Episode 22
Ganga’s brows furrowed slightly at his abruptness, but she didn’t press further. Srinu, too preoccupied with the day ahead, could only think of what awaited him.
With a brief goodbye, Srinu left the house, his mind already focused on the task at hand. The drive to the office felt longer than usual, the anticipation building with each passing moment. When he finally arrived, he noticed that the parking lot was nearly empty—he was the first one there. The silence of the early morning was almost unsettling, but it provided the perfect cover for what he was about to do.
As a senior engineer, Srinu had his own office, a private room where he could work undisturbed. Today, that privacy would be put to a very different use. He walked quickly through the empty corridors, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet building. When he reached his office, he entered the room and immediately closed the door behind him, turning the lock with a firm click. He needed to ensure that no one would interrupt him.
The room was dimly lit, the blinds drawn to keep out the morning sun. Srinu moved to his desk, his heart pounding as he opened his laptop. The familiar hum of the machine starting up brought a small sense of comfort, grounding him in the routine of his work, even as he prepared to step into the unknown.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, trying to steady his nerves) "This is it. Let’s see what the truth is."
With steady hands, he connected to his home server’s IP address, the digital gateway that would bring him face-to-face with whatever truth lay hidden in his home. The connection was secure, encrypted to ensure that no one else could access the footage. Srinu took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his chest as the screen loaded.
The live feed from the CCTV cameras appeared on the screen, showing a split view of the different angles he had carefully planned out. He could see the living room, the kitchen, and the bedroom—each room captured in crisp, clear detail. The cameras were working perfectly, the video feed smooth and uninterrupted. Everything was in place, just as he had intended.
Srinu’s eyes were immediately drawn to the living room feed, where he saw Ganga moving about, starting her morning chores. She was dressed casually, her hair tied back, as she tidied up the cushions on the sofa and dusted the shelves. It was a scene he had witnessed countless times before, but now, viewed through the lens of the camera, it felt strangely distant and surreal.
He watched as Ganga moved from the living room to the kitchen, the camera following her every step. She began preparing breakfast, her movements fluid and practiced. Srinu noted how she carefully measured out the ingredients, the way she stirred the pot with a familiar rhythm. There was nothing unusual, nothing that hinted at the turmoil that had driven him to this point. But Srinu couldn’t tear his eyes away, his mind racing with thoughts of what might still be uncovered.
As Ganga set the table, Srinu’s heart ached with a mix of guilt and sadness. She placed two plates on the table, even though she knew he wouldn’t be there to join her. He watched as she sat down alone, her expression calm but tinged with a subtle melancholy. The sight of her eating breakfast alone, the food left untouched by his absence, stirred something deep within him.
Srinu: ( muttering under his breath, filled with guilt) "She doesn’t deserve this… but I need to know."
He shifted his focus to the bedroom camera, where the bed was neatly made, and the morning light filtered through the curtains. This room, once a sanctuary of intimacy and trust, now felt exposed, and vulnerable under the scrutiny of the camera. Srinu couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as he watched the empty room, waiting for something—anything—to happen.
As the day progressed, Srinu remained glued to the screen, monitoring the live feed with an intensity that bordered on obsession. Ganga’s routine continued uninterrupted, her actions calm and measured. She spent time in the living room, watching television, and occasionally checked her phone. She took care of some laundry, folding clothes with the same careful attention she gave to everything she did.
Srinu: ( his voice tense, speaking to himself) "Come on… show me something… anything…"
The hours dragged on as Srinu sat in his office, eyes glued to the live feed from the CCTV cameras. The uneventful morning had passed slowly, each minute stretching out as he waited for something—anything—that might validate the fears that had driven him to this point. The footage so far had shown nothing out of the ordinary: Ganga moving through the house, performing her daily chores with the quiet efficiency he had always admired, but now viewed through the cold lens of surveillance.
Then, finally, the doorbell rang. Srinu’s pulse quickened, his body tensing as he watched Ganga move towards the door. He shifted in his seat, leaning closer to the screen, the anticipation almost unbearable. Ganga opened the door, and Srinu felt a pang of disappointment as he recognized the visitor—it was just the milkman.
Srinu: ( muttering to himself, his voice tinged with frustration) "Just the milkman…"
On the screen, the milkman handed Ganga the milk packets, exchanging a few words with her before turning to leave. Srinu strained to make out their conversation, but the camera’s audio couldn’t pick up the details. Ganga took the milk packets into the kitchen and began preparing coffee, her movements calm and deliberate, as though nothing were out of the ordinary. The normalcy of it all only added to Srinu’s growing frustration.
An hour later, the doorbell rang again. Srinu’s heart skipped a beat as he focused on the footage. This time, it was the water boy, delivering the heavy bottles of water to their home. Srinu watched as the young man entered the house, carrying the bottles into the kitchen. He handed Ganga the water card, which she signed to confirm receipt of the delivery. The two exchanged a few words—again, nothing out of the ordinary—and then the water boy left, leaving Ganga to continue her day.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, trying to suppress his disappointment) "Nothing… there’s nothing here…"
The hours crept by with agonizing slowness. Ganga busied herself in the kitchen, preparing lunch while watching a sitcom on her phone, the cheerful sounds of laughter from the show contrasting sharply with the tension building inside Srinu. As he watched her chop vegetables and stir pots, Srinu’s stomach reminded him of the breakfast he had skipped, the gnawing hunger becoming impossible to ignore.
Just as he was contemplating whether to grab a quick bite, there was a knock on his office door. One of his teammates stood there, smiling, and invited him to join the group for lunch.
Teammate: ( cheerful, welcoming) "Hey, Srinu! Come join us for lunch. It’s been a while since we’ve all eaten together."
Srinu hesitated, torn between his need to monitor the live feed and the undeniable hunger that had taken hold of him. His stomach growled loudly, betraying his need for food.
Srinu: ( reluctant, yet conceding) "Alright, I’ll come. Just for a quick bite."
