The riddle of death... (end) - Page 76

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Then put it on asap and come in your Sherlock Homes mode. 😆

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

☺️

Originally posted by: --cute.manasi--

BTW , want to know status of destined love ?

Originally posted by: --cute.manasi--

my heart won't be able to handle if i guessed wrong...😛

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Okay, then remember the name of the suspects in your mind and cross your fingers. 😆

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

I promise to update DL by tomorrow. 😆

CHAPTER: 15

29^th December, afternoon, in an apartment of Andheri West...

Ting tong ting tong...

"Offf! Who's this now in this afternoon? Ringing doorbell like mad? Salima Khan, the gorgeous and elegant lady in her thirties, had to run to open the door being vexed at the torture of the doorbell, and a very endearing smile reflected in her lips after opening the door.

"You?

"Yes darling! Jalal gifted her another endearing smile from him, and got inside.

"What are you doing here now? Were you supposed to come here today? Salima frowned.

"Yeh Lo! Jalal sighed while jumping into the sofa of the drawing room. "Your one and only devarji gave you such a lovely surprise, and you are interrogating me instead of asking for tea?

"Stop talking rubbish and don't ask for tea now. Tea-time is after 5 pm. Salima sat beside him. "Then, works are over? So now you can get time for your pyari bhabi?

"Jalal Khan's whole life is dedicated to his pyari bhabi. It is his bhabi who gives him a damn and goes to the tour in London leaving her little devarji all alone.

"And I gave you a chance to stay with your Begam Sahiba in her country house in Christmas, what about that? Salima bent lips. "You should be grateful to me and your Bhaijaan.

"Staying in country-house with Begam Sahiba! Hahh! Jalal sighed sadly. "Perhaps I had the worst holidays ever Bhabi! I went there for 4-5 days only and look what hasn't taken place there! From murder to the revelation of a source of woman-trafficking racket back to back! I am hell tired Bhabi! Really...

"I must say you are unique. Salima smiled. "Ever heard that future son-in-law's first step in the house ruins the great business of his father-in-law this way and also compels him to good-bye the world?

"I am serious Bhabi! Jalal told with a slight smile. "When I first saw the oldie I understood that he is not a straight man, but Jodha's father and woman-trafficking! Too much to imagine!

"I just can't imagine how Jodha is dealing with these truths! Salima sighed sadly. "Too tough for a daughter to accept these facts... especially a girl like Jodha...

"You don't know her. She is a super-woman. Jalal stated proudly. "Any other girl in her situation would have broken down, but she is handling everything so smartly ignoring her own emotions and sorrow... She is just amazing Bhabi. Even I would have become vulnerable if I was in her place...

"So much praises for sweetheart yeah! Salima laughed. "By the way, she is strong that does not mean that you will leave her alone in that state and will roam around in Mumbai and Pune and Mahabaleswar without talking with her! Her laugh suddenly changed into frown. "Not expected from you Jalal, very bad...

"I was not roaming around, okay? I was working... and what I was doing was for sake of her. Jalal uttered with a slight displease in voice.

"But you were supposed to tell her right? Salima argued. "You know, she called me today morning? She was trying you but you were out of reach so she had to call me to know your whereabouts. You did not tell her that you were not in Mumbai? Why?

"I did not want to make her worried... or even curious. Jalal told. "When we will meet I will explain her in all details. I know she is already in stress so it is not at all needed to give her extra pressures by telling her that what I was doing these days. That's all...

"But still... she has rights to know about your works and all... Salima was not tired in argument. "Both of you brothers are same... forget everything else of this world when gets in work!

"Understood! Jalal sighed mischievously.

"What?

"Aab tak bhaijaan ki baajti thi, aab mera bhi baajne wala hay! He laughed out, and leaned against the back of the sofa... "Now it's 5, so tea-time...

"You go and get fresh, I am making tea. Salima went to the kitchen but Jalal still kept on sitting and scrolling the screen of his phone.

"By the way Jalal, Salima told while making the tea. "I have completed the assignment which you had given to me.

