Silent Admirer - Episode 7

“Hello Sir. Why are you standing outside my house? Do you need any help?”

He smiled at her. She liked him at the first look. All this time, she had just seen a glimpse of him. He had broad shoulders and a dimple on his right chin. He was six feet tall and she guessed he might be in his late twenties.

“Hi Pooja! I am Aravind! It’s already late. You go and sleep.”

“How do you know my name? I am already confused with lots of things happening around me and you...”

Before she finished, Aravind continued, “Pooja, I thought of talking to you once the investigation gets over. Until then I will guard you when you are alone.”

Pooja was surprised. Someone is guarding her and he had known about her parents’ death and

“May be he would know something more than what she had known”. She immediately spoke to him.

“Aravind, how do you think I can trust you?” Pooja said.

Aravind pulled out a paper from his pocket and showed it to her, it was her dad’s handwriting!

Dear Aravind,

We have discussed everything over the phone. I want you to guard my daughter whenever she is alone. It is just a request. Since you stay near her college I want this help from you. I am afraid if that guy will cause problems to my daughter. It will disturb her education. I want her to concentrate on studies.

Aravind, I believe in you. Being my best friend’s son I am relying on you. Please guard her whenever she is alone. I do understand that you have your priorities and work; this is just a request.

I will soon find out a way to get rid of that guy and save her life.

Regards,

Gautham

She could see her dad’s neat handwriting. A drop of tear fell on the name Gawtham.

Aravind spoke, “Pooja, your dad told me to take care of you. I am unaware of who killed him. But he mentioned to me that there was a guy who kept talking to him about you and he wanted to marry you. He did not like his attitude. This guy has threatened your dad that he will kidnap you and torture you to marry him and finally your dad will have to accept for wedding.”

Pooja could not believe that her dad appointed someone to take care of her and to guard her. Also there was a cruel person who might have killed her parents.

Aravind said softly, “Pooja, we will find out who killed your parents. If it is that psycho guy we will find out soon. Now you go and sleep. Trust me Pooja”

She knew she had to trust him. She never believed love at first sight philosophy, but today she had to. She liked him on his first sight.

“Are you a police or a Detective agent or..?” Aravind laughed and said

“Nope! I am taking care of my dad’s business. Your dad’s company is one of our lead Suppliers so that’s how I knew your dad.”

They had a good conversations and Aravind too accepted to stay with her that night. They were talking the whole night. Pooja learnt that he had the same likings as she does. She wondered if he too felt the same.

“Why should he take care of her? He could have said no to her father. May be he too liked her”

She wished that this silent admirer will be her lifelong admirer!

Story - Silent Admirer - Episode 6

Pooja returned to college. Her friends consoled her and she felt a relief returning back to college. She had a feeling that she will not miss her parents’ much with her friends around. Yet, she had to answer many of her professors and other college mates about her parents’ death.

“I heard the news Pooja. Hope the police finds out the one who killed your parents. ” Prof Chandrasekhar was asking Pooja on the day she returned to college. Almost everyone was talking about her parents’ death and whenever she passes by the corridor someone or the other stares at her or some will stop her with questions.

Their semester exams began.

It was Wednesday and Pooja was rushing for the practical exam. Prakash and Karthik were accompanying her. Karthik and Pooja are good friends. They sat in their usual places.

“My condolences, Pooja.” Prakash finally spoke to Pooja after the exam.

Since his name appears next to Pooja in the attendance order, he sits next to her during all exams and practical classes. He never speaks with her except for some doubts during the practical class. But she had seen him seeing her during class hours. Karthik does not like Prakash and especially he gets angry if Pooja speaks with him.

Everyone was leaving the college premises after the exam; Pooja went to Karthik and asked, “Karthik, I need to talk to you regarding my parents’ murder. I found out lots of stuff and I need your help in this regard.”

Karthik replied spontaneously, “I know everything, Arch told me. She said we need to help you out. Don’t worry Pooja, we will find out soon. I can accompany you during the semester holidays to your home. All you need to do now is concentrate and study. We have only a week to go for the holidays.”

“Thanks Karthik, But I wonder how Aunt will take it if I come home with a guy” Pooja said.

“I understand. I will stay in my cousin’s house. He is living somewhere near to your house. So I can secretly watch your Uncle’s movement. May be I can also follow him silently to Company. What say??”

