Pay For Your Sins

Sameer Petroda was one of the youngest and richest entrepreneurs in the country. He was the CEO of a company that was the leading corporation in building sophisticated microchips for advanced computing. It was using the latest A.I. technology in this endeavour. This way it was helping the nation to progress in leaps and bounds in the fields of advanced bionics, electronics and A.I. technology. His company Future Unlimited was one of the top 500 Fortune companies in India and it was making a mark in the international markets too. It had taken just 15 years to make his small software company into a tech giant. He was also the most eligible bachelor in the whole of Delhi and was known to be quite a charming personality. People say that he was one of the most desirable boys for all the females irrespective of age group. Which also made him a subject of envy sometimes. He was also very much into CSR, i.e. corporate social responsibility and he regularly made huge contributions to various social causes and charitable institutions. The best part was despite being so wealthy and affluent he was very down-to-earth and humble in his interactions. He always said, “I believe in the heart and try to listen to what it is saying; afterwards, I go with the brain.” In other words, he claimed to give priority to emotions. Though he did not let emotions reign in business, neither was he heartless. He was very grounded while dealing with his employees and their different issues.

It was Saturday the 14th of August, just before the 15th of August that he had attended a late-night party with his friends at a farmhouse in Gurgaon. Here also, all the people were enamoured by his mere presence, even the people who were strangers were also drawn towards him for his charms, especially the girls. It felt as if an electric current has passed into the atmosphere as he had entered the party It was around 2: 30 a.m. Sunday morning, when Sam decided to leave as he had to attend an important social function in the morning. After a long dance with his girlfriend Cindy, he gently extricated himself from her embrace and went for a drink at the bar. One of his friends who was sitting at the bar asked. Cindy was surprised but didn’t say anything and resumed dancing with Preity and Nikki who were also on the dance floor.

“Hey Sam, leaving already?”

Sam looked up at him. Rajiv was also as tall as Sam was also good-looking.

“Yeah, got a message from my manager,” Sam replied.

“The function is due to start at 9: 30 a.m. sharp and I need to get back and get some sleep dude.” He replied.

“Hey, that’s not fair you said you will stay a bit longer,” Cindy complained.

Cindy had joined them at the bar by then.

“I know sweetheart but can’t help it.”

 Sam’s friends Rajiv, Preity, Nikki, Kushal and Nikhil were Sam’s school buddies and they had maintained their friendship during all these years. All of Sam Petroda’s friends were established icons in their respective fields. Rajiv was a famous defence lawyer, Preity was a renowned gynaecologist, Nikki was a fashion journalist, Kushal was another businessman and Nikhil was a big corporate lawyer. Nikhil piped in “Even I am going to that function, so if you want, I can pick you up in the morning?”

“Thanks, buddy but I will manage.”

Cindy was looking crestfallen as she was looking forward to spending some more time with Sam before she had to return to her assignment. Cindy was an archaeologist and there were going on an archaeological expedition to a remote village of Orissa, where they had heard that ruins of a village that was claimed to be at least 800 years were found. So, this was supposed to be very special for her, as she would be gone for 3 weeks. But she understood that Sam was very sensitive on some issues and this one was very close to his heart.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to all of them, someone had been watching very carefully for the last few hours. This individual was keenly observing and mentally recording every conversation, movement and expression of Sam and his friends from a discreet distance. A couple of times one of the bartenders had asked him if he wanted anything so he had settled down with a beer and kept on watching them. It was already Sunday, 15th August and a loud cheer went up amongst the already crowded club, meeting and greeting everyone with ‘Happy Independence Day’. People were celebrating and enjoying this special moment, so nobody paid much attention to the solitary, lone individual who would just smile and nod at anyone who came up to him and greeted him. His sole attention was focused on the group in front of him. He just gave a small smile as he saw Sam and his friends hugging and wishing each other. He knew what he had to do. Ironically, this man did not feel any happiness or joy as he had spent a good part of his life planning and plotting a course of action that would change everyone’s lives forever. It was as if he had been enslaved by a peculiar strong emotion that has been controlling him and his thoughts all his life. Now he was about to put his plan into motion.

Sam saw it was already around 3:00 a.m. and he had to get out as he wanted to get home quickly and grab as much rest as he can before his busy schedule. So, he excused himself and went to the washroom. Here, as he was coming out he received a strange message on his phone, which went something like this: “PAY FOR YOUR SINS”. He looked at the message and laughed. “Must be some crazy religious fanatic viral messages” Sam thought and deleted it without giving it a second thought.

As he was making his way towards his friends, he received another message “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT” Sam tried to call the number but got no response, he again deleted it and went straight to his friends.

“Have anyone of you been sending me weird messages?” he asked in a flat tone.

All his friends stopped what they were doing and looked at him. “Did anyone of you just now send me any message? Sam repeated the question.

“What message sweetheart? Cindy asked good-humoredly. Sam just stared at her.

“Yeah, what message dude?” Rajiv and Nikhil asked in chorus.

“Look if this is a joke, I am not in a mood guys,” Sam said sternly.

“Sam, what are you talking about?” Preity asked him.

Sam looked at his friends and realized that none of them could have sent him that message. So, he softened up and said “Relax guys, some crazy religious message I received just now.” Everyone relaxed a bit.

