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Short Story – Arupam Maity

RED SCARF WITH YELLOW MARIGOLD

II1II
He was shaving. Suddenly the bathroom door is knocked and that too, heavily. With dozing eyes, he isn’t feeling good.Last night he could manage only three hours of sleep.
‘What happens?’
            Ramu is at the door with his mobile in right hand. Before hesays anything, Tanvir snatched the mobile,
‘Tanvir here…’
            ‘Being the chief of police, how can you be so irresponsible?’
            Hearing the stranger,Tanvir feels awkward,
            ‘I don’t understandwhat are you saying?’
            The stranger is very quick to respond.
            ‘Onkar Singh calling…probably you haven’t heard me.’
            ‘Ok…tell me, what can I do for you?’
            ‘Mera chhodiye,aap shahar ke liye kuch kijiye’
            ’Will you please explain?’
            ‘Mr. Police Chief, I’m talking about the abduction.It’s increasing day by day.Even in last evening,two girlsgot disappeared.’
            Tanvir feels restless but manages to keep cool.
            ‘May I know in what capacity, you’re calling me and asking so much?’
            ‘I’m the opposition leader of the citymunicipal corporation and it’s not personal.’
            ‘But councillors have nothing to do with it andyou’re unnecessarily worried.’
            ‘Kya isi bare me humlogono ko sochna mana hai?’
            ‘No, I’m not telling that. Ok, you come to my office. There’s a meeting today. Distinguished citizens are already invited.Please come. We can sit and talk about.’
            ‘Thik hai, to aapse phir, aapka office mehi mulakat honge’
            ‘Yeah, that would be fine, please come at twelve.’
            Tanvir disconnects the call and hands it over to Ramu.  He nervously looks at his master. He apprehended some scolding but there is nothing.
‘Remember, I won’t pick up any call till I leave for office tomorrow morning.’
II2II
That the British believed in large, is quite evident if the police headquarter of Fatehpur is looked into. There is aconference room, a press corner along with lot of rooms for different departments. From half past nine, people arestarting to pour. When Tanvir entered, he became surprised to see the attendance. Inderjeet and Navinwere there from before.Navinis handling the crowd very well.
            ‘Please have your seat. Today’s meeting is very crucial for all of us. Fatehpur is facing a deep crisis. Abductions are increasing andthe administration is tooserious.’
            Tanvir takes charge of the microphone. A few persons are looking restless.The momentTanvirsays, ‘hello’, a man,clad in asafari stands and raises his right hand.
‘You want to say something.’
            ‘Families of the abducted women are used to receive marigolds wrapped in red scarf. Do you have any explanation?’
            Inderjeet quickly whispers atChief’s ears,
            ‘Sir, he is theex-mayorof Fatehpur Municipal Corporation.’
            Tanvir responds,
            ‘Sir, we know it and are trying to find the significance.’
            A dusky man stands up next and follows his words.
            ‘Are you aware of the city’s rich history?’
            His voice seems familiar to Tanvir.
            ‘It’s true that I’m new in this city but be rest assured, I respectFatehpur and its legacy. Believe me. My department is working day and night to solve these cases.’
            Tanvir whispersto Navin,
            ‘You two handle the meeting. I’ve to leave. I have a meeting with home minister.’
            Tanvir starts again,
            ‘This meeting is called to seek your utmost cooperation. For investigation purpose, the department can visit or call you at any time. Please bear with us. We’re doing our best to solve the mysteries. I’ve to leave. Please excuse me. Here are my two best officers. I think they’re the best to carry the proceedings. Please continue.’
            The house hasalready become unruly. At the time of leaving, Tanvir can feel it.But he is helpless. He must attendthe minister. It is actually DIG’s plan. He wants to build a bridge of trust between policeand citizens and to make it a success, home minister called a meeting at his office. Both DIG and Tanvir was summoned to attend.
            Oh God, where is the meeting. What was scheduled with the Minister, ultimately held with his confidential assistant as the Minister left for another!The anxiety and the toil of last few days were telling heavyonTanvir. Back to home, he succumbed to bedto have a quick sleep. In between, Ramu came to see him once. Looking him asleep, he turned back.
