Sharp Practices

Phansa (trapped)

Riya didnt bring her scooty to ETF for the next few days, just to be on safe side. nothing came up post raid, and slowly she was relieved that maybe she is safe this time. Since she dont have scooty, she calls Mhatre to pick her up for next consignments. He reaches a bit far away from her office and she goes with him. Chotu asks her about scooty, she gives some vague excuse. she is late everyday thanks to changing 2 buses to reach office, and Rathore sir gives her a look every time. She avoids Arjun sir's eyes- no need to see his akdu sadu face and ruin her morning.

They sneak in some seemingly normal consignments. A truck with kerosene oil barrels. Ambulance full of cash hidden in the stretcher and seats. and a truck full of combs which came from Bangladesh. Riya actually put her hand through one of the cartons and came up empty. Combs, really? she didnt ask Mhatre. not her business. she gets cut on time anyway.

One day they have a case- there was a man killed and his body left in a drain. when Mhatre called her, she said she cant join today. Chotu noticed her speaking to him and even saw the number saved in her mobile. When Arjun sir and Rathore sir was out of earshots, and Shree busy with forensic photographers, he turned to Riya.

"Madamji, Arjun sir and I saw you with Mhatre on the other day on his bike." her inside went cold at that, but she pretended to be mildly annoyed.

"Toh?"

"Woh banda sahi nahi hai madamji. he was booked under corruption charges before. He is still under suspicion, Arjun sir was saying. Dur raho usse. how did you even meet him?"

"Sanjay sir gave his number. Mhatre ka ghar idhar hi kahi hai. he gave me lift one day." she rolled eyes, relieved internally. "Arjun sir to bhadak gaye honge."

"he is more worried actually."

"ETF reputation and all, I guess." She scoffed. "You know what he said to me other day? apparently i complained to seniors and thats why Rathore sir is here. that man is impossible."

"He will understand." Chotu become serious. "Ye Mhatre. . . thoda dekh lo, madamji."

"Okay boss. Jo aap kahein." she gave him a salute.

Turned out, Chotu was right. Riya saw in television one day Mhatre in handcuffs and immediately suspended until further investigation. apparently income tax team went through his house and found a measly 5 lacs rupees. He was linked to a recently smuggled consignment full of expired medicines. thats the same consignment which came the day they found the body- she couldnt go then. she was saved by the nick of time.

Chotu stood next to her, and she exhaled. "Ma ki ankh."

"I told you."

"i will never ignore your words again."

But it wasnt that easy to get out. Income tax people went through everything and everyone they could find in Mhatre's records. Of course Riya was also summoned. Rathore sir was particularly pleased when he gave her the news that IT team was coming any time to question her. It will happen in ETF office only- just to rub in the humiliation. She had a feeling of shit hitting the fan once she came out of Rathore sir's cabin. damn her if she goes down for something she didnt even do. not for this.

When Arjun sir stood like a rock in a corner of room as IT team swarmed in to interrogate her, she cursed her fate. of course, he will be here. she was a bit nervous as she answered questions- gave truth, honestly. gave them Sanjay sir's numbers and told them she met Mhatre through them, even threw out a little comment that he dropped her home one day. beyond that, what? like a date? he wasnt her type anyway. the interrogation lasted 1 hour. Riya would like to think they had nothing and this is the first and last time they are seeing her.