Meeting At The Crossroad ....

Aahil...

Aahil....

Wake up sweet heart....

It's time to get up... "

A soft sweet voice was calling for Aahil like a whisper... The voice belonged to someone he was extremely familiar...

" Nnnhh ...

Where am I ??? ....

Mother....

Mother.... where are you ??? "

His mother's whisper lingered in ears. He tried to open his eyes against the blinding light that was surrounding him.

The voice that whispered to him was his mother's. He didn't know where he was and why he could hear his mother's voice when she was already dead for past twenty years. So he desperately called out for her , but there was no response. The whisper stopped .

After adjusting to the brightness around, he slowly opened his eyes only to find out that he had no idea where he was.

Every where he looked it was just plane white surrounding as far as his eyes could see.

He could only understand that the place he is now is very peaceful...

In his heart he felt calm. There was no anxiety... no pain...no fear ...

He was lying on the ground which was similarly endless as that of the surrounding.

He tried to stand up but lost his balance , he tried again. This time as he stood up he could feel a presence behind him.

He turned to see who was behind , but never in his wildest dream could he imagine that there will be a day he would be able to see his mother's smiling face again.

He seemed to see the impossible. He couldn't believe his eyes.

He was stunned and took a few steps back instinctly. He tried to speak , but no words came to him. The shock was to much for him.

Indeed it was her.

His mother was standing right in front of him . She looked just like he remembered her, smiling at him like she used to.

There was no sign on her body that could tell the cruelty she suffered twenty years ago. She looked just the same , perhaps even more beautiful. As if time never turned for her.

" Aahil... "

Madam Oberoi called out to him stretching her arms out to him.

" Maa(1).. Mother..

Is that really you??? "

He was really in doubt , he couldn't understand how his mother was in front of him when she was already dead.

" Yes.... Of course it's me...

You've already forgotten about me?? "

She made it sound like she was offended but was actually giving him a the most gentle and caring smile that he yearned for still keeping her arms stretched out.

This was it... This was Aahil's limit.... It's all he could take.

He ran into his mother's arms as tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Mother... " Aahil called out in a trembling voice.

"Shhh.... It's okay... "

She embraced him warmly engulfing him in her warmth.

" Mother... "

" Everything will be fine "

"Mother ...." Aahil hung onto his mother and cried uncontrollably.

The tears that he locked away for twenty years bursted like a broken dam at the first sight of his mother.

All the pain, fear, his loneliness, all the suffering along with the events of that night everything came back to him like a flash flood .

He cried his heart out....

This was the first time ever since that night that he cried....All the wall that he had built around him crumbled to dust. If anyone saw him now they would never believe that this was the very same ruthless Aahil Oberoi who has made even royalty dance in his tunes .

In fact.... truthfully said the man right now was not Aahil Oberoi at all but a ten year old Aahil, who witnessed his mother been killed by a group of men with is own two eyes. Yet he couldn't do a thing.

Madam Oberoi simply hugged him tight and patted his back , comforting him as he cried with a smile on her face.

After some time Aahil was finally able to calm down .....

" Sorry..... I'm sorry Mom... I'm sorry....

I was a coward. Trust me mom I wanted to fight with you . I never wanted you to be raped and killed like they did but I was scared out of my wits.... I just didn't know what to do. I was so useless... Why did I survive???? I should have die..."

Aahil's voice still trembled for guilt had submerged him whole. Fresh tears rolled down his cheeks once again.

But before he could finish his words Madam Oberoi cover his mouth with her palms to stop him from saying ill-omend words about himself any further.

" Never. Ever. Say. Such. Things. Again."

Madam Oberoi said sternly.

" Aahil... my love you have nothing to be guilty off..... You did the right thing. You were so very brave my sweetheart , you had to witness all that cruelty. I was the one who drugged you and locked you in that chamber . I'm sorry ,

I had no choice but to do so. As long as I live I can never let harm come to you. Everything I did was to protect you from them.

You have nothing to blame yourself for because everything I did was out of my own will .

And beside who says you were useless ?? You have achieved great heights even after such tragedy.... You were brave enough to face your past again.

I am so proud of you...

Today I have no regrets "

They say 'Women are weak but Mothers are strong.

Women will break but Mothers will fight. '

Thus that night a woman wasn't raped or burnt to death but a mother was ruthlessly slaughtered as she fought to protect her child.

