Murder At Khatri's | Kindle Unlimited Novella | Sample Chapter

 

Chapter 1 - Love Is In The Air

The morning light emerged from the skyline. Anica was ready to pay her respects to the rising Sun. Her head was slightly bowed down, and her palms joined. She calmly drew her breath in as she raised her arms. A few more poses followed, and meticulously, she finished her one round of Surya Namaskar.

Twenty more to go, she thought.

She allowed herself to rest for a few seconds and then nimbly resumed her task on the Yoga mat. She believed her morning Yoga routine recharged her for the day, and she barely missed it. She lay down on her back. Her legs and arms were slightly stretched apart, and her eyes were closed. Her mind was about to surrender to the peace the aasana had to offer when she heard something atrocious.

Vihaan was already out of bed, and loud music was playing in the bedroom. Anica stormed inside the room to turn off the music system, but Vihaan embraced her and started dancing. He twirled Anica around, thus preventing her from reaching the music system. Vihaan knew Anica was not a music fan, let alone the loud music. Dancing, he held Anica tightly while she kept her hands on her ears. A thought occurred to Vihaan, and his dance moves stopped abruptly. Vihaan dropped Anica onto the floor and rushed out of the room, yelling, ‘Sorry, Anica! I must save milk.’ Anica rubbed her lower back and stood up. She smiled as Vihaan’s funny dance moves flashed before her eyes, and then she turned off the music.

His name was carved on Anica’s heart with indelible ink. She loved everything about him. Her life was all about Vihaan. The most endearing quality of Vihaan was that he was everything her father was not - caring, considerate, and compassionate. She wished her mother was as lucky as she was in love matters.

‘Breakfast is served, my love,’ announced Vihaan when Anica joined him at the dining table after a quick shower.

He had cooked a delicious breakfast of egg sandwiches and coffee.

‘Delicious!’ she said, relishing a bite. She could not resist her smile, imagining her father’s repulsive face when he would see men like Vihaan exist. Some men, like Vihaan, treat women as equals, not enslave them. Some men, like Vihaan, share the responsibility of doing household chores. For them, marriage is not the battle of the sexes but the paradise of companionship. She gave a proud look at Vihaan.

‘Handsome, rich, and a good cook. I am the whole package. Do you agree?’ Vihaan mischievously ran a finger on Anica’s cheek.

‘What’s for tiffin?’ Anica said, ignoring his attempt to get intimate.

‘Check it on your own,’ said Vihaan, frowning. He got up from his chair and went to their bedroom.

Anica grinned and bellowed after him, ‘Do not take an hour for the shower. We will get late for office.’

She received a reply in the form of a bang at the bathroom door. Anica and Vihaan never missed an opportunity to tease each other. Anica cleared the dining table and started packing their lunch boxes. Vihaan had cooked pulav for lunch. Pulav is a wholesome meal prepared from rice and vegetables.

Three years ago, Vihaan and Anica first met as co-workers. Soon, their interactions blossomed into an office romance, from office romance into meaningful fondness and mutual respect. The last two years have been heavenly for Anica and Vihaan when they decided to move in together. Anica and Vihaan were not keen on getting married and wanted to concentrate on their careers. But they also wanted to give each other time. So, a live-in arrangement was the best solution. They were loving each moment of it.

Anica was engrossed in her thoughts. Blissfully unaware of the presence of the malicious figure that was tip-toeing towards her. The figure grabbed her by the throat from behind. As a reflex response, struggling, Anica’s hand reached for the figure’s hands. But she did not fight back, assuming it was Vihaan’s harmless prank. Suddenly, the grip tightened, and she struggled to let herself loose, tumbling a few utensils on the kitchen’s platform.

‘Are you okay, Anica?’ Vihaan shouted from the bedroom.

Vihaan’s distant voice sent a shiver through her body. She realised this was no prank. She tried to free herself and look at the figure. As she struggled, a few more utensils dropped.

‘Listen to me, Anica,’ the figure hissed inside Anica’s ear. Their warm breath made Anica flinch.

