Thriller The Killer ~ (Romance/Thriller) (Completed)

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 19
Part19

Khushi had been thinking about FIRST DAY. What would she do if she had no work to do? She jerked hearing a knock on the door. She looked out through the magic hole and was shocked to see Arnav. Does he come for the FIRST DAY? She became panicked. Looking here and there, she gulped. Arnav knocked again… Biting her nail, she closed her eyes in nervousness. As he didn’t get a response, Arnav removed the spare key from the pocket and inserted it in the door. Taking back steps, Khushi moved backwards. She rushed to the washroom and locked the door.

Arnav searched for Khushi in the kitchen. Not finding her there, he came to Pooja’s room. He pushed the bathroom door and it was locked from inside. He knocked on the washroom door.

Arnav: Khushi….

Khushi squeezed her hands, gulping.

Arnav: Khushi… come out… it’s urgent…

Khushi: Urgent? Hey, Devi ma… What can I do?

Arnav: Khushi…

Khushi: Jee sir….

Arnav: Khushi you have no idea, how much work I had left to come here…

Khushi widened her eyes…

Khushi: Why sir?

Arnav: Khushi don’t question me… what are you doing?

Khushi: I’m taking a bath.

Arnav: But you have already took bath in the morning…?

Khushi: Ohh… S…. Sauce… sauce had fallen on me…

Arnav: Ok come fast… I have to go to the office…

Khushi: …go to office?

Arnav: I have no time…

Khushi: Means, he is not here for the FIRST DAY….?

Wearing a robe, she came out to make him believe that she had taken a bath.

Arnav clutched her hand and dragged her to the bed. He made her sit on it. Khushi looked at him bewildering.

Arnav: Khushi listens to me… that day, you went to Kalpana’s house with a knife to wound her. As you heard a footsteps sound, you hid behind the curtain, thinking that it was her husband. Kalpana asked someone “who are you?” so you peeped from the curtain. Right?

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: Then?

Khushi: I saw the killer spraying something on her face. Kalpana fell down getting unconscious. Sprinkling the petrol on her, he burnt Kalpana alive. I dropped the knife in fear. The sound dragged the killer’s attention. I came running from there…

Arnav: Ok…

Khushi: What happened sir?

Arnav: I just wanted your statement again to get cleared.

Khushi: ohh…

Arnav: I’m leaving…

Khushi nodded ok.

Arnav: I may be late today… be careful.

Khushi nodded ok…

Arnav was thinking about the knife. As per Khushi’s statement, she didn’t take the fallen knife again. But there is no information about the knife in the record. This means, definitely the killer would have taken it with him. What’s his intention? What could he do with the knife? Arnav’s tension rose erotically. He has to do something to save Khushi… without her knowledge. He dialled Arun Prince. But he didn’t attend the call. Arnav sighed… maybe, he is busy. Arnav reached the office. At the same time, Arun Prince called him.

Prince: Hi, tell me.

Arnav: Have you got any messages or call from the given numbers?

Prince: No… I wonder none is calling nor messaging. Why dude?

Arnav: Fear…

Prince: Ohh…

Arnav: The killer sent a message to everyone that they are on his list, it seems.

Prince(chuckling): Interesting…

Arnav: Not totally… we have to trap him… tell me the possibilities…

Prince: Take your high officials' help and get the help of ISRO… they will easily find him if he is using a satellite phone.

Arnav: mmm…

Prince: I will also track all the numbers given by you. I will try to locate him if possible.

Arnav: Thank you…

He disconnected the call. When he came to the office, Khushi called him.

Arnav: Haan Khushi…

Khushi: Pooja’s health drink got over… shall I go to the shop with Pooja in the evening?

Arnav: Why didn’t you say when I came home?

Khushi(in mind): I was not in the sense of thinking anything.

Arnav: Are you there?

Khushi: It’s because you talked about the case and I forgot about it.

Arnav: I will take you to the shop. Ok?

Khushi: You said you will be late today?

Arnav: yeah… but this is also important…

Khushi: Ok sir.

She disconnected the call. Arnav looked at the phone. Why she is calling him SIR? Seriously?

In the evening

As Arnav said, he took Khushi and Pooja to the shop to buy Pooja’s health drink. Arnav paid the bill, taking the health drink. Khushi saw a known face in the shop and smiled. It was NK.

NK: Kushiji…

Khushi(smiling): Hi…

NK: How are you Khushiji?

Khushi: yeah... I’m fine…

NK(seeing her empty hands): Shall I help you to collect your required things?

Khushi: No thanks… he is here…

She showed her hand towards Arnav.

NK(surprisingly): Ohh… you came with AC sir?

Khushi nodded yes.

NK: Yeah… after all, he helped you to get the certificates.

Khushi: I can’t get you.

NK: He is the one who asked me to help you when you came to the Taluk office.

Khushi: Him?

NK: Yeah…

Giving chocolate to pooja, Arnav saw NK talking with Khushi. He came to them with Pooja.

NK: Sir, doesn’t Khushiji know about your recommendation?

Arnav nodded NO.

NK: Can I ask you something?

Arnav somehow understood, NK is going to break an egg.

NK: You said she is not your girlfriend when I asked… but now, you are together….

Khushi looked at him surprisingly like, “When did it happen?”

Arnav: Yeah… she is not my girlfriend but my wife.

NK(shocked): What? Wife? Really?

Arnav: Why? What’s there to be shocked?

NK(stammering): I know you are a bachelor. That’s why…

Khushi: We got married just yesterday…

NK: Just yesterday? But why didn’t you announce your wedding?

Arnav: We will… soon…

NK: By the way, congratulations sir…

Arnav: Thank you… we have to go… bye.

NK: See you, sir…

Arnav and Khushi left the shop with Pooja. NK was looking at them thoughtfully.

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 20
Part20

NK was looking at Arnav and Khushi’s retreating figures. Did they get married? When he met Khushi in the Taluk office, Arnav didn’t even want her to know that he is helping her. But today, they are a couple. How? How did Arnav make Khushi agree to the marriage?

NK felt a touch on his shoulder. He saw Akhilesh standing with a gift pack.

NK: Hi, what are you doing here?

Akhilesh: I came to buy a gift for my friend’s wedding.

NK: Hope you alright…

Akhilesh nodded yes sighing.

NK: I’m sorry…

Akhilesh: It’s ok…

NK: She shouldn’t have done like that…

Akhilesh: It’s not good to blame only her…

NK (frowning): What do you mean?

Akhilesh: Mistake was mine too… I should have given my time to her. I stayed busy, concentrating on my work. She got slipped into the gap of my busy schedule.

NK: I can’t understand how could you blame yourself.

Akhilesh: What can I do? Everything is over… I made my wife do mistake… I failed to make her feel special by giving my time.

NK (angrily): I can’t accept what you say. Marriage means, mutual understanding… Husband and Wife should understand one another’s situation instead of giving an excuse for their dirty acts. (pause) How could she easily slip? How deeply did you love her?

Akhilesh: That’s why I couldn’t hate her.

NK(controlling his anger): Your wife must be stupid. She had been collecting stones leaving a diamond behind.

Akhilesh: Husbands should think one thing… we shouldn’t give excuses not to be with them.

NK was looking at him who was choking.

Akhilesh: Because we may be busy… but not all the men in the world are… While we are giving excuses… other men will be ready to spend enough time to trap someone’s wife…

He said sadly.

NK: What about the case progress?

Akhilesh: It’s moving in the speed of TORTOISE. I was so happy when Arnav sir took over the case but he alerted the killer by revealing the reason.

NK(hesitatingly): Do you have any idea… who could be the killer?

Akhilesh: Arnav sir also asked the same… but I don’t know…

NK: I think, Manohar apart, there could be someone in her life…

Akhilesh: What do you mean?

NK: I mean, she might have been related to another one too… because if she could cheat on her husband, she could cheat on Manohar too…

He said gritting his teeth.

NK: This kind of woman should be killed….

Akhilesh(painfully): I should leave. See you…

Akhilesh left the place, leaving angry NK.

…….

Arnav unlocked the door.

Khushi: Was that you?

Arnav: What?

Khushi: Was that you who asked NK to help me?

Arnav: What do you think?

Khushi: I thought he is helping me by mistake… thinking me some other Khushi…

Arnav: Ohh…

Khushi: Why?

Anav: Means?

Khushi: Why did you help me?

Arnav: I just felt to…

He went inside.

Khushi: That’s all?

Arnav stopped moving and smiled.

Khushi: Why did you help me when I didn’t ask you to help me?

