Dhampir of Kalika

১১. radha devi

It's the survival of the fittest.

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Maya's hands were cold and her mind felt numb. It was like those times, when a man would often find himself unable to keep his thoughts running, giving in to the strange insensate taste. It was a state of blank page. And sometimes, this numbness was required.

Raktim Das. The son of Rudrapratap Das. A zamindar of the Das family.

And Raktim Roy, the doctor of Khatra.

What can be the connection between these two figures? And is there really a connection? It must have been there, or else Kalikacharan Babu wouldn't have intentionally avoided the name of his grandfather.

The doctor was averse to the Das family and didn't seem to care about the murder of their son. His concerns lay with the souls of the little girls who died. He was a good man, at least that was how it was going till now.

"He thinks the creamy zamindars, even after being filthy rich, are incapable of paying his fees. That same man is named after an ancestor of the despicable Das family. It wasn't his choice to be named as such upon birth. So why was he given this name?"

This could be a little clue, maybe even an engaging distraction, but it was worth the investigation, Maya felt.

Maya climbed down the stairs and was heading towards her room when she met Mrinjay. He smiled affably upon seeing her. "Sleep not coming?"

She chuckled. "It isn't. And I have found that I like to explore this house."

"Well, a good past time. I also did this as a kid." He scratched his thick moustache. "But since some of the rooms are not clean and have been subjected to year-long ignorance, I suggest you keep away from the dirty parts of the mansion. Maintaining such a huge property can be problematic."

"Oh, I understand." Such a subtle and sweet way to warn me. "Well, I won't keep you waiting. I just have one question."

"Not unhappy to serve a beautiful lady. Tell me, what is it that you want to know?"

"Did your father, Kalikacharan Babu, have a sister?"

He raised a brow. "Not that I have heard of. I think he may have had a sister but she died as an infant. There's no record of her. Why though?"

"Oh, you cannot possibly cross question a detective!"

Mrinjay shrugged. "I don't understand how this might be related to the death of my brother. Anyways, just find the killer before he kills any one of us."

"I wonder if I am in danger too," Maya said with a sly smile.

Mrinjay smirked. "To be associating with the zamindars of Khatra is a challenge in itself. But you had told me, I remember, having felt the presence of Kalika. If that's so, no harm should befall on you." His eyes twinkled. "Yet then and now, the demons rise and conquer. The infallible too makes the mistake of stepping in on the wrong tile, and unlocks a tremendous pile of curses. We all do get tempted."

"Kalika won't be tempted."

"But her pawns may."

"Tell me, what should such a pawn do if they indeed get tempted?"

"Give in to it. There's nothing wrong in being wrong. Time is eternal and you may enjoy it as you see fit."

"Time may be eternal in your hands, but not in mine, Mrinjay. I have to be cautious."

Mrinjay's pupils enlarged. He found his gaze frozen on the petite detective. The shadows that danced between them created a misty veil which kept at bay the intensity of emotions on his youthful face. But in that moment, he knew he was facing someone extraordinary in her own right. "I see. Good night, Maya."