That Extra Sensory Perception!

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

The following story is inspired by the Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010) movie trailer.
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January 12, 2010

It was a rainy morning in Thoraipakkam and yet people swarmed in groups around the residence of Richaa whose house had been burgled the previous night. Some had umbrellas, some had raincoats, some didn't care about the rain. The rumours and gossips buzzed among the public until the arrival of the police cars beckoned silence. Two constables got out of the car and made sure the people are away from the cars. They then opened the rear door of the car again and made an indecent gesture to someone inside.

"Come out", a constable shouted.

Moses got out of the car. He was heavily built, had a rugged look on his face. Friends told him that shaving his head would make him look scarier. He did shave his head as his friends had suggested. A tanned face, black scars on his face and a shaved head was sure to look too scary for everyone. He entered the familiar house yet again this time with lack of interest.

He chose this house because it was lonely. It is a single floor house and had a bushy garden around the house which he assumed that no one took care of it for years. He did the robbery perfectly yet got caught by the police immediately. He tried every way to refuse to the policemen that he was ignorant of any crime but they wouldn't listen to him. His past records are against him. They wanted to put him in prison but before that, they want the priced treasure. Why would he tell them where it is?

Moses looked around to see two police entering the scene. He remembered one who interrogated him the previous night after he got caught - Kesavan, inspector of police. He was along with a senior police G.P.Ashok, Superintendent of Police, Crime branch.

Ashok looked around the house and the broken furniture. He wore a normal suit with boots. He wore gloves, not for the cool weather, but for the man who is yet to come. He also wore coolers for the same reason. Every part of his body was covered except for his face. He has a sharp nose that he claims to use for smelling criminals. He knows the fish in the tank and that is something he is proud of. His vast years of experience , along with his mean looks, daunts fellow colleagues. Kesavan was dressed in a similar fashion.

"Kesavan, where are the inmates of the house?"

"Just one lady sir named Richaa and she has been admitted in the local hospital owing to injuries"

"Will she succumb?", asked Ashok plainly.

Kesavan didn't shrug. He knows the shrewdness of this forty year old man.

"No sir. She will be alright… She is recovering fast"

"Looks like we have no one to investigate right now. Now where is Kishore?"

"I have been told that he is on the way sir"

"Not respecting seniors… I hate him… I always will hate him… Who does he think he is?" Ashok lit on a cigarette and took a huge puff, blew it out.

"Just because he has got some weird powers that other people doesn't have… who does he think he is?", Ashok repeated, "The Police call him as a gift to the crime branch"

Kesavan knew what was coming. He is used to hearing this a lot of times.

Ashok continued, "… and the journals call him", he raised his pitch and mimicked a female voice, "the man with the extra sense"

Ashok looked face to face with Kesavan, "No matter who he is, whatever the public calls him, he will always be an ex-convict. He will always be my assistant. I don't like my assistants to come late… I hate…"

He stopped saying anything when he heard the screech of a car.

Kesavan took the opportunity to speak, "I guess he has arrived sir"

Kishore, Special Force of Crime Branch, just entered the house walking slowly like a robot with his hands in his suit pocket. He had put on weight in the last couple of years since the time he was called for the police job. The plump cheek bones said it all. His face looked calm and pleasant which often looked like he is about to erupt in laughter. His blue eyes made him famous among the ladies. Though two years of hard work in the crime branch, never did it show in his light fair skin.

"Sorry I am late. Got caught up in the traffic. So what am I digging at?", Kishore asked Ashok. Ashok turned to look into Kishore's eyes through his black shades. He smoked the last puff of the cigarette, put it down and stamped it using his boots. Kishore followed his actions through his eyes expecting a reply. Ashok ordered Kesavan to tell him the story using hand movements. "A puppet", Kishore thought.

"Mr.Kishore, I am sure you must have heard about this case", Kesavan told with a stern mannerism that Kishore never liked. It seemed to imitate Ashok. It was funny for him to watch them both with shades and gloves in the hot sultry climate of Chennai.

