Father's Prayer......
[Passengers are requested to please fasten their seat belts for landing ]
The flight announcement informed that they were now flying over India's capital and would soon be landing.
Aahil was about to leave when Vikram entered the room.
"Let's go back to the seats "
Aahil wordlessly followed Vikram's suit and sat on a window seat. His face was devoid of any expression.
...
While Aahil passed out in the bedroom Vikram remained in the lounge . His heart too was in utter turmoil and he can't be blamed. After all this matter involved both his best friends. One who's in front of him and the other who died at the line of duty two years ago.
[ She will marry him... That is the only way... We can't risk her.... Aahil is the only one who can protect her.... I have taken care of that matter... ]
In his mind ran the words of Father Fernandez from their conversation
His face mirrored his thoughts and displayed an array of expression as he pondered about the various possible of the outcomes of their gamble.
It was a six and a half hours flight from Dubai to Delhi.
By the time they landed in Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport it was already eight O clock.
After completing the customs check they boarded a chartered plane that was waiting at the airport to take them to Dehradun.
Dehradun had a significant meaning for all the core founder members. It is where everything ended for Aahil twenty years ago. It is were they all started their journey with Aahil.
It's were they became friends , it's going to be where Aahil will get married and is going also going to serve as their first battle ground.
On the outskirts of the city of Dehradun an hours drive was one of the countries top boarding school ' Saint Paul's Cathedral Missionary School '
The school has produced alumniex over the past seventy five years who have achieved titles for their work in their respective fields both national and international. There current alumniex who are at the top of their fields were none other than The God Of Wealth Aahil Oberoi himself along with his Godly Assistant Vikram Shergil and his genius top fashion and jewellery designer wife Kadumberi Shergil.
It was ten o'clock night by the time they finally reached the school. Father Fernandez greeted them personally at the gates and lead them to the guest quarters.
Upon arrival at the guest quarters both men were greeted by Kadumberi who arrived that very afternoon .
" Yeah!! You guys finally made it... What took you so long. " she said in a complaining tone then turned to her husband holding his arm intimately.
Vikram returned her greeting with a light peck on her forehead and whispered " Congrats my love " in her ears.
While Aahil raised an eyebrow with ' What the heck are you doing here ?? ' look on his face.
" Hey don't you dare give me that look Aahil Oberoi.
I'm also an alumni of this school and have hundred percent right to visit back here whenever I want.
Besides I wouldn't get to visit after this since I have to handle both the diamond consignments starting from next month. " said Kadumberi whimingly and pulled an ' I have been extremely wronged ' expression .
Kadumberi's accusations seriously infuriated Aahil.
" Why do you have to cause so much of a ruckus over petty things ???? What are you..a toddler??? "
" You !! You !!! You have nothing to say????
Your wife is being bullied by your best friend and you are acting as if you don't exist here. "
Kadumberi turned to her husband and vented her anger on him because of Aahil's comments .
Hearing his friend's unreasonable accusations to him he gave Vikram a sneered look with his eyes tell him ' So what are you going to do now that I bullied your wife '
Vikram felt like he was caught between a rock and a set of teeth for one would bite the other would hit.
Ever since their childhood Vikram made a mental note to never be caught between Yuma and Kadumberi's quarrel. But alas, as rotten as luck can be not once did he manage to save himself from Aahil's paybacks.
' Dammit , What crimes did I commit to be caught in their crossfire again 'he cursed silently himself and his rotten luck.
Not wanting his own demise his he helplessly looked at Father Fernandez to step in.
Father Fernandez on the other hand stood back quietly watching the scene unfold in front of him with a nostalgic smile on his face...
' Seeing you all here today really takes me back to those care - free days of your life when within these walls you all laughed like a free spirit in a happy go lucky attitude.
But time is the cruelest thing in this God's made world children. For change is the only nature of time and no matter how hard you try you can never truly have the lost time.
Thus, these stolen moments are the most precious possession....
Live it.....
Preserve it....
As in your darkest hour they will be your guiding light. '
Father Fernandez thought to himself as he was the only one aware of what was about to come at his precious and beloved students.
Outside the school there was a heavy thunder storm going on. It started as soon as they reached the school as if even Mother Nature was waiting to cry her heart out at their sorrows.
' This is it my children.... This is were your battle begins....
Enjoy this calmness while you can still. This is the calm before the storm .
May God have hiS mercy on you.
Amen. '
Ironicaly , as soon as these words left his thoughts three explosive loud thunder cracked the sky .
" Come now, Aahil stop your bully. And Kadumberi don't you think it's unfair my child that you drag in our poor Vikram to his weak spot everytime "
Father Fernandez stepped in seeing Vikram's request and helplessness.
At Father's words Aahil and Kadumberi stopped arguing but Vikram refuted instantly.
" Father , I asked you to help me....
NOT FURTHER BULLY ME!!!!!
I'M BEING SO SO SO WRONGED ...
YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS AAHIL OBEROI....
I SWEAR....
SOMEDAY I'LL MAKE YOU PAY.....
MARK MY WORDS... "
"I can't wait for that day.... "
" Alright.... Alright... That's enough bickering for one day .
Now Kady [1] why don't you take Vikram and head to your quarter and I'll lead Aahil to his. It's quite late already and I believe you all need some shut eye after your long travels. "
Father was tempted to join them in their moment but keeping in mind the upcoming events he had to break them.... His heart broke as words came out of his mouth but it was a necessity.
" Fine " scoffed Kady displeasingly throwing a ' This isn't over yet ' look towards Aahil and stroked off with Vikram on her toe towards the first elevator.
After they left the entrance of the guest quarters instantly turned silent.
Father gestured Aahil towards the second elevator and both stepped in.
Their rooms were on the top floor which was the tenth floor opposite each other. When they reached the top floor Vikram and Kady had already settled in their room. Father showed Aahil his room.
It wasn't much but was homely and comfortable. The room was like a one bedroom studio apartment that are popular in India with a living room , kitchen , a bedroom with an attached bathroom.
After showing Aahil his room Father Fernandez bid him good night and was about to take his leave when
" Father, What is this lead that you were able to discover about the key???? "
Aahil voiced the question that he had been holding in for an entire day , his curiosity was at its peak.
Father wasn't surprised at Aahil's question but rather grateful to both Kady and Vikram for holding him this long for he knew that it was only a matter of time before Aahil would voice his curiosity.
If Aahil had voiced it before now he wouldn't have been able to shake him off. But now he can.
" All in good times my child.... All in good times... " Father answered Aahil with a nostalgic smile patting his shoulder and left. He walked through the corridor and entered the elevator. Only then did he let out a huge sign of relief for things were going according to plan.
'Our Father , you art in Heavens....
Bless them , protect them ...
In the battle for identity and justice ...
Please ... let them not lose their soul and innocence.
Be their conscience.... Shield their judgement ..
You are the creator ... you are the preserver ...
Forgive them for they are your children ....
O Almighty God.....
As your humble servant I beg you.....
Let them never have regret in fighting this battle....
May this battle resolve peacefully under your watchful eyes....
In your name I pray....
Amen. "