by Sana Shetty
Soon they were seated at a table talking and laughing over tea and snacks, reminiscing about old times and as expected the topic turned to Jay.
“I am sorry, we all know how close you were,” Sunil said.
“Tell me, Sunil, do you believe the suicide theory? Does everybody here believe it?”
A guarded look came over Sunil’s face as he thoughtfully stirred his tea. “Is there a reason you don’t believe it?” he countered, not really looking at him.
Vedant watched him closely, as he answered, “Yes. One reason would be we all knew Jay for who he was. Nothing could get him down so much that he could take his own life. He was not a coward. Could you honestly believe he could commit suicide?”
Sunil looked up at him and then throwing a glance around, whispered, “Vedant I think you should leave well alone. Let this go. You don’t know what has happened in the past eight years that you had been gone. Maybe something changed for him.”
“Did it really?”
Sunil gave a deep sigh and said in an undertone, “You know, when Jay died, I expected you to come back. But secretly, I wished and prayed you would stay put at that job of yours. You shouldn’t get involved in this. Go back, Vedant. It is not safe here anymore.”
Vedant stared at him incredulously. “Why is everyone telling me to stay away? You know what Jay meant to me. You want me to walk away from that? And you want me to forget my brother is missing? What has happened to you?”
He had raised his voice a little as they spoke and he saw Sunil throw a nervous glance in the direction of the man he had been speaking to earlier. The man was not watching them but Vedant had a vague feeling that he was listening in on their conversation but he couldn’t be sure.
He lowered his voice a little to pacify Sunil. “What is the matter, Sunil? What is everyone afraid of? What are you afraid of?”
Sunil looked back at Vedant and shrugged. “I think you should leave, Ved.”
Abruptly, he stood up and walked away without a backward glance, leaving a frustrated Vedant staring after him, incredulously.
Feeling a little angry, Vedant walked out of the restaurant and was about to kick his bike to life again, when he felt a timid tap on his shoulder. He whirled around to face a sheepish looking Sunil. “Hey I am sorry I was rude back there. But…” he hesitated, throwing a glance around nervously.
His apology dispelled Vedant’s feeling of anger at his earlier rudeness and he asked earnestly. “What is the matter, Sunil? Why are you so scared? Come on, you can tell me. We used to be friends,” he pleaded.
Sunil sighed. “I know you will not things be, Ved. And I know it isn’t fair to ask you to walk away. But I don’t want to get involved in whatever is happening. Did you know my father was murdered about five years ago?” He asked, sadly
Taken aback, Vedant stared at him, “I am sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Yeah, well that’s the thing, Ved. Nobody cares,” he shrugged. “Anyway, after his death, I have tried to distance myself from everything that is going on in the village, maintain a low profile. I even gave up that place, the pub. I am a married man now, with a family to look after and well…I want nothing to do with all this. All I can tell you is…just…be careful. Please, just be careful and yes, you are right about Jay. He is not one to commit suicide, but there is nothing you or anybody can do about it. Nobody cares anymore, Ved. No matter what, people here just look the other way. Know that…things are not what they used to be anymore. I know you need answers and all I can say is…don’t trust anyone. Not even…” He hesitated. “Not even?”
“Well…not even your own…own people.” He gripped Ved’s hand in a stiff handshake and walked away.
On his way back to the hotel, Vedant couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was being warned about something or someone he knew. He wished people wouldn’t talk in riddles. First Dinkar and now Sunil, both were afraid of someone. But what were they afraid of? He had sensed as much that something was different here. Even his home, did not feel like home anymore. His thoughts moved to Divya. There was something about her that was not quite right. No matter what the physical distance between Tarun and him, he would still tell him everything. Surely he would have told him about his marriage.
It was becoming colder and his eyes stung, making it water, as he raced towards the hotel. He should have met Raunak as he had planned to. Raunak would be able to shed light on a lot of things. He was stupid to be avoiding Misha and Raunak, the only two people who could help him now. He wondered if Misha too believed Jay had committed suicide.
