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..