A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 75 (Epilogue)

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 Epilogue

               

             Martha never left the asylum. She couldn’t leave it, not after what John told her one day. “Martha, the day when I was supposed to meet you at Dr. Benedict Hussey’s clinic, I reached there only to be greeted by a shocking placard displayed on the door of the clinic. “We deeply regret to inform you about the sad and untimely demise of Dr. Benedict Hussey, today morning. Kindly note that all his appointments have been cancelled.”

             

             “I then contacted his secretary who told me that you, my dear Martha, had murdered him. Knowing that something was grossly amiss, I rushed to the police-station. I told them that you were my colleague and a very good friend of mine and that you couldn’t hurt a fly; leave alone a human-being, as good as the kind Doctor, who was treating you. They were also baffled as they hadn’t been able to pin-point your motive behind the gory murder. You were still lying, weak and unconscious at the hospital and they hadn’t been able to get your statement.”

             

             “When you survived the ordeal of your attempted suicide and recovered after 2 weeks, the police obtained your version of the events that led to the murder. They obtained a search warrant and searched the entire apartment for clues. In the Doctor’s closet, they found a cleverly concealed compartment that contained your novel.”

              

             “I was in regular touch with the Chief Investigating Officer-in-charge of your case. When he told me about the discovery, I was elated that your efforts had not gone in vain and that it could still be published. But I was pained to note that nothing in this world could bring the Doctor to life. Oh, Martha, why did you have to act so hastily?”

              

             Shell-shocked, Martha had just continued staring at him. She was speechless. She was guilty as hell. Now she would be the one who would be damned to Hell! She had killed an innocent person out to cure her, impulsively, irrationally and insanely. She knew now that she truly belonged to the mental asylum! Forever!

               

             Her novel titled, 'A Suitor for the Princess' was published by Norman’s publishing house and was a resounding success. It was top-most on the best-sellers’ list for several years. John gave Martha a copy to read in the asylum. Now its characters didn’t overwhelm or disturb her at all. Only one ghost would continue to haunt her as long as she lived. Dr. Benedict Hussey’s ghost! Forgive me Benny! Oh, please forgive me ………

THE END

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The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh 

Swaminathan.

            

 

                                

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 74

             Norman received a call at his office about the murder by his associate and fiancee Martha at 5.30 p.m. He couldn’t believe his ears. “It is not possible officer. She is just not capable of such a violent act. She is the gentlest person on earth. Besides, why in heavens would she murder the doctor who was treating her? It just doesn’t make sense!”

            “The fact remains that she has committed the murder. We have done our duty by informing you,” the officer said curtly and disconnected the call. Gentle indeed! He smirked.

              Norman placed his head between his hands with elbows resting on his table and broke down. He was devastated.

              The next day’s newspapers all over the state carried the shocking news of Martha’s arrest on charges of murder. The whole state was filled with disbelieving people who loved Martha and her writings. “What a waste of a promising writer? Surely, she must have had a valid reason for her act!” they sympathized. Everywhere one went, there were hushed whispers or animated conversations centering round Martha’s deed.

                 The office staff didn’t know how to react. They were very concerned about the well-being of their esteemed Boss. What an irreparable loss for him! They just held an urgent meeting and decided to be as discreet as possible. Norman warned them against speaking to anyone about Martha. They in turn, valued their bread and butter, hence kept mum. “No comments” was all one could get out of them.

                Susan intimated John with great trepidation, one evening. “John, I hope you know about Martha,” she began. “Yes Susan. I’m sure that it is all a horrible mistake. She will soon be acquitted. I’m sure about that. I’ll stand by her even if the whole world goes against her. Thanks for your concern.” 

                Susan felt happy that John had so much faith in Martha. She was also of the same opinion. She just couldn’t imagine that elegant lady committing a cold-blooded murder without any motive. Or did she have any? She felt uneasy as she remembered Martha’s fainting spells and vague behavior on certain occasions. Was she unhinged totally? A shiver ran up her spine.

                The trial ran for several months. Seeing her hysteria, violence and mental condition, the court ordered for her to be admitted into a mental asylum. The Government’s panel of doctors had earlier passed the verdict that she had Paranoid Schizophrenia. The murder was an outcome of one such unfortunate episode when the patient, Martha had not known what she was doing!

                John went to the mental asylum to meet Martha. She appeared depressed and just soulfully looked at him with tears streaming from her beautiful blue eyes.

                “I’ll wait for you Martha,” he said in a choked voice. He had decided that Martha was his for life. He would stand by her till death did them apart. So what if they hadn’t exchanged wedding rings or sacred marriage vows! She was his life-partner. He’d wait for her till eternity. Little did he realize that his task was far from over! His patience would be tested life-long.

               The Princess had at last, found her suitor.

                                                                        

THE END

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.