A red-coloured car entered a huge gate and moved along the twisted concrete lanes surrounded by dense trees towards a well-lit huge rocky building. The car screeched as it reached the building. There was no one around. The shrieking sound of insects and the croaking of frogs filled the entire area. The moon was in deep slumber, covering the warm blanket of dark clouds. The fresh smell of the earth after the rains filled the area. The doors of the car opened, and four people came out. No one from the building came out. The building sported a deserted look. If there had been no lights, one would have considered it a haunted building. But these four people stood before the building, stretching themselves after a long car journey. They pulled their items of luggage from the car and started moving.

'You go ahead, guys. I will join you soon.' said Ankit.

'You could not wait for a few moments.' snapped Shamita.

'Oh! please, Shamita. Don't be so harsh on him. Just think, he did not smoke the entire journey. Go ahead, and give me one as well.' winked Ritika and smiled.

Prateik and Shamita laughed. They picked up their luggage and went ahead, leaving these two behind.

'Do not forget to bring your luggage.' shouted Prateik as he reached the main door.

Ankit and Ritika stood near the car and smoked quietly. There was an awkward silence between them. They looked around while kept on exhaling the smoke of clouds. The wind was cool and pleasant, while the clouds had already started taking cover for another round of rain. The croaking sound reflected the happiness of the frogs seeing the dark clouds. Ankit and Ritika looked at each other.

'I hope things do not go out of hand.' said Ritika.

'Let's not talk about it.' said Ankit as he stubbed his cigarette.

He picked up the remaining luggage and indicated to Ritika to move inside. She stubbed her cigarette and started to move when she heard a rustle in the bushes. She turned around, and there was nothing. Might be a small animal. Thinking, she again moved when a pair of eyes glowed inside the bushes.

When they reached inside, they saw Prateik and Shamita ready with the room keys.

'Let's go. Let's meet in my room in sometime. I have requested some food. Their kitchen is closed, but they would arrange something.' said Prateik.

With it, Prateik and Ritika moved into one room while Ankit and Shamita went inside another. When Ankit crossed the reception, the manager looked confused, but it was none of his business. He looked the other way around. The dense clouds were ready to wreak havoc with heavy rains, as lightning and thunder filled the entire sky, welcoming the rains.

'The next performance for our annual Police day celebration is by the school children of Modern convent school. Please welcome them with huge applause.' announced the host.

The stadium was filled with Police. It was an annual event conducted annually to celebrate the Police force of Bibhutisthal. Madhav was sitting in the second row, enjoying the function with his family. After many days, there have been no major crimes in the city. John had come with his mother and was sitting in another row. Every year, the city's people celebrate this day for the services of the Police.

The Police of Bibhutisthal has been protecting the city's people even before Independence. The events continued while the police officials enjoyed the event along with several delicacies arranged for them. Many famous personalities were invited to perform, and the bureaucrats were invited to grace the event. Madhav's phone pinged, but he ignored it. Madhav has just filed a charge sheet for a double homicide case and was looking for a break. This event was a much-needed break for him to spend time with his family. He was planning to take a leave for some days. But something was not right. The walkie-talkies were always in action, but this time it was different. The sound from the walkie-talkie echoed his name. Maybe it was his imagination. A police constable came near him and whispered something. Madhav did not like it but kept a straight face.

'You go ahead. I am coming.' said Madhav.

'Hey, listen, there is some urgent work I have to attend to. I will inform Amit to drop you home. I am sorry.' said Madhav to his wife, two kids, and his mother.

The kids were sad, but they knew it was his father's duty. They hugged him and said goodbye. Madhav gave a smile to his wife, who gave a faint smile hiding her sadness beneath it. His mother knew about it the day he joined the force. Just like his father, Madhav was always busy with work but never neglected his family. His mother blessed him in her prayers as she saw Madhav walking towards a team, standing with their handsets and waiting for Madhav.

'What happened?' asked Madhav in a grim tone.

