TRUTH BEYOND THE TRUTH

"There's a truth deeper than experience. It's beyond what we see, or even what we feel. It's an order of truth that separates the profound from the merely clever, and the reality from the perception." - Gregory David Roberts.

THE OPENING

 

11th June 2018. 6:00 pm. 

Rachana, 32, slender, charismatic with a curvy body, was rushing home. It was raining heavily, making her cotton-silk Anarkali stick to her body, causing her curves to bulge. The wind was blowing at 40km/ hr speed. Usually, it wouldn't be easy for anyone to walk in such adverse climatic conditions, but it looked like another storm was happening inside Rachana's mind and body, propelling her to rush home at the earliest. She was standing against the side of the wind, making her sultry body more vulnerable than ever.

She was trying to stop the autorickshaw, but none of them bothered to pay a look at her. She booked the cab at the same, but all the cab drivers refused her booking. She tried calling the cab drivers, but none of them picked up her call. She was getting irked, and her eyes were bloodshot. She stopped a rickshaw, but the driver only leered at her and left. It made her uncomfortable, and in anger, she stamped the ground without realizing the mud stock was right underneath her left foot. So, all the mud fell on her, spilled over her pyjama, and changed its colour from red to dark red.

Suddenly she heard something crackling over her head. She looked up and realized the electric wire right above her head was about to cut over the ground anytime. So, without wasting further time, she started running away from the wire, but the moment she realized to stop, her eyes caught up an electric pole was falling right in front of her, so she changed her direction and started running towards her right. It's the same direction where her house is situated. She realized that stopping and looking for an autorickshaw would be foolish, so she continued to run all the way to her home.

Her phone rang after 10 minutes; she slowed down and clung to the phone in her handbag. It was her sister, Kavya. She picked up, but she could only hear Kavya screaming and wailing. Before Rachana could react, the call was disconnected. Rachana tried calling back on the same number, but the number showed to be switched off. She looked to be worried and scared. She could sense her sister Kavya was in danger, but she couldn't help much. So, she was cursing herself for not staying with Kavya, as she was insisting on her staying back. 

Rachana was married to Vishal Purohit, an aspiring filmmaker. They have been married for the last two years. Vishal recently completed the shooting of one of his regional movies, but his payment has been withheld, as his movie heroine and the Producer, Romana Shaik, has accused him of sexual assault. Vishal was in jail till yesterday. Rachana broke her F.D., which her dad had given her at the time of her marriage, to get Vishal out on bail. Vishal and Rachana came home straight from the police station, only to find that Rachana's sister Kavya had come to stay with Rachana for a few days. Kavya recently had a breakup and came out of the breakup with cramps. She came to stay with Rachana for a few days. She wanted to spend some time with Rachana, so she wanted her to stay back, but Rachana worked in a bank, and due to month-end activity, she couldn't take leave. 

THE RISING ACTION

A Series of negative thoughts were running through Rachana's mind. But she knew that Kavya wouldn't harm herself, and if she had ever done that, she wouldn't have called her up. Her body was trembling in fear, and her mind didn't allow her to believe in Vishal. It constantly sent in negative vibes about Vishal, and all those negative vibes increased Rachana's speed. Constantly her heart was conflicting with her mind, as her heart wasn't ready to accept the negative passing through her brain. Rachana could feel that Vishal was a nice person, but at the same time, her brain didn't allow her to trust her heart.

Vishal's introverted nature is one of the reasons, and the other reason was that he never shared anything with Rachana. So, Rachana's mind didn't allow her to trust him. Rachana knew that Vishal was around, so it was the other reason she wasn't ready to leave Kavya alone at home, and it was also why she didn't feel happy with the idea of Kavya staying with her for a few days. Kavya and Rachana's mom, Kriti, never liked Vishal; they only agreed to the marriage because Rachana's dad wanted her to marry Vishal. Except for Rachana's father, no one else in Rachana's family liked Vishal. So, Kavya and Kriti kept constantly trying to poise Rachana's mind so she would leave Vishal forever. Kavya and Kriti always seek reasons to point out Vishal's mistake. They also reprimanded Vishal several times for not taking up a proper Job. They never liked the idea of Vishal living on Rachana's salary. Each time they said something to Vishal, he ignored it royally, which frustrated them a lot and triggered them to try more to break Rachana and Vishal's relationship.

Soon Rachana reached the circle that was 200 meters from her home. She could see the main gate, and the door opened. It ran through strings of electric waves in her body. She could not control her emotion, so she flew toward her house. Her brows furrowed and knitted together, and her lip frowned. She stormed inside the house, and her eyes bulged out to see things inside the house scattered around. The was torn, and the sponges were lying around; the centre table was broken, and the newspaper was flying all over the floor. The dining table was on the floor upside down, and one of the chairs was broken. Other chairs were lying on the floor, the milk was burning in the kitchen, the shoe rack had fallen on the floor, and shoes were lying all over the place. As things were flying all around, it slowed Rachana's pace, but her heart and mind were filled with grief, so she dashed into the bedroom. She saw the bedsheet lying far away from the bed when she entered. Both the pillows were torn, and the bed was slanting diagonally. Rachana was wailing for Kavya in an almost cried face. She kept on continuously scolding Vishal. 

