The Unforeseen Truth

March 23, 2020.
As the clock struck ten, the doors of the courtroom creaked open. The judge, dressed in his black robe and powdered wig, took his seat at the bench. The room was filled with people, yet a palpable silence hung in the air. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the proceedings to begin.

The prisoners were escorted into the chamber by two burly guards, chains clanking as they walked. They were directed to the dock and stood, heads bowed, awaiting the judge's instructions. The judge cleared his throat and addressed the prisoners.

"You have been summoned before this court to face charges for your crimes," he intoned, his voice resolute and unyielding.
"Before we proceed, I must ask if you have anything to say in your defense."
The first prisoner stepped forward, his eyes downcast. "Your honor," he said, his voice resolute. "I plead not guilty. I did not commit the crime I have been accused of."

The judge noted his plea and made a mark on his pad. "Thank you for your statement," he said. "And what about you?" he asked, turning to the second prisoner.

The second prisoner stepped forward, his expression defiant. "Your honor," he began, his voice firm. "I also plead not guilty. I am innocent of the crime I have been charged with."

The judge acknowledged his plea, scribbling on his pad. "Thank you for your statement," he replied. "We will now proceed with the trial."

Deshmukh sat nervously on the bench, his heart pounding in his chest. He was accompanied by his lawyer, who sat beside him, flipping through papers.


Deshmukh held his breath, praying for a favorable outcome.

As the trial dragged on, Deshmukh's anxiety grew. He leaned over to his lawyer and whispered, "Do you think they have enough evidence to convict my son?"

The lawyer shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don't worry, sir," he replied. "SP Ram has no proof or evidence. Your son will not go to jail."

Deshmukh nodded, still unconvinced. "Ram is too dangerous and smart," he said. "I'm afraid he'll find a way to incriminate my son."

The lawyer patted his arm.
"Don't worry, Deshmukh. I've dealt with SP Ram before. I know how to handle him."

Deshmukh nodded, his face growing a shade paler. He prayed that the lawyer was right and that justice would prevail.

The prosecution presented their evidence, but it was circumstantial and weak.

As the trial continued, Sania, the lawyer of the second prisoner, sat in the back of the courtroom, her eyes fixed on him in the dock. She knew he was innocent, and she couldn't bear to see him falsely accused.

When the judge asked her brother to enter his plea, Sania stood up abruptly and interrupted the proceedings.
"Your honor," she said, . "My client is innocent. He did not commit the murder he is being accused of."

The judge scowled, his eyes narrowing at the interruption.
"Order in the court!" he bellowed. "I will not tolerate outbursts like this. Sit down, or you will be held in contempt."

Sania hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "But your honor, it's SP Ram," she said. "I don't know what's wrong with him. Why is he after my client? I don't know why. It's been 9 years, the case was closed."

The judge looked at her sternly. "I understand your concern," he said. "But this is not the time or place to bring up such matters. Your brother will have the opportunity to present his case in due course."

Sania nodded, her face contorted with anger and frustration. She knew that her brother was innocent, and she couldn't understand why SP Ram was so determined to convict him.

As the prisoners were escorted back to their seats, a commotion erupted at the back of the courtroom. The doors burst open, and in strode a police officer accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, Ram. The officer was wearing dark goggles, his gun resting on his lap, and he walked with an air of confidence that commanded respect.

The judge furrowed his brow, taken aback by the unexpected arrival. "What is the meaning of this interruption?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

The police officer halted his stride and addressed the judge. "Your honor," he spoke, his voice steady and assured. "I have come to present new evidence in this case."

The judge raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "New evidence?" he repeated. "Please, proceed."

SP Ram cleared his throat and addressed the court. "Your honor," he began, "I have a surprise witness who can shed some light on this case."

The courtroom fell silent as a figure entered the room. The man had long hair and a beard, and he looked disheveled and lonely. Sania's heart sank as she recognized him - it was Masood, a former friend of her brother and his co-accused.

Sania stood up and spoke out of turn, "Masood is not a credible witness. He is a liar and cannot be trusted."

SP Ram raised his eyebrow at Sania's outburst, then turned to the judge. "Your honor," he said, "the witness has been duly recognized by the court and shall be allowed to speak."

The judge nodded and Masood stepped forward. "I was there," he said in a low voice. "I saw everything."

Sania's heart raced as she watched her brother and his co-accused exchange a worried look.

Masood had always been a loose cannon and they had no idea what he was going to say.

Masood was granted permission to speak for fifteen minutes. Sania stood up and spoke, "Fifteen minutes are more than enough, my lord. He can create any story he wants."

The judge banged his gavel and called for order, "Order, order. Mr. Masood, please approach the stand and begin your story."

Masood approached the Stand...

Masood cleared his throat and began to speak. "I was there," he said, "when it happened. I saw everything."

The judge leaned forward in his chair and asked, "And why are you coming forward now, after all these years?"

