Broken Illusions

PROLOGUE

In the backdrop of Landmark case of State of Rajasthan vs Visaka Singh which forced Govt. of India to promulgate Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. The story is based on the romantic love story of a young girl aspiring to be an air hostess. How she is bluffed and used by people at every stage? Eventually story evolves into a murder mystery keeping the readers in suspense.

CHAPTER ONE: RANIKHET

Ranikhet is a picturesque small hill station of District Almora of Uttarakhand Province of India. It’s a small town facing Himalaya extended in a radius of not more than 1 k.m. It’s a historical town of India developed by British during colonial era of India. At a slow pace away from the hustle bustle of city life, it’s a tourist’s delight for attaining internal peace and soaking in the nature of mother earth.

Being a cantonment area, it is a more disciplined town unlike other unruly towns of India.

Natasha woke up with a start ending the alarm bell of her mobile. She cursed herself. How could I get late on my result day? Cursing her parents for not waking her up, she changed her night suit with school dress of white shirt, blue skirt of knee length and dark blue coat. Natasha is grown up in an army family. Her father Arjun Singh after taking early voluntary retirement got settled in this small town.

Natasha had turned 18 in this winter only. She has blossomed like a fresh flower of a plant. Hurriedly having breakfast, she rushed to her Army Public School for getting her 12th grade examinations result. She ran down in the steep thin lanes leading to her school. Both sides of thin lanes were occupied by vendors selling their goods in small shops soliciting customers by shouting about lowest price in their shops mostly aiming the tourists who are their bread and butter. Though Natasha many times has got fancy of new dresses but had to kill her desires because of her family’s limited means.

Army Public School was a renowned school of the town crowded by the off springs of army personnel. In the school as she entered, head of all boys turned like iron objects to a magnet. Natasha was the most beautiful girl of the school. With light brown typical Indian complexion complemented by fish like eyes, sharp dragger like lips having 5 feet 5 inches height along with a perfectly shaped figure was hot enough to raise blood pressure of any normal male.

Ignoring all gazing eyes, Natasha ran to her classroom where Lokesh, her boyfriend was eagerly waiting for her constantly staring at the class door. As Lokesh saw Natasha entering the class, his frown was erased and a curve on his lips emerged greeted by the same curve of Natasha.

Natasha sat next to Lokesh murmuring, am I late? Did the class teacher called upon my name? Just relax. First catch your breath. She has begun distributing the results a few minutes ago. Natasha heaved a sigh of relief.

After the distribution of results, both friends came out of the class chuckling. Wow, Loki you have got 98% congratulated Natasha petting his back. Lokesh reciprocated. You are also not far behind. 97% is a good scoring considering the amount of efforts you have put in the studies teased Lokesh. Natasha giggled as Yogi was right. She could not study for more than 1 hour in a day at home. Her one hour study was also motivated by her dream to become air hostess and travel around the world.

Both friends sat below a X-mas tree in the garden outside the classroom. Ranikhet being a hill station had perfect atmosphere for the growth of X-mas tree. Appropriate climate was the main reason of X-mas trees surrounding the garden like guards of honour. Young couples of the school were generally found sitting under the light shadows of those trees.

What is your future plan Loki asked Natasha. I am applying for aviation engineering in a reputed engineering college of Mumbai. What about you. Just one childhood dream of Airhostess. Will apply for graduation in Mumbai’s College of Arts.

Suddenly Natasha asked Lokesh. Can I ask you one thing? Why not. You have changed a lot. Your voice has turned masculine. Growth of moustache and beard along with peeping chest hair out of shirt’s window are fairly visible. Lokesh laughed aloud. First watch out yourself. Your shirt has tightened as your breast is bulging out straining the shirt buttons to give way any time. Natasha put her lips over Lokesh’s lips and spoke over his mouth. Stop it Yogi. You are embarrassing me.

CHAPTER TWO: FRIENDS IN MUMBAI

Natasha and Lokesh, both the friends got admission in their desired colleges.

