Love and the Dark Night

PART THREE, TWENTY-FOUR

I called up Tessa’s doctor. And while we waited for his arrival, Anais’ hand was on Tessa’s. I related how I had met Tessa at the train on my way to Kurseong. And as she listened, I ran my fingers over Tessa’s head.

“She was a hard working lady,” I said.

Anais nodded, her eyes still on Tessa. She was sniffling and dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief.

I rested my hand on hers.

“I feel so low,” she said.

“What happened?” I said and found her eyes red.

Anais continued looking at Tessa’s still form.

“Shantiniketan Express, Sunday 27th,” she said.

I looked at her.

“What of that?”

“Arjun Mukherjee of Ballygunge Place. The Private Eye. His seat was A 31. He checked in at Pagol Mon, room 201. Yours was 202.”

I looked at the brass Buddha on Tessa’s table. It eyes were staring at nowh