16-08-2022, 05:34 AM
Part 2 :
That year winter was not too harsh in North India.Ravi's hydel project was nearing completion which meant he had to battle weariness and anxiety right through the winter.The project would be operational by June next year which meant Ravi and Shalini can shift back to Mumbai by July.Just some 8-9 months more.Obviously, this development had delighted Shalini and she already applied for few jobs in some of the best commercial banks in Mumbai.
Meanwhile,Ravi had a torrid time at work.There was corruption at each and every level in the department.There was immense political pressure from multiple political parties and sometimes from different factions of the same political parties.The stress had become so unbearable that Ravi got reduced to a bundle of nerves by november end.
On a chilly November night, Ravi came back from work and collapsed on the sofa.His face looked so pale and colourless that Shalini thought her husband may convulse any time.She immediately called for the doctor who examined Ravi and administered him sedatives to make him asleep.
" Ravi has been looking ill since last week " Shalini told the doctor after Ravi sank into deep sleep.
"Yes, his nerves are weak and I believe there is certain Vitamin deficiency" the doctor replied while writing down the prescription.
The next morning Ravi appeared much better. The medicines worked wonder.
Shalini lovingly brushed Ravi's forehead and asked " Ravi , now just don't hem and haw ..tell me clearly why exactly you look so worried these days ? "
Ravi sat up on the bed , coughed a little and replied " No ..nothing so serious just long tiring week .....lots of work ..and not much of sleep in the last few days .."
"Ravi...you are lying ....will you answer yes or no ?"
There was a long silence.
Shalini continued " I know something is amiss....after you slept yesterday night, you got at least 20 calls on your mobile...I picked up a few to tell you are ill .. and well....I know for sure that most of the men calling could not be described as gentlemen...I could make out most of those had crude manners and uneducated....Now I won't nag you ......but when 20 brutes are calling you in the middle of night, its something bad you have got entangled into ....."
Ravi had to tell because its his health which is at stake.
"It's about financial irregularity ...It's complex Shalini ..."
"Explain ..."
"There are few vendor companies which supply us raw materials....These suppliers are always paid in credit ....I mean they always get their payment months after they actually supply the products....Now, its time when I should pay them their due....But it's government money...the tender they have passed have been siphoned off somehow..I don't know who did that .."
"You don't know how the money vanished ? How come ? You sure the vendors were not paid intermittently ?" asked Shalini .She looked concerned and interested.
"You are quite right Shalini.....I don't know whether the suppliers are paid intermittently because I was in Japan and most of the vendors hardly produce receipts...and most payment are done via district magistrate office .."
"District magistrate office ? you mean the contractors ?"
"Yes ...the contractors like Kishore lal whom you have met I supposed....and I don't know what and how much these bunch of contractors have paid the suppliers.."
"It's grave ..then..... it's an unholy arrangement between contractors and suppliers ...so how many contractors are there excluding Kishoreji ?"
"I am not sure ..there must be many..but I have interacted with only Mr.Kishore .."
Ravi opened an excel sheet on the laptop and showed few transactions and balance sheets.He pointed out with red marks on few transactions and said " I don't know where are the receipts for these .."
Shalini gave a shocking glance " These are quite many". Shalini spent the next 30 minutes minutely studying the transactions and asking Ravi minute questions most of which Ravi was clueless about.As it turned out, Ravi was more clueless about most transactions that took place.
At the end of it, Shalini exclaimed " You see Ravi.......there is some deep nexus between some vendors and some contractors ....that is why most of the account books are cleverly fudged....You see even the profit and loss statement is not balancing up....."
Ravi snapped " I do not care much about the statements..it's only that government money is at stake and the vendors are queuing up everyday for their share of money ...and now whom I trust vendors or contractors ?"
"Forget about trusting ...it's problematic because you may be penalised for all these because the district magistrate office will be clever enough to wash off their hands off.."
Ravi looked crestfallen and dejected.
Shalini said " Would you mind if I get into the financial details "
"It would be useless Shalini...I should have been way more careful while dealing with these animals... "
"Ravi.....I have handled these issues umpteen no. of times while I was working...I believe you should at least allow me to try once..I just need to show the accounts are fudged...just like an external auditor..Nothing more..nothing less....and If i discover irregularities, you may approach the security officer....let security officer handle the trouble...Then you will be off the blame....and free from worry"
Ravi sat still without any sound.
Shalini studied all the files again with utmost details as Ravi sat silently.
After a long silence, Ravi spoke " No.. Shalini ...It's not only risky ..the bigger problem is your involvement will be useless...."
"Useless ?" Shalini looked up from the files ...
"Yes..Look I can have anyone prove the irregularity of the transactions..But once proved , what to do ? whom do I implicate ? Plus I do not want the department see you getting involved in this...." Ravi sounded slightly agitated.
"Ohh Ravi..be rest assured with that...I will look at all these from home..only...Not a soul will know about my involvement..."