Masood looked down at the floor and sighed. "I couldn't live with the guilt anymore," he said. "

Masood took a deep breath and began his story.

It was the year 2011, and I remember it clearly - the lavish birthday party of Sam Gill, son of one of the richest businessmen in town, Raul Gill. The party was taking place in a grand mansion, complete with a sprawling garden and twinkling lights. The guests were served by servants, while the elite crowd indulged in wine and other delicacies.

As Sam's best friends, Bhaskar, Ajay, and I entered the mansion, we couldn't help but marvel at its sheer size.

MASOOD: "Wow, this mansion is massive."

BHASKAR: "Sam is lucky to be the son of a rich businessman."

AJAY: "But we are still middle class."

As we walked through the corridor, we saw Raul Gill engrossed in a conversation with his business partners.

Suddenly, the music died down, and Raul Gill took the microphone.

RAUL GILL: (singing) "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Sam, happy birthday to you."

AJAY: (sarcastically) "The drama of the rich family begins now."

Sam appeared, descending down the stairs in a black suit, with a crown of gold on his head. The crowd looked at him in awe, while I joined in the applause.

Sam smiled at us as he came down the stairs with his mother, Taniya.

TANIYA: (to Sam) "You are the best son in the world, my charming prince."

SAM: (smiling) "Because I am the son of a beautiful queen."

The party went on, with everyone enjoying themselves, but I couldn't help but wonder about the stark differences between Sam's life and ours. Despite our different backgrounds, we were still good friends, and that's all that mattered.
The party went on, with everyone enjoying themselves, but I couldn't help but wonder about the stark differences between Sam's life and ours. Despite our different backgrounds, we were still good friends, and that's all that mattered.

Three of us looked on in amazement as Sam descended down the stairs, resplendent in a black suit and a golden crown atop his head. It was Sam's 18th birthday celebration.

The crowd, including us, erupted in applause and cheers as Sam made his grand entrance. We couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight of our friend, looking every bit like a king.

Sam looked around, taking in the adulation of the guests, and his eyes eventually fell upon us. With a wide smile, he was coming downstairs with his mother, Taniya.

TANIYA: (to Sam) You are the best son in the world, my charming prince.

SAM: (smiling) Because I am the son of a beautiful queen.

We watched as Sam descended the stairs, standing tall and proud beside his father. Rahul stepped forward and introduced his son, his voice echoing through the room.

"My son is the most important person in our lives," he said, his love for Sam evident in his tone. "He is the only son Taniya and I have, and we couldn't be more proud of him."

The room erupted in cheers, but I couldn't help but notice Ajay's jealous expression in the corner. Sam took the microphone from his father and spoke, his voice confident and clear.

"I'm grateful to you, Dad," he said, turning to his father. "And to you, Maa," he added, looking towards his mother. "You two are the best parents in the world."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth in my heart as I watched the love and admiration between Sam and his parents.

As we stood in the corner, Bhaskar muttered under his breath, "Yes, they are the best because they are rich." I overheard him and retorted, "Why are you always so fixated on money?" Ajay interjected, "Hey, it's none of your business. Listen to Sam, will you?"

Meanwhile, Sam resumed his speech, "I cannot express how grateful I am to have you both in my life. You are the most precious people to me." His father added, "Tonight is your night, son. Enjoy it with your friends."

Rahul looked over at Me, Bhasker and Ajay with a concerned expression, almost as if he wanted to shield his son from our negative energy.

After the cake cutting ceremony, Sam led us to his lavish room. As we admired the lavish room, Sam began to show us the gifts he had received for his birthday. "Check this out, guys!" he exclaimed, holding up a designer watch. "My dad got me this one. It's worth a fortune."

Bhaskar and I couldn't help but appreciate the luxury of the gift, admiring the intricate craftsmanship and expensive materials. "Wow, Sam, your dad sure knows how to spoil you," I commented.

But as Sam showed off more of his gifts, I noticed Ajay's expression begin to shift. His eyes narrowed and his lips formed a tight line, betraying his growing envy. I could tell he was trying to hide it, but it was written all over his face.

Sam didn't seem to notice Ajay's jealousy, continuing to proudly display his gifts. But I couldn't help but feel a tinge of discomfort at the sight of my friend's envy. Wealth and luxury were one thing, but it shouldn't come at the cost of others' happiness.

Taniya decided to pay a visit to Sam and entered his room, where the we were engrossed in conversation. She came inside the room.

"Hi, boys," his Mom greeted us with a smile.

Sam returned the gesture, "Hello, Mom."

Bhaskar greeted her with a polite, "Hello, Auntie. How are you?"

She smiled and replied, " I am fine."

As we discussed the cricket match, Taniya noticed the time and realized that it was getting late.

"It's getting late, Sam. Your friends should go home now," she suggested.

Sam tried to assure her, "No worries, Mom. Our driver will take them home."

However, Ajay quickly intervened, "No, we have to go now. Your mom is right. We can walk to our homes nearby."

