The Hidden Diary Chapter 2 - Past Conflict

  Later that day, Ishmael found himself sprawled on his bed, lost in a treasure trove of memories about his days with Shruthi. As he daydreamed, one memory shone brighter than the rest. It was a sunny October day, and Ishmael's classmates were all busy cramming for their upcoming semester exams. Notably, Daniel, Ravi, and Maya were missing in action. In this studious setting, Shruthi was the epitome of focus, buried deep in her books.

  On the other hand, Ishmael was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, wasting time like a pro. His thumb finally landed on a meme that cracked him up, and he couldn't help but share the hilarious find with Shruthi. Their laughter echoed in the room, forging a silent connection between them. After that Shruthi asked in sign language, “Ishmael, why aren't you hitting the books? What's your excuse?”

  Ibrahim then replied, “See Shruthi, I have been trying to understand concept for past two weeks. But nothing going inside my head, so I decided not to study.” After hearing that, Shruhti knocked at Ibrahim forehead with her two fingers. Ibrahim felt pain and he asked, “Hey why did you hit me?” Shruthi replied in sign language, “Are you mad? Just because you didn’t able to understand the concept will you back yourself from studying?” Ibrahim then said, “Then what are expecting me to do?”

  Shruthi then said in sign language, “Don’t afraid of the result, just keep trying. Also I am there to help you,” Ibrahim felt okay with it but he thought that he will be disturbing them. So he said, “Thanks for deciding to help me, but it will be burden for you,” Shruthi interrupted him and said in sign, “I will take that burden you just concentrate towards your study.” After that, Shruthi started helping him. With this flashback came to end, at the same time Ibrahim took a stand.

  The next day we see Ravi, Maya and Daniel were going to have a discussion in one of the empty class inside the college. As they were going to start the discussion, Maya asks, “Daniel, yesterday you shouted like some big shot now what happened? Now you are remaining quiet like a mouse.” Daniel then replied, “Maya please remain quiet for a moment. I will say…” At that moment Ibrahim enters the class, while entering the class he asks them, “Hello guys, how is the investigation going on?” Ravi, Maya and Daniel didn’t say they were simply staring at them like a person look at the strangers. After Ibrahim approached them, he again asked them, “Hey guys what happened? Why you all looking at me like that?”

  Ravi then made a taunting comment, “Hey Daniel, yesterday one fool asked am I some kind of detective and today that same fool asking how the investigation is going on? There are people around us don’t know what is self-respect?” Ibrahim already know Ravi is talking about him so he interrupted him and said, “Ok, ok I understood what are you up to? Yesterday, I spoken like that but at the same time Shruthi is my friend. So I decided I join to find out her death mystery.” Ravi then asked him, “This same thing I told you yesterday. Now you were mind able to get into this part.” Ibrahim simply stood silent, after seeing his silence Daniel said, “Ravi leaves it, it was just a yesterday thing. Today he is with us, that’s a good thing. So without wasting any time we will start the discussion.”

    Ravi then started discussion. He started saying, “The night was 10^th September, around 9:45 p.m. Shruthi found death hanging herself in her room. So our first objective is to find whether she really committed suicide or it was something else?” Ibrahim then asked, “Hmm, is there anything you have so that we can find a clear conclusion here.” Ravi replied, “Yes for that we have to go through what happened that night. Maya you told me that you read the case study of Shruthi death. So can you explain us what was stated in police report.” Maya then started saying, “Ok, around 9:35 p.m., a Hyundai car crashed into the local area electricity transform due to which there is a blackout happened in that area. The crash sound was heard in near neighbour. So people living in that area went out to check out what happened.  Shruthi mom also did like that, she also went out to check out what happened leaving Shruthi at home. Within few minutes she returned to home. As she returned to home, she found out that Shruthi was hanging herself in her room.”

  After hearing all this, Ravi then said, “Yesterday, I didn’t said anything in naïve. I had my points. Ibrahim if you clearly heard what happened that night, you can find there were two things that happened that night. One was blackout and another was the car accident because both this happened at that time also Shruthi death. So it made me to raise a doubt whether Shruthi death was really a suicide?” Ibrahim then asked, “But we can’t land into any conclusion with this mere assumption.” Maya then said, “Hmm, but I got to know from my brother that the car driver hasn’t been found till now and car was a stolen car. So it may push us towards the conclusion that her death was not a death but at the same time how someone can pass through the entrance gate. That’s my only question here.”

  Daniel then said, “Hmm, even me and Ravi had that same doubt. So we went there to check is there alternative way that someone enters into that residence building. And we find that a person with above 5’10 can easily jump through the right hand side compound wall.” After that Ravi said, “After considering this entire factor we can see clear cut what happened here. The car crashed into the transformer by someone. So that they can get some distraction, after doing that, they entered through the right hand side compound wall and might kill and framed Shruthi’s death as a suicide without any trace.”