“That’s a good idea!” Archana exclaimed. She was also there with them. “May be I can travel along with you Pooja, that way we both can find some clue together.”

“Fine, all set then. My servant maid Rani will call me if there is anything fishy that is happening there. We have exactly a week to go. After the semesters immediately we will start to Ooty.” Pooja said.

Their semesters got over. She called Rani several times in between but she did not find anything different that is happening. But Rani mentioned about another man who visited her Uncle and she had not seen him before in their house. Pooja have to wait for one more day to start to Ooty.

She was wondering about the man who was silently watching her. It had been a long time since she saw him. “May be it was co incidence she saw him twice”, she thought.

Pooja was alone in the hostel, “Hmmm. I have to stay alone tonight.” She said to herself and went near the window.

There he was, the stranger, standing outside her hostel. This time she decided not to wait. She went downstairs. She picked her mobile so that if she feels suspicious she can call the police.

She wanted to talk softly to him initially, what if he has some knife or something, she has to be careful and sound as if he is new to her.

Story - Silent Admirer - Episode 5

It was late that evening, she went to her garden. She was admiring those beautiful roses. A flash of that memory appeared to Pooja.

Pooja was lying on her mom's lap and her mom was talking to her. "Pooja, you know whenever I see those red roses I remember your childhood. We bought this rose plant when you were two years old. You were so adamant to buy it when the florist came home to sell some plants. Your dad is treasuring it till now.”

"Mom, so this rose dad gives me daily before I start to school is it? And after I went to college he saves them to gift me a bouquet during weekends. I never knew until now. He gets me everything I wish for. You both are the best parents and I wish in my next birth too you were my parents Mom".

Those memories make her miss them a lot. They loved her a lot. They brought her up well in character and behavior. She was totally lost in the memories.

She was roaming around the garden and she went to Rani Ammal’s hut.

"Rani, can I come in?" Pooja asked Rani.

She went inside Rani gave her a cup of tea. Pooja explained to Rani about that letter and she told her to have an eye on Sharath and Aunty Rekha. But to her surprise Rani came up with a new story.

"There was a man who visited your parents often. He talks to your dad privately. He came here last Monday before we left for that function."

Pooja heart was beating so fast. Something was telling her that her dad had a secret enemy. If she finds that missing letter everything will be alright.

Raniammal was continuing "Your dad and that man were in a big argument. I don’t really know what exactly the conversation was all about. But he was so furious with your dad and I heard what he told finally. He said, 'I will kill anyone who is standing in between my need' ".

"He should have been the one who killed my dad Rani. Why you did not tell this to the police?” Pooja asked immediately.

"Pooja ma I was instructed not to tell anyone especially you." Rani said and Pooja was not leaving her until she gets a proper answer.

"Rani, please don’t hide anything from me. I need to know who instructed you all this. I have the rights to know about my parents' death and the people involved in it."

"Pooja ma I don't know anything about that man really. But Sharath Sir told me not to tell this to anyone including you. And you please don't ask anything to him. He will get angry with me.", Rani said to Pooja.

"This is serious Rani Amma. We need to keep a watch on Uncle Sharath. May be he tried to use that man to kill dad so he does not get caught. Until we get a proper witness and evidences we cannot open this to police too and we need to trace him somehow. Rani Amma I will be going to college by next week and you watch his movements during the week. Make sure you are not caught. And if you see that man visiting Sharath, give me a call immediately and when I come during weekend you update me what happened that week. Meanwhile if you get any call from the police manage it well."

Pooja explained clearly to Rani and when Rani got worried about Pooja, she assured her that she will be safe and with her parents grace she will definitely be alright.

"Thanks Rani Ammal. I will be talking to Sharath and leaving from here soon. You need to do the task well and please make sure you are not caught." Saying Pooja went inside the house.

Sharath had returned and to her surprise he was holding a red rose bouquet for her, "Pooja, come here. This is for you. I know you miss your parents a lot and I can never replace them, but I somehow want to bring glory in your life. I think you continue your education. But, we will get you married once you finish your studies."

Pooja wondered, "Two surprises at one time! Are you trying to fool me too.” she replied "Thanks Sharath Uncle, Thanks a lot."

