THE UNSOLVED TRUTH

This is the story of Raghav Khanna, a journalist living in Delhi — a man whose life takes unexpected turns as he uncovers secrets hidden in the shadows of the city.

One evening, as Raghav sat in his dimly lit office, drafting an exposé on a local scam, an anonymous email popped up in his inbox. The subject read: "See the truth, hidden in plain sight!"

Attached was an old, eerie photograph of a grand but abandoned hotel on the outskirts of the city. In front of the hotel stood a blurry figure, barely visible, but what caught Raghav’s attention was the blood-red message scrawled on the hotel’s wall: "Do not seek what is buried!"

As Raghav reads the line, he hears his son's voice halfway from the study room. He immediately closes his laptop.

Raghav's Son : "What are you doing here, Papa?"

Raghav : "I was just sending an email. But what are you doing here? Why haven't you slept yet?"

Raghav's Son : "I can't sleep without Mom."

Raghav : "Oh, so that's the matter."

Raghav's Son : "You know, she tells me really nice stories."

Raghav's Son : "When will Mom come back?"

Raghav : "She'll be back in a day or two."

Raghav's Son: "Hmm..."

Raghav : "Alright, today I'll tell you a story."

Raghav's Son (laughing) : "Do you even know how to tell a story?"

Raghav : "Yes, I have plenty of stories! Tell me, what kind of story do you like?"

Raghav's Son : "Alright, then today tell me a horror story!"

Raghav : "You won't get scared, right?"

Raghav's Son : "No! Mom says I'm very strong."

After his son falls asleep, Raghav gets up from the bed and walks over to the window. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out the photos, and starts examining them carefully.

As he looks at the photos, Raghav wonders who sent this email and these pictures—and why.

He picks up his phone and calls Jai.

Jai is Raghav’s informant, the one who provides him with crucial details about every case and scam.

He is Raghav’s right-hand man, always helping him solve his investigations.

Jai : Hello, Sir.

Raghav : Hello, Jai.

Jai : Sir, you’re calling at this hour—is everything okay?

Raghav : Yes, everything’s fine.

Jai : Then why such a late-night call?

Raghav : I needed to ask you something.

Jai : Of course, go ahead.

Raghav: Do you know anything about the City Palace in Mumbai?

Jai : The City Palace in Mumbai?

Raghav : Yes, City Palace.

Jai : Sir, that place is famous for its intricate architecture. People come from far and wide to see it.

Raghav : Anything else? Any rumors?

Jai : Nothing specific, Sir… but wait, now that you mention it—I remember something. A long time ago, a corporate office group had checked in there… and vanished overnight.

No one knows how or when they disappeared. And to avoid tarnishing the hotel’s reputation, the case was hushed up.

Raghav : Oh, okay.

Jai : But Sir, why are you suddenly asking about all this?

Raghav : Meet me at the café near my office tomorrow with all the information related to this case. I’ll explain then.

Jai : Okay, Sir. I’ll get the information.

Raghav ended the call.

The next morning, Raghav arrives at the office, sets up his desk, and settles into his chair. Just as he exhales, ready to start his day, his manager’s (Aryan) voice cuts through the usual hum of the newsroom.

Raghav and Aryan had built this news company from the ground up. They weren’t just colleagues—they were best friends, partners in journalism, and seekers of truth.

"Raghav! Call everyone. We need to do morning huddle. Now."

Raghav hesitates for a moment before nodding and gathering his colleagues. One by one, they file into the conference room, exchanging curious glances.

As soon as everyone settles, the manager Aryan leans forward, his expression stern.

Aryan (Manager) : "Alright, what’s going on? Any new updates?"

Silence. The only sound is the distant chatter from the newsroom outside. No one speaks.

Aryan (Manager) exhales sharply, then looks around the room. "Listen, our TRP is dropping. I need something big. Something worth the headlines. Tell me you have something."

Raghav watches him carefully. There’s a strange tension in the air, something beyond just ratings. A sinking feeling creeps into his gut. This isn’t just about news—there’s something deeper at play.

But what?

The conference room remained tense as journalists exchanged glances, waiting for someone to speak. Finally, one of them cleared his throat.

Journalist 1 : "Sir, there’s a case from Anandpur. A boy committed suicide while preparing for the UPSC exams. I have to visit his parents today for an interview."

Aryan leaned back in his chair, his expression blank. "What’s new about that?" he asked, unimpressed.

He handed the papers to Aryan. As the manager’s eyes scanned the pages, his expression changed.

"What is this?" Aryan asked, his voice lower now, tinged with curiosity.

