Storieo

Category: Crime

  • Murderous Artistic Deception

    In the quiet town of Elmwood, a mysterious murder shook the community to its core. Claire Peterson, a renowned local artist, was found dead in her studio under peculiar circumstances. The news spread like wildfire, and rumors began to circulate among the residents. Little did they know that the truth behind the murder would take them on a twisted journey.

    As the investigation commenced, the residents couldn’t help but speculate about the possible culprits. Claire’s estranged husband, David, became the prime suspect due to their troubled relationship. However, as the days went by, it became evident that David had an airtight alibi, leaving everyone perplexed.

    Meanwhile, Sarah Turner, Claire’s best friend, found herself burdened by guilt. She had been harboring a dark secret that could potentially unravel the entire case. Sarah knew about Claire’s affair with a mysterious man named Adrian. It was a secret Claire had entrusted to her, making her the only person who knew about it.

    Driven by remorse and the need for justice, Sarah took matters into her own hands. She started digging deeper into Claire’s life, determined to find the truth. The more she investigated, the clearer it became that Claire’s murder was far from a random act of violence.

    Unbeknownst to Sarah, Adrian was aware of her knowledge about the affair. Feeling threatened and desperate to protect his own secrets, he began to trail her every move. As Sarah delved further into the case, she found clues that pointed to a hidden underground art society in Elmwood.

    One fateful night, Sarah stumbled upon an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Inside, she discovered a secret gathering of artists, including Claire, who were involved in a series of illegal activities. The murder, it seemed, was connected to their dark world.

    Just as Sarah was about to expose the truth, she received an anonymous message, warning her to stop her investigation or face dire consequences. Fueled by her determination, she decided to confront Adrian directly, suspecting that he held the key to unraveling the mystery.

    But when Sarah arrived at Adrian’s residence, she was met with a chilling surprise. Adrian lay lifeless on the floor, a victim of the same murderer who had taken Claire’s life. The room was staged to make it appear as if Adrian had taken his own life, but Sarah saw through the deception.

    In a shocking turn of events, Sarah realized that the true mastermind behind the murders was none other than Claire herself. Her affair with Adrian had been a calculated ruse, designed to lure him into her web of deceit. Claire had meticulously planned the murders to protect the secrets of the underground art society, which had turned into a den of corruption.

    Sarah’s knowledge threatened to expose the society’s illicit activities, and Claire was willing to eliminate anyone who stood in her way. Now, Sarah found herself caught in a web of danger, unsure of who she could trust.

    Determined to bring justice to her friend and expose the truth, Sarah embarked on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Claire. The final confrontation unfolded in Claire’s studio, where Sarah confronted her with the evidence she had gathered. The two engaged in a fierce struggle, each fighting for their own survival.

    In a climactic moment, Sarah managed to overpower Claire and reveal the truth to the world. As the authorities finally arrived at the scene, they were astonished by the depth of Claire’s deception. The town of Elmwood was forever changed, and Sarah became a symbol of resilience and courage.

    And so, in a town where the police were absent, it was the determination of one woman that brought a murderer to justice and restored peace to Elmwood. The events that unfolded would forever be etched in the memories of its residents, serving as a reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places.

  • The guilt disappeared like a wind!

    The guilt disappeared like a wind!

    Year : 1995

    place : Chennai

    In 1995,the drug mafia in Chennai were in peak, the society is full of drugs..it can easily penetrate through society, because in that time there were lots of loop holes in police department. GAJENDRAN(45)- A big drug smuggler, gangster. CHENNAI is in under his control.

    On the other hand the political party which ruling the TAMIL NADU has been abandoned due to low support. There was a riot in all over Tamil Nadu. To control the riots government officials appointed a new team(a group of 100 training officers for per district which can be divided in to 10 teams under one leader) under the leadership of Naren(45)-An experienced police officer and also worked in NCRB(National crime record bureau).

    Kamal(24)-A young man who just completed his training has been very curious and excited but also feared because his first mission is that much complicated.

    And because of this riot, Gajendran became the richest person as much as possible.Behind this riot there is a hidden participation of Gajendran. A one man totally collapsed the entire Tamil Nadu Government.That much power he had in that time.

    In this side, the team under Naren can’t able to control the riot all over the TN. So the INDIAN GOVERNMENT enforced MILITARY RULE in TN for 10 days and 144 prohibition has been enforced. Army men Shooted everyone even old peoples who are all crossing the limits of 144 prohibition. That 10 days the entire TN was silent and it looks like a graveyard.

    And after that 10 days riots were gone and the ELECTION COMMISION OF INDIA decided to conduct a election and the election was conducted exactly one month from the end of 144 prohibition and a new leader(who has the support of GAJENDRAN) has been selected.

    During that 144 a man(who lives in platform went to buy milk for his child) has been brutally killed by military men Infront of his 10 years old son, AZAR.

    Kamal was just behind the man who Shooted Azar’s father,So Azar thought that it was Kamal who killed his Father. Kamal’s face is fixed in Azar’s mind. As they are just people who lives in platforms, Nobody cares about them. Azar’s mother doesn’t have any idea about how she will raise Azar in such place without his Father. She didn’t sleep for nearly a month after that incident.

    Time runs, Azar decides to take revenge on the military men who killed his father in that 144 prohibition. He joins in the local gang of Gajendran. He get Surrended for all crimes that upper level rowdies did and with that he also in search of that military man(kamal).

    Year : 2006

    place : Chennai

    After nearly 10 years,He came to meet that military men(kamal) in a fish market. That time kamal was onduty(special undercover mission).Azar takes a Knife and follow kamal behind him.He kicks Kamal very forcely from behind. Kamal has no idea about what is going on as he suddenly got a big hit from back side.

