Chapter - A treacherous night

3 months ago

Mikky

@MidnightLibrary

Chapter - A treacherous night

Ravindra and Shreya returned to the police station, where Senior officer Zunaid and ASP Zoya were deep in discussion about the case.

“Ravindra, did you uncover anything suspicious ?" Zunaid asked, his eyes narrowing.

Ravindra shook his head “ No , Sir. We talked with Riddhima and also with her mother. They mentioned that Mrs Malhotra had visited their home once, but only came to talk about Riddhima's health. They seemed genuinely surprised to know about Mrs. Malhotra disappearance “

Zunaid's expression turned thoughtful. "I'm worried about keeping this under wraps from the media. It's proving to be a challenge to lead this case without any lead "

Ravindra offered words of encouragement " Don't worry, Sir , We all have faith in you. We will definitely get a breakthrough ”

Zoya nodded her head in agreement and Shreya , who was new to the team , had heard about Zunaid and his team's remarkable track record. She too felt a surge of hope .

“ What about Indrani Jaiswal, Mrs Malhotra's lawyer ? Zoya asked out of curiosity “ Did you find anything unusual in her statement?"

Shreya responded " Madam, nothing suspicious was found in her statement . But one-thing , Miss Jaiswal told us!”

Zoya nodded with a gesture to proceed.

Shreya continued “Miss Indrani Jaiswal mentioned that Mrs. Malhotra gradually became anxious and worried due to the lack of evidence . It's proving difficult to gather witnesses willing to testify in court. Cause Miss Jhanvi’s batch mates don't even want to come and give statements in court as they do t want to put their family in danger "

Zunaid listened intently, his expression thoughtful, before responding after a brief pause.

"Ravindra, alert our informers that they have a new mission. Instruct them to keep a close watch on these four individuals. We'll also need to pay them a visit. I suspect that involving the police will prompt them to make a mistake."

Everyone agreed with the senior officer.

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Their next destination was Ranawat Villa. Nishant's composure was put to the test by the unexpected arrival of the police .

Zunaid stared at Nishant's astonished face , which he quickly masked with a charming smile “Ah, officer, how can I assist you?'”

The officer's words dropped like a bombshell “ Yesterday night Mrs Sanyogita Malhotra went missing, and her husband told us he firmly believes you have been involved behind this ! “

Nishant's eyes widened, his expression a blend of shock and concern “What? ..What are you talking about? Bhabhi goes missing ..Oh My god..it's a horrific news I have tonight!”

However Zunaid expression was straightforward “ For that investigation purpose we came here , “

“ one minute officer , you're suspecting me for this “

“ We don't, I already told you Mr Malhotra tell me he is suspecting you “

“ But why ? How can I ?”

" Why not? She will soon take you to the court and she has also lodged a case against you in the police station “

Nishant gaze went narrow for a moment but he exhaled a chuckle “ That day it was a mistake. I've already forgotten everything about it all”

Zunaid Voice was a calm, serene, calculative measure " What didn't you do, Mr.Ranawat ? Maintaining the consistency in his words he inquired further “ why did you forget everything? A person dragged you into lockup and he still didn't have hatred for her! Strange”

Nishant's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned back into the cushion" Ah, Officer you've already done with your homework. “ he paused, his expression thoughtful “ That was a misunderstanding. Prithvi's a good friend , for his sake , I chose not to harbour any grudges”

Zunaid gaze never wavered, his eyes locked onto Nishant's "If Mr Prithvi Malhotra is such a close friend, why didn't you keep a connection with him after school. “

Nishant's response was smooth, his words well-rehearsed “ I had to relocate to the USA for work. And my mother was battling a neuro condition . We needed specialist doctors, and I settled there . My Dad also agree it was the best decision “

Zunaid's gaze remained unblinking, his eyes searching for any cracks in Nishant's facade.

“ Why did you return to India?" Zunaid asked, his voice low and even

Nishant's smile was quick, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “ I guess this has nothing to do with your case, Officer. Still, for your kind of information, we decided to settle back in India . My father was missing this land so much. And I love my family dearly . After losing my mother , he's the only one left with me ,s o I need to take care of him too”

A hint of sadness touched his features as he finished his words.

However Zunaid's expression remained stern " Oh I see. Then you must be a great son Mr.Ranawat!"

Nishant's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing “ Are you mocking me, officer?"

“ No at all Mr. Ranawat. I'm just appreciating you “ Zunaid gave him a polite smile

The atmosphere was tense, Nishant's eyes never leaving Zunaid's face.

“ What were you doing last night Mr.Ranawat?” Zunaid asked , his voice was polite

Nishant brows wrinkles “ what ? I was in my room. And what people will do in the late night. Sleep right .”

Zunaid's smile broadened , his eyes even sparkling with amusement “ But your driver told us you visited at a club to celebrate your birthday “

Nishant gaze remained fixed to ACP Zunaid who had a very mischievous boy's smile on his lips.

" Oh, yeah I was partying late at night but returned soon “Nishant replied, his voice casual.

Zunaid"cut him short in the middle as he completed Nishant's words by adding more " Around four in the early morning “

Nishant cheeks twitched as he chewed the inside of his mouth , and a subtle sign of tension “ I didn't notice that time" He said, his tone even.

“I see. By the way , Mr. Ranawat , why didn't you invite Mr. Malhotra to your birthday celebration? You claim he's a close friend ”

" I wanted to bridge the gap but Prithvi doesn't want to stay in contact with me.”