"I don’t know yet," Raghav replied, his tone serious. "But something about it doesn’t feel right."

Raghav paced around the conference room, deep in thought. He looked at Aryan and said, "Don't worry, I've already asked someone to look into this case."

Aryan nodded but cautioned, "Okay, but be careful."

Raghav smirked. "Yeah, don’t worry."

Just then, his phone screen lit up with a message from Jai. Raghav read it and immediately turned to Aryan. "Listen, I have to meet someone right now. I’ll be back soon."

Aryan sighed. "Alright, just be careful."

Without another word, Raghav grabbed his jacket and strode out of the room, the air outside cool against his skin. The city buzzed around him, neon signs casting eerie reflections on rain-dampened roads. He walked with purpose, his mind already calculating possibilities.

The café wasn’t far. As he pushed open the glass door, a soft chime rang overhead. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with something else—something off.

His gaze swept across the room. And then he saw him.

Jai sat in the farthest corner, half-shrouded in shadow. His fingers drummed an impatient rhythm against the table. His shoulders were stiff. Eyes alert.

Raghav pulled out a chair and sat across from Jai, his sharp gaze locking onto the man.

"What do you have for me?" Raghav asked, his voice low and steady.

Jai slid a file across the table. "Sir, take a look at this. It contains all the details of that company, along with the names, phone numbers, and addresses of the employees who checked into that hotel."

Raghav flipped open the file, scanning the documents. "Alright… tell me, did all of them disappear from there?"

Jai shook his head. "No, sir. Not everyone."

Raghav’s eyes narrowed. "Then who did?"

Jai hesitated for a moment before replying, "Sir, the ones who went missing—and those who were later spotted in different locations—are all listed in this file."

He reached into his bag and pulled out another set of papers. "I also found some pictures—some from police reports, others from the internet. They might give us a lead."

Raghav leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. His voice was calm but firm. "Any other information?"

Jai nodded. "Sir, I have my informants working on it. As soon as I get anything, I’ll let you know."

Raghav’s eyes darkened with thought. "Good. The moment you find a clue, inform me immediately."

"Understood, sir," Jai replied, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Sir, can I ask you something?"

Raghav glanced up. "Go ahead."

Jai hesitated, then asked, "Why are you so invested in this?"

Raghav exhaled slowly. "Yesterday, I received an anonymous email. It contained a few images of Mumbai’s City Palace."

Jai frowned. "And?"

"In one of the photos, there was a message written—‘Do not seek the buried truth.’"

A strange silence hung between them for a moment before Jai spoke. "Sir, can I see that email and the photos?"

Raghav nodded. "I’ll forward them to you as soon as I get back to the office. And one more thing—I need you to find out who sent that email and from where."

Jai gave a firm nod. "Consider it done, sir."

Jai leaves the café, his footsteps fading into the city’s noise.

Raghav stays behind, his fingers tapping against the worn-out file on the table. The dim light overhead casts long shadows as he flips through the pages, his eyes scanning every detail.

Raghav’s phone buzzed on the table, breaking his concentration. He glanced at the screen—Aryan calling.

He answered. "Yeah, Aryan?"

"Where are you?" Aryan’s voice had an urgency to it.

"I stepped out. I told you, remember?" Raghav replied, still flipping through the file, his eyes narrowing at a particular page.

There was a pause. Then Aryan’s voice came, lower this time. "Come to the office. We’ve go t news."

Raghav entered the office, walking straight to Aryan’s room without slowing down. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside.

"Yeah, what happened, bro?" Raghav asked, sensing urgency in the air.

Aryan didn’t waste time. He slid a file toward Raghav. "Look at this… there's breaking news. "Several bodies of young people's have been discovered in the backyard at Mumbai City Palace."

Raghav's eyes widened. "What?"

Without a word, Aryan grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. "See for yourself."

The screen flickered to life, showing a live news broadcast. A reporter stood outside the grand Mumbai City Palace, her voice tense. “Sources confirm that multiple girls bodies from this location. A tip-off led the authorities to this shocking discovery…”

Raghav’s gaze remained locked on the television screen, his mind racing through possibilities. He exhaled slowly, then turned to Aryan.

"Aryan, what we’re seeing… it’s just the tip of the iceberg," he said, his voice calm but edged with certainty. "There’s a lot more happening beneath the surface."

Aryan’s brows furrowed. "What are you trying to say?"

Raghav leaned forward, lowering his voice as if someone might be listening. "Think about it. If these people can cover up the disappearance of corporate officials… then burying a news story like this is child’s play for them."

Raghav leaned forward, his tone firm and calculated. "Do one thing—along with this, prepare a counter-plot against the corporate office case and make it public."

