FF: Mysterious Murder at Manampur; Updt-Pg 44;5/2 - Page 24

Chapter 9 - Part 2: A Thread

It was 4.30 PM on Friday when he reached Nasik. He checked in the same Inn where Mr. Sethuraman had checked in when he visited this place. After changing, he went straight to the reception and asked for the owner of the house. He showed his card, and asked about Mr. Sethuraman, if he remembered him when he visited. He showed the photograph.

After some time, the owner said that he remember him.

O: He booked the room for 2 nights. It's the maid who received him and took care.

Then he called the maid and asked her about the vicitm's wareabouts..

Maid: Yes sir, it was me who received him. I remember him very well as he seemed to be very friendly by nature and spoke to us in a good manner. After visiting the temple, in the evening, He went to see a movie on the day before he left as he was bored. But after returning he said he changed his mind and would stay till the next evening.

M: How did he sound? And how were his expressions? And what time was it?

Maid: He sounded normal sir! Looking at him I felt he was a bit worried of something. When he returned, it was 10 PM. Sir.

M: Worried? Hmm. But why did he change his mind suddenly and what did he do next day?

Maid: Don't know the reason. But he said to serve his breakfast at 9 A.M. and in the afternoon he went to the movie theater again.

M: Again to the same movie? Looks like he was interested in the movies.

Maid: Even we were surprised to hear that. After he returned he said he had made up his mind and now he will be going to Lucknow as he had some business there. He seemed very worried of in some deep thought of something. He left to Lucknow to that evening train.

M: Where is the theater located?

Maid: Its right there sir. Just opposite street to this building.

M: Thank u. I will let u know if I have any questions.

He visited the movie theater, showed the card and asked the in-charge about the show that was telecasted on November 30, 2010.

M: I know it's a bit difficult for u to recollect but can u plz check it. I think u will make a note of each and every show details?

I: Yes sir! We will make a note of all the shows. Could u plz wait for some time so that i can check the register and give the details.

M: Sure! Take ur time.

After some time the in-charge came with a register and checked and gave the details. Manish ji noted the details of the show and the movie company too. Then he asked whether they played the same show the day next. The in-charge replied it was a different show that they played. Both the shows were of 2 hr duration. Both were Documentary type movies, one was modern story and the other was about some history related.

Manish ji was a bit surprised. He became anxious to see what was in those shows. He asked them whether these shows are been playing anywhere else. The in-charge said 'no'.

He couldn't make out what dragged Mr. Sethuraman to visit the theater the next day.

The result of the visit were negative. He was disappointed and returned to the evening train.

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After returning, the next day he enquired in the movie company about the 2 shows whether they can telecast them. But they didn't reciprocate as its difficult to telecast 2 movies for 4hrs just for one person. But he explained the urgency of it. Then the in-charge said that 'in that case we will let u know when the screening rooms are free'.

The next day, he got the details from the enquiry office of which he requested and also the details of Rohit too.

Rohit: Place of Origin: 1-123, Chattribagh, Indore, M.P.

Present address: 5-346, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.

DOB - 5th October 1983.

Parents: Ranjit n Rajni Kashyap; Both died in a tragic accident in 2002.

Graduated from Bhopal Universtiy.

After coming to Lucknow, studied under professor Ramadasan of Lucknow University.

Another letter came from Bhopal University confirming Rohit's Education there.

On the night of murder Rohit also attended the play performed by Avanthi Theater Artists.

This line really made Manish ji puzzled. All the 4 attended the Play. It can be any one but who was it? Placing the details carefully in the file, he then opened envelop he received from the Enquiry office.

The Enquiry details that he recieved were of Mr. Abjit Behera.

Dear Sir,

According to the inquiries we made, Mr. Abjit was admitted in the center by Mr. Sethuraman 20yrs back. He is undergoing treatment here & not doing well these days.

