A disheveled woman in tattered attire barges into the police station.
“Saheb…help…my daughter…”
I watch in horror as my deputy drags her out before she can utter another word.
“Bansiram! What the hell is going on?”
“Saheb, this is Mina, deranged after her daughter went missing six months ago. We investigated and found nothing. She probably eloped.”
Thoo! Mina spits at Bansiram.
“Spineless pigs! What good is this khaki you wear?”
Bansiram retorts with a blow to her head using his lathi, which knocks her down.
“Bansiram! That’s enough.”
I rush to help the staggering woman. She gives me an impassive look and walks away. Her misty eyes demand justice.
“Saheb, don’t waste your time on her. We have to meet the Zamindar,” Bansiram reminds me.
I would prefer to see the Zamindar in my office, but I had orders from the HQ to visit him. I always take my orders seriously.
Mina…I’ll look up the case later.
I have a record of pursuing cases to their conclusion.
***
The imposing gates guarding the majestic haveli open to let us in. While Bansiram waits on the porch, a manservant ushers me to the living area. Chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna, accompanied by the high-pitched manjira waft in from another room.
I look around to soak in the opulence. Expensive paintings and exquisite marble sculptures adorn the haveli. A humongous library draws my attention. The array of genres is impressive.
“Namaste,” I hear a booming voice from behind and turn to face a bespectacled, well-built man with an overbearing personality.
“Zamindarji, I am SI Shastri. I have taken charge of the local police station today,” I say, as I offer a handshake.
“Here, people seek my blessings by touching my feet. I respect the khaki you wear, so namaste,” he says with folded hands.
My face flushes red.
Pious and well-read, but also orthodox and despotic.
“The previous SI was obstinate and non-cooperative,” the Zamindar continues as he leads me out.
“He couldn’t solve a simple case. A girl is missing for six months. It’s no surprise he was demoted and transferred. The SP assures me that you are able and trustworthy.”
“I am honored to know that the SP speaks highly of me.”
We stop in front of an outhouse.
“Now, how will you help me sort this mess?” he asks as he opens the door.
I squint my eyes to adjust to the dim light. It takes me a while to notice the unclad, barely breathing, mangled body lying in a heap.
That face looks familiar…Mina?? No…Mina’s missing daughter!
“Help,” she murmurs before her eyes roll back.
I will.
***
One month later.
The police recover the remains of the missing girl from the neighboring lake.
I helped her escape this wretched life.
After all, I had a record of pursuing cases to their conclusion, and…I took my orders seriously.
Mina settled in an asylum.
Was my khaki soused in muck? Did I care?
Glossary:
Khaki (noun)- A strong brownish yellow cloth used for making uniforms.
Khaki, borrowed from Urdu, means dust colored.
Saheb – Sir
Lathi – A weapon used by policemen
Zamindar – A wealthy landowner
Manjira – A musical instrument
Namaste – A respectful greeting
HQ – Head quarters
SP – Superintendent of Police
Picture Credit – Shiv Narayan Das, Unsplash.com
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