Episode 05


This women will be the death of me

Srinu sat frozen in place, his mind a tempest of conflicting emotions. The footage played on, each frame etching deeper into his consciousness. The closed door loomed large on the screen, a barrier between him and the truth he desperately sought. And there, somewhere between the second and first floors, lay his unconscious body, a silent witness to the events that had unfolded. It was as if time had stood still, trapping him in a moment of agonizing clarity. He felt a surge of frustration and helplessness wash over him, like a tide dragging him under.

As he watched the screen, the images blurred and wavered before his eyes, like ripples distorting the reflection of truth. It was then that Srinu became acutely aware of the moisture on his cheeks, the telltale sign of tears. His emotions, once tightly contained, now spilled forth uncontrollably, mingling with the anguish and disbelief that consumed him. Each drop of saltwater was a testament to the depth of his pain, a silent acknowledgment of the shattered illusions that had held his world together. In that moment, amidst the cascade of tears, Srinu confronted the raw vulnerability of his own heart, grappling with the harsh reality of betrayal and loss.

Srinu's hand trembled as he reached up to wipe the tears that blurred his vision, his fingers tracing paths of sorrow across his cheeks. After a few moments, the door on the screen swung open, revealing the ominous figures of Javed and Chacha emerging from the room like specters in the night. Their movements were cautious, casting wary glances around the deserted corridor as if wary of unseen eyes. Once satisfied that no prying gaze lingered upon them, they descended the stairs, disappearing from view like shadows melding into the darkness.

Srinu's heart sank as he watched the two assailants descend the stairs and come upon his prone body. Their laughter echoed through the silent corridors, a cruel symphony of mockery that pierced through his soul. With callous indifference, they stepped over his motionless form, their disdain for him evident in their actions. Then, without a second glance, they continued their descent to the ground floor, leaving Srinu's battered body behind like discarded refuse.

As the CCTV footage continued to play, Srinu watched helplessly as Javed and Chacha disappeared into the shadows behind the building, vanishing into the darkness like specters of malice. Their escape was swift and deliberate, leaving behind a trail of fear and uncertainty in their wake. Srinu's heart pounded in his chest as he grappled with the reality of what he had just witnessed, the weight of betrayal heavy upon his shoulders. He knew then that he had to confront the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

With a sense of urgency, Srinu redirected his attention to the footage of the second-floor room, his heart pounding in his chest as he searched for any sign of Ganga. The room appeared eerily silent and still, the door left slightly ajar, offering a glimpse into the darkness within. Srinu strained his eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ganga's familiar figure, but the room remained empty, shrouded in an unsettling silence. Anxiety gnawed at his insides as he grappled with the uncertainty of her fate, his mind flooded with a torrent of questions and fears.

As Ganga emerged from the room, Srinu's heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat at the sight of her. But to his bewilderment, her demeanor was vastly different from when she had been dragged inside moments earlier. Instead of the frantic screams and tears that had pierced the air before, she now appeared calm and composed, her expression void of any distress or fear. Srinu watched in disbelief as she walked out of the room, her movements unhurried and composed, as if nothing untoward had transpired within those walls. The stark contrast between her previous state and her current demeanor left him utterly perplexed, his mind swirling with a myriad of unanswered questions. Her eyes met the camera, and for a moment, it felt like she was looking directly at Srinu through the screen. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that crept over him as he observed her composed facade. It was as if she was wearing a mask, hiding the turmoil that must have been raging within her. Srinu's mind raced with conflicting emotions—confusion, suspicion, and a deep-seated longing for answers. He yearned to reach through the screen, to hold her close and demand an explanation for her actions. But he remained rooted to his seat, paralyzed by the weight of uncertainty and the fear of what he might uncover.

Her movements seemed almost choreographed in their precision. With a delicate sweep of her arms, she raised them gracefully above her head, the loose strands of her hair falling gently around her face. Her fingers, nimble and dexterous, worked quickly to gather the unruly locks, weaving them into a simple yet elegant bun at the nape of her neck. There was a sense of quiet determination in her demeanor, a silent resolve that belied the turmoil within.

