The Unusual Suspect Part 4

Sarthak wanted to find out more about Akshay..he wanted to find the ''Real'' murderer..poor Raghav was just a tool..and he knew it had to be someone close to Akshay..someone who knew everything about him..

'I am Sarthak Upadhyay..i wish to meet Akshay's father..' The servant let him in.. Sarthak knew Akshay's house was the best place to find out the truth.. Intuition and intelligence go hand in hand in case of a detective..

'Sir will meet you very soon..please make yourself comfortable..' the servant said.

'No problem at all..I'll just take a look around..' said Sarthak. Inquisitiveness..one of the basic characteristics required to qualify as a detective.

Akshay's house was huge..it was beautiful..and smelt of richness..it had a huge study..and innumerable rooms..Inevitably..Sarthak was attracted to the study..countless books and magazines were arranged in sections in alphabetical order..the section which caught Sarthak's attention was H-P..he saw 3-4 books about hypnosis..Sarthak smiled..he knew he was getting closer..as soon as he reached out to take a closer look at the books..Akshay's father came in the study..he was an old man who looked weak..and the pain of his son's death was very much evident on this face.

'Hi..I'm Sunderlal Vohra..Akshay's father..You must be Sarthak..please have a seat...would you like some scotch?'

'On the rocks..' Sarthak could never say no to scotch..

'I saw some books on Hypnosis in the shelf..you seem to be quite interested in that subject?'

'Not me..it's my wife who reads all this..but why are you asking this? inquired Akshay's father..

'I am doing a research on Hypnosis for a project..but couldn't find much information..may i ask Akshay's mother if i could borrow these books?' Sarthak was a good liar.

'Actually she's not Akshay's mother..she's his stepmother.nonetheless she loved him like her own son...she must be in Akshay's room..she misses him a lot...its the third door to the right..'

As Sarthak was leaving the study..he saw some papers from a diagnosis clinic..'Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma' was written in bold red letters..the patients name was Sunderlal Vohra..Sarthak knew that was a type of cancer..the report was 6 months old...he caught all this information from just a glance...it all seemed to be making perfect sense..he was now excited to meet Mrs Vohra.

Sarthak knocked at the door..a voice from inside asked Sarthak to come in..Mrs Vohra was sitting on a chair reading a magazine...she was attractive...and much younger than Akshay's father..

'Who are you? and what brings you here?!' asked Mrs Vohra..

'I'm Detective Sarthak Upadhyay...Raghav's brother has hired me to work on the case of Akshay's murder.'

Mrs Vohra got a little uncomfortable..

'You mean to say you are hired by the murderer's brother to solve the murder case?! What is there to solve?! Isn't it clear that Raghav killed Akshay?! I always knew Raghav was jealous of him..but anyways why are you troubling us? We are in a lot of pain anyways..please leave us alone..'

'You may think of it as inappropriate..but before coming here..i had gone to your room..to do a little check up..it's mighty unfortunate that you left your mobile phone there..you'd got a call from a guy called Abhishek....he was saying something about having to pay the hypnosis expert..and was asking you to meet him soon..that is all i could get out of him before he realized that it wasn't you on the line..Honestly..it's more than I required..and don't worry..i didn't forget to record that little monologue of Abhishek..what do you have to say now Mrs Vohra?!'

Mrs Vohra was shell shocked..she'd never expected this to happen..she didn't utter a word..

I'm sure you must be excited to know about how i cracked this one..The reports clearly stated that Raghav was in partial consciousness when he shot Akshay..the only possible explanation to that was hypnosis..I knew it had to be someone very close to Akshay as the person knew that he was at Theobroma that night..so i came to your house to investigate things further..the hypnosis books in the study..and the diagnosis report confirmed by doubt..since Mr Vohra has a serious type of cancer..you knew he's not going to live too long..and what i can deduce from all this is that Mr Vohra had already made his will in which Akshay was to inherit the majority of the property..and you didn't approve of this..so with your 'partner' Abhishek..you thought of removing the thorn out of the rose..but since you didn't want to hurt yourself while removing it..you used poor Raghav as a tool..'

'That was very impressive Detective..' said Mrs Vohra.. as she frantically took out a cheque book..and signed a blank cheque...she took the car keys out of her purse..

'Fill in the desired amount..and I'm sure you must have noticed the black Porsche in the garage...it's brand new and it's yours..'

'Hello?! Sanyukta?Sarthak here... I was wondering if I could take you for a drive tonight..it'll be a good stress-buster for you don't you think?! and besides I want you to be the first person to go on a drive with me in my new Porsche'

I guess Inspector Mishra was right..Like father..like son.

