11: The Betrayal

Rishi brewed a cup of coffee, his morning ritual. He poured it into a mug and walked into the living room.

A man sat on the sofa, his head bowed. Rishi was startled by the unexpected visitor. Holding the hot coffee mug, he approached cautiously. It was a dishevelled Karthik, his clothes still stained with the grime from the previous night.

"Good morning, Karthik! You gave me quite a fright," Rishi said, attempting a casual tone. He walked towards Karthik. "What have you done to yourself? You're covered in dirt."

Karthik remained motionless.

"Okay, take this coffee. I'll make another one," Rishi said, placing the mug on the table in front of Karthik and heading to the kitchen.

"Why, Rishi?" Karthik asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Rishi froze mid-stride. He turned, grabbed Karthik's throat from behind, and squeezed. Karthik gasped for air, his throat trapped in a vice-like grip. Desperate, Karthik grabbed Rishi's hair and pulled him forward, towards the coffee table. The table shattered, and the coffee mug crashed beneath Rishi's body.

The two former friends wrestled, each blow fuelled by betrayal and rage. The sounds of breaking glass and furniture echoed through the house. Both were bleeding, but Karthik's pent-up grief and anger gave him the edge. Finally, exhausted, they leaned against opposite walls, panting heavily.

"Why did you try to kill Siri?" Karthik demanded.

Rishi chuckled.

"In Siri's game, I was just a pawn, Karthik. I didn't want her dead. It was your father."

"My father?" Karthik whispered in disbelief.

"Yes! Your great, loving, late father, Mr. Raghupathi. I was his spy. Your friendship was part of the deal. He paid me handsomely for every piece of information I gave him about you. He tried everything to get rid of your girl, and you ruined his plans every time. You were a very disobedient son, Karthik. Didn't you know that?" Rishi sneered.

"Why did he hate Siri?"

"I don't think I'm the one to answer that. You can ask him when you meet him in heaven. Or, more likely, in hell."

"What about my father? Did you kill him?"

Rishi laughed.

"You're missing the point, my friend. Your father was my golden goose. My pockets were full whenever I wanted. Why would I kill my lucky charm?"

Karthik moved closer to Rishi, his eyes burning.

"Then who did?"

"If I'm not mistaken, the murderer has already been convicted."

"I don't believe it."

"You're a true romantic, my friend. Siri is so… lucky to have you…"

Before Rishi could finish, he grabbed a shard of broken glass and plunged it into Karthik's stomach.

Karthik stumbled back, but Rishi attacked again. Karthik dodged, and Rishi fell, the other sharp end of the glass piercing his own chest.

Karthik looked at his dying friend, his face a mask of anguish.

"Karthik! Is this your final gift to me? Well, I have something for you," Rishi gasped. "First, all your property is mine. There's not a single penny in your name."

Karthik's attention sharpened.

"And second," Rishi continued, "I didn't kill your father. Neither Siri. I know who did."

Karthik's hope flickered. He grabbed Rishi's shirt.

"Who? Who killed my father?"

Rishi laughed, his eyes and mouth wide open. His final words died with the laughter.

Karthik, consumed by rage, began to pummel his dead friend.