You bastard, I am not going to leave you.

She entered the bathroom, and the moment she entered, her entire body trembled, her legs going wobbly, and she collapsed on the floor inside the bathroom. 

We could see two black glossy stilettos walking in from the corridor. It's 8:00 pm, black all around, and the stilettos fade away in the darkness. Suddenly the darkness filled with bright lights, and the stilettos appeared again. The pair of black glossy stilettos slowly walked around the house and traipsed towards the bathroom. It halts suddenly shambled back. We heard as if someone puked and haunched next to Rachana. 

It's Trishna, 24, dusky, attractive, with a slender body and sharp features, who had put in the effort to bring back Rachana in her consciousness. Trishna's nose sneered, seeing Vishal's body lying near the commode. The scene made her puke again. His body was lying near the toilet commode. Half of his t-shirt was drenched in his blood. His right hand was inside his mouth, and his tooth pricked his wrist. His hand was purposefully tied in the way that he bit his own wrist. There was a towel hanging around his neck, someone choked him with the towel forcefully, and as a reaction, he ended up biting his own wrist out of pain and struggle. Someone who did this would have either hated him or been mentally unstable. 

Trishna came to discuss a script with Vishal, but after entering his house, she remained shocked. Trishna immediately informed the police immediately. As soon as Rachana regained her senses, she started wailing uncontrollably, making Trishna feel helpless, but she kept consoling Rachana. Though it was a daunting task for her, she continued to be with her till the police team reached the crime scene. Rachana's weeping sound was ringing around the neighbourhood, gathering people around their house. Trishna tried talking to Rachana, but each time she did it, Rachana bursts out in tears.

VARIOUS PEOPLE & VARIOUS ANGLES

The police team reached at 9:00 pm. They seemed to be agile and diligent. The in-charge, Sr. Inspector. Abhimanyu Singh, 28, was handsome, with a 5-o-clock shadow and ogles around the house. His team immediately started clicking pictures of the house. They picked up all the items lying around Vishal, sent the body for post-mortem, and seized the bathroom. The S.I. Vikram Damle, from Abhimanyu's team, had informed the Forensic team to come and collect the sample. Sr. inspector Abhimanyu Singh started inquiring and interrogating Trishna while he observed Rachana.

Abhimanyu realized that Rachana looked traumatized, and to handle her, he called a psychological counsellor to help him. While he continued his discussion with Trishna. After discussing with Trishan, he realized that Vishal was already dead, even before Trishna reached their home. It's Trishna, who revived Rachana, who was lying unconscious next to Vishal, and she informed the police. Soon the counsellor reached home, and with her help, Abhimanyu started interrogating Rachana. The counsellor warned Abhimanyu not to force her to answer any of his questions, but Abhimanyu resisted. 

It's a Murder case, and only she was found with the dead body. So, I need to do my investigation. 

So, Abhimanyu asked Rachana to explain in detail what she saw when she entered the house. So, with the utmost difficulty, Rachana explained to Abhimanyu that she got a call from Kavya at 5:30. She sounded like someone was troubling her, so she immediately left her office to go home, but when she reached home, she saw Vishal was lying dead near the bathroom commode, but she didn't find Kavya in the house. While interrogating Trishna, Abhimanyu learned that Vishal was arrested last week with the attempt to rape charges, so he clarified that with Rachana, and she confirmed the same to Abhimanyu.

Last week, Vishal was arrested, as his movie Producer and heroine, Romana Shaik, charged him with an attempt to rape. She broke her F.D. and got him out on bail only on 10th June 2018. Abhimanyu noted the details. 

Do you have Kavya's photograph? 

I don't think I have, but I have her number. 

Rachana shared Kavya's number with Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu noted down the details. 

You can collect the body tomorrow morning.

Abhimanyu left along with his team.

Abhimanyu and his team reached the police station. Abhimanyu immediately noted down all the details and was still thinking about all the incidents to find out what could have happened. The details were buzzing all over his mind and echoing loudly. 

According to Rachana, her sister Kavya came last night. She had some work in Mumbai, so she planned to stay with Rachana for a week. 

Rachana wasn't happy to see Kavya, and she didn't like the idea of Kavya staying with them. But she didn't share her thoughts with Kavya, as she was facing pain due to her breakup. 

Rachana wanted to trust Vishal, but somewhere deep in her mind, she had already accepted that he had attempted rape on Romana. 

Abhimanyu's mind was overloaded with information, so he decided to pin up the details on the investigation board right behind his seat. He asked his team to collect details. Three people were helping Abhimanyu in the case. Vikram Damle, Aarti Bolkar, and Poornima Kamble.

Vikram, I need the Phone records of Vishal, and Rachana, collect them, evaluate them, and let me know if you find anything. 

Aarti, try contacting Romana and call her tomorrow for an investigation. 

Poornima, you tried tracing Trishna. 

They all nodded and continued with the task that Abhimanyu had just given them. Abhimanyu continued to observe the details that he collected. Vikram barged into Abhimanyu's Cabin with the call records of Vishal and Rachana. 

