Chapter 56

Abdul directed the constable to file a missing report. He asked the parents to give a photo of their daughter and a complete description of her looks, habits and all activities that she was involved in.

Once the parents and son left his office, he went back to his whiteboard. Eventually he got tired of it. When he could process no more information, he sat down for a while. The idea of visiting Rohan's family at Jodhpur occurred to him, but he rejected it. Also, he had no concrete evidence against Rohan.

Abdul went over the autopsy report reading each detail as if he were to appear for his board exams! Forensic reports said that the cause of death was a bodily blow. The victim was first killed and then she was thrown into the jungle. The face was mutilated beyond recognition.

He went to the mortuary to see the body of the victim again.

If this isn't Stella, then who is this girl?

Chapter 9

She landed in City M and took a taxi to her apartment. It was 8pm by the time she reached there. The guards had changed. An old man was sitting there who was already trying to catch a nap. She had mastered the art of slipping quietly past in the last few days. She unlocked her flat and saw that everything was just as she had left it. She emptied her suitcase and washed all her clothes in the washing machine. On finishing the laundry, she made coffee for herself.

The first few days of the breakup were unbearable. She wanted to quieten the storm of emotions emanating from within. Her quest led her to the local club. She knew that the noise inside would distract her for sure. She sat on a bar stool at the bar. She was watching and following every person from there. In the corner of the table she saw a beautiful girl sitting all by herself. She looked… lonely…

"Welcome to the loners' club," she smiled.

"Hi there!" She went nearer.

The stranger was more than happy to talk; was desperate to talk.

"Hey!" she replied with a smile, sipping her Mojito.

"You've come alone?"

"Oh no! My friends are dancing there on the floor. I have two left feet, so didn't join them." She chuckled. "I am Shonali. And you?" She was very beautiful and very funny.

She introduced herself and offered to pay for Stella's next drink. The two girls hit it off instantly. They started talking about how is life in City M and the different problems they faced every day.

"I just took up a new job. Wanted to move away from City K, away from my over-dominating parents! So I have travelled to the far end of the country. Coming to City M was a welcome change in my life."

She opened to Shonali so well. She poured out all her woes in front of her. She wasn't crying, but she had so much hatred in her. She was spewing venom, talking about revenge.

Shonali was amused at first, then her expression changed to sympathy, and then she felt bad for her.

When she stopped telling her story, she asked, "Would you like to get out of here? This place is so claustrophobic."

Shonali was more than happy to get out. She already felt close to her. "Yes, sure. But where do you want to go?"

"We can go for a drive if you like."

"Umm… okay… but I have to get back home no later than 1am."

Both of them left the club. The valet got Shonali's car. Once on the road, Shonali drove fast. City M roads were not busy at this time, especially in this place. She hit the accelerator and off they zipped to lesser-known streets.