“Yes. Let’s just all forget about the crazy morning talks.” Rashi and Johnny patiently waited 300 seconds before finally Jasbir came to them with the news he had gathered from the policeman.
“Looks like our job is done. Patil is dead!”
Both Rashi and Johnny were shocked to hear that. “What?”
“Yes. He died of brain damage. So would Dr. Sabharwal say.” Jasbir snickered.
Both Rashi and Johnny suddenly started feeling that something was wrong with Jasbir. “I thought he was stable.” Johnny whispered to Rashi.
“Me too. Just let’s get out of here first.”
“Uncle, I have to go home now...” Johnny started.
“Yes. I too have to go. My kid must be missing me.” Rashi joined in.
“What’s the hurry? Wait till the detective investigates you both.” Jasbir motioned at Balbir who already had eyes only on the trio.
Scared to death, both Johnny and Rashi exchanged glances. “Uncle, why investigate us? We didn’t do anything.” Johnny cried.
“I have given my statement. I told him there were two more people who wanted to kill Patil so badly.”
“What the hell? You dragged us into this!” Rashi lost her cool. “I am going away.” She started moving away.
She hadn’t even taken a few steps ahead when she saw the tall detective approach her. “Excuse me, Ma’am. I need to ask you some questions.” He then looked behind her and saw the young Johnny trembling uncontrollably. “And to you also young man.”
“What has this crazy man told you?” Johnny asked.
“Nothing that many should know.” Balbir snapped.
“Then what’s this inquiry all about?” Rashi asked.
Balbir sighed. “Just take a seat.”
Both Johnny and Rashi took a seat on a bench which was straight opposite to Balbir and Jasbir’s bench. After a few heavy seconds of awkward silence and fearful stares, Johnny burst out. “This Patil... How did he die?”
Balbir arched his brows with that question. “How you wish he had died?”
“What?” Johnny was clueless.
“I mean how did you want him to die? What was your plan of killing him?”
Johnny immediately sat upright. “Sir! I seriously have nothing to do with Patil’s death. This crazy man...” He pointed at Jasbir. “He only wanted to kill him so badly. I just wanted to help him out. That’s all.”
“Help him out?” Balbir’s eyes widened. “Let’s hear how you wanted to help him.”
Johnny was taken aback. He looked at Jasbir who was laughing uncontrollably. Tears started rolling down Johnny’s eyes with the realization that he was being played around by the old man.
“He said we fail the brake of Patil’s car.”
Balbir looked at Jasbir and gave an appreciative look. “Okay.”
“On Monday evening, when Patil’s shift would get over, we planned to fail the brake so he meets up with an accident. We had to do it in 10 minutes since the car waited outside the EB office only for 10 or so minutes.”
“Wow! Exciting! So you all came here to do a rehearsal now?” Balbir asked.
“No. I mean I just wanted to know which car model he used. I am not much of a car mechanic. So to pull up a task...” Johnny wasn’t able to say anything more as he faltered.
How did Patil die? And what was going to be Rashi's alibi? Stay tuned for the last chapter...
#crimethriller #crime #murdermystery #shortstory #story
ahhhh!!!! exhilirating......waiting for the next episode......eagerly!!!!
Can't wait....