Sir! I have evaluated both Vishal and Rachana's call records! 

Anything you find?

It looks like Vishal was constantly in touch with someone in the name of Shekhar Shastry. When I dug deeper, I realized that Shekhar was Rachana's father. 

Maybe Rachana's father would have been talking to him about her daughter! 

I...I... even though the same, Rachana's call record had no single call from Shekhar. So, it's not what we think; it might be something else. 

Abhimanyu lowered his eyes and looked deeply immersed in the call record of Vishal and Rachana. Poornima and Aarti marched into the Cabin. 

Sir! I spoke to Romana, but she is out of town, somewhere in Udaipur. I have asked her to come to our police station tomorrow morning at 11:30 am, but she said she could only come by 2:00 pm. 

Abhimanyu nodded his head. 

Sir! I tried tracing Kavya's number, but when I checked with her service provider, they informed me that her phone had been switched off for the last four months, and it was only switched on last evening between 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, and after that, it was switched off again. 

What? Was it switched off for the last four months? How is it possible? I mean, she travelled; she came here to her sister's place. I'm sure there must be something that we are missing. Can you please check with Rachana if the number is correct or not? 

Poornima tipped her head. 

Vikram, find out where Shekhar is. 

Sir! He lives in Kolhapur! 

Abhimanyu lowered his eyes, and his brows were knitted together. 

I think I should leave now for Kolhapur! Aarti, if I'm not back while Romana is here, ask her to wait. 

Aarti nodded her head. 

Poornima, until I'm back, you find out the correct number of Kavya and put it under surveillance. 

Poornima nodded her head. 

Also, inform Trishna to come to the police station tomorrow at 3:00 pm. I want to talk to her again. 

Poornima obliged, and Abhimanyu stormed out of his Cabin. 

Abhimanyu reached Shekhar's house at morning 7:00 am. His meeting with Shekhar was more than what he expected. He found out something rattled him to the core, but he wanted to reconfirm the same before reaching a conclusion. He immediately headed back to Mumbai. 

Abhimanyu reached at 12:30 pm and rushed to the police station. His team, Vikram, Aarti, and Poornima, was waiting for him eagerly. Their eyes were sparkling, and it looked like they were excited to share some breathtaking news with Abhimanyu. As soon as Abhimanyu entered, he asked his team to come over to his Cabin. Vikram, Aarti, and Poornima bombarded Abhimanyu with their findings, but they were startled to see Abhimanyu sniggered. 

Aarti, did you ask Trishna to come over at 4:00 pm? 

Aarti was looking at Abhimanyu with her mouth agape. 

Now, it's very important to interrogate Trishna again! As you all will be rattled to know what I found out. 

Aarti, Vikram, and Poornima glanced at each other with their mouth wide open. 

Rachana's sister, Kavya, and her mother, Kriti, died four months ago, and Vishal did their last rites. 

Aarti, Vikram, and Poornima's eyes popped out. 

Shekhar was in continuous touch with Vishal, as he was worried because Rachana wasn't picking up his call at all. He went into a state of shock when he got to know that Vishal had been murdered yesterday. 

Sir! I enquired about Kavya's number, and I got to know it's the only number Kavya has, but I wasn't sure about the service provider's report. 

Everyone present in Abhimanyu's Cabin was looking at each other in shock. 

Sir! Then who came the other day night? 

Abhimanyu burst out into laughter. 

No one!

Vikram gulped his saliva louder. 

Sir! Then we should question Rachana, don't we? 

Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed, and he licked his lips. 

As per Shekhar, Trishna and Romana were behind Vishal. They were trying to demean him in every possible way. So, we need to talk to them today. 

All seemed to agree with Abhimanyu. They all came out of his Cabin and continued to wait for Romana and Trishna to come over.

THE INTERROGATION

Abhimanyu wheeled around and constantly stared at the board that had pined up details right behind him. Shekhar's words were running all over his brain. 

"Vishal being a son-in-law took complete care of me, and in fact, he was the one who cremated Kriti and Kavya. My wife Kriti treated him like her son, and he too never let her down. Kriti had an ovary tumor, and Vishal bore the complete treatment of her surgery and made sure she was completely cured. Not only Kriti, but Kavya also used to treat him like his own brother. She always put her on top of her own sister, Rachana. Vishal was the one who helped Kavya in getting admission to an engineering college and bore the cost of her studies."

For someone who doesn't have a stable income, how can he bear the treatment and education costs for someone else? It would be interesting to know! 

Abhimanyu was puzzled. If Vishal was taking care of Kriti and Kavya like his own family members, then why did Trishna say Rachana's mother and her sister never liked Vishal? He eagerly wanted to know the answer directly from Trishna. And if Kavya died four months before, then why did Trishna too confirm what Rachana said? 

Things were looking scattered all around, but Abhimanyu was confident that he would gather everything and ensure things would fall in place. Though he knew that the version Rachana told her was far from the truth, it only proved that Rachana gave him a false statement. It won't solve the case. As far as the false statement was concerned, then Rachana will always have the upper hand based on medical grounds.

12th June 2018, 2:00 pm. 