  Ibrahim then said, “Hmm, even I also thinking the same. So I also agree with that.” They all got conclusion that Shruthi death was murder but there conclusion was like a hanging thread. Still all of them put forth the logic in front and decided to jump into conclusion. After that, Daniel asks, “Ok, we all got into a conclusion but who would do such thing?” Ravi took a slight breadth and said, “It is him, that damn Bharghav.” Daniel then replied, “Dude, do you know what you’re saying. How can be so sure that it was him?” Ravi looked at Daniel and asked, “Don’t you remember what happen between him and Shruthi.”

    As the timeline shifted back one year ago, it was once again Shruthi's second semester in college. During this period, many students began actively participating in various college activities after a period of self-discovery in the first semester. They gained confidence and started immersing themselves in these activities. In a similar vein, Shruthi and Maya became interested in their college dance club and decided to audition for it. Now, we see both of them returning from their auditions, their faces brimming with joy and excitement as they had given their best during the audition process. The thrill of the audition was still fresh in their minds, and they couldn't wait to hear the results.

  As they walked down the corridors, Shruthi was noticed by one of her classmates, Barghav. Barghav is Shruthi's classmate, but for Shruthi, Barghav is somewhat of a pest. This is due to Barghav's behavior; he consistently teases Shruthi about her muteness. Furthermore, Barghav is famous because of his brother, Praveen, who holds the esteemed position of college sports captain. This association has provided Barghav with connections to college seniors, leading most students to try to avoid any issues with him. Unfortunately, Barghav appears to take advantage of these circumstances and exhibits an attitude throughout the college as somewhat domineering figure. 

    Whenever Barghav is around, he used to tease Shruthi by pretending to be mute. Shruthi earlier attempted to explain to him that it was hurting her, but Barghav didn't consider her feelings and continued with his teasing. Consequently, Shruthi began ignoring him. As Barghav noticed Shruthi, he began exhibiting his cheesy behavior by pretending to be mute in front of his friends. Upon noticing this, Shruthi attempted to ignore it, but a fiery anger towards Barghav started to build within her.

  She didn't wish to initiate a conflict, yet she felt compelled not to let Barghav's behavior go unchecked. Driven by this surging anger, Shruthi made a swift decision. Like a lightning strike, she slapped Barghav in front of everyones present. This unexpected action left Barghav and his nearby friends flinching in astonishment, unsure of how to react. Even Maya, who was close to Shruthi, was shocked by her actions. With a death gaze directed at Barghav, Shruthi then proceeded to head to her class. Maya walked beside her, trying to inquire why she had taken such a drastic step.

    Shruthi refrained from responding to any questions posed by Maya as they both entered the classroom within a matter of seconds. Inside the classroom, a discussion was underway involving Ravi, Daniel, and Ibrahim. Upon noticing the arrival of Maya and Shruthi, Daniel made an attempt to extend a greeting. However, Shruthi chose to ignore his gesture and proceeded to locate a seat, where she sat in a state of palpable anger.

  The three of them noticed that Shruthi in anger. Daniel questioned Maya, “What happened? Why she is in such anger?”  Maya replied in furious, “I am also not getting why she is in anger. Also he slapped Barghav in front of everybody.” After hearing, the three of them was shocked. Ibrahim asked in confused, “Hey Shruthi, why did you slap Barghav?” Shruthi again refrained from saying anything. Daniel then asked in clam state, “Why did you slap him? What was the reason?”

  Finally after a prolonged, Shruthi started explaining what happened in a sign language, “I slapped him because of his constant pestering behaviour. He used to tease me by my muteness. Whenever he sees me, he tries to mimic me. Also, he was the one, who made such comment during the introduction speech. I tried to explain him, that it is hurting me from inside. But he didn’t take anything to account, and continued with his habit. So I slapped him.” After hearing her side reason, the four of them realized what she had gone through it. But Ismael still questioned, “So you will slap him in front of everybody?” Shruthi then explained in sign language, “I didn’t slapped in front of everybody intentionally. It was just a moment of frustration and anger that boiled over. I couldn't hold back anymore. I wanted him to know that his actions were hurting me, and I needed to stand up for myself.”

  Ravi, Daniel, and Ibrahim, now understanding the gravity of the situation, exchanged glances. They realized that Barghav's behavior had pushed Shruthi to a breaking point. Daniel then said, “Guys, I guess she has gone through a tense time because of him.” Ishmael then responded, “Hmm, but Bharghav is not going to remain unaffected after this incident.” Maya replied, “Hmm, we will not stay quiet.” Ravi then said, “Let’s see what he will do.” At that moment, the four of them decided to support Shruthi.

