Second Chance: A Dark Tale of Urban India-Chapter 114: Gaining a subordinate

**Same night, 7.45 PM, Hospital, waiting room**

The hospital reception was nearly empty. A television mounted high near the entrance played the evening news at a low but audible volume.

Rohit sat alone in the waiting area, legs crossed, scrolling through his phone. Even though raid was succesful but no news of Akhil yet. All he can do is wait for Akansha or some other lead. Atleast, Harsha’s Chapter is closed and Victor...

A familiar voice suddenly pulled his attention upward.

On the screen, Priya Dasgupta stood in front of the still-burning resort, speaking with clear urgency.

"We are getting shocking visuals from the resort property of MLA Sudhanshu Thakur. Earlier today, locals alleged that criminals were hiding inside, along with black money and demanded an immediate police investigation. The situation turned ugly when the angry crowd, around hundreds, barged in. What started as a protest has now spiraled out of control.. the entire property is engulfed in flames."

She paused, the camera panning behind her to show firefighters battling the blaze. Smoke still billowed thickly into the night sky.

"Later, it was revealed that the MLA’s son and his friends were allegedly involved. They reportedly used the fire as cover to escape. A van loaded with drugs was recovered on the spot. Staff members claim they were locked inside rooms and used as scapegoats. Many were injured in the chaos. Gunshots were also reported. The MLA’s son himself was found unconscious and is currently under police custody."

The feed cut to stretchers being wheeled out — Gaurav’s unconscious body, Harsha with a bandaged shoulder, and the rest of the gang being led away in handcuffs. Their faces were covered, but Rohit knew exactly who they were.

Priya continued, "Police have refused to comment on the identities, but witnesses and locals have already identified them. This is Priya Dasgupta reporting from Vasant Kunj. Back to the studio."

The studio anchor took over, laying out the alleged crimes based on eyewitness accounts. The segment then shifted to MLA Sudhanshu Thakur, who looked visibly shaken.

"I strongly deny any involvement of my son," he said firmly. "This appears to be a staged mischief by the opposition to malign my image. How else would the fire start and a drug-laden van suddenly appear? The CCTV footage will reveal the truth. Those responsible will not go unpunished."

Rohit sneered softly, leaning back in his chair. They had no idea he possessed the full confession video.

But for now, he had other matters to handle.

He tapped the Bluetooth bud in his ear. "Lisa, do we have a lead on Victor?"

Her voice came through instantly, crisp and energetic. [Yes, sir. I’ve placed him under remote surveillance and blocked all incoming calls. Would you like me to block outgoing calls as well?]

"No," Rohit replied firmly. "Incoming is enough for now. What about his location?"

[Traced to Aya Nagar, on the Delhi-Gurgaon border. Do you want me to send the concerned video and other relevant details to the local police or former MLA Pawan Verma?]

Rohit leaned back comfortably, recalling his own kidnapping site. It matched the location perfectly. "No. Send it to the Narcotics Control Bureau , and from my private number."

Lisa responded quickly. [Understood, sir. But NCB is linked to the Intelligence Bureau under the MHA(Ministry of home affairs). Sending through a mimic number is recommended for safety.]

Rohit shook his head, unimpressed. "No, Lisa. I want the IB to take notice of me. If I plan to steal something, it’s better to meet the security guard beforehand."

[Understood. I will address the email as a patriotic civilian who received the clip from trusted sources and wishes to contribute to the nation.]

Rohit smiled faintly, satisfied.

Then Lisa’s voice returned. [But sir, there is something more important you need to know. Checking in mobile is recommended.]

Rohit unlocked his phone. The screen showed footage from one of his hidden cameras: Hari Kaka, the family’s head servant, quietly entering Ragini’s room and placing a delivery parcel on the table. The footage fast-forwarded. Ragini entered carrying briefcases, resumed packing, and then noticed the parcel.

She unwrapped it carefully and took out a plain plastic-sealed jar container — the same unmarked one Rohit had seen before. She then pulled out a cheque, added some figures, and placed it inside her drawer.

Rohit stroked his chin, eyes narrowed. "What do you make of this?"

[That man is the connecting link between Ragini and the doctor you are looking for. Since she is leaving for a month or her dose has run out, they must have sent the new supply according to a preset schedule.]

Rohit’s gaze sharpened. "But if she is still in touch with him and the doctor is really that good, why hasn’t she recommended him to me yet? My memory loss was a far bigger issue."

Lisa took a couple of seconds before replying.

[There could be multiple factors, sir. Different domains of treatment, system and even the medicine itself, or the channel might be one-way only.]

Rohit nodded. It matched his own thinking.

Before he could dwell on it further, new voice called out from across the corrdoor, followed by mutilple footstep.

"Brother... Rohit."

Rohit looked toward the ward entrance. It was the students , Jyoti’s friends , coming to check on her after settling their score with Harsha’s gang. Pratham, Robin, Kaushik, and a few others walked in, looking exhausted but deeply relieved.

