1 Hope

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Criminal Investigation Department;

Mr. Dayal is waiting in his office for the file that he asked his assistant to bring. The man was sitting in his usual posture by resting one of his legs on top of the other. He was wearing a navy blue suit that perfectly fitted his body. He's eyes now closed and the grey hair combed neatly to the back.

As he sits in his chair, surrounded by the large glass table, he mulls over the words spoken by his seniors.

'We really need a good team. It's not that easy. This time it's a politician.If you can't, we'll either pass the case to someone else or ignore it....'

They must have told him those words a thousand times. He expects to retire at the end of the year, and this will most likely be his last event. But he was powerless; after all, who would enter a case where there's such a high risk of losing their own job.He wakes up from his thoughts when suddenly there's a sharp knock on the door.

"Come in. " He says ,now changing his posture to see the person.The door opens with a small crack to reveal a person who is almost of the same age as him. He was holding a file in his hand. The person walks into the spacious room. "Oh, Loy have you got the information I asked you to bring? " He asked.

"Yes" Loy says, putting the file on Mr. Dayal's table.Mr.Loy was more than an assistant to him. They have worked together for years and he was always there during Mr. Dayal's every case. So, they were really close. In fact, friends." I'm not sure if they will be joining us." Mr.Loy says as he takes a seat.

"I know. It's all on you this time... Partner" Mr.Dayal says raising an eyebrow at him.

"Okay. I'll see to it. "Loy replied.

Mr. Dayal opens the file and takes out the papers. It was about these three very experienced agents who have worked in many cases. The names read ; Siddhant, Monica and Samantha alongside their biodata.All three of them well trained and dedicated. He was somewhat relaxed after looking at those young faces but was also eagerly waiting for them to reply. "I hope they agree". He said taking a long breath and sighing.

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Meeting room, 3: 30PM;

"we told you to stop this.. why are you so stubborn, Dayal?" the person on the screen said. They were constantly having such meetings these days. The only reason was to provoke him from continuing this case. Dayal knew it all from the very beginning. These senior officers wanted nothing but their own profit.

"Sir, I'll try my best. " Perhaps this is the hundredth time Dayal said those same words. It's really annoying for the ones who are listening and for himself too. He has never been a person who will give excuses for his doings. In fact, he believed that everything he did was for a reason. A solid reason.Well, this time he was the one who was unfortunate. Instead of supporting and giving him his required time these officers were just pushing their decisions upon him.

" When will you stop trying? It's already a year now.Moreover by the end of this year.... " The officer was interrupted by Dayals stern reply" I know that. But this is my case. Let me complete it, let me fulfill my wish. "

"Think it over! And also, you don't have any team yet. This case looks like a simple corruption case but it's beyond it. " The officer pointed as he raised his eyebrows to look at the other officers. "Sir, I have contacted a few officers, so don't worry!! " Mr.Dayal replied.

"Did they answer? When are they joining you? " The officer on the left asked not believing it. Dayal knew he would say so. He just responded firmly "Soon!"

Mr. Dayal left for his place after settling the meeting. He opens a pack of cigarettes while watching the view outside from his car window. As he was about to light one up, he's eyes caught something out of the window of the moving car. They were almost ready to take a right turn."Stop" He said from the passenger's seat. He hopped out of the car to give a look at the bye-lane they were just about to cross then enters it. It was dark ,so nothing was visible. Even the street lights were not working. He felt something suspicious so he continued walking, but with smaller steps.

Somehow he managed to see a person a few meters away. He then started to follow him with slower steps.Suddenly the person stopped,so did he. The person turns around."What? You were following me?" The stranger asked.

" Can't I take the same road as you? " Dayal answered.

" Why are you walking behind me then?"

Mr. Dayal who still can't see his face clearly says, " You were the one who was in front of me?

"Tell me what do you want? Or else,did you think I was a thief? "The stranger said and paused for little moment to speak again" Well, you can think so. Anyways I've already spent 6 months in prison. "

Dayal is shocked by his confidence . He could now assume that the guy in front of him was a young man just by hearing his voice. He then realized it's better to be ready before anything happens. He's about to take his pistol out from the back of his belt where he tucks in his shirt, in a way so that the stranger doesn't notice.

"So you are a cop? "The stranger asked,suddenly. Dayal stops and stares at the dark silhouette in front of him. The street was dark for sure but it was not enough to hide Dayal completely from the little bit of moonlight falling upon him. He was definitely visible to the stranger. Just if it was the other way around Dayal could have seen his face instead but nature was not on his side this time.

"You don't need to do that. See I don't have any weapons. " The stranger raised his arms to show it to Dayal.

"You said you are a criminal. What the hell are you doing here? " Mr. Dayal asked.

"Oh, I was just looking for a place to sleep"

"So you don't have a house? "

"I had one apartment. But it's been six months since I returned there."The stranger stops for a bit to take a deep breath and then continues" And I don't think that they will let a prisoner enter"

"Oh.But it's late now. This road is totally isolated. " Dayal said in a concerned tone.

"Hey... Don't say that.Stop acting like you are worried or something..... It doesn't suit you. You are a cop and I'm just a bloody criminal!! " Said the stranger.Dayal thought for a while and then replied to him "No.I mean it's of course your choice to live wherever you want, but how can I believe you that you're here for that purpose and nothing else? "

"Here you go. Now it suits you! " The stranger commented.

" Tell me what is your..... "Before Dayal could complete his sentence the stranger pulled him holding his arm tightly towards him. It was in that moment he realized that he was just saved from a major accident when he saw the iron rod falling in the ground with a slight noise that echoed the empty street --perhaps from the stock of rods near the building under construction.

" Be careful sir. " The stranger said. Dayal thanked him.

"Yeah, yeah. Now let me tell you. If you're done interrogating, then leave and let me stay as well!". To which the officer immediately denied shaking his head as he said." No! I can't leave you here. You have to come with me. " The officer denied immediately.

" Why should I go with you..... I don't believe you too. " The stranger shrugged off.

"Because I'm an investigating agent and....you know what you are. "

"So, you are an.... "

"You're just coming with me" Dayal said before he could say anything else.

"Your wish."

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