    Within, kamal able to recognize what is going on,Azar picks him up and beat very hardly, Azar’s eyes were very red.He says “You are the one who ruined my life, I’m searching for you only these many years”. Kamal suddenly takes gun , as he is onduty he carried a gun and pointed it towards Azar and asked him to get knee down.

    Azar started to cry and other officers who are all onduty along with Kamal came and surrounded him. Kamal asks “Who are you..?…Why are you searching for me ?”.Azar face was filled with sweat and tears. He replied very harshly “You are the one who killed my father” and explained about the incident that happened in 1995.

    Kamal was very shock after hearing this. He realized How a Father’s absence can change a child’s life. Azar thought for a moment and replied “I didn’t killed your father, surely”.

    Azar says “I don’t believe you, You are telling lie”…Kamal replied “I didn’t even killed one person at that incident….and I’m going to tell you one thing, I only allowed you father to buy milk from our military camp, but unfortunately another officer shoots your father as i didn’t informed about this to them…”.This incident doesn’t made me to sleep for past 10years.I was felt very guilt about this and sorry is not enough for your loss.

    And Kamal added that ” If you want to take revenge of me means then you should study and achieves a good position in society, that’s a best revenge you can do to anyone. Killing someone is not a solution or revenge, Education is important…please study and get a good position in society and you should not do the same thing that they did to you. You should help the people who are like you struggling without father…and One more thing it’s our order to shoot anyone those crossing the limits of 144,even if it’s CM ,we must follow our order, there is no partiality, all are equal to us and that was my fault not to inform to my fellow officers before I’m allowing your father to move”..

    and kamal gave some money to Azar. He made some arrangements for Azar’s study.

    And this is how

                         “The guilt disappeared like a wind!”

  • The Curse of the Ebony Grimoire

    The Curse of the Ebony Grimoire

    In a small, forgotten village nestled deep within the dense woods, rumors whispered of a cursed black magic book known as the Ebony Grimoire. According to legend, it held immense power, capable of granting unimaginable desires to those who dared to unlock its secrets. However, the price was steep, for it came with a malevolent force that plagued its owners for eternity.

    One fateful night, a young and ambitious sorcerer named Victor stumbled upon the village. Driven by an insatiable hunger for power, he sought the forbidden knowledge that lay within the Ebony Grimoire. Rumors echoed in his ears, warning him of the dire consequences, but his thirst for dominance blinded him to reason.

    As midnight cast an eerie shadow upon the village, Victor ventured into the heart of the forest, guided by a flickering lantern. The dense underbrush whispered haunting secrets, and the wind carried an ominous chill. A shiver ran down his spine, but his resolve remained steadfast.

    Finally, Victor arrived at a decrepit, dilapidated cottage, its thatched roof sagging under the weight of time. The air grew heavy with a foreboding presence, yet he pushed the creaking door open, revealing a room shrouded in darkness. He could barely make out the outlines of twisted shelves, laden with occult artifacts.

    His trembling hand reached for the ebony cover of the Grimoire, its touch sending an icy jolt through his veins. As he cracked open the book, a gust of wind howled through the room, extinguishing his lantern. Panic seized him, but he knew there was no turning back.

    In the darkness, Victor stumbled upon an incantation that promised dominion over life and death. Reciting the forbidden words, he felt a surge of energy course through him, empowering his every pore. Unbeknownst to him, however, a sinister presence had awakened.

    The villagers, sensing an impending catastrophe, gathered outside the cottage, their faces pale with fear. They could hear Victor’s maniacal laughter and the cries of tortured souls emanating from within. Desperate to save their community, they hatched a plan.

    As Victor completed the ritual, the earth trembled beneath him. The Grimoire’s malevolent force materialized before him, a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes. It spoke with a voice that chilled the marrow in his bones, promising him everything he desired in exchange for his eternal servitude.

    In that moment, the villagers burst into the room, wielding ancient relics and symbols of protection. Their collective energy banished the dark entity back into the abyss, and the Ebony Grimoire snapped shut, trapping the wickedness within.

    But the damage had been done. Victor, consumed by the curse he had unleashed, became an empty vessel, his soul forever intertwined with the malevolence he had sought. He was left to wander the village, his twisted laughter a constant reminder of the horrors that unfolded that night.

    From then on, the village became a haunted place, shunned by outsiders who felt the lingering presence of evil. The Ebony Grimoire remained sealed away, a symbol of the village’s dark past, a reminder of the perils of dabbling in forbidden magic.

    And so, the Curse of the Ebony Grimoire lived on, a cautionary tale whispered to children by their elders, a chilling reminder that some desires should remain unfulfilled, and the pursuit of power can lead to eternal damnation.

  •  “The Shattered Symphony”

    The night was draped in an eerie silence as renowned pianist, Gabriel Hargrove, embarked on his final masterpiece—a hauntingly beautiful symphony. Each note resonated through the grand concert hall, enchanting the audience. But before the crescendo, chaos erupted. A gunshot pierced the air, shattering the symphony into discordant fragments. Gabriel Hargrove’s lifeless body lay on the stage, the echoes of his final composition lingering in the darkness.

    Detective Amelia Ross, a brilliant and unconventional investigator, arrived at the concert hall the next morning. Her sharp gaze scanned the crime scene, taking in the shattered dreams of a musical genius. Determined to unearth the truth, Amelia delved into Gabriel Hargrove’s life, uncovering a web of secrets that stretched far beyond the concert hall.

