Tranav - Chapter 4

  TRANAV NOVEL

(Malikat Bloodline) 

CHAPTER 4

The Return of Ghost

1957 AD,

In their cosy drawing room, the brothers gathered to discuss the recent murders in their village. Meanwhile, Rudra and Abhimanyu engaged in a game of chess, while Dhruvya delved into an ancient book as though searching for something of great importance.

Rudra, with a curious look on his face, broke the silence. "You know, two murders in the same style within two weeks is quite strange."

Abhimanyu pondered and replied, "It could be the work of some sort of serial killer."

Rudra's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Oh, I love serial killers! Someday, I'll write a book about them. I mean, imagine understanding their psychology. I could definitely give Agatha Christie some competition."

Abhimanyu responded in a sarcastic tone, "Of course."

Rudra defended his ambition. "Hey, don't make fun of me. I'm speaking the truth. You'll see; I'll write the one of the best serial killer book."

Abhimanyu's tone turned cheerful. "No, no, I'm not making fun of you. I know you will, and I'll be the first one to read it."

Changing the topic, Rudra asked, "By the way, have you ever read those Dracula books?"

Abhimanyu shook his head. "No, I'm not interested in that genre. I mean, seriously, vampires? They basically renamed 'Pisaach' and gave them a romantic twist. Who would tell them that Pisaach doesn't just suck blood and isn't exactly 'hot'?"

“I think they vampires might be base of us, i mean look at us we are basically hot” Rudra responded. They burst into laughter.

 

Dhruvya interrupted their mirth, holding a discovery. "Guys, I've found it. The symbol we found on yesterday's bodies isn't just a symbol; it belongs to Nag-bhasha, which might be Nagas language."

Abhimanyu responded, "Then my guess was right; the smell coming from those bodies was Ashvatika, which is only found in Nag-lok. Did you find the meaning of those symbols or the language?"

"No, there's no proper translation of their language in these books."

Rudra contemplated, "I don't think the Nagas are behind this. Even if they are, what are they trying to achieve? From when did they start leaving among us? I thought they were content in their own world."

Abhimanyu added, "In thousands of years, we've never heard or seen anything like this. It's the first time they've revealed their identity. They've always hidden their kingdom, and no one even knows where Nag-lok is, or even their existence."

Rudra concluded, "Whoever is behind these murders is planning something significant, and they're not stopping at just two."

Dhruvya interjected, "Actually, it's three. When we arrived, two people were already dead. People were talking about it happening two weeks ago, and another body was found in the same manner a month before." Saying that he started prepare to leave, "I think I should go now; I'm running late."

Rudra asked, "Where are you off to?"

"Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you. Krishna Rao telephone me other night; he wants me to accompany him to welcome the new police officer in town," Dhruvya replied.

Rudra suggested, "Alright, drop me off at our construction site."

Abhimanyu felt left out. "What are you both doing? What am I supposed to do here?"

Rudra teased, "Why don't you go and daydream about that Abha girl?"

Abhimanyu retorted, "No, I think I know what I should do. I should kill you"

As Abhimanyu playfully pursued Rudra, Dhruvya couldn't help but laugh. Joy filled the room, as the brothers cherished their bond.

…

Mohan Raizada, a young man in his thirties who had recently been appointed as an officer in Malikat town, sat in his office discussing a murder case with his team. Mr. Krishna Rao, along with Dhruvya, arrived at the police station to extend a warm welcome to him. After the meeting concluded, the clerk ushered them into Mohan's cabin.

Mohan greeted them warmly, saying, "Welcome, please have a seat."

Krishna Rao and Dhruvya were a bit surprised to see such a young police officer in a high-ranking position. Mohan smiled and quipped, "What's the matter? Is there something on my face, or are you surprised to find a young face in this chair? Were you expecting an older officer about to retire?"

Krishna Rao responded honestly, "I won't lie; I am indeed surprised. But I'm also very proud and happy to see a younger generation in this role."

Mohan expressed his gratitude, saying, "Oh, thank you. That's very kind of you."

Krishna Rao introduced himself, saying, "I am Krishna Rao, and this is Mr. Dhruvya Suryavanshi. We are here to welcome you to our town," while presenting a bouquet.

Mohan showed his knowledge, remarking, "Of course, I know you, Mr. Krishna Rao. You are the Mayor of this town, and Suryavanshi, that means you are one of the brothers who recently returned from London. Small-town news spreads quickly. I guess your ancestors were also members of the founding family of this town."

Dhruvya acknowledged Mohan's thoroughness, saying, "You've done your homework; that's impressive."

Mohan explained, "I have to. It's my duty to keep an eye on the town, and for that, I should know everything." He then turned to Krishna Rao, adding, "Isn't that right, Mr. Krishna Rao?"

Krishna Rao agreed, "You are absolutely right. But I am not just here to welcome you; I also have a concern."

Curious, Mohan asked, "Yes, what is it? Please tell me."

Krishna Rao expressed his worry, saying, "I am concerned about our town. These murders seem like a curse upon us. People are afraid to walk freely on the streets. How can I assure them of their safety?"