As she adjusted her saree, her hands moved with a practiced fluidity, deftly arranging the fabric around her slender form. The soft folds of the garment clung to her curves, accentuating her feminine silhouette. Yet, amidst the outward appearance of calm, there were subtle hints of distress—a slight furrow in her brow, a tremor in her fingers as they smoothed the fabric.

Srinu's gaze lingered on the torn edges of her saree, a stark contrast to the elegance of her attire. The jagged tears spoke of a struggle, a battle fought in the darkness of that room. And yet, despite the visible signs of hardship, there was a quiet strength in her demeanor, a resilience that refused to be broken.

As she stood before him, her eyes met his with a mixture of emotions—fear, relief, and something else, something deeper that he couldn't quite name. In that moment, Srinu realized that there was more to Ganga than met the eye.

As Ganga descended the stairs, her eyes fell upon Srinu's motionless form lying sprawled on the ground. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as her heart lurched in her chest, her breath catching in her throat at the sight before her.

With a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, Ganga sprinted towards Srinu's prone figure, her heart pounding in her chest as she knelt beside him. With trembling hands, she gently shook him, her voice trembling as she called out his name.

"Srinu, wake up!" she pleaded, her words choked with tears as she pressed her hand against his chest, willing him to respond. "Please, you have to wake up!"

But Srinu remained still, his eyes closed and his breathing shallow. Panic surged through Ganga's veins as she realized the gravity of the situation, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.

Desperate to rouse him from his slumber, she summoned every ounce of her strength, channeling it into a burst of energy that she hoped would jolt him awake. But as the seconds ticked by and Srinu remained unresponsive, Ganga's heart sank with despair.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she cradled his head in her lap, her sobs filling the empty space around them. "Please, Srinu," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't leave me alone. I need you."

As Srinu watched the footage unfold on the screen, he saw Ganga rise to her feet with determination etched on her face. With a final, lingering glance at Srinu's unconscious form, she dashed out of the building, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridors.

Outside, she frantically called for help, her voice carrying through the still night air. Soon, a group of concerned locals emerged from the shadows, drawn by the urgency in her cries. They quickly gathered around her, their faces etched with concern as Ganga relayed the harrowing events that had unfolded inside the building.

Together, they rushed back into the building,

As the minutes passed on the CCTV footage, Srinu observed the arrival of the ambulance and security officer at the scene, just as it had been detailed in the FIR. The flashing lights of emergency vehicles illuminated the night, casting an eerie glow over the deserted surroundings.

Paramedics swiftly sprang into action, their movements precise as they attended to Srinu's unconscious form, their expressions solemn as they assessed his condition. Meanwhile, security officer officers began to canvas the area, their voices mingling with the night as they questioned witnesses and gathered evidence.

In the midst of the flurry of activity, Ganga remained a steadfast presence by Srinu's side, her eyes never leaving his form as she silently prayed for his recovery.

Srinu watched with a mix of anxiety and anticipation as the security officer began to question Ganga about the events that had transpired. He observed her demeanor closely, noting the furrow of her brow and the tension in her shoulders as she recounted the harrowing ordeal.

Despite the weight of the interrogation, Ganga remained composed, her voice steady as she provided the authorities with a detailed account of the night's events. She spoke of the sudden attack, the overwhelming fear that had gripped her, and her desperate attempts to seek help for Srinu.

As the security officer concluded their questioning and sealed off the crime scene, Srinu's heart sank as he watched Ganga climb into the ambulance alongside his unconscious body. The image of her sitting beside him, her face etched with worry and determination, lingered in his mind long after the ambulance had disappeared from the screen.

As the last traces of the footage faded away, leaving the screen blank, Srinu felt a wave of emptiness wash over him. With a heavy heart, he reached out to turn off the monitor, the weight of the truth bearing down on him.

