The Conundrum

By Sukesh Kumar Srivastava

Ensuring the security of any nation demands not only vigilance against its adversaries but also a cautious approach towards its allied nations. Blindly trusting allied countries is not a necessity. The dynamics of international friendships predominantly rely on self-interest. While self-interest aligns, alliances flourish; however, when conflicting interests emerge, friendships swiftly dissipate.

Consequently, enemy nations inherently remain adversaries. Their actions require constant vigilance, demanding round-the-clock monitoring.

Individuals like Major Mahana and Rajneesh consistently stand prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland's security. Regrettably, the profound sacrifices made by these heroes for their nation often go unnoticed, with their own country occasionally hesitating to acknowledge their valor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sukesh Kumar Srivastava
• Release date: Feb 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224162741

Book preview

To, 

My wife,

Lata Srivastava,

Without her support this book was not possible.

The  Conundrum

—Sukesh Srivastava—

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A Crime & Suspense Thriller

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Bhavshree Publication

Noida - India

Sukesh Srivastava

——————————-

The Conundrum

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All rights reserved. No part of the publication

may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted in any format by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

recording or otherwise, without the prior

permission of the copywrite holder.

Copywrite: Sukesh Srivastava

Published by:

Bhavshree Publication

Flat No. – M 1004, Prateek Wisteria

Sector 77, Noida

Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.

PIN – 201301

[e-mail]

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Preface:

Ensuring the security of any nation demands not only vigilance against its adversaries but also a cautious approach towards its allied nations. Blindly trusting allied countries is not a necessity. The dynamics of international friendships predominantly rely on self-interest. While self-interest aligns, alliances flourish; however, when conflicting interests emerge, friendships swiftly dissipate.

Consequently, enemy nations inherently remain adversaries. Their actions require constant vigilance, demanding round-the-clock monitoring.

Individuals like Major Mahana and Rajneesh consistently stand prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland's security. Regrettably, the profound sacrifices made by these heroes for their nation often go unnoticed, with their own country occasionally hesitating to acknowledge their valor.

Your keen anticipation of my review is greatly valued.

––––––––

Sukesh Srivastava"

Contents

Part - 1

Part - 2

Part - 3

Part – 4

Part - 5

Part - 6

Part – 7

Part – 8

Part – 9

Part – 10

Part -  11

Part – 12

Part – 13

Part – 14

-—The End—-

Part - 1

The girl sitting in front of me started crying uncontrollably. I let her cry. She must have been around eighteen or nineteen years old, or at most twenty. She appeared modern and from a good family. She was wearing blue jeans and a pink top. She had blue action-shoes on her feet. The girl had a clear complexion, not very fair, but clear. Her hair was neatly cut up to her shoulders. They were light brown in color. She might have dyed them. Her face was round, with slightly large eyes that had a brown tint. I stood up, poured some water into a glass, and gave it to her. She looked up at me and took the glass. After taking two or three sips, she set it down. I returned to my seat.

What's your name? I asked gently.

Don't ask my name, please, she put the glass on the table.

Why? What's the harm in telling your name? Where do you live?

I live here, in this city.

Do you study?

Yes, I am pursuing my M.A.

From which college?

From the university.

What's your father's name?

She started crying again.

Please don't tell my father anything.

I remained silent. Such a peculiar girl. She didn't want to share anything.

Okay, just tell me why you came to me? Are you in some trouble?

I am trapped in a big problem. I don't understand what to do. When I couldn't figure it out, I thought of you. My daddy often talks about you. You once helped him. Please help me, uncle.

Did you lose something valuable?

No, I didn't lose anything.

So, is someone blackmailing you?

I don't know.

I kept looking at her in disbelief.

You don't know? Did you commit a crime?

I am also not sure about that. Maybe.

Do you think Avinash Gautam has found out about this crime that you may or may not have committed?

No, he doesn't know yet. But... how do you know... I mean, Avinash Gautam?

You are Avinash Gautam's daughter, Priya. An M.A. final-year student at the university. Your mother Aishwarya Gautam has a beauty parlor in Chittanjan Avenue. Your brother Ashok Gautam went to London after completing his engineering. He is not married yet. Avinash Gautam has a factory in the industrial area that manufactures hardware parts. They also own a property in the old city, Deolali. Now you tell me the rest.

The girl, with widened eyes, kept staring at me.

How... how did you know? she asked.

Didn't you tell me?

Me? I didn't tell anything. I didn't even tell my name.

