The washaway. Chapter 1.THE WASH AWAY
MYSTERY LADY
CHAPTER – 1
''How's she doing" the man asked, "Will she make it ?"
The other one smiled ''Had you asked me yesterday, I would have said no. But now....'' he shook his head ''That's a tough one there. It is a miracle that she pulled through .'' ''Any signs of physical abuse?'' asked the first man. ''There are physical injuries but none of sexual assault.'' The Doctor replied they had been standing beside the bed of then girl, lying there on the hospital bed. She had been found on the rocks by the local fishermen and had immediately notified the police. The police had brought her over to the hospital. Dhruv Munshi the local OC located at the girl lying there, ''Must be in her late twenties or early thirties'' he surmised reflectively. He had already notified the neighbouring Police Stations, whether any one had reported a missing person.
''But so far no news had come forth, ''When is she likely to wake up'' Dhruv asked Dr. Munshi shook his head. ''Hard to say could be a day, or may be a week. So far she has not shown any signs of waking up. ''Give me a call when she does. I'll get going ''Dhruv waved his hand. Dr Munshi nodded ''Of course. Don't worry''.
When Dhruv reached the office, Samanta his junior was already busy with the day's events. ''Any news Sir'' he asked. ''None, she hasn't woken up. Until she wakes up, we don't know anything. I suppose you haven't heard from the other stations'' Dhruv asked. Samanta shook his head morosely ''Strange isn't it Sir''. It was late afternoon when Dhruv received a call from the hospital. ''Dhruv, that girl is finally awake'' Dhruv immediately went there.
All there you are Dhruv ''Dr. Munshi said finally, ''I've been waiting for you''? ''How is she? Has she talked, Did she say from where she was ? Dr. Munshi shook his head. ''No, I'm afraid you won't be able to get much out of her. She hasn't spoken a single word'' Dr. Munshi said
Dhruv followed the ward boy, whom Dr. Munshi had asked to take him to the ward. The girl was sitting, while a nurse tried to feed her. ''Have a little more ''the nurse coaxed, while the girl turned her head to the other side. ''Oh, there you are officer'' the nurse said cheerfully. She got up hurriedly. She was a girl of about 18 or 20, and Dhruv's good looks left her completely floored. I want to talk to her'' Dhruv said, ''Yes, of Course, I'll leave you to it'' the nurse hurried away Dhruv sat down on the bed side stool. ''Miss, I am here from the local police station. I need to ask you some questions ''Dhruv said gently. The girl slowly turned her head. She looked at him silently, her eyes expressionless. ''Can you tell me your name, and address so that we can contact your family?'' Dhruv said, the girl looked at him mutely, her eyes distraught. Dhruv grew a little agitated. ''Come on you have to speak. We can't help you otherwise''. ''What language can you speak ? Do you understand English, Hindi, Bangla''. The woman looked at Dhruv for a moment the silently and mutely as if a dumb animal was trying to understand. What was happening around her.
The woman looked at them in silence and slowly closed her eyes. ''Its no use nos. May be tomorrow, she'll open up'' Dr. Munshi said. Dhruv nodded. He glanced once more at the woman, now lying quietly before walking out. ''She hasn't talked till now – not uttered a single word.'' Dr. Munshi was saying, ''May be she is trying to process in her mind, whatever had happened. So once she has done that, she will speak''. ''It is strange, that almost three days have passed, but nee haven't been able to find any information about her'' Dhruv said, ''Thank you for your help DOC, let me know if any thing happens''. With a wave, Dhruv walked off. He did not go back to the station, instead he rode off towards the beach. The place where the woman had been found was a few kilometers away. Dhruv sped through the sand until he reached the spot. The sun was just about to set and the sky had turned into a flaming orange. Dhruv sat down on the beach and lit a cigarette. He normally didn't smoke, but right now, he felt in need of one. The place was quite remote. Normally, locals and tourist did not come this far. Only the fisher men, whose trawlers would anchor further north. Dhruv finished the cigarette and get up. He didn't know, exactly what he hoped to find, at least a lead which could help with the identification of the woman. Dhruv was about to give up when he heard a voice hailing him. Looking around, he saw Bhola, the local busy body. ''Salaam Saheb, Kichu Khunjchen?" (Looking for something ?). Dhruv waited for Bhola to come up to him. ''Pelen?" (Did you find it?) Bhola smirked. Dhruv narrowed his eyes. ''What are you doing here ? he asked in Bengali.'' Saheb, what can I do? I just potters around, Bhola answered feigning innocence. Dhruv had a hunch that this man knew something, but he knew that it wouldn't be an easy task to get it out of him. Bhola looked at him curiously ''were you searching for something?'' he asked. ''Just looking around Dhruv answered nonchalantly. Bhola nodded his head, ''Saheb, Has the lady regained consciousness?'' he asked. ''Yes" Dhruv answered, ''Bhola, do you know, who first spotted the lady''. ''No, but if you want, I can find out for you?'' ''Okay, bring them to the police station tomorrow''. ''Yes, Sahib''. Bhola said, ''Salaam Saheb'' He did a salute and ambled off. Dhruv watched him go thought fully. He couldn't put down the hunch that Bhola knew something more than he showed.
