Originally posted by: sashashyam
Very nice, my dear Shailaja, It is always good to tabulate the possibilities systematically. It clears the mind.
Now let us test all the hypotheses one by one.
A is a known quantity, and of strictly limited application: their earlier plot to use Roopa to distance Chandra from Nandini. They still think Nandini is dead, and so they would hardly be plotting against her, but only against Roopa. And as usual, they are too late!
B is also fully known to Chandra as Roopa's collaborator, so that would be no revelation for Roopa to make to him with her dying breath. Moreover, I do not see her as a grand conspirator with some sort of overarching plan, and against whom? Hers seems to be a solo track, against Padmanand.
C is more promising, but he is just not in that complex mould, and his plotting is to destroy Chandra and get Nandini for himself, not to destroy her too. Plus I am sure he has no idea of Roopa's existence.
D is in the pattern beloved of mystery story writers: the Least Likely Suspect. I would not mind her at all, but her love for Nandini is genuine and she would never risk her life. And she is always boosting Chandra to Nandini. So it is tough to imagine what she would be working for in trying to destroy Chandra
E is rank cheating by the CVs, and is thus the most likely solution!😉😉
F would be fascinating, and Pandugrath might well have recovered from his original mental retardation (which has to be genuine) under the treatment he received, and might be hiding it. Add to that the fact that he is missing in action. But he is with Nand and Rakshas, and why would he plot against Nandini as well as against Chandra? And he would not know about Roopa at all, would her? But it is the most intriguing choice of them all- the true identity hidden under the mentally challenged mask.
Summing it all up, I would choose between E and perhaps F, with a tilt towards E. That would tie in with the sense of urgency in Roopa's voice as she struggles to reveal the name. It has to be somebody known to Chandra but most unlikely to be suspected by him.
Good! I am rubbing my hands in anticipation! Nothing like a Mystery Plotter to keep one alert!
Shyamala Aunty