THE THREE COUPLES

I

“Hey, Biku. Let’s go out for dinner. It has been a long time; we haven’t spent quality time with each other.”

“Sorry, Sameera. I have lots of work to complete. I don’t want to spend my time going out for dinner.” He was lying on the bed with his mobile phone.

Sameera was observing him and was angry with him. She went near to him and threw mobile on the floor and said, “I am trying to save our marriage whereas you are just trying to ignore. You have forgotten to love me. I don’t know what’s wrong with our relationship? I am not getting my answer. I am trying to change for you but you are the one who is ignoring me.”

He got up from the bed and said, “I am also trying to save marriage too. I work so hard for you. I am trying hard to earn money for the future and you are blaming me. What do you want to prove? You want to prove that you are the only me who is trying to save his marriage and I am not trying an effort.”

Then, why are you not spending much time with me? We haven’t spent much time together. Although we are married for two years, we have lost our love.  I want to regain those love but you are not providing time and interest.” She said furiously.

“Oh, God. What do you want? I am trying m best. And let’s not argue anymore.”  He then went in the bed and slept; whereas, Sameera was watching him. Although both usually sleep on the same bed, they don’t prefer speaking together on the bed as before.

Sameera couldn’t sleep the whole night. She had seen lots of changes in Biku. He had given less importance to the home and Sameera. Before marriage, he loved her whole day and night. But now is he the same person? For the sake of happiness, she left the job and changed but Biku had stopped loving and respecting her.

II

It was August 2014. Sameera was at Dilibazar. She came to attend the training of leadership which was for three days. She was looking here and there. She looked at her watch. The time was already 10:00 am and the training was supposed to be at 10:00 am. She then took out the novel from her bag. The novel was Twilight of Stephenie Meyer. Although there were participants in the Global Peace Foundation, she didn’t prefer to have a conversation with them.

Meanwhile, after half an hour, the host of the training arrived and welcomed us. The trainer was robin Uprety. After the introduction, participants were introduced. While participants were introducing, Sameera’s eyes were stuck on Biku. He was tall and had a nice body. It showed that he does exercises at the gym. He had worn a red check shirt with black jeans. Sameera was impressed with his looks.

During those three days of training, she was lost in the voice of Biku. His voice was such a charming that everyone falls in love with him. In the beginning, Sameera thought it might be infatuation but it was wrong. When the training was over, she didn’t know that she was in love. With time was elapsing, she wasn’t able to forget him. She wanted to add on Facebook but something was stopping her. She thought he might not notice her and doesn’t remember her. So, she didn’t send him a friend request.

After one month, she was stuck on Facebook. Meanwhile, she got the notification of a friend request. She clicked the notification. When she saw the notification, she was thrilled Biku had sent her the friend request as well as the message. She accepted the friend request and read the message. The message was “Hello. How are you? I hope everything is fine with you.”

After those messages exchanged, they were in regular in touch. Sameer fell in love with him and was waiting for him to propose her.  Finally, in the month of October, she got the message of Biku on Facebook.

“Hello there. It has been a long time, we haven’t seen face to face. Can we meet this coming Saturday at Bhrikuti Mandap around 11:00 am?”

Sameera was pleased to see the message, Moreover; she sees at what time Biku had sent the message. The message was sent around one hour ago. She even checked whether he was online or not. Unfortunately, he was offline. So, she sends him a message by saying yes.

III

They both were at Bhrikuti Mandap Cafe. Sameera had worn a blue t-shirt with black jeans and closed shoes. Not only that, she had worn matching earrings and lipstick too.  She had done little makeup too. On the other hand, Biku too had worn a blue t-shirt with a white check with black jeans. They both started smiling for their matching colour.

They ordered black tea and mo: mo. After ordering the tea, he said, “Actually, I wanted to say something.”

“You can say. Go ahead.”

We started knowing each other online. While chatting with you, I feel positive vibes. I was thinking that why don’t we take our relationship ahead.” 

Sameera was a statue. Her mind was empty for a while and was looking at Biku. On the other hand, Biku was observing her with a sad face. He felt that he had said wrong and said, “I am sorry whatever I have said. Actually, I’m in love with you so, I wanted to take our friendship at another level.”

After listening to Biku, Sameera said, “Actually, I am also in love with you but was waiting for the right time.”

They both smiled. More than Sameera, Biku was happier than Sameera. The whole day, they were together. Both seemed happy. After this date, they frequently met.

After four months, Sameera finally got a job at an NGO as a Project Associate in the Department of Civil Engineer. Although she got the job, she managed to meet Biku.

After the job, she got an opportunity to visit different places in Nepal and both of them got less opportunity to meet whenever they have time. When they met, they had a long conversation.

And finally, after two years of courtship, both Biku and Sameera got married. At the beginning of their marriage, everything was running smoothly but after a year of marriage, something went wrong with their marriage. Biku, on the one hand, wanted to start a family, whereas, on the other hand, Sameera was more focus on her career. This argument was almost every day. 