"Assignment to you? Jalal frowned. "When? What?

"Very well! Salima showed fake anger. "ACP sahab himself is forgetting what duty he is giving to whom! She entered into drawing room with the tray of teas. "You forgot you asked me to gather information of that particular lecturer of Mumbai University? I have got to know about him.

"1 Second. Jalal looked excited. "You mean Rishav Sindhu?

"Yes. Salima smiled.

"Great! Jalal got up. "Say...

"He has joined as a lecturer of Philosophy a month ago only. I have a friend in that department, she confirmed me. Salima told. "She told Rishav is a very introvert type of man, hardly talks to anyone. He is an absolutely loner person, and none knows much about his background.

"Did you get to know what I had told you? Jalal asked thoughtfully.

"My friend said they had arranged a small trip from their department to Mahabaleswar. Rishav was also a part of that. On 21^st December evening they had arrived Wather station by train and from there took car to Mahabaleswar. They had to book an extra car from station itself for problem of space and Rishav along with another professor had boarded on that car to go to Mahabaleswar. You can confirm from his college if you want.

"No need. Jalal nodded. "So, Rishav had come to Wather station for an expedition tour... And he was not coming to Madhubani, he was going to Mahabaleswar and the village comes on the way... so, is it possible that he... His frown became deeper and deeper as he was unmindful...

"That professor was always with him. Salima told. "He had gone to Mahabaleswar only... You can confirm it...

"Leave it! Jalal became cheerful again. "Do you have Rishav's address?

"Yes... I am giving you... Salima started searching her phone.

"Thanks... Jalal smiled and handed her the cup when she gave him the address. "So bye now... I have important works.

"What??? You are leaving right now? Salima stared with shock. "Have some rest at least! You just reached from Pune...

"Come on Bhabi. Enough rest I had... I have a lot of work to do now. Jalal smiled. "Arranging the files, making the charge-sheet, going through the evidences, a meeting with commissioner and another conference... and a personal visit to Rishav Sindhu... Before I leave for Madhubani tomorrow morning...

"You are going to Madhubani right tomorrow? Salima was shocked again.

"You know Bhabi, I am missing my Jodha too much! Jalal winked naughtily.

30^th December, around 10 am, Madhubani

The house was as silent as it is usually nowadays. Jodha was silently sitting on the sofa of the drawing hall and turning the pages of a magazine unmindfully to organize the thoughts which were storming in her mind. Suddenly her cell-phone rang. "Must be Jalal! Jodha grinned and picked up, and again was quite upset after seeing the name. "Yes Mr. Sahani... She responded dully.

"Good Morning Madamji Good Morning! Jodha felt kind of irritated with Sahani's forceful overly joyous voice, though she has become habituated nowadays. Mr. Sahani is on his cloud nine; he has got a lot of footage due to the fiasco in Madhubani, and now eagerly expecting a promotion. As he believes Jalal will take a major role in his promotion, he is leaving no scope in impressing Jodha and calling her day and night in petty matters to show his efficiency. "Yeah Good Morning... Say... She told again in same dull voice.

"A great news Madamji! Sahani grinned over the phone. "I caught him!

"Whom? Jodha asked.

"Neelu... That fled servant of your house. Sahani told in a proud voice. "Sir had given me the responsibility of catching that fellow. I have caught him! Now he is sitting in lock-up, crying and screaming. He smirked... "Madamji, is he the murderer? Just order me, I will beat him black and blue till he confesses...

"Oh good work Mr. Sahani... Jodha tried to smile. "No you don't need to beat him. If possible do one thing, try to match his footprints with the prints we had got in the garden after the murder. And also take his handprints and prepare to send them in tests... She told after thinking a while. "I am coming...

"Okay Madamji! Sahani did not sound much pleased. "When Sir will come, Madamji? He asked with another grin again.

"Don't know! Jodha sighed and covered that with a smile. "He is very busy, you know... Maybe... within some days... or...