Aryan hesitated. "But we don’t have solid content to back it up."

Raghav smirked slightly and slid a file across the table. "Look at this. You might find something in here that’s worth publishing." His voice dropped a notch, his eyes sharp. "But be careful—don’t release everything at once."

Aryan nodded, taking the file in his hands. "Alright, I’ll go through it."

Raghav straightened up. "And give me some time—I’ll dig deeper into the rest."

Aryan looked at him seriously. "Whatever you find, keep me informed."

Raghav gave a brief nod. "Yeah."

Without another word, he turned and walked out of Aryan’s cabin, his mind already working through the puzzle. Reaching his desk, he sat down, spread out the scattered notes, and began connecting the key points.

Raghav’s phone buzzed, breaking his concentration. He glanced at the screen—Jai Calling. Without hesitation, he picked up.

"Yeah, speak." His tone was sharp, focused.

Jai’s voice came through, slightly hurried. "Sir, I found a lead. The same day the corporate office employees went missing… the owners of City Palace, Mr. & Mrs. Kapoor, died in a car accident."

Raghav’s fingers drummed against the desk. "What?" The coincidence was unsettling.

"I’ve sent you their details via email," Jai continued.

Raghav exhaled. "Did they have any family? Or were they the only ones?"

"They had a 17-year-old son… and a longtime caretaker," Jai informed him. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Sir, there’s something odd."

Raghav’s grip on the phone tightened. "Go on."

"After Mr. & Mrs. Kapoor’s death, the caretaker took charge of everything. And according to their will, until their son turns 18, all their business assets and estate are under his name."

Raghav sat in silence for a moment, piecing everything together. Then, after a deep breath, he spoke with firm determination.

"Find out everything about the caretaker—where he goes, where he lives, what he does, and who his family is. I want every detail."

Jai’s response was immediate. "Sir, I’ve already put someone on it. You’ll have all the information by this evening."

Raghav’s eyes darkened with focus. "Not a single detail should be missed. Even the smallest thing could be important."

"Got it, sir. I’ll make sure of it." Jai’s voice was steady.

Raghav leaned back in his chair, processing the information. A suspicious accident, a missing persons case, and now a sudden shift of power. Too many coincidences.

Raghav pushed back his chair and stood up. Without a second thought, he made his way to Aryan’s cabin.

Stepping inside, he leaned against the doorframe. "What do you say… should we take a trip to Mumbai?"

Aryan looked up sharply, his eyes narrowing. "Bhai, what’s going on in that brain of yours?"

Raghav smirked. "Nothing, really. Just thought we could go somewhere—haven’t traveled in a while."

Aryan folded his arms, still unconvinced. "And why Mumbai, of all places?"

Raghav shrugged, his tone casual but calculated. "City Palace is quite famous, isn’t it? Thought we should see it for ourselves. And maybe, enjoy a little break while we’re at it."

Aryan exhaled, shaking his head. "Fine. Ask the others. But be careful."

As Raghav turned to leave, Aryan’s voice stopped him. "Listen… I don’t know what you’re planning, but just don’t get yourself into trouble, alright?"

Raghav paused for a moment before glancing back with a knowing smile. "Trouble finds me, Aryan. I just make sure I’m ready for it."

As soon as Raghav stepped out of Aryan’s cabin, he clapped his hands together and announced, "The office is going on a trip—to Mumbai City Palace!"

For a moment, there was silence. Then, murmurs spread across the room like wildfire. Employees exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.

From one of the desks, a hesitant voice rose above the chatter. "Sir, you mean the same City Palace that’s really famous… and the one that was just in the news?"

Raghav’s lips curled into a slight smirk. "Exactly that one."

Raghav scanned the room, his sharp eyes analyzing every reaction—the curiosity, the hesitation, the fear. He let the murmurs settle before speaking again, his voice firm.

"This trip isn’t just about traveling. It’s about bringing the truth to light."

The office fell silent.

Raghav took a step forward. "So, only those who are ready to take the risk—raise your hand."

For a moment, no one moved. The weight of his words hung in the air. Then, slowly, a few hands went up. First one. Then another. Determined eyes met his, signaling that they were in.

Raghav smirked slightly. "Alright. Let’s get to work."

As the tension in the room settled, an employee hesitantly raised his hand and asked, "Sir, when are we leaving?"

Raghav glanced around, making sure everyone was paying attention. Then, with a confident nod, he said, "We leave the day after tomorrow. Everyone, be ready."

The day had finally arrived. The office buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension as everyone gathered at the departure point. Bags were packed, tickets in hand, but beneath the surface, an unspoken weight lingered—this wasn’t just a trip.