On his left, he could see the silhouetted shape of the temple, dark against the setting sun; the flag at the top fluttering in the breeze. Numerous lamps were lit in and around the temple. The temple priest had always detested electric lights in the temple. That, at least had not changed, he thought wryly. So deep was he in his own thoughts that he did not see the boy waving to him from the edge of the road, until he had almost passed him. Braking suddenly, Vedant cut the engine and the boy came running up to him, grinning broadly.
“Hi, there again,” Ved smiled at him. “It looks like you come here often.”
The boy grinned shaking his head and pointing towards the back of the temple.
Vedant frowned in confusion, “You stay behind the temple.” he said and when the boy nodded asked him, “Are you the priest’s son?” The boy nodded again.
“And you know who I am?” Vedant wondered. He had left the village long before this kid was born and yet this boy knew who he was. The boy pointed at the hotel and back to him. Vedant got off his bike and knelt before the boy. “How do you know me?” he asked gently. The boy dug into his pocket and took out an old photograph, waving it in his face. Vedant stared at it, a lump forming in his throat. It was a photograph of a younger Jay and himself, laughing into the camera. It was taken at temple steps years ago, he remembered, by Misha. His father had just gifted him a camera and they had goofed around with it. Taking the photograph from the boy, he asked him, gruffly, “where did you get this?”
The boy pointed to Jay in the photograph. “Jay gave it to you? Why?”
The boy pointed to himself and then at the photograph and again at Vedant. Vedant frowned. What was he saying? The boy was watching him and when he looked back at him blankly, he started to make some hand gestures.
“I’m sorry, kiddo. I wish I could understand you.”
The boy’s face fell in disappointment and Vedant asked him, “Can I keep this?” The boy shrugged.
“Thank you,” he kissed the top of his head, ruffled his hair and went back to his bike, thrusting the photograph into his jeans pocket. The boy smiled waving goodbye as he kicked his bike to life.
***** When Vedant reached the hotel, he found it quite deserted. He had parked his bike in the garage and quietly slipped into his room. He did not encounter Divya or Dinkar. Just as well, he thought, making his way to his room. He wanted some time alone and he could do without them questioning him. His head was full of questions and after last night he did not know whom to trust. He remembered Sunil’s warning. Don’t trust anyone. But he needed help and he would have to ask for help from Raunak. It did not matter what his personal feelings were, he would have to accept the fact that Misha had moved on. And yes, he had to face her too. He had been a coward today. Misha probably hated him for what he had done to her years ago, but he owed Jay and his brother to find out the truth about what had happened to them. Misha and Raunak were the only two people who could help him and Dinkar, perhaps. Dinkar knew more than he was willing to reveal. Maybe if he kept pestering and talking to Dinkar about Jay or his brother, he would let something slip.
He was famished anyway and it would be a good idea to go find Dinkar. He found Dinkar in the kitchen, pottering about.
“Got any dinner left? I am famished,” he announced, walking up to him.
“Where have you been the whole day?” Dinkar asked, worriedly.
“Just about the village.
”
“You went to see her,” Dinkar shook his head.
“Not much has changed in the village,” he hedged, not really giving him an answer.
Dinkar served him dinner and sat down opposite him. He watched as Vedant ate hungrily. “Have you eaten anything at all?”
“I had tea in the village restaurant. Remember, Sunil? He still runs that eatery.”
“Yes, he took over from his father,” Dinkar said absently.
“We talked. He told me his father was murdered. He is scared, Dinuanna; scared of someone. He warned me not to trust anyone, that it wasn’t safe here anymore,” He watched Dinkar’s reaction closely. “You know what he was talking about, don’t you?”
The old man stopped fidgeting and leaned over, whispering, “Listen son. Will you listen to an old man’s advice, for old time’s sake?”
Vedant sat back and looked at him. Dinkar threw a glance around him as if he was afraid that someone might be watching them. Vedant put his hand over the old man’s rough ones and said gently, “I will always listen to you Dinuanna. You are the only family I have left. But if you are going to tell me to go away that is not going to happen. I cannot desert Tarun. I have to find him.”