You mentioned my friend whom I once helped. Now, I don't have twenty or twenty-five friends like that. I guessed a name, and you believed it.

Oh. She took a deep breath. But, uncle, promise me you won't tell mom and dad.

Listen, Priya, I can't promise anything. If you have a problem, you can trust me and tell me about it. I don't know if I can help or not, but at the very least, I can offer advice. I'm not a police officer. Neither am I a private detective. If you came to me, it must be out of some trust. But you'll have to tell me what happened, right?

Ok, I'll tell you. But can I use your wash-room?

Sure, go to the reception. They will guide you.

The girl, whose name was Priya, picked up her bag and left. I picked up the intercom.

Yes, sir? I heard Shireen's voice.

Watch that girl who went to the wash-room. She might try to leave from there.

Yes, sir. She's in the wash-room right now.

Don't let her leave.

Right, sir. I hung up the phone.

Like every other day, I arrived at my office at ten today. My office was on the ground floor of my residence. The entire ground floor was for my office. The first floor above was where I lived. I lived alone. My wife had decided to settle abroad with our son. Our son needed her. My grandson was the apple of her eye. Once a year or every two years, she would come for a month or two with my son and his family. My son would return to his work after a fortnight, but my daughter-in-law would stay for two months. Occasionally, I would also visit my son and daughter-in-law for a week. But my work didn't allow me to be away for long. I was also now around fifty years old. This morning, as I sat down on my chair, Shireen had called.

Sir, there's a girl who wants to meet you.

Which girl?

I don’t know, sir. It’s her first time here. She's not revealing her name either.

Why isn't she revealing her name?

I don’t know, sir. She says it's essential to meet you.

Alright, send her in after five minutes.

All right, sir.

At that time, I felt something strange. But I focused on the file in front of me. Apart from Shireen, there were two other staff members in this office: Rajkumar and Dushyant. They handled office tasks and were skilled at their jobs. There was also a peon who did the dusting. There was a maid for sweeping and cleaning, who also cleaned the house above.

Suddenly, Priya entered the room. She had washed her face and looked a bit fresher. It seemed she had also combed her hair. She sat down on a chair and kept her bag on the chair next to her.

Would you like some tea? I asked.

I’ll have some, thank you, she replied.

I rang the bell to call the peon and ordered some tea.

Now, tell me. What were you saying?

First, you tell me. You won't tell daddy, right?

What have you done? Why do you feel like you've done something illegal or criminal?

I felt like a haze had spread across her face, and then she seemed like she was about to cry.

Hey... stop. Don't panic. Tell me calmly. What did you do wrong? What have you done?

Murder...

What? I was shocked, What are you saying?

Perhaps I have killed Rajeev with my own hands. She sobbed.

When...? Where...? But first, tell me. Who is this Rajeev? Rajeev is... was, my friend.

Where did you murder Rajeev? But wait, you said perhaps you have killed Rajeev. What do you mean?

I'll tell you everything.

Yes, that would be best. Start from the beginning.

Priya was silent for a moment, deep in thought. I let her collect herself.

Uncle. That's why I was telling you not to tell daddy anything. He will be very angry if he hears. Actually, mom and dad aren't here in Jaynagar right now. Daddy had to go to Ludhiana for factory work. Our uncle lives there. That's why mom also went with him. Only I and our old maid were left at home. I have a friend, Rachna. We thought of having a party. Rajeev is Rachna's friend. I've met him a couple of times at the university. In-fact, Rachna and Rajeev were... intimate friends. Rajeev mentioned his friend Suren, who works somewhere and has an apartment in Prateek Complex. It was decided the party would be at his place. So, yesterday evening at 4, we three reached his flat. Suren had made great arrangements. The party went on till late at night. I had called home and informed that either I would come back late or would stay at Rachna's place. Priya went silent.

Then...? What happened next, Priya? My curiosity heightened.

That's where... perhaps... perhaps...

What do you mean by perhaps? Okay, tell me, were there hard drinks at the party?

Yes.

Did you drink too?

I initially had just a beer. But later...

Oh. Rajeev and Suren must've drunk. Did Rachna also drink beer only?

No. She likes whiskey.

Was there anything else?

Anything else... like?

Any drugs...?

Priya looked down, Rajeev had drugs.

Did you take them?

Yes... yes, I did.

Have you taken drugs before?

I just took one pill. It was the first time outside home. I had taken it twice before, when mom and dad were out.

Can I ask you something?

Priya looked up.

Were you involved in the sex too?

Maybe...

What do you mean by maybe? Is it that easy?

