Ties that bind us together

Chapter - 14

"This is a standard procedure. We cannot avoid it. Without Akshara's statement, those two criminals won't get any punishment", Abhi told them. He couldn't understand their reactions.  

"Look Abhimanyu, Akshara is not comfortable around police officers. Are you sure it can't be avoided?" Sanjeev asked Abhimanyu. He knew that this is a standard procedure, and it can't be changed but his daughter's wellbeing is his first priority. So, he requested Abhimanyu to mold the laws just for his daughter. Abhimanyu and Naira are in confusion regarding these police scare. So, Abhi gave them the answer which they wanted. 

"I will see what I can do. Don't worry", he reassured them. 

So, here he is in her room talking to her about the police situation and see how she reacts.

"Akshara, are you listening to me?" he asked her when he saw her white face. She looked like she has seen a ghost. He quickly held her hand which were ice cold. Her breathing gets laboured. She shivered even listening the word 'police' from his mouth. "Are you okay?" he asked again worriedly.

"Pol..ice", she stuttered. 

"This is just a standard procedure They will ask you certain questions regarding this matter. They will not disturb you at all after this," he assured her. He continuously rubbed her hand to give her some semblance of comfort.

"They will... tell... him. Police is bad", stuttered Akshara. Tears were leaking from her eyes. Flashes of her horrid past when she was beaten with police bet and that brown boots. She shivered and put her hands on her face like she is trying to protect herself. 

"Hey...hey...no one will do anything to you. I am here Akshara. Nobody can touch you in my presence", Abhi comforted her. He pulled her hands from her face and looked at her in the eyes. 

"He will kill me", she whispered. Abhi grabbed her face and assured her. "Nobody will even put a finger on you. I promise".

"He will not find me na?" she asked in terror. 

"He will not. I am here. I will protect you from everything", he promised. He didn't know about whom she is talking but he vowed to save her from any threats ever loom over her. 

"Okay", she whispered. He took a sigh of relief. She looks a little compose now. He had so many questions in his mind about why she is so afraid of police, but he couldn't ask any questions from her because they do not know each other that well till now. So, all give her a reassuring smile. She just nodded her head. 

Both of them were lost in their thoughts. Akshara is dwelling on her past whereas Abhi is trying to piece together everything he had seen today and know about her. She is becoming a big mystery for him. Their reverie broke when a notification came on his phone. He looked at their hands which were intertwined. Akshara quickly left his hands. 

"Sorry", she said awkwardly feeling uncomfortable about holding his hands for so long.

"No need", he smiled at her. He pulled his phone out to see message from Aman.

Aman: Sir, Dr. Akshara file is sealed.

Abhi: What do you mean by sealed? Give me proper information.

Aman: Sir, ma'am's file is sealed...means we cannot access her records legally. I have to hack the government system to know more about her.

Abhi: Anybody's record cannot be sealed that easily in India. Only under very specific circumstances records will be sealed.

Aman: Exactly sir. That's what I am thinking. Someone took a great deal of pain to seal her records. It won't be easy to gain her information.