The Stalker

Today, I present my short story – The Stalker – based on some real life incidents.

The Stalker

Radha Srinivasan got down from the rickshaw, hesitantly. The gates beckoned her with affection. She had always felt welcome at this place.

Senior Inspector Keshav Pradhan looked up from his desk as she entered his office. His eyes were soft and warm but for a moment only and the emotion disappeared as he spoke with determination. “No, Radha. I’ve told you time and again. I repeat, I won’t reveal anything about this new case.”

“This time I’ve come with something…well, personal.”

“What could be… personal?” he asked asserting the last word. He looked mockingly at her.

“Look here, Keshav, I wouldn’t be here if Kartik Anna were in town.” Senior Inspector Kartik Srinivasan had gone to Delhi in search of a cybercriminal.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’ve been getting crank calls. Somehow, this guy knows when I am home…”

“Home? If I am not mistaken, you live in a hostel.”

“I did. Our company felt it would be convenient if Asha and I live in their quarters closer to the office. That way we could be easily accessible.”

“But, what’s so dangerous or worrying about crank calls? It happens to most people particularly girls. At one time, even my sister used to get them. The trick is in how you handle them.”

“‘I like you, Baby’ or ‘Darling’ is fine but if the person starts stalking you, it’s a different story.”

“Hey, I thought you were a brave girl,” his eyes mocked her again.

“There is a time for bravado. There is a time to use common sense. See, if you want to help me, do it, immediately. I don’t have the time or inclination to be teased now.”

“Gotcha! In your brother’s absence, you can place yourself under my protection.”

“Keshav, I can take care of myself. I just want to get my hands on that creep. Our landline did not have a caller id. We got it fixed, but it did not help. The man seems to be calling from different places at different times. He never calls on my cell. Asha convinced me that you will keep all this stuff under wraps.”

To be continued…