Mohan reassured him, saying, "I understand. I just had a meeting about it. We will catch this serial killer soon."

Dhruvya interjected, "Whoever is behind these murders, I don't think they are just a random serial killer."

Perplexed, Mohan inquired, "What do you mean? And why did you say 'they'? Are you suggesting that there might be multiple people involved?"

Dhruvya clarified, "Yes, if you go by the pattern alone, you're not wrong. The bodies you found have a similar pattern, and most serial killers follow a pattern with their victims. I was one body and in this case, it seems like they are giving some kind of warning. They aren't just killing people; they are showcasing them in front of everyone, which means they are challenging us. This cannot be the work of just one person; it would require at least four or five individuals to execute."

Mohan regarded Dhruvya with a mixture of intrigue and suspicion. "Your knowledge of serial killers is quite extensive."

Dhruvya explained, "I know a lot about serial killers because I possess an in-depth understanding of psychology, which I acquired during my studies in London."

Mohan raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Understandable, Mr. Dhruvya. But this is India, a world apart from London. Here, motives and methods often defy logic. What you're imagining is different from reality. These are random killings by disturbed individuals who enjoy torturing and killing people. They have no message, agenda, or goal. They're just satisfying their twisted desires."

Dhruvya countered, "You're right, Mr. Mohan. India is different from London, but that doesn't mean there isn't a pattern or purpose behind these crimes. Serial killers are not random; they are driven by psychological factors that lead them to repeat their actions. In this case, I believe they are trying to send a message, not just to us but to the entire town."

Mohan grew suspicious and asked pointedly, "How do you know all this? Have you been communicating with them? Are you helping them? Please don’t tell me that you one of them?"

A chilling silence enveloped the room as Dhruvya wore a cryptic smile. "As I mentioned, I studied psychology. To catch killers like these, you have to think like them."

Although Mohan harboured suspicions about Dhruvya's knowledge, he couldn't accuse him without proof. Instead, he decided to work with him. He proposed, "Then prove it. Show me solid evidence that supports your claims. Demonstrate how you can analyse crime scenes, victims, clues, modus operandi, everything. Show me how you can profile the killers and predict their next moves. Work as a police consultant."

Krishna Rao eagerly supported this proposition, urging Dhruvya to accept the offer. Initially hesitant, Dhruvya realized that working directly on the case could provide him with the answers he sought. He accepted the offer, shaking hands with Mohan, and said, "I will be happy to work with you."

Mohan responded, "Looking forward to it."

…

Dr. Ashok Gupta, a 27-year-old surgeon with an MBBS degree and four years of experience, had been the junior doctor in their small town's only hospital for quite some time. He shared a close friendship with Abha, who also worked at the same hospital.

One day, Ashok was conducting an experiment in his laboratory with a peculiar Rakshasamaniik flower, which Abha had given him. He added some chemicals to the flower and chant some spell, causing it to emit a mesmerizing blue glow. Excitedly, he recorded his observations in his notebook. Ashok then decided to introduce another set of chemicals to the flower, but this time when he chant, a small puff of black smoke billowed out from it. The smoke rapidly spread, filling his entire lab.

Triumphantly, he exclaimed, "Yes, I did it! Let's see what you can do now." With a determined look, he reached for a nearby bottle, intending to capture the enigmatic black smoke within. However, just then, a knock on his lab door startled him.

"Ashok, are you in there?" called Abha from outside.

"Oh, darn it," Ashok muttered under his breath. "Yeah, coming," he replied aloud. Ashok quickly concealed his experimental mess, and he settled into a chair, pretending to read a patient's file.

"Hey there," Ashok greeted Abha with a hesitant smile.

"Hi! What are you working on?" Abha inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, nothing, just going through this patient's file," Ashok replied casually.

Abha couldn't help but notice the file upside down. "In the dark?" she remarked, a touch of scepticism in her voice.

Ashok chuckled nervously. "Okay, why all the questions?"

"Because, for the past few days, you've been acting strangely. You randomly bring up ghost stories and horror topics during conversations, and your focus on work has been lacking. I've had to cover for you on occasion, even taking over your shifts," Abha explained.

Ashok sighed, realizing he needed to offer an explanation. "I'm sorry, Abha. You know about my mother..."

"Shh, shh, shh," Abha interrupted, shaking her head. "Don't even go there. I've been hearing that excuse since our school days, and it won't work on me. Besides, I met your mom yesterday, and she told me the same thing, she is also worried about you. So, what's really going on with you?"

Ashok hesitated but decided to come clean, at least partially. "I'm sorry for keeping things from you, Abha, but I've been feeling off lately because of those murders."

Abha sympathized, saying, "Yes, those killings have been affecting all of us. Who could commit such gruesome acts? I don't know what curse has befallen our village."

Ashok tried to shift the conversation, asking, "So, why are you here? Do you need something?"

