Chapter 4: The Investigation Begins

Meera’s murder was a major headache, but with a second case and two more victims, Inspector Patil felt the full weight of the city pressing on his shoulders. He wiped his brow with a handkerchief, barking, "No one leaves the building! Sabko yahin rukna hai!" Even his constables’ hands shook as they scribbled notes.

He ordered the crime scene floors sealed. The police searched every stairwell, logged every visitor, and blocked the lift with yellow tape. Residents were questioned, some in tears, some too shocked to speak. A constable removed his chappals before stepping onto the blood-streaked tiles, another quickly tied his handkerchief over his nose to block the smell.

The Mumbai Institute, once a palace of art, was now shrouded in tension. Students clustered near the canteen, WhatsApp groups buzzed with wild theories, and the director paced the main gate, snapping, "Aaj se koi bina entry pass ke andar nahi aayega!"

Was it a robbery? An old enmity? Some whispered about a targeted attack; others insisted it was random. "Shaayad paison ke liye," the watchman speculated, "ya phir koi purana dushman."

Fear spread like fever. Parents called to check on children, security guards doubled patrols. The birds seemed to chirp more quietly, as if the whole campus was in mourning.

The police found key clues: both Meera’s and Amit Singh’s homes had two locks—no sign of forced entry. "Chabi toh kisi apne ke paas hi hogi," Joshi muttered. The murderer either had a key, or was let in by someone who trusted them.

Now suspicion fell on those closest—friends, colleagues, staff. The city held its breath. Inside the staff quarters, trust was in short supply, and every face was a question mark.

Inspector Patil looked around at the familiar faces—teachers, students, neighbours—and wondered: Was the killer standing among them, watching in silence?