“Ahh…that! Marriage is one photograph that I would not want to be a part of,” cringed Ishaan.
“And why would he even think of marriage now. Sab kuch tho sahi chal raha hai, on all fronts, I mean,” said Nishant winking at Ishaan. “And a personal advice Ishaan, don’t board that ship. If it sinks, then with it goes down the man,” added Nishant, laughing.
“Sabki kismet teri jaisi nahi hoti Nishant. Marriages do last forever, too,” said Vibha.
“What do you even know about that. Like when was the last relationship you had? Like a million years back, huh?” said Nishant sarcastically.
“Yeah… yeah whatever you say Nishant” said Vibha rolling her eyes.
The reunion of the four had overshadowed the fact they had been summoned by an anonymous entity and that their lives could be in danger. The mood in the warehouse had calmed down as the peals of laughter resonated in the ruin periodically.
Just then, everyone heard the sound of a car approaching the warehouse. This sound alerted everyone and they rushed out to check who it was. Abhimanyu was already out having a smoke. They all started walking towards the car. The car came to a halt with a screeching noise, and a woman stepped out from the driver’s seat.
“We did wonder when you would be arriving Kaajal,” shouted Nishant as the four walk towards the car.
And just then, another woman stepped out from the passenger seat, and everybody stopped in their tracks. All the four of them were surprised to see Richa, as they least expected to see her. Kaajal locked the car and started walking towards the others.
“Hello guys. Good to see you all again after ages,” greeted Kaajal.
There was a minute of silence. And just then, Vibha broke the silence by saying, “Let’s go inside. Though there is nothing exciting inside, but at least it will protect us from the scorching heat,” she added, trying to lighten the tension in the air.
Everybody walked towards the warehouse and nobody uttered a single word. Each one stood in the warehouse in an awkward silence, not exchanging any dialogue. Suddenly it felt as if the fear of the unknown had filled the air. Richa sat on a chair in one of the corners, incessantly rocking to and fro.
“But why would you bring Richa along with you, Kaajal?” asked Nishant with anger, finally breaking the silence.
“Nishant, take it easy. She is sitting right here,” said Abhimanyu
“I don’t care, Abhimanyu. This woman is unstable. She cannot be trusted with anything,” said Nishant.
“Hey! She had done nothing wrong, and I guess we are the abnormal ones here,” claimed Kaajal.
“We should have been a little more sensitive and acted wisely. The problem lies with us, Nishant,” added Kaajal.
“Is that so? She is the very reason…
“Could you guys shut up! Bickering is not going to help. Whatever happened that night, we were not a part of it, and it was all beyond us. PERIOD!” said Abhimanyu firmly.
“Now, we all should focus on why have we been made to gather here,” added Vibha.
Richa now sat there on the chair, full of cobwebs, least caring about a thing that was going on around her.
Just then, a Times of India newspaper came flying through the broken window and landed right in the middle of the warehouse. Nishant immediately ran out towards the backside of the warehouse, hoping to find the person who did this. Ishaan accompanied him.
In the warehouse, Abhimanyu picked up the newspaper. “To Page number 22” was written on the front page with a red marker. So he flipped through to that page. He skimmed through all the news articles with Vibha pouring in from the side. And then suddenly Vibha exclaimed, “LOOK!” pointing at an article on page number 22.
Abhimanyu looked at that article in disbelief and passed it on to Kaajal. And Kaajal read out the piece of news written in a small column “Twenty years old homicide case to be reopened in lieu of an anonymous tip. The new ACP Erika Lobo to head the investigation”.
By then, Nishant and Ishaan had returned.
“Couldn’t find anyone,” said Ishaan breathlessly.
Kaajal then tossed the newspaper to Nishant. “Holy shit!” cussed Nishant as he read through the article.
Richa just sat there on the chair, giggling and then laughing, “Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock”
Chapter 8
Four days earlier…
“Ekboteji aaj kuthli bhaaji ahe?” asked one of the men.
