Natural Justice

This is the story of a Professor in a college working after retirement. Wife Sunita was comparatively young and wanted to fulfill many desires with his earnings. She is egoist and also tries to boost her image by tall talks in groups which she picks up. Raghav is required to work hard to fulfil wishes of wife and is unable to devote time to conjugal life. Their childless family keeps them isolated. Raghav’s new car is stolen. Sunita’s past gets opened up and their life changes in a peculiar way. They become the most unhappy couple. Raghav tries to plead in court own case and becomes a victim of the system and politics in place. He has lost everything and one day loses his life. His wife also fails to get back the wealth and comfort missed in earlier times.

Starting point

Raghav remembered the fateful night when it was raining heavily and power went off which was very common in our cities with the growing consumption pattern of electricity. So is true for automobiles when families keep buying a number of cars and enhance petrol consumption unnecessarily avoiding use of public transport. Raghav was also one of them and never thought otherwise to avoid the wrath of wife who was status conscious in all such matters and also spoke eloquently. ‘Why was it necessary for people like her to maintain status so that society gets pushed for faster development?’ She raised this question.

In the morning when Raghav went to take out his car from open parking, he didn’t find it in the place he parked and remembered. He made several rounds in the parking compound but couldn’t locate. His neighbor Deepak Jain came and asked disturbed Raghav.

He said, ‘last night my car was lifted from this open parking despite round the clock security. None came to help me. I can definitely say security fellows connived in the theft of the car.’

The word theft hammered hard in mind of Raghav, as he never experienced this in past. He was highly depressed for a short while and then recovered to take suggestions from Deepak Jain. He was told to inform police immediately who could alert all police stations around the Mandvi city to stop moving cars out of the city. He had chosen this comparatively smaller city with convenience and natural surroundings. His childhood overruled and in turn he overruled his stubborn wife. He went to the police station for information when in-charge came and inspected the place and made preliminary enquiries from guards. He also threatened the night guard on duty for sending him to jail. It didn’t work and Raghav lost all hopes.

The news of theft spread and many residents started asking for details and made suggestions which all couldn’t be acted upon. He patiently kept chasing the matter with the police station.

One old friend asked, ‘Did you promise to pay money to the police officer who came to enquire?’ ’No, replied Raghav.’ ‘That was a grave mistake. Had you promised, he would have acted seriously?’‘What would happen now?’ Raghav became curious to ask.

‘Nothing it would become a routine matter.’ said my friend again.

A new dimension

Raghav’s car was declared a VIP vehicle whenever he went to see it and was told that it was parked in a safe location and could be seen in two hours or so. It never happened and every time he returned frustrated. His curiosity increased when he saw a car. Last time when he was returning, an accompanying friend hunched and asked to detour towards the house of the Senior Superintendent of Police and saw a car entering the gate with a fashionable lady with two young daughters. It was carrying the same registration number. Ladies had gone shopping and carried many bags. They looked like rich persons with money in their wallets which was earned in bribes by officers whose salary was moderate by all standards.

Other Side of story

Sushama, a member in the kitty party in the society was narrating how her clever husband managed the case without much harassment. All judges want money to enjoy and their salary payments can’t satisfy family needs particularly if there are one or two fashion loving daughters. This money is paid through advocates and you don’t have any. I don’t know when you learn,” was a volley of criticism from wife.

This weapon she often used to get work done. But today he was in a bad mood to entertain her. He was having a headache and preferred to walk out of the house, his normal way of getting rid from mental agony. He met his friend Robert who took him to his house and asked Sally to serve drink to him. He joined and shortly got drunk. Sally slept in a compromising position and Robert caught them together. He left late at night and the next day Robert showed him recordings. He started blackmailing him and threatened to show this to Sunita. Now he was in a bigger mess and he obeyed Robert.

