It was late afternoon when Inspector Ratan and the Masked Detective stood outside a quiet two-storey house on a narrow street. The nameplate read: Choudhary Residence.
They had gotten the address from Ishita's father, Mr. Animesh Basu.
But when they knocked, it was Bishaka's mother who answered, wiping her hands on her apron.
"She's not home," she said. "She went to Chitra's house."
Without wasting any time, they headed to Chitra's place next. The door was already open, and the sound of chatter and giggles came from inside.
The moment Chitra and Bishaka saw the Masked Detective walk in behind Inspector Ratan, their eyes went wide like saucers.
"OH MY GOD!" Bishaka gasped. "It's really you!"
"You're the Masked Detective!" Chitra cried. "We're HUGE fans! Please tell us your name! Or… a selfie? Or an autograph? Or—or maybe… can we see your face?!"
"Stop!" the Detective snapped, her voice sharp and commanding.
Both girls froze instantly, their excitement dying out like a snuffed candle.
(Hey, Author! Why are you laughing? You're the one who made them like this.)
The Masked Detective crossed her arms. Her tone was cold and focused. "We're not here for selfies."
Inspector Ratan stepped forward. "We're investigating Ishita Basu's disappearance. We need your cooperation."
The girls exchanged nervous glances.
"Y-Yes," Bishaka stammered. "We know she's missing. We saw it on the news."
"But it didn't feel real until now," Chitra added.
The Detective narrowed her eyes. "When did you last see her?"
"Three days ago. After school," Bishaka replied. "She was quiet. She didn't even laugh at the video we were watching."
"Did she seem scared?"
Chitra hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. She kept checking her phone… and she said something strange."
"What?"
"She said… 'If I disappear, check the notebook.'"
The Masked Detective's gaze sharpened. She glanced at Ratan.
Things were about to get deeper.
To be continued...