The details of Mr. Abjit are:

Name: Mr. Abjit Behera

Age: 54yrs

Wife - Aabha Behera (Second D/o of Mr. Anand Lal, No. 3/21, Madhuban, Jharkhand)

Died 22yrs ago due to illness.

Son - Aadarsh Behera

DOB: 26 Sep, 1982

The couple separated when their son was 6months old due to Mr. Abjit's disease.

Mr. Sethuraman and Mr. Abjit wrote letters to each other for couple of years and all of them were about Aadarsh. Later there were no letters from Mr. Sethuraman nor heard from him.

Manish ji was in deep thought after reading these details.

The next day he got a call from the in-charge of the movie company that the screening room will be free the next day. Manish ji was glad to hear that.

The next day Both Adi and Manish ji visited the company and watched both the movies but were clue less. They watched it very carefully each and every character and every scene without missing any one.

Then Adi pointed out whether there are any Promo's or Ad's been shown before or after the show? They said no.

They went with utmost disappointment thanking them for taking time for playing those movies. They went to near by hotel and ordered for lunch.

M: Now I wonder, if Mr. Sethuraman is not interested in watching the movie, is there any particular thing that dragged his attention? Now he decided to contact the owner of the Theater to give the details of the things that were displayed at reception during that time.

After having lunch, they immediately went to the headquarters and gave a call to the Theater owner. He said that there were some inauguration photos, few photos with his friends and other misc. photos. Again they were clueless.

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Few days passed and both Adi n Manish ji were busy with some other new cases. One day when he was free, that afternoon looking at the calendar he thought that coming Monday is a holiday. So he planned to visit Madhuban once and immediately left to home.

M: I'll be going to Jharkhand.

S: Is it a business trip?

M: I don't feel I can ask again since I don't know if I'll get any results.

S: Where r u going in Jharkhand?

M: Madhuban.

S: Oh its hill side place covered with forest.

Manish ji was determined this time to come up with positive results. He telephoned Adi to come and meet him in the station. Shilpa also decided to see him off at the station. They reached the station by 4.30 P.M. Adi too reached there.

A: Sir! There are many connections all over the places isn't it?

M: Yes, I guess so.

A: If there's anything I can do, let me know sir.

M: I do have and it's mentioned in this letter clearly. U don't go but assign this work to those girls. I hope we will come up with any positive results. We will meet on Monday evening at my residence. If they can get the details by then, it will be good. No hurry and ask them to be careful and alert too.

Meanwhile Shilpa ji bought some food stuff for his journey. They waved him and the train left the station.

A: It must be tough for u too Mam. There aren't many like him though.

S: He really loves his work.

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It was 8.30 in the morning when Mr. Manish Rajan reached Hazaribagh Rd railway station. He checked in the near by Lodge.

At 9.30 he had breakfast and took a taxi to Madhuban. He enquired about the address on the way. They replied that it's on a hilly area. The taxi driver at first denied of going but later he had to agree. They reached the village and asked about the residence of Mr. Anand Lal. The villager said Anand Lal passed away 10yrs ago, now his daughter n Son-in-law stays there and pointed to the residence.

When Manish ji knocked the door, an old lady in her 50's received him. Though her face was not pleasant, she spoke him pleasantly. She was Aastha, sister of Aabha Behera. After introducing to each other;

A: Please be seated. My husband is out for work. U said u r a friend of Abjit. How can I help u?

M: Yes, I'm acquainted with Mr. Abjit Behera when he was in that center near Lucknow. He was very friendly. Well I would like to know more about his family. He always spoke about them.

A: Hmm, now that u know everything there is nothing to hide from u sir! My sister Aabha was married to him without knowing that he had that disease. When he fell ill, she was shocked. Later when Aadarsh was 6months old she had to leave them. She couldn't take the kid with her. She was worried that Aadarsh might catch the disease as Abjit dragged him around with him on his travels. She had worked in a restaurant as a waitress and died 3 yrs later due to illness. When Aadarsh was 6yrs they left this place. Later when there was an enquiry about him after 2yrs, we got to know that they were in Sahore, M.P.