"okay..I will give you the entire files..I will at once get the entire bunch for you...we will sit together tomorrow on this..do your background work by then...And how much do your clients pay you for projects like these ?"
"Ohh..Shut up Ravi..I don't need money...I am doing your work .."
Ravi held out a 10,000 rupees cheque in Shalini's hand."If you are working , give your best and don't do it for free.It's like you are either doing it or not doing it....No half measures..Work as if I am your client"
Shalini felt a little odd.Her husband is now banking on her as a professional.She is totally unsure how much she can contribute since it is clearly a corruption case of grave proportion.She hardly knows anyone here she can fall back upon.
"Do you trust Mr.Kishore " Shalini had asked during Lunch.
Ravi smiled and answered " I do and I don't also.He is very shrewd.And he has all the bad connections.But over these months, he has helped me.Now that can be part of a bigger plan which one never knows."
Then staring at Shalini...he asked "So you contemplating to seek Kishore's help ?"
Shalini did not look into Ravi's eyes.She replied indifferently "No..I do not need to ...I will just try and look for loopholes in the Income statement..that's all..."
Ravi spoke passionately " I never intend to discourage you...You may speak to few contractors over phone including Kishore..There is no harm in that....But only thing they should not know that you are investigating the irregularities..."
"How is that possible Ravi...I mean why will they tell me about financial stuff ..."Shalini looked confused...
Ravi spoke with a sarcastic tone..."Your enthusiasm is remarkable , but don't you think you're too naive for this ?" Ravi's voice had contempt written all over it.
Shalini was apologetic " I am sorry ...I did ask a stupid question...I won't let you down ....Promise.."
Ravi kissed her cheeks and said " Don't over strain...Just be safe..Don't venture out to get details...That may be dangerous...Just get those data from these contractors which they will never give me..."
"But How ? " Shalini naivety almost made Ravi burst into laughter.
"You will land me in serious trouble Shalini...You Don't have to manipulate the contractors...You are too naive for such work..I will seek your help for the Income statement.."
"Ohh Come on...Ravi don't be a snob !! I am your wife ....You gotta help me out ...And this will be a golder experience for me....I do intend to work in Central vigilance sometime in life.."
"Shalini this is not some joke...Huh ? What if you screw the entire thing ?"
"Ravi ...give me the chance...keep me on probation for a week..."
Ravi was agitated.He did not answer and went to bed since he started feeling weak.He could not sleep.He knew Shalini was the best bet for this job.He cannot trust any body in the world with this because everyone is someone or other's pet. His contractors and vendors hardly knew Shalini and her qualifications ; so she can smoothly get the truth out from them.But at the same time, he does not want those wolves to even hear about Shalini and Akash.He does not want those bastards possessing Shalini's phone number which can be dangerous for her.
That evening Ravi got multiple speed posts from the MLA's office which demanded an explanation for the financial irregularity from him.He was lost in deep thought throughout the entire next day.He and Shalini did not talk about the issue even once the entire day.Shalini was out in the market with Akash most evening.
That night just before retiring ..Shalini told Ravi "Hey you never told me about the speed posts which you received ?"
Ravi replied in an irritating tone " Because I do not want you into this.."
"Look I do not care if you underestimate my abilities..But I do want to help you in every possible manner...Don't you want those scoundrels to get punished .."
Ravi just nodded in reply.
"Ravi..leave that to me..."
"What ?"
"Give me a week's time..I will read the statement ..try and identify few suspects and extract information and present it to you ...If you are happy ..I will continue the good work..or else I will stop immediately"
A week had passed.The couple never spoke anything about the issue.
After one week, Shalini reported about few names to Ravi.
Shalini explained how she managed to take another sim card in her mother's name and how she called up those men and posing as Income tax officials or finance department officials tried to extract by whom and when they were paid money ...She knew none of the contractors liked each other ...so they will never discuss about the calls from government officials..There was not much progress, but Shalini got the names of few banks where some fictitious accounts were held.
Ravi replied " That's great...I may manage now from here on..the names of bank branches was crucial..."
Few months passed on.It was now January end with the lovely spring blossoming in all glory.The financial irregularity case was not solved , but Ravi could save his skin somehow because most senior colleagues in Mumbai defended Ravi for his clean image and brilliance as an engineer. Shalini helped Ravi in many aspects , but most of the fraud were done so brilliantly that she gave up trying after few days.Even a security officer case was filed by the Mumbai headquarters, but nothing came out. Ravi was not formally punished but was severely reprimanded for being a weak character and allowing corruption to take place right under his nose .Ravi could prove his innocence, but his promotion prospects suffered due to such weak personality.He was humiliated in front of contractors and vendors for not being a strong, rough and tough administrator. Ravi had accepted everything since he knew he was never ever a dare devil man who could handle such wild beasts like men. But his health had suffered due to poor self esteem and depression. Shalini who remained very busy due to skype interviews for a new job tried her best , but Ravi generally took huge time to come out from humiliations.But all through she felt utterly sorry for her husband.
