The Pearl Necklace

Part 3

Aruna was petrified. It was clear from her face. She did not expect to get busted like this.

Aruna Sharma was a private detective who was hired by Siddharth to find evidences against Vikram.

Siddharth was Ramaya's, Vikram's first wife's, brother. He knew Ramaya's car did not crash with a cement carrying truck just out of an accident. It was all a part of Vikram's plan. Anyone who knew something that Vikram didn't want them to, their days started getting numbered.

Aruna had come here, in Vikram's apartment, representing herself as a reporter of a famous business magazine, to interview Vikram. Her objective was to place a bug his room and place a GPS tracker in his car so that she could trace him.

"But sadly, I already knew who you are darling", Vikram said. "You think only you guys are smart. I have people taking care of me all around this city. My network is stronger than the police", Vikram said proudly.

He was walking to and fro in his room while talking.

"I had explained Siddharth so many times to stay away from me. But in these past 8 years, he has made infinite attempts to take me down", Vikram paused, turned to Aruna and continued, "But what happened", he smiled. "I kept on climbing the ladder reached the top. I became the king of Indian real estate market and today no one dares to take my throne", there was aggression and a sense of victory in his tone.

He exhaled. "You know Aruna, I don't like doing this", he said. He pretended to think for a while.

Aruna's heart was thumping loudly. She didn't know how far was she from her death, but she knew she was close.

"See, I know that at present you don't have any evidences against me. So, you decided to come directly to the lion's den. Therefore, technically you are not a threat to me today, but what about in the future? Do you want me to make such a foolish mistake by letting you go and wait for you to find something against me? No way darling", Vikram was enjoying torturing Aruna.

"You have two options Aruna", Vikram began after a while of silence. He took out her phone from her bag and placed it on the table. Then he poured a glass of water and mixed some white powder in it. He placed the glass on the table, beside her phone.

"You know, I would have directly killed you. But I am in a good mood today", Vikram played with Aruna's fear.

Aruna was looking at him without blinking an eye.

"So, I give you 2 options", Vikram pointed towards the glass of water and her phone.

"Option A. You drink this water. I have mixed some kind of poison in it. It will take your life after 60 minutes. You'll not even realise and you'll die. And the best part is, it doesn't get detected in the autopsy", Vikram laughed. "I don't know its name, but what's in name, right?", his cruel eyes were enjoying the pain that Aruna was feeling.

"But in case you don't want to die, I have Option B for you. You take your phone and call a number which I give you. One of my men will pick up the call. You just have to say...,", Vikram paused purposely. He lifted his left eyebrow and smiled wickedly looking at Aruna.

He continued "that...... kill......... Vihaan"

"VIKRAM!'', Aruna shouted.

Vihaan was Aruna's 6 year old son. She didn't know she would have to pay such a huge cost for doing the right thing.

Vikram loved the fear and pain that were so apparent on Aruna's face. Instead of seeing his achievements, Vikram enjoyed seeing how helpless people could get.

Rage and fear, defeat and helplessness, gushing as tears from her eyes.

"Make a choice Aruna, come on. Be quick. I have other things to complete. My appointment with you was scheduled only for half an hour out of which 20 mins have passed already", Vikram said, a cruel smile of satisfaction on his face.