They chose their respective college hostels for the accommodation. Due to their higher studies and new friends circle both of them became more of acquaintance rather than friends. Occasionally in 2-3 months they used to meet over Lunch or Dinner in economy restaurants.

Natasha was feeling disturbed and insecured sensing Lokesh’s increasing intimacy to his classmate Tina who was as intelligent in studies as Lokesh was, making them perfect match. On few occasions, Natasha expressed her displeasure to Lokesh for not giving her due attention and time but Lokesh always took excuse of burden of tough studies.

CHAPTER THREE: COMPLETION OF STUDIES

As the time flew at its pace. Lokesh and Natasha completed their studies in flying colours. Lokesh got selected in India’s largest Airlines through college campus placement. Natasha received a message on What’s App from Lokesh informing about his new job. Natasha replied. Congrats. Once you get settled in your job, we will get married and will stay together forever. Lokesh didn’t reply after reading the text. Tina came out of his bathroom drying her hair with the towel and wearing bathing gown only. Tina was in her late 20s, a complete delight to eyes in her dark complexion and pointed features with 5 feet 7 inches height rubbing shoulder with Lokesh. Tina hailed from Punjab province of India generally called Punjabis. Punjabis are well known in India for being hale and hearty community. Tina had kept up her Punjabi image of being stout and jovial. She asked Lokesh grinningly. What made you upset Honey? Hope not that Natasha again. Why don’t you completely break up with her and tell her that you are not interested anymore. Lokesh replied, I can’t do that as it will leave her heartbroken. We are from same town and school friends. Tina interrupted. You were school friends. You are no more in schools. I am your present college classmate. You have to choose one of us. You can’t keep both of us guessing. Of course you Tina replied Lokesh. All I need is some time to get settled in job. At appropriate time, I will tell everything to Natasha.

Tina came closer to Lokesh brooding. Very next moment, she grabbed Lokesh’s mobile throwing on the bed. Lokesh with a gasp clutched her waist drawing her closer leaving no space of thin air between both of them. His erected male hardness was touching her moist valley.

Both of them fell on the bed kissing and groping each other. A few moments later after foreplay, Lokesh filled Tina with his male hardness emitting simultaneous gasp and moan. Tina slept on his chest whole night while he kept cuddling her like a small baby. During night they had some pillow talks. Lokesh said. Thanks Tina for filling the loneliness of my heart. You have filled all the gaps in my heart which nobody else could understand let alone filling.

Before completion of the sentence, Tina put a finger on Lokesh’s lips hissing sh..h..shhhhh. Just feel the moment. No more talks. Without you I am merely a pile of shit. You are the only one in my life who has removed my loneliness. Same with me Tina. You have filled the blanks of my heart. I was so lonely that darkness of my empty heart had engulfed me and eating away but you came in my life like a monsoon rain washing away all pain and sowing the seeds of happiness in my life. Now green shoots of happiness are visible in my life. Thank you so much Tina for coming in my life like a rainbow of happiness.

In the morning, Lokesh got up prior to Tina and started getting ready. Finding his absence, Tina also woke up watching him getting ready. Where are you going Loki? Oh, I forgot to tell you. I have to submit a few documents to XYZ Airlines in order to get my formal appointment letter. Best of Luck. Thanks Honey pecking on Tina’s cheek.

CHAPTER FOUR: JOB

Lokesh got a lucrative job in XYZ Airlines. Immediately on receiving the appointment letter, he sent messages to Natasha and Tina. A few minutes later Lokesh got a call from Natasha. As he picked up the call, the old sweet voice came over. Congrats Loki. Thanks.

Loki I am in urgent need of meeting you up. A panic voice of Natasha echoed in Lokesh’s ear.

Sure why not. Are you alright? Hope not in any trouble asked Lokesh. Will talk when we meet chirped Natasha.

Is tomorrow at 4:30 at CBZ Restaurant suits you. Sure, will be there.