One February night, the local security officer O.C. threw a private farewell party since he was getting transferred to a nearby town. Ravi always avoided such parties but generally he never dared to miss any party thrown by a security officer official. Shalini was not too keen to accompany Ravi, but Ravi knew going without Shalini will again make him look like a weak husband.There has been already discussions where people cracked jokes like Ravi was a "namard" who never deserves such a sexy wife.People openly cracked jokes on how Ravi never brings Shalini to the departmental parties because he fears the contractors and the vendors will have dirty eyes for her.But the truth was Shalini simply avoided the parties because she hated such loud music and spicy foods. But the rumors had badly damaged Ravi's self-esteem.
Just before the couple started to leave for the party, Ravi stopped Shalini in front of the mirror. Shalini was looking elegant in a cream colored saree and light yellow blouse.These days Shalini rarely puts on a saree since there are not many parties and events to attend.As Shalini was applying some light makeup,Ravi suddenly told " Shalini, Hey don't you think your blouse is not matching at all with this saree ?"
"We will just stay there for a little time..I don't care Ravi...and I am in no mood to go"
"Shalini...I want you to look best....you know about my humiliation..I want you to be at least the cynosure of all eyes.." Ravi's voice trailed in an emotional tone.
"Ravi..I do not want to be cynosure of all eyes in such a bastard's party...after all these people have done grave injustice to you .."
"I agree that those people are pure evils...but imagine their jealous expression when they find out my wife is the most beautiful lady in the party...." Ravi had a proud smile as he spoke.
"I know you are a great honest man..those people will be punished one day or the other.."
Ravi winked.Shalini smiled and asked "Leave all those ..So you sure you want to make those filthy beasts jealous , you naughty devil...."
Ravi answered apologetically " I can't digest such insults Shalini...No man ever could....Even the day labourers these days don't listen to me....They tell me on my face that I should quit this job..Can you believe it...? "
Shalini interrupted him. She had a sweet reassuring smile. She spoke with lot of care and love " Ravi....let's forget the last few months..It's been a bad dream for both of us...And we will together make life miserable for all these filthy scoundrels...And it will start tonight ..I will look my best tonight and I will make sure you regain your lost confidence in front of those crooks.... "
"Shalini I never knew you love me soo much "
"You are my world , Ravi....." Shalini exclaimed and then she opened her wardrobe and pointing to her collections of blouse asked Ravi " Choose one blouse for me sweetheart !! "
"I just want you to look hottest...and make each and every enemy of mine rage in the fire of jealousy...I will show them they can insult me as much as they want..but I am also blessed with the hottest wife of this town "
Shalini giggled "He..he I won't mind looking hot either..." Then she pulled an orange blouse and showed it to Ravi...
Shalini spoke "You have not seen this.. Its a special type designer blouse."
Saying that she removed the blouse and bra she was wearing and started wearing the orange one. Ravi just watched beautiful wife covering her firm boobs.
Ravi was perplexed as she was wearing it w/o bra and about to say so, but by then she had already done the two hooks at the back.
She swirled around to show off her blouse to Ravi. He was speechless and just a soft whistle came from him. "WoW shalini darling, this is awesome. You look ravishing in this."
Ravi forgot that she was not wearing any bra, but he was super excited and his eyes were all sparkle.
But sensing some question in his eyes, Shalini started explaining to Ravi: "You see I can't wear bra or else straps will show...but the front part of the blouse have a double fabric which covers and support the boobs. It wont show skin but will still look gr8. Won't it Ravi"
Ravi nodded in super excitement "Yes honey, you look pretty as well as desireable in it. It does full justice to your lovely figure !!"
Shalini looked slightly nervous "you sure? I have never worn it before ..."
Ravi almost cajoled her into wearing that blouse.Probably heaps of insult day-in-out left him hungry for revenge.But it is difficult for a weak hearted fearful man to go against such cunning brutes.So, he had to play the jealousy game.
They reached the party around 9 o'clock and by then most of the family oriented people had already left. People started noticing Shalini. She looked elegant and sexy at the same time. Her sleeveless blouse covered her bustline, but the back had a deep cut with just two hooks holding the blouse in place at back.
The deep cut at the back exposed her smooth flawless skin from shoulders down till the edge of her lowly tied sari. Except the thin strip of blouse tied at hooks, her full sexy shining back fm shoulders till her waist was in full public view. Every male eyes found her full sexy back from shoulder till her waist very desireable.
The two ends of blouse that joined at hooks were so narrow and low that every male concluded that possibly she was not wearing any bra inside. But her proud boobs filled the cups of her blouse and stood proudly firm. Her sari pallu dbangd across her chest just covered only half of her right boob which displayed its fullness and firmness.
She had tied her sari about 3" below her round deep navel. That showed off her slim waist that was than flaring to her round hips. She had wrapped her sari pretty tight around her hips so that while it covered her round bottom, but showed pretty well its shape, and roundness. The pleats of sari just below her navel drew attention of onlookers and made them think and desire what it was covering / hiding.
