Chapter 4

PRIYA CURSED UNDER her breath, stopping in the middle of the hospital's parking lot with Aisha holding her hand. She realized she had to call her mother before she freaked out. She's too late.

Maa, 45 missed calls. Aditya, 30 missed calls. Madhu, 10 missed calls.

Darn it! She's going to have it. Never did she stay late outside.

Making Aisha sit in the passenger seat and making sure the door was locked, she called her mother. On the first ring, her mother answered, and she closed her eyes as her ears were filled with her mother's musings.

Priya cut her off, saying, "Maa. I'll be home in an hour. After I come home, I'll explain." With that, she hung up the phone quickly. She knew the consequences of hanging up, but it was nothing she couldn't handle.

When she entered the car, she found Aisha playing with Bobby happily.

"Hehey!" Priya said, "I see you met Bobby."

"Bobby? He is Bobby."

"Oh, yes."

"Nice name," Aisha giggled as Bobby licked her cheek.

Priya tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, staring at Aisha playing with Bobby while thinking over her approach.

She only has a name. Abhay Sinha. The person most powerful in society. Or she could be wrong too.

Nodding to herself, she started the car, driving towards her destination.

∞∞∞

It took her twenty minutes to reach the police station with the traffic. Parking her car on the roadside, she glanced at Aisha, who fell asleep. She looked so peaceful in her sleep; Priya didn't want to disturb her. But she'd no choice. Sighing, she carefully lifted the little one in her arms, and despite her tiredness, she decided to carry her. Instinctively, Aisha's hands circled her neck and clung to her. She hopped out of the car and locked it.

Priya stared at the police station. All of a sudden, she felt her hands tremble, and she tightened them around Aisha.

Who'd have expected that she'd walk into a police station, especially at a time like this? Priya thought sarcastically.

At a slow pace, Priya walked inside the station. Two constables stood on either side of the entrance stiffly. Nervously, she passed them and entered, looking around in confusion, not understanding how and whom to approach. There seemed to be hardly four officers who looked to be busy with their work and did not notice her. She turned her head to the left and took an involuntary step back when her eyes caught sight of the prison walls. There were two or three persons, obviously criminals, inside the darkroom.

Spontaneously, she swerved her head to the other side when she realized a rusty man behind bars watching her. Inhaling deeply, she calmed her anxious heart.

An officer, who looked to be in his mid-forties, walked out of a room. He looked pissed. The two-star badges on his shoulder symbolized him as a sub-inspector.

Priya approached him. His name tag said, 'SI Bijoy.'

"Excuse me, Sir."

"What?" SI Bijoy barked. Priya frowned as he didn't even spare her a glance.

Not letting his tone affect her, Priya said, "Sir, I found this little girl on the road. Today evening. She seems to have lost her parents." She waited for him to look up and reply.

But, he said. "Aye! Where is my tea?"

Priya scoffed. "Sir, I am talking to you."

"WHAT!" he barked once again.

"She needs your help," Priya insisted.

"Madam," SI Bijoy pointed his hand in her direction as if annoyed, "We get a lot of cases like this. Daily, we see in newspapers babies abandoned in dumps and left on the road. This girl's parents might have done the same. Good riddance. Who knows what their reasons are? Just leave it be." He dismissively waved his hand.

Priya was floored by his words. "You don't have a right to talk this way," Priya roared. She felt Aisha moving in her hands, but her gaze was fixed on the officer. This was the first time she felt a massive fury bubble inside her and was also stunned to hear her own voice. "If you cannot help me, then you can just simply say. You are a public servant. You have to help the public. If you are incapable of doing your duty, then keep your mouth shut. You don't get a right to comment on us. Next time if I ever come across you and hear anything filthy from your mouth, then I'll report you to your higher officials." She exhaled as she finished.

The officer's mouth hung open as he stared at Priya wide-eyed. Not only him. The whole police station was gawking, hearing her outburst at their superior officer. She didn't intend to gain attention. Still, the disturbing words had hit her hard.

Was he even human? She wondered, shooting him a disgusted glance. How could he talk that way, even after seeing a kid in her arms? He doesn't have thought about what effect it'd show on a child. He's nothing less than that Riya person, she thought.

