A Plotted Knot

Dheer:

The flashing lights of the cameras fell on my face. Every channel and newspaper covered the story: "DCP Dheer's secret marriage revealed!"

I held her hand, understanding that she was uncomfortable. I never thought I would marry anyone. I had only one true love: my duty. I didn't know how she had been dragged into my life.

Just then, I noticed Home Minister Dharma's car entering the premises. He made a beeline for us. I rubbed my temples lightly to control my anger.

"What's all this, Dheer? Is she your wife? I know men have needs, but don't commit to a girl just to save your reputation. There's more to life than reputation," he whispered in my ear.

I wanted to punch him hard in his face right then and there. How could he talk like that without knowing anything about her? And he was supposed to be one of our great leaders, chosen by us through elections. Disgusting. Voting had the power to determine the future of our nation. But many of us forgot this fact and viewed election day as a paid holiday. That's how people like Dharma had managed to grab power through various illegal schemes, becoming a threat to our society. I controlled my anger, replacing it with a smile.

"Sir, she's my wife, not a prostitute as you seem to have assumed. I'm a faithful man who makes love only to my wife, and I know how sacred this act is. It's not just a way to fulfil my manly needs. It's a way to show my eternal love to my wife and assure her that we both will be one forever despite any unforeseen circumstances," I replied.

His expression changed a handful of times as he listened to my words. Then he smirked at me.

"Are you ready to tie the knot in front of us, Mr. Dheer, to save the reputation of our department?" Dharma asked, looking at me. I understood his evil intention, but I couldn't answer without knowing her decision.

I looked at her. She nodded. I closed my eyes for a few minutes, and then I agreed to marry her. Dharma handed the mangal sutra to me. I understood that this was a trap that he had so cleverly planned, yet I still tied the knot, binding myself to her in front of everyone.

"DCP, sir, will you let us see your wife's face?" a reporter asked, followed by a few other journalists.

She had covered her face with a scarf to avoid this situation. But, now, there was no other choice but to remove it. She unwrapped her scarf.

Her face glowed like a star in the dark sky as she smiled. Her eyes were filled with confidence, even in this challenging situation. This just proved how strong my wife was.

"Mitra?" Everyone was surprised to see her with me, especially as my wife.

Because Mitra was the journalist who had constantly pestered me with her questions about my cases. I often got frustrated with her inquiries, but I had to admit she was always right to ask and her points were always so strong.

"Mitra, are you DCP Dheer's wife?" A reporter asked her.

"Yes. We married two years ago. We kept it a secret for a few personal reasons. Anyways, I'm thrilled to finally share the news and to be able to tie the knot one more time in front of all of you," Mitra said.

I opened the car door for Mitra, and we both left for home. When I reached my quarters (provided by the government), I found my parents at my house. I assumed that they had watched the news and were happy to learn that I had gotten married. I hated marriage and had escaped it until today, despite my parents' constant efforts to marry me off.

They performed a few rituals to welcome us. A little while later, I heard knocking at the door.

"Come in, Mitra," I said, and she came inside. I locked the door, and she looked at me, holding a glass of milk in her hand. I guess it was my mom who had sent her with the milk glass.

"Mitra, I'm sorry. When we were trapped in that hotel room and got caught up in that police raid, I couldn't think of any other way to protect your reputation. So, I lied and said that we were secretly married. Unfortunately, the Home Minister forced me to make it real. I don't know how to fix all this. But I will do anything you say to right this mistake," I said.

"I understand, Mr. Dheer. I knew that you were a great police officer, but today I realized that you're also a true man who respects women. You had no intention of marrying me but still did so to protect my honour. Thank you," Mitra said.

"What shall we do now?" I asked.

Mitra gave me a stern look.

"That's not what I meant. I'm asking about this marriage," I said immediately.

Mitra smiled.

"Let's act like a couple for a year and then get divorced," Mitra said. I nodded.

"You can sleep in the bed," I said to her.

"What about you?" Mitra asked me.

"I'll sleep on the couch," I replied.

"Won't it be difficult to sleep on the couch for a whole year?" Mitra pointed out. "You can share the bed with me. Officially we're a couple, so I don't think it's wrong. I trust you," Mitra said, stressing the word trust.

I nodded, and we slept on the same bed, turned away from each other. Our paths and thoughts were different, but destiny had tied us together, asking us to embark on an unexpected life journey.

Mitra's POV:

I slept on the same bed with Dheer, reflecting on the incident that had taken place earlier today. How could it be that I was married to Dheer all of a sudden? I knew him only as a sincere IPS Officer.

I had heard that Dheer was not interested in marriage or a family. His family lived in the same city, but he had his own place.

I didn't understand why these things always happened to me. I was a widow. I had been forced to marry someone without my consent, and he had died after a short time. Now I was married this Dheer, who hated marriage. He didn't even know that I was a widow.

Dheer married me to save my reputation. If he didn't say that I was his wife and that we had married secretly, society would've labelled me a prostitute. So I couldn't fault Dheer's decision. But what bothered me was the fact that this marriage would end with a divorce.

Dheer had asked me how we should proceed with this marriage. I told him we could get a divorce after a year. But I wasn't ready for divorce. I hoped I could earn myself a place in his heart soon. But the problem was he didn't believe in love.

