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VIVEK
Vivek and Snehal sat on a larger couch at his Uncle’s home; Pankaj made himself comfortable on a smaller one.
Snehal’s escape was good, and that eased their further plan. Had she remained locked inside for a couple of days, Vivek and others would’ve suffered more backlashes from Ranjit. They had twelve hours of the night to elope somewhere and get married in a temple. His uncle had said he knew a cop, and Vivek would seek his protection.
“I’m surprised to see you, Snehal,” Pankaj said. “How did you escape?”
“My mother unlocked the door and let me out.”
“Your mother supports your love affair?”
“Yes, she supports me. Recently, I told her about it. But she is scared of my father.”
“We can seek your mother’s help in uniting you both,” Pankaj said.
“I agree with you.” Vivek smiled.
No doubt Snehal’s mother would help in convincing Ranjit and her father. If not now, she would come to Snehal’s rescue after she got married to Vivek in Bangalore. Her father was acting like a jerk because he was influenced by Ranjit and his parents. He might change his mind after Snehal remained out of her home for a few days.
“You know what Ranjit did?” Vivek said.
Pankaj tilted his head with an expression of what had happened?
“He came with some rowdies and destroyed my institution by breaking the glass windows with hockey sticks.”
“Oh, my God,” Pankaj touched his parted lips. “This is something serious we need to think about.”
“I’m very sorry, Vivek,” Snehal said. “You are facing so much trouble because of me.”
“It’s all right.” Vivek made strong eye contact with Snehal. “I have to help you. My heart won’t rest if I don’t. I have to be with you.”
“I know Ranjit and my father are quite stubborn,” Snehal coughed and cleared her throat. “What I anticipated became true.”
Should they complain to the police and seek their protection? Ranjit was more influential as he knew some political leaders in the city. He could manipulate police protection. Vivek looked at Pankaj. “Did you talk to your police friend, Uncle? He should be able to help us.”
“I did call Harsha, but he was busy.” Pankaj grabbed his phone. “Let me try again.”
He swiped on the screen and called him.
After they exchanged pleasantries, Pankaj said, “I need your help.”
The conversation between Vivek’s uncle and Harsha went for a few minutes. Pankaj described the situation and asked his opinion. Vivek understood from their discussion the cop suggested to leave the town and get married at a registrar office in Bangalore.
Pankaj ended the call and placed the phone back on the table. He turned his gaze to Snehal. “Harsha is ready to accompany us and provide the needed protection.”
“That would be great, Uncle.” Snehal smiled, looking at Vivek. “I too suggest we marry in the registrar office as soon as possible before Ranjit does something.”
Vivek nodded. “It makes sense.” He looked back at his uncle. “What else did your friend say?”
“Well, he advised not to complain to the police. Ranjit is powerful in the town. Also, he might bribe the evidence and free himself.” Pankaj shifted his gaze to Snehal. “He might further harm us if we fail in our efforts.”
“Yes. He is ruthless,” Snehal said with her voice a bit raised.
Vivek too agreed with her. The events in the last few days had confirmed Ranjit and Snehal’s father was unkind.
Vivek remembered Arjun. Should he update him about the ongoings and their plan to go to Bangalore? “Uncle, are we taking Arjun also with us?”
“We should,” Pankaj said. “He will be helpful as he must have some of his friends there. They might come to our aid. We’re taking your aunty also with us.”
Vivek called Arjun and told him the happenings. He also sought his help in renting a seven-sitter vehicle to go to Bangalore.
He drove his car to his home along with Snehal, his uncle, and aunty. The darkness surrounded the urban landscape, and the road traffic was scarce. A few bikes speeded along with a couple of cars. A city bus with not many passengers in it overtook Vivek’s car.
He parked his vehicle in its usual place and then rang the doorbell. His mother, her face turned ashen, opened the door. She continued blinking as Vivek stared at her for a few moments.
He cleared his throat. “Nothing to worry, Mum.” He entered as Prabha backed away, making a room for them. “We’ve Snehal and Uncle with us.”
They sat on the couches and wooden chairs.
“I’m really afraid, Vivek,” Prabha said, her eyes wide.
“What happened?” Pankaj asked, his tone astonished. “Did someone come here?”
“I received a call from a stranger.” Prabha knotted her brows. “He threatened to kill you and said you shouldn’t go near Snehal.” Teardrops touched her lashes.
Snehal approached her and hugged. “Don’t worry, Ma. No one will harm us when I am with you.”
“I’m not sure what you’re going to do next.” Vivek’s mother said.
“We’re all going to Bangalore,” Pankaj said.
Vivek took his phone and reminded Arjun to come home soon.
It was just before midnight when Vivek drove everyone outside the city limits. A sense of relief crossed his mind as they went away from their hometown. The presence of an armed cop added to Vivek’s comfort.
“I thank you for coming with us, Harsha,” Vivek’s uncle said.
“It’s okay. I can help you this much,” the policeman said, his voice cordial. “In fact, I have told my colleague to speak with Ranjit and his parents. They should not interfere with your interests after he meets them.”
Vivek sighed in relief. They were relieved from Ranjit’s anger and his backlash. But what if Ranjit held a grudge against him? Should he speak with his Uncle about it? He needed to marry Snehal first before he thought of his safety. “Thank you, Harsha. We both appreciate your help.”
“Do whatever is possible to make us live without fear,” Vivek’s mother said, looking at the police. “I’m worried about our safety after I received the threatening call.”
“Sure, I will.” Harsha looked at her over his shoulder with his voice reassuring.
Dawn embraced the sky with few birds chirping as Vivek and the others entered the city. A few cars and motorbikes, with their headlights still on, speeded on the flyover. Vivek entered the hotel premises and parked his vehicle in a vacant slot.
He booked the rooms while others sat on the leather couches in the lobby. A waiter in his blue uniform led them upstairs.
Vivek stayed with Snehal and his mother in one room; his uncle occupied an adjacent one along with Vivek’s aunty, Arjun, and Harsha.