Chapter 3

Daya sat in his car which was parked outside Abhijit's house. He wondered whether he should talk to Tarika about it. Abhijit had forbidden him to interfere in this matter, but that doesn't matter. Even if it angered Abhijit he was going to talk to Tarika the next day.

The next day they were in the CID bureau as usual, working on a murder case. Abhijit seemed too busy. Dr Salunkhe called them to the lab to explain his findings, but Abhijit refused to join them. Everyone was surprised, but Daya knew the real reason. He decided to get Tarika alone for a few minutes and talk to her. When they reached the lab, however Tarika was absent. Dr Salunkhe explained his findings which gave some important insights into the killer's identity. Daya asked the rest of the team to proceed to catch the killer while he stayed back in the lab.

Dr Salunkhe asked him 'what's the matter Daya, aren't you leaving'? 'No, I wanted to have a word with Tarika. Isn't she around?'.

'Tarika has resigned from CID Forensic lab. I thought you guys knew about it'.

'No doc, this is news to me! Why did she leave all of a sudden?'

'She is leaving for the US to study advanced Forensic science. She received admission the last 2 years too, but didn't join. This year she has decided to take it. But I am surprised she didn't tell you. She would have surely told Abhijit.'

'Yes doc, she told him last night'

'Last night! She had received the offer 2 months back. She made up her mind to resign last week'.

'I was really in the dark about this. Sometimes even CID officers get to know news from others. I've got to go now. Good day'.

Daya walked out of the lab and went straight to Tarika's house. As he neared the entrance, he was surprised to see items being moved out by a movers and packers service. Tarika was busy instructing the workmen. Daya walked towards her and said 'Hi Tarika'.

Tarika turned towards Daya and said 'Hi Daya, pleasant surprise'.

'But you have given us a shock. You are moving out of this house?'

'Yes, I am going to stay with my parents in Pune for a few weeks before flying to the US'.

'But, why this sudden decision?'

'It wasn't sudden Daya. I have been thinking about this for the last 3 years. I received admission last year and the year before that too, but at that time I was swayed by emotions, so I stayed. This time I have decided to listen to my mind'.

'But…what about….Abhijit …and you'

'It's over Daya'.

'But why? You seemed to be in love with him, then why this break up'?

'I have my reasons Daya, please ask no further questions'.

'Tarika, we have been working together for over 5 years now. I hope there exists a friendship between us. Can you tell me why you broke up with Abhijit?'

'because I am engaged to someone else'.

Daya was too shocked to speak for a few seconds.

...to be continued.