    Amid her investigation, Amelia discovered a hidden connection between Gabriel and the enigmatic maestro, Alexander Volkov. Volkov, a reclusive and legendary composer, had vanished years ago. Rumors whispered of his involvement in a series of mysterious deaths. Could Gabriel’s death be linked to the maestro’s dark past?

    As Amelia followed the twisted path, she encountered an intricate network of individuals entangled in Gabriel’s life. There was Elena, Gabriel’s former lover, harboring her own secrets. Vincent, his devoted protégé, possessed an uncanny talent for deception. And the enigmatic collector, known only as The Maestro’s Hand, held an obsession with Volkov’s lost compositions. Each encounter led Amelia closer to the heart of the mystery.

    Amelia’s relentless pursuit brought her to an abandoned theater, rumored to be Volkov’s secret lair. As she ventured into its depths, she discovered a hidden chamber filled with Volkov’s forgotten compositions, each piece a gateway to the darkest corners of the human soul. But the most astonishing revelation awaited her—the final movement of Gabriel’s shattered symphony, completed by Volkov himself.

    In a chilling confrontation, Amelia confronted Volkov, unmasking the secrets that bound him to Gabriel’s tragic fate. Volkov had sought a worthy successor to carry on his twisted legacy, using Gabriel as a vessel for his darkest desires. The shattered symphony was more than music—it was a ritual to channel forbidden power. Gabriel’s death was the cruel finale of Volkov’s sinister composition.

    With the truth revealed, Amelia devised a daring plan to stop Volkov’s unholy creation. In a desperate battle of wits and courage, she unraveled the intricate threads of Volkov’s malevolence, restoring harmony to Gabriel’s shattered symphony and justice to his untimely death. The echoes of his music would resonate once again, no longer tainted by darkness.

    “The Shattered Symphony” became a cautionary tale, a reminder that even the most beautiful melodies can hide the darkest secrets. And as Amelia closed the case, she understood that in the realm of music and mystery, sometimes the only way to find harmony is to face the dissonance head-on.

  • The Cursed Night

    Alex spotted Isabella walking into the woods wearing the same gown Anne used to wear. His heart skipped a beat when he realized that his past was about to repeat itself and this time there might be no redemption. Alex called out her name, but Isabella kept on walking deeper into the forest and didn’t even look back. Alex started running after her then suddenly smoke started appearing around him and nothing was visible anymore. Isabella was no longer in sight. Alex started panicking. He heard someone crying for help. He thought it was Isabella’s voice. The voice was getting louder and louder, Alex realized it was Anne’s voice. A shiver ran down his spine. That was the moment Alex understood that he would have to pay a hefty price for the sins he had committed. Before Alex could utter a single word, after recovering from the shock, the voice suddenly changed and this time it was Isabella’s voice. It was getting harder to breathe, Alex was feeling so helpless but before he could do anything to save Isabella. He was suddenly jerked awake by an alarm. Alex found himself gasping for breath in his bed. Sweat-soaked body trembled with relief as he realized it had all been a vivid, terrifying dream. Trying to regain his composure, he got up and prepared for another ordinary day. But when he stepped into the living room, the air was sucked out of his lungs, and his heart shattered into a million pieces. There stood Isabella, wearing that same cursed gown that had haunted his nightmares. Just like that Alex knew that the beginning of another nightmare had arrived. Panic surged through his veins with panic and desperation, Alex asked Isabella Why is she wearing this gown. It belongs to Anne; how does she even have this? Isabella, confused by Alex’s distress, explained, that She and Anne bought the same gown together during their college trip to Bali. It was long before that tragic incident. It’s her gown, and why she’ll wear the clothes of a dead person? Speechless and overwhelmed, Alex struggled to comprehend Isabella’s words. He couldn’t find the right words to express his fear. He quickly said goodbye to Isabella and rushed off to work. To get things off his mind, Alex called his longtime friend, Cole. He explained everything to him. Fear was evident in his voice. Cole told Alex not to worry about anything. No one knows what happened that night in the forest. Anne stabbed herself because she was under the influence of some spirit that overpowered her mind. That jungle is haunted, not many make it out alive at night. This is what people say and believe who live near that jungle. We also believe that, Alex. When we went there to look for Anne, we saw her dead and that knife was in her hand with no one else in sight. Even police found only her fingerprint on the knife. So, no need to involve the police again. Nothing could calm Alex’s mind now. He knows he was guilty. They could have saved Anne’s life. She was still conscious at that time. But Cole convinced him not to because no one would believe them, and they could be labeled as murderers, or what if the spirit comes after them next? Not knowing what to say anymore Alex ended the call with a deep sigh and they decided to meet in the evening at Alex’s home. When Alex returned home, the door was locked, he guessed Isabella must’ve gone outside to get groceries. He was about to open the lock when he heard some sort of noise coming from inside. A shiver ran down his spine. He opened the door with his trembling hands to find no one at home. He switched on the light to find a pool of blood on the floor and Isabella was lying there dead. Alex felt like his heart stopped beating and fear pierced through his heart, making him breathless. It was a pivotal moment—a turning point in their fates. Unable to stand Alex stumbled on his feet and his hand and their photo frame fell out of the cabinet. His eyes saw the phone that was hidden behind the photo frame. He regained some energy and went through the phone. Alex couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He saw Cole and Isabella arguing about something in the video. Isabella was asking Cole if he said anything to Alex to make him distressed. He was acting weird in the morning. Cole denied it and told her that he was talking about that night with him on the call. Cole was getting closer to Isabella, and she was telling him to leave her alone and not touch her. She threatened him that she’d tell everything to the police and Alex. Isabella knew Cole killed her friend Anne. She was quiet only for the sake of Alex whom she loved more than anything in this world and she would do anything for him, even hide a murder. She knew Cole killed Anne out of jealousy and betrayal. Anne was cheating on him. Cole made her believe that Alex would be counted as a murderer because he kept quiet and didn’t tell anyone about it. Unable to comprehend the situation Alex didn’t know what to do. His wife is dead, his best friend was murdered years ago, and his only friend is a murderer. Notification of a message popped up on his screen. It was from Isabella. Alex guessed she must have set a timer for it to be sent. Isabella was telling him to go to the police if she dies in the message and everything will be alright soon. Just like that it became another cursed night for Alex. Everything ended for him. After calling the police he stabbed himself with the same knife Isabella died and he took his last breath beside her.