"Yeah. I do. I know about the case but brief me more on what I am supposed to do"

"The man standing over there…", Kesavan pointed his hands towards Moses and Kishore stared at a bald man towards the direction Kesavan is pointing to, "… he is Moses, the crime suspect. He stabbed the house inmate and escaped with 12 pounds of jewellery. He refuses to give information about where he has hidden the stolen goods"

"Anything else?", Kishore asked, his eyes still fixed at the bald man.

"No… Nothing… you can proceed further with the case".

Before he could finish that line, Kishore started walking towards Moses, like a lion marching towards it's prey.

"Hi Moses, this is Kishore", Kishore let out his hand and when there was no response, he continued, "I would like you to help me with the case to make it simple and clean". Kishore looked into Moses' eyes. "Where have you hidden the jewellery?"

"Do you think I would tell you where it is?", Moses thought to himself.

"Yes I think you should tell me. I don't wish to drag this for long"

"How does he know what I thought?", Moses thought in panic.

"Tell me Moses. Why do you have to hide it in your thoughts? Why not share it?"

"Oh my God! He is reading my thoughts. He is a magician", Moses started sweating.

"You are not going to tell me your thoughts?"

"No", Moses, this time, shouted his thoughts out.

Kishore smiled gently and said firmly, "Then I have to steal it!"

Moses shrugged in panic as Kishore raised his hands towards his head.

"Moses, your bald head makes it easier for me to access your thoughts straight away from your little brain", he laughed mockingly and placed both of his hands on his bald head.

Kishore could see with his closed eyes the entire crime incident. It was like forcing someone to give their thoughts to others. He was forcing the crime scene from Moses. He had stabbed the innocent lady right in her stomach, when she had tried to cause alert. He had searched the entire place for any goods and found a key to the cupboard from where he stole 12 pounds of gold. He thought for a while that the best place is to hide it  in the garden as no one would try to search it there. He searched for a bush, dug the ground, hid the jewellery inside the hole and covered it perfectly with mud.

Kishore opened his eyes, looked at the frightened Moses and said, "Thank you!". He turned towards Kesavan who was looking curiously beside Ashok, who was not interested in what he did. "Look at the backside of the house in the garden. You should find it there beneath a patch of mud". Kesavan nodded and the constables went to the backside to search. They indeed found the 12 pounds of gold in the backyard.

"See you Kesavan and Ashok", Kishore smiled and left. Ashok told annoyingly, "What could I do to get rid of him?"

February 16, 2010

The Police headquarters was filled with silence. No one bothered to speak. As Kishore entered the floor of the crime branch, he knew that it is not going to be a normal day. He passed his office and several offices to reach a door which read "Only Authorized Personnel allowed". It is the room where investigation was held every time. He was called to investigate this time. As he was about to enter the room, he saw Rhea, the beautiful young secretary of the office, seated in a chair. Her beautiful face looked pale and dull. It was clear indeed that she had cried for a long period. Her hair had been let loose and when she saw Kishore, she let a sigh of relief.

"Don't worry Rhea! I will make sure you get justice", Kishore said those words and entered the investigation room.

As he entered the room, he was welcomed by the stare of his several colleagues. Most of the senior officers were present. They wanted this investigation to get over immediately as it involved one of the big shots of the police department. In the middle of the room was a round table with several chairs around it. He saw the criminal in one of the chairs.

Kishore sat in one of the chairs and greeted the criminal in front of him. "Good morning Mr.Ashok!"

Ashok was looking down and didn't raise his head to meet his junior official, the man he hated the most. Now it embarrassed him even more that he is being investigated by him.

"Mr.Ashok, I know it is hard time for you. It is hard time for the police department as well. Investigating police officers of a senior rank like yours is not what we ever wanted to do."

