A desperate search

3 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

A desperate search

Prithvi returned to India around half past three in the afternoon . Malhotra Mansion which was once loaded with glea of laughter , now felt like an oppressive atmosphere of grief , entwined in a web of foreboding suspense and intrigue.

Abhiram's heart came into his throat, as eyes caught the ashen face of his son. His mouth went dry , a cold shiver coursed through his body conjuring up the battle his son was fighting within.

Annaya , as well Shambhavi also stood speechless, eyeing glued to the gaunt features of Prithvi . His eyes, once sparkling with amusements , now appeared shallow and pale as though a lifeless spirit enveloped him. A depiction of the obsessive thoughts had consumed him in an endless gloom since receiving the news regarding the missing complaint. His mind was a maelstrom of grotesque scenarios , each one more daunting than the last . His prayers had become a fervent mantra , desperate pleas for her safety “keep her safe and alive”..

Without sparing a glance at anyone , he walked deliberately towards his bedroom. The door clicked shut behind him with an resounding a sharp thud . Inside the room, his gaze landed on the large photo frame containing a snapshot of their wedding . The image was a testament of joy , capturing their radiant smiles , their laughter and love that enveloped them on that special day.

But now, everything around him felt stifling , heavy with a ominous silence that hung over him like a burden.

The air in the surrounding was getting more dense , so vacant and still it made him suffocate . The emptiness of the room seemed to expand , threatening to engulf him very soon.

He moved slowly, each step deliberate as he approached the photograph, and halted just before the frame, unable to tear his gaze away from it . His right hand lifted , trembling slightly , as his fingers reached out to trace the delicate outline of her bright smile, longing to feel the warmth of her presence. It was as if his palm sought to connect with her essence . A single tear, tiny yet heavy with agony , formed in the corner of his left eye, rolling down his cheek, leaving its mark along its way.

Suddenly, his hand clenched into a fist as a surge of frustration and despair that took their hold . In a swift, fluid motion, he hurled the flower vase off the table , the glass shattering against the marble floor with a sharp, deafening crack that pierced the oppressive silence, the shards of pieces reflecting off his fragmented heart.

When his eyes opened, they were bloodshot, the red vessels stark against the white. Veins throbbed prominently at his temple, pulsating with a steady rhythm . Even the jawline became tightened. His throat constricted, causing Adam's apple to bob up and down as he struggled to draw in deep, gasping breaths. Each inhale seemed heavy, a weight crushing his chest , while his heart pounding a frantic beat, reverberating like a war drum against his ribcage .

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ACP Zunaid along with his teammates sprang into action upon receiving a phone call from Prithvi regarding Sanyogita's disappearance . A wave of shock washed over him , despite his awareness of Sanyogita's bravery . Nevertheless sudden disappearance made him baffled .

On the contrary he asked Mr. Malhotra if he had a suspect in anyone. Prithvi provided details about potential suspects. So Zunaid's team, one of the toughest and busiest departments, embarked on their mission.

They began their journey from the Ranawat Villa.

“ Sir, according to Mr. Prithvi Malhotra , Nasihat Ranawat is very clever, “ Ravindra warned and also added “ If we approached him about Sanyogita's disappearance, he'll likely remain tight-lipped and might even file a complaint against us .” Ravindra cautioned.

“ You are right , but Prithvi has already told me , about the threatening calls and also how Nishant used to scare him that he would damage Bhabhi.” Zunaid said, his voice firm. “ We need to interrogate Nishant Ranawat. Without questioning him, we have left with nothing in our hands right now “ Zunaid said

Ravindra nodded in agreement. "Sir, we can ask him about where he was last night. We contacted the mentioned hotel at which Mrs. Malhotra's mobile switched off , but nothing came out of it. The hostel manager said no mention of Nishant Ranawat, and we even checked the footage, but found nothing."

Zunaid's mind was a jumble of questions, unsure where to begin. Just then , ASP Zoya

approached, saluting her senior officer “ Sir we can talk , start by questioning Ayesha and also those with who met with Mrs Malhotra throughout the day before her disappearance”

" Ayesha, who is she? Zunaid asked , his eyes narrowed

“Zoya replied “From Mrs Malhotra’s bodyguards , Christopher, I got the information that on the day of her disappearance, she had met with Ayesha Desai, Gautam's wife .