He joined his colleagues in the office canteen, where they greeted him warmly and asked about his health. The atmosphere was light and jovial, with his friends chatting and laughing about various topics—weekend plans, office gossip, and lighthearted banter. But Srinu’s mind was elsewhere. He forced himself to eat, but every bite felt like a distraction, every laugh like an intrusion into the all-consuming mission he had set for himself.
Colleague: ( curious, concerned) "How are you feeling now, Srinu? You’ve been away for a while."
Srinu: ( distracted, brushing off the concern) "I’m fine, just had some things to take care of. But I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on, so I better head back soon."
He excused himself as quickly as he could, citing the backlog of work from his absence as an excuse, and hurried back to his office. The sense of urgency had returned, gnawing at him as he closed the door behind him and locked it once more.
As he reached his laptop, Srinu’s breath caught in his throat. Ganga was at the door again, talking to someone. He leaned closer to the screen, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make out who it was. Relief and realization washed over him—it was the TV repair guy. The memory came flooding back: their television had been malfunctioning for the past few days, and Ganga had called the company to send someone to fix it.
Srinu: ( sighing with a mixture of relief and impatience) "Of course… it’s just the repair guy."
For the next 40 to 60 minutes, Srinu watched as the repairman worked on the TV in the living room. Ganga, seemingly uninterested in the process, took her lunch into the bedroom, where she quietly ate while watching her favorite TV serials on her phone. The repairman worked diligently, occasionally calling Ganga over to ask a question or to show her something about the TV’s condition. Srinu’s eyes followed every interaction, but nothing struck him as out of the ordinary.
Finally, the repairman finished his work. He packed up his tools, said goodbye to Ganga, and left the house. Ganga closed the door behind him, then returned to the living room. She turned on the newly repaired TV and settled on the couch, scrolling through Netflix to find something to watch. The rest of the afternoon passed in a monotonous blur as Ganga immersed herself in movies, the day slipping away with nothing unusual to show for it.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, feeling both drained and restless) "Is this all there is? Just an ordinary day…"
As the workday drew to a close, the office slowly emptied as one by one, Srinu's colleagues packed up and headed home. The hum of conversation and the bustle of activity gradually faded, leaving only the soft click of keyboards and the occasional rustle of paper. Srinu remained at his desk, his eyes fixed on the live feed from the CCTV cameras. He was hoping—almost willing—that something, anything, would happen in those last few moments. But as the minutes ticked by, the footage continued to show nothing but the ordinary, mundane routine of his home.
Ganga, on the screen, moved about the house with her usual grace, oblivious to the eyes that watched her. Srinu sighed deeply, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. There was no revelation, no hidden truth uncovered. Just the same, repetitive scenes of daily life.
Srinu: ( muttering to himself, weary and disappointed) "Nothing… just another day…"
Resigned, Srinu finally closed his laptop and began packing his things. He was the last to leave the office, the once bustling workspace now silent and still. As he locked up and headed to the parking lot, the cool evening air greeted him, offering a small respite from the tension that had built up over the week.
The ride home on his bike was quiet, the streets dimly lit and mostly empty. The gentle hum of the engine provided a monotonous backdrop to his swirling thoughts. Despite the frustration and doubt gnawing at him, there was also a growing sense of guilt that he couldn’t shake. The images of Ganga’s day played over and over in his mind, and with each repetition, the warmth and kindness she had always shown him seemed more vivid, more real.
When Srinu finally arrived home, Ganga greeted him at the door with a warm hug, her smile bright and welcoming. There was no hint of suspicion in her eyes, only the simple joy of seeing her husband after a long day.
Ganga: ( cheerful, her voice filled with warmth) "Welcome home, Srinu! I’ve already turned on the geyser for you so you can take a hot shower. I’ve also prepared some snacks and coffee. You must be tired."
She handed him a towel, her thoughtful gesture another reminder of the kindness she always showed him. Srinu took it, feeling a lump in his throat as the guilt resurfaced, stronger than before. How could he have ever doubted her? As he entered the bathroom, the soft light reflecting off the tiles, he couldn’t help but think about how wonderful Ganga was—how lucky he was to have her.
Srinu: ( looking into the bathroom mirror, his expression filled with shame) "What am I doing? She’s such a good wife… I should have never listened to Yang."
But just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard a loud, insistent voice echoing in his head—it was Yang.
Yang: ( with a sharp, almost scolding tone) "Are you mad? It’s just one day. Give it some time. She will show her true self to you. You will find out the truth."
Srinu’s frustration bubbled to the surface, his fists clenching as he leaned against the sink.
Srinu: ( with a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance) "Hopefully, we will find out the truth… but I don’t want to lose my sanity in the process."
After taking a hot shower, the steam clearing his mind and relaxing his tense muscles, Srinu felt somewhat refreshed. The doubts and frustrations were still there, but for the moment, they were pushed to the back of his mind. He joined Ganga in the living room, where she had already set out the snacks and coffee. They sat together on the couch, watching TV shows, the warmth of the coffee in his hands a small comfort.
Ganga: ( smiling, her voice light as she sipped her coffee) "It’s nice to relax like this after a long day, isn’t it?"
Srinu: ( nodding, forcing a small smile) "Yeah… it is."
For the first time that day, Srinu felt a semblance of normalcy. They laughed together at the shows, shared comments on the characters, and for a few hours, it felt like any other evening before the doubts had taken root. Dinner followed in the same manner, a quiet meal shared between them, the familiarity of it soothing Srinu’s troubled mind.
Later, as Srinu entered the bedroom, Ganga was already following her nightly routine: brushing her teeth, applying moisturizer to her skin. He watched her for a moment, his eyes tracing the smooth lines of her face, the way her skin seemed to glow even under the soft lights. She was beautiful, radiant in a way that always took his breath away.
Ganga: ( with a soft smile, leaning in to give him a goodnight kiss) "Goodnight, Srinu. Sweet dreams."
Srinu: ( returning the kiss, his voice filled with a quiet sincerity) "Goodnight."
She turned off the lights and settled into her side of the bed, while Srinu followed suit a few moments later. The darkness of the room enveloped them, and for the first time that day, Srinu allowed himself to relax, his body sinking into the mattress as sleep began to pull at him.
