"Nice to meet you, Mr. Akshay. I'm Dr. Shreya Singh, professor of Forensic Psychology in the University of Mumbai."
I said.

I didn't extend my hand to great him because it was still lathered in the horrific experience I had to go through tonight.

The man was dumbfounded. And so were the people working underneath him. Nobody could make any sense of the situation, maybe because all of this was so unexpected.

For me too, it wasn't so dissimilar.

Travelling all the way here, coming to this floor for a relaxing time, but getting terribly caught up in this unusual net of crime and bloodshed was so novel and unexpected for me.

I was actually starting to feel extremely exhausted as the high and adrenaline started to wane in my body. Huma beside me could barely breathe anymore, the asphyxiating smell of blood all around her getting to her head easily.

And he noticed that, his gaze being hawk-like. He seemed like he wanted to ask us more questions but one look at our faces made him automatically hold back.

So, he was observant.

He sighed in disappointment. And then, lifted his head up to meet my eyes.

"You both have gone through a lot of trauma for the night, and it's better if you retire to your room. But, Ms. Shreya, you will have to report to the police station tomorrow morning so that we can record your statement. Its mandatory."
He said.

"Alright. I will be present by 11 am."
I told him in the same mechanical tone.

And then, I held onto Huma who still seemed out of it and entered the elevator.

By now, the news had spread everywhere in the hotel and the people had been too excited to just remain in the confines of their rooms safely. They were scattered in small groups on all floors, and looked terrified to see the both of us in our bloodied clothes through the glass doors of the elevator. They must be wondering why I was walking around so freely when I was the culprit.

As soon as we made it inside the room, Huma literally collapsed on the ground. I couldn't help but feel awfully guilty for having to put her through this infernal agony and trauma which I know, won't leave her mind for a long time. More so, because of its uncanny similarity with her nightmare.

I helped her to stand up with some difficulty, and took her to the bed. Her hair was a mess and she really looked like she should bathe, but I didn't say anything. I just let her sleep soundly while I picked a fresh pair of night wear and headed to the bathroom.

It was so difficult to stay awake at night. Images of the man and the brutal way in which he was murdered kept running in my mind. I wasn't brought up in the woods to be afraid of owls, and so this situation didn't affect me. But I only felt sympathy for the man's family and the man himself, who were apparently innocent and had to go through such barbarism.

Soon I realized that I needed to get out of the shower if I wanted to keep my body intact. I changed my clothes and threw the bloody ones in the bin.

I'm never wearing them again, for the sake of my sanity.

And then, I too, retired to bed. As soon as Huma felt a dip beside her, she turned around to cling onto me, and I let her do that. I knew she will sleep more soundly knowing that I'm here beside her.

Since it was already 1:30 am when I fell asleep, the next morning came too quickly. Maybe it felt like it to me because I didn't want to get out of the room and tolerate everyone's judgemental gaze just yet. It felt like I was being punished by the Heavens for a crime I didn't know I committed. Otherwise, I can't think of one good reason why my only vacation in years had to be spoiled like that.

But, I had to face reality. And so, I woke up, quietly detangling myself from Huma's grasp, which was still death-like, even in broad daylight.

I dressed up in casual blue jeans and a white top with a matching white jacket since it was getting colder here. As I walked out of the bathroom, Huma started moving around. She must have woken up by the sound of the shower.

"What are you doing so early?"

She asked me, voice groggy and eyes open slightly, trying to adjust to the bright sunlight entering through the open windows.

"I'm going to the police station to record my statement. You don't need to wake up, just get some more rest until I get back. Then, we will go out of here for dinner."

I told her, hoping my life will get better after I fulfill my last duty of being a responsible citizen. But yet again, I was about to be proved terribly wrong.

I closed the curtains so that Huma can get proper rest in peace. And then, I headed towards the station, kind of anxious to meet a certain someone.