“ Okay , let's go” Zunaid nodded, and he and ASP Zoya set out to meet Ayesha.

Meanwhile, Ravindra and newly joined officer Sherya visited lawyer Indrani Jaiswal's house, followed by Riddhima's residence.

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When Zunaid heard about the address he couldn't fit the location into the luxurious residential category as the locality they arrived, was a big contrast to an opulent bungalow. The house was simple, typical of a lower-middle-class way of life, but all was tidy and spotless.

Three individuals were there when the police came, their faces a combination of suspense and fear.

A man of middle height, came to meet the police, he introduced himself as Satish, his eyes were a blend of mystery and nervousness. Police asked him about his relationship with Ayesha. He told them that he will marry her very soon .

Officer Zoya and Zunaid exchanged a brief, inquiring glance.

Before Zunaid opened his mouth to speak Satish said “ Officer, I know you wanted to meet Ayesha but she is very weak and needs proper rest . I hope you'll understand “

Zunaid's eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued by Satish's perceptiveness wondering how cleverly got the notion about their next step to talk to the victim. "How did you know we came here to meet Ayesha?" he asked, his tone neutral, but beneath the surface seeds of suspicion had already sawn.

Satish startled , his eyes darted between the officers . With a subtle hint of protectiveness as he said "Officer, since Ayesha moved in, there's been a constant stream of visitors,koi na koi aye hu ja raha hai " he began, his voice measured. "Her in-laws haven't made it easy for her. They're trying to pressure her into dropping the domestic violence case against Gautam Desai. They've even approached her mother, trying to convince Ayesha to restart her life with him."

Zoyas's eyes widened slightly as heard Satish , she asked, “ Domestic violence??”

Satish's gaze flickered between the two officers, his expression a mix of concern and frustration “ Yes, they've even threatened us , warning that if we don't withdraw the FIR, they take action against my family “ he said, his voice laced with a hint of fear “ they are very powerful people , and that was the reason I thought you might be here on their behalf . But I don't sacred those cowardly people. So called high society, don't think we middle class as a human being “

Zoya opened her mouth to respond, but Zunaid's firm voice cut her off. "Mr. Satish, let me clarify that we're not here to discuss domestic violence. That's not our department's concern. We're here to meet with Mrs. Ayesha because we have solid evidence that Mrs. Sanyogita Malhotra, the wife of a well-known businessman, met with her yesterday. And now, she's missing."

Satish eyes looked onto Zunaid for a while . His expression shifted from concern to shock. “ What??” his whispered, a reflection clarify his unprepared for the news .

“ Yes, and we will be happy if you cooperate with us . “ Zunaid said with sombre.

Zunaid's somber tone remained unchanged. "Yes. And we'd appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Satish. We need to speak with Ayesha."

Satish's voice trailed off, his words slow and measured. "Okay, officer... but Ayesha is weak now . Any kind of stress could be bad for her health . She's already gone through a lot, and I don't want her to suffer anymore." His eyes implored Zunaid, his concern for Ayesha's safety seeming genuine.

Zoya and Zunaid both sensed a deeper concern beneath Satish words. He led them both through a narrow corridor, the air thick with the scent of old agarbatti and dust. They climbed the stairs. On the first floor, three rooms awaited, each one a mystery. Satish stopped before the last room which was situated in the corner, its door slightly ajar.

Zoya and Zunaid exchanged a serious nod before stepping inside, anticipating to get some clue.

Ayesha was standing by the window, her gaze lost in the distance, as if trying to search for something deeper . The little world that came to view between the rust iron rods of the railing brought a contrasting version to the turmoil brewing within her.

Her eyes were dry, like the parched earth of summer days, devoid moisture or life . Whenever she tried to shut her mind , memories haunted her like a nightmare. They danced in front of her eyes like specters. She could escape them, no matter how hard she tried .The past seemed to be a beast that brought all kinds of painful experiences to torture her. Whenever she closed her eyes , she was transported to a different time and place , reliving moments from her past . Her younger self was there, surrounded by others, while her older self watched from afar, powerless to help.

The knock on the door shattered her reverie, and the sound of the door opening brought her back to reality. She saw Satish was standing on the doorstep , it was then she spotted two strangers were standing behind him .

"Ayesha, the police are here to talk to you," he said, his voice gentle. Ayesha's heart skipped a beat out of curiosity and fear warring within her.