This routine continued for the rest of the week. Each morning, Srinu woke up early, got ready for work, and reached his office as soon as possible. He spent hours glued to his computer screen, watching the live feed from the CCTV cameras, hoping for some clue, some sign that would lead him to the truth. But each day was the same as the one before: Ganga performing her daily duties as a homemaker—cooking, washing, cleaning the house, watching TV, and taking naps.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, growing more frustrated each day) "It’s just the same… day after day… nothing’s changed…"
He noticed that everyone—the milkman, the water boy, and other service providers—arrived on time, and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. The days passed in a repetitive pattern, the routine grinding away at Srinu’s patience and sanity.
Finally, Friday arrived, the last day of the work week. The office buzzed with excitement as everyone anticipated the upcoming weekend. Some of Srinu’s colleagues talked about attending parties, while others planned to go to the movies. But Srinu seemed lost in his own world, isolated in his office room, his eyes once again fixed on the screen.
The day was no different from the ones before. Ganga went about her usual routine, the footage showing nothing out of place, nothing that would suggest any hidden secrets. Srinu’s frustration grew with each passing hour, the tension building until he could hardly bear it.
As the day came to an end, Srinu finally closed his laptop with a sense of defeat. He had hoped—desperately—that something would be revealed, that he would finally find the truth that had eluded him all week. But there was nothing. Just the same, mundane routine.
Srinu: ( sighing deeply, his voice filled with frustration and exhaustion) "I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this…"
He packed his things and left the office, the weight of the week pressing down on him as he rode his bike home.
After Srinu and Ganga returned home, they fell into their usual evening routine. The familiar rhythm of their evening together—the light chatter over dinner, the shared moments of watching TV—was comforting, but Srinu's mind was elsewhere. He was distracted, his thoughts weighed down by the surveillance he had been conducting all week. As the time approached for them to head to bed, Srinu excused himself, telling Ganga that he had some emails to send for work.
Srinu: ( with a forced smile, trying to mask his tension) "I’ve got a few emails to send. You go ahead; I’ll join you in bed soon."
Ganga nodded, unaware of the turmoil brewing inside him, and made her way to the bedroom. Srinu watched her leave, his heart heavy with guilt. Once she was out of sight, he walked briskly to his office and locked the door behind him. The room felt colder, more isolated than usual as he sat down at his desk and opened his laptop.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he accessed the CCTV footage. He fast-forwarded through the footage from the past week, his eyes scanning the screen intently, searching for any sign, any clue that he had missed. But the scenes that played out before him were the same: Ganga going about her daily life with quiet efficiency, interacting with delivery men and service providers, cooking meals, and watching TV.
There was nothing—nothing that pointed to any betrayal, nothing to justify the doubts that had driven him to this point. The frustration that had been simmering all week boiled over, and Srinu slammed his hand down on the desk, the sound echoing through the small room. He cursed under his breath, anger and self-loathing mingling as he demanded answers from the voice that had led him down this path.
Srinu: ( his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief, shouting at the empty room) "Yang! Where are you? Come out and talk to me!"
For a moment, there was only silence, the room filled with the low hum of his laptop. Then, Yang’s voice echoed in his mind, but it was not the commanding, assured tone that Srinu had grown used to. This time, Yang sounded almost uncertain, as if he, too, couldn’t believe what had happened.
Yang: ( hesitant, struggling to maintain his usual confidence) "This… this can’t be right. There has to be something we’re missing. There should be something here…"
Srinu: ( his voice rising with anger, his frustration spilling over) "Why is there nothing in this footage? I’ve been watching like a hawk for a week! You made me do this—you made me insult my wife and doubt her loyalty! Explain yourself!"
Yang tried to offer an explanation, but there was an edge of desperation in his voice, a sense that he was grasping at straws.
Yang: ( defensive, trying to regain control) "This can’t be happening… We’re missing something. There’s got to be more to it—there has to be."
But Srinu had heard enough. The anger that had fueled his actions began to dissolve, replaced by a deep, overwhelming sense of guilt and regret.
Srinu: ( his voice breaking with emotion, tears welling up in his eyes) "I should have never listened to you. You’re a disease, Yang. Because of you, I insulted my wife by spying on her… and I insulted Yin and his wisdom."
As the weight of his actions settled on him, Srinu fell to his knees, the tears finally spilling over as he wept. But these weren’t tears of despair—they were tears of relief. Relief that Ganga had not betrayed him, that she was loyal, kind, and everything he had always believed her to be.
Srinu: ( pleading, his voice trembling with sincerity as he called out to Yin) "Yin… please, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you. Please come back—I need your guidance."
In the stillness of the room, Srinu heard a familiar, calm voice. It was Yin, his tone filled with the gentle reassurance that Srinu had been longing for.
Yin: ( softly, comforting like an old friend) "I’m always here, my friend."
Srinu: ( relieved, tears still streaming down his face as he whispered) "Thank you, Yin… thank you for coming back."
Yang, realizing that he was losing his influence over Srinu, tried one last time to assert himself, but his voice was tinged with frustration and desperation.
Yang: ( shouting, his voice growing fainter as he spoke) "You’re making a mistake by banishing me! One day, you’ll see that I was right!"
But Srinu ignored Yang’s words, his resolve firm as he focused on Yin’s calming presence. As Yang’s voice faded into nothingness, Srinu felt a sense of peace beginning to settle over him.
Srinu: ( grateful, speaking to Yin with deep appreciation) "Thank you, Yin, for coming back. I was so ashamed… ashamed of what I did—spying on my wife, insulting her dignity."
Yin’s response was filled with understanding, his voice gentle and wise.
Yin: ( reassuring, offering comfort) "You acted out of doubt, Srinu, but those doubts weren’t yours. They were planted by Yang. What matters now is that you recognize the truth and can move forward."
Srinu nodded, the weight of his guilt beginning to lift as he listened to Yin’s words.
Srinu: ( seeking guidance, his voice filled with sincerity) "What should I do now, Yin?"
Yin chuckled softly, the sound like a warm breeze that eased the tension in Srinu’s heart.
Yin: ( lighthearted, yet wise) "You don’t need to do anything, Srinu. You already have a perfect wife and a good life. Just be a good husband to your wife, and be happy."