That night he received a call from his senior from the H.Q.s.
"Sinha, Jha here any updates Any updates on the unidentified woman?'' ''She has regained consciousness" Dhruv answered, but we haven't been able together any information." "Get it done soon" Jha said, "come to the HQ this weekend.' "Yes Sir". Dhruv said and ended the call. Arun Jha S.P. of East Medinipur Dist. A friend of his father's and his boss Dhruv sighed he would have preferred to avoid it, but he knew he would have to report the case. The door bell rang, "Saheb Khana" "Dhruv opened the door, the delivery boy handed him he food packets and disappeared in the darkness. Even since his posting at Digha, Dhruv has always ordered from this particular eatery. It wasn't so spicy and the food was good. He finished off the chapatti and tadka and sat in the balcony watching the waves crash against the boulders. Dhruv loved this time of night when he sat there gazing into the darkness of the night and watching the waves break on the rocks. He had been lucky to get this house. Samanta had found it for him. Though the rent was a bit high, but the location made up for it. He had a maid who came in the morning and did the chores. His mind went back to the woman in the hospital. The blank look on her face disturbed him. Could she really not comprehend what was going on ? On an impulse he called Dr. Munshi. ''Hello Doctor, Is there any news ?''
''No, she hasn't spoken a single word. Let's hope that tomorrow, there is an improvement. But I am afraid that it might be a case of temporary amnesia. She had suffered head concession ''Dr. Munshi replied.'' Amnesia ! that would make things difficult for us''. Dhruv said grimly.
CHAPTER – 2
Dhruv sat on the chair facing the women on the bed. "Madam, kindly cooperate with us. We need to know, has you came to be there on the beach on the 25th Nov. morning. He said gently his eyes watching her face. She looked at him silently, her eyes still blank. "Can you understand what I am saying? You were washed ashore on 25th Nov morning. No one has come forward to identify you. No one has reported any missing person we need to find out who you are". He spoke in Bengali, slowly enunciating each word. He watched her keenly, waiting to find reaction. Just for a moment something flicked in her eyes, then it was gone in a flash. It was so momentary that Dhurv couldn't be sure, if he had actually seen it exasperated he got up. She is faking it" he thought grimly, "but why?" Dr Manshi came in and booked at Dhruv with a questioning look. Dhruv shook his head. "So how are you feeling now?" Dr. Manshi asked. t?The women looked at him and smiled. "Ah you are feeling better, "Dr. Munshi said, checking her pulse, "Its time for you medicine, " I 'll send the nurse and nodding silently to Dhruv, he moved on to the next curricle. Dhruv took the hint and got up "I'll come again tomorrow, hopefully you will be a little more cooperative, " As he turned to leave he glanced at the girl once more, "Again he caught the flicker in her eyes, but it was gone in a flash. Was this woman playing some kind of trick? He wondered, as he made his way out the ward. He headed Dr. Munshi's Chamber. He met the matron there. "Hello, officer, what brings you here" She asked with a smile, "Wait that's a foolish question – the case of the mysterious woman," raising her eyebrows and laughed. "Yes, but I don't seen to be making any progress" he said wrly. "Have patience the girl seems to have had a harrowing experience. She will speak, when she is ready" said the matron with a gentle smile. Dhruv looked at the matron thoughtfully. She was in her mid-fifties dark and plump with a jovial nature. Heaven help those who dared to cross the boundary line. She had no qualms of even ticking off Dr. Manshi if needed. Dr. Munshi walked in at the moment. "come in Dhruv, I want to talk to you", Seated across the table, Dhruv waited for Dr. Manshi to speak.