Finally, they gave up. She didn’t want to hurt him so, she left the job. Although she felt guilty for leaving a job, she wanted Biku to be happy. Biku wanted a child and Sameera wanted to give time to start a family. She didn’t prefer to rush for a family. It had been just a year, they had married and she didn’t rush to have a child. They stopped loving each other and it had been a long time they hadn’t spent quality time with each other. She felt that it was her fault not to understand him.

IV

Present time.....

The whole day, Sameera was at home doing nothing. She was fed up with the same routine and wanted a change in her life. So, she decided to go out for her mind refreshment. When Biku left for the office, she also left the home and reached the AWON library, Thapathali. Although she loved reading books, it has been almost a year, she had been away from books.

She reached the library at 11:30 am. When she reached the library, she lost in the books. Moreover, when she touched the books, she was lost. After a long period of time, she felt the smell of the books which brought a smile in her face. Then, she picked the novel named ‘The Namesake’ of Jhumpa Lahiri. Although she had read the novel, she wanted to read the novel once more and she further started looking for more books. After taking three books, she sat on the chair which was on the other side. She was looking at those books and she was lost in the books. Meanwhile, a guy came near to her and said, “Hi.”

Sameera gave a look and said, “Hi.” And again, she was focused on the book. He was observing her. Then, he said, “I love the book you are reading.”

She was  reading the novel named ‘The Namesake.’

“I too love the book.” She again was focused on the book rather than him. She didn’t why he was observing her. She couldn’t focus on the book so, she left the library.

She frequently visited the library and met the guy. In the beginning, she didn’t like the way he was observing her. But there was something about him that Sameera was falling for him. It took almost one and a half months to befriend him.

His name was Sandeep Nepal and he was working at the company as a Marketing Officer.  He too was the book lover. Every day, both Sameera and Sandeep discussed books. Whenever he was around, she felt different and happy. He brought positive vibes. Moreover, she started smiling. Furthermore, both of them had a physical relationship and when they both had physical relationship, she felt pleasure. She and Biku had lost the love and had forgotten when they had physical relationship. Moreover, she had forgotten the touch of Biku.

When Sandeep and Sameera were on the bed, she then, said, “Sandeep, you have given me such happiness. I am not happy with my married life. Biku had stopped loving me. I was lost and had np hope that Biku could love me more. But you gave me the happiness that I want. More than that, we have similar choices.”

Then, they both looked at each other. Both smiled and were lost in their world. Sameera had started falling in love with Sandeep. She wanted to marry him but she had feared that whether Biku will give divorce or not. She further was scared of what will be the reaction of Biku and her family.

  

V

“The number you are trying to call is switched off.” Biku was trying to reach Sameera. She hadn’t arrived home for the last three days. He was worried as she hadn’t returned back home. He felt guilty because he knew that it was his fault too that he was not giving quality time for her. He started searching her. He called her friends but nobody knew about her. He even reached Sameera’s home but her parents informed him that they hadn’t seen her almost for two months. 

After one and a half weeks, Biku reached the police station and explained everything to the Inspector Sumeet. After listening to Biku, Sumeet said, “You said you and Sameera had an argument.  What was the reason for it?”

“She was complaining that I didn’t give her time as I was too busy with my work. I was trying my best but I failed.”

“Do you think that your wife had an affair?”

Biku made his face and said, “What are you saying? I give guarantee Sameera didn’t have an affair. She loved me.”

You have said that you two had an argument. You didn’t give her quality time so, she might have searched for the love.”

Biku remained silent. He didn’t know what to say further. Inspector Sumeet was observing Biku. After a few minutes, Inspector Sumeet said, “Bikuji, we will invest in your wife’s missing. We will be updating you and please, cooperate us when we need you.”

“Sure.” Biku got up and went directly to the home. Inspector Sumeet started investing in Sameera.

VI

Vicky and Mohita were married almost for three and a half years. Vicky Shrestha was a businessman. He had clothes and wine at Durbar Marg. Mohita had everything she wanted. Every day she did shopping and used to hang out with her friends at the restaurant. As Vicky used to be busy with his business, he had less time but they loved each other. Mohita had a 40% partnership in the company of Vicky. Often Mohita used to visit the company.

Mohita was 24 years when she got married whereas Vicky was 26 years old. He had started looking at his father’s business. They had an arranged marriage but whenever people used to see the couple, people thought they had a love marriage.

It had been a long time; they hadn’t spent quality time with each other. So, it was Saturday and the time showed 6:00 pm. Vicky gave a party to his close friend at Hotel Himalayan. There was no such occupation for the party. He often used to give party without any reason.

Mohita was on the sofa drinking white wine. She had worn a black dress and her hair was not tide. Moreover, she had done makeup which made her more beautiful. Everyone’s eyes were on Mohita. One of the guys came near to her. He was tall and handsome. He had worn black suit. Moreover, he had whiskey on his left hand.

When he came near to her, he said, “Hi. I am Bishal Sharma. I am the assistant of Vicky Sir.”

She gave the look. She had never seen this guy before. He was the new staff of the company. 

Furthermore, she didn’t prefer to have conversation with him and ignored him. She got up from the sofa and went near to her husband. Vicky introduced her to his friends and new staff. Mohita was introduced to Bishal too. 