The conversation got interrupted as someone knocked the door. "I will get back to you... Jodha cut the call and proceeded to open the door. And she got absolutely a high voltage shock.

"Hiii!! Jalal was standing with a happy smiling face!

"Jalal!! Jodha was so overjoyed with this surprise that she could not control herself from jumping on his chest to hug him firmly. "You are back! You even did not tell me! What a surprise my god! I missed you so much! She stretched her arms around his neck and grinned. "You stupid! Did not even call me once from your own? Did not even tell me that you went to Pune? You... what were you doing...

"Ehhhummm!!! Jodha... Jalal seemed to be a bit uncomfortable with this sudden proximity and whispered. "Leave me... get me in...

"No! Jodha smiled naughtily and again hugged him tightly again... "You left me alone here in this terrible state idiot! I will not forgive you... she pouted...

"Jo... Jo... Jodha... Jalal tried to loosen her grip. "Nirmala Aunty is seeing us! he whispered.

Before Jodha could say something against this, she spontaneously had to leave him, as she saw a man behind Jalal timidly staring at both of them...

Ehhhuhh! Jodha made a sound and stood by Jalal. "Who is he? she whispered.

"Saying... Jalal whispered and came inside. Nirmala was really in the drawing hall, she came closer. "How are you Jalal? she smiled and asked.

"Good Aunty... Jalal smiled. "How are you?

"The way God has kept me! Nirmala smiled sadly.

"You will be very happy now. Jalal smiled naughtily. "SUKANYA??? Where is she?

"She is in her room. What happened? Nirmala asked, and then looked behind Jalal suddenly. Her eyes stuck on the face of the man standing at the doorstep and she stared at him with stunned eyes. Jodha looked at Jalal confusedly.

"Come Rishav, come... Jalal smiled and himself welcomed him leaving Jodha mum. "Jodha, you know him but perhaps haven't seen him. He is Rishav Sindhu...

"Oh! Yeah... Jodha smiled out of courtesy... "Come in come in... She hurried...

Rishav entered into the house hesitantly and kept on gazing at the floor...

"Nirmala Aunty... Jalal went to her and held her hand. "He is Rishav, the son of your husband's friend, the man whom Sukanya loves.

Nirmala looked at Jalal with surprise.

"Only you have the right to take decision about your daughter's life, aunty. None will force you to abide by them like before. Jalal pressed her hand a little with warmth in his voice. "Have a talk with him, give yourself some time before taking decisions...

Nirmala smiled a little and slowly took her hands back. Then she went closer to Rishav who was still looking at the floor and touched lightly on his shoulder... Rishav looked at her instantly with shocked eyes. "Why you are standing? Sit. Nirmala told in a very normal and warm voice which easily touches the heart... Rishav tried to smile but it was overshadowed by the mark of distress in his face.

"Maa...

They looked towards inside. Sukanya was standing at the front of the door of her room. Her eyes were steel and gazing at Rishav. Rishav suddenly became excited seeing her...

"Sukanya... Sukanya... I am... He got up and almost ran towards her... She was still gazing at him, her eyes filled with tears...

"I am sorry Sukanya... I should not have fled this way leaving you alone... I am sorry Sukanya... Rishav held her hand and started pleading forgetting the presence of others in the room. Sukanya kept on gazing at him for some moments, then suddenly left his hands and rushed in her room closing the door with a bang. Rishav kept on gazing at her path with utterly distressed face. Nirmala ran to the door and started knocking...

"So the last chapter of their love-story... the drops of tears before uniting forever... Jalal whispered in Jodha's ears with a touch of amusement in his voice. "How was this stunt, baby?

"Melodramatic. I never know you are so dramatic kind of person. Jodha giggled in a low voice. "But do you think their relationship will work after all these? Rishav left Sukanya when she needed him the most and after all this...

"Let them take their own decisions. I have done my duty only. Jalal smiled. "Well. Another work is left... Where is Maan by the way?

"Maan? Jodha was a bit surprised. "He has gone to tuition. Why?

