Read Part 1 - here
Read Part 2 - here
Read Part 3 - here
Read Part 4 - here
Read Part 5 - here
Read Part 6 - here
Read part 7 - here
Read Part 8 - here
Read Part 9 - here
Read part 10- here
Read part 11- here
Read part 12- here
Read part 13 -here
Read part 14 -here
Read part 15 -here
Read part 16 -here
Read part 17 -here
Read part 18 -here
-----
The somewhat uncertain yet private jubilation that Pavil had been secretly nursing ever since Veda refused to disclose his alibi was fast wilting.
What new angle be this?
Khar though not overtly dismayed was undoubtedly secretly shocked, or so Pavil thought, though his face remained as aloof.
And now there were other things to consider as well, the whole business between Nehar and Jumaid.
What on earth was that tangent about?
It was still early to broach that subject because Jumaid hadn’t stopped talking.
‘You can understand why all this had to be a secret. We met clandestinely. It wasn’t just about our marriages, but Veda’s position as well’ Jumaid uttered Veda’s name the same way someone would venerate their gods.
‘Why didn’t Veda tell us about it in the first place? Would have saved us a whole lot of trouble and time,’ Pavil was irritated.
‘He..he didn’t want to out this secret which we burden ourselves with shame and remorse, nor did he wish to embroil me in this mess. He thought it’d bring me dishonour and betray my trust’ The sadness in Jumaid’s words leeched through his voice.
‘It was our misfortune that my son..’ he began sobbing again.
Khar looked at him like someone would at a dying dog. There was no grace to this sobbing man’s whimpering and Khar almost rolled his eyes, or as much as he could while keeping a staunch expressionless face.
It must have been painful for Jumaid, Pavil realized, to carry about his normal life after the violent murder of his only son, while the man he loved was under suspicion for not revealing their mutual transgression, especially ones that were not entirely kindly looked upon by society, modern as it was.
‘Veda would never have disclosed it, never have dragged my name through this mire had it not been for Nehar.’ Jumaid said
He almost made Veda sound like a martyr. ‘He loves me immensely and I, him.’ his eyes shone at those words.
Jumaid sat thinking for a while, conflicted within himself, seemingly hesitant to say anything more.
‘Nehar knew about us, had known for some time. Never approved of it.’ A sad smile broke Jumaid’s features.
‘Nehar was hysterical when she told me that Veda had refused to offer an alibi, that he was under suspicion and initially I confess I was frightened too..uh..afraid of what anyone might say.
There are so many things to consider. My marriage and the incomprehensible, unwelcome ripples this simple truth could cause.
But how could I let Veda go through all this alone, when I was equally responsible? I was hesitant to come forward and felt ashamed of my own selfishness, but Veda would have done the same for me, no matter the scandal or the stigma. He’d smear his good name to save my life and so how could I betray him?’ Jumaid seemed to be talking to himself.
‘How did Nehar know that Veda was with you that day?’ Khar asked plainly.
‘She didn’t. It was only after he didn’t disclose his alibi to the police that she grew suspicious and probably nagged the truth out of him, after which she apprised me of it.’
‘And that’s your only association with Mrs Sinhal?’ Khar asked
‘Yes, our association of mutual disgust’ Jumaid sneered.
‘What else is it that we might need knowing, Mr Wasim?’ Khar’s voice was authoritative even angry and Pavil sensed a hint of growing annoyance.
‘Just that. Veda was with me on Sunday’
‘That’s not nearly enough.’
‘We..uh..we were together at a hotel called Welcome Inn at the city centre’ Jumaid said diffidently.
‘and what time would that be?’
‘I checked in at twelve. Then left for lunch, after which I met Khar at our designated spot..uh..it was by the tea stall near the park and together we came back to the hotel. I checked out at six from the hotel and went home, and Veda left for his home.’ he shamefacedly admitted.
‘So Meina Wasim lied in her statement.’ Pavil made a pointed observation as he scribbled in his notebook.