Raghav kept silent as he didn’t want to tell the truth how he was trapped by Robert. He couldn’t say that it was his game when he used wife to earn money. He became furious and decided to murder Robert and his wife to finish the story. He bought a gun from black market and went one evening to accomplish the plan. He rang the bell. Door was opened by Sally who was not alone. Someone was in her bedroom and Robert was away. She stopped him from entering the room and he forced his way. He found Sunita sleeping with an unknown man. His anger knew no bounds and shot his wife on spot. Sally and the man tried to catch him and he shot the man also. He pushed Sally and ran away.

Raghav got dropped near his house. He walked to his flat and rang the bell. The door was opened by the maid and showed relief after seeing.

“Where is Sunita?” he enquired.

“She is still sleeping after returning back from the kitty party. She was drunk and I had to work hard to get her to change dress and go to bed. She called your name two three times.” Maid informed. Raghav was back to senses after knowing all this. He was confused about shootout parties and the use of guns.

New social outfit

A group of women were spreading “Free Society” and stressed on “Freedom in movement” of women. This new wave was supported through social media where many controversial statements, narrations, stories and photographs were circulated. This was not appreciated by older people who were conservatives and stressed on conservative living and behavior of all and in particular ladies. Younger generation felt free and many times misbehaved with seniors in gatherings and also in streets trying to show them down. He met three mysterious women in different places during previous days and was shocked.

Unexpected change

Sunita came to complete senses after sleeping for more than four days continuously and got free from the influence of drugs and drink. She was feeling fresh after taking a bath and a good breakfast. Raghav sat down to talk to her.

“Can you recall what went wrong on that night when I went and shot you and a man who was on top?” He questioned.

“In fact our party was going on well. Suddenly Sally brought a drink to drink with others. My senses started getting blurred and all others were making fun of me. I couldn’t resist any more.”

“You think it was some sort of plan of Sally to embarrass you in front of others.” Raghav asked again.

“I am not sure as we had such parties earlier also. Then we started to eat food which I couldn’t eat much. A young boy in twenties rushed into the room. Robert or Sally didn’t object. He asked something and Sally pointed finger to me. He came and dragged me to the sofa and started molesting. All others ran out of room. He was trying to force himself and I resisted with all might. Once I kicked him in the face and he got furious and tried to pull my dress.” She described clearly.

“What happened thereafter?”

“It was then only when you came with a gun. All dispersed with fear and you saw me under that man. You shot: one at me and second at that man. He jumped and ran out and you ran after him. Both Sally and Robert came inside and started consoling me. After this incident I lost my senses and they brought and put me in this bed. After that you know what happened?” Sunita told. She was having no sense of guilt and Raghav thanked himself for protecting her from the rapist.

Someone rang her doorbell and came inside and forced Sarita to the sofa. She offered tea to him and made him senseless.

“He will remain senseless for eight hours. Robert will be back from court and shall decide what to do with him.” She replied.

“Who is he?” He asked.

“He is a man from the Sarita Devi gang. He often comes to sleep with me and is a renowned crook and wanted in many criminal cases. Robert has been helping them to get protection, of course with handsome fees and helps Sarita Devi. He follows orders and can’t say no.” She said with pains visible in look.

Criminal growth

“Rakesh indulged in physical relation with girls forcefully in school. Complaint was made in the police station and he was arrested. His mother stood and stopped the police when they came to their home. Inspector could do nothing. Later he was found to be a member of a gang of criminals. He escaped all the time while other associates were arrested. He arranged a gun for security and got money from mother. He often shot people resisting but killed none. His confidence grew and one day he came to satisfy his urge.

“Robert is sending me to Mumbai to stay with his friend who may be like him only. I have come to tell you some details about Rakesh and to give you this card where records of visiting persons are available. You may need them in future.” She said.

He thanked Sally who immediately got up to go. He took lunch and rushed to the hospital. He went to the chief of security who was already alerted by him. He informed him about the presence of criminal Rakesh and asked for greater vigilance. He carefully walked out from place and moved into the corridor.

Rakesh left the place after talking to one sister who was a gang member. It was difficult to find out immediately. He didn’t want to involve them too much causing insecurity. Finally he decided to move wife to some other hospital.

“Sister, tell me who met you just now and left?”

“He is a dangerous man and often comes to find out someone who is related to any police case. Just now he was asking about a lady named Sally who has deceived her and run away with money.” Uma replied.

