The Secrets of Haveli

I entered in the room when I saw my room-mate reading a novel. I hardly see her reading something other than her Whatsapp or Instagram messages. I was little surprised.

"Sakshi, What are you reading?" I enquired.

She looked at me, then she pointed her finger on the novel's cover, indicating me to read the name over it.

The novel name was "Mysterious Death" written by some Thakur Ranvijay Singh.

I hopped on my bed and was flipping my phone, just to check if my boyfriend has replied. He didn't. 

"It's an amazing novel yaar. I loved it so much" Sakshi kept the book on the side table and turned towards me.

"What happened? It's the first time I am watching you reading some books, rather than scrolling through your Whatsapp or Instagram profile. What's wrong with you?" I tried pulling her legs.

"Hahaha, very funny. Yeah you're right. Actually, one of my cousins told me about this book. So while taking a return journey from my hometown, I bought this book. It's so engaging. Not even for a minute, I kept the book down in the entire journey" she said.

Me and Sakshi have been batch-mates cum room-mates since 3 years. We both belong to different cities and came to Bangalore to study English Honours. Life has been a jolly ride since then. I and Sakshi explored everything together. We used to go for vacation to the nearby places in Bangalore, visit pub on every weekend nights, call our boyfriends at our place alternatively. More than friends, we were like sisters to each others. I was an orphan and brought up by my maternal uncle. After I turned 18, he took a meal share from my inherited property and left me on my own. I didn't complain. I came to Bangalore to start afresh. I joined the course of English Honours as I wanted to pursue my career into either journalism or a professional writer. Sakshi joined this course so that she could stay away from her family and do the stuffs which she couldn't do in her hometown - Jabalpur.

"So what's amazing about this book?" I asked her.

"Well, this book revolves around a Bank robbery and a murder mystery. It goes like this. An aged man in Kolkata used to give his flat on rent, on a condition - he would watch the couple having sex. It was quite weird. Still a couple gave a try to it. The guy was a writer and his girlfriend was a gold-digger. She was with him as recently, he begged a story writer work in a production house in Kolkata. She thought, once he make his contacts good, she shall force him to get into the film industry and then, she'll leave him. This was her initial perception.

Now the story goes like this. A bank robbery happened in the locality. Three masked people came and looted the Bank. The scene was surprising. Robbers came in broad daylight and did this in a populous area. The Police was having no clue. They tried everything, but the end result was zero. 

After two three months, a call came into that Police station. An AC blasted in a residential flat and there might be some casualty. The Police rushed the spot and found a dead body. The body was in so poor shape that it couldn't be identified. It was the house of that same old man, who used to gave his house for sex to the couples. Everyone thought that the old man has died. But the Inspector was not ready to believe it. He scanned the entire room and found a script book beneath the bed. To his surprise, there was a scene a Bank robbery mentioned into it. It was the accurate vision of the Bank robbery which happened two-three months ago in the locality.

The Inspector contacted the Production House, who later gave the details of the writer. The Police picked up the writer and interrogated him for hours in Police station. He was unable to understand as why the Police has picked him up. The Police was constantly asking him about the robbery scene. The writer then explained, he was roped in for a project which shall be a thriller drama in and around a Bank robbery. Once, after having sex with his girlfriend, he went to balcony for a smoke where the old man was also smoking. The Old man enquired about his worry. He explained that he need to write a Bank robbery and it needs to be given to the Director in another two days. The Old man suggested him, why don't you visit a Bank in the locality. You might get some hints from there. The writer liked the idea and he went there the very next day. He checked the entire thing and later came back to the old man place and wrote the entire plot of Bank robbery. He, then read it out to the old man who liked it very much. Boosted with the appreciation, he gave one copy of his script to the old man and thanked him for his help. He made another two sets and gave one to the production house and kept one with himself.

