Mr./Ms. Anonymous – An Excerpt from THE MYSTERY OF THE SILKY WAVES
Photo: Karan Madhok
Fiction: ‘Jinu took a deep breath and mentally steeled herself for the task ahead. They were diving into a murky world of grief, deceit, and hidden truths. And she knew that only their unyielding determination and intuition would guide them through this labyrinth.’
Sunlight streamed through the open window, casting a golden glow on Jinu’s face as she stirred awake. She could hear the distant buzz of the city outside, and even from their apartment, the excitement in the air was palpable. It was election season in Bangalore.
“Jamie,” Jinu nudged her sister gently, “time to wake up.”
The sisters shared a small room, their beds separated by an old wooden wardrobe. Jamie groaned, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Five more minutes, Jinu.”
“Come on, sleepyhead,” Jinu said, throwing off her blanket. “It’s not every day we get to see elections like this.”
“Fine, I’m up,” Jamie grumbled, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
As they got ready for the day, the sisters couldn’t help but discuss the various candidates vying for office. The lineup was diverse, with seasoned politicians and newcomers all seeking to win over the citizens of the bustling city.
“Did you see that rally yesterday?” Jinu asked, pulling a comb through her hair. “I’ve never seen so many people gathered in one place before.”
“Everyone’s excited about the future,” Jamie replied, reaching for her toothbrush. “It’s not just about the politics – it’s about the change these candidates can bring.”
Jinu nodded thoughtfully. “True, but I wonder if any of them have what it takes to truly make a difference.”
“Only time will tell,” Jamie said, her mouth full of toothpaste.
As they stepped out onto the busy streets of Bangalore, it was evident that the election had taken over the city. Candidates’ posters were plastered on walls, banners hung overhead, and auto-rickshaws zipped past, their drivers shouting slogans in support of their preferred candidates.
“Look at them,” Jinu mused, watching as a group of activists handed out flyers to passersby.
“Everyone’s trying so hard to make their voices heard.”
“Isn’t that what democracy is all about?” Jamie replied with a smile.
“True,” Jinu agreed, “but I can’t help feeling like there’s more to this election than meets the eye.”
“Like what?” Jamie asked, curious.
“Call it intuition,” Jinu said, her keen investigator’s mind never far from the surface. “But something tells me that we might be dealing with more than just political rivalries and campaign promises.”
“Call it intuition,” Jinu said, her keen investigator’s mind never far from the surface. “But something tells me that we might be dealing with more than just political rivalries and campaign promises.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Jamie said thoughtfully, her resourceful nature kicking in, “but for now, let’s just focus on making our own voices heard. We have a chance to be part of something big here.”
The sun blazed down upon the city, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling streets of Bangalore. Jinu and Jamie stepped out of their home, immediately engulfed in the lively atmosphere outside. The election fervour was palpable, and as they walked through the neighborhood, they could hear the distant echoes of political rallies in full swing.
“Come on! Let’s see what the candidates have to say,” Jamie proposed, excitement sparkling in her eyes as she led Jinu towards a nearby rally.
As they approached the gathering, fiery speeches filled the air, each candidate passionately outlining their visions for Bangalore’s future. The crowd roared with approval, waving flags and banners in support of their chosen representatives.
“Listen to them,” Jinu thought, taking in the electrifying energy around her. “These people genuinely believe that their candidate will bring about change.”
“Isn’t it amazing?” Jamie whispered, mirroring her sister’s thoughts. “All these people united by their love for this city.”
“Indeed,” Jinu nodded, her keen intuition noting the sincerity behind the candidates’ promises. “But let’s not forget, actions speak louder than words.”
The campaign trail had also taken a more personal turn, as candidates visited the homes of potential voters, offering gifts and asking for their support. One such candidate approached Jinu and Jamie as they stood among the throng of spectators.