Earlier, after completing Jyoti’s admission formalities, Rohit had shared his customised GPS link with them. He had paid extra under the table to fast-track the process and keep her name out of the official records, ensuring no scandal spread. In the meantime, he had sent Balwindar to take Aisha to the nearby hotel he had booked.

He hadn’t done it out of charity or love. Staying low was necessary, especially with the gold biscuits now in his possession. Spending a little to keep things quiet meant nothing to him.

"Rohit bhai..." Pratham started, voice thick with emotion as he offered his hand. "Thank you. Thank you so much. You were literally a godsend for us."

Robin followed suit, gripping Rohit’s hand firmly. "Yes, brother. Without you... we wouldn’t have got her back."

feThe others murmured their thanks from a respectful distance, some bowing their heads slightly. Their eyes kept flicking to the expensive watch on Rohit’s wrist and the calm, composed way he sat. After everything they had done that night, they felt a little embarrassed standing in front of him.

Rohit recognized that look. He stood up calmly, adjusting his jacket, and shook hands with each of them.

"She’s safe now. That’s what matters," he said evenly. "At the end of the day, we’re all human beings. I did what I could. "

He looked at all of them and offered a quiet goodbye. "Stay in touch. If any of you face trouble because of tonight , call me. I’ll handle it. This is goodbye for now."

The boys visibly relaxed. Despite the adrenaline and the chaos they had caused, they knew the scandal could still catch up to them. Thanks to Rohit’s influence, they might actually walk away clean.

Rohit was about to leave when Robin called out hesitantly, "Brother... let me see you off."

Rohit nodded, sensing the faint hesitation in the boy’s voice. He clearly needed a private moment.

Once they were outside the hospital doors, Robin asked, "Are you returning home now?"

Rohit replied with a faint smile. "I’m staying at the Hyatt nearby tonight."

Robin’s jaw dropped slightly as he noticed the tall, prestigious 22-floor building in the near distance. In Delhi, buildings above 15 floors were rare, and the Hyatt was a landmark of luxury and status.

Of course, such luxury could only be afforded by the truly rich. Earlier, Robin had felt conflicted about the age difference, but now he gathered his courage. Rich guys like this weren’t easy to approach, but the opportunity felt too important to miss.

"I have something to say."

Rohit checked his watch. "No disrespect, but I’m in a bit of a hurry, bro."

Clenching his hands, Robin blurted out, "Please take me in."

Rohit frowned. "What?"

Robin shook his head quickly, realizing the misunderstanding. "I mean... take me as your subordinate. I’ll be useful. I’ll do anything — errands, whatever you need. I’m sure you could use someone loyal, aside from your guards. Just give me a chance."

Rohit raised an eyebrow and touched his chin. This was an unexpected development. Earlier, he had planned to wash his hands of their matter. He had helped them mainly to eliminate Harsha’s threat and get closer to Akhil’s case. But keeping an unofficial, willing lackey who would do anything for him... wasn’t that the same as starting his own small gang? The idea was quite enticing.

He asked, sizing Robin up and down , the boy stood around 5’11", which was decent for his age. "Why me?"

Robin spoke without hesitation, almost like a fan. "In our whole life, we have to follow someone. Then why not you? The way you bailed us out, barged into that politician’s house, and helped us get Jyoti back...

You really did all this for us, even though we’re nothing to you. That’s why I’ve decided — if I have to follow anyone, it has to be you. Only then will my talent and skills be used in the right direction."

Rohit studied him for a moment. "What’s your full name and your father’s occupation?" 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"I’m Robin Singh. My father is a small exporter of rice and spices to the Middle East, but sometimes we export musical instruments to Southeast Asian countries."

Rohit’s interest spiked instantly. He still needed to recover his outstanding money from Japan. The stolen gold could stay safely in UK lockers for now.

He patted Robin’s shoulder lightly. "Text me after three days. We’ll see then."

Robin nodded eagerly and stepped back.

Rohit turned and walked toward the road where Balwindar was waiting by the car outside the hospital compound.

He pulled out his phone and called the MLA. "Did you get the confession video I sent?"

"Oh, direct business.. Good lad," the former MLA replied smoothly, clearly in a good mood. "Yes, it’s already being processed. Your boys really did a marvellous job. With this video, I’ll make sure they don’t face any backlash."

"Any update on Akhil?" Rohit asked.

"Nothing concrete yet, but my network is looking. I’ll keep you posted."

Rohit ended the call and slid into the backseat.

"Gold safe?" he asked Balwindar.

Balwindar nodded.

Rohit smiled faintly. "Good job. Let’s get me to the Hyatt. I’m feeling hungry."

Balwindar suggested, "Shall I drop you at the best restaurant in the area, Young Master?"

Rohit looked out at the glittering city lights. "Hurry up then. I want to return hotel early tonight."

Balwindar nodded silently and accelerated, the car vanishing into the Delhi night.