Her slim hands emerging from sleeveless blouse had smooth clean armpits and everyone were tempted to caress and kiss those smooth hands till her painted nails on slender fingers.
But Shalini covered her back and front with the pallu as Ravi introduced her to the host of the evening , the security officer O.C. Balvant Singh.
Balvant folded his hands with deep courtsey..
"Madam I am pleased to at last meet you....you never attend the parties we throw..."
Shalini could only try to fake a smile in return as Balvant and Ravi exchanged courtesy handshakes.
Balvant was a strong stout looking man in her early forties.He had a dirty dark complexion and wavy moustaches and eyebrows which made him look indeed like an intimidating security officer officer.He was well dressed in office formals but even such decent sober dress could not hide the strong animal like man beneath the branded clothes.He had rough horse like enormous arms and chests and looked to be exercising regularly.
But what struck Shalini was the voice of the man.It was deep and husky like those of the bollywood villains of the 80's.
Shalini looked around the villa when her eyes met a pair of familiar eyes.It was Kishore.They met after a long time.Shalini kind of avoided Kishore these days.She exactly did not know the reason why she hated Kishore's presence.She always had a feeling that Kishore was a hypocrite.And she was sure after she studied the financial reports carefully.Yes he was an obscenely corrupt man too.
Kishore smelled of alcohol when he said to Shalini " Nice to see you Shalini ji.."
"Same here Kishore ji...How you have been ?"
They talked for few minutes.Shalini did not want to prolong the conversation.After few minutes, Shalini said she needs to be excused because she was getting a call from her mother.
Even Kishore understood that Shalini was possibly lying.Kishore simply moved away.This was something very good about Kishore.He never asked too many personal questions or nagged people about their behavior.When he sees someone ignoring him , he simply disappears from the scene.
Shalini was super bored.Ravi kept on moving and exchanging handshakes with lots of men like a monkey.With such a skimpy sexy blouse on,Shalini did not want to mingle with those men.
She casually informed Ravi "I cannot fool around with these men wearing such a skimpy blouse.Just before leaving the party, introduce me to those men ...but not now..."
She saw a wheelchair bound middle aged lady on an elevated terrace.She inquired from a waiter that she was the wife of Balwant Singh.She met with a car accident 6 months back and had been like that ever since.
She went up the terrace and started a conversation with the lady.She was a nice pleasant lady who sounded resigned to her fate.
"How did that happen " Shalini wanted to know..
"Met with an accident at Nainital..."
"That's most unfortunate"
They talked for a while.After accident, she stayed at her father's place in Lucknow and Balvant had been living alone in his security officer quarters.Now, that he is transferred , he will again live alone in the new place while she will go back to Lucknow after the weekend.
The lady wheeled away after some time as she needed to have some medicines. Shalini went down to look out for Ravi.She could locate him inside a room made of glass walls.She saw him sitting with 5-6 men including Kishore ; but the host Balvant Singh was not there.All men had food plates and drinking glasses in front of them.She got anxious since Ravi should not be drinking in this health condition.
Shalini went forward to the buffet.She did not exactly feel like eating anything.Still she took a little salad and some chicken.Kishore had also reached there to refill his plates.But Shalini distinctly felt Kishore came out of the room to see Shalini was eating properly or not.But this time Shalini was glad Kishore came out of the room because the whole party looked eerily empty.The entire hallway had only one servant cum waiter who stood next to the buffet.Otherwise, everything suggested that the party was well over except those 5-6 men eating inside the glass room.
Shalini had covered her back and front carefully with her pallu to ensure the waiter or anyone else would not make out the skimpy blouse she was wearing.
But still, Shalini did not feel like talking to Kishore.She simply said .." I am perfectly okay Kishore ji...You should join your friends inside..."
Kishore felt a little odd with Shalini's indifference.He replied in a phony tone.."Yeah I will go inside...just came out to refill my plate..."
Kishore was about to leave when he heard her telling "If you can do me a favour"
"Sure..Tell me "
"Just see to that Ravi does not drink much..You know about his illness.."
"Will do my bit..."
"Thanks...Kishore ji.."
Shalini stepped outside onto the garden of the bungalow and walked on to the edge of the garden.And to her awe, she discovered the garden was situated next to the riverfront. The still water of the river looked beautiful and serene.She could see few small boats crossing the river far away with their lanterns swaying like diamonds.Such a tranquil place !! She has never been near the waterfront in the town and she never knew it was such pure raw beauty!!
She felt enchanted with the view.It was dark and very quiet.She flung open the small iron gate and stealthily started descending the slope which gave its way into the river water.
She stood there in the dark watching the river water making small waves.It was dark and probably the moonlight was obstructed by the cloud cover.