Pooja decided to stay in the hostel itself since that will be easier for her to talk to Rani or visit her house during weekends. Pooja packed her things and was set back to go to college.

Aunty Rekha and Uncle came to the railway station and her Aunt said, "Pooja, don't worry if you need anything call us, we are here for you." Pooja smiled and waved Bye.

Rekha was unaware of what is Sharath doing. She was very nice with Pooja. Pooja too felt the same. The train started. She waved at them and inside this was running in her mind, "I will soon find out what you are up to Sharath."

Story - Silent Admirer - Episode 4

Pooja went inside the house. "Why dad mentioned about Uncle Sharath. There were no disputes between her dad and her uncle. Or was he like Ramu, being the best and finally showing his true face." Lots of questions bombarded Pooja's mind. She was very curious to find who killed her parents. Her day went with lots of questions.

It was mid afternoon and some one ringed the calling bell. Pooja went and opened it.

"Hello Madam, I am Shankar, the sub inspector of Ooty branch. The murderer has perfectly used his gloves. We did not find any finger prints in the knife. Mam, I need your permission to question few of the people who were around during the murder.” Inspector Shankar was introducing himself to Pooja and her Aunt Rekha hearing this came outside the Kitchen.

They showed him inside and Shankar started with his investigation.

Before Shankar began Rekha came out with the answer, "Sir, me and my husband were not here when it happened. One of our Company staff was getting married and we went to that function. Pooja's parents said they will join us after a while for the function. When they were not coming, we tried to reach them through mobile and the land line several times but there was no reply. When we came home, we saw them dead." Rekha was gasping for breathe hiding those tears inside.

Inspector Shankar does not seem to compromise on those tears. He has a duty to question everyone "What happened to the servant maid. I think you have a servant at home who stays in the hut behind this house. She and her husband works here right."

Shankar was keen to get some answer from Rekha and Pooja was listening to all the conversation. She did not want to mention about that letter to him. She cannot trust anyone now. Even a police inspector for that matter.

Rekha replied spontaneously, "You know it is the month of auspicious days and they too went for a marriage function. In fact they were not in town from Monday and returned only after knowing the news."

Pooja continued before Rekha opened her mouth, "Rani ammal our servant maid works here for the past 20 years. We would trust them a lot. Her husband Muruga too is a trustworthy person. We need not suspect them Inspector Shankar."

Inspector Shankar paused for a moment and then replied, "Fine Mam, but we have chances that the murderer could have got some information from those innocent people and used it to kill them." Shankar turned toward Pooja and said.

"Yes Sir, that is possible. May be if you can question them, we might get a clue", Pooja told Inspector and called Raniammal and her husband Muruga.

After some questions, they came to a conclusion that both of them have not discussed any personal matter about them to anyone. Also they have not smelled anything odd at home.

The inspector finally said, "I am done with the questions, but if I find any leaks I will come to visit you both anytime. Thanks Pooja. Your father was a loyal man. I feel sorry for them. Hoping that we will soon close this investigation."

Rekha said, "We are also hoping that the case gets closed soon. We are living in a good society and police visiting our house often is not advisable."

Inspector immediately responded, "Mam, two people have been murdered. The man was a big businessman and his daughter needs to be safe from the murderer if it was a plot for getting the property or any such criminal issues. As a police, we need your help to find out who is the killer and keep all of you safe."

"Sir, I perfectly understand. As you said, we are also scared of Pooja's life and that is why we have planned to get her married soon and surrender her to a safe hands. So if we have frequent visit by the police, you know how people spread it. We need to safeguard her life. That’s the only promise we can hold for their parents." Pooja felt a care and affection in Aunt Rekha's voice. She felt sorry for suspecting her Aunt in her parents' murder. Wonder if she knows Uncle Sharath is cheating dad.

The inspector went and Pooja's mind was in the last statement of Rekha's. They want to get her married "No. I somehow have to insist Uncle and get back to college. My dad wanted me to come up well in career and mom wanted me to be a good caring wife and a daughter in law.” Pooja was thinking.

Marriage is a long way for her. She wanted to finish her graduation first.” I am talking to Uncle and Aunt today and making it clear. I can promise them to visit every weekend and it will also help me to find out what Sharath is doing, if he was involved in the plot too"

One week went very fast. She had flashes of her parents' memories. Sharath went for a business trip and she did not find time for the past one week to talk him. Also Archana was busy in her sister marriage so she was not able to talk to him either.