Raghav stood slightly apart, his sharp eyes scanning the group. He wasn’t just looking for enthusiasm; he was assessing resolve. This journey wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about uncovering something dangerous, something hidden beneath layers of deception.

Aryan walked up beside him, arms crossed. "Still think this is just a trip?" he murmured.

Raghav smirked. "No trip ever is, Aryan."

After a few hours of travel, the team finally arrived in Mumbai. The city's chaos greeted them—blaring horns, bustling streets, and the humid air carrying a mix of sea breeze and city life. Without wasting time, they hailed cabs and headed straight for City Palace.

Inside the cab, Raghav leaned forward, his voice steady yet firm. "Alright, listen up. This isn’t just a casual visit. We need to be smart, cautious, and focused."**

He pulled out a small notebook and glanced at everyone. "Based on your skills, I’m assigning roles. We need eyes everywhere—inside the palace, around the staff, and in the surrounding areas. This place has secrets, and we’re here to uncover them."

The team listened intently, some nodding, others exchanging glances. The weight of the task was sinking in.

Aryan, sitting next to him, smirked. "So, we’re officially undercover now?"

Raghav met his gaze, a knowing glint in his eyes. "We’ve been undercover since the moment we stepped into this case."

As the cab sped through Mumbai’s streets, City Palace loomed closer in the distance. The real mystery was about to begin.

Raghav glanced around at his team in the cab before speaking again. His tone was calm but firm.

"One more thing—there are two more people joining us on this mission."

Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.

"They’re special detectives. Experienced in handling cases like these. I’ll introduce them to you all once we reach the hotel."

Aryan raised an eyebrow. "Detectives? You didn’t mention this before."

Raghav smirked. "Didn’t think it was necessary until now. But trust me, we’ll need them."

The cab fell into a brief silence as everyone processed the new information. The addition of professional detectives meant only one thing—this case was bigger than they had imagined.

As soon as they arrived at the City Palace, everyone stepped out of the car, their eyes widening in awe. It was as if they had never seen such intricate carvings, such grandeur before. The golden light of the setting sun cast long shadows across the palace walls, making the delicate patterns on the stone seem almost alive.

Everyone stepped inside the palace, their footsteps echoing through the grand hall. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and polished marble. A well-dressed manager stood at the entrance, greeting them with a polite smile.

"Welcome to the City Palace," he said, his voice smooth but oddly formal. He handed out the room keys one by one, his eyes scanning each guest carefully—as if memorizing their faces.

As Raghav observed the man closely, something felt off. He didn’t quite look like a typical palace manager. His attire was casual—too simple for someone running such a grand place. A plain shirt, neatly tucked in, and a wristwatch that seemed too modern for the old-world charm of the palace.

His demeanor was polite, yet there was an ease in his body language, as if he didn’t completely belong to the role he was playing. Unlike the usual staff, who carried an air of discipline, this man seemed… different.

As everyone started walking toward their rooms, Raghav turned to the group.

Raghav: "Everyone, freshen up in your rooms first. We'll meet for breakfast afterward."

As Raghav was about to leave for his room, the manager suddenly spoke up.

"Sir, sorry to interrupt you, but there’s no need for you all to come to the restaurant. Your breakfast will be delivered to your rooms."

Raghav stopped in his tracks, a frown forming on his face. Something about this felt off. He turned back to the manager.

"Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

The manager hesitated for the briefest moment before replying, "Sir, we had to use pesticides in the restaurant for maintenance purposes. So, we’ve temporarily closed the service."

Brushing away his suspicion for now, Raghav nodded. "Alright."

Raghav approached the manager once again, lowering his voice slightly.

"Is there any room where we can talk privately? A place without cameras, speakers, or anything that could be monitored? We need to discuss some confidential office matters."

The manager’s expression didn’t change, but there was a brief flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"There’s no such dedicated room, sir," he replied. "But… there is a storeroom. It’s away from security surveillance, and no one usually goes there."

Raghav exchanged a quick glance with his colleagues before nodding.

"Can we use it for a while?"

The manager hesitated again. "Sir, it's quite messy, and not really meant for guests."

"That’s fine. Just get it opened for us," Raghav insisted.

The manager exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Alright, sir. I’ll make the arrangements."

A few hours later, everyone gathered inside the storeroom. Dusty shelves lined the walls, filled with old, forgotten items. The dim light flickered slightly, casting long shadows across the room. It wasn’t the ideal place for a meeting, but it was private—just what they needed.

As the last person entered, Raghav turned to the manager. "Thanks for this," he said.

