SHORT STORIES FRIDAYS(43)

THE MYSTERY OF THE DISAPPEARING MEN. (1)

Navin Gupta was getting ready for his dream marriage to his sweetheart, Alia Kashyap, the only daughter of a wealthy businessman. He had chased her relentlessly and finally managed to get her parents’ consent to marry her. His parents had money flashing in front of their eyes, when they learned about her social status and wealth. They encouraged him in his romantic pursuit. They had faked their family status to get the approval of Alia’s parents.

Alia hated him and wished she could escape from this dreadful disaster but like Navin’s parents, they considered it a great prestige to get their daughter married off to a heir of great fortune. Little did they know that they were being conned into a marriage of convenience.

Naveen’ s friends continued to tease him as he wore his cream-colored Sherwani and donned the turban. He looked handsome as he grinned at his friend and proceeded towards the pandal decorated in the marriage hall. The priest asked him to take his seat while requesting Alia’s parents to fetch the bride. It was precisely at this moment that an ear piercing scream echoed throughout the hall. The guests were dumbfounded. Alia’s best friend, Madhumita, came running towards the Kashyaps. She couldn’t utter a single word and fell down unconscious. Mrs. Vinita Kashyap sprinkled water on Madhu and offered her a glass to drink. ” What’s the matter? ” she asked, ” Why did you scream? Where’s Alia?” Madhu couldn’t utter a single word. She simply dragged Mrs. Kashyap towards Alia’s room. Alia’s body was hanging from the ceiling fan. There was a letter. It was probably a suicide note. She had written:

“Dear Mom and Dad,

You are too blinded by money to see Navin’s truth. He’s a lying bastard belonging to a middle class family. He has played with many girls’ lives, using them as sex objects. You won’t believe me but I received a video of his infidelity. You can’t call off this wedding because of your fake prestige issue. So I have decided to take this step. Please promise me to get the idiot womanizer arrested for my death.

Yours lovingly
Alia. “

Mrs. Kashyap burst into tears. Her husband followed suit. He consoled his wife and checked Alia’s mobile to verify the truth behind her accusation. The video clip showed Navin deliberately forcing himself on a girl who was pleading for mercy. The Kashyaps were furious and they called the police.

Navin was anxious and so was his parents. The police stormed into the marriage hall, taking Navin into custody. ” What’s happening?” he cried” For God’s sake, where’s Alia? Why are you arresting me? ” Inspector Krishan Saxena replied, ” You are under arrest for fraud, abetment to suicide, and a possible rape. Alia Kashyap has blamed you for her death. We have also received a video footage of your sexual assault on Rohini Khanna. She has filed an FIR against you for the rape.” Mr. Kashyap was so angry that he slapped Navin and yelled, ” You are a third rate sick criminal. In fact, your parents should also be behind bars for the alleged fraud. But no, I am not going to file any charge against them. Let them witness their son getting punished on their behalf as well.” Navin could not believe his eyes and ears. How could Alia do this to him! His parents pleaded with the Kashyaps to drop the charges against him and that they would leave the city forever.

Mr. Kashyap refused to entertain their plea and the police hauled Navin into the police jeep. His friends were too scared to come to his aid and fled away when they got a chance. His parents wept bitterly after watching the Apple of their eye being dragged mercilessly towards the police station.

Inspector Krishan pushed him to get inside the police jeep and started driving immediately. They stopped outside a roadside tea stall when Inspector Krishan uncuffed Navin and said, ” You are free to go, pal. I pretended to arrest you because of the wealthy socialites, The Kashyaps. I understand your problem. One of your ex-girlfriends must be trying to ruin your life by framing you for a crime you didn’t commit. Girls are quite vengeful these days. Just stay of this city and lead a new life. I pity your parents. So, please try not to get into further trouble. ” Krishan winked at him as Navin expressed his gratitude and left the place.

He was actually running at top speed to meet his parents. He wanted to flee the city as soon as possible and make a new start. As soon as he turned around the corner, a black car screeched to a halt beside him. A masked man pointed a gun at him, forcing him to get inside. Navin was too scared to say anything. He did as he was told. The masked man sat beside him and ordered the driver to start the car.

” Who are you? Why have you kidnapped me?” asked Navin. The masked guy removed the mask. Navin was astonished to see the identity of the stranger. ” No, it’s not possible! ” he screamed, ” You can’t do this to me! Please let me go. I will do whatever you say. ” The stranger let out an evil laugh, ” You and your friends never showed mercy on young, innocent girls before feeding upon them. This is the price for your mistake. Don’t think your friends will escape from the punishment.”
And an eerie silence followed.

The police returned to the station without the prisoner. The SI said, ” Sir, why did you let him go? He had committed a heinous crime.” The inspector laughed and said, ” Don’t worry, young man. We will say that one of his friends posted his bail and he has left the city for good.” The Sub Inspector said nothing. He didn’t like the way the Inspector handled the case.

The next day, Navin’s parents came to visit their son and post his bail. Inspector Krishan said, ” Dear Sir, you will be glad to know that one of Navin’s friend has already posted his bail. He left the city last night.” Navin’s parents appeared to heave a sigh of relief until a sudden thought struck Mr. Gupta. He said, ” Why didn’t he call us after his release? At least, you could have informed us.” The inspector replied, ” Sir, please try to understand. This is a high profile case. The Kashyaps should not know that he has been released or Mr. Kashyap could hire a hitman to kill your son. This is just to keep him safe. He will call you as soon as he is assured of his safety. His parents were satisfied with his response. They went home quite cheerful, unaware of the impending doom.

Watch out for the next episode for a spine chilling crime.

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