"I am afraid, it will take sometimes. She is traumatized right now and her mind is not responding." It is a sort of temporary loss of memory. You can say. " Dr. Manshi said "How long will it be "Dhruv asked, " We haven't got any leads yet."
"That is difficult to say, she might respond tomorrow or it could be a fort night Dr. Munshi said "we can't predict it. All I can say, at this moment is that physically, she is healing, but mentally.?" Dr. Manshi looked thoughtful. Dhruv recalled the momentary flicker in her eyes and told Dr. Manshi about it. Can she be faking it? He asked " No, I don't thi May be its a flash of memory just a spark" Dr. Manshi replied, " However, will keeping under observation."
Dhruv returned to the office, he found Bhola waiting for him. "Salaam Saheb I brought those two guys who found the woman" he said, " Hey you two, come here, Saheb wants to talk to you.'
Two boys, in their twenties came forward, "you two first saw the woman there? "Dhruv asked "yes Sir, I am Montu and this is Keshu, he saw her there lying on the beach" said one of them. "What time was it? Dhruv asked, "Sir, time...keshu, what time was it? Mantu asked " the dawn hadn't broken till them.
"It was 3:15 a.m. "Keshu said, Dhruv looked at him sharply, "How can you say that so definitely."
" I checked the phone to call my father and saw the time "Keshu said confidently. Dhruv nodded "She wasn't conscious, when you found her? Dhruv said it more like a question than a statement. The two boys looked at one another. Dhruv watched them "Actually, I think she was conscious, because she opened he eyes and them closed it again." Montu said, " And she said something ...."Montu creased his eyebrows. "What did she say" Dhruv asked sharply, suddenly alert, we couldn't understand' "Montu said and looked at Keshu. "What was the word?" Dhruv rapped out sharply. "It was almost inaudible, but it sounded like water". Keshu said, " "Water? "Dhruv felt the excitement leave him. Montu nodded vigorously, "yes Sir, water it was and then she passed out." Dhruv motioned them to leave. "Keep an eye on them" he instructed Samanta. After the boys had left, Dhruv leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes. His mind went over the happening of the last few days, he felt frustrated, till now he had absolutely no clue about the woman, who was she? How did the come there? Why hadn't anyone reported a missing person complaint? as per the boy's version she had asked for water. Nothing unusual about that. "Sir, any lead Samantas voice broke into his thought. Dhruv his head shook his head. Nothing Samanta, The lady does not belong to this area. I would say, she comes from a well off family, judging by the clothes she had been wearing. But why hasn't any one reported any missing complaint so far, beats me."
"Sir, if your assumption are right, something is queer." Samanta said thoughtfully Dhruv looked at him, "I mean Sir, normally girls wear some ornament, earrings, rings, chains, bangles, - but there was nothing of that sort to be found in the women's belonging."
Dhruv sat up right, his face animated. He slapped his hand on the desk. "Good thinking Samanta.! You are right. There must have been something there. Keep an eye on those two rascals. If you find anything, just get the two here"
"Yes, Sir, Samanta clicked his heels, his face beaming.
It wasn't until two days later that Dhruv got a breakthrough. Keshu had been caught trying to sell a ring in Contai. During the interrogation, he broke down and confessed that thy had indeed taken of the Jewelry from the woman. A pair of earing, a chain and a ring, later on when Dhruv looked through it, he found a pendant about an inch long – oval shaped. It had a rose embossed on it and was made of solid gold, at the back of the pendant there was a small egravement. It looked like the Bengali letter 'Ra' or 'Ba', possibly first letter of the lady name. He started looking at the other pieces and sure enough that same letter was enough in the ring also.
