Aslam wouldn't--No! Aslam couldn't--understand something he had never experienced.
Shah Rukh looked at him a long moment and then shook his head, "Enough. I may not know enough about her for now. But I trust that you will make the necessary precautions for my safety."
"Of course, Bhai, but even you have to admit that her request last night was a bit odd," Aslam replied with a sigh, "why would she want you at the port for the shipment? It makes no sense. And then you also showed her our safe! When we started that venture, we agreed that only you and me are ever allowed down there!"
For the first time, Shah Rukh had to admit that Aslam was right. This was one of their most lucrative ventures, even more than some of the larger operations that they still dabbled in.
It's hard for someone in the underground market to store their more illiquid ill-gotten gains. Yes, cash, property papers, etc., could be stashed away with relative ease. But what do you do when you are paid in diamonds or antiquities which need a few months to fence. Word spreads that you have something untraceable in your possession and it puts a large target on your back.
One can't really store it in a bank locker, now can they. It was a stroke of genius when Shah Rukh had made his proposal to all the big players. Use Shah Rukh's impenetrable strong hold -- which even the police fears from raiding -- as a bank for your illiquid loot! For a 3% cut on the value, Shah Rukh and his gang would guarantee the safekeeping of precious loot indefinitely!
And what's more, the word of Shah Rukh was as good as any contract. Everyone knew that if anything, Shah Rukh was an honourable man. Even if it was something of a rival gang, the safe house was neutral territory, hidden, secret and 100% safe!
Zara apparently had these diamonds that she needed to store for a few weeks. Advance payment for the guns and drugs coming in. But she was smart and while the rest of the city trusted Shah Rukh's word alone, she had insisted on wanting to see the safe house with her own eyes before she did any business with him.
With any other man or woman, Shah Rukh would have laughed in their faces. The word of Shah Rukh Bhai was enough for anyone who asked. But his eyes had been fixed on those beautiful lips of hers and when she had leaned towards him in that little black dress of hers, one little glance, where his brain had gone into a lustful overdrive and he had agreed.
He took her down to the safe, gave her a tour and showed off his brilliant money-making idea. She was curious about his accounting system; how to track who kept what and he had given her a rundown of that as well. It was ingenious really and Shah Rukh was hell bent on impressing the sultry Zara Sheikh last night.
But Aslam had been stewing about it since he heard about it!
"I know, I know," He grumbled after a few seconds and waved Aslam away, "But I don't want to talk about this now. What's done is done! We just need to focus on the shipment now."
"I've asked Akram, Shanu, and Venkat to bring all their boys for security there."
"What about Kumar and Bhanu's guys?" Shah Rukh asked gruffly.
"I've asked them to stay back at the mansion," Aslam replied with an annoyed expression, "I don't like splitting our resources but I'd prefer if we left some muscle here at the mansion."
"No one except you and I know that I am leaving the mansion tomorrow night. And no one in the city is stupid enough to try something," Shah Rukh grumbled and shook his head, "If something happens at the port then what's the point of our stash back here. Bhanu's guys should suffice for the mansion's security. Ask Kumar to join us at the port!"
Aslam began to speak but Shah Rukh cut him off, "I want to have a full show of force for Zara at the port. She needs to know how many men I have under me. I would like for her to be 'impressed'!"
Aslam stared at Shah Rukh again, then nodded with a resigned look on his face, knowing better than to argue any further. He turned on his heel, muttering sharply under his breath, "Bah... women! They're the only thing that could get us all killed in this business!"
***
Story Continues from Suraj's POV
The Next Day...
"Are you sure you are going to be able to handle this alone?" I asked Karan as we stood in his private lounge at the hotel, "I still think it would be better if I came with you."
"Yeah, and get caught immediately. They have seen a photo of you, remember," Karan said with a laugh, "You really need to trust others sometimes, Suraj. This is a game of deceit, and you have to handle every situation carefully, just like in chess!"
He was right of course. My first reaction to everything was to fight head on. And that was why despite my early confidence, Ravi had almost won towards the end. If it weren't for Karan, Nora, Jhanvi and Pooja Didi, each playing their part, I would have lost.
"Yeah, but now we are not only setting a trap for Shah Rukh but also planning to steal from his Safe House, all at the same time," I countered with a sigh, "I just wish I could come in and help out in some way."
"Trust me, Suraj, Jhanvi has been like a sister to me..." he started but stopped mid-way when I looked at him with an amused grin, remembering the night we had fucked both Jhanvi and Pooja Didi together.