'Sir, there has been an incident in the Royale Lagoon. We have received a complaint. A patrolling team has already reached the site. They have informed that a murder has happened in that resort.' said the constable.

'Royale Lagoon?' the voice in Madhav gave away.

'Do you mean 'The Royale Lagoon' situated on the border of our town?' asked Madhav.

'Yes, sir, and it comes under our jurisdiction as the village where the resort is situated is under our block.' said the constable.

'Let's go. Tell the forensic team to reach the site. Inform the patrolling team not to let anyone leave the place.' commanded Madhav.

'But, Sir, you are aware of this place. It won't be possible to hold anyone..' said the constable.

'I know, Pandey. But we have no option. If this thing leaks in the press, we will have a bad day at the office. So, tell the team to explain it until we arrive.' said Madhav.

As Madhav was getting ready to leave, John stood behind him.

'Sir, leaving somewhere?' asked John.

'Oh!! Hi John. There has been an incident. Let me handle it. You enjoy the show. It would be best if you had a break, John, after our last case.' said Madhav with a smile.

'And Sir, don't you need a break? Don't worry. I have also informed Amit to drop my mother home after the show. She is sitting with your family. We can leave now.' said John with a smile.

'John, you would never shy away from a case. Come on, get in, we are getting late.' said Madhav with a smile, while his heart was pounding inside thinking of what would happen in the resort.

'How dare you come at this hour and disturb us? Do you know who I am? Shouted a bald guy in his late 50s wearing a night suit.

'We can understand, Sir. But you need to cooperate, considering if this situation gets out of hand, the media will question your presence in this resort.' said the patrolling officer.

The guests at the resort were getting restless. That night the guest count was low, but some named people were having a good time. There were people from Bibhutisthal and Shankrapur. It was getting hard for the patrolling team to handle the crowd. In addition to it, the hotel staff were creating a headache. They were beyond nervous about the murder in their resort. The patrolling officer informed me that the team was reaching in a few minutes and that the officer would discuss and take further steps.

The Royale Lagoon resort is a famous resort that is famous for entertaining premium guests. Not everyone can get entry to this resort. The resort was started by a British sergeant and has seen many infamous parties by Britishers. But tonight, the resort witnessed something that would always be etched in everyone's memories. After the Britishers, the resort was taken over by a business person whose family have been running it since then. The resort has exclusive membership, and not everyone is allowed to visit it. The aristocracy of the resort has been maintained like in the colonial days. The resort has all the famous persons of Bibhutisthal and Shankrapur visiting it for merrymaking outside their households. The secrecy of the resort has made it to the news several times, but the aristocrats have succeeded in covering it up every time. The place remains a hidden isle of pleasure between two cities.

The resort is invisible from the main road. A narrow path surrounded by dense trees leads towards the resort. There is a small board that most travellers cannot see, but the regular ones know the route on the back of their heads. Four police vehicles raced towards the resort. They slowed down when they reached the narrow paths. The vehicles turned slowly inside the dense jungle towards the resort. The path was dark and muddy. So, they moved slowly towards the resort.

Rajam sat in the taxi's front seat when he saw the police vehicles overtake them and take a left inside the jungle road. His friends were sleeping in the back of the taxi.

'I think something happened? The road takes to Royale Lagoon, right?' asked Rajam to the driver.

'Yes, Sir. The resort is a nuisance, and I have heard that all types of illegal things happen inside it.' said the driver.

'I hope everyone is safe.' saying it, Rajam turned his eyes towards the road.

The taxi raced towards its destination, far from the resort.

'The forest has wild animals, but not the ones that could attack human beings.' said John.

'Yes, I don't think it must be the work of a wild animal. How much longer?' asked Madhav.

'Sir, I think we are reaching nearer. I could see some lamp posts.' said the driver.

The vehicle zoomed past the trees. The sound of the vehicles disturbed the forest. The rustling of the leaves drowned beneath the sound of the vehicles zooming past the huge trees surrounding the road. They reached the gates of the resort. The gates were opened, and they went inside. The patrolling guard came forward, gave a crisp salute to Madhav and asked him to come inside. They went straight to the crime scene.

