In my Devil's Arms

In next few days everyone got busy in their lives.

Riya worked hard on her thesis. She informed Laxmi about the memoir. Overjoyed Laxmi hugged her.Happily she informed Mrs Pundit who blessed her continuously. Laxmi was now learning details about her papa's business. She worked hard. Lisa's typing work and hospital hours earned her a good money. She looked a bit tired but her work experience was increasing and so were the chances of a high paid job. Zoya got busy too. Her work profile at resort was not clear but there were some old letters and stone tablets which she began translating in English.

" The palace was occupied by a lot f rulers in later date", Riya had mentioned her.

Riya remained scared in confronting Vicky with her feelings. What if he said no?

Vikram on the other hand got busy with his resort. An idea was framing in his mind. He was patiently waiting for his love and acting on a big launch. Numaan and him were preparing for a big publicity.

Vinod was highly disturbed by closeness between Dipti and Vicky. They whispered things to each other and laughed. He was feeling jealous these days.

Gaurav's mom was becoming an headache for him.

" She is threatening me with her life", he said to others one day.

" Mothers these days", said Sonia tauntingly and left swaying her h*ps.

Manav sighed. He will talk to baba tonight.

In the midst of all this a new mystery was unfolding in the city. A dangerous one.

Mumbai Police Headquarters.

" ACP Salman", said SP.

" Yes sir", he saluted.

Commiasioner, DSP, a few army personnel and chief minister were present in the room.

" We heard you are investigating disappearances around that village in the outskirts of city", said an army person.

" Yes sir".

" ACP this is agent Duleep and I am Sharman Pradhan. We came from cantt in Pune", said another one seriously.

" What is this about", he asked.

" We are impressed by your work", said chief minister.

" Work", he was confused.

" Niether there is a monster nor an animal", said DSP. "But criminals as you filed in that report".

" The area was out of my jurisdiction. I arrested a few thugs and they claimed to be paid to spread rumours", said Salman.

" We are aware of it", said Duleep.

" But then I handed it over to local officer", said Salman. " It was the rule".

" I like that aboot you", said the commissioner.

" What is all this about", asked Salman.

" Its about a terrorist organization ", Sharman said.

Salman was stunned.

Meanwhile

" Punditji this is third body to be found ", said one of the village head.

" The monster is striking again", said a woman.

" Please guide us on what to do", said the third.

" What did the police say", asked the head priest.

" They are investigating ", said a Panchayat member. " But they have nothing".

" Its that monster again", said an old lady.

" Which one dai( a term used for mother or grandmother in rural India)

" The one my father talked about", she said. " Once he tried to rule the world but a Brahmin warrior killed him", she said.

" But if the monster is dead how is it back", said a villager.

"A monster always lives inside us my child", came a voice.

Everyone turned to see a young ascetic. His face glowed as his long hairs flew like wind. But his eyes held a light of knowledge.

" Pranam punditji", all the priest of temple greeted him.

" Who is he", asked a young teenager to his father.

" He is an ascetic from Himalayas. Priests say he met Shiva and got knowledge from him", answered his father.

" So is the monster back", asked the teenager.

" Yes".

" Who will save us now", asked the kid.

" Where there exists dark there exist light. Where there exist misery there exist hope. Where there exist satan there exists God. On Earth if there is a bad person there exist good people", said the ascetic.

" So good will win", asked the villagers.

" A war is inevitable. Winning or losing depends on us. Which side we are on? May Shiva bless you", said the ascetic.

The villagers keep looking after him.

Police Station

" Terrorists", said Salman.

" Yes", said Duleep. " So I want to know what made you think there are criminals involved."

" Let me tell you officer", said Salman. " I got involved in this case in a rather unorthodox manner umm as a favour".

" Carry on", said SP.

" My fiancee's friend is a journalist. She prepared a ground report on this.. But it was thwarted by seniors. Some tried to steal it too. To prove her right she needed help. So I went with her. And I don't believe in folklores. Even Ms. Shukla suspected crime. I asked her to file a FIR for any minute crime in area. She did and I started initial investigation. I caught a few thugs but I didn't have the slightest idea of terrorists."

" That FIR got my attention", said Duleep. I started investigating and boom we get THE BLACK COBRA GANG.

" Exactly what are they trying to do in that area", asked SP.

" Probably set a headquarters", said Duleep. " They had one nearby in some Deepjyoti palace but the new owner Oberoi started cracking down on tresspassers and gamblers. So they shifted."

" I know Vikram Oberoi " , said Salman.

" His company did some construction for army", said Sharman.

" Is he involved", asked Salman.

" I guess unknowingly he made them suffer loss. So they can attack him", said Sharman.

" Okay", said Salman.

" Where do we go from here", asked the commissioner.

" We can't alert them", said Duleep.

" Gather a team", said commissioner to Salman. " Work with the army. We need to thwart any attack on the city that this gang is preparing for".

" Very well sir", said Salman.

" We need some patrollung of the area in civil clothes", said Duleep.

" Roger that", said DSP.

" If the enemy tries to hurt our nation then we will pay in blood", said Sharman.

" Jai Hind", said everyone.

At the temple

The villagers have left.

The ascetic sat with the priests of the temple.

" Shiva protects us and devotees here but the area outside the range of temple is not safe. Take the first waters of Shiva's offerungs tomorrow morning and spread in the market area and other compounds ".

" As you say punditji", they all agreed.

After tomorrow's morning prayers I will be on meditation under the tree. See that I am not disturbed. I am looking at the ways and trying to find the leader who will lead the war on virtuos side".

" Ji punditji ".

" Next morning"

After the initial prayers the priest collected holy waters of Shivaling's bathing and spreaded in nearby villages and market area. The entire team of priest chanted mantras as the ascetic went in deep meditation.

The mortals and divine were preparing for the war. The enemy was common. EVIL.