It was clear that the woman was well off. Had Keshu been successful, it would have fetched a hefty sum. Dhruv put the things away carefully. He wanted to find out if these jewelry pieces triggered off any emotion in the woman.
Next day, he was standing there in the hospital ward watching the woman carefully 'can you recognize these? "he asked as he placed the jewelry on the table. For the first time, there was a reaction in the woman. She picked up the pendent and stared at it, there was a strange look on her face an undefinable sadness and then she slowly picked up the ring. Her brows forward in an effort to remember and then she looked at him. She shook her head. Dhruv started at her trying to understand, if she was indeed telling the truth their eyes locked his piercing and scrutinizing hers filled with an infinite sadness and unfathommable mystery. Suddenly Dhruv had an uncanny sensation of drowning is a bottomless pit. He caught his breath sharply. There was a tightness in his chest and he looked away abruptly. He nodded briefly and picking up the things, he walked out of the hospital ward. In the corridor, he met the matron. "Oh, there you are offer. I was just coming to get you. Dr. Munhsi would like to talk to you." Dhruv nodded and followed the matron. Dr. Munhsi was in his chamber. "There you are Dhruv come in. Matron, please send in two cups of tea" Dhruv sat down, "you wanted to see me? any development?" he asked, Dr. Manshi looked at him thoughtfully. "Yes and no" he replied, Dhruv raised his eyebrows questioningly " I don't get you," Dr. Manshi leaned back on the chair". 'sometimes, I feel there is a spark or a flicker of something maybe a recollection but its gone the next moment, said Dr. Manshi "I think it is selective amnesia. There are some events that her mind refuses to remember. But I am sure she has definitely regained some of her memory. "You may be right" agreed Dhruv and told him about the reaction of the woman on seeing the pendant and the ring. Dhruv took out the ring and the pendant and showed him, Dr. Munshi looked at the pendant, "is it a 'Ra' or 'Ba' "he murmured. Just then the ward boy walks in with there cups of tea, followed by the matron. The boy left and matron sat down. "thought that I might as well have a cup with you." she said smiling , "Doctor What's that? May I have a look? Dr. Munshi handed the pendent "oh are these evidence?" she asked turning to Dhruv. Dhruv smiled "well you could say that. We have reasons to believe that these belong to the woman."
"We were wondering what letter is embossed on the stone" Dr. Manshi said, "May be you can help." Matron looked at the pendent carefully, "you can have a look at this as well" Dhruv said handing her the ring, "It is definitely 'Ba' Matron said, handling back the pendant and the ring "you seem to very sure" said Dhruv. "Of Course, am My niece has a replica of the same. She had the first letter of her name embossed on it. Her name is Barsha." said Matron confidently. Dr. Munshi and Dhruv looked at each other "well Dhruv, That one mystery sloved for you "said Dr. Manshi "He stood up. "Well I'll be on my rounds now." Dhruv stood up. "Thank you matron, have a good day. I too must be off."
The whole day passed quickly for Dhruv, dealing with several petty cases. It was until late evening that he found sometime to be alone. Samanta walked in and sat down heavily. "Uff! what a day, I am dead beat. "He took out a cigarette. "Sir, can I? he asked looking Dhruv knowing that Dhruv was nonsmoker "Go ahead" said Dhruv, Even I could do with one and shook his head when Samanta eagerly offered him one.
"Sir, what about our Mystery lady?" asked Samanta drawing deeply on his cigarette and letting out the smoke slowly. "Did she identify those those items?" Dhruv shook his head. "What about on your side? Dide any one lodge any missing complaint in the nearly p.s. ? Dhruv asked. "No" said Samanta "This is so strange isn't it? He suddenly sat up with a jerk and stubbed out the cigarette. "Sir, do you think it could be an attempted murder?" " I mean, look at the situation, the woman has been missing for nearly a week now. Yet no one has come forward to report any missing person. Had it been an attempted suicide, even then someone would have looked for her and if it was an accident, then also it would have been reported. But even after we had put up in the papers no one has come forward with any information." Samanta spoke excitedly and was breathless for a second. Dhruv looked at him appreciatively "Good for you Samanta, your grey wlls are finally working 'he said, "well I 'm off"
You mean ... I mean .... you's already thought of that? Samanta said, a bit deflated. Dhruv waved his hand as he walked out.