“What was in the message Sam?” Cindy looked a bit concerned.

Sam’s friends also were curious about the messages, but he brushed them off by saying it was nothing much serious and now he was sorry that he had to take their leave. Cindy was again very upset but she understood and didn’t stop him. Although Sam had allayed his friends' concern there was something eerie about the tone of the message that made him a bit tense. Anyways as he went down to the parking, he thought it must be his nerves for the function that was playing a bit on him. Ignoring all the tight little knots beginning to develop in his gut, he went straight for his car. As Sam was about to open the door of his “S-Class -Mercedes”, he got a call on his phone. The number was private on the caller Id.

“Deleted the messages already?” a heavy gruff mechanical voice asked over the phone.

Sam was startled by this voice and a bit taken aback. “Who is this?” he asked.

“It’s time to PAY FOR YOUR SINS” The voice replied.

Now it was getting on Sam’s nerves, he shouted “Look here Mr.……. whoever you are. I don’t know why are you calling me and what you want from me but if this is some kind of joke, you will regret this as the last joke you ever cracked.” Sam tried to sound menacing.

“Haaaaaaaaaa…………. Heeeeee…….” The mechanical voice laughed maniacally on the other end.

It sounded eerie to Sam, the voice seemed to echo all around him and in his head. He looked around nervously but could not see anyone or anything.

“YOUR SINS WILL SOON SEEK YOU OUT.” With that, the caller disconnected.

Sam was speechless and stunned for a couple of seconds. He kept looking at his phone and then managed to recover from the shock and get into the car and drive off. Strangely, it had started raining heavily by the time Sam had decided to leave the club. It had been drizzling all during the day and the evening. But as night fell, it started to rain heavily with thunder and lightning.

Traffic was light but visibility was poor due to the heavy rain as Sam took a turn from Sector 56, Gurgaon to turn towards National Highway towards Delhi. Traffic was also light as it was a Sunday and it was too early in the morning. He was thinking over the messages and the call while driving and did not notice another vehicle following him from a discreet distance. Just 3 miles from the club when he saw a man wearing a raincoat standing on the footpath waving at the passing cars. He saw that the few cars that had bypassed Sam had not bothered to stop and ask what was the problem. Sam also has a White Swift Desire Car, standing at a distance with its emergency lights on. So, he decided to stop and see if he could help. As he was known to help people in distress. Little did he know he was inching towards his demise.

Sam saw a man standing in the rain waving to the occasional passing cars. There was no one else in sight and it was unfortunate that not one of the vehicles stopped to ask what was the problem. So, he went there to ask whether the stranger needed any help. He saw a tall fair-skinned man wearing a raincoat and mask on his face desperately waiting for someone to help. He rolled down his window and asked “Do you need any help?”

The man looked at him and said “Yes, my car has broken down. I desperately need a lift to the nearest mechanic, but no one seems to bother.” He added a little bit sardonically. Sam saw a ‘Maruti Swift Desire’ standing feet away from the man. It was white. “What seems to be the problem?” He asked.

“It seems the engine has stopped working due to excessive water entering into the carburettor.” The stranger replied.

“Hmmm…” Sameer thought for a second and said “I am going to Delhi, maybe I can drop you somewhere.”

“Thank you so much. You are an angel. It felt like I will have to spend the entire time here in this rain. Anyways, there is a mechanic shop nearby. From there I will get someone to help me out with my car.” The stranger replied.

“Hop in,” Sameer replied.

One thing I forgot to mention was that it was the last few days of COVID, and still, there was an advisory by the authorities to wear a face mask whenever going out. That’s why the stranger was wearing a face mask.

“Hi, I am Praveen.” The stranger jovially introduced himself as he made himself comfortable in the passenger seat. “Hi, I am Sameer.” Said Sam and gave him a good look while shaking hands. Sam noticed that the man had a strong grip and a muscular body. Though his eyes seemed to be focused intensely. This felt a little odd to Sam.

“Thanks once again, Mr. Sameer. I don’t know what would I have done in this stupid rain.” Praveen was obliged. “Hey, come on, I did what anyone would have done in a situation like this. Maybe, you would have also done the same thing if I had been in your position, right?” Sam asked.

Praveen nodded and once again thanked him and they settled down into knowing each other during the journey.

“What do you do Praveen?” Sam asked.

“I am a software engineer and I am also developing software that can recognize facial expressions,” Praveen said.

“Wow! That’s awesome. Maybe you should come and work for me.” Sam said gleefully.

Praveen just laughed along.

“Where do you stay Praveen?” Sam asked again.

“Greater Kailash and you?” Praveen asked.

“Hey, what a coincidence, I also live in Greater Kailash, Part II”.

“Are you married?” Sam was now trying to gauge the person sitting beside him.

They were only a couple of kilometres away from Delhi.

Praveen looked at him and asked “Can you take a left turn from here? The mechanic is in Sector-32 and this is the shortest route.” Sam looked at him incredulously but complied.

“I was a long time ago. I had a lovely family and the prettiest daughter.” Praveen replied a bit grimly.

Sam looked at him and saw that Praveen was a bit upset. “I am sorry but why are you upset?” he asked innocently.