  • Meet the Golden Trio of Bengali Literature! (ATTENTION all Bengalis, please do give a read)

    Meet the Golden Trio of Bengali Literature! (ATTENTION all Bengalis, please do give a read)

    feluda2

    Imaginary Interview with the Golden Trio of Bengali Literature

    Sitting at the far corner of the food court of the airport, I take out my favourite Bengali novel of all time, Sonar Kella (The Golden fortress) by none other than the famous Satyajit Ray, consisting of my childhood heroes, Topshe, Lal Mohan Ganguly and Feluda. Waiting for the announcement of my flight to Bangalore, I turn over the first few pages and smell the scent of the book (I do it for every new book I buy). Suddenly, I spot three extremely familiar looking men walking into the food court: a teenage boy, a short, balding mustached man and a tall, sharp-featured man, whose eyes flicker with an extraordinary intelligence. As soon as I recognize them to be my childhood heroes, my heartbeat starts to double and the reporter in me awakens. Who would miss the chance to interview them? I quickly grab my dictaphone and head over to them to take the most amazing interview I’ve ever taken. I introduce myself as a reporter for a newspaper and an online site (Storieo) and since they were astonished to see a young girl working for a newspaper, they agreed to give the interview I’ve always only dreamed of taking.

    1) Me: First of all, I need to thank you for agreeing on giving these interviews. Hope you are just as excited as I am. Are you all ready?

    Feluda: Yes, I am ready but please don’t ask too many questions since I have to board my flight in half an hour.

    Topse: (smiles) Of course. I too am excited for this.

    Lal Mohan Ganguli: I was born ready. (Laughs)

    2) Me: Would you all like to say something about your personal life?

    Feluda: There’s nothing much to say about my personal life. My family is from East Bengal but our original home is in a village named Sonadighi in the Bikrampur district of Dhaka, presently in Bangladesh. At nine, I lost my parents and was brought up by my uncle, Topshe’s father. My father was a school teacher, by the way. At school, I was known for my good memory. I was also good at shooting an airgun and playing cricket. Also, I am an early riser and almost all the days I start with yoga.

    Topshe: Mine was a pretty normal childhood and since I’m half of Feluda’s age, he’s very protective of me. He taught me cycling when I was seven and how to use an airgun also. One of my talents that came to use in many of our adventures was that I could whistle very sharply. I started writing down my adventures with Feluda since I was 13. Therefore, I’d say that the readers are quite well acquainted with my growing up years.

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: I was a brilliant student. Khub bhalo chatro chilam (I was a very good student). But ami Shatadal Sen ke defeat korte parini (But I could never defeat Shatadal Sen). I held record in high jump. Tokhon amar curly hair chilo, jano? (Did you know I had curly hair at that time?) Onek offers for acting came but I refused karon my dream to be professional writer (Many offers for acting came but I refused because my dream is to be a professional writer). Since the name Lal Mohan Ganguly is not exciting enough, I write in the name of Jatayu.

    3) Me: (To Feluda) Why did you choose to pursue a career as a detective?

    Feluda: From childhood, I’ve read various crime fictions and I’ve admired Sherlock Holmes solving cases with his analytical skills. It instilled the dream of being a detective in me since I was a child. Since I’m a challenge lover, I enjoy being a detective and the investigative part of the job.

    Topshe (butts in): He has very good analytical ability as well as observation skills which helped him to solve cases.

    4) Me: (To Feluda) Do you consider yourself as a leader?

    (Before Feluda could answer) Topshe: Definitely a leader because he is a strong willed individual, works well with others due to his good communication skills and can take control of situations easily. Moreover as a leader, in order to train me, Feluda often tested my deductive knowledge which I used to pass satisfactorily.

    Lal Mohan Ganguli: Not to forget he make decisions ekdom somoy moto (makes decisions at the correct time). Mystery solve korar beshi bhag somoye calling a meeting. (While solving a mystery, he calls for a meeting most of the time). Felubabur special gift is to solve problems by anasing and thinking about them crictally.

    Me (thinks to myself): You mean analysing and critically?

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: Hya hya otai toh I said. (Yes yes that’s what I said only)

    Feluda (murmurs to himself): Wasn’t the question directed to me?

    5) Me: According to the three of you, what was the most challenging case that you have worked on?

    Lal Mohan Ganguli: Ore baba re. (Oh my God) Joy Baba Felunath. Most challenging. Most difficult. Villain ta chilo khub dangerous aar highly suspicious (The villain was very dangerous and highly suspicious). Maganlal Meghraj. Baba, I never forget the case. Never.

    Feluda: I’d say Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) was the most challenging case I have worked on. Dealing with a kid who was said to remember events of his previous life was tough. Even though Mukul gave descriptions somewhat appropriately there were many conclusions to those. For example, when Mukul said that his house had lots of gems, it was thought that he was rich. But later it was found out that his father was a gem-cutter and the visions had nothing to do with him being rich. Different conclusions are often confusing.