CHAPTER – 3
She lay there silently, listening to the murmur of voices, the sounds of trolleys being wheeled out. She was glad to be alive. Vanshika, the name flashed on her mind and she suddenly opened her eyes, as realization dawned on her. The ring had been vaguely familiar, but she had not been able to identify it. She frowned trying to remember more, but all she remember was the sound of the waves and being endlessly tossed in the water. How had she handed up there ? Obviously, these people had rescued her – but who was she ? Vanshika, she murmured the name to herself. It was a good name. At least she had a name now. She smiled happily. Ah ! It's good to see that you are smiling. Dr. Munshi said. She looked at him startled. She had been so busy with her thoughts, that she hadn't even realised that he had come in, ''Good morning Doctor'' she said shyly. ''A very good morning. Are you feeling better?'' Dr. Munshi said, as he looked at the charts. ''Hmm ! you are definitely much matter. I can discharge you to day, but ....'' the sentence hung between them. He sighed, ''Don't worry girl. Dhruv will come up with a solution'' he patted her head reassuringly.
"Dhruv?" Vanshika looked at him questioningly " The Police Officer" supplied the nurse standing nearby. "Has no one looked for me?" She asked hesitantly : Dr. Munish looked uncomfortable. "I am afraid not. "When will Mr. Dhruv be coming today? she asked, Dr. Munshi looked at her speculatively "You want to talk to him?" he asked, she nodded "I'll give him a call." Dr. Munshi turned to leave the called him "Doctor, can I speak to him else where?" she looked around the ward "I would prefer somewhere quiet." Dr. Munshi looked at her and nodded "I understand. I'll arrange it."
Dhruv came in as soon as Dr. Munshi called him. He met the doctor in his chamber. "she seems to have remembered something. "Dr. Munshi said, Dhruv looked at him surprised. "She didn't tell you?" he asked, " No, I didn't probe said Dr. Munshi "I have sent for her to be brought here. She didn't want to talk in the ward." Dhruv nodded, A few minutes later a nurse wheeled in Vanshika. She looked pale and frail. Dhruv noticed the faint colour on her cheeks. her hair was brushed and tie in a neat pony tail. Her eyes large and apphrensive seemed to fill her face. She is beautiful" the thought came unbidden in his mind and quickly he shook himself. "Come in, here's Dhruv, you two can talk. I'll get going. "The girl shook her head. "No Doctor, You too must stay. " Dr. Munshi sat down. There was a few moments of silence after the nurse left. Dhruv cleared his throat. "You wanted to talk to me? Have you remembered something? "He said looking at her keenly. She nodded. "My name" She said "Vanshika" Thats my name." She stopped and looked at them. Dr. Munshi and Dhruv looked back to her. "Go on" said Dhruv, "That's all" she said aleruptly."What do you mean by that's all? Vanshika what?" Dhruv's voice was hard and cold. "come on don't till me you just remembered your name and not your surname? Vanshika shook her head helplessly.
"No Just that" she whispered Dhruv stood up and banged his fist on the table" What the hell" " he said frustrated Vanshika looked at him, her eyes welling up. "I really want to remember. But all I can remember is the sound of the waves and being nearly drowned in the water. I don't remember How I came here" she said in a low voice. "Please help me," she looked at the two men, silent tears coursing down her cheeks. "Okay, Calm down Dhruv. Vanshika, that's a nice name." Dr. Munshi spoke softly. "Now, the problem is that you can't remember anything and we cannot keep you in the hospital indefinitely. So, what should we do?