"I had some work with him... Jalal told a bit unmindfully...

"With Maan? Jodha was a bit surprised.

"Yeah... Jalal told. "However... any updates here?

"Yes... Sahani called just a minute before. Jodha said. "Neelu has been caught.

"Great! Jalal told excitedly. "Okay, let me meet him then before Maan arrives. I am going to Mr. Sahani. Will you come?

"Okay. Jodha said. "But... Jalal...

"No more talks now. Jalal hurried and looked at a confused and dejected Rishav. "Rishav, you stay here and have a talk with all, I will be back in few hours...

"But sir... Rishav looked a bit impatient. "What about the...

"Yes, everything will be there in right place. Jalal assured him, though Jodha could get nothing about what they were talking about...

"You just came right now, and you are leaving? Nirmala said. "At least sit for a while...

"I am coming right now Aunty... Jalal smiled and pulled Jodha's hand. "Let's go...

They got in Jalal's car and Jalal geared up to take speed. He was silently driving. Jodha became impatient.

"You have to tell me everything now! She demanded.

An unmindful Jalal looked at her. "What do you want to know?

"Whatever you know. Jodha told. "What were you doing in Pune? Tracing the addresses written in Surya's diary?

Jalal smiled.

"Is that the reason you met Rishav? You want to open the case of the murder of Paresh Sindhu?

"And also the murder of your uncle Sujamal... Jalal told. "I went both Pune and Mahabaleswar. I searched the old case-books to find the police report and the autopsy report of the accidental death of your uncle. I also got to know how he was trying to reveal the secrets of the dark business of Madhubani's farm risking his life. I met Mr. Mehra in Pune, the old editor of a newspaper of that time which had published an article about the dark business in Madhubani and Sujamal's death just after the accident, and as a result he faced a lot of hazard and the newspaper was closed after some months due to the intervention of politicians. I myself read that paper, which was quite directly pointing towards Mr. Bharmal Singh and some other people. Mr. Mehra told me that he was working with Mr. Sujamal to help him to unveil the whole matter, also he was trying to open the case of Paresh Sindhu... Mr. Sujamal had proceeded steps ahead in this process of investigation, and most probably some other names of some reputed persons involved in this dirty business also came in his hands. He had become a threat and just before he could do something against them, he was killed.

"O god Jodha exclaimed. "I wonder why Mr. Mehra was silent these days? He was a journalist, he should have voiced against it long before...

"He also had threats, and there were not many proofs to stand against the system single-handed. Jalal commented. "However, according to Mr. Mehra there are some more names who were involved in this racket that time... To open the pole completely I need Mr. Sujamal's last statements in his diary, that will help me to open the case again and many new things will be revealed!

"But the diary has been destroyed na? Jodha said. "Isn't there anyone else who knows clearly about the information gathered by Sujamal Kaka? Isn't there any other proofs?

Jalal shook his head. "Never mind, I will find enough proofs. I need to go back 20 years back in this farm to understand everything clearly Jodha... That's why I want to open the case of Paresh Sindhu's death again. So I met Rishav mainly... to talk with him and make him understand. He now wants to appeal for an investigation for his father's case. I think it will not be tough in this scenario of Madhubni. Will you help him out?

"Yes, of course... Jodha nodded. "But Jalal, a murder which happened years ago, which left no clue behind... Will it work?

"At least Paresh Sindhu will get the respect of the martyr here! Jalal smiled. "People will know that he was killed because he voiced against the crimes of the farm. His family will get a justice after a long time. It was not essential to case his file again to continue the investigation of this racket. But I wanted his name to come out, and it will have most impact only when his family appeals for another investigation... And I am sure I will get to know about the missing parts of the racket very soon, through the clues left by Mr. Sujamal.

"Yes... that's true. Jodha said. "But how will you get the clues left by him? Have you understood what were written there in that burnt diary?

Jalal smiled looking at her, did not answer.

"You will not tell? Jodha frowned. "Fine... At least tell me about the other case?