Aarti dashed inside Abhimanyu's Cabin and informed him that Romana had just reached.

Ask her to wait and get the interrogation room ready. Once done, please let me know so that we will start.

Aarti dawdles out of Abhimanyu's Cabin. At 2:30 pm, Aarti confirmed Abhimanyu.

Sir! The interrogation room is now ready...

Great! Take Romana along with you. I will be there. 

Abhimanyu scurried out of his Cabin, but Poornima dashed into Abhimanyu's Cabin. 

Sir! Trishna is here, and I got the other interrogation ready! 

Great! Take her along with you and start with the interrogation. I will ask Vikram to join you, and you keep the mike on so I can hear what she said. 

Poornima obliged and scurried out along with Abhimanyu. 

Abhimanyu and Aarti interrogated Romana, the heroine and the producer of Vishal's Movie. Simultaneously, Vikram and Poornima interrogated Trishna in the parallel room. Abhimanyu heard both Romana and Trishna, and the revelation had chilled the nerve inside his body. He froze in shock. The details that Abhimanyu's team discovered had clattered Vikram, Aarti, and Poornima to the core.

Soon the interrogation of Romana and Trishna was over. Abhimanyu, Aarti, Vikram, and Poornima could feel as if his blood was chilled inside their body. The chillness had such an effect that their body started shivering in the hot and humid weather. They all had a cup of hot coffee to restore their mind and soul. Now, they are all set to pull up the curtains. They have enough evidence and facts to put the killer of Vishal behind bars.

Let's reveal it in front of everyone! 

Vikram asked Shekhar to come over to Vishal's flat. 

Poornima, you can ask Trishna and Aarti to ask Romana to come to Vishal's flat tomorrow at 11:00 am. We will have all the fun together. 

Poornima obliged Abhimanyu. They all scutter out of his Cabin.

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN

Everybody gathered at Vishal and Rachana's flat. Abhimanyu's only purpose in doing it this way was to let the killer know that they have killed a person who loved his wife and his wife's family, which is unusual these days. Abhimanyu also made sure they had the counsellor along with them.

Abhimanyu, the counsellor, and his team reached Rachana's home at 11:30 am. By the time they arrived, everyone was waiting for them. Rachana's face was red. She was grunting and gasping in anger. Abhimanyu sat in front of all of them and addressed everyone.

Thank you for coming in on the such short notice. I have all the evidence to prove who's the murderer, but I would like to give a chance to the real culprit to confess it. 

Abhimanyu started at Romana and Trishna, and his eyes narrowed at them. They looked at each other and gulped their saliva louder. Sekhar was giving them a wary look.

Control your emotion, Sir! I know you loved Vishal like your own son!...

Abhimanyu started with Romana. 

You have accused Vishal of Rape charges, so do you want to put some light on it?

She drooped her head and tapped her feet continuously. 

Vishal never did any such things to me. He didn't even touch me anytime during our shooting. I accused him because…

Abhimanyu stopped Romana abruptly.

Thank you, Miss Romana.

Romana looked up at Abhimanyu, and her eyes bulged out. She felt awkward because when she was about to reveal it, Abhimanyu stopped her. He now turned his face at Trishna.

Miss Trishna! You are so beautiful that I feel like proposing to you. I think Vishal also told you the same thing, won't he?

Saying this, he giggled….

Anyway, you have told me that Vishal was showing interest in you, touched you inappropriately, and offered you to have sexual encounters with him, so will you please, let everyone know the truth, or do you want me to continue?

Saying this, Abhimanyu paused and was expecting Trishna to speak out.

Umm….Vishal Sir never touched me; he didn't even look at me for a moment. So, I acted and falsely accused him of these false charges because…

She found it weird as Abhimanyu stopped her abruptly.

Thank you! So, now you all know that Vishal was innocent. He was only framed by someone present here among us. 

Abhimanyu glanced at everyone and beamed.

Okay, now all of you would be excited to know who killed him. Ah! by the way, Mrs Rachana, I guess you loved him so much! Won't you? 

Rachana ducks her head, and tears slide from the corner of her eyes.

Oh! You actually love him so much that you asked Romana to accuse him of false rape charges? Ouch, very unlucky Vishal was… I am happy that no one loves me…

Saying this, Abhimanyu smiled sardonically. Rachana froze, and her legs started shaking and trembling profoundly.

Oh, you already started trembling. I'm sorry, I had no such intention. So please relax. By the way, you didn't stop proving your love for him. You again asked Trishna to seduce him. Ah! I'm sorry this happened first. When you realize Trishna didn't succeed, you bought Romana into the game, Won't you? I must say that it was the most sacrificing love story I have ever heard.

Rachana was tapping her foot profoundly. She was shaking her head and grunting. 

Well! You are an Oscar-winning actress; trust me, Romana is nothing in front of you. So, Mrs Rachana, will you please stop all your nonsense and tell us the remaining part of the story? 

She was still shivering, and her forehead was slicked with sweat. 

Wow! You are terrific. Well, Miss Romana, why don't you take acting classes from her?

Saying this, he smiled mockingly at Rachana. Shekhar looked astounded, seeing his daughter in such condition, but he was helpless. Romana and Trishna were looking scared.