Arnav: I felt pity for you, seeing you struggling with Pooja. So I helped you to get the certificates. Or else you couldn’t have got the certificate in one day.

Khushi: I know…

Arnav (controlling his smile): Don’t think I would help all the girls who I meet.

Khushi (seriously): NO… I won’t think… but…why only for me?

Arnav: Mmmm… That was the plan to trap you…

He bit his lip.

Khushi: You are lying.

Arnav: Really?

Khushi: If you had done that to trap me, you should have let me know that. You should not have hid it from me.

Arnav: Mmmm… not bad… it seems, you are becoming a typical police officer’s wife… in fact, every wife is… when it comes to watching their husband's acts.

He laughed…

Khushi: You have changed the topic, AC sir…

Arnav: AC sir? Like really? We got married, remember?

Khushi: So?

Arnav: You can call me Arnav…

Khushi: Arnav?

Arnav: Why?

Khushi: Don’t know why. I can’t …

Arnav: You have to…

Khushi: Ok, I will… when I feel to…

She went to the kitchen to keep the health drink bottle. When she turned to come out of the kitchen, Arnav stood blocking the entrance.

Khushi looked at him raising her eyebrows.

Arnavv: Stop calling me AC sir like others.

Khushi: I said I will call your name when I feel to call you.

Arnav: Do you need my “contribution” to make you call my name?

Khushi nodded no…

Arnav: What’s the scale?

Khushi: Nothing… Do you know, people believe that AC Arnav is a very strict officer…?

Arnav(frowning): Really? Who asked them to believe that? It’s not my mistake though.

Khushi: Step aside from the path and let me go.

Arnav: But our paths are the same I suppose.

Khushi(rolling her eyes): I’m not talking about those paths. Let me go.

Arnav: No…

Pooja saw them arguing.

Pooja: Bua… do what you always do with me.

Arnav(frowning): What she does?

Pooja: If I block her way, she kisses me to get me away from the path.

Khushi’s eyes became extra-large in size whereas Arnav suppressed his smile at her expression. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes.

Arnav touched his inner cheek by his tongue smiling. Pushing him, Khushi came out of the kitchen.

Arnav: This is cheating… Rules should be the same for everyone. Am I right Pooju?

Pooja: Right…

Khushi: Shhhhh…

Arnav: Don’t dominate weaker like us…

Khushi: Weaker and you?

She nodded NO rolling her eyes.

Arnav: What else your Bua does?

Pooja: She kicks a lot while sleeping…

She giggled.

Arnav(chuckling): Really? Ohh God… it seems, I got cheated a lot… your Bua married to me, hiding many truths from me.

Khushi dropped her jaw.

Arnav: But, I don’t have to worry about it…

Khushi waited to hear “why” expecting him to say. But Arnav left the sentence incomplete and intended to go to his room, Khushi stopped him asking…

Khushi: Why?

Arnav(looking at her): What?

Khushi: Why won’t you bother?

Arnav leaned towards her ear.

Arnav: how could you kick me, if you will be under or above me?

Khushi’s face emitted extreme shock. He stroked her nose with his index finger.

Pooja: Phupa…

Arnav: Yes baby…

Pooja: You got married to Bua right?

Arnav: Hann…

Pooja: Then why are you sleeping alone? Dad and Mom always sleep together…

Arnav(smilingly): Really?

Pooja: Haan… hai na Bua?

Arnav: Is it Bua?

He teased Khushi, calling her BUA as Pooja does.

Khushi: I will bring you something to eat.

She escaped from them, leaving smirking Arnav.

To be continued…..

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

chapter 21
Part21

Aman was sitting at the balcony of the police quarters… he wondered… Arnav married Khushi… Why did Arnav marry her secretly? What’s necessary? And more to his surprise; NK’s anger. He knew NK for years… he had never seen NK getting angry like that….

Yes, he was there in the shopping centre when Arnav came with Khushi and met NK. Undoubtedly, he doubted NK. He was following NK to get clarity. The much he know, NK is a comedian of his circle. He never takes anything serious even though people tease him. This is the first time; he is seeing him getting angry. He decided to dig more about NK.

…….

Pooja brought Arnav to her room, clutching his finger. Khushi who was folding clothes got stuck.

Pooja: You too sleep with us. You will feel scared if you sleep alone.

She said childishly.

Arnav: You are so good you know? Your Bua doesn’t care about me as you do.

He said looking at Khushi… which made pooja delighted.

Pooja: I will take care of you.

Arnav: Thank you…

Khushi: She is a child… she knows nothing…

Arnav: What about you? Don’t you know anything?

Khushi: You also know everything. Situations… circumstance… everything…

Arnav: Yeah… that’s why I’m JUST (he stressed) talking…

Before Khushi replied, her phone rang… Khushi sighed seeing the name.

Arnav: What…? Whose call is that?

Khushi(keeping her index finger on her lips): Shhhhh…

Arnav flinched, widening his eyes.

Khushi: Pooja’s Nani…

Arnav: Ohh…

Khushi attended the call.

Khushi: Jee aunty… how are you…

Nani: Fine beta… how is pooja?

Khushi: She is also a fine aunty.

Nani: Actually, Anisha’s(Khushi’s Bhabi) sister is coming from Mumbai tomorrow. She wants me to be with her in Mumbai. I think I will shift to Mumbai.

Khushi: That will be a good idea, aunty.

Nani: I will leave Delhi the day after tomorrow. I will be happy if Pooja stays with me for one day.

Khushi: ohh… but I don’t think Pooja will stay with you.

Nani: She will… she likes to play with my grandson Nakul. I mean, Anisha’s sister’s son.

Khushi: Ohh… Ok, aunty…. I want to tell you something.

Arnav understood what she wants to say. Her hesitation proved that.

Khushi: I got married….

Nani(shockingly): Whaaaat? When?

Khushi: Two days ago.

Nani: Who is he? Do you love him? Why didn’t you invite me?

Khushi: It was not planned…

Nani: Please, declare you married as soon as possible, beta. It’s not recommended to keep the marriage secret because you have none…

Khushi: He is a police officer… he is busy in an important case…. We will declare our marriage after the case.

Nani: Police officer? Ok… I will come tomorrow to take Pooja with me.

Khushi: Jee.

They disconnected the call.

Khushi looked at Arnav who was gazing at her.

Arnav: What did she say?

Khushi nodded NO.

Arnav: She’s not wrong.

He removed his phone.

Arnav: Do you have a Facebook account?

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: Accept my friend request.

He sent a friend request to Khushi and she accepted it. Circling her shoulder, he captured a selfie with Khushi. Khushi looked at him surprisingly. The next minute, Khushi got a notification. Arnav had changed his marital statue “Got Married to Khushi Gupta” with the pic which he captured with Khushi.

Arnav: Our marriage reached out to our friends…Happy?

Khushi: Are you always like this?

Arnav: Like…? What?

Khushi: Deciding in seconds…?

Arnav: But it never goes wrong. That’s what matters.

Khushi: Hopefully…

Messages started fulfilling their inboxes. People kept wishing them “happy married life”, “congratulations” “God bless you”

And a few friends got angry for not inviting them for the marriage. Khushi started answering whereas Arnav lay down on the bed with Pooja.

Khushi: Pooju, Nani will come tomorrow…

Pooja: I won’t go with her.

Khushi: Nakul is coming to meet you…

Pooja(excitedly): Is Nakul coming?

Khushi: Yes… he wants to be with you. that’s why Nani wants to take you to her house.

Pooja: Hey… jolly…

Arnav: Who is Nakul?

Pooja: He is also my brother like Ansh.

Arnav’s lips curved into a smile. Pooja is a sweet girl. There is no space for envy in her mind.

Pooja: He plays with me.

Arnav: So, you will be happy with him then?

Pooja: Haannn…

Arnav: Ok… tomorrow, you can play with him the whole day. Now, sleep.

Pooja: You will be here, right?

Arnav(looking at Khushi): Yeah…

Pooja laid down on the bed. He waited until pooja sleeps. Arnav got down from the bed and stood in front of Khushi.

Arnav: I’m sorry I hurried our marriage. Because of me, you are suffocating.

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: But I have no choice… I have had to do it…

Khushi: Why?

Arnav: Who could miss such a beautiful girl?

He said with his lopsided smile.

Khushi: Stop joking…

Arnav: Joking…? My reason? Or my answer?

Khushi: Both…

Arnav: Why? Are not you beautiful?

Khushi: You would have seen many beautiful girls in your life…

Arnav: But I had never seen such a girl who is on the same wavelength as mine.

