Yesterday, the first-year finals ended. Three more years of honors remain, meaning 1,095 days. Anyway, the end of exams means a few days off. Since my father is coming here to visit, I didn't go home. Today, I plan to visit Ishtiaq Ahmed's office, so I'm waiting at Dhanmondi 27. This place feels like our assembly hall. Previously, we gathered here before going on tours to various locations. This year, I've traveled to more places than ever. It's a good thing; now I don't struggle to navigate the roads.
As I was lost in thought, Meem arrived. She was wearing a blue and black outfit. Blue is my favorite color, and it looked even better on her.
"When did you arrive?" she asked.
Hearing her voice, I came back to my senses. "Just now, not long ago. Let's go."
"Wait a bit for the others," she said, fixing her hair.
She looked like a fairy today. I wanted to tell her but didn't know how. What if she misunderstood?
"Do you want tea?" I asked her.
She looked at me. "Look behind you; they're already here," she said with a smile.
Rima and Hasan appeared. Hasan raised his hand and said hi from afar. "Hey bro, how's it going?" Hasan asked loudly as he approached.
I asked him, "Where's your uncle? I don't see him."
Hasan mumbled, "Answer my question first, then maybe I'll answer yours."
I overheard him. "That can wait. Do we have to wait for him?"
Hasan looked startled. "No. He told us to go directly to the office," he replied.
"I see."
Rima asked Meem, "We need to call Tonni and Saurav to know where they are, don't we?"
"Why? Taking too many people won't be appropriate, and they don't have anything to do there," Meem said.
"But let them come just for today. They've been insisting on coming a lot," Rima said.
"Okay."
Rima called Tonni. "The number is on wait; she's probably talking to someone else."
Meem suddenly took out her phone from her bag and spoke on the call. After hanging up, she said, "Tonni is going to Barishal, so she can't come."
I asked Meem, "Why is your phone on silent?"
"The sound suddenly stopped working today. I'll get it fixed after we return," she replied softly, looking at her phone.
"Oh, I see. Okay, now let's go."
We reached the office. It was a large one. This flat was filled with numerous computers, desks, chairs, laptops, bookshelves, and other various items. Several officers were present. Ishtiaq Ahmed and Anisul Islam approached us. Ishtiaq Ahmed asked, "How are you, Sakib?"
"Alhamdulillah, I'm fine."
"Do you know why you've been called here?"
What kind of question was that? Anyway, I needed to keep a calm head. "No, but I assume it's for an urgent matter," I replied calmly.
"Indeed. Last month, in a certain area, valuable items were stolen repeatedly over several days. The police were assigned to the case but failed to solve it. This month, similar thefts of valuable items occurred in other parts of the city, making the situation even more serious. This time, the case has been assigned to us. It's been a week, but we haven't found any leads on the thief yet."
"Why not?" Hasan asked.
"Because the thief knows a different kind of magic. Even CCTV cameras couldn't capture him in action," Anisul Islam replied gravely.
"I see."
Meem seemed deep in thought, concentrating hard. "This story sounds familiar. I think I've heard it somewhere before."
Rima said, "Who knows? Of course, it sounds familiar. Sakib explained something like this at your birthday party. But are today's magicians going hungry and turning into thieves now?" (After a pause) "Still, the case sounds interesting. The key point is, we need to catch the thief."
Hasan punched his left palm with his right fist. "Oh, that's easy then. We just scatter flour everywhere. I saw in Tom and Jerry that when Jerry became invisible using magic ink, Tom found him by following his footprints in the flour. Even though Tom could never actually catch Jerry, we'll track the thief the same way. How's that for an idea?"
We were all stunned at Hasan's enthusiasm. Poor guy had completely missed the mark. Rima told him, "Please, no more ideas from you. Using Tom and Jerry's logic to catch a thief? Couldn't you come up with anything better?"
Meem leaned over and whispered to me, "Didn't something like this happen at that shopping mall?"
I nodded in agreement.
Ishtiaq Ahmed said, "Let's not argue here. Come to the inner room. We'll discuss this with our special officer there."
Why would they need me when they already had a special officer? I'd rather be dismissed so I could go home and watch anime. We followed him inside. Mr. Islam entered next, followed by Hasan and Rima. As soon as we entered, Hasan exclaimed joyfully, "Whoa! It's Rashedul Alam Raj! The famous Bangladeshi detective. He's solved over a hundred cases in just 2 years. His techniques are unique, and most importantly, he has a 100% success rate."
Rima rushed up to the detective. "I've seen him on TV too. He's a crush for many girls." (She pulled out a notebook from her bag.) "Can I get an autograph?"
Raj! Hah! Such a renowned person, and yet I hadn't recognized him. Raj gave her an autograph. Turning to Ishtiaq Ahmed, he asked sternly, "What are college students doing here?"
Mr. Ahmed pointed at me. "This is Sakib. I want him to join your team."
"We're not forming a cricket team here. These kids are too young. This case requires experienced, intelligent individuals."