In CBZ Restaurant, Lokesh reached half an hour early. At sharp 4:30, Natasha entered. Lokesh’s pulse rose. Oh she is still stunning. Her tight figure hugging T-shirt revealing her cleavage took Lokesh down the memory lane. Lokesh hugged Natasha briefly. The moment she sat, Lokesh fired his loaded gun of questions.

Why were you under panic yesterday? What happened?

Loki, yesterday, I got a call from my mom. My Dad died due to sudden cardiac arrest Natasha started crying. I am so sorry to hear that Lokesh consoled Natasha putting his hand over Natasha’s hand. It’s ok Loki. There is another part of the story. As you are aware my family’s only source of income is Dad’s pension received every month from Ministry of Defense which is sufficient only for household expenses. Without a job, it would be almost impossible to stay in this damn expensive city as my graduation is over and I need to vacate the hostel which was affordable for staying here. I see said Lokesh with grim expressions. Can I be of any help Natasha? Yes that’s why I wanted to meet you. Alright please go ahead.

Loki you have got the job in XYZ Airlines. They are recruiting Air Hostesses for various flights. If you can put in a word for me. That will be a great help. I am going back to Ranikhet tomorrow for fifteen days for joining mom in her grief.

I am joining the Company from tomorrow. I will talk to our CEO in this matter on priority. I will text you immediately after talking to him. Very well but please keep the interview scheduled after 15 days as I will return from Ranikhet by that time. Thanks Loki for being there whenever I need you. Natasha smiled. Loki I love you. Please don’t leave me for Tina. You are compatible with me only as I know you in and out since our childhood. Tina is just using you. She has coloured motives. You are my best friend Natasha and will remain so forever assured Lokesh.

I am tired of listening this. Can’t you see oozing love for you in my eyes Loki? I can do anything for you. How can you change Loki? How can you forget our beautiful dreams and time spent together back in the hills of Ranikhet pleaded Natasha? Grow up Natasha. We have left the hills of Ranikhet four years ago. Now change yourself with this money spinning City Mumbai. Lokesh was annoyed. After an hour both of them left the Restaurant with irked expressions.

CHAPTER FIVE: NATASHA – AN AIR HOSTESS

After 15 days of Natasha and Lokesh meeting, Natasha got a call from Lokesh. Hello Natasha. Loki this side. I had a word with Mr. Kapoor, CEO of XYZ Airlines. He liked your profile for air hostess. Can you come tomorrow at 11 a.m. for the interview? Yeah sure. Exclaimed Natasha. Lokesh further instructed. Remember to wear white shirt, mini skirt with stockings and jacket. No loose hair. Hair must be neatly tied. One more thing, upper two buttons of your shirt should be open.

Next day, Natasha was standing before the swanky building of XYZ Airlines wearing the instructed dress. She entered the large reception hall of the company where Lokesh was already waiting for her. Lokesh could not believe on his eyes on the new sexy avatar of Natasha. Hi Natasha, he waived at her. First is your HR round and after being approved by HR you will meet Mr. Kapoor. Natasha easily passed the HR round and was sent to Mr. Kapoor, CEO for final approval/appointment.

She knocked at the glass door of a cabin carrying name plate ‘S. Kapoor CEO’ in the Executive Wing on the First Floor of the building. Entire top management of the Airlines had sitting arrangement in the cabins set up on the First Floor named Executive Wing separated from general workforce whose sitting arrangement was done in open cubicles on ground floor and second floor. Natasha was awestruck by the enormous site of the office. She slightly opened the door peeping inside and asked May I come in Sir? Yes come in. A man in his early 50s commanded. As she tick toed inside the room. Kapoor asked him to sit down on the chair. Natasha settled on one of the chair lying vacant opposite to Kapoor and held out a plastic folder containing HR Feedback Form along with her requisite documents. Kapoor scrutinized the papers and smiled at Natasha. Impressive. Thanks Sir. Natasha replied ruffling the collar of her shirt in order to broaden the opening of her opened up two upper buttons of shirt. Her act immediately caught attention of Kapoor. Kapoor started asking general questions to Natasha staring constantly at her cleavage. Natasha felt as if his staring eyes will make a hole in her cleavage. She felt uncomfortable but in the back of her mind was running her worsening financial condition which restrained her to get out of the office. Kapoor asked her. Natasha what can you do for getting this job. Sir, I am in dire need of job so I can do anything. Kapoor repeated her word ‘Anything’ with a stress. Yeah anything said Natasha staring down at her feet. Suddenly Natasha felt that a foot from her opposite side of the table came under the table rubbing her leg and moving up slowly from her calf to her thigh. She jerked off that touching leg in anger and started to get up. Kapoor gestured her to sit down and spoke.

