The Unchasable

Shibhu drove frantically. Soon the dawn spread and the traffic started increasing. “Are we out of danger?” came Ruka’s voice. “Ruka we are out of immediate danger but we need to keep going, show me the highway map,” he said “We need to take the fastest route. Show me the one with the least traffic and least curves. Actually..can you number them,” he said. The display reappeared with the same map, highlighting the different highways in different colors and numbering. “Yes. Keep me on the one with first preference,” he said. The driving directions and indicator got set accordingly. 

Rasheek and Nevin followed Shibhu, based on the GPS tag indicator, until the afternoon. “Rasheek..” said Nevin. “Yes,” said Rasheek. “Rasheek, we are now two hundred kilometers away from him. We are only going farther and farther from him,” he said with exasperation. “He is not going to be cornered anymore. He has realized that he has an edge with speed. He has exited the city and he will stick to this highway.” he said, highlighting the route. Nevin said nothing. “We can't get him by chasing on bikes,” Rasheek said. 

“I have some photographs from the time of danger.” came Ruka’s voice. “Let me see,” said Shibhu. As the display began to show them, he stopped driving. He skimmed through each photograph. “Excellent job Ruka,” he said. “Thank you” came the reply. “He felt the chill again, as he moved through the smoky pictures. He stopped at once picture, that was captured just before the smoke came out. He zoomed into Nevin, who appeared right at the center of it. A face recognition frame appeared and the voice came “Do you want to create a profile with a red flag?” “Yes,” he said. A form appeared with cropping of Nevin’s face. Shibhu entered Nevin’s details and closed the window. He zoomed into the picture again, this time at Rasheek. He created his profile too. “Do you want me to keep the cameras on and alert you if I find them?” came the voice. “Yes...Yes. Do that. Thank you” he said, beginning to drive again.

“How do we get him now,” said Nevin, in a tired tone. Rasheek stopped driving and examined the map. He made some markings and spoke,” Nevin, stop wherever you are and listen. Do you see the markings I’ve made on the map?” “Yes,” said Nevin, bringing his bike to a halt and examining the markings. “This is the route he is taking and he will stick to this highway because it will give him the maximum distance. If at all he takes a diversion, it should be here. So you would go to this city, and I would go to this one.” Rasheek said, marking their initials on two of the highway cities. “How,” said Nevin. “These people have flights and trains. Both of them can take us ahead of him. You know how to make these identity proofs.” said Rasheek “Ok then, I'll catch hold of a passenger.” said Nevin. “This time we don’t confront him.” said Rasheek warningly. “Then?” said Nevin. “Just hover around until those two arrive. Said Rasheek coldly.