Just then he saw a tall broad man talking in hushed tone with a small thin man.It appeared that the tall man was negotiating some amount with the other person.The tall man's alert eyes could easily spot Shalini among the bushes.Immediately, the small thin man handed over few currency notes to the tall broad man and dashed off.Now Shalini could easily identify the tall dark figure.It was Balvant Singh. ______________________________
That year winter was not too harsh in North India.Ravi's hydel project was nearing completion which meant he had to battle weariness and anxiety right through the winter.The project would be operational by June next year which meant Ravi and Shalini can shift back to Mumbai by July.Just some 8-9 months more.Obviously, this development had delighted Shalini and she already applied for few jobs in some of the best commercial banks in Mumbai.
Meanwhile,Ravi had a torrid time at work.There was corruption at each and every level in the department.There was immense political pressure from multiple political parties and sometimes from different factions of the same political parties.The stress had become so unbearable that Ravi got reduced to a bundle of nerves by november end.
On a chilly November night, Ravi came back from work and collapsed on the sofa.His face looked so pale and colourless that Shalini thought her husband may convulse any time.She immediately called for the doctor who examined Ravi and administered him sedatives to make him asleep.
" Ravi has been looking ill since last week " Shalini told the doctor after Ravi sank into deep sleep.
"Yes, his nerves are weak and I believe there is certain Vitamin deficiency" the doctor replied while writing down the prescription.
The next morning Ravi appeared much better. The medicines worked wonder.
Shalini lovingly brushed Ravi's forehead and asked " Ravi , now just don't hem and haw ..tell me clearly why exactly you look so worried these days ? "
Ravi sat up on the bed , coughed a little and replied " No ..nothing so serious just long tiring week .....lots of work ..and not much of sleep in the last few days .."
"Ravi...you are lying ....will you answer yes or no ?"
There was a long silence.
Shalini continued " I know something is amiss....after you slept yesterday night, you got at least 20 calls on your mobile...I picked up a few to tell you are ill .. and well....I know for sure that most of the men calling could not be described as gentlemen...I could make out most of those had crude manners and uneducated....Now I won't nag you ......but when 20 brutes are calling you in the middle of night, its something bad you have got entangled into ....."
Ravi had to tell because its his health which is at stake.
"It's about financial irregularity ...It's complex Shalini ..."
"Explain ..."
"There are few vendor companies which supply us raw materials....These suppliers are always paid in credit ....I mean they always get their payment months after they actually supply the products....Now, its time when I should pay them their due....But it's government money...the tender they have passed have been siphoned off somehow..I don't know who did that .."
"You don't know how the money vanished ? How come ? You sure the vendors were not paid intermittently ?" asked Shalini .She looked concerned and interested.
"You are quite right Shalini.....I don't know whether the suppliers are paid intermittently because I was in Japan and most of the vendors hardly produce receipts...and most payment are done via district magistrate office .."
"District magistrate office ? you mean the contractors ?"
"Yes ...the contractors like Kishore lal whom you have met I supposed....and I don't know what and how much these bunch of contractors have paid the suppliers.."
"It's grave ..then..... it's an unholy arrangement between contractors and suppliers ...so how many contractors are there excluding Kishoreji ?"
"I am not sure ..there must be many..but I have interacted with only Mr.Kishore .."
Ravi opened an excel sheet on the laptop and showed few transactions and balance sheets.He pointed out with red marks on few transactions and said " I don't know where are the receipts for these .."
Shalini gave a shocking glance " These are quite many". Shalini spent the next 30 minutes minutely studying the transactions and asking Ravi minute questions most of which Ravi was clueless about.As it turned out, Ravi was more clueless about most transactions that took place.
At the end of it, Shalini exclaimed " You see Ravi.......there is some deep nexus between some vendors and some contractors ....that is why most of the account books are cleverly fudged....You see even the profit and loss statement is not balancing up....."
Ravi snapped " I do not care much about the statements..it's only that government money is at stake and the vendors are queuing up everyday for their share of money ...and now whom I trust vendors or contractors ?"
"Forget about trusting ...it's problematic because you may be penalised for all these because the district magistrate office will be clever enough to wash off their hands off.."
Ravi looked crestfallen and dejected.
Shalini said " Would you mind if I get into the financial details "
"It would be useless Shalini...I should have been way more careful while dealing with these animals... "
"Ravi.....I have handled these issues umpteen no. of times while I was working...I believe you should at least allow me to try once..I just need to show the accounts are fudged...just like an external auditor..Nothing more..nothing less....and If i discover irregularities, you may approach the security officer....let security officer handle the trouble...Then you will be off the blame....and free from worry"
Ravi sat still without any sound.
Shalini studied all the files again with utmost details as Ravi sat silently.
After a long silence, Ravi spoke " No.. Shalini ...It's not only risky ..the bigger problem is your involvement will be useless...."
"Useless ?" Shalini looked up from the files ...
"Yes..Look I can have anyone prove the irregularity of the transactions..But once proved , what to do ? whom do I implicate ? Plus I do not want the department see you getting involved in this...." Ravi sounded slightly agitated.
"Ohh Ravi..be rest assured with that...I will look at all these from home..only...Not a soul will know about my involvement..."
"okay..I will give you the entire files..I will at once get the entire bunch for you...we will sit together tomorrow on this..do your background work by then...And how much do your clients pay you for projects like these ?"