Taniya noticed the worry on Ajay's face and inquired, "Is everything okay, Ajay? You don't seem to be feeling well."

Ajay forced a smile and replied, "No, no. I'm fine, Auntie. Thank you."

Taniya nodded, still unconvinced, as we bid farewell and left the room.

As three of us walked along the footpath, illuminated by the streetlights as the traffic whizzed past us. Ajay's face was a mix of envy and frustration, and he couldn't help but express his discontent.

"It's not fair, man," he said, "Sam has everything handed to him on a silver platter. He doesn't even have to work hard for anything. It's just his damn luck."

I, in agreement, chimed in, "Indeed, life can be unfair sometimes, Ajay. However, we must accept that we all have different fortunes and challenges to face."

Bhaskar interjected, "But that doesn't mean we can't work hard and create our own luck. I am determined to make a lot of money someday, and I know you both are too."

As we continued to walk, Ajay's mind seemed to be racing with thoughts, his expression growing more tense and determined with each passing moment. It was evident that he was not content with his current situation and was determined to change it.

On that fateful night, Sam descended the stairs to the living room, where his parents were waiting for him. He sensed that something was off, as his mother had a worried expression on her face, and his father looked serious.

"What happened, Maa? Why does Dad look so serious?" Sam inquired as he took a seat.

His mother tried to reassure him, "Nothing, Sam. Your father is just concerned about your safety."

Rahul began to speak, his voice grave. "Listen to me carefully, Sam. We have just moved here, and you need to be careful about who you spend your time with. You need to choose your company wisely."

Sam was puzzled, "What do you mean, Dad?" he asked.

Taniya interjected, "Sam, you need to distance yourself from those three friends of yours. They are not your schoolmates. I know, son, they are not from our class, but..."

Sam cut her off, "I know, Maa. I know they are middle class, but I play cricket with them. You know they saved me once when I was in a fight with the other gully boys. They are good at heart, Maa."

"I know, son, but..." Rahul started to say, but Sam interrupted him. "No, Dad. I won't do that. I won't abandon my friends just because they are not from our class," Sam said, his tone angry. He stormed out of the room and went back to his own room.

Sam lay on his bed, his mind racing. He was hurt and angry that his parents were judging his friends based on their social status. He knew that they were good people who had his back. As he drifted off to sleep, he made up his mind to stand by his friends, no matter what.

Three days later, I met Sam at the Dhaba, where he joined us on his heavy bike. The setting sun cast a warm glow on the surrounding buildings and the bustling street. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly brewed tea and sizzling snacks, while the sound of honking cars and chattering people provided a lively background.

As Sam approached our table, we greeted him with warm smiles. Ajay praised his bike, and Bhaskar quickly ordered a cup of tea for him, while I couldn't help but hope that his father could help me with my education.

"Sam, do you really think your father can help me?" I asked, my eyes lighting up with a glimmer of hope.

Sam took a sip of tea and nodded. "Yes, Masood. My dad's always been supportive of education. I can talk to him if you want."

I hesitated for a moment, not wanting to burden anyone with my problems. "I appreciate your offer, Sam, but I don't want to impose. Besides, my father won't allow it."

Ajay chimed in, encouraging me to take the opportunity. "Don't be so proud, Masood. It's not a favor; it's a chance. You should take it."

As we talked, Bhaskar interrupted, apologizing for having to leave early for his factory shift. Sam finished his tea, bid goodbye to Bhaskar, and assured him that they would catch up soon.

As Sam rode back home on his bike, his father's conversation with him a few days earlier weighed heavily on his mind. Despite the difference in our social class, he couldn't imagine distancing himself from his childhood friends. We had been there for him when he needed us the most, and he wanted to make a difference in our lives.

As the streetlights flickered on and he rode through the busy city, Sam couldn't help but wonder if his father's offer to help me was genuine or just an empty promise. Regardless, he was determined to try and make a positive change in my life.

Days later, Sam entered his father's study room, hesitating at the doorway before finally speaking up for me. "Hey Dad, are you busy?"

His father looked up from his book and smiled warmly at his son. "No, Sam, I'm free. What's on your mind?"

Sam shifted nervously before continuing, "I need your help for my friend Masood. He really wants to study, but he has a little sister and a mother to take care of, and he works at the Dhaba. Can we help him, Dad?"

Sam told me that his father sighed deeply and set his book down on the table. "Look, my son, I've already told you not to associate with those guys. They're from a lower class and they're just with you for the money."

Sam bristled at his father's words, "Come on, Dad, don't start that again. They're not like what you think. I am not a toddler, I know what's right and wrong for me. Are you going to help or not?"

"I will never help him," his father said firmly.

Sam's frustration boiled over and he shouted, "You're never going to understand! I'm asking for your help, not your permission. I'll find a way to help Masood with or without you."

Rahul's eyes widened with anger, "You are never going to meet those boys again, is that clear? Never, I repeat."