After few days, he heard about a Bank robbery and got little surprised as the robbery was conducted in the same Bank where he visited. He took it merely a coincidence. The Inspector then checked the CCTV footage of the Bank in order to verify the claim of the writer's visit to the Bank on given date. He was correct. His visuals were available in the footage of the CCTV. The Inspector then checked the CCTV footage on the day of robbery along with the writer. The mask design was as per the script. He identified it immediately and helped the Police to locate the maker. Police found him and interrogated and this is how one things led to the another. Ultimately, it was found that the person whose body was found in the old man;s flat was that of the third robber. The other two robbers were the Old man and the writer's girlfriend who are now untraceable. The Old man took advantage of the writer's innocence and got to know about the robbery plot. He lured his girlfriend who agreed to be his partner-in-crime. They hired a third guy who was technically sound. They committed the crime and came to their place. They decided to stay silent in the flat for few days. Then the old man and writer's girlfriend decided to eliminate the third guy. The old man pretended to go out to but few essentials and he went at the backside of the room and stood there, waiting for the girlfriend's signal. She lured the guy and had sex with him. He was damn tired and slept peacefully. The girlfriend indicated the cut the gas valve connection of the AC. The old man did that. They left the copy of the script intentionally so that the writer could be framed for the robbery and murder. The AC blasted and the body of the third robber was scattered into pieces in the room. No one till today knows where is that Old man and that girlfriend"

"Wow, that's a one hell ride man. He is some new author or what"

"Yeah, he is a new author. A lot of fascinating tales are available about him over the internet. He is some aged guy of 60+ and stays in his ancestral Haveli in Rajasthan. Till now, he has written three books and all of them are based on reality" Sakshi said.

"What do you mean? Do you think this old man story is a real one?" 

"Yes it is. I googled for fact check on the internet and found it to be true. This case happened in Kolkata around two years back. The film was stalled and could not be produced. The writer name was Shaniyat" Sakshi said.

"So you mean, this writer writes a novel based on true crime incidents?"

"Yes Dear. He travels six months to the various parts of the country for a crime reporting and remaining six months he gets it written and published"

"What do you mean by getting written?"

"He never writes his novel on his own. He hires someone who stays at his grandeur Haveli and write the book for him. He choose only female writers for that and they are paid hefty. However, no one knows who has worked for him in the past. They are all anonymous and binded by agreement of non-disclosure, I am just saying what it is mentioned on the internet" Sakshi said.

"That's quite fascinating"

We bid good night and slept. For few days, the things went regular. My boyfriend broke up with me. So there were no texts or calls on my numbers anymore. Sakshi was enjoying her weekend with her boyfriend at out flat. So I decided to take a stroll at the university and gather some notes for upcoming exams. I saw some familiar name on the notice board which caught my glimpse. Thakur Ranvijay Singh. I immediately stopped and took a look at the notice board. It read - We are delighted to invite Shri Thakur Ranvijay Singh, a proclaimed writer, at our university. he is on a hunt to find a new writer for his upcoming novel. It could be You. Fill up the forms and participate in the contest. Contest closes on 20-09-2021.

I was reading this notice on 18-09-2021. It means I barely had a day to submit the proposal. I went to the registrar and enquired about the contest. He gave me a form and told me to participate seriously in this contest. The author shall come to the university personally and shall choose the best candidate. If he hires any candidate, the candidate shall get a sum of Rupees 5 lakhs on the stage itself The remaining remuneration shall be paid after the completion of the project.

It was a huge opportunity for me. I dialed Sakshi's number to inform her about the contest. But she didn't pick. I understood what was keeping her busy. I filled the form and took a form for Sakshi. I reached home and saw lock on the gate. Probably she has gone out. I checked my phone and her message popped. She shall be visiting her boyfriend's flat and shall stay there till Monday morning. I called her, but she didn't pick again. I dropped her message about the contest and also informed her that I have filled her form and she need to submit her work along with the form.

I sat on bed and gave a thought about what I should write. I searched over the internet and found a crime story to be written. The entire night I stayed awake to write the work. It was an herculean task for me, but still I did it. Now I was anxiously waiting for Monday to submit my work with the registrar. 

