SHORT STORIES FRIDAYS (47)

THE MYSTERY OF THE DISAPPEARING MEN (3)

Inspector Krishan experienced a migraine after the emergency meeting convened by the top police officials. SI Sudhakar got two cups of tea for both of them. Sudhakar said, “Sir, we are at our wit’s end. The Sharmas ended their lives. The media is baying for our blood. We have to get back on our feet to search for the clues. “

The inspector sipped his tea and replied, ” You are right. But the culprit is very clever. He hasn’t left any clues behind. It’s not that I expected him to be foolish enough to leave something for us. “How should we begin our investigation?” SI Sudhakar replied, ” Sir, can we check if there was a CCTV installed anywhere on the site of the disappearance? Also, we can search the houses of the kidnapped victims and ask the neighbours if they saw anything. “

Krishan said, ” It’s a good suggestion, but I don’t expect anyone to co-operate. Anyway, we have to start somewhere or the Chief will kick us out of our jobs. ” He sent a couple of his men to check for CCTV footage in all the locations where the victims were kidnapped. He and Sudhakar went to question Navin’s neighbours because he was the first to disappear. His marriage to Alia was to take place on August 24, 2022. It was the day when Alia committed suicide. Inspector Krishan had let him go. This fact disturbed Sudhakar, despite the flimsy explanation given to him by the Inspector. He was also suspicious about the casual attitude and the bunch of lies given to Navin’s parents.

Sudhakar knew better than to voice his opinion. He was sure that Inspector Krishan was corrupt and was either the main culprit or an aide to the mastermind behind these mysterious disappearances. He couldn’t directly approach the ASP without any evidence, and decided to collect evidence against the Inspector to expose him.

Meanwhile, the Guptas and Akshar were confined to a dungeon-like room with security guards posted outside. They were given food and water at regular intervals. Akshar cursed himself for trusting a stranger and allowing himself to be kidnapped. He started shouting, ” Where are you, bastard? What did you do to Navin? Why have you kidnapped us? ” The Guptas were too petrified of his actions. They were teasing him to be quiet or they would end up losing their lives. Suddenly, the TV in front of them came alive. 
Akshar and the Guptas watched in horror as Navin was begging for his life. The stranger had also kidnapped Vikram. Both of them were hanging upside down with a hungry lion opening its jaws. The stranger now faced the Guptas and Akshar. He chuckled, ” If you want your and Navin’s lives to be spared, you have to do as I say. Gupta, call your daughter, Pooja, and invite her to join you for your mini vacation. Secondly, all of you will be posting messages on social media, stating that you are enjoying your stay in Shimla with Navin and Vikram. The police need not bother to search for you. If you try to deceive me, all of you would end up as food for the lion.”

Mr. Gupta mustered the courage to ask, ” Why do you want to involve my daughter in this? What did my family do to you? Please spare our lives. We promise not to reveal anything to the police.” The stranger replied, ” Do as I say and no more questions. Don’t worry. I will tell you about the heroic exploits of your disgusting family just before you die.”

The Guptas were trembling in fear. Akshar too fell silent. Navin and Vikram were chanting Hanuman Chalisa. It was like watching the climax of some movie. Gupta called his daughter Pooja, asking her to join them on a trip. He also said that a man would be picking them up from her residence. She was delighted and replied, ” My husband, Shyaam, would also like to come with me.” Gupta reluctantly gave her consent to bring her spouse. The stranger gave them a mysterious smile.

He drove a BMW to pick Pooja and her husband. Pooja stepped inside the car, followed by Shyaam. He took off at a lightning speed. The couple were scared by his rash driving. ” Hey, be careful! “implored Pooja, ” We aren’t in a hurry” ” Oh no! ” cried the stranger, ” But I am in a great hurry.” The stranger removed his sunglasses and hat. Pooja gasped and exclaimed, ” I can’t believe you are still alive. Please forgive me. I won’t tell anyone about you. You are a good person. Please spare us. I am pregnant. If not for me, have mercy on my baby.” The stranger let out a huge guffaw and retorted, ” Do you think your sins are pardonable? Certainly not. I don’t care about your pregnancy. Sorry, Pooja and Shyaam. Your journey ends here.” The stranger jumped out of the running vehicle and pressed a button on the remote. The car exploded into several pieces along with its occupants. Pooja and Shyaam were the first casualties in the game of revenge. Their bodies were badly mutilated and charred beyond recognition. The stranger wiped a tear from his eye and said, ” Sorry, my love. You betrayed me and had to be punished for your cruelty.”

He hitchhiked to his hideout with the cruel video recording for the Guptas. Before he could torment them with the news about their daughter, The stranger celebrated with a bottle of champagne. The Guptas and Akshar were shocked when their TV came to life with the video of Pooja and Shyaam getting blown to pieces. Gupta had a massive cardiac arrest after watching the death of his beloved daughter. He died on the spot, leaving his wife in total shock. Akshar was speechless as the stranger moved towards his next prey. Navin and Vikram’s lives were in danger. What’s going to happen next? Will Akshar and Mrs. Gupta live to tell their tale?

SI Sudhakar wanted to spy on Inspector Krishan. He sought the help of a private investigator to follow the Inspector. Would SI Sudhakar succeed in his mission? Watch out for the next episode for more twists and turns.

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to visit my website. Hope you enjoyed reading my blogs. 😊😊