"Why, Ganga? Why?" The question echoed in his mind, a plea for answers that seemed to hang in the air unanswered. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision as he struggled to make sense of the betrayal he had witnessed.

Srinu's pain was raw and consuming, a searing ache that tore through his chest and threatened to engulf him whole. As he watched the footage unfold before him, the betrayal of the woman he loved etched itself into his very soul, leaving behind a gaping wound that bled with every beat of his heart.

With a choked sob, Srinu collapsed to the ground, his body convulsing with the intensity of his grief. He curled into himself, wrapping his arms tightly around his knees as if seeking solace in the confines of his own misery. Tears streamed down his face unchecked, each drop a testament to the shattered pieces of his heart.

Every breath felt like a struggle, the weight of his pain pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. Memories of happier times taunted him, mocking the love he had once believed to be unbreakable. How could he have been so blind, so foolish to trust in a love that was nothing more than a cruel illusion?

In the darkness of his despair, Srinu found himself grappling with emotions he could scarcely comprehend. Betrayal mingled with disbelief, twisting into a maelstrom of agony that threatened to tear him apart. He cried out into the emptiness, a desperate plea for the pain to end, but there was no solace to be found in the silence that surrounded him.

And so he remained, curled up on the cold floor, his tears a silent testament to the depths of his suffering. In that moment of utter despair, Srinu knew that he would never be the same again. For the love he had once held so dear had been shattered beyond repair, leaving behind nothing but the shattered remnants of a broken heart.

His mind raced with dark thoughts, each one more haunting than the last. He yearned for an escape from the anguish that threatened to consume him whole, a respite from the relentless torment that gnawed at his soul. In his desperation, he found himself entertaining the most drastic of solutions, willing to sacrifice anything to find relief from the agony that engulfed him.

The idea of cutting out his own heart, of severing the source of his suffering, flickered like a beacon of hope in the darkness. It was a desperate plea for release, a final act of desperation born from the depths of his despair. But even as the thought crossed his mind, he knew it was nothing more than a fleeting fantasy, a fleeting glimpse of respite in a sea of endless pain.

As Srinu's mind teetered on the precipice of despair, the idea of ending his own suffering whispered like a sinister temptress in the recesses of his consciousness. What if he could sever the tether that bound him to this world, casting off the shackles of his torment once and for all? The blade lying on the desk beckoned to him, its gleaming edge promising a swift and final escape from the agony that threatened to consume him.

His hand trembled as it reached for the cold steel, fingers curling around the hilt with a desperate urgency. With each passing moment, the weight of his despair bore down upon him, pressing him closer and closer to the brink of oblivion. His heart hammered in his chest, a thunderous rhythm of anguish that drowned out all other thought.

As Srinu's hand hovered over the blade, poised on the precipice of a decision that would alter the course of his existence, a gentle rap echoed through the silence of his office. Startled, he froze, the metallic tang of despair still lingering in the air around him.

"Come to dinner, Srinu," Ganga's voice drifted through the door, soft and tentative, carrying with it a hint of concern.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Srinu grappled with the tumult of emotions raging within him. The blade lay forgotten, its siren song drowned out by the echo of Ganga's words. In that fleeting instant, he felt the weight of her presence, a lifeline cast into the darkness of his despair.

With a heavy heart and trembling hands, Srinu pushed himself upright, his eyes lingering on the blade for a moment longer before he turned towards the door.

"Give me 5 minutes, Ganga. I'll be there," he replied, his tone carefully neutral, masking the storm of emotions churning beneath the surface.

Ganga: "Hey, you're finally out! I was starting to think you'd gotten lost in there."

Srinu managed a weak smile in return, though his eyes betrayed the traces of tears he had shed earlier. He pulled out a chair and sat down at the table, his movements slow and deliberate.

Srinu: "Yeah, sorry about that. Just needed a moment to clear my head."