VII

It was Saturday and the clock showed the time of 1:30 pm. Every Saturday, Vicky used to play golf with his friends. This time after a long period of time he was in the mood to play golf. Due to a busy schedule, he was far from golf. His friends were at Gokarna Forest Resort. Mohita too joined her husband.

“Everyone is here. So, let’s play golf.”  Vicky said and everyone agreed.

When everyone was playing golf, Bishal was observing Mohita.  Mohita was sitting on the chair and was cheering Vicky. Meanwhile, Bishal went near to Mohita.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” She said. She gave a fake smile. She was not interested in Bishal. He knew that she was not interested in him but also he gave a try to speak with Mohita.

“Actually, you are beautiful and you could get handsome guys but why did you marry Vicky?”

“Huh?”

“Vicky looks average. To tell the truth, you guys look like…….”

“Like what?” She was furious and got up from the chair.

“You don’t look like a couple.”

“What?” She said.

“Yes.”

There was silence in the environment. They both were looking at each other and their eyes met which were telling something. Meanwhile, a golf ball reached Mohita’s leg and both were distracted. Bishal, then, picked the ball and threw it. Bishal left the place and he looked back. Mohita too looked at him. She felt Bishal had something that made her fascinated by her. Moreover, she felt tBishal was right. She then looked at her husband. They didn’t look like a couple. There was no matching. They both looked like brother and sister. Although he was rich, there was no love between them. The whole doesn’t know that she doesn’t feel for them. Although they hang out, it was Aryan’s friends rather than two of them. 

VIII

“Hey, what happened?” Bishal said.

“I am worried,” Mohita said.

“Why are you worried?” Bishal said.

“If Vicky knew about our relationship?”

“Don’t worry. If he knew about the relationship, we will tell him about our relationship.”

“Will he accept the relationship? What will be his reaction?”

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

She agreed with him. After the golf match in Gorkana Resort, Bishal and Mohita started meeting. In the beginning, she never liked Bishal. She was not impressed with him in the first meeting. Later, she was convinced to meet him and when they frequently and they fell in love. It had been more than two months, they were in the relationship but Vicky didn’t know about it. 

Although Mohita was scared, she was happy with Bishal.  Whenever he was around, she got lost in the world of him. Not only that, whenever Bishal touched her body, she felt she is in love and felt comfortable. She wanted him to be with her all the time. 

IX

It was around 8:00 am. The hotel servicer of The Himalayan, Patan knocked on the door of room 365. The room was on the third floor. He was knocking the door continuously but the door was not open. It was locked from inside. After half an hour, he called hotel manager and with the master key, the hotel manager unlocks the door.

When the staff entered the room, they saw nobody. The bedroom was mismanagement. Meanwhile, Mr. Ram Shrestha who was a room servicer entered the bathroom. He then shouted and the manager with two staff entered the bathroom. They saw the dead body of a girl which was of Mohita. The Himalayan was the same hotel where Mohita and Bishal often used to spend their time.

Mr. Gaurav Shakya, the hotel manager got panicked. The body was on the bathtub filled with the water. Gaurav immediately called the police. After one and half hours, police arrived the hotel. Inspector Sumeet looked at the dead body. After observing the body, Inspector Sumeet went near to the manager and said, “Who saw the dead body?”

The manager said, “Ram, the room service saw the dead body.” He pointed at Ram and Ram was nervous and Inspector Sumeet came near to Ram. He, then said, “Can you give me detail?”

Ram, then said, “I came around 8:00 am. I knocked on the door. For almost an hour, nobody came to open the door. So, I called the manager. With the master key he opened the door. Nobody was in the room but the room was mismanaged. Then, I went into the bathroom and saw the dead body.”

Inspector Sumeet said, “Do you know who this is?”

Everyone said that they don’t recognize the dead body. He thanked Ram and started investigating the room but found nothing. The dead body was sent for the post mortem. After two days, the result of post mortem was on the table of Inspector Sumeet.

He opened the report. When he saw the result, he was shocked. The report said that Mohita died because of a heart attack. His instinct said it was murder but there was evidence to prove. 

Furthermore, there was no information about the girl. Nobody knew the girl and had never seen Mohita. He even checked the camera but didn’t see anyone with Mohita. She was alone and it was the first time, she came into the hotel. Although Inspector Sumeet had doubts, with the lack of shreds of evidence, the case was closed.

X

Rijana was a young aspiring model but after her marriage, she felt marriage was an obstacle for the modelling. Her husband didn’t understand her and her dreams. They had an argument on this topic. She had no place to show her photos so; she opened an account on Instagram. She had posted many photos on Instagram. There were ten thousand followers and comments in her photos but she wasn’t satisfied with the followers and comments. She wanted more. Every day, she used to check her Instagram but there was no increase in number of followers which made her frustrated.

When there was no increase in numbers of followers, she called her best friend Soniya Sharma.

“Hello,” said Rijana.

“Hello, how are you?” Soniya said.

“Not good,” Rijana said in a different mood.

“What has happened?”

“My Instagram followers have not been increased. Not only that, my husband is not understanding my passion for modelling.” She sat on the sofa.

“Wait for the right time.”

“How long do I need to wait? I have posted thousands of photos but I have fewer likes and comments. I am fed up, Soniya.”

