by Manasi Joshi
“Well I never imagined the criminal would take such a drastic step sir. I am a loss of words on expressing how I feel about Sahil’s death. He was innocent.” said Ishani.
“The question now that arises is, what did Sahil know? Did he know the exact identity of the criminal? How did he know? Was he going to reveal the criminal’s identity to you?” asked Inspector Pawar.
“Yes. I guess so. He was going to tell us who it is. That’s what me and Raghav figured.” said Ishani narrating the entire story to the Inspector.
“Hmmm. What about you Miss Bhatia? I understand you and Mr Sinha were in a relationship? Did he say anything to you? Did he call you here today?” Inspector Pawar asked, turning to Natasha, who was sitting quietly in a corner listening to their conversation. She stood up and walked over to them.
Ishani looked at her. She looked forlorn and saddened. Gone was the haughty demeanour she portrayed always. Ishani felt sorry for her.
“Hello Inspector. Yes, I and Sahil were going to get married by the end of this year. Since Priya’s disappearance, he was oddly quieter than usual. I asked him a couple of times what was wrong. He just brushed off my questions saying I was imagining things and joked that I should visit a psychiatrist. Today however, he told me had to confess something. He said he knew who had kidnapped Priya and he had called Ishani and Raghav at his place and I should be there too. He sounded worried and anxious and I came running as soon as he called. He should have told me his life is in danger. He didn’t probably because he knew I would worry” said Natasha, her voice breaking as she started sobbing again.
Ishani put a hand on her shoulder. Natasha brushed it off and said, “I don’t need your sympathy. You go find your friend. I am leaving from here. “she added,curtly, wiping her tears, picking up her purse from the ground, nodding to the inspector and leaving the room.
“I will speak to her later. Miss Bhatia looks very disturbed. Miss Kirloskar, please be careful as to not mention all of this to Miss Shah’s parents as yet. Until we have further investigation details, we want to keep this matter under the wraps. We don’t want to attract more media attention. Already the media is very much hounding this case.” said Inspector Pawar.
Ishani nodded.” Yes, Inspector. I won’t say anything to Mr and Mrs Shah. Please do inform Raghav about this too”.
“I will. Well Miss Kirloskar, coming back to the conversation, I want you to think of who could possibly want to harm you or see you resigning and what benefit they could get from it. “ he added
“I can think of no one else other than Natasha. Judging by what has happened today; I don’t think she is behind all of this, how much ever we both may dislike each other. Other than that, can’t really think of anyone else. “Ishani said.
“You both are rivals at work?” asked the Inspector.
“Well not really, or maybe, sort of. Don’t really know. Just that we have never been friends and have cold shouldered each other ever since we know each other.” replied Ishani.
“I’ll get a constable to follow her, just in case, though even I feel she isn’t a strong suspect. You need protection Miss Kirloskar. Two constables will be posted guarding your house so that we are assured that you are safe. Please cooperate with them.” said the Inspector.
“Yes Inspector Pawar. I will. Thank you. “Ishani replied.
“Please let us know if you get further calls from the criminal. I think you will probably get them. “He said. “Keep me informed”
“Yes” said Ishani.
He nodded and headed towards the direction where Sahil lay.
Ishani saw a few forensic department people along with the constables in deep discussion.
Ishani walked towards them. Raghav was there too.
Raghav turned to her and asked her about her talk with the Inspector. Ishani updated him with everything.
“What’s going on here? Have they found any evidences or anything?” asked Ishani
“No. That’s what one of the constables was telling me. Do you see the water around Sahil’s body? That is melted ice. Apparently, Mr Blackmailer was smart enough to murder Sahil with a sharp ice object which later melted. So there isn’t any evidence as such. They are still looking for other clues though.” Said Raghav with a worried expression
Ishani was appalled. “The man seems shrewd. I just hope Priya is safe. I really felt sorry for Natasha today. “Ishani said.
“Me too; Let’s get out from here. I’ll get you home safe. “Raghav said.
CHAPTER 18: REALISATION HITS.
