4

Manmoth was so startled, it seemed he would collapse. I was excited and delighted, but feigning concern, I asked, "Brother, are you ill?" But he did not reply. I turned towards the woman, who sat stiff as a wooden statue, and asked, "Are you related to Manmoth?" The woman made no reply. But I discovered that she was not related to Manmoth in any manner; she was my own wife! Everyone knows what happened afterwards. That was the first thief I caught as a detective.

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After listening to detective Mahimchandra's tale, I said, "It is possible that your wife's relation with Manmoth may not be against the norms of the society."

Mahim replied, "That is most likely. I found a letter, written by Manmoth, from my wife's box." He removed a letter from his pocket and extended it to me.

The letter ran as follows:

My Dear,

You have probably forgotten about wretched Manmoth by now. As a child, I always passed by your house and played with you. Those childhood days ended long ago. I do not know whether you are aware that I once hoped to marry you, but the elders on either side did not agree to the marriage since we are of the same age.

Then, you got married, and I did not hear about you for four to five years. Five months ago, I learned your husband had joined the police department and transferred to this place. Immediately, I tracked down your residence.

I did not nurture any hopes of meeting you, nor did I wish to intrude into your domestic bliss. I, however, stand under a lamp-post near your house to catch a glimpse of you when you come to place an oil lamp precisely at 7.30 p. m. every day on the window sill on the upper floor of your house. That is my only sin.

Meanwhile, owing to certain circumstances, I have become acquainted with your husband, and the acquaintance has now turned into a friendship. But after getting to know him better, which allowed me to judge his character, I have come to the conclusion that he will bring only grief into your life. I have no claim on you, but providence, which has turned your sorrow into mine, has ordained that I should rid you of your troubles.

Please forgive me for taking liberties with you, but do visit my lodge secretly only for 20 minutes on Friday evening. I wish to tell you certain things about your husband, and I can also present certain incriminating evidence against him. I would also like to offer you some advice, which, if you follow, will make your life a happier one.

Of course, my motives are not entirely selfless; I shall have you before me for a few minutes, I shall listen to you talk - these are the cravings of my heart. If you do not trust me, and you wish to deny me even that little pleasure, do write to me letting me know about your decision. I shall, then, inform you about everything in a letter. In case you do not wish to even write to me, then show this letter to your husband. I shall, then, confront him and tell him all that I have to say.

Your well-wisher,

Shri Manmothnath Majumdar

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