At that moment, Srinu made a vow to himself. He would be a better husband—he would never insult Ganga’s dignity again, never doubt her or spy on her as he had done. The shame of what he had done still lingered, but there was also a sense of resolve, a determination to make things right.
Without hesitation, Srinu set to work removing all the spy cameras he had hidden around the house. He carefully packed them away, ensuring that no one would ever find them again. As he gathered the last of the equipment, a sense of relief washed over him—relief that the cameras were gone, that the invasion of Ganga’s privacy had ended, and that he could finally begin to restore the trust he had so recklessly shattered.
Feeling lighter than he had in days, Srinu made his way to the bedroom. Ganga was already asleep, her breathing soft and steady. He slipped into bed beside her, gently taking her hand in his and gazing at her peaceful face. In that quiet moment, he contemplated everything that had happened, the turmoil he had caused, and the love he had nearly lost.
Srinu: ( whispering to her sleeping form, his voice filled with a quiet promise) "From tomorrow, it’s a new start for us. I’ll be the husband you deserve, and I’ll never doubt you again."
As he lay there, holding her hand, Srinu felt a huge burden lift off his shoulders. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was at peace. The tension that had gripped him for so long was gone, replaced by a deep sense of calm and certainty. And as he closed his eyes, ready to embrace sleep.
The next morning, it was Saturday. Srinu woke up feeling more refreshed and energetic than he had in a long time. The burden that had weighed heavily on him for weeks seemed to have lifted overnight, leaving him with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. He smiled to himself as he stretched and looked around the bedroom, but quickly noticed that Ganga wasn’t there.
Curious, he got out of bed and began searching for her throughout the house. It didn’t take long for him to find her in the Pooja room, the soft light of the early morning filtering through the windows as she knelt before the small altar, offering prayers to God. Srinu stood quietly in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt her moment of devotion. He watched her with a tender smile, feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude for the woman who had stood by him through everything.
When Ganga finished her prayers and stepped out of the room, Srinu greeted her with a cheerful, "Good morning!"
Srinu: ( smiling brightly, his voice warm) "Good morning! What’s up?"
Ganga returned his smile, clearly pleased to see him in such high spirits after so long.
Ganga: ( happily, her eyes sparkling) "I just had a call with my mother. She invited me to a family ceremony."
Srinu’s face lit up at the news, eager to join her.
Srinu: ( excitedly, his enthusiasm genuine) "Great! Give me some time to get ready, and we’ll go to your family ceremony together."
Ganga’s heart swelled with happiness at seeing Srinu so cheerful and full of energy. It had been a while since she had seen him this way, and it warmed her heart.
Ganga: ( giggling, hugging him tightly) "Sorry, love, but it’s only for women."
Srinu understood immediately, but rather than letting it dampen his mood, he chose to keep the positive energy flowing. He was determined to make the day special for both of them, even if they were apart for a few hours.
Srinu: ( with a playful smile, still full of enthusiasm) "No worries! You go ahead and have a great time with your family. I’ll stay here and prepare a delicious lunch for us. We can enjoy it together when you come back."
Ganga laughed softly, touched by his sweetness.
Ganga: ( teasingly, with a twinkle in her eye) "Just don’t burn the house down while I’m gone!"
She kissed him goodbye, a light, affectionate peck on the lips, before heading out the door. Srinu watched her go, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. After locking the door behind her, he turned his attention to the kitchen, eager to surprise her with a homemade meal.
Determined to make something special, Srinu pulled up a cooking tutorial on his phone and set about preparing lunch. The kitchen filled with the aroma of spices and sizzling ingredients as he followed the steps in the video, carefully chopping, stirring, and tasting as he went along. He was so engrossed in his task that when his phone rang, it startled him.
He quickly wiped his hands on a towel and glanced at the caller ID. To his surprise, it was the security officer inspector—the one who had been handling the case after Javed and Chacha had attacked them at the theater. Srinu’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, wondering what news the inspector had to share.
Srinu: ( politely, his curiosity piqued) "Hello, Inspector. How are you?"
Inspector: ( in a friendly tone, exchanging pleasantries) "Hello, Mr. Srinu. I’m doing well, thank you. I’m calling because there’s been a new development in your case."
Srinu’s pulse quickened at the mention of a "new development."
Srinu: ( a bit anxious, his voice steady but curious) "A new development? What’s happened?"
The inspector’s voice took on a more serious tone as he began to explain.
Inspector: ( clearly, with a tone of finality) "Yes, Mr. Srinu. The main accused in your case, Javed and Chacha, are dead."
Srinu’s breath caught in his throat. He felt a rush of emotions—shock, disbelief, and an odd sense of relief all at once. He needed to know more.
Srinu: ( almost whispering, struggling to process the news) "Dead? How? What happened?"
The inspector continued, explaining the details of what had transpired.
Inspector: ( calmly, recounting the facts) "A few days ago, we received information that Javed and Chacha had gone underground after attacking you at the theater. We tracked them to their hometown, hoping to apprehend them, but their family informed us that both men had been killed in a gang fight a couple of days ago. The family members told us that they had already been buried."
Srinu listened in stunned silence as the inspector continued.
Inspector: ( with a tone of closure) "Given this information, we will be closing the case. With the main accused dead, there’s nothing more for us to pursue. I wanted to inform you personally and also to congratulate you. It seems that fate has punished them and given justice to your family."
As the call ended, Srinu lowered the phone slowly, his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him, coupled with the realization that the nightmare was finally over. Javed and Chacha were gone, and with them, the lingering fear and trauma that had haunted him since the attack.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, a smile spreading across his face) "Yes, finally… justice has been served."
He stood there for a moment, the events of the past few minutes sinking in. Two pieces of good news in one day—it felt almost surreal. He thought about Ganga, her bright smile and infectious cheerfulness, and he couldn’t help but feel that everything was falling into place. The darkness that had clouded their lives was lifting, replaced by the promise of a fresh start.
Srinu: ( thinking to himself, a sense of peace settling over him) "After all, there is a happy ending to my story."