You are on board dear. Take this form and go to HR, they will brief you about the joining formalities and salary part. For first two months you will be a trainee to understand flying details and etiquettes but there is one important assignment awaiting you next week. Natasha leaned forward to listen about her first assignment.

An investors delegation is visiting us next week led by Sir Charles MD of World’s largest airlines. You need to take care of that delegation by making them feel comfortable. Kapoor said with sparkle in his eyes. Sir I will make sure they don’t have any problems while staying here. Please give me their itinerary. You are really very quick. You will make to the top very soon. Thanks Sir. Natasha left the cabin holding the folder given by Kapoor. She reached HR Department and handed over the Folder. K.K. Singh was the Head of HR Department. After discussing joining date, training period, initial stipend and salary after confirmation, K.K. Singh asked. Are you clear about Investors delegation? Yes Sir exclaimed Natasha. While leaving the office, Natasha saw an announcement on the Notice Board describing as under

“INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

In wake of Supreme Court Orders in Vishaka Singh vs. State of Rajasthan and subsequent promulgation of Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, XYZ Airlines has set up an Internal Complaints Committee to investigate, prevent and redress any type of sexual harassment or asking for sexual favour by any employee of XYZ Airlines. Aggrieved woman may file her complaint at the following email id

[e-mail]

Job of the aggrieved will be ensured by the Committee without any unfavourable working condition.

By the order of

Internal complaints committee

Sudha Mishra

Chairperson”

CHAPTER SIX: INTERNAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (ICC)

Reading the announcement, Natasha’s mind started racing with thoughts. She called up Lokesh narrating the entire episode. Lokesh tried to pacify her. Calm down baby. Sometimes a few sacrifices need to be made for achieving something higher. Natasha yelled since it has not happened with your sister so you are calm enough Loki but I will file complaint against Kapoor. Don’t do any such thing Natasha. It may cost dear to both of us costing our jobs. You don’t worry Loki. ICC shall ensure our job security as per their policy. Listen listen. Lokesh was trailed off as Natasha ended the call. Natasha filed the complaint against Kapoor. After a week, proceedings of ICC to investigate her complaint started. In ICC, Sudha Mishra was the Chairperson of 5 members committee. Majority of the members were women. Committee asked Natasha to tell them entire episode of harassment done by Kapoor. Kapoor was also sitting in the Committee as accused. Natasha felt nervous to see Kapoor sitting right in front of her. She reiterated the entire scene. Kapoor denied the charges by shouting lies & white lies. She had seduced me. Sudha called out Kapoor to sit down and speak up only at his turn. Natasha bravely took forward her case against mighty Kapoor who was the CEO of Airlines and had his influence over the Committee. Nevertheless, Sudha Mishra, the Chairperson was the social activist famous for taking cause of Women’s rights. Natasha was a simply fresh graduate without any experience. For the first time she was in such type of situation cursing herself and Lokesh for getting into such mess. She made personal request to Committee for her job security which was granted and ensured by Sudha Mishra. During the hearing, Committee asked for the evidence of sexual harassment done by Kapoor. Natasha could not produce any evidence as everything happened in closed walls of cabin without the presence of any third person. One by one her allegations started falling for want of evidence. Finally, ICC dismissed her complaint and acquitted Kapoor as a respectable man. Committee also ordered to ensure job security and favourable working condition to be maintained for Natasha.

