Rewrite the Stars

Chapter 35: Mind Game

"I feel like my heart's jumping
Out of my chest"
____________________________________________

Rohaan:
I reread the writing that was scribbled onto the paper like it was written in a hurry or by some kid. The words were although quite messy but they were prominent. They were messy in writing but not in impression. They gave away the concept they were supposed to convey. The letters were highlighted by the quotation marks as to tell me that this was not to ignore. I crumbled the paper between my fingers and threw it somewhere on the floor. It's been going on since the day we went to that dinner. I haven't told anyone yet. I didn't even disclosed it to Hareem. I know she'll get upset and will worry about me and making her worry is the last thing I want to do. So I did what I thought was the best, stay silent about these threats. I was so lost in my thoughts that I failed to hear the click of the door and the another presence in my cabin. I only came to know of it when I heard the voice
"What's the meaning of this?" I looked up to the source of voice and there stood my colleague Neha Rizwan with that crumbled piece of paper in her hand. I went back to reading the file and shs screeched
"Rohaan!" I glanced up at her and said
"It's some useless way for them to make me withdraw from the case". She sighed and said
"You think it's the Stanton's?" I nodded my head too sure of the possibility. The Stanton is a prestigious name of the society. Their companies have surpassed many milestones. Their reputation is almost unbreakable. Everybody look forward to them as they are really respectable. But I know what's inside it. A facade. A very disgusting one indeed. The heir of the Stanton, Terry Stanton has been involved in many drug cases and illegal fights. His reputation is something you can't ignore. He's been known for his bad temper. He's been violating the law since forever. Nobody seems to acknowledge him of his wrong doings. He's been set free many times because of his influence but not now. He's been involved in the murder of an innocent person. Mr. Arthur was the middle class family man who works as a mere accountant in one of Stanton's company that's been under the control of Terry. Mr. Arthur was a very intelligent man who works hard to earn a good living for his wife and seven years old son. He's been found dead in the basement of the company after he got missing several weeks ago. He supposedly found some evidence on Terry's corruption from the company and wanted to expose him, but he died before disclosing the secret. After further investigation it was concluded that Terry was the last person he called and met with. After his meeting with Terry he's been missing and was found dead. Of course, it was hard to raise voice against such an influencal personality. His wife mustered up the courage and filed for a case for first degree murder. Neha brought me out of my thoughts
"What will do now?" I look at her and stated in an obvious tone
"I'm going to fight till the last". She sighed again and asked
"Does Hareem know about these threats?" I shook my head. She looked thoughtful as she said
"You should tell her. She'll get worried, but she has to be prepared for any kind of situation. You know how messy a case this bag cab get". I pondered over his advice. She was right. I should tell her. I know that will be a lot for her to take in, but she has to know. And she could be in danger too. These vile people can go to any extent to stop me from fighting this case and that includes my wife too. No, I can't let any harm to her. She's so innocent in all of this mess and she deserved to stay out of it. Neha must've sensed the tension on my face, so she said
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine Inshallah. Just tighten the security". I nodded my head at her. She excused herself and I held my head in my hands. I can feel a ponding headache coming. Just then I heard the ring of my phone. Sighing I took a look at it to find an unknown number. Taking the call, I pressed the phone close to my ear and said
"Who is this?" I didn't hear anything for a few while, but then there it was. The voice I despised to hear
"Hello Mr. lawyer". I gritted my teeth and said
"Stanton". I heard a deep, disgusting chuckle as if it was funny to him. He spoke into the phone
"Now I would like to meet you in person". I gripped the phone tighter and said
"Not gonna happen". He hummed and pretended to be in deep in thought, but then said
"You are in no state to refuse me Mr. Lawyer. I suppose you have a wife waiting for you at home". Chills ran down my spine as I heard hi speak. I stood up from my chair and threatened
"Don't you dare go near her. You'll see the worst of me". He laughed. He freaking laughed.
What a psycho!
He composed himself and said
"I'll send you the time and location. I hope you love your wife enough to not let her be in danger". A beep sounded and I stood there clutching the phone in my hand. The headache has officially started. I quickly dialed Hareem's phone which she received onto the fourth ring. I immediately barked at the phone
"Where the hell were you?" She hissed and said
"I was in the kitchen. What's the matter with you?" I blew a deep breath. There's no point in taking my anger out on her. My first priority should be her safety. I again said into the phone
"Hey sorry, I was a bit stressed. Are you okay?" She hummed and said
"Yeah I'm fine. What would happen to me?"
Oh Hareem you have no idea what those vultures can do to you!
But I'll be not let it happen. They have to face me before even touching a single strand of her hair. I heard her voice
"Rohaan...is everything alright?" Her concerned voice worried me. She should be feeling nothing but happiness and joy and yet because of me she's in danger. I cleared my throat and said
"I'm going to be late for dinner. Take care and close all the doors and windows". She hummed and I whispered
"Take care, please. I love you". She whispered those magical words back and the line went dead. I sighed and tossed the phone onto the table. This is getting out of hand. I have to find a solution before anyone can get hurt. I heard the ting of my phone and saw that Stanton has messaged me the time and location. I put the phone back in my pocket and exited the cabin.
Let's meet you now Stanton, shall we?
**********

