Who was the real culprit?

Rohan was eagerly checking his mailbox after every few minutes.

He had recently given a selection test for graduation from a reputed college.

Results came and he was selected with flying colours.

He shared this news with his family and they were elated.

They were also happy because their son got admission to a reputed college and this was in the same city.

College rules were that all students have to reside in the hostels irrespective of their permanent residence.

The college joining date was after a week from now.

On the joining date, He packed his bag and left for his college.

When he reached, he saw a long queue for admission formalities.

The whole process of admission took around four hours.

Afterwards, he was directed to his hostel.

When he reached the allotted room there were two people already sitting on their beds.

Rajesh and Arun were now his roommates for the coming three years.

They became familiar with each other and by evening after dinner, they were playing cards with each other.

The next day they went to class together.

They formed a good bond with each other and usually went out in a group.

Whenever they used to go around visiting malls or restaurants, they would carefully split the bill among themselves.

Months passed like this before something strange happened.

A loud noise of shouting woke up Rohan.

He went out to check what was happening.

He could see some policemen who were searching rooms one by one.

Upon enquiry, he got to know that one of the guys, who stayed in the next room, had lodged a missing complaint for his laptop.

This guy was sure that someone has stolen it and hence the police enquiry.

Every student including Rohan and his roommates was asked questions.

The search process went on for the full day and then the police left without any success.

Everyone was shocked including the hostel warden as this never happened before.

This was a topic of discussion among students during dinner.

They were making guesses as to who could be the thief.

Additionally, they were planting theories which they had read from some detective novels

After dinner, they switched off the lights and went to their respective bed.

Later in the night due to a distinct sound, Rohan woke up.

He could see Arun sitting down near his bed and opening his bags.

Indifferent to this, Rohan again went to sleep.

After some time, Arun whispered and woke both of his roommates.

He was shivering with fear.

He told them that he had stolen the missing laptop for which the police had come.

Arun had hidden the laptop in a secretive place where police also could not find it.

Somehow, he was saved but was fearful of whether this secret comes up.

Rohan was confused as he did not expect Arun to do this.

Arun came from a well-to-do family. His both parents are working in respectable positions in government organisations.

At the same time, he had spent considerable time with Arun and hence this behaviour was incomprehensible to him.

Out of curiosity, he asked him directly why he felt the desire to steal.

To which Arun replied that his parents are very strict about giving pocket money.

The money he got was not sufficient for his needs especially going out with his girlfriend.

Due to this, he tried many ways to increase his pocket money and he got addicted to stealing.

This case was different since the police have been involved and this could cause serious implications for his future. He wanted to get out of this at any cost.

He requested Rohan and Rajesh to help him in this matter.

He wanted to return the laptop so that no one knows.

Rajesh suggested that they can approach the laptop owner and tell him the truth. He might understand and not take this any further.

This option had a drawdown also that the laptop owner along with his very angry friend might beat up Arun.

What would happen if the police come the next day and started a fresh enquiry?

Now that Rohan and Rajesh also know the actual case, will it not be difficult to dodge the questions put forward to them?

They were in a dilemma to choose the best path between doing what is right and helping their friend.

In this case, it was like helping a criminal would also make you one.

After a lot of ifs and but’s they chose a way which could save Arun and solve the problem also.

They decided that Arun will leave the laptop near a dark spot in the common area.

He did the same and the laptop owner found the laptop in the morning.

The police case was withdrawn and the chapter closed.

Though the laptop was returned to its owner, a crime had already been committed.

In retrospect, Rohan used to ponder whether he took the right step in helping his roommate.

Was there a better way to handle this situation?

Who was the real culprit?