In this new and pleasant atmosphere, Shringar was well aware that her past held tragic memories, and that tragedy deserved a resolution, one that would come in the future. This was not the right time to be happy; instead, it was time to prepare for what lay ahead for her in the near future.
Elina, being an extrovert, started sharing the reason she was here.
"One of my friends, Dorothy, is undergoing counseling under the famous Dr. Vanessa. She has PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
"Wait, did something bad happen to her?" Sanskar interjected with concern.
Elina explained, "Dorothy works part-time in the Knights Delivery Service. A few weeks ago, she went to a lady's house for a delivery. The lady appreciated her for her good work at such a young age and offered her a glass of water. They even chatted for a while before Dorothy left. But at that time, the lights of the entire area went off. Dorothy also realised she had forgotten her mobile phone at the lady's house, so she went back. To her horror, she witnessed the lady's murder with her own eyes and almost got killed by the culprit."
Shringar and Sanskar were both shocked to hear the incident.
Shringar asked, "What happened to the culprit?"
"The police are still searching for him," Elina said sadly. She continued, "I got the pamphlet for this counseling session from Dr. Vanessa. That is why I am here."
Both Shringar and Sanskar hoped for Dorothy's well-being and justice for the lady.
Then Sanskar started sharing his story. "My mother died in an accident when I was around three or four years old. My father always felt that she was murdered-that it was not a mere accident. When I turned eight, my father was killed by a very mysterious man. He was wearing a mask, and his clothes were... violet, or maybe ultraviolet coloured. Very distinctive. The only thing I remember clearly is that he was asking for something called 'Enigma'. It was a rainy night, and I was in my father's study room. He asked me not to open the door when the guest arrived. But I still opened it a little to see what was happening, and he..."
"You do not have to push yourself," Shringar said.
Suddenly, Sanskar regained his composure and continued, "I live with my uncle and aunt now. I have attended many counselling sessions, but that night still haunts me. So whenever I get free counselling opportunities, I take them. And if I like any of the free counselling sessions, I take paid sessions as well. But that is very rare, because I do not want to be a burden on my uncle and aunt."
Both Elina and Shringar knew how painful it was for him.
They were also eager to know Shringar's story. With hesitation, she explained her situation to them, and the three of them realised that murder was a constant presence in their lives- that they had all gone through some form of tragedy, especially Shringar and Sanskar.
"Enigma."
The word echoed through Shringar's mind, as if she had heard it before- not just as a mere word, but as something significant.
Over the next few days, they became good friends. Shringar realised that their shared experiences and sorrows had brought them close very quickly. She wanted to meet Dorothy.
Nitish noticed Shringar lost in thought and approached her.
"Is something troubling you, dear? I thought you were opening up with your new company."
Shringar smiled. She felt indebted to Nitish. Despite being a busy man, he had given her shelter and companionship. She felt guilty for being a burden on him.
Nitish received a phone call from the maid, who informed him that she would not be able to come for a few days due to her son's board examination. Shringar knew Nitish had lived alone for years and was very independent. Suddenly having another family member, especially when the maid was not coming, might be difficult for him.
"Why don't I manage the cooking, and you handle the cleaning?" Shringar offered.
"No Shringar," Nitish said. "You may not need the vitals monitor or saline anymore, but you are still on medication. I can not possibly allow my patient to work."
But Shringar insisted. "As a family member, it is my responsibility to help another family member. My medicines are working well, and I think I am capable of doing something other than studying right now. Also…. I have been thinking about speaking to the police."
Nitish's eyes widened. "But I already told them that you do not remember anything. They still want to talk to you, yes- but are you sure about this?"
Shringar nodded.
The next day, Shringar prepared lunch while Nitish cleaned the house. The TV was on, tuned to ABZ News.
"Breaking news! 'Swara' is now under ultra-security. The Prime Minister has ordered extreme protection for our enigmatic 'Swara', which holds the world's future," the journalist announced.
Hearing the word "enigmatic," Shringar looked at the TV screen. She saw a magical ball of light inside a transparent sphere, holding the glow effortlessly. It was kept in the Indian National Museum.
"What is this ball of light called 'Swara', Nitish?" Shringar asked curiously, "Is it related to the balance of the Earth?"
"Yes." Nitish replied. "It was discovered around seven or eight years ago. It maintains the Earth's balance and peace of all kinds. This is basic information- you are supposed to remember things like this, so it is natural that you do."
Yet, Shringar felt an unexplained familiarity with "Swara".
Meanwhile, Elina went to meet Dorothy. She noticed a police van outside her house. Inside Officer Rani and Officer Prakash were questioning Dorothy.
Seems like Dorothy is able to talk about that night properly now, Elina thought.
"Can you tell us more about that night?" Officer Prakash asked. "We need even the smallest details. Did you see the culprit's face?"
"No…. he was wearing a mask… and the lights were out," Dorothy said, gathering her courage.
Officer Rani asked, "Was the victim, Miss. Rashmika Sen, in a hurry or seemed worried when you delivered the parcel?"
"No," Dorothy replied. "She spoke normally. The parcel was unexpected... She had no idea about it or the sender."
"We traced the sender, Ragini Tandon," Officer Prakash said. "But we still have not found her whereabouts."
"Is Ragini the main suspect?" Dorothy's mother asked.
"No," Officer Prakash replied. "She is definitely involved, but not the main suspect. According to your daughter, the culprit was a man. A sixteen-year-old boy, Lalit Roy, saw a similar man on that road. His younger sister was killed by someone wearing an ultraviolet outfit a few months ago. When he saw the same costume, he followed the man, but lost him when the area lights went off."
Elina was shocked.
"There's another recent case," Officer Rani added, "Only one survivor. A girl named Shringar."
The name echoed in Elina's mind.
Officer Rani continued, "There were three people in ultraviolet-coloured outfits, and another person holding a blood-covered sledgehammer. When the police spotted them at the family's guesthouse, they fled. The entire family was killed, but the girl survived somehow. She lost her memories, but she's willing to talk to us today."
The police soon arrived at Nitish's house.
"We could have come to the station." Nitish said.
"Yes," Officer Rani said. "But she has not fully recovered, and we know how strict you are about your patients."
Shringar stepped out of her room, nervous. Officer Prakash reassured her.
"Do you remember anything from that day or past?" Officer Rani asked.
"I do not remember my past," Shringar replied, "but have fragments of that night in my mind. I saw a man killing my family with a sledgehammer. I was in immense pain myself, so I could not see his face. But I remember his eyes. They were cold. A few days ago, I also remembered something else."
"If you feel uncomfortable, you can stop." Officer Rani said gently.
"No ma'am. I am fine." Shringar replied, "I remember a word... 'Enigma'. It was a code name my father used during phone calls. I do not remember anything else."
"Enigma….?" both the officers repeated.
"Are you sure about it?" Nitish asked.
"Yes," Shringar said firmly, "I am certain."