The manager gave a polite nod. "My pleasure, sir," he replied before walking away, his footsteps fading down the hallway.

Once the door was shut, Raghav looked around at his team. "I hope everyone’s settled?"

"Yes, sir," came the unanimous reply.

Raghav took a deep breath and then, with a small smile, gestured toward two people standing in the corner. "Guys, please welcome our special detectives—Ms. Sia and Mr. Prakash."

A hush fell over the room as everyone turned toward the two newcomers, eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

Ms. Sia stood with quiet confidence, her sharp gaze scanning the room, reading each person like a book. She was no ordinary investigator—she was an undercover specialist, known for blending into the most dangerous situations unnoticed.

Beside her stood Mr. Prakash. But he wasn’t just anyone. He was none other than Jai Prakash, Raghav’s most trusted informant and right-hand man. His real identity was unknown to the rest of the team—except for one person.

Aryan.

Unlike the others, Aryan wasn’t shocked. He already knew them. Sia, Raghav, and Aryan had been college friends once, bound by a past filled with ambition and secrets. Jai, on the other hand, had met Raghav much earlier—during a case that had changed everything.

Raghav took a deep breath and looked at his team. The air in the storeroom was heavy with anticipation.

Alright, guys, introductions can wait. Right now, we need to focus on the mission at hand."

Prakash stepped forward, holding a small box. "Here, take these," he said, handing out sleek black watches to everyone.

Each team member examined their watch, confusion flickering in their eyes. A few of them noticed a tiny earpiece embedded in the strap.

"What’s this for?" someone finally asked.

Raghav stepped in. "These watches are for your safety and for the mission. They’re equipped with trackers and have a secure communication line. Your individual mobile numbers are pre-programmed in them."

The team exchanged glances, realization sinking in.

"If any of you run into trouble, or if you discover something important, you can alert the team and the mission leader immediately," Raghav continued. "But remember—throughout this mission, we will only communicate using codes."

Raghav’s eyes scanned his team, his voice steady and firm. "And that’s why this mission has a name—The Unsolved Truth."

Raghav glanced at his team, his tone firm yet composed.

"Alright, everyone, focus on completing your assigned tasks. We need these reports finalized before we present them to the higher authorities."

The team nodded in understanding. They knew exactly what Raghav was referring to—the crucial research and groundwork each of them had been assigned for this mission. Every detail mattered, and there was no room for errors.

"Once you're done, meet me in my room this evening," Raghav continued. "Until then, you’re free to go wherever you need to."

One by one, the team members dispersed, each heading to their respective workspaces. There was no need for further instructions. They understood the gravity of the situation. This was more than just another case—this was a mission that could change everything.

The storeroom was now nearly empty, except for the four of them—Raghav, Aryan, Jai, and Sia. The tension in the room had shifted; it was no longer just about a mission. This was personal.

As they stood in a small circle, they exchanged brief greetings.

Sia smirked slightly. "So, Raghav, after all this time, you finally remembered me?"

Aryan crossed his arms. "Forget that—just tell us what you're planning."

Raghav raised a hand. "Relax, guys. I’ll explain everything." He turned to Aryan. "But first—did you bring the file I asked for?"

Aryan nodded and pulled out a thick folder from his bag. The papers inside were worn, as if they had been examined too many times.

Raghav took the file and handed it straight to Sia. "Here. Take a look."

Sia raised an eyebrow, confused, but took the file nonetheless. As she flipped through the pages, her expression darkened.

"Bro, this looks like a massive scam," she murmured, her sharp eyes scanning the documents. "And recently, there was even a human trafficking case linked to this?"

Raghav nodded. "Exactly. Now, check this email and these pictures."

He pulled out his phone, scrolling to a set of emails and images, then passed it to Sia. She took the phone and started reading, her expression growing more seriou s with every second.

Aryan's voice was firm, laced with concern as he looked straight at Raghav.

"Look, Raghav, I know you’ve made a plan, but no one’s life should be at risk because of this. Forget about the four of us—we can handle ourselves. But the rest of the team? They don’t even know what they’re truly stepping into."

The room fell silent for a moment. Jai and Sia exchanged glances, sensing the weight of Aryan’s words.

Raghav exhaled slowly, leaning against the table. "I know, Aryan. And I’m not taking this lightly. But this mission… it’s bigger than us. If we back off now, more lives will be at stake—not just ours."

Sia tapped the file. "Aryan’s right, though. We need a contingency plan. If something goes wrong, we can’t afford casualties."

Jai, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "So, what’s the next move? Because from what I see, we’re already in too deep."