“They were snatched away from me in the cruellest manner. They died in a horrible accident.” Praveen replied sadly.

“I am sorry to hear that,” Sam replied solemnly.

Praveen just nodded and looked ahead and the next few minutes were spent in silence.

Sam saw the man rummaging through his pockets and taking out an old weathered photograph of his family and admiring it longingly.

“This was my whole world,” Praveen added wiping a tear from the corner of his eyes.

Sam saw that he was anguished and in grief. “Look, I am sorry but what happened to them?” he asked nervously.

“They were mowed down by a speeding car. The driver was drunk and so were his fellow passengers. Nobody bothered to see what happened to the two people who were just trying to cross the road. It was raining like this that day also.” Praveen continued. Sam just felt that he could feel the man’s anguish and grief. “The police didn’t do anything?” Sam asked.

 Praveen looked him over and said “The police officer was bought by the opulence of the people involved. They were never brought to trial. How could someone be so drunk and arrogant? Just because they were rich, the police hushed up the matter and tried to give some paltry compensation for my loss.”

Sam saw there was a drastic change in Praveen’s tone and voice. Praveen showed him the photograph, it was here that Sam suspected something when he took a look at the picture in front of him. Despite his alcoholic haze he got shocked just looking at the picture. The faces of the woman and the little one came flashing at him just like his memory of that eventful night. Sam was shocked and the color of his face paled. He had recurring memories of that tragic accident all those years ago in all these years. He looked at Praveen.

Surprisingly, Praveen was intensely looking at him. He knew that Praveen knew that he knew. “Don’t you want to know who were these people who took away my life?” “I have been living like a ghost all these years waiting for some closure to my grief. I have also resolved to get justice for what happened to my family and me.” Sam saw a strange and fiery glow in Praveen’s eyes. He realized that this man was not Praveen but someone else who has hardened himself all these years using the grief and suffering that he was having. Now this man who was sitting beside him was something different altogether.

“Don’t you have any remorse for what you did Sam?” The man asked.

“Didn’t you think for one second to help those poor people whom you and your arrogant rich friends crushed just like that?”

“Didn’t you realize that you people snuffed a little budding flower?” The man went on without stopping and all the time looking directly at Sam while they were driving. “I am sorry for what happened Praveen,” Sam said now a bit frightened and in remorse.

“Ha! Sorry, now you are sorry?” The man asked him incredulously.

Before Sam could respond the man stuck a knife viciously into Sam’s abdomen and started attacking him. Sam could not realize what was happening and he veered the car into a nearby empty field. The man now kept on attacking him repeatedly and shouting at him at the same time. It felt like Sam’s abdomen had been punctured. He was losing blood fast and it also felt his intestines had been punctured. He raised a weak hand and tried to defend himself but the loss of blood and the alcoholic haze prevented him from doing so. The last thing Sam said was “I am sorry.” With that, he slowly closed his eyes as the life ebbed away from him.

When the killer was satisfied that Sam was dead, he unbuttoned Sam’s shirt and carved it onto his chest with the same knife “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT.” With that, he took a picture with Sam’s phone and uploaded it to social media. He took extreme precautions while doing this and broke the phone after he was done with it and calmly left the car. He made sure that there were no traces left of his presence in the car and then went outside and boarded another car that had been quietly following them all this while.

The next day, Gurgaon and Delhi residents were shocked to see and hear about the tragic murder of Sam Petroda, one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in the country. His car and body had been discovered by passing motorists and the police had been immediately notified. The police had immediately cordoned off the area and were trying to control the increasing gathering of curious people. Inspector Randeep Hooda, the station in charge of Sector -56, Police Station was a calm and intelligent man. It was at times like these he tended to be philosophical and a poet. He was also one of the most efficient and dedicated investigators of the Haryana IPS Cadre. He was sometimes called the “Bull-Dog” because of his dogged persistence in every investigation and seeing a successful completion of the investigation.

“Ke Karan laag rya hain” he shouted to one of his constables who was trying to talk to some media people. Constable Charan Singh immediately scrambled over to Inspector Randeep and saluted him smartly.

“Jai Hind sahaab.”

“Ke kar raha tha wahan pe.” Randeep asked.

“Nothing …. Sir.” Added a nervous Charan Singh.

Randeep laughed at him and asked what’s the situation. Charan Singh then updated him on all the information police had at the current time. The victim’s name was Sam Petroda, one of the youngest billionaires in the country. Inspector Randeep was taken aback hearing the victim’s name. He raised an eyebrow and asked Constable Charan Singh “Was there anyone else with him?” “No sir.” Came the reply. He then asked who noticed the body first, to which he pointed at a middle-aged man nervously fidgeting. “What were you doing here and at this time of the day?” asked Inspector Randeep.

The man said he was just passing by when he saw a car stranded in the field and then he went to see what was the matter. It was then he saw the body. “Did you see anyone nearby?” Again, the reply was a no. Inspector Randeep asked the forensics team to start their investigation and asked that the next of kin be notified immediately.

Meanwhile, Sam’s friends had heard the news and were taken aback. They started rushing to the spot all shaken up and troubled.