Khushi (confusingly): What wavelength?

Arnav(getting serious): After my sister’s accident, I never wanted to get married because I was not ready to trust anyone. Everything is fake here. There is no respect for the relationship. Disgusting disguises… no one is loyal here… Everyone is hiding their real faces behind the masks.

Khushi nodded yes…

Khushi: Even I felt the same.

Arnav: I know… you are feeling the same… even now…

Khushi gulped.

Arnav: I got to know how much you hate such women when you went to Kalpana’s house to wound her. There… I got hope that good girls still exist… because the girl who hates such a woman must be a good girl. That day I had fallen for you. You assured me of loyalty. I started loving you…

Khushi had been gazing at him…

Arnav: I hope, you understand what I want to say. You don’t have to be scared of me and our relationship. I won’t say I will be loyal to you… because hope can’t be given by words… but only by action… it may take throughout our lifetime… right?

Khushi nodded yes smilingly. It seems she had gotten hope on him. And Arnav understands that.

Arnav: Go to sleep… Tell pooja, that I left to my room in the morning only…

Khushi nodded Ok.

Arnav(sighing): Such a coldblooded woman you are…

Khushi looked at him frowning.

Arnav: How emotionally I have spoken? Still, you are sending me to my room? All my effort is wasted…

Khushi (sighing): Please stop making me nervous with your conflictive statements…

Arnav smiled…

Arnav: Are you getting confused…? In trusting me?

Khushi turned without answering… Arnav clutched her hand.

Arnav: I am also equally affected like you. I know how betrayal pains… I’m making fun doesn’t mean it is fun.

He left her hand and about to go to his room,

Khushi: You… you can stay here…

Arnav: Don’t trust me easily. I may ruin your trust…

Taking a paperweight from the table, Khushi raised her hand to throw it on him. Arnav flinched widening his eyes and chuckled at her so did Khushi.

Arnavv: May I…?

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: I will be on the couch…

Khushi nodded ok.

Arnav: But I’m not sure if I stay on the couch for the whole night…. Leave a little space for me beside you…

Khushi(switching the light off): Good night.

She lied down not giving him an answer because he will counter for sure.

…….

A man; who was on the bed suffocating… thinking about a few dialogues…

“He cheated on me Chotte… I don’t want to live anymore. I can’t tolerate this betrayal Chotte”

“You will pay for snatching my husband from me. I curse you… you will surely pay back”

The first sentence was said by Sadna… Arnav’s sister…

The second sentence was said by a woman who killed herself, because of her husband’s extramarital affair. She cursed Megna, the second murderous.

The man closed his eyes thinking about them while caressing the place where he just got operated on.

To be continued…





Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 22
Part22

Arnav sat on the couch, jerking. He looked at Khushi, who woke him up, tapping his feet.

Arnav: What happened, Khushi?

Khushi: I’m going to wake up Pooja.

Arnav: Ohh…

He got down from the couch and went to bed. Before Khushi stopped him, he lay on the bed.

Khushi: Actually, I want you to go to your room.

Arnav: Why? Pooja asked me to be here.

Khushi: If she sees you on the bed, she will expect you to be here every day.

Arnav: Really?

He tapped Pooja, making Khushi drop her jaw. Pooja opened her eyes slowly and smiled brightly, seeing Arnav.

Pooja: Good morning phupa…

Arnav: Good morning baby…

Pooja: Did you sleep here?

Arnav: Of course, how won’t I sleep here when you want it?

He said looking at Khushi who was glaring at him.

Arnav: Get ready for school. You have to go to Nani’s house in the evening.

Pooja: Ohh yes…

She got down from the bed and went to the washroom.

Khushi: What have you done?

Arnav: What I have done?

Khushi: pooja questions a lot…

Arnav: So?

Khushi: She questions you if you sleep on the couch.

Anrav: Don’t worry… I won’t give her a chance to question.

Khushi: Means?

Arnav: I will sleep on the bed… simple…

He left the room smilingly, leaving sighing to Khushi.

Kitchen

Khushi was preparing rotties. No matter how she tried… she couldn’t make a ROUND shape. She made not only Australia but also a few countries’ maps.

Khushi: Ohh God… don’t know how Amma and Bhahi made it perfectly…

She blabbered.

“It’s because they were experienced”

She turned her head towards the entrance, hearing the sentence. Arnav was smiling at her.

Arnav: Practice makes not only a man but also a woman perfect.

Khushi: But Bhabi never let me cook.

She said wearily.

Arnav: Ok fine… I will teach you…

As Kushi didn’t expect, he came and stood behind her. Taking a dough ball, he kept it on the chapatti pin. Clutching her hands from behind, he taught her how to roll the dough into a round shape.

Arnav: Keep your left-hand stable and rotate the roller slowly by the right hand. The dough will get a round shape automatically.

What do you guys think? Would Khushi have learnt rotti making? Think of her state, her husband who never hugged her is teaching her rotti making, hugging her from behind. He should be the only one who taught rotti making in this WAY… And Khushi must be the only girl who got arrested in between a man’s arms while learning making rotti.

Arnav: Will you do it?

Khushi nodded yes looking at the dough.

Arnav kept his hands on her shoulders.

Arnav: Try one…

He said, standing behind her.

Is he casual or he is pretending to be…? Does he know what he is doing? Yes, he knows very well what he is doing.

Taking a dough ball, she drenched it on the floor and did what he taught. Poor girl, she couldn’t make it though.

Arnav took a tiffin box and pressed the dough. Khushi opened her mouth delightfully, seeing an extreme round shape.

Arnav: Until you learn round shaped roti, follow this technique.

He left the place.

Khushi hopped happily… finally, she found a way to make round shaped rotties.

……

When Arnav came to the office, Eshwar was talking to Aman irritatingly.

Eshwar: Don’t know how many days I have to go to the Collector office…?

Arnav: What happened?

Aman: His son missed his Adhar card…

Arnav: Don’t you have the Xerox copy?

Eshwar: No sir, he missed it when he went to take Xerox copies…

Arnav rolled his eyes.

Eshwar: You know that he is studying in Bengaluru. He needs it urgently to apply for exams.

He said sadly.

Arnav: Aman, call Akhilesh and ask him the solution.

Aman(excitedly): Ohh yeah… he is in the Adhar section only…

Eshwar: Who…?

Aman: The one who went to Ghaziabad, submitting a statement.

Eshwar: Ohh… will he help?

Aman: Of course…

Aman removed his mobile and dialled Akhilesh.

Akhilesh: Good morning sir…

Aman: Reached Ghaziabad?

Akhilesh: Last night itself, sir.

Aman: I need your help.

Akhilesh: Anything, sir…

Aman(feeling proud): my friend’s son missed his Adhar card… what should be done to get it again?

Akhilesh: A Xerox copy is enough, sir…

Aman: No… he has no Xerox copies…

Akhilesh: ok, ask him to come to the office, I will give it in a day.

Aman: He is in Bengaluru. He wants it urgently for his exams.

Akhilesh(thinking): Mmmm… ok fine… ask him to send his thumbprint through WhatsApp.

Aman: Is it enough?

Akhilesh: Yeah… I will scan his thumbprint and will get his Adhar details.

Aman: Cool… I will send his thumbprint.

Akhilesh: I will come to Delhi tomorrow and I will give you his Adhar card the day after tomorrow.

Aman: Thank you…

They disconnected the call.

Amann(to Eshwar): Problem solved.

Arnav: Over?

Eshwar: Yes sir… thank you so much.

Arnav: You should thank Akhilesh…

Arnav went to his cabin.

………

Pooja was ready to go with her Nani.

Khushi: When are you going to Mumbai aunty?

Nani: Tomorrow night…

Khushi: I will pick Pooja from your home tomorrow morning.

Nani: Tomorrow is Saturday… Pooja’s school is a holiday. Let her be with me until evening.

Khushi: Please call me anytime, if she wants to come here.

Nani: sure… (pause) When will your husband come?

Khushi: He will come in the evening.

Nani: I thought I can meet him.

Khushi removed her mobile and showed the pic which Arnav captured with her yesterday.

Khushi: He is my husband.

Nani: He….? Isn’t he the one who is handling Anisha’s case?

Khushi: Yes…

Nani: Does he know about your brother?

Khushi: He knows everything. Not only that. His sister is the first victim of the case.

Nani: What do you mean?

Khushi: Her husband also like my brother. So, his sister tried to commit suicide and went into a coma.

Nani: Good women always get affected by someone’s deeds.

Khushi: He knows that Aunty. As he is also directly affected, I believe he won’t deceive me.

