Crime fiction: The line between culinary artistry and sinister manipulation blurs at this restaurant

The amazing aroma completely enveloped him!

The moment he opened the door of the taxi and set his foot on the ground, he became aware of the fragrance pervading the air. It was unfamiliar, something he had never come across in his life. He immediately felt its enchanting allure.

He was ravenous anyway after having travelled for four or five hours without any halts, but with this tempting aroma, his hunger reached explosive proportions. Spotting a roadside restaurant just twenty yards away, he removed his sunglasses and took a proper look. He could clearly see its strange and uncommon name on the signboard. He took a deep drag on the cigarette pressed between his lips and cast a sideways glance at the taxi before moving ahead. The driver was waiting with his head outside the window. As soon as their eyes met, the man nodded in assent, and at once the taxi departed with a loud whoosh.

The restaurant in front of him proudly proclaimed: Tagore Never Ate Here!

Absolutely bloody true, he thought. I would never eat here either, except …

Sniffing appreciatively, he continued walking.

The restaurant, a handsome single-storeyed bungalow beside the highway, had a long veranda with a tin awning painted green in...

Read more