As the four of them took a stand for Shruthi, the atmosphere in the classroom became charged with tension. Bharghav, accompanied by some seniors, entered the class, unaware of the storm that awaited him. With the anger upon Shruthi, Bharghav gained additional confidence due to the company of the seniors. With newfound confidence, Bharghav called out to Shruthi, “Shruthi, I need to talk with you.” In that moment, Daniel responded, “She doesn't need to talk to you. Whatever you have to say, you can say it here in front of all of us.”

  Bharghav felt slightly uncomfortable and irritated with the response. In that moment, one of the seniors said, “He is asking her, why are you interfering in it.” Ishmael responded, “She is our friend, so we will interfere in it.” Another senior replied, “The problem is between Bharghav and her. Why are you all poking your nose into it?” Ravi then responded, “We will, if he wants to say something, talk about it here.” Upon seeing such support, Bharghav and the seniors realized that they couldn’t talk to her alone. Bharghav, trying to save face, said, “Ok, fine. Just ask her to say sorry to me here. She slapped me in front of everybody.”

  At that time, Maya questioned, “Do you know why she slapped you?” Maya's question hung in the air, causing Bharghav to feel the weight of the situation. He hesitated before responding, “I don't care why she slapped me. She disrespected me in front of everyone, and she needs to apologize.” Daniel replied with the brave statement, “She wouldn’t.” Upon hearing this statement, one of the seniors got angry. He grabbed Daniel’s collar. Witnessing such action, Ravi kicked him. With this, a fight broke out between the two groups.

  The classroom erupted into chaos. Desks were overturned, and the noise attracted the attention of other students and faculty members. The commotion grew louder, with shouts filling the air. Later we see the two groups standing in front of the principal with their heads bow down. The principal was shouting at them, “Are you all goons what? Fighting like rogue in the college. Now tell me why you all were fighting.”  One of the senior responded, “That first year girl Shruthi slapped Bharghav. So we all went with Bharghav to resolve the issue.” The principal then said, “Oh you will resolve this matter like this only. But why did she slap her?”

  The principal then further asked, “Ok tell me Bharghav. Why did she slap you?” Bharghav got hesitant of what to say. At that moment, Ismael started saying what happened, “Sir, actually Shruthi by birth can’t able to speak. Everyone in our class know about it. But Bharghav took this as funny thing, and started teasing her. Shruthi tried explain her, but he didn’t listen. So in anger, Shruthi slapped Bharghav.” The principal listened carefully to Ishmael's explanation, his expression turning stern. After a moment of contemplation, he addressed Bharghav, “Are you Vijay’s brother right?” Bharghav with hesitant tone replied, “Yes sir.”

  The principal then asked, “Do you know about her inability to speak?” Bharghav, hesitant but accepting, replied, “Yes, sir, but I…” The principal interrupted, stating, “You carry your brother's name in the college, and you are tarnishing it. I am suspending you for 2 weeks.” The principal's decision to suspend Bharghav for two weeks sent shockwaves through all of them. Bharghav attempted to explain himself, but the principal stood firm in his decision. He further warned the seniors not to interfere in such matters again. The principal added, “Also, all of you, if anyone does such a thing, you should first report it to your staff. Similar to the seniors, this is the last warning for all of you as well. Understand?” Ravi, Daniel, Maya, and Ismael chorused, “Yes, sir.” With this, the past incident came to an end.

  The scene shifts to the present timeline, where Ravi, Daniel, Maya, and Ismael are waiting for someone in a park, resembling a pack of vultures waiting for their prey. In that moment, Ravi asks, “Ismael, are you sure he will come?” Ismael responds, “He will.” As Bharghav enters the park, tension rises among the four of them. Despite the tension, they try to remain calm as they want to uncover the truth. As Bharghav approaches them, Ravi, taking the lead, steps forward and confronts him, saying, "Take a seat; we need to talk about something."

  Bharghav responded, “I don’t have time for all of this. Just tell me, what do you need to know?” Daniel, with a stern expression, continued Ravi’s question, "Bharghav, do you have anything to do with Shruthi's death?" Bharghav, taken aback, replied, “What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I have anything to do with her death?” Maya then responded, “Everybody in college knows there was a clash between you and Shruthi. Don’t try to hide anything.” Bharghav, with stern tension, responded, “See, there was a clash, but it has been almost a year since that incident. At that time, I was the one who made a mistake. I realized that as well, and after that, I never tried to disturb her.”

  Bharghav tried to explain his defense point, but Ravi was not in the mood to listen. Furious like a fire, he grabbed Bharghav and pinned him against one side of the park wall. He asked furiously, “Tell me, on the night of September 10th, where were you?” Ishmael and Daniel tried to break free from Ravi's grip, but Bharghav held too strong. Bharghav responded, “Are you mad? Why are you doing this?” On the other side, Maya, Daniel, and Ishmael were trying to stop Ravi. Ravi, still persistent with the question, said, “Tell me where you were that night?” Bharghav replied, “I was at Surya’s birthday party that night.” Bharghav then asked, “How should I believe it?” Bharghav then responded, “If you let go of me, I will show you those birthday pictures.” Bharghav then loosened his hand grip.

