More than just Feluda (Fanfic)

A Shock, A Secret

The photo was of a woman. She was pretty, with large eyes and a straight nose, lips curved in a smile. Not more than 25-30 years old maybe. Wearing a mangalsutra and sindoor, a single braid falling over her right shoulder, dressed in a quite plain saree. Sujata wondered who this woman was. She first though it might be Mr Mitter's mother, but the photo frame outside in the hall had a different face. Who was this then??

Sujata turned to ask Mr Mitter, but he had closed his eyes. Probably fell asleep because of the pills.

She looked at his desk. Another photo. Of the same woman, but she wasn't alone. This time, there was a man posing with her, putting an arm over her other shoulder. A very handsome man, with a face that looked exactly like young Mr Mitter would look.

What is going on??!! Who is this woman?!

Sujata was still staring at the photo.

"He's asleep?" came a low voice, startling Sujata back to reality.

Tapeshbabu was standing at the door of the room.

"Uh- yeah, he... He just fell asleep, because of the pills."

"Is everything alright?"

"What? About him? Yes, yes... He's fine today."

"And is everything alright with you, doctor madam?" He looked with questioning eyes.

Sujata didn't know what to say. 

"Y-yes, no problem"

Both of them were silent for a few moments. Then Sujata finally gathered up the courage to ask him.

"Would you mind me asking a question, just out of curiosity?"

"Oh, no no, go ahead."

She looked at the photo on Mr Mitter's desk. "Who- I mean, I was wondering who she is."

Tapeshbabu's expressions changed at this question, which scared Sujata inside. She certainly had asked something which shouldn't have been asked. Tapeshbabu looked at the sleeping Mr Mitter. Then he looked at Sujata.

"Would you mind coming outside the room? He might get disturbed. And maybe you're done with your job today." He said gravely.

Surprised by this sudden change of attitude from Tapeshbabu, Sujata packed her stuff quickly and nervously came out of the room. 

"I-I'm sorry for asking such a personal question. I just-"

"I knew you would be asking this after coming here."

She looked up at Tapeshbabu. His expressions had softened again now. He continued;

"She... Was someone I never mentioned in any book even by mistake, on Feluda's instructions. She was Mrs. Sindhuja Mitter. Wife of Mr P. C. Mitter."

What!! Did I hear him right?

There were so many questions rising up in Sujata's mind, she hardly could respond to what Tapeshbabu had just said.

"Wha- I mean, Why didn't you menyion her?"

"It was for safety reasons back then, and besides, he always liked to keep his personal life private..."

" Whoa.. I... I thought he was a bachelor... I mean, he was very much like Sherlock Holmes, you know..."

" Yes, but you must remember, Sherlock Holmes was alone in England, And Feluda was living in a respectable family in India during the 1900s. It's not very easy to remain unmarried in such situations!.."

"Oh my god! I somehow, just can't imagine him being a married man."

Tapeshbabu smiled. "I understand... I would think the same if I were you. Feluda certainly doesn't seem the family-guy kind of person."

"But then, how did they marry-, I mean, if you're okay to tell me..." (Pleeasee tell me, I'm not leaving without knowing this whole story!!)

Tapeshbabu slightly smiled. "Well, I can't refuse a genuine fan their right to a story. But my knees will not bear standing for so long, so let's sit downstairs in the hall."