“Hello, young ladies!” he greeted with a smile, extending a hand to shake theirs. “I’m Ramesh Nair, and I’m running for MLA. I would be honored to have your support.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Nair,” Jinu replied politely, shaking his hand. “What are your plans for our city?”
“Ah, excellent question!” he beamed, launching into an impassioned spiel about infrastructure development, education reform, and healthcare improvements. As he spoke, Jinu observed the conviction in his eyes and couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Nair,” Jamie said as he concluded his speech. “We’ll definitely consider your proposals.”
“Thank you, young ladies!” he replied with a grin, handing them each a small gift before moving on to the next group of potential supporters.
As they walked away from the rally, Jinu’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—hope, skepticism, and a burning desire to see her beloved city thrive. “No matter who wins,” she thought determinedly, “it’s up to us, the citizens of Bangalore, to hold them accountable and ensure that their promises become reality.”
“Let’s head home,” Jamie suggested, sensing her sister’s contemplative mood. “There’s much to think about before we cast our votes.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cityscape, Jinu and Jamie felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would confront them together, determined to bring truth and justice to Bangalore.
They made their way back through the streets, with echoes of passionate speeches still ringing in their ears, Jinu and Jamie felt a renewed sense of purpose—not just as investigators seeking truth and justice, but as citizens dedicated to making Bangalore the best it could be.
Jinu and Jamie sat on their balcony, sipping steaming cups of masala chai as they watched the sunset paint a golden glow over the bustling streets of Bangalore. They quietly observed the throngs of people returning home from work, their faces weary but determined. The sisters couldn’t help but think about the future of their city and who might lead it to greatness.
“Who do you think will be the best choice for MLA?” Jinu asked her sister, leaning against the railing.
Jamie paused, taking a thoughtful sip from her cup before answering. “I don’t know. It’s hard to tell who genuinely wants to make a difference and who’s just putting on a show.”
“True,” Jinu agreed, her gaze turning inward as she mulled over the possibilities. “But we need someone who can stand strong amidst the chaos, someone with integrity and vision.”
As they continued their discussion, the cacophony of the city seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the urgency of their thoughts. Suddenly, Jinu’s phone rang, shattering the momentary silence.
“Hello?” she answered, holding her phone to her ear.
“Miss Jinu, this is Arun Reddy,” the voice on the other end said, his tone warm yet assertive. Jinu immediately recognized him—Arun Reddy was the former transport minister of Karnataka, once renowned for his righteousness and honesty.
“Good evening, Mr. Reddy,” Jinu replied, trying to mask her surprise. “How can we help you?”
“I’ve heard about your investigative skills and your dedication to seeking truth,” he began. “There’s a matter of great importance that I’d like to discuss with you and your sister.”
“Of course,” Jinu agreed, her curiosity piqued. “We’re always willing to help.”
“Thank you. I’ll send you my address, and we can meet tomorrow,” he said before ending the call.
Jinu relayed the conversation to Jamie, who shared her sister’s intrigue. “Arun Reddy, huh? This must be something big for him to reach out to us personally.”
“Indeed,” Jinu agreed, her mind already racing with potential scenarios. “But whatever it is, we’ll face it head on, just as we always do.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cityscape, Jinu and Jamie felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would confront them together, determined to bring truth and justice to Bangalore.
The following day, Jinu and Jamie arrived at the residence of Mr. Reddy. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the old yet well-maintained house, reflecting the elegance of its owner. As they approached the front door, Jinu took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of blooming jasmine flowers from the nearby garden. Her heart raced with anticipation, wondering what kind of case awaited them this time.
“Remember, we need to stay focused and pay attention to every detail,” Jinu whispered to Jamie as they rang the doorbell, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any clues.
“Of course, sis,” Jamie replied, her own senses heightened by the gravity of their meeting.