Nani: Hopefully… (hesitatingly) I will take Pooja to Mumbai if you have no problem.

Before Khushi Answered, Nani heard,

“We have”

They saw Arnav standing.

Arnav: We have…

Nani(hesitatingly): I just…

Arnav: I can understand what you are thinking. You don’t have to bother about Pooja. She is our child. We will take care of her.

Nani: I didn’t mean it… you are a newly married couple… you also need privacy…

Arnav: Apart from Pooja, we don’t need privacy. She is also one of us. She needs us… so do we.

If Pooja Nani was so much happy about Arnav's statement then is it necessary to say about Khushi? She felt so delighted.

Nani: I’m taking Pooja with me… take care.

Khushi: jee…

Arnav: We will come tomorrow to bring Pooja.

Nani nodded yes.

Arnav: Pooju, call me if you want anything.

Pooja: Ok Phupa… bye…

Arnav: Bye…

Pooja left, waving at them.

Khushi: I thought you will be late.

Arnav: How would I be late when Pooja is leaving?

Khushi: Hmmm…

Arnav: And how could I leave my wife to be alone?

She closed the door as if she didn't hear him.

Khushi (closing the door): want coffee?

Arnav: Badly…

Khushi went to the kitchen…

Arnav: Will you prepare on your own OR do you want me to help as I did in the morning?

Khushi looked at him widening her eyes. Did he do that knowingly? His smirk answered her YES…

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 23
Part23

After completing dinner, Khushi sat on the couch, switching on the TV. Aranv casually came and sat beside her. Khushi looked at him stunned. Arnav put his hand circled her shoulders, looking at the TV not giving heed to her look making her wriggle awkwardly. Arnav pressed her shoulder, looking at her intensively.

Arnav: Relax… Why are you panicking?

Khushi: What’s the progress?

Arnav: Excuse me?

Khushi: It seems, you have forgotten about the case?

Arnav(chuckling): Nope… not at all…

Khushi: you are spending time at home… it seems you don’t want to trap the killer...

Arnav: I want to… undoubtedly, I want to…

Khushi: Do you think about it…?

Arnav: What?

Khushi: He threatened me a lot before our marriage but he didn’t call me after our marriage.

Arnav: Yeah… I thought about it…

Khushi: I think he doesn’t want to mess with a police officer’s wife.

Arnav(smiling): Maybe… but we can’t be so carefree though.

Khushi: Didn’t you get any clues?

Arnav(with a lopsided smile): my mind is not working nowadays… especially, after our marriage.

Khushi: Stop staying at home… it will work properly.

Arnav: I will try it from tomorrow…

Khushi: I’m sleepy…

Arnav: So soon?

Khushi: yeah…

Arnavlv: Lie… Don’t try to escape from me.

Khushi: why should I? Am I a thief?

Arnav: yeah… thief of my heart.

Khushi got up from the couch to go to her room. she stopped sensing a tug in her nightdress. She saw Arnav clutching the rope of the dress.

Khushi: AC sir…

Arnav pulled the rope and she fell on him.

Arnav(cuddling her): I said, stop calling me AC. You may get punished…

He said looking at her lips.

Khushi(panting hard): Ohh…I…

Arnav: Are you sleepy?

Khushi gulped meeting his eyes where there was an unknown expectation.

Arnav: I don’t think so.

He loosened the grip. Khushi got down from him and rushed to Pooja’s room. Before she locked the door, Arnav entered in. He arrested her in between him and the wall.

Arnav(tucking her hair): You haven’t answered me yet…

Khushi: You said your mind is not working… it seems, it’s curving with dirty thoughts.

She said looking down.

Arnav: Dirty thoughts? What’s that?

Khushi sucked her lips, closing her eyes.

Arnav: you are raising my dirty thoughts by sucking your lips.

Khushi: Flatten your curved thoughts….

Arnav: You are the KEY to flatten the curve of all my dirty thoughts.

He said pressing himself on her.

Khushi closed her eyes suffocating.

Arnav: Tell me one thing…

Khushi was still closing her eyes.

Arnav: Do you like me?

She looked at him opening her eyes.

Arnav: YES or NO… if NO I won’t disturb you…

Would she say NO? How could she? She got married to him after all…

Arnav: No?

Khushi: no… I mean…

Arnav: Yes?

Khushi: Actually…

Arnavv: Ok… I will take it as NO…

Khushi: No no…

Arnav (smirking): So is it yes?

Khushi (sighing): YES…

Arnav: If it is YES, you can’t stop me from disturbing you.

Khushi (stammering): What… what will you do?

Arnav: I think it will be better to explain it by action.

As Khushi didn’t expect, he lifted her in his arms.

Arnavlv: What say?

Khushi: Ac…. Action?

Arnavlv: We don’t have to change the custom.

Khushi: What custom?

Arnav(moving towards the bed): we thought to have the first day instead of the first night, right? It’s not necessary now…

Arnav kept her on the bed.

Arnav: Help me to remove all the blocks from my mind. Make my mind refresh.

Khushi: Howwww?

Arnav(in her ear): Let me have you…

His hot breath went inside her ear and made her whole body heat up.

Arnav: Is something happening?

Khushi(stumbling): What?

Arnav: Something is happening with me…do you know your effect on me?

Khushi: What do you want me to do?

Arnav(huskily): Nothing… just don’t stop me…

He attacked her lips devotedly, putting the first step to reach the next level. Khushi felt something is bubbling inside her. The heat of those bubbles made her melt from in and out. She clutched the shoulders of the man who was already melting. What will happen if two bodies started melting together? They will get mixed up, right? That’s what happens here. They were getting into another one completely. There was no barrier between them.

In a few minutes, Khushi lost herself completely. Arnav started ruling her by his adorable touches. Her hormones started releasing chemicals inside her body making her experience a new pleasure. She bit her quivering lips. Her parted lips and heaving chest were inviting him to the feast. He removed his shirt and threw it on the floor. Taking Khushi’s palm, he made her caress his chest. He relished her touch, closing his eyes. He pressed himself on her while taking her lips into his mouth. He entwined his fingers with her fingers and legs with legs.

He circled her in his arms while drenching her face with wet kisses. There is no reason to wait for Arnav. He had provoked every EVIL cell of his body which were pricking him to go forward.

Without wasting time, he got inside her, making her flinch.

Arnav(whispering): Relax…. it will be over in a few seconds.

Khushi nodded yes. Though he said “in a few minutes” he didn’t want to complete it soon. He just wanted to be in the pleasure as long as possible. Khushi was suffocating by the sweet suffering. She pressed his sweaty shoulders. Arnav’s rhythmic intimacy created havoc inside her. She couldn’t stop herself from uttering Arnav….

His name from her mouth instead of “AC sir”, at the right peak screwed his nerves. He gritted his teeth, closed his eyes tightly and made fast moves, moving towards the climax. Arnav felt a shiver in his legs as he is nearing the climax. He pressed his toes on the bed strongly and increased the speed as he was getting mad to taste the peak of pleasure. At last… he tasted…feeding the same pleasure to Khushi at the same time.

Arnav(breathing hard): How are you feeling now?

Khushi: What…

Arnav: after getting adored by your husband…?

Khushi: I can’t believe, I had submitted myself to the man who just entered into my life a few days ago.

Arnav(chuckled): I too can’t believe that I got addicted to a girl like mad.

Khushi: Addicted?

Arnav: Yes… madly…

Khushi: Hope all the blocks from your mind got removed?

Arnav: Hopefully…

Khushi tried to grab her nightdress; Arnav snatched it from her hand and threw it away from her reach.

Khushi: What are you doing?

Arnav: From tomorrow, Pooja baby will be with us. So sleep inside the quilt…

Khushi(shocking): Like this?

Arnav: What so big deal? We have seen everything…

He laughed.

Khushi punched his bicep.

Arnav: Don’t punch me… you will be arrested for hitting a police officer.

Khushi: Then you will be arrested for raping me…

Arnav: Rape? You are my wife… damn it…

Khushi: Like the same, you are my husband… I will punch you if I want…

Arnav: Ohh… poor me… I thought you are a silent bairn…

He said making face.

Khushi: Who asked you to think so?

Arnav: Yeah… Didn’t I say, my mind is not working?

Khushi: What about now?

Arnav: Feeling refreshing…

He dragged her on his chest, covering themselves by the quilt.

……..

Next morning

Khushi has been spilling tears… continuously. She couldn’t stop it no matter how much she tried. she always cries while cutting onions. She jerked when Arnav hugged her from behind. The knife slipped from her hand.