Ganga's smile softened, a flicker of concern crossing her features as she noticed the subtle signs of distress in Srinu's demeanor.

Ganga: "Is everything okay? You seem a little... off."

Srinu: "Oh, it's nothing. Just had a long day, that's all."

Ganga studied him for a moment, her gaze lingering on his weary expression before she spoke again.

Ganga: "Well, dinner's ready. Let's eat before it gets cold."

Srinu nodded, grateful for the distraction that the simple act of sharing a meal provided. As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily between them, the comfort of familiarity easing the tension that lingered in the air.

Ganga: "You know, you won't believe what happened in my favorite TV show today! There was this unexpected twist, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time."

Srinu, his mind elsewhere, nodded absentmindedly as he picked at his food, his gaze drifting off into the distance.

Ganga, noticing his lack of enthusiasm, furrowed her brow in concern, pausing for a moment before continuing.

Ganga: "Are you even listening? You seem really distracted tonight."

Srinu, forcing himself to focus on the conversation, managed a small smile in response.

Srinu: "Yeah, sorry about that. Just got a lot on my mind, you know?"

Ganga, sensing his reluctance to delve into the topic further, decided to let it go for now, returning her attention to her meal with a thoughtful expression.

As Srinu's gaze fixated on the knife resting on the table, a torrent of emotions surged through his mind. The pain and despair that had been gnawing at his heart seemed to intensify, and the idea of ending his suffering became all the more tempting. He found himself grappling with conflicting thoughts, torn between the agony of his current existence and the allure of escaping it all. The weight of his despair pressed down upon him, suffocating his every breath as he struggled to make sense of his turbulent emotions.

Suddenly, A voice echoed softly within Srinu's troubled mind. its words cutting through the haze of despair that clouded Srinu's mind. "You did nothing wrong," it repeated, each word infused with a fiery intensity. "You don't deserve this pain. You deserve justice." As Srinu grappled with the conflicting emotions stirred by the voice, he felt a surge of defiance rise within him.

The angry voice reverberated through Srinu's mind, its intensity escalating with each word. "She is the culprit," it declared with unwavering conviction. "She needs to be punished. Kill her for her betrayal." Srinu recoiled at the ferocity of the command, the weight of its implications pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. He struggled to reconcile the voice's demands with his own sense of morality and love for Ganga. The notion of taking another's life, especially that of the woman he once cherished, filled him with a profound sense of unease. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a seed of doubt began to germinate in Srinu's mind. Was Ganga truly the victim she appeared to be, or was there a darker truth lurking beneath the surface?

As Srinu grappled with the conflicting voice echoing in his mind, a new presence emerged, distinct from the anger and aggression that had consumed his thoughts moments before. This voice was gentle, its cadence soothing and reassuring. "No," it spoke softly, yet with unwavering conviction. "She loves you. She will never betray you. You should trust her." Srinu felt a sense of calm wash over him as he listened to these words of reassurance. The turmoil within him began to subside, replaced by a glimmer of hope and clarity. Could it be true? Could Ganga truly be innocent, as this voice suggested? Srinu pondered these questions, allowing himself to entertain the possibility that his beloved wife was not the villain he had feared.

His emotions started coming out as tears again.As tears welled up in his eyes once more, Srinu realized he couldn't bear the thought of Ganga seeing him in such a vulnerable state. With a heavy heart, he knew he had to distance himself from her before she noticed his tears.

Srinu hastily finished his meal, barely tasting the food as his mind raced with conflicting emotions. Rising from the table, he quickly washed his hands, his movements betraying the turmoil within him. Turning to Ganga, he forced a strained smile, his attempt at reassurance falling flat. "I have some work to attend to," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't wait up for me. Please, just go to sleep." Without waiting for her response, he hurried out of the room, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of his emotions.