With a brief goodbye, Srinu left the house, his mind already focused on the task at hand. The drive to the office felt longer than usual, the anticipation building with each passing moment. When he finally arrived, he noticed that the parking lot was nearly empty—he was the first one there. The silence of the early morning was almost unsettling, but it provided the perfect cover for what he was about to do.
As a senior engineer, Srinu had his own office, a private room where he could work undisturbed. Today, that privacy would be put to a very different use. He walked quickly through the empty corridors, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet building. When he reached his office, he entered the room and immediately closed the door behind him, turning the lock with a firm click. He needed to ensure that no one would interrupt him.
The room was dimly lit, the blinds drawn to keep out the morning sun. Srinu moved to his desk, his heart pounding as he opened his laptop. The familiar hum of the machine starting up brought a small sense of comfort, grounding him in the routine of his work, even as he prepared to step into the unknown.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, trying to steady his nerves) "This is it. Let’s see what the truth is."
With steady hands, he connected to his home server’s IP address, the digital gateway that would bring him face-to-face with whatever truth lay hidden in his home. The connection was secure, encrypted to ensure that no one else could access the footage. Srinu took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his chest as the screen loaded.
The live feed from the CCTV cameras appeared on the screen, showing a split view of the different angles he had carefully planned out. He could see the living room, the kitchen, and the bedroom—each room captured in crisp, clear detail. The cameras were working perfectly, the video feed smooth and uninterrupted. Everything was in place, just as he had intended.
Srinu’s eyes were immediately drawn to the living room feed, where he saw Ganga moving about, starting her morning chores. She was dressed casually, her hair tied back, as she tidied up the cushions on the sofa and dusted the shelves. It was a scene he had witnessed countless times before, but now, viewed through the lens of the camera, it felt strangely distant and surreal.
He watched as Ganga moved from the living room to the kitchen, the camera following her every step. She began preparing breakfast, her movements fluid and practiced. Srinu noted how she carefully measured out the ingredients, the way she stirred the pot with a familiar rhythm. There was nothing unusual, nothing that hinted at the turmoil that had driven him to this point. But Srinu couldn’t tear his eyes away, his mind racing with thoughts of what might still be uncovered.
As Ganga set the table, Srinu’s heart ached with a mix of guilt and sadness. She placed two plates on the table, even though she knew he wouldn’t be there to join her. He watched as she sat down alone, her expression calm but tinged with a subtle melancholy. The sight of her eating breakfast alone, the food left untouched by his absence, stirred something deep within him.
Srinu: ( muttering under his breath, filled with guilt) "She doesn’t deserve this… but I need to know."
He shifted his focus to the bedroom camera, where the bed was neatly made, and the morning light filtered through the curtains. This room, once a sanctuary of intimacy and trust, now felt exposed, and vulnerable under the scrutiny of the camera. Srinu couldn’t shake the feeling of unease as he watched the empty room, waiting for something—anything—to happen.
As the day progressed, Srinu remained glued to the screen, monitoring the live feed with an intensity that bordered on obsession. Ganga’s routine continued uninterrupted, her actions calm and measured. She spent time in the living room, watching television, and occasionally checked her phone. She took care of some laundry, folding clothes with the same careful attention she gave to everything she did.
Srinu: ( his voice tense, speaking to himself) "Come on… show me something… anything…"
The hours dragged on as Srinu sat in his office, eyes glued to the live feed from the CCTV cameras. The uneventful morning had passed slowly, each minute stretching out as he waited for something—anything—that might validate the fears that had driven him to this point. The footage so far had shown nothing out of the ordinary: Ganga moving through the house, performing her daily chores with the quiet efficiency he had always admired, but now viewed through the cold lens of surveillance.
Then, finally, the doorbell rang. Srinu’s pulse quickened, his body tensing as he watched Ganga move towards the door. He shifted in his seat, leaning closer to the screen, the anticipation almost unbearable. Ganga opened the door, and Srinu felt a pang of disappointment as he recognized the visitor—it was just the milkman.
Srinu: ( muttering to himself, his voice tinged with frustration) "Just the milkman…"
On the screen, the milkman handed Ganga the milk packets, exchanging a few words with her before turning to leave. Srinu strained to make out their conversation, but the camera’s audio couldn’t pick up the details. Ganga took the milk packets into the kitchen and began preparing coffee, her movements calm and deliberate, as though nothing were out of the ordinary. The normalcy of it all only added to Srinu’s growing frustration.
An hour later, the doorbell rang again. Srinu’s heart skipped a beat as he focused on the footage. This time, it was the water boy, delivering the heavy bottles of water to their home. Srinu watched as the young man entered the house, carrying the bottles into the kitchen. He handed Ganga the water card, which she signed to confirm receipt of the delivery. The two exchanged a few words—again, nothing out of the ordinary—and then the water boy left, leaving Ganga to continue her day.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, trying to suppress his disappointment) "Nothing… there’s nothing here…"
The hours crept by with agonizing slowness. Ganga busied herself in the kitchen, preparing lunch while watching a sitcom on her phone, the cheerful sounds of laughter from the show contrasting sharply with the tension building inside Srinu. As he watched her chop vegetables and stir pots, Srinu’s stomach reminded him of the breakfast he had skipped, the gnawing hunger becoming impossible to ignore.
Just as he was contemplating whether to grab a quick bite, there was a knock on his office door. One of his teammates stood there, smiling, and invited him to join the group for lunch.
Teammate: ( cheerful, welcoming) "Hey, Srinu! Come join us for lunch. It’s been a while since we’ve all eaten together."
Srinu hesitated, torn between his need to monitor the live feed and the undeniable hunger that had taken hold of him. His stomach growled loudly, betraying his need for food.
Srinu: ( reluctant, yet conceding) "Alright, I’ll come. Just for a quick bite."
He joined his colleagues in the office canteen, where they greeted him warmly and asked about his health. The atmosphere was light and jovial, with his friends chatting and laughing about various topics—weekend plans, office gossip, and lighthearted banter. But Srinu’s mind was elsewhere. He forced himself to eat, but every bite felt like a distraction, every laugh like an intrusion into the all-consuming mission he had set for himself.
