the 14 Days

CHAPTER 5

Vishnu stepped out of DGP Georgekutty’s office, his mind already racing ahead. The corridors of the Kerala Police Headquarters buzzed with routine activity, officers moving briskly, files being exchanged, phones ringing. But none of it mattered to him right now.

He pulled out his phone and dialed his team’s secure line. The call was answered almost immediately.

“Sir?” It was Swapna, his most trusted investigative officer. Sharp, intuitive, and relentless, she had a reputation for getting under people’s skin until the truth cracked wide open.

“Meet me at Vishwa’s house. Now.” Vishnu’s voice was firm, leaving no room for questions.

Swapna didn’t hesitate. “On my way.”

Next, he dialed Roman, his other team member. Roman was different—unpredictable, with a mind that operated outside the traditional rules of investigation. He wasn’t afraid to press hard, to push boundaries. Sometimes, that was exactly what was needed.

“Roman, get to Vishwa’s house. We’re starting the inquiry.”

Roman let out a low whistle. “Finally. I was waiting for this. See you there, boss.”

Vishnu ended the call and slid his phone into his pocket. He stepped into his black SUV, gripping the steering wheel as his thoughts ran wild. Something about this case felt wrong—like an unseen hand was pulling the strings from the shadows.

And he was about to find out exactly who was playing this dangerous game.

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Vishwa’s House – The Inquiry Begins

Sanjana’s house loomed in front of them, a grand structure standing in eerie silence. The perfectly manicured garden, the luxurious exterior—everything about it screamed wealth and status. But Vishnu knew from experience that behind closed doors, appearances meant nothing.

Swapna and Roman were already waiting outside when Vishnu arrived.

“No reporters yet?” Vishnu asked, stepping out of the SUV.

Swapna shook her head. “Not yet. But it won’t be long before they sniff this out.”

Vishnu nodded. “Let’s go.”

Sanjana opened the door just as they reached it. She was dressed in a simple saree, her face pale, her eyes slightly puffy—like she hadn’t slept all night. But Vishnu had seen real grief before. And something about her expression… it didn’t fit.

“You’re here,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“We need to talk,” Vishnu replied, stepping inside.

The living room was immaculate, but cold—like a museum rather than a home. Swapna and Roman took their places strategically, flanking the room like silent predators.

Vishnu remained standing. “Tell us everything, Sanjana. From the moment Vishwa came home that night.”

She swallowed hard. “Like I already told the police… he came home late. He was exhausted. He went straight to bed.”

“And then?”

Sanjana hesitated, fingers tightening around the edge of her saree. “And then… when I woke up, he was gone.”

Roman let out a slow breath, shaking his head. “No struggle. No sounds. Just gone?”

Sanjana looked at him sharply. “Yes.”

“Strange,” Swapna murmured, her eyes narrowing. “Because your house is well-secured. No forced entry. If he left, why wouldn’t he tell you?”

Sanjana hesitated. “I… I don’t know.”

Vishnu’s gaze didn’t waver. “Are you sure about that?”

The silence stretched between them.

Finally, Sanjana exhaled sharply. “I—I was asleep! I don’t know when he left, or why. I only realized he was missing in the morning.”

Swapna leaned forward slightly. “But you didn’t call the police.”

Sanjana’s lips parted slightly, as if she had been caught off guard. “I—I thought he’d come back.”

Roman scoffed. “You thought he’d come back? He didn’t leave a note, didn’t take his car, his phone was off—but you thought he’d come back?”

Sanjana’s fingers twitched. “Yes.”

Vishnu tilted his head, studying her. “Did Vishwa ever mention feeling unsafe? Did he seem worried about anything before he disappeared?”

Her lips pressed together. A heartbeat of hesitation. Too long of a pause.

“No,” she finally said.

Lies.

Vishnu could feel it in the air.

“Sanjana,” he said, stepping closer. His voice dropped lower, calculated. “Are you hiding something?”

Her breath hitched. “No.”

“Are you sure?”

She turned her head away. “I don’t know what else to say.”

Vishnu exchanged a glance with Swapna. She caught it immediately. There was something here—something just beneath the surface.

Then—

A loud thud from upstairs.

The entire room froze.

Sanjana’s eyes widened. “What was that?”

Vishnu’s body tensed. Roman’s hand instinctively went toward his gun. Swapna’s eyes darted toward the staircase.

Another thud.

This time, it was followed by the faint sound of something dragging.

Vishnu didn’t hesitate. “Swapna, Roman—upstairs. Now.”

Sanjana grabbed his arm. “No! Wait! That’s—”

But Vishnu had already pulled away, moving swiftly toward the staircase, his heartbeat a steady drum.

Whatever was waiting for them upstairs…

It wasn’t normal.

And he was about to find out exactly what secrets this house was hiding.