River of smoke

3 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

River of smoke

Naina had already sent the swabs for comprehensive toxin screening and the body for autopsy.

As they went back to Mumbai , they observed the storm's aftermath that was evident on the roads . Scattered foliage on the muddy ground and the sky was still cloudy since the morning.

Zunaid was sitting on the driving seat . His eyes were fixed on the road ahead .

Ravindra who was sitting nearby, curiosity getting the better of him as he asked “ Sir , who do you suspect is behind the murder of Gautam Desai? Isn't this quite suspicious he left for a business meeting instead he stayed here in his resort for his own benefit “

A wry smile crept into Zunaid's cheeks “ What else would you expect from him, Ravindra ? Would someone having an extramarital affair broadcast it before visiting for a vacation with their girlfriend ? His wife told us about his casanoving nature . If you have an extramarital affair what will you do ? “

Ravindra's eyes grew wider as an embarrassment flush dazzled in his eyes “ Sir, it has been six months since I got married! my wife will kick me out of the house if I accidentally mention any other woman's name!” He laughed

Zunaid shared the same laughter “ So, does that mean you'll have an affair at a later stage if you get a chance?

Ravindra shook his head, still giggling “ Sir, even Yama is scared of his wife! I'm just a human !!”

“ Plus, you're a policeman! Zunaid pointed out

“ Policemen are even scared of their wives, sir! You too will understand this soon enough, Sir” Ravindra teased back

Zunaid's cheeks beamed with a pink hue. Suddenly, Anushka's face flashed in his mind. It has been so long since they have shared any words, even their silly fights, her cute pout, puff face which she made during their playful banter.

She must be feeling upset in their current situation. His heart ached as he considered her restless condition.

Nevertheless he shook off the casual jokes and focused on the matter .

“ Ravindra, the business meeting was just an alibi and my gut is saying this vacation turned deadly….”

Ravindra nodded knowingly and asked, "Sir, could Ayesha be behind the murder? As she had a powerful incentive.

Zunaid's gaze remained fixed on the road while steering the wheel, he acknowledged “ Ho bhi sakta hai ! It isn't impossible. As nobody is a saint at all . And …He paused in the mid way , his thoughts racing. "You're right, Ravindra. If Ayesha killed her husband, she could claim a share of the property. A clean slate might also pave the way for her to marry Satish. With 50% of the property, her future would be secure."

Ravindra nodded his head in agreement “ But one-thing is clear Sir,”

Zunaid shifted his gaze from the road to the junior Officer “ what's that ?”

“ Gautam's not behind Mrs Malhotra’s disappearance “ Ravindra said, his voice firm.

Zunaid's expression turned contemplative. His mind was racing with an onslaught of questions .

Ravindra continued “ Now we're left with three suspects. Mr Nishant Ranawat's our prime suspect as he has a strong motive to cause harm to her. And his dodgy attitude is also quite Suspicious. He had already lie to us “

When they arrived at Satish house , they met Ayesha. She was as shocked as terrified upon hearing about Gautam's sudden death. Zunaid's eyes locked onto hers, searching for any hidden emotions, but her expression was inscrutable.

Ayesha remained silent for a while, her emotions a complex mix of ambivalence and unease. She felt no sympathy for the man who'd never truly acknowledged her as his wife. Yet, the mysterious circumstances of his death unsettled her. Her eyes flickered to Satish . Their gazes met for a fleeting moment before he looked away.

Zunaid's observant eyes caught the exchange, his mind noting the subtle connection

"Ayesha, do you have any idea who might have wanted to harm your husband?" Zunaid asked with his composed voice

“ No ,Sir" her response was a curt shake of her head.

At Gautam's house , Zunaid and Ravindra found Mr and Mrs Desai were consumed by grief for losing their younger son .They suspect no one as Gautam has no enemy.

However , when Zunaid's revealed to them the secret affair of their son with multiple women and abusive behaviour towards Ayesha, their demeanor shifted. Initially they went defensive and also eventually became crestfallen, the weight of their complicity settling in.

“ Your son used to abuse his wife and you support his deed . You are also responsible for the injustice happen against Ayesha “

“ Are you defending that girl , Officer ? Here I lost my son , and you are throwing mud against my innocent child” Gautam's mother asked , her eyes were red and puffy from crying .

Gautam's elder sister tried to calm her mother.