"Ohh..Shut up Ravi..I don't need money...I am doing your work .."
Ravi held out a 10,000 rupees cheque in Shalini's hand."If you are working , give your best and don't do it for free.It's like you are either doing it or not doing it....No half measures..Work as if I am your client"
Shalini felt a little odd.Her husband is now banking on her as a professional.She is totally unsure how much she can contribute since it is clearly a corruption case of grave proportion.She hardly knows anyone here she can fall back upon.
"Do you trust Mr.Kishore " Shalini had asked during Lunch.
Ravi smiled and answered " I do and I don't also.He is very shrewd.And he has all the bad connections.But over these months, he has helped me.Now that can be part of a bigger plan which one never knows."
Then staring at Shalini...he asked "So you contemplating to seek Kishore's help ?"
Shalini did not look into Ravi's eyes.She replied indifferently "No..I do not need to ...I will just try and look for loopholes in the Income statement..that's all..."
Ravi spoke passionately " I never intend to discourage you...You may speak to few contractors over phone including Kishore..There is no harm in that....But only thing they should not know that you are investigating the irregularities..."
"How is that possible Ravi...I mean why will they tell me about financial stuff ..."Shalini looked confused...
Ravi spoke with a sarcastic tone..."Your enthusiasm is remarkable , but don't you think you're too naive for this ?" Ravi's voice had contempt written all over it.
Shalini was apologetic " I am sorry ...I did ask a stupid question...I won't let you down ....Promise.."
Ravi kissed her cheeks and said " Don't over strain...Just be safe..Don't venture out to get details...That may be dangerous...Just get those data from these contractors which they will never give me..."
"But How ? " Shalini naivety almost made Ravi burst into laughter.
"You will land me in serious trouble Shalini...You Don't have to manipulate the contractors...You are too naive for such work..I will seek your help for the Income statement.."
"Ohh Come on...Ravi don't be a snob !! I am your wife ....You gotta help me out ...And this will be a golder experience for me....I do intend to work in Central vigilance sometime in life.."
"Shalini this is not some joke...Huh ? What if you screw the entire thing ?"
"Ravi ...give me the chance...keep me on probation for a week..."
Ravi was agitated.He did not answer and went to bed since he started feeling weak.He could not sleep.He knew Shalini was the best bet for this job.He cannot trust any body in the world with this because everyone is someone or other's pet. His contractors and vendors hardly knew Shalini and her qualifications ; so she can smoothly get the truth out from them.But at the same time, he does not want those wolves to even hear about Shalini and Akash.He does not want those bastards possessing Shalini's phone number which can be dangerous for her.
That evening Ravi got multiple speed posts from the MLA's office which demanded an explanation for the financial irregularity from him.He was lost in deep thought throughout the entire next day.He and Shalini did not talk about the issue even once the entire day.Shalini was out in the market with Akash most evening.
That night just before retiring ..Shalini told Ravi "Hey you never told me about the speed posts which you received ?"
Ravi replied in an irritating tone " Because I do not want you into this.."
"Look I do not care if you underestimate my abilities..But I do want to help you in every possible manner...Don't you want those scoundrels to get punished .."
Ravi just nodded in reply.
"Ravi..leave that to me..."
"What ?"
"Give me a week's time..I will read the statement ..try and identify few suspects and extract information and present it to you ...If you are happy ..I will continue the good work..or else I will stop immediately"
A week had passed.The couple never spoke anything about the issue.
After one week, Shalini reported about few names to Ravi.
Shalini explained how she managed to take another sim card in her mother's name and how she called up those men and posing as Income tax officials or finance department officials tried to extract by whom and when they were paid money ...She knew none of the contractors liked each other ...so they will never discuss about the calls from government officials..There was not much progress, but Shalini got the names of few banks where some fictitious accounts were held.
Ravi replied " That's great...I may manage now from here on..the names of bank branches was crucial..."
Few months passed on.It was now January end with the lovely spring blossoming in all glory.The financial irregularity case was not solved , but Ravi could save his skin somehow because most senior colleagues in Mumbai defended Ravi for his clean image and brilliance as an engineer. Shalini helped Ravi in many aspects , but most of the fraud were done so brilliantly that she gave up trying after few days.Even a security officer case was filed by the Mumbai headquarters, but nothing came out. Ravi was not formally punished but was severely reprimanded for being a weak character and allowing corruption to take place right under his nose .Ravi could prove his innocence, but his promotion prospects suffered due to such weak personality.He was humiliated in front of contractors and vendors for not being a strong, rough and tough administrator. Ravi had accepted everything since he knew he was never ever a dare devil man who could handle such wild beasts like men. But his health had suffered due to poor self esteem and depression. Shalini who remained very busy due to skype interviews for a new job tried her best , but Ravi generally took huge time to come out from humiliations.But all through she felt utterly sorry for her husband.