II3II
Kumar was sitting idle on the bank of the pond. The pond is situated at the front of the palace. This time of the year, lotus doesn’t bloom. The fading sun was slowly moving towards the west. Though the water is clear, the shadow of the sun had occupied the most of the water. At left, besides Kumar, there is a silver bowl, full of tiny flour balls. Colorful fishes are swimming across. Unmindful, Kumar was throwing the balls to feed his favorite species.
            He was seated there for almost half an hour. Gentle breeze was blowing across the garden.  The atmosphere was beautiful but Kumar was deeply engrossed in his own thought. In palace,it was rest-time. From Kumar’s father, Gajendra Singhto the head of servants, Mangal Nath, everyone was busy in sleep in their rooms. Kumar suddenly heard Mangal,
            ‘Kumar, the lord is calling and it’s urgent.’
            Initially, Kumar didn’t pay heed to Mangal’s call. But he was so much insisting that at last, Kumar had to response. Visibly annoyed, with wrinkles on forehead, he asked
            ‘Where is the lord?’
            Mangal lowered his head and said,
            ‘He told me to bring you to his room.’
            Kumar stood up and gestured at Mangal to go forward.
————————————————————
            Gajendra was very much dissatisfied with Kumar. After all, he is the only heir to this dynasty.  How can he fail in love with a fairy girl?  Despite repeated objections, Kumar was not ready to break the relation. The secret agents informed that people are whispering about the affair. They are not pleased with Lord’s family. Gajendra had taken the opinion of the royal priest, a few days ago. According to the priest, Kumar’s coronation must be executed as soon as possible. In this situation, if he doesn’t leave the girl, then the loyalty of the people to the new landlord may be affected. Gajendra had also talked to Kumar’s mother, his first queen. She also felt Gajendra’s anxiety and consoled him accordingly.
            ‘Long live the lord! Did you call me?’
            At this time, Kumar didn’t expect his mother with Gajendra.
            ‘Come Kumar, have your seat; we need to talk to you.For the welfare of the state, you should pay attention to these words’
            ‘Long live the queen! I’m always at your service.’
            ‘Let us come straight to the point. This relation is not acceptable to the people. Your father is becoming old andvery soon will retire. You’ll be the next king but you’ll lose people’s confidence if you aren’t prepared to forget the relation. Please try to understand.’
            ‘My lord, please forgive me. I have to marry my love. I gave her words. I cannot betray.’
            When Kumarwas about to finish his words, Sun had completely set and full moonwas slowly appearing. He noticed the change and left the room immediately. He almost rushed for the bank of Shipra, his favorite spot. The fairy girl, his belovedwas supposed to appear soon.
———————————————————————-
            Tanvir’s dream is completely shattered when he finds, Ramu, calling him, repeatedly
            ‘Sir, sir, Navin saab is in phone, he is saying it’s urgent.’
            Visibly upset at sudden disruption of sleep, Tanvirslowly grabs the mobile.
            ‘Yes, Navin…’
            ‘Sir an hour before, a female body is discovered…’
            ‘Where did you find it?’
            ‘Sir, at the west flank of the right bank of Shipra…There is a bush andthe body was found by a rag picker.’
            ‘I’m coming, surround the place immediately.’
            ‘Sir, there is something very interesting.’
            ‘What is it?’
            ‘Besides the dead body, one red scarf was found with some marigolds. But this time, the flowers werenot loose instead it was a garland.’
            ‘Collect all the evidence and give a call to the forensic expert. I’m coming.’
            He takes just five minutes to be ready and before leaving the quarter, instructs Ramu,
            ‘Don’t wait for me and take your dinner.’
            On his way to Shipra, Tanvir was recollecting the flow of events. The words of ex-mayor suddenly appeared in his mind.
II4II
On entering the DIG’s office, Tanvir finds, Bhim Singh isalso sitting on an easy chair. The manis smoking his imported cigar and with folded wrist behind, DIG, Mr. Anuj Kapur is strolling aimlessly.  Looking at Tanvir walking inside, Minister blasts,
            ‘Here comes your Chief of Police who has sufficiently proved his incompetence.’