'Are the teams here?' asked Madhav.

'No, Sir. We have received the information that they are on their way.' said the officer.

They entered the room. The room was neat. The suitcases were kept in a corner. A nightgown was spread across the bed, and Madhav saw blood splatters all over the wall. As he moved ahead, he was shocked to see the body of Shamita lying on the floor, covered in blood. She had injuries all over her body. Someone had torn her open from the middle of her body. Her eyes reflected the shock before dying. Her body was torn, and the inner body parts were lying outside. Her hands were twisted, her legs looked broken, and she was turning blue. The scene was horrifying.

'This is no work of a wild animal. Who is she?' asked Madhav.

'Sir, her name is Shamita. She had come here with her boyfriend, Ankit, and two other friends, Prateik and Shamita.' said the officer.

'Was Ankit or anyone else in the room when this happened?' asked Madhav.

'Only Ankit was there, but he claimed that he was in the bathroom when it happened.' said the officer. 'I do not believe him, sir.'

'Let's talk to all of them, starting with the guests. Meanwhile, keep the three of them in different rooms.' said Madhav.

'Sir, there is a problem. Ankit is the nephew of Aditya Rao.' said the patrolling officer.

'You mean Aditya Rao, the mayor?' said Madhav in a surprised tone.

'Yes, Sir. These four are regulars over here. Prateik uses his uncle's recommendation to stay here.' said the officer.

'That doesn't matter. A dead body was found in his room. Detain the three of them.' said Madhav.

'Sir, not three, but two of them. Prateik is missing.' said the officer.

'And you are telling me this now? Don't you understand the importance of it? Now, he is the prime suspect. What are you doing?' shouted Madhav. 'Don't let the other two escape. I want to talk to them personally. Until then, the press should not get a whiff of it.'

'Ok, sir.' said the officer.

'Listen, escort them along with my team, and you can leave.' said Madhav.

'Ok, sir.' said the officer saluting him before taking his leave.

Madhav went to the conference room, where all were stationed. There were huge shouts in the room. Madhav entered the room along with John. They looked around and saw a familiar face. What is he doing here? He asked John to call the person outside. Even John was shocked seeing him here.

'What are you doing here, Vipul?' asked John before Madhav could say anything.

'Sir, I came here with Payal to spend the weekend. I got an invitation from a client to stay here. I came here with Payal. I did not know we all would meet here in such a situation.' said Vipul.

'Who gives such invitations ?' questioned Madhav.

'It was odd, but when we implemented a huge consignment for the client, this was his way of thanking us, obviously after clearing all the dues. Abhay had refused it. But I wanted to come here once. So, I came here with Payal.' said Vipul.

'Ok, were you near the room where the murder occurred?' asked John.

'I do not know. We are staying on the ground floor. Room number 009.' said Vipul.

'Ok, Payal, and you need to leave. Next time, choose a better place, Vipul,' said Madhav. 'John sends them back, but the other guests should not know about it.'

With it, Madhav entered the room filled with angry guests. He knew many of the faces. He had met them in official meetings, parties, and during work. But, tonight, he was seeing them in another form.

'Listen, Inspector. I do not know what happened here. Leave us, or else you will hear from your seniors.' said a man with a receding hairline, thin moustache, and a pot belly.

'I can understand, Sir. But please let me talk to you all once; after that, you all are free to go.' said Madhav.

'What do you mean? Did we do something that you are holding us hostage?' shouted a woman. She looked in her 50s, tall, and looked sharp even in her night dress.

'No, ma'am. But please let me do my duty. I know you all are not involved, but there must be some information that would help us in solving the murder. It's like we need your help to solve it.' said Madhav.

The loud murmur came down. There was partial agreement from all of them. Now once again, they felt important. But the fear of information leaked outside would not benefit their professional careers. They decided to talk to Madhav. He asked them to wait as he started to talk to each guest. As he moved ahead, a large flower vase fell, and luckily he was yet to take the step where the vase fell. He looked around. Everyone was silent. He ignored it and asked the first person to come.