Mr Sekhar, you will be very proud to hear Rachana killed Vishal, whom you, Kriti, treated like a son and Kavya treated like a brother.

Rachana fainted! Out of Anger, Sekhar banged the handrest of the chair so hard that it broke into pieces. Romana and Trishna made crying faces as they were involved in it unknowingly.

But why would she kill such a gentleman, such a nice person? She will tell us, and I will ensure that none of us are going anywhere without knowing the entire story. But to do so, she had to stop her Oscar-winning performance.

The lady constables and counsellor bought back Rachana's consciousness.

If you are done with your Oscar-winning performance, please let me and others know why you killed Vishal and how.

Rachana was burning in anger; she was shaking her legs profoundly, tapping the sofa hand rest, crushing her teeth, and breathing fast and profoundly.

Oh, is it some different level of acting skills you're now showing up? 

Aaee, Stop talking nonsense in front of me. Does it look like acting to you? And yeah, by the way, you wanted to know why I killed that bastard and how? Won't you?

Saying this, she got up from the sofa and started walking all around. She was breathing fast and profoundly. Romana, Trishna, Sekhar, Abhimanyu, Counsellor, and the lady constables all were watching her.

That bloody bastard, he thought that everyone loved him, thoo… Loved him, my foot. Everyone loves me. My papa, mama, and Kavu love me more than him. Not only that, Trishna and Romana enjoy my company more than that bastard.

Abhimanyu looked at the counsellor and indicated to her to handle Rachana. The counsellor got up.

Hey… Why the hell did you get up? Did I ask you to get up?

When Rachana said this, the counsellor looked at Abhimanyu and sat back. Rachana's eyes fixed on Abhimanyu, and she simpered. 

Do you think you are clever enough? Stop talking to the foolish counsellor in sign language. Otherwise, I spit on your face. The way I did with Vishal after seeing him lying near the commode. 

Abhimanyu looked perplexed; he then looked at Sekhar.

Rachana beta…

Shut up! Now you remember your daughter. Where were you when you, your wife, and your daughter were mesmerized by that bastard and following him as if he was God? Now, see, your God doesn't exist anymore; you made him God, which is why I killed him. I can't tolerate people loving him, caring for him, and looking out for him. They should only love me, care for me, and always look out for me.

Rachana leapt onto the sofa. 

I don't like that bastard manipulating everyone. I tried to get him trapped, but trapping that bastard, was not easy. Killing him is easier than trapping him. Do you all know how much I struggled to get rid of him? Now, I am happy that the bastard is no more! I have no regret in killing him; I am now living a happy life as no one is talking about him, and there are no fake praises or fake love around.

She looked at Abhimanyu and winked. 

So, now you got to know why I killed him? I can't be able to tolerate him or his pride even for a second. I can't let people praise, glorify, and love him as if he is God and I am the devil. So, to balance it out, I had to kill him. Otherwise, I would have lost my importance and identity. I think what I did was right, and I should be awarded.

Abhimanyu, Sekhar, the counsellor, and the lady constables are shocked to hear the details from Rachana. Rachana's attitude and explained things left everyone rattled, and their mouth was wide open. They still can't believe that a 28-year-old innocent-looking woman could be a cold-blooded murderer. So, to control her, Abhimanyu started talking to her politely. 

I totally understand your frustration, but what was his mistake? It was the people around him. Did they believe him, not you? So, why didn't you kill your parents? Why him? Did you ever talk to your parents about it? I'm sure they would have helped you! 

Tried talking to my parents? They are another culprit. That bastard is dead today because they never listen to me. I tried talking to them and my sister, but none of them was interested in listening to me. So, now all of them had to go to hell if they wanted to meet that bastard. 

Rachana burst out laughing, and Abhimanyu was looking at me with amazement. 

Ah! Okay, but how did you kill him?

Killing him was simple. I woke up in the morning, finished all my daily chores, and went to the office. I had been keeping track of him for the last week. And to do it, I had to connect from home for the entire week. To get approval from my boss, I had to sleep with him. So, after sleeping with my boss, I was double sure that I had to kill him, as I did not deserve all the price I had paid so far. So, I knew when he would do what, and I communicated the same to him.

Abhimanyu stopped her as he was still looking for the person who executed this.

Him? Who's him here?

Rachana then pointed toward Vikram Damle, Abhimanyu's team member. 

Vikram Damle? How do you know him?

Abhimanyu also signalled constables to hold Vikram so he won't run away.

Vikram and I were college friends. We were good friends. We were in the final year of B.A. when Vikram proposed to me, and before I could respond back to his proposal, papa fixed my marriage with that bastard, and then they all kept teasing me by praising him unconditionally. So, I was looking for a chance to teach that bastard a lesson. In this process, I met Vikram again last year. That was the time when I finally responded back to his proposal and explained everything about my marriage. Vikram empathizes with me, and since then, Vikram and I have been in a relationship; for all your kind information, I am pregnant with Vikram's child.

Abhimanyu was shocked when he heard one of his team members helped Rachana. He got up and walked up to Vikram. Vikram resisted saying he didn't know Rachana and all, but after having a tight slap from Abhimanyu, he confessed.