CHAPTER SEVEN: TRAINING

Natasha was put on training for two months before entrusting a full-fledged air hostess role in Air crafts.

Natasha reached on time at the swanky office of XYZ Airlines on the scheduled date of joining. K.K. Singh of HR Department welcomed her and took her in a large meeting room where roughly 30 odd girls were seated facing towards a large screen where a Presentation was being made by a young girl by the name of Pari with very hard features who had almost lost her feminine qualities due to tough testing times in her life. She waved Natasha to be seated in first row. Natasha did as was instructed. Pari after asking Natasha’s introduction resumed her presentation. We have to be courteous all the time and at the will of our guests Pari lectured. Our guests are our God. You have to walk as the girl is walking in this video. Training session lasted for 6 hours on that day. In the evening when it was over, Natasha felt relaxed. Coming out of the meeting room she bumped into another girl who greeted Natasha by her name. Natasha immediately recognized Tina whom she had met briefly at Lokesh’s birthday party.

Natasha was surprised to see Tina there. Hi Tina, how come you are here? For the same reason as you are. Tina replied in courteous manner. Natasha rolled up her eyes and paced her walk to exit. After two months training in office and in flights watching other air hostesses in flight she was ready to take a plunge in live action.

Post her training, K.K. Singh called in Natasha.

Singh – Congratulations, we are assigning you Mumbai Delhi flights as air hostess.

With a grim look, he handed over a piece of paper to Natasha. Here is the itinerary of the Delegation. They are expected tomorrow at 9 a.m. You will pick them up from the Airport by showing the placard at arrival. Take them directly to Hotel Blue Star. We have booked your room as well in the hotel for your stay so that you personally look after them. Day after tomorrow they will be off to Ranikhet, your native place for three days sight-seeing. You will accompany them as a guide as you know that place in and out.

CHAPTER EIGHT: INVESTORS DELEGATION

Natasha was a bit nervous and excited on her first important assignment of life. She checked the placard at least 5 times in the cab on her way to airport. At the same time giving touch up to her make up looking in her small mirror. In one hour time she was dropped at the Arrival section of Mumbai International Airport. She was relieved to watch the time on her wristwatch. She was before time of arrival of flight. It’s a hard task in Mumbai to reach anywhere before time by dodging the traffic snarl. She thanked the cabbie in her heart for his maneuvering skills to drop her before time.

She stood at the visitor area jostling with other visitors showing up their Placards. After sometime, bunch of people started coming out of Exit gate. Visitors started hiking their Placards. Natasha did the same. She noticed a group of 5 odd gentlemen dressed in Black Tuxedo made a familiar smile to Natasha. Natasha greeted them in same manner and came closer to the stainless steel barricade dividing the Arrival Gate and Visitors area. A gentleman in his 50s who was leading the group came closer to Natasha. Hi I am Charles. You must be Natasha sent by Kapoor. Yes Sir, I am Natasha. I am here to pick you up for your accommodation. Very well. Gentlemen. Meet this lovely lass Natasha our host. Everyone chorused in a gasp. Wow. Hi Natasha. Shall we proceed asked Charles? Yeah Sure Sir. She indicated towards a 7 seater car sent by the office for their pick up. She gestured the driver to pick up their luggage.

When everybody was seated, car raced towards the Hotel Blue Star. Reaching Blue Star, Natasha was awestruck to see its grandeur. The receptionist handed over the respective keys to each guest and to Natasha. In the elevator, Charles asked room no. of Natasha. Sir, I am staying in 404. Call me Charles only. No formal words like ‘Sir’. As you wish Charles. Will see you at the dinner.

