Chapter 16- Undercover

When Darpan opened his eyes again, he found himself lying on a soft bed. Staring blankly at the white ceiling and the golden chandelier above, he laid quietly for a few seconds. Suddenly, memories of earlier today rushed into his head ; making him jolt up from shock. As he hastily tried to get up ,he was met with the sight of two young men sitting in chairs- with their head in their hands.

" Bhaiyya?"

Aryan softly called out. He hadn't missed the sudden movement of the figure on the bed previously. As soon as Darpan saw them, both Aryan and Ashmit rushed to his side, sitting carefully on either sides so as to not overwhelm him.

" Bhaiyya! Are you alright? Does your head hurt?"

Ashmit asked, his eyes checking for any discomfort or frown on Darpan's face.

" What happened back there? How'd you suddenly pass out? Are you sure you were feeling fine these past days? No... Wait , do you feel fine now?"

Aryan asked, while trying to check his brother's temperature for fever.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the questions fired at him as soon as he woke up, Darpan let out a huge sigh. He only raised his palm , silently hoping they'll take a hint and stop. Which they did as now they sat beside him as silent as they could.

" First of all- yes, I feel fine. Good, completely okay in fact. So no need to look so tense "

Darpan could see their faces relax and their eyes soften at his confirmation . Even though the situation right now kind of confused him, he felt a tiny bit glad to see his brother and best friend worry so much about him. Not that he didn't expect it but he was glad anyways.

" Well, if you do feel fine then why did you suddenly collapse like that back there? Do you even know how worried we were? Not to mention Ashmit was freaking out so much too. Tell me, did you eat properly today? Or was something else bothering you?"

Aryan recalled, seeing Ashmit panic so much and how the whole eatery had turned their heads towards them. He didn't even know how or if to ask for help from someone. If Shashi ji wasn't there with them, they seriously would have been in trouble.

" Oh? Is that so? I'm sorry Ashmit. But I'm fine , really. So please stop with that look you're giving me. Alright?"

Darpan lightly patted Ashmit's hair. He must have been a bit scared. Poor thing.It was evident in the way he looked so sadly at him. Even though he was his best friend, he was still younger than him. And hence a bit soft at heart. Not to mention he's naturally very sensitive. With his past too, it's only given he'll care about these things much more than any other person.

" I am eating and resting properly. And before you ask me the reason for anything I'll just say I don't know. I seriously don't know what even happened. All I knew was that I accidentally bumped into someone and the next thing I know my senses are shutting off and all I see is darkness "

Darpan really didn't know what in the world actually happened. His latest memory was.... those eyes. Yes, he could only stare at those eyes before he felt all his senses dulling, it was like he wanted to just stay still and continue drowning in those pools of mystery that bore into his own. But something forced his eyes shut. That feeling was very bad..... In a way he couldn't describe. But to be honest, he wasn't planning on describing this to anyone really. Even if he did, what could he say? But now wasn't the time to think about all this.

" By the way, where is Shashi-ji? I don't see him here." He asked looking around the room even though he knew the said person was not there.

" Oh! Actually he was the one carried you here. This is his room I guess. Since you fainted so abruptly, we were a bit confused at first but Shashi-ji; he acted so calmly and carried you here. He even wanted to stay here and look after us but it seemed work was calling him. So he just reluctantly returned to the office."

Ashmit spoke up. Now getting up to get some water for Darpan and himself. Worrying indeed made you thirsty.

" Oh my! I'll have to thank him later when he comes back. He's so nice. Always helping us by going out of his way. We really are indebted to him. "

Darpan was really touched. It had been barely 2 days since they met him yet he had already helped them so much. It was safe to say that the city was in good hands. All his previous thoughts were invalid. Maybe he was just overthinking and looking too much into things .

" Yeah. We'll just have to wait until he comes back though. And we have to go shopping for those mats and curtains today. Did you forget? I mean if you're not feeling well,we can just postpone it a bit. " Aryan reminded them. It had been the purpose of their visit here but somehow things kept happening here.

" Yeah, to be honest, I feel like we should just get this over with and rush back. As much as I love being here, I can't deny that all the things happening seem to be a bad omen. What do you two think?"

