number.

"Hello Inspector," he heard Shivani's voice. It was a sweet voice, as though dipped in honey. He also registered that she had saved his number on her phone. He must've made quite an impression on her, for her to do that.

"Hello Ms Shivani, I am reading through you late husband’s case file here but I have some questions. Can you please come to the station to help us fill the gaps?" he asked politely.

Shivani's heart lurched as he said late husband. “Umm... do I need to speak to my lawyers?" she ascertained, hoping the Inspector would be friendly.

"No ma’m, that is not at all necessary. Its not an interrogation. Its just to help us understand what exactly happened in Mrityunjay's life which led to his...." he left the sentence hanging. He did not want to rub salt into her wounds.

"When do you want me to come?" asked Shivani, her tone flat.

“Whenever you are ready.. today?" It was more of a question than statement.

"Ok, I’ll be there in an hour," she returned, disconnecting the phone.

They sat face to face - Shivani and Anirudh, in a comfortably furnished cabin. "I am sorry to have called you to the station. Would you like to have something... may be some tea or some soft drink?” he offered.

“No, I am fine. Maybe a glass of water," replied Shivani, looking around the room. She had not thought Police Stations had rooms like that. They made them seem like such grim and dirty places in movies.

"I know," Anirudh commented, recognising the look on her face. "But this is the Mumbai Police Headquarters, we get VIPS, Chief Ministers, High Ranking Officers and Foreign Delegations visiting this place. So we have to maintain some

standards," he conversed.

Shivani merely nodded her head. "So, why did you want to see me exactly?" she asked, her eyes wide and concerned.

Anirudh's face turned serious too. "Since when do you know Mrityunjay?" he questioned, setting the grounds for what he was about to ask of her.

"I have known him for about 5 years....." Shivani paused, catching herself just in time. She would have to be very very careful with what she spoke. One mistake and this Inspector would suspect something was fishy.

Anirudh narrowed his eyes. "5 years? So you guys were married 2 years after you met?" he asked.

"No," Shivani shook her head, her tone flat, taking in a deep breath. "I knew him for a year before we got married. The accident happened during our honeymoon, which we went to one year after we got married, 3 years ago..... That's 5 years," she clarified, her fingers balled into fists. She had not imagined it would be so hard to recollect the past.

Anirudh felt sorry for Shivani. "Look Ms Shivani, I know this is taxing for you. I probably can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now...”

She raised her hand, her eyes closed. "Please... you are making it more difficult for me by saying this," she pronounced, irritation reflecting in her tone. "Just ask me what you need to know," she stated, looking Anirudh straight in the eye.

"I want to know everything," declared Anirudh, his tone impatient. "How you met him, what was he like, what was his family like, about the human trafficking case he was involved in, about his jail tenure, did he become more

violent after that, I want to know everything there is to know about Mrityunjay Gaekwad," he elaborated, observing Shivani closely.

The tears in her eyes were at tipping point. Shivani sat absolutely still for a long time. Her chest heaved heavily, her mind full of the days gone by. Where could she begin from, about the man who taught her love, a man who could do

anything for the people he cherished, even destroy himself. "He is a good man,” Shivani said at last. "Whatever he may or may not have been..... Mrityunjay Gaekwad is a very, very, good man, with a heart of gold." She paused, wiping away the tears that fell from her eyes.

Anirudh couldn't help feel the pangs of jealousy at Shivani's words.

"You must probably wonder why I refer to him as if he is alive. Because he is.... in every breath I take. I am alive because of him. He gave up his life trying to save me. You want to know who Mrityunjay is? He is the nicest, most loving, most

giving and the most misunderstood man I have ever met in my life..........”