"I mean... well, she WAS like my sister earlier but now she's my..." he smiled and struggled for the right words to describe our weird relationship, "...my future Bhabhi (sister-in-law), who my best friend sometimes lets me fuck the brains out of! I also get to fuck her equally hot sister, who has been like an elder sister to me all my life, too."
"Well. That is a mouthful!" I laughed, "But, yes, I get it. you won't let anything happen to Jhanvi. I trust you, but that's not going to stop me from worrying!"
I punched him lightly on his shoulder and was just about to open my mouth when Jhanvi and Pooja Didi walked in from the other room. Our jaws dropped when we saw Jhanvi dressed as the 'mafia don' Zara.
She wore a tight black body-hugging dress that was so deep cut that her boobs were practically spilling out of it! Her lush thighs exposed by a dangerous slit that ran all the way up her leg! Her long wavy black hair was open, falling around her shoulders, framing her face and those deep, smoky eyes, and her delicious lips with a bright red lipstick. Finishing off the look was a soft fur jacket draped across her arms, giving her an aura of power.
"Damn... Jhanvi!" Karan muttered, looking up and down, clearly mesmerized by her appearance.
"I know, right!" she smiled shyly, walking up to me and looking into my eyes, for my approval, as she said in a low, sultry voice, "Does Master like his new sexy Mafia don?"
I stared into those beautiful brown eyes of hers, noticing how nervous she seemed. I knew my Jhanvi well enough, that despite her bravado, she was nervous about going to see Shah Rukh this one last time. She had pulled off the impossible already, but this was it. We couldn't go wrong with our plan now.
"You are going to make Shah Rukh's heart stop the moment he sets eyes on you!" I said with a smile and nodded, "And that's exactly what we want. For him to not think with his brain, but with his cock!"
Jhanvi bit her lower lip at my compliment and pressed herself against my body, resting her head against my chest. She was taller than normal due to the high heels she had on her feet, and I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her tighter against me.
"You can do this! I know you can," I whispered into her ear, feeling her shiver slightly at my touch.
She nodded softly, looking up at me with those gorgeous eyes that could melt anyone who looked into them. She leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips, murmuring against them, "I love you..."
I smiled back at her, stroking her cheek with my thumb affectionately, "I love you too, Jhanvi. Now go out there and put that bastard Shah Rukh in jail!"
"Ohhhh... you can be sure about that!" She giggled back and then slowly pulled away, letting out a soft sigh, before turning to face Pooja Didi, who was standing next to us with an amused smile.
"Let's go..."
***
Story Continues from Karan's POV
"I'm nervous, Karan!" Jhanvi whispered to me in the back seat of the BMW we were driving in to the port.
I gave her a reassuring smile, "We're almost finished. You will have to relax for now and just be confident. Remember what I told you! Everything is ready. We have the codes; Peter's got an expert thief breaking into Shah Rukh's barely guarded mansion right now. The police are already at the port, disguised as port workers to book Shah Rukh. They will outnumber Shah Rukh's men three to one!"
"Yes, but what if he sees through my ruse?" She asked anxiously, biting her lower lip nervously, "Why do I need to convince Shah Rukh to physically handle some of these fake guns?"
"The police have been after Shah Rukh for years, none of the old charges may stick as he usually gets his goons to do the dirty work, and they never confess. Peter says our only chance to put him away for good is to get him caught red-handed without any doubt of his guilt."
"Okay, okay. I can do this," she said, muttering to herself, while fiddling with her hands nervously.
I reached over to her, taking her hands into mine and giving them a gentle squeeze. She looked up at me, those beautiful eyes filled with worry.
"Just a few more days and you and Suraj can be together," I said, trying to calm her, "I know you're already sleeping together but I meant without the sneaking around. You and Pooja Didi!"
"Yes, I want that. We all do," she smiled at my lame attempt to make her feel better and leaned forward, surprising me with a soft kiss on my lips, and pulling away, "Not to mention, you can join in sometimes too."
"Umm... Yeah... I wouldn't mind that!" I replied with a grin, "But focus on Shah Rukh for now."
"Mmmhmmm," She replied with a nod, licking her lips seductively, her eyes locked on mine, "Let's get the bad guys! And then we can all have our happy ending."
***
The Port...