The room was dimly lit. There were occasion sparks of light. There were distorted sounds from a gramophone lying in the corner of the room. The room was messy. There were clothes all over. Pieces of glass were scattered on the floor. A crystalline round bottle was rolling on the table with its cap open. A red liquid was dripping from it on the floor. When he tried to walk, he felt something was holding him. He slowly looked down, but there was nothing that was holding him. When he looked up, he fell in shock, seeing a half-decomposed body staring at him. A part of the body had completely decomposed, and the other part was in the process. A sticky fluid was dripping from the empty eye socket. The body was covered in spider webs and sticky fluid. The body was covered in red coloured mud. The body kept on dragging itself towards him. The sticky fluid kept on dripping. He kept moving back until he felt he could not go back further. The body kept on coming forward. A strange gurgling sound kept coming from the body as it moved towards him. The body came near him. The gurgling sound increased as it kept on staring at him. The skeletal hand slowly touched him when he closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, the room was empty.

In a flash, the room changed. He was lying on open ground with his back towards a tree. A thick blanket of fog had engulfed the area. He was not able to see anything clearly. He tried to move and realised his hands and legs were tied by the thick old vines of the tree. The more he tried to move, and the grip tightened itself. The gurgling sound grew near his ears, and he turned around in a flash. There was no one. He turned around and was startled to see the same body in front of him. The empty face looked at him while the sticky fluid fell over him. He tried to scream, but his voice became inaudible. The body lifted itself and got lost in the dense fog. He tried to get out of the vines but failed.

He could see two people in a dark trench coats digging something. He could not see clearly because of the fog. The digging continued, and after some time, a white bundle was rolled inside. The faces were not clear. The sound was inaudible except for the gurgling sound that continued to echo around him. The fog became dense, and slowly it started to engulf him. He screamed, but to his horror, it was inaudible even to himself. He struggled to release himself, but the vines kept tightening their grip around him. Finally, he lost hope and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he was covered in sweat, and the clock stuck 2:19 am.

Abhay still felt he was under the spell of the nightmare. He got up from his bed, switched the light and drank water. He felt uncomfortable regarding it. He knew this was no ordinary dream. He sat in the wing chair at the corner of his room, lit the reading lamp and opened a book to read, but his mind wandered around some lost thoughts. After some time, he closed the book and went to bed, but sleep deprived him. He has been feeling uncomfortable for some time. He used to feel that a part of him was going away every time he saw a vision, but this was not under his control. He felt physically and mentally weak, but he needed to talk to Vipul about this. He was about to dial him when he remembered that he was in the resort. He kept the phone aside, switched off the bed lamp, and closed his eyes, but still, the images danced in front of him.

He kept turning sides, trying to sleep, when his phone rang. He turned around to look at his mobile, and a smile crossed his face. He knows me so well.

Madhav and John went into the room to talk to Ankit and Ritika after talking to the guests. Even though the guest nodded in agreement, nearly everyone warned Madhav that they would take action against him. Even though he was uncomfortable talking to them, it was his duty, and he had to do it. He tried to ask them about their whereabouts and whether they had heard anything, but no one knew anything until they were called downstairs. Seeing no update from them, he moved on to Prateik and Shamita to interrogate them. Something was fishy. A girl is dead, and one of their friends is missing, and nothing happened to them.

Ankit and Ritika were made to sit in different rooms. John went into the room where Ankit was sitting. Madhav went into the room where Ritika was sitting. Two female constables were guarding her. Madhav sat in front of her. She was still crying, and her eyes reflected the fear of the incident. The horror of seeing her friend die would stay with her forever.

'Ritika, I am sorry for your loss. But can you tell me what happened?' Madhav asked'

'Ankit, the loss is irreplaceable, and I am sorry for your loss. Please help us out by telling us what you know so that we can solve this murder.' said John.

Ritika and Ankit were in shock and were not able to say anything. Madhav and John repeated their question.