Raghav’s eyes darkened with determination. "We move forward. But with extreme caution. No unnecessary risks. No reckless decisions. And no one outside this room knows the full picture until it’s time."

After finalizing their plan, the team left the storeroom, their footsteps echoing in the quiet palace corridor.

As they walked, Raghav suddenly stopped.

"Guys, go ahead to my room. I’ll join you in a bit. I left my phone in the storeroom."

Aryan, Sia, and Prakash exchanged glances but nodded.

"Alright, we’ll see you there," Aryan said as they continued ahead.

Once they were out of sight, Raghav turned back toward the storeroom. But this time, he wasn’t just retrieving his phone.

He stepped inside and quietly locked the door behind him. The air inside was thick with dust, the shelves lined with old, forgotten items. But Raghav wasn’t here for that.

Still lost in thought, Raghav made his way toward his room when he spotted the manager standing near the hallway. The man noticed him and stepped forward with his usual polite demeanor.

"Sir, is there a problem? Can I help you with anything?"

Raghav hesitated for a moment before responding casually. "I just need the WiFi password. My network is really slow."

The manager nodded. "Of course, sir. If you give me your phone, I’ll enter it for you."

Raghav handed over his phone, watching as the manager pulled out his own mobile to look up the password. Just as he was about to type it in, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.

For a split second, Raghav caught a glimpse of the caller ID.

The name was followed by a heart emoji.

The manager quickly declined the call and continued entering the password, but Raghav had already noticed.

Without missing a beat, he asked, "Wife?"

The manager looked up, slightly caught off guard but recovered quickly. "Actually, fiancée."

Raghav gave a polite smile. "Oh, nice. Congratulations."

"Thanks, sir," the manager replied, handing the phone back. "

Your WiFi is connected now."

Raghav accepted the phone, maintaining an easygoing expression. He didn’t want to raise suspicion, but something about that small detail stuck with him.

Raghav entered his room to find Aryan, Sia, and Prakash deep in discussion. Papers, notes, and a few printed photographs were scattered across the table as they exchanged information.

Aryan looked up first. "Took you long enough."

Raghav smirked slightly and walked over. "Had a little chat with the manager. Nothing major, but I did notice something interesting." He decided to keep the detail about the call to himself for now.

Sia gestured to the papers. "Good timing. We were just going over what we found before coming here."

Prakash pointed to a few documents. "I managed to gather financial records of the palace. There are some irregular transactions. Someone’s been moving large sums of money through unregistered accounts."

Aryan added, "And the property ownership history? This place changed hands way too many times in the last ten years. Almost like someone doesn’t want a paper trail."

Sia leaned forward. "Oh, and the missing Ayurvedic student? She wasn’t just any student. She was researching traditional medicines and their… alternative uses."

Raghav’s mind worked quickly, piecing together the puzzle. "So, we have financial irregularities, suspicious ownership transfers, and a student who may have discovered something she wasn’t supposed to."

The room went silent for a moment. They were getting closer, but something still wasn’t adding up.

Raghav finally spoke. "Alright. Let’s put everything together. We need to figure out what’s really happening here before it’s too late."

As Raghav meticulously pieced together the scattered clues, a strange pattern began to emerge. Every victim, every witness, and every lead had one thing in common—the caretaker.

Raghav took a deep breath and looked at his team. "Alright, guys. Let’s move ahead."

Sia stepped forward, her voice sharp and focused. "You dig into your sources. I want everything on the caretaker and his daughter—their past, their present, every little detail."

Aryan nodded. "Got it. I’ll track his financial transactions. If there’s any money trail, we’ll find it."

Raghav turned to Prakash. "And you—keep an eye on the manager. Every move he makes, every place he visits, every person he talks to—I want to know it all."

Aryan smirked. "And what about you?"

Raghav’s gaze hardened as he looked towards the hotel. "I’ll stay here and watch what’s happening inside. Something tells me the real game is being played within these walls."

Everyone dived into their research, each following their own trail. Day after day, new clues surfaced—small pieces of a puzzle that refused to fit together just yet. Someone always had something new to share, a fresh lead, a hidden detail, a revelation waiting to be uncovered.

After a few days…

Raghav stood in front of the manager, his expression unreadable. "I need you to open the storeroom again," he said firmly.

The manager hesitated but nodded, reaching for the keys. As the heavy door creaked open, a musty silence filled the air. This time, Raghav was certain—something inside this room held the answers they were lookin g for.

As the dim lights flickered in the storeroom, Raghav turned to his team, his voice steady yet commanding.

"Guys, is everyone ready with their assignments?"