    Topshe: I completely agree with Feluda. That case was a bit complicated than others.

    Lal Mohan Ganguly (angry): Hya? You both do not think Maganlal dangerous? Maganlal threaten you, Felubabu! Maganlal threw knife at me! God!

    Feluda: Please calm down Lal Mohan Babu.

    6) Me: (To Feluda) Have you ever had to fire your weapon .32 colt revolver?

    Feluda: I have used it as infrequently as possible but I do keep it with me at all times, if needed.

    Topshe: Actually, to be honest, he’s a very non violent person so he doesn’t use the weapon much.

    7) Me: How do you all spend your leisurely time?

    Feluda: As most of you know, I have diverse interests. I study almost everything- space travel, chess, cookery, western music, both English and Bengali fonts, vintage cars, hypnotism and history. I also read about the I am visiting, beforehand. I am a penchant for old books.

    Topshe: I read a lot of books to enhance my knowledge just like Feluda but to be honest, I love to read adventurous books my favourite being ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ comic series. Moreover, when Feluda studied something, he shared those information with me as well.

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: Amar hobby tobby oto nei satyi bolte, karon I always writing (I don’t have many hobbies because I am always writing). Hya but seta chara (But yes apart from that) I like to collect different kinds of weapon. However, ami kintu refer kori to (I refer to) encyclopaedia for writing my novels.

    8) Me (To Lal Mohan Ganguli): How did you feel when you first met Feluda?

    Lal Mohan Ganguli: We first met on the train when I was on the trip to Rajasthan and Felubabu and Tapesh bhai were on their way to save Mukul. Jei muhurto theke (From the moment) Felubabu corrected an error in Saharay Shiharon, I started admiring him aar sedin theke (and from that day) every story written by me passes through the inspecting eyes of Feluda. My first impression of him was that he’s very serious, knowledgeable and intelligent which in future actually came true. What say Felubabu? I can also judge a person just by looking at them huh? (Laughs)

    9) Me: (To Topshe) Were your parents supportive of your thirst for adventure?

    Topshe: By the time of Kailashe Kelenkari, I had finished my secondary education. Though my mother was a bit concerned regarding my studies and career, my father always said that I am lucky to have Feluda as my mentor.

    10) Me: (To Feluda) Do you think that Lal Mohan Babu has helped you in solving cases? What do you think of him?

    Feluda: Though I had to correct his silly mistakes in his books, for example, he confuses hippos with walruses in Bakshyo Rahashyo, I still think he is intelligent, unpredictable and sometimes resourceful. He does act bravely sometimes which is quite unexpected of him, like his use of the boomerang in Baksho Rahashyo and that of the jap jantro in Joto Kando Kathmandute.

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: Oh? Apni Kailashe Kelenkari te amar perfect acting ta as an history professor bhule gelen na? (You forgot about my perfect acting as an history professor in Kailashe Kelenkari, no?)

    Topshe (looked at me): If you ask me, I would say he is humorous and is a constant source of entertainment for us. (Laughs)

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: Tapesh bhai ki je bolo na tumi….. (Tapesh bhai, what are you saying… making me feel shy)

    11) Me: (To Topshe and Lal Mohan Babu) According to you both, what are Feluda’s top three qualities?

    Topshe: Selecting any three qualities of Feluda is tough. Did you know he gave me tips at first on writing? He-

    Lal Mohan Ganguly (butts in): The whole story of Bombaiyer Bombette is banano (made) by Felubabu, jano (you know)?

    Topshe: If I had to select top 3 qualities, I’d choose his ability to pay attention to little details, understanding body language and his strong perception. He is very intuitive as well.

    Me: Lal Mohan Babu?

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: Ami bolbo toh (I would say) my favourite quality of him is sob somoye alert thaka (all the time he’s alert). Tarpor onyo lok seje proshno kora (Then disguising as another person to question people). Disguises. Khub bhalo seta te (Very good in that) Felubabu. And not to forget onar (his) martial skills.

    12) Me: What are your messages to the young readers of TTIS?

    Feluda: In this new era of internet and video games, the habit and interest in reading books has reduced a lot. So I would suggest everyone to read books because they help you gain knowledge about the world.

    Topshe: Follow your heart. Do what you enjoy doing and you will automatically start enjoying your life. That’s all I have to say.

    Lal Mohan Ganguly: My new book is releasing in Poila baisakh. Mone kore porbe tomra sobai (Do remember to read it you all). Ainar rahashyo is the book’s name. Euta te aro bhalo kore likhechi (In this I have written more nicely). Adventure. Khub ache (Too much of) adventure. Ei nao tomar jonyo signed copy (For you a signed copy, take it).

    Me (takes it): Thank you Lal Mohan Babu. I appreciate it.

    I lunged forward to take the precious gift from Jatayu, Still riding on an adrenaline rush I faltered badly and the book fell from my hands. I bent down to pick the book up and was getting ready to profusely apologise to Lal Mohan Babu, when I noticed the empty chairs all around me! The book I picked up was Sonar Kella. Absolutely perplexed, I heard the announcement for the boarding of my flight. I rushed with my baggage to the gates trying to make sense of the really exciting interview i just took. I still am…..

  • Monika’s struggle

    Monika’s struggle

    It wasn’t a perfect day for monika, she was all messed up. Clock was showing 12 pm. and she was still burried under layers and layers of blankets. Something was not right, when she was hiding herself from the outer world, like this. Normally Monika was a chirrupy charming girl who was born to cheer everyone up. She was such a bundle of joy that it takes her just about 5 minutes to brighten a dull room all by herself. This is the reason why the sudden change in her personality was troubling every person around her.

