‘Uss Raat’

Shekhar was an acclaimed singer. Shekhar was tall, smart, handsome with a lean built and dark brown eyes. His spell-bounding performances attracted a huge audience who attended his live concerts with rapt attention. Shekhar enthralled his viewers with his melodious voice. He was an epitome for the youth. Shekhar’s name was synonymous with raw youth energy.

      Shekhar deserved every iota of his success. Shekhar was passionate about his singing. Owing to his sheer hardwork and relentless efforts, Shekhar was immensely successful. He was the proud owner of a majestic mansion in Bandstand in Mumbai. He commuted in a shining black Merceedez Benz car. 

         He would traverse across the length and breadth of the country for his musical tours. While in Mumbai, he would perform at the Flea Bazaar, Hard Rock cafe, the Stables and at the Bandra Base. 

      Crowds could be seen thumping to the beats as notes flowed effortlessly. Flutes, Oboe, Clarinets from the Woodwinds section of the Orchestra, French horns, trumpets, trombones and Tubas in the brass section of the orchestra, Harps, Violins, Cellos and Bases in the Strings section of the orchestra were played in unison by the members of the orchestra in Shekhar’s band to create a symphony of sorts.

                  Shekhar knew how to maintain a fine balance between work and life. He would often party with his friends in pubs and led an active social life. He would have cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine and celebrate his success.

                  In the month of February ‘ 2019, there was a nationwide lockdown in the country due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In the month of March ‘ 2019, the newspaper headlines unnerved crores of Shekhar’s fans. Shekhar was found dead in his bedroom under mysterious circumstances. A wave of gloom, panic and despair struck Shekhar’s fans as they were trying to come to terms with the horrific truth confirming that their singing superstar was no more among them. It was difficult from them to believe that the seemingly smart, intelligent and sensible singing star Shekhar could hang himself to death.

         Shekhar’s residence was sealed immediately. All visitors and domestic servants were banned from entering the residential premises. People from the leading media and publication houses swamped around Shekhar’s residence in Bandstand in Mumbai. An investigation committee was set up to probe into the cause of the death. Was it a planned murder? Or was it a suicidal attempt? A special purpose investigative team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was institutionalized to thoroughly investigate the matter and find out the cause of the death.

      Shekhar’s girl friend Maaya was shattered and cried uncontrollably after the news of Shekhar’s death reached her. The investigative officer from CBI, Ajay Pradhan was allocated with the task of searching Shekhar’s residence to find any missing clues. 

      On a finer examination of Shekhar’s residence, CBI officer Ajay Pradhan found a noose tied along the ceiling fan. Ajay Pradhan searched Shekhar’s personal assets to determine if he could find any other clues to his mysterious death. Mr Pradhan scanned through Shekhar’s business planner, the schedule of his musical concerts planned in the future and his cell phone messages. Ajay Pradhan also spoke a couple of Shekhar’s friends and business associates. Ajay Pradhan obtained recordings of the conversation that Shekhar had with his friends a few days prior to the day of suicide. CBI officer found some anti-depressant and sedative drugs in Shekhar’s amirah. CBI officer Ajay Pradhan was surprised to learn that Shekhar had terminated some of his domestic servants just a few days prior to the suicide. Shekhar was a fairly popular music star and a heartthrob of millions. Why was he on anti-depressant medication? What were the series of events that led Shekhar to such an extreme step? Was Shekhar under some kind of duress or stress due to his personal or professional life circumstances? Was he being harassed by blackmailed by certain elements in the media or by certain tycoons? 

         Continue reading as the mystery behind Shekhar’s sudden and untimely death unfolds revealing certain other bitter truths.