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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chapter 22 - Apprehension


The door burst open again. NK appeared and a fresh round of confusion set in the room.

“Fantastic, we have the perfect reenactment of Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom!” ASR threw his hands in the air. He then beckoned NK into the room with a flourish, “Please come in. You were missed. Now, you can explain to me what in the world is happening here, I’d be oh-so-thankful to you!”

The cutting sarcasm wasn't lost on NK, who wore a very matter of fact expression. Khushi couldn’t suppress her smile despite the odd situation she found herself in. The betrayals never ended and for once, she thought she was beginning to get used to them.

“Alright, ASR. Cut it. I can explain.” NK shut the door behind him and stood in the passageway blocking the only exit out of the apartment. ASR sensed something amiss and decided to give it a go.
“OK. Spill it.”
“Payal, Gitu and Khushi. Please sit down where I can see all of you clearly.” NK ordered and the three women complied, for there was little alternative at this point.

“OK. So I don’t want to raise any alarm here, but the building is surrounded by agents. If any of you have any trick planned up your sleeve, I seriously recommend you hold your horses and think through.” NK continued his business like instructions.
ASR shared puzzled looks with Khushi. Gitu was visibly agitated but Payal sat poker faced.
“The suspense is killing me man, just spill.”

NK took a few steps forward and moved part of his jacket aside revealing a holster with gun. It was clear to anyone in the room that the man meant business. ASR leaned against the wall and for once felt like an utter fool not in control of the on-goings in the room.

“A few days ago I caught Gitu doodling through my laptop. She was furiously noting down account information of Khushi’s Swiss accounts and spying on emails regarding the case.” NK watched Gitu as her face melted with guilt.

“Why Gitu!” Khushi’s voice rose.

“Khushi, please. Let me finish before anyone jumps the gun.” NK insisted. “Gitu explained to me that she needed money for her dad’s treatment. I knew she was bluffing because I’d already done a background check on her and I knew her dad was no more.” Gitu sat impassively with her eyes downcast while Khushi grew more bewildered.

“Were you trying to steal money from me, why Gitu?” Khushi’s voice shook with incredulity.

“Please, let me finish first before we pass summary judgments here.” NK appealed, noting an agitated Gitu, who was upset at Khushi’s allegations.

Payal grew impatient and rose from her seat, “Well, you guys have a nice mess you can all deal with. I have better things to do.”

“Sit down, Payal!” NK thundered, his voice steely with determination. Payal cringed back in fear and without further protest, simply sat down.

“I still don’t understand, you had only to ask me Gitu, why, why, why?” Khushi was bordering on hysteric outburst and NK knew he had to intervene fast.

“It was not stealing money, Khushi. It was payment for information on your whereabouts and your activities.” NK added somberly.

“Wait a minute. So Gitu took money from Khushi’s account to pay for information on her?” ASR began piecing the puzzle for everyone’s benefit. “But who was getting paid and why is Gitu in the middle of it.”

A sense of discomfort passed between NK and Gitu, a silent debate on whether they should share a deep secret held between them, a silent agreement reached and NK delivered the news.

“Gitu works for CIA.”

****

The bomb exploded inaudibly in the room, leaving stunned spectators in its wake.

Khushi was the first to react with a hysteric laughter. “What!”
“Gitu works for the CIA, Office of Narcotics to be precise.” NK reemphasized.

“Is this true?” Khushi looked at Gitu seeking explanations. Gitu nodded. 
“Wow! Wow, wow, wow!” Khushi got up and took short paces in the living room, “I mean wow. In all the years we’ve known each other, you never once mentioned this to me. It never occurred you to tell me. I don’t know what makes me more mad, that you took money from my account or that you hid your real identity from me. Is Gitu even your real name?”

“Come on, Khushi! Everything you know about me is real, our friendship is real, I….I just do the narcotics analysis for CIA, do covert operations as needed and report analysis to CIA and FBI as needed. Look, I knew something big was going on about with your history and past. When I found out that the Russian mafia was behind your attack, I had to know how you were connected. I've done a ton of work on Russian mafia and their drug cartel operations across the globe.”

“She’s somewhat of a Russophile” NK beamed proudly and out of place.

“Well, I knew the mafia had run into money problems recently with the string drug enforcement and I was on the lead to follow their money trail. When I found out about the Sabres, I knew there had to be something connected with their drug cartel. I was snooping in NK’s laptop to find out any suspicious activities in your account and….”

“And I caught her. We decided to collaborate to find the money trail.” NK completed the sentence, both shooting satisfied glances at their successful partnership.

“Wait. So, you were snooping around in Khushi’s account to find out that money was transferred from her account to Tennessee, why?” ASR cut in.