Yin and Yang

Srinu retreated to his room, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. With trembling hands, he locked the door behind him, seeking solace in the sanctuary of solitude. Leaning against the door, he listened to the faint sounds of Ganga finishing her meal, the distant clatter of dishes a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within him. As the minutes stretched into eternity, he waited in the silence, each passing moment a reminder of the chasm that now separated him from the woman he loved. Finally, he heard the soft footsteps ascending the stairs, the gentle creak of the bedroom door signaling Ganga's retreat into the realm of dreams. Alone in the darkness, Srinu was left to grapple with the shattered fragments of his heart, the weight of his grief a heavy burden that threatened to consume him whole.

The angry voice echoed through Srinu's mind, its venomous words cutting through the darkness like a knife. "She needs to be punished. She betrayed you," it whispered, each syllable dripping with malice and resentment. Srinu clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white with the force of his grip as he battled against the insidious thoughts threatening to overwhelm him. The pain of betrayal gnawed at his soul, fueling the flames of anger that raged within him.

Amidst the chaos of conflicting emotions, a soothing voice emerged, cutting through the cacophony like a beacon of light in the darkness. "You have no proof. She is innocent," it murmured, its gentle tones offering a reprieve from the storm raging within Srinu's mind. He paused, the words resonating deep within his soul, casting doubt upon the accusations that had consumed him. Could it be true? Was there a chance that Ganga was innocent, that the betrayal he felt was nothing more than a trick of the mind? As he grappled with the implications of this revelation

In his turmoil, Srinu's voice echoed in the confines of his mind, laced with desperation and confusion. "Who are you?" he cried out into the silent void, his words tinged with an urgency born of uncertainty. "Why are you talking to me?" he demanded, seeking answers in the darkness that enveloped him.

As the two projections materialized before him, one seething with anger, its fiery hue a testament to its intensity, and the other exuding an aura of tranquility, its serene blue radiance a beacon of calm amidst the storm, Srinu's bewilderment only deepened. "Who are you?" he queried, his voice trembling with uncertainty, his gaze shifting between the contrasting manifestations of his psyche.

As the red projection spoke, its voice brimming with fiery passion, it declared, "I am Yang, the embodiment of your anger and insecurities that you have suppressed inside you." In contrast, the blue projection, emanating an aura of tranquil wisdom, softly intoned, "And I am Yin, the essence of your inner calm, the voice of reason and compassion that seeks understanding and forgiveness."

Yang, with an intensity that matched his crimson hue, asserted, "Your despair summoned us, for you teetered on the brink of darkness, consumed by thoughts of self-destruction."

Yin, his serene demeanor unwavering, added, "We emerged to guide you, to help you navigate the turbulent currents of your emotions, and to illuminate the path toward healing and redemption."

Srinu, grappling with the surreal sight before him, questioned, "But why are you here? Why now?"

Yang's fiery gaze bore into him, "Because the time has come for you to confront the truth, to face the pain and darkness within you, and emerge stronger than ever."

Yin's soothing voice resonated with assurance, "And to find solace in the light of love and forgiveness, to rediscover the strength that resides in your heart."

Srinu, overwhelmed by the gravity of their words, felt a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil of his emotions.

As the realization dawned upon him, Srinu felt a sense of clarity wash over him. These projections were not external entities but manifestations of his own inner turmoil, his conflicting emotions personified.

Yang, with his fiery intensity, embodied Srinu's anger, resentment, and desire for retribution. He represented the urge to lash out, to seek vengeance for the perceived betrayal.

On the other hand, Yin, with his tranquil demeanor, symbolized Srinu's compassion, forgiveness, and the longing for peace. He offered solace and urged Srinu to find understanding and empathy amidst the chaos

As Srinu began to engage with his inner voices, he found himself in a deep introspective dialogue. He poured out his heart, expressing the pain, confusion, and anger that had been consuming him. To Yang, he vented his frustration and resentment, acknowledging the desire for revenge but also recognizing its destructive potential. To Yin, he opened up about his love for Ganga, his longing for understanding, and his yearning for peace.