" Mom, what was 'Mission Code Red '??" Madam Oberoi didn't answer him but simply chuckled at his question. That didn't stop Aahil though , he continued to press on.

" Mom... I know that you are fully aware of everything... please tell me.

From what I saw, Meghnath Bose along with his subordinates attacked us that night to recover the 'Code Red Answer ' that had something to do with the mission.

They had captured dad and tortured him to death for that same 'Code Red Answer ' but dad never gave up.... After dad passed away you brought us to Dehradun from Delhi to hide away from them ,but they found us within four years. Meghnath Bose believe that dad left the answer in your possession , but you said that the 'Code Red Answer ' which he wants was actually dad's DNA Configuration that is lost forever since dad was cremated four years ago.

You also said that dad made a fool out of him when he interrogated him and tricked him into destroying the answer himself. That really hit the spot .Also he believes that he killed me when I was just an infant.

If I am not wrong then my DNA configuration can also be used as the answer...!!!!"

Just as the words left his mouth, ground beneath him shattered , as if his body was not able to carry the weight he dropped to his knees . He realised the hidden meaning behind of his casually said words along with his mother's actions on the night.....

His mother had sacrificed herself to protect her son from the clutches of Meghnath Bose in order to protect the answer that he wanted regarding Mission Code Red.

He open and closed his mouth wanting to say something , but it was like he had lost his ability to speak .

He came to a devastating conclusion

' Aahil Oberoi was born on the scarification of his own mother'

Everything he built in these fifteen years shed his mother's blood, esteem and dignity.

Aahil suffered a severe blow on his entire being. He couldn't come to terms with the fact that both his parents suffered a torturous death all just to protect him.

He didn't want to live anymore.... He couldn't face himself anymore, let alone his parents.The weight of reality was too much for him. Also a fear that some one is after his life and had already savaged his parents lives just to get him lingered in his heart.

Yes he was scared... Once again Aahil was scared out of his wits just like twenty years ago.

History repeated itself , but time had turned the tables for him....

" Why ??"

His voice was inaudible, he was perhaps just questioning to himself but Madam Oberoi heard it loud and clear. She was able to understand the depths of his question.

All the while Madam Oberoi didn't utter a single word nor stop her son as he recited the events of that night. At last when he questioned his existence she had to interfere.

" I believe you already know the answer to that, my love. You just have to accept it. " Madam Oberoi crouched down to his level pulled him up . Aahil followed his mother like a lifeless puppet but noticed the change in his mother's smile. It was no longer a mesmerising gentle smile instead was replaced by a mischievous witty smile , teasing him to no end.

He remembered this smile of hers as well.

Back in the days, she would give such smiles when there was some surprise for him or she found something new to tease him.

' What could her smile mean now? ' he thought.

He followed his mother's line of sight which was surprisingly not on him but something behind him.

When his sight landed on what was behind him, to say he was thunder struck with shock was an understatement.

What stood behind him was not an object but a person.

Like his mother he too looked unworldly, his aura was strong but peaceful. He looked really handsome and young. The man was slowly approaching towards them from afar. His long sure steps, his prefect features, his confidence all made Aahil feel like he was in a league of his own.

As the man approached closer Madam Oberoi walked past Aahil towards him. Within fifteen steps the man and Madam Oberoi both intersected each other .

There were no words shared .

Some say that love has language of its own

and as for the people in front of him.. They sure spoke that language .

Aahil felt a sense of admiration at the seeing his parents share such a strong bond with each other. It was something he never came across.

He was happy for his parents that they found each other , but at the same time doubted the place he was at the moment. Both his parents died years ago yet they were in front of him right now. Does that mean....

" You are not dead yet Champ ..."

Before his thoughts ran any wilder his father put a lid on them... His deep, confident voice was just like he remembered it.

" Then where are we??? "

" At a crosswalk. Once you made your choice a gate will open up taking to your desired

destination. We are here to help you make the right choice so that you don't have any regrets in life, little one. "

" Why dad ?? Why?? "

" Hahaha... The ruthless Aahil Oberoi who has the world most dangerous mafias at his beck and call , can crumble economies at the snap of his fingers , has made even royalty dance at his tunes so indecisive.... What will happen to world ??? Not to mention the mafias will have a heart attack knowing that their master whom the feared for their lives has become a ten year old baby..... "

A soft laughter escaped from Aahil at his father's barten.