“Aaj parat shepuchi ahe. Meri wife goa me rehke bhi machii banake nahi khilati hai” replied Ekbote, opening his tiffin, as the other four constables looked at him open it.
“You at least get home-cooked food. I don’t even remember the last time I had home-cooked food,” said a young man, sitting in the group.
“You are Avinash right? the new guy who got transferred here few days back,” said Ekbote trying to recall. “Are you married?”
“Meri shaadi nahi hui hai. I got posted here four days back,” replied Avinash.
“Oh, lucky bastard, huh. You still have to eat a lot of outside food. Enjoy!” exclaimed Ekbote, laughing and patting Avinash on the back.
Just then, a tall, medium built man came racing into the Panaji police station, and everyone’s chairs screeched as they all stood up as he entered.
“Ekbote vo Parshuram ke missing bete ki file ready hai na?” asked the man.
“Yes, sir, it’s ready and on your desk,” answered Ekbote.
“Okay, and a new ACP has been transferred here, and she will be here by tomorrow afternoon, so get the cabin ready.” said the man and then briskly walked towards his cabin.
“He is senior inspector Rodriguez. He has been transferred 17 times in his career,” whispered Ekbote in Avinash’s ear.
“17 times! Is he such an honest policeman,” whispered Avinash, still looking at inspector Rodriguez as he walked into his cabin.
“Nahi re baba. He has four ongoing corruption investigations on him and hence the transfers. Wonder how he still hasn’t been suspended” whispered Ekbote. To this, Avinash just turned and stared at Ekbote in disbelief.
The clock struck three in the afternoon, and the Panaji police station was busy with its usual hustle-bustle. Just then, a white Innova arrived and stopped in front of the station. A man got down from the front passenger seat and opened the back door. A tall woman with hazelnut eyes, wearing a blue shirt and black jeans stepped out from the car and walked into the police station with heavy steps. She walked up to the first desk and asked, “Is Rodriguez around?”.
“Direct unse nahi mil sakte. Pahile Ekbote saahab ke pass jakar baat karo,” answered the constable sitting at the desk, not even looking up at the woman. “Aur tum ho kon aur kaam kya hai?” added the constable.
“My son has gone missing actually, and I wanted to file a complaint,” answered the woman.
“How many hours since his disappearance?” asked the constable.
“10 hours, I guess.”
“Okay then, please come tomorrow. Abhi kuch nahi kar sakte” answered the constable, now looking at the woman mockingly.
“But I am sure that there has been an abduction and that my child’s life is in danger. I just want to file an FIR,” said the woman puzzled.
“Madam humko mat sikhao. Kal aao. After 24 hours” replied the constable, a little annoyed.
“You just can’t refuse to file an FIR,” pleaded the woman. The constable continued working with the papers, not paying attention now.
“According to section 154 of IPC 1973, the police cannot refuse from filing an FIR if the plea is genuine. In that case, the person can move to court for not getting the FIR registered and can mention the officer’s name who denied filing the complaint. And secondly, it’s not compulsory that the person needs to wait for 24 hours to file an missing person complaint,” answered the woman firmly.
“Calm down! Who are you to teach me the law, huh?” asked the constable.
Meanwhile, inspector Rodriguez came out of his cabin and saw a woman quarr
elling with the constable. So he went to have a closer look.
“Erika ma’am, you were supposed to arrive tomorrow, right?” asked inspector Rodriguez shockingly, walking up to the her hurriedly. As soon as the constable saw inspector Rodriguez calling the woman “madam", he went pale.
“Yeah. But the police are always blamed for coming in late right? So I thought of changing that notion. And I assume a lot many things need a change around here,” replied the woman looking at the constable.
“Do chai bol and send it to my cabin,” ordered inspector Rodriguez to the constable, who was still stunned by what he had just done.
The commotion had caught everyone’s attention now. So the inspector clapped his hands and gathered everyone around.
“Meet our boss, ACP Erika Lobo, and she will be assuming her office from tomorrow,” announced inspector Rodriguez.