Now, Pooja has to wait for one more day for Sharath to return!

Story - Silent Admirer - Episode 3

"Pooja, how many times should i call you. Get up, don't be lazy. You spend your weekends here to sleep than spending time with us! Now, are you going to get up or not!".

Her dad continued, "Honey. Just let her sleep, she spends her week completely in college. Studies, sports and homeworks. Weekends she comes here for a relaxation. Don't disturb her. Get me a cup of Tea."

"You always support her, and in your roof she will never become a good software professional! Stop pampering her honey, she has now crossed her teen and got to learn cooking and other house hold stuffs too. After two years we will get her married and she has to stand in her own legs".

He replied, "My daughter is a bold lady Neha! Don't worry she will come up well in her life."

She was silently listening to their discussion. "Mom! Give me two minutes I will wake up and help you in the kitchen".

She smiled at her husband and walked inside the kitchen.

Pooja's mind was fully loaded with those memories. Last weekend when she came home, she had a nice time with them. Uncle and Aunt were not there so it was only the three of them. She was having a counselling with them regarding her career and future.

Mom was advising her on the topic "Being family woman!" And dad was keen on her education and career. It was so encouraging for her. "Will surely keep up your words Mom." she finally said.

"It was just a week before, you guys spent a whole day giving me advice. Dad, you describe me as an aggressive lady! Today I am afraid to face the future. Days are longer without you both at home." She was talking to herself in the bed.

She then placed the photograph of her mom and dad standing in their garden holding hands on her dressing table. They looked lovely in that picture. She even has one in her hostel room. Everyday she gets up seeing the picture. It gives her a feeling as if they are with her. She kisses them every morning before starting to college.

Now, the thought that she can only kiss this picture henceforth made her cry. "No! Dad wanted me to be bold. Mom wishes should come true. I will be a bold lady!" she thought and immediately got up from the bed. She walked towards the kitchen.

Rekha was preparing breakfast. Pooja started helping her out.

"Pooja, your mom always wanted you to be this way. I am happy that you understand your parents wishes. You are maturing a lot. I can feel how painful it is to miss your parents and that too in a young age. We are here for you dear. I know I can never replace them, but if you feel you want anything from me, I am here. Feel free to discuss anything with me."

"Aunty I have always seen you and mom in the same place. Yes. Missing them is such painful. Yet, they are not coming back and somehow i have to live the way they wanted me to be. I wish the police come out with the investigation soon. We need to identify it faster. Why should someone kill them. Do you know anything or guessing anyone might have had a grudge on them?"

"Pooja dear. Your parents help everyone in this town and there will not be a single person who might have had a killer thought on them. If our company Ex-Manager Ramu had not visited your dad last week, we could have suspected him. But, he came two days before they died. He felt very sorry for mis using the accounts and in fact handed over the missing cash to your dad."

Pooja replied, "Yes.! I have seen Ramu working with dad. Two months back Ramu ran away with 20% stake right. May be, Well what if he had played a trick to show he was good and decided to kill them once dad get convinced. I remember when i came last weekend dad told me Ramu called Sharath Uncle and he was talking to him. The conversation was broken by a visitor. We can may be check with Uncle what he might have spoken to him."

"Ramu's name will be the first in the suspicion list" she thought.

Rekha spontaneously replied, "No No. Uncle told me he spoke to him. Infact it was only Sharath who insisted he needs to talk to dad and ask sorry. Ramu is now our Company General Manager. Your dad only appointed him again".

Hearing it, Pooja was shocked. How can this happen. He was a bad guy and dad does not like back biting people. Ramu was so trustworthy guy before and it shook dad when Sharath Uncle told him that he ran away with the money. And now re appointing him as General Manager. Her dad will think this as a crime.

"No Aunty. Dad will not easily believe everything. He will always think twice before doing something. If Ramu had seen him just two days before they died, how come dad might have re appointed him the next day. It is not possible at all. Something is wrong here Aunty." Pooja was so stern.

"Pooja! You did not witness anything. Your dad was convinced and re appointed him immediately. In fact even Ramu's disappearance for two months with the money was known to only your dad and uncle. The employers are not aware of it and that's why your dad wanted to re appoint him since he works well and also promised him that he will not mis use the accounts again.", Rekha tried to make Pooja understand.

