Chapter - Shadows of suspicion

As the sun began to rise, casting a soft golden hue over the city, they arrived at Divya's apartment complex. It was seven in the morning, a time when most were still nestled in the comfort of their beds.

When Diviya finally opened the door , her expression was a mixture of startled and confused, the kind that accompanied an unexpected visitor at such an early hour.

She had striking pink plum lips that seemed to draw attention , and gorgeous eyes still dreamy with sleep . Words would hardly do justice to describe the allure she exuded.

"Who are you all?" Divya's voice carried a tinge of offense, her brow furrowing as she sized up the strangers standing at her door.

Stepping forward with authority, Zoya identified herself as, "Mumbai Homicide Crime Branch."

Divya crossed her arms, skepticism etched across her face. "Do you have any identification? Why should I believe you just because you say so?" Her tone was sharp, an unyielding guard against what she perceived as an intrusion.

Ravindra shared a flabbergasted look with senior officer Zoya , both caught off guard by Divya's boldness.

Zunaid also observed it from the sidelines , an impression of amusement flickering in his mind. Nevertheless he maintained his composure .

In his experience , most people's eyes would be enlarged with shock and fear , as the panic took hold onto them upon hearing the name of the Homicide Crime Branch ; but this girl, standing her ground.

Zoyas's left eyebrow shot up , nevertheless she didn't fuse much, instead she pulled out her card from her wallet and showed it to Divya .

“ What do you want?” hint of irritation showed up on Divya's features

Divya's features were tightened, revealing a hint of irrigation “What do you want?” she asked, her voice laced with impatience.

Zoya, unable to suppress the mix of sarcasm and a playful smile, shot back, “ Madam , jahirsi baat Hai police hai toh Aapka autograph ya sirf faltu batiyane toh nahi aaye hai. Murder huyi hai , usi silsile mein baat karni hai. " ( “Madam, this isn’t just idle chit-chat. We’re police so of course we came here to discuss Zahir's case. A murder has occurred, and we need to talk about it.” )

Ravindra fought to contain his amusement at Zoya's audacity . his smile. Zunaid smirked at the unfolding exchange.

Diviya's demeanour shifted noticeably , the irritation in her eyes melting into something more serious as she absorbed the gravity of their purpose.

......

They were sitting in the living room. Divya leaned back against the plush sofa sitting alone on one end of the living room , while Zunaid , Ravindra and Zoya were huddled together on the opposite sofa , facing Divya intently .

Breaking the silence, Divya said, her tone tinged with exhaustion, “ I returned late last night , and now I have to leave Mumbai for a week “

Zunaid locked his gaze into hers , his keen eyes were unwavering “ We apologise for offending your morning like this , "he replied, his voice firm but respectful. " However, the matter is indeed crucial, so we felt it necessary to come “

Divya's flash is a silent node of understanding.

“By the way, Miss Divya, may I ask what field you’re in? What’s your profession?” Zunaid inquired, his tone respectful yet curious.

“I’m a medical representative,” Divya replied, a hint of pride in her voice. “You can imagine how busy my schedule tends to be!”

A furtive glance exchange occurred between the senior officer and inspector Ravindra . Zunaid's mind races with potential implications , his instincts flashing with possibilities.

“ Miss , Divya , I hope you're aware of the tragic news regarding Gautam Desai's sudden passing". Zunaid continued " When we reviewed his CDR , your names came up. That’s why we’re here today. We wanted to speak with you following our investigation. Yesterday you weren't at home so we hoped to catch you early ."

Divya's expression reveals a hint of disbelief “ What ? Oh my God! She put her hand over her chest as a sign of controlling the pent up emotions "… I didn’t know.”

“Really? You haven’t heard anything?” Zunaid pressed gently.

“No,” Divya’s voice trailed off slowly, a mixture of surprise and concern settling in.

“ How could this be possible? Scanning through the call history it revealed that Gautam used to be in touch with you via contact very frequently. But strange. “

“He is my cousin's brother!” Divya interjected, " So we're connected , can't we?" her voice was slightly defensive.