Albeit , Zunaid pressed on , his words piercing "We're not taking sides, but as parents, wouldn't you want justice for your daughter if she were in Ayesha's shoes?"

Gautam's father gazed cast downward , his eyes avoiding the officer's. However , Gautam’s mother demonour remained resolute . Unwilling to hear criticism about her son .

Pune police provided Gautam’s call records , revealing a connection to an escort agency. Zunaid’s team tracked down the agency, from which Gautam used to get elite escorts.

However, the agency representative disavowed any involvement in Gautam’s last encounter.

"We stopped sending girls after receiving complaints about his behavior," the agency representative claimed.

“ Why did so?” Zunaid asked , curiosity occupied him more .

Zunaid met one of the girl's who shared her fake name, Rittika , as it was against the policy of the escort agency to reveal the real identity of them .

Through a brief observation, Zunaid estimated her height to be around 5'5" to 5'6", with a slim build and long hair. Rittika's eyes darted apprehensively , her demeanor cautious.

“ How long since you met Gautam?” Zunaid asked, maintaining his professional tone.

Rittika hesitated before responding “ It has been aafice months ago . My Boss sent me to him . He was… one of the most freak client I had ever had “

"What happened?" Zunaid's tone was neutral.

Rittika's voice dropped to a whisper. "Sahab.. he used to bite me everywhere and beat me , sometimes even punch me hard in my face . I complained about him to my boss . Sir , the body is the only thing that provides us money for our livelihood. how will we fill our appetite if it gets damaged. Cause no man will gonna marry us for sake of love “

Zunaid didn't ask further questions . He had already had an impression of Gautam's personality.

The cyber department later informed him that Gautam had frequent calls with Divya Tripathi, a name that sparked ACP’s interest.

Zunaid and Ravindra arrived at Divya's residence, where they met Raghu, the watchman. "?" Raghu asked, eyeing the two strangers.

Zunaid and Ravindra arrived at Divya’s residence where they met the watchman of the building at which Diviya stayed .

“ Kise milna hai Sahab?" ( Who are you here to see, sir) The man asked, eyeing seeing two strangers.

Ravindra flashed his badge. "Mumbai Homicide Branch. We're looking for Divya Tripathi.”

There was a noticeable shit in the composure of the man after learning the identity of the two strange people.

“ But Divya Ma'a left for her office in the morning, Sir "

Zunaid stared at him, " What's your name ?”

" Raghu , Sir”

"When will your Madam return?" Zunaid asked in his decisive tone

" Sahab koi thik nahi hai - oftentimes around ten or eleven at night “ Raghu replied

Zunaid's hands rested on his waist as he exchanged a weighted glance with Ravindra. The pressure was mounting; three days had passed without any leads on Sanyogita's disappearance.

Ravindra understood the weight of his senior officer concern. Albeit, they’re trying their best to solve the mystery that gradually got tangled up in each moment.

Zunaid pulled out his phone and displayed an image to Raghu . "Do you recognize him? Has he ever visited this apartment?"

Raghu's expression shifted. "Yes, Sahab. This man comes very frequently here .. I've seen him with Divya Ma'am."

"Can you tell me more about their relationship?" Zunaid asked, his eyes locked onto Raghu.

Raghu hesitated. "I'm not sure, sir. Kuch problem hua hai kya Sahab??"

" This man has been found dead , and for investigation purposes we came here. “

Raghu’s eyes widened , a wave of shock coursed through his veins.

“ When was the last time he had come here to meet Divya Tripathi?"

Raghu peered deeper into his memory, and said “ Approx One week Ago. After that I don't know Sir. I have My days shift , for night shift duty you can talk with Suresh !”

“ Did you have his mobile number?”

“ Yes, Sir”

Ravindra copied the phone number from Raghu's mobile.

Zunaid and Ravindra strolled ahead to walk out of the area but stopped when Raghu cried out “ Sir, Bimla can tell you perhaps."

Ravindra asked , his voice was even but serious “ Who is this Bimla?"

" Bimla is likened to my sister, Sir . She used to work as a maid at Divya Madam flat . But she stopped coming a month ago."

Zunaid's interest piqued, suspecting something he asked further " Why did she stop ?

Raghu's voice took on a defensive tone “ I don't know the exact reason. But Divya Madam accused her of stealing. She was stealing her money. After requesting a plea, Madam didn't complain to the police.. She lost her job and faced trouble finding new work “ Raghu's voice was laced with concern.