Arnav: Hey relax…

Bending down, he took the knife.

Arnav: Is it your hobby to drop the knife or what?

Khushi snatched the knife from his hand and continued chopping. But Arnav got stuck on the statement he just uttered. Dropping knife… something hit his mind. His eyes popped out…

Arnav: Khushi….

He shouted. Khushi again dropped the knife.

Khushi: What?

Arnav: I got it….

Khushi: What?

Arnav: Clue….

Khushi(surprisingly): Means, your blocks got removed?

she asked unbelievably. Cupping her face, he pulled towards her.

Arnav: yeahhh…

He pecked her lips strongly.

Arnav: I have to go…

Khushi: Have breakfast and go…

Arnav: Feed me… come on…

He went to his room. Khushi rushed behind him, taking the bread toast. She fed him while he dressing up.

Arnav called the commissioner.

Comment: Tell me Arnavlv…

Arnav: Sir, I want you to issue a search warrant…

Comment: Search warrant?

Arnav: Yes sir, I’m strongly suspecting someone.

Comment: Ok fine... you can do it but who you are suspecting?

Arnav: Akhilesh… (pause) yes sir…(pause) ok sir…(pause) I’m coming, sir…

He disconnected the call.

Khushi: who is Akhilesh?

Aranv: First murderous’s husband.

Khushi: Why are you suspecting him?

Arnav got stuck… he couldn’t say Khushi the reason… not until he gets confirmed.

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 24
Part 24

Khushi: who is Akhilesh?

Aranv: The first murderess’s husband.

Khushi: Why are you suspecting him?

Arnav got stuck… he couldn’t say Khushi the reason… not until he gets confirmed.

Arnav: I will say you soon. Now I have to leave.

Khushi: Ok.

Arnav: I may be late today. I’m not sure whether I will be available to pick Pooja baby.

Khushi: I will get her back home, AC sir. You just carry on.

Arnav (leaning towards her): Would you call my name only on the BED? Does my name need that much effort or what?

Khushi closed her eyes biting her lip.

Arnav: By the way, I felt a KICK when you called my name.

Khushi couldn’t know how to conceal her blush.

Arnav: Wow… Does Mrs AC know to blush?

Khushi’s cheek rose into more rose.

Arnav: Take care…

Khushi nodded yes smiling.

Arnav: I’m leaving. Thank you for everything.

Arnav started to the commissioner office, leaving flushed Khushi. He wanted to get the case in his control. He didn’t want to reveal to the commissioner that Khushi was also involved in this case. He dialled NK. For that, he has to collect some particular information about Akhilesh that whether is it only Akhilesh or he is getting someone's help.

NK: Good morning AC sir.

Arnav: NK… what’s your designation?

NK: Me? I’m a B.com graduate sir.

Arnav(showing disappointment in his tone): Ohh…

NK: Do you need anything, sir?

Arnav: I want someone who is an expert in handling Computers.

NK: Sir, I have a suggestion.

Arnav: Go ahead…

NK: Akhilesh could do that…

Arnav’s face radiated. What he guessed right then.

Arnav (not showing any involvement): Ohh really?

NK: Yes sir, he is BE computer science graduate.

Arnav: That’s great. But... Being a computer engineer, how he is working in Revenue?

NK: He cleared the UPS exam as he didn’t get any suitable job for his profile.

Arnav: interesting.

NK felt encouraged. He spilt more beans.

NK: Yes sir, he is multi-talented. He worked in a small clinic as a helper before joining Revenue. He practised medical terms too.

This made Arnav panic. This is not good for a killer to be so smart.

Arnav(not revealing it to NK): Ohh that’s fine. I will take his help then.

NK: But he is not at Delhi, sir. He went to his friend’s marriage.

Arnav: Yeah, I know. No problem. I will talk to him once he is back.

NK: ok sir.

Arnav disconnected the call. So Akhilesh is a computer engineer. Not bad…

He dialled Aman.

Aman: Good morning sir.

Arnav: Meet me in the commissioner office. Quick.

Before Aman said “yes sir” Arnav disconnected the call. Aman looked at the phone flinching.

Getting down from the jeep, in front of the commissioner office, Arnav rushed to the commissioner’s cabin. Commissioner was curious to get the case to unfold. Arnav saluted him. Not wasting time, the commissioner came to the point straight away.

Commissioer: What made you suspect Akhilesh? After all, he is a mere government worker who is expecting a promotion...

Arnav: that’s what sir. He is working in the ADHAR section. He can grab any details of anyone.

Commi: But we know the killer is a good hacker.

Arnav: Of course, sir. Akhilesh is a Computer Engineer. From the beginning, I’m suspecting that the killer must be related to the case… someone who got affected directly. Showing an extreme level of patience is Akhilesh's strength sir.

Commi: What could be his intention?

Arnav: I have no idea, sir. But please I want to interrogate him personally until I confirmed that he is the killer. I want it to be a secret mission.

Commi: Do you think this wise, Arnav? He is a killer after all.

Arnav: We haven’t confirmed it yet sir.

Commi: What if he is? You are risking.

Arnav: I can handle him, sir.

Commi: Ok, I’m providing you with permission to use weapons. You can even ENCOUNTER him if needed… if he is the killer.

Arnav: As you say, sir.

Though Arnav was not fine with his idea he didn’t want to argue further.

Taking a search warrant as well as a shooting order, Arnav came out of his cabin. He saw Aman waiting outside.

Aman: Sir…

Arnav: Let’s go.

Aman followed Arnav, not questioning him. Mohan opened the door for Arnav.

Arnav: Aman, you drive... Mohan, you just wait for us.

Not only Mohan but also Aman surprised. This is the first time, Arnav asked Mohan to stay back.

Aman started the engine and Arnav occupied the front seat as always. Aman looked at Arnav as he didn’t know the destination.

Arnav: Government worker’s quarters.

Aman geared the jeep up. Though Aman didn’t ask Arnav he wanted Aman to know what they are going to do.

Arnav: We are going to the killer’s place.

Aman instantly saw Arnav’s face when he said that. He could no longer hold himself from asking questions.

Aman: Killer’s place?

Arnav: Yes…

Aman: Who is the killer, sir?

Arnav: I’m not sure whether he is the killer…

Aman’s mind rushed faster. They are going to the Government quarters. That means the killer belongs to the place. His face lit proudly. Is it NK? So his guess is right then? His mind worked in haste. But… Arnav’s next stance made him stunned.

Arnav: I’m suspecting Akhilesh.

Aman’s shock was not estimated. Akhilesh? But how?

Aman: Sir… Akhilesh…? in which sense sir?

Arnav: In every sense. Do you remember, what he said when Eshwar asked for his son’s Adhar card?

Aman: He asked to send fingerprints.

Arnav: Yeah… he could trace anyone if he gets fingerprints.

Aman: Sir, the killer is frequent in hacking… but Akhilesh is a simple worker.

Arnav: he is a computer engineer.

It was another surprise for Aman.

Aman: Computer Engineer in Revenue...?

Arnav: It’s a curse of our country. Let’s not discuss it now.

Aman: Sir, Akhilesh is not in Delhi.

Arnav: Yeah… we have a search warrant. So we can search his house even in his absence.

They got down from the jeep, in front of Akhilesh's house. His quarter was on the ground floor. There were no symptoms of people’s existence in the house. Of course, it was locked down. Arnav gestured Aman towards the balcony which has been without any grill cover. (As that building consists of four floors. It’s obvious that the ground floor also has a balcony) the balcony door also does not seem strong. Aman got Arnav’s point and jumped inside the balcony followed by Arnav. They got ready and pushed the door together by their shoulder with full power. The door got opened in the same instance. And our copes got shocked seeing Akhilesh in the house who was supposed to be in Ghaziabad.

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 25
Part25

Arnav and Aman were stunned seeing Akhilesh and Akhilesh was shocked as well. Who could expect that copes will jump into his house through the balcony door? He stood… looking at the mobile which was on the tea table which was not gone unnoticed by Arnav.

Arnav and Aman raised their guns towards him. Undoubtedly it made Akhilesh shattered. Akhilesh composed himself.

Arnav looked at the BAND-AID which is on his chest, very close to his heart.

Akhilesh: Sir, What’s all this?

Arnav: What are you doing inside the locked house? Aren’t you supposed to be in Ghaziabad?

If Arnav would have expected him to stammer to answer, nope… he didn’t. Akhilesh answered him coolly which made Arnav suspect him more. How could anyone be so cool when he is in the GUNPOINT?

Akhilesh(pointing at his wound): I got hurt… so I cancelled the plan.

