PART 20

The next morning passed in a jiffy with khushi trying her best to avoid ASR not that she had to try too hard,given the pressure cooker condition they worked in and countless important cases thrown their way,they hardly got time to dwell on other matters.

It was evening when ASR found khushi sitting in the comference room,reading a file.

''Khushi,let's go!''ASR ordered.

''What?...Uh..Oh!Yeah!''Khushi stood up and followed ASR out of the office.Both of them unaware to the fact that a pair of malevolent eyes followed their departure with glee.

''Boss,he has started for Gurgaon with another officer khushi gupta.''Chandru informed in a hushed voice.

The chase had begun....

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''Why aren't there  any street lights on this road?''Khushi mused looking puzzled.

They were passing through a deserted road on their way back from Gurgaon.The meeting had gone well with several well-chalked strategies to nab the drug peddlers and tighten noose on the wide-spread social abomination.

The swath of the headlight of their car was the sole source of light cutting the velvety darkness.In the glare of headlight they suddenly spotted that several branches and heavy looking drums had been used to block the way.

''That's odd!What are these drums doing here?''Khushi frowned.

But ASR's mind raced.He had already sensed the danger.It was a very old trick to trap the prey in a snare.

''Khushi,hold on!''he commanded,maneuvering the car out from the blockage through a ditch on the side of the road.He jammed his foot on the accelerator,with khushi clutching on to the seat for dear life.

Suddenly a loud bang echoed in the surrounding and the car skidded wildly on the asaphalt,completely out of control.

ASR pressed the breaks hard trying to steer the car towards the roadside grooves of trees.

''Khushi jump out and dive into the woods as soon as the car stops!''he yelled frantically.

The car collided with a tree partially falling off the road into the thickets. The safety airbag inflated and precisely at the same time as if on cue several bullets hit the car,shattering the glass of windows.

''Khushi lie low!''ASR shrieked,opening the door and wriggling out,followed by khushi.

There were several shouts as men came running towards them,firing feverishly. ASR jerked khushi down on him,covering her body with his.

Khushi felt his body convulse and something warm and sticky trickled down her neck and legs.

With a dawning sense of horror she realized what it was.ASR was shot in a bid to protect khushi!

They rolled,darting in the gloomy woods immediately,leaving their assailants riddling the car like mavericks.Khushi panted with her efforts to pull an injured ASR along.She searched her pocket for her mobile and found it to be broken.

''Arnavji,do you have your mobile with you?''She asked frantically.

''No,I left it in the glove compartment of the car!''ASR gasped,leaning heavily on khushi.

He was shot in shoulder and leg.The constantly oozing blood and diabetes weakened him severely.

Khushi struggled with him on the rough path of woods,slipping and stumbling on the moss, injuring her elbows and knees,whispering encouragements to Arnav,not that he needed it.He was a tough man,tenacious to keep going!

Suddenly they heard cracking of twigs and footsteps as their assailants came running into the thickets searching for them.Khushi pulled ASR behind some dense bushes,constantly mumbling prayers.

The men came but nobody spotted their hideout and went away in other direction.

''Khushi you leave me and go....Cross these grooves and you'll catch the road.Don't risk your life for me....I'll be fine!''ASR's weak voice still had the authority.

''Do you think I'm so mean as to leave you in this condition and run away to save my life?I'm not afraid of death!I'm no coward!I'll get us out of these woods safe and sound.So there!''She growled indignantly.

ASR gaped at her in wonder.She considered running for her life,leaving him behind as a mean act!He had never come across a more selfless soul apart from his sister!

No one could be more feisty than khushi kumari gupta!

They had to struggle a couple of meters more before  luck smiled on them.The duo could clearly make out the hula-balloo of the bustling traffic and city light sifting through the trees.

Khushi dragged ASR along,quickening her pace.They both were drenched in perspiration and muck of the grooves.

The bustling city freeway had never  been so welcoming.Absolutely whacked khushi hailed an Auto and made ASR sit in it,who despite his wounds was remarkably conscious and vigilant.

She collapsed in the seat with tears pouring down her eyes and hugged ASR tightly as they raced away to the nearest hospital.

They were safe......