Abha remembered her purpose, saying, "Oh, I almost forgot. Today, there's a Shiv-puja at the temple at 6 p.m. in occasion of Maha Shivratri. I came to invite you; don't miss it."

"I'll be there," Ashok assured her.

"Great! I'll let Aditi know you're coming; that should guarantee her presence too," Abha teased him playfully.

Ashok blushed and said, "Okay, then. Goodbye."

Abha smiled warmly and bid him farewell. "Goodbye."

As Abha left, Ashok held up the bottle containing the mysterious black smoke and muttered, "Alright, it's time to test you now."

…

The brothers had generously invested funds in the development of town, and their inaugural project involved the construction of a new college. Rudra, driven by a strong sense of responsibility, embarked on an inspection visit to the construction site.

As he observed the ongoing construction, Rudra couldn't help but notice a critical issue with the alignment of the building's columns. He realized that if not corrected, this misalignment could result in an uneven plinth and compromise the entire structure's integrity. Swiftly, he instructed the workers to rectify the column alignment.

However, the contractor overseeing the project remained adamant, insisting that everything was in order. Rudra, determined to ensure precision, requested a measurement of the alignment. This gave rise to a heated argument between them.

"Sir, I assure you it's perfectly aligned," the contractor asserted.

Rudra, unwavering, countered, "No, the positions of these columns are different. They are not in a straight line, which could lead to the entire building tilting."

Rudra's position as the primary figure and builder of the project ultimately compelled the workers to comply with his request. To their astonishment, the measurement confirmed Rudra's concerns—the column positions were indeed slanted.

"See? Do you now understand what I was trying to convey?" Rudra queried.

The contractor, realizing his mistake, offered a sincere apology. "Sir, I deeply regret my earlier defiance. How could I have doubted you? I should have listened to you from the beginning."

Rudra, ever gracious, responded, "No need to apologize; mistakes happen."

The contractor continued to express his admiration. "Your keen observation skills are truly remarkable, and your knowledge in the field of construction is unparalleled. It's no surprise, considering your prestigious engineering degree. Am I correct, sir?"

Rudra merely nodded, a modest smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but marvel at the high regard bestowed upon engineers during the era of the 1950s to the 1980s when they were held in the highest esteem and regarded as highly intelligent individuals, often considered equivalent to Class One officers.

"Engineer?" Rudra mused, appreciating the newfound respect.

The contractor further praised Rudra, saying, "You possess exceptional knowledge in the construction field. It's evident that you have a Class One degree in engineering, and we are honoured to work under your guidance."

"Thank you," Rudra replied, his pride evident. In his heart, he acknowledged that he hadn't attended any school or earned a degree. Nevertheless, his extensive experience gained from countless construction projects over centuries had honed his expertise. The title of a Class One officer resonated with him, and he embraced it with pride.

…

In their living room, a heated argument unfolded between Abhimanyu and Dhruvya. Abhimanyu's anger was palpable as he scold Dhruvya for his apparent foolishness. The source of their disagreement was Dhruvya's decision to join the police force as a consultant, a choice that Abhimanyu found incredibly unwise. Rudra, entering the room at that moment, inquired about the commotion. Abhimanyu wasted no time in expressing his frustration, urging Rudra to ask Dhruvya about his recent actions.

"Well, I don't see why it's such a big deal," Dhruvya responded dismissively.

"What have you done now?" Rudra inquired, curious.

"I'm going to be working as a police consultant. I told them about my psychology background, and I guess they were impressed with my detective skills, like Batman, so they offered me the job, and I accepted," Dhruvya proudly explained.

Abhimanyu's anger intensified as he turned to Dhruvya and demanded an explanation for his actions. Dhruvya, displaying a hint of pride, explained that he had secured a position as a police consultant by impressing the officers with his psychology knowledge and detective skills, likening himself to Batman.

"What?" Rudra burst into laughter. "That's fantastic!"

"What's fantastic about it? Are you both drunk or something? Why on earth would you take a job like that? What if they discover our true identities? Am I the only one here who's concerned?" Abhimanyu's voice was laced with worry.

"Oh, please. How would they ever find out? And even if they did, we can erase their memories. There's no need to worry about that. Besides, I took the job so that we can have direct access to what's really happening with those murders," Dhruvya reasoned.

"Dhruv is right. What if someone asks about our backgrounds or professions? We should have plausible answers ready. That's why I've decided to be an engineer from now on, a Class One officer," Rudra declared proudly.

"What?" Abhimanyu exclaimed in surprise. "You didn't even go to school. You're not even that, what they call it nowadays, ya right matric pass."

Rudra waved his hand dismissively. "You wouldn't understand, brother. There's a lot you need to learn now." With that, he left the room.

Abhimanyu turned to Dhruvya and asked, "What's gotten into him?"

Dhruvya simply gestured that Rudra had gone a little crazy.

"I think we should get ready for the temple. The prayer service will begin soon, and we don't want to be late," Dhruvya suggested.

"Since when did you become interested in this kind of stuff?" Abhimanyu asked in surprise.

"Times change us, brother. Times change us," Dhruvya replied cryptically before walking away.

