“Relax, Jatin. There’s really nothing to get panicky about,” Sonia admonished as Mohnish took the slip of paper and read it.
“And there was another one before this. It categorically said, ‘Get lost with your Astrology!’ ” Jatin informed Mohnish indignantly. “Now, tell me what you think of it.”
“I don’t think this should be taken lightly,” Mohnish agreed instantly.
“I can’t believe you guys!” Sonia exclaimed. “What’s so terrible about two trashy notes sent by some demented mind?”
“The demented mind could be trouble if you’re not careful,” Mohnish remarked.
“But don’t you know that barking dogs don’t bite?”
“Sure, but this is a human being - an unpredictable human mind which belongs to someone callous enough to send two crude threats to a noted detective. Doesn’t that say something to you?”
“Sure. I’m not saying I’m not going to act on it. I will, but there’s no urgency about it,” Sonia conceded.
“Boss, do you want that person to attack you before you take action?”
“Now, Jatin, don’t let your imagination run away with you,” Sonia scolded lightly. She took a last bite of the corn from the cob and sighed. “Okay, I’ll think about it. Period.”
Mohnish shrugged and returned the note to Sonia, who dropped it into her drawer. Jatin shook his head and collected the remains of the cobs.
“I’m going to keep these for the cows,” he announced, and walked out of the room. But he returned immediately. “Boss, your Dad’s here with a friend. They’re outside talking!”
“My Dad!” Sonia couldn’t be more amazed. “Send them in.”
She rose, smacking her bhutta-eaten lips. The tangy, spicy taste lingered deliciously in her mouth. Jatin led Mr Samarth in, the cornless bhuttas now discreetly hidden behind his back. Sonia’s Father, a tall, athletically fit figure in a crisp white shirt and blue trousers, strode in. A single lock of grey streaked through his thick black hair.
“Hello, Sonia dear!” He smiled. “Thought I’d give you a surprise.”
“Sure, Dad.” Sonia returned the smile, but her gaze travelled to the man who had followed her Father inside with slow, tentative steps.
“Hello, Mohnish, good to see you again.” Mr Samarth shook hands with the Journalist. “Meet a friend of mine, Sonia. This is Dr Bhatti - a noted scientist. He’s retired now.”
Both Sonia and Mohnish smiled in acknowledgment at the imposing guest. Dr Bhatti had a serious, square face with a prominent jawline and a straight, sharp nose. His head was swathed in a bottle-green turban. Intelligence radiated from his face, as deep black eyes smiled at Sonia, from behind square steel-rimmed glasses.
“I’ve been hearing so much about you from your Father and so many others, I simply wanted to meet with you and see your setup. Crime and Astrology. Very interesting indeed!” Dr Bhatti swept curious eyes over the room.
He reminded Sonia of the first time Mohnish had walked into the office, an apprising, almost arrogant look on his face. Of course, that had been a year ago. Mohnish was a different person now.
“Do sit down. Can I offer you something?”
“Oh no, dear, we were just passing by and thought we’d stop to satiate Bhatti’s curiosity. He wanted to see it to believe it. He’s a scientist after all!” Mr Samarth chuckled.
“I’m glad we did,” Bhatti accepted. “But one day, I’d like to come and discuss the scientific viewpoint to your crime-solving solution.”
Sonia’s heart sank. She really wasn’t into trying to prove the worth of Astrology, certainly not to scientists.
But she needn’t have worried, because Dr Bhatti added immediately, “Don’t think I’m a disbeliever of astrology. It’s only the angles that differ.”
“Maybe one day, we will.” Sonia smiled.
“You are going for the wedding, to Mumbai, tomorrow, aren’t you dear?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Good. We’ll talk at home. Goodbye, Mohnish. And Jatin.”
Mr Samarth led his friend out of the office and Sonia expelled a soft sigh of relief. Mohnish glanced at her.
“Looks like a very influential man,” he commented.
“Wonder what he really came to see.”
“Perhaps he thought you would have almanacs hanging for decorations and horoscopes as wall pieces?”
Sonia grimaced. “Can’t argue that. I never seem to be getting over this science versus Astrology issue.”
“Which is not your concern anyway. Each to his own belief.”
“Absolutely.” Sonia was glad Mohnish shared her viewpoint. He’d come a long way from the curious disbeliever he had been only a year ago.
Jatin’s mobile trilled. One look at the number and he blushed. He quickly excused himself and left the room.
“Naina,” Sonia told Mohnish. “The new love of Jatin’s life.”
“Oh, you mean the girl of his dreams. Have you met her?”
“Not yet, but Jatin is most keen on introducing us. I’ve no idea when that lucky day is!”
“Well, I better get going. Tomorrow’s Sunday. Any special plans?”
Sonia nodded. “I’m going to Mumbai by train - the Deccan Queen, to attend a cousin’s wedding. Will return the same evening. So I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Enjoy your trip.”
“I will. And thanks for the bhuttas.”
“My pleasure, as always.” He looked at her and smiled warmly. Then he left.
Sonia realised that feeling Mohnish’s presence even after his absence was growing into a pleasant habit. And she wasn’t sure if she approved of it.
Sonia stood on platform No. 1 of the Pune Railway Station. The big old wall clock showed the time as six forty-five in the morning. The departure time was ten minutes past seven and she liked to be at the station with plenty of time to spare. Catching trains always made her uneasy. She dreamt constantly of missing them and was relieved only when she arrived well in advance. Normally she would’ve driven down to Mumbai, but her parents had absolutely refused to allow her, all alone in her secondhand van, to risk the wet, water-clogged roads of Mumbai.
Dressed in jeans and a peach-coloured sleeveless top, she wore a rain jacket draped over her shoulders. The rains continued to flood the city, falling ceaselessly. Passengers rushed to the shelter of the station, their colourful umbrellas