His mother, Taniya, hearing the argument, rushed into the study room. "What happened, Rahul?"

Rahul sat down on the sofa, hand on his forehead, "I'm not going to help his friend.

Sam angrily, "and I'm not going to live here. I'm going."

Sam began to leave, but Taniya stopped him. "Sam, wait! Don't go like this."

Sam shook his head and walked swiftly to his bike, grabbing his helmet and driving out of the mansion.

In the study room, Rahul seethed with anger. "I have to do something now. These lower class bastards are ruining my sons."

Taniya tried to reason with him, "Rahul, don't say that. Yes, they may be lower class, but they're still human. Don't forget that."

"Bloody poor people," Rahul muttered bitterly.

Taniya's attention turned to Sam's well-being, "I'm worried about Sam right now. Where did he go?"

"He'll be here soon, he'll come back home," Rahul reassured her. "He's just getting out of his mind. Don't worry, he'll come back to his comfort zone."

The Court, March 2020.

Tension fills the courtroom as Sanjana raises an objection, her face showing worry. Masood is speaking about something that seems irrelevant to the case, while Ajay and Bhasker sit tensely in the other chamber, fearing what Masood might reveal. Sanjana speaks up, questioning Masood's relevance to the case and claiming that he is wasting time. The judge overrules Sanjana's objection, and Masood continues to speak, sharing a meaningful look with SP Ram, who is present in the court.

Masood continues with his story, looking directly at Bhasker and Ajay, who seem increasingly worried. The tension in the courtroom is palpable, and everyone is on edge, waiting to hear what Masood has to say next.

THE DAY:

I sat at the roadside Dhaba with Bhasker and Sam, my thoughts wandered off to the phone call Sam had made to Ajay. I could sense something was off about him, as if he was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Ajay had told Sam that he was currently delivering orders, and that he could meet me and Bhasker at the Dhaba. He promised to join us as soon as possible. And so, we sat and waited for him to arrive.

We sat together, I couldn't help but notice that Sam looked uneasy. Bhasker and I tried to engage him in conversation, but he remained quiet and distant.

It wasn't long before Ajay arrived, and as we sat together, Sam finally revealed what had been troubling him.

Sam's face bore a somber expression, and his voice trembled as he shared a dark secret about his life. He divulged how his father would seize everything he gave to his mother as a gift or any item she purchased, and store it away in a locker. Sam's possessions, including his prized watches, were not exempt from his father's grasp. He received no cash from his father, leaving him with empty pockets. Listening to Sam's story, my heart sank with the weight of empathy, and I could sense the anguish he must have felt, being at the mercy of a father so merciless in his actions.

His father had refused to help me, and he felt ashamed for not being able to help me. I could see the pain in his eyes as he spoke.

Sam let out a sigh, "This is the truth, guys. I don't want to go back home."

I urged Sam to head back home, reminding him of the concern his family would have for their only son, he refused adamantly. Instead, he chose to sit with us, his true friends, displaying a deep sense of loyalty that shone in his eyes. It was apparent that his heart was overflowing with love and his whole being was dedicated to helping me. Even though I was hopeless after receiving the news that his father had refused to help me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe for Sam, who had surpassed all measures of friendship in that moment. His unwavering support and devotion had left an indelible mark on my soul.

We sat at the dhaba, surrounded by the rustic charm of the place. Ajay's words broke the silence, "So this is the reality of your lavish mansion." My eyes scanned the humble surroundings, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of shock. Bhasker chimed in, "How could your father do this?"

The gravity of the situation was palpable, and we knew we had to come up with a solution.

Ajay's proposal took us by surprise, "My plan is to kidnap you." The three of us stared at him in disbelief. I asked him to clarify, "What did you say?"

He explained the plan in detail, and we were hesitant at first. The risk of getting caught weighed heavily on our minds. But Sam stood up, "I'm in. We'll do this." The rest of us reluctantly agreed to keep the plan a secret.

As we discussed the details, the noise of the dhaba faded away, and we became completely absorbed in our scheme. The dim lighting and the aroma of spices in the air added to the intensity of the moment. We were oblivious to the world outside and the possible consequences of our actions. It was as if time had stopped, and we were living in a bubble, completely detached from reality.

THE GILL's MANSION:

Sam's mother Taniya had been restless for hours. Since evening, a feeling of unease had been gnawing at her, and it was now past 10 PM, and Sam had not arrived. As she made her way to the balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of her son, she found Rahul there, smoking.

"It's already 10 o'clock, and Sam has not arrived yet," Taniya said, her voice filled with worry.

Sam's father Rahul looked at her, his expression grave. "I know. I've already checked. His phone is switched off, and I'm dialing his number."

"What should we do?" Taniya asked, her anxiety mounting.

"I've called the police, and they're tracing his number," Rahul said, his tone firm.

The sound of a siren filled the air, and Taniya rushed to the balcony again. The police car, with its red and blue lights flashing, had arrived at the mansion. The security guard opened the barrier, and the police car drove in.