Ashok still didn't raise his head and Kishore continued, "You, being a police officer yourself, know very well how cooperation from criminals would be very helpful. I guess you would extend your full support in helping with the case. I want you to remove your coolers and also your gloves and leave your hands stretched on the table"

That was the first time Ashok looked above at his fellow colleagues, helpless, and he, then, removed his coolers and gloves as asked by Kishore or a command in disguise as thought by Ashok. He, then, laid his hands on the table.

Kishore thanked him, held Ashok's hands in his and closed his eyes.

Kishore told in words, "How did it all began?"

Kishore could see the scene in front of him through Ashok's eyes. Rhea was standing in front professionally dressed and her hair neatly combed. She was sporting a professional smile on her face which flattered Ashok instantly. He later called Kesavan to appoint Rhea as the secretary instantly.

Kishore now asked, his eyes still closed, "You liked her but why did you have to do it?"

The scene disappeared and this time Rhea stood in front again with a different yet similar dress. She was controlling her smiles. She noticed a decorative red band in her right hand. Ashok couldn't help but notice it, "What is that beautiful red band doing in your hand?"

Rhea blushed and said, "Oh! Is it nice? Kishore gifted it to me"

Ashok thought, "Goddamn Kishore!" but just smiled and wished her a nice day.

Kishore said, "More!"

The scene disappeared again and in front stood himself with a big file in his hand. Ashok looked him through the shades. "You haven't finished the TN9431 assignment, have you?"

"No sir. I expect to finish it tonight"

"It is already time for you to leave for the day. How are you going to finish it by tomorrow? The report is due tomorrow"

"Yes sir, I am aware of that. Apologies. I am going to stay overnight and finish it", Kishore said softly.

"I am afraid you will need some assistance", Ashok asked in his usual plain tone.

"Yes sir. I got Rhea to help me with this", Kishore said looking down.

Ashok's facial muscles ached with anger. He thought, "This Kishore is trying to take away my girl. I am afraid he already has. I won't let you get away with it Kishore!"

He shouted at Kishore, "Idiot, don't you know that I got work to do? I want Rhea to help me! You take someone's help instead. Ask Ganesh to help you"

Kishore replied softly, "I am sorry sir but Ganesh has already left. I told Rhea as well. I can get her help when she is not helping you" and he continued with a smile, his hands stretched out, "We are going to be in the same office. So it would be easy"

Ashok thought again, "Idiot is trying to be smart. I will show him who is smarter"

Ashok replied, "No, I am not going to work here. I left the file in my home. Is Rhea there?"

Kishore replied disappointingly, "No sir, I asked her to go to her home for a break. She will be back in sometime"

Ashok said with a striking voice, "Ask her to come to my house directly. I am leaving now"

Kishore nodded.

Kishore opened his eyes, thought for a while, and said, "Finally, what happened?"

The scene disappeared and now he was in a house, probably Ashok's house. The house looked empty without anyone. The doorbell rang. Ashok got up, adjusted his tie, cleared his throat and opened the door. In front of him stood Rhea, strikingly beautiful. She had done a makeover. Her hair was curled and pinned into a pony tail;  she had applied dark eye shades to her eyebrows; applied light red lipstick; sported a red tube top and a black mini skirt. She smiled, wished Ashok and entered the house.

"So shall we get started?", Rhea asked with a smile.

"Not too fast young lady!", Ashok thought happily.

"No, not yet. Not before we have a cup of tea", Ashok said amusingly.

Not before long, Ashok brought two cups of tea. Rhea tasted one sip and commented, "I didn't know sir that you make wonderful tea"

"Ya I am indeed special in making tea. Most of the times…"

"Sir, can we get our work started. I need to return home early".

For the very first time, to an office person, Ashok couldn't express his grudge. He started taking out the files he wanted, talked for a while. After sometime, he couldn't resist, he claimed that there is a small insect on her cheek and informing that he would get that insect off her, she went close to her cheeks, held her head tightly before Rhea could react and tried to kiss her.

