Previous cut:-What did he do?" she asked. "What could he have done that led to your daughter's tragic end?"
Suresh Majumdar said in a heavy voice, "Listen, then, and I'll tell you what he did…"
Suraj: Your husband—that is Rupam - is the main culprit for everything that was happened to my daughter. But let me tell you everything right from the beginning.
At that time, my daughter had just enrolled in 'Chandra Devi College' for her Arts Honours course. Rupam was in his third year there and was actively involved with the college union. You could say he had quite an influence on campus.
Rupam mixed far more with the girls than with the boys. Since my daughter was new to the college, he seized the opportunity.
The moment she stepped into the college, two boys and three girls surrounded her. Naturally, she got nervous. Stammering, she asked, "Do you… want something?"
One of the girls spoke up with a smile, "Of course we do. But not here. Come with us."
My daughter replied, "Where are we going? My class is about to start. Please let me go."
The girl laughed and said, "Nothing will happen if you miss one class. It's the first day of college anyway—no need to worry so much. Come on, let's go."
My daughter couldn't argue further. Reluctantly, she went with them. They took her to a deserted auditorium-like hall. When she entered, she saw two more people already sitting there. And that was when she first saw Rupam.
He was sitting in one corner, casually smoking a cigarette. My daughter had always been timid by nature. From childhood, she never mixed much with others. Suddenly finding herself among so many strangers, she shrank back even more.
Rupam exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "What's the matter? Why aren't you saying anything? Can't you talk? Are you mute?"
He raised his voice slightly and repeated, "What happened? I'm talking to you—can't you hear me?"
My daughter flinched and replied, "I… I actually don't talk much with everyone."
Rupam chuckled. "Why? Is there some problem? And why are you standing like that? Are you scared?"
She simply shook her head to say no.
Rupam then walked up and stood right in front of her. He told her she could go to class, and instructed the others to keep an eye on her and make sure she faced no trouble.
From that very day, it was clear—Rupam had taken a liking to my daughter.
That evening, when my daughter returned from college, she told me the entire incident. After listening, I said, "Alright. Tomorrow I'll go to college with you."
The next day, as promised, I accompanied her to college. I didn't see anyone suspicious, so I left her at the gate and returned home.
But as soon as the second period ended, the same girl from the previous day came again to call my daughter. This time, my daughter spoke firmly, "Look, if you keep harassing me like this, I'll have no choice but to report it to the college authorities."
The girl quietly walked away without a word. A little later, Rupam himself arrived. He said to my daughter, "Come with me for a minute. I need to talk to you."
My daughter replied, "No, I can't go right now."
Rupam smiled and said, "Alright, fine. Then I'll come to your class during tiffin break. Please make sure you stay in the classroom."
With that, Rupam left.
To be continued...