Natasha was badly tired due to her hectic schedule started from early morning so she just fell on the bed like a tree. Her sleep was broken with constant ring of intercom of her room. Reluctantly she took up the receiver from the side by table. She checked time on her mobile. It was 7:45 p.m. Miss Natasha, a voice came from the other end. Yes speaking. Who is there? Mam I am calling from the reception. I have Mr. Charles message for you. He wants to see you in his room at 8:30 p.m. Ok I’ll be there. Natasha hung up the phone and went to bathroom to freshen up herself. She carefully chose a yellow colour Rajasthani suit for meeting up Charles. At 8:30 she knocked at Charles room. Immediately door was flung open by Charles smiling and inviting her to come in. She stepped inside the room and started looking around. She asked Charles. Was something urgent that you wanted to see me before dinner? She could barely complete her sentence and was swept off her feet by somebody who grabbed her from behind. She started hurling the kicks in air shouting ‘put me down you marron’. Charles help me. She called upon Charles standing in front of her with apathy. Calm down baby. Nothing will happen. Charles tried to cool her panic state. Meanwhile Natasha’s free kick hit the grabber in his groin. His grip loosened and Natasha came back to floor on her feet.

On her feet, she turned around in a fraction of second to see the face of grabber and she was shocked to see Kapoor crouching holding his groin with both hands. Sir, I can’t believe your such shameful behaviour. Kapoor laughed. What shameful. It’s about mutual needs. You want to fly high for that you need to be a bit co-operative with me. Keep your dirty hands away from me yelled Natasha and rushed out of the room.

After fifteen minutes she again received a call. This time it was directly from Charles. We are going for dinner on the ground floor. Come soon baby. Ok. I will be there in five minutes.

When Natasha reached the dining hall she saw Charles and Kapoor sitting side by side along with other members of the Group. Natasha took a corner chair. She was still fuming for whatever had happened with her. Without looking at Kapoor she started eating her buffet. Charles broke the silence. Natasha as you are aware, tomorrow our flight for Delhi is at 8:30 a.m. in your airlines for onwards road journey to Ranikhet. Kapoor told me Ranikhet is your native town so I guess nobody other than you can be the best guide for this tour. Kapoor also told me it’s your maiden flight as air hostess. Natasha nodded sheepishly.

In the flight, Natasha justified her air hostess job completely garnering accolades from every guest on the flight. Tina was in the same flight hosting economy class. S. Kapoor and Lokesh were also on that flight. Kapoor was keeping an eye on Natasha evaluating her each and every action. Natasha is fantastic in her job declared Kapoor to Lokesh. Landing in Delhi, the Group took a mini bus for Ranikhet. Delegates jaw dropped down watching en route scenic beauty of Ranikhet. After 10 hours long journey, everyone retired in his hotel room in sub-conscious state. In the morning, everyone jumped on his feet to see Trishul Peak on snow clad Nanda Devi Mountain visible from their hotel. Natasha explained that according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva kept his weapon called Trishul on Nanda Devi Mountain. Due to heavy weight of Trishul, its shape got engraved on snow clad mountain creating Trishul Peak. Natasha had planned a sight-seeing to Bhalu Dam (bear dam) in nearby jungle. Natasha informed everyone to get ready to go to bear dam in forest where it was believed that bears live near the pond created by dam. The group reached at forest gate of Bhalu Dam cheeringly. At the forest gate, Natasha briefed everyone to stay in the group and not to stray as there is no concrete road in the forest and no signboards are placed. We have to stay on the mark of soiled track created by men footsteps marring the grass and short herbs distinguishing it from forest land covered with green and pale patches of small grass. The excited group followed Natasha on the steep slope of the track. Kapoor, Tina and Lokesh were at the end of the Group. While stepping down on the track at some places, Charles stopped the group and exclaimed to see rocks shining like diamond in sun rays. He called upon Kapoor. Can you see the visible mining ores in this area? These shining particles are ores of silver, zinc, copper and other metals. Can we get the mining permission? Kapoor said big no. Since it’s a hill station and forest area, Environment Ministry will never permit to extract ores in this area. I can see the abundance of metal ores with my experienced eyes. Leave airlines business and try mining here. I am afraid not possible Charles. I suggest to focus on our proposed equity infusion plan as Airlines business is at a nascent stage in India turning out to be a future gold mine. After 7 km difficult track, Group reached a small man made pond of bricks and mud. There was a bit of disappointment in everyone’s eyes as there was no sign of bear in its natural habitat and pond did not worthwhile for 7 km hard track which they had crossed by. To their relief X-mas tree forest was a soothing ointment to eyes. Sensing the group’s tiredness, hunger and thirst, Natasha distributed bananas along with Burins Juice (rohdodendum juice (juice made of locally grown rohdodendum flowers). While everyone was enjoying his jungle breakfast, Natasha took excuse of the Group to check out the sign of any bear near the pond. Lokesh joined her for safety half an hour passed by but Natasha didn’t come back. Everyone in the group got worried. Kapoor asked Tina to search for them. After sometime, Tina returned with negative report of any traces of Natasha and Yogesh. When they did not return after one hour, group decided to climb up to the forest gate which is again an arduous steep 7 km climb. Charles took a lead and everybody followed. When the panting puffing group reached the forest gate they looked around for Natasha. May be she would have come up prior to them but of no use. They inquired with some guides standing there for the prospective clients. All guides replied in negative. Panic started taking over Charles. Kapoor asked the group to return to their hotel. She will catch us up there. Charles couldn’t agree to Kapoor’s apathy for that poor girl. He called up a guide and told him about Natasha and Lokesh who are missing. Charles requested him to search the young couple while shoving a bundle of Rs. 500 notes in his hand. Charles told him that they will wait for him at the gate until he comes up. Guide smiled and took his another friend along with him to search Natasha and Lokesh. Soon he was out of the sight of the Group disappeared in the horizon of trees.