Colleague: ( curious, concerned) "How are you feeling now, Srinu? You’ve been away for a while."
Srinu: ( distracted, brushing off the concern) "I’m fine, just had some things to take care of. But I’ve got a lot of work to catch up on, so I better head back soon."
He excused himself as quickly as he could, citing the backlog of work from his absence as an excuse, and hurried back to his office. The sense of urgency had returned, gnawing at him as he closed the door behind him and locked it once more.
As he reached his laptop, Srinu’s breath caught in his throat. Ganga was at the door again, talking to someone. He leaned closer to the screen, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make out who it was. Relief and realization washed over him—it was the TV repair guy. The memory came flooding back: their television had been malfunctioning for the past few days, and Ganga had called the company to send someone to fix it.
Srinu: ( sighing with a mixture of relief and impatience) "Of course… it’s just the repair guy."
For the next 40 to 60 minutes, Srinu watched as the repairman worked on the TV in the living room. Ganga, seemingly uninterested in the process, took her lunch into the bedroom, where she quietly ate while watching her favorite TV serials on her phone. The repairman worked diligently, occasionally calling Ganga over to ask a question or to show her something about the TV’s condition. Srinu’s eyes followed every interaction, but nothing struck him as out of the ordinary.
Finally, the repairman finished his work. He packed up his tools, said goodbye to Ganga, and left the house. Ganga closed the door behind him, then returned to the living room. She turned on the newly repaired TV and settled on the couch, scrolling through Netflix to find something to watch. The rest of the afternoon passed in a monotonous blur as Ganga immersed herself in movies, the day slipping away with nothing unusual to show for it.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, feeling both drained and restless) "Is this all there is? Just an ordinary day…"
As the workday drew to a close, the office slowly emptied as one by one, Srinu's colleagues packed up and headed home. The hum of conversation and the bustle of activity gradually faded, leaving only the soft click of keyboards and the occasional rustle of paper. Srinu remained at his desk, his eyes fixed on the live feed from the CCTV cameras. He was hoping—almost willing—that something, anything, would happen in those last few moments. But as the minutes ticked by, the footage continued to show nothing but the ordinary, mundane routine of his home.
Ganga, on the screen, moved about the house with her usual grace, oblivious to the eyes that watched her. Srinu sighed deeply, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. There was no revelation, no hidden truth uncovered. Just the same, repetitive scenes of daily life.
Srinu: ( muttering to himself, weary and disappointed) "Nothing… just another day…"
Resigned, Srinu finally closed his laptop and began packing his things. He was the last to leave the office, the once bustling workspace now silent and still. As he locked up and headed to the parking lot, the cool evening air greeted him, offering a small respite from the tension that had built up over the week.
The ride home on his bike was quiet, the streets dimly lit and mostly empty. The gentle hum of the engine provided a monotonous backdrop to his swirling thoughts. Despite the frustration and doubt gnawing at him, there was also a growing sense of guilt that he couldn’t shake. The images of Ganga’s day played over and over in his mind, and with each repetition, the warmth and kindness she had always shown him seemed more vivid, more real.
When Srinu finally arrived home, Ganga greeted him at the door with a warm hug, her smile bright and welcoming. There was no hint of suspicion in her eyes, only the simple joy of seeing her husband after a long day.
Ganga: ( cheerful, her voice filled with warmth) "Welcome home, Srinu! I’ve already turned on the geyser for you so you can take a hot shower. I’ve also prepared some snacks and coffee. You must be tired."
She handed him a towel, her thoughtful gesture another reminder of the kindness she always showed him. Srinu took it, feeling a lump in his throat as the guilt resurfaced, stronger than before. How could he have ever doubted her? As he entered the bathroom, the soft light reflecting off the tiles, he couldn’t help but think about how wonderful Ganga was—how lucky he was to have her.
Srinu: ( looking into the bathroom mirror, his expression filled with shame) "What am I doing? She’s such a good wife… I should have never listened to Yang."
But just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard a loud, insistent voice echoing in his head—it was Yang.
Yang: ( with a sharp, almost scolding tone) "Are you mad? It’s just one day. Give it some time. She will show her true self to you. You will find out the truth."
Srinu’s frustration bubbled to the surface, his fists clenching as he leaned against the sink.
Srinu: ( with a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance) "Hopefully, we will find out the truth… but I don’t want to lose my sanity in the process."
After taking a hot shower, the steam clearing his mind and relaxing his tense muscles, Srinu felt somewhat refreshed. The doubts and frustrations were still there, but for the moment, they were pushed to the back of his mind. He joined Ganga in the living room, where she had already set out the snacks and coffee. They sat together on the couch, watching TV shows, the warmth of the coffee in his hands a small comfort.
Ganga: ( smiling, her voice light as she sipped her coffee) "It’s nice to relax like this after a long day, isn’t it?"
Srinu: ( nodding, forcing a small smile) "Yeah… it is."
For the first time that day, Srinu felt a semblance of normalcy. They laughed together at the shows, shared comments on the characters, and for a few hours, it felt like any other evening before the doubts had taken root. Dinner followed in the same manner, a quiet meal shared between them, the familiarity of it soothing Srinu’s troubled mind.
Later, as Srinu entered the bedroom, Ganga was already following her nightly routine: brushing her teeth, applying moisturizer to her skin. He watched her for a moment, his eyes tracing the smooth lines of her face, the way her skin seemed to glow even under the soft lights. She was beautiful, radiant in a way that always took his breath away.
Ganga: ( with a soft smile, leaning in to give him a goodnight kiss) "Goodnight, Srinu. Sweet dreams."
Srinu: ( returning the kiss, his voice filled with a quiet sincerity) "Goodnight."
She turned off the lights and settled into her side of the bed, while Srinu followed suit a few moments later. The darkness of the room enveloped them, and for the first time that day, Srinu allowed himself to relax, his body sinking into the mattress as sleep began to pull at him.