A middle-aged man in a crisp white shirt opened the door. “Good afternoon, you must be Jinu and Jamie. I’m Vivek, Mr. Reddy’s secretary. Please come in.” He greeted them with a warm smile, leading them into a spacious living room adorned with antique furniture and exquisite artwork. Jinu couldn’t help but admire the tasteful blend of traditional and modern décor that adorned the space. It seemed to mirror the personality of the man they were about to meet—a seasoned politician with a progressive outlook.
“Namasthe, Miss Jinu, Miss Jamie,” Mr. Reddy said as he stood up from his armchair. His voice was firm but held a hint of vulnerability. Jinu noticed dark circles under his eyes, suggesting many sleepless nights.
“Thank you for having us, Mr. Reddy,” Jinu responded, shaking his outstretched hand. “We’re here to help in any way that we can.”
“Please, have a seat,” he gestured towards the comfortable-looking sofa across from him. As they sat down, he continued, “I’ve been receiving some distressing messages lately. Threatening notes, to be more precise. They claim that my son, who died in a car accident five years ago, is still alive and in danger.”
Jinu furrowed her brow, her mind already analyzing the information. “That’s quite serious, Mr. Reddy. Have you contacted the police about this?”
“I have,” he sighed, rubbing his temples. “But they haven’t made any progress. That’s why I’ve called you here today. Your reputation for solving complex cases is well-known, and I believe you two can uncover the truth behind these messages.”
“Thank you for your trust in us, Mr. Reddy,” Jamie chimed in, her eyes locked onto his, sensing his desperation. “We’ll do our best to find the person responsible for these threats and bring them to justice.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Reddy said with a nod. “I’ll provide you with all the information I have, including the notes I’ve received and details about my son’s accident.”
“Mr. Reddy, we’ll start working on this case right away,” Jinu assured him, her voice resolute. “We’ll keep you updated on our findings and make sure that whoever is behind these threats will be held accountable.”
“Thank you, Miss Jinu, Miss Jamie,” Mr. Reddy replied. “I have faith that you will get to the bottom of this.” His voice quivered slightly as he continued. “By now you must be aware of my family’s tragedies. My son Ashok went missing five years ago in a car accident, and his body was never found. And two years ago, I lost my dear wife Sudha to cancer.”
As he spoke, Jinu watched the emotions flicker across his face—grief, anger, and an underlying fear that seemed to lurk just below the surface. She knew that they had to tread carefully here, for whatever truth lay hidden beneath the layers of sorrow and secrets would not be easy to uncover.
“Mr. Reddy, we’re truly sorry for your losses,” Jamie interjected gently, her empathetic nature shining through. “And we’re here to help you in any way we can.”
“I have faith that you will get to the bottom of this.” His voice quivered slightly as he continued. “By now you must be aware of my family’s tragedies. My son Ashok went missing five years ago in a car accident, and his body was never found.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Reddy replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes bore into them with an intensity that seemed to plead for answers.
Jinu took a deep breath and mentally steeled herself for the task ahead. They were diving into a murky world of grief, deceit, and hidden truths. And she knew that only their unyielding determination and intuition would guide them through this labyrinth.
“Mr. Reddy,” Jinu began, her voice steady and resolute. “We will do everything in our power to uncover the truth behind your son’s disappearance and bring justice to your family.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Reddy said again, his eyes filling with tears. He clasped his hands together tightly, as if holding onto the last vestiges of hope. As their conversation continued, Jinu observed Mr. Reddy closely, noting his body language and facial expressions. She could sense his vulnerability beneath the strong facade, and she couldn’t help but empathize with the pain he must be feeling.
“Mr. Reddy,” Jamie spoke up, her inquisitive nature coming forth. “May we ask if you have any suspicions as to who might be behind these disturbing messages?”
Mr. Reddy hesitated for a moment, averting his gaze before looking back at the sisters. “I have no concrete evidence, but there are some individuals within my political circle who might have an interest in discrediting me or causing me distress.”
“Could you provide us with a list of those individuals?” Jinu asked, wanting to make sure they had all possible leads to follow. “We’d like to check into their backgrounds and see if there’s anything that connects them to these envelopes.”