CHAPTER NINE: MISSING

Charles and his group members were eagerly waiting for good news by the search party. Tina and Kapoor roaming up and down in panic. Kapoor was audible to Group talking to Tina “I had a gut feeling this Natasha will create some mess that’s why I myself came on this tour to see everything goes smoothly but this reckless girl has ruined the trip.

Suddenly, two images appeared at the horizon of forest. Everyone jeered. When the figures came nearby, they appeared to be two boys of search party. Tensed Charles asked about the young couple. Guide swayed his neck from one side to other side. Finally he spoke up. We saw a horrible scene at the Bhalu Dam. A boy’s corpse was lying in blood near Bhalu Dam. No visible sign of the girl could be seen there.

CHAPTER TEN: INVESTIGATION

The Group was shocked to listen the horrific story of Lokesh and missing Natasha. Now Charles decided to proceed to Hotel as it was enough for the day.

Reaching Hotel, Kapoor dialed no. 100 of police lodging complaint about Yogesh’s death and Natasha’s missing case. Inspector Rohan is on his way Sir Voice came from other side. After half an hour, Kapoor got a call on his intercom about a visitor by the name of Inspector Rohan waiting for him in visitor’s lounge. Kapoor went down to visitor’s lounge uneasily. Rohan and Kapoor introduced themselves. Kapoor narrated the entire story to Rohan. Rohan noted down his complaint on a piece of paper.

Next day, Rohan was on his way to Bhalu Dam. Constable Hemu was accompanying him. Rohan and Hemu tracked down to Bhalu Dam. It was a treacherous tiring track but cool breeze kept the sweating away. When they reached the pond, Hemu vomited at the horrible sight of a half eaten away dead body of a young man. Pieces of flesh were lying here and there as a leftover food of animals. Rohan asked Hemu to call for a help and send Lokesh’s body to post mortem.

After a week, Rohan got the Post Mortem Report reporting cause of death – point blank bullet shot in the head. Rohan shuddered thinking about the brutal merciless killing. Rohan shoved the report in his drawer and started walking briskly towards Natasha’s parental house which was a few yards away from the police station.

Rohan rang the doorbell of a small house. House was not in good shape and requiring repair badly as the paint was chipped out and patches of seepage on the wall were visible being shelter of fungus and algae. A lady in her 40s opened the door. How may I help you?

Hi, I am Inspector Rohan wanted to see Natasha. Yes come in please.

Be seated. She indicated towards an old rugged out sofa and called out - Natasha somebody is here to see you.

