What is the question? │✔

- 6 -

"What? Are you sure?"

He kept down the phone and drew a long breath. According to the Post Office records, Feroz Bari had received letters and post on the Friday before her death. And that's a one week gap. So no clues from that particular detail, he concluded.

Under normal circumstances, he would've been extremely displeased. However, at present, he was still giddy over the fact that he had solved such a difficult case so soon. Well almost. And soon enough when the culprit will be behind the bars, he shall get his promotion. Finally.

Speaking of the culprit. Bagchi noted that he was late by ten minutes. And no sign of him yet. Tonight was Ansari's interrogation. That man had said that he was available only at night. And even Bagchi thought why to refuse the man's last wishes? He was never going to see the outer world now.

Killing someone is not a bailable offense.

Stopping his train of thoughts was a raspy cough. The person he was waiting for had arrived, at last. Ismail Ansari glared back at him. This was nothing but a waste of time for him. Leading the way to the room, Bagchi pulled out a chair for him. Once they were set, the room was emptied as the constables stood outside, guarding the door.

Ismail stared at the dark surroundings, his eyes taking mere seconds to observe everything. The man, a table, the chair he was sitting on, and a flickering light above him. Otherwise, the room was pretty much empty unless you count the ants marching up the walls. In short, no escape route.

"Would you like a cigarette?"

He shook his head for a 'no'. He had quit smoking long back. And even if he did want to, then why would he accept the offer from that sub-inspector of all the people?

"Well then. So Mr. Ansari. It is a pleasure to meet you again! Would you like something to drink? Water? Tea? Anything?"

This was not a question, he realized. It was an order. Croaking out the word 'water', silence fell back to place.

"So Ismail. What work are you doing?"

He eyed the water in the glass. Water and glass, both so transparent. Yet water in a glass can be spotted. It doesn't camouflage in spite of trying hard. And just like that, a criminal can try to hide. But his ability to disappear in the crowd is something that makes him stand out more. Cause a person who doesn't fit the crowd can never be a part of it.

"Work ... work in the factory."

"What factory?"

Silence. Bagchi was rewarded with silence. He decided that the question wasn't related to the investigation anyway. And so he proceeded, trying to make the suspect more comfortable.

"Your family stays nearby?"