I love Rachu a lot, and to get her and be with her, I don't mind killing her whole family.

Saying this, he looked at Rachana. Rachana broadened her shoulder and smiled proudly. Vikram, too looked extremely happy, as if have achieved something. 

How did you guys kill Vishal?

Abhimanyu shared an exasperated look at Vikram. 

I'll explain that she had had enough of torture! Rachu informed me that Vishal used to have lunch at 12:30 pm, and after lunch, he had a habit of smoking and usually smoked in the bathroom, so no one else could see him smoking, or else it would have damaged his fake image...

Rachana smirked. Abhimanyu and others were staring at Rachana and Vikram. Vikram continued to explain. 

I entered the house at 8:30 am. Rachu helped me enter the house while she was leaving for the office. I waited until Vishal finished his lunch and proceeded to the bathroom to smoke. While walking toward the bathroom, I grabbed him from behind and immediately tied his mouth and hands so he would not fight. But it was tough, as he somehow escaped and started running all over the house, it was difficult for me to control, but at the same time, I couldn't let him go, as he saw my face. I tackled him, and in the process of tackling him, the entire house was messed up. Then I walloped him on his neckbone. He immediately lost consciousness.

Vikram cleared his throat and again continued.

I dragged him to the bathroom as per the plan. Then I opened his mouth forcefully and put his right hand on his mouth; I ensured that his teeth were in a perfect place where he would cut his wrist if he bit it out of his fist, and I tied his other hand back on his waist. As per the plan, I should have left him there to die. But while I was tying his other hand, he regained his senses and tried to defend. It was frustrating for me, and out of rage, I pulled the towel hanging around in the bathroom, tied it around his neck, and kept tightening my grip.

Abhimanyu's eyes scowled at Vikram. 

I'm not over yet. After killing him, Rachu asked me to spit on his face; it was the only thing she asked me, so I spit on his face and left. 

Abhimanyu, Romana, Trishna, Sekhar, the counsellor, and the other constables were rattled when they heard it from Vikram. However, as soon as Vikram finished explaining, Rachana busted out laughing.

What happened, Mr Abhimanyu, after hearing this, you should be proud of your fellow mate that he saved the dignity of a woman, and he loved a woman so much. Anyway, I am proud of you, Vicki… I love you…

Abhimanyu and others present in the room were still in shock. They had no guts to utter a word. It was a cold-blooded and heinous murder that no one would ever imagine in their dreams. 

To hell with you and your love. I patiently heard it as I had to record both your statement and the truth. You think you are the God who can do justice, and what was Vishal's fault? He was genuinely a nice and innocent man, but... To hell with you guys. I would love to see you both rot in hell, and I would make it happen.

Abhimanyu puffed in relaxation.

Shame on both of you! You are a disgrace to the entire humanity. I cannot treat you the way you did to Vishal, but...

He took a few deep breaths.

Both of you are not normal, and I feel ashamed and guilty that I have recommended Vikram's name to include in my team.

Abhimanyu indicated his constables to take Vikram and Rachana into custody. Vikram and Rachana looked at each other and exchanged a few looks.

Abhimanyu reprimanded Romana and Trishna not to go out of the city till the final verdict of this case.

Abhimanyu, Poornima, and Aarti reached the police station, and Abhimanyu filed the charge sheet and forwarded Vikram and Rachana to the session court. On that very day, Abhimanyu presented all the required evidence to the court. After examining all the details, the sessions court sentenced Rachana to life imprisonment under sections IPC 302 and 433; Vikram was registered under Section IPC 201, 204, 302, and 433 and sentenced to life imprisonment, 1 lakh rupees fine, and a lifetime suspension for applying Govt. Jobs. Court also reprimanded Ramona and Trishna, found them guilty under IPC section 209 for making false allegations and complaints, and fined them two lakhs rupees each. 

Sekhar was present in the court and witnessed the entire court proceedings. He saw his daughter being taken to central jail in Nasik, tied with handcuffs. Being a father, he cursed himself because he found himself guilty of all the deeds done by his daughter Rachana. He wishes he could have saved a genuinely true and innocent man, but he failed to do so. So, he considered that he had failed as a father.

After the judgment, everyone congratulated Abhimanyu, including Shekhar. Abhimanyu could sense the pain of Shekhar in his eyes and face. It will always be difficult for a father to see their children suffering. Though Shekhar's facial expression shows the satisfaction of getting justice for Vishal, his eyes reveal his pain and grief.

Shekhar was pleased with Abhimanyu for getting justice to Vishal, so as a token of appreciation, he handed over a gift-wrapped box in fancy paper.

Beta, it's one of my favorite books, and I'm sure you would enjoy reading it. You never know. It might be helpful to you to solve some of your cases.

Abhimanyu was moved by the gesture of a father who witnessed the court proceedings of his daughter. He wondered how difficult it would have been for a father to hand over a gift to the person who executed his daughter. He empathized with Shekhar for having such a bigger heart and accepted the gift.

Abhimanyu was an orphan, so being an orphan, he always felt the the pain of a parent. He knew how difficult it was for a parent to see their children suffering.

