บท 3: 3."Maya's Missing Again?”
After finishing my morning routine, I grabbed my laptop and slipped it into my bag, followed by my phone and wallet. With everything packed, I made my way to the living room, where I set my bag down on the sofa. The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the space.
I headed to the kitchen, where I began preparing a simple breakfast—sandwich and coffee, my go-to morning meal. The rhythmic sounds of slicing bread and brewing coffee were oddly comforting. There was something grounding about the routine, a small but steady anchor in my new life.
When I first arrived in Hyderabad, people were curious about my background. I told them I was an orphan with a guardian who managed my finances and sent me money monthly. It was a story that was just vague enough to satisfy their curiosity without inviting too many questions. They were kind, often inviting me over for dinner and making me feel like part of the community. Their warmth was a welcome change from the cold, transactional relationships I was used to.
Once breakfast was ready, I carried my sandwich and coffee to the living room and placed them on the table. The clock on the wall read 9 a.m. I turned on the TV and tuned into the news channel, settling into the sofa with my sandwich.
The news was its usual mix of politics and crime. The headlines were filled with reports of corruption and scandals, a stark reminder of the chaos that still plagued the city. It was disheartening, but I had learned to keep my distance from such matters. As long as the political and criminal turmoil didn't intersect with my life, I remained an observer, detached and uninterested.
As I took a bite of my sandwich and sipped my coffee, I allowed myself a moment of reflection. Life in Hyderabad had its challenges, but it also offered a sense of normalcy and freedom I hadn't felt in a long time. The simplicity of this morning routine, the quiet satisfaction of a homemade meal, and the tranquility of a life far removed from my past—it was all a part of the new chapter I was writing for myself.
After finishing my breakfast, I turned off the TV and carried my empty plate and coffee cup to the kitchen. The simple act of cleaning up was oddly soothing, a grounding ritual in my otherwise unpredictable life. I washed the dishes and put them back in their places, drying my hands with a towel as I finished.
With my bag slung over one shoulder and my house keys in hand, I made my way to the front door. As I stepped outside, the morning sunlight bathed my face, and a genuine smile spread across my lips. The warmth of the sun was a welcome embrace, a small but comforting reminder of the beauty in ordinary moments.
I was about to head toward the gate when I noticed Mansoor Bhaiyya approaching. He was my neighbor and, quite frankly, the closest thing I had to a friend here. A police officer with a knack for humor, Mansoor Bhaiyya had become a familiar and reassuring presence in my life. We had collaborated on a few cases, and his easygoing nature had made those experiences enjoyable.
As he neared the gate, I gave him a friendly wave and called out, "Morning, Bhaiyya!"
He looked up, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Morning, Shivaay! Heading somewhere?"
I walked closer to the gate, returning his smile. "Yeah, the usual—heading to the library. But do you need something?"
Mansoor Bhaiyya leaned against the gate, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Actually, yes. Have you seen Maya anywhere?" Mansoor Bhaiyya asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
I couldn't help but smile at the question. "Maya's missing again?"
Maya was Mansoor Bhaiyya's cat—a small, fluffy bundle of mischief who had a knack for disappearing. Despite her occasional escapades, she had a charm that made her quite endearing. She would sometimes make her way to my house, her curiosity leading her to explore new corners.
Mansoor Bhaiyya nodded, a look of exasperation on his face. "Yes, she's wandered off somewhere. She has this habit of sneaking around and hiding in the oddest places. I've checked everywhere I could think of, but no luck."
Seeing his frustration, I offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Bhaiyya. I'll help you find her. Maya's probably just exploring somewhere close by. Let's go see if we can track her down."
He looked relieved, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "Thank you, Shivaay. I appreciate it."
I had a hunch about where Maya might have gone, so I led Mansoor Bhaiyya toward a nearby shed. He followed closely behind, and as I carefully opened the door, we were greeted with a cozy scene. There, curled up in a corner with a few other cats, was Maya, looking both curious and slightly miffed at being discovered.
"Maya!" Mansoor Bhaiyya exclaimed, his face lighting up with visible relief. He reached out and gently picked her up, his hands showing a tenderness that spoke volumes about his affection for her. "You really need to stop hiding like this."
Maya meowed softly, as if acknowledging his frustration but also content to be found. As Mansoor Bhaiyya held her close, he turned to me, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Shivaay. How did you know she'd be here?"
I shrugged with a smile. "It's nothing. I've seen her hanging around with these other cats from time to time. Figured she might have taken refuge here."
Mansoor Bhaiyya nodded thoughtfully, a look of understanding in his eyes. "You're right. She's always had a knack for finding the most unexpected hiding spots. I appreciate you helping me out."
He glanced at his watch and then back at me. "You mentioned you're heading to the library, right?"
I nodded. "Yeah, that's the plan."
"Alright," he said, his expression brightening with an idea. "I'll quickly change into my uniform, and then I'll drop you off at the library. It's the least I can do for your help this morning."
I was grateful for the offer. "Thanks, Bhaiyya. I appreciate it."
With a quick nod, Mansoor Bhaiyya set off toward his house to change. I waited by the gate, Maya now safely tucked into his arms. The morning sun continued to bathe the street in a warm glow, adding a serene backdrop to our little adventure.