M: Didn't u hear about them again?

A: No. We don't know about his whereabouts. My sister suffered a lot because of him sir. (She burst in to tears) I'm sorry.

M: I'm sorry to trouble u mam! But were there any enquiries about Aadarsh's registry of residence or evidence for family register?

A: No, we haven't.

M: (After asking few more questions) One last question, can u recollect Aadarsh, and say if he is one among these. If anyone resembles ur sister or brother-in-law.

A: (Scratching her head) well he was 6 when they left this place. I can't say exactly. (After gazing at the photograph for a while) I think this guy looks a bit like my sister.

Manish ji was surprised after seeing the person whom she pointed out. The lady saw him off at the door way and Manish ji drove off in the taxi. Then he returned to the restaurant and had some food.

He saw the financial news and some other on "Ultrasonic Sounds" on the TV. He remembered the paper they got near the dead body of Karan. He finished his food and thought: Does it got to do anything with stock market values and read out the values. How can it relate to Karan's death?

He boarded the 7.30 train that evening at Ranchi station. He bought gifts for Shilpa ji and Rushi while returning. He had known what he had come here for and gone into deep thoughts about the case. And the train passed the stations and the cool breeze blew through the compartments……..

Chapter 9 Completed

Next – On the Track

just awesome!!!!!

two more updates away from revealing the murderer.

interesting and some new name is there

though i mtotally lost i think its one of the persons from victory group

too many deaths so i lost count who died and who is unwell


i think next part wud reveal more


waiting for it

@swetha did u read my gajar ka halwa post

@ swetha : baap re..it's a huge update !! 😲

:D
hmmm..damn interesting!
2 parts more naa!
Now a total 'besaram' question of mine...
Can we get the rest 2 parts at a time? :D

thank u All!!! 😊

Next update will be on 25th as all are busy with ur banner preparations 😳

Chapter 10 Part 1: On The Track

It was 8.30 in the morning when Manish ji reached Home.

S: Welcome back. How was ur trip?

M: It was good but very tired.

S: (Serving him tea) Have u made any progress?

M: I don't know. Must put all the pieces together and see. Few more questions to be solved.

S: Good to know that.

In the after noon he called Adi and invited him to the dinner so that they can discuss about the case.

In the evening, Adi reached by 6 PM….

A: Welcome back sir! How's ur trip? Did u come up with any thing?

M: Not sure but yes.

A: U must be very tired after the journey.

M: Don't worry I'm fine and took some rest in the afternoon.

A: How was it there?

M: I met the person's daughter and I went through all the questions I had intended to ask. It didn't result in much though. By the way how were things at ur end?

A: Hmm, According to the plan, they had visited their homes in a friendly gesture in the name of invitation, but they weren't alone they went in a group with others too involved.

M: Hahaha intelligent girls haaa…..

A: They have mentioned the entire list, what ever they can and few things were real interesting. Here is the list.

M: (After going through the list) this one is quiet interesting (pointing towards one of them). I think I read about this thing somewhere or heard of this.

A: Even I felt strange sir. My friend said, that they rarely uses it, these days and it's dangerous at times. I think we can ask him to explain in detail about it so that we can get a clear idea. He stays in the near by area.

M: That's a good idea. If possible we can meet him right away if he's free.

A: Sure sir. We just met and he is free now anyways. I will ask him to come here.

M: No problem.

After 10mins Adi's friend arrives. They all went into the study.

A: He is Hemanth!

H: Good evening sir! It's pleasure to meet u. We often discuss about u and ur works.

M: Please make ur self comfortable. So Adi said u were aware of this thing.

H: Yes sir! When Adi asked me about it, I felt a bit strange. Nobody uses much unless it's really necessary. It's called Ultrasonic repellant. It's used to cause some sort of weird / unpleasant sounds.