“Of course,” Mr. Reddy agreed, nodding. “I’ll have it sent to you later today.”
“Thank you, sir,” Jinu replied, appreciating his cooperation. “Now, about the perfume scent on the envelopes—Do you recognize it? Is it something your son used to wear?”
“No, I don’t recognize it,” Mr. Reddy replied, shaking his head. “It seems unfamiliar to me.”
“Interesting,” Jamie mused, her mind racing with theories. “That might be another clue worth investigating.”
“Indeed,” Jinu chimed in, her keen mind already forming connections. “Perhaps this distinctive scent will lead us to the person responsible for all this.”
“Girls, I trust you,” Mr. Reddy said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Please find out the truth. I need to know what happened to my son.”
At this point, Mr. Vivek brought in some homemade snacks. The warmth of the cardamom tea and the sweetness of the Mishra peda created a comforting atmosphere in the room, as if offering a fleeting moment of respite from the distressing situation that had brought them all together. Jinu noticed how Mr. Reddy seemed to relax slightly, his tired eyes regaining a hint of life.
“Mr. Reddy,” Jinu began. “We need to know more about Ashok so we can understand the situation better. Could you tell us about his personality and interests?”
Mr. Reddy leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant as he reminisced. “Ashok was a tall, fair, lean young man, full of energy and passion for learning. He was just 23 when the accident happened. He had completed his bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from IIT Delhi with a gold medal.”
Her heart raced as she read the nearly identical message, her eyes widening when she saw the sock clipped to the bottom of the page. Mr. Reddy looked at it with a mix of disbelief and sorrow, confirming that it belonged to his son.
As he spoke, Jamie could sense the pride swelling in his chest, despite the pain it seemed to cause him. She exchanged a glance with Jinu, silently communicating their shared determination to help this grieving father.
“Did Ashok have any close friends?” Jamie asked softly, bringing Mr. Reddy’s attention back to the present.
“His best friend was Dr. Shankar, an aerospace doctor. They’ve been friends since kindergarten,” Mr. Reddy said, his face softening at the mention of the bond between the two young men. “Shankar studied MBBS at Bangalore Medical College and later completed his MD in Aerospace Medicine. He’s currently working as a medical officer at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.”
“Would you mind giving us Dr. Shankar’s contact details?” Jinu requested, her tone respectful but assertive, understanding the urgency of gathering as much information as possible.
“Of course,” Mr. Reddy replied without hesitation, quickly jotting down the information on a piece of paper and handing it over to Jinu.
“We will, Mr. Reddy,” Jinu promised, determination shining in her eyes. “You can count on us.”
Next, Mr. Reddy showed the girls the ransom notes which he had been receiving for a while. The ransom notes also had some personal items like piece of fabric, a part of Ashok Reddy’s shirt which he was supposed to be wearing at the time of the disappearance. When she saw the second envelope, Jamie held her breath and carefully unfolded the crisp paper. Her heart raced as she read the nearly identical message, her eyes widening when she saw the sock clipped to the bottom of the page. Mr. Reddy looked at it with a mix of disbelief and sorrow, confirming that it belonged to his son.
“Mr. Reddy,” Jinu said gently, her voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within her. “We understand how difficult this may be for you, but we need to know everything about these notes. The unusual scent on them could be an important lead.”
Mr. Reddy closed his eyes for a moment, as if bracing himself against the onslaught of memories. “This perfume... it’s not something Ashok or any of us used. It’s quite distinct, though. I can’t help but feel I’ve encountered it before, but I just can’t place it.”
“Could it be possible that someone close to you might have sent these?” Jamie asked cautiously, watching Mr. Reddy’s reaction closely.
“Perhaps,” Mr. Reddy admitted, his brow furrowing in thought. “But I can’t imagine who would be so cruel as to exploit my grief for their own gain.”