Arnav: then what’s necessary to be in the house, locking from outside?

Akhilesh: Sir… I’m wounded… people would have disturbed me… I don’t want disturbance. So I locked it from outside and stayed at home.

Arnav: What happened to you?

Akhilesh: I fell and a stone pricked into my chest.

Arnav ran his eyes into the room. The windows and the door were being covered by thick black curtains. Outsiders couldn’t see the light from the house for sure.

Akhilesh: But Sir, why did you break my house door? It was already weak sir. It won’t get repaired so soon.

He said worriedly.

Arnav: We got the information that you didn’t go to Ghaziabad. So we suspect you.

Akhilesh: Suspect? And me? But why sir? what do I do?

Before Arnav answered him, Arnav got a call on his mobile. It was from Arun Prince. Arnav attended it immediately after gesturing Aman to be careful. Aman took a step ahead, pointing his gun at him.

Arnav(not taking his eyes from Akhilesh): Yeah…

Prince: Buddy, where are you?

Arnav: Why?

Prince: I have traced the KILLER. You are very close to him, yaar… look at your surroundings… he is just a few steps away from you.

Arnav: Are you sure?

Prince: Yeah…

Arnav: ok…

He dropped the call, looking at Akhilesh. Arnav’s sight fell on the phone which is in front of Akhilesh and Akhilesh noted it. He tried to bend down,

Aman: Don’t move…

Akhilesh: Sir, I just…

He tried to touch the phone; Aman pushed him down on the floor and loaded the gun, extending it towards him.

Aman: Don’t you dare…

Arnav took the phone in his hands and dialled his number. Akhilesh leaned on the wall in a relaxing manner which made Aman surprise.

Arnav’s eyes widened seeing the PRIVATE NUMBER on his mobile screen. Akhilesh understood that he couldn’t escape anymore.

Arnav: So, you are the killer…?

Akhilesh was silent.

Arnav: You killed your wife… and many more… you pretended well but no use. Still, I can’t believe this… a Computer Engineer, a medical Helper, a sincere worker of Revenue could be a serial killer.

Akhilesh: Sometimes, we have to believe such things AC sir. We have to… because this world is not what we think. It’s full of fake… no respect for true love… no use in being loyal.

Arnav: it’s a silly excuse everyone gives….

Akhilesh: ohh really? What about you AC sir?

Arnav(frowned): What!

Akhilesh: Didn’t you search for your jeejaji, after hearing your sister’s voice message? “He betrayed me chotte? He cheated on me for some other woman. I don’t want to live anymore”

Arnav was stunned.

Akhilesh: I know very well you didn’t search for your Jeejaji to appreciate him. You would have killed him if I didn’t hit him by the truck.

He smirked.

Arnav(unbelievably): Was that you?

Akhilesh: Undoubtedly it was me. Do you think, I would leave that B**** who snatched my happy life? (composing himself) your sister is alive…she had given birth to a boy baby… be happy for that.

Arnav: So you are tracking us…

Akhilesh: Not only you but whoever related to this case…

Arnav: So you killed your wife for having extramarital affair with Manohar…?

Aman: Sir, he pretended to repent as if he was the reason for his wife’s deed. And he made me doubt NK.

Akhilesh: No… I was not pretending, Inspector Aman… that’s what I feel. And about NK, he never liked such women. I have witnessed many times him shouting at such a woman. I know Aman sir is sincerely interrogating in this case. So, I decided to divert him through NK. As I expected, Aman sir started following NK and I used it in my favour.

Arnav: How did you know about your wife and Manohar?

Akhilesh: my wife was a nice woman... until Manohar entered into her life. She likes me very much. She cares for me very much. But I sensed her keeping distance from me. I couldn’t make time for her as I was busy with my work. In that gap, Manohar trapped my wife with very few dialogues. (pause) do you know what are they? HAVE YOU EATEN BABY? ARE YOU ALRIGHT? WHY YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE LOOKS DRY? That’s all. Are women that weak? (he asked miserably) I didn’t know with the help of these dialogues, a man can make a woman forget her reputation and also even her husband. (he hit his forehead) When I doubt her, I changed her phone settings into auto recording, without her knowledge. When I heard what she and Manohar spoke… I died… do you know how does it feel when some B*** talk to our wife in THAT manner? I’m a mere human… what would I do at the time? I slapped her hard and she was gone… forever…

Aman: You said you love her so much?

Akhilesh: That’s why I slapped her. (pause) Do you want me to kill myself? Why should I? What wrong do I do except love her truly? I want to kill such women and I’m not feeling bad about it. Just the previous day, the woman committed suicide who hit Megna for having an extramarital affair with her husband. What was her mistake, except loving her husband truly? (pause…. He tapped his hand on the floor) What about your sister Sadna? (he asked looking at Arnav) What happened to her for loving her husband madly?

Aman: But why didn’t you kill men? Are not they culprits?

Akhilesh: Aradana's husband… I mean me, became a killer. Megna’s husband is going to marry a woman in the gulf. Stella mary’s husband also recovering from the betrayal. Compared to men, women are so naïve, sir. They love a lot or cheat a lot. I don’t care about a cheater woman but a loyal woman. They are to be celebrated. Because of such cheaters, loyal women are the ultimate losers. They kill themselves for their husband’s deeds. I can’t allow that. Do you know how it pains when the person betrays us who we loved from the bottom of our heart? (he gulped. ) you can’t understand AC sir… because you got a good girl as your wife, who hates such a woman… am I right?

Aman looked at Arnav with shocking as well as confused expression, couldn’t understand why Akhilesh is talking about Khushi unwantedly.

To be continued….

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 26
Part26

Aman was confused that why Akhilesh mentioned Khushi here. Is she related to this case in any way? He asked He couldn’t hold his tongue.

Aman: How do you know Khushi Bhabi? Why are you unnecessarily talking about her?

Akhilesh: UNNECESSARILY? Not at all Inspector Aman. She is the key to this case… because of her, you are here… in front of me… if she had not interfered in this case you guys would never have reached me. Am I right AC sir?

Aman: What is he saying, sir? Is it true?

Akhilesh: Do you think I could lie about Mrs AC?

Aman looked at Arnav horrified. His silence told Aman something which frightened him like hell. Is Khushi involved in this case?

Akhilesh: Don’t think something through your police brain. She is not involved in this case. I said without her, you would not have guessed me. (Aman sighed.) At the same time, if she would not have involved in this case, AC sir would not have married her I suppose.

Now Aman was more confused.

Akhilesh: AC sir would have got the clue when I asked Eshwar’s son’s fingerprint to get his ADHAR card which is closely related to Khushi. Am I right sir?

Aman: What connection?

Akhilesh: Khushi’s fingerprint on the knife is what KEY of the case.

Aman(horrified): Knife? Fingerprint? What the hell?

Akhilesh: Relax Inspector. When I went to Kalpana’s house, I saw Khushi there. When I burnt Kalpana, she was behind the curtain hiding. She dropped the knife from her hand in fear and ran away from her house. I didn’t even see her face. The knife helped me to find her as I’m working in the ADHAR section; I scanned her fingerprints from the knife handle. After that, it was not hard for me to fetch her complete history. Until then I had no idea who she is. From her details, I got to know that she is Ankat's sister who had an extramarital affair with Kalpana and died with his wife a few days ago. And I connected the dots and got the point that why Khushi came there. She should have come there to threaten Kalpana for making her life miserable.

Arnav: No… she came to wound Kalpana to quench her anger as she was the reason for her Bhabi’s death.

Aman’s shock was undefined. He couldn’t believe that the case could contain many more things than he thought.

Akhilesh: Ohh… let it be anything… she must be a good girl who wanted to take revenge on Kalpana.

Arnav: When you know she is a good girl, why did you threaten her?

Akhilesh: Because she is your neighbour. she was the only one who has seen me. Even though I had been masked my face, I can’t risk it. And I got alert when I saw her with you in the shopping mall.

Arnav(gritting his teeth): For that, would you try to hit her by the truck?

Akhilesh: Trust me, it was a coincidence. I used it in my favour. You should thank me for that. Because of that incident, you took her to your flat. Didn’t you?

Aman was shocked. Were they living together?

Akhilesh: Khushi is a good girl, I’m happy she is in a safer hand and AC sir got married who never wanted to get married a few days ago.

Aman: Do you think, all your explanation will save you from the law?

Akhilesh: Not at all… I have my LAW. I don’t think I’m wrong.

Aman: You are… why are you partial? You should have killed the MEN also. Why didn’t you? Why only women? Are not men cheaters?