This routine continued for the rest of the week. Each morning, Srinu woke up early, got ready for work, and reached his office as soon as possible. He spent hours glued to his computer screen, watching the live feed from the CCTV cameras, hoping for some clue, some sign that would lead him to the truth. But each day was the same as the one before: Ganga performing her daily duties as a homemaker—cooking, washing, cleaning the house, watching TV, and taking naps.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, growing more frustrated each day) "It’s just the same… day after day… nothing’s changed…"
He noticed that everyone—the milkman, the water boy, and other service providers—arrived on time, and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. The days passed in a repetitive pattern, the routine grinding away at Srinu’s patience and sanity.
Finally, Friday arrived, the last day of the work week. The office buzzed with excitement as everyone anticipated the upcoming weekend. Some of Srinu’s colleagues talked about attending parties, while others planned to go to the movies. But Srinu seemed lost in his own world, isolated in his office room, his eyes once again fixed on the screen.
The day was no different from the ones before. Ganga went about her usual routine, the footage showing nothing out of place, nothing that would suggest any hidden secrets. Srinu’s frustration grew with each passing hour, the tension building until he could hardly bear it.
As the day came to an end, Srinu finally closed his laptop with a sense of defeat. He had hoped—desperately—that something would be revealed, that he would finally find the truth that had eluded him all week. But there was nothing. Just the same, mundane routine.
Srinu: ( sighing deeply, his voice filled with frustration and exhaustion) "I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this…"
He packed his things and left the office, the weight of the week pressing down on him as he rode his bike home.
After Srinu and Ganga returned home, they fell into their usual evening routine. The familiar rhythm of their evening together—the light chatter over dinner, the shared moments of watching TV—was comforting, but Srinu's mind was elsewhere. He was distracted, his thoughts weighed down by the surveillance he had been conducting all week. As the time approached for them to head to bed, Srinu excused himself, telling Ganga that he had some emails to send for work.
Srinu: ( with a forced smile, trying to mask his tension) "I’ve got a few emails to send. You go ahead; I’ll join you in bed soon."
Ganga nodded, unaware of the turmoil brewing inside him, and made her way to the bedroom. Srinu watched her leave, his heart heavy with guilt. Once she was out of sight, he walked briskly to his office and locked the door behind him. The room felt colder, more isolated than usual as he sat down at his desk and opened his laptop.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he accessed the CCTV footage. He fast-forwarded through the footage from the past week, his eyes scanning the screen intently, searching for any sign, any clue that he had missed. But the scenes that played out before him were the same: Ganga going about her daily life with quiet efficiency, interacting with delivery men and service providers, cooking meals, and watching TV.
There was nothing—nothing that pointed to any betrayal, nothing to justify the doubts that had driven him to this point. The frustration that had been simmering all week boiled over, and Srinu slammed his hand down on the desk, the sound echoing through the small room. He cursed under his breath, anger and self-loathing mingling as he demanded answers from the voice that had led him down this path.
Srinu: ( his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief, shouting at the empty room) "Yang! Where are you? Come out and talk to me!"
For a moment, there was only silence, the room filled with the low hum of his laptop. Then, Yang’s voice echoed in his mind, but it was not the commanding, assured tone that Srinu had grown used to. This time, Yang sounded almost uncertain, as if he, too, couldn’t believe what had happened.
Yang: ( hesitant, struggling to maintain his usual confidence) "This… this can’t be right. There has to be something we’re missing. There should be something here…"
Srinu: ( his voice rising with anger, his frustration spilling over) "Why is there nothing in this footage? I’ve been watching like a hawk for a week! You made me do this—you made me insult my wife and doubt her loyalty! Explain yourself!"
Yang tried to offer an explanation, but there was an edge of desperation in his voice, a sense that he was grasping at straws.
Yang: ( defensive, trying to regain control) "This can’t be happening… We’re missing something. There’s got to be more to it—there has to be."
But Srinu had heard enough. The anger that had fueled his actions began to dissolve, replaced by a deep, overwhelming sense of guilt and regret.
Srinu: ( his voice breaking with emotion, tears welling up in his eyes) "I should have never listened to you. You’re a disease, Yang. Because of you, I insulted my wife by spying on her… and I insulted Yin and his wisdom."
As the weight of his actions settled on him, Srinu fell to his knees, the tears finally spilling over as he wept. But these weren’t tears of despair—they were tears of relief. Relief that Ganga had not betrayed him, that she was loyal, kind, and everything he had always believed her to be.
Srinu: ( pleading, his voice trembling with sincerity as he called out to Yin) "Yin… please, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you. Please come back—I need your guidance."
In the stillness of the room, Srinu heard a familiar, calm voice. It was Yin, his tone filled with the gentle reassurance that Srinu had been longing for.
Yin: ( softly, comforting like an old friend) "I’m always here, my friend."
Srinu: ( relieved, tears still streaming down his face as he whispered) "Thank you, Yin… thank you for coming back."
Yang, realizing that he was losing his influence over Srinu, tried one last time to assert himself, but his voice was tinged with frustration and desperation.
Yang: ( shouting, his voice growing fainter as he spoke) "You’re making a mistake by banishing me! One day, you’ll see that I was right!"
But Srinu ignored Yang’s words, his resolve firm as he focused on Yin’s calming presence. As Yang’s voice faded into nothingness, Srinu felt a sense of peace beginning to settle over him.
Srinu: ( grateful, speaking to Yin with deep appreciation) "Thank you, Yin, for coming back. I was so ashamed… ashamed of what I did—spying on my wife, insulting her dignity."
Yin’s response was filled with understanding, his voice gentle and wise.
Yin: ( reassuring, offering comfort) "You acted out of doubt, Srinu, but those doubts weren’t yours. They were planted by Yang. What matters now is that you recognize the truth and can move forward."
Srinu nodded, the weight of his guilt beginning to lift as he listened to Yin’s words.
Srinu: ( seeking guidance, his voice filled with sincerity) "What should I do now, Yin?"
Yin chuckled softly, the sound like a warm breeze that eased the tension in Srinu’s heart.
Yin: ( lighthearted, yet wise) "You don’t need to do anything, Srinu. You already have a perfect wife and a good life. Just be a good husband to your wife, and be happy."
