Page 38 of Chasing Hope

Her phone vibrated, yanking her out of her state of worry.

Ethan - Don’t do anything stupid, Hope. We will get him. The right time is just around the corner. Hold on a bit longer.

Hope sighed and reread Ethan’s message. Ethan had assured her that his informant was working to get substantial proof that Himesh had been trafficking girls. Since the bastard had a mighty hold on society, no one was willing to risk their neck. That being the main reason why it had taken them this long to get solid proof againstHimesh. Hope had pinned all her hopes on Amar. She was sure he would come through for her.

Hope - We are wasting time, Ethan. Soon he will commit unspeakable crimes. For God’s sake he is already at it. And we are sitting on our asses doing nothing. In fact we are handing over power to him on a platter.

Ethan - His public-handling prowess will cause him to get overconfident. And that’s when we will hit him.

Hope glared at the screen. Ethan could wait for all of eternity. But she was done playing a sitting duck. She had to formulate a plan of action. With or without Ethan’s support.

Himesh’s lips curled up in a chauvinistic smile. Blood surged angrily through her veins.‘I find it hard to believe that I am addressing the people of Maharashtra. I am standing before you all to resolve to serve as a humble servant of Maharashtra. The state is facing many challenges like gender inequalities, air pollution, rampant migration, farmers’ distress, lack of irrigation facilities and unemployment. I am here because of your love. I will put my best foot forward to address these issues. This is a big responsibility on my shoulders and I will try to live up to your expectations.’

‘The bastard has come well-prepared. Unfortunately, not many know he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.’ Hope’s expression tightened as the lowlife went on to lure the crowds with false promises. Several empty promises later the fraudster ended his speech and the crowds applauded his bullcrap.

‘Nasty piece of work.’ Hope’s eyes narrowed to slits as Himesh waved to the people, confident that his made-up speech had already won them over. He went back to take his seat behind the long rectangular table. The rhythmic sounds of cameras clicking filled the room.

‘That was an amazing oration, Mr Choudhary. We are positive the state of Maharashtra will attain the pinnacle of success under your skillful leadership.’ Himesh’s supporters cheered enthusiastically, singing his praises. ‘The floor is now open to the reporters to ask important questions from the CM nominee,’ the announcer said.

‘Hello, I’m Vihaan Sheety from News Today. Mr Choudhary, how do you plan to tackle unemployment in the state?’

Himesh smiled and smoothed down his spotless shirt. His voice was strong and unwavering. ‘First we have reforms in mind to enhance the skill set of people across all ages, to better equip them for employment opportunities. Second, India has the largest population of youth in the world and we need to capitalise on this. We will reinforce employment guarantee schemes. Our pen will empower the under-privileged.’ His assertive reply sent waves of cheers over the masses.

Ethan - Stick to the script. Remember, I’m still your boss. And in my newsroom I call the shots.

Hope - Damn. I left your script on my desk. Guess I have to get creative.

Hope knew the script Ethan prepared by heart. It contained several practical questions expected of a reporter. As always Ethan played by the rules. The golden boy of primetime never did anything to blemish his record. Although, there was no way in hell Hope would let go of this golden opportunity to rattle the scumbag’s chains.

Ethan - Jesus Christ, woman, you're spinning out of control.

Hope - All thanks to the mind-numbing sex you’ve been giving me this past week. Pat yourself on the back Mister ;)

Messing with him always made her heart jump in delight.

Ethan - Hope, this isn't funny. Do anything crazy and you're fired. And this ain’t no empty threat.

Ethan must definitely have been worried. He never held that particular dagger over her head. Somehow that made her smile. Good, let him stew. It was crazy how well they connected outside the office. Literally, Ethan’s neighbours could vouch for that. While inside the office they persisted as enemies.

Hope - As long as it doesn’t put a damper on our sex life, I’m fine with it ;)

Hope was obviously kidding. This job meant everything to her. However, if this was a risk she had to take, then so be it. Ethan’s reply would be a predictable outburst. In a counterattack, Hope rushed with a response.

Hope - Gotta go, I’m running out of juice.

Ethan - Hope, I’ve been very patient with you. Don’t take my kindness for weakness. Put one over on me again and there will be hell to pay.

With that being said, Ethan disappeared from the chat.

Hope pulled in a steady breath to turn down her hellish heartbeat. Her limbs ran to marble as she forced herself to stand up. ‘Good morning everyone, I’m sure you all know me. I’m Hope Pereira from First Up News. Mr Choudhary and I go way back.’

‘Yes, of course, Ms Pereira. Always a pleasure.’ Himesh’s mouth twisted up into a forced smile. One couldn’t miss the warning in his narrowed eyes. Nevertheless, Hope was a pro at deflecting these signals. She squared her shoulders and her eyes tightened. Her expression clearly stating she cared two fucks for his threats.

‘Mr Choudhary, my question to you is, there have been several instances of physical and sexual abuse of children in the state. Although this is a punishable act under law, many have gone scot-free despite committing these heinous crimes. It seems that laws are only on paper and that the influential lot have indemnity against the consequences. What do you have to say to that?’ The crowd gasped at Hope's audacity as she dug up an incident of the past. A painful and hurtful incident that had started it all. Himesh’s eyes went cold for a fraction of a second before he registered his surroundings. The hair on the back of her neck stood up. A room full of people glared at her. Himesh uncurled his lips and said in a rigid tone. ‘We’ll let the law take its course.’

‘Good luck with that.’ Their eyes met in a deathly grip and Hope’s blood churned in a frenzy. It was hard to contain the fury, bubbling inside her like a dormant volcano suddenly on the verge of erupting. Whispers buzzed all around them. The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension.

‘That’s all the time we have for today. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.’ The moderator rushed to his feet, almost knocking down the mic in his haste. Himesh disengaged his gaze and Hope sucked in a gulp of air. Her chest hurt with the pressure of controlled stress.

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