“Don’t worry. You will be a success one day. Stop panicking. I will be there soon.”

Rijana agreed and disconnected the phone.

XI

After a week..........

                    It was afternoon and the time showed 1:45 pm. Rijana was at home. She felt lazy and was stuck on Instagram and she received a message. His message was Karun Barjacharya. Although she didn’t know who Karun was, she read the message.  The message was:-

“Hey, Rijanaji. I hope everything is good with you. I was stuck on Instagram and saw your Instagram and saw few photos. You look like a model. Your posts are beautiful like you. Are you a model?”

She smiled. At least someone felt she was like a model. She then gave a call to her best friend Soniya and explained everything to her. Soniya said, “Don’t make the decision quickly. Whoever had messaged you, he might have opened a fake account. He might misuse you. Think carefully.”

Rijana didn’t prefer to say anything. To tell the truth, she wanted to respond to the guy and tries her luck.

The next day, Rijana was stuck on Instagram. She again received the message from the same guy. She clicked on the message box and read the message. The message was:-

“Hi. I am sorry to message you yesterday. You might feel awkward. Why a stranger is sending you a message? I am Karun Barjacharya and I am a photographer for Wedding Diary. I give an opportunity to a new model.  To be honest, I want to meet you tomorrow. Can we meet tomorrow at KL Tower, Chabhill around 2:00 pm? I will be waiting.”

She was a focus on the message and didn’t know what to do next. Her mind said not respond and her heart was saying to response the message. She was in dilemma. Finally, she responded yes to him.

XII

Rijana was waiting for him. She was in front of the KL Tower. The time was already 3:30 pm. She was impatient and was looking here and there. Moreover, she was focus on her mobile. She felt guilty because she didn’t ask for the mobile number of Ankit. She felt he might have gone inside the KL Tower. She searched him inside the tower but she didn’t find him in the crowd. 

When she didn’t find him, she thought that she had mistakenly read the date, place and time. So, she immediately turned the 4G and clicked the message. There was new message:-

I apologize Rijanaji. I couldn’t keep my promise. I am sorry that I couldn’t meet you today because of my urgency. I know that you have reached KL Tower before the time. I could have informed you earlier but I didn’t have your number nor you had my number. Sorry for everything. I hope you don’t mind. Next time, I will definitely meet you.”

She was definitely angry and with anger, she reached home and didn’t prefer to response back. She was lost and she was upset with herself. Why she reached KL Tower? She doesn’t know about Karun but why did she trust him? What went wrong with her?

XIII

After four days, he logged on Instagram. There were messages on Instagram. She clicked on the message section and the message was of Karun. Although she was angry with him, she read the messages which were:-

I am sorry to make you wait in KL Tower. As I didn’t have your number so I couldn’t call you. I hope you will understand.”

The next message was:-

Still angry. Sorry. My number is 9801433555. You can call me when you are free.”

The whole day, she was thinking about modelling and Instagram followers. Furthermore, she was thinking about Karun. She was confused whether to contact him or not. If she didn’t contact him, she had her own loss. If she called him, she had an opportunity to work as a modelling with different people. Although she was in confusion, this time she didn’t let Soniya knew about Karun because Rijana knew that Soniya could stop her from meeting Karun.

XIV

“I thought you will never forgive me,” Karun said with smiley face.

“I was angry but thought the situation was like that,” Rijana said.

They were at G-Café, Boudha. It was Thursday and Karun took a leave from office to meet Rijana. They both were drinking a cup of cold coffee. Meanwhile, Rijana kept her cup in the table and said, “Can you tell me when we shall start the work?”

He too kept the cup of the coffee at the table. He looked at her and was silent for a few minutes. She was observing him and said, “What had happened? You said you give me an opportunity in the modelling career. Your expression says that you don’t want to meet me. You remained silent.”

“It’s not like that. I am too tired and it’s the season so I am thinking which day and date shod I give you to meet?”

 “When will you be free?”

“After three weeks.”

Although she made her face, she agreed with him.

XV

After three weeks…..

Karun dialled the number of Rijana and Rijana in one ring picked up the call.

“Hello.”

“Hi. How are you doing?” Karun said.

“Good and you?”

“I am good. Listen. Can you meet me tomorrow at my office at 11:00 am?”

“Ok. I will be there at 11:00 am.” She said with excitement.”

“Ok. See you tomorrow. Bye.”

“See you tomorrow. Bye.”

She was overjoyed. She felt her dream came true. Moreover, she felt she was out of the world. Now, she dreamed to be on the top of the model. A whole day, she was thinking of the modelling. She then started looking at her clothes.

The next day, She woke up early in the morning and took her a long time to choose the dress and finally choose the blue dress. She has worn her favourite colour blue which was one piece. She did the makeup with the matching to the dress. she reached the office. She reached before the time.

She reached at 10::40 am and was looking here and there. Not only that, she was the focus on the watch. She was concentrating when shall Karun will arrive to meet her and discuss the modelling.

After 45 minutes, Karun came from his cabin and went directly near to Rijana. She got up and said, “Hi.”

He said, “Hello. Please come to my cabin.”

