Chapter 19 – Much Better Than Expected

The next morning, there were quite a few people outside the ward where Rohan was, including policemen and reporters from various media outlets who wanted to interview him.

"Geet, Bharat, you two handle it. I'm going to take a call. Don't let these reporters in for now." Yadav's face was covered in sweat. These reporters were relentless. He and dozens of police officers from Spanda Police Station barely managed to hold them back.

His boss had just called him, instructing him not to accept any interviews for now. They had to avoid saying anything that might turn into a controversy—especially about Rohan, whom the reporters absolutely could not see yet.

His superiors had already decided what Rohan would say next.

This riot had caused heavy casualties. Someone had to take the blame.

The police force would come under fire no matter what. The media would criticize them for being understaffed, unprepared, incompetent—it was always the same.

The incident had already happened. Even if the police had done their best, the public would never see it that way. They would only count how many people died and how many were injured.

After all, the police were already disliked. This was just another excuse for people to vent their anger.

But this time, the senior officers had found an opportunity in the chaos.

Rohan's heroism was a beacon of light.

"This is the strength of our police force." That's what the higher-ups had decided to say. "Look at our officers! They risk their lives to protect the people. Officer Rohan Mahesh saved Miss Maharashtra at great personal risk!"

Once the media caught on to this, the public's anger would be redirected elsewhere. Instead of blaming the police, they would focus on Rohan's bravery.

"Director!" Yadav walked a few steps away from the crowd and pressed the answer button on his phone. As soon as he heard the voice on the other end, he straightened up and stood at attention.

The call was from Director General Harjeet Singh, the chief of the North Central District Police Station in Mumbai.

A big shot.

Usually, Yadav never even got the chance to meet him. All orders from the district police station came through intermediaries.

This was the first time Harjeet Singh had called him directly.

"Yes, yes, sir. Rohan has woken up, but he is still weak. The doctors have advised a few more days of observation… Yes, sir. Understood. I will handle it."

As soon as the call ended, Yadav exhaled slowly. Then, looking at the reporters still waiting outside, he couldn't help but smile.

This time, he was going to make a name for himself.

Of course, Rohan was the hero, but as the chief of Spanda Police Station, Yadav would receive his share of the spotlight.

"Chief, what did the higher-ups say?" Geet walked up and asked.

Yadav's smile immediately disappeared.

This guy.

Instead of doing his job—keeping the reporters at bay—he was eavesdropping on Yadav's conversation.

Look at Bharat—he was still at the front line, busy managing the media.

Bharat Kansal, the Deputy Inspector of Police, captain of Spanda's Action Team, one of the most capable officers in the station. He handled the serious cases, the ones that actually mattered.

One of the few men Rohan respected.

He never got involved in the internal politics of the department. He simply worked hard. That's why both Yadav and Geet valued him—though in reality, they just dumped all the hard work on him and took the credit.

Honest, hardworking, rare in India's police force.

"Director Harjeet Singh is coming soon." Although Yadav was annoyed, he still answered Geet's question.

"Huh?" Geet looked stunned. "Director Harjeet Singh is coming in person?"

Yadav didn't say anything more. He turned around and walked toward Bharat.

Geet rubbed his hands, deep in thought. After a moment, he stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed his backer.

A minute later, his face changed completely.

"Inspector General Rajveer Thakur is coming too?"

The answer was yes.

Not just Harjeet Singh, but also Deputy Commissioner Surya Pratap and Inspector General Rajveer Thakur.

Geet finally understood.

Rohan had done something truly massive.

His eyes flickered toward Yadav. This was good news. But Yadav, as station chief, would gain even more from this than anyone else.

An Hour Later

The tension in the hospital multiplied as a convoy of high-ranking police officers arrived.

Director General Harjeet Singh, Deputy Commissioner Surya Pratap, and Inspector General Rajveer Thakur stepped out of their official vehicles.

Immediately, the media stormed toward them.

"Director Singh! What do you have to say about the bravery of Officer Rohan Mahesh?""Will there be any major changes in police protocols after this incident?""How does the department plan to handle the backlash?"

Harjeet Singh raised his hand, signaling for silence. Then, with an authoritative voice, he began his speech.

He spoke about the department's commitment to public safety, praised Rohan's courage, and emphasized the bravery of Mumbai's police officers.

This was damage control at its finest. A narrative was being built—one that the media would spread.

After speaking, Harjeet Singh, Surya Pratap, and Rajveer Thakur entered the hospital, leaving their subordinates outside to handle the media.

Inside the Ward

When Rohan saw them enter, his heart skipped a beat.

These were the top men in the district.

He had seen them on TV many times. But meeting them in person? That was something else entirely.

He had expected someone from the department to visit him. Maybe a senior inspector, at best.

But this?

This meant he had done something far bigger than he had realized.

Director General Harjeet Singh smiled and stepped forward.

"Officer Rohan Mahesh, you have made the Mumbai Police proud."

Rohan took a deep breath and shook hands with the most powerful police officer in his district.

For the first time since the riot, he realized—his life was about to change.

Much better than expected.