Sia gave a firm nod. "I’ve gathered everything on the caretaker and his daughter. Their past is complicated."

Aryan crossed his arms. "I’ve traced his financial records. There are some suspicious transactions we need to look into."

Prakash leaned forward. "And I’ve been keeping a close eye on the manager. His movements have been strange—he’s meeting someone in secret."

Without wasting a moment, everyone stepped forward, placing their findings in front of Raghav.

Documents, photographs, financial records, and notes—each clue was a vital piece of the puzzle. The room fell silent as Raghav's sharp eyes scanned everything, his mind racing to connect the dots.

Raghav scanned the faces of his team, searching for any hesitation. But there was none. They were all ready.

"Guys, is everyone ready with their assignments?" he asked again, his voice firm.

In perfect unison, the team responded, their voices echoing through the dimly lit storeroom— "Yes, sir!"

Raghav sat back, his eyes scanning every piece of evidence laid out before him. The room was silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone. Slowly, he started connecting the dots—each clue, each detail falling into place like a perfectly crafted puzzle.

His fingers tapped against the table as he spoke. "It all makes sense now… The caretaker, his daughter, the manager, and these financial transactions—they’re all connected."

Sia leaned forward. "You mean… you’ve figured it out?"

Raghav nodded, his voice calm but certain. "Yes. The entire case. The motive, the players, and the truth they were trying to hide."

A heavy silence filled the room as his words sank in. The mystery was no longer a mystery. But the real challenge lay ahead—confronting the mastermind behind it all.

Sia stepped forward, her voice firm but questioning. "What did you figure out, Raghav? If you know something, tell us too."

Raghav took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the faces of his team. "I have something to say… and something to show you all."

Aryan folded his arms, confused. "What is it? And why are you so obsessed with this case, bro? Why does it matter so much to you?"

Raghav’s expression darkened, and suddenly, his voice rose, filled with a sharp intensity— "Because of my father!"

A stunned silence filled the room.

Everyone’s eyes widened as they turned to look at him, shock and confusion written all over their faces. The air felt heavier now, the mystery taking an unexpected turn.

Raghav’s voice was heavy with emotion as he finally revealed the truth.

Actually… my father was a police officer." He paused, his eyes darkening with the weight of the past. "He and his team came to this palace undercover, disguised as part of a corporate office trip. Their real mission? To investigate a human trafficking ring operating from here."

Sia’s breath hitched. "Human trafficking? Here?"

Raghav nodded. "Yes. They were close to uncovering something big. And then… one day, my father just vanished."

Aryan frowned. "Vanished? How?"

Raghav’s fists clenched. "No one knows. Not when, not how. He disappeared without a trace. His team, his mission—everything was erased, like it never existed."

A tense silence filled the room. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the gravity of what Raghav had just shared.

Prakash finally spoke. "And now, you’re following the same trail?"

Raghav’s jaw tightened. "Yes. And this time, I won’t let the truth be buried."

Raghav took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the team. "Forget everything else for now. Just look at this."

He pointed towards a section of the storeroom wall. Hidden behind layers of dust and old furniture, there was a faint outline—a concealed camera, almost invisible to the naked eye, along with tiny embedded speakers.

Sia stepped closer, her eyes widening. "These walls… they have hidden cameras?"

Raghav nodded, then gestured toward the paintings lining the storeroom’s walls. "And here… if you look carefully, there’s a blueprint hidden within these paintings. It’s a map of the entire hotel—showing exactly how and from where people are being taken."

Aryan's mind raced. "So this is why you chose this storeroom for our meetings?"

"Yes," Raghav confirmed. "And that's why I told you all to communicate in code words. I had a strong feeling someone was watching us."

Aryan frowned, still trying to process it all. "But how did you even figure this out?"

Aryan frowned, still trying to process it all. "But how did you even figure this out?"

Raghav exhaled sharply. "The first day we entered the hotel, I noticed a faint UV reflection near the entrance. It made me suspicious. That night, after you all went to your rooms, I switched off my lights and observed the surroundings. When the hotel dimmed its lights later at night, I took a round of the building… and that's when I realized—there are hidden cameras in every room."

Prakash’s eyes widened in shock. "But sir, you could have told us this earlier!"

Raghav’s gaze hardened. "I had to be sure first. I needed to find out who set this up… and more importantly, where it’s being controlled from."

Suddenly, Sia broke the silence. "And the person behind all this… it's the manager. He’s the one running the operation."

Raghav's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"

Sia nodded, pointing to the clues. "Yes. And there’s more—the caretaker of Mr. & Mrs. Kapoor… his daughter, Pari? She’s the fiancée of the manager. They’re in this together."

