Anand couldn’t sleep. He kept thinking about Rahul – Why would he kill Mishra Aunty. It might be a coincidence that he was at home that day….. Mishra Uncle helped him when he wasn’t getting a job anywhere. But, why was he at home. Why did tiger bark at him……..these questions were making Anand helpless…..
Next morning, he thought of keeping a watch on Rahul……but…..he needs to miss his school to do some research……..how would he convince his mom that he is not going to school….he got an idea and cried in pain, “Aaahhh, my tummy is hurting Mumma“. “Oho, how many times I have told you not to eat junk, see now you are in pain again“, replied Mumma angrily and continued, “Now you will miss your school. Let me call my office and tell them that I am not coming today“. Anand instantly replied, “No Mumma!! I will be fine. Why do you want to stay at home. I am a grown up kid. I will manage, don’t worry“. Mom said, “Okay, if you insist. I will make food for you and put it in the fridge. Just warm it up and eat when needed and yes I will try to be back home early today“.
Anand was happy but he continued with his acting until his mom left for her office. He then jumped off his bed and rushed to Rahul’s place. He hid himself behind the electricity pole and started waiting for Rahul. Rahul came out of his home. He started his bike and headed towards his office. Anand stepped out and ran towards Rahul’s house. He rang the doorbell. “Oh Anand! How are you? You didn’t go to school today?”, asked Rahul’s Mom. “Hello Aunty , I just wanted to take some books from Rahul bro. Is he still there or left for office“, asked Anand. “Oh, he just left for the office. You missed him by a minute. You can come in and look for the books for yourself, it’s okay“, said Rahul’s Mom. “Thank you Aunty“, said Anand with a smile and proceeded towards Rahul’s room. Rahul’s Mom went inside the kitchen and Anand started searching Rahul’s room for a clue. He wasn’t sure that what he should look for. But he still kept looking for something. He got disappointed as he didn’t find anything. He picked up a magazine and started walking out. “Okay Aunty, I got the book. I am leaving“, said Anand. “Okay son, take care“, replied Rahul’s Mom as she shut the door.Anand was disappointed as he couldn’t find anything to prove his point.
In the evening, he went to the playground and started thinking all over again, trying to link the facts. He recalled that the Inspector gave him his number. He got up and went to his house and called the Inspector. “Hello, who is this?“, asked the Inspector on the other side. “Hello Uncle, it’s me Anand“, replied Anand. “Oh Anand, how are you? How did you call me today?”, asked the Inspector. “Uncle, I think Rahul has killed Mrs. Mishra“, said Anand. “What! Who is Rahul and Why did he kill her?”, asked the Inspector. “Rahul is Mishra Uncle’s neighbor. Mishra uncle got him job in his company last year. I don’t know the reason but something is fishy and hence I called you“, replied Anand. “Son, we can’t just investigate someone randomly. Crime should have a motive“, said the Inspector. “But Uncle, he was at home on the day of murder and my friend Tiger barks at him every time he sees him“, said Anand. “Hmmmmm….Okay Son, leave this link with us. We will find it, if something is really fishy“, said the Inspector. “Thank you Uncle for believing me“, replied Anand and put the phone down. “Constable, I need Rahul’s biography quick… I need all his details“, said the Inspector.