Akhilesh: Exactly, but… cheaters’ wives were very good. Why should they suffer for the deed which they never did? Men will come out of the mess in a few days even though they struggle… but women… that too, loyal women... They will never overcome the betrayal because they are so vulnerable. They won’t stand against the treachery. They may even kill themselves… like AC sir’s sister and Khushi’s Bhabi did… because they create an OWN world that includes only their family. It will be hellfire when they get to know that their husband is an undeserving person for their divine love. They will break down completely for the same undeserving person which I don’t want. That’s why I started threatening the men whoever involved in affairs. Do you know how it feels when they get phone calls from the KILLER? I want them to die every day in fear. They should feel afraid to face their deeds. Won’t it be a great punishment than death? And you know well, Manohar died as I killed him by hitting the truck. The man is behind bars who had affair with Megna(the second murderous) as his wife committed suicide. Ankit, I mean Khushi’s brother is also dead. Ratan Sinha is the only man who is alive. His wife is a very good woman who worships his husband as if he is a God. I’m sure: she will die if she gets to know about her husband’s real face. Do you want it to happen? Do you want another GOOD woman to die?

Aman: Can’t you do the same with women also? Why not you keep them in control by threatening?

Akhilesh: That’s what I’m doing right now. As I had given a few samples by killing a few women and Manohar, it works. In that phone (the point at the phone which was in Arnav’s hand) there is full of that KIND of men and women’s number. You will faint if you see the list. Society has been polluting… completely, sir. Good people are very rare nowadays.

He said wearily.

Aman: Do you know how many BIG HEADED men are waiting for you to get caught?

Akhilesh: I know very well what is going to happen. I’m expecting my death every second. I don’t care about it though. But… the lusty people will be carefree after my death. That’s what makes me feel bad.

Aman: Your death won’t be that easy like what you are thinking.

Akhilesh laughed. Aman and Arnav spared a confused glance.

Aranv: Why are you laughing?

Akhilesh: I’m not thinking but planning my death.

Arnav(horrified): What do you mean?

Akhilesh: I’m an engineer. Though I was not skilled in academics, I’m very much interested in hacking and inventions.

Arnav: So?

Akhilesh: I also worked as a helper of my Doctor friend for a few months. I can even do minor surgeries you know? I never used my engineering skills after joining Revenue as I didn’t get time for it. I hadn’t got time for my wife then how could I think of inventions?

He chuckled painfully. Arnav and Aman were looking at him, not understanding, why he is telling his life history.

Akhilesh: But after my wife’s death, I got enough time to do inventions. I wondered how I can still do these.

Arnav: What do you do?

He asked with unknown nervousness.

Akhilesh: the mobile… and a MICROCHIP…

Arnav: What chip?

Akhilesh: it’s kind of SUICIDE CHIP.

Arnav & Aman: What do you mean?

Akhilesh: As I’m expecting to get caught anytime, won’t I be ready for everything?

His eyes were sternly looking at Arnav.

As av (panicking): What are you going to do?

Akhilesh (laughing): What do you think? Why I’m reciting everything like a good student? Tell people… especially husbands to spend time with their wives. No doubt, work is important. At the same time family is also more important. Don’t give a chance to someone to take your place in your wife’s life. (he wiped the corner of his eyes) Convey my regard to Sister… Khushi. Goodbye.

He raised his hand to touch his neck where there was a small dollar hanging. Arnav was about to stream towards him to stop, but he was late. Akhilesh pressed the dollar and the SUICIDE CHIP which he had inserted inside his chest blasted. Aman pulled Arnav back and they fell on the ground, looking at Akhilesh who was lying on the floor lifelessly with an unvarnished smile on his face.

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 27
Part 27

Arnav and Aman were standing, couldn’t come out of the shock. Aman checked his pulse and it was NIL.

Aman: He is dead, sir…

Blood and death are not new for them. They had seen many deaths… accidents… blood pools… but Akhilesh's death created grief in them. He is a killer… criminal… still, they felt bad for him.

People gathered before Akhilesh's house.

Aman: What next, sir?

Arnav: Lock the door.

Aman locked the door. Arnav sat on the chair, closing his eyes. He gasped getting clear about what he is going to do.

Arnav: Don’t talk anything about this case until I meet the press. Then…

Aman(cutting him): I will maintain what you say, sir.

Arnav nodded yes. He dialled the commissioner.

Arnav: Sir, Akhilesh is dead…. He killed himself.

Commi(shockingly): You mean, he is a suicide squad?

Arnav: Kind of, sir…

Commi: Ok finishing the formalities and come to the office.

Arnav: Yes, sir.

Dropping the call, Arnav called the ambulance and also the forensic department. The ambulance took Akilesh’s body to the post-mortem.

Arnav and Aman touched nothing in Akhilesh house. People gossiped as they wished.

“I can’t believe Akhilesh could be the killer”

“I suspected him from the beginning. His behaviour was always suspicious.”

“After her wife died he became mad”

“We can’t trust anyone in the world”

“I think he would have had extramarital affair, that’s why he killed his wife and did put blame on her”

For all the above comments, Arnav and Aman’s reaction was nothing. These are not new for them though. “Tongue” has no nerve. It could rotate depending upon the people who are having it in their mouth.

They left the government quarters towards the government hospital to get Akhilesh's post mortem report.

After finishing all the formalities, Arnav submitted the report to the commissioner.

Leading TV channels smelled the matter and started flashing NEWS on their channels. The reporters surrounded the commissioner office to get the exact story from the AC Arnav.

Aman came inside the commissioner’s cabin and conveyed the message.

Aman: Sir, press reporters are here for your interview.

Arnav looked at the commissioner. He nodded his head in a permitting manner. The trio came out. In no time, reporters extended the mikes towards Arnav and started shooting questions.

Arnav: You will get all the answers if you ask one by one.

Reporter1: How did you find Akhilesh?

Arnav: We have been digging all the information about all the men and women who are related to this case. Akhilesh got permission to go to Ghaziabad to attend his friend’s marriage. But he didn’t go. Locking the house from outside he stayed at home. We got the message through our spy and checked. The information was right. We found Akhilesh inside the locked house. our doubt got strengthened.

Report: Why did he stay at home, telling lie?

Arnav: to make himself up… to insert the chip in his body… he stayed.

Report: Why did he kill people?

Arnav: He was a protestant of extramarital affairs. So he killed people who had such a relationship.

Report: Do you think, a single man could do that alone?

Arnav: No… he was not alone…

Inspector Aman looked at him, suppressing his shock.

Arnav: It’s a huge network.

Report: How do you know?

Arnav: Akhilesh himself stated it.

Report: What did he say?

Arnav: He had given two messages to people. For common people, he asked to spend time with family, especially, with his wife. So that unwanted messes will be avoided.

The next message is for those who are having extramarital affairs- “You can’t stop US. Our people are there all over India, watching lusty people. No one could get missed from our eyes”

Report: Means… are they a team?

Arnav: It seems so… but no one has to get scared. Our department will trap all the killers soon.

Report: Did you get any evidence from Akhilesh's house?

Arnav: I wonder… there is nothing on his laptop which we got from his house.

Report: What about the “PRIVATE NUMBER” sir?

Arnav: When the chip blasted, the mobile phone also got blasted as he kept it in his shirt pocket.

He said helplessly.

Report: Why couldn’t you trap his phone signal?

Arnav: Because it was a satellite phone… none could hack or track it.

Report: It seems, they are strong on the technical side…

Arnav: Exactly…

Report: If it is so, how could you get the whole team…?

Arnav: Likewise we got Akhilesh…

Report: Akhilesh was so close to you thus it was possible for you but how about others? You don’t even know how many of them were hiding?

Arnav: I agree, we are standing in front of the biggest challenge. I have an idea. But people should cooperate with us to get succeeded.

Report: What’s that sir?

Arnav: If anyone gets such threatening calls from the team, please tell us and help us to find them.

Report: What if the killer team kills them?

Report 2: What if they reveal their affair in open?

Arnav: Yeah… though it’s risk… though it will happen… we have no other way to trap them. People should understand that.

Commissioner: I think it’s enough of now. Thank you.

Arnav: Thank you.

Arnav looked at Aman who didn’t even show any change on his face.

Commissioner: Arnav… you and your men can take two days of leave.

Aman(seriously): How could we sir, when we have a lot of work to find the killer team?

Arnav(very seriously): Aman is right sir. Loads of work is waiting, sir.

Commi: I am proud of you guys.

Aman: It’s our duty sir. AC sir already planned our schedule, sir.

