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Next update below - this time in mid-week, hope you enjoy it.
Drabble 8: "This is getting more complicated each day
"Why should I go to the college and you to the hospital? Gauri objected. She wasn't used to taking instructions from anybody.
"Because I would like to interrogate Mrs. Arora, I know that you have a soft corner for her so you will not be as objective as me. And since you found the manuscript, you should investigate its background. Omkara was annoyed. He was running out of patience. He was not used to explaining his methods and decisions to anybody.
"You, and objective? Careful, let's not discuss the two terms in the same sentence. And you don't even like hospitals, you can't even see blood. Gauri was angry, he was being judgmental again! But when she saw him fuming, literally smoke coming out of his ears, as this time she was judgmental, she decided to try other tactics.
"But I want to see Mrs. Arora as well, how she is doing? And the college is not very far from there. Gauri pleaded, this time using her charms, with puppy eyes and a tweety pout. She was taking a chance, although she wasn't sure it will work on Sherlock.
But, it did. Omkara was a goner. He was already struggling to resist her in normal circumstances, and now this.
"Ok, let's go together, first to the college, I don't want you missing out on important evidence so I will come with you. " Omkara looked like he gave in, but his insides were smiling, with the thought of having the upper hand this time and her being by his side in the hospital.
The grounds were empty as classes were in session and except for public areas, the canteen etc. not many students were in sight. The College Dean showed them around and answered questions about Mr. Arora, who taught advanced Mathematics to final year students and mentored research students. They learnt after interviewing the staff that Mrs. Arora had been a student of Mr. Arora many years ago and graduated with distinction. She was a promising Biomathematics scientist in the making but gave up on her career after marrying Mr.Arora. She also looked depressed in her later years.
Omkara held the manuscript' before the dean and asked if he knew who it belonged to.
"I am not sure, DI Oberoi. I am not that involved in day to day these days. But please feel free to speak with Professor Siddiqui. She will definitely know. I will take her to her, if you are done with me. Dean replied.
"Yes, we are done... Omkara was just about to finish the interview when he looked towards Gauri, " ...unless, DS Sharma has any more questions? he prayed silently, thank God I asked, else another chauvinist lecture would have followed.
"That's it sir, for now, I think. Gauri replied.
They were walking down a dimly-lit corridor with very few windows/ openings, led by the Dean, when Omkara noticed a boy, maybe a student, lurking behind them, at close quarters, as if he was trying to spy on them. Omkara made a note of finding him later and interrogating him.
The Dean knocked on a door and they entered after hearing a meek "Come in.
Professor Siddiqui was a stunning woman in her mid-forties, she looked regal clad in a cotton saree when she rose up from the chair to make introductions. Although Gauri noticed that she had dark circles under her eyes and maybe wet lashes, she had been crying before they came?
"Prof. Siddiqui, the detectives are investigating Prof.Arora's death. They would like to ask you a few questions. I hope this is not an inconvenient time. Thank you for co-operating. The Dean then left.
Sherlock and Holmes were by now seated across the Professor, looking intently around the room, noticing all that they could, almost profiling her in their heads.
"Prof. what is your involvement in the college and how well did you know Mr. Arora? Gauri started.
"I teach Biomathematics here. I have done considerable research in biology and the link between human anatomy and numbers. We work in the same college for many years, I knew him well... as a colleague. There was a slight pause, in between the sentences as if she was measuring her responses before speaking.
"Just a colleague? Or more than that? Gauri carried on.
"What do you mean? Are you trying to imply something? the professor looked ruffled.
"No, prof. DS Sharma is just trying to establish your relationship with Prof.Arora, was he a friend, enemy? Were you indifferent to him? Omkara intervened.
"I don't think this has any bearing with your investigation. Do you have any more questions for me? Prof was irritated and defiant at the same time.
Omkara held out the manuscript in front of her and asked, "Would you know who was researching this subject in the college? There is no name on the paper.
Prof. Siddiqui gave an expression as if she already knew the document, she held it for a bit , flipped a few pages and returned it to Omkara.
"No. I am sorry I can't help you.
"Aren't you supervising all research work that happens in Bio-Maths in this college? How come you don't know whose work this is? Omkara looked at her knowingly, she was setting a trap for herself.
"My answer remains the same as before. Now, if you don't mind, I have a class to attend. With this Prof. Siddiqui got up and led them out.
Omkara and Gauri looked at each other knowingly.
"Sherlock, I think she is hiding something. Something is not quite right about her.
"I agree Holmes. Did you notice, her desk was devoid of any family pictures at all. Strange for a woman of that age, won't you say?
"Yes. She seemed quite prepared, as if she had rehearsed the answers before.
"Good observation Holmes. I also saw a student lurking around in the corridor trying to follow us let's find him
They were just about to leave the corridor and enter the courtyard when they heard someone whistle to them from the corridor.
The same boy they were looking for emerged from the shadows and grabbed Omkara's hand.
"Please, please, save me. I don't want to die.
----------------------------------------------------END of part 7 ----------------------------------------
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