“Thank you so much. And it will be my honour to work for the people of Goa, and let’s make Goa a better place to live,” said Erika addressing everyone present in the room.
“Ma’am, let’s go to my cabin, as yours is not ready yet,” said Rodriguez.
“Yes, sure. After you,” replied Erika. They both walked into the cabin as everyone went back to their work.
“The crime rate in Panaji has declined quite a bit now, hasn’t it Rodriguez?” said Erika, walking around in the cabin. “But the clearance rate is quite low. Don’t you think so?” asked Erika turning towards Rodriguez.
“Yes, ma’am. But we are using all our resources in the best possible manner,” said Rodriguez brightly.
“And I can call you Rodriguez, right?” she instantly added.
“Yes, ma’am. Whatever seems fine to you,” answered Rodriguez. “After all, becoming ACP at the age of 26 back then, that’s a wonder in its self. The country is in the right hands it seems,” added Rodriguez.
“It’s been ten years to that….
Just then, Ekbote came into the cabin along with Avinash. “Jai hind, sir. We have a lead on the Parshuram case, and I am going along with Avinash to check up on it,” said Ekbote.
“He is head constable Narayan Ekbote and this is sub-inspector Avinash. Avinash is appearing for his IPS this year,” introduced Rodriguez.
“Nice. If things go well, and you clear the exam, Rodriguez might report to you, huh” chuckled Erika, which was followed by an awkward silence. “Okay, then I better get moving. I will see you guys tomorrow,” said Erika breaking the silence.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you to your car,” said Rodriguez. Ekbote and Avinash stood there as they left.
“His personality completely changed here,” said Avinash as he saw them leave. “The stern face, emotionless eyes, and an upright stance. Everything about that changed,” he added.
“Rodriguez very well knows which backs to scratch. He has been doing it for years,” said Ekbote as they stood in the office looking at the duo leave.
“Rodriguez, I will need all the homicide case files from the last five years. They should be on my table in the morning,” said Erika while getting into the car. “Let’s bring that clearance rate up. That’s the reason they posted me here in the first place,” added Erika.
“Yes ma’am, definitely,” replied Rodriguez.
The car stopped at the gate of a small house. Erika got out of the car and asked the driver to leave as she was done for the day. Then she opened the gate, which seemed pretty old as it made a screeching noise. A golden retriever came running from inside the house, and Erika kneeled to pet the dog.
“Someone was missing me, huh. Oh, you cutesy,” babbled Erika while petting him. “Okay, Milo, let’s go inside, and I’ll get you something to eat,” she added as they walked towards the house.
She entered the house and kept the keys on the counter. She pulled out some gravy and rice, heated it, put it in Milo’s bowl, and served him. She then walked towards the bedroom feeling tired. As she entered the bedroom, an old woman was sitting in a wheelchair, looking out of the window as the sun set gradually. The golden sun rays entering the room and were highlighting the freckles on the old lady’s face. Erika went and sat besides her.
“Hey Mum. How’s the day been? Did Sarika make dinner and keep it in the fridge”.
The woman just sat motionless, staring into infinity.
“Okay, so I will just get the dinner ready and come fetch you,” said Erika as she got up. Erika’s mother saw her leave the room with a straight face without saying a word.
Erika heated all the food and then again went into the room to bring her mom out. Then after dinner, Erika put her mother to bed and opened a bottle of wine. She poured herself a glass of wine and then sat on the sofa turning on the television. She just sat there sipping her white wine and watching the television with Milo sitting by her legs, and within minutes she dozed off, keeping the television on.
The clock struck six in the morning, and there was a loud noise as the doorbell rang, waking up Erika all startled. Milo who was sleeping peacefully by her legs until now, had woken up all excited and had started barking. Erika took a moment to come back to senses.
“It’s alright, Milo. It’s just the doorbell,” said Erika as she sat up on the sofa. “Who is it this early in the morning?” thought Erika to herself as she tried to look at the clock with her sleepy eyes and realized that she had dozed off on the couch without changing her clothes.