Rhea retorted to his actions and tried to get away from the sofa that they were seated on. She tried calling for help but Ashok instinctively caught her throat. Rhea choked and gasped for breath. Ashok took the opportunity to gain advantage but Rhea found the nearby porcelain cup and smashed it on Ashok. It didn't help knock out the big tough guy but it surely did help to get his hands off her throat. Rhea managed to free herself from him.

Ashok shouted in agony, "You liked me, didn't you?"

Rhea felt a burning sensation and just then, she realized that she had been scratched by Ashok in the process of attempting to get her. Rhea screamed out loud, ran towards the exit and escaped from being the victim.

Kishore opened his eyes and saw the eyes of Ashok. He had very small eyes for a big guy like him and it was surely frightened to an extent.

Kishore looked at others and said, "He is guilty. I will file a report by today evening and we can submit the same to the court tomorrow". He then looked at Ashok and said, "Thank you, sir, for your cooperation".

February 17, 2010

"I plead guilty", Ashok admitted in front of the group that had assembled, headed by a judge named Vikram.

Kishore and Kesavan were seated at the back of the court, both being calm and silent. They, for the first time, saw their boss almost weeping in front of the judge. The plea by Ashok would make it easier for the judge to make the judgement. The judge postponed the judgement to the next day. It was being wrapped up fast. They didn't want reporters to cover this story. As Ashok was taken back to the custody by the police, Kishore thought to himself.

"Mr. Ashok, I know you hate me. There is one thing you should know about me. I hate you as much as you hate me. I never liked working under you. I wanted to get rid of you more than the job of working under you"

"Unfortunately, I could never think of any way to get rid of you. You wore shades and gloves. It was impossible to get into your mind. But every man has a weakness. I found your weakness in the form of a lady named Rhea. Just then I knew I found my treasure"

January 18, 2010

Kishore entered the crime branch and in the reception found a beautiful young lady who started staring at him the minute he entered the room.

"I haven't seen you before, have I?", Kishore interrogated.

The lady giggled, "Yes sir, I am the new secretary of the branch. I am Rhea"

Kishore noticed from her eyes that the lady had a crush on him, "I am Kishore, Special Force". He looked around cautiously, then winked at her and said, "I work here".

Rhea giggled and said, "Me too!"

Kishore beamed, "Welcome to Crime branch!"

"Things were going normal until you started throwing too much attention on her. I realized that she stared hating you too! Happy news Mr.Ashok. That was when my plan began"

January 22, 2010

Kishore entered the crime branch, looked into Rhea's eyes. Her eyes talked frustration but couldn't get much information. He greeted her with a smile and suddenly looked at her hand, "Hey, Is that a new watch?"

"Ya Kishore. Have a look at it. She stretched out her hand"

Kishore accepted the stretched out hands, a gift. As soon as he touched it, he saw Ashok in front of his eyes staring at Rhea like a tiger looking at its prey.

"It is really good!", Kishore commented at the watch, "See you later or I will be caught by the crime force with you"

Rhea giggled much even after Kishore had left.

"Day by day, I noticed her frustration that she had whenever she came out of your office. She clearly never liked your indecent stares. I wanted to confirm this. So I met Kesavan in his office"

January 28, 2010

"Hey Kesavan, whats up man?"

"Tough day Kishore!", Kesavan said silently.

"That girl at the door, Rhea, she is hot, isn't she?"

Kesavan suddenly sounded enthusiastic, "Yes she is. Boss likes her. I wouldn't dare cross his path. She distracts a lot, doesn't she?"

Kishore nodded, "Absolutely!"

"Sometimes I would send her to your office just to gain information. Everytime it all talked about how uncomfortable she was in your room, how she hided it in her smiles. I also came to know one important thing. She started liking me more. She thought I was too decent than you. I used the opportunity"

Feb 2, 2010

Kishore straight to Rhea's desk while he was leaving, "Hey Rhea, wonder what it is?". He showed her a red band.

"Wow! It is a beautiful red band"

"Ya I bet it is. I bought it for my young niece. Do you like it?"