"Other case?

"Yeah! Jodha told. "You have guessed who killed my father. Haven't you?

Jalal seemed unmindful again, as if he was computing something in his mind.

"You will tell me or not? Jodha asked with a little bit of anger.

"Yeah I have to tell... Jalal nodded. "But I am yet to connect two jots. That is how the murder took place. I cannot map the suspect and the timing... How...

"Tell me clearly. Jodha told.

"Okay. First tell me what details did we get about the stabbing of Mr. Bharmal?

"That it took place probably between 12 to 12:30, the murderer used out kitchen knife, he had been stabbed only once, and the murderer was leftie, with a low knowledge about human anatomy and killing a person.

"Yes... And I am confused about this only... When and how did...

Jalal stopped as they reached the police station. "Let me talk to Neelu. Maybe he will answer my question.

In conversation with Neelu...

"Good Morning Mr. Sahani!

Sahani's teeth almost touched his ears as he grin hearing Jalal's greeting. "Oho sir... At last you've come! He came and shook hand with him. Jalal too smiled heartily. "Congratulations, Mr. Sahani, you did a very good job here!

"Hehe... Thank you sir thank you... Mr. Sahani almost melted out of modesty. "Sir... Now my... eheh... I mean promotion... hehe...

Jalal smiled and patted on his shoulder. "All will be seen, Mr. Sahani... Now well... He lowered his voice a bit. "Where is your new guest, Neelu?

"I sent him in the lock-up sir. That idiot is crying and screaming the whole morning and making us mad! Sahani told in a bit irritation. "Sir, I have taken his finger-prints and foot-prints suggested by madam, and was just going to send them to match...

"Very good Mr. Sahani. Jalal told. "Though I don't think we will need that anymore. More or less I am sure that those footprints and fingerprints we got from the rain-pipe and wet ground of garden will match with Neelu. Has he confessed anything?

"No sir... He is only screaming and telling that he knows nothing...

"Okay... Send him to me. Jalal sat on a chair...

After a while Neelu was taken in front of Jalal. He was not looking that fresh and jolly that he usually looks. The worry and blind fear in his face has shrank him into a pale and shivering fellow. He looked at Jalal once, then his eyes fell on Jodha. Where, perhaps seeing a little ray of hope, he jumped on her feet... "Jiji... Jiji... Save me! Save me! I haven't done anything! Believe me! I haven't killed Rajasahab!!

"Get up get up! Jodha made him to stand. "If you tell the truth, nothing will happen to you. Sit here... She made him sit on the chair in front of Jalal... Neelu started crying pitifully. "Sahab! Sahab I don't know anything Sahab! I haven't killed him Sahab!

"If you don't know anything then why did you flee?? Jalal askedin a very calm tone. Neelu trembled for a moment, then lowered his eyes at once.

"You had gone inside the room of your Rajasahab at the night of Sukanya's engagement. Isn't it? Jalal asked. "Tell me the truth...

Neelu tried to nod but he was trembling too much even to do it...

"You climbed through the rain-pipe when all went to sleep right?

Neelu started crying. "Rajasahab blamed me as thief and kicked me out of the house sahab... I did nothing still he kicked me out sahab... So I thought I will show him... I will seriously steal his purse, his mobile everything... So... I... I thought to get inside and... He sobbed. "Believe me Sahab... I did not kill Rajasahab!

"What did you see? Jalal asked.

Neelu's sob increased in spite of his trial to check that. After a long trial he controlled his tears and gulped. Then closing his eyes, he recites like a possessed man... "When I entered inside the room through the window it was a load-shedding. There was absolutely pin-drop silence in the room. Raja Sahab was sleeping on his arm-chair... He was very much calm and was not even stirring. Very carefully I went by him, and tried to take out the keys of his cupboard from the attached drawer... and then I felt something uncanny with Rajasahab... I... I... He trembled as if he is in a nightmare. "Very carefully I tried to check if he was breathing or not... and I understood he is not breathing... There was no life in his body!