One February night, the local security officer O.C. threw a private farewell party since he was getting transferred to a nearby town. Ravi always avoided such parties but generally he never dared to miss any party thrown by a security officer official. Shalini was not too keen to accompany Ravi, but Ravi knew going without Shalini will again make him look like a weak husband.There has been already discussions where people cracked jokes like Ravi was a "namard" who never deserves such a sexy wife.People openly cracked jokes on how Ravi never brings Shalini to the departmental parties because he fears the contractors and the vendors will have dirty eyes for her.But the truth was Shalini simply avoided the parties because she hated such loud music and spicy foods. But the rumors had badly damaged Ravi's self-esteem.
Just before the couple started to leave for the party, Ravi stopped Shalini in front of the mirror. Shalini was looking elegant in a cream colored saree and light yellow blouse.These days Shalini rarely puts on a saree since there are not many parties and events to attend.As Shalini was applying some light makeup,Ravi suddenly told " Shalini, Hey don't you think your blouse is not matching at all with this saree ?"
"We will just stay there for a little time..I don't care Ravi...and I am in no mood to go"
"Shalini...I want you to look best....you know about my humiliation..I want you to be at least the cynosure of all eyes.." Ravi's voice trailed in an emotional tone.
"Ravi..I do not want to be cynosure of all eyes in such a bastard's party...after all these people have done grave injustice to you .."
"I agree that those people are pure evils...but imagine their jealous expression when they find out my wife is the most beautiful lady in the party...." Ravi had a proud smile as he spoke.
"I know you are a great honest man..those people will be punished one day or the other.."
Ravi winked.Shalini smiled and asked "Leave all those ..So you sure you want to make those filthy beasts jealous , you naughty devil...."
Ravi answered apologetically " I can't digest such insults Shalini...No man ever could....Even the day labourers these days don't listen to me....They tell me on my face that I should quit this job..Can you believe it...? "
Shalini interrupted him. She had a sweet reassuring smile. She spoke with lot of care and love " Ravi....let's forget the last few months..It's been a bad dream for both of us...And we will together make life miserable for all these filthy scoundrels...And it will start tonight ..I will look my best tonight and I will make sure you regain your lost confidence in front of those crooks.... "
"Shalini I never knew you love me soo much "
"You are my world , Ravi....." Shalini exclaimed and then she opened her wardrobe and pointing to her collections of blouse asked Ravi " Choose one blouse for me sweetheart !! "
"I just want you to look hottest...and make each and every enemy of mine rage in the fire of jealousy...I will show them they can insult me as much as they want..but I am also blessed with the hottest wife of this town "
Shalini giggled "He..he I won't mind looking hot either..." Then she pulled an orange blouse and showed it to Ravi...
Shalini spoke "You have not seen this.. Its a special type designer blouse."
Saying that she removed the blouse and bra she was wearing and started wearing the orange one. Ravi just watched beautiful wife covering her firm boobs.
Ravi was perplexed as she was wearing it w/o bra and about to say so, but by then she had already done the two hooks at the back.
She swirled around to show off her blouse to Ravi. He was speechless and just a soft whistle came from him. "WoW shalini darling, this is awesome. You look ravishing in this."
Ravi forgot that she was not wearing any bra, but he was super excited and his eyes were all sparkle.
But sensing some question in his eyes, Shalini started explaining to Ravi: "You see I can't wear bra or else straps will show...but the front part of the blouse have a double fabric which covers and support the boobs. It wont show skin but will still look gr8. Won't it Ravi"
Ravi nodded in super excitement "Yes honey, you look pretty as well as desireable in it. It does full justice to your lovely figure !!"
Shalini looked slightly nervous "you sure? I have never worn it before ..."
Ravi almost cajoled her into wearing that blouse.Probably heaps of insult day-in-out left him hungry for revenge.But it is difficult for a weak hearted fearful man to go against such cunning brutes.So, he had to play the jealousy game.
They reached the party around 9 o'clock and by then most of the family oriented people had already left. People started noticing Shalini. She looked elegant and sexy at the same time. Her sleeveless blouse covered her bustline, but the back had a deep cut with just two hooks holding the blouse in place at back.
The deep cut at the back exposed her smooth flawless skin from shoulders down till the edge of her lowly tied sari. Except the thin strip of blouse tied at hooks, her full sexy shining back fm shoulders till her waist was in full public view. Every male eyes found her full sexy back from shoulder till her waist very desireable.
The two ends of blouse that joined at hooks were so narrow and low that every male concluded that possibly she was not wearing any bra inside. But her proud boobs filled the cups of her blouse and stood proudly firm. Her sari pallu dbangd across her chest just covered only half of her right boob which displayed its fullness and firmness.
She had tied her sari about 3" below her round deep navel. That showed off her slim waist that was than flaring to her round hips. She had wrapped her sari pretty tight around her hips so that while it covered her round bottom, but showed pretty well its shape, and roundness. The pleats of sari just below her navel drew attention of onlookers and made them think and desire what it was covering / hiding.