“of course" A boyish grin spread across his face . " as he was your step cousin brother “ Zunaid corrected her, noting the subtle change in her demeanor.

Divya's eyebrow lifted up, a playful challenge glimmering in her eyes “ Wow , officer , you seem to have already learned a lot about my life , " she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

“ Yes , Miss Tripathi. Police wala hoon information collection is our primary duty for keeping the investigation on track." Zunaid's smiled never left him as his stares fixed to Divya. He continued " We know about your relationship with Gautam Desai from his sister. “

As he said the word “relationship,” he caught a fleeting shift in Divya’s expression—something unguarded that hinted at deeper feelings.

Zunaid noticed there was a brief moment of shift in Divya's expression when he used the word “ Relationship

Divya averted her gaze , her composure noticeable changing “ I'm Sorry Officer. But I really know nothing about his sudden death “ she replied , her voice quavering.

Zunaid noticed her eyes shimmer with unshed tears, revealing the emotional turmoil that lay just beneath the surface.

“ Strange . Does anyone in his family know about it ?” Zunaid questioned politely , raising an eyebrow as he looked at Divya, his tone laced with skepticism.

“ Sir, I was preoccupied and deeply disturbed by various issues in my life over the past few weeks due to my work ." ,” Divya replied, her voice tinged with frustration " And the connection between the two families has been reduced . Perhaps they just forgot to let me know. ”

Zoya interjected, maintaining her professionalism despite the tension in the room, , “ If you don't mind, may we check your mobile Miss Tripathi?”

“ What ?Are you serious ?Officers, are you suspecting me ? Instead , what basis do you have for doing it ? “ Divya exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation.

Without waiting for a reply, Zoya moved closer and picked up the mobile phone resting on the sofa beside Divya. She swiftly began transferring all the contacts from Divya’s phone to her own device, her expression focused and determined.

“ Who is the suspect or who is not? That's our decision to make . Zunaid asserted, his voice firm as he met " until we gather more information , you remain one of the prime suspects in you are one of the prime suspects in Gautam Desai's murder case .” His steady gaze held hers , emphasising the gravity of the situation.

Divya's eyes locked onto Zunaid , her expression turned stern , a mixture of defiance and disbelief. Gritting her teeth, she spat out, “I’ve already told you, Officer, I know nothing about his death.”

Zunaid, unfazed, leaned in sighty ahead , his voice steady but layered with authority “ We have information suggesting you and Gautam had a heated argument recently . Moreover , we've collected details that you consulted a doctor about an abortion . I’ve got the doctor's alibi right here with me.”

Divya's eyes widened in shock, , as a shiver coursed through her veins , as the implication of his words settled in.

With gritted teeth she shouted “ So , what are you trying to prove ? That I killed him ? If you're convinced of my guilt, then prove it , Officer ! Have you seen me commit the murder ? You need evidence before you throw around accusations like that !"

Ravindra and Zoya exchange stunned glances, their mouths agape .

Ravindra could hardly comprehend how Divya was daring to confront ACP Zunaid with such terrible audacity. It was a bold challenge, one that hung thick in the air like an electric charge.

A sly smirk curled across Zunaid's cheeks . Betraying a mix of amusement and mockery . " Miss Divya , it's morning time , go and drink water . You need something to cool off . Your temper could use it ”

Divya stared at Zunaid, her heart racing as she locked eyes with Zunaid, struggling to suppress the rising tide of anger within her.

“ Now will you tell me the truth or do I have to speak on your behalf?" Zunaid's voice was stern , sending chills down Divya's spine .

“What truth? I don't know anything! I've told you that already!” Divya's voice trembled, a mixture of defiance and apprehension.

“ Five days ago, Gautam Desai came to meet you at your place. We have the CCTV footage of the floor at which you're residing as evidence . So think carefully before you speak again” ,Zunaid said, his gaze piercing through her defenses like a blade.