Ashmit took a big sip from his cup.

"Yeah. I agree." Darpan replied eyeing the brown bag in the corner anxiously. " We are going shopping today. Let's not postpone it. We'll get it done with."

Darpan spoke with determination, already rolling out of the covers.

" Are you sure though? You're fine? You're not yet dizzy,are you?" Ashmit asked quickly getting up after him. Aryan helped Darpan stand and balance himself for a moment before Darpan slowly took steps on his own.

" Yes, I told you I'm fine. Now let's not waste any more time. We need to get everything we need today itself. We still need to go to another two cities as well, you remember?"

Darpan lightly patted Ashmit's back as they all left the huge chamber to get ready.

--------------------------------------

" But .... Sardaar! This is dangerous. You are already taking a risk by going after it yourself and now you plan on blending with the people? I'm sorry but I fail to see how this could guarantee the sucess rate of the operation."

Chatur spoke to the figure who stood in the mirror. The VaaniDarshan* mirror was created by his Sardaar. A true masterpiece of its own kind. Being able to talk to people who are far away and connect through the mirror?

Yeah that's something only his Sardaar- The Rakshak of the Laal Daaku Gang can do. However, as smart as his superior was, Chatur couldn't help but worry for the abrupt and reckless decisions he made. Right now for instance- The Laal Rakshak planned to go undercover in the city and blend and interact with the Axams* . A truly great way to expose yourself to the world.

" Chatur, I'm only telling you this because you are the closest to me and I thought you out of everyone would understand. Don't disappoint me like this! "

The figure again stated, voice deep and firm but the way it was spoken, it might possibly be one of the man's sulky episodes.

" Sardaar, I know what you are saying but this doesn't make sense. You said you felt it's presence and found the person it was entrusted to but... won't killing the boy make more sense? I mean you don't even know if he plans on just giving it up like that and what if he puts up a fight?".

As soon as the words left his mouth, Chatur could feel holes burning into his face by the brown enchanting eyes that belonged to the person in the mirror.

" I'm sorry Sardaar, i accidentally treaded where I shouldn't but you should understand. Fine, if you don't want to kill people,it's okay. Afterall I'm your headsman, all your dirty work is taken care of by me. You don't need to do that.

Not anymore at least. But, isn't stealing it an option ? Your safety matters too Sardaar! So can't you just get it and rush back here? Being in the open is dangerous for you and the whole Laal Daaku Gang. Especially now!"

Chatur tried pleading with the man again but all in vain as he could see the figure shaking his head in a slightly hesitant manner.

" Chatur, I already told you. Even though I have been searching for it so long , even I don't know what power it truly exactly holds. I can't just let a small mistake ruin my hard work of soany years. It'll be best to get to know about it more and observe it from afar first. Plus, didn't I tell you? The artifact - it works like a charm. It was able to pinpoint the location in an instant.

It's a shame that I didn't get to lay eyes on it yet but given how both times, the boy was in front of my eyes..... It has to be related to him. I already messed up on the first try and he saw me. So I wouldn't dare to go to him with my original form. I have the Nakashi vial* with me. I'll just change my appearance a bit and follow them. Conversations are secondary so... You don't worry. This time- I'll make sure I get my hands on it!"

The figure slowly faded from existence and all that was left was the clear shining surface of the beautiful mirror.

Chatur could only sigh. Arguing any further would possibly enrage his Sardaar and that was the last thing he wanted now.

All he could do was pray that nothing went wrong and if it did then do his best to assist his Sardaar. This was the deciding stage afterall. No mistakes could be afforded now. The Manual needed to be into their hands or ...

----------------------------------------------------------

1. VaaniDarshan - A play on words I created . Basically means ' Audio-visual' It's similar to Facetime and Videocalls except on a mirror.

2. Axam( Uh-ksh-uhm)- Unables( The ones who aren't able or capable) the context behind this will be provided soon - not to be confused with disabled!

3. Nakashi - The potion that can mask one's scent and alter facial features for an effective disguise. ( In some cases- also needs power levels) Also my creation-hehe . It's not a real thing. Only exists in the story and is invented by our main boy- How? You'll see soon.