7 She Is Missing

Mumbai – Present Day

Nandita Vashisht was getting ready, preparing to make a visit to the Gaekwad Mansion. She did so once every week to make sure of its upkeep and maintenance. It was the task her sister Shivani Chatterjee Gaekwad had given her before leaving for Shimla, one that she and her husband Prashant fulfilled with utmost sense of responsibility. They were the only family Shivani was left with. And it was the least she could do for her younger sister, who had done so much for her.

The Gaekwad Mansion, where it had all begun 5 years ago, had been under lock and key for over 6 months now. It had become a sort of ritual in these few years gone by. As summer days would come, an eclipse used to overtake the Gaekwad Mansion.... everything would be covered in white sheets and the mansion would be locked away for all these months, as every year, Shivani preferred to spend 6 months in Shimla, close to memories of Mrityunjay, where they were together last. During these months, Shivani would travel to small villages around there, talking about gender equality and the importance of education.

But soon the doors would be opened. Nandita often wondered whose evil eye had been cast on this family. Everything had been destroyed, everything! The only hope left were Shivani and Mrityunjay. Now even Mrityunjay was gone, leaving Shivani miserably alone. Nandita looked on sadly. But she had to do what was needed to be done. She did not want any complaints, especially not from Shivani. She would do everything in her capacity to ensure that things were done exactly as she had instructed.

Nandita opened the gates and unlocked the doors. The memories came flooding back as she started removing the sheets from the furniture. She could almost picture Milind walking through the large spacious hall. And then, as though it was only yesterday, she saw Mrityunjay stand at the entrance, his head bent low, the tears streaming down from his eyes, bearing the news... of Milind's death.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a ring on her mobile phone. She looked at the display screen. It was an unrecognised number. Her brows knotted. She answered the phone with a stern voice. "Hello?"

The voice on the other line was stern too. "Mrs Nandita ?" the voice asked. "Yes, speaking," she answered.

"Are you Ms Shivani Gaekwad's sister?" queried the authoritative voice.

Nandita's heart was in her mouth. "Yes, I am. Who is this?" she asked, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

"My name is Inspector Martand, from Shimla. Your sister has been reported missing by her hotel here. We just wanted to keep you informed. We will let you know as soon as we have any further information," and the line went dead.

Nandita clutched her hands to her mouth. The tears were rolling down freely. She immediately called Prashant and told him about the call. "Don't worry Nandita, we'll go there as soon as possible. I'll check for tickets right away. Nothing will happen to Shivani. Please don’t worry," he consoled her.