Inspector Randeep noticed a few notable people arriving at the scene. Preity, the famous gynaecologist was the first to arrive. He took a very careful look at her. She was walking with an unsteady gait, though she looked straight ahead. The next to arrive was the famous lawyer, Rajiv. He looked troubled and grief-stricken. Slowly, all the rest of his friends arrived at the crime scene. Even his girlfriend, Cindy also arrived all shaken and crying inconsolably. Her face was smeared by her make-up being all washed away due to tears that were trickling down her face.

“Sab bade aadmi aaye hain iski maut pe” Inspector Randeep mused.

Anyways, after the body was taken away for an autopsy, he decided to talk to these friends of Sam Petroda.

“Where were you all last night?” he asked.

“We were all at a party last night, even Sam was with us,” Preity replied.

“Yeah… That’s right.” Nikhil replied.

“Does anyone know what happened?”

Rajiv said “That last night we were all enjoying together. Sam wanted to go early because he had to attend a function today.”

“Yes, we tried to make him stay a little bit longer.” Nikki, the fashion journalist added.

“Everything was okay till the time…….” Cindy added and then stopped.

Inspector Randeep looked at Cindy and asked “What till the time?”

Everyone of Sam’s friends started looking at each other nervously and it seemed to Inspector Randeep that everyone was waiting for the other to speak. After waiting for a second, Inspector Randeep said “Look tell me what happened as of right now all of you are suspects.” Everyone was aghast at this. Naturally, they did not expect them to be looked upon as suspects in their best friend’s murder.

“Everything was okay till the time Sam received those weird messages,” Cindy spoke up after a lot of deliberations.

“What messages?” Inspector Randeep immediately was alert.

“He did not show it to any of us. He just came barging up to the bar and asked whether any of us had sent him those messages?” Rajiv replied. Everybody else nodded their heads in agreement.

“It was as if Sam had got some threatening messages but he lightened up the next moment and joked and laughed with us,” Preity replied.

“So, no one knows what was in those messages.?” Randeep asked.

He then said that the killer had uploaded Sam’s bloodied photo onto the police website. He asked them has anyone seen it. Everyone looked surprised and said, “No, we haven’t.” He then showed them the grisly image.

“He is very cunning and also very audacious.” Remarked Randeep.

Sam’s friends were aghast looking at the picture. Cindy again broke out crying. Inspector Randeep understood the shock and grief that Sam’s friends experienced at the moment. A few moments later, he took Cindy aside and asked her “Do you know whether Sam Petroda had any enemies or was having some stress in the last few days?” Cindy shook her head in between sobs and said “he was one of the sweetest persons that I have ever met. He loved me and he adored his friends, the feeling was mutual. So how could anyone have any grudge against such a person?”

“If he was such a sweet person then who would be the someone to harbour such bitterness against him that he would kill Sam?” mused Inspector Randeep.

Anyways, he had to let them go as he did not have anything against them and he had to pursue the investigation through another angle. Meanwhile, Kushal, the businessman had contacted DCP Vijay Chautala, a close acquaintance of Sam and his friends and he had arrived on the scene.

“What’s the situation, Inspector?” He asked.

Inspector Randeep looked him over and saluted. DCP Vijay was a tall man, quite handsome and well-mannered. Inspector Randeep and many others had heard legendary exploits of DCP Vijay Chautala, they also knew that he was one of the most brilliant and respected investigators of his time and was quite a few times awarded with ‘Police Bravery Medal’. However, he like the others did not know that there was a dark secret that DCP Vijay Chautala shared with Sam and his friends and which, after all these years would prove to have a deep impact on everyone’s lives.

“Sir, preliminary investigations are going on. I have sent the body for an autopsy.”

“Any suspects?” asked the DCP.

“Not yet Sir.”

Inspector Randeep Hooda understood that this was going to be a high-profile investigation and he would be scrutinized and analyzed every step of the way by this DCP.

The next few days went in investigating possible clues and Sam’s life was analyzed under a microscope. His daily routine, the people he met daily, the place he went and whether were there any disgruntled employees or jealous rivals; all angles were investigated. Sam’s friends also started resuming their lives and with great grief tried to put this tragic incident behind them. Little did they know that their actions all those years ago would prove to be fatal for some of them and even some innocent people would also be embroiled in this.

Cindy, a few days later was sitting at a bar nursing a drink when a man approached the stool next to her and asked “Is this taken?” Cindy looked at him and saw a middle-aged man but still very handsome and had beautiful attractive eyes and a charming smile. “of course not.” She replied.

The man then sat next to her and tried to make a small conversation with her. Although Cindy had still not recovered from the grief this man’s demeanor was irresistible that she felt herself drawn towards him. Gradually, throughout the next couple of hours, Cindy and this stranger were deep in conversation and they were laughing and joking together as if nothing had happened. The next few days, Cindy regularly used to meet this man. Slowly this turned into infatuation at first, and then they started liking each other. Cindy was surprised that how did this happen but could not find any answer. She even felt falling in love with this stranger which seemed a bit odd to her. She discussed this with Preity and Rajiv also, and they advised her to move on with her life. Little did she realize that she was making the biggest mistake of her life.

One day, Cindy invited this man to her house. “Why all of a sudden?” asked the man.

“Because I want to show you my house and want to tell you about my past,” Cindy replied.