Confounded by the recent turn of events, Abhimanyu mumbled to himself, "What is happening to everyone? Is everyone going mad here?"

…

It was the evening of Maha Shivratri, and the Shiv temple was bustling with people. The temple was adorned with hundreds of diyas, casting a warm glow that symbolized the triumph of light over darkness. Everyone had donned new traditional attire, and the prayer ceremony commenced at an auspicious time. This prayer was divided into four prahar, and as per the Puja Vidhi of Maha Shivratri, the Shiv-ling was ritually anointed with various offerings. These offerings included milk for purity, yogurt for prosperity and progeny, honey for sweet speech, ghee for victory, sugar for happiness, and water for purity. As the prayer concluded, the air resonated with the collective chant of "Om Namah Shivaya."

Once the prayer had concluded, people mingled, fireworks lit up the sky, and sweets were distributed. In one section of the temple, a "pangat" had been organized—a gathering where individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds came together to share a communal meal. It emphasized equality, unity, and bridging gaps between people. In a pangat, participants sat in rows on the ground, partaking in the same meal without distinguishing between hosts and guests.

 

Amidst the festivities, Abha, Aditi, and Ashok were engaged in conversation when Abhimanyu suddenly interjected to speak with Abha.

"Miss Abha, hi! How are you?" he greeted.

Abha felt a bit awkward and shy in front of Aditi and Ashok. She struggled to respond, and Abhimanyu playfully waved his hand in front of her face, saying, "Hello, Miss Abha! Are you there?"

Aditi and Ashok couldn't help but laugh as they observed the amusing exchange. Abha regained her composure and mumbled, "Hey, you... hi."

"Abha, won't you introduce us to your new friend?" Aditi chimed in with sarcasm. "Hi, I'm Aditi, Abha's younger sister," she introduced herself. Then, gesturing to Ashok, she added, "And this is our friend, Ashok."

"Hi, I'm Abhimanyu. Nice to meet you both," he replied.

"Hey," Ashok responded, extending a handshake.

"I think I know you—you're that 'flower guy,'" Abhimanyu remarked.

"Flower... what?" Ashok asked, puzzled.

"Ha-ha-ha, he's just messing around," Abha interjected, trying to ease the situation. She took Abhimanyu aside to speak privately, saying, "Actually, I wanted to talk to you."

Meanwhile, Aditi and Ashok remained where they were, chuckling at the unexpected encounter and sharing amused glances.

"What were you doing?" Abha asked Abhimanyu with a hint of annoyance.

"What? I was just introducing myself," he replied innocently.

"By calling him the 'flower guy'? Seriously! I told you not to reveal anything," Abha scolded him.

"You did? Sorry, I didn't know. I'll be more careful next time," Abhimanyu apologized.

"Good," Abha responded, somewhat mollified.

Abhimanyu inquired, "So... what did you want to talk about?"

"What?"

Abhimanyu feigned innocence. "I don't know. You pulled me aside... you said you wanted to discuss something important." Abha made a poker face.

"Oh, that was... okay, I get it," Abhimanyu admitted with a smile, teasing her gently.

“Ya you are smart” Abha said in sarcastic tone

"Are you making fun of me?" Abhimanyu asked.

"What? No way. Why would I make fun of you?" Abha whispered playfully, "You're entertaining enough on your own."

Abhimanyu laughed and said, "You're quite the comedian, Miss Abha."

Abha shifted the conversation, inquiring, "So, Mr. Abhimanyu, what do you do besides scaling walls?"

"That, I learned from you," he quipped.

"Ha-ha, very funny. But seriously, what do you do? Do you have a job or something, or do you just roam around in your car?" Abha asked.

Abhimanyu pondered for a moment, considering that he should heed Dhruvya and Rudra's advice.

"Hello, where did you go?" Abha waved her hand in front of his face.

"Oh, what do I... b...bu... sii... ness," Abhimanyu stammered.

"What?" Abha looked puzzled.

"Business! Yes, I have a business, and I work in that business," he hastily replied.

"Oh, that's nice. What kind of business?" Abha inquired.

"A supplier business, in London. Actually, I just handle the work details via telephone," Abhimanyu explained.

"Ah, I see. So, I was right—you mostly drive around here since your business is in London. My suggestion is that you should start a business here too. You can contribute positively to our country. Otherwise, you might end up climbing every wall in town," Abha advised.

Abhimanyu, amused, responded sarcastically, "That climbing part does sound fun. Do you want to be my partner in that?"

Abha playfully rolled her eyes at him, and he flashed a smile

 

"Mr. Mohan, hi, meet my brother Rudhraksh," Dhruvya called out as Mohan walked past them.

"Hello, Mr. Rudhraksh. Nice to meet you," Mohan greeted with a warm smile.

"Dhruv was just telling me that he'll be working with you from now on," Rudra mentioned.

"Yes, Dhruvya here studied psychology in London, and he believes his skills can assist us in solving cases. So, I offered him a spot on my team," Mohan explained.