    Earlier that day, she woke up as usual at sharp 7 am. went downstairs.. wished morning to her mom, dad and her beloved cat, even to her crassula plant … fetched her diet breakfast from the kitchen and returning back to her room switched on her favourite gadget– favourite because she meets her lover in that very virtual setting each day. It was her early morning ritual to talk to her boyfriend on priority basis everyday since last 6 years. They were long time lovers and were planning to reveal their relationship at each other’s home on the 18th of the same month. Every thing was perfectly fine till then but soonafter something terrible happened for which she was never prepared. She recieved a text message from dreamyboe21.

    She stared at the email message on her computer, her mind racing so fast that the words blurred togather and no longer made any sense. Just three lines, but enough to make her life– the life she’d worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build–begin to crumble around her. The lines read, ” Dear Monika, I needed to talk to you for so long. But you were always so nice to me, how could have I gathered so much courage to tell you that I am already married. So I wish you a good life, hope we never meet again.”

    That day,  she ate nothing, thinking about her so many different things she dreamed about for herself and her lover. That one messsage brought about a storm in her life. He fell in depression for a long time and noone knew the reason why. Her family tried to help but he had shut all the doors about her for the external world. Her favourite gadget was not dear to her any longer. She knew what was going to be her lifewith such a bitter experience in love. One day sitting on a bench in public park she saw a couple and something seems quite familier about them. When she observed with a keen eye she noticed. It was none other than her past lover. It was time to pay back for him. She walked straight in front of the couple and revealed her identity to the girl and told the full story. But the the girl who was just another victim to the same guy didn’t bother to cross verify Monika’s version of truth and began to ignore her. Monika felt pity for her but silently slipped her contact no. in her purse and walked back home.

    Few days passed waiting for the girl to revert back to Monika, but waiting seemed pointless because there was no response yet. She really wanted to do something about the situation and punish her now ex boyfriend who is exposed to her as a cheat and fraudulent person but she was fed up with the thought that such people exist among us and we let them have their way by blindly trusting them. Monika rebuked herself for the mistakes of her past and felt more and more measurable about not being able to save his new victim. But she was a girl with strong will power. She plainly refused to give up. Remembering the old proverb, ‘where there is will, there is a way’, She recollects what the other girl was wearing when she saw her, which appeared to be airhostess’ outfit. Monika switched on her pc seemingly after decades and searched the uniform of all the airlines. Soon she was able to match the outfit and started searching for the girl everywhere.

    Within a week she was able to locate the girl on Facebook, her name way Iris. Monika dropped her a text again and luckily this time the girl did reply. Both of them had a nice talk over messages. Monika came to know that this girl lives just 4 blocks away and both of them arraged a meeting in a nearby coffee shop. They met nicely and monika explained Iris with all the proofs that she had and it wasn’t tough to explain that their lover was nothing more than a professional playboy. Monika also discovered that Iris is also in this relation from past 3 years, which obviously meant the guy keeps more than one affair at a time. Monika lost any sympathy for her lover way back and now even Iris lost hers.

    Since the time Monika has saved Iris from her upcoming doom her mission was successfully accomplished already, even then she still felt the need to save anyother girl from this conscience less man. She asked Iris to join hands and Iris agreed without another thought. Now with a bigger target in mind, they defied playing a victim any longer.

    This time the Monika planned her victims doom. According to plan Iris kept the relation for some more time and Monika kept collecting proofs. She was no longer a child after she witnessed the darker side of life. In a month’s time their victim was standing in a jury box, completely checkmate and Monika recieved the credit of saving another innocent from his vicious claws. Monika’s family supported her during the whole trial and celebrated her victory with equal happiness. In the end she didn’t get happiness in getting the culprit behind bars but also to have set an example for those who were guilty of devastating women by cheating them.

  • Family reunited

    Family reunited

    He turned down the window sill hopelessly missing his family. The same family who,  he was told by many,  have abandoned him on the gates of a remote orphanage. Nobody knows the reason , or who they were but Somil was determined to quest for it. For him it doesn’t matter, why they did it?  He doesn’t even expect them to accept him again but he really wanted to know the Why associated to his own  existence.

    He had a new family and now.  Mr. and Mrs. Gill took Somil in their loving abode just an year ago, because he had a certain resemblance to Mrs.  Gill. They too had a tragic story to tell. Having lost their own child during world war 2 in another country, by providing for a war victim they wanted to make up to their first child somehow, they decided to not have another child. So luckily Somil got a new family who care for him just like their own son. He often felt bad for Mrs. Gill’s loss and curses how his own mother was too heartless to abandon an infant on road. 

    Somil willingly works in his new dad’s factory from nine to five just like the other ordinary workers. Everyday at seven o’clock he would free himself from the days work and goes up into his attic and study his gathered clues. His new mom is affectionate enough to send him dinner climbing the frail attick stairs each day. This was all to sum up Somil’s life from an out siders perspective.

    One day Somil was in his study when his mom climbed up, but instead of just fulfilling her duty to deliver dinner to her beloved son, she took a side stool and curiously enquired, ” so where has your search reached. He didn’t bother to shut the windows when he was alone but he got up to shut the window for the old lady. Then he responded to his new mother,” it’s going quite good, I have interviewed a few people over phone and I am getting a lot of information to work upon.”

    Mrs. Gill smile at the innocent child’s hardwork. She cheered him up with a pat on his shoulder and decided to let the child finish his work without distraction from her side. Somil too continued working and dialed a number on his phone. Somil had put the phone on speaker and Mrs. Gill got up to leave Somil alone again. But she had taken only two steps when a familiar voice responded the phone call, which made her slow down.