Rahul and Taniya came downstairs, and the inspector in charge of the search team approached them.

"Have you found him?" Rahul asked, his voice strained.

The inspector shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir. We've sent his number to the Criminal Investigation Department for tracing. We're waiting for the results."

Taniya's eyes brimmed with tears. "Where is he? I'm so worried," she said, her voice breaking.

Rahul rubbed his forehead in frustration. "I need to talk to the Officer," he said, his tone resolute.

Taniya nodded, her eyes fixed on Rahul. "Yes, you're powerful. Call him. I want my son back home, right now," she said, her voice trembling.

Rahul turned to the inspector, his expression angry. "What are you waiting for? Go and search for him in the city. Bring my son back," he said, his voice rising.

The inspector got back into the police car, and it sped away, its siren blaring. Rahul pulled out his phone and dialed the Officer's number.

The Officer, who had been sleeping in his bed, picked up the call, his voice groggy. "Rahul, what's the matter? Why are you calling me this late?"

Rahul explained the situation, his voice urgent. "Please, do something. We need to find Sam," he said, his tone desperate.

"Don't worry. I'm on it," the Officer said, his voice firm.

Taniya clung to Rahul, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't imagine what could have happened to her son, and the thought of him being in danger made her heart race with fear. Rahul held her close, his jaw clenched with worry. The wait for the results of the tracing seemed interminable, and Taniya and Rahul could only hope and pray for Sam's safe return.

In the midst of their anguish, they couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to Sam. Was he in trouble? Had he been kidnapped? The questions kept swirling around in their heads, and they felt a deep sense of despair.

As they waited for news, the night seemed to stretch on forever. The minutes ticked by slowly, and they were gripped by a sense of helplessness.

THE HOUSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
As the three of us arrived at the house under construction, a foreboding sense of unease overtook me. Fresh cement and clayey floors greeted us, and the incomplete structure of the house left me feeling exposed and vulnerable. Sam, Bhasker, and I stood there, waiting for Ajay's arrival, and I couldn't help but feel like this was a mistake.

I suggested that Sam should return home, but Bhasker quickly dismissed my concerns, stating that we were all in this together. Sam agreed, and I couldn't shake the feeling that they were all doing this for themselves. But then Bhasker spoke up, trying to convince me that this was for the greater good.

He urged me to think about my mother and sister, promising that I could buy them a house with the money we were going to by this fake kidnapping of Sam. He even went so far as to suggest that I could go back to school, something I had dreamed of doing for years. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope at the thought of being able to provide for my family and better myself.

But then Sam interrupted, reminding us all that this was about teaching his father a lesson, not just about money. Bhasker's eyes lit up as he shared his own plans for the cash, envisioning a life of entrepreneurship in Dubai. Meanwhile, I still couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled over me like a shroud.

Ajay arrived, and I breathed a sigh of relief, hoping that he would calm my nerves. He explained the situation to Sam, offering us a safe place to stay where Sam's father couldn't find us. Bhasker echoed his sentiments, urging us to stay put and not make things more complicated. I knew that he was right, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that this was a mistake.

Ajay handed Sam a non-traceable phone, and my mind couldn't help but wonder where he had obtained such a thing. Bhasker joked about Ajay's connections to the Mafia, but Ajay quickly denied it, telling us that he had obtained the phone from an old friend.

As the night wore on, Ajay pulled out a bottle of wine and some chakna, suggesting that we party the night away. Sam and Bhasker were eager to indulge, but I knew that it was haram for me as a Muslim. I couldn't bring myself to partake in the revelry, even as my companions urged me to join in.

As the night went on, I was walking to my home, I couldn't help but worry about my mother and sister. What would they think of me if they knew what I was doing? What kind of example was I setting for them?

When I reached my home and I lay in my bed, unable to sleep, thoughts of Sam flooded my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. It was a feeling that kept gnawing at my heart, and I knew I couldn't ignore it any longer.

I turned my head towards the old fan in my room, which looked really poor and old. The fan was swinging slowly, and I couldn't help but notice how creaky it sounded. It was as if it were trying to say something to me.

Without wasting any time, I quickly made my way towards the Gill's mansion, my heart pounding with anxiety and fear. As I approached, I saw police vans parked outside, their red and blue lights flickering in the darkness. I could feel my pulse racing as I crept closer, trying to remain unseen. It was clear that the situation was getting out of their hands.

I reached the vacant house under construction and saw Sam sound asleep on the foam on the floor. I quickly woke him up and explained the situation. Ajay pulled out his phone, and Bhasker woke up yawning.

"We have to call your dad now, Sam, before it's too late," Ajay said.

Sam agreed with them, and they dialed Rahul's number. Meanwhile, Rahul was in the police station when he received a call from a private number. He looked towards the police officer and said, "I am getting a call from a private number."

The officer put down his file and said, "Pick it up."

