‘‘...And that’s how it ended! ’’, The writer cum journalist ended his cover story, Mr. Jha senior journalist for a leading national daily was always under spotlight for his researches. But this one was different he hardly knew about it but he came to the ultimate truth which hardly anybody knew. This story was about Robin Deshmukh, a sensational racing car driver. A young, handsome, daring and muscular man who had passion in his eyes for car racing. He was a scholar in studies but yet chose this profession; his parents were disgusted by this decision and did not show any kind of faith in him. He raced off several amazing races, burned out several tracks with his lightning fast speed and reached at the top of the racers list in the world. He was a man with wit and courage both and used it perfectly in his races. But now it was BIG DAY approaching which could officially confer him with the spectacular ‘WORLD CHAMPION’ title. Best of racers from all over the world were coming - some were old flames for him, some were new competitors and some were unheard dangers. He was still confident on his techniques and control. Intensive training and practices started months before the competition, as the ‘THE DAY’ was nearing practices became vigorous. The date of championship was 15 Dec. That is mid of the coldest month. On 14 December he did not practiced at all, he sat in peace gathered his inner strength and hope, for the toughest and longest competition of his life. It was a really long race track. His racing car went through several checks by experts to minimize the risk of mishaps. Over the years they became like a team the mechanical check experts, the coaches and the technical check experts. Especially Raj Mishra, the head of mechanical team, a spectacular mechanical engineer by himself and was a dear friend of Robin. He was there with him in all the ups and downs and at the time of recession when Raj was kicked out of his job Robin offered him job in his mechanical team as a head, since then they were best of friends. It was 15 December, Finally it was the most important day for his career. This day could fulfil his hope for the delight of being a champion, for the blissful moment of holding that winner’s trophy. It was show time... All the racers were entering the tracks with pride and courage their overly broadened chest depicted spirit of sportsmen who were best of the best. The crowd was going mad with delight of the site of their favourite players and jeered for their triumph over others. Every racer drove their car to the starting point, as soon as the gun shot all the racers raced like hell’s angels. Robin leaded the race not that comfortably as usual but still could manage the header’s spot. The race was getting breath- taking. Cars were racing towards victory with gaps of some inches. Robin was suddenly over taken by many racers. Robin was trying hard to speed up but he failed, he could not understand what was wrong but those prior checks were not apt enough that he knew well. He kept his thought aside and pressed the accelerator hard. BOOM! The engine cried. Smoke escaped the bonnet covering the mirror, soon the tires seemed to be out of control and the car stood clumsily in between the track with Robin trapped in it. In no time did other cars banged into Robin with highest of intensity. Robin was thrown out of the car. Dead and lifeless. He died in the most anticipated race of his life and certainly the last one. Mr Jha added – This is not all there was some sceptical story behind it, the dark side of friendship, the story of double standards of relationships. It was not an accident, it was a murder!!!! The dearest friend of Robin also the mechanical head of the team arranged this set up to make him loose the game. He was actually the brother of another competitor whom Robin has won over several times and he too died trying. It was revenge from a brother.....And that’s how it ended! He wrote. Mr. Jha was surprised by the story that he wrote. He did not knew it as soon as he picked up the pen, he was to write a report not an investigation. But it seemed pen just worked automatically. He was confused and drained. He thought to gulp down some water to cool him down. He walked to the kitchen drank water as decided and came back to his table. He stared at his investigation report again. He noticed an adjustment in it that was so big that could make anyone sit dejectedly in disguise. A drop of sweat rolled down his forehead. After the last line Mr. Jhaa wrote there, there were miraculous words came from somewhere which spelled out as “ By : Robin Deshmukh” followed by his original signature. Mr. Jha went numb, pale and speechless, just then he heard some footsteps along the drawing room that vanished away without the sound of opening of the door. It was an eye opening experience for him. It was a ghost! A ghost who pleaded him to fight for justice for what had happened with him. The ghost of the car racer who died inching towards the dream of his life. A ghost demanding justice for his DIED SELF!