The car stopped in front of a dull looking building. It was situated between the streets in a very infamous locality. The tress here and there were all crumbled and just about to die. The atmosphere was surrounded by the smell of cigarettes and junk. The building itself looked like it was demolished. The windows actually all of the were broken. The paint has been worn out and from some parts brick wall could be seen clearly which could fall by a mere punch. Rohaan knew Stanton would call him to a place like this. He was well aware of Stanton's sharpness. Stanton would never let a fly take away his years of hard work of building his fake reputation. He would never allow anyone to overtake him or rush past him. This man was egoistic and downright filthy. He can go to any extent to win. But Rohaan has a firm belief on his Lord. He knows by heart that whatever happens, his Creator will never leave him alone as he is on the right side. He is siding with the truth. Muttering Bismillah under his breath, he entered the building. The building smelled of bears and drugs. He could make out that this was the perfect spot for the young astray teenagers to gather here and do all this nonsense. He slowly walked upstairs from where he could hear the hushed whispers. He ascended the stairs and was greeted by the devil himself. There stood Stanton taking puffs from his cigar. His men surroundings him like a bunch of bees. Rohaan came alone, but he came with a prepared mind which is ready to fight. Stanton threw his cigar onto the floor and started walking towards him. Rohaan stood to his ground not backing away, keeping his stare with his infamous cold glare. Stanton patted his shoulder and said
"Come on Lawyer don't be so stiff. Please take a seat". One of his men pulled a plastic chair from the side and Rohaan took a seat while Stanton sat on his own only a few meters distance separating the two. Rohaan broke the eerie silence and said
"What do you want?" Stanton clicked his tongue and said
"I like it. Your straightforwardness. You'll be a great lawyer for sure, in the future". He started laughing testing Rohaan's patience who sneered in return
"What do you want from me?" He repeated his questions this time the anger was evident in his voice, but his tone was still calm. Stanton looked him dead in the eyes and said
"You clearly know what I want. Back of from the case". Rohaan chuckled and shook his head. He folded his arms around his chest and said
"You'll be a fool to think I'll do what you say". His sentence did something to Stanton's ego. He wasn't prone to rejection. Never in his life nobody has ever rejected him so blatantly. He glared at him and said
"Oh no boy you are very intelligent. But sometimes a fool is all you have to be in order to survive". Rohaan asked
"Your son has done nothing wrong according to you then why do you need me to back off from this case?" Stanton banged his chair aside and marched towards him only stopping at a mere distance. Rohaan still didn't waver which blew a switch in his head.
"You are crossing your line Lawyer boy. You don't know me enough. I can shoot a bullet between your eyes and dump your body where no one could find it". Rohaan relaxed back in his chair and said
"That's how your son executes plans, doesn't he?" Stanton chuckled and said
"You seem to interested in my son". Rohaan shook his head and said
"Not interested. What will I get if I agree to do what you say?" Stanton pulled back and clapped his hand. He started laughing out loudly. He cheered as if he won the match. He smiled at him and said
"I'll buy a new home in Italy and will arrange a flight for your wife and you to go and roam the Paris. Also a deposit of 3 million dollars will be added to your account". Rohaan nodded his head and stood up and said
"That's not really much for covering up for your's son crime, but it's alright". Stanton looked too happy to be angry at him and said
"Oh boy just prove him innocent of his crime and I'll shower you with money". Rohaan nodded his head and left the building. As soon as he left, Stanton said to one of his men
"Keep an eye on him".
Rohaan opened the door of his car and sat inside. He knew he would be followed, so he drove straight towards his office. As soon as he saw that he was followed by his men, he smirked and a thought ran in his mind
Let the game begin....
***************

Asalamoaliukm everyone. How are you all? Sorry for a late update. I've been busy with exams. Today is also my Urdu exam. But here's an update.
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Till then, Allah Hafiz.