  After that, Bharghav showed the birthday pictures. The four of them compared the photo's timestamps, and they matched properly. At that moment, they realized that Bharghav was not the one who killed Shruthi. Ravi acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized to Bharghav for his behavior. Bharghav responded, “It’s okay; I understand what you all are going through. I don’t know whether Shruthi's death was suicide or murder, but if you are trying to find the truth, then go through a proper investigation.” After that, Bharghav left the spot.

  After he left, Ismael asked, “Ravi, are you mad? Why did you do that?” Ravi replied, “I thought that he was lying, that’s why.” Ismael then asked, “Ok, now we know he is not. Was your action justified here?” For that question, Bharghav remained silent. Daniel then responded, “Ismael, leave it; we will just focus on what's next.” Ismael then replied, “Ok, we know it is not Bharghav. So what caused her to lose her life?” Ravi also remained silent because the three of them felt that they hit a roadblock now. As they were thinking, at that moment, Maya said, “Guys, do you remember the bus incident that happened a few years ago?”

  As she brought up the incident, the timeline shifted to three months back. We see Shruthi, Daniel, Ravi, and Ismael waiting for Maya. Shruthi asked in sign language, “Hey, where is she? It’s almost time.” Ravi replied, “She will be; let’s wait.” As they were waiting, Maya arrived at the place. She apologized first for being late. Ravi responded, “In college, you used to come late; here also?” Maya replied with a slight smile, “Ok, ok, it’s my fault only. Shall we move?” After that, they all left the place. The five of them had planned to explore the annual art festival happening at Dombivali. After an hour-long journey, they reached the art festival.

  For 3 hours, they explored various places inside the art festival, featuring various paintings, sculptures, and art styles. After that, they all left that place with joy and satisfaction. Afterward, the five of them boarded a bus. Shruthi and Maya occupied one seat, while Daniel, Ismael, and Ravi took another seat. As they were heading home, Maya's facial expression changed. She started feeling uncomfortable with something. Shruthi, sitting beside her, noticed Maya's reaction and sensed something was wrong. She tried to ask her in sign language, “What happened?” Maya slowly whispered in her ears, and as soon as Shruthi heard, she slapped an adult man sitting behind their seat.

  As she slapped, the adult man got angry with her action. He was about to slap Shruthi in return, but Ravi, Ismael, and Daniel stopped him. Daniel asked her, “Hey Shruthi, what happened? Why did you slap him?” Shruthi, with intense emotions, began explaining in sign language that the adult man had been trying to harass Maya. She described how he had been rubbing his foot against Maya's, making her uncomfortable. Ravi, Ismael, and Daniel were visibly angered by this revelation. They turned their attention to the adult man sitting behind them.

  Ravi, with a stern expression, confronted the man, “Is it true? Were you harassing Maya?” The man vehemently denied the accusation, trying to dismiss it as a misunderstanding. However, Ravi was persistent, and he turned to Maya for confirmation. Maya, nodding in agreement, signed that the man had indeed been crossing boundaries. This revelation heightened the tension in the bus. Ismael and Daniel joined Ravi in confronting the man, demanding an explanation for his inappropriate behavior. The adult man, feeling cornered, continued to deny the allegations.

  The situation escalated as the bus became a battleground of words. Other passengers started noticing the commotion and looked on with curiosity. Some were annoyed by the disturbance, while others began to express support for Shruthi, Maya, and their friends. Amidst the chaos, the bus conductor noticed the growing tension and approached the group. He sternly asked, “What's happening here?” Ravi quickly explained the situation, detailing the harassment that Shruthi had witnessed, and Maya had experienced. The conductor got steamed by this incident. He asked the bus driver to drive to the nearby police station.

  At that police station, we see Maya’s brother, Aditya, and the five of them discussing this issue. They were trying to lodge a complaint against that person. At that moment, the family of that person arrived at the police station. The wife of that person tried to reason with them. But Aditya stood firm with the decision to file a complaint against that person. His wife started begging him, and upon seeing her actions, Maya requested Aditya to stop lodging that complaint. Due to her request, Aditya didn’t lodge any complaint.

  As they were about to leave the station, Aditya scolded Maya for being a coward in that situation and appreciated Shruthi for standing bravely. Maya, with her head down, said, “I am sorry, I should have stood brave there. I will not be a coward like this again.” After that assurance, Aditya felt reassured with his sister, and they started leaving the station. During that moment, Maya noticed the rage in that person's eyes. His eyes were flashing red towards Shruthi.