The Unusual Suspect Part 3

'I'm not at all interested in having a personal rendezvous with you sir..just wanted to let you know that Raghav's brother,Naman has given me the responsibility to solve this case..I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks..we could crack it a lot faster if we work on it together.' Sarthak was never too intimidated by the dynamic personality of Inspector Mishra...

It didn't take too much for the inspector to lose his temper..

What?!Are you challenging my intelligence?!..You don't think i can solve this on my own? I told you i don't need your help..you are just a wannabe detective..Don't meddle in my affairs or you'll be in big trouble my friend...so don't expect any sort of co-operation from me or my force..'

Sarthak left without saying another word..Mishra was still the same egoistic cop with a superiority complex..guess somethings don't change.. Sarthak didn't lose hope..he couldn't afford to..this was his first major case..also..Naman and he worked in the bank together for a few years and were good friends..Naman never trusted the Police and he was very well acquainted with Sarthak's wits and detection skills..he'd called Sarthak home to request him to take up this case..and agreed to pay whatever he wanted..though Sarthak refused to take any money. He was just excited about finally getting an opportunity to prove his worth..as Naman was telling him about what had happened exactly..a beautiful..innocent girl entered the room to serve Sarthak some tea and biscuits..he couldn't take his eyes off her..the beautiful girl was Sanyukta,Naman and Raghav's sister...Sarthak had seen her for the first time and was astonished by her charm and innocence..Even though Sanyukta was shy..one could make out that she was somewhat attracted to Sarthak too..

'Please save Raghav..I'm sure he's innocent..he could never do a thing like this..' Sanyukta said.

Sarthak held her hands and told her.. 'Don't worry Sanyukta..trust me.

Sarthak never felt this way before...he never believed in love at first sight..but this time he had to.

Sarthak was searching for a trail..he finally decided to begin the investigation by asking some questions regarding Raghav's mental state to Raghav's doctor.. When Sarthak was in the inspectors office..he'd seen the doctor's card on the table..and had noted down the doc's name and his office address in his mind in no time..

'Hi Doctor..I am Sarthak Upadhyay,a private detective..working on Raghav Dixit's case..and I need your help.'

'Wait a minute..are you Vasudeva Upadhyay's son?!'

'Yes!'

'He is a dear friend of mine! I am sorry about whatever happened...but its so great to see you taking his place! You are like a son to me Sarthak..tell me..how can I help you..'

Sarthak was glad to know that at least someone was willing to co-operate with him..

'I did some research on Raghav..went to his school and his college..asked his friends and teachers about his behavior and general mannerisms..somehow i cannot believe he killed his best friend..something's fishy isn't it? What do the reports say doc?! inquired Sarthak.

'Well you are right..this case isn't as easy as it looks..the reports say that Raghav was not in complete consciousness while committing the crime..and surprisingly..no kind of alcohol or drug or any other kind of intoxicant for that matter has been found in his body...I'm perplexed.'

'Hmmm..is it possible that Raghav was under hypnotism..i mean that is the only possible answer to his mental and physical state..isn't it Doc?!'

'YES!! That's it..Hypnotism..it has to be hypnotism..why didn't I think of that?!!You are a genius Sarthak...so now arises the all important question...

Who hypnotized Raghav?!'

'Now that we've found the all important question Doc, finding the answer to that shouldn't be too difficult..'

The Unusual Suspect Part 2

'Eat something dear I can't see you like this..it's been two days since you ate anything..life must go on..' said Prakriti's mother. She could imagine the pain her daughter was going through.

'How could Raghav do this?! How could he kill Akshay?! They were best friends!!' This was the question Prakriti had asked herself a million times by now.

'Why did you kill him? Where did you get the gun from? Now will you tell me or would you like a some more of my belt on your back?' You wont tell me will you? Take this...Smack!' Sr.Inspector Kartik Mishra was not known for his kindness. Strength,Arrogance and Ruthlessness were some of his basic characteristics..Raghav hadn't uttered a single word in two days..his family tried speaking to him...the cops used all their tricks to try and get Raghav to speak but all this was in vain. He refused to even drink water..eating something was out of question. Inevitably a doctor was called to check Raghav's mental and physical status..

'He seems to be in a state of shock.. I've never come across anyone having such little mind and body movement..this looks serious..give him some time..you'll have to force him to eat..things can go out of hand otherwise..I'll be back for a check up in a couple of days' the doctor raised this concern to the inspector. He told the doctor that he'll make sure Raghav ate something.

