17. HIDDEN MEANINGS
Read First Chapter here.
Read Previous Chapter here.
Previously on The Bike Babaji: Vinod had taken a break from the vigilance in order to sell the clothes he had snatched earlier in the day.
4th Monday November, 06:34 p.m.
Father Antony made a call from one of his private mobiles. James heard his mobile phone his ring. He picked up the call.
"James listen. I need to tell you something important" said Father Antony worriedly.
"It's got to do something with that Inspector visiting you today right Father?"
"Yes. Listen they got your photo now. It is not clear but still identifiable. You got to be careful now James."
"I am aware of that Father. I just have to be conscious in not growing a beard and stay out of radar that's it."
"But please be careful James. And one more thing..."
"What is it Father?"
"He asked about Sam"
"What?" asked James in shock. "But that isn't possible. What did they ask Father?"
"I think they may have come to know about my relation with Samuels. But I denied knowing him to Inspector Harish. I'll have to be careful now."
James and Father continued the conversation. Since James was engrossed in the phone call he failed to observe what was happening at the bakery. A few minutes before the phone call, Mike had come out of his home and was heading towards the bakery.
" ...F-R-I-E-N-D-S That's how you f- spell "friends" F-R-I-E-N-D-S Get that shit inside your head No, no, yeah, uh, ah F-R-I-E-N-D-S We're just friends
So don't go look at me with that look in your eye You really ain't going nowhere without a fight...
"
"Oh god, hell with this English channel! Always coming first when I switch on TV" murmured the baker. Mike had left the stall after having a black tea. There were no customers around and so the baker ensconced himself to some entertainment.
"
Shhhhhhkkkkkk...
Baar Baar Dekho, Hazar Baar Dekho, Ke Dekh Ne Ki Cheez Hai Hamari Dilruba, Taali Ho... Taali Ho...
Taali Ho... Taali Ho...
Oh Baar Baar Dekho...
"
"Waaah! Super song... Oh Baar Baar Dekho...", the baker started whispering relaxedly as he enjoyed watched the song in high volume.
Few feet away Inspector Douglas and Vinod were engaged in a heated conversation.
"...I can have you arrested now for stealing these clothes. You know that right?"
"
Bale Bale Ut Ke Mister Kyon Chale, Pyar Pe Mere Kahun Kyon Jale, Bait Bhi Javo Meherbaan...
"
"..sir but I do not know anything about the bike thieves sir. You know very well about me..."
"
Dil Mila, Ek Jaan-e-mehefil Mila, Yaar Jiraag-e-manzil Mila, Yeh Na Pucho Ke Kahan...
"
"...I don't believe you. If you want me to believe you then you need to do what I say"
"
Baar Baar Dekho, Hazar Baar Dekho, Ke Dekh Ne Ki Cheez Hai Hamari Dilruba, Taali Ho...
"
The conversation continued for a while. Vinod was tensed and timid. He agreed to do what the Inspector had asked; ordered. He had no choice. They departed and Douglas came to the bakery.
"You came back sir?" said the baker.
"Ah yes. I just realized that I haven't asked for your name"
"Oh my name sir. My name is The Famous Baker Babu Ram" said Babu with a wide grin and moving his eyebrows up and down.
"Oh, I suppose 'The Famous Baker' is an honoured title. Alright listen up Babu, I need you to have an eye on this guy whom I was talking with. His name is Vinod and you need to tell me immediately if he reappears in this area again. Also do report if you see any other dubious new guys around here"
"Okay Sir. Done Sir. I will keep an eye and inform any suspicious activity immediately. And thank you for assigning me this operation Sir" roared Babu as if he was reporting to a high level military officer.
"Ha ha. This isn't any operation. It's just a useful aid you are doing. But I must thank Teja for referring you. Anyways, be discreet and don't let anyone know that I surveying this area under disguise ok?" said Douglas.
"Okay Sir!"
James ended the call and realized that he hadn't looked at the bakery for quite some time. When he turned his glance towards the street, the bakery was empty.
"
...Baar Baar Dekho, Hazar Baar Dekho, Ke Dekh Ne Ki Cheez Hai Hamari Dilruba, Taali Ho... "
[To be continued]