What is the question? │✔

- 2 -

"Masterji?"

Eyes stuck to the half-chopped bottle gourd, his lips hummed in response.

"Yes 'V'?"

The books shut in seconds and the pages screamed in anguish over the force which had been placed on them. But their owner was in no mood to listen to their misery, as he scrambled to the kitchen and set himself on the counter.

"They are coming today for the inspection."

"I know."

Silence stealthily slipped in between.

"Neel Ba, shouldn't we be there, at least as a support?"

The knife slapped the cutting board, loud yet hushed. Not a word was spoken, but the atmosphere still bearing an invisible weight on its shoulders. Tossing away the finger shields, he washed his hands and headed out.

Veer followed him. Who knew it better than him, that Masterji did not rely on words. He was a Mathematics teacher and loyal to his discipline. Yes, he definitely did not need words.

They entered the open apartment, noticing the thickness in the air, almost immediately.

"Vishal, when are they coming?"

"They will be here soon Masterji. Please take a seat."

They stood behind the curtains, every person in the room lost in their own thoughts. A person stepped into the room, followed by a team. None of them noticed until a cough echoed through the walls.

"Sub-inspector Bagchi!"

"Greetings Masterji!"

Eyeing each and every person, the visitor settled on the sofa. The air of authority fluttered without wings, making its presence felt. Fingers clenched around the handle, he sipped the customary cup of tea, his eyes drifting over to each corner of the room.

"So, let us proceed with the formalities? Firstly, you have to vacate this apartment, the crime scene. Then pass us the required documents and th—"

Veer zoned out.

His attention was conquered by the photographs on the wall and of course, the memories associated with them. Two years, that's it. He had known her for only two years. And that small amount of time was enough for her to take up the role of an elder sister he never had. And she cared for him as if he were her child, like a mother. But for Veer, there was only one person who was his father and mother both.

Glancing at that person, he barely understood what he was saying, and that is when he recalled the topic of the discussion.

"Sure Bagchi! They could stay in Veer's empty apartment as long as they want and he could shift in with me. I hope that you shall be successful in your investigation. Serve her the justice she deserves!"

"We will Masterji! We will. Thank you."

Not wasting another second, they stormed out. Eyes shining with gratitude and admiration facing him, Indroneel felt overwhelmed. Giving them the tiniest smile, he walked away, eyes closed.

And Veer, as usual, followed him. Right after promising to help the family shift.

Meanwhile, sub-inspector Bagchi climbed into the jeep, but that's when his eyes stopped. A rusty blue door, its opening and closing hardly noticeable. A man descending down the stairs, even his shadows not able to keep up with his speed. 

Curious, he stepped out of the vehicle.

He waited. Patiently. And patience was not something he was known for.

Stepping into the man's way, he put forward his hand, offering a handshake.

"Sub-inspector of the area."

A nod.

"Ismail Ansari."

Another nod.

"Where are you heading to, young man? Need a lift?"

Crisp. Polite even, but hardly.

"Work and no."

Acknowledged with a nod. A smaller one though.

"And what work might that be? I mean, people in this colony only do reputed jobs so ..."

Eyes flashing, he could barely keep them check.

"Work."

Acknowledged. Yet again.

"Very well. I'll be around Mr. Ansari. Have a good day!"

And in a second, everything fell back to place. Climbing back into the jeep, the Khakis drove away. Flying past the streets, Bagchi let out a smile.

He might have found a big clue. Might. But that's something.

His smile widened. Perhaps thinking about the promotion he was bound to get.

Repaying him with a smile of its own, the city let out a satirical laugh. Full of mirth and life, she wondered, staring at the crowds; whether it was she the lifeless or them, the living dead.