So as they went inside her house, Cindy felt someone string a noose around her neck and started pulling at it fiercely. At first, she was surprised, but when she looked back it was shocking to her as it was the same man whom she had been seeing for the past so many days. “Why……….?” She asked in between chokes. The man now had an insane look in his eyes. He said, “This is for my wife and daughter whom your beloved ex-lover, Sam Petroda and his friends brutally murdered.” He took out a photograph and showed it to her. Cindy was shocked and afraid now realizing that this was going to be her last few moments. She tried to struggle but the man was strong and the noose around her neck was tightening every second. “You would be pleased to know that I am the one who punished Sam for his sin and now his friends are next on the list. They all have to pay. Their sins will seek them out as your sin of loving a heartless and cold murderer has sought you out.” Cindy was shocked once more but she knew that she would not live to see the next day. She tried to struggle but it was futile. Gradually, her neck muscles started to bulge out, her face reddened as the brain tried desperately to pump blood into her cells; ultimately, she gave up the struggle and died. Her hands hung limply by her sides. When the killer was satisfied that Cindy was dead, he gently put her limp body to the ground and carved the same message onto her chest “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT.”

He gently said, “I am sorry but I am helpless.” With that, he took a photograph of her dead body with her phone and uploaded it again on the Police website and quietly exited her home.

Inspector Randeep Hooda was rudely awakened when his junior informed him of another vicious murder. This time it was in Gurgaon, Sector-36. Inspector Randeep jumped from his bed and struggled to dress up. He was astonished at the killer’s audacity and the ability to taunt the police for the second time. The most surprising part was he was using the victims’ phones for clicking the photos and uploading them onto the police website. Afterwards, he was destroying the phones. This was just like the scene from Sam’s crime scene. Inspector Randeep observed. Again, the body had been found in a ditch near her house. Sam’s friends came rushing to the spot when they got the news. All of them were shocked at finding out that Cindy too, had been gruesomely murdered. Preity and Nikki were in tears and Rajiv and Kushal were looking grim. “First, we lose our friend and now this. What else do we have to see Inspector?” Rajiv asked a bit aggressively.

Randeep looked at him and said, “I can understand your grief and anguish but the police are doing their job.” He replied calmly. Inwards, he was also as surprised as the others. Just then, DCP Vijay Chautala arrived all huffing and puffing. He straight away went to Inspector Randeep and growled “What is this happening inspector? First, Sam and now his girlfriend? Any leads?”

Randeep had no answer and said, “We are still working on it, sir.”

“Well, keep working on it and I want quick results, otherwise I would have to take a strong decision. You know what I mean, right Inspector?” Inspector Randeep Hooda very well got the clear message directed towards him. He stood straight and saluted. “Yes Sir.”

DCP Vijay just nodded off-handedly and went to confer with Rajiv and the rest of the people who were standing in a corner all looking grim and shocked. “Yeh ke ho rya Hai Charan Singh,” he asked his constable. Constable Charan Singh had no answer and hung his head down.

He started looking at the CCTV footage of the bar that Cindy used to go to. He even asked the bartender and the manager if they had seen anyone suspicious or strange. He also asked if was Cindy with someone. How was Cindy when she went there? The Bar manager and the tender had vague answers. However, the bartender said “Sir, for the past couple of weeks Cindy ma’am was meeting this guy regularly. They used to meet here have a few drinks and leave together.” He recounted.

“Who was this man? Do you know him?” Inspector Randeep asked. Unfortunately, the bartender could not recollect the name or face of the man. “Okay, thanks let me know if you again see this man or remember anything else, okay?” said Inspector Randeep.

While leaving the bar, he turned back and asked the manager whether he can get copies of the CCTV footage for the last 15-21 days.

The manager immediately nodded and complied with his request. The media, on the other hand, was circulating wild theories through the air about these two murders. Some channels were even airing talk shows where supposed experts were discussing the motive and character of the unseen killer. Thus, creating and spreading an environment of fear and panic.

Meanwhile, Rajiv, Preity, Nikki, Kushal and Nikhil were also surprised and tense about these murders taking place around them. Preity even voiced the unsaid fear amongst them “First, Sam and now Cindy, what is happening with our friends?” she asked. Nobody replied but everybody was thinking the same. Anyways, Rajiv and Kushal again contacted DCP Vijay Chautala and expressed their fears and apprehensions to him. “Don’t worry, nothing will happen to you.” DCP Vijay assured them.