At that moment, Srinu made a vow to himself. He would be a better husband—he would never insult Ganga’s dignity again, never doubt her or spy on her as he had done. The shame of what he had done still lingered, but there was also a sense of resolve, a determination to make things right.
Without hesitation, Srinu set to work removing all the spy cameras he had hidden around the house. He carefully packed them away, ensuring that no one would ever find them again. As he gathered the last of the equipment, a sense of relief washed over him—relief that the cameras were gone, that the invasion of Ganga’s privacy had ended, and that he could finally begin to restore the trust he had so recklessly shattered.
Feeling lighter than he had in days, Srinu made his way to the bedroom. Ganga was already asleep, her breathing soft and steady. He slipped into bed beside her, gently taking her hand in his and gazing at her peaceful face. In that quiet moment, he contemplated everything that had happened, the turmoil he had caused, and the love he had nearly lost.
Srinu: ( whispering to her sleeping form, his voice filled with a quiet promise) "From tomorrow, it’s a new start for us. I’ll be the husband you deserve, and I’ll never doubt you again."
As he lay there, holding her hand, Srinu felt a huge burden lift off his shoulders. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was at peace. The tension that had gripped him for so long was gone, replaced by a deep sense of calm and certainty. And as he closed his eyes, ready to embrace sleep.
The next morning, it was Saturday. Srinu woke up feeling more refreshed and energetic than he had in a long time. The burden that had weighed heavily on him for weeks seemed to have lifted overnight, leaving him with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. He smiled to himself as he stretched and looked around the bedroom, but quickly noticed that Ganga wasn’t there.
Curious, he got out of bed and began searching for her throughout the house. It didn’t take long for him to find her in the Pooja room, the soft light of the early morning filtering through the windows as she knelt before the small altar, offering prayers to God. Srinu stood quietly in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt her moment of devotion. He watched her with a tender smile, feeling a deep sense of love and gratitude for the woman who had stood by him through everything.
When Ganga finished her prayers and stepped out of the room, Srinu greeted her with a cheerful, "Good morning!"
Srinu: ( smiling brightly, his voice warm) "Good morning! What’s up?"
Ganga returned his smile, clearly pleased to see him in such high spirits after so long.
Ganga: ( happily, her eyes sparkling) "I just had a call with my mother. She invited me to a family ceremony."
Srinu’s face lit up at the news, eager to join her.
Srinu: ( excitedly, his enthusiasm genuine) "Great! Give me some time to get ready, and we’ll go to your family ceremony together."
Ganga’s heart swelled with happiness at seeing Srinu so cheerful and full of energy. It had been a while since she had seen him this way, and it warmed her heart.
Ganga: ( giggling, hugging him tightly) "Sorry, love, but it’s only for women."
Srinu understood immediately, but rather than letting it dampen his mood, he chose to keep the positive energy flowing. He was determined to make the day special for both of them, even if they were apart for a few hours.
Srinu: ( with a playful smile, still full of enthusiasm) "No worries! You go ahead and have a great time with your family. I’ll stay here and prepare a delicious lunch for us. We can enjoy it together when you come back."
Ganga laughed softly, touched by his sweetness.
Ganga: ( teasingly, with a twinkle in her eye) "Just don’t burn the house down while I’m gone!"
She kissed him goodbye, a light, affectionate peck on the lips, before heading out the door. Srinu watched her go, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. After locking the door behind her, he turned his attention to the kitchen, eager to surprise her with a homemade meal.
Determined to make something special, Srinu pulled up a cooking tutorial on his phone and set about preparing lunch. The kitchen filled with the aroma of spices and sizzling ingredients as he followed the steps in the video, carefully chopping, stirring, and tasting as he went along. He was so engrossed in his task that when his phone rang, it startled him.
He quickly wiped his hands on a towel and glanced at the caller ID. To his surprise, it was the security officer inspector—the one who had been handling the case after Javed and Chacha had attacked them at the theater. Srinu’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, wondering what news the inspector had to share.
Srinu: ( politely, his curiosity piqued) "Hello, Inspector. How are you?"
Inspector: ( in a friendly tone, exchanging pleasantries) "Hello, Mr. Srinu. I’m doing well, thank you. I’m calling because there’s been a new development in your case."
Srinu’s pulse quickened at the mention of a "new development."
Srinu: ( a bit anxious, his voice steady but curious) "A new development? What’s happened?"
The inspector’s voice took on a more serious tone as he began to explain.
Inspector: ( clearly, with a tone of finality) "Yes, Mr. Srinu. The main accused in your case, Javed and Chacha, are dead."
Srinu’s breath caught in his throat. He felt a rush of emotions—shock, disbelief, and an odd sense of relief all at once. He needed to know more.
Srinu: ( almost whispering, struggling to process the news) "Dead? How? What happened?"
The inspector continued, explaining the details of what had transpired.
Inspector: ( calmly, recounting the facts) "A few days ago, we received information that Javed and Chacha had gone underground after attacking you at the theater. We tracked them to their hometown, hoping to apprehend them, but their family informed us that both men had been killed in a gang fight a couple of days ago. The family members told us that they had already been buried."
Srinu listened in stunned silence as the inspector continued.
Inspector: ( with a tone of closure) "Given this information, we will be closing the case. With the main accused dead, there’s nothing more for us to pursue. I wanted to inform you personally and also to congratulate you. It seems that fate has punished them and given justice to your family."
As the call ended, Srinu lowered the phone slowly, his mind reeling from the unexpected news. He felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him, coupled with the realization that the nightmare was finally over. Javed and Chacha were gone, and with them, the lingering fear and trauma that had haunted him since the attack.
Srinu: ( whispering to himself, a smile spreading across his face) "Yes, finally… justice has been served."
He stood there for a moment, the events of the past few minutes sinking in. Two pieces of good news in one day—it felt almost surreal. He thought about Ganga, her bright smile and infectious cheerfulness, and he couldn’t help but feel that everything was falling into place. The darkness that had clouded their lives was lifting, replaced by the promise of a fresh start.
Srinu: ( thinking to himself, a sense of peace settling over him) "After all, there is a happy ending to my story."