After a short while, Mansoor Bhaiyya emerged from his house, clad in his police uniform. His presence exuded a professional yet approachable demeanor. "Let's go, Shivaay," he said with a friendly nod.
I returned the nod and climbed into the passenger seat of his car. As we drove through the streets of Hyderabad, Mansoor Bhaiyya glanced over at me and asked, "When does your class start?"
"Next week," I replied, leaning back in the seat.
His curiosity piqued, he asked, "Excited?"
"Not really," I admitted, a touch of amusement in my voice. "It's just a formality for me."
"Ah, why's that?" Mansoor Bhaiyya inquired, his tone both intrigued and light-hearted.
I chuckled softly. "Well, you know I'm a genius, so it's all pretty straightforward for me."
Mansoor Bhaiyya let out a hearty laugh. "Hahaha, yeah, you are quite the genius nerd, aren't you?"
I couldn't help but laugh along with him. It was moments like these, filled with casual banter and genuine camaraderie, that made me feel grounded and connected.
After a bit more conversation, we arrived at the library. Mansoor Bhaiyya pulled up to the front and parked the car. He turned to me with a warm smile. "Here we are. Thanks for helping me find Maya this morning."
"Anytime, Bhaiyya. I appreciate the ride," I said, stepping out of the car.
He gave me a nod. "You're welcome. Have a good time at the library. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."
I watched as he drove away, his car gradually disappearing into the morning traffic. Taking a deep breath of the crisp air, I turned and walked toward the entrance of the library. The building stood tall and welcoming, a sanctuary of knowledge amidst the bustling city.
As I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, the familiar scent of old books and polished wood greeted me. The quiet, serene atmosphere of the library was a stark but welcome contrast to the lively city outside. I made my way to my usual spot near the large windows, where the sunlight streamed in and cast a warm glow over the reading area.
Settling into a comfortable chair, I unpacked my bag and took out my laptop and a few books. The calm and orderly environment of the library always put me at ease, a perfect setting for both studying and reflecting. The gentle hum of whispered conversations and the occasional rustle of pages created a soothing backdrop.
As I delved into a book about the complexities of time, the hours slipped by unnoticed. The library's serene atmosphere had absorbed me completely. I turned the page, engrossed in the material, when my phone began to ring. I had set it to silent mode to avoid disturbing others, so the vibration was my only warning.
Glancing at the screen, I saw it was Mansoor Bhaiyya. I answered the call quietly, mindful of the library's peaceful ambiance. "Hello, Mansoor Bhaiyya. What's up?"
His voice came through with a calm urgency. "Shivaay, I need your help with a case. Can you meet me outside the library? I'm coming to pick you up. We need to head to a crime scene."
My curiosity was piqued, but I kept my response straightforward. "Alright, I'll wait outside. See you soon."
After ending the call, I quickly gathered my belongings. I slipped my phone back into my bag and placed the book I'd been reading on its designated shelf. With a final glance around the library, I headed toward the exit.
As I walked through the library's corridors, I felt a blend of anticipation and curiosity. Crime scenes had always intrigued me, and working alongside Mansoor Bhaiyya provided a sense of purpose and excitement. I navigated the quiet hallways, each step taking me closer to the bustling world outside.
The transition from the hushed tones of the library to the lively street was stark. The afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm light, and the sounds of traffic and people filled the air. I made my way to the library's entrance and stepped out onto the pavement.
The street was busy with activity, but my focus was on the road, waiting for Mansoor Bhaiyya's car to appear. I leaned against the cool wall of the library, mentally preparing myself for whatever awaited us at the crime scene. The anticipation of solving a new case was invigorating, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of readiness.
A few moments later, I spotted Mansoor Bhaiyya's car approaching. He maneuvered the car expertly through the traffic and pulled up beside the curb. With a friendly wave, he motioned for me to get in.
I slid into the passenger seat, and Mansoor Bhaiyya gave me a quick nod. "Ready to go?"
"Absolutely," I replied, my voice steady with excitement.
As Mansoor Bhaiyya drove, the cityscape flashed by outside the window. He glanced over, his expression serious. "We've found the body of Dr. Aarti Mehra in her apartment in Banjara Hills. She was a renowned cardiologist. The situation is a bit puzzling—there are no signs of forced entry and no immediate clues pointing to the murderer."
I absorbed the information, nodding thoughtfully. "Any suspects?"
Mansoor Bhaiyya handed me a file containing the case details. "Yes. We have three potential suspects: Rohit Kumar, a fellow doctor; Nisha Sharma, a former patient; and Vikram Patel, Dr. Mehra's business partner."
I skimmed through the file, taking in the backgrounds and possible motives of the suspects. After a few moments, I handed the file back to Mansoor Bhaiyya. "I appreciate the information. But, just to clarify, is it really okay for me to be involved in this? I mean, I'm just a student."
Mansoor Bhaiyya waved his hand dismissively, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don't worry about that. I can handle the formalities. Your insights are valuable, and your analytical skills could make a real difference."
I felt a surge of confidence at his words, but I still harbored a slight concern. "If you say so."
He gave me an encouraging nod, then turned his attention back to the road. "Trust me, having you on board could help us crack this case faster."
As the car continued its journey through the city, I considered the gravity of the situation. My mind raced with possibilities and potential theories.
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