Sakshi dropped me a text that she shall not be able to attend the classes and hence, she won't be able to submit her contest form. She wished me luck for the contest. I went to the registrar and submitted my work along with the form. he enquired about Sakshi, to which I told him she shall not be able to participate as she is not keeping well. The registrar took my form and my work. He wished me luck.

The author was scheduled to come anytime and by 4 pm, we were asked to come into the auditorium. Somehow the time passed and all of the participants reached to the auditorium by 4 PM. Each one of us were looking at each others anxiously, curiously - who shall be winning the contest?

The Principal took over the mike and said few encouraging things and later asked us to welcome the author - Thakur Ranvijay Singh. The man was in his 60s but his body didn't look like so. His height was nearly 6 feet and has a thick mustache. He was donning a Safari suit in Royal Blue color which was looking stunning upon him. This guy was so royal I thought.

He started his speech which went on for 10 minutes. Finally, he was about to unveil the name of the winner of the contest.

"A big thanks to all of you for participating in this contest. A big thank to the university for arranging this contest in such a short span of time. Now it's the time to announce the winner. Everyone gave their best, but one story which caught my attention was about a murder suspense thriller. Probably, that person has read my work or may be searched about me a lot. She is Riya Batra, whom I pick as a winner and award her a contract for writing the upcoming novel for me"

I couldn't believe it. He just took my name. I felt numb. My friends pushed me and led me walk to the stage. I got up on the stage and still thought it to be a dream. He handed me the cheque and told me that he shall connect with me for the agreement at principal Office.

I was in joy. It was the first income I made in my life. I was in tears. Everyone else left the auditorium and we walked to Principal Sir room. He handed me the contract. There were few key points like I shall stay in his haveli till the completion of this project, I shall not be allowed to call anyone to his haveli, I shall not be allowed to disclose any facts about the work experience ever in life, etc. The total amount payable for writing novel for him was whopping Rs. 15 lakhs.

I immediately signed the agreement and rushed to flat to celebrate this news with Sakshi. She was overjoyed to hear this. We party the whole night. I was supposed to take the flight on next Sunday. We spent the week in shopping, partying, drinking and what not. Sakshi came to the airport to drop me. She was in tears. For another six months, I won't be there beside her. It made me emotional too, but we controlled. My flight to Jaipur was on time. I got my boarding pass and took my seat in the plane. After a two-and-half hours non-stop journey, I got down on the Jaipur Airport. From a distance, I saw a placard bearing my name. I went to him and he introduced me as Ratan Singh, chief driver of Thakur Ranvijay Singh. 

"How far is the Haveli from her?" I enquired.

"It shall be a ride of 5 hours from here. That's why he sent this Mercedes car for you so that you could feel comfortable in the entire journey. In case you feel like having anything, please let me know" he said.

We started our journey. He told me many interesting things about Rajasthan which I never knew. I told him that I wish to have lunch at some road-side dhaba. He looked at me in dismay, but he didn't deny. He stopped the car at a highway dhaba. It was a decent outlet. We placed our orders and our orders were on the table in no time. The taste was amazing. I have always heard that highway dhabas serve great food, but it was the first time I was tasting it. We got into the car and Ratan Singh took on the wheels. Thanks to the heavy meal, I slept in no time. 

"Madam ji, Madam ji" someone poked me.

Somehow, I opened my eyes.

"Madam ji, we have reached the Haveli. Thakur saheb shall be coming to receive you."

It was an elegant structure with big, broad, long gates. The Haveli was painted with Golden color from the outside. It was looking magnificent. We entered into the gates of haveli. A red carpet was spread till the stairs. Ratan Singh stopped the car near the carpet. I was about to get down when he stopped me.

"Don't open the gates Madam. Thakur saheb shall be coming to receive you. Just wait a while" 

I didn't try to open the door. I heard the strong sound of footsteps approaching. He was wearing a back kurta with golden cloth wrapped around his shoulder. He was wearing the turban of same color which was matching with the color of cloth. His dressing style was amazing. He came close to the car and opened the door for me.