            DIG prefers to remainsilent. After all, it’s very difficult to keep cool before a furiousMinister. Kapur gestures at Tanvir, advising him not to react. Tanvir was ready for the outburst.
            ‘Sir, please be quiet. Let me handle the matter with my officer.’
            ‘What you’ll handle? This is completely your fault. This man is not at all fit for Fatehpur. Only for your recommendation, I brought him to this city. I saw his credentials. He is a student of history. I found him ideal for such a historical place. But now I’m fed up. Anuj, I want your commitment. Give me a clear deadline by which you’ll crack the situation. Why don’t you understand, assembly election is due just one year. I have to face the people’s wrath.’
            ‘Sir, I’m fully aware of your difficulties as well as the situation. I can assure you that my officers are doing their best to solve the mysteries.’
            ‘Ok, then ask your officer. Tell his to explain the motive behind such acts.’
            ‘Sir, these are nothing but cases of human trafficking. The women are abducted by a gang who wants to sell them to red light areas.’
            ‘Are you sure? Can I issue a statement in this regard?’
            This time, Tanvircan’t just wait further. He opens his mouth,
            ‘With due regards to my superior, I must say that your explanation is wrong.’
            Visibly annoyed, Anuj replies,
            ‘Why don’t you keep your mouth shut?’
            Tanvir ignores and continues,
            ‘Sir, please note a fact. In all the cases, the abducted women were married. Just think over it.Only unmarried and relatively young women are idealfor traffickers to hunt. I doubt these are not casesof trafficking.’
            Anuj quickly transforms himself.
            ‘Ok! If I give due importance to your words then you’ve to promise me a deadline and with it, there’s also an instruction for you. Release Navin immediately. He’s been promoted as head of security, Ministry of Home Affairs.’
            ‘But sir, he’s one of my bestofficers who know these cases very well. At this crucial juncture, his release will seriously affect the investigation.’
            ‘Tanvir, on this issue there will be no argument. It’s an order and you’ve tocarry it. I don’t believe absence of a single officer can jeopardize the investigation.’
II5II
Coming out of DIG’s chamber, Tanvir waited fora while in the adjacent lawn. Before boarding the olive green police vehicle, he called both Navin and Inderjeet.The following day, HomeMinister forced both Anujand Tanvir to attend the press conference and thereTanvir had to commit seven days’ time to solve the cases.
After that, four days have elapsed and on the fifth day Tanvir was yet to find any clue.Two more women bodiesare discovered and both are found with same evidences, garland of marigold wrapped in bright red scarf. Clad in astriped blue night-suit, Tanvirwas worriedly wandering on the wide open lobby, attached to his big bedroom. Then he sat on a chair and the dream grasped him again.
——————————————————————-
Sitting on a cushion, Kumar was smoking hookah-bar. The fairy girl appeared moments after.
            ‘I can’t wait more. You need to marry me tonight.’
            Kumar was upset with the lord and the queen. He wasn’t enjoying the situation very much. Pari noticed it for some time and then she asked,
            ‘What happened, Kumar? You’re not listening to me.  Tonight I must marry youelse I have no place in the heaven. The king of the heaven already warned and gave me ultimatum. Only a marriage with you can save me.’
            ‘How is it possible at this time?’
            ‘That’s not an issue. I brought a priest from heaven. He cansolemnize the marriage.’
            Kumar was in no mood to resist his dear. Something definitely will happen tonight. He saw, some nine to ten beautiful fairy girls, were already dancing and singing along the bank of river Shipra. A milk white cloth with golden embroidery was spread at the centre. There were two diamond studded thrones and all the materials necessary for the marriage were kept at side. The priest has already started to chant.
            ‘Stop this nonsense. He is a coward. Why are you so eager marrying him?’
            Kumar saw, Raghab, the son of the landlord, the erstwhile enemy of King Gajendra suddenly appeared to disrupt the proceedings.
            ‘How dare you to spoil the ceremony?’
            Raghab opened his sword and challenged Kumar.
            ‘If you’re brave, then come and fight with me.’
            Kumar noticed that some of Raghab’s associates already captured Pari and other fairy girls were also surrounded by Raghab’s staffs. There was no other way to escape the fight. Kumar opened his sword and attacked Raghab.
