MY ANGEL IS A DEVIL

CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 :

Though Pravalika was accustomed to this privilege, she adhered to protocol, ensuring that every visit to the Commissioner’s office was handled with formality.

“Good morning, Sir!” She greeted the commissioner as she entered the office.

“Good morning, Pravalika!”, Mr. Raghunath responded warmly.

Pravalika briefed the Commissioner on the case, including the new lead they had uncovered. “Sir! He is our best lead at the moment. Once we apprehend him, I am committed to unraveling the case. I promise to prevent any further murders”.

The Commissioner, his tone tinged with regret, said,“I know you’re highly capable, Pravalika. I should have assigned this case to you after the second murder. We underestimated it initially. Had you been on it sooner, we might have caught the perpetrator by now”.

“We can’t change the past”, Pravalika replied coolly. “Instead of dwelling on regrets, we need to focus on the present to ensure the situation doesn’t worsen”.

Her words resonated with a firm resolve, underscoring her commitment to the case and her unyielding determination.

“Yes, you’re right. I trust in your abilities. I hope we won’t hear of another murder. You need to make sure of it”, Mr. Raghunath affirmed.

“Yes, Sir! I’ll do my best. I’ll take my leave now”, Pravalika replied, rising from her chair.

“Pravalika! Just one moment. I have a request”, Raghunath said.

Pravalika raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”.

Raghunath hesitated before responding,“We received an invitation to a party hosted by Mr. Rudra Pratap, a top businessman and my childhood friend. I need to attend the party on behalf of our department. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment for my wife’s birthday dinner and can’t make it. I need you to attend on my behalf”.

Pravalika’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Me? At a party? Are you serious?”.

Raghunath’s gaze was apologetic. “I know this isn’t your scene, but I have no other option. You’re the only one I trust to handle this diplomatically. This event is significant. Mr. Pratap has the power to influence government decisions, and the Home Minister is already unhappy about the case’s progress. My friend’s support could be crucial”.

Pravalika’s frustration was evident. “Sir, why push me into something I detest? You know I avoid such events”.

Raghunath sighed deeply. “Pravalika, my wife rarely asks me for anything, except for special occasions. I can’t let her down, nor can I disappoint my friend. I can’t send you to dinner with my wife, but sending you to this party would show my friend that I care. You understand?”.

Pravalika slammed her fist in the air in frustration. “Fine! I’ll do it, but only for my madam’s sake. This is the last time I’m doing something like this. Next time, I won’t entertain such requests”.

“Thank you, Pravalika! I promise this won’t happen again”, Raghunath assured, handing her a bill for the bouquet. “Please collect it on your way. I truly appreciate your help”.

Pravalika nodded slightly and left the office. Upon reaching her own office, she saw only Rakhi present.

“Where is everyone?”, Pravalika inquired.

“Madam! They went to confirm Gangu’s identity with Mr. Aditya”, Rakhi responded.

Pravalika took out her phone and called Charan, who answered promptly.

“Hello, Madam!”, Charan said.

“Any updates?”, Pravalika asked.

“Yes, Madam! Mr. Aditya confirmed the person as Gangu after seeing the photo. We’re heading to Gangu’s house now to locate him”, Charan reported.

“Continue searching. If you can’t find him, investigate his family and acquaintances”, Pravalika instructed.

After ending the call, Pravalika directed Rakhi to send the photo to the control room and ensure it was distributed to all stations. She then informed Rakhi of her departure.

Arriving at her apartment, Pravalika noticed the flat door wide open. Alert, she drew her gun and entered quietly. The apartment seemed normal, but a whistling sound from the kitchen caught her attention. Her face brightened with excitement as she ran towards the kitchen.

“Uncle…!”, she called out.

The person whistling turned, arms open, and a wide smile on his face. Pravalika embraced him, resting her head on his chest.

Vijayendar, her guardian and her late mother’s brother, had taken care of her after her parents’ passing. He had endured his own grief from losing his wife and son in an accident but still chose to raise Pravalika as his own.

“When did you arrive? I thought you were coming tomorrow”, Pravalika asked.

“Finished my work early and wanted to surprise you. How’s my little princess?”, Vijayendar asked with a laugh.

“Perfectly fine. Are you cooking dinner?”, Pravalika inquired.

“I’m preparing your favorite”, Vijayendar said.

“I’ll have my dinner later. I need to go to a party. You enjoy your meal, and I’ll eat when I get back”, Pravalika informed him.

Vijayendar looked at her in disbelief. “What? Did I hear that right? You’re going to a party?”.

Pravalika explained the situation and grumbled,“I really dislike parties, but I couldn’t refuse. I’ll just give the bouquet and leave”.

She then went to her room, showered, and dressed in her usual formal attire. After combing her hair and grabbing her jacket, bike keys, and phone, she bade her uncle goodbye and warned him to have dinner on time.

She took the elevator to the cellar, mounted her bike, and sped off into the night to reach her destination.

Upon arriving, she collected the bouquet and parked her bike. At the entrance, she handed her invitation to the guard, who looked at her in surprise for her practical attire contrasting sharply with the glamorous environment of the event.

After verifying the invitation, the guard let her into the hall. As she entered, her gaze swept over the room. Every man was in an elegant suit, the women in designer sarees, and the young ladies resembled models from a fashion show..

Pravalika, unfamiliar with the bustling atmosphere, felt out of place and overwhelmed by the crowd. Her initial impulse was to turn on her heels and flee. However, the pleading expression of the commissioner held her in check. She closed her eyes, clenched her fists tightly, and took a deep breath to steady herself.

When she opened her eyes, she transformed into her usual cold, dominating self assertive and fierce. Ignoring the curious gazes of onlookers, Pravalika moved forward and inquired of a waiter about the person she sought.

The waiter, surprised by her presence, pointed out a distinguished figure standing in the middle of the hall among a group of people. Pravalika scrutinized him for a moment before making her way over.

Mr. Rudra Pratap stood tall at six feet, exuding strength and authority. Though in his early fifties, his robust presence made him appear younger. His commanding aura could make anyone nervous in his vicinity.

As Pravalika approached him and stood a few steps away, Rudra Pratap finished his conversation and turned his attention to her. His raised eyebrows and penetrating gaze hinted at his curiosity about her unexpected presence. He quickly assessed that she was not an ordinary guest.

Pravalika stepped forward and extended a bouquet with a polite smile. “Good evening, sir! Hearty congratulations on your company anniversary!”.

Rudra accepted the bouquet with a warm smile and asked,“Thank you, young lady! By any chance, did I fail to recognize you?”.

Pravalika shook her head and replied,“I’m sorry, sir, for any confusion. I’m here representing Commissioner Raghunath, who sends his heartfelt congratulations for your success. He also apologizes for his absence at the party”.

Rudra raised an eyebrow and queried,“Oh really? So, he believes his absence is compensated for by sending a representative?”.

Pravalika shook her head and explained politely,“No, sir! It’s not that. Since he couldn’t attend, he sent me to convey his wishes personally, underscoring the importance of your friendship”. She paused, tilting her head slightly,“Isn’t it a bit odd for me to accompany his wife to dinner if he were to attend this party? I hope you understand his situation”.

Rudra, initially puzzled by her words, burst into laughter as he grasped the humor in her explanation. “Oh my God! You could have just said he’s with his wife for her birthday dinner. You’ve made my evening with your witty remarks. Who are you, young lady?”.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice caught her attention. Her annoyance was evident as she closed her eyes in frustration. With a deep breath, she shoved her hands into her pockets and turned to face the intruder.

“Hello, young lady! Delighted to see you again”, greeted Aditya.