A few days later, Nikki returned home after covering an important fashion brand gala opening. She was dead tired and just wanted to flop down on her queen-sized bed. First, she thought of refreshing herself. So, as she was getting ready for a nice bath, she got a message on her phone. The number was private and the message read “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT. PAY FOR YOUR SINS.” She was immediately frightened and tried to call the number but there was no response. She tried calling her friends but there was no response. “No one will come to your rescue today.” A voice boomed behind her back. She froze. After a few moments, she turned back nervously and saw no one there. She looked around but there was no one. She apprehensively went and checked all around her house but could not find anyone. Relaxing a bit Nikki again went back and this time got into the bathtub while listening to a piece of soft music from the music player. After a few seconds, Nikki felt as if someone was watching her. She grew alarmed and the panic again returned. Unfortunately, she had kept her phone on the dining table and gone for a bath. She came out of the bathroom dressed in her bathrobe and started nervously again checking all the rooms. She had this constant feeling that someone was watching and following her every step. As she went into the drawing-room, all lights went out. Nikki was now frightened and this could be felt by her as her palpitations increased. Then, all of a sudden, all the lights came back on and now she saw the killer standing in front of her. She stood frozen to the spot and the killer just gave a crooked grin and then he said “YOUR SINS HAVE SOUGHT YOU OUT. IT’S TIME TO PAY UP.” That was the last time Nikki was seen alive. The next day, DCP Vijay Chautala personally went up to the crime scene as he knew that the killer had again uploaded the gruesome photograph of Nikki. He went barging up to Inspector Randeep and demanded answers. He was in a furious mood as Rajiv, Kushal, Nikhil and Priety were all pretty shaken up and afraid. “What is going on Inspector? Three murders have been committed and there is still no clue about the killer?” Inspector Randeep said, “Sir, we have got some clues and working on it.” “When will you show me some results, Inspector?” Growled the DCP. Inspector Randeep just looked straight ahead. “I am bringing in an experienced and promising officer to this investigation.” DCP Vijay announced and pointed towards an officer who was discreetly standing some feet away.

Inspector Randeep immediately recognized the other officer. It was Inspector Karan Saxena, his rival for the last 15 years or so. Randeep’s face reddened and it looked like he was about to pick up a fight with the DCP but he controlled himself.

The DCP turned towards Inspector Karan and said “Inspector Karan from now on you will also be actively leading this investigation along with Inspector Randeep and reporting directly to me, got that?” Inspector Karan just looked straight ahead and saluted smartly “Yes Sir.” He replied.

When the DCP had gone, Inspector Karan went over to where Randeep was standing and said “Kya ho gaya yaar, abhi bhi nahi bhoolega us cheez ko?” He was referring to an incident that had brought some major barriers between the otherwise two fast friends all those years ago. Inspector Randeep did not bother to respond and moved ahead. Meanwhile, while checking the CCTV footage, Inspector Randeep found out that the same man who had first reported seeing Sam Petroda’s murder was also seen at the bar where Cindy used to frequent, also he was seen at one of the recent events fashion events where Nikki was also present. Inspector Karan also saw this and said “We have got our suspect, let’s get this man.” But Randeep advised against it as they had no substantial proof and they still had not identified the man yet. This was relayed to DCP Vijay by Inspector Karan and DCP Vijay said “Come over to my place in the evening and we will discuss further course of action.”

This murder was the most gruesome as all the bones in Nikki’s body were broken and her neck was turned towards another angle altogether. On top of that, there was this gruesome carving on her chest. Now Rajiv, Kushal and Nikhil were really worried. They started thinking that all these murders were somehow related. To what they could not or would not dare to think. They also decided to keep this apprehension of theirs from Preity. She would be scared and panic unnecessarily they thought.

Another thing which I forgot to mention is that DCP Vijay was a widower and used to alone in a bungalow in Sector -44, Gurgaon. As he had asked Inspector Karan to come and report everything happening in the investigation till now, so he was anxiously waiting for him to arrive. That day also, it had started raining heavily. When Vijay heard the calling bell. He got up from his favourite couch with a drink in one hand to open the door thinking it must be Inspector Karan. As he opened the door, he was struck viciously with something hard on his forehead. Dazed and stunned DCP Vijay reeled back in surprise and horror. Before he could react, a man entered his house wielding a strong iron rod. “Surprised, you thought Inspector Karan is going to come?” DCP Vijay was taken aback as this was supposed to be a secret. “Who are you and how do you know that I am waiting for me?” DCP Vijay asked. The killer just laughed and said “I know every dirty little secret of yours. Right from the time you were a lowly Inspector; when you used to take bribes to resolve disputes and used illegal tactics to sabotage investigations.” The killer responded. DCP Vijay was at a loss for words, he did not know what to do or say, moreover, his service revolver was in the next room. He tried to turn and run for his revolver but the killer was waiting for this and jumped and grabbed him from behind. He threw viciously flung DCP Vijay to one side and shouted “Remember me?” DCP Vijay took a close look through his eyes and he paled. He immediately recognized the man. “You……….!” “How come you are here?” He knew somehow that his time was going to be up very soon but still tried to stall as long as he could. The killer understood all of this and said “You think someone is going to come and save you?” He scoffed and said “Hah!........ Just like no one came to help my wife and daughter while they lying dying on that road, similarly no one will come for you.” DCP Vijay pleaded “Look, I am sorry for what happened with your family. If you give me one more chance, I will try to rectify it.” “Like the way you rectified it back then by taking bribes from those monsters and letting them go by falsifying evidence?” “No, this time I will have my justice one way or the other.” “IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS. YOUR SINS HAVE SOUGHT YOU OUT.” With that, he started hitting DCP Vijay with that rod. “NO……………… Please stop. I am sorry.” He screamed but it was to no avail. The killer kept on bashing DCP Vijay till the time he did not die and bleed out. One could feel the fury rising from the deep anguish within the killer’s every blow. He kept on repeating his dead wife’s and daughter’s name over and over again with every blow. At last, when he was satisfied that DCP Vijay was dead, he took out his knife and carved the message “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT.” He took DCP’S phone and clicked a photo and uploaded it onto the police website. Then he destroyed it.