Mr. Oberoi cupped both Aahil's cheek, made him look into his eyes

" This is why I did everything.... For your smile ,for your mom's smile because you both the most important people in my world.

When times were most difficult , it was your and your mother's love that kept me going.

Point to be noted which was extremely difficult to acquire. Hm"

" Come . Again "

The last sentence was for Madam Oberoi which she didn't fail to understand making her furious.

This was something new for Aahil, he didn't remember his parents ever bickering like this though he had seen Vikram and Kady do so countless times.

" Yes, proposing to you was the most difficult task of my life because you were so unreasonable " Mr. Oberoi defended himself only to be attacked by Madam Oberoi.

"If only you weren't so useless "

" Oh.. I was useless then why did you marry me ????"

" Who said I married you... I was with you because your pay was good.. "Madam Oberoi said with a wink.

" Give me some face darling.... I'm after all your husband.. please.."

Madam Oberoi was sure to make Me. Oberoi pride as man drenched.

" Next time remember that " Madam Oberoi snorted.

Seeing his parents bicker Aahil could not help but miss Vikram and Kady.

Both Madam and Mr. Oberoi noticed Aahil's forlone look . This was what they wanted him to feel.

" Missing your friends aren't you??? "

Madam Oberoi asked.

" I... I don't know.. what I want ??" Aahil replied earnestly.." All I know is that I have to destroy my body... That will ensure the Code Red Answer is destroyed in true sense and nobody will be harmed by Meghnath Bose "

Both of them were really not happy to hear Aahil's response but they can't force him to do anything.... The choice was his they could only motivate and guide him.

" Aahil ask yourself once, who do you think you are trying to save by killing yourself . Ask yourself is Mission Code Red the only way Meghnath Bose can hurt people. Ask yourself will you really be saving your loved ones by killing yourself or cowardly turning your back on them at the time of need. Ask yourself Aahil will you be able to die with a clear conscience. "

Mr. Oberoi demanded.

Each question was like a thousand arrows piercing him thought and through. He was right though his actions were cowardly. He only thought of saving himself. He chose death as it was the easiest way to run away from his problems. His parents had paid too much of a price for him. This is not what he wanted , but the weight of the matter is just to much for him to carry.

" Aahil I understand that given everything that's happened , you are scared and we don't blame you for that . You have the right to fear, but remember one thing 'Courage is not the absence of fear but a judgement that something is much more important than

fear '." Mr. Oberoi spoke as he tried to remind Aahil his obligations.

"Aahil we know that it's cruel, it's traumatic for you, but this is the reality that you have to accept . What I did twenty years ago was just to buy you some time so that you can grow strong enough to fight . "

Madam Oberoi was desperate to convince him not to throw away his life.

" Aahil there are many underhanded battles and mysteries that you must fight and solve at the same time... Mission Code Red was one of many such missions. Aahil your identity is more than what meets the eye. You must find your origins .... Many lives are still at stake.Aahil your life from the day you were born was never yours to being with. We tried our best to give you a normal childhood that every child deserves. No one wants to be born as a chess piece in the game of power.

But destiny has been merciful towards to you. From a mere pawn you have emerged as a king. Aahil you have acquired the power to change your own fate.

We want you to fight for your own self. Sooner or later those who are enemies of your origin will come after you as they learn your existence . We want you to have a standing of your own so that no one can use you.

Aahil , Meghnath Bose is a mere facade that we have created in order to keep others at bay... He is a measly stepping stone and nothing more . Aahil the war had began the minute you stepped back into Nath Villa. You were living on borrowed time that you were fortunate enough to have because your mother scarified her herself.

I know you have many questions but you don't have the right to acquire there answer.

Knowing the answer is equal to entering the battlefield , but if I am not wrong you have chosen to run away from your problems rather than to face them . So I won't force you to do anything that is not your will , but I hope that you'll have not regret or disatisfaction with your choice . Let me warn you though , you will have only one chance . That will be your only chance. "Mr.Oberoi had to state the the hidden facts .Facts that the couple had hidden in their lifetime so that Aahil could grow to be a normal child.

But no one can understand the game of destiny.

