Chapter 38 — Dharma’s Other Side

Dheer's POV:

I went to the cafe where Dharma, Jay and I had spent hours together. I remembered bunking the classes and spending here in this cafe.

"Hi uncle, how are you?" I asked the owner of the cafe.

"Who is this?"

"I am Dheer, uncle."

"Dheer beta, how are you? How are Dharma beta and Asha beti?" He asked with the same affection which he used to shower on us in those college days.

"I am fine uncle. Dharma..."

"I am fine too, chacha."

I turned back and saw Dharma there. Dharma came inside and took blessings from the cafe uncle.

"Kush raho beta (Be happy son). I am so happy to see you both again here," the uncle said.

"How is Asha, Dharma beta?"

"Asha is fine, chacha. Are you coming for my marriage?" Dharma asked.

"Sure, beta."

"Where is my sister?"

Dharma calls his daughter as a sister. Uncle called his daughter, and she came to meet Dharma. Dharma gave a few notebooks and pens to that girl. Through their conversation, I understood that Dharma took responsibility for her education. It means he is still in touch with them. After college, I never came here, but Dharma took their responsibility.

"Bring us two cups of tea, Shivani," Dharma said, and we went to the backyard of the cafe. It's a garden. We three used to spend time here in the garden than in the cafeteria. Shivani brought tea and biscuits for us.

"My favourite Osmania biscuit," Dharma said and took the tea with a biscuit.

He is behaving as a Dharma and not as a Home Minister.

"So Dheer, what do you want to know about me?"

"Why did you change, Dharma? Did you really change?"

Dharma smiled without answering.

"The tea and biscuits at Chacha's cafe are the best. Isn't it, Dheer?"

He is increasing my anger. Damn it, does he think I came here to have tea and biscuit?

"Dharma, can you come to the point?" I said, earnestly.

Even in our college days, this fellow was like this. He used to make fun while we were talking seriously. He won't take anything seriously and won't understand even if someone is speaking seriously.

"Cool down, Dheer. After a long time, we met as friends. I am trying to enjoy the moment rather than arguing. Anyways, do you know that I am waiting for this question from a long time, Dheer?

You should've asked this question when you assumed that I killed Jay, or at least after my release. But you never did so. Today, you are asking me."

"Dharma, are you going to answer me or not?"

"When I got released from the jail, I came to meet you. But, you refused to meet me saying you don't like to meet a criminal. You should have asked me the truth on that day. But, you didn't. What is friendship according to you, Dheer?"

I didn't reply to him. I didn't understand how to answer.

"Tell me, why do you trust Ranjeev more than me?"

"It's not the matter now. You are diverting the topic," I said.

"Is it? Ok, let me say the reason behind your trust in Jay. He is your half-brother. So you trusted him but not me."

"How do you know this?"

"Don't forget, Dheer. I was the one who collected the whole information about Mitra in our college days for you. I can easily find out the details of anyone."

"I didn't forget anything, Dharma. It's ok if you don't like to share the reason behind your change. But at least now, stop all this. Don't help the criminals and don't stand for injustice."

"What is injustice? Killing Sarika didi, spoiling Mitra's life, trying to kill Asha, are these all justice? Everyone knows that it's injustice. But till now, the laws which you are protecting and supporting didn't punish any culprits. I can't sit quite seeing all these crimes and thinking that the court will punish them.

There are punishments for every crime in our law, and there are loopholes for every criminal to escape. Dharma knows how to do justice. I am not Dheer to fold my hands in the name of laws and rules," Dharma said, angrily.

"Dharma, it's wrong to do crime in the name of justice."

"Let's see, Dheer. First find out the murderer of Sarika di and one who tried spoiling Mitra's life. Then if you can punish them using your power and law, I will come into your way."

"I am accepting your challenge," I said.

"Dheer, do you know who is Asha?"

"Asha? No."

"Asha is Kali's sister."

"What? Doesn't she die in that riots?"

"Life is never simple to understand everything easily. Dheer, you are just thinking whatever you see is true. But no. That doctors, and the minister everyone are puppets in the hands of someone else. Even Jay. Jay actually tried to save Mitra."

"What the hell are you talking, Dharma? Jay tried to molest her. How can you say that he tried to save her?"

"Yes, Jay tried to save Mitra. Sometimes it's necessary to pretend harming to save," He said, confusing me.

"Enough Dharma, I didn't meet you to hear your riddles."

"Life is a riddle, Dheer. Try finding answers to my questions. You will understand the reason behind my change," Dharma said and left the place.

I went home. Mitra is busy in selecting sarees. She took all the sarees from the wardrobe and kept them on the bed. I sat on the chair, thinking about Dharma's words.

"Dheer, how is this saree?"

"Nice," I replied.

"Ok, I will wear this for Asha's engagement. Dheer, is this ok for Sangeeth?"

"Mitra, please, I am having a headache. Select by yourself," I said, and she looked at me.

"Ok. I will bring tea for you," Mitra said, going to the kitchen.

"Wait a minute, Mitra. I want to ask you one thing. Will you tell me the truth?"

"Sure, Dheer. Why would I lie to you? Ask me."

"Then tell me is it true that Jay tried to molest you?"

"Yes, Dheer. Why are you asking like this again?"

I went near to her and pinned her to the wall.

"Mitra, if it's true then everything will be ok. But, if in any case, it's a lie, the moment I knew it, our relationship will end," I said, gravely.

"Why are you talking like that? Didn't you trust me?" Mitra asked with tears.

I left her and went outside without saying anything to her. Mitra told that Dharma saved her when Jay tried to molest her. But, Dharma said that Jay wanted to save her. Who is telling the truth and who is lying? Dharma cares about Mitra. Then why will he lie regarding Mitra? But, Mitra's eyes are saying that what she said about Jay is true. I should first find out who killed Sarika di. Only that can solve the whole mystery.