She realized Aisha woke up and was staring at their surroundings. Shooting another glare to SI Bijoy, she turned on her heel to leave. She stopped abruptly when she heard SI Bijoy's voice.

"Wait, Miss."

She faced him with a scowl plastered on her face.

"Sorry, Miss," SI Bijoy said. But he didn't sound like he meant it. "Leave the girl here. We'll look at the issue." SI Bijoy gave his full attention to Priya. The woman had humiliated him well enough in front of his colleagues, and he wasn't going to make a fool of himself anymore.

Priya felt a little relief wash over her. Now, Aisha could get back to her parents, she thought. She nodded her head without a second thought. She twisted her head down to look at Aisha, who seemed to be on the verge of tears.

She smiled softly at her and made Aisha stand on her feet gently. Kneeling in front of her, Priya said, "Aisha. Look, this uncle here will take you to your Daddy. Ok? I should go now."

Aisha's lips quivered.

"You have to be a good girl until your Daddy returns. Will you?"

"You promised... you take me to Daddy," Aisha said. Tears rolled down her eyes, and she wiped them harshly.

Priya looked at her sadly. "They'll find your Dad fast."

Aisha shook her head and held Priya's shirt sleeves. "No," she said stubbornly. "Take me with you."

Priya glanced around and then mentally hit her head. How could she be so stupid? How could she leave a little girl among strangers in a police station? She chided herself.

"Sorry, sweetheart. I won't leave you," Priya hugged Aisha, feeling her hands wrap around her. She once again lifted the girl in her arms and faced the officer. "Sorry, sir," Priya said, "I cannot leave her here. She'll be with me. If you find anything about her parents, please inform me."

"Ok," SI Bijoy agreed instantly. She rolled her eyes. What did she expect from him? "Give your details to the headman seated there," he pointed to a person at the front desk, resuming his work.

Shaking her head, Priya walked towards the headman. He was already looking at her with a smile.

"Good job, beta," he said appreciatively in a whisper glancing behind her at SI Bijoy.

Not all police officers were terrible. Priya gave a small smile. She made Aisha stand on the seat next to her and took the paper delivered to her. She mentioned her phone number, address, and necessary information. Handing the report, Priya noticed a car parked at the backside of the station. She recognized the car instantly.

"Excuse me. What is that car doing here?" Priya asked, pointing at the car.

The headman glanced in the direction and said, "Oh, that's a drunken case, Miss. The driver was fully drunk and ran over the footpath. He's badly injured."

Priya remembered the almost hit to Aisha and visibly shuddered. She cursed the driver for being reckless. Because of a drunk driver, she'd lost her father. She knew the pain, and she wished no one faced the same fate. Glancing at Aisha, she cringed. If she hadn't reached her on time, then... she paused at that thought.

She nodded at the headman. Taking Aisha's hand and walking out of the station, a thought occurred to her. She couldn't wholly depend on the police.

∞∞∞

She glanced at the Google maps wondering whether she was in the right place. It was as if the colossal signage of AS at the top of the entrance wasn't any indication. Her mouth was wide open in awe as she stopped in front of AS Empire gates. If the entry itself was magnificent, then she wondered what it'd be like inside. The compound wall stretched on either side of the entrance with a green ambiance and fountain lights. There was a small cubicle in between the entry and exit gates. Thankfully, lights were on in it.

The time was past nine, and she was tense. Looking up, she prayed to the heavens. Deciding to take a chance, she managed to make it to the headquarters of ASO. Except now, she was hesitant.

Glancing at Aisha, once again fast asleep in her seat, Priya left her in the car. She walked towards the entrance and was stopped by a security guard. "Hello, madam! Where do you think you are going?"

She fidgeted with her hands. "Is Mr. Sinha inside?"

He gave her a look once over. "Who are you?"

"I..." she paused, thinking. She couldn't possibly say she brought a kid who might be Mr. Sinha's daughter. "I have important work with Mr. Sinha."

"At this time?"

"Yes. It's kind of urgent," Priya sounded desperate, "If he's not here. Can you give me his home address or phone number?"

The security guard glanced at his surroundings and leaned closer to her. "Are you a reporter?"

Instinctively, she moved back, confused by his question. "No!"

"Don't lie, madam," he gave a sly smile, "I have seen many like you. I will surely help you if you..." he left the sentence incomplete, patting his pocket.