What they hid in living , had to reveal in death.

Aahil took a deep breath to calm his inner nervousness while his mind tried to process everything which his father just blow the lid off to him .

'Looks like I never had any options to begin with. Everything I did indirectly lead me to this point of no return. Fine.. Destiny you really played this game well. I accept your challenge .

You started this game , I am going to end this game once and for all.

Let's see what you have in stored for me. I'll never let my parent's scarifice go in vein nor will I turn back on my friends and all those people who I care for... But I warn you don't blame for being ruthless . I will spare none. '

Aahil silently vowed in his heart .

" Aahil we are not asking you to fight because we have lost our lives in order to protect you.... But for those you care for... Ask yourself , is there no one in the world who wants you??? You don't have to answer is but answer it to yourself..... "

This question of Madam Oberoi hit the only soft spot of Aahil's heart. Images of Vikram, Kady, Little Diya, Father Fernandez ,Brother Ashwin and a mysterious girl appeared in his mind. Though he didn't understand his connection with that mysterious girl, he did understood his obligations towards the people who had cared for him in the past two decades.

He cannot let them suffer the consequences of his actions , he will not let them.

Establishing his objectives 'The Aahil Oberoi ' made his resolution. Reslove to live for the people he cared.

" Mom... Dad...What should I do if I am ever in doubt or indecisive?? How will I know what's the right thing to do ????"

" If ever you are in a situation where your mind fails to give you a decivise answer then follow your heart.

Mind can be corrupted but a true heart can never be so. In your heart resides your conscience, your conscience is who you truly are."

" Also Aahil, never deny your heart to its desire that will be you doing a crime against yourself.... Especially in case your heart desires a company of someone special.

We want to see you complete, we want to see you surrounded by people where you don't have to hold back yourself and put up a front. Someone you can share your burden with . Someone who can give you an opportunity to cherrish the childhood which you never got a chance to. "

" Live for yourself and not just for vengeance. We want you to open your heart , have a loving family , experience the feeling of accomplishment in parenthood... Please Aahil promise us you won't close yourself. You won't dwell in lifeless living... If you plan to do so, then everything we taught you in our life is meaningless... " A tear rolled down from Madam Oberoi's eyes as she voiced her worries out.

Aahil smiled while intently listening to his parents as they advised him. He was amazed to see how well his parents actually knew him, that they were worried about his future actions which he himself was not sure off.

Wiping the tears of his mother Aahil promised " Mom don't worry I promise you... Once I have settled the scores I will live for myself and also try find someone who can fulfill your wish for a grandchild... I promise Mom . Trust me. "

" I know, I just can't help but worry about you. After all I'm your mother "

Both Aahil and Mr. Oberoi chuckled hearing Madam pout.

" I'm ready to go back now " he said to himself. " Please take me back to my destination. "

A rainbow coloured light ball appeared immediately hovering above Aahil's head. His parents understood that he had decided it was time to return back to the mortal world. Embracing his parents one last time Aahil was set to leave.

" Mom... Dad..... Thank you for everything you've ever done for me..... I'll for ever be grateful to you. I never wanted you to die for me... never but I promise you that your scarifice will never go waste. I will find my origin.... but still you both will be my real parents. Please watch over me and guide

me. "

" Aahil we never died... We just left the mortal world , now we are immortal. Do you know what it meanS... It means that now nobody else can separate us as long as you don't forget us.

Whenever you remember us you will always find us in your heart"

" Thanks Mom "

" Aahil battles are ugly affairs , in order to find your origin never lose yourself..... Life is a pursuit , your choices today will define the future tomorrow , so choose wisely.

Also remember that both light and dark exist at the same time ..... that is how the balance between good and bad is maintained... it is your choice, on what you want to act. "

With these parting words Mr. Oberoi embraced his son one last time , engulfing his warm deep into his core , for who knows when they will meet again. Though he didn't want that to be anytime time soon still he had to coax his heart.

' This is not really a good bye... just see you later . '

Reluctant to part , but with a heavy heart they do part. Both side knew it was for a greater cause.

" Bye Mom... Bye Dad..... Thanks again ....

Please watch over me... "

With these parting words Aahil stepped back. The rainbow light ball which was slowly hovering above his head suddenly became active and entered his heart taking his soul back to his body.