Abhimanyu thanked Shekhar for all his help. Shekhar, too, acknowledged it warmly.

It was my duty to fight for justice for an innocent man. 

Abhimanyu again thanked Shekhar for showing up the humanity and punishing the real culprits, even after knowing it was his own daughter.

Sir, if you need any help at any point in time, please do let me know.

Sure, beta, but I'm moving to London tomorrow. I've my flight at 4:00 am tomorrow. So, if I need your help, I will call you in London.

Shekhar ducked his head. Abhimanyu noticed tears slide from the corner of his eyes. Shekhar then congratulated Abhimanyu again, and Abhimanyu wished him a safe and happy journey.

THE TRUTH BEYOND THE TRUTH

13th June 2018, 8:00 pm.

Abhimanyu reached home, and out of curiosity, he opened the book. The title, "Truth Beyond the Truth," caught his attention and was enough to build his curiosity within Abhimanyu. He just looked through the book and realized that the book had more than 300 pages. So, after knowing the number of pages, he assumed it wouldn't be a great idea to read it, so he kept it aside.

The last two days were extremely tiring. So, he decided to take a bath and finish his dinner. By 9:30 pm, he finished his dinner and went to bed. He tried sleeping, but Shekhar's innocent and sad face didn't allow him to sleep, and every time his mind got distracted by the book gifted by Shekhar. He picked up the book, as it happened to him several times, and he always fell asleep when he started reading something or the other.

Abhimanyu started reading the book and continued to read pages after pages. He never realized the time. When he checked the clock, it was 2:30 am. The book was getting interesting as he was moving towards the climax. While reading the book, he felt it resembled Vishal and Rachana's case, but he thought his brain might be overthinking and continued to read the book further. He reached the stage where the suspected criminal accepted her crime. The police officer, Shaikh Ahmed, then filed the charge sheet against them and forwarded them to the session court. The court pronounced the justice and sentenced both Syamala and her lover to life imprisonment. Everyone congratulated Inspector Shaikh for solving not so easy case; Shaikh acknowledged everyone and thanked them.

On the same day, one of Shaikh's Publisher friends, Rukhsana, invited him to attend a storytelling and book launch party. He reached the venue on time, and Rukhsana asked him to join them on stage as their guest. Shaikh joined Rukhsana and the Author Vinod Sharma on stage. The event started with Rukhsana introducing the author Vinod Sharma and asking him to address the crowd and discuss his book. Vinod Sharma addressed the entire crowd and then continued to talk about his next book, a murder mystery. 

Shaikh was literally rattled after hearing the concept and plot of the story. To clarify, he chatted with the author for a few minutes and realized that the actual murderer was not the daughter and her lover. It was someone else. The police thought he had solved the case, but it was the police who executed the whole plan of the murderer. Later, when Shaikh enquired, he realized that the murderer had manipulated Shaikh during his investigation. Now, when Shaikh was looking for the murderer, he realized that he had fled out of the country.

Ah! Finally, at 3:30 am, Abhimanyu completed the book, but one thing even rattled him completely, and he had a load of questions running on his mind. He knew that if he won't do anything, those questions soon started creating a storm in his mind. Abhimanyu was now not sure why did Shekhar gift him this book. The book story exactly resembled Rachana and Vishal's story, so Abhimanyu thought Shekhar might hint to him through the book that the murderer was someone else. He wasn't sure how the book's content could exactly match someone in real.

In the book "Truth Beyond the Truth," Syamala and her lover confess the crime at the end, and it had exactly happened two days before, as Rachana and Vikram did the same. Now, he was thinking, were Rachana & Vikram not the real killer? Were they just framed? Or were they only the executor, whereas the mastermind was someone else? All such questions were storming in his mind. 

Abhimanyu picked up the book intending to fall asleep, but it happened exactly the opposite. He was checking all around the book. Then he stuck at something which he had not realized before. The name of the author was written as "Ravya Shastri." It quizzed him, and he immediately took out his mobile and started enquiring about the author.

He froze on what he figured out about the author. His tiredness disappeared when he learned that "Ravya Shastri" was none other than Shekhar Shastri. Ravya Shastri was his pen name, and he extracted the name from both his daughters' names, Rachana and Kavya. To find out more about Shekhar, he kept researching about him, and it took almost an hour to find out that Shekhar Shastri had some psychological problem some years before, and he was still under medication for the same. He also found out that Shekhar had a publication house, Dreamz & Shakz Publication, in London, and Rachana was one of the directors of the publication house. It all indicated that Shekhar and Rachana had a solid bonding as a father and daughter, but Shekhar told Abhimanyu that Rachana was not picking up his call, and Rachana too confessed that she didn't like Shekhar was praising Vishal. Somehow Abhimanyu felt something weird. He felt as if the entire murder was planned and scripted by Shekhar, and Rachana & Vikram only played their part in it, and he took it at its predefined goal.

Abhimanyu checked his watch; it was 4:30 am; he banged his fist on the bed.

Ah! Shekhar's flight would have taken off by now! 

