The Wrath Of Yakshinis

The Investigation Begins

"Noble Lady!" Suruchi, the maid, entered the room of Lady Neelakshi, the foster mother of Late Nagarvadhu Mrignayani. The old lady, with wrinkled skin, grey long hair and blue eyes, was sitting on her bed and was lost in her own thoughts. A day had gone by, after the demise of her foster daughter. Her mind was drowned in agony and anger as the thoughts of Mrignayani's brutalized body didn't leave her alone for even a moment. The horrifying memories of the Lady's corpse were flashing in her mind.

"Yes?" the old Lady responded to the call. She gasped as she came to the reality from the world of her own thoughts.

"My Lady," Suruchi addressed in a serious manner and said, "His Majesty has sent some royal investigators to work on the case of The Late Lady Mrignayani's murder case."

"Why they've come here?" The old woman barked, "My daughter is dead now and there's nothing anybody can do! Please leave me alone!" After hearing about the death of Lady Mrignayani, Lady Neelakshi seemed to have lost a bit of sanity. She remained alone in the room after Mrignayani's dead body was taken for cremation.

"It's His Majesty's order for investigations," Suruchi tried to explain, "They entered in, anyway...."
"I can't deny His Majesty's orders," The old Lady nodded as she regained control over her emotions. It was difficult for her yet she gathered up courage. She stood and rubbed her teary, reddened eyes. Then she wrapped a silky shawl around her and walked towards the meeting hall.

"Pranaam! Hail to Noble Dharmavijay!" The Old Lady greeted Dharmavijay, with respectful and generous gesture.. "Pranaam!" He greeted her back with a respectful manner, "Lady Neelakshi! By His Majesty's orders and as per the Judicial Laws of the kingdom, I'm here to investigate the murder case of Late Nagarvadhu Lady Mrignayani."

Lady Neelakshi knew that he didn't need her permission to start his investigation in the mansion. He still maintained his courteous behaviour.

"Yes, I know..." she sighed.

"Thank you for your cooperation, My Lady," he said with a gentle and sensible voice, "I'm really sorry for what is happened but I promise the real culprit would be caught soon." He looked at the fragile old woman and sympathized with her. He could've not disturbed her but it was all part of the case.

"My Lady," He added, "May I begin my investigation."

"You don't need my permission, do you?" She glared at him. Her eyes were heavy with tears, cornered near the eyelids.

He glanced at his young apprentice, Pandit Gyanmurti. "Gyanmurti," he whispered to the 18 year old lad, "I hope that you'll manage to inspect the victim's room." The royal investigators had no idea about how much he would be helpful but still gave him a chance.

"Sure, Noble Dharmavijay," He complied and gestured one of the servants to guide him. He was accompanied by two senior investigators.

Dharmavijay assigned responsibility of questioning the servants and the guards to his other comrades. He faced Lady Neelakshi and saw her standing still like a statue.

"Thank you," He bowed down a little and said, "As a part of investigation, I need to ask you some questions."

***********

The room of the Late Nagarvadhu was closed from the moment her body was taken out. None of artifacts, not even the bloody bed sheet and curtains, were changed. The bright well-lit room was now drowned in darkness.

"Open the door," Hemant Kumara, one of the senior investigators ordered with a thunderous voice. The guards opened the door and the cold still air of the closed room was disturbed.