"Psychology," Rudra laughed, casting a playful glance at Dhruvya. "He's an expert in that."

"I am honoured, Mr. Mohan, that you found me worthy," Dhruvya responded with gratitude.

"So, Mr. Rudra, what do you do?" Mohan inquired.

"I am an engineer," Rudra replied with a sense of pride.

"Oh, that's cool," Mohan acknowledged.

"Yeah, I know," Rudra responded confidently.

Mohan waited for further elaboration but when Rudra didn't offer any, he asked, "But what you do?"

"I already told you," Rudra replied.

"I understand you have an engineering degree, but what type of engineering work do you do?" Mohan clarified.

"Oh, I... I'm involved in construction," Rudra replied, hesitating slightly.

"A civil engineer, that's interesting," Mohan commented with a smile.

"Ya Civil Engineer that what i am”

So, Mr. Mohan, where are you from?" Dhruvya interjected.

"I'm from Bombay, but I got transferred to this town," Mohan answered.

"Why? Were you not doing your job honestly?" Dhruvya taunt.

"Dhruv," Rudra mumbled, lightly punching Dhruvya.

"Actually, Mr. Dhruvya, I was doing my job too honestly, and that's precisely why I got transferred. Some politicians treat us like their personal servants. They want to control us, and if we don't comply, they push us around," Mohan explained.

"Don't worry, Mr. Mohan, here you can do your job honestly; no one is going to control you," Rudra reassured him.

"I certainly will. Why have you guys come here? Are you here because we've thrown the British out of our country, and they're seeking revenge or something?" Mohan asked, humour in his tone.

They all shared a hearty laugh, and Rudra replied, "Actually, it was our grandfather's final wish. He wanted us to come here, and I won't lie; we love this place more than London."

"Sure, you do," Mohan smiled.

Suddenly, a lady named Gita approached Mohan and said, "Mohan, I think we should go now." She was Mohan's wife, and they had been married for four years.

"Yes, sure. Guys, meet my wife, Gita," Mohan introduced.

"Hello," both Rudra and Dhruvya greeted her. Observing that she appeared tired and restless, Rudra inquired, "Is everything okay? You seem quite tired."

Mohan and Gita exchanged smiles and then revealed, "Actually, she's pregnant."

"Oh, congratulations!" both brothers chimed in, their faces lighting up with smiles.

"Thank you," Gita replied with genuine warmth.

"Okay, guys, we'll see you soon," Mohan said as he sought permission to leave.

"Absolutely, take care," the brothers bid farewell.

"Thank you," Gita added with a smile before they departed.

 

Aditi noticed a change in Ashok's behaviour over the past few weeks. He had been distancing himself, taking numerous leaves from work, and avoiding social gatherings. Concerned, she decided to ask him about it.

"What's been going on with you lately?" Aditi inquired.

Ashok replied, "What do you mean?"

"I don't know, you tell me," Aditi pressed further. "Abha mentioned that you've been taking a lot of time off from work, and we hardly see you anymore."

Ashok diverted the conversation, teasingly asking, "Why, do you miss me?"

Aditi responded with a hint of annoyance, "What? Don't change the topic, and why would I miss you?"

“I don’t know you tell me”

Aditi hesitantly ask “Do … you … have someone … in life”

Ashok continued to keep his secrets hidden from everyone, not yet ready to share with his friends. He simply smiled and replied, "No, there's no one in my life."

Ashok and Aditi had been friends since childhood, playing together and coming from close-knit families. They shared a fondness for each other, although they had never directly confronted their feelings. Ashok added, "Why did you ask that?"

Aditi, concerned about Ashok, shared, "I've seen in movies that heroes have troubles in their lives and they hide them from the heroine while acting happy in front of her."

Ashok chuckled, saying, "So, does that mean I'm the hero, and you're..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Aditi interjected angrily, "I didn't say that; I was just giving you an example."

Ashok laughed and mumbled, "But the example was good. I liked it." He continued, "And as for my life, nothing is going on. I'm happy, not pretending anything, so you don't have to worry about me."

Aditi retorted, "Why would I worry about you? I'm not your wife or something to be concerned about you."

As their light hearted conversation continued, Radha Bai called out to Aditi, prompting her to say goodbye. She started to walk away but turned back with a smile.

"The only person in my life is you," Ashok thought as he watched her leave. "I can't tell you what's happening in my life right now; it might be dangerous for you. But I promise, I'll tell you soon."

…

Kittu Graha, was a hotel and rest place for tourists in the town. It was a two-storey building with 20 separate rooms where visitors could stay. However, behind the hotel, there was a door that led to the basement, which was off-limits to everyone. As one descended the stairs, the visibility grew progressively darker until reaching an abandoned temple inside a cave buried beneath the ground. The hotel, Kittu Graha, had been constructed above it, with two underground floors. The first floor was just a plain chamber for standing, while in the middle of it, there was a large hole through which the entire two floors could be seen, with a massive Shiv-ling in the centre.