He decided to visit Nasik central jail to meet Rachana and Vikram and to reconfirm the truth. He reached Nasik central jail by 8:00 am. He spoke to the jailer, and the jailer arranged the meeting between Abhimanyu, Rachana, and Vikram.

Abhimanyu was sitting opposite and glaring at Rachana and Vikram, and they both shared a relaxed and contained look at Abhimanyu. After a few more intense looks exchange, Abhimanyu broke the silence.

Did you guys really kill Vishal? I don't think so...tell me the truth, and nothing else! 

Rachana and Vikram glanced at each other, and she smiled sardonically.

Why are you asking this question now? You have already proved that Vikram and I killed Vishal, so are you not sure about it? 

Do you think you're smart? Stop acting in front of me, and just answer my question. 

I only answer those questions, which I find useful, and your question is not useful at all! 

Abhimanyu banged his fist harder on the table, but Rachana burst out laughing. 

Vikram, don't fall into her trap, as she would definitely escape from here, but I'll make sure you never come out. 

Awwaaa, I feel pity for you… and I haven't seen such a foolish person like you… I am sorry, officer… You thought you solved the case?

Rachana tipped her head.

It's not you who solved the case; we wanted you to solve it the way it is now. 

Abhimanyu was breathing heavily and grunting in anger. 

Now, you can't do anything. We are already in jail, and if you really have guts, then please do it.

Rachana and Vikram simpers.

By the way, you appreciated my Oscar-winning performance, right? But it was all your performance that made out masterplan successful, and moreover, wouldn't you praise the writer, Mr Ravya Shastri? By the way, Tell me one thing, officer, how did it feel when you realized that you were fooled by someone whom you trusted to be innocent? Haha, haha, haha….

Rachana kept smiling; her smile was so intense that tears were rolling from her eyes.

I love Vikram, even my daadu was in favour of my decision, but that bitch Kriti wanted me to marry Vishal. When I resisted, she threatened me and daadu that she would commit suicide and put the whole blame on us. So, my daadu first planned to remove her from our path, and Vicki helped us execute the all-out plan. 

You guys really have serious mental problems, and who addresses her mother this way? And who killed her mother for such a small reason? 

Small reason? Ah! Officer, you don't know anything. My daadu never loved Kriti and Kriti wasn't my mother. My mother stayed in London, and Kriti, wasn't aware of it, even though she wasn't aware that my daadu never loved her. He always loved my mother, Arnika. So, we removed her from our path. I only felt sad that her daughter Kavya also died along with her. So, after removing Kriti, then my daadu decided to remove Vishal because he got to know all the truth about my daadu and my momma, Arnika. He was about to reveal it to my mother, but luckily Vicki killed Kriti before he could reveal it to her. My daadu doesn't like anyone knowing his secret. So, he wanted to kill Vishal, and I wanted to get rid of him, so I introduced Vikram to my daadu. Then what happened next, you already know, as you are the main hero of this the remaining part. 

Abhimanyu's lip froze, and his eyes bulged out. He was completely in shock. Throughout the the investigation, Shekhar had shown him direction, only to mislead him. He was shocked and in awe; how can a father trap her own daughter this way and flee to London?

Your beloved father trapped you and your lover and fled to London, and you're saying I'm a fool? Ah! It's too much fun...

His masterstroke is yet to come, officer; he would never ever trap me and run away. Wait for a good time and learn to have some patience. It was the reason why we both were so happy. 

Now, Abhimanyu realized that there was something serious yet to happen. He still can't believe that Shekhar has done all these. 

But you know what, you can't do anything now because you have all the proofs, and we have been sentenced to life imprisonment. But if you wanna try, then please go ahead, and give it a try. 

That's what I'm saying; you guys have already been sentenced to life imprisonment, so forget Shekhar; no one else could do anything! 

You're seriously too much fun... I told you to learn to have some patience... You will get to know it soon… and whenever it happens, your govt. It will help us out, whereas you will only be watching it happen and would be feeling helpless. By the way, you will regret that the murderer was right in front of you, but you helped him flee the country...

Rachana busted into laughter, and Vikram, too, joined her. Abhimanyu realized that the way the entire case was solved was the plan of Shekhar, and he just ended up executing Shekhar's plan. Now, as Shekhar fled to London, he couldn't do much, but he was eagerly waiting for Shekhar's next move to see how he would save his daughter. Abhimanyu left the jail and accepted that he had to live the rest of his life, regretting that he never actually solved Vishal's murder case.

The regret didn't allow him to settle, so he resigned from his service and took retirement voluntarily. He joined a private firm, and his life proceeded. 

After three months, he only read in the newspaper that Rachana and Vikram were declared innocent by the high court, as the evidence against them was missing. When he enquired, he realized that Poornima and Aarti, too, were part of Shekhar's team, and they destroyed the evidence after Abhimanyu took voluntary retirement. 

Abhimanyu trashed the paper in anger, but he was helpless and couldn't do much. So, he thought of focusing on his current job, and as he was getting late to the office, he got to get ready, and his phone beeped louder.

 "Sir! I'll be always obliged to you, as you're the only one who tried a lot for justice, but my soul is left shattered to know my murderers are still roaming free – Vishal Purohit."