Jinu’s mind was alive with possibilities, each more sinister than the last. She knew they needed to tread carefully, to avoid causing Mr. Reddy any unnecessary pain while also unearthing the truth. “Mr. Reddy, we’ll do everything in our power to get to the bottom of this. Whether these ransom notes are genuine or simply a twisted scheme, we won’t rest until we find answers.” Could you please walk us through the day of the accident?” Jinu leaned forward in her seat, eyes focused on his face.
Mr. Reddy hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before he began. “It was a sunny December morning when Ashok set off to Thrissur. He loved long drives, you see. His coffee brown Amaze car was his pride and joy.”
Jinu noticed how Mr. Reddy’s eyes grew distant as he spoke, as if he could see the scene unfolding before him. She could almost hear the hum of the car’s engine, feel the warmth of the sun on her own skin.
“Everything seemed normal,” Mr. Reddy continued, his voice steadier now. “He planned to drive through Bangalore, Mysore, Chamrajanagar, Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, and then Coimbatore. He took that route specifically because it would take him through parts of Bandipur National Park. He loved nature.”
Jamie shared a knowing glance with Jinu. As he described the journey, they could almost see the lush greenery of the park, smell the earthy scent of the forest floor.
“Near Sathyamangalam forest range,” Mr. Reddy said, his voice growing somber, “the road had a hairpin bend. Ashok’s car turned around the corner, but it suddenly lost control and plunged down the height into a deep valley of unknown depth.”
The room seemed to grow colder as the harrowing image took shape in Jinu’s mind: the car hurtling through the air, the sickening crunch of metal upon impact, the eerie silence that followed.
“Me and my wife came to know about the accident only the next day,” he continued. “The fire force searched thoroughly, but Ashok’s body was never found. Due to a diesel leak, the car burst into flames because of the impact of the fall. The forensic study conducted on the spot couldn’t find any trace of DNA, ruling out the possibility of his body being charred inside the car.”
Jinu’s heart clenched at the thought of what Mr. Reddy and his wife must have gone through – the agonizing wait for news, the crushing realization that their son might be lost forever. She could see it in the lines etched across his face, the grief that still lingered just beneath the surface.
“He was such an excellent driver, and craftsman in textile engineering.” Mr. Reddy sighed, clearly feeling the weight of memories. “In fact, he was working in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu at the time and had just come home for a short leave of five days.”
The girls exchanged a glance, understanding the importance of this information. They needed to learn all they could about Ashok’s life before the accident to uncover any possible leads.
“Mr. Reddy, could you please give us the contact details of Mr. Shankar, as well as any other close friends or colleagues of Ashok?” Jinu asked gently.
“Of course,” he replied, handing over a small notebook filled with names and numbers. “This should help you get started. I’ve included Ashok’s old roommate from IIT Delhi, Mr. Ashwin, who graduated in chemical engineering. They were quite close.”
“Thank you,” Jamie said gratefully, scanning the list of contacts. She felt a spark of determination ignite within her. “Please, take good care of these,” she added, carefully sealing the two envelopes containing the ransom notes in a waterproof packet. “We’ll be in touch soon with any updates on our investigation.”
“Have faith in us, Mr. Reddy,” Jinu added, her tone resolute. “We’ll do everything we can to discover the truth about what happened to Ashok.”
“Thank you,” he whispered, gratitude and hope warring in his voice. “I don’t know what I’d do without your help. I trust you two will do your best to uncover the truth. Good luck.”
As they readied to leave, Jinu couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something he wasn’t telling them, something that made him uneasy. The weight of their task settled heavily on their shoulders, but they knew they couldn’t let fear or doubt cloud their judgment.
“Jinu,” Jamie said quietly as they got into their car, her eyes scanning their surroundings for anything out of place. “I have a feeling this case is going to be more dangerous than we initially thought.”
“I know,” Jinu replied, her grip tightening on the steering wheel. “But we can’t back down now. We owe it to Mr. Reddy and his son to uncover the truth, no matter how dark or twisted it might be.”