After closing the hotel, the receptionist from Kittu Graha went down to offer prayers. The darkness was pervasive, making it difficult to discern anyone clearly. All the lights were off, and the only source of illumination was the fire in the Havan Kund where the prayer was being conducted. In front of the Kund sat a hooded figure, the same person responsible for the recent killings, engrossed in prayer.

This hooded individual was Daksh, characterized by his dark hair and expressive, intense eyes, often accentuated by well-groomed eyebrows. His facial features were sharp, with a strong jawline and a well-proportioned nose.

As Daksh performed the abhishek in the sacred fire, he experienced flashes from his past.

 

It was the year 1924, on the night of Maha Shivratri, when a young Daksh, was conducting the Shiv puja with his father. Daksh had lost his mother at the tender age of three and lived with his father in a small house.

"Papa, why do we celebrate Maha Shivratri?" the young Daksh asked his father after the prayer.

Daksh's father smiled and replied, "Maha Shivratri is a special occasion when we celebrate the wedding of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It's like a grand celebration for them! People offer unique prayers and adorn statues of Shiva. Do you remember Lord Shiv's stories? They always remind us that goodness always conquer darkness, just like our Bholenath does."

"So, whenever we need him, will he come to help us?"

"Of course he will. If you are on the side of goodness, he will always be there for you. Just call out to him with all your heart."

Young Daksh didn't say more. He simply gazed at the Shiv ling and smiled with hope.

 

Daksh's prayer was complete, and he joined his hands in reverence before the Shiv ling. As he stood up, the hotel receptionist approached him, her voice trembling with fear as she said, "Sir, we have identified our next target." Daksh nodded and turned to address a hooded figure standing in the darkness, instructing, "You know what to do next."

…

The following morning at the hospital, Abha was taken aback when she entered her office and found Abhimanyu sitting there.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Abha exclaimed. "Are you stalking me?"

"No, I'm not stalking you," Abhimanyu replied calmly. "I'm here to see patients."

Abha sighed, cooled down, and took a seat. She chuckled and said, "Oh, I thought you were following me to my cabin. So, which patient would you like to meet?"

Abhimanyu responded, "I don't know, you tell me."

Confused, Abha asked, "What's that supposed to mean? You're here to meet someone, right?" But she was shocked when Abhimanyu informed her that he was her new assistant, implying that it was her responsibility to instruct him.

"Are you joking?" Abha was taken aback and asked who had informed him that he was her assistant, her tone laced with anger.

"Didn’t you know about this? I thought Dr. Batra had informed you. He appointed me as your assistant starting today," Abhimanyu explained.

"No way, that's impossible!" Abha exclaimed, rushing towards Dr. Batra's office, with Abhimanyu following closely. She angrily inquired, "Did you really appoint him as nurse?"

“No not nurse, i am your assistant” Abhimanyu interrupt between

“Shut up i already have an assistant i don’t need new one”

Dr. Batra, a senior doctor at the hospital, was known for his friendly and humorous nature. However, he was also an experienced and skilled doctor who managed the hospital in the town. Abha and Ashok worked under his supervision.

Dr. Batra explained, "Actually, Vandana, your previous assistant quit her job today."

"What? Why?" Abha inquired.

"I'm not sure. You should ask her. She just mentioned having family problems and needing a break from work. That's why I appointed Abhimanyu as her replacement," Dr. Batra clarified.

Abha retorted in a rude tone, "Does he even qualify for this job?"

Dr. Batra responded, "But neither was Vandana, you trained her. You can teach him just like you taught her."

"Well, I don't want him as my assistant," Abha stated firmly.

Abhimanyu questioned, "Why? What did I do to you?"

"Seriously? You're asking me that question? Yesterday, you told me you had a business, and now you want to take on this assistant job," Abha replied

"Yes, I have, but in London. I think everyone should work wherever they are," Abhimanyu explained.

Dr. Batra nodded, agreeing with Abhimanyu's perspective. "See what a good man he is. Even though he has everything, he's willing to work as an assistant."

Abha, however, had reservations. "But this job is not like your business, which runs on profit or loss. Here, we're talking about human lives. What do you even know about this field?"

Abhimanyu may not have been a doctor by formal qualification, but he was highly qualified to perform any surgeries. He had been practicing medicine and surgery for thousands of years. Abhimanyu's interest had always been in the medical field, and he had learned from Sushrut himself—Abhimanyu was one of Sushrut's students.

Sushrut, an ancient Indian physician, was often referred to as the "Father of Surgery" due to his significant contributions to the field of medicine, especially in surgical techniques and procedures.

When Abha questioned his qualifications for the job, Abhimanyu smiled and said confidently, "Ask me anything."

Abha was surprised by his response, but she couldn't take any risks when it came to human lives. "Okay, then tell me the symptoms of Tuberculosis."

Abhimanyu smiled and replied, "Tuberculosis symptoms can include a persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, chest pain, and coughing up blood. It's treated with a combination of antibiotics over a specific duration, often 6 to 9 months, depending on the type and severity of the infection. It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure an effective cure and prevent drug-resistant strains from developing."