Rahul picked up the call, and Sam's crying voice filled the air, "Help me, Dad. They have kidnapped me. I am in trouble, and I am very scared," he added.

Rahul was in shock and worry, "Sam, don't worry. I will save you. I will save you no matter what happens."

Ajay took the phone from Sam and changed his voice to sound like an adult. He said, "Your son is here with me. You want him alive?"

Sam looked towards Ajay with suspicious eyes.

Rahul said, "Don't touch him, you bastard. I will kill you."

Ajay said, "Hey, hey, hey, calm down, man. I have an offer for you," said Ajay.

Rahul said immediately, "How much do you want?"

Ajay replied, "I want fifteen crore rupees."

Bhasker and I looked towards Ajay in shock after listening to this much amount.

Ajay warned Rahul, "Do not involve the police, or you will never see your son again. Is this understood?" he added.

Rahul's trembling voice could be heard on the other end of the phone as he asked, "Where should I come?"

Ajay replied calmly, "I'll text you the address."

Meanwhile, Sam was pacing back and forth in the background, clearly uneasy about the situation. Ajay ended the call and a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins as he typed out the address to send to Rahul's phone. He knew that he was getting closer to achieving his goal.

Turning to his friends, Ajay announced, "Now I have to make a call. Wait for me."

I approached Sam and urged him to leave, warning him of the risks of Ajay's greed. But Bhasker interjected and reminded Sam of his desire to teach his father a lesson.

Sam looked frightened and confused, admitting, "I don't think Ajay is working according to plan. He's up to something else."

As the tension in the room mounted, Ajay returned. Sam confronted him, expressing his doubts about their plan and insisting that he wanted to return to his worried parents. Ajay tried to convince him to stay, but Sam remained steadfast.

Ajay's desperation grew as he realized that if Sam left now, all their planning would go to waste. He grabbed Sam's arm and demanded that he stay. When Sam reached for Ajay's phone to see the private number and address that had been sent to his father, Ajay pulled it back and refused to show him.

Bhasker and I watched as the situation escalated into a physical fight between Sam and Ajay. Sam landed a few blows on Ajay and began to leave, but Ajay wasn't willing to let him go so easily. He struck Sam on the head with a long rod, causing him to collapse to the ground.

My heart pounded with fear and anger as I watched Bhasker rush to Ajay's side, urging him to flee before the police arrived. But it was too late. Sam's lifeless body lay motionless on the ground, the victim of Ajay's greed and violent actions.

The blow landed with a sickening thud, shattering the fragile peace of the surrounding. The silence that followed was deafening, punctuated only by the ragged gasps of those who had just witnessed a tragedy unfold before their very eyes.

I looked at Bhasker, my eyes wide with shock and horror, and saw that he was staring at me, his expression a mirror of my own. Together, we turned to face Ajay, whose frozen stance betrayed his realization of the terrible consequences of his actions.

I checked Sam's pulse, hoping against hope that I would find a faint beating there, but it was not to be. "He's not breathing, Ajay, he's not breathing!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with emotion.

Bhasker paced back and forth, his mind racing with the enormity of what we had just done. "Is he dead?" he asked, his voice shaking with fear.

We all knew the answer to that question, but no one dared to voice it out loud. The reality of the situation was too much to bear.

I suggested that we take Sam to the hospital, but Ajay knew better. "We can't go to the hospital," he said urgently. "The police will be waiting for us. We'll all end up in jail."

Bhasker's panic was palpable. "We can't go to jail," he said, his eyes wide with terror.

Tears streaming down my face, I made the decision to turn myself in to the police. I couldn't keep this secret any longer. The weight of what we had done was crushing me.

But Ajay, ever the pragmatist, knew that this was not the right course of action. "And do you really think they'll believe you?" he asked, his voice dripping with scorn. "We're all in this together. If one of us talks, we'll all go down for murder."

Bhasker, ever the peacemaker, tried to calm me down. "Think about your mother and sister," he said gently. "What will happen to them if you go to jail?"

But I knew that I couldn't live with this guilt forever. We had to do something.

And so, we dug a grave in the dead of night, under a sky that seemed to echo our guilt and fear with every roll of thunder. Each shovel-full of soil felt heavier than the last, as if the earth itself was trying to hold us accountable for our actions.

As we placed Sam's lifeless body in the grave and covered it with dirt, the weight of what we had done settled over us like a shroud. We knew that our lives would never be the same, that this terrible act would haunt us for the rest of our days.

But for now, we had to keep our secret buried deep beneath the earth, along with Sam's body. As we walked away into the darkness, each lost in our own thoughts and regrets, I knew that the weight of our crime would follow us for the rest of our lives, a shadow that would never leave us.

ON SAME NIGHT:
The stormy night enveloped Rahul as he pulled into his mansion's garage. The rain pelted against the roof, and the wind howled, adding to the eerie atmosphere. With a heavy heart, he rushed into the living room to find Taniya staring at their family photo. Before he could say anything, a gust of wind blew through the open window, causing the frame to fall and shatter on the floor. Taniya's finger got cut in the chaos, and Rahul quickly wrapped it with a bandage.

