Malice Aforethought. Chapter 1

Chapter 1.

Scotch on the Rocks

Scene: Present

Seeing his best friend struggle to breathe, Sathya stretches his hand to reach his phone.

He makes a call to the hospital.

“Hello, I am Sathya, calling from 360 Degrees Lounge Bar… I need you to send an ambulance urgently… My friend and I… I think we have consumed poison accidentally.”

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A while ago…

Sathya steps into the lounge, which is expected to open to the public in a week’s time. Taking a seat on one of their comfortable sofas, he breathes slowly, closing his eyes. He is waiting for the restaurant’s owner—his childhood friend Rishi—to arrive from the kitchen.

“Hey buddy, do you need any help?” Sathya calls out.

“Hey, Sathya! Finally you arrived. Would not dare take help from the King himself. Please relax and let your servant do the needful,” comes Rishi’s voice from the kitchen.

Rishi walks in with plates full of hot food. Placing them on the table, he says:

“Stuffed cheesy mushrooms in pesto sauce and Chicken Feast pizza, at your service, sir.”

“Thanks, buddy. I am starving.” Sathya takes a bite of the cheese-dripping mushrooms.

They are, as always, out of the world in taste. A graduate of the Culinary School of America, Rishi is living his dream.

His father, one of the country’s top industrialists, was initially unhappy with Rishi’s career choice. But he eventually came around, thanks to an idea Sathya suggested: that Rishi could diversify the family business by venturing into the lounge bar segment. Born with a silver spoon, Rishi is not just Sathya’s best friend—but his only family.

“What’s your poison, my friend?” Rishi asks from behind the bar.

“The regular,” Sathya replies, getting up to help.

But Rishi insists on doing everything himself.

Ice cubes are dropped into the poured Jack Daniels in both glasses by Rishi. The men raise their glasses.

“To our friendship,” says Sathya.

“To our brotherhood,” Rishi responds.

Sathya continues, “To many more, countless lounge bars of my friend, in every part of the world, where I can have the license of unlimited free food and drinks!”

They both laugh and clink their glasses.

“That’s the spirit, my friend!” Rishi grins, watching Sathya down his drink in one gulp.

Rishi pours a second drink for him.

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Scene: Present

The ambulance arrives. Both friends are found unconscious.

At the hospital, Rishi is declared dead on arrival while Sathya remains critical. Doctors work tirelessly to neutralize the poison in his body.

During the investigation, police find documents on the table where the drinks were had—legal papers duly signed by Rishi. These contain a detailed plan: instructions to his bank to regularly transfer large sums to a trust affiliated with an orphanage—Umeed Foundation.

This foundation, supported by Rishi’s family for decades and started by his father, provides food, shelter, clothing, and education for infants and children. It also has a special wing for teenage girls, aimed at offering them protection, education, and guidance towards independence.

Rishi’s plan, as per the documents, was to renovate the ashram building, upgrade its amenities, and expand Umeed Foundation to more towns and villages across India. Sathya was named sole in-charge of this entire project.

Toxicology reports confirm a strong dosage of poison in both drink glasses.

CCTV footage shows that Rishi entered the bar first. Sathya came in later and was seated the entire time. It was Rishi who brought the food and served the drinks.

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After 48 hours in the ICU, doctors sigh in relief as Sathya’s body begins to respond to medication. He is out of danger.

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17 years ago…

A 12-year-old Sathya, holding tightly onto his elder sister Savitri’s hand, enters the gates of Umeed Foundation.

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...To be continued