Pooja wondered why all of the sudden Rekha Aunty raised her voice. Pooja was confused. Rekha found it and continued "Pooja. We cannot suspect Ramu. It might affect our Company's growth. He works well with all the workers and he knows how to get work done by them. He is a smart worker and thats why your dad immediately forgave him."

"Fine Aunty. If you are trusting him thats fine. See, I care for you both and I cant afford to lose you both too. Well, .. Hmmm .. I really need a break. I will go out. Badly need fresh air. Will be back in few hours."

She picked the parking shed key and walked towards it.

When she opened it, to her surprise a brand new scooty was there. She had asked for a scooty to her dad last week. She went near it. The delivery date was mentioned 14-03-2011! It was Monday and Wednesday they were no more. She touched it and felt so happy. Dad wanted to surprise her with this. Thats why the shed key was in her dressing table near the picture. Tears filled her eyes. She was not in a mood to drive it. She walked out of the shed.

A bit of paper caught her eyes. She saw it was her dad's handwriting. She opened it and read "Don't trust everyone Pooja. Things are changing and the wind is blowing in the opposite direction..Shara.. " Pooja saw that the words are missing. Someone had torn the letter.

She put it in her pocket and started searching if there were any other piece lying there. She could not find anything. All she was left with was confusion! Now she could not trust her Uncle too. Her dad himself had written it and someone seeing the letter might have torn it.

Ramu and Sharath now both will be in her top suspect list.

Tring.. Tring.. Her mobile rang. "Archana, Hi.. I need to tell you something. Thank god you called me" She said everything and Arch replied, "Pooja, its better you come here. Your house is not safe anymore for you. May be Sharath or your Aunt might have read the letter and torn it . Guess, they planned to get all your dad's property. I will somehow convince him and bring you back here Pooja."

"You are my only hope now Arch. Let them have all my belongings and everything, but if he was behind my parents death I will not leave him. I cannot trust the police also; Sharath might use his power on them too. I am planning to investigate myself Arch." Pooja explained to her.

"My mom is calling. I will talk to your Uncle today. And we need to find out who is following you, so with him we will have three suspects.", Arch told her.

"You are also bold Archana thats why my dad always liked you and says he is happy for me since i got a good companion at college! I will trust you with my life Arch! Bye. Take care!"

They hung the phone and Pooja walked inside the house with suspicions and confusions!

Story - Silent Admirer - Episode 2

Everyone left the home after the death ceremony. Pooja was going around the house and she could still inhale that cent her dad usually wears.

For all daughters; dads are the first best man on this Earth. For her too, this holds. She had never seen them fighting unnecessarily and she always like the way her parents love each other. They compromise so easily and her neighbors always tell her "You are lucky to have them as parents". She always wanted to learn that parenting technique from them.

Now that they are gone she was so hopeless. Everything seem to be in dismay. It was as if yesterday they bought her the cycle and she was having such a fun riding it inside the house. She was their angel and they loved her a lot. She wondered when the CBI will get back with the news of finding the murderer.

"Mom dad, how am i going to live without you", she was continuously blabbering in her sleep.

"Pooja, you need to relax. Sleep well.", her relatives took care of her well. She now have to live with her dad's elder brother. Since he does not have kids, he likes Pooja a lot. She was a pet for their family. Her dad and Uncle Sharath shares the business and thus lives together. Aunt Rekha too was very affectionate and loving towards them.

"Uncle, do you and dad have any enemies, who might have killed them for a vengeance?", She woke up suddenly and asked Sharath. Sharath lids were closed tightly. She took her mobile and walked out of the room.

She dialed Archana. "Hi dear, how are you doing now? Any problem you are calling me this late. On the day you left, you said you wanted to tell me something." Pooja replied,

"Archana, there was a guy standing outside my hostel and he was starring at the window. My roommate left to native and he was there on both the nights. It scared me a lot. I called up my dad the same night and told him. When my uncle told about TC to the HM I thought my dad sent him to bring me back here. Since it was a murder, Uncle is scared to send me to hostel. He does not know about that secret guy". Pooja finished telling everything.