The news of the call from the kidnappers hit them hard. Taniya's eyes filled with tears, and she begged Rahul to do whatever it takes to bring their son back. Rahul nodded, promising to return with their child. As the rain intensified outside, Taniya longed for Sam, who loved the rain.

Rahul's heart raced with anxiety as he drove through the stormy streets, trying to contact the kidnappers on his phone. The rain made it hard to see the road, but he persevered, determined to find his son. Finally, he reached the police station, and his heart leaped with anticipation when he heard that they had located Sam's phone at Masuri Dhaba.

The relief on Rahul's face was palpable as he thanked the officer for their efforts. He had brought the ransom money, but the phone was powered off. Nevertheless, the officer assured him that they would do everything in their power to bring Sam back safely.

Despite all his efforts, Rahul had no idea that his son Sam was already dead. He had been hoping against hope, doing everything in his power to bring his son back home safely. Meanwhile, back at their mansion, Taniya sat alone in the living room, looking at the broken frame of their family photo. Her motherly heart ached with a deep sense of loss and sorrow. She knew, deep down, that Sam was too far away, and that he would never be coming back.

As she looked out the window, the storm raged on, and the raindrops fell like tears from the sky. Taniya's heart beat heavy in her chest, her mind racing with thoughts of her lost son. He was gone, taken too soon, and she felt helpless in the face of this tragedy.

The storm seemed like a metaphor for the pain and suffering that Taniya was experiencing. She couldn't help but feel that Sam's death was a betrayal, a senseless act of violence committed by those who were supposed to be his friends.

As the hours ticked by, Rahul continued his search, oblivious to the fact that his son was already gone. He drove through the stormy night, his mind consumed with thoughts of Sam's safe return. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his son, and he was determined to do everything in his power to bring him back home.

Little did he know, his efforts were in vain. Sam was gone, lost forever to the cruelty of fate. And Taniya, alone in the mansion, felt as though her heart had been shattered into a million pieces. The broken frame of their family photo was a painful reminder of the shattered happiness that they once knew.

As the storm raged on outside, Taniya wept for her son, mourning his loss and struggling to come to terms with the harsh reality of his death. She knew that she would never be able to hold her beloved son in her arms again, and that the storm would continue to rage on, long after the tears had stopped falling.

The night was dark and heavy as we buried Sam's body in the earth. Rain washed away any traces of the heinous crime we had committed. We were overwhelmed with exhaustion and anxiety as we sat there, haunted by the weight of our actions.

I couldn't bear it any longer, the guilt and fear were suffocating me. "We need to tell the police," I blurted out, my voice shaking with emotion. "I can't keep this a secret any longer."

But Bhasker was quick to rebuke me, "We can't do that! We'll get caught!" he exclaimed.

It was Ajay, the most composed of us, who spoke sense into the situation. He suggested we seek help from a powerful man named Bhai, who could make things disappear. Ajay's words echoed in my mind, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

As we gathered our belongings, including Sam's phone which Ajay had cleverly removed the SIM card from, I was tasked with riding Sam's bike to avoid raising suspicion. We set off in the rain, navigating through the narrow streets of a bustling bazaar. The dim streetlights flickered weakly, casting eerie shadows on the dilapidated buildings that lined the street.

We reached an old house where Bhai resided. Ajay knocked on the wooden door, and the sound echoed through the street. Bhai emerged from within, surprised to see us there.

Ajay explained the dire situation, revealing that we had killed Sam, the son of a wealthy businessman. Bhai invited us inside, and we sat in a small room as Ajay explained everything.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as Bhai calmly listened to us. He tapped Ajay's shoulder and assured us that everything would be alright. But how could he be so sure?

As our nerves were on edge, Bhai revealed that the police would come to us the next day, but we were to keep our mouths shut and not reveal his name. We all agreed, knowing that this was our only chance.

Bhai took the phone with the private number, instructing us to leave Sam's bike behind, and to go home. The rain had stopped, but the streets were still quiet as we left Bhai's house, the sound of the motorbike's engine ringing in my ears.

The events of that night will forever haunt me, and I cannot help but feel that justice has not been served. But for now, I must live with the guilt and the knowledge of what we had done.

As I entered my house, I couldn't help but feel restless. Thoughts of Sam and his family kept me awake as I tossed and turned in bed. I wondered what kind of turn my life had taken, and where it was all headed. The impending confrontation with the police weighed heavily on my mind.

Questions swirled around my head as I tried to make sense of the situation. What was Ajay's relationship with bhai, and how did they even know each other? The clock ticked slowly, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. The sky began to lighten as dawn approached, but I couldn't find any solace in the new day.

As exhaustion overtook me, I finally fell asleep. But my peace was short-lived. At 7 am sharp, there was a loud banging on my front door. My mother answered, and to my horror, it was the police at our doorstep. They had come to take me away.