Alarmed, Vihaan rushed to the kitchen and saw the unexpected. A figure in a black outfit and face mask was strangling Anica to death. The figure threw Anica on Vihaan and rushed out of the house.

Anica held Vihaan tightly, and her whole body was trembling with fear. Vihaan wanted to chase the figure, but Anica’s condition restrained him from doing so. After a while, he gave Anica a glass of water. Anica gathered herself before talking about the terrifying experience.

‘I thought it was you! Your prank!’ cried Anica.

‘But how did the attacker get in,’ said Vihaan, staring at the open door.

‘Oh, I think I left it open when I collected the newspaper,’ Anica sheepishly admitted her mistake.

Carelessly living in her dream world was something about Anica that Vihaan never appreciated. But he did not want Anica to feel miserable and did not pursue the topic.

‘Must be a thief. I will complain to the society of the building. Anyway, forget about all this. Let us go to the office,’ he rose from the sofa and gave his hand to Anica.

Lost in her thoughts, Anica cried, ‘He knew my name.’

‘Because I took your name, remember?’ Vihaan tried to calm her down.

Anica furiously rubbed her temple and yelled, ‘He tried to kill me, Vihaan.’

Vihaan knew Anica was not the kind of exaggerator. He glanced anxiously around the disarranged kitchen and said, ‘Let us go to the police station. We should not take any chance.’

They stopped at the police station en route to their office. Soon, the couple forgot about their eventful morning, and office work occupied their minds. It was probably the generosity of Mumbai’s busy city life—no time to ponder.

Office hours were over, and now it was dinner time. Usually, the couple would bring Chinese food from a nearby food joint or dine at one of the local restaurants. Tonight, they bought a Chinese takeaway.

‘Though we have sorted our breakfast and lunch. Thanks to you. Let us hire a cook for dinner,’ said Anica as they entered the lift, and she pushed a particular button.

‘I guess you are right,’ agreed Vihaan; raising the takeaway food parcel in his hand, he continued, ‘This food is unhealthy, and we are not getting any younger.’

They stepped out of the lift, and an excited voice greeted Vihaan, ‘Hey, Vihaan!’

Vihaan was surprised to see his neighbour, Mr Rao.

‘Hello, Rao Uncle. Back home from the USA!’ Vihaan hugged him.

‘Yeah! Almost after three years,’ he replied.

Vihaan introduced Rao and Anica to each other and invited Rao over to dinner. Rao, who had no other plans, accepted the invitation. They reached Vihaan’s apartment.

‘How is your work going?’ asked Rao.

‘Going on. It is the same odd Sales stuff. Pitch and close the deal and then move to the next client,’ Vihaan said dryly.

 ‘And earn a fat commission,’ Rao grinned.

 With that, they clinked their rum glasses.

‘Actually, I am in India to sell my house,’ Rao shared grimly, ‘my children want me to relocate to the US permanently.’

‘Oh! I feel... I mean... you do not sound happy!’ Vihaan placed his hand on Rao’s shoulder.

‘I have Mixed feelings. I love my life in the US, but this is the house my children grew up in,’ he paused momentarily and continued. You know it is okay. I am happy since my children and wife are happy,’ Rao replied.

Vihaan shook his head. ' I wish I could buy your house. But I am already paying EMIs for this one. I am not ready financially.’

Anica entered with a set of crockery in her hand, and the conversation drifted to comparisons between the US and India—about life, weather, and culture.

***********

Vihaan’s excitement to check out Mr Rao’s house the following morning amused Anica.

‘Come on; it is just the house next door. How different can it be?’ Anica rolled her eyes.

‘Then wait to be amazed. It has…,’ Vihaan stopped midway and said, ‘No, it would be better to see it on your own. So, no spoilers.’

He rang the doorbell, and Rao took them in. The house was modestly done, but nature’s blessing made it look grand. With ample sunlight, the living room offered a sea view. Vihaan held Anica’s hand, and they walked closer to the balcony. Breezy air and breathtaking view. Anica now understood Vihaan’s excitement.