Dhruv ran his for you through his hair. He felt frustrated and angry. he had been feeling hopeful when Dr. Munshi had called him. Now, he felt again he was back to square one. Was the girl playing with them? He narrowed his eyes and looked at her. She looked innocent enough, but then so many criminals looked the same. Now, the problem of putting her up. He looked at Dr. Munshi, "Doctor, I think she can go back to the ward now. I need to have a word with you''. Dr. Munshi nodded and called the ward boy. As she was being wheeled out, Vanshika suddenly caught hold of Dhruv's hand. He looked down at her startled. ''Please help me.'' She whispered, her eyes pleading him, Dhruv shook hand free, ''Look here Miss, we want to help you, but unless you co-operate, it's no use'' he said in a firm but gentle voice. ''You have to try and recollect'' Vansikha bowed her head down. After she had left, both the men sat in silence. ''Well, what do we do ? I have to discharge her from the hospital. But where will she go ?'' Dr. Munshi said heavily. ''I would have taken her home, but as you know, my wife isn't well and so my daughters are here. There is hardly any room for her''. Dhruv nodded ''I understand'' he said. ''What about the nurses hostel ? Can't she stay there ?'' Dr. Munshi shook his head. ''In what capacity ? Besides, that is also full'', he replied. ''What about the matron ? Can she help ?'' Dhruv asked, Dr. Munshi looked at him doubtfully ''I am not sure, but we can ask her''. He picked up the phone and pressed the intercom. ''Good morning Matron. Could you please come to my chamber''. A few minutes later, Matron walked in. ''oh officer, you are here too'' she said smiling amicably. ''Is it about your patient again ?'' Dr. Munshi narrated the incidents of the morning briefly ''And now, that is the problem'', he conducted ''Hum : I can take her in for a few days, but as you know, my son comes home twice a month, and in that case, there would be a problem'', Matron said thoughtfully. ''Why don't you let her stay at your place ?'' She said suddenly, turning to Dhruv. Dhruv doubled up ''What ! ''he choked ''Are you serious ?'' ''Yes, Absolutely, you stay alone, in that huge bungalow. You need to keep an eye on her. So isn't that the best option ?'' Dhruv stared at her open mouthed. ''You must be joking'' he said firmly. ''I live alone, how can she stay with me?''
''Exactly, that is why she should be there" Matron said smile guilelessly. "Impossible"! Dhruv Expostulated. Dr. Munshi, who had been watching this exchange with interest now spoke "Dhruv, I think it isn't a bad idea." Dhruv looked at him astound. "Listen, Doctor please stop this ridiculous idea. I'll think of something." Dhruv said firmly and left the room.
Back at the office, Dhruv was still fuming, what an absurd idea! But the thought had already germinated in his mind. Later when the work was a bit slow, Samanta and he sat and talked over the days cases over a cup of tea, the thought came again. "Samanta, D. Munshi wants to discharge the mystery lady from the hospital" he said casually. "oh she has recovered enough to be released?" Samanta asked "Apparently. But the problem is, where will she go? said Dhruv, "So far we haven't been able to find out anything about her. "Dhruv leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. "Yes Sir, that indeed is a problem" Samanta said thoughtfully "Can't the hospital arrange something? Dhruv shook his head "What about if we find a place on rent? "Samanta suggested cautiously. "That would be risky and unsafe "Dhruv sat up and looked at him "we can't let her be alone, until we ascertain her Identify" "Then what do you plan do "Samanta asked, "I'll keep her with me" Dhruv said finally coming to a decision "WHAT!!" Samanta gasped, "I mean, how ....."? you can't do that, you live alone and we don't even know who she is, what kind of person she is you could be in danger and besides your reputation. Sir, Just think of it. A young man and a young girl living together without marriage is unthinkable out here. This is not Kolkata but just a small town" Samanta looked at senior earnestly. Has he gone mad? How could he even think of it? "I know what you are thinking he even think of it. I know what you are thinking Samanta, but do you have any other solution?" Dhruv said, heavily. "And from now on I am a married man." Samanta jaw dropped. "You are....?" Samanta repeated, "I get it Sir, ofcourse, I'll make sure that your neighbor get to hear of it." Samanta clicked his heels and saluted, "It will be done Sir, Don't worry, I'll ask my wife to help out."
Two days later, vanshika found herself at Dhruv's house. Dr. Munshi and Matron had briefed her about the situation. She would have to stay here as Vanshika Sinha wife of Dhruv Sinha. She had been bewildered by the sudden turn of events and had initially resisted to the idea, but had to give in, when she realized that there was indeed no other alternative than that.
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