The Spider’s Web (Part X)

“Oh my God!” Radha exclaimed.

Kartik continued, “She got hit by a speeding car while crossing the main road. I’m at the hospital. Get here asap.”

“Shit, Anna. You shouldn’t have thought of this plan.”

The scene at the hospital was pathetic. Inside the emergency room, doctors were struggling to revive Rita. Meanwhile, outside, her parents were in a sorry state, with Mrs. Kaul crying bitterly.

Valli was consoling Mrs. Kaul and Kartik was standing with her husband. As Radha approached the group, Kartik came forward to meet her. “Rita is in a serious condition. She lost a lot of blood. The doctors are working on her. I have called up Senior Inspector Keshav, my friend. He will come with the officer in charge to record Rita’s statement,” Kartik told his sister.

“Rita’s statement?” Radha was aghast.

“Yes. The car tried to run her down. So, her life is in danger.”

The doctors came out of the emergency room and said that finally, Rita was out of danger. It was decided that Radha would stay with her friend that night. She switched off the lights at 10 PM. She watched her friend for some time until her head had begun to nod. Around 1 AM, she woke up with a start. She could hear… What was it? A stealthily placed footstep? Yes, that was it. Before she could move from her chair, she saw the door open in the stillness of the night and someone approached the bed!

To be continued…