"Why don't you come and stay with me. My parents wont say anything. May be I can ask your Uncle Pooja. Just two more years for you to complete college and also you will also have a relaxation away from where your parents lived." Archana stopped hearing Pooja cry on the other side.

"No Archana, I will miss them a lot, except that their thoughts will not come so often like now. Wherever I stand, I can feel them beside me."

"I will talk to Uncle by tomorrow dear. You please go to sleep now. Semesters go postponed to May, so we have two more months Pooja. Just relax and concentrate on your studies. Your dad wanted to see you as a very good software professional so prove it to him". Arch's words were so encouraging.

"I am gifted to have a friend like you Arch.", Pooja was finally feeling relaxed and she was able to come out of the loneliness. She hoped somehow in the morning she can convince her Uncle and go back to college.

"Good night Arch. After speaking to you I feel I am emptied the heaviness in my heart.", Pooja exhaled.

The wind was blowing. She walked towards the dinning window and tried to grab the screen and close the door. She got the glimpse of a guy. The same height, hair cut and that manly structure. He the same guy who was eyeing at her in the hostel. He was standing in front of the gate. He was standing with his back on a car, keeping one leg on the number plate and another on the road as if trying to be casual for the trespassers.

Sharath came out of the room. "Pooja what are you doing at this time, go inside and sleep dont roam around alone".

Saying that, he peeped through the window as if he is checking if everything is fine and came inside the room.

"Uncle i saw a white car infront of the gate", Pooja begun. She did not want to mention about that guy then he would definitely not leave her to go back to college. "Whose car is that? Did you see it?".

Sharath kept quite for a while and said, "I did not see any car. See I think your mind is restless, you need a good sleep. Take rest dear. There is no car or nothing. I am here to take care of you and anything or anyone in between; Well they are at their own risk."

Pooja never seen him so furious before and if the guy drove the car before Sharath peeped outside, she would have heard it start. What's wrong with Uncle Sharath's behaviour. I hope Arch somehow manages to convince him tomorrow. After that all she knew was she went back to a sound sleep.

Story - "Silent Admirer" - Episode 1

The classroom was very silent. Professor Chandrasekhar was very busy scribbling the palindrome program on the board. Pooja was starring at the board. She is an intelligent girl and always aims for coming first in the college. She stays in the hostel and visits her parents twice a month during weekends.

"Pooja , what are you thinking. Are you concentrating or not", hearing the Prof's voice Pooja came to the present. Her thoughts was wavering somewhere. For the last fews days she felt that someone is following her to the hostel. She decided to tell discuss this with Archana today.

"Arch, I want to talk to you de"..

"Let him finish, already he warned you. Will talk during lunch". Arch told her. Pooja replied, "Fine, let us alone go for lunch." Arch nodded.

Pooja and Archana were very close friends. Archana lives with her parents near college. She helps Pooja in her studies and they both are good at sports too. They play basket ball and national players.

"Can i take Pooja with me", one of the clerk asked the professor and took her to the headmaster room.

Her Uncle was sitting in the chair. His eyes looked tired and Pooja could sense that he might have cried whole night. "What happened a sudden visit", she wondered.

"Thank You Sir. I will come back for the TC and other formalities", her uncle finally told the headmaster.

"There might have been a conversation already happened between them", She was confused and lots of things were running in her mind. Without a clue, her headmaster left his room urgently and she turned to her Uncle.

"Uncle, what happened?", "Don't ask anything. I will tell you everything on the way. You pack all your things and start immediately". A sudden fear gasped her throat. She got scared and wanted to know what has happened in her house. She ran to talk to Archana.

"I am really scared Archana, Uncle has come to take me and he said something about TC to headmaster before i could even speak he rushed for a meeting. I will call you immediately once I reach home."

"You wanted to talk to me in lunch right, is this anything related to that". Arch asked her. "Oh, thats totally different, I will go home and call you tonight. Will update you"

"Pooja take care. If you need my help I am here always", Pooja felt so happy that she have a very caring friend.

On the way, her uncle did not open his mouth. She had so many questions, none were answered. They reached home and she saw a crowd standing outside. she entered the house and all she was able to do was let out a loud cry. There in the center of the hall, both her parents were lying with a white cloth tightly wrapped over the body.

"The doctors have postmortem the bodies and confirmed that it was a murder", her uncle said and weeped badly..