Because I don't remember clearly. I had passed out.

Oh my god, then what was left...?

Priya looked at me with shocked eyes.

Go on, what's this about a murder?

It was probably around two or three in the morning. Suren had ordered roasted chicken and biryani. I love roasted chicken. I ate a lot. Just then, Rachna gave me a pill and said it would ease my stomach. I instantly recognized it as ecstasy. But she told me to take it. By then, I had had two beers and a peg of whiskey. I took the pill. But it hit me hard. I lay down on a couch. After that, either I was completely intoxicated or I fainted. I don’t remember anything clearly after that. Occasionally, I would semi-awaken. I went and lay down on the same sofa. Then...then... Priya hesitated.

Then what?

My mind was blank. Occasionally, I would feel slightly conscious and wanted to turn over. But I couldn't even move. Then it felt like someone was at my feet. I got startled and slightly lifted my head to see. Someone was near my feet. I tried to push him away but just made groaning sounds. Then my mind blanked out. A little later when I opened my eyes, I saw Rajeev. He was sitting on the floor with his hand on my feet. Trying to move, I placed my hand behind me and it landed on a pistol on the side table.

A pistol...? Where did this pistol come from?

I forgot to tell you. When we arrived, Suren had shown us a pistol. The pistol was very beautiful. Its handle was made of ivory. Suren even loaded it in front of us. He had a box of bullets. Six bullets could be loaded at once. We found it very exciting.

Okay. Where did Suren place the pistol after showing it?

He put it in his bag right in front of me. But I don’t know how it ended up on the side table.

Anyway, when your hand touched the pistol, what did you do?

I took the pistol in my hand. At that moment, it felt very heavy. I remember lifting it to my chest and pulling the trigger.

Oh my god, who got shot?

I don't know. I remember the sound of the gunshot. After that, I either blanked out or fainted.

When did you regain consciousness?

This morning.

You mean, you lay there almost unconscious all night?

The night had indeed gotten late. It must have been around four in the morning. 

"When you regained consciousness, what did you see?'

'Nothing...'

'What do you mean?'

'I mean when I came to, there was nobody there. For a moment, I couldn’t understand where I was, but gradually I remembered everything. When I did, I got scared. First, I looked around. There was nothing but some blood-like substance on the floor. Then I checked the entire flat. No one was there. My mobile was still in my bag. I tried calling Rachna, but the battery was dead. I was already panicking, so I immediately left the flat.'

'Hold on. Was the flat door open or was it locked from inside or outside?'

'It was open. Only slightly closed. I came down. I couldn’t comprehend anything. Daddy wasn’t here. Even if he was, how would I go to him? Then I remembered you. I hadn’t seen your house, but I knew where you lived. I took an auto and came here. Everyone knows you by name.'

'Okay. Anything else?'

'What else?'

'Do you want to tell me anything else?'

'No... there’s nothing else.'

'What do you want from me?'

'Uncle, please save me. I haven’t done anything deliberately. I made a huge mistake.'

'Call her.'

'Who?'

'Rachna.'

'But my phone... it's not working. The battery is dead.'

'Take my phone.'

'But the number is on that phone.'

'Charger...?'

'It's at home.

"Plug in this charger.' I gave her a universal charger -'As soon as you plug in the charger, the phone will  be power on.'

I connected the charger to the power point under the table and handed it to her. She took her phone out of the bag and plugged in the charger. The phone turned on. She searched for the number and dialed.

'Put it on speaker.' She turned on the speaker. The phone was ringing.

'Hello.' A voice responded.

'Rachna?' Priya asked.

'Yes. Priya, where are you?'

'First, tell me where you are?'

'I’m at my home.'

'When did you come home?'

'I came back before dawn. There was a mess last night. You had completely passed out. My parents were also out. The maid called to say they’d return early in the morning. That’s why I had to leave you there and come back.'

'Ask about Rajeev and Suren.' I whispered in between.

'Uh... where's Rajeev?'

'Rajeev left with me.'

'Is... is... Rajeev okay? I mean, is he alive and well?'

'Why wouldn’t he be?' Rachna laughed. 'He has quite the capacity. Even after half a bottle and two pills, he was balanced. He even dropped me home in his car.'

'And what about Suren...?'

'I don’t know about him. Some of his friends had come.'

'Late at night...?'

'I don’t know. He was with them in the gallery when we left. He seemed fully conscious, though.'

I gestured to Priya to ask if we could come over.

'Have your parents returned?' Priya asked.

'Not yet. They’ll be back by evening.'