M: Weird sounds? What does that mean?

H: Well weird sounds for example; saw screeching on wood, fingernails on a glass window etc.

M: Those are certainly unpleasant. Can u explain us in detail?

H: Well, they travel as sound waves. When these sound waves are sent in cycles at certain frequencies they can be very unpleasant to human beings. They are of two types: low sounds and high sounds.

Low sounds - low frequency sound of less than 20 cycles for several minutes; in this case it will be called vibrations; which we can feel but cannot hear. U would feel uncomfortable after experiencing the vibration for a while and ur head would start aching and ur body might start shaking. It's a strange phenomenon.

M: Does one really react that way?

H: Yes sir, most definitely. The same can be said about high sounds. General range for humans is 20 - 20,000 Hz.

High Sounds - they are above 20,000 cycles. When they are exposed between 20,000 to 30,000 cycles for few minutes, on hearing them, one starts to feel strange. Please look at this diagram. It plots the average range of auditory senses of people in terms of frequency and volume.

M: Between 20k to 30k cycles, sound can make u sick?

H: Yes.

M: Very very sick?

H: It would depend on individual susceptibility, of course. Those who are especially vulnerable could even die - if the cycle of sound waves went on and on.

M: I see. Can u say whether this can be related to that? If so please explain this based on that? (He gave the paper that was found near the Karan's body.)

H: (After seeing the paper for few minutes) Oh god. This is certainly related to this method sir and who ever have done it, had used above 20K cycles.

M: (A bit surprised) what? Are u sure? How can u say that? And what does these numbers mean and also those empty lines?

H: Hmm, this man is very clever. They are not really numbers they are timings. (both Adi n Manish ji were surprised to hear that) 1935 is not the year but the time i.e 7.35 PM. I may be wrong but seeing this I feel it should be that, as we saw many such cases in my department. And the empty lines are a kind of pause time in between or some sort of pleasant sound.

M: Pleasant sound? Can it be music too?

H: Yes it can be music too. And for this, a person need not be a musician or something, any one can use it and play a recorder too. I think u got what I meant? (In a question mark face he saw both of them)

Manish ji asked few more questions which he had in mind and they dispersed.

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Next day morning he saw an article in news about the cabinet reshuffle and Mr. Grover had been given Agriculture and forestry minister. Looking at the article he remembered something and rushed to office.

He enquired about Mr. Grover's native place and confirmed it. Then he called the Theater owner in Nasik, whether he is acquainted with Mr. Sethuraman. The owner said 'no'.

The he asked about Mr. Grover. He said: Mr. Grover is from the same native place as his. He donated to the Theater and also attended the inauguration function of the theater too. The photograph was there in the office till January but later he shifted it to his residence.

Manish Rajan enquired about the photograph. After getting the details, he asked him to send a copy of it to the headquarters address. The owner understood and accepted to send it immediately.

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Evening - in Grover's Mansion:

There was a big party. The victory group boys attended the party. Rohith was already there. He was surprised to see his friends. They wished Mr. Grover. The news reporters were interviewing Mr. Grover on his success. Kushi was looking gorgeous in Sea green dress. Both the couple were center of attraction other than Mr. Grover's success. They both thanked their friends for joining the function. It was like the wedding party rather than Mr. Grover's success party.

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Next day Manish ji got a courier from the Theater owner in Nasik. He was eagerly waiting for it to arrive. As soon as he received it, he opened it and saw the photograph. As it wasn't that clear, he used a magnifying glass. He recognized the person in it and surprised. The persons in the photograph were, Mr. Grover, Kushi and the 4 victory group boys. So this is it.

He called Adi immediately and asked him to meet at the same caf.

After 30min they reached the caf and sat at the corner of the room.

M: We got the man we wanted. We were thinking of the wrong man till now. Here is the photograph which I received today.