Dinkar looked at him sadly, “I know that. I know you will not give up on your brother. And neither can I stop you from finding out what happened to Jay, but…” Just then Divya walked into the room, tinkling as usual and Dinkar suddenly withdrew. He stood up abruptly and started to clear the table.
“Ah, there you are,” Divya said, in her usual breathless way. “You have been away the whole day.” She was looking from him to Dinkar.
“Yes,” Vedant said. “I was in the village meeting old friends.”
“Ah yes, old friends,” she watched him with narrowed eyes. “So did you find out anything?” When Vedant gave her a sharp look, she added hastily, “About Tarun, I mean.”
“Not really.” Vedant said. So Dinkar was afraid of Divya. Why? She did not come across as threatening in any way. Unwittingly, he yawned hugely. The lack of proper sleep the night before and his adventure of the day were catching up with him. He was tired.
“You look tired,” Divya said, sympathetically. “You ought to go to bed. Leave the dishes, I will clear them.”
She was perfectly amiable. But then again, she was the only one in the house other than Dinkar. So was she the one who had locked him in? And every time Dinkar wanted to talk, she would appear out of nowhere. Could she was watching them? Why would she? And yet….?
That night, he struggled to stay awake. If someone was going to lock him in, he wanted to be able catch the person red handed. But he was too tired and dosed off, only to awaken by a sharp rap on the door. He jumped up quickly, thinking it may be Dinkar. But before he could open the door, a sheet of plain white paper slid in, through the gap in the door. He picked it up and turning it over stared at the spidery crawl, RUN!! NOW!! Your life is in danger here! Get out!
Vedant stared at the paper. Dinkar! Did Dinkar slip this paper under the door? He crumbled the paper, unconsciously thrusting it into his pocket as he pulled open the door and stepped out. A sharp blow exploded on the back his head and an unbearable pain spread behind his eyes, as he slipped into darkness.
₪ ₪ ₪
Chapter 6
Misha bent over the stove, trying to catch the whiff of the curry she was cooking. Not satisfied, she put the burner on simmer and walked towards the wooden cabinet, in which all her masala was stored. The bell chimed loudly. Raunak, checking on her on his way home as usual, she thought smiling. But then she hesitated, remembering the prowler of the night before. Maybe she should take her father’s gun; she now kept tucked under the sofa with her. Boy! Was she getting paranoid! An intruder wouldn’t be ringing the doorbell.
Feeling a bit silly, she walked to the door and threw it open. There on her front porch as usual, was Raunak. But today he had a small girl along with him. Misha stood aside as they trooped into her living room. The girl was carrying a huge backpack that looked a little heavy for her.
“Hi, sweet heart,” Raunak smiled at her, giving her a quick hug. “This is Namita Patil. She is a close friend and college mate.”
The girl gave her a huge smile as she extended her hand. She had a small face and a very petite frame. Her light blue jeans looked faded and worn and so was the thin cotton t-shirt and the short sleeveless jacket. Misha realised she was not a small girl as she had first thought. Her short, dark, pixie-cut hair and small petite frame made her look like she was thirteen, but from this near, she looked to be in her midtwenties.
“Wow! You are beautiful. Much lovelier than what Raunak told me. No wonder he is so smitten,” she gave Raunak a teasing look.
“Ignore her;” Raunak said glaring at her and added, “Namita is a freelance photojournalist. She is doing a piece about lesser known tourist places for a travel magazine.”
“Hi,” Misha said. “Welcome to our village. You will find this place perfect for your article.”
“Thanks,” the girl, Namita, grinned.
“So where are you put up? At the hotel?” Misha asked, as they settled down on the couch.
“About that,” Raunak said, looking a little sheepish. “Actually, she is looking for a place to crash for a few days.”
“Oh, you could stay here, with me.” Misha said without pausing to think.
