The Final Verdict

                        THE FINAL VERDICT



“The final Verdict” was all set to air its final show. The interview series hosted by Bahskar had become an instant hit right from the day one. His wonderful art of cross questioning and calmness had made some of the eminent people reveal startling facts.
But the last show was going to be different. The director had promised an absolute surprise to the audience and to Bhaskar’s surprise the director was not ready to reveal the plans to him also. All he had told him was “Bhaskar don’t worry you will not need any preparation for this one”.

Sitting on his usual chair he looked around there was still no sign of whom he was going to interview. At sharp 9 like every day the lights went off and the spot light was turned on, but only the one lighting up Bhaskars chair. Totally confused he turned to the director when he heard a voice from the chair in front of him “Good evening Bhaskar.” Bhaskar struggles to look at the dark chair but is unable to make out who is sitting there. “How are you doing today Mr. Bhaskar”? Bhaskar had heard this voice before and was struggling to place it.  Bhaskar knew this was happening live and he can not just keep quite. “I am doing fine Mr. Dark. Wonder why you are hiding in the dark”.
“Mr. Bhaskar for once the tables have turned. Today you will be in the line of fire, its you who will be interviewed” Bhaskar was completely taken aback but he knew he had to keep his calm and smiling he replied “Sure thing, but I guess I have the right to know who is interviewing me”  “You will Mr. Bahskar soon you will. Let’s start the interview first or is the ever cool Bhaskar not comfortable today? “ Liking the challenge being thrown at him” Fine Mr. Dark lets have it your way. Fire “

Voice: “So where were you working before you started this interview series”
Bhaskar: “I was a journalist at The Deccan”

Voice: “Then how did the sudden change from journalism to interviewing”
Bhaskar: “My luck I guess. I happen to take an interview of Mr. Sameer who runs this show. He liked my interviewing skills and signed me up."

Voice: “So you stopped writing once you joined the TV media. “
Bhaskar:”Yes. I still do write a few columns at times. But very rare.”

Voice: “and what about the book that you have been writing”

Bhaskar was completely taken aback. No body knew that he had started working on a book that had all the facts that he had not been able to reveal while he worked as a journalist. He had not even told his wife.

Bhaskar: “Book… I guess you are mistaken I have not written any book.”
Voice:          “10 Chapters of absolutely stunning facts about people and events that might change the way nation looks at some of the most famous celebrities today”

A bead of sweat broke out on Bhaskar’s fore head. He had no idea how the person sitting across knew so much about his book

Bhaskar: (Raising his voice) "you are completely mistaken. I have not written any such book."
Voice: “Mr.Bhaskar you want us to bring the book here live? “

Bhaskar had no idea what was happening. For once he knew how the people he had interviewed felt. He looked around uneasily.

Voice: “I didn’t get an answer Mr. Bhaskar”
Bhaskar: (Sternly) “Yes I have written a book and am going to publish it soon”

Voice: “Are you sure about the facts you are revealing in the book Mr. Bhaskar. Some of them are really big allegations.”
Bhaskar:” I have proofs to support every thing I have said in the book”.

Voice: “Mr. Bhaskar. So according to you a journalist should always tell the public what
ever the truth is”
Bhaskar: “Yes absolutely. That was my motto all the while and still is”

Voice: “Chapter 7. Revelation about Shantanu Murthy. One of the biggest Social worker
in our Country…..
Bhaskar: (Interrupting in between)" yes everything in it is true. I can prove it”

Voice: “There are no doubts about the truth of your facts Mr. Bhaskar. But revealing a
event in which Mr.Shnatanu Has erred as a teenager is only going to hinder all
the noble work he is carrying out today.”
Bhaskar: “So”

Voice: "Don’t you think as humans we can ignore some mistake that a person had
committed long ago if he has corrected himself after that”
Bhaskar: “But I am Journalist and I have learned all my life that a journalist should
always present the truth”

Voice: "Mr. Bhaskar that is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way"
Bhaskar “But…”

Voice: (Interrupting) “Mr.Bhaskar think about it your self. The day you reveal the fact public is going to create huge hue and cry about it. All the politicians who he is fighting against will get a golden point to put him down in front of the public. For some thing that he has done years ago as an immature kid is it fair to ruin his life today? “

Bhaskar did not have an answer. He kept looking at the dark chair Not sure what to say.

Bhaskar: “But who are you……”

The alarm rang and Bhaskar jolted out his sleep sweating profusely. Completely confused, he looked at the clock. Six o’Clock 17th Feb 2008, the day of last show of the Final Verdict.