Murder in Goa

Murder in GoaAarya Sarkar SeriesRanjana Joshi Copyright © 2023 Ranjana JoshiAll rights reservedThe characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.Cover design by: vikncharlie The book is dedicated to my husband, my son, and all the strong women out there who, like Aarya, dare to follow their dreams and live life on their terms. Contents Title PageCopyrightDedicationAbout Goa: A noteKey CharactersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27Chapter 28Chapter 29Chapter 30Chapter 31Chapter 32Chapter 33Chapter 34Chapter 35Chapter 36Chapter 37Books In This SeriesBooks By This AuthorAbout The Author About Goa: A noteThis story is set in Goa, and therefore, I thought it is only fair that I give you a glimpse of the place. For those of you familiar with it, may choose to skip this part.Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India, by the Arabian Sea. It is situated within the Konkan region and is bordered by the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Even though it is a small state, the smallest in India, it has a coastline of over 100 km and is blessed with some of the most pristine beaches. The state hosts numerous domestic and international tourists every year. The beaches in South Goa are usually less crowded, while North Goa is the more ‘happening’ place, more popular with the partygoers.It has a largely a Hindu and Christian population. The Portuguese ruled the region for around 450 years, and Goan culture still retains a heavy Portuguese influence. Hence names like Ribeiro are common in the state. The locals speak Konkani (Aanu is a word for father that some people use), Hindi and English. Rice and fish curry are the staple food, and the most popular alcoholic beverage is the feni.Karwar is a town in Karnataka, to the south of Goa, a mere 30km from the famous Palolem Beach in South Goa.Aarya Sarkar, the detective, is in south Goa, in a fictional resort—Mariana Resort—somewhere to the south of Palolem Beach, on a vacation with her friend, Sid, when events related to ‘Murder in Goa’ start unfolding.I have used British English spellings, since that is what most Indians use.Happy Reading! Key CharactersAarya: The detective, on a holiday in GoaSid: Aarya’s friend, who has accompanied her on the vacationDev: A guest who has befriended Aarya and Sid and helps with the investigationSahil: The manager of the Mariana ResortDisha: Sahil’s wifeAjit: Sahil's brotherDilip: Owner of the Mariana Resort, who oversees the operations Asha: Dilip’s daughterSimon Lobo: Owner of Bytes, a restaurant near Mariana ResortRibeiro: Local Police InspectorOthers:Leena: Dilip's cousin, who wants to marry SimonKarekar and Pawas: JewellersJoshua Pinto: supplier of chemicalsBea, Deep, Kiara: Other guests at the resort Chapter 1“He’s Dead”“Aarya needs a theft, or better still, a murder, to get her back to her normal, excited self. She is a detective on vacation who’s suffering from withdrawal.” Sid laughed as he replied to Dev’s question about why Aarya was sitting with a lost expression on her face.“Hey, you make me sound like a malevolent, satanic person who flourishes in a scumhole of crime. I’m not Lucifer,” Aarya said, flicking her wet hair playfully and showering Sid and Dev with sparkling water droplets.She turned her face back toward the ocean and the waves. “I love the beach, the ocean, and the waves. Ah, I love Goa. I wish I could settle here.” She lay down on the sand on the Butterfly Beach in Goa, looking up at the evening sky turning bright orange, lending its beautiful hues to the ocean, which shone with its brilliance.“Honestly, when you suggested it, I thought we were coming here for some case. I didn’t think you’d take a vacation.” Sid said, drawing designs on the sand with a small stick.Aarya shuddered a little as she remembered the state in which she had seen Sid when she had managed to solve the Crimson Party case. It had been a physically and emotionally wrenching experience for them, and she wanted Sid to be away from those gruelling memories for some time.“We need to have fun, don’t we? This is my first vacation in almost two years,” she said, sitting up and holding his hand. Sid looked at her with a twinkle in his brown eyes and nodded.Aarya and Sid had been friends for over two years, though it felt much longer. Sid had helped her in solving some of her cases as well. She liked his honesty and loyalty and respected him for his deep knowledge of security solutions and his courage.“Hey, you lazy bums. Come on. Let’s have a last dip in the ocean before we head back,” Dev exclaimed as he stood up and jogged toward the ocean. Dev Adhikari was a fellow guest at the Mariana resort, where Aarya and Sid were staying. Having come to Goa alone, he had befriended them, and the three had been exploring Goa together for almost a week. He seemed to be a decent man and even had ties to Aarya’s hometown of Nainital—his parents lived there. It’s always a pleasure to meet someone from your city while travelling, and it’s amusing how you form stronger connections with them in other places than in your town.“Wanna come?” Aarya asked, standing up and dusting the sand off her shorts.“Are you sure you want me to come? I don’t want to be the third wheel,” Sid winked.Aarya shook her head. “What nonsense, Sid. Come on now.” She pulled him up and dragged him to the edge of the water. She knew he was still not comfortable deeper in the water.Dev was already swimming, and she dived