“See,” Raunak looked at Namita triumphantly. “I told you she wouldn’t mind.”
“I am sorry to impose myself on you. Raunak told me you stay alone and suggested I stay with you.” Namita shrugged, “To tell you the truth, on the measly remuneration that I get, I couldn’t afford the hotel. But I am willing to pay you a reasonable rent,” she offered hurriedly.
Misha wasn’t sure why but she took an instant liking to this small, pixie looking girl. She did feel a little lonely here after Jay and even though she knew Raunak was manipulating her into having someone live with her, she felt it would be nice have someone around, even if it was for a few days.
“No. I don’t need you to pay me any rent. And you can stay here as long as you want. I was getting bored listening to my own voice anyway and you would be doing me a favour,” she smiled warmly.
“Thanks,” Raunak grinned and bent forward to give her a peck on the cheek.
“I know what you are doing,” she whispered and he winked, giving her his sweetest smile.
“Alright then, I’ll leave you two to get to know each other,” he got up to move towards the door.
“Stay for dinner,” Misha began and then remembered. “Oh God! I left the curry on the stove,” she rushed to kitchen and quickly put off the burner. “There goes my curry!” she cried in dismay, looking at the blackened edge of the vessel.
Raunak, who had followed her into the kitchen, peeked into it. “I think we could save a part of it. And I had left some bread in the cabinet this morning. I think that will suffice.”
“I wanted to cook something nice for myself today. I even went out to the garden to get some fresh vegetables. Now it is all ruined.” She wailed.
“Hey, it’s alright,” he put his arms around her shoulder. “If there are more vegetables, I will toss up a salad. You go show Namita to her room.”
“You are such a sweetheart.” She reached up and kissed him on his cheeks.
He put his arms around her pulling her to him. “Listen, I don’t mean to be pushy and if you don’t want her here, you can say so,” he whispered.
“I know you are worried about me and it’s really okay. I meant what I said earlier. It would be nice to have someone here with me. And I think I like her.”
“Thanks. That is a load off,” he bent down for a kiss but she disentangled herself from his arms.
“I’d better go show her the guest room,” she grinned at him and he made a face at her. As she walked back to the living room, she saw Namita standing near the window staring out into the night.
She turned away and looked back a
t her saying, “It is sort of lonely around here. You are quite brave to stay here by yourself.”
“Not really,” Misha assured her. “I have lived here all my life and I can assure you; this is the safest place on earth.”
“Yeah, Raunak used to talk about this village all the time.” She paused to pick up her backpack, “I really do appreciate your taking me in. I hope it is not a bother.”
“You are the one doing me the favour here. I could use a friend. Come, I’ll show you to your room.”
The guest room hadn’t been used in a long time but coincidentally, she had cleaned and aired the room that very morning, just for something to do. In fact, she had cleaned out the cupboard and turned the bed, changing the covers and then scrubbed cleaned the floors, all afternoon. Now she was glad she did. At least she could offer her guest a clean room. It was a modest room, with a small single bed, occupying centre space, a wooden cupboard on one side and a small square table under the window, with a single chair next to it. She looked back at Namita and found her looking around her.
“It is not much but I guess you will be comfortable.”
“Are you kidding? It is very nice. I love it.” She was relieved to hear the genuine appreciation in Namita voice.
“There is an attached bathroom,” she said pointing to the other end of the room. She noticed Namita carried only the bulging backpack on her back. “Do you have any other luggage? You can put your things into the cupboard. It has a locker inside and the keys are in there.”
“No this is just it,” Namita said, pointing to her rucksack. “I travel light. Thank you so much,” Namita said throwing her sack on the bed.
“Freshen up and come down for dinner,” she said, adding jokingly, “there is burnt curry and bread on the menu.”
By the time she went back to the kitchen again, Raunak had already laid the table and was talking to somebody on the phone. “…..we will check that out in the morning. Call me when you have gone through the tape. I want to know for sure it is his voice.” He turned around and spotted her standing there watching him and ended the conversation saying, “I’ll talk to you later.”