She followed Karun. He requested her to sit on the chair and he too sat on the chair. He said, “I have shown your photos and to the boss and he liked your photos. So, we will start work tomorrow. We will sign an agreement today. You will be with our company for the year and we will see after that.”

She was excited and signed the agreement without reading it. After signing the agreement, she left the place. This time she didn’t prefer to share her happiness with her husband nor with Soniya. But she didn’t know that her life was about to be changed.

XVI

“What is this, Rijana?” Aryan said and threw WOW magazine in the table.  WOW magazine had covered Rijana’s photos.

“What’s wrong if I do modelling? It’s my passion and dream. Why don’t you understand it?”

“I don’t need to understand anything. I am your husband and I earn money for you. You don’t need to earn money.”

“I have my own self-respect. I also deserve to earn money.”

Both were looking at each other. “How many times I have told you not to do modelling but you never obeyed me. What’s wrong with you? If you want to do modelling, please divorce me.”

She didn’t prefer to say anything and went into her room. Aryan thought Rijana would leave the modelling. The whole night, they didn’t see each other face.

The next day…..

                        The time showed 6:00 pm. Aryan returned from Nabil Bank. He rang the doorbell. There was no response. He again rang the doorbell and there was no response again. He had an extra key to the door and he opened the door. After entering the room, he looked around. He didn’t see Rijana. When he didn’t see Rijana, he called her. There was no response. 

He reached to their room but he didn’t see her. When he didn’t find her at home, he rang on her mobile but there was no response. He was worried. He felt that due to yesterday’s argument, she might have left the home. So, he dialled the number of his mother-in-law. After three ringtones, she picked up the phone and said, “Hello son. How are you?”

“Good. Mother, is Rijana over there?”

“No, but why are you asking?”

“Just. She hasn’t arrived home so. I will call her, mother. I think she went to meet her friend.” He then disconnected the phone.

He was trying to reach Rijana but he failed. He doesn’t know any friends of her. The whole night, he waited for her but she didn’t arrive. He was worried.

The next day, he dialled her number but the mobile was switched off. He took from his office and reached to WOW office.

“Hello. How can I help you?”

“Hello. I am Aryan, husband of Rijana. Actually, she didn’t return home yesterday. Can I know where she is?”

“She is with Karun sir for the photo-shoot. They are in different places for the photo-shoot. Right now, they might be in Pokhara. Their photo-shoot will be completed after 10 days.”

“Can I get Karun’s number?”

“Sure.” She gave him the visiting card of Karun.

He thanked her and left the place. After he left the office, he dialled the number of Karun but the mobile was switched off. He again dialled the number and the response was the same. He was shocked and amazed. In his mind, doubts were filled. When both of them were switched off, he thought they might have affairs.

XVII

After eleven days, both Karun and Rijana returned back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. They had a photoshoot on Pokhara. For Rijana, those eleven days were the best days. In those eleven days, she was able to know Karun and fell in love immediately. For Rijana, Karun was a decent caring and loving which every girl wanted.

It was evening time. Rather than going in her own home, she reached to the sunrise apartment, Lalitpur. On the other hand, Aryan couldn’t understand why did she switch off her mobile and why didn’t she say anything to him before leaving home?

The next day, Aryan was working at his chamber. Meanwhile, his colleague Sid came in the chamber and said, “You have an envelope.”

“Envelope?” He was amazed. He thanked his friend and opened the envelope. Inside the envelope, there was a divorce paper. Rijana had filed a divorce case. He then checked the date and it was twelve days ago. He was shocked and he immediately dialled the number of Rijana. The number was switched off. He didn’t know that she had changed the number.

When she left the house, Aryan wanted to start again. He wanted to convince her and wanted to settle down their arguments but he felt that now he has lost the opportunity to talk with her. 

Although he loved her, he didn’t want her to do modelling because of the fear what his family says about her. He doesn’t want to leave her and wanted to meet her once and explain everything.

XVIII

“WOW.” Rijana said to Karun. She was happy to see her photos in the magazine. This time her photo was published in the cover of the magazine as well as inside with a different mood. She was lost in the world and she hugged Karun.

On the other hand, Soniya was amazed to see her best friend's photos. Soniya was furious that why didn’t Rijana tell about the photos. Rijana used to share small details but this time, Rijana didn’t prefer to tell which upset Soniya.

Rijana was everywhere and became popular. Wherever she saw her photos, she was more than happy. The more she became popular, her feet were not on the earth. More than that, both Karun and Rijana started falling in love with each other. She was lost in her world that she had forgotten that she had filed a divorce case. It has been a month, she had filed a case hadn’t met her husband.

XIX

Karun and Rijana were at the sunrise apartment. Both were enjoying the physical relationship. The more Karun touched Rijana, the more pleasure she felt. Whenever he played with her body, she enjoyed the touched. After long time, she felt pleasure. Not only that, when they had lip lock, she felt love.

After a physical relationship, she said, “I feel pleasure with you. I want to be with you all the time.”

Karun said, “Let’s get married. First of all, get a divorce with your husband.”

“Oh, God.”

“What has happened?”

“I had sent the divorce paper but I forgot to meet him.”

“You can meet him tomorrow.”