Aryan ran a hand through his hair, piecing it all together. "That explains the shady financial transactions. The missing money—it’s all being funneled to a Sheikh in Dubai, through hawala networks."

Prakash cursed under his breath. "So this hotel… it’s not just a front for human trafficking. It’s an international operation."

Raghav’s jaw tightened. "And we’re sitting right in the middle of it."

Aryan leaned forward, tension evident in his voice. "So now the question is—how do we solve this? We need solid proof to take them down."

Prakash pulled out his phone and tapped on the screen. "I have call recordings and videos. The manager was caught on tape handling cash transactions and speaking directly with the Sheikh."

Raghav’s eyes sharpened. "And what exactly was said in those calls?"

Prakash’s face darkened. "Something even worse… The Sheikh wasn’t just funding the operation—he's planning to buy Pari. The manager is about to sell his own fiancée to him."

A heavy silence filled the room. The case had just taken a disturbing turn.

Sia clenched her fists. "So Pari thinks she’s with someone she trusts… but she has no idea he’s about to betray her."

Aryan gritted his teeth. "That means we’re running out of time. If we don’t act fast, she’ll be gone—just like the others."

Raghav straightened up, his voice firm and determined. "We have everything we need. Now, we have to finish this mission."

Sia immediately reached for her phone. "I’ll inform the police. We need to make sure Pari is safe before it’s too late."

Aryan cracked his knuckles, ready for action. "Prakash and I will handle the caretaker and the Kapoors' son. If the manager is dangerous, they could be next."

Raghav’s eyes darkened with focus. "And I’ll take down the manager myself. He won’t escape this time."

Everyone exchanged a final glance, the tension in the room replaced by a shared determination.

Guys, let's go!" Raghav commanded.

Raghav and his team moved quickly, knowing they had to act before it was too late. Sia immediately contacted the police, providing all the evidence and informing them about Pari’s danger. The police sent a team to secure her before the manager could make any move.

Meanwhile, Aryan and Prakash ensured the Kapoors' son and the caretaker were safe. They also gathered more proof, including the caretaker’s testimony, confirming the manager’s involvement in the trafficking network.

Raghav tracked the manager down just as he was preparing to leave with a large sum of money. Confronting him, Raghav secretly recorded their conversation, which exposed his entire operation. Before the manager could escape, the police arrived and arrested him.

With the hidden cameras, financial records, and call recordings, the trafficking ring was exposed. The police raided the secret locations in the hotel, rescuing several victims. Pari, now safe, testified against the manager, revealing how he had planned to sell her off.

The case was finally solved. The criminals were arrested, the hotel was shut down, and justice was served. But for Raghav, one mystery still remained—his father’s disappearance. And he knew his search for the truth was far from over.

As the police interrogated the manager, the truth finally came to light. His face was pale, sweat dripping from his forehead as he hesitated before speaking.

"The corporate office team… they had figured it all out," he admitted, his voice shaking. "They discovered the truth about the human trafficking operation running from this hotel."

Raghav’s heart pounded. "And then what?"

The manager lowered his head. "We couldn’t let them leave. So… we got rid of them. Every single one of them was killed."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Raghav clenched his fists. His father had been part of that investigation. If the entire corporate office team had been silenced, then… his father had been murdered too.

Sia took a deep breath, glancing at Raghav. "That means your father didn’t just disappear… He was taken out."

Raghav’s jaw tightened. The case was solved, but his fight for justice had just begun.

Back in Delhi, the case had made headlines. Every news channel and newspaper covered the story—"Human Trafficking Racket Exposed in Luxury Hotel".

For everyone, the case was solved. Justice had been served.

Raghav, finally relieved, walked into his office, placed his files on his desk, and leaned back in his chair. After days of chasing shadows, it was over.

Or so he thought.

As he started clearing his desk, his phone rang. An unknown number.

Curious, he picked up.

A distorted voice spoke on the other end, calm yet chilling. "You think the case is over? It’s not."

Raghav’s grip on the phone tightened. "Who is this?"

The voice continued, "The person you arrested isn’t the real mastermind. The true culprit is the one you thought was a victim… Pari. The caretaker’s stepdaughter. You let her go."

Before Raghav could respond, the call cut off.

His mind raced. His instincts kicked in. He immediately went back to the evidence, scanning every file, every recording, every transaction. Had they missed something?

Moments later, he made another call—to someone who could confirm what the unknown caller had said.

And when the truth was finally confirmed… Raghav leaned back in his chair.

And then, he laughed. Loudly. Almost uncontrollably.

THE END.....