    Somil greeted the lady on the phone call saying, ” Hello Mrs. Ghosh, I am Somil, my orphanage provided me with your number claiming you brought me to the orphanage.”

    Mrs. Ghosh said in a slighly tout voice, ” but I am not your mother child, I clearly conveyed this to the orphanage manager as well, years ago…. ”

    Mrs. Gill heard the whole conversation. Somil painfully smiled at his new mother but failed to notice that she was already in tears. After he cut the call downhearted because he was hopeful that this was the last loop to know about his real family. He finally saw Mrs. Gill’s blue wet eyes.

    He rose up nervously from his chair and asked in desperation, mother, why are you crying? What happened? ”

    Mrs. Gill tried holding her sorrow of 5 long years of separation inside her, but how could this be possible when she had finally met her lost son. By then Mr. Gill also reached the attick realizing his wife has not been back in the kitchen for so long. Then with happy tears Mr. And Mrs Gill announced that their adopted son is actually their real child, who they think died during the world war.

    She narrated the full story thus,” when I heard Somil talking to Mrs. Ghosh on his phone, I was struck by the familiarity of this lady’s voice. I recalled her to be our our landlady and also that she wanted us to pay a month’s rent before leaving the country. But war broke out so instantly that we had to packup in emergency situations. During the journey she must have stolen somil for the sake of her revenge. And as we reported the incident to the local police, she must have made up the entire story of finding you on the orphange gate.”

    This was it, Somil’s only family filed an FIR against Mrs. Ghosh and she was soon taken in custody. Somil too realized that his parents were such nice to him as an adopted son so keeping any grudges any long would be stupid enough. The heavy burden of losing their first and only child years back was lightened by this joyous reunion. And in the end they all lived happily ever after just like it happens in the fairy tales.

  • BOOK REVIEW- Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

    BOOK REVIEW- Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

    Agatha Christie, the famous detective fiction writer, had me from the first page, hook line & sinker and she never lost my attention until the very end. Even though there are a number of books which are extremely interesting there is absolutely no wonder why this is considered to be one of her very best.

    Murder of Roger Ackroyd

    Murder of Roger Ackroyd- a single story filled with suspense, thrill, crime and surprise which becomes extremely difficult to put down once you have started reading it. According to me, it is one of the best books Christie has ever written. Poirot with his ‘little grey cells’ are challenged to an extremity while finding out the killer of Mr. Roger Ackroyd in the little village of King’s Abbot, where everyone is familiar with each other. Before the murder of Mr.Ackroyd which took place in his locked study, there’s a widow Mrs. Ferrars’ sudden suicide which instills rumors among the residents that she murdered her first husband, was being blackmailed, and was carrying on a secret affair with the wealthy, deceased Roger Ackroyd. Before getting murdered, Ackroyd had received a letter identifying the widow’s blackmailer. Is that the motive for the crime? Who is the blackmailer then? No one knows and these questions continue to haunt us till the end of the story.

    As a result of two deaths, one after the other, the village of King’s Abbot is crawling with suspects which include a nervous butler, John Parker, Ackroyd’s wayward stepson, Ralph Paton, and his sister-in-law, Mrs. Cecil Ackroyd, who has taken up residence in the victim’s home. Even though he has retired to King’s Abbot to garden near the home of a friend he met in London (Ackroyd himelf who promised to keep him anonymous), it is now up to the world famous detective M. Hercule Poirot, who is appointed by the victim’s niece, Flora Ackroyd, to solve the case of who killed Roger Ackroyd (to ensure that the guilt does not fall on Ackroyd’s son) – a task in which he is aided by the village doctor and the narrator of this detective fiction, James Sheppard and also by Sheppard’s ingenious sister, Caroline. Poirot promises to find out the truth circling his friend’s death which she accepts.

    The ending (which I will not discuss in explicit detail for the fear of spoilers) is what makes this a 5-star book. Let me assure you: you will not be able to guess who the murderer is. Never ever ever. When the murderer is revealed, you will not believe it. When the murderer goes on to explain his/her actions, you will continue to not believe it. Only by rereading certain important passages will you start to realize that the answer was in front of you all the time, and yet you couldn’t see it. It’s a testament to Christie’s skill as a writer that this is accomplished. As in all of her cases involving Inspector Hercule Poirot, Christie unearths layer upon layer of the case, leaving her readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think that you finally found out who the killer/murderer is, she throws in a twist by revealing a key clue that only Poirot could have thought of. Occasionally, I guess the criminal, but other times I am left stumped. This time, in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Christie leaves me hanging until her final paragraphs, creating a thrilling case. Just as in the other Poirot tales I have read, he uses his little gray cells, stumps the local police, irks the local populace who are happy to be rid of the little Belgian man, yet solves each case in ways that most detectives are not capable of achieving.

    Agatha Christie will leave you dazzled with one of her finest mystery that lasts till the last page and ends with an unprecedented plot twist.

  • Arena for innocent beasts

    Arena for innocent beasts

    Hi, I am John. I am a master trainer at a delhi gym. Thanks to my job I can afford to stay in a posh locality and all the neighbors around this place are very beautiful perticularly Maria. When I saw her for the first time, she was bathing her beautiful pitbul. No doubt the girl shared an amazing bond with her dog Mike. I use to watch her taking mike for walk as she passed from the front of my new home. At times she had smiled at me. I know she likes me but people here don’t like me so much. They like men having regular nine to five job in a boring office and turning into hunchbacks with hanging muscles all over them. I can’t really make them like me still it feels sad how children are affraid of me when I am a very soft hearted guy who loves to be around little boys. But I know when they will grow up they too would be idolizing people like me, like in my gym. I have a long list of admirers there.