She agreed and both of them were lost in the world of romance.

The next day and it was Saturday. The time showed 10:00 am. Aryan was in the kitchen. 

Meanwhile, he heard the doorbell. When he opened the door, he saw Rijana.

“Rijana? Please come in.”

She entered the room and she sat on the sofa. He too sat on the sofa. They both looked at each other.  For a moment, the environment was silent.

By breaking the silence, Rijana said, “ I came here to know whether you have signed the divorce paper or not.”

“Cannot we be together?”

“Sorry, we cannot. You are a conservative person. You do not understand my passion. I cannot leave my modelling. For modelling, I can leave you. As you said if I choose modelling, you will divorce me. So, I choose modelling.”

“Cannot we settle down? Cannot you leave modelling? I have fulfilled your desire. Did you find any problem with my love?”

“Yes, if you had loved me, you could understand me and let me do my own passion. I don’t want to argue with you so, please sign the divorce paper. And to say the truth, after leaving you, I started knowing more about life and I am happy.”

Aryan was about to say something but Rijana stopped him and said, “Please, sign the divorce paper. You have your life and I have my own. So, let’s not argue.”

Aryan didn’t say anything and he went into his room. He signed the paper and gave the divorce paper to Rijana. She was happy and left the house. Aryan, on the other hand, Aryan was upset and his eyes were filled with tears.

XX

Hotel View

Pokhara

There was a knock at the room number 496. Almost for an hour, Manoj Adhikari, room service knocked on the door but there was no response. When there was no response, he went to the receptionist's desk and said, “Can you give the master key of room number 496?”

“Sure.”

He took the master key and opened the door. He entered the room. Although he saw nobody, he searched in the room. When he entered the bathroom, he saw the dead body of the girl in the bathtub. The dead body was none other Rijana. She was naked. Manoj Adhikari was anxious as well as shocked and he dialled the number of the hotel manager, Mr. Raju Sharma and when he picked up the phone, Manoj explained everything. After the phone call, he immediately reached to hotel. When Raju saw the dead body, he got panicked and immediately called the police.

After half an hour, the police arrived. Meanwhile, Inspector Sumeet came near to Raju and said, “When did you see the dead body?”

“Almost one hour ago.”

“Do you know whose dead body is it?”

“No, I haven’t seen this girl before?”

“Who saw the body first?”

“Manoj.”

Inspector Sumeet went nearby to Manoj and said, “What happened? Can you explain?”

Although Manoj was nervous, he explained how he saw the dead body of Rijana. Nobody knew about the girl. Moreover, the police didn’t find any shreds of evidence. There were no footprints. Not only that, camera didn’t have any suspicious footage. The footage of Rijana was captured on the same day when she died. There was nobody with her. She was alone. Furthermore, post modem showed nothing suspicious. Her death was natural death. Finally, the case was closed because the case didn’t have any evidence.  

Inspector Sumeet was shocked because nobody came for the missing complaint. Not only that, when the newspapers published the dead body of Rijana, nobody came for the identification.

XXI

“Inspector Sumeet, you know that three girls have been murdered. Those girls didn’t commit suicide. Inspector Aditya will be handling these three cases and you will be providing the information. You too will be helping Inspector Aditya.” Senior Inspector Umesh Shakya said.

“Yes, sir.” Inspector Sumeet said. He saluted to the Inspector Umesh Shakya and left the cabin.

Inspector Aditya was in the cabin. When both of them saw each other, they greeted each other. Both of them sat on the chair.

“You know that I am handling the cases that you were handling. So, I need your help and I hope you cooperate with me.”

“Sure, I am providing you all the information you wanted.”

He gave all the information about three cases. Inspector Aditya took all the files and thanked Inspector Sumeet and he left the cabin.

Inspector Aditya was known as Mr. Perfectionist because had solved all the cases in his entire life. He had solved complicated cases. So, those three cases were submitted to Inspector Aditya and those cases were his last cases.

Inspector Aditya served the police force for more than 30 years. During those services, he had seen ups and downs. He had given threats but without fear, he had worked with honestly. During those services, he had lost his wife and daughter. Still, he couldn’t forget the incident. His daughter and wife died in an accident.

XXII

Inspector Aditya studied all the cases and in all cases, there were many similar patterns. All three girls died because of a heart attack. The reason for heart attack is unknown. The second similar was all girls were naked and died in bathtub. Thirdly, camera didn’t capture any suspicious moment. All of the girls were alone and were normal. The fourth was that nobody has known about those girls? A fifth was that the police couldn’t find any shreds of evidence. And finally, why their families and friends were not concerned about the girls? Besides Biku, nobody registered the missing complaint.

The next day, Inspector Aditya met Biku. Inspector Aditya knew that they both had arguments. He was not giving time to her and she was lost. She started to go out and started hanging out with her friends. Biku wanted to start a new life with his wife but he didn’t get the opportunity.

Besides Biku, Inspector Aditya didn’t know anything about other girls. He wanted to find the dots between three girls. He went to the crime scene and observed the scene but he didn’t find any shreds of evidence.