They spoke with Rao briefly and then headed to the office in their car.

‘So, what’s your verdict about the house next door,’ Vihaan knew Anica’s reply but wanted to hear from her. Vihaan was at the wheel.

‘It’s awesome,’ Anica grinned. Then she asked, ‘Why doesn’t our house have a sea view?’

‘Because our house faces opposite Rao's uncle’s house,’ he replied. Anica noticed Vihaan’s twisted face; it seemed like he was doing a mental calculation.

She placed her hand on Vihaan’s shoulder, ‘It will be too much of a financial burden for you. Just forget it.’

Vihaan knew Anica was right. His car halted at its intended destination, unlike his dream.

Soon, the day’s work made him forget about his conversation with Rao.

***********

The weekend was here. Anica and Vihaan were in Lonavala, a picturesque hill station, to attend a wedding ceremony.

‘It is your friend’s wedding. I do not want to come,’ Vihaan decided to stay in the hotel room and skip the reception ceremony.

‘That is good! Do not come!’ Anica said, adjusting the dupatta of her lehenga.

Her phone rang, and a big smile flashed across her face, ‘Hey, Mansi! Where are you?’ a pause ensued, and then she said, ‘Okay, see you in five minutes.’ She disconnected the call and picked up her purse.

‘Mansi is here. Who needs Vihaan now?’ Vihaan complained.

Anica kissed him on the cheeks, said, ‘You are right,’ and hastily left the room.

Dancing, eating, clicking pictures, and catching up with old friends were the order of the occasion, but not necessarily in that order.

Exhausted, Anica and Mansi sat in one corner.

‘So, when are you getting married?’ Mansi wanted to know.

‘We are happy the way we are,’ Anica sipped her drink.

‘But one day, you have to get married, so why delay it,’ Mansi argued.

‘Forget all this. I must share something. I am planning to buy a house,’ Anica beamed.

‘That is great news. I am proud of you,’ Mansi patted Anica’s shoulder.

‘Kind of unplanned thing. Our neighbour is selling his flat. Vihaan loves that house and wants to buy it. But he has already taken a home loan for the house we currently live in,’ said Anica.

Mansi interrupted her, ‘Let me guess. He figured simultaneously paying off two EMIs is not wise. So, you are buying it.’

‘Yes,’ Anica looked at her friend with admiration and added, ‘but it is a surprise for Vihaan. So, you must help me with the paperwork.’

‘Always at your service, madam,’ she bowed.

‘Thank you so much,’ she said, and then, with a dream in her eyes, she continued, ‘It will make a big house for us.’

‘You are a mad girl, Anica! You are planning a future with him, yet you say marriage is not on the cards,’ Mansi chuckled. A group of friends asked girls to join them for a selfie.

While Mansi ran to them, Anica stayed back, reflecting on Mansi’s words about marriage. Then, a glimpse set her heart racing.

 Is that Vihaan?

Her gaze followed the glimpse through swirling guests. Moments later, the glimpse became more explicit, and Anica spotted him approaching her. He smiled at her, turning her cheeks pink.

‘I am not here for you. I am here for food,’ Vihaan giggled.

 Elated by Vihaan’s presence, she held his hand and called Mansi.

 ‘I thought you weren’t coming,’ said Mansi, who already knew Vihaan was happy to see him.

 Girls introduced him to their other friends.

The night became even more memorable for Anica. For Anica, spending quality time with Vihaan was never enough. However, the thought of marriage did not elude her, and her mind kept racing back to Mansi’s words.

*********** 

The following morning, Vihaan and Anica lazily spent their time in bed, cuddling each other and making love until their check-out time. Before hitting the road, lovers ate heartily at the hotel’s restaurant. It was a long four—to five-hour drive to their residence.

 The evening sun was fully spreading its orangish charm, making Vihaan crave tea and fritter. Anica scanned the road through the window, passionately performing the task at her hand.