    In my gym many men come to build their strength. Some are from realy good familiesand others from a much tainted background, one guy works in police and another a drugdealer. But for me all are there to learn so I do not bother to discriminate.

    One of my big time fan is Gimmy he is a fitness freak friend of mine and sometimes gives me the complex too. Gimmy is telling me to go to the dog fight from several days. He is seemingly influenced by another guy in my gym who himself is participating in the fight with his massive grey pitbull, Tazon. This dog comes to be a victor every single time I don’t know what does he feed him. I told Gimmy that there is no point going because we could totally guess the results so the event wont be that much fun. But he had already arranged the tickets and is very adamant on going, so I’ll have to go along.

    We finished workout with a bit of exercise ball crunches that day before packed up. From there we headed straight to arrange some vodka and then to the arena. It was a lonely place when we reached but after 15 minutes of calm, the entire geography of the place changed within minutes. Many muscular men with dragon tatoos crowded the old parking lot turned arena and many more came drifting in to the secluded place located away from the city.

    One by one the competitors too arrived with their big hard built beastly dogs. One or two  of them were stupid young boys who showed up with their own pets to show off their strength.  Stupid because they were attached to their dogs and still brought them to a death game, only to carry ashes back to their homes later. And others were giant bearded emotionless hunks who come here every fall for getting major business with dogs bought for the sole purpose of battling. Although I would not dare to generalize or present a steriotypical image that a bearded hunk will always be a bad guy but many are there who live upto fulfilling this image.

    I was there like others, only to watch some entertainment at the cost of innocent lives. Inexperienced dogs were biting dust one after the other, yet constantly battling there to proove their iron on their masters commands. Some new trainers blasted in tears at the ruthless killing or wounding of their pet animals during the merciless game. Others were enraged at the death of their hard trained expensive dogs. In the end right before the last battle,  arrived the evergreen victor Tarzon. Perry arrived with him just like a king of the arena. I don’t know if tarzon has ever cheered at the victory, but I am sure he must have cheered at getting out alive, almost everytime. This time he was a bit older than the last time I saw him and his opponent has torn not less then five necks in the same arena that day… But perry was sure of the fifth victory in a row.

    Match started with a warm barks between restless warriors. With a drop of a ret cloth the beasts were released from both ends and they pounced at each other like blood enemies. Both were grabbing each other by neck and belly… Scratching the ground with their fierce nails. Not a single one wanted to give up. The match continued for 15 minutes. And the dogs were growling at each other while none seemed tired. But Tarzan unexpectedly lost balance and the other dog grabbed him by neck and finished him within seconds. Blood from his body pumped out and splashed on the terrible face of his owner. Tarzan was lying dead in the most chilling manner. His chest was split open and his blood was fast leaking into the dust underneath.

    Not a single man was showing any sign of pity or remorse. Infact cheers ran amoung the people who bid for the other dog that day. I looked towards Perry,  he wasn’t there, he must be finding the defeat hard to digest. We too left the cursed place right then because all the blood made me feel pukish. We decided to give the remaining two tickets to someone else and had our drinks and went to bed.

    I still managed to wake up early the next morning following my routine very strictly. But was half in my sleep out of previous nights fatigue. I saw Maria taking Mike for walk and after watching her cute face I forgot the horrible dog fight and sat on chair seeing her pass. I don’t even remember when I steeped into sleep again sitting on the chair but I was startled hearing a sudden cry from a distance. Then I saw Perry pushing himself into a mini wan. As the wan passed I saw Maria sitting in between the road and weeping. I ran towards her, asking what happened to her. But she was unable to recount the incident as if in shock still in tears. I looked around to search for Mike but It was nowhere to be found. I questioned agained what happened to Mike and poor girl broke out in tears. In a bit her family too came out to reach her and Gimmy, who stayed over last night, came there too. He informed secretly that he just saw Perry holding another pitbul dog running away in a wan.

    We knew what happned to Mike. I was much disappointed with these people for all their cruelity and heartlessness but by stealing Maria’s innocent dog and pushing him into a deathly battle Perry has made me hate them with all my soul. Now was the time to reach the dog fight with a purpose. There I saw Mike entering the arena, he was scared to sniff blood around and anxious to see so much crowd in a cramped dark place. Mike was a submissive dog and he refused to walk another step and sat down sticking his belly to the ground. Public booed at Perry, which irritated him enought that his hands reached to grab a hunter that he  has often used to apply force on the speechless animals. At this point it was too much for me to tolerate, I too jumped into the arena and took Mike’s leech from ihis fake owner’s evil hands. Though I wanted enormously to punch his hedious face but I already informed my police friend about this. He reached on time to arrest this monster. He made sure Perry legally gets the much deserved punch on his pathetic face for the rest of his time in jail.

    I brought Mike home. He was licking all the time I was driving him home. I knew the innocent dog was very greatful to me for saving him. I petted him for a whilPoor dog had dealt so much that he too was joyously crying when reunited with his true owner. He was luckily saved that day but not all are that lucky. It is high time we stop having fun out of other’s pain. It is the right time to search for compassion within us.

    No doubt I did it for Maria and Mike. But I really want to ask all the responsible citizen of this prosperous nation, why can’t we just call wrong wrong? Why do we open our eyes towards cruelity only when our family or dear ones become victims of some tragic fate ? My gym training didn’t qualify me to save Mike, it was only the humanity inside me which was triggered when my loved one’s were in danger, made me act in the right way. So one message I would like to pass to everyone reading the story, the only reasonable way to cut crime is to be aware of our surroundings, to stand for the right cause and to do the needful whenever you can help. In this way I believe we surely can build a safer society for everyone.