"It is awesome", Rhea gleamed, "How sweet of him! Always decent and nice unlike the sick boss", she thought

"It is working out", Kishore thought proudly.

"I guess you like it. You can keep it if you like"

"No Kishore, I don't want it", Rhea said half-heartedly.

Rhea couldn't hide her intentions and Kishore convinced her to take it.

 "I wanted you to know that Rhea likes me. That was why I gifted her the band. I was waiting for the reaction from you. Just as I had thought, you reacted the very next day. It was funny getting to know how she felt about you - Anger, hatred and how she felt about me - Love, admiration. I knew the time to strike was arriving but I didn't rush with it. I waited for the right moment to strike and I found it"

Feb 15,2010

Kesavan entered Kishore's office and told, gasping breath, "Kishore, have you finished the TN9431 assignment?"

Kishore replied, "No, I haven't. Whats up with that?"

Kesavan said, "It is due tomorrow. You are supposed to finish it today"

"Ya Ya, I am working on it. Should work late night"
"I bet you should. Boss is also working late hours tonight"

"He always wants to spend time with his family, doesn't he?"

"No, his family has gone out of town. He loves work, doesn't he?", Kesavan said proudly and left.

"Ya. Doesn't he?", Kishore smiled after he left.

He went straight to Rhea, "Hey Rhea, It is a tough day today. I have a big assignment to complete. Could you help me with it, if you are free?"

Rhea smiled, "Yes ofcourse! When? Now?"

Rhea was more professionally dressed than usual. Full hand shirt and pant with a tie was her day's attire.

"No, not now. Late hours today. Can you?"

"Yes sure", Rhea smiled and thought, "It is going to be a great evening! I wonder whether he has understood my intentions"

"Ok. That’s great Rhea"

Rhea was still thinking, "Does he like me or not? I wish it had been somewhere outside where I could do all possible to get him attracted to me"

Kishore smiled, left to his room and came back again. He didn't want to miss the chance.

"Hey Rhea, I suppose you want to take a break. Why don't you go to your house and come back at half past six?"

Rhea felt glad and left the office thanking Kishore.

"Half of my plan worked. She wanted to impress me. I am sure she would want to be attractive. I next entered your room. You made out the rest of the plan for me. You wanted her to work for you instead. All I had to do is to just call her at 6.15 and inform her to go to your home. Little did she know of your intentions. Little did you know that the dress was for me. Idiot Ashok, don't you know to look before you leap? I knew that I had set up the crime scene. With your dirty mind and her luring costume, I am sure the crime would happen."

"It indeed happened Kishore. Look at you, being taken away by the police. You always called me an idiot, didn’t you? Who is an idiot now?"

Feb 18, 2010

The judge gave the final verdict, "Since Mr.Ashok confessed his crime, it has made the case easier for me. He, being a higher rank officer, shouldn't have done the crime and it has brought shame to the Crime Branch. He deserves a big punishment. However,considering his huge service to the department and also because of no damage, as per the records, I hereby declare that Mr.Ashok shall be suspended for three months. Also, I order the Crime branch to depromote him. This would make him learn the mistake. The court is dismissed. Thank you"

A few weeks later

"What you did is a crime Kishore! How can you do it? Are you a human?"

He looked at her, her eyes dull demanding an answer.
"No Sarah, it wasn't my intention. It all just happened"

"It is a crime Kishore!", Sarah shouted, "It is a crime!". Sarah was crying out loud and she started running away.

Kishore shouted, "No!!!"

He woke up from his bed. He was lying in his room. It was a bright early morning. The sun had risen completely. It was so bright that it lit up the room with closed curtains. He thought about the usual bad dream.

Kishore thought to himself, "No Sarah, I never did it on purpose. We get the solution only when we set up a puzzle completely. Only then we have a clear picture of what is going on. If you don't set it up, it is worthless. I set up the puzzle and it came to life. It is not a crime Sarah!"

He looked down sideways. He found Rhea still sleeping deeply in the bed. He smiled at her and thought, "It is not a crime!"