'You're not going anywhere, right?'

'No, I’m just resting. I had too much last night. So did you. But you had more. Will you come over?'

'Maybe...'

'Hey, bring four beers if you come. You know our fridge is always empty because of my parents.'

Priya quietly hung up the phone.

'What's this story?'

I don’t know, uncle. I shot at Rajeev. There was a sound. I saw the blood in the morning. But Rajeev had gone with Rachna.

It's possible that the one you thought was Rajeev was actually Suren.

Now what can I say? But as far as I remember... it was Rajeev.

Get me Rajeev.

I don’t have Rajeev’s number.

Get me Suren.

I... I don’t have his number either. I met him for the first time yesterday.

Maybe Rajeev came back after leaving Rachna. I thought and said, Or maybe the one you thought was Rajeev is Suren. It’s important to find out about both. According to Rachna, nothing happened. Priya remained silent.

Where did you say Suren lives?

His flat is in Prateek Complex. The area seems to be Jaynagar.

I pulled the landline phone and started dialing a number.

Who are you calling?

Jaynagar Police Station.

Why? Priya's eyes filled with fear.

Don’t panic. Just sit calmly.

Someone picked up the phone on the other side. Jaynagar Police Station. Constable Ram Prakash speaking.

Is Mr. Rathore there?

He is, sir. Who is speaking?

Tell him Major Mahana wants to speak.

I’ll connect you right away, sir.

Soon, Inspector Rathore's heavy voice came.

Hello, Major sir.

Good morning, Inspector sir, I said. How are you?

All is as usual, sir. He laughed, I never get any rest.

That's true, I also laughed. If you started resting, the city would become restless.

That’s not the case. But tell me, why did you call? How can I assist?

Mr. Rathore, I wanted some information.

Ask, sir.

Did you receive any report of an incident in your Jaynagar area last night or this morning?

What kind of incident?

Anything. Like a fight, violence, murder.

Oh my God, sir, speak of good things. Why did you think something like that happened?

Meaning there’s no report?

There’s nothing from Jaynagar. However, a wanted criminal was arrested from Kushinagar last night. He had a bounty of 2000. What news do you have about Jaynagar?

Nothing. No news.

That can't be possible, Major sir. You wouldn't ask for no reason. And for a specific location too. Tell me.

Do one thing.

Tell me.

There is a colony or complex in Jaynagar. Prateek Complex. Check a flat there.

Which flat? Tell me the number.

One moment. I muted the mouthpiece and asked Priya,

What's the flat number?

I don’t know.

Okay... at least you know the floor?

Sixth.

Yes, Rathore. I don't know the exact flat number, but it’s on the sixth floor. It might be under the name Suren or Surendra. He might be a tenant. There was a party there last night.

Is someone missing?

First, check it. Then we'll talk.

Alright, I'll send someone. If I find out anything, I’ll call you.

Not on this phone. Call my mobile.

Why? Are you going out?

Who knows, I might need to go out.

Alright, sir. I'll do it. Jai Hind.

Jai Hind. I hung up.

Let's go, I said to Priya.

Where? She stood up, startled.

Didn’t you ask Rachna to come over?

Oh... you... you’ll go to her place?

Yes. We have to go. Come.

She came out with me. I quietly told Sheerin. She was aware. She nodded in agreement. This meant that Priya had recorded all the conversations she had in my office. Now, she will create a file on the computer named after Priya and save all the dialogues with today's date. It was necessary for me to take such precautions.

I took out a small car. It was a foreign car and was red. Priya sat next to me. She kept giving directions. The car entered Dilshad Bagh. It was a posh area. Big businessmen lived here. She stopped the car in front of a big mansion. There was a security guard at the gate. Perhaps he recognized Priya. He opened the gate. The porch of the bungalow was large and there were two long cars parked. Perhaps Rachna's parents had arrived. But she had said they would come by four o'clock. I parked the car on the side.

'I made a mistake.' I said as I got out of the car.

'What happened?' Priya also got out.

'We didn't bring beer.' I said with a smile. Priya looked down.

'My fault.' She whispered.

'Come.' We went upstairs and pressed the beautiful doorbell. The next moment, a girl of Priya's age, but more beautiful, opened the door. She was wearing a velvet maxi.

'You're late.' She quickly said, 'I was...'

But then she saw me. She paused and looked at Priya with questioning eyes.

'My uncle.' Priya quickly said, 'He wants to talk to you.'

Rachna looked at me with a puzzled expression for a while and then turned around.

'Come in. But my parents are out. Their flight will land at four.'