"You don't know about his talent. He solved my grandfather's laptop and murder case, uncovered a magician's secret, identified a serial killer, and on that day, he defused the bomb hidden in a robot. Otherwise, we would've all been dead…"
Rima interrupted Hasan, "The bomb wasn't in the robot; it was in the game doll."
"Same difference. After all this, can you still call him a kid? He'll catch this magician before you do."
Wherever my abilities were questioned, Hasan always showed up to defend me. What a beautiful friendship! Except, he kept getting me into trouble by mentioning my skills.
Raj picked up a file from his desk and reviewed the information. "Enough. Go home now. Don't disturb our work."
Mr. Ahmed approached Raj and said, "Include him in your team. It will be good for you."
"I don't want college students working on this case. It's far too dangerous for them."
Mr. Ahmed asked, "Do you remember solving the case of a young man named Rubel two years ago? You solved it using a locket."
Raj put down the file. "Yes, I remember."
"You solved the case, but you didn't uncover why the killer committed the murder. Sakib did. That's why I believe he should work with you."
I stood there dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what was happening. Raj seemed to be helping me, while everyone else was setting me up.
Raj's phone rang. After a brief conversation, he looked at me, resting his hand on his chin, deep in thought. "So, you all want him to work with me?"
Everyone except me nodded in agreement.
"Fine, but he'll have to pass a test."
Meem asked, "What kind of test?"
She always seemed to come alive in moments of mystery or excitement.
"He has to tell me what I will do ten minutes from now."
We were all shocked. Mr. Islam asked Raj, "What kind of question is that? Is it even possible to answer? Is he a fortune-teller?"
Raj picked up a cup, walked over to another table where there was a flask, and poured himself some tea. Taking a sip, he replied calmly, "Of course, it's possible. A detective's greatest weapon is understanding how their opponent thinks—that is, reading their mind. He's already solved some cases, but this is completely different. I've been working on this case for seven days but haven't gotten close to the culprit. If he can predict my next action, I'll know he's suitable for this case. If not, I won't include him in my team."
I was stunned by his question. Was it even possible? I glanced around. Everyone was staring at me, eager for my answer. Suddenly, I heard Meem's voice calling me. Snapping back to reality, I heard her ask, "What's wrong? Say something!"
I stayed silent, deep in thought.
"No need to call him. From his expression, it's clear he can't do it," Raj said, placing the teacup down.
Just then, my phone rang. It was a call from my cousin. I told Raj, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
"Sure, go ahead."
After the call, I asked for permission again. "I need to text the name of a book to my friend right now."
"Go ahead," Raj said.
I walked over to Meem and typed out a text message. Then, returning to my spot, Raj asked, "Can you answer my question?"
I laughed. Everyone was surprised. Raj asked, "Why are you laughing like that?"
I stopped laughing. "I thought you'd ask me a tough question. But this is quite simple."
Raj smiled slightly. "Is that so?"
Mr. Islam, intrigued, asked, "So you're saying you can do it?"
"Yes."
Raj said, "Then tell me."
Looking at the wall clock, I said, "You asked me this question at 11:11. It's now 11:17. In exactly four minutes, you'll put your hand into your pocket."
Hearing this, Raj crossed his arms, keeping his hands away from his pockets. He seemed to be pondering something deeply. I knew he was thinking that if he didn't get a call on his mobile, the chances of his hand going into his pocket were very low. And he might also be thinking that Ishtiaq Ahmed and Anisul Islam should never give his phone number to anyone without his consent. In that case, my chances of winning this competition were slim. I needed to think of something else.
"You must have solved many cases," I asked Raj.
"Yes."
"I don't believe it."
Everyone was stunned at my remark. Mr. Ahmed approached me and asked, "What are you trying to say?"
"He doubted my abilities. So, I have the right to test his."
Mr. Islam said, "You can't treat a respected individual like this."
Raj motioned for Mr. Islam to stop. "What do you want?"
Confidently, I replied, "I want to test you too."
"What test?"
"Nothing much. I'll give you a small case. You just have to identify the culprit."
Raj thought for a moment and replied, "Okay, I'm in."
"The incident took place in Rome, Italy. There was a palace called 'Erantel,' where Mr. Tom lived with his wife, two sons, and a daughter. The sons' names were Brett and Immobil. His wife's name was Jerry, and his daughter's name was Mary.
One Sunday morning in the year 2000, Mr. Tom and his family were having breakfast.
Jerry said, 'You don't have office today, right?'
Mr. Tom replied, 'Yes.'
Jerry said, 'Then take me shopping today.'
Mr. Tom said, 'I want to take some rest today. Why don't you ask the boys instead?'
Immobil said, 'I have to attend university. I can't go.'
Brett said, 'I must meet someone today. Ask Mary instead.'
Mary said, 'Why? Do you have a girlfriend or something?'
Brett replied, 'Why would I tell you if I did?'
Mary said, 'Alright, fine. You guys don't have to go. I'll go with Mom.'
Mr. Tom finished his breakfast and got up. Jerry asked, 'Where are you going?'
