Chapter 10: Jitendra’s Return and Unbearable Grief
Jitendra, who was kaam pe in Pune, got the call from police and rushed back home that very raat.
He caught the first train, staring out the khidki as fields went from black to green. The whole way, he clutched his mobile, haath kaanpte hue.
At that point, the body was still at the scene, waiting for parivar. It was so garmi, so ice was packed around the body, but the forensic doctor, busy with khoon and samples, hadn’t stitched the gale ka zakhm or moved the head.
When Jitendra entered, grief overtook him and he threw himself on his wife. The moment he hugged her shoulders, Anjali’s head rolled to the floor.
Neighbours gasped, auratein covered their mouths to stifle screams. Buzurg men turned away, muttering prarthana.
The kulhadi had cut so deep, only a thin skin layer held her head. Forensic doctor dared not touch.
On the floor, Anjali’s lips were still bright red, eyes wide open, staring at her pati.
Jitendra screamed, “Maa!” and fainted.
It was a scene koi bhi nahi bhool saka; even now, log avoid that lane after sunset.