I stood a few steps behind Jhanvi and Shah Rukh, who stood in front of the gangway leading onto the cargo ship. Beside me, stood Peter and then Aslam, Shah Rukh's right-hand man, who waited patiently. It was well past midnight and the only light on the port was the lights from the ship and a single lone bulb hanging off a rickety pole near us. Such work didn't usually take place in broad daylight.
We watched as the port workers, who were actually police under disguise, carried crates after crates of supposedly top quality guns, which were provided by the police department, off the ship. And as the final crate was pulled off, I waited for Jhanvi to make her move. This part was crucial!
I couldn't help by smile slightly as I saw Jhanvi lean over and whisper something in Shah Rukh's ear. My breath caught for a second as I glanced up at the ship, where the photographer was hidden. Would Shah Rukh accept! I was lost in the moment and didn't realize when Aslam pulled away to the side to answer a call.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh turned to look at her and nodded slowly. She reached down and took his arm, guiding him towards a nearby table that was set up for them to look over their shipment. We followed slowly behind them. I noticed the irritated look in Aslam's eyes as he noted Jhanvi's hands resting on Shah Rukh Bhai's arm. He did not like this!
"Are you sure?" Shah Rukh asked as he leaned closer to Jhanvi.
"Yes, please! You should see the quality of our products!" She replied with a smile, nodding her head and one of my men rushed over with two port workers dragging the last crate. We waited as they cracked the crate open with a crowbar and then lay out four different types of high grade guns on the table.
I could hardly suppress the smile on my lips as I watched Shah Rukh pick them up one by one, inspecting each of them with an expert touch when...
"Hands in the air! Zara Sheikh and Shah Rukh!" the two port workers shouted, their guns drawn out and aimed at Shah Rukh AND Jhanvi. The plan was to keep the ruse going till the end and let Shah Rukh's gang feel this was not a setup but rather an ambush by the police against both Zara and Shah Rukh!
"What the hell..." Shah Rukh barked but he froze mid-sentence when police officers suddenly surrounded us on all sides. Shah Rukh looked around, his eyes darting around for any escape but there was none.
I whooped in joy inside and took a step forward when...
*BANG*
The crack of the shot echoed around the port, startling everyone. I looked around in shock to see Aslam, who had stepped away to take his call. But he wasn't aiming at us or the police but rather upwards. I barely had time to look at what he was aiming for when the second shot echoed out again and shot the lone bulb. With a crack of the glass breaking, leaving all of us in darkness.
"Run Shah Rukh Bhai!" he yelled as he turned heel and shot a few more shots, now towards the police, until a clicking sound showed that he had run out of bullets.
I heard a scuffle and was pushed off my feet as Shah Rukh's bulky frame pushed past me in the darkness.
"You stay here, and I'll go after him!" Peter's voice called out as I watched him run behind Shah Rukh and so did the police. Two of the men stood back, guarding Jhanvi but the rest went after Shah Rukh!
I cursed at their stupidity as I looked where Aslam had run off to. He was just as dangerous as Shah Rukh, and no one was going after him.
"Jhanvi! Stay with the police," I yelled out and started sprinting away, hoping to find Aslam before he could escape in the vast port!
***
"Damn! Where did he go?" I muttered as I clutched my side in pain; a cramp setting into my side from running. But there was no one in sight. There was a side exit nearby and while Aslam didn't know the layout, he might have stumbled on to it if no one found him.
*Ting*
The sound of something hitting metal caught my attention and I headed over towards the sound. Rounding the corner around a container when...
*SMACK*
A fist came out of nowhere, smashing into my jaw and sending me down to my knees. I looked up with my vision blurring for a second, only to see Aslam's furious face looking back at me with eyes filled with hatred!
"You... you tricked us!" he muttered in rage, and I reeled in pain as his foot drove into my gut.
"N-No. They got Miss Zara too. W-we need to escape," I looked up at him and lied when another kick landed in my chest, knocking me against a container behind me. This time I groaned as I fell down, wheezing for breath.
"Bull shit! The police just coincidentally happen to be disguised here just when Shah Rukh Bhai arrives!" he scoffed angrily.
"S-Someone must have talked." I stuttered in pain. "I-I came to help yo..."
"Enough! Stop lying. You're going to die here!" he growled and pulled his gun from his jacket.
I was in too much pain and with the wind knocked out of me to really say anything as he pulled out a magazine and loaded it in the gun. He pointed it at my forehead. My heart was hammering in my chest as the cold steel touched my skin.
