Inspector Ratan and the Masked Detective walked through the tall gate of Taraniketan School. The campus was quiet—too quiet. The usual morning chatter of students was missing. Only the rustling of trees could be heard.
They were here to meet Mr. Animesh Basu, the school's principal… and the father of the missing girl, Ishita.
A staff member led them to the office. Mr. Basu was sitting at his desk, looking pale and worn. His glasses were slightly tilted, and he hadn't shaved. He stood up slowly when they entered.
"Thank you for coming," he said, voice low. "I haven't been able to think straight since yesterday."
"I understand," Ratan replied, his voice calm. "We just have a few questions."
The Masked Detective stood quietly, her coat brushing the side of the desk as she looked around the office. Framed certificates, trophies, and photos of smiling children filled the walls.
"Ishita was a quiet child, wasn't she?" the Detective asked.
Mr. Basu nodded. "Yes. She was calm, polite, never caused trouble. She had… good marks. But she was always alone."
"She didn't have close friends?"
He hesitated. "Well… she followed two girls in her class. Bishaka and Chitra. But I don't think they were very kind to her."
"Did she talk about them?"
"No," he sighed. "I noticed bruises once. She said she fell. But now... I'm not sure."
The Detective's eyes narrowed behind the mask.
"We found a sketch in her room," she said. "A flower with five petals. Do you know anything about it?"
Mr. Basu blinked. "Yes. She used to draw it often. Said it was from a dream."
The same dream again.
The Detective took a deep breath. "I think your daughter saw something. Something important. We're getting close."
Mr. Basu sat back down, shaking slightly. "Please… just find her."
"I will," she said softly. "No matter what."
Ratan nodded and turned to leave. The Detective followed silently, but her mind was loud with thoughts.
Something about Ishita connected all the missing girls.
And she was going to find out what.