The Wrath Of Yakshinis

The Body

"I didn't expect this," Dharmavijay murmured as he put down the scroll. All men in the room were staring at him in curiosity mixed with anxiety.

"What happened, Lord Dharmavijay?" Hemant Kumara asked with a heavy, serious tone.

"Lord Shaurya Someshwer...," He paused and then continued informing the perplexed audience, "He and his team found a dead body at the riverbank. It's of Sangram Deva. Cause of death is similar to the cause how Lady Mrignayani died. It clearly appeared that he was bitten several times. Before his body was found near the riverbank, Lord Shaurya Someshwer and one of his investigators got to know that Sangram Deva met Nagarvadhu Lady Mrignayani two days ago. Not just this, his family informed that he possibly had an arguement with the Lady, after he returned from Nagarvadhu's residence. Though they have several other theories too. But as the Lady was also killed in the similar way, it is now sure that Sangram Deva was also murdered by the same assassin."

"Assassin?" Raghunath said, stressing his eyebrows, "Don't you still believe it's done by.... a yakshini?" He shivered at the imagination of a ferocious yakshini.

"Even I agree that it's done by a yakshini..." One of the junior investigators, who worked under Raghunath, raised his voice to support his senior.

"But have you ever tackled a case involving supernatural creatures?" Revant countered. He added after a pause, "The murderer might be a very clever assassin. He might've plotted the murders in such a way that everybody would assume it to be attack of yakshinis."

Raghunath questioned back supporting his point of view, "Why didn't anybody hear the Lady's painful cries when she was being murdered? Who would be so animalistic to kill in such a brutal way? Of course, it's wrath of yakshinis."

"Shrimaan Raghunath," Revant opened his mouth to put his opinion, "If it was yakshini, then why she'll leave this clue..." he produced something that looked like metallic copper coin that was actually a seal. It had symbol of a vulture carved on it. He passed it to Raghunath. As he gave it, he continued, "We found this in the bloody bedsheets on the bed. You must've recognized it."

"Impossible," Raghunath said feeling his calloused finger on the copper seal, "It's the secret seal of Raktalochana gang.... the gang of assassins who kill for money."

"But they were eliminated in a secret mission, weren't they?" One of the supporters of Raghunath asked, "Two years ago, we all have investigated their case."

"Only 10 were killed in that mission," Revant pointed out, "5 members are still missing." His eyes shone with confidence. He believed in his theory and so he added, "Late Shrimaan Sangram Deva was involved in that mission too. His major strategies were quite helpful in elimination of Raktalochana gang. It's obvious that they were planning to avenge their comrades."

After few moments of silence, Raghunath sighed and asked, "Can you explain why they would assassinate Lady Mrignayani? What was her fault?"

"That's still a mystery...." Hemant Kumara replied as Revant was still pondering.

But Raghunath didn't stop himself from questioning further, "We all know that Raktalochana gang doesn't kill in the way both the victims were killed. Why would they adopt such a technique, when they had other options too? They're not gang fools.... by the way."

In no time, the whole team was divided into two. One group believed that the murders were done by yakshinis, while others believed that this might be job of a very clever, manipulative assassin or a gang of assassins. Only two people were left to take a side: Noble Dharmavijay and Pandit Gyanmurti.

"Pandit Gyanmurti," Dharmavijay looked at the intelligent lad and asked, "Why are you so silent?"

"I am pondering..." The young scholar replied, ".... on the fact that everybody is arguing on the question: Who is the culprit? With very less evidence to believe upon, it's really hard to find or at least assume accurately the identity of the culprit." He took a pause and said in pensive mood, "According to me, this approach of : Who is the culprit? (Question) is somewhat... not appropriate. It's dividing us into two; but both the sides don't have enough evidences to further debate upon. Rather than questioning: who is the culprit? It's better to ask: Why both the victims were killed? There would be several reasons lurking in the past that would've led to the killings. But somewhere the random reasons will try to link and that linkage will be our first evidence. Either it's work done by a human or a yakshini. Earlier these reasons won't be specific to one type of suspect. We'll have a broad range of suspects. But as we find a linkage we'll start narrowing down our vision." His opinion was simple and straight. It could've been thought and said by anybody in the room. Everybody tried to get into complex things, and so they avoided the simple ideas. 

Everybody heard the new apprentice of the leader patiently. The silence meant that they respected his opinion.

"I expected this answer," Dharmavijay whispered to himself and said loudly to others, "What do you all think? Which approach is better?"

Gradually, all the men concluded that this approach would be better. Even if they all would divide on the basis of their opinions, all the possibilities would be considered important in solving the case.

"Okay," He continued, "I see that all men are agreeing on this point. We all know that Sangram Deva was somehow related to Lady Mrignayani's case. However, with the proof of the small seal found, that resembles to the seal of Raktalochana gang, we can see that there's involvement of a gang too. Whether it's a gang or a yakshini, there might be some reason behind the murders. Possibly revenge."

After taking pause of few seconds, he ordered, "Shrimaan Raghunath, I command you and your team to investigate about Late Nagarvadhu Mrignayani's past history and also her connections with Late Sangram Deva."

"As you order, My Lord!" Raghunath bowed down.

"Shrimaan Hemant Kumara," He turned to his comrade, "You must carry out your investigation on the Raktalochna gang... and also find out all possibilities why would they kill both the victims. Don't even miss faintest connection."

"I will, My Lord," He accepted the order calmly.

"Pandit Gyanmurti," He said in a serious tone, facing the young lad, "You'll be coming with me." He sighed and looked at the boy respecting his command. It was strange that he didn't say anything about where they were going to do.

"Gentlemen," He said maintaining his calm tone, "I hope you know what approach you must have. Focus on all the hints and possibilities that led to murders of the two victims. Dismiss!" He commanded and all men started leaving. He stopped Gyanmurti and asked him to stay with him.

The boy had a faint smile on his face as he expected Dharmavijay to cease him.
"You'll be coming with me," He repeated his order to the lad in a strict manner. His voice somehow sounded dominating and professionally formal. He said further, "I hope you have no issues while dealing with mutilated corpses. Tell me if you have."

"Huh," A confused sound escaped the young apprentice's mouth. His eyes were filled with astonishment and disgust. Dharmavijay saw that boy's calm face being tensed. He never showed such emotions earlier. He figured out from his expressions that the boy was scared a bit.

"You'll deal with all types of disgusting things in this job," Dharmavijay explained him in serious manner, "I hope you know that."

The scholar exhaled and bowed down at his master, "I'm ready. I won't back out." Though he was reluctant at first, he remembered his goals and his dreams. Gurumata Vidyashree had trusted him and his abilities. He had promised her to overcome his fears.

He gave his final approval and accompanied Dharmavijay.