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.
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