"What was the time?? Jalal asked excitedly.

"Around 12:30... Not more than that! Neelu answered. "I was very tensed... I could not understand what I should do... First I thought to call everyone- maybe he has got a heart-attack! But... then I thought they will implicate me as thief! Then I fled... I don't know anything! After that I heard that Rajasahab is murdered... Then I... I was scared... I... He started crying again. "Sahab! I didn't kill Rajasahab... I swear on God! Believe me Sahab! He fell on Jalal's feet... "I am innocent Sahab...

"Don't worry! Jalal made him sit by holding his shoulder... "I assure you nothing will happen to you! Now tell me one thing... He looked intensely in his eyes... "When you found your Rajasahab dead, did you see any knife peeping out of his body?

"Kn...kn...Knife? Neelu seemed confused.

"Yes knife. Did you see it?

"No... sir... There was no knife-like thing... Moonlight was falling on him, if there was any, I would have seen that. Neelu said.

"Are you sure? Jalal frowned. "Any knife... or blood on his body?

"No sahab! Neelu said enough confidently.

"I see! Jalal closed his eyes and covered his eyes with palm. "That means he was not stabbed in between 12-12:30! He was stabbed after that! Oh God! I see!

Jodha was staring at him confusedly. Jalal suddenly got up. "Come on Jodha! Let's go back to home! Right now!!

"But... But what happened?? Jodha asked.

"Telling... Mr. Sahani, release Neelu... and you will come to the house with hand-calf the moment I will call you! He said, and stormed outside the room along with Jodha.

30^th December, again in Jodha's house...

Jalal rushed to the door and started banging it with strange excitement. Jodha confusedly followed him only. She had understood from his expressions that he will not tell anything to her until he is calm and wants to reveal everything to her. So she was not forcing him and was just following him. But in heart she was too anxious. According to Neelu his father was not stabbed when it was 12:30. So their assumption about the timing was completely wrong... Also, the theory of someone standing at the balcony at around 12 who faked as Surya, and he as the murderer, goes wrong. Someone has stabbed him much after that. After 12:30... but when? Jalal was already there in the balcony around 12:45 to 1 am; she was there after some minutes... they did not understand anything? Then when the killer did his work? In the mid-time? Or he was already hidden somewhere at first floor?? And then whom did her mother see? Whom Radhika Kaki saw? They are telling lies? But why?

Her thoughts were interrupted, as someone opened the door. "Jalal! Come... Where had you been, Beta? A smiling face of Meenakshi welcomed them. Jalal tried to smile, but the smile lacked the natural heartiness. Then they entered inside.

"You people are weird! Nirmala told me that you came in morning, but left at once with Jodha without even meeting me? Very bad! Meenakshi complained in a very motherly voice. "But Jalal, you did a wonderful job by brining Rishav back! I really don't know how to thank you. I have talked to him myself. I think there is none as good as him for our Sukanya... She seemed joyful while touching Jalal's shoulder. "Well, why should I thank you? You are now a son of our house, isn't it?

Jalal tried to smile again. His absent mind did not help him to answer wittily that he usually does. Meenakshi leaded them to the dining room. They could see the shy Rishav to eat and talk smilingly with others. "You both too sit. I am serving lunch. Nirmala said in a happy face...

"Yes we will... but before that... Jalal straightly looked at Shivani who was sitting beside Rishav. "Shivani, can you please give me 2 minutes? He then looked at others. "Excuse me please...

Shivani was very surprised when Jalal brought her out of the dining room. Jodha was not less surprised. Coming in the lounge Jalal directly sat on the stairs and looked at Shivani. "Shivani, can you recall the night when your Tauji dies? He asked. "What exactly happened when you entered inside his room?

"I already told it... Shivani gulped. "I saw Tauji lying dead on the arm-chair, and Taiji was lying unconscious at his feet... I was so scared that I could not notice anything more...

"Quite understandable... Jalal nodded. "Okay now tell me, why did you rush inside your Tauji's room? Did you hear your Taiji's scream?

