Chapter 10 #4
"Sir, you also know we don’t have any other option.
We can’t take the burden of these 16 girls on our heads.
Even if we hide this for their benefit, after a few years someone will dig it up and question the department, saying we deliberately hid it and benefited from it.
Things like this have already happened many times.
We are just trying to minimize damage to the department, sir," the Commissioner explained.
The DGP listened, his expression slowly tightening as he considered the argument.
But a phone call disrupted all their plans.
"Sir… the CM’s convoy is on the way. He will be there anytime," the DGP received the information from his subordinates.
"What? Why wasn’t I informed of this before?" the DGP questioned, but before he could answer, the DGP hung up. For now, it was more important to prepare for the CM’s arrival than to push for explanations.
Honestly, when he had spoken to the Chief Minister earlier, he had expected strict monitoring and constant questioning about progress. But Shaurya had surprised them by deciding to visit the station directly.
"These animals wouldn’t think of us. Money and reputation matter more to them. Despite the CM’s orders, they are still doing it," one of them said.
"Arre, that CM is also involved in it. Do you really think he would be unaware of what these people would do? He is just acting to protect his image by ordering the DGP not to reveal our details," another said, and several others agreed.
"They are all the same. Power and money is everything to them," they concluded collectively.
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"Sir… the DGP has reached. I’ll go and inform them about your arrival," the security head said as soon as they reached the premises.
"Not needed… let’s go in," Shaurya said.
"The CM’s convoy is here… sir… C… Chief Minister’s convoy is here…," the guard spoke into the handheld transceiver. A wave of commotion spread instantly, and Akansha froze the moment she heard it.
Before the Commissioner, DGP, or anyone else could react, Shaurya entered the police station with his Principal Secretary, Additional Secretaries, legal advisors, immediate staff, and Z-category security.
The entire station fell silent. Everyone saluted him.
No one had expected the Chief Minister to arrive at a small police station at that hour, especially for just 16 girls.
The reason they thought so was that previous governments had barely even issued a statement when thousands of girls had gone missing.
"I know what’s going on here… so don’t even try hiding it," Shaurya said in a firm, no-nonsense tone. His voice echoed through the station, carrying authority that silenced every corner.
Akansha shivered at his voice after five long years. She even forgot to breathe properly. The fear of being spotted multiplied instantly. The girls, however, were too anxious about what the Chief Minister would say to notice her condition.
"Sir… we…," the DGP started, but Shaurya interrupted with a shake of his head.
"Bring the documents related to the case," Shaurya ordered.
Ankit stood frozen. He couldn’t present the register—he hadn’t even added Akansha’s details yet.
"Sir… we still have to complete several entries," the Commissioner responded instead.
"Fine. My legal team and Additional Secretary will oversee the process. These 16 girls have been found, but where they were found is not for public knowledge. They deserve a new life, and they will get it," Shaurya said firmly.
"Sir, but hiding such an important matter from the public is…," the DGP began.
"You are right, Mr. Pathak. Then let’s start the revelations with your department’s failures. How about that?" Shaurya asked, glaring at him.
This is about 16 girls and their dignity, and they are still playing dirty games to save departmental reputation? Shaurya’s anger rose sharply. He could not leave innocent lives in the hands of such people.
"Bring everyone here. I want to speak to them personally," Shaurya commanded.
His words brought relief to the girls. Hope returned to them. The SI realized all plans were now impossible, but it terrified Akansha.
The constable opened the lock-up, and the girls stepped out. Akansha stood frozen.
"You too… move," the constable said.
"M… me? Why me? I don’t belong to tha… that," Akansha struggled to complete her sentence. She could not face Shaurya. Not like this.
"You belong to this case only. Saab has already decided. This is better for you—you will be relieved. There will be no case against you," the lady constable said, pulling her gently.
When they reached the hall where the CM was present, she released her hand. Akansha stood behind the group of girls, trying to cover herself as much as possible.
"I want to hear what happened to you and there is no need to be afraid. I will make sure you restart your life ag…," Shaurya began with a calm smile.
But suddenly, his expression faltered.
The hair… the forehead… it looked exactly like his wife.
No… no…
It cannot be her.
All these years, he had prayed to see her again. And now, for the first time, he found himself praying the opposite.
But God had different plans.
The girl standing in front of Akansha tilted her head slightly to listen to her friend behind her.
And that was when Shaurya saw her.
Akansha.
The ground beneath him felt like it vanished.
No.
Not in a f**king hell.
"A… A…," Shaurya fumbled. His breathing quickened. He tried to compose himself, but it only became harder.
Mr. Sharma was astonished to see the ever-calm, composed Shaurya under so much stress.
"Akansha…," Shaurya called in a whisper.
But since the entire station had fallen silent, she heard him. Everyone heard him.
Akansha closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself. Then she slowly raised her head and looked at his face… into his eyes—the eyes she had once been so used to looking into, the eyes that had once reflected her entire world.
But now… those eyes meant nothing to her. Or so she thought.