“Over the years Gitu has built contacts within the cartel. This is not the first time Khushi’s account has been hacked to pay off someone. The money trail is interesting. Money gets wired to an outpost in Tenessee from Khushi’s account. A local picks the check and deposits into a local account registered to a fake business. Later, the same business deposits the money into another account in Chicago, again registered under a fake business. We didn’t know who in Chicago collected money using Cash checks from the account. That’s when Gitu suggested we orchestrate a fake transfer to see who ends up picking the money from the Chicago account.”

“And…” Khushi and ASR asked in tandem.

NK and Gitu looked at Payal.

“Why are you staring at me? I am only here because Gitu invited me to coffee.” She looked around the room with all eyes directed on her. “Wait a minute, you guys think I took the money?”

“You had the motive. You hated Khushi all your life and you had all the insider information about her whereabouts. And I did not run into you by accident at the bank, Payal. I knew someone would be there to operate the account, imagine my surprise when I found it was you.” Gitu stood over Payal with her arms crossed across her chest.

Payal stood up with a start. NK reached for the gun and held it up.

“No sudden moves, Payal.”

“You guys are crazy, you are all crazy. Why would I do something like that? I can’t believe you will stand there and listen to all the crap they are accusing me of.” She spat at Khushi, who wore a pained expression that bespoke of her years of misery and shame borne as the step sister to her younger siblings. It all made sense now, the animosity, the hatred and rejection. 

"Easy, Payal. We wired your house and have records of your conversations. It took us a while but we found the secret cell phone you used to reach your contacts. The evidence is overwhelming." Gitu added.

“You're gonna let these bastards treat me like shit?" she glared at Khushi, "What can I expect from you bitch! You are the illegitimate kid of a royal, a wastrel, a tramp. I knew it! I knew it all along. You will not hesitate to throw me under the bus the first opportunity you got!” Payal’s rhetoric got wilder as Gitu and NK tackled her down to the floor and handcuffed her wrists behind her to calm her down.

“Leave me alone, you bastards. Bitch, let me go!” she screamed as she was dragged out of the apartment.
The raucous cries filled the hallway outside as Payal protested with every fibre of her body to resist the FBI agents who took her over from NK and Gitu. Her voice died down as the agents disappeared with her into the elevator.

NK and Gitu returned to find Khushi held by ASR. She was weakened under the weight of the final blow of betrayal.

Gitu wanted to comfort her friend. She reach out when to her horror, Khushi shrank back.
“Khushi..I..” Gitu began to appeal before Khushi cut her short.
“There’s nothing left to say, Gitu. Nothing at all.” She pulled away from ASR and spoke with exteme clarity in her voice. “I need some air.”

“Let me drive you guys home.” NK volunteered when ASR stopped him.
“You should have told me.” ASR seethed under clenched teeth.
“You are off the case ASR, I couldn’t have.” NK reasoned.

No more words were spoken. ASR and Khushi knew the road ahead was theirs to pave, together.

*****

ASR’s phone buzzed announcing a new email. He glanced at the sender and topic.
‘Sabres Crypto-analysis of Serial numbers’, senders were Akash and Avni.
ASR knew the work was far from over.

*****

46 comments:

  1. Could I hate Payal anymore?
    And this just gets more and more intriguing SJJi! Never, EVER would've thought about Gitu working for the CIA!
    Y U Post Chotey updates?
    Anywho, continue soon! You leave me hanging after every update and dying to know what happens next!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. chutku - there is a lot to digest in this chapter. and a lot of lose ends that the readers can tie themselves....therefore mini update.

      Delete
  2. OMG! SJ,
    Finally you updated!! Thanx.. Now off to read.
    -shree10

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  3. Gitu is a smart add. Bloody hell, she's a cIA agent. I honestly didn't expect this one at all. I always thought she was a snitch, but a CIA agent, never. Well played SJ.

    Im so glad Payal got it back today, although the woman deserves worse.

    Update soon SJ, cant wait to read how this one ends.

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  4. I was absolutely sure that Gitu was a traitor. Never expected this turn of events. Can't wait for the next part. Please update soon.

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  5. I never expected this twist in the story. I was pretty sure about Gitu being a traitor. Loved the update. Can't wait for the next part.

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  6. ASR knew the work was far from over but DO YOU?
    Man I was dying to get an update from you. How long does a distressed SJ fan have to wait. I almost slit my wrists. (THAT'S A JOKE)

    What you glaring at?? MentalExotica can't make suicide jokes? :P

    Payal has a real foul mouth, she be a fangirl??

    What?? MentalExotica can't make fangirl jokes either?

    Gitu is hot property man..

    What? That wasn't a joke.. SHE IS..

    Love you to bits and pieces. NOW i'll cut you up if you don't update soon.

    ReplyDelete
  7. And you are back with a bang!