By now, the media was having a heyday. Its headlines read “THE POLICE CANNOT PROTECT Its OWN; LET ALONE IT WILL PROTECT ITS CITIZENS.” Inspector Randeep was under a lot of pressure. The Haryana Government Home Minister was personally taking an interest in this case. The people were all a bit apprehensive and nervous because this killer could strike at anyone he chose and with absolute freedom and he dared to mock the police also.

Meanwhile, Inspector Randeep was taken aback when he saw Inspector Karan suspiciously riffling through Inspector Randeep’s case files and drawers for evidence relating to the identity of the killer. “What are you doing here Inspector Karan?” he asked. Inspector Karan was startled. “Oh…. Nothing.” He replied casually and went away. Inspector Randeep became suspicious about Karan’s behaviour. Something seemed to be fishy with him. So, he decided to discreetly tail him. He also ordered Inspector Karan’s phone to be hacked and bugged. Although his juniors and colleagues were mystified and curious when he made those requests, he somehow managed to convince them.

On the other hand, Inspector Karan Saxena had managed to get a vital piece of information from Randeep’s case files. He had managed to retrieve an old FIR involving Sam Petroda and his friends some fifteen years ago. Inspector Randeep Hooda himself had with great difficulty found out about this and wanted to talk to the rest of the friends about this. It was this piece of information that Inspector Karan wanted to discuss with DCP Vijay Chautala on the night he was murdered.

It has been a month and a half, and police have still not been able to solve these murders. Although they claim to have clues and were actively pursuing those. Even the Commissioner, Vinay Pathak, was quite involved in the investigation as one of their own had been killed.

Now, let me tell you that Inspector Karan Saxena was also pursuing a parallel investigation into these gruesome murders. It was during his investigations that he found out about the old FIR against Sam Petroda and his friends. Furthermore, he found out that the complainant’s name was one Mr Abhishek Sharma, who was a software engineer. His wife Pooja, was an architect. Both of them had a lovely daughter named Riya. The FIR was regarding reckless drunken driving by Sam and his friends which resulted in a terrible accident leading to Pooja and her daughter being driven over and killed while crossing the road. Inspector Karan had also found out in his subsequent investigations that although a complaint had been filed due to the corrupt nature of the officer handling the case, Sam and his friends never had to go to trial and the whole matter was hushed up mysteriously. The husband Abhishek Sharma had tried to fight on for many weeks and months but unfortunately, he could not get them to trial. It was said that Abhishek Sharma because of grief took his own life, though nobody was ever found. Inspector Karan could feel the anguish, the frustration, the suffering, the rage over all of this. He also found out the name of the officer investigating the case at the time, it was Senior Inspector Vijay Chautala. Now, he realized why Vijay Chautala had been killed and who was behind these killings. One thing he did not understand was why didn’t Inspector Randeep Hooda not take any action when he had found out so much about the case. This kind of made his behaviour suspicious to Inspector Karan. He also knew that Inspector Randeep had put him under surveillance but he still decided to talk to Rajiv, Kushal, Nikhil and Preity one time before he takes any action.

So, he managed to call them one by one and arranged to meet them surreptitiously. Out of all his meetings with Sam’s friends, only Nikhil was ready to talk.

“I know who is murdering all your friends.” Inspector Karan said.

“Who?” Nikhil asked.

“Remember what happened 15 years ago?”

Nikhil was taken aback; he did not realize that Inspector Karan would be knowing about this. He still tried to bluster “What happened? Nothing happened. You tell me who is the killer and why the police have still not arrested him?” Karan knew that Nikhil was trying to show signs of bravado, inside he was scared. He tried one more time.

“Look Mr Nikhil, if you come clean over what happened all those years ago, then maybe I can help you. You know, how the killer is targeting all your friends. Even poor Cindy lost her life because of what you people did all those years ago.” He continued.

Nikhil was ashen-faced. How could this Inspector know all this? We had ensured that none of this ever comes out. We had even paid DCP Vijay to ensure this. These were the thought rushing through Nikhil’s mind. Inspector Karan could very well read all these thoughts as they were manifesting on Nikhil’s face. He waited for some time. Then after a lot of deliberations, Nikhil confessed everything. Now, Inspector Karan had a clear picture of everything. He knew what he had to do.

A couple of days later, Rajiv, Preity, Nikhil and Kushal met at Preity’ s house to discuss the current situation. Everybody was tense, grim and silent. “Guys, we are not yet dead, why all this melodrama?” Kushal tied to break the ice in a good-natured way Preity glared at him “Can’t you see what’s happening here? She shouted. “First, Sam, then Cindy, Nikki, and now DCP Vijay, all of us are being targeted one by one.” “There is some connection to what we did all those years ago,” Nikhil added. Rajiv was surprised that now that had been brought up after all these years. They had made a promise not to raise that ever again. “Shut up Guys” he growled.