Dheer's POV:

I woke up in the morning and stretched my arms.

"Ahh!" Mitra screamed as my hand hit her hand. I had forgotten that she was here.

"I am sorry, Mitra," I said.

"It's ok. What's the time?"

"It's 8 am."

Mitra got up hurriedly. She ran to the washroom but stopped and turned towards me.

"Dheer, shall I go to the office?" Mitra asked me.

What the hell? How should I know? It was her profession. She was the one who should decide whether to go to her office or not. Why was she asking me?

Maybe because yesterday I married her. With just that simple act, she gave all her rights over to me. Mitra had given up her freedom, her likes, her passions yesterday. So, starting today, I was to be the ruler of her life.

Was it innocence or foolishness? I smiled at her question.

"Mitra, shall I continue my profession or quit?" I asked only to receive a shocked expression from Mitra.

"It's…it's…up to…you…I mean, how can I decide?" Mitra said.

"And now you have my answer to your question," I left the room after saying this.

I took a shower in another room and came to my place. I opened the door and stood amazed, seeing Mitra wearing the saree. My heart felt a strange sensation seeing her like that.

Mitra looked at me and turned the other side. I went out, closing the door. After some time, Mitra opened the door. I went inside.

"I am sorry," I said.

"Bolt is very hard to lock," Mitra said shyly.

I tested the bolt. I kept a few drops of oil in it.

"Now it works," I said.

"Mitra, this is the spare key to our house. Keep it with you. How will you get to your office? I think your electric scooter was parked in the parking lot of the hotel," I said.

"It's ok. I will manage," Mitra said.

"Your luggage?"

"I will shift it today from the hostel."

I nodded. I took one step to leave the room but again turned towards Mitra.

"Be careful, Mitra. I don't know what will be the consequences of this trapped marriage. Call me if anything is necessary. Keeping you safe is my duty as a Police," I said and left to my office.

As soon as I reached the office, I got a call from Dharma's PA asking me to visit Dharma's home. Am I his servant to go to him as soon as he calls me? This Police department became a puppet in the hands of a politician. I deeply regret it. I went to Dharma.

"Good morning, sir," I saluted him.

"Good morning, Mr. Dheer. No formalities required. I called you in for a personal matter," Dharma said, asking me to sit in front of him on the chair.

I took the seat.

"I don't think we are that close to discuss anything personal other than the profession," I said.

"Why do you always see me as your enemy Dheer? Why can't we be friends?" Dharma asked me with a smile that irritated me the most.

"I can't befriend the criminals. I know what you are and how you came to this stage," I said seriously.

Dharma took a bouquet from his desk and handed over it to me.

"Congrats and all the best for your married life," Dharma said.

I didn't reply to him.

"Dheer, as you were married now, you may need to face new challenges. Now your enemies may target your wife," Dharma warned me with a smirk on his face.

Just then, my mobile rang. I received the call.

"Sir, your wife Mitra met with an accident," someone said from the other side.

I glared at Dharma, who is giving a cunning smile.

"You," I shouted and held his collar.

"If you want to see your wife alive, keep your anger in control, Mr. Dheer," Dharma said.

I left the hold on his collar for the safety of Mitra and went to the hospital.

"Mitra, what happened?" I asked Mitra, seeing her with a bandage to her head and ankle.

"Nothing, Dheer. It's just a small accident. Why did you come here leaving your work?"

"Look, I didn't come for you. I came here as a police officer to file the complaint," I said, seeing a spark of happiness in her eyes.

I don't want to give her wrong expectations about me or this relationship. But I care for her as she is an honest and sincere journalist who risks her life.

The doctor came to check on her.

"Doctor, how is Mitra?" I asked.

"Your wife is fine, Mr. Dheer. It's just a small injury. You can take her to home now," the doctor said.

"Thank you, doctor," I said.

"Mitra, I will clear the bill and will take you to home," I said.

"No need. I can handle it. You just go from here," Mitra shouted at me.

What's wrong with this girl? I noticed that the doctor and nurse were staring at us. I asked them to go out.

"What's wrong with you, Mitra? "

"Nothing. I don't want a police officer to pay the bill and take me to home. Of course, it's not his duty," Mitra said.

I smiled and went to clear the bill. I cleared the check and lifted Mitra in arms. She looked at me, shockingly. I ignored her expressions and made her sit in my vehicle and took her home. I again lifted her in arms and carried her inside, and placed her on the bed safely.

"Mitra, how did this accident happen?" I asked her.

"Mr. Dheer, I have no intention of filing complaint against anyone. I am a journalist. Trying to frighten me will have its own consequences, and I will show them what they are. If you leave me for a little while, I will rest," Mitra said.

I left the room and provided her the security at home. I started an investigation on this issue. I am sure Dharma is behind this.

Mitra is dealing with a case of a girl Asha who stays with Dharma. There is a talk that a few agents abducted Asha as a part of trafficking, and in that process, she reached to Dharma. Everyone says Dharma and Asha have an affair, but Dharma never responded to this. Mitra is trying to bring out the truth and free Asha from Dharma. If it comes out, then indeed, Dharma should resign from the ministry. So, he will try to go to any extent to stop her.