Divya gulped in fear "as the weight of the accusation settled heavily upon her shoulders. " Yes , he came…" she admitted , her head bowed down with embarrassment “But I can tell you everything , you have to give me words, you will not disclose my name in the case. Unless my life will be shattered “

Zunaid softened slightly, sensing the desperation in her voice. “ Okay , we give you our word . If you do not you can filed a complaint against us " Zunaid assured

Divya exchanged a tense glance with the three officers, her heart racing as she prepared to share her story.

Zunaid observed her intently, realising how much Divya longed to be seen as smart and savvy . Yet , he couldn’t help but notice her emotional immaturity , making her vulnerable prey for Gautam's manipulation. .

With a deep breath, Divya began to open up…

“Gautam was my cousin's brother..since childhood I often felt very lonely. Papa was always occupied with his work and while my mother spent most of her time at her office. Neither of them have any time for me. I had everything materially, yet I felt like I had nothing. It left me emotionally vacant

Gautam was six years older than me , Although our paths collided, this romantic feeling blossomed towards him gradually. When I was in high school, he used to visit my home , with a smile that always brightened my days . Giving me attention, he used to do all those things which made me smile. He helped me with my studies , and my parents admired him so much that they often urged me to be more like him.

Those moments alone together were precious to me . At just eighteen, filled with the exhilaration that comes with young love, I relied on Gautam’s attention. I only had two friends at school, but Gautam showed me the kind of care I had never experienced before.

And eventually he made me realise our connection was special, being step cousins not related by blood we were free from constraints of societal norms . There are many who have developed romantic feelings like us. And we will be the best couple ever .

Gradually , our meeting developed into physical intimacy. Later , I got admitted to a B.Sc pharma and although he was busy with work, he always made time for me. That’s what I love most about him—he gave me attention like no one else ever did and truly understood me.

However, one day, he grew angry when he saw me with one of my male friends. He told me to maintain distance from other guys , and I thought he was just being caring . A hint of jealousy can lose me.

I don't want to get married very soon as I want to establish my career first , especially if our family doesn't accept our forbidden relationship. Hoping if we stand on our feet we can start our own life together. Gautam also agrees with me on this . But he often teased me by addressing me as “ My baby doll turned into a mature Queen “

After six years , I spoke to Gautam to expose our relationship to his family. But he told me he needed more time , he was busy with his family work , also very scared, especially since his father was very angry and didn't even allow his brother to marry his girlfriend .

I felt frightened—what would he tell everyone about our relationship?

We had a pretty big fight over this. Five months ago, I learned that he was getting married to Ayesha, and since then, he has stopped coming to see me.

Depression engulfed like darkness after Gautam left my life. Four months ago, he unexpectedly returned and told me he wasn't happy with Ayesha. He had married her under pressure from his family.

As he spoke, he expressed how deeply he missed me and revealed that he had hidden our relationship out of fear that if both families found out, they might separate us—or worse. Maybe they could kill us. He was ready to die but he couldn't bear the pain to see me die .

I urged him to leave Ayesha and start a new journey with me. He promised he would, but he warned him that she would likely file a domestic violence case against him, claiming a substantial amount of alimony. She had already won over his family's affection .

One day, I discovered that I had conceived, I gathered my courage and asked Gautam to reveal our relationship. I wasn't prepared to abort the baby, no matter the cost. Initially, he seemed happy about the news, but he gradually explained that we couldn’t bring the child into this world. This led to heated arguments between us.

I felt an overwhelming need to abort the baby, driven by fear of how my father would react. If he found out, I knew he would definitely kill me to protect his reputation.

Determined to move on this time , but not before I took revenge from the man who caused me damage.

When he visited me, we chatted, and I finally told him about the abortion. I had even considered poisoning his food, but I couldn't find the courage to kill him . I felt like a coward.

That night, he mentioned he had to go to a party that one of his college friends was throwing for his birthday. He assured me he would return soon.

Divya finished her words “ Officer after that I know nothing. Although I called him late at night , he didn't answer my phone nor sms.”

“ Okay ,Miss Tripathi, thanks for your cooperation ." With that, Zunaid stood to his full height, unbothered by the intensity of the moment.

Ravindra and Zoya also rose from the sofa.

