Ep-4
Raina Mehra (fl)
*Taking a deep breath*
We’re dealing with someone who’s confident—too confident. Someone who isn’t afraid of leaving ashes behind because they believe those ashes will never speak.
The weight of her words lingers in the room as they all exchange glances.
Ravi Sharma (Inspector)
And if they do speak, ma’am?
Raina Mehra (fl)
*Her voice low, determined*
Then we’ll listen.
Raina walks out of the briefing room, her silhouette sharp against the light flooding through the glass doors. Ravi and Kavya exchange a glance before returning to their tasks.
CBI Headquarters – Conference Room – Evening
Dimly lit conference room. The whiteboard remains cluttered with crime scene photos, dates circled in red, and scribbled notes. Ravi paces restlessly while Kavya scrolls through her tablet, frustration evident on her face. Raina sits at the head of the table, arms crossed, her gaze steady on the crime scene images.
Ravi Sharma (Inspector)
*Running a hand through his hair*
Three weeks. Three weeks of digging through phone records, questioning families, and following dead ends. Nothing, Raina. Absolutely nothing
Kavya Deshmukh (fl's jr)
*irritated*
I agree. Look at this—
*swipes her tablet screen*—
the schoolteacher had constant disputes with his wife and in-laws. Plenty of motive there. And the postman… God, he was drowning in debt. His stress was sky-high. It’s entirely possible he just set himself on fire.
Raina Mehra (fl)
*Calmly, without looking up*
Do people usually set themselves on fire, Kavya?
Kavya hesitates, realizing the flaw in her argument. She lowers the tablet slightly.
Kavya Deshmukh (fl's jr)
*softly*
It’s rare, but… not impossible.
Ravi Sharma (Inspector)
But two cases, exactly a month apart, on the same date?
That’s one hell of a coincidence, Kavya.
Kavya sighs and leans back in her chair, rubbing her temples.
Kavya Deshmukh (fl's jr)
Maybe it is just coincidence. Two unfortunate incidents that happened to align. We’re chasing shadows here
Ravi looks at Raina for guidance, his anxiety visible in the way his fingers tap against the edge of the table.
Ravi Sharma (Inspector)
*hesitant*
Tomorrow’s the 19th. If we’re right about this being a pattern… someone else could die.
Raina finally looks up, her sharp gaze locking onto Ravi and then Kavya.
Raina Mehra (fl)
*Cold, composed*
Kavya, listen carefully. You might sound logical, but logic doesn’t always solve puzzles like these. There are always gaps, always missing pieces we can’t see at first. Coincidence? Maybe. But certainty? No.
Kavya shifts uncomfortably under Raina’s piercing gaze.
Raina Mehra (fl)
*continuing*
A good officer doesn’t dismiss patterns just because they can’t see the bigger picture. You’re better than this, Kavya.
Kavya nods, a flicker of guilt crossing her face
Ravi Sharma (Inspector)
*firmly*
So, what’s our next move?
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