Mr. Tom replied, 'To my room. I'll rest for a bit.'
Jerry said, 'Okay.'
Brett and Immobil said, 'We'll head out too.'
Jerry replied, 'Okay.'
Mary asked, 'So, when will you go shopping?'
Jerry said, 'Finish your breakfast and take some rest, then we'll go.'
Mary replied, 'Okay.'
Twenty minutes after breakfast, a scream was heard from Mr. Tom's room. Jerry and Mary ran to the room. They opened the door to find a knife stabbed into Tom's stomach. Seeing the scene, they screamed."
I noticed everyone was paying close attention to my story.
"Now my question is, 'Who is the murderer here?' If you can answer this, I'll trust your abilities."
Everyone started thinking after hearing my question. Raj was deep in thought at that moment. I kept looking at Raj. Suddenly, Meem asked, "Whose pictures are these?"
Raj's concentration broke. Meem walked towards the pictures behind Raj.
"These are my children," Mr. Ahmed replied.
Meem said, "Oh, I see."
Rima whispered to Hasan, "Did you figure it out?"
Since they were behind me, I could hear their conversation.
Hasan whispered back, "I think Immobil did it."
"Why?" Rima asked curiously.
"Universities are closed on Sundays. So, Immobil lied. That's why I think he's the murderer. Don't you remember Sakib solved a similar case when Meem was kidnapped?"
"Oh, right. You're correct. But we can't reveal our answer. Otherwise, Sakib will lose."
"Oh, okay!"
Raj thought for a few minutes. After a while, he said, "I know the answer."
"Oh! Then please tell us."
Everyone eagerly looked at Raj. "The answer to your question is 'There is no murderer here.'"
Everyone began rethinking.
Hasan, visibly excited, said, "What are you saying? Immobil is the murderer because no universities are open on Sundays."
"Hmm. You're right about that. But the question didn't say Tom was murdered. He had a knife in his stomach, but whether he died wasn't mentioned. He could still be alive," Raj reasoned with Hasan.
At that moment—Ring! —Raj's phone rang. While talking to Hasan, subconsciously Raj put his hand into his pocket to grab his phone. But he realized the ringing wasn't coming from his phone. It was coming from mine, which Meem was holding. Meem was standing behind Raj. By then, Raj had figured out my trick.
"You gave the correct answer, and I made the correct prediction too. Meem, at what time did Raj put his hand into his pocket?"
Meem checked the time on the phone and said, "Exactly 11:22."
Everyone, including Raj, was astonished. Raj thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Ishtiaq, he'll work on my team starting tomorrow."
He went to the adjacent room. Rima asked me, "How did you do that?"
"I'll explain. Meem, give me my phone."
Meem handed me the phone. "First of all, the person who called me was my cousin. He only wanted to inform me of something."
Mr. Ahmed asked in surprise, "Then who did you message?"
"Meem."
Mr. Islam furrowed his brow and said, "But if you sent a message, there would've been a sound. We didn't hear any sound."
"Meem's phone has a sound issue. So, she keeps it on vibrate to know if she receives a call or message."
Mr. Islam said, "I see."
"I messaged Meem right in front of her, so Raj wouldn't realize she received it. I wrote in the message, 'Stand behind Raj just before 11:19.' And I had set the tone on my phone as an alarm. When I sent the message, I set the alarm too."
Meem nodded.
"But how did you know Raj's phone sound?" Rima asked.
"Don't you remember? Someone called Raj earlier. I heard his ringtone then."
"Oh, I see."
"And I gave Raj a riddle to keep his mind distracted. I made it solvable within two to three minutes. That's because when Raj finds the answer, he'll be most distract about his pocket. So, you could say I didn't predict the future—I controlled it."
Everyone stared at me, stunned. It seemed I had revealed too much. Suddenly, a girl entered, clapping.
"Well done. I've wanted someone to outsmart Raj for a long time. He's very indomitable, but today he lost to you. Truly impressive."
Rima asked, "Who are you?"
"She's my daughter, Tahniya Ahmed Anannya," Ishtiaq Ahmed said with a smile, looking at the girl.
"So, where's Raj? I had some news for him."
Mr. Ahmed replied, "He's in the next room. Go tell him."
"No problem. The news is that our team caught the invisible thief using Raj's address tracker trick."
Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Islam were pleased to hear the news. Meem smiled at me because I had told her the method to catch the thief.
Hasan asked, "What? Then why was Sakib called here?"
Mr. Ahmed laughed and said, "Ask Sakib that."
Hasan looked at me. I said to him, "Look, this is a detective agency. They wouldn't suddenly bring up a problem without planning something bigger. I knew they were planning for something more significant."
Hearing this, Mr. Islam said, "I knew you were the right person for the job. They'll call you to the next meeting."
I told Mr. Islam, "It seems there's nothing more for today. We should leave."
The girl said, "Nope. Why the rush? Let's all have lunch first."
Hasan, who would never refuse lunch in the past, didn't break the pattern today. He happily agreed.
We finished lunch and returned home.