A tall,dark man, of not more than 25, stood at Inspector Mishra's office door and was listening intently to the conversation between the doc and the inspector. 'What are you doing here?! I don't need your or your father's help..actually i almost forgot..why would ANYONE want your father's help nowadays?! We don't have any room for corrupt detectives..and going by the famous saying ''Like father like son''.. I don't really appreciate your presence.' He didn't seem to be too affected by the words of the inspector..probably he was used to them by now.

''He'' is Sarthak Upadhyay. He worked in a bank before becoming a full time detective. Sarthak grew up watching his father solve innumerable cases and considered him as one of his role models. Not too surprisingly...Sherlock was his other role model. Sarthak's father, Vasudeva Upadhyay was one of the most sought after detectives in Mumbai...he assisted the Police especially inspector Mishra, in several cases..until that fateful day ..where he was caught taking a bribe to destroy all evidences which proved that a certain politician's drunk son had raped a girl. One mistake and Vasudeva Upadhyay's glorious 27 year career as a detective came to an end..he was an easy target for the press and often appeared in the headlines - ''Everyone has a price'' ''Money can buy Anything and Anyone.'' Sarthak's mother couldn't bear the insults and the embarrassment and killed herself. A year had passed since,and the enigmatic seasoned detective was now a worthless alcoholic in depression. Sarthak was brave...he was never afraid to step out and face the taunts,the insults. He always took them with a pinch of salt. Sarthak was always sharp..and as he had assisted his father in many cases..he had developed the wits to become a detective..Sarthak wanted to continue his father's legacy.. he didn't care about the corruption charges..he knew his father was the best in the business..Sarthak had solved a few small cases but none were worth his intelligence.Sarthak knew he had to do something big to get some glory back to the family. But the million dollar question is what was he doing at the Colaba Police Station?! He was very well acquainted with Inspector Mishra's nature..why would he want to go to him..when he knew that the only thing he could get from the cop was humiliation!

The Unusual Suspect Part 1

Akshay,a handsome 20 year old who was born with a silver spoon had just left from Theobroma,a famous couples hangout at around 11 30 pm on the 2 month anniversary of his relationship with Prakriti..cute...modern yet traditional. 'I had a wonderful time honey..thanks a lot' she said as she slipped her hands around him and cuddled up..

They'd met in college and became friends in no time ..gradually their friendship developed into love. As soon as the two stepped out,they met Raghav, who was their best friend. The disparity in their financial status never bothered them. Raghav's life was somewhat of a struggle..his father worked as a clerk in a Govt. office and his mother was a housewife. Raghav's sister,a year younger to him, taught English and Marathi to small children. Naman was his elder brother who worked as an accountant in a bank.So he was a guy of limited means who knew his responsibilities and always worked hard. Prakriti and Akshay were glad to meet him,but wondered what was he doing at Colaba so late in the night.

'Hi buddy..how come you are here at this hour?' -asked Akshay. Raghav didn't respond. He wasn't looking normal.

Prakriti knew something was wrong.

'What's with his eyes?! Is he high?I've never seen him like this!'

Akshay moved towards Raghav and looked at his eyes carefully,they were blood red and were filled with terror.

'Stop playing around yaar..you're freaking us out!' exclaimed Akshay,while shaking Raghav vigorously. In a flash, Raghav removed a pistol from his jeans,there was only a few feet's distance between them. 'Where the fuck did you get that from man! and why are you pointing it towards me?! Throw it away for God's sake!' - Akshay shouted at the top of his voice.

'Have you lost it Raghav?! If this is a joke then you've gone too far!' Prakriti couldn't believe that her best friend who hated violence was pointing a gun at her boyfriend,Akshay! and to top it all,Raghav and Akshay were also the best of friends!!

This time also,there was no response from Raghav. In no time, three distinct, audible sounds of gunfire were heard. Bang..Bang..Bang..People around them went into a frenzy..were running The three bullets pierced Akshay's upper body..and he fell on his knees and then lay flat on the ground.Akshay looked towards Raghav in complete disbelief..not too long ago Raghav had saved Akshay from drowning in a swimming pool! Prakriti was in a state of shock!..she placed Akshay's head on her lap and sat on the ground. Tears didn't seem to stop from her eyes. 'Nothing will happen to you Aksh..' Prakriti realized Akshay had already passed away. She kissed him and then began wailing loudly! 'How could you do this to him you bastard?!!' Prakriti got up and started beating Raghav,who suddenly started trembling..he looked at the pistol and threw it away. He looked at Akshay's body below..'Who did this to him?! Did I shoot him?!' Prakriti slapped Raghav..she looked into his eyes..they weren't red anymore..his face didn't have that stone cold expression anymore. He now seemed like the Raghav she always knew..sweet, lovable and caring.