“Good night Ishani. Stay safe.” said Raghav as he dropped her home. “We’ll get a good night’s rest and see what to do tomorrow.” He added.
“Yes Raghav. Good night.” replied Ishani.
Two constables were standing at her door. “Good night madam. Call us if you need anything. We will be here all the time.” said one of them.
“Thank you so much. Appreciate your support.” replied Ishani.
“It is our duty madam.” said the other.
Ishani entered her apartment. Just as she was about to close the door, Ayaan was standing in front of her.
“Hello Mr Arora. “one of the Policemen said.
“Hello. I have come to have a word with Miss Kirloskar. May I go in?” he asked coolly.
“Of course Sir”
Ayaan entered Ishani’s house. Ishani closed the door and looked at him. He looked angry. Ishani was sure he was angry because she hadn’t told him anything.
“What the hell were you thinking? Going to Sahil’s house without informing the police? What were you thinking by keeping things to yourself? Why haven’t you told me anything?” he yelled at her.
Gosh, he’s really mad at me, thought Ishani. Just as she was about to say something to console Ayaan, her phone rang. It was her boss. She picked it up.
“Hello Basu sir” began Ishani.
“Ishani dear, are you ok? Where are you right now? The police just informed me what happened. It is very unfortunate that this should happen. Sahil was a good employee and this wasn’t his fault” Mr Basu.
“I am fine sir. I am at home right now. Yes, it is very unfortunate what happened. I am really disturbed.” replied Ishani.
“I know my dear. Do take care. Don’t work for some time. Take time off till this settles. Take lots of care and rest. Keep in touch with me though. I get worried about you.” replied Mr Basu.
“Thank you so much Sir. I will be in touch. You take care too and please let me know if you need me at the office.” said Ishani.
“Hopefully, you won’t be needed. I just hope you aren’t needed. Good night my dear.” He replied.
“Good night sir.” Ishani ended the call.
Ayaan was impatiently waiting for her to finish the call. As soon as she finished, he continued to rant.
“What were you thinking Ishani? Have you lost it? Or do you consider yourself smart enough to sort this on your own?” he continued, pacing up and down in her living room.
“Ayaan, Calm down! For god’s sake!” said Ishani exasperated.
He continued to speak until Ishani went to him and put a hand on his shoulder. He stopped pacing.
“Take a deep breath Ayaan. Calm down first. Then we’ll speak.” said Ishani.
Ayaan gave her a quick tight hug.
“Okay. I’m calming down. I am glad you are fine and nothing has happened to you.” He spoke finally in a normal tone.
Ishani was surprised to see him care so much for her. She hadn’t expected it.
“Ayaan I’m okay. Nothing has happened to me.” She said quietly.
“I was so worried. One of my informers here in Mumbai called me and informed me about all of this. I had asked him to keep a tab on this case so that I could help you find your friend. He told me about the threat calls you got and about this guy Sahil’s death. I flew down from Chennai as soon as I was done with my meeting.” he said.
“So you have been having me followed?” Ishani fro
wned.
“Yes, because you don’t keep me updated.” He glared at her.
“Ayaan, thank you for your concern, but having me followed, seriously! Anyway, let me get you a glass of water. “Ishani said.
“Forget all that. Tell me, do you have any leads for this? Whom do you suspect?” he asked.
Ishani sighed. She was tired of answering the same question to so many people. Nevertheless she narrated everything to Ayaan about how she suspected Natasha but now she didn’t really have a clue.
“Hmmm... “ Ayaan thoughtfully said. “So we know two things. The blackmailer is a man and Natasha is probably not a suspect though she’s not ruled out.”
“Yes. “ Ishani replied.
“So what do you plan to do now?” asked Ayaan.
“I don’t know Ayaan. I have just one day left to think. If I don’t make up my mind, soon, Priya will be hurt. If I don’t find out who it is, I will just surrender and leave my job and lie to the media that I faked my degree and I am an inefficient employee of C.T.I. I will do it. “Ishani said.