Through this dialogue, Srinu explored the complexities of his emotions, unraveling the layers of his inner turmoil. Yang urged him to embrace his anger, to confront the betrayal head-on and seek justice. Meanwhile, Yin encouraged him to seek compassion and understanding, to consider Ganga's perspective and the possibility of forgiveness.

As Yin and Yang continued their debate, their conflicting perspectives grew more intense. Yang remained steadfast in his conviction that Ganga was not innocent, citing the CCTV footage as evidence of her betrayal. He argued vehemently, pointing to moments in the footage where Ganga's actions seemed suspicious or incriminating.

In response, Yin remained steadfast in his belief in Ganga's innocence, insisting that the footage alone was not sufficient to condemn her. He urged Srinu to consider the broader context, the nuances of human behavior, and the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Yin emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion, advocating for a more nuanced and understanding approach.

As the argument escalated, Srinu found himself torn between the two opposing voices, each pulling him in a different direction. On one hand, Yang's accusations stirred up his anger and resentment, fueling his desire for retribution. On the other hand, Yin's words resonated with his deeper sense of compassion and love, urging him to seek understanding and forgiveness.

Caught in the midst of this internal conflict, Srinu grappled with the weight of his emotions, uncertain of which path to follow.

Yang's voice rang out with certainty, his conviction unwavering. "Have you not seen the hand that closed the door? It was Ganga," he asserted, his tone sharp and accusatory. "Why would she close the door after seeing Srinu? Think about it, there's no logical explanation for her actions unless she's hiding something."

His words echoed in Srinu's mind, stirring up doubt and suspicion. The image of Ganga's hand closing the door played over and over again, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his thoughts. Despite Yin's attempts to interject with reminders of empathy and understanding, Yang's logic seemed compelling in its simplicity.

Yin's voice countered Yang's accusations with a calm, measured tone. "We don't really know what actually happened in the room," he stated, his words carrying a sense of reason and perspective. "There was no CCTV camera inside the room. Your claims are based on what you saw from outside the room. There's no real proof."

His words were a reminder to Srinu that certainty could not be found in speculation alone. Despite the compelling nature of the CCTV footage, it remained an incomplete picture of the events that transpired. Without concrete evidence to support Yang's assertions, doubts lingered, and the truth remained elusive.

Yang's frustration boiled over as he angrily slammed his fists, his voice resonating with intensity. "You want PROOF!" he exclaimed, his tone laced with righteous indignation. "I will show you the PROOF!"

Srinu felt a surge of apprehension as Yang's words reverberated in his mind. Despite the turmoil of emotions, a part of him couldn't help but wonder what evidence Yang intended to present. Would it provide the clarity and closure he so desperately sought, or would it only deepen the chasm of uncertainty that threatened to engulf him?

As Yang prepared to reveal his evidence, Srinu braced himself for what was to come, his heart heavy with anticipation and trepidation. Deep down, he knew that the truth, whatever it may be, would inevitably shape his path forward, leading him closer to resolution or plunging him further into the depths of doubt and despair.

As Srinu's consciousness seemed to transcend the boundaries of time and space, he found himself inexplicably transported back to that fateful night, reliving the harrowing events with startling clarity. In the blink of an eye, he was once again standing in the dimly lit hallway of the building's second floor, his heart pounding with a mixture of dread and anticipation.

His mind reeled with disbelief as he realized that he was now inside the very room where Ganga had been taken, a place shrouded in mystery and shadow. How was this possible? There were no surveillance cameras inside the room, no means by which he should have been able to witness the events unfolding within its confines.

Yet, as he gazed around the room, every detail etched itself into his memory with vivid intensity. The eerie stillness of the air, the faint flicker of light filtering through the partially drawn curtains, and the palpable sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air—all of it seemed to converge upon him, enveloping him in a suffocating embrace.

To srinu's questions, yang replied "This is possible because of the Third eye of 'Imagination'. This is the only proof you will ever need."​
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