KATHA

2 KATHA - INVESTIGATOR

I entered the courtyard, freshly bathed, dressed in a cotton saree with my hair wrapped in a towel. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana by Kishore Kumar was floating softly around the house.

Thunderous sheets of rain assaulted the windows and I could literally feel the sea crash against the cliff as if it personally piss in it's tea. I sighed, slumping on a chair beside Rishi, my bestfriend and only family in this pathetic excuse for a planet. The day was crazy busy and it'd be an understatement to say I was exhausted.

"Could this day get any worse ?"

Rishi looked up at me from his book 'चंद्रकांता' (Chandrakanta) by Devaki Nandan Khatri. He was a sucker for romance just like me. And was one beautiful man. His black hair were swept back, eyes warm brown, and bone structure and dusky skin that of a devil. He was built like a wrestler but was a lawyer by profession. Pink lips curled up into a smile at my sight, my heart warmed. "Oh, you're back ? I thought I'd have time to finish this chapter before your storm cloud arrived."

I gave him a frustrated look which he returned passionately. Just as I opened my mouth to tell him to stuff his stupid face back in the book, a knock at the door grabbed my attention. Rishi and I exchanged looks. We never had visitors, our house was too far into the rumoured haunted woods and sat on the cliff. And we never have visitors, especially when it was raining like it was the last time.

We walked to the front door, opening it to get face to face with the man standing outside, rain-soaked and seemingly lost. He was shorter than Rishi but was tall and handsome with a soft edge to his features. Almost boyish and something aloof like he'd fool you with his charms to your early grave. His white shirt tugged into black trousers was soaked and transparent, clinging to his muscled body like skin. Medium length black hair, drenched from the rain, stuck to his face. He looked harmless but you never know with serial killers.

"I'm terribly sorry to bother you, but I seem to have gotten lost in these woods. Do you mind if I take shelter until the rain mellows down ?"

I raised a brow, crossing my arms. "Lost, huh ? In these woods ? Really ?"

He nodded.

Rishi narrowed his eyes, "Because it's such a nice weather to take a hike and enjoy nature ?"

The stranger smirked, "You're right. I'm on official business. A serial killer is on the lose and they were spotted around the area. I came to question."

I remained composed even as unease worked it's way up my spine, slowly wrapping around my throat like a serpent. The tension in the air was palpable, each heartbeat echoing the anticipation that coursed through my veins. Rishi and I exchanged glances before he feigned indifference. Like he was already bored.

"A serial killer, really ? I'm sure our gloomy abode is a hotspot for psycho murderers." I drawled and the stranger chuckled, still dripping all-over our front door. I was getting irritated now.

"Yes, because nothing says 'murderous lair' like my attempts at cooking." Rishi added with a wink.

"Anyways. This is my partner, Lawyer Rishikesh Sharma. We dabble in amateur crime scenes as a side hustle." I presented my best friend in all his six foot one glory.

"Wish I could say it's a pleasure to meet you but I don't do well with visitors, Mr Investigator. I thought a house in this part of the city was indication enough."

"It is, Sir. I just had a few questions about activity around here."

"I do not wish to answer. We have nothing to tell you."

"But just some que--"

"There are a lot of ghosts that crawl these woods, Mr Investigator. Surely you don't expect us to watch, track them and keep record of their birth certificates ?" I spoke.

"I also happen to have connections in the police department. I assume you know but forget that harassing civilians by interrupting their peace for no reason is against the law ?"

"I think you should call officer Shinde, dearest," I nodded.

The stranger took back a step, hands held up in surrender and laughed awkwardly. We narrowed our eyes. "I was kidding ! Thought it'd go well with the setting ? Honestly, it's been a while since I've been in this area. I'm Kisan Malhotra. Mind giving me a shelter in your ghostly adobe til the rain simmers down ?"

We both gave him a look that said, Do you think we're a pair of knuckleheads who do not have enough braincells to rub together ?

He got the hint.

"I swear ! I was just kidding. I just need roof til it mellows down. Navigating these woods is really a deal. Here is my ID." He retrieved a card from his backpack. I nodded to Rishi after inspecting.

He didn't look convinced but then nodded, stepping back for the man to enter. "Don't get too comfortable. We're not running a bed and dinner."

"Thank you ! Thank you so much. I thought I'd die of hypothermia by morning."

"Stop messing my floor. The bathroom is that way. I'll get you a pair of clothes." With that Rishi took Kisan towards the bathroom. I walked back to the sofa chairs in the courtyard. I was suspicious about Kisan Malhotra. What man in such thunderous weather goofs around instead of begging for a shelter ? An Investigator won't make such a foolish mistake. Even if he was an investigator, we had to let him in to appear as a normal couple that likes their peace enough to settle there but also were kind and harmless enough to give shelter to a lost man. I eyed all the places I kept weapons hidden. Guns. Knives. Bats.

I eyed my home.

My home, Perched dramatically on the edge of a weathered cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. I'd purchased the house solely because of it's gothic build. When I first crossed the threshold, I was transported into a realm where time seemed to have stood still and I instantly fell in love. Five years ago, the decision was made. The interior was a mesmerizing blend of traditional decor and South Indian accents, a symphony of intricate woodwork, dark textiles, and richly hued rugs that adorned the checkered floors. The scent of incense lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of my roots.

I eyed the pond in front of me in the middle of the courtyard, it's waters reflecting playful moonlight filtering through the foliage. Lotus pads were floating the surface, their delicate blooms a sharp contrast to the rest of the gothic dreamhouse.

Among the labyrinthine halls and rooms, the library was my favorite. And Rishi's. Shelves upon shelves of books, their leather-bound spines whispering tales of romance and mysteries. Elaborate tapestries and vibrant paintings covered the walls, capturing moments frozen in time, while sculptures and artifacts from bygone eras shared their stories from every corner. Plants, both lush and exotic, were in almost every corner of the house. Difficult to maintain but one hell of a sensory overload, a delightful cacophony of colors and scents.

"Angel ? Let's go make some tea." Rishi called, and I made my way towards the kitchen.

He was already there and I proceeded to take out the ingredients and cups, "Keep an eye on the bathroom."

"Already on it."

"I don't trust him, Rishi. First, he says he's an investigator, and then he claims it was just a jest. Could be harmless humor, but something tells me we should be cautious."

A crack of thunder echoed through the house, and my grip on the cup tightened.

"I agree. We can't be too trusting, especially with our... situation. But we also can not appear suspicious if he's actually a man of law."

Nodding, I got on with the tea. I worked in silence until it was done. I handed him his cup and took two to the courtyard where the stranger was already seated.

Rishi took a sip of his tea, eyeing the man as we walked. He gave me a grateful smile and speech about saving him. I beamed and smiled as he went on with his nonsense. Then I picked up a book myself from the small tea table, indirectly telling the man to shut the hell up, and Rishi did the same.