“You can’t! You are a fighter Ishani. You can’t give up so easily.” Ayaan exclaimed.
“Well I can’t risk anything happening to Priya just because of me. God knows what torture he has already met out at Priya. “Ishani said. “Sahil is already dead. Just because of me. I am at fault. He wanted to help and now he is dead. I feel awful. Natasha’s dream of a happy life with him is shattered. “
“Hey. Stop blaming yourself like this.” said Ayaan softly. “This isn’t your fault. You didn’t ask anyone to kidnap Priya. Don’t blame yourself like this. “
Ishani started sobbing. She just couldn’t help it. She was going to have an outburst of emotions and she couldn’t stop it. Ayaan held her hand while she cried. “Everything is slipping out of control Ayaan. Why would anyone want to harm me? What wrong have I done to anyone? First you leave me, then my parents now I have to either lose my job or my best friend. Why me?”
Ayaan’s expression changed as she spoke. He looked in deep pain. A tear glistened in his eyes but he brushed it away. “I am sorry for leaving you Ishani. I am here now. You are not alone. We’ll find a way to save your job as well as your best friend. You are not giving away your entire hard earned name and earning a bad reputation just because some jerk wants to. There has to be a way.” He tried to take Ishani in an embrace but she resisted.
“Go away Ayaan. I don’t want your sympathy. I can very well take care of myself. My friend Raghav is helping me. I don’t need any help from you. You make things difficult for me. Every time I see you, you remind me of our failed relationship and how shattered I was and still am perhaps. Go to your beloved wife and don’t show me your face again! Go away!” she yelled.
Ayaan took a step back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and spoke. “I am not showing you sympathy Ishani. I genuinely care about you and want you to succeed and be happy. I know you don’t believe it, but it’s true. Let’s focus on finding Priya and not dig into anything else.”
Ishani herself started pacing up and down. She drank a glass of water and felt better. She looked at Ayaan who was looking intently at her. She mentally chided herself for not controlling her emotions. You are a strong woman Ishani. You can’t behave like this, she told herself. She had perhaps been too rude to Ayaan. She drank another glass of water.
Finally after a while, when she had regained her composure, she spoke “Ayaan, I am sorry for the emotional outburst. I just couldn’t help it. I was rude. I appreciate your help.”
“I understand dear Ishani. “He replied with a small smile.
She tried to smile back. “Well thank you for understanding. I think you better head home. Please think of anyone whom you feel could be behind this. If you come up with anything, let me know. “She said politely, trying to widen her smile.
Ayaan nodded. He took one last look at her and left without saying a word.
Ishani looked at the clock in the living room. It was 1.30 am. She sighed. She was tired and sleepy. She changed into her pyjamas and lay on her bed. She put on an alarm for 5 am so that she could get up early and think.
Just then, her phone rang. She mindlessly picked it up. “Hello. How do you do?” said a spiteful voice.
Ishani jumped and sat up on her bed. She recognized the voice instantly.
“You demon, you murdered Sahil today!” she spoke with anger.
“So you recognised my voice, huh? Well the young lad knew too much to keep him alive. He had to die. He shouldn’t have poked his nose or he would be alive.” said the voice.
“You are a devil!” shrieked Ishani.
“I know. Thank you for the compliment.” The voice sneered. “I called you to remind you to make up your mind. Tomorrow morning at 10am, you meet me at the old fort near Worli. Priya will be handed over to you after you sign you resignation letter which I have typed for you and after you record a video at the fort under my supervision on how shabby you are at work. You speak in the vidoe that you are an incapable employee and that you are not needed in C.T.I. The video will go instantly viral. My work is done and you and your friend will be left alive.”
“Okay. I’ll come there at 10 am. don’t hurt Priya. “said Ishani, inhaling deeply trying to be careful with her words. “Please” she added.
“I know you have informed the police. You can go ahead and tell them I called you. They can’t catch me even if they try.” The man laughed.
Ishani wanted to tell him not to be so confident, but stopped herself. Let him think he can get away with this, the more over-confident he gets, the better the chances of catching him, she thought.