Comm: Really?

He asked while Arnav raised his eyebrows.

Aman: We are starting from the beginning, sir.

Commi(sighing): Go ahead.

Saluting the commissioner, they got inside the jeep. Aman started the engine. Once they are out of the commissioner office…

Aman: I’m sorry sir, I interfered.

Arnav: But you didn’t make it hard. Why did you say that we are starting from the begging?

Aman: However you will quit the case soon as we know there is nothing to be investigated.

Arnav: Yes, I will hand over the case to someone. They will close the case not finding anything.

Aman: Yeah… we can’t be free all the time.

Arnav: leave me at my house… let me take shower first.

Aman: Yes sir… (hesitatingly) sir…. can I ask you something?

Arnav: Sure…

Aman: Why not we message those who are in the PRIVATE NUMBER contact list?

Arnav chuckled.

Aman: I know to keep people in the fear you lied to the reporters. To make them believe, we have to do it, sir. Though the killer is dead we should keep him alive sir. It’s just like a stick in the teacher’s hand. We are not going to hit but the stick will do the role for sure, sir.

Arnav took the phone out. He sent the message.

“Just one of us dead but WE are here you watch you people”

Arnav: Done.

They reached Arnav’s flat. Arnav was about to get down,

Aman: Sir, you don’t have to come to the office tomorrow. Spend with your family, sir.

Arnav: As per the killer’s advice?

They chuckled softly.

Aman: He was not wrong sir.

Arnav nodded yes and left. He knocked on the door. Khushi opened the door and stood aside.

Khushi: Go and take bath first.

Arnav: Then what else I’m going to do?

He strode to the washroom. Khushi mopped the floor before Arnav came from the shower. When Arnav came from the shower, he felt wetness on the floor.

Arnav: Sorry, because of me, your work doubled.

Khushi: No issues…

Arnav: Did you watch the news?

Khushi: It’s still running…

That’s when Arnav saw the TV was being muted.

Khushi: So, the case is not over?

Arnav nodded yes.

Khushi: From where will you go to start?

Arnav closed her mouth by his palm.

Arnav: Let me get relaxed. I don’t want to think anything as of now.

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav(removing his palm): He asked me to Conway his regards to you.

Khushi(surprisingly): He said that?

Arnav: yup…. He had all the details about us. You know he was happy about our marriage.

Khushi: I think he is not wrong.

Arnav: Everyone has their reasons… not everyone accepts it.

Khushi: but what he said was not wrong. he just asked to spend time with family….

Arnav: yeah…when will we go to pick Pooja?

Khushi: Yeah… aunty called me and asked to come at 5 o’clock.

Arnav: Ok fine… we can sleep until four… Come…

Clutching her hand, he dragged her to the room.

To be continued...

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 28
Part28

Khushi stopped Arnav who is dragging her to the bedroom.

Khushi: I don’t want to sleep, AC sir.

Arnav: Mmmm… ok. Let me make you call my name then.

Khushi: Let’s talk about something.

Arnav: Why not we talk laying down?

Lying down on the bed, he made her lay down beside him.

Arnav: Yeah tell me.

Khushi: why did you take a gap from the department?

Arnav turned towards her, keeping his hand under his head. It seems Khushi wants to know about him. She might have searched about him on the internet, it seems.

Arnav: Because of Di. I didn’t want to join the department again, after my sister’s accident. My mind didn’t get into anything. My Di is everything to me Khushi. I broke into pieces when I heard her message. Do you know how madly she was in love with her husband? Still, I can’t believe he could cheat on Di. You know, he casually presses her legs in front of everyone, without any EGO. He never said NO to Di’s wish. We never knew, those actions were only not to make him doubt him. How pathetic.

He gritted his teeth.

Arnav: Khushi, what will you do if I cheat on you?

Khushi was stunned at his question.

Khushi: You won’t cheat AC sir.

Arnav: Wait…

He removed a chloroform spray from the drawer.

Arnav: Keep it.

Khushi: What’s this?

Arnav: If you get to know that I’m cheating you, spray it on my face. I will faint. Then tie my hands and legs. Close my mouth with plaster. Cut a bit of flesh from my thigh and apply a chilly power on it. Torture me like hell. Don’t kill me just like that. Show me the hell…

Khushi was gazing at him who was giving her ideas to torture HIM. She cupped his face.

Khushi: AC sir…. please compose yourself.

Arnav: I hate such men Khushi…

Khushi hugged him tightly.

Khushi: I know… I know…

She caressed his back.

Khushi: You will never do such a cheap thing. I trust you.

Arnav (responding to her hug): I will never break your trust.

He kissed her cheek.

Khushi: you don’t have to promise. A man like you will never do that.

Arnav: Don’t trust me. Keep doubting me. Keep questioning me. Never give me freedom. Ok?

Khushi: Relax… what the hell is happening with you?

She felt a kind of trouble in him. This is how he was facing a tough time whenever he thinks of his DI? This is why he was away from everyone for many months? The great police officer has been disturbed by his Di’s condition? What kind of torture he is going through? Does anyone give ideas to torture himself?

Arnav: I liked you very much when you scolded me… shouted at me… I was impressed when you showed disinterest in me.

He clutched her upper hands tightly. Khushi felt her body’s blood circulation stop there. Khushi could not understand actually what’s happening with him and how to handle him.

Khushi: AC sir…

She flinched couldn’t stand his hold. Arnav looked at the place and saw his fingerprints there and he got his sense back.

Arnav: Khushi, I’m sorry… I just…

Keeping his fist on his forehead, he sat looking down.

Khushi(touching his shoulder): It’s ok… Relax.

Arnav: I never told my story to anyone before. I'm just out of control… I hurt you… but it’s not intentional.

Khushi: I know…

Arnav: Are you scared?

Khushi nodded NO.

Arnav: Don’t lie.

Khushi (touching his head): I’m not…

Arnav: Will you be scared if I kiss you right now?

Khushi nodded left and right but slowly.

Arnav: Won’t you be really scared if I make love?

Khushi looked at him bewildered.

Arnav: I will be gentle. Trust me.

Khushi(gulping): I... I trust you.

Arnav: I think you can make me cool down.

Khushi: I’m glad about it.

Arnav: Can’t we spend together for a while? I think we spoke enough.

Khushi nodded yes…

Arnav: I would like to hear my name from your mouth.

Saying, Arnav kisses the crook of her neck, enwinding her fingers. He was more passionate than the previous WORKOUT. But… Neither Khushi restricted him for anything nor did she give a stony expression. And… she didn’t miss to make him feel SPECIAL which Arnav liked very much. After making her scream his name, he fell on her with complete satisfaction.

Aranv didn’t feel to place his sweaty body away from Khushi even after finishing the session. He was lying on her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His hot breath was fanning on her skin, making her sweat dry.

Arnav: Was I hard?

Khushi(caressing his hair): No…

Arnav: You are lying.

Khushi(biting her lip): Yes…

Arnav (raised his head ): I’m sorry… don’t talk about my story. I will become something other than human.

Khushi: What about Ansh? When will you bring him home?

Arnav: He is so weak. Doctors want him to be incubated for a few more days.

Khushi: Di?

Arnav nodded No pressing his lips.

Khushi: I hope you are alright now.

Arnav: you know you are so understanding…

Khushi: thanks.

Arnav: We have to pick Pooja… remember?

Khushi: We have time.

Arnav: Get ready.

Khushi: yeah…

She went to the washroom. Taking his mobile, Arnav turned the silent mode off. That’s when he saw a few missed calls from a number. He dialled the number and his call was responded to right away. It was Ratan Sinha’s number.

Ratan: AC sir… Ratan here…

Arnav: Yeah… tell me.

Ratan: I got a message from the killer, sir.

He almost cried. Arnav controlled his smile, after all, it’s him who sent the message. But Arnav’s expression changed, hearing him more.

Ratan: In that message, he said he is going to kill me.

KILL? But he didn’t send such a message. Arnav alerted.

Arnav: Was that message from the PRIVATE NUMBER?

Ratna: No sir. it was from MY number.

Arnav: What rubbish?

Ratna: I have lost my mobile yesterday sir.

Arnav: Didn’t you file a complaint?

Ratna: No sir… I can’t.

Arnav: But why?

Ratan: I have sent a lot of messages to Stella through that mobile sir. What if he reveals all the messages in open? I will lose my reputation in society, Sir. I have no one other than you, sir. Only you know about my contact with Stella. Please save me, sir. Please.

Arnav tapped his forehead by his index finger. What new problem is this? Who it could be?

To be continued…