————————————————————————
            Once again, his dream got shattered as Ramu waked him with a message from DIG. It was a routine query to know the progress of the investigation.
II6II
The earlier night, Tanvir couldn’t sleep well. He was haunted by the dream. Like the abduction issue, he was clueless to this dream also. Out of a casual wish, today at early morning, Tanvir turned the television set on. A film was running with reincarnation as a central theme. He began towatch it for almost half an hour and then switchedit off. He never believed in such worthless ideas but the plot of the filmwas so much appealing that he couldn’t but viewed.
            Around eight, he dialed Inderjeet and asked him to come at nine along with Navin but was informed that Navin will be unavailable for the day. But he heard something very peculiar about Navin. Every full moon, he disappears on the plea that he has to visit his native place on account of some puja. With a disastrous note, Tanvir asks,
            ‘But tomorrow is a fool moon day. Will he disappear today?’
            ‘I’ve no idea, Sir.’
‘Ok, do one thing.You come alone and don’t forget to bring all the relevant files.’
            ‘But Sir, the files are with Navin.’
            ‘What? How can it be so? Go and find the files.’
            ‘Sorry Sir, the files are in his room and it’s locked.’
            Tanvir gets furious.
            ‘I’ve to report to the authority. Do anything to find the files.’
            Inderjeet fails to suggest anything to Ranvir’s query. Then Ranvir speaks out.
            ‘Come and wait for me at the door of Navin’s flat in the police quarter.’
            Inderjeet was clueless how to bring out the files from Navin’s locked room.He decided to keep mum. Tanvir insisted to break open the door and with the help of two constables, the lockwas broken. After a quick search, the files were found.Tanvir also found a rare wooden box in the room. He also brought it along with the files. The box was a real curious one.
II7II
Sixth day was also gone and Tanvir was too anxious about fulfilling his commitment. The abduction issue had alreadybecome too much embarrassing for Fatehpur police as well as the administration. The last night went sleepless for Tanvir. He wished to see his favorite dream. At least it helps to set aside his tension. But the dream had failed to appear at his sleep.
It is too early in the morning that he gets a call from Inderjeet.
            ‘Sir, another body was found and this time it was on Shipra’s water.’
            ‘You stay there. I’m coming.’
            Tanvir rushes to the spot. Getting off the jeep, he goes ahead. With his head down, Inderjeet is examining the dead body.Hearing the footsteps, he stands up and salutes Ranvir.
               ‘What’s going on?’
‘Sir, he has admitted his guilt.’
               ‘Where he’s now?’
‘He’s in custody. Last night one police team was sent, exactly as you ordered.’
Tanvir leaves a sigh of relief.
               ‘So finally the case is cracked.’
               ‘But sir, how you’ve solved…’
               ‘The wooden box has helped me a lot. I found some paper cuttings, some old books and picture of a fairy girl. The restis out of my dream. I must be grateful to my dream. ’
               ‘Will you please explain in details?’
               ‘At some point, the mystery is really biting my head. It’s so difficult to believe that reincarnation happens today also.’
               ‘Yes sir, even I couldn’t believe you first.’
               ‘Hats off to my dream…if it didn’t come then maybe I couldn’t solve it. Every full moon, the soul of the fairy girl, would descend in Navin. Her marriage was shattered by Raghab and heaven’s door was completely shut for her.  Hatred had grown in her for married women and she vowed to take revenge. Surprisingly, Navin performed all these killings on her behalf.’
               Inderjeet nods.  Tanvir’s mobile goes on live. DIG is on the other side.
               ‘What happens to your commitment, Tanvir?’
               ‘Sir, the case is solved and the culprit is arrested.’
               ‘Oh, really, who is the culprit?’
               ‘Sir, he is none other than Navin Jaiswal.’
               ‘Are you mad? How can it be?
               ‘Sir, there are sufficient evidences in our hand and he has admitted his crime also.’
               ‘I don’t believe it. There must be some foul play.’
               ‘I’ll come to you shortly will all the details. You please inform the Minister accordingly. ’
               Tanvir goes back to his car but just before getting into the jeep, instructs Inderjeet,
               ‘Please don’t tell anyone about the incarnation. They will think you insane.’
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