Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Niharika's POV

Moving out of the hospital, I went straight home. I called upon Raghav to instruct him on collecting details about Arnav Seth. I also called the ACP to verify Sapna's statement and inquired if Walia had accepted his mistakes in the statement. I was amused to know the things were sorted. I switched on the TV.

Vikram Walia, the business tycoon is arrested for foul play..

Several cases under the name of Vikram Walia, prominent business tycoon..

The headlines displayed in every channel rendered a feeling of satisfaction in my mind. I was relaxed since my company's reputation was saved. I wanted to know about the spa owner now, her involvement and reasons for joining hands with Walia.

I called Raghav again.

"Hi, Raghav. Scene is sorted but I want the details of Niyati's statement." I asked him immediately.

"Madam, this is the worst part of the case. She wasn't Walia's girlfriend. She was blackmailed." Raghav told me, leaving me shocked.

"Blackmailed, but why?" I asked. I was astonished and I wondered how insane Vikram was just for a petty rivalry and competition.

"Madam, she resides on the other end of the city. Once while getting back home late at night, her car broke down." He stopped for a while and took a deep breath. He continued, "Madam, Niyati.. She waited for help and saw Vikram's car coming. He was drunk. She asked for help and in the pretext of helping her, he .., he.., Madam, he raped her." I could feel something bubbling up in his voice. He told, "Madam, if this was not fine, he made a video of her and blackmailed her to get a Private Number from the telecom service provider and snap a case at 'The Exquisite'." He stopped for a while after giving this news to me leaving me shocked to the core.

"Madam, I have more information." Raghav said in a heavy voice. I was completely drenched in sweat hearing the trauma of that beautiful girl.

"What, Raghav?" I managed to ask him without stammering.

"Madam, Arnav Seth and Vikram Walia were partners in a scandalous business of prostitution and trafficking of girls. Arnav was caught three days ago when he tried to buy from Nepalese girls illegally. The ACP has confirmed the relationship of Arnav and Vikram. These people will not be coming out any sooner. You don't worry." Raghav told in a professional tone trying to maintain his composure but I knew he was shocked at the inhumanity these people possessed.

"Raghav, I am going to meet Niyati and Sapna. Thanks for your good work for 'The Exquisite'. Bye." I said appreciating him for his efforts and deviating from the topic. I wanted to talk to both the girls. My heartbeat raced heavily.

I rushed to the hospital again. I enquired the receptionist if Sapna was discharged or not. Luckily she wasn't discharged yet.

I rushed to meet her on the 3rd floor. She sat up on the hospital bed as soon as she saw me.

"Madam, you are here." She said surprisingly.

I tried maintaining her composure and said, "I got to know that Arnav Seth was involved in sex trafficking along with Vikram Walia, the unknown man who threatened you. You could have told me everything beforehand. Anyway, you can get back to work but you will come early in the morning, complete your chores and get back. I will arrange your accommodation." My voice almost choked as I completed my statement.

"Thank you, madam. I am sorry. I will not disappoint you again." She said, wiping her tears.

"Take care. Call me after getting discharged. Mr. Bose will arrange your lodgings. Bye." I said assuring her.

I knew she had no one and no funds to sustain. Plus, she wasn't at fault.

I went to the 5th floor to meet Niyati. I went to her hospital ward. Her eyes lacked the charm they had in the morning. The shoulder was bandaged. In the green hospital gown, she laid on the bed wincing in pain. She hadn't taken any pain killer or sedative after giving the statement to the police officials.

She managed a meek "Hello".

"Niyati, hope you are doing well". I said understanding her plight.

"Ms. Niharika, I was blackmailed for everything. Actually..." I stopped her signalling my hand towards her and said, "I know everything and I am here to offer my sympathies. I am sorry you had to go through all this. If you have any problem ever, you can contact me. Take care and get well soon. Plus, I will try to make sure your involvement in the case remains undiscovered in the media." I assured her. My mind was relaxed to see her worried eyes beaming in gratitude. She managed to say a thanks as she seemed to be at the loss of words.