By this time a large crowd gathered them and began to beat Raghav. The Police Station was not too far away.. some one called the cops and they were there in no time. This man..this man here shot this person!! an old man told one of the inspectors. Come here..come here you scoundrel,get into the car. said the havaldar while placing handcuffs around Raghav's arms. 'Believe me Prakriti..I was framed..could I have ever done a thing like this?!' Prakriti had seen Raghav's sudden change in mannerisms after he killed Akshay..she knew there was something mysterious about Raghav that night..but she was too hurt to consider these facts. 'Please take him away!'

Raghav sat in the Police car..he was shivering..he couldn't believe what he'd just done..he was a peace loving person..was always afraid of violence..what prompted him to do this? why did he do it? You'd think he knew the answers...there's a slight problem though...he didn't!

To be continued..

The 3 L's

I cannot remember the last time i blogged!! It's been quite a while! i realized that i haven't revealed a lot about myself here..its been one poem after the other. I need a break from all the poetry!! I'll talk about the 3 L's which are driving me crazy at the moment!!

1) Loneliness :- 1 of my biggest childhood fears came true due to some unfortunate circumstances.. This is probably the most testing period of my life..i dunno what to expect in the future...I always wondered how cool it would be to have the house to yourself..but there's a limit..i couldn't be more tired of living alone..earlier the house seemed too small..now it's way too big! Thank God for Leo(my pet dog)..a true best friend! According to a famous saying in Hindi, whenever God gives..he gives a lot! This implies to both happiness and grief! All the f***ing possible problems haunt me at this point of time!! I dunno whether the worst is yet to come or it has passed..i just hope this particular phase of life does not lead me towards more negativity.. I hope I learn some valuable lessons in life without having to read Deepak Chopra Novels!!

2)Laziness :- I was always lazy...but I think i'm crossing the line nowadays..I miss important classes..why? I have to sleep na?! I've been promising myself to start exercising but there's visibly no progress..I need to do something about this very soon..otherwise my dream of becoming a CA will remain a dream only!! Getting out of bed is incredibly difficult for me these days!! My phone's alarm is developing a complex because of it's inefficiency in waking me up!! I shall overcome!

3) Love :- I always wanted to fall in love...that is one of the good/bad effects of reading Archie comics since I was 6!! People say love is beautiful..blah blah blah..that is only applicable to the one's who are lucky enough to have the other person love them back! The other's who slog their ass out and still are unsuccessful in the quest for love definitely think otherwise. I'm sorry to say this but the word 'love' has been misused so very often nowadays that it's almost like insulting the power of the word love. One Night Stands,Casual Relationships are the in-things!! ''Move on Sagar..you have to''..Hey its no piece of cake pal! I'm not a nomad..its not easy for me to move from place to place(here person to person! ) It's been more than a year since I've been loving her from the bottom of my heart.. It's no rocket science that the sight of the one you love in someone else's arms is incredibly disheartening! My confidence level is probably somewhere near the earth's core now! It is so bloody low! Being too optimistic and having great expectations has led to this.. Moving on maybe the right option.. at least temporarily.. and it's not that I haven't tried..in the past a girl in my class had caught my eye..tall sweet simple cute..let me tell you..she's got a captivating pair of eyes!! we have a common friend and i told her whatever i felt about Lambu :) (that's what i called her) She told me that Lambu is not too keen to get into a relationship with anyone right now because of her career..I respected that..what came next wasn't expected at all! It seems that Lambu only wants a guy of a particular religion!! I thought of it as ridiculous at first but then I felt guilty at once..I mean i had no right of demeaning her values and principles..I just think it's very unfortunate that religion is one of the major barriers to love even today :/ Quite some time has passed since i came to know about her' requirements'...but even today I look at her most of the time for some unknown reason.. We exchange glances sometimes...I'm so sure that the 'common friend' teases her with me..I'm definite...I've always felt that Lambu and me have had some sort of connection..but it's been a year and we've not spoken yet!! I doubt if we ever will!! If I get the chance...tomorrow I'm going to ask the common friend if Lambu knows about my feelings towards her..I've got the intuition that she does.. I know I'm fighting a lost battle but hey..at least I'll know if she showed some interest in me or no..were the exchange of glances real or were they just a figment of my imagination?! Will this optimism land me in trouble once again and reduce my self-esteem to an all-time low or will it finally prove of some help? Only time will tell..