THE KOLKATA SHADOWS | Chapter 1: The Monsoon Murder
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THE KOLKATA SHADOWS | Chapter 1: The Monsoon Murder
The rain hammered against the tin roof of the dhaba like bullets, each drop competing with the sizzle of onions hitting hot oil. Inspector Vikram Chauhan sat hunched over his steel plate, methodically breaking apart a piece of naan and dragging it through the rich, orange pool of butter chicken gravy. The dhaba owner, Ramesh bhai, knew better than to disturb him during these moments. The inspector came here every Tuesday evening, same corner table, same order, seeking solitude in the chaos of clattering dishes and competing conversations. Vikram's phone buzzed for the third time. He ignored it, just as he had the previous two calls. At forty-two, he'd learned that emergencies could wait five more minutes—at least until he finished his meal. The Kolkata Police Department would survive without him for the duration of one dinner. Or so he thought. "Sir, please, it's urgent!" The voice belonged to Constable Rohit Malhotra, who stood at the entrance, drenched from head …