*THUD*
Coming out of nowhere, a tall figure charged into Aslam from the side and knocked him away from me.
"Get away from him!" Suraj's voice rang out angrily.
"S-Suraj! He's got a gun..." I yelled out but Suraj moved quickly. He stepped forward and grabbed Aslam's hand, twisting it back painfully. Aslam yelled in pain, dropping the weapon and Suraj kicked it out of the way.
Aslam recovered and pushed him backwards, slamming his elbow into Suraj's face. Suraj reeled back, seemingly ignoring the pain and stood up straight and took a step towards Aslam when the bastard pulled out a switchblade out of nowhere.
"Stay back!" he growled at Suraj. The sharp edge of the knife glittering dangerously in the dim light. Recognition dawned on Aslam's face as he suddenly took a closer look at Suraj, "I recognize you. You're the guy who Ravi wanted to get rid of!"
"Y-You can't get away. Shah Rukh is already in cuffs and your entire gang is in custody," Suraj growled while stepping forward cautiously, his eyes on Aslam's knife, "Police is raiding your hideout as we speak."
"And all this due to that damn woman?" Aslam hissed in anger, his eyes narrowed and furious, "Well, if all is over anyway, then I think killing you two will be an excellent last revenge!"
He took a step towards me; I was still winded and the weaker target. But Suraj took a step forward between us, "You'll have to go through me first..."
"Gladly..." Aslam smirked as he whipped around the switchblade, making the blades dance in a complex motion and then took a quick step forward and slashed at Suraj.
I watched wide-eyed as Suraj stood his ground between us and tried to grab Aslam's hand, but the blade slashed at Suraj's arm and I saw my friend wince in pain.
"I'm going to have fun carving the two of you into bits!" Aslam growled and took another step forward when...
*BANG*
Sparks lit the scene for a second as another bullet from somewhere behind us hit the cargo container just a few feet above Aslam's head. He cursed and looked up and I followed his gaze to see Peter and two other men running towards us, their guns aimed at Aslam.
Suraj took advantage of this moment of distraction and lunged forward. With a well-aimed kick, he knocked the blade out of his hands. Aslam cursed at him, but hesitated as another gunshot caused sparks to fly.
The next moment, Aslam had turned around, running towards the darkness between the containers. Disappearing from view!
I groaned in pain as Suraj held out his hand, a trickle of blood flowing down his arm, "Good thing I was watching everything from the car and followed you! You ok, buddy..."
"Never had so much excitement in one night! But, yeah, I'm ok!" I groaned in pain and got up. Meanwhile, Peter directed the rest of the men to go in the direction where Aslam had disappeared to.
"We have Shah Rukh!" Peter said with a grin as he patted Suraj and me on the shoulders, "It's all over!"
***
"Are you sure we shouldn't go to a hospital?" Jhanvi asked, sounding worried as Suraj wrapped a handkerchief around his bleeding wound.
We were in my car, heading over to my place which was closer. My parents were at the wellness retreat and Disha and Tara were going to be out partying with their friends, leaving the house empty for the night.
Suraj patted her head and gave Jhanvi a reassuring smile, "Relax! It's just a shallow cut. We can clean it up and bandage it at Karan's."
"What about you, Karan?" Pooja Didi's voice called out from the front passenger seat. She was sitting in the front seat beside Peter, while Jhanvi sat between me and Suraj in the back.
"I'm fine, Didi," I replied back, giving her a reassuring smile, "Just a few bruises here and there."
I could see the sparkle of tears in the usually calm and collected Pooja Didi's eyes. But she held them back, as she looked at Suraj's arm, "I can't believe the two of you would do this for..."
She paused as she looked over at Peter, not wanting to say too much about our unique relationship in front of Peter. She bit her lower lip and looked down, "We'll talk when we're back at your place."
Peter glanced back at us, "We'll be there in a few minutes, sir. I'll drop you off and then head over to the police station to look over things and check on the hunt for Aslam!"
I grimaced as he said that. We had wrapped things up so perfectly except for Aslam getting away. Peter was confident that Aslam would be found. The entire gang was in custody and police had also taken control of Shah Rukh's mansion. Even if he escaped, Aslam wasn't a threat anymore!
But the police didn't know that Peter's men had already raided the safe and stripped it clean before they arrived though. Suraj and I would go over the contents tomorrow, but for now, I was just thankful that this was finally over.
***