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“No, you are not. Being deeply involved in the criminal world for thirty years requires a period of cleansing. You need to confront the ghosts of your past and move on, and this is where counselling will help you. That’s all.”
I take a few minutes to decide before picking up the pen.
“Anything else I should know?” I purposely mock.
Ayaan nods. “If you ever turn to the underworld or commit any crime again, I’ll come after you. Ayaan Shergill never gives a second chance, even to his allies. Remember that.”
“Is that a threat?” I counter-reply.
“Consider it a warning,” he replies. “One I want you to take very seriously.”
There’s something about being warned by a brother, especially the younger one. Does a ten-minute difference in birth really make the younger one bossy?
I roll my eyes before turning back to the file. I sign the papers as ‘Raghav’—just my name, as that would be my only identity now in this fresh start of my life.
AYAAN
The next day, I stand outside Dad’s room, gently tapping my knuckles against the door. The weight of the past week hangs on my shoulders as I bear the heavy burden of decisions made and paths chosen. Raghav’s transformation into an informant has been a complex ordeal, and today, I have to reveal that truth to Dad. Meher already had an inkling of my actions, but I couldn’t bring myself to share it with Dad until Raghav signed those papers. I had kept my professional identity hidden from my father all these years while I was the director at GLEN. Now, I refuse to hide any more crucial information from him.
The door opens, and I’m welcomed by Dad’s warm smile. However, my sombre expression immediately alerts him that something is amiss. Concern flickers in his eyes as he questions, “Ayaan? What happened? Is everything all right? Why the serious mood?”
I lead him into the room first and take a deep breath, preparing myself to share a truth that would challenge the principles he instilled in me.
“I want you to forgive me, Dad,” I confess, and his confusion deepens.
“My son never does anything wrong. This is the first time you’ve asked for my forgiveness. What have you done to make such a request?” he asks, genuine curiosity etched across his face.
I sit him down on the bed, take a seat next to him, and begin to share the complexity of the situation.
“Dad, you’ve always taught me the values of righteousness, to do good, and never forgive those who commit sins. I’ve embraced those principles, living by that code. But yesterday, I did something that went against those principles, against your teachings.”
He remains silent as I continue to share the rest of the truth.
“Raghav has become our informant, Dad. In light of his decision to cooperate and share vital information about the Bat Syndicate and their other connections, I’ve erased his criminal record and wiped his slate clean, offering him a chance to start afresh.”
Stunned, Dad absorbs the revelation and tries to come to terms with the unexpected turn of events.
“I was fortunate to have you guide me, Dad, showing me the difference between right and wrong.” I press on, expressing the emotional turmoil within me. “However, Raghav’s innocence was stripped off under Tej Khurana’s dark influence. As we are twins, I believe he would have led a law-abiding life if he had been surrounded by good people like you. Unfortunately, fate dealt him a different hand. So, when he took his first brave step toward the right path by leaving the underworld and becoming our informant, I felt compelled to do something for him, for my brother, even if it meant going against the very principles you taught me. I’m sorry, Dad.”
Dad’s smile catches me by surprise. He pats my back, his gesture expressing a silent acknowledgment of the decisions I’ve made for Raghav.
“I am proud you did this for Raghav, Ayaan,” he states, filling the room with an unexpected warmth. “You are right. That boy was stuck all these years in the wrong world. His innocence was butchered, and his mind was brainwashed by Tej’s cruel intentions. But no more. I have seen the same spark in his eyes that I see in yours. If you can turn out to be such a fine man, I know he will, too, someday. He needed a second chance, and I am glad you gave him that. Had you not done this for him, I myself would have recommended you to do it. There’s something about that boy which tells me he has a good heart. He will work on it and redefine himself while atoning for his sins.”
Dad’s approval overwhelms me.
“You don’t need to ask forgiveness, my boy, because you have done the right thing, as always,” he adds.
I hug him, sealing the unspoken understanding between us.
“Thanks, Dad. I’m so relieved. Thanks for understanding.”
“I’m always on your side, Ayaan. Because the king is always right.”
I chuckle, pulling away from the hug. Meher calling me ‘King’ is fine, but when Dad calls me that, I can’t help but chuckle. I grasp his hand in mine, meeting his gaze with sincerity.
“I might be the king for Meher and those acquainted with my professional persona. But for me,youare my true king, Dad. And I will forever remain your prince, seeking your love, affection and guidance.”
Dad’s emotions are palpable as he takes a deep breath, a surge of love evident in his eyes. He tenderly cups my face and gives me a kiss on my forehead.
