The Lines of Fate

2: First Day

Radhika's breath was taken away the moment she stepped inside the Criminal Investigation Department of Kolkata. She had always dreamed of being in that building, famous for its unique white texture along with studded Corinthian pillars, lined with balustrades of delicate grill work.

She looked around the building, busy with people going in and out. It was the peak time of the morning office hours. The front desk had a long line of people waiting to talk with the police about their problems or to file an F.I.R.

At the sight of Rishav, the workers either nodded their heads or smiled but they were staring at Radhika. It was nothing new. Human beings are always curious about new things and that day she was the new entity there.

Rishav took her to the Chief's office located on the second floor and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A stern voice came from inside, which made Rishav open the door and take a step inside with Radhika following behind. Sitting inside was a cold middle-aged man on the desk in the center of the room. She followed the man's calculating gaze as he looked at her.

"Good morning, Shekhar," Rishav wished. "This is my sister."

"You must be Radhika Sengupta!" the person sitting inside said smiling all of a sudden almost making her gape at how the smile transformed him from a cold to a warm person.

Personalities of people.... really can surprise others.

"Yes sir." Radhika nodded.

The chief gestured to the chairs in front of the desk for both of them to take a seat. "No need to be so nervous." He said with a tender laugh after seeing Radhika's face as she took her seat.

For some reason, she felt at home and cracked a smile. "Yes, Si..."

"And don't be formal either. We are a family here." He again said looking at Rishav. "Call me by my name. It's Shekhar Das. Formalities make working together uncomfortable."

"Yes, Mr. Das."

"That's better." He continued "I am well acquainted with your achievements back in your college days. So, I hope we will also get all of your abilities in the work. Your degree in psychology will also be a great help to the department.

Now we have two members of the Sengupta family. My sir, I mean Mr. Jairaj Sengupta was a great officer. I hope you will follow what he had taught you.

And according to me, relationships between co-workers are extremely important. You will meet them soon after.

We deal with the most stressful and mentally strained jobs. So, we all show support for one another. I expect you to do the same. Your life can be in danger as we deal with real criminals here and that's why we all need to be together beside each other. The members and your brother will assist you in showing how everything works."

"Sure," Radhika nodded.

"Have a nice day." Mr. Das said.

"You too, Mr. Das," Radhika said before coming out of the room along with Rishav.

"He seems to be a very nice person." 

Rishav agreed with Radhika's words, remembering how Mr. Das had always looked after the department and the workers, "He is also a great officer."

"Hmmm." Radhika hummed before asking, "So will you not show me around?"

Rishav nodded before taking her for a tour around the office. She got so engrossed in the beauty of the place that she didn't realize when Rishav had stopped walking and collided with his back.