“What’s wrong with me? I am not able to connect any dots. Moreover, I am not able to find any evidence. There is something in these cases. What’s that?” He was in tension. In his retired life, he felt he cannot solve this case. Somehow he was scared that he cannot solve this case. He was stubborn and cannot prefer to lose any cases.

XXIII

Inspector Aditya was at home and had posted all the clues. He was carefully looking at the clues and was trying to connect the dots but failed. Aditya was frustrated because he wasn’t able to find any shreds of evidence. He had called each person related to the victims but he had no suspicious on them. He didn’t find any suspicious matter any of them.

The next day, he dialled the number Biku and Biku immediately picked up the phone and said, “Hello.”

“Hello. Is this Biku?”

“Yes, and who is this?”

“Inspector Aditya.”

“Inspector Aditya, did you find who killed my wife?”

No, not yet. Can I meet you again?”

“But why?”

“To do an inquiry?”

“I have given my statement already.”

“I need your statement again. If possible, can you meet me at the police station today at 3:30 pm?”

“Sure.” Biku disconnected the phone.

Biku arrived at the police station exactly on the time and Inspector Aditya welcomed him. When Biku was seated, Inspector Aditya observed Biku. Biku looked normal.

“So, how was your married life?”

“We had arguments.”

“Arguments?”

“My wife complained that I didn’t give her time. She wanted quality time because I was working and the whole day, she was home alone.”

“How did she reached the hotel and died there?”

“I have no idea, sir, how she reached hotel and died there? I am shocked by how she reached there?”

“Did you notice any changes in her behavior?”

“Not exactly but she started visiting the library?”

“Which library?”

“I think the AWON library, Thapathali.”

“OK. Thank You. If I need any information, I will call you again.”

“Sure.” And Biku left the place.

Inspector Aditya started searching for information about AWON library. He looked at his watch and the time showed 3:50 pm. The library was supposed to be close at 5:00 pm. So, he immediately rushed to the library. He reached the library within 30 minutes. He went near to the receptionist and said, “Hello, I am Inspector Aditya. I need your help.”

“Police?”

“Yes.”

“How can I help you?” Kabita said.

Inspector Aditya showed the photo of Sameera and said, “Did she come here frequently?”

She looked at the photo and said, “Yes, she used to come in this library frequently but what’s the matter?”

“She died a few months ago.”

“What?” She got up.

“Yes. She is no more. Can you provide me the details of her?”

“She became friends with Sandeep Nepal. They often came together in the library.”

“Can you provide me the details of Sandeep Nepal?”

“Sure. We have his form of membership.”

Kavita then checked the file on the computer. She was shocked that there were no records of Sandeep. She was the one who had saved the record and now she isn’t able to find the record. She then dialled the number of substitute, Maya.

“Hello, Maya.”

“Yes.”

“Listen, I need to know one information.”

“What is it?”

“I have saved the record of Sandeep Nepal and I didn’t find it now. Did you save it in another drive?”

“Sorry, Kabita. I forgot to tell you that few days back the desktop was crashed so, some of the information was lost.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Kabita was angry.

“Sorry.”

Kabita disconnected the phone. She, then said, “I am sorry that we lost some of the information few days ago.”

Although Inspector Aditya was in the aggressive mod, he controlled his anger and said, “Do you have the copy?”

“Sorry, we don’t keep the copy of the detail.”

He thanked Kabita and left the library and reached the police station. He started thinking. He knew that Biku is not the killer because Biku was confident and had eye contact while giving the answer. He was not panicking.

                                       XXIV

The last option for Inspector Aditya was to make a sketch of Sandeep. Inspector Aditya called Kabita as well as the sketch artist.

After two hours, the sketch artist completed the sketches and showed the sketch. The Who was this guy He was trying to remember the face. He felt that he has seen the face but where? He started searching the criminal records but no sketch was matched. He was frustrated and finally, he gave up.

After two and a half weeks, Inspector Aditya met his senior Inspector Umesh Shakya. They both were silent and were looking at each other. The environment was filled with tension.

After ten minutes, Inspector Aditya said, “I felt guilty that I couldn’t solve the cause of three girls. I tried hard to solve those cases but wasn’t able to find the dots. Moreover, I didn’t find any shreds of evidence that those girls were murdered. They were no footprints in the hotels. Not only that, nobody knew about the killer and saw nobody. Hotel staff didn’t know or have seen the girls before. The cases seemed to be suicide. The forensic lab also showed that they died because of heart attack.

While investigating, I found one person might be involved but I was not able to find the person. I with my team don’t know his real name and address. Moreover, he doesn’t have fixed-job. We weren’t able to track him. Not only that, nobody came for claiming the dead body. Nobody had registered for the missing complain till now. I couldn’t find any information about the girls.”

The environment was silent again. Inspector Aditya couldn’t solve the case in his life. He felt failure in his life. By breaking the silence, Senior Inspector Umesh Shakya said, “So, you want me to close the case.”

With the heavy heart, he agreed. His facial expression was emotional. Although he didn’t want to give up, he had to. He knew that there was no point in doing any further investigation. Finally, the case was closed with a lack of evidence.

