Shattered Reflections : Unmasking the shadows of Lucknow

Chapter 3

After the car collided with a truck and overturned, Vihaan found himself in a shop that was no longer bustling with people. The car seat was now suspended upside down. Some individuals approached, likely to offer help, while petrol leaked from the damaged vehicle. Vihaan began to feel dizzy, and his vision blurred. This was not the warm welcome he had anticipated after a 25-year absence from the city, as he and Harish had returned.

The following day, Vihaan regained consciousness in a hospital room, his body adorned with bandages. His eyes fell upon the door, and although he felt groggy and fatigued, he tried to make sense of the message written on the door’s window: “You made a mistake by coming here! Robin!” It was an unsettling message, seemingly posted by someone who resented their return to the city.

Vihaan closed his eyes, taking a tired breath. When he reopened them, the message on the door had vanished. Determined to rise, he began to sit up, and at that moment, a young woman entered the room and assisted him. Comforting him, she assured, “Don’t worry, the wounds are superficial and will heal by evening.”

Vihaan inquired, “Who are you? How did I end up here, and where are my uncles?”

The woman introduced herself, saying, “I am a practicing doctor here, and both your uncles have been moved to special rooms. They experienced some distress, and their condition is not great. It will take them about a month to recover.” Vihaan expressed his gratitude, and just then, there was a knock on the door, followed by Guddu Tyagi entering without permission. Vihaan looked at him, recognizing him from his childhood, and asked, “Guddu uncle?”

Guddu Tyagi addressed the doctor, inquiring about Vihaan’s current condition. The doctor replied, “He’s doing fine now, Dad. He should be able to walk by evening. He sustained minor injuries from the truck collision, but the wounds will heal.”

Vihaan was taken aback and questioned, “Dad?”

Guddu Tyagi confirmed, “Yes, Vihaan. This is Tara, my daughter.” He explained, “She is studying human psychology, specializing in abnormal psychology. As a practicing doctor, she has also been trained to assist with dressings and minor medical care.”

Tara interjected, saying, “And now I’ll be looking after you.”
Tara then offered, “Shall I play some soothing music to help you feel better?”

Vihaan agreed, and Tara played her favorite song, “Under The Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The lyrics resonated with him as he listened:

“Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a partner
Sometimes I feel like my only friend
Is the city I live in, the city of angels
Lonely as I am, together we cry.”

Suddenly, a flood of memories from Vihaan’s past surged into his mind.

A few months ago,
San Diego,
California

While there on mission for a year in San Diego, he lived with his college friend Rachel. She came to India during her college years because of her father’s work. Vihaan and Rachel were known to each other in the same college, they had a deep friendship. But after 2-3 years of college, Rachel’s father got transferred to San Diego and they got settled there.

Vihaan, the courageous agent, finds himself amidst chaos in the San Diego Museum. Gunshots echo through the halls as terrified visitors seek cover. Swiftly, Vihaan springs into action, maneuvering through the pandemonium. He skillfully neutralizes the goons, protecting the public. As the dust settles, he discovers subtle traces left behind by the assailants, leading him closer to unveiling their sinister plot. Determined and resolute, Vihaan sets off on a path that will unravel the mystery and ensure justice prevails.

The Goons escaped the museum, and the chase was still on.

On that eventful day, Vihaan found himself on the trail of a criminal who wore a peculiar mask. The mask was a black-colored, muddy miner mask. During the pursuit, Vihaan managed to corner the criminal inside a train compartment. To his astonishment, he discovered that besides the criminal, there were other individuals present wearing similar muddy masks. However, they were not hostile like the criminal. Among the passengers, there was also a family and a woman named Rachel Mel Adams, who happened to be traveling to her home in the same compartment.

Despite the tense situation, Vihaan skillfully subdued the unruly individuals without causing harm to anyone else. He swiftly confronted them, overpowering them and seizing an envelope from their possession. As the train reached the next platform, Vihaan made a swift exit, leaving the startled criminals behind.

To his pleasant surprise, Rachel had recognized Vihaan amidst the commotion. Overwhelmed with happiness, she disembarked from the train at the same platform to meet him. Their unexpected reunion sparked a mix of emotions and curiosity as they began to catch up on their respective journeys.
As time flowed with the wind, their bond grew stronger. Over the course of several months, they shared countless moments, deepening their friendship and forging a connection that neither could deny. Unbeknownst to them, love silently took root in their hearts. It blossomed quietly, weaving its way into the fabric of their relationship. Finally, amidst the warmth and support of the Mel Adams family and Harish, Vihaan’s sole confidante, they took a step forward and got engaged. Surrounded by love and celebration, they embraced the joyous path ahead, ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.

On Rachel’s birthday, her father had organized a party to celebrate the special occasion. Vihaan was present, joining in the festivities. Rachel received numerous gifts, making her day even more special. They stood together on the balcony, engaged in conversation when Rachel inquired about her special birthday gift. Vihaan regretfully explained that due to his busy schedule and involvement in a case, he hadn’t been able to find the opportunity to get her a present.