A: (After gazing at it for a while) I can't believe it. It's him?

M: I think Mr. Sethuraman must have identified him and he visited the theater again to confirm the kid he had taken care in his childhood. So he wanted to meet him and thus changed his plan to visit Lucknow. I think he got his phone no. from telephone directory. They met. In my opinion he had informed about his father too who is alive. The murderer wanted to hide his identity so he had to kill Mr. Sethuraman. Polly helped him in disposing the clothes. As karan is interested in Polly, she might have asked his help in going to Sahu hills as a stranger. He might have done it for her. Karan must have known about Polly's affair with murderer. So this is it. (He shouted in excitement)

Now we have to find where Polly resided before she moved to the apartments. I assign that work to u.

A: Sure sir! I think it must be in 3 - 5 miles radius, as he cannot walk with that blood stained clothes much. Though it was dark he cannot have taken a taxi too. I don't think he used his own car. So we can make a search upto 10 miles radius and see first.

M: That's good. Meanwhile I will visit the theater and find out her previous address.

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That evening, Manish ji visited the Avanthi Theater. The receptionist recognized him and greeted him.

M: Sorry to trouble u guys again. Can u give me the previous address of Polly?

R: (A bit confused and surprised) Sorry to say but we don't have it sir. She never gave her previous address. May be Jayati mam or any of the other staff must have known about it. Right now they are in the rehearsals. Could u wait for some time?

M: Sure. Where is the rehearsal going on?

R: In the hall. U can watch it from the room over there.

M: Oh that's great. Sure I would like to see.

She guided him to the room. Manish ji was watching the play for some time and suddenly he thought something. He came to the reception where the other staff were chit chatting of why did he want Polly's address now.

R: How was it?

M: It was interesting. They're all putting a lot of spirit into their performances.

R: Glad that u liked it sir.

M: I would like to ask something. I noticed that u need many costumes.

R: Yes, we do. Just making those costumes takes quite a bit of money.

M: Do u save those costumes after u finish with a performance?

R: Yes, we usually save them. And the wardrobe mistress will take care of those.

M: Wardrobe mistress? Can I meet her now?

R: Yes, sir. This way please.

She introduced her as Mrs. Shalini Bhattacharya and left.

M: Sorry to trouble mam! But I would like to ask u few questions.

S: It's ok. What is it u'd like to ask me?

M: There must be an incredible number of costumes. Do u ever lose any?

S: No. That hardly ever happens.

M: Hardly ever? Then that means that sometimes they do disappear?

S: Yes, it almost never happens but there are times when one or two pieces might be missing. But that's only once every several years.

M: I see. That must be because u're careful about overseeing the costumes. But there must be forces beyond ur control. No matter how careful u r, with so many times, there must be times when the no's aren't complete.

S: Yes, then it's my responsibility.

M: I see. Did a man's costume disappear last December?

Shalini looked surprised at Manish ji's specific question.

S: Yes, one did. After the show, a man's raincoat disappeared and we couldn't find it. I replaced it with new one as there was a show that day too.

M: A Raincoat? And when was that?

S: Let me check the date sir. I usually write it down in my diary if such things happen. (After checking her diary) it was on December 3^rd that I noticed that the raincoat is missing.

M: December 3^rd. That's it. What's the time when the previous day show ended and where?

A: Well it's near to the Manampur railway road some 5kms, and the show ended at 9.30 or 10 P.M.

M: Do u always store them in the wardrobe?

S: Yes. Generally we store all the costumes in the store room wardrobe, but sometimes we just leave it in the dressing rooms if it is outside the Theater.

M: Whose coat was it?

S: It was Karan's sir.

M: What was it Karan's? (He raised his voice in involuntarily and Shalini was surprised at his loud voice) Thank u mam for ur cooperation.

He asked few more questions to her and the receptionist and left.

Chapter 10 part 1 completed.

Next - The final Step