“ Really?" Zunaid's eyebrows arched , his eyes flickering a hint of curiosity

“ Officer, I wanted to tell you oneth , I always wish for good for them.” Nishant's voice was laced with a hint of frustration “ I even visited his house when I learned he'd been shot cause I was worried for him . But the sad thing is, he misunderstood me “ his eyes seemed to bore into the officer's soul . “But I believe God is watching us , he knows everything .

Zunaid's expression remained neutral , but his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.

" Okay, Mr . Ranawat, I think we've had enough discussion for today “

Nishant's smile was gentle and decent , but his eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of triumph .

After coming out of the Ranawat illa, the police headed to the Gautam house . The atmosphere grew as tension as if a sign of foreboding suspense . When they arrived, they got to know that Gautam had traveled to Indore for a business meeting and was expected to return a week later.

However, new information revealed to them by a worker that Gautam had returned late the previous night, and no one was present in the house except for the worker.

Zunaid's eyesight narrowed as he processed the information he discussed with his junior Officer " Ravindra, don't you find it quite suspicious. He left for his business trip around 10 o'clock in the morning, but returned late last night. And Sanyogita bhabhi had also gone missing last night . It seems we have a few more questions to ask?

Ravindra nodded his head in response .

At last, police visited the houses of the remaining two suspects , Reyansh and Daksh.

Daksh seemed to like Nishant, was enigmatic and reserved, offering only brief responses to their questions. He admitted to attending the party but claimed to know nothing about Sanyogita, stating he'd never even seen her before.

Zunaid's confusion deepened as he tried to piece together the puzzle.

The last person he met was Reyansh. He had a beautiful wife and also a two years old son, projecting a picture-perfect family image.

When the police knocked on the door and showed them their 🆔 card , Reyansh expression turned cautious, and calculative . He stared at them for a moment before responding.

Zunaid's questioning were met with a mix of fear and defensiveness.

Reyansh claimed, his response was brief and he appeared anxious to end the conversation “ I don't know who this Sanyogita is or why she's trying to ruin my life “ he said , his tone laced with frustration.

But his demeanor changed when Prithvi Malhotra's name was mentioned. He seemed terrified, his voice trembling slightly.

However, when the officer pressed for more information, Reyansh became increasingly agitated, citing his busy schedule and his mother's poor health as reasons to conclude the interview.

"I'm a busy person, and I have a meeting tomorrow morning," Reyansh said, his voice firm. "I need my rest, and my mother's condition isn't well. Please don't disturb me further. If anything happens to her, I'll file a harassment case against the police."

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She was swimming in the warm pool water like an alluring mermaid , her movements were carefree and seductive . He sat on a nearby bench, his gaze remained fixed on her , watching her every move, drinking every detail before leaping over his prey . He He was a monster in a mask of handsome features

This small trip of one week in Lonavala away from home , free from the worries of his mundane life only relieved , blissful night full of uninterrupted typical, and the looming court drama .

The memory of Nishant showing him a photo of Sanyogita Malhotra . He couldn't take his eyes off her , despite knowing she'd soon drag them in her case and couldn't help but fantasise about her .

Human beings are so complex ; the very things that should repel him but his lusty eyes found it irresistible. She seemed to embody a captivating paradox - a gorgeous view of the valley both beautiful and deceitful .

But he was thrilled to learn about her Achilles heels, it was her husband, Prithvi Malhotra . If he omitted him from the equation , Sanyogita would cast out the Malhotra household and then the mini would be his for the taking . Even before Nishant and Daksh laid their greedy sights upon her , he would claim her as his trophy, and pleasure was all his.

“ hanchuu…hanchuu!!” A sudden sneezing brought him back to reality . Gautam cursed the abrupt change in weather . Gusts of chilly, unforgiving wind bit into his nostrils and rushed into his lungs, where they slashed his insides like jagged stones. His eyes watered due to the icy air.

After a brief pause, he stood up straight on his legs and joined her in the warm pool . Water tickled down his sculpted frame . His hands gilded over her slick skin, trailing slowly across the swelling of her chests, dancing across the laces of her bikini top. Her hands travel over his broad shoulder, pulling him closer to her, their bodies melted together into each other .

As she drew his face near to her mouth a sudden sneezing let them pull apart scrunch in her nose.

" Hanchuu" Gauram's nose scrunched , his face tightened with irritation .

“ I think you've caught a cold,” she said softly. Her brows draw in with concern.

“ Don't worry , I've got my medicine “ He replied, pulling her closer than before.

His voice was husky, coated with the desire“ I don't want any interruption , darling. Make this one week like a paradise to me. Make me happy , I'll fill your bag and wardrobe with anything you want “

His lips traced a slow path from her jawline to the curve of her neck .

Her body pressed against his naked torso. She could feel his strong arms fumbling with the lace back of her bikini . A grasp of breath came out of her mouth, heavy and shallow.

“ Sure, Sweetheart," She whispered , her voice dripping with a dark promise. " And I'm pretty sure ... You'll never forget the ride tonight. “ as she trailed her nail over his angular jaw , said seductively “ I'll make sure this memory lasts you a lifetime -- right till your last breath ”

Her eyes gleamed with intensity , unreadable and hypnotic.

Gautam stared at her seductive features . A rush of excitement surged through him , as his mind conjured images of her wriggling over the bed , wearing nothing but on white sheets , the barest silk.

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