    Really expected gitu and payal to be in the whole mishap against khushi thing together, which meant i also thought NK was a dumbass who got played. Obviously big blunder of character judgement. I should have paid closer attention to both NK and gitu, damn that was good!!

    And I bet ASR is only angry at NK because he couldn't figure it out. I thought that was a bit irrational of him. Also him being kicked off the case, that phone call with his boss sounded like it had Lots of Hidden Meaning. I think i need to go back and read the whole story again. A bit confused.

    I can understand khushi's resentment, kind of reminds me of that scene in covert affairs when annie finally comes clean to her sister about being an undercover agent..! But i am sure khushi will sooner or later come around. I feel really bad for her, one bomb after the other is being dropped on her!

    Payal. I hope thats it for a while, from her side. I wonder what her parents will have to say about that?

    Also the last chapter, the whole thing with shyam, couldn't stop laughing. oh god. who'd have thought!

    but i am finally realising, whatever we expect or think would happen will not. so i guess we just hold on to the railing of the sabre chronicles roller coaster.

    SOO keen to meet this akash and see what info he has! Cant believe its 22 chapters already! I feel like the story just began.

    OK going to shut up now, and wait silently.

    thanks for updating :)

    hitashi

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  8. thanks for the update... oh my.. too many surprises.. now wht ASR?

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  9. so payal is out now... now wht is arnav gonna do?

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  10. I accidently stumbled across this story of urs and found it just incredible. I just couldn't resist and read it in one go. U have woven this tale of suspense and thrill with a novelist's precision. I think u should try writing a novel. U don't have to do much just write an amazing story like this and sent it to publication houses, the rest will be taken care of by the editors. Well, enough of my blah blah...
    Excitedly waiting for the upcoming updates and the unfolding of lots of drama, romance, thrill and suspense.

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  11. hi,

    I have a doubt in this update.....how did Payal end up in Gitu's house....

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi,

    I have a doubt here. How did Payal end up in Gitu's house....

    Srujana.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Holly macro.....U pulled a fast one SJ ....

    I never ever thought Gitu to be a CIA. I actually thought she was a traitor. But that was n amazing turn of events n NK too is not smitten by tge dark side is a blessing in disguise.

    Just wish tho NK would not treat ASR as n outsider, although he is officially off the case. He is protecting the one most important person connected to the sabres.

    The crypto-analysis of the serial numbers: wonder what secret is that going to reveal that shall change khushi past n haunt her present.

    It was a chutku update but a very defining one that rattles the entire equation if *kan apna kaun paraya*
    Finally glad to c Payal get her dues n the rightful place.

    The d*ck shyaam is still on the loose n i truly hope that Gitu(da bomb indeed) n NK (a true friend) will find something in those recorded conversation in payals room which will entrap him n put him in his rightful place.

    Thnq SJ for the update that changed the entire equation. Hooe there is no more betrayals cuz not sure if Khushi will be able to handle ne more. But this will certainly make her stronger n grow her as a woman.

    Looking fwd to sabre serial # secrets soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not to mention, here Aakash is partnered with Avni... Wink wink... ;)

      Delete
  14. I did not expect this from Giti! She work with CIA? Payal got what she deserves! Feel bad for khushi. Is it there anyone there she can trust? I hope that ASR is what he seems or her world will come down.

    Latha

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  15. wasnt expectiing thiis,,gitu works for cia=]
    and payal,,unbelievable=/
    poor khushi,,everyone seems to be betraying her except for ASR
    amazing updatee btww

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  16. this chapter was worth the wait. yet left me wanting more

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  17. Oh, you finally updated! I've been stalking this blog senseless!

    Payal, that bi**h, she got it back this time but she deserves so much worse.

    Gitu was a helluva surprise - I had thought about many things but CIA ? Masterstroke, that one.

    This one though short was an update thats an equation changer. Can't wait to see what lies ahead :)

    IF - vgedin

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  18. Ooooh loved the Gitu googly..:D and what twists and turns you introduce.. and boy am I glad that Payal is behind the bars..what a foul mouth she is...
    one question if her house was wired and her secret phone discovered, why was there no mention of Shyam in this chapter..i want him also to suffer..come on..shyam has to suffer, right?..you will make him, won't you?

    Polakdots78 - IF

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  19. Finally you updated ! Hope ur ok.
    Too many shocks in this chapter. Gitu's secret and Payals betrayal OMG.
    I'm so anxious to read further.
    Kavita1970

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  20. Wel come back SJ..
    .We really missed u...
    It was the like dropping the bomb for me too..
    Wow! Gitu is CIA but felt good she and NK tracked down Payal
    Poor Khushi so much things happened in her life..
    Awesome update SJ

    ReplyDelete
  21. It felt nice to see an update...So it was comeuppance for Payal...Perceiving Khushi devastated,was a heartwrencher ..and, Gitu as a CIA was a pleasant surprise...I hope things go back to normal between Gitu and Khushi...
    ASR receiving a text message...another cliffhanger!! cannot wait to read more...