“I am repeating. Don’t harm Priya. I am coming. “Ishani said.
“OF course you have to come. You have no other choice, have you?” the voice sneered “Good night then. Have lovely sweet dreams” he added sarcastically
The call ended abruptly.
Ishani went outside and woke up the two dozing policemen outside her door. She told them about the phone call and its details. They immediately dialled Inspector Pawar’s number.
Ishani spoke to the inspector. “You were so right Inspector, he did call. Now here’s what he spoke...” Ishani told him the entire conversation.
“Thanks for the information Miss Kirloskar. We will look into it soon and let you know. Stay safe. Good night.” said the Inspector cutting the phone.
Ishani went back to her house and sat on her bed. She left a voice message to Raghav and Kabir explaining both of them whatever had happened. She was wide awake now. She wondered why Kabir hadn’t called. Surely he knew about Sahil?
She had to think. Think Ishani Think, she said to herself. Who could be? Natasha is ruled out. Sahil is gone. Who’s left? Who could benefit if she left the company? What about Natasha’s friend Reema? Could she get anything out of this? Ishani suddenly felt as if she had hit something important. She remembered the trio of Natasha, Sahil and Reema. Why was Reema missing today? How had this not struck her before? Suddenly, Ishani remembered the sound of the ghungroo she had heard in the living room the day she found the dead cat. Surely, a woman wore ghungroos. If her blackmailer was a man, could he be using a female accomplice? Where was she if Sahil was such a close friend of hers? Shouldn’t she be beside Natasha comforting her? She used to always stick with a Natasha no matter what, just like Ishani and Priya did; or so it seemed. Where was she?
Ishani got goosebumps as she was thinking. Realisation hit her, literally. Her gut told her that somehow Reema was involved in all of this. How and why, she needed to figure. Not caring to check the time in the watch, Ishani dialled a number.
“Hello? What’s it?” said a voice.
“Natasha, it’s me Ishani. We need to speak. It’s urgent. I am coming over to your house.” said Ishani.
CHAPTER 19: NATASHA SPEAKS.
“What is it Ishani?” said a sleepy Natasha as she opened her apartment door. She was dressed in just a shirt
without pants. She saw a constable accompanying Ishani and quickly rushed inside her bedroom. She came out with her pants on.
Ishani was waiting for her in her living room. Ishani took a look at the apartment while waiting. It was a very luxurious apartment. It was the first time that Ishani had visited Natasha’s apartment. Natasha sure was rich.
“What’s he doing here? “Natasha asked, nodding towards the constable waiting outside her door as she came out of her room.
“I am under police protection. So he came along.” replied Ishani.
“As if one constable would be enough to tackle that brutal murder.” replied Natasha.
Ishani took a look at her. Natasha’s eyes were totally red and swollen due to crying. Her nose was still blotched. She looked far from her usual pretty dolled up self. Her haughty demeanour seemed to have returned though.
“I hope you have a good reason to barge in my house at 3.30 in the morning. Or night; or whatever it is.” said Natasha grumpily.
“I do. Where is Reema, Natasha?” asked Ishani.
“You have come here to ask me this?” asked Natasha haughtily.
“Please just answer my question.” said an exasperated Ishani.
“I don’t know. She told me yesterday that she was going to take some time off since she was feeling a bit ill. She said she’d be back to work in two days. Since today morning, her phone is switched off. She’s probably resting. I called her many times to inform about Sahil but I couldn’t get through her.” said Natasha shrugging, though she softened a little when she mentioned Sahil’s name.
“Are you sure she was ill?” asked Ishani.
“Not really. Why are you asking me about her? Right now all I want to do is catch hold of that brutal murderer and kill him with my bare hands for murdering my Sahil and you are asking me about Reema?” shrieked Natasha suddenly losing her cool.
“I know you want your revenge. I am here to offer you that opportunity. You help me find the man and we both punish him. I think Reema is somehow involved in this. I can’t understand why, but my gut tells me so. “ spoke Ishani quietly.