97 Chapter 97

Suddenly, as if finding a new reserve of energy, Vivek jumped up and attacked Raj again. Raj, exhausted from the fight, moved too slow and staggered backward, crumpling onto the carpet.

Shadows dissolved into the darkness of the night. There was a gush of water behind him, perhaps a waterfall falling on deep rocky ravines. "Why did Mala choose to live with me?" A forest rose around him. He picked his hunting knife. He had to protect Mala and the kids.

He heard a whisper "I have a message for you… from Mala." What a lie! What a deception! A voice came back at him, tight with rage.

"Shhh!" his raw voice brutal against his ear. Vivek seized his arms, trapping them to his side. Raj struggled, but was too weak. Vivek forced him roughly to the ground, causing Raj to fall flat on his face.

"She said that she would never ever give up the documents even if she knew where they were!" Vivek laughed brutally. "She really loved you, man!"

He took out his revolver and curled his finger around the trigger as he smiled grimly.

Raj watched Vivek pull the trigger. The shot went through the ceiling. Vivek tumbled to the floor, blood oozing out of his left shoulder.

Raj looked up in astonishment to see Sumit standing in the hall, towering above Vivek. A group of officers surrounded him, their guns pointed directly at Vivek.

"What took you so long, my friend?"

In a distance Raj could see Mala smiling at him as she walked into Ankur's room. She wanted to be with Ankur one last time…

***

Raj fainted. He woke in the hospital and looked around him. He saw Sneha sitting on a chair reading her text book. He lifted his hand and called her with a quivering voice.

"Sneha..."

"Papa!" she jumped in excitement. She ran to call the nurse but was stopped by Raj.

"How is Ankur?" he asked.

"He is fine papa. Please don't worry," she replied.

Raj looked outside the window wondering if he really saw Mala...

Sneha had called the doctor.

"You have woken up after a day Mr. Raj. We were worried. But your vitals seem fine now and you can leave by tomorrow," said the doctor.

Raj was eager to leave and see Ankur. That day the police came and recorded his statement.

A day later Raj went home. He straightaway went to Ankur's room. Ankur looked at Raj and slowly got up from his bed. He held Raj's hand and pulled him to his bed tucking him inside the comforter along with him.

"Papa..." the words came out of his mouth in a whisper.

"I will never leave you alone Ankur..."

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THE END

Dear all,

This is the end of the story. Hope you enjoyed the journey. I am writing a another story now. Hope to see you all there:)