"Yeah I did! Shivani said. "I was on the mid-stairs when she was inside the room... then I rushed as I heard her scream...

"So you were not near to her when she got inside? Jalal frowned...

"No... Shivani gulped. "Jodha Didi told me to call Taiji when she was already upstairs... I called her when she was at the doorstep of the room and she did not hear, so I was coming up... but...

Jalal got silent again. Perhaps he was computing something in his mind. After a while he got up... "Okay, Shivani, you can go... Sorry for repeating the same bad questions.

"It's okay... Shivani smiled and got away... Jodha came to a thoughtful Jalal's side and held his shoulder. "What is going on Jalal... For God's sake... tell me... She told in an anxious voice...

Jalal looked at her in lost glare... "Everything is matching Jodha... But... but... He bit his lips. "The murderer was leftie... a leftie...

"Jalal... Jodha interrupted him. Her voice was trembling... "At least now tell me whom are you suspecting! Please tell me what I am thinking is wrong!

Jalal touched her face and was about to tell something, but a slight sound interrupted him. He turned back and saw Radhika keeping eye on them...

"Radhika Aunty... Jalal smirked and went to her. She started shivering like a leaf. "Now tell me... Jalal looked at her eyes calmly. "Why did you lie to me?

"M...me...me?? Lie?? N..ne..never!

"Seriously? Jalal's lips bent in sarcasm. "You mean to say that you did not tell me that you saw Surya with a knife in Mr. Bharmal's room?

"I... I... Radhika started mumbling... "I don't know anything! Believe me!

"Of course you know. And you are trying to hide someone... Tell me whom are you hiding. Tell me! Jalal's voice suddenly took higher pinch and Radhika started crying. "We are innocent! My son did nothing!

"So that night you were actually following your son. Jalal concluded. "You were fearing that your son might do a grave mistake. You followed him till Mr. Bharmal's room, and there he understood he was being followed. So you were the shadow which he was talking about. He nodded with a smile. "You were always scared that we might arrest your son as the murderer of Mr. Bharmal. So you tried to implicate Surya by making absurd stories, isn't it?

Radhika started crying hard. "Leave her alone Jodha... Jalal instructed and got out of the place.

"Come Jalal. Come Jodha. Meenakshi welcomed both of them in the table. "You both eat first, then other works...

Unmindfully both of them sat. Jalal's frown was growing deeper as he was thinking something...

Just when Nirmala was going to serve them rice, the landline rang...

"Ohho! Meenakshi looked irritated. "Radhika, pick up the call...

But Radhika was nowhere around...

"Who is calling now? Meenakshi seemed impatient.

"I am going... Shivani told.

"No you sit and complete eating. I am going. Meenakshi got up to pick the phone... Nirmala kept on managing everything with efficient hands, and the others kept on chitchatting normally. Only Jalal looked as lost as ever...

"Jalal, enough is enough... You will tell me everything clearly now. Jodha whispered beside him. "You are killing me out of suspense Jalal... do you know that...

She had to stop as she checked Jalal's expression. He was gazing at the telephone set, his eyes drowned in the hangover of shocking amazement, as if he has discovered something strange... Jodha tried to follow his glare, and saw nothing interesting. Meenakshi was talking through the telephone. She was holding the receiver in one hand and writing something in a notebook with other one. What was so amazing about it?

"Jalal... Jodha touched him.

"Your mother... Jalal's tone was almost muted out of excitement. "Your mother was right-handed, isn't it? I saw her using her right-hand every-time! She was not leftie, right?

"No she is not... but she is... Jodha suddenly stopped while telling this very casually. Then she shook her head very slowly. Her voice was trembling... "Tell me this is not true Jalal! Tell me!

Jalal held her hand and pressed that tenderly to give her the warmth of empathy... He could tell nothing...

(So now you know who is the murderer, right guys? 😆 [well, this was predictable!])

Originally posted by: --cute.manasi--

stuti darling...👏👏👏

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Wow you read it fast!😃😆