The ride to the place was short, maybe ten minutes. The weather today was sunny, as well as cold. The winds had not taken a break ever since they came in this city. The gloom had enveloped the winds and turned the once colorful place into a palette containing one single color - gray.

As soon as I entered the station, I saw a very familiar black head clutched in muscular hands. His broad back was hunched over some papers he was frantically looking at. And also from apparent tension over the new strange case, and he seemed like he didn't sleep a wink last night. I decided that it was the best time to give him a break.

"Mr. Akshay?"
I said, standing right behind him.

Hearing my voice, he immediately straightened and turned his head backwards to see the source of the sound. And recognition immediately flashed in his eyes. He stood up to greet me with a handshake.

"Ms. Shreya, good morning. I'm assuming it was a good morning for you."
He asked me unsurely, making my lips lift up.

"It was, but I'm not sure if I can say the same about you. You look like you don't even know what sleep is."

"You can assume that, for now. By the way, I'm really impressed that you are right on time. I really like punctuality in people, it saves a lot of my time and patience,"
He said.

"You don't seem to be the impatient type, honestly speaking. But, it's a good thing that we both finally agree on something."

"And you don't seem to be the type to seek validation. So, are you relieved with this agreement?"
He raised an eyebrow at me, his words having a clear meaning. This man will one day, end my patience.

"I don't need validation from anyone. But, at the same time, it feels good to find out that you have something in common with another person."
I replied, becoming cold again. This man didn't deserve any sympathy.

Was it really just plain sympathy? Or are you just fooling yourself and being stupid again?

He nodded in agreement and escorted me to the investigation room, where my statement would be recorded.

The process was lengthy, but smooth. Because now, he believed me. Questions upon questions, it became tedious at one point. But since I was in a similar profession, I was aware of all the procedures. And I also gave my statement according to my profession, since that made it look more realistic and believable.

After about an hour, we came out of the room. I was now hungry and extremely parched, because I left this morning without food or water. For some reason, it didn't feel like the right thing to do.

"Ms. Shreya? Can I ask you for a favor?"
The officer asked me suddenly.

What could it be?

"A favor? From me?"

"Yes. The criminal psychologist who was supposed to assist us in the investigation, has taken a sudden leave due to some injury. So, I was wondering if you could take his place?"

I was completely dumbfounded. How can he offer me that position when I'm not officially appointed? And I'm not even here to do my job! This is all so ludicrous.

But he wasnt done. He continued after a short break.

"I know that this will be difficult for you too because this was not what you came here for. But, I will need an expert to help me and your initial conclusion fit perfectly with the situation in front of us. That's the reason why I'm so keen on taking your help. But of course, only if you're comfortable."

"I- I don't know. This is my first vacation in 2 years which has already been ruined and I don't know how much more should I involve myself. It might come out as utterly selfish, and a tad bit insensitive too, but I'm compelled to act in this way. I'm extremely sorry, but I will have to turn your offer down. "

I told him with utter seriousness. I couldn't help but feel bad for him, but it was his and the government's job to appoint someone else, not mine. I couldn't do it - under any circumstance.

He was about to say something when my phone suddenly rang. It was from Huma.

Why is she calling me right now? Isn't she supposed to be asleep?

"Hey, why are you awake so early?"
I asked as soon as I picked up the call.

"I couldn't sleep after that, you know. So I got up after you left and decided to have a productive day rather than wallowing in bed all day. I went down to do something when a female staff came to me and told me to check out the back garden in the hotel. It seemed to be very peaceful and looked so beautiful from far, so here I am. Anyways, I just wanted to- ahhhhhh!!!!"

One minute, I was hearing her ramble about her day and the next, she was shouting as if she was in pain. I couldn't understand anything, but panic took over my face, alerting the man beside me.

"Huma? Huma, say something. What happened to you? HUMA?!!"

But I couldn't hear any response.

I'm too deep in to back out now. The thoughts of us being free after being set up like that last night were a mirage.

Huma had been attacked by the murderer.

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