XXV

It was 9:30 pm., Nitin was on the terrace. Sophiya was too with him. Her head was on his shoulder. There was fresh air which both were enjoying. Meanwhile, Sophiya said, “I am blissful today. You have taken my revenge. I was terrified that police cold arrest you but everything went perfectly on the track.”

“How can I not take revenge? They were criminals. I still remember what they have done in your life.”

Some of the years ago…..

           Sophiya had joined Shanker Dev Campus, Bagbazar for MBA. There, she met Rijana, Sameera and Mohita. Although Rijana, Sameera and Mohita were modern girls, they became good friends of Sophiya. Sophiya didn’t except that they could be her friend because she thought she was not like them. But she didn’t know their dark side of them.

After three months of joining the campus, the management suddenly started checking the student’s bag. Meanwhile, the principal sir came to check the bag of Sophiya. She easily came to check the bag and while checking the bag, drugs were found in her bags. She was shocked. She didn’t know how they came into her bag.

“What is this?” Principal said.

“I don’t know sir.” Sophiya was nervous.

“This is drugs. When did you start taking drugs?”

“I have no idea, sir.”

“Please. Do come to my cabin.”

She followed Principal and reached the cabin. Both of then sat on their chair respectively and Principal said, “Look, we have found drugs in your bag. So, we are suspending you for three months.”

“Sir, please don’t suspend me. I didn’t do it. Somebody is trying to trap me.”

“Please, let’s not waste the time and you are suspended for three months.”

Sophiya didn’t say anything and left the place. Nitin was observing her. He had started liking her but never got an opportunity to speak up. When she was suspended, he was disappointed. His heart was heavy. Although her family spoke to the Principal, it was useless.

On one hand, Sophiya was at home was depressed, on the other hand, Nitin was making notes for her as well as was trying to find who was behind the drugs.

After three months…..

She re-joined the college and Nitin was enthusiastic. In the classroom, she was not speaking with any friends, not even with Rijana, Sameera and Mohita. Nitin was observing her and he finally decided to speak with her.

After two weeks, Sophiya was at the canteen. Nitin went near to Sophiya and said, ”Hello.I am Nitin. I am in the same class. I wanted to befriend you. Can we be friends?”

Sophiya remained silent and didn’t prefer to say anything. Nitin was observing her and said, “I am really sorry for what had happened to you. I know you are innocent. I trust you.”

“Why are you saying these? I don’t need anyone's sympathy.” She said with anger.

“It’s not sympathy.”

“Then what?” She said in aggression.

“I Love You.”

Both remained silent and were looking at each other faces. She didn’t say anything and went back to college. This continued for many days. Finally, she accepted the proposal of Nitin.

But they didn’t know that their life was supposed to be changed. One fine day, Rijana, Sameera and Mohita came near to Sophiya and said, “We are really sorry for what we had done. We felt ashamed and didn’t prefer to talk to you. We know that you haven’t forgiven us but we came here for forgiveness. We are sorry.” Rijana, Sameera and Mohita made a face. But Sophiya didn’t prefer to speak.

This continued for many days but Sophiya didn’t prefer to forgive them. Because of them, Sophiya’s image was damaged and her three months were lost.

After a week, Nitin reached to the canteen in search of Sophiya. “Sophiya.”

“Hum.” She was focus of the study.

“Tomorrow, we have the get together at the college. So, I came task if you are interested to join?”

“She looked at Nitin and said, “No, I have no mood to join.”

“Please, join. I will be also joining.”

“Sorry, I am not interested.”

He was convincing her and finally, she agreed. He, then added, “We will be meeting at Dhulikhel Resort at 7 pm.”

Although she was not interested, she agreed to join.

The next day, all of the friends were at Dhulikhel Resort. The time showed 8 pm. All of them were drinking and enjoying the night. As the next day was holiday, all of them were relaxed. Meanwhile, Sophiya was at the corner playing with the mobile and her friends called her. She was not interested but her friends pulled her hand. She pretended to dance. Nitin was not with her. Her friends made her dance and made her drink. She was forced to drink.

After two days, when she reached college, everyone was looking at her and laughing. She was shocked why they were looking at her. She reached the classroom and her friends were looking at her and laughing. Although she was seated on the chair, she was looking at her friends. She didn’t know the reason. After few minutes, Nitin came and sat with her.

“Why everyone was looking at me and laughing?”

He made the face and showed the video. The video was of Sophiya with three boys and she was enjoying with them in the bed. The video was sent all over the college. She was shocked and left the class.

For many days, she didn’t come out of the home. Nitin was worried about her. He felt guilty because if he didn’t convince her to join the get-together, this couldn’t happen. After ten days, she jumped from the terrace of her own home and died. This made Nitin more depressed and made decision to take an act of revenge on three girls. He did research on them and took six years to take an act of revenge. He left no evidence. He knew how to avoid the camera and he was the one who cracked the computer of the library. He knew that the police will investigate those girls. He had watched crime shows and got ideas from those shows. Finally, he was not caught because he left no evidence.

Tears were filled in the eyes of Nitin. He used to imagine that Sophiya was with him and used to speak with her. He felt relief from bottom of the heart. He had loved her truly and was with her all the time but felt guilty that he was not with her in the get-together. If he was with her, she could be saved.