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..