Abha was shocked by his accurate response. Excitedly, Dr. Batra exclaimed, "That is correct! How do you know all this?"

Abhimanyu continued, "I'm in the drug supply business. As I mentioned to Miss Abha yesterday, if you want to do business in the medical field, you should have knowledge of the field. So, I studied it. I believe that makes me completely qualified for this job, right, Dr. Batra? After all, you are the head and senior doctor of this hospital, which means you have the power to decide who works here and who doesn't."

"You are absolutely right, and you will work here, young man. That's my final decision," Dr. Batra affirmed.

Abha attempted to voice her objections, but Dr. Batra cut her off, saying, "No 'buts.' I've made my decision, and he will work as your assistant."

Abha looked at Abhimanyu with anger, and in response, he winked at her. Dr. Batra instructed them to leave as he needed to get back to work.

 

They both stepped outside, and Abha confronted Abhimanyu. "What did you do to him? Did you bribe him or something?" she asked suspiciously.

Abhimanyu chuckled. "You're funny, Miss Abha. Why would I do that?"

Abha retorted, "I don't know. You definitely didn't want this job for the money. The only reason you chose this job is to be with m..."

"To be with what? Tell me, Miss Abha, why do you think I took this job?" Abhimanyu teased.

"Never mind. You wanted to be my assistant, right? So be it. I think you should get to work now. And remember, you're going to regret taking this job," Abha warned.

As they were about to continue their conversation, they noticed Dhruvya and Mohan approaching them.

"Good morning, Dr. Abha," Mohan greeted.

Abhimanyu asked Dhruvya, "What are you doing here?"

"We're here to meet Dr. Ashok. He's the forensic doctor for those bodies. But why are you here?" Dhruvya inquired.

"Oh, I'm Miss Abha's new assistant," Abhimanyu announced with a broad smile.

"What? Since when and how?" Dhruvya questioned.

"I asked Dr. Batra if I could work here, and he gave me the job," Abhimanyu replied.

"What?" Mohan asked suspiciously. "You just asked, and he gave you the job? What kind of doctor is he?"

"Oh no you got it wrong of first I showed him my qualifications. I was qualified for this job, so he hired me," Abhimanyu explained.

"Yes, my brother is the one of the greatest surgeons of centuries," Dhruvya remarked.

Both Abha and Mohan were stunned by this revelation. Abhimanyu quickly corrected his statement, saying, "he mean, I studied from the greatest surgeon."

"Right, my mistake," Dhruvya admitted. He leaned closer to Abhimanyu and whispered, "But how did you convince Dr. Batra? Did you hypnotize him?" Abhimanyu smiled and nodded, and Dhruvya smiled back.

"What are you guys whispering about?" Abha asked.

Both of them replied simultaneously, "Nothing," with big, broad smiles.

"I think we should go. Dr. Ashok must be waiting for us," Mohan suggested.

Abha agreed, saying, "I'll come with you."

"Sure, no problem," Mohan replied.

 

Abha, Mohan, Abhimanyu, and Dhruvya gathered in Ashok's lab. Ashok was briefing them about his findings from the tests. On two tables lay two bodies. Ashok revealed that one person was responsible for all the killings conforming they all are connected. The modus operandi was the same: a symbol carved on the bodies, followed by a chest cut, heart removal, stitching, and meticulous wound cleaning. Some injuries were inconclusive; one man had a deep head wound, while a woman bore rope marks on her hands and legs, indicating she had been tied up. This resembled a body found a month ago, suggesting that the victim had been hit in one place, then killed in another, and their body hung on a tree.

 

"Do all these victims have their hearts missing?" Mohan inquired. Ashok nodded "Yes."

"Why would someone do such a thing?" Abha wondered aloud.

Mohan responded, "That's what we need to find out. Is this serial killer seems to choose victims deliberately or just randomly."

Ashok added, "I've reviewed their files, and there's nothing in common. They have no shared school, age, or profession. According to their families, they didn't even know each other so ya they are been just pick randomly."

Abhimanyu scrutinized the bodies and noted, "Their nails are meticulously trimmed, both hands and feet."

"You're right; something about this killer is peculiar. Before he kills his victims, he washes their entire bodies. Their nails are neatly trimmed, as if he's preparing them for something," Ashok responded.

"Sacrificing," Dhruvya whispered.

"What?" Mohan asked.

"He's sacrificing them," Dhruvya clarified.

"What do you mean sacrificing?" Mohan inquired.

Ashok started "Yes, Mr. Dhruvya's guess might be correct. I'm not entirely sure, but there is one common factor. The victims' zodiac signs first victim had the Mesh (Aries) sign, the second had Vrishabh (Taurus), and the third Mithun (Gemini). The fourth victim the killer chooses might be..."

Both brothers exclaimed "Kark (Cancer)"

"Exactly. Furthermore, I believe the killer isn't acting alone. This can't be the work of just one person; there might be two, three, or even a whole group. I don't know how many," Ashok continued.

