Praying Mantis by R.V. Raman

Author:R.V. Raman [Raman, RV]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Linda was frightened when Athreya began talking to her. The fingers of her right hand were caressing her engraved silver cross. The guarded expression on her open face and the wide-open eyes seemed to suggest that she had her back against the wall. She merely nodded when Athreya said that he wanted to talk to her, and offered no comment or question when he told her that there had been an incident at Peter Dann.

When he asked her about her movements on the night of the party, she said that she had been in the lounge all evening before retiring to her room with Purbhi and Ipshita at 11:15 p.m. or so. She added that she had not gone up to the terrace at all.

Yes, she had noticed Mrinal’s strange behaviour; no, she had no idea why Mrinal went up to the terrace. She had also noticed that Kinshuk and Athreya had been very drowsy towards the end of the party.

‘Upset after talking to us?’ Linda asked, when Athreya told her that Mrinal had been troubled after speaking with Sarosh and the three women. ‘Why?’

‘What did you talk about?’ Athreya asked, not answering her question.

‘I don’t remember. Some small talk, I guess. I said very little because I hardly know her. She is also much older than I am, and a successful entrepreneur. I have very little in common with her.’

‘Do you remember what the others said?’

Linda shook her head. ‘Nothing very important, I think.’

‘Did someone say anything that could have reminded her of some past event?’ Athreya asked.

Linda thought for a moment and shrugged, turning her palms upwards to signify ignorance.

‘Were you in Nainital six weeks ago, Linda?’ Athreya asked, abruptly changing the topic.

‘Nainital?’ she asked after a momentary pause. ‘No. Why?’

‘Just wondered,’ Athreya answered. ‘Why did you come to Peter Dann?’

‘To visit Asma and to go on the trek.’

Athreya wondered whether it was significant that the usually spirited girl took no umbrage at his blunt, rude questions. She seemed to be subjecting herself to the interrogation rather meekly. It seemed out of character after his dinner conversation with her three days ago.

‘You don’t seem to be enjoying the trek very much,’ he said.

‘I think I overdid it on the night of the party and was too tired yesterday. I’m quite enjoying it today. Look at these lovely mountains, Mr Athreya—how can one not enjoy them? Having said that, the climb is steeper today. I’m often out of breath.’

‘When did you decide to come to Peter Dann?’

‘About a month ago. I spoke to Asma and she was delighted.’

‘Why did you select Peter Dann?’

‘Why? Because of Asma, of course. She has been suggesting it for a while.’

‘Is there another reason as well, Linda?’ His voice was soft, encouraging.

‘Another reason?’ she echoed without looking at him. ‘No. What other reason could there be?’

That, Athreya told himself, was something he would discover.

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