'No problem.' I sat down on the sofa in front. 'Where did your parents go, Rachna?'

'To Mumbai. Our uncle lives there. There was a prayer ceremony there. Would you like some tea, uncle?'

'No, we won't take anything. I need to talk to you about something. Priya is very distressed.'

'What happened? Why is she distressed? What do you want to ask?'

'Priya told me about yesterday. About the party. She told me about the drink and ecstasy.'

Rachna immediately looked at Priya with reproachful eyes. Priya lowered her head.

'But it's not that big of a deal. These things happen at parties nowadays. Tell me about Rajeev. Tell me about Suren. But first, tell me about the party last night. Wait, first tell me, do you regularly take drugs?'

'No, uncle. But sometimes...like at a party...'

'Never at home?'

'Sometimes at home...'

'Once a month...?'

'No, it's just that...'

'Once a week?'

'Maybe more often... when my parents...' She looked at Priya for help.

'And your parents are probably busy almost every day with their parties and meetings. Almost daily. Right?'

She remained silent, looking down at the table.

'Oh...' I took a deep breath, 'Maybe it's not entirely your fault. Alright, tell me about the party.'

'What should I tell?' Rachna looked up.

'Priya told me the beginning. The party was in full swing, and you all had consumed a few drinks and eaten chicken biryani. After that, Priya felt discomfort in her stomach, so you gave her a pill. Actually, that pill was a drug. It hit Priya, and she went blank.'

Priya knew that the pill was ecstasy. She knew this.

Alright then. But start from the beginning. How did the party get planned, how did Suren and Rajiv also get involved in the party? How did you end up at the party? Tell me everything from the beginning to the end. Tell until you returned home and went to sleep. Tell me everything.

Why? Rachna looked at me, surprised.

What do you mean 'why'?

Why should I tell you everything? I have already told you a lot. Maybe I shouldn't have. You're questioning me as if I've committed a murder. You're interrogating like the police. Who are you? Her face turned red.

I stared at her for a moment.

Tell her, Priya, I looked at Priya, tell her why she should share.

Uncle, can I speak with Rachna for a minute?

Of course.

Alone.

Alright.

Priya took Rachna by the hand and led her to the door, then began whispering hurriedly to her. When Priya and Rachna returned and sat down on the sofa, Rachna's face was flustered. I stayed silent, waiting for her to speak.

Uncle, or whoever you are, we haven't done anything, Rachna said hesitantly, I mean, I haven't done anything.

You just mentioned the word 'murder'. I leaned forward on the sofa, Did you witness a murder?

No... no, Uncle! she stammered, I just... I said that in anger. When Radhia called, I returned in ten minutes. Everything was fine by then.

Listen, Rachna, I said seriously, and Priya, you too. You both are in deep trouble. I don't trust this Rajiv and Suren. Something is definitely wrong. Drugs, guns, and murder are not ordinary matters. It seems like nothing has happened now, but we don't know what might have. I'm saying this because if something did happen, it won't remain a secret. Not just from your parents but also from the media. I can't promise anything because it's out of my control. I'm not from the police department. I'm not a detective either. But I'm from a department related to crime investigation. I've also studied law, practiced it for four years. Priya's father is a good acquaintance of mine. I want to help you. It seems like you both are trapped due to your own foolishness. But the police won't be as gentle when they question you. Your fathers won't be able to do anything. The truth is, if something did happen, both of you could be arrested. Is it clear?

Both were completely shaken.

Which department are you from? Finally, Rachna spoke. Tears had started flowing from Priya's eyes.

Leave that. Are you ready to tell me everything or not?

We'll tell everything. We have nothing to hide. But please save us. Priya committed the murder. I haven't done anything.

I don't think Priya committed a murder. It doesn't happen like that. But even if she did, you are an accomplice. You both take drugs. Where do you get these drugs from? This is a crime.

Both exchanged guilty glances.

Let me start from the beginning. Rachna said, Actually, when Priya called, Rajeev was right here. Mom and Dad had left in the morning. We were sitting in the drawing room, having tea. I was the one who called him. My pills had finished. But he was saying it would be difficult to arrange.

Wait a minute. Does this mean Rajeev supplied you drugs?

Yes. Rachna lowered her head, Most of the time... Suren had also given them to me twice.

Oh my God, I blurted out, Where did you guys get stuck into?

Priya sobbed loudly.

Tell me two things.

Yes?

Did Rajeev take money from you for the drugs or...?

"No uncle. At first, he gave them for free, but later he started