A Murder Most Vile

Chapter 1: John

In the eastern reaches of Devon, nestled near the enigmatic borders of Somerset, a quaint village awaits discovery. Its charm lies within the very stones hewn from the neighboring quarry, meticulously fashioned to create a tapestry of perfection. A collection of serene cottages emerges gracefully, perched alongside the crystalline streams that trace their origins to the gentle slopes of Chiltern Hills. These streams, like veins of life, are adorned by the vibrant arrays of woodlands, where hues of green envelop the surroundings with an ethereal embrace.

To truly comprehend the allure of this village, one must embark on a personal pilgrimage, for mere pictures cannot capture its true essence. No, it is a sight that must be witnessed firsthand, for its secrets lie in the subtle details and intangible whispers that evade the confines of a static image.

Yet, amidst this idyllic haven, the residents, in their ordinary routines, often fail to grasp the magnitude of their fortune. It is not until a certain disruption rattles their existence that they awaken from their complacency. Just as one forgets the simple joy of unhindered breath until a cold render it a cherished luxury. In those moments of vulnerability, beseeching the divine for solace, they vow never to overlook the blessings bestowed upon their health. Alas, as with many resolutions born from desperation, such promises are prone to fading into the recesses of forgetfulness.

Thus, the village stands as a testament to the ever-fleeting nature of human gratitude. It whispers its tales, waiting for the day when its inhabitants shall once more recognize the magnitude of their fortunes and hold them close, never to be forgotten again.

Within the confines of this blissful ignorance, resided a young man by the name of Jonathan Davenport, accompanied solely by his widowed mother, Mrs. Davenport. Jonathan, a comely lad, possessed a steady income that provided him a life of modest comfort. However, his pursuits in the realm of romance seemed lackluster, for he held no particular fascination for the charms of the village belles.

Amidst the delicate mesh of the village's daily affairs, Jonathan carried himself with an air of detachment, often engrossed in his own thoughts and endeavors. His gaze seldom lingered upon the fluttering eyelashes or coy smiles that captivated the hearts of his peers. Instead, his attention waned, diverted towards other mysteries that lay concealed within his private musings.

It remained a subject of great curiosity among the villagers, who tirelessly speculated about the enigmatic workings of Jonathan's mind. Was there a clandestine affair, buried beneath his stoic facade? Or perhaps an undisclosed past that lingered in the shadowy recesses of his consciousness? Alas, the truth remained elusive, as elusive as a lock without its accompanying key.

Amid their tranquil existence, Jonathan Davenport stood as a figure of intrigue, his disinterest in matters of the heart shrouded in an enigma. As the village carried on with its own tales of love and intrigue, the young man navigated his own unique path, silently defying the expectations thrust upon him.

The Enigmatic Affair at Sutherland Manor

Chapter 1: A Peculiar Gathering

The rain relentlessly pelted the windows of Sutherland Manor, adding an air of mystery to the already enigmatic gathering that was about to take place. The estate, nestled in the secluded countryside, was known for its grandeur and eerie beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and a sense of tranquil isolation, it stood as a testament to a bygone era.

Approaching the estate, one is greeted by an imposing wrought-iron gate adorned with intricate patterns. The pathway meanders through a meticulously manicured garden, where vibrant flowers and exotic plants weave together a tapestry of colors. The air carries the sweet fragrance of blooming roses and the earthy scent of damp moss, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

As the estate comes into full view, it reveals itself as a magnificent mansion, standing proudly amidst the verdant landscape. The architecture showcases a fusion of styles, with elements of Gothic and Renaissance design blending seamlessly. Tall, arched windows allow glimpses into the mysterious interior, where soft lights flicker in the evening darkness, casting intriguing shadows on the walls.

The mansion's façade is weathered with time, its stonework displaying the marks of history. Ivy tendrils climb the aged walls, adding a touch of untamed charm. An ancient bell tower rises above the roof. Its somber chimes, carried by the wind, echo through the countryside, lending an otherworldly aura to the surroundings.

Within the estate, a grand foyer awaits, adorned with a majestic chandelier that dangles from a vaulted ceiling. Intricate carvings decorate the wooden panels, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and ancestral tales. The air holds a sense of anticipation as if the echoes of past conversations still linger within these walls.

The estate's interior unfolds into a series of rooms, each more captivating than the last. A vast library stands as a treasure trove of knowledge, its shelves lined with leather-bound books and ancient tomes. Whispers of forgotten stories seem to emanate from the pages, creating an air of intrigue for those who dare to explore.

Hidden passageways wind through the mansion, leading to hidden chambers and concealed alcoves, adding to the sense of mystery that permeates the estate. Some claim to have heard the faint echoes of laughter or caught glimpses of apparitions, lending credence to the tales of hauntings and spirits that have become intertwined with the estate's legend.

Outside, the sprawling grounds offer a retreat from the world. A serene lake mirrors the sky above, its surface disturbed only by the graceful glide of swans and migratory birds. Meandering paths invite exploration, leading to hidden gazebos and secluded benches, where one can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

As night falls, the estate transforms into a place of ethereal enchantment. Soft, golden lights illuminate the gardens, casting eerie yet captivating shadows on the aged stone. The rustling of leaves and the distant hooting of an owl are the only sounds that break the silence, creating an atmosphere that both mesmerizes and unnerves.

Do you like the flow of the story? Let me know if I should continue writing it.

Happy Pride 2023

Imagine living in a world where someone is made to feel that dying is better than being themselves. And now, imagine the exact opposite- that no matter who you are, your life should be celebrated and you deserve to belong to something. With someone, if you choose to.

