THE CELEBRITY© - PART 72 An original story by Archana Vinod INTERROGATION CELL – EVENING Siddhant just looks at Ratan, dumbfounded. Compelled to use force? To sign a confession on something he has not even dreamt about in his wildest dreams? No. No way. “I won’t do it,” says Siddhant with a pronounced full stop, “you can use all the force that you want. But here’s my final word. I’m not going to sign it.” Ratan doesn’t talk. He just watches Siddhant intently. “I’m not the poor guy who lives down the streets Mr. Prajapati,” he continues, “I know my rights.” Ratan smiles broadly. “Fine Siddhant,” he replies smugly as he gets up to leave, “take your own time. In fact, you have plenty of time to think over it.” “I need my phone back,” insists Siddhant as he gets up and begins to follow Ratan, “I need to talk to my lawyer and my family.” “You will definitely have it back,” replies Ratan as he walks towards the door, “in some time.” “No! I need it now! Why am I being held in here?” Yadav steps into Siddhant’s way and glares at him. “Sit down there,” he growls in a gruffy voice as he tucks up his large metal strapped watch. Siddhant is quiet as he tries to hide his anxiety. He takes in Yadav’s menacing features for a moment before he decides to play it safe. A smug smile breaks out on the hefty policeman’s face as Siddhant finally settles down. They walk out of the room and leave Siddhant to deal with his own demons. OUTSIDE THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE – LATER A frustrated Prem prances outside the commissioner’s office. The place is teeming with desperate people from the media. Prem’s frantic situation is captured on their cameras. A reporter adds ‘spice’ to the scene with his pepped up reporting. Prem is on the phone now. “Shailu bhaiyya,” he speaks into the phone, “this is bad. They’ve rejected Siddhant’s bail plea. Hemant is trying his best. But, chances look bleak, the evidence they have is pretty strong. How is this even possible?” “Don’t worry Prem,” says Shailu, “I’ve spoken to my lawyer friend, he will contact us in sometime. We’ll get our brother out of there. Keep faith.” Prem hangs up just as Hemant comes out. “Hemant, what did he say?” “The commissioner’s not giving in,” says Hemant, “the case is pretty serious. Worse if this guy Shaan dies. They’re not ready to grant bail mainly because of Siddhant’s status, it’d be too easy for him to flee the country.” Prem is frustrated as heck. “Hemant,” he snarls, “you’re a lawyer. Try and get him out!” “Calm down Prem,” he says quietly, “we’ll do all what we can. This case was filed by his parents. They have made a variety of other accusations.” “What accusations?” says Prem angrily. “First calm down!” says Hemant as he places a consoling hand on Prem’s shoulder, “then I’ll tell you…” THE BHARADWAJ HOUSE – NIGHT Roli is still standing strong. She is undeterred. Nothing can break her faith. Her hand is still held over the burning diya. “Roli,” says Simar tearfully as she tries to tug her sister away, “please. Don’t do it anymore. You’re hurting yourself.” But Roli pays no attention. Her mind is made up. “Roli,” says Shailu, “please, listen to us. It’s going to take time. They have rejected the bail.” Roli turns to Shailu in shock. “So please,” he begs, “try to understand. Siddhant would be very sad if he came to know what you did.” Roli’s eyes brim with tears now. Siddhantji’s bail was rejected? How long before he returns home now? She turns back to her only hope – Matarani. She still stands on. INTERROGATION CELL – NIGHT Siddhant waits impatiently for this nightmare to end. It seems like an eternity! He has been stuck up in this wretched room since morning! He looks at his watch. It’s past 1 AM now. He’s starving! He hasn’t eaten anything since morning. His throat is dry and yearning for a drop of water. It’s dark, hot, stuffy and moldy in the cell. There are no windows in there. He feels suffocated. He’s dying to see the sun again. He’s dying to see Roli… she must be very worried! He looks around the room. The walls seem to be padded. For what? Horrific images fleet before his eyes… what if this room is used for their infamous ‘third degree torture’? Yes… he looks around in horror. Yes… this is it… He remembers how he got slapped over the ear by Yadav. But thankfully for Ratan, it ended with that. It may not be the case with some. The walls are sound proofed to prevent the tortured cries of the accused from leaking out! This is horrible! Just then, the door opens and Yadav enters. He closes the door behind him and walks over to Siddhant. Siddhant tries not to reveal his fear as he manages to lock his eyes with Yadav’s. To his surprise, he hands him an old model Nokia mobile phone. “Ratan sir told me to give this to you,” he says, “it’s a call from your family.” Siddhant is relieved! His ‘family’! He reaches out eagerly to take the phone, but Yadav pulls it away in the last moment. Siddhant is stunned. What is this guy doing? “Give me the phone,” he requests, “please…” But Yadav mutes the call and stuffs the phone into his pocket. “You can talk to your family on one condition,” he smirks, “you must confess your crimes and sign the document.” ………. TO BE CONTINUED
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:28:24 +0000
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