Bhavya made a face. "She was staying at an apartment in Panjim under her real name."
"Real name?" Rudra frowned. "Are you serious?"
"Yes," Bhavya nodded. She handed him an old birth certificate. "Shweta Kapoor. That's her real name."
Rudra's eyes widened as he read the certificate. "What the hell? He is Mr Kapoor's daughter!"
"Yes. I had to access old birth records and find out. She obviously changed her identity to take revenge from the Oberois."
He was not surprised. "Makes sense. Her father died in the fire. So her mother and she must have assumed that the Oberois killed him."
"We need to ask your father if Oberois at least gave compensation to Mrs Kapoor or not..." said Bhavya.
"Let's ask Papa instead..." Rudra said tersely and took out his mobile. After a few rings, Shakti picked up the call. "Papa. Between me and you. When we got the insurance money for the Kalyani Mills fire, did you give some amount to Mr Kapoor's family?"
There was silence on the other end. "Okay. Between me and you. No. Not the full amount. Bhai saheb refused to pay them in full because he thought that it was Mr Kapoor who started the fire. And let me tell you, I also think so. I never liked Mr Kapoor one bit."
Rudra sighed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, beta. I am sure..." said Shakti. "But why are you asking this to me now? What's happening? Why are we beating old skeletons now?"
"Because this murder attempt has something to do with the past, Papa. And you know what response I can have to do. Bhaiya would have done the same if I was in his place. I want to know everything. I will not rest until I untangled this mess. I owe it to Bhaiya..." said Ruda.
Shakti remained quiet. Then he said. "Fine. I will not fight it if this is what you want. I am just happy that my son at least got the best brothers even if he was not lucky with his parents and other relationships."
"Papa..."
"It's okay Ru..." Shakti cut Rudra off. "It is the truth and nobody can change it. It is my and Pinky's mistake. We shall pay for it. But anyway. Tell me when are you coming back? Shivaay is showing some small movements now. He might wake up soon."
"Oh really?" Rudra squealed in delight on hearing it. "I am coming. Yes!"
Shakti chuckled. "Okay, come. Bye."
Keeping his happiness aside for a moment, Rudra turned towards Bhavya. "They didn't get full compensation. And Dad thought that it was her father who started the fire."
"Strange..." mumbled Bhavya.
"Waise, how did you find her?" asked Rudra.
Bhavya smirked. "Rudra Singh Oberoi, a good police officer never shares all her secrets with mere civilians."
"Mere civilians, huh?" Rudra placed his hands on Bhavya's waist and pulled her near him. "But okay boss. Don't share it with me."
Bhavya tiptoed on her toes and pecked her lips. Instead of the romantic words Rudra was expecting, she spoke about the case. "I understand Swetlana's motives now. But I still don't understand Veer's motives. And I think your father very conveniently erased all the records of Roop Bua's child. Nothing exists. So we can't be sure if Veer is truly her son or not."
Rudra was a little disappointed but masked it quickly. She was doing it only for him and his family and he had nothing but respect for her. And well, no one could keep the police officer from mysteries for too long.
"I don't see any other motive Bhavya," Rudra said. "Why is only after Shivaay Bhaiya? Why not me? Or Om?"
Bhavya looked at the ceiling. "Maybe cause Shivaay Bhaiya took his place in the family? If he was legitimate, he would have been the eldest son. And maybe because Shivaay Bhaiya is the one who holds this family together. Without him, everyone and everything will collapse like a line of domino."
"You are right..." Rudra bobbed his head. He closed his eyes for a moment. He hugged Bhavya and suddenly captured her lips in a passionate kiss. When they parted, he kept his forehead on hers. "I will come here at night now. Bhaiya is supposed to wake up in half an hour. I have to be there."
"Go. Do hug him on my behalf.." Bhavya whispered and looked at Swetlana. "I will do her khaatirdaari."
"Koi kami mat rakhna..." urged Rudra. "We have to set an example. We have to tell the world that hyenas will remain hyenas, they can never harm a lion."
Bhavya nodded. Rudra stared at Swetlana. Then he smirked, "See you at night, Shweta."
***
Happy Sundaze!