With steely resolve, the sisters set off, determined to unravel the mystery, and bring justice to those who sought to profit from a father’s anguish.
As they navigated through the busy streets of Bangalore, their thoughts turned to the task ahead: retracing Ashok’s steps, speaking with his friends and colleagues, and scrutinizing every detail of his life. With each new piece of information, they hoped to reconstruct the puzzle that was Ashok Reddy’s past, and shed light on the enigma surrounding his disappearance.
The weight of the tragedy hung heavy in their hearts, fueling them with determination to solve the mystery surrounding Ashok’s disappearance. They knew they had to delve deep into the past, retracing Ashok’s journey step by step until they found the answers they were searching for. And as they set off on their quest for truth, they prayed that they would be able to bring closure to the grieving father who had pinned his last shred of hope on them.
“Jamie, do you think there’s more to this ?” Jinu asked, unable to keep her thoughts bottled up any longer.
“I don’t know,” Jamie admitted, her brow furrowed in concentration. “But we’ll figure it out. For now, let’s focus on gathering as much information as we can about Ashok and his life before the accident.”
Jinu sighed, her mind racing with possibilities. “You’re right. We need to stay focused and not jump to conclusions,” she started the car and pulling away from the curb.
As they navigated through the busy streets of Bangalore, their thoughts turned to the task ahead: retracing Ashok’s steps, speaking with his friends and colleagues, and scrutinizing every detail of his life. With each new piece of information, they hoped to reconstruct the puzzle that was Ashok Reddy’s past, and shed light on the enigma surrounding his disappearance.
“First thing tomorrow,” Jamie said, determination glinting in her eyes, “we’ll start making calls to the contacts Mr. Reddy gave us. We need to be thorough and leave no stone unturned.”
“Agreed,” Jinu replied, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
And so, with their resolve strengthened and their minds set on their mission, Jinu and Jamie prepared themselves for the investigation ahead, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their quest for answers.
That night, as the girls sat down to dinner with their mother, their minds were still consumed by the case. The aroma of steaming hot idlis and sambhar filled the air, a testament to their mother’s culinary skills. As they savored each bite, they couldn’t help but discuss the various possibilities surrounding Ashok’s disappearance.
“His body was never found,” Jinu mused, “Could it be possible that he somehow survived the accident?”
“Perhaps,” Jamie replied, swirling a piece of idli in her sambhar. “But then why hasn’t he made any contact with his father or friends in all these years?”
“Maybe he’s being held captive somewhere,” Jinu offered, her brow furrowing in concentration. “Or he could have lost his memory and doesn’t know who he is.”
“Those are definitely possibilities we should consider,” Jamie agreed. “But first, let’s talk to his friends and former colleagues. They might have some insights that could help us narrow down our search.”
Jinu nodded, her resolve hardening. “Right. Tomorrow, we’ll start making those calls, and we’ll piece together Ashok’s life bit by bit. We can’t leave anything to chance.”
As they finished their meal, Jinu and Jamie felt a renewed sense of purpose. They knew that their investigation would be challenging, but they couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the cusp of uncovering something significant. With each new lead and every conversation, they hoped to draw closer to the truth—and to bring closure to a grieving father who had lost so much.
In the quiet of their home, the sisters shared a look of determination, their eyes brimming with unspoken understanding. Together, they would delve into the depths of this mystery and do everything in their power to solve it. For Jinu and Jamie, there was no turning back—they were committed to finding the truth, no matter what.
***
Dr. A G Malavika is a medical doctor by profession and writer by passion. Born and brought up at Kerala, she is currently pursuing M.S Ophthalmology at Govt. Medical College Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. This is her debut novel, and has won WRITEFLUENCER SPECIAL MENTION AWARD 2024 and Sahitya Sparsh awards for best fiction Action and adventure. You can find her on Twitter/X: @AG_Malavika and Instagram: @agmalavika.