She gasped. "You... Don't you feel ashamed? If I give money, you'll say anything about your employer."

His eyes widened, and he looked around, scared. "Hello, madam," he snarled, "All will be like this only. In what world you are living? If you want information, then give it. Or else go."

She was angry. "Not everybody is like you," she spat. She glanced at the security nametag on the shirt and said, "You just wait. Because of disloyal people like you, employers like Abhay Sinha are losing their privacy."

"Go... Go, madam," he waved his hand rudely. "No one is scared of your useless words. Just leave."

"No one wants to stay here," she retorted and turned on her heel, heading to her car. She slammed the door shut and instantly regretted it as Aisha stirred in her sleep.

A tired sigh left Priya. "Today, you are just going to spend time with me," she said.

∞∞∞

Priya knocked on the door and stood, waiting for someone to open it. Aisha was in her arms, cradled and sleeping soundly, while Bobby restlessly circled her legs, impatient to get inside. The little one was washed out entirely from tonight's events. And even Priya. She wished for her soft bed and sleep. Priya craned her neck and looked at Aisha. In just a span of a few hours, they both have become attached. The little one was a lot more comfortable with Priya than expected. Not that she minded.

Strangely, Priya felt an unknown affection towards the child. She does not want to explore much into the feeling. Because when the time comes, she knows Aisha has to go away.

The door opened, and Bobby didn't waste time. He jumped inside, walking past her furious mother.

Time for blessings! Priya thought sardonically, looking at her mother like a deer caught.

As expected, before Priya could open her mouth or even enter the house, Indira started shouting, "Where have you been? Do you know what time it is? Do you know how worried I was?"

Aisha stirred in her sleep. Priya patted her back, shushing her mother anxiously, "Maa. Calm down. She's sleeping."

That's when Indira noticed the girl in her daughter's arms. She gasped.

"Who is she?" Indira whispered. Her eyes were on Aisha.

"First, let me get inside, Maa," Priya said.

Indira palmed her forehead and opened the door wide. Priya sighed and entered her home when she heard her neighbor's loud voice.

"Indira ji. Did Priya come back?"

Priya rolled her eyes, not turning or acknowledging the female. Always nosy about other's family businesses. She continued her way inside, letting her mother handle it.

"Yes. Nirmala behan," her mother smiled. As Indira was about to close the door, Nirmala spoke up.

"Careful, Indira Ji. Days are not good at all. Always the unexpected happens. You too don't stay here and come once every three months. You have to control your daughter." By the end, Nirmala stood in front of Indira and said as a matter of fact, "Look at me. My daughter listens to my every word. She doesn't even step a foot outside without telling me a word."

Priya heard every word as she settled on the couch and made Aisha lay beside her with her head on her lap. She could only imagine what her mother was thinking.

"Thank you so much for your concern, behenji," Indira gave a smile. She was tempted to shut the door on the woman's face but then stopped and asked innocently. "Oh yes, Nirmala Ji! Yesterday when I went to the medical shop, I saw a girl in front of a wine shop bargaining. She looked just like your daughter. Now thinking about it, I am sure she's your daughter."

"My dau... daughter?" Nirmala stammered. "You must be mistaken."

"Really?" Indira asked innocently, "She very excitedly shouted 'Hi aunty' when she saw me. I didn't give much thought to it. But now, as I recall it... Hmmm..." When Nirmala was about to open her mouth, she continued, "Oh, I can understand. When your negligent husband is always traveling outside... You must have felt the need to..." she shrugged. "Otherwise, why would your daughter go to a wine shop without your word. Yeah, right."

Nirmala glared at Indira and stomped off in the direction of her apartment.

Indira closed the door loudly. "How dare she raise a finger on my daughter?" she muttered as she walked inside the living room.

Priya was laughing hard, hearing her mother's words. It was difficult not to listen when both the women were loud.

"Priya," Indira said, "What happened? And..." she glanced at the little girl's sleeping form, "Who is she?"

"Maa," Priya said calmly, "I'll answer every question. But, first. Can I get some water, please? I am parched."

"How could I forget?" Indira palmed her forehead. "Sorry. Did you eat anything?"

Priya shook her head.

"I'll prepare something fast," saying her mother walked into the kitchen. Her brother, Aditya, walked out of his room, hearing Priya's voice at the exact moment.