“Nikhil is right.” Someone said. Rajiv and the rest of his friends jumped up in surprise. They looked around as they had not expected anyone, nor could they see anyone. It was creating an environment of fear and panic among the group when Preity suddenly gasped and pointed straight ahead. Rajiv and Kushal looked and saw a man walking towards them with a pistol in his hand. “IT’S TIME TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS,” he said. “YOUR SINS HAVE SOUGHT YOU OUT.” Priety screamed “Yeeee…………………...” Nikhil was terrified and cowered in one corner. While Rajiv and Kushal were desperately trying to think of a move to escape from this situation. Suddenly, they could hear Inspector Karan’s voice booming over them “Abhishek…… Freeze………….” The man did not stop though he was startled a bit when his name was taken. He looked up and saw Inspector Karan. “That’s right, I know who you are, I also know what happened to your family and why you are doing this.” He waited for a response. “I have been waiting for this Inspector, don’t try to stop me now. These people have to pay for what they did.” Abhishek replied after a long time. There was an intense manic glow in his eyes. His hands were steady and ready to shoot everyone. “Give me one more chance and I am assuring you that the law will punish these people. You have done enough now, surrender and let the law take its course.” Inspector Karan said. By this time, Inspector Randeep Hooda had also arrived. It was a tense situation. Everyone was waiting for what was going to happen next.

“Noooooooooooo………………………………………………….” Abhishek screamed and tried to fire at Rajiv, Preity, Kushal and Nikhil when Inspector Karan and Inspector Randeep simultaneously fired their guns at Abhishek. His body jerked with the bullets entering his body. He looked surprised at the red stain which was increasing on his shirt. He looked at the police and slumped to the ground with his eyes open. There was stunned silence for a few minutes and then the rest of the police team arrived. Sam’s friends exhaled a collective sigh of relief. The next day, the police released a statement in the media that the killer had been shot dead. Now everyone could relax a bit. The Commissioner of Police personally congratulated Inspector Karan and Inspector Randeep for seeing this case to an end. However, Inspector Karan had his doubts. Though everything returned to normal in a few days, he somehow had the feeling that this case was far from over.

There was a startling piece of important information that Inspector Karan had unearthed during this investigation. It was that there was another relative of Pooja who was planning to join the police force at the time of her death. Though that person’s name was not mentioned it was reported that he was the person who, along with Abhishek had been seen during the filing of the FIR. Inspector Karan now could understand all the pieces of the puzzle. It was clear to him about who the unknown man could be. After a few days, Preity, Rajiv, Kushal and Nikhil again met at the same club where it had all started. They had gathered to reminisce about old times and also to remember their friends. Everyone was silent for a few minutes when Rajiv spoke up “to Sam, Cindy and Nikki. Rest In Peace Guys, you were and will be the best friends ever.” He raised a toast. “Amen to that.” Nikhil and Kushal raised their glasses. Preity just sobbed. After a couple of hours, all of them were about to leave the club. As Preity was about to enter the elevator for the underground parking, she received a message on her phone “ITS TIME TO PAY FOR YOUR SINS.” “YOUR SINS WILL SEEK YOU OUT.” Preity got frightened. She looked around and quickly entered the elevator. There was an expression of fear and panic in her eyes. As she was making her way towards her car, someone said “Where do you think you are going Miss Preity?” She stopped in her tracks and turned around. She was stunned and taken aback to see Inspector Randeep standing there with a gun pointed at her. “What……...?” “Inspector Randeep…... what are you doing here and why are you pointing this at me? She knew the answer inwards, but she still tried to be outwardly calm.

“You know why I am here,” Randeep answered.

“You think Abhishek no longer being here means that everything is forgotten?” he asked.

Just then, a voice boomed over Randeep’s back “Drop your weapon Inspector Randeep and surrender.” “Ahhhh…………… Inspector Karan. Welcome, I have been waiting for you only. Now you will also be a witness to a grand spectacle.” He replied calmly.

“I know everything, Randeep.” Inspector Karan said.

“Pooja was my sister.” Growled Randeep.

“She, Abhishek and Riya meant the whole world to me. These people ruined everything when they took everything from me and Abhishek.” “It was I who had sent the messages to Sam, Cindy and that corrupt officer DCP Vijay. It was I who had been keeping tabs on these people and sending them to Abhishek so that he can have his vengeance.” Karan kept quiet the whole time and said “I know Randeep, but now the law will take its course. I have already sent a request to re-open this case and I can assure you that these people will get their just punishments.” Preity, who was standing still all this while was stunned to hear all this. She tried to slink away but Randeep fired a warning shot. “Don’t even think of it, Miss Preity” “Have you ever realized what hell Abhishek went through all these years? He was a software engineer who was well-liked and respected by everyone around him. He was a hollow shell of a man all these years after what you people did to him.” He growled. By this time Rajiv, Kushal and Nikhil had also come to the basement along with a group of people.

“Oh……… the whole circus is here now.” Inspector Randeep mused.

“Randeep, we are assuring you that now we will take the appropriate action against these people. They will not be able to escape justice this time. Promise.” The Commissioner, who had arrived by this time at the scene also assured him.

Randeep now who was suddenly experiencing strange feelings saw Abhishek, Pooja and Riya’s apparition. They seemed happy together. He let the gun drop from his hands. Tears were trickling down his face when Inspector Karan and the Commissioner arrested him and took him away. They also arrested Preity, Rajiv, Nikhil and Kushal on manslaughter charges and tried to hide evidence of their heinous crimes and were taken away.