"Padharo sa, I mean Welcome Riya ji"

I was touched by his chivalry. A man of his age has such a charm to woo a young girl. I smiled upon myself. I walked along the red carpet with him. We took stairs to reach the main entrance to the haveli. It was beautifully designed. The haveli has 8 rooms of large size. The rooms were painted white. The ceiling height must be 15-16 foot. The shamiyana, the chandelier, the elegant paintings, the gigantic animal showpieces. This haveli had everything one could dream about.

"Here is your room. You must be tired by now. Take some rest. We shall meet for dinner in an hour. Let me know if you need anything" he left with a smile.

I was feeling so shy in front of him. I thought, Am I getting attracted towards him?

I went in to take a cold shower. I felt like he was hugging me from behind and kissing me all over. I decided to give a rest to my mind and got out. I wore a shimery black slit dress for the evening.

I went to the Dining hall where Thakur Ranvijay Singh was already present.

"We were not aware of your choice of dishes, so we have prepared some authentic Rajasthani dishes. I hope you like them" he said.

He gently served me the food. The food was awesome. It tasted so brilliant. Each and every bite was getting melt in my mouth. After the dinner was over, we went for a little walk around the Haveli. 

"Since you have come first time here, I shall take you for a tour around this Haveli. I want this to be one of the best experiences in your life. You're the fourth writer and I want you to give the best" he said.

"I shall surely try my best Sir"

"You may call me Ranvijay. After all, we are colleagues for next six months" he extended his arm for handshake with a smile.

I extended my hand too. "Surely Ranvijay" I said with a smile.

"By the way, if you don't mind, may I know where are the other three writer's who wrote for you in the past?" I asked.

"Well, I guess they are settled now, having a trouble free life" he replied. It sounded little weird, but his charisma overshadowed it.

After taking a stroll, I came to my room and slept.

Next day, he took me for a tour around the Haveli.

"It's an ancestral haveli, made by my Great Grandfather before the independence. It's spread in an area of 5 acres. Each and every art you see on the walls and doors, it is done by craftsmen. No automatic machines were used. Later, the property was divided amongst the family members which I bought later. After that, I built a modern day swimming pool with temperature control. Got few antiques from various museums around the world to make this Haveli rich in heritage" he said.

I was mesmerized with his excellent understanding and deep knowledge. This man surely knew the art of wooing any lady. We were taking a stroll around when i saw a gate with a heavy iron lock upon it. 

"What's this?" I asked out of curiosity.

"It's a room under the Haveli. Half of the portion of this room is inside the land and half is upside. We call it tehkhana. In earlier days, it was used to keep goods, or metals for preservation. These rooms are naturally cool, having a lower temperature by 5 degrees than the outside. My mother committed suicide here, so I keep this door locked" his eyes went moist.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay. Sometimes your past comes in front of you in a strange way and you have to face it" he replied.

We came back to the Haveli Dining room and had our breakfast.

"So, what story you have this time?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Well, this incident happened in Rajsamand, a town in Rajasthan. A woman was killed by her husband for having an illicit relationship with her boyfriend. It was not just a murder. She was burnt alive in a tandoor. The doctor who performed Post-mortem upon her said it was gruesome. She died out of shock while crying for help"

"But this sounds like a normal story. isn't it? Like a man killed his wife for having an illicit relationship with her boyfriend. I have heard such stories before too. I beg your pardon, what got you interested in this story?" I asked.

"The Tandoor" he said.

"Means" I asked.

"The Tandoor was around 260 Kms away from the victim's house. They drove to another city where the husband committed such heinous crime. This caught my eye. Why would a man travel so long to kill a person? I mean there are hundreds of way to kill a person. I read the entire report and it was really shocking. I am sure, you shall enjoy writing this piece"

"Looks like a conspiracy. I am so glad that you chose me to do this work for you"

"It's entirely my pleasure"

We started our session of work. He would give me a situation and I shall write accordingly. Every day we used to do a sitting of four hours - Two in the morning and two in the evening. I was getting fond of him. I would call Sakshi and give her every minute details about the day. Days were going smooth. We were halfway done. However, I was not aware that a suspense is waiting for me too.