We can’t control who we fall in love with. Imagine feeling the pressure when your choice is questioned every time, not because of the attributes of that person but because of their orientation. 

I don’t have any strong political views and I’d never argue over which country has the best soccer ⚽️team. But this is about individual freedom. The ability to express themselves for who they are and not have to hide it in fear of retaliation. 

Those who think that this school of thought is ‘weakening’ men, I’d say to them - loving another man is not ‘weakness’, hurting a woman influenced by toxic masculinity is.

Pride is important because it allows individuals to celebrate and embrace their identity, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and empowerment. It is a way for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, to assert their visibility, rights, and dignity. 

Pride events and movements provide spaces for individuals to connect, find support, and challenge discrimination. Pride can also inspire social change, promoting equality, inclusivity, and acceptance for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In the month of pride, let us sing,

A celebration of love in everything.

A rainbow of colors, shining bright,

Guiding us with its radiant light.

For pride is a beacon, a powerful force,

Uniting hearts, setting a new course.

It speaks of courage, strength, and grace,

A reminder that diversity we embrace.

In this month, we stand tall and true,

Valuing every individual, me and you.

Breaking down walls, dispelling fears,

Creating a world where acceptance appears.

Let love be the anthem, that echoes wide,

In every corner, spreading far and wide.

For pride is a reminder, loud and clear,

That every person has the right to be here.

So let us march together, hand in hand,

Building bridges, across every land.

In this month of pride, let us all be,

A testament to love's true legacy.

For love knows no bounds, no limitations,

It's a language that unites all nations.

In pride we celebrate, in love we thrive,

A kaleidoscope of life, forever alive.

So raise your voice, let your colors unfurl,

In this month of pride, let love swirl.

For we are a tapestry, diverse and grand,

Bound by love, united we shall stand.

The Instrument

Dilli - a poem by me

The Romantics

Enjoyed watching ‘The Romantics’ on Netflix.

It has four episodes and tries to demystify the process of filmmaking of the Hindi film industry, focusing particularly on one production house - Yash Raj Films.

It is as much a tribute to Aditya Chopra as it is to Yash Chopra whose popularity in Switzerland 🇨🇭 is well known. Something I have seen first-hand. Right from the bronze statue of Yash Chopra in Interlaken, his name on Jungfrau Railways, a deluxe suite named after him at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, to Lake Lauenen often unofficially being referred to as Lake Chopra by tour buses.

But romance is more than just elegant shooting locations, chiffon sarees and demure, doe-eyed beauties. It is the filmmaker’s heart that chooses to fade into a bouquet of flowers even when the hero has picked up a revolver for revenge. 

Juxtaposed in the background is the Indian political and economic evolution, explaining the necessity for an angry, young man; the poet hero; the anti-hero; and the rise of the privileged class. 

A few months ago, I was telling SG that I’d like to write about how romance has changed over the years in Bollywood. How openly stalkerish behavior has changed to that of consent and of treating your partner as equals. Gone are the days of Nirupa Roy, the mothers who suffered in silence and 80% of their roles included shedding tears of happiness or suffering. Today, the movie moms are more like friends and have equally glamorous jobs as the fathers or have a say in matters of running the household or which schools the kids should attend.

A superstar is someone who can play the roles of a brother, a son, and a lover with equal ease. And a successful production house is that which can produce a variety of entertainment for a diverse class of audience. We need masala entertainers like Dhoom, as much as we need feel good movies like Chak De! India and Dum Laga Ke Haisha.

Aditya Chopra’s genius is probably in the fact that he understands - to scale up, you have to trust the creative instincts of other folks and give them the freedom to create microcosms of their own.

On dating and keeping the spark alive

SG told me about when his friends from IIT KGP would travel to Kolkata to meet girls in person who appeared attractive online in their pictures. Later, they discovered that they had been catfished by someone who was not as attractive as the pictures or was someone else entirely. The guys lamented later that the trip or the date was not worth it.

I can understand minor photo edits but putting up the pictures of an entirely different person? That takes balls. How would you explain the change in appearance? And how would you expect to find someone who loves you for who you are if you are afraid to be yourself?

Dating is challenging whether you are a trans or a cis woman. I didn’t have to look for love online because I was constantly approached by someone I knew, and the relationship eventually turned into more than friendship. I can not imagine the humiliation of rejection by someone you think you will be great with, but that person doesn’t feel the same.

This has kept me from approaching the only person I ever liked. In the end, he came up with a proposal, but it was too late. I had said ‘yes’ to SG by then. Later, I discovered that it was for the best. The guy I liked was a coward and a Grade-A liar. 

We must thank our stars for not always granting our wishes. We don’t know what is the best for us. We think we do, but we really don’t.

It is also strange how people who chase us through their lives find us so ordinary once they have won us over. Or take us for granted because now we belong to them in an exclusive bond that is not meant to be broken. I think we should always make an effort to chase/woo our partner/spouse, no matter how long we have been together. Because a relationship gets stale when the chase ends.

If nothing else motivates us, we should remember when we wished they were in our arms. A long-distance relationship made me crave a mere touch, some gesture of affection IRL. Video calls and phone calls can’t take care of that aspect of proximity. The closeness with another human being that makes us feel whole after a long and tired day at work.

Test yourself: Imagine your life without the person you take for granted. How will it affect your well-being? Your happiness? Your quality of life? If you are fair in your reasoning, you will see the answer. That honest truth is worth holding onto for the rest of your life.

Relationships transform. They don’t remain the same over time. Our priorities change. Career, kids, money. But as long as you know that the person loves you sincerely and that sincerity is not commonplace, you will be willing to do much more to keep the spark alive. And a lot less that might extinguish it completely.