‘Uh..yes..though she probably did it because she has an entirely different, er, wrong idea. She thought I was with..uh..Nehar and she didn’t want anyone finding out about it.’
A cluster of shams
‘How did that come to be?’ Pavil’s tone was dry. He seemed fed up with this intricate web of lies that unravelled only to wrap into something tighter.
‘Nehar has a habit of calling me at odd hours. She was obsessed with the idea that Veda spent most of his time with me. My wife probably picked up on that and made up her mind that we were having an adulterous affair.
‘Any particular reason for those calls at odd hours?’ Khar asked.
Jumaid breathed deep and let out a sigh. It looked almost simulated. He was slowly contorting into a completely different personality, so much so that Pavil noticed even his features differently and wondered if this is how Khar perceived everyone.
‘Anytime Veda was working late or didn’t return her calls she’d rashly assume he was with me.
You’d think it was out of covetous love when in fact it was mere hypocrisy and sometimes spite. She adores playing the ever beautiful charitable wife of an important diplomat; going as far as to perfect her smiles and perfumes.
Nehar called me incessantly to terminate my association with Veda. She asked me to let go of him and dissolve our liaison; even though she called it a stupid affair. That egomaniacal mercenary of a woman doesn’t know love, didn’t understand that what we had was a bond forged out of devotion and passion, instead of needs and greeds.
She’d often threaten me too. Oh her bloody threats.
She hated me, hates me.’ Jumaid hissed in anger.
‘Any opportunity she’d get to berate me, disgrace me she’d mercilessly pounce upon. She knows how to manipulate with words, with her little smiles and so sweetly she’d corner me and spout venom, like cajoling threats to keep away from Veda.
That vile woman wasn’t afraid it would ruin Veda’s reputation but hers. Her father was the mayor of this city, her entire clan is dotted with important names. Oh, she’s a prejudiced, self-centred woman, full of hunger and hate. She thought I’m using him.’
The diminutive voice that just a while back couldn’t loosen itself out of Jumaid’s socket had gained momentum.
Pavil wanted to stop him, but Khar motioned him to stay out of it.
This man wanted to talk, so why not let him.
But Jumaid realized his surroundings and extinguished the verbal fire that threatened to rage unchecked. He sat silently, staring at the table.
‘He didn’t do anything. Why would he? Tejan was my child and Veda wouldn’t hurt him, and couldn’t possibly have when he was with me’ Jumaid made a final plea, like the closing of an argument and brought forth some more sobs.
A few long moments after Jumaid had left the police station, Pavil found himself sweating.
This is new he thought and looked at Khar for their next course of action.
‘I think we need talk to Veda and Nehar’ Khar said and after some deliberation, he muttered ‘separately’
Pavil had been distressed ever since Jumaid’s divulgement. Their investigation had rearranged itself and begun moving backwards instead of progressing and if Veda didn’t do it then who?
‘It doesn’t matter if we’ve been pushed back as long as there are steady developments’ Khar spoke knowingly. His patience did little to mitigate the young recruits growing apprehensions.
‘When should we check the alibi at the Welcome Inn?’ he despondently asked.
‘After we’ve spoken to them. Let’s not waste any time now’
Pavil realized with some delight that his fingers had memorized Nehar’s telephone number and two rings later his ears felt absolved when Nehar’s impossible lilting raspy voice, tinged through with sadness said ‘Hello, Pavil’
‘Are you free to talk?’ He almost whispered.
On getting no reply he realized the accidental imprudence of his sentence.
‘I mean, Mrs Sinhal we would like to talk to you. If you’d be so kind as to make yourself available at the station, anytime as soon as possible’
‘Is it urgent?’ she sounded bored.
‘Mr Wasim has just seen us and we’d like to talk to you regarding the statement he’s made’ Pavil replied brusquely looking at Khar standing in front of him.
She was quiet for a few moments but her voice sounded brighter than it had been a few moments ago ‘Yes, I’ll be there. Thank you’
‘Well, what’s the plan?’ Pavil asked
No comments:
Post a Comment