    Aanchal15-IF

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  22. Interesting... But the story has not been updated after a long time.. We tend to lose the plot..

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  23. finally your updated OMG it was Payal bloody bitch

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  24. Thank you for the update! I check your blog everyday :) you write so amazingly. Never expected this turn of events.

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  25. Glad to see ur update!
    And so gitu is not a traitor after all.

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  26. Thank you for the update. You are an amazing writer. Never expected the twist of events.

    -shivon

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  27. Whoa. You're back!
    A short update this time SJ, but a very significant one. Trashed all the mini theories my little brain had made up about the whole scenario. Gitu and CIA. Payal's betrayal. NK's great thinking. Completely flabbergasted!
    ASR's email - Im excited, and you've left us wanting for more, like always.
    Dont keep us waiting too long this time please. Waiting... :)

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  28. what a surprise!!! never expected Gitu to be working for CIA

    every damn person is having his or her secret

    -Smarties-

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  29. thanks for the update was missing you, glad Gitu had not betrayed

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  30. I was so damn sure Gitu was a snitch...and here she is, a CIA agent. Woah. I would have never guessed that.

    And Payal deserves what she got and she deserves much more worse for all the damage she has done.

    Even though its short, there's so much going on that you don't feel its short at all!! :)

    What lies ahead now?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Where have you been dear SJ ??? hope all is well with you now ...

    Been waiting ... Thanks for the update ...

    Gitu was a total surprise ...
    can understad Khushi feeling upset ...
    a good friend hiding things from you is just not accetable ...

    But thanks to NK and Gitu the truth about Payal is out ... unbelievable !!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow...that was indeed a surprise...Geetu works for CIA....wow u r just great when everyone thought that shes a snitch shes something else altogether...and khushi, god i feel sorry for happy and happy that she has ASR...she would be extremely broken if hes not there...and waiting for the next...update soon...
    yush(IF)

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  33. Gitu working for CIA - so not the enemy. THANK GOD - I dun think I cud hv handled one more 'Payal' :D

    But Payal's betrayal with Shyam shud also come out - that way the circle will be complete - the BITCH!!!

    One of the bestest chapters dear :) Worth the wait.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Gitu working for CIA - so not the enemy. THANK GOD - I dun think I cud hv handled one more 'Payal' :D

    But Payal's betrayal with Shyam shud also come out - that way the circle will be complete - the BITCH!!!

    One of the bestest chapters dear :) Worth the wait.

    ReplyDelete
  35. So gitu was a surprise bundle !!!
    Payal...ummm....not so much.....she for once acted like the true bi*** that she is ��
    Atleast some mystries solved......waiting for more!!!

    Shweta1691

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  36. Every surmise and assumption turned on its head. And my head is spinning.
    And I read after 3 days. Very bad.
    Thank you so much for updating while I go and check on who is akash and vani.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Gita a cia agent that was a shock!
    And payal is a bitch!!! -___-
    great update!
    Rabzooo

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  38. Ohh Man!!!

    Welcome back SJ!!:)

    and what an update that was!!

    well too much to process ... ARHi are all by themselves now.... where is the path and where is it gonna lead to? only SJ can tell in her updates!! :)

    ~Leena
    IF Id LeenaRocks

    ReplyDelete
  39. gitu working for the cia came as a real surprise and nk not keepng arnav and khushi in the loop is understandable... however one looks at it khushi got played, even if gitu's friendly feelings were real... khushi must be feeling like she was used by gitu... payal's betrayal was stated before so isn't surprising... arnav and khushi have only each other they can truly trust... the future developments will be damn interesting!

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  40. Mindblown. That's my condition right now. You are a brilliant writer.I'm really sorry about your mom-in-law. May God give you and your family the strength to bear this loss. And know that she's in a better place, free of the pain.
    -SS88

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  41. AAAHHH!!! I had my suspicions on Gitu but OMG, AGENT IN NARCOTICS!?!?! Brilliant! Now, I see that Payal made sure to lay the last of her wrath on Khushi by exploding like that but that is expected of her. She has been living under the shadow for too long to see anything but darkness.

    And, the chase for the mystery of Sabre deepens with each character going through loops of grey realms.

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  42. OK! Now this is really like a drama...but with twists I can handle :)
    nice update!

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  43. Wow my heads just buzzing with the revelations!!!

    At a loss for words, another fab update but have to read more, almost glad I have so many chapters to get thru as with a good book I hate to put it down & just like that I can keep reading (thank god for my peace of mind I can, except I have to work noooooo!!!)!!!

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  44. Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy.

    Fab update with an interesting and unexpected twist.

    ReplyDelete