After a few minutes, Natasha came out of the room opening in the small drawing room where Rohan was seated.

Natasha was far more beautiful than Rohan’s expectations. Rohan rubbed his eyes in admiration. Natasha couldn’t stop herself smiling looking at his amazed expressions. Rohan thought how on earth, I never noticed such beauty in our small hill station.

Don’t you come out of house?

Actually, I was out of Ranikhet for past four years pursuing my graduation in Mumbai. Only a week ago, I came back with some guests of our Company for sight-seeing. Or killing Lokesh added Rohan. What….. what are you talking about stammered Natasha?

Rohan – Please co-operate with me by telling the truth and I will ensure that no harm is done to you.

Natasha started. I was head over heels in love with Lokesh since our school time but he started ignoring me for Tina. I knew if I didn’t stop him then very soon he will get married to Tina trampling over my love. While visiting Bhalu Dam, I got a good chance to settle my score with him. On that day, I took my late father’s licensed gun. Near the pond in Bhalu Dam, we went to a secluded place to find out bears as it could please the group on their life’s first encounter with bears in their natural habitat. I asked him whether he loves me or not and whether we have any future together or not. Lokesh said we can talk about it later on at appropriate time. What is the hurry? I asked firmly. I want the answer right now. Either now or never. I brandishing my gun. He held up his hands and words started blurting out of his mouth. Yes I do love you Natasha darling. Then what about Tina. I will dump her. Anyways, she was merely a step for getting this job.

Natasha – I can’t understand it.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: KILLER

Lokesh – You know about the lust of Kapoor.

I just threw a piece of meat in front of a tiger and got whatever I wanted to get.

Natasha to Rohan – Suddenly Tina came from nowhere overhearing our entire conversation.

Tina – Loki, you bastard get ready to fly in the sky. She brandished a gun pointing towards Loki.

Loki you scoundrel, you used me for your dirty ambition.

Lokesh – I did not force you. I just sent you for the interview. You yourself volunteered your flesh to Kapoor.

Then after you pulled the trigger Natasha asked Rohan.

Natasha – No Sir, it wasn’t me.

Rohan – Then who killed?

Natasha – Sir, Its true that both of us were holding the gun keeping Loki as hostage but none of us killed him as both of us loved him and wanted him in one piece at the cost of sharing him with each other.

Then how he got killed asked Rohan?

Natasha – Sir while we were talking. We never realized Kapoor overheard our conversation and came behind Loki putting his gun at Loki’s temple. He started accusing Loki. You are defaming me Lokesh. Say good bye to your girlfriends for your last flight. Bang bang. A stream of blood gushed out and Loki fell down dead. Natasha started crying in torrent rain of tears on the verge of losing consciousness. Natasha’s Mom came out hearing her cry and consoled her. Rohan took their excuse. Please take care of her Mam. I am leaving now. Thanks for your co-operation Natasha. Take care.

Immediately, Rohan reached to Hotel to grill Kapoor.

Kapoor denied the charges of killing Lokesh. He reiterated the entire story to Rohan.

Inspector, that’s true that I had put a gun on his temple but I did not kill him. Then who killed Lokesh. Inspector I was furious with Lokesh for spilling my beans before everyone but had not lost my sense to kill him. It was Tina who came from the other side closer to Lokesh to put her gun on Lokesh Temple as he was again swaying to Natasha and was ready to leave Tina for Natasha. I asked Tina to hold her anger as everything will be alright as I will personally see that Lokesh gets married to Tina only leaving Natasha.

You meant leaving Natasha for you Kapoor. Rohan completed the sentence. Kapoor laughed No Inspector you are having some confusion. By the way Tina didn’t listen and pulled the trigger of her gun killing Lokesh.

Thanks a ton Kapoor. Rest I will take care of. A few minutes later Tina was taken into police custody by Rohan on the charge of Lokesh’s murder.

Natasha with moist eyes was chanting only one line of Prince Siddhartha (name of Lord Buddha prior to renunciation of the world)

“Life is a sea of sigh, sob, grief and sorrow.”