"Di! Where have you been?" Aditya stopped when he saw the little one sleeping on the sofa. "Who is she?" he asked curiously. He kneeled in front of her and poked her cheeks.

Priya smiled. "Let Maa come," she said.

"She's cute," Aditya said.

Indira came with a glass of water and handed it to Priya, with her eyes on Aisha. Priya gulped the water in one go. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back. She could feel her mother's anxiousness, waiting for her to explain. And Priya was thankful that she didn't pressure her and gave her time to get her mind together.

A few minutes passed, and Aditya broke the silence. "Di! She's so cute." When she opened her eyes, she saw Aditya tweaking Aisha's cheeks playfully. He's still childish, she thought, shaking her head. "Who is she?"

Priya glanced at her mother, who was staring at her expectantly.

Priya took a deep breath and told everything- the almost hit to Aisha, hospital, police station, rude inspector. By the time she finished, her brother was hooting while her mother was silent.

"Maa, I am sorry," Priya said. "I know how you feel about the police station. But I don't have any other choice. I..."

"What are you saying, Priya?" Indira interrupted. "You did a good thing by bringing her here. You cannot leave a little girl in a police station among strangers. I hate to say this, but I agree with Nirmala. She's right. Unexpected things happen. A girl alone is not safe outside."

Priya smiled at her mother. She didn't expect her mother to act cool. She felt Aisha move and looked down to see her sitting and looking around.

"Hi cutie," Aditya said, extending his hand. Aisha leaned towards Priya's side, afraid.

Priya laughed, seeing her brother's fallen face. "Hey, it's ok," she said to Aisha, "Don't be scared. He's my brother."

Still unsure, Aisha said, "Hi, Uncle."

"HEY!" Aditya exclaimed, "If you want me to be your friend, don't call me Uncle." Priya scoffed. "Bhaiya is fine." He tweaked Aisha's nose playfully.

Aisha giggled and nodded shyly.

"Good girl," Aditya ruffled her hair.

Priya sighed in relief, seeing Aisha smile.

Several questions were running through her mind as she watched Aisha get comfortable with her family. Out of everything, she's more curious about one thing. What was Aisha's father, Abhay, doing right now?

∞∞∞

Abhay Sinha walked out of the office, eager to leave. He couldn't waste another second and should go to his daughter. At the thought of his Princess, a smile spread on his face. The meeting with the workers took longer than he expected, and later reviewing the damage Anand caused had held him up, but the result was satisfactory. He need not be here, and he could have done the work by his men. But, Abhay couldn't easily let the person go who caused a ruckus in his company. He must see the fraud by himself.

A.S. Organization was Abhay's hard work and a promise he made to his brother. It was formerly just Sinha's enterprises, formed because of his brother's and father's sweat. When Rahul died, everything was left midway like in a desert as their stock values plummeted and the workers started to quit one by one. His father was nowhere in a position to manage the responsibility of the chairman of the company. That's when Abhay stepped forward. As per his brother's last wish, Abhay had taken over the business and handled everything single-handedly.

Abhay and Rahul had planned to run their business together. All their plans were thrashed with Rahul and Ramya's tragic death. Eventually, everything fell into place for Abhay, and in the last five years, he thrived in the business world. Even though new, Abhay was a natural. With his talents and extremely sharp acumen, he surprised everyone. He has his own theory of categorizing people, and he made pretty great deals and can see the unseen opportunities. He made a small company into a vast organization.

A.S.Organization.

It was his five years of tremendous effort. People knew not to mess with Abhay Sinha. If they do, they face the consequences. Just like Anand. A greedy and cunning low-paid worker.

When his company and his workers were jeopardized, he couldn't stay calm. He needed to make that man learn his lesson. And the other loyal workers need assurance and trust. The police had taken control of Anand, and Abhay ensured he'd not be seeing the daylights anytime soon.

"Is the chopper ready?" Abhay asked Tyagi, who held the car door for him. When he didn't hear a reply, Abhay stopped and turned to him. For the first time, Tyagi looked tense and avoided eye contact. "Tyagi?"

"You first get inside, sir," Tyagi said.

Abhay closed the door, and with hands-on-hips, he asked sternly, "What's wrong?"