Her slim hands emerging from sleeveless blouse had smooth clean armpits and everyone were tempted to caress and kiss those smooth hands till her painted nails on slender fingers.
But Shalini covered her back and front with the pallu as Ravi introduced her to the host of the evening , the security officer O.C. Balvant Singh.
Balvant folded his hands with deep courtsey..
"Madam I am pleased to at last meet you....you never attend the parties we throw..."
Shalini could only try to fake a smile in return as Balvant and Ravi exchanged courtesy handshakes.
Balvant was a strong stout looking man in her early forties.He had a dirty dark complexion and wavy moustaches and eyebrows which made him look indeed like an intimidating security officer officer.He was well dressed in office formals but even such decent sober dress could not hide the strong animal like man beneath the branded clothes.He had rough horse like enormous arms and chests and looked to be exercising regularly.
But what struck Shalini was the voice of the man.It was deep and husky like those of the bollywood villains of the 80's.
Shalini looked around the villa when her eyes met a pair of familiar eyes.It was Kishore.They met after a long time.Shalini kind of avoided Kishore these days.She exactly did not know the reason why she hated Kishore's presence.She always had a feeling that Kishore was a hypocrite.And she was sure after she studied the financial reports carefully.Yes he was an obscenely corrupt man too.
Kishore smelled of alcohol when he said to Shalini " Nice to see you Shalini ji.."
"Same here Kishore ji...How you have been ?"
They talked for few minutes.Shalini did not want to prolong the conversation.After few minutes, Shalini said she needs to be excused because she was getting a call from her mother.
Even Kishore understood that Shalini was possibly lying.Kishore simply moved away.This was something very good about Kishore.He never asked too many personal questions or nagged people about their behavior.When he sees someone ignoring him , he simply disappears from the scene.
Shalini was super bored.Ravi kept on moving and exchanging handshakes with lots of men like a monkey.With such a skimpy sexy blouse on,Shalini did not want to mingle with those men.
She casually informed Ravi "I cannot fool around with these men wearing such a skimpy blouse.Just before leaving the party, introduce me to those men ...but not now..."
She saw a wheelchair bound middle aged lady on an elevated terrace.She inquired from a waiter that she was the wife of Balwant Singh.She met with a car accident 6 months back and had been like that ever since.
She went up the terrace and started a conversation with the lady.She was a nice pleasant lady who sounded resigned to her fate.
"How did that happen " Shalini wanted to know..
"Met with an accident at Nainital..."
"That's most unfortunate"
They talked for a while.After accident, she stayed at her father's place in Lucknow and Balvant had been living alone in his security officer quarters.Now, that he is transferred , he will again live alone in the new place while she will go back to Lucknow after the weekend.
The lady wheeled away after some time as she needed to have some medicines. Shalini went down to look out for Ravi.She could locate him inside a room made of glass walls.She saw him sitting with 5-6 men including Kishore ; but the host Balvant Singh was not there.All men had food plates and drinking glasses in front of them.She got anxious since Ravi should not be drinking in this health condition.
Shalini went forward to the buffet.She did not exactly feel like eating anything.Still she took a little salad and some chicken.Kishore had also reached there to refill his plates.But Shalini distinctly felt Kishore came out of the room to see Shalini was eating properly or not.But this time Shalini was glad Kishore came out of the room because the whole party looked eerily empty.The entire hallway had only one servant cum waiter who stood next to the buffet.Otherwise, everything suggested that the party was well over except those 5-6 men eating inside the glass room.
Shalini had covered her back and front carefully with her pallu to ensure the waiter or anyone else would not make out the skimpy blouse she was wearing.
But still, Shalini did not feel like talking to Kishore.She simply said .." I am perfectly okay Kishore ji...You should join your friends inside..."
Kishore felt a little odd with Shalini's indifference.He replied in a phony tone.."Yeah I will go inside...just came out to refill my plate..."
Kishore was about to leave when he heard her telling "If you can do me a favour"
"Sure..Tell me "
"Just see to that Ravi does not drink much..You know about his illness.."
"Will do my bit..."
"Thanks...Kishore ji.."
Shalini stepped outside onto the garden of the bungalow and walked on to the edge of the garden.And to her awe, she discovered the garden was situated next to the riverfront. The still water of the river looked beautiful and serene.She could see few small boats crossing the river far away with their lanterns swaying like diamonds.Such a tranquil place !! She has never been near the waterfront in the town and she never knew it was such pure raw beauty!!
She felt enchanted with the view.It was dark and very quiet.She flung open the small iron gate and stealthily started descending the slope which gave its way into the river water.
She stood there in the dark watching the river water making small waves.It was dark and probably the moonlight was obstructed by the cloud cover.
Just then he saw a tall broad man talking in hushed tone with a small thin man.It appeared that the tall man was negotiating some amount with the other person.The tall man's alert eyes could easily spot Shalini among the bushes.Immediately, the small thin man handed over few currency notes to the tall broad man and dashed off.Now Shalini could easily identify the tall dark figure.It was Balvant Singh. ______________________________