Sameera

"Show me your ID card." I demanded because suddenly I was reunited with my sanity and the first thing that got into my mind was that I don't know if the person standing before me is a real police officer or an imposter.

Though he looks genuine and whatever he has told me till now seems to be true, but I don't want to take any chances with my life. Looks can be deceiving.

"You don't believe me?" He asked. His innocent face had a mixture of anger and surprise. As if I had just accused him of a murder.

Not like I wasn't expecting it. In fact I was expecting worse. No police officer likes to be stared upon suspiciously. I feel a little guilty for doing this right now but as we have been taught at every stage of our life, 'safety comes first'.

"I believe you. But I just wanna make sure. Just show me your ID. What's the big deal? It's not like I am accusing you of being an imposter."

And I guess I shouldn't have stated the last sentence. He looks disappointed and angered at the same time.

Just when I was about to apologize he took out his ID card from his shirt pocket and showed me. I read every single word on it and matched the  person in front of me with the photo in the card. Obviously they matched. And I didn't forget to notice his age. He was only 26 years old.

After confirming that he wasn't lying I looked back to him. He was irritated. I think the imposter sentence must have hurt his pride. I should apologize.

He took back his ID card and placed it back in his pocket after I gave a nod of assurance.

"I am sorry if my words hurt you. But I hope you understand my situation." Truth be told I am not good at apologizing. Not even when it's my own fault. I want to look sincere though. I need his help to get out of this maze of a jungle.

"Follow me. You can use my phone to call whoever you want after we reach the crime scene." He stated with an emotionless stern face and started walking forward. I followed him.

After few steps he froze and turned to face me. I stared at him puzzled. He brought his right hand forward and freed his palm from the tight fist he had kept it in since I pronounced my doubts about his identity.

"Show me your ID card." He asked stretching his palm forward.

I gave him a more puzzled look than before and raised my right eyebrow asking "Why?"

"You checked mine as a proof of my words. It is only fair that I check yours too as a proof of your story."

Well he is right. Here goes nothing.

I took out my ID card from my purse and showed him. He took it from my hands and checked thoroughly. Now I can understand what he must have felt by my words of disbelief.

"News Flash? Where is that? I've never heard of it." He asked handing me back my ID card.

How come he doesn't know about our news channel? It's pretty famous.

"Maybe you only stick to your traditional news channels or your cable operator isn't providing you good customer service. News Flash is a famous news channel. You can ask your colleagues. It's 4 buildings away from the children's park that's situated in the middle of the town." I proudly pronounced.

"Well I am new in town and hadn't had the time for a tour yet. I'll search for it on internet sometime." He stated and just paused.

We kept walking in silence. Though the silence was awkward but I think its better than stating something hurtful. The guy seems pretty sensitive about his profession. So I kept my mouth shut.

I started looking around for the kid I lost. It's really strange how there are no voices around. No animals. The only sound audible now is the swirling of wind and some buzzing of insects. There are also occasional sounds of birds flying together around in groups and their voices.

Gradually the awkwardness of the silence went away and a sense of  peace settled in the environment. It was amazingly quiet and the surroundings were so green with different mixture of colours of flowers and fruits on those trees. I noticed an apple tree on my left side that had the most red apples I had ever seen.

The next thing I noticed was the sound of waterfall. I knew there was a waterfall in this forest from my research on internet this morning. The intensity of the sound grew and I realized we were headed in the direction of the waterfall. I was getting excited to see it.

We soon reached near the waterfall and I could see the crystal clear fresh water falling down from a mountain height big cliff. It was breathtaking. I watched for any sign of the lost little girl but found none.

Though I was starting to worry about her safety but now I feel maybe she went back to her house after enjoying her little playtime with me. I must have heard her scream if she had been in any danger. Or any sound of the animals. Sounds in this forest echoes a lot.

Officer Sharma assured me that there are some houses around the edges of the forest. The girl must have belonged to one of the families living there and must have returned to her home. As weird as it sounds, it is true. Though I wonder why would anyone live inside this wilderness?

I am starting to believe him. There is no particular reason not to. After all it was only me who has spoken any sort of lies in our conversation till now.

"Don't worry. I am not lying. I have heard from my colleagues of some families living in the forest premises. I am sure the girl you are talking about must be a part of one of those households." He said to reduce my worry.

That's new. I never heard of people living inside forest premises. Aren't they fond of their precious lives?

"I believe you. But I still want to keep an eye around. I don't wanna take any chances." I replied.

He sighed realising that his words can't do much to take away my worried expression and the internal mental inspection I am doing of our surroundings. He didn't say a word after that.

After half an hour of walking we reached the so called 'crime scene' where I noticed 3 police officers. One of them wasn't wearing his uniform and was leaning beside the dead body  trying to get some blood samples. This concludes that he is a forensic officer.

Wait. Dead body!

"The crime that happened in your 'crime scene' is murder. Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I asked Officer Arav with a hint of anger and accusation in my voice.

"You didn't ask and I don't think I am answerable to you regarding any of my job situations. You needed help, I offered you help. That's it. If you have any problem being around a dead body you are welcome to sit inside the van far away. Just don't touch anything." He replied in a very professional tone yet I knew he was taunting me indirectly.

I know he is taking revenge on me for asking to check his ID. But he checked mine too. Then what's the point of still being mad at me? It's not like I committed a crime. I only did what a sensible person in my situation would usually do. What is he mad about then?

"I am a journalist. I don't have any problems being at a murder scene. I just wasn't expecting it. I am a little surprised. And thanks for the offer but I am not some chicken-hearted fellow. Risking my life on a daily basis was the first point in my job description. And I am well aware of how I should behave around a dead body under investigation. This isn't the first murder scene I am attending, Officer."

Who's the center of attention? Sameera Desai, who else. All the 8 eyes of all the 4 officers were fixed on me. A shocked and confused expression masking their features.

The dead body of the man who looked to had been in his forties must be cursing me now from heaven, or maybe hell, for taking all the attention away from his murder case. Trust me this was absolutely unintentional.

"Who is she?" Asked the eldest Officer, who seemed to be in his late thirties, to Arav. All eyes were now fixed on him.

"I found her in the forest. She was lost, so I offered to take her back home. And before you ask, she has nothing to do with the case, I have checked. Rest you can ask her." He replied.

Found! Am I a lost puppy?

The next minute I was bombarded with questions. I patiently informed them about my pitiful situation that I landed myself in, except when I first lied to officer Sharma, and showed them my ID card so they will believe me.