The Astral Alibi Read Free

cases with Astrology. Though she’d never quite spelled it to him, Mohnish had shouldered an equal share of the teething problems of Stellar Investigations. Considering she had taken an instant dislike to him the first time he had stepped into her office, high-handedly demanding an interview, he had turned out to be surprisingly supportive and eventually a good friend. Yes, she most certainly liked Mohnish.
    But another pair of blue-green eyes and a drawling voice insinuated itself regularly into her memory. Varun Thakur, or The Owl, as he was known in the police circles. She seethed at the way he had tricked her into finding his diamonds. He was clever, she had to admit, and every bit as intelligent and crooked as his reputation marked him to be. And yet fascinating…
    Sonia was too confused to distinguish right from wrong. And Mohnish from Varun…
    “Sonia…?” Mohnish was observing her closely.
    “Mohnish, I don’t know what to say.”
    “Say nothing. I’m simply asking you to spend some time with me. We’ll just enjoy being together and find out where that leads us. Will you do that?”
    “Okay,” Sonia agreed.
    “Good! Now I can enjoy my
chai.
”
    “I’d love a cup, too!” Inspector Divekar, encased in a khaki-coloured uniform, sauntered in, a wide smile on his plumpish face. “It’s cold out there!”
    “Good morning, Uncle.” Sonia greeted her Father’s good friend warmly.
    “Hello, Sir,” Mohnish added, drawing over a chair.
    The Inspector sat down. “I was just passing by and thought that I’d drop in and see how the new year has begun for you.”
    “Not too well, Uncle,” Sonia sighed. “Not a single case in hand, but I haven’t given up hope as yet. I’m quite confident that the diary Jatin gave me for Christmas is going to be full of appointments!”
    “You’re right, Boss,” Jatin said, entering with a cup of
chai
for Inspector Divekar. “Just wait and watch.”
    “Full faith in her, huh?” Inspector Divekar took a long sip from his cup.
    “Of course,” Jatin said. “Besides, Boss gave me a mobile phone for Christmas and I have every intention of putting it to good use, too!”
    Sonia laughed. “Anyway, how are things with you, Uncle?”
    “Busy, as usual. The Owl’s escape from under our very noses still rankles. Had we been more alert, we could’ve caught him!”
    “Provided he
is
The Owl,” Sonia reminded lightly.
    “Of course he’s The Owl!” Mohnish retaliated impatiently.
    “Oh yes, the guy who met you was most definitely The Owl,” Inspector Divekar endorsed. “And he now has the Kerkar jewels to add to his grand collection.”
    “Don’t remind me.” Sonia sighed again. “The Owl or not, I definitely have a score to settle with that man.”
    “Be careful,
beti,
” Inspector Divekar warned. “You never know with these guys. Don’t go on that outward suave and sober front. They could get dangerous. Best not to provoke such types.”
    “Don’t worry, Uncle. Varun Thakur didn’t seem particularly dangerous to me, but I’ll keep that in mind. Not that our roads will cross again. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay right out of my path!”
    Mohnish and Inspector Divekar exchanged quick looks.
    “Be careful, that’s all,” the Inspector repeated. He gulped down his tea and stood up. “Well, see you later, then. Got to get back to the Police Station. Bye.”
    Mohnish studied Sonia in silence. She seemed deep in thought as she fondled Nidhi. And it troubled him. In fact, he felt positively disturbed.
    “A rupee for your thoughts, Madam,” he said in a cheerful note.
    She glanced up, surprised. “Sorry, I…”
    “It’s all right. We’ve known each other for almost a year now, Sonia. I’m beginning to understand you.” A smile plucked at his lips.
    Sonia grinned. “Are you?”
    “Yes. Varun Thakur has left a trace of incompletion and dissatisfaction in your mind. And even though I’m totally aware of your skills and courage, I