She got herself up, turned the television off, and trotted towards the door yawning. She opened the door, and to her surprise, there was no one at the door! She mumbled something in Konkani and closed the door. But within moments, there was another loud knock on the door. This time Erika pulled out her gun from the holder, which was placed on the counter. This time she opened the door swiftly, pointing the firearm outside the door. But again, to her dismay, there was no one at the door. She stepped out of the house, holding the gun, and searched the backyard and the small garden with dried flowers. She went outside the gate and looked around, but did not find anyone lurking around. But she did manage to scare a couple who was on a morning walk, horrified to see a woman swinging a gun at six in the morning. Erika immediately hid her weapon in her jeans and walked back towards her house, leaving the couple aghast.
While Erika was walking back to her house, suddenly a big heavy stone caught her eye kept on the left hand side of the entrance. She walked towards the door, swiftly picking up the heavy rock. There wasn’t anything peculiar about the rock, but there was an envelope under it. Erika threw the stone away and picked up the envelope. She checked it for any name or address, but it had none on it. She went back inside, closing the door behind her, still staring at the envelope. She went into the kitchen and tore the envelope open with a knife. She emptied the contents of the envelope on the counter and to her surprise, a bundle of cash fell from it. She again checked the envelope for something else and found a small piece of paper.
“Homicide case files of the last twenty years! Truth Be Told,” read the piece of paper.
Erika was puzzled as to what she was seeing in front of her. There was a thick fat bundle of Rs.500 currency notes, and a piece of paper that read the mysterious message. She did not know how to react to this and just stood there perplexed as the clock struck seven.
Chapter 9
Erika stood there, stunned as she was not sure of what she was looking at. Just then, the doorbell rang once again. Erika was alarmed, so she cautiously walked towards the door, picking the gun from the counter. She went up to the door and opened it swiftly, flashing the firearm outside the door. But to her immense surprise, this time, it was the milkman standing there. Completely stunned by looking at a gun from such proximity.
“Aaj kitna liter chahiye madam?” mumbled the paranoid milkman.
As soon as Erika saw the milkman and the petrified look on his face, she immediately lowered her gun. “Aadha liter,” she replied, a little embarrassed.
The milkman handed Erika the milk packet and left quickly. Erika closed the
door and placed the gun on the counter, feeling like a fool. Again, the envelope and the money caught her attention, and she walked back into her bedroom thinking about the same.
It was the first day of her duty at the Panaji police station, and she wanted to be in her best mental health. But the thoughts about the envelope, the cash, and especially the piece of paper that read “Files of last twenty years and not five”, bothered her.
On reaching the police station, “Who must have sent it and what had happened twenty years ago. And how am I supposed to find out which file it is” thought Erika to herself as she sat in the car thinking about the incident. Her thought bubble was broken by the sudden opening of the door by the driver.
She stepped out of the car and took a deep breath as she entered the police station. Everyone at the station, from the sub-inspectors to the constables, all stood up to welcome her. She thanked everyone present and asked them all to get back to their work.
“Welcome, madam. Your first day of duty,” said Rodriguez as he came out of his cabin to welcome Erika. “Your cabin is ready to use now. You please get comfortable in there, and I will send in some tea or coffee,” added Rodriguez.
“Perfect! And with that, send in all the homicide case files of the last twenty years,” said Erika and left a clueless Rodriguez behind.
Erika entered her cabin and saw that everything was cleaned and ready, from the chair to the computer and the printer. She walked up to her desk and picked up the nameplate on her desk that read “ACP Erika Lobo. IPS.” As soon as she read that, a broad smile spread over her face. She placed it back where it belonged and sat on the chair. She got comfortable in her chair and reclined back, but just then the cabin door opened.
“May I come in?” asked Avinash standing uncom- fortably at the door. Erika immediately stood up and went to the door to help him with the files.
“This is half of the pile. Once you get done with them, I will bring in more,” said Avinash, putting the pile down, adjacent to the table.
“Oh! That was quick,” said Erika, looking down at the pile of files.
Into The Shadows Page 5