AND THE GAMES BEGINS

The Suspicious one

Ram finished his dinner, turned on the TV, and put on the news. As he watched, he got a call.

"Hello, sir... this is Praveen."

"Ah, Praveen, tell me... what happened?"

"Sir... there is no one by the name Esther. I couldn't find any details about her. That name doesn't appear anywhere..."

"What?" Ram asked in surprise.

"Yes, sir... there isn't even any evidence that such a person ever existed. Sir, I feel like Paul fabricated this character, Esther, to mislead the investigation."

"Hmm. Okay, you take a break... if I find any new information, I'll let you know. Go get some rest. Good night."

"Good night, sir..." Praveen ended the call. Ram turned off the TV and went to bed. He found it difficult to sleep. So many mysteries remained unsolved in the case. Joseph and Esther still seemed to be alive somewhere, preparing for something big. As these thoughts crossed his mind, he eventually drifted off due to exhaustion.

The next day began, and Ram quickly got ready and reached the office. His mind was still unsettled. As he reached his cabin, he sat down, clasped his hands together, and rested his head. Closing his eyes, he went over everything he had known about the case since it started. In the midst of this, someone called out, startling him.

"Ram... Are you alright?" Karthik asked with concern in his voice.

"Yes..." Ram replied, struggling to speak.

"What's wrong? You look so down... Come on, don't sit like this. Try to be happy, at least for my sake.." Karthik said affectionately.

"Karthik, it's just..."

"Is it my twin brother's case that's driving you crazy? If it's weighing you down, just let it go... I asked you to investigate it out of curiosity.. Moreover when I see the picture of the culprit I thought I want to meet him.. And I know you have a special interest in this case. If you want to pursue it, go ahead... but don't ruin your health over it. If it's draining you, leave it for now... we can look into it later if we get another chance.." Karthik said, pausing briefly before continuing.

"Besides, you look worn out... you've taken on a tough job. So, take a rest; don't just sit here, cheer up a bit.." Karthik said with a playful tone and stopped. Ram looked at him and smiled.

"Good... that's more like it. Look, I've lifted you out of your sorrow... that's me."

"Oh, look at this big shot. Did you call your girlfriend? If you keep her waiting after proposing, she'll leave you.." Ram said, getting up from his chair and crossing his arms.

"Thanks, bro... I forgot. She messaged me, but I didn't get the chance to reply or call. Okay, bro... I'll go now. If I find you sulking again, I'll come and break your nose.." Karthik said, hugging Ram goodbye before leaving. Ram watched him open the door and leave with a smile. But once Karthik was gone, Ram's previously calm mind grew restless. The conversations he had heard during his investigation of the case echoed in his mind.

"The answer lies close to you, but you're unable to see it. To find it, you must not believe anything happening around you..."
- The Beggar

"Joseph... dead? He's someone who takes others' lives... no one has been born in this world who could take his. He's still out there... I saw him."
- Paul

"Bro... the person in this photo... I mean... he looks like me..."
- Karthik

"So, Is Joseph the same as Karthik? Is the reason I couldn't solve this case until now... Karthik? Did everything done in the name of investigation happen to conceal his true identity? Has Joseph, believed dead for the past Eight years, been working here under a different identity? But... even though he knows I'm investigating this case, why hasn't he reacted? What is his intention?

No... Joseph and Karthik are two different people... he can't deceive me. We've been together for years... he can't be involved in this.

Ram... why are you thinking this way... Why are you doubting him? He's the one who stood by you when you faltered... could he betray the friend he loves like his own life? His mind is pure... it's yours that's clouded... or else why would you suspect him..."

Such conflicting thoughts ran through Ram's mind. He had full faith that Karthik was innocent, but still, a nagging feeling persisted, hinting that Karthik had the shadow of a criminal. Ram lost his patience.

"What's happening... why is my mind standing against him for the first time? If he has done something wrong... does he have a connection to this case? I've never gone against my conscience before... so, I need to find out if he has any link to this case. Only then will my mind find peace." Taking a deep breath, Ram picked up the necklace and knife he'd found at the factory, then headed to Karthik's cabin to pick up a pen he'd used.And then went to forensic lab.

"Rajeev, I need DNA samples from both the necklace and the pen. Check if there's a match. Also, collect blood samples from the knife. I want it ASAP..."

"Okay, sir... if I can find out before noon, I'll call.." Rajeev replied.

"Okay... Thanks..." Ram left.

Ram got busy with various tasks after that...

At lunch, he was eating in the office cafeteria when he got a call. It was Rajeev. He attended the call.

"Hello... sir..."

"Yes..."

"Sir, I did the DNA test as you asked... the report is ready."

"Rajeev... are both DNA samples the same?" Ram asked, praying for a 'No'.

"Well, sir... the results are..."

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