Flames OF Paradise - Season 1 - Episode 20

Episode 7 years ago

Flames OF Paradise - Season 1 - Episode 20

‘Ouch! You really know how to hurt lady!’ Roshan’s voice whispered fiercely in English. ‘He pulled her towards her tight and said, ‘If you will keep quiet, I will remove my hands. The men are coming fast towards us. We are in danger.’ Stunned to see Roshan, she could just nod. Cautiously, Roshan removed his hand from her numb mouth, and pulled her closer, which brought her annoyingly close to his hard chest, his left arm still clutching her by her waist. She became aware of his attire, covered from head to toe in black, it was obvious why she hadn’t seen him in the thick fog. Before she opened her mouth to bang questions at him, he put his finger on her lips to silence her, as they heard menacing shouts and sound of running feet approaching them. Crouching lower in the pit, which now she noticed was deep and uncomfortable, she was even scared to breathe and could feel Roshan’s heart beats increase and beat a deadly rhythm. So, he was helping her. But why? Snigdha just couldn’t fathom this turn of events. Wasn’t he supposed to capture her and hand her over to the chief being a part of Jung-e-Azadi? Why was he protecting her from these terrorists? Suddenly, she recognised the chief’s voice who shouted something in Kashmiri and she could recognise Roshan’s name. She quickly looked at Roshan, who signalled her to keep quiet, his eyes glittering, his breathing erratic, his hand on her waist tightening for a fraction of a second. They sat like that, for she didn’t know how long but it seemed like hours, with the sound of feet running, shouts, occasional gunshots, gradually subsiding, going farther away, receding into pin-drop silence, broken by just a bird tweeting in distance. She was amazed why they hadn’t looked into the ditch at hair’s breath away from the ground. Then she realised that they must have thought she was still running. Roshan’s grip slackened on her waist and he gently pushed her away and changed his position. She winced with pain when she tried to straighten her legs which had been twisted uncomfortably.
‘Are you alright?’ Roshan’s gruff voice echoed some concern. Then with more firmness he asked, ‘Why did you do this? I had particularly asked you to stay put and wait for my instructions. Noticing a hint of controlled fury in his voice, Snigdha sat up straight and looked into his eyes defiantly.
‘Why should I do anything you ask me to do? I am not your slave! I hate it here and had to run! I can’t stand staying here a moment longer amongst such animals. I want nothing from the likes of you, who kill and rape innocents for your personal motive!’ her chest was heaving with agitation.



‘Me? Kill and rape innocents?’ Roshan’s face was flushed with anger and incredulity.
‘Yes! You too! What is happening to Zainab? Can you honestly tell me that she is not being exploited? From here, I am straight away going to the police. I will tell them everything about you and your gang. Just because you are a spokesperson of Jung-e-Azadi doesn’t make you less of a terrorist. Do you hear? No one can stop me! Not even you!’
‘Only if you survive this ordeal brought upon us by your foolishness.’ Roshan’s dry voice said quietly. Do you know your foolishness has cost you your life! You are still not safe! The nearest town is 55 kms from here. The men from Al Faran will hunt for you in every nook and corner of this d--n jungle. And above all…’
‘Above all you have got me!’ Snigdha cried with anger. ‘I am surprised why you are protecting me, unless you have some other hidden motive! Are you going to rape me and kill me and show off to them, as your prize? What will happen to the release of your chief’s brother?’ Snigdha was beyond control in her anger now, her voice breaking with emotion, ending in a sob.
‘No Snigdha, I will not.’ Roshan’s said softly. Her head jerked at his use of her name.
‘Yes I know your name, your background, the film you were shooting, everything. I was going to say that because they know that I am with you, your life is in more danger. These men in wolf’s clothing know no mercy. I came here to save you. You just don’t know how by a hair’s breath, they have missed you. But now I am with you, and I will make sure you reach home safe.’ Snigdha’s confused eyes absorbed all that he said and still couldn’t believe what concern was his to save her from his people. Noticing her expression, Roshan’s hand gripped her shoulder and he said, ‘I am with you, and no one will touch you or harm you anymore. But you will have to cooperate with me. Will you?’ He looked at her questioningly. Snigdha gazed at his trusting face, looking at his warm brown eyes, his firm masculine lips, soft with a semblance of a smile, his wavy hair which was now uncovered, as the black chequered shawl which she had noticed many terrorists wearing, had loosened and fallen around his neck. She asked finally,
‘Who are you? You can’t be a terrorist for God’s sake!!!’ Her voice shook with passion
Roshan dropped his hands from her shoulder and lifted her hands, and held them with both his hands. Seeing her wince with pain, heturned her palms upwards to look at the reddened scratches. For such a large and strong man, his touch was soft, dry and making her fingers tremble with an awareness so strong she could feel it to her heart, making it beat faster. His fingers caressed scratches softly and then he looked at her, a frown on his chiselled forehead.