Zunaid sensed the injustice but prioritized the case at hand. "We'll look into it if necessary," he said, making a mental note.

Frustrated grew within Zunaid , he didn't want to hear the dramatic story of a maid and house owner as these things happened frequently. He thought they were wasting their time by paying more attention to unrelated issues.

Zunaid was about to dismiss the line of inquiry when Raghu's expression changed. "Sir, something's coming to mind…”

“What is it ?" Zunaid asked . His left eyebrow lifted

“ Bimla once told me that Divya Ma'am and the man whose photo you've shown to me that she heard about had a heated argument before Bimla got fired off her job “

Ravindra and Zunaid both exchanged an intrigued glance.

” An argument? What about? Money? ” Ravindra pressed

Raghu shook his head. "I'm not sure, sir. Bimla didn't elaborate. But she seemed relieved to be out of that job."

Zunaid's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Where can we find Bimla?"

"She lives in a nearby slum area, sir. She is my neighbour "

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While navigating through the narrow alley, pungent odour of urine and waste garbage filled the atmosphere. Children halted in the middle of their playing to have a better look to gawk at the two tall strangers , their eyes wide with curiosity and wariness.

Zunaid and Ravindra approached a makeshift door, partially ajar. Zunaid knocked, the door was open. An elderly woman in her fifties answered, her eyes darting between the two officers.

"Are you Bimla?" Zunaid asked, his tone firm but measured.

She nodded her head “ yes! Kisko chahiye sahab?”

Bimla ushered them into her modest home, a small space with sparse furnishings. A young girl brought two plastic stools, and Zunaid sat down, his eyes locked on Bimla.

The thought of gossip in her neighbours began to cook in her head , what people might be thinking about the sudden arrival of police in her house .

"How long did you work for Divya Tripathi?" he asked, his tone gentle.

Bimla was first startled , then replied, "Two years."

Her composure faltered when Zunaid showed her Gautam's photo.

"Yes, he visited her apartment frequently," she acknowledged.

Zunaid leaned forward. "Raghu mentioned a recent argument between Divya and Gautam. Can you tell us about it?"

Bimla was utterly speechless on how to proceed, nevertheless she mustered the courage to keep her words properly “ Yes , Sahab. This man , named Gautam used to come to Divya Madam flat frequently. Even they share meals and sometimes dinner as well .”

Her eyes dropped, recalling the incident.” Initially I thought they might be finance or in a romantic relationship..as I once mistakenly saw them physically intimate when I walked in her house in the morning for cleaning . Divya Ma'am scolded me, but Gautam Sir intervened

Zunaid's eyes remained steady, “ "What about the argument?"

“ Yes , yes ,..Sir . …Bimla hesitated, then continued. "I overheard Divya Ma'am's phone conversation. She sounded distressed...mentioning .. Gautam I can't abort the child . Either you have to marry me unless I tell everyone about our relationship….she had also said something in english ... .utne padhe likhe hote toh todhi n aaj Bai ka kaam karte !”

In the evening ,their argument escalated. Divya Madam threatened Gautam demanding to accept her pregnancy, unless she will not spare him. When they noticed me, they asked me to leave abruptly.”

Gautam Sir's visit ceased for a few days. But then Divya Ma'am sister arrived unexpectedly. Madam herself was unaware of it . That day Gautam also came to take a visit at her place . I was surprised to learnt that Divya was Gautam's step cousin's sister “

Afterward, Divya's demeanor toward Bimla changed. "She accused me of theft, despite my denial. My brother intervened, but I lost my job due to the allegations."

Afterwards , Divya’s Madam demeanor toward me changed . She started to get offended by every move . It was another day when she accused me of theft. told her I didn't steal her money . But she didn't listen.

Later on Raghu, who was working as a watchman for a decade , being a trustworthy man , requested that she spared me. But I also lost a job at a nearby flat. As no one trusts a thief.

Bimla's voice carried a hint of bitterness. "I realised Divya Ma'am wanted to cover up her scandal, sacrificing my reputation in the process. Saanp bhi mar jaye aur lathi bhi nahi tuta.”

When Bimla finished her words her eyes welled up but anyhow she held back then.

Zunaid realised he had a new member within his suspect list.