“Who is Sally? How do you know her?”

“She is a reputed prostitute and poses as a housewife. She often comes for treatment here. “You all are supporting illegal activity and may be put to trouble. Rakesh who met you is the son of a senior police officer; you must know.” Raghav said strongly.

“It’s known to all here and we listen to him for this reason only. He is also a member of the “Sing to Live” group. Don’t be misled by this good name. Singing here means killing which is done by group members to extract money from business people and senior officials who want to get people killed. They play double games; the other being in case of revelation they are sent behind bars where they spend long years.” Uma said.

Another direction

“Are you the Professor who shot at him some days back? He came here with one advocate for treatment. His wound was superficial and was allowed to go after first aid.” Uma clarified.

“Yes I am that unlucky man. But now you know my difficulty. You don’t ignore my wife.” Raghav requested.

He went near his car and opened the door which was unlocked. He sat and started the car. There was a voice ordering him from the back seat.

“We have kept your wife in hospital ensuring that she is in sense. She can’t talk long and her mind gets numb. She knows many details about “RED CLUB”. Sally has gathered young girls from far off places who are now engaged as AYAS and they will be trained to injure rapists and molesters in streets.” Uma looked around to see reactions.

“Manager Raman of Royal Club has developed another group which entertains guests and also many of them are spending nights with them who chose to do so. This may prove bad for us and our secret moves will become public.” One female attending the meeting informed me.

Further churning

“Life right now has become complicated for me. Judge and police will decide the fate of the case.” He thought faintly.

Raghav went back home and started thinking how life has changed when he can't think freely or enjoy time. He felt it was all his own doings. The end game

“Robert was caring for us. He took interest in all legal matters. Losing him may be very disastrous for us.” Rakesh told his father.

“No he is a rogue and a black spot on the legal profession. You don't know much about his activities. He was running a sex racket with his wife Sally. I was trapped by her and later got blackmailed. They have recordings on me which if revealed can take my job.” Father said with anxiety. “Then it's better if he dies. Or otherwise we ask someone to kill him medically. We both will be free.” Rakesh suggested.

“He is not a simple person and has all secret files in a computerized storage. He has not disclosed password to even the closest person till date. His one adversary in court knows but is not known to us.” Father said.

Sally came and met all and he asked the father of Rakesh to come into the nearby cabin. They remained there for ten minutes. Sally came out. Rakesh found his father sweating profusely. He could hardly stand for ten minutes and collapsed on the floor. He was immediately rushed to emergency where the doctor just examined and couldn’t find any reason.

Suspecting of being poisoned, the doctor injected medicine which didn’t respond. Father died after twenty four hours. Rakesh couldn’t know what to do. Sally was crying loudly that she lost protector. She felt more endangered now. All were confused and looked around.

News of the death of the Senior Superintendent of Police spread like wildfire. Many came and formal post mortem was done and the body was disposed of. Rakesh was now very scared. “Your father was a very bad man. He was extremely corrupt and had many women friends who exploited him. He spent money on them and never cared for me.” Mother said without any emotion.

“I think you are right. It will be better for me also. My enemies will become very active and I can only be safe at home. Please pardon me for all the wrongs I have done in the past.” Rakesh told mother.

Unexpected finals

Raghav was dragged into discussion often to end in bad temper and at times physical fights. In this country separation was a tedious process; otherwise he would have resorted to that.

He said, “I am tired and would like to have food and early sleep.” He rushed to the bedroom and hurriedly entered the bathroom before he was dragged to another fighting session. His wife always exhausted her energy in long talk at the end of the day making evening more tense and scornful. Finally one day a court judgement came after many months. Sunita died in hospital without proper treatment. Raghav went to some unknown place selling flat to his college friend on a price never believed. The family became extinct while the judiciary kept hearing cases without thinking about any verdict. The stolen car was kept by the judge who got killed in a road accident while going on a pilgrimage. Only survivor left was his eight year old grandson who was cared for by the childless constable working in his court. Thus natural justice prevailed in an unexpected manner.