I stumbled out of bed, my throat dry with fear. The weight of my family's future rested on my shoulders. I knew I had to be strong, and keep my mouth shut no matter what. As I got into the police van, I made a silent vow to myself to protect my family at all costs.

At the police station, I was interrogated by the authorities. I knew I had to stay strong, and remain silent. It was hard, but I kept reminding myself that my family's safety was paramount. And so, I sat there, stoic and unmoving, as the police tried their best to extract information from me.

I sit here, penning down these words, my heart is heavy with the burden of guilt that I have carried for so many years. The memories of that fateful day still haunt me, and I can't help but wonder how different things could have been if I had spoken up.

It was a dark and dreary day, and the atmosphere at the police station was tense. Sam's parents had just entered, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. The police officer was interrogating Bhasker, and I sat silently on a chair, listening intently to Sam's father's account of what had happened.

He recounted the harrowing tale of receiving a call from a private number, informing him that his son was with the caller. His heart had sunk at the words, and he had pleaded with the man to spare his son's life. The caller had given him an address, and Sam's father had rushed to the location, hoping to save his son.

But what he had encountered there was beyond his worst nightmares. A black car had pulled up, and when he had asked for his son, the men inside had told him that Sam was in the car. They demanded the ransom money and warned him to throw it towards them. Sam's father had complied, not caring about the money, only wanting his son to be safe.

But the men had taken the money and driven off in the car, nearly hitting Sam's father in the process. The car had no number plates, and Sam's father had no clue who those men were. It was then that he looked towards me, and I felt a deep sense of shame.

Taniya, Sam's mother, was inconsolable, her cries echoing through the station. I couldn't bear to witness her pain, and it still echoes in my ears to this day, disturbing my sleep. I knew who had taken the cash, but I said nothing. It was Bhai, who had fled the country with the money, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

We were all taken into custody, and Ajay was convinced that Bhai would come to save him. But Bhai never showed up, and we spent three agonizing days in jail. The police came to our homes, and I said nothing, claimed nothing.

Looking back, I know that I made a grave mistake by keeping silent. But at that time, it had seemed like the right thing to do. The case was closed due to lack of evidence or witnesses, but the guilt I carry with me is unrelenting.

Sp Ram placed the file on the table, the courtroom fell silent. The air was heavy with anticipation, the eyes of the judge, the lawyers, and the accused fixed on the file. The silence was broken only by the rustling of paper as Ram began to speak.

"Your honour, in this file, we have the evidence that proves that Sam was murdered with an iron rod on the back of his head. The forensic reports and the testimony of witnesses confirm this. We also have a witness who saw Ajay and Bhasker with Sam on the night of his disappearance."

Ajay and Bhasker looked at each other with fear in their eyes. Deshmukh put his hand over his forehead, realizing that the case was now beyond their control. The lawyers stood frozen in confusion, unsure of how to proceed.

Ram continued, "I understand that Masood's story may seem like just a story, but it is based on the truth. Sam's father's account matches the witness statement we have, and it confirms that he was contacted by the kidnappers who demanded money for Sam's release."

The judge leaned forward, his expression serious. "What do you propose we do with this evidence, Sp Ram?"

"I propose that we charge Ajay and Bhasker with the murder of Sam, based on the evidence we have gathered. The testimony of witnesses, the forensic reports, and the file in front of you are clear indicators of their guilt."

The judge nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on the file. "Very well, we shall proceed with the charges. The court will reconvene in two weeks' time for the trial."

The courtroom erupted with noise, people whispering to each other, lawyers scrambling to gather their papers, and the accused looking more frightened than ever before.

As the proceedings came to a close, Ram felt a sense of satisfaction. The long months of investigation had finally borne fruit, and justice for Sam was finally within reach.

After two weeks the judge announced the punishment, the courtroom was filled with a deafening silence. Ajay and Bhasker looked at each other, their faces drained of all color. Deshmukh sat there with his head in his hands, knowing that he had failed to save his client. Masood sat with a blank expression, his mind numb from the weight of the punishment. The lawyers of Ajay and Bhasker sat there in disbelief, unable to comprehend the turn of events.

As the judge's words echoed through the courtroom, the families of Sam, Ajay and Bhasker sat in stunned silence. The air was heavy with the weight of the sentence, and no one dared to break the silence.

Outside the courtroom, the media gathered in droves, eager to capture the moment of justice being served. The news of the verdict spread like wildfire, and soon, the whole world knew about the story of Sameer Gill.

The days passed, and the world slowly moved on, but the memory of Sam lingered in the hearts and minds of those who had known him. The case of Sameer Gill became a legend, a story that people told their children to warn them of the dangers of greed and deception.

In the end, justice had been served, but the scars of the story would remain forever. The courtroom was now empty, but the echoes of the story continued to reverberate in the minds of those who had been present. The end had come, but the story would continue to live on, a testament to the power of truth and justice.

THE END