Once the door locked after the police left , Divya threw a flower vase on the floor..Her eyes were bloodshot, signalling hints of guilt and frustration.

……….

“Sir , do you think Divya is telling the truth ? She isn't someone behind the murder ?” Zoya asked as they stepped out of the lift , their footsteps echoing in the corridor.

“ Yes , Zoya . She is telling the truth. And I don't think she committed the murder .” Zunaid replied calmly.

As they made their way towards the police car parked outside, he continued, “ The way Gautam was killed…. , the killer must have a lot of patience. Precision . Divya is very short tempered. If she had committed the murder , there would've been signs of physical injuries. . But the killer was very patient with him .She would’ve lashed out violently. But this killer was methodical.”

“ And , The girl who let out the truth on mere threatening in the first place, she can't have such a mastermind brain to arrange the game of murder . “

Ravindra and Zoya exchanged a thoughtful glance, nodding in agreement.

Ravindra spoke up as curiosity got him better “ Sir, how can you be so sure about this ? Divya Tripathi has a solid motive to kill Gautam Desai. She had every reason“

Zunaid nodded “ Absolutely agree with you Ravindra. Her motive is clear. But think about her mental state . Didn’t she say she’s under pressure due to work-related issues? Called at her offices and checked how she's had frequent clashes with clients ,struggling to keep her temper in check. Her aggression is no secret.”

Zoya chimed in “ But Sir , she’s a medical representative . That kind of profession demands strong communication skills and also very calmness and respectful demeanor even in challenging situations. They have to bring flexibility while handling different personalities and situations “

“Exactly,” Zunaid said “ Divya is still inexperienced. —maybe 24, 25 . New to the job . From what I observed when I provoked her intentionally she got frustrated easily . Divya's father is a high profile Navy officer. She’s grown up with so much pampering and affection, even luxury . When we reached inside her apartment, I noticed her upbringing is done under an opulent lifestyle. That doesn’t make her a killer, but it does suggest she’s emotionally unprepared for something this calculated.”

“ Zunaid's expression remained calm and steady

Ravindra narrowed his eyes curiously. “Sir, where do you get all this insight?”

Zunaid gave a dry chuckle, casting a sideways glance at Ravindra “ “Main police wala hoon, Ravindra. Details nikalna koi badi baat nahi hoti.”

(I'm a cop, Ravindra. Digging into details isn’t a big deal for me.)

Zoya grinned, and Ravindra’s cheeks flushed in quiet embarrassment.

“ But Sir…..” Zoya asked again , her more serious now "If Divya isn’t the killer, then who is ? Daksh Singh's death is just as baffling. much of a mystery. Could it be the same person?”

“ Zoya, send the call history details over to our cyber team..” Zunaid instructed, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of urgency.

“Sir, you mentioned that Divya was telling the truth. What additional insights do you expect to gain from the call detail records (CDR)?” Zoya questioned, her brow furrowing in concern as she cross-checked the information.

Zunaid paused, considering her words carefully. “I did say that she was truthful. However, there’s something about this case that gives me pause. While she hasn’t outright lied, I have a strong feeling that she’s holding back important information—something crucial that could shed light on the situation.”

Ravindra, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. “So you’re still suspicious of Divya, then?”

Zunaid let out a heavy sigh, a mixture of frustration and determination flickering in his eyes. " As a policeman it's my second nature to doubt everyone, especially when it's a matter of a crime. And didn't you catch her clearly? When Divya mentioned Gautam told heartmelt cooked stories about his marriage life with Ayesha. That clearly points to the fact that she was already aware of the recent clash between them and the foreboding divorce Ayesha has decided to appeal ."

He paused, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. "I firmly believe that by the end of tonight, we’ll stumble upon a clue that will lead us deeper into this mystery."

Ravindra leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. “Is it possible that Divya and Ayesha are both involved together in all of this?"

Zunaid’s gaze drifted into the distance, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. “The possibility can't be overlooked, Ravindra.”

The atmosphere in their surroundings was dense with foreboding suspense and intrigue. The wind rustled through the trees, and a faint crackle of thunder loomed overhead.