Mohan acknowledged, "Your theory seems plausible, Mr Dhruvya. It appears we're not dealing with one killer; there may be an entire group."

Abha expressed her shock, "But how is this possible? A group of killers could be among us, and we don't even know it. Who are they, and where are they hiding? And why in this town? Why not a big city?"

"It's because of the gate," Ashok explained.

Abhimanyu and Dhruvya exchanged suspicious glances. Dhruvya asked Ashok, "Do you know about the gate?"

"What gate? And how do you both know about it?" Mohan inquired.

"I've heard stories, or you could say I've read tales about our town. There's a gate that can connect multiple dimensions like Swarg-lok or Nark-lok," Ashok replied. "So, there might be possibility, this group or cult might be killing people in the name of God or the Devil."

Mohan dismissed the idea, saying, "What nonsense. Now you want us to believe bedtime stories? These killers are probably just doing it for fun or have mental health issues."

Dhruv countered, "Dr. Ashok might be right. Even if we consider them mentally ill, these killers might believe in their cause, trying to open the gate through some ritual and sacrifices."

"Yes, it may sound superstitious, but I've read about heart oblation rituals in which sacrifices are made, and the heart serves as an offering," Ashok added.

Mohan argued, "I don't believe in this superstitious nonsense."

"But the killers do" Dhruvya responded "Dr. Ashok, can you tell me the exact dates of these murders?"

"Sure. The first one was killed on January 13th, the second on February 8th, and the third on February 17th," Ashok replied.

"13, 8, 17...," Abhimanyu pondered, then said, "YES, these dates are connected."

"What? How are they connected?" Mohan inquired.

Abhimanyu explained, "These dates fall on 'Asur muhurat,' or you could say they are considered unlucky dates."

"Yes, you're right. How could I miss that? They definitely believe they can open a gate because these dates were calculated by Asuras to open the gates of Swarg to attack the Devas. As I mentioned before, these gates function as portals and can be opened in any dimension with the right ritual. So, if we want to catch them, we need to find the gate," Ashok concluded. "But these gates aren't your typical pink wooden gates; they might be metaphorical, like designs on stones or the ground, or something else entirely.

"So, we're dealing with a group of psychotic lunatic who think they can open a gate to heaven or hell through some ritual. We have no idea who they are, or might be. And we also need to locate the gate, which could be anywhere in this town, serving as their hiding place," Mohan exclaimed in frustration. "And according to you, the next victim might be a Kark (Cancer)."

Both brothers exchanged worried glances.

…

Rudra was driving his car on his way back home, singing along to an old song from the 1950s. Brother’s house was situated a little outside the town, and there was a small stretch of jungle along the way. As he drove, out of nowhere, a deer suddenly darted in front of his car. He swerved to avoid hitting the deer, causing the tires to skid. He heard a thud and decided to stop the car at the side of the road. He stepped out of the car, initially thinking he had hit something. However, to his surprise, there was nothing on the road, and the deer had vanished. He turned back towards his car when he suddenly felt the presence of someone nearby.

He shouted, "Who's there?" but received no response. Suspicion crept in, as he thought someone might be following him. He tried to shake off the feeling, attempting to open the car door. Suddenly, he was struck hard from behind and fell to the ground, exclaiming, "What the hell?"

Rudra quickly got to his feet, facing a mysterious figure in a hooded cloak. The person's intense gaze hinted at a sinister purpose, one that posed a threat to Rudra.

Unfazed by the danger, Rudra stood his ground and asked firmly, "Who are you?" The hooded person remained silent, concealing their face. They moved swiftly, attempting to attack Rudra, who narrowly evaded the blow.

Their battle had begun, with each combatant using their skills. They exchanged moves, each one calculated and precise. Rudra felt the tension rise as he defended against the person's attacks and countered with his own. The atmosphere was charged with challenge. As the fight continued, Rudra's frustration grew, and he demanded, "Tell me who you are and what you want!" However, the hooded figure's motives remained shrouded.

The intensity of their struggle of defense and offense. Rudra remained focused, every move carrying weight. Neither gained the upper hand in the battle. Rudra's determination began to make a difference, as the hooded person's confidence wavered slightly, evident beneath the hood.

As the fight pressed on, the hooded figure's hood slipped, revealing person’s face. Rudra's eyes widened in surprise as he gazed upon her. He wanted to call out her name, but the words caught in his throat. The woman he had loved stood before him, but there was an unfamiliar aura. Her face bore a striking resemblance to the woman he once loved, Nitya.

She concealed her face once more, and Rudra's voice trembled as he said, "Nitya." However, that name meant nothing to her. Uncertain, she grappled with how to respond, as she did not recognize him, and he had called her by a name she did not know. She made it clear that she was not Nitya. Realizing the futility of her capture plan and aware of Rudra's strength, she decided to retreat. She attempted to escape, but Rudra prevented her from getting away. In a quick move, she threw something at his eyes, and by the time he could open them again, she had vanished.

In the ensuing silence, he called her name loudly, "Nitya."

 

…… ॐ ……