One night, I wasn't getting sleep. I decided to check if Ranvijay is awake. I went to his room, but he wasn't in his room. 

Strange! Where he must have gone at this odd hour? I thought to myself.

I saw a dim light paving its way somewhere behind the bushes. I was scared, but still I decided to follow it. I was following a shadow from a distance. To my surprise, the person was unlocking the door of the tehkhana. I recalled what Ranvijay said - We locked it after my mother committed suicide over here. How come someone is opening this door? I decided to follow it. I got inside the Tehkhana, but it was so dark that I couldn't see anything. I decided to hide somewhere and wait for this guy to leave. I hide behind a wooden ply board. My wait ended in sometime. The guy was walking back and locked the tehkhana. I waited for a while. I wanted the person to go a little far away from the tehkhana so that he couldn't find out about any movement inside the tehkhana.

After 15-20 minutes, I pulled out my cellphone and switched on the torch light. The room was neat and cold. An intoxicating smell was in the air. It was like a male cum. I entered in another room. There were three wooden almirah kept. I found nothing unusual about it. I decided to find a way to go out of this room.

I turned around when I heard a feeble voice of someone.

I was dead scared now. All the childhood stories of ghosts were haunting me now. The voice was coming from one of the almirah. I went close to check. It was some female voice. I opened the door and found one girl tied with ropes. It was really shocking for me. What a girl of young age was doing in this tehkhana.

I opened her ropes and and pulled her out of the almirah. 

"Who are you and what are you doing here?"

"I ... I am... Jemimah" and she passed out.

I was worried. I thought of calling Ranvijay, but something stopped me. I called Sakshi.

"Hi Sakshi, I am in a trouble and i need your help"

"What help? And that too at night 3 AM?"

I explained her everything and asked her to arrange a help for me. She told me not to worry and asked me not to make any movement in the Tehkhana. Me and Jemimah stayed silent for the night. In the morning, I heard a siren sound and asked Jemimah to wake up. She was barely in a position to say anything. The Police men came to tehkhana and got us out. Later, Ranvijay was arrested. The story which Jemimah told was far more dangerous.

She was the writer of his third novel. Like me, she was also carried away by Ranvijay's charm and royalness. Like me, Jemimah was also an orphan and had no one. Like me, she was also, selected through a contest in a college. She narrated her story which goes like this.

"We completed the novel and it was approved for publishing by a Publication house. We decided to celebrate that evening. We drank till our heart content. I couldn't hold myself anymore and planted a kiss on Ranvijay's lips. He reciprocated. We smooched for a good long time. Slowly, we moved to bed and made love. I felt amazing. I don't know when I slept. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in some dark room. Ranvijay was on another girl and pounding her mercilessly. I couldn't believe my eyes. The person, whom I found so chivalrous, was such a demon. He was doing it forcefully with that girl. I tried to shout for help, but my mouth was gagged with a cloth and hands were tied.

I was watching this act helplessly. He got up and walked towards me. 

"Ever since my childhood, you girls have disrespected me. I liked a girl when I was in School. I proposed her, but she made fun of me. I got punched by his boyfriend in front of the entire school. Somehow, I erased that memory. I got into the college and when i was in third year, a girl from my batch proposed me. I was on moon. She asked me not to tell anyone. We dated secretly. I planned to propose her on our annual function, but she ditched me. She proposed me because she lost a stupid bet with her friend. They asked her to make a fun material of me in front of the whole college. I was deeply hurt. I moved to another city.

I got a job in a private firm. There, a married lady asked me to have an affair with her. She was my boss and if I didn't agree, she shall get me fired. She used me as her sex toy and would treat me like her servant. All these years, I have realized that a woman is not fit to be respected. When I got fame with my first novel, I decided to take my revenge on the girls. I decided to target girls who are orphans and have no one. Initially, I murdered Shruti, then this girl Reshma lying on the floor and now you, Jemimah. You may call me a Psycho but never let you take out the Secrets of this Haveli".

I was shattered. Still I decided to complete my pending work. I wrote the fourth novel and got it published. The money I made through that novel sale was used for treatment of Jemimah.