‘Did you spot Tandori Chai's stall, madam?’ he asked in a tone that almost doubted her sincerity.

‘No, sir!’ she said and rolled her eyes.

 Vihaan stared at her and said, ‘Why are you not using Google Maps, my love.’

Ignoring his question, she pressed the button to roll down the window and asked a passer-by, ‘Sir, where can we get Tandori Chai?’

He scratched his head briefly, making Anica regret her decision. Vihaan, too, was waiting with bated breath.

The passer-by grinned and said, ‘There is one stall only two kilometres from here.’

Vihaan started the car, and Anica waved thank you to the man.

Vihaan kissed Anica’s cheeks when they reached the stall, ‘Good job, my princess.’

Anica pushed him away. Vihaan caught his ears and mouthed sorry. She laughed, and they headed to the stall.

The atmosphere of the stall was aromatic, and the method of preparation was highly inviting. 

The cook first removed a small earthen pot kept over burnt charcoal inside a clay oven called a tandoor. Then he poured hot tea into the smoky earthen pot and served the blend to the customers.

Vihaan enjoyed every sip of the smoky-flavoured drink while the black coffee contented Anica.

The small break refreshed the couple, and they proceeded toward their car.

‘Oh, I think I left my purse on the table,’ she said, returning to the stall. A fast-moving truck was about to strike Anica when Vihaan sprang up. He pushed Anica off the truck’s track, rolling; she landed several feet away, colliding her head with a large stone.

Vihaan rushed to her, and the crowd assembled around them. Vihaan took her in his arms and proceeded to the hospital.

Heavy internal bleeding deteriorated Anica’s condition, and the doctors kept her under observation. Vihaan had no choice but to pace up and down the hospital corridor. Finally, after two days, the doctor announced that Anica’s condition was improving, and he was allowed to see her.

The separation of two days seemed to Vihaan like two lifetimes, and he kept his hand on Anica’s hand, and tears departed his eyes. Salty drops tickled Anica’s hand, and she slowly opened her eyes. She gave him a slight smile, and he smiled back.

***********

After a week, Vihaan and Anica arrived in Mumbai. Anica was instructed to rest for a month, so she was away from office-related action. While Vihaan visited the office for a few hours in the morning, he resumed working from home later.

Their bosses, colleagues, and friendly neighbours visited their home to wish Anica a speedy recovery. Mansi, too, had come to meet Anica and was relieved to learn about Anica’s favourable recovery. Vihaan left for the office, leaving the two friends chatting.

‘Unbelievable. You are still thinking about the house! Focus on your recovery,’ suggested Mansi as she leisurely sat on the bed.

‘I must buy it. For Vihaan, for us,’ she blushed, ‘for marriage.’

 ‘Really! Congratulations,’ Mansi hugged her friend.

Anica requested that Mansi quickly go to the local market and buy some things for her. Mansi was more than happy to help Anica.

Hours later, when Vihaan returned, he was surprised to see Anica in a green sequin cocktail dress.

She looked gorgeous as the bodycon dress hugged her perfect figure. Her face dazzled just like glitter on her dress. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, and her heavily kohled eyes gave her the aura of a temptress.

Vihaan was mesmerised by the sight, and he slowly walked to her.

Anica went down on one knee and blushed, holding a ring; she asked, ‘Will you marry me, Vihaan Upreti?’

Vihaan stared at her in disbelief and curled his lip, ‘Is this some kind of a joke.’

‘No, Vihaan!’ Anica stood up, kept the ring on the table, and placed her head on his chest, ‘I can never joke with you about us.’

He grabbed her by her arms and yelled, ‘Then what is this? We decided marriage is not our thing. We decided our career and companionship will define us,’ he paused and then added, ‘Remember.’

Anica was now in tears and said, ‘But that was three years ago. Things change, people change.’

‘But I will not change, Anica! My answer is NO,’ he looked into her eyes, stating the finality of his decision.

 Anica sobbed, breathing heavily, as she untied her hair and threw the pins on the floor.

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