continuation of Amicizia-I..........
He knew he had to rely on his own contacts since none would offer help. Realizing his phone wasn't around he used Sam’s. He dialed some of his friends who were all on their way immediately. When his friends arrived, they made arrangements for taking Sam to the hospital. Thats when a constable intervened and told that they cannot to use the car since there is a Minister who is traveling in another 15 minutes. 15 minutes??? It seemed like the world would end by then. Trapped, Guilty, in pain and clueless on how to go about it Neil and his friends dialed checking if someone could help. He then stood up and began walking towards the Police officer and asked who was the minister traveling. For the first time Neil wanted a clarification before accusing his Dad and prayed that the officer would give a negative response. Alas! The officer revealed his Dad's name and said it was his orders. Neil was in rage, utterly disappointed and pushed the officer yelling- “Just thank your stars that the guy dying here isn’t someone you know. Coz you would still abide by the fucking orders!”. Amidst this mess and chaos a friend suggested Neil to call his Dad and sort out the matter. Initially, Neil wanted to thrash the person who suggested it but then he knew he should try talking things out just the way Sam always suggested.
He knew he had to control his anger for this one time, abide by his Father’s demands for this one time, he knew he had to let go off his ego this one time and then after taking a deep breath he dialed his father’s number. He hoped a “Hello” from his Dad for every ring, but there was never an answer. He dialed again thinking his Dad wouldn't have Sam's number but it was all in vain. There was never an answer. He repeated it again and again, from different numbers but nothing worked and worse was he couldn't find his phone to make a call. His father just did not pay heed to what his son wanted when all Neil wanted was to save a life, a life of a friend who is the only reason that Neil was sane today.
Looking at Sam he wondered that it should have been he who is injured because he was the one driving. As he thought about it, an idea struck which if executed well in time would do wonders. All that one needed was the art of convincing and Neil was a pro at that. He went towards the officer and asked- “If it is your senior who has given these orders you better cross check, you are actually waiting for a Minister’s son to die. You should thank your stars if the consequence of this would be only losing the job.”
His friends’ for a moment couldn’t figure out what Neil said. The police were completely baffled. The Officer stepped forward claiming- “You are the minister’s son. Aren’t you?”The plot was working just the way Neil wanted. He was successful in planting a doubt in all their minds.Hitting his forehead he said- “No! It’s him. This is what I have been trying to tell you all since long. May be I was the one who was supposed to die but now let’s save him. Help us!”
Suddenly out of the stench of blood and chaos, was a ray of hope. It did not take much time for the other friends to pop in for help. It was strange but none of the people there could identify as to who is the minister’s son. Finally, the police officer decided to call up and check with Neil’s Dad. As he dialed the number, everyone froze, only silence prevailed. A “Yes” or a “No” would determine “Life” or “Death” now. After the telephonic conversation, the next thing Neil knew was both he and Sam were being taken away to the hospital for treatment. He knew his plot had worked, but did not know how. As they got into the stretcher in the hospital, he heard one of the ward boys yelling that Sam is critical. The next minute, Neil collapsed due to his own wounds, the pressure and blood loss.
Neil did not know if it took him minutes, hours or days; but now it seemed too bright for him to open his eyes. Blinking a number of times, as he opened his eyes he saw a lady next to him weeping. Immediately, he identified that it was his Mom. For next 2 minutes he couldn’t follow a word of what all were speaking. He was recollecting the whole episode. Eventually, when he began to concentrate, he heard his Mom yelling at him for lying that he wasn’t the minister’s son. She also said that his Dad believed that Neil was hurt since he had received the call from Sam’s cell number and not Neil’s. He laughed at the way he was successful to fool his Dad. He had won the battle for himself and for Sam.
His Mom continued saying – “We all panicked so much, your dad had to cancel his meetings to come here only to find that you are safe and Sam is the one who is no more. It was such a relief .......”
Those last words were a shocker. He was blank, he could hear nothing anymore. The world came crashing down. Emotionless, sweating and pale he gazed around the room in shock but he couldn’t register anything. He felt the pressure of the blood rushing through his veins. Suddenly, his head seemed heavy, his heart beat was getting louder with every passing beat, there was a void created, but he did not know if it was in his mind or heart. Everything felt so materialistic and unworthy. Finally,tears rolled down his eyes.
As he turned around, he found Sam’s parents near the door. His mother was weeping. The guilt that struck him now almost tore him apart. He tried going towards her, but all the medications he was under and his wounded leg prohibited him. He knew no words could match the loss he had caused. He cried folding his hands asking for forgiveness from his bed. Meanwhile, all in the room turned around to see who he is looking at. Hesitatingly, Sam’s mother walked into the room with tears in her eyes. As she held Neil’s hands controlling her emotions, he broke down.
Ina shivering and broken voice all she said was- “So what? I am glad that God atleast answered my prayers and spared one of my sons. I was worried for both of you.You are in no way responsible for anything. Sam will always be around us. I just know that. Get well soon”.
On the day of his discharge Neil’s parents had arranged a huge get-together at their residence to celebrate their son’s homecoming. They were in a hurry since the guests had already begun to arrive. As they came out, Neil saw that thare was complete chaos in the parking lot. Police were present to control the public, media keen to know about the minister’s son. Amidst this Neil saw his Dad’s chauffer taking his luggage towards one of the cars. He wasn't surprised to find his parents already entering the car. He then saw Sam’s parents waiting for him to leave. He knew its time he be bold and speak out, he then asked Sam's parents – “Is it ok if I come along?”
They were taken aback for a minute. So were Neil’s parents. Neil’s Dad knew things would get out of control since media is present.
He called out- ““Oh! Come on Neil. You can go there later. People are waiting for you at home.”
This was the first time Neil heard his Dad’s voice. All Neil did was turn around and say- “I am sorry about your son Sir. I heard he passed away in the accident.” All were stunned. When his Mom interrupted he said- “I am sorry your guests will be disappointed.”
Walking towards Sam’s parents, Neil smiled and said- “Are parents the ones who would cause trouble to their son because he is close to a friend. Are they the one who would plot to kill someone their son loves?”
Neither did Sam’s parents have a clue as to what Neil was talking, nor did the people around. He turned asking his Dad- “Would a parent yell at a son if he had to cancel his meetings to visit his kid at the hospital? I should be infact grateful that you asked the policeman to take your son to the hospital. Trust me! The kind of person you have proved to be I did not even expect that one good deed from you! You are a traitor and henceforth I choose not to be called with your name. You took away their son and I am going to put in all it takes to be the son that they lost. Meanwhile, I hope you get the taste of it. Now, you live with your wealth and I with people who atleast won’t treat me like a liability.”
Sam’s parents were in shock to hear that their son’s death was plotted for. Neil turned towards the media and spoke his heart out. Media took over and as usual was successful in digging out even more information. Today Neil’s parents have lost all they had, Neil’s dad is waiting for his trial in court and they have realized the blunder. As for Neil, he leaves no stone unturned to keep Sam’s parents happy but opposed to what he had told in anger, he does take care of his parents too. Just as Sam’s Mom once told HE JUST KNOWS THAT SAM IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE AROUND.
Cheers,HPK!!!
