Chapter 20: Meeting Mr.Vardhan
Shastri woke up early in the morning. He had spent last night trying to gather information about Vardhan industries. As he had gone through lots of information concerning them he had slept quite late.
After doing morning chores, shastri got a call from praveen saying that he was already waiting for him in the lobby. So shastri got ready hurriedly and went to the restaurant to have the breakfast.
Seeing him in the restaurant, Praveen was a little pissed off. They were going to meet the chairman of Vardhan industries and this man was acting like he had no time sense at all. Muttering to himself he went to shastri's table and said "Good morning Sir. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah, I have slept well. So, did you call Mr.Vardhan? Whether his wife and his son are available at home?"
"Yes sir. I have called him already. He said he would meet us before afternoon. His wife and son are also in home"
"Hmm…. Ok then. Did you have your breakfast?" shastri asked.
Praveen was surprised by his concern. These miser man had a caring heart after all. But he refused saying," I have already had my breakfast".
"Ok then. Then I will order mine" shastri called the waiter and ordered for edli-Vada and one tea.
After eating, shastri made the payment and asked for the bill. After a bill was given, Shastri took a separate cover from his pocket and placed the bill carefully inside.
Seeing the confused expression on Praveen's face, shastri explained" It is for the reimbursement purpose. I am collecting bills, so that you will not say that shastri has claimed more."
Hearing that Praveen was dumbfounded. But he said "No need for that Sir. Just tell me the reason for expenses and I will directly make the payment for you."
"This bill is not only for you. It is also so that Mr.Vardhan can see my seriousness while solving the case.See Praveen, if one day you retire from the police force and want to open a consultancy office this is my first lesson for you. Always show your efforts".
"Yes sir. Can we leave now?" Praveen said deliberately. He felt if talked to Shastri more, then more likely his head would explode.
They were silent while riding the bike. Shastri was just checking out the surrounding.
As they neared the destination they saw a big mansion surrounded by trees. The mansion was so large that it could be seen from far away. The security was situated in the front of the gate. After showing the necessary credentials they let Praveen and shastri inside.
The inside was even grander than the outside. The house was situated in the poolside and the side paths to the house were filled by trees. It felt as if the trees were welcoming them.
As they came inside the house they saw, a middle aged man sitting in the hall. He was wearing a suit, indicating that he was about to leave somewhere. Seeing that visitors had come, he stood up and extended his hands.
"Hello inspector, so how is the case going on? Did you get any clues regarding my daughter's whereabouts?"
"Well no sir. That's why we have called an expert here to assist the case. His name is Vaidyanath Shastri. He is a retired police officer. Shastri's sir, he is Mr.Vardhan." Praveen introduced one another.
"Shastri...I think I have heard the name….Ha, now I remember. You were the investigating officer. I had heard many inspector's praise about you. But why did you quit force earlier?" Mr.Vardhan asked doubtfully.
"Well we can discuss about my career issues later. But first we need to focus to the case in hand. Don't you want to find your daughter as soon as possible?" Shastri asked.
"As expected from the famous investigation officer. Right on the issue! Well you can ask any doubts with me. I will try my best to clarify them." Mr.Vardhan assured.
"Well, my first question is….. Did you and your daughter had a fight before she went off to college?"
Praveen choked. Even Mr.Vardhan looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Sir, what does this have to do with my missing daughter?" Mr.Vardhan asked, his tone tensed.
"Sir, this is the matter related to their family, why are you asking them?" even Praveen tried to intervene.
"This has something to do with the case Praveen. The relevance of the matter will be revealed soon" shastri said to Praveen in a stern voice. Then he turned to Mr.Vardhan "Sir, please answer the question. Did you have any fight with your daughter?"
"As a matter of fact I had" Mr.Vardhan said in a small voice. "But it was for a small matter. I don't think it is relevant for this case"
"We will decide whether it is relevant or not relevant Mr.Vardhan" said shastri in an authoritative voice.
Praveen was the most shocked. Now there was a no show of sloppy attitude in Mr.Shastri. Instead he felt he was sitting in front of seasoned officer who would know truth by the movement of eyebrows.
Mr. Vardhan said stubbornly," But I am insisting this is not relevant to case. You are asking unnecessary questions and wasting my time."
"Well then, good day to you sir. But don't blame us if you can't find your daughter." Shastri said, glaring. Then he prepared to leave.
Praveen also began following him.
"Sir, But…"praveen wanted to say something, but he did not know what. Shastri did not seem too concerned though. Even though he was walking, it was as if he was waitng for something.
Sure enough, as they were about to reach the gate, there came Mr.Vardhan's voice "Wait".
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