Mumbai Noir

5

As I walked alongside Patil towards the Sharma estate, my mind buzzed with apprehension.

"The Sharmas are the most obvious suspects, Ragu," Patil rumbled, his voice thick with frustration.

"Years of bad blood, a chance to strike a major blow to the Kapoors… it all fits."I nodded, my gaze fixed on the red marker that circled the imposing glass and steel edifice that housed Sharma Industries.

"Agreed, but their alibi seems airtight. Rajveer Sharma, the eldest son who handles the business, was apparently in Mumbai on a business trip when Ayushi vanished"

"Maybe a well-orchestrated alibi," Patil countered, a skeptical glint in his eyes.

"The Sharmas have the resources to pull something like that off." I steepled his fingers, a thoughtful frown creasing my forehead.

"We can't discount that possibility. But something doesn't feel right. The timing seems too risky, especially with the media frenzy surrounding the case."

The opulent lobby of Sharma Industries screamed of wealth and power. A statuesque receptionist, her face, a mask of studied indifference, announced their arrival.  Moments later, Rajveer Sharma himself strode into the room, his presence commanding attention.  He was a man sculpted from money and privilege, his tailored suit hanging perfectly on his broad frame.  A signet ring adorned his hand, glinting under the harsh fluorescent lights.The air crackled with unspoken tension as they exchanged greetings.  

"Mr. Sharma, we appreciate you taking the time to meet with us today. As you know, we're investigating the disappearance of Ayushi Kapoor."

Rajveer's perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose in surprise, a flicker of something akin to annoyance crossing his features.  "Ayushi Kapoor? The missing girl, isn't she? Terrible business, what happened there."  His voice conveyed feigned concern, but his eyes remained cold and calculating.

"Indeed," Patil grunted, his gaze unwavering.  "We understand there might be some… animosity between your family and the Kapoors."

Rajveer let out a chuckle, a harsh, humorless sound that grated on Vikram's nerves. "Animosity? It's a family tradition, wouldn't you say? But business is business, and kidnapping a child? That's beneath even me."

He leaned back in his chair, the picture of nonchalance.

My gaze narrowed. The denial was too vehement, too practiced. It smacked of someone hiding a dark secret.

"Is that right, Mr. Sharma?" I said, voice dripping with skepticism. "Because from where we're standing, it seems like the perfect opportunity to strike a blow at your rivals.  A public humiliation, the Kapoors brought to their knees…"

Rajveer's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of something akin to anger flashing in his eyes.  He quickly regained his composure, however.  "Ridiculous," he scoffed.  "The disappearance of a child is a tragedy, not a game of corporate chess.  Besides, as I mentioned, I was nowhere near Bombay when it happened."

Patil leaned forward, his gruff voice laced with a hint of curiosity.  "We're simply trying to understand the situation, Mr. Sharma.  Did you have any contact with Ayushi Kapoor or her family in the days leading up to her disappearance?"

Rajveer shook his head, a frown creasing his forehead.  "Not that I can recall.  The Kapoors and I operate in different circles, business-wise.  Our paths rarely cross socially either, given the… strained relationship between our families."  He paused, a hint of genuine regret coloring his voice.  "Look, gentlemen, I assure you, I have nothing to do with Ayushi's disappearance.  I, like everyone else, hope she's found safe and sound."

I slammed a photo on the table, the force of the action making Rajveer flinch, it was about the birthday event, there was a women who was unknown to the public, Imtroed to accuse him of knowing that girl. My resolve hardened."We have evidence that suggests otherwise, Mr. Sharma," I pressed on, my tone resolute. "It's in your best interest to cooperate with us if you want to clear your name."

Rajveer's reaction was immediate, a flash of indignation crossing his features. "How dare you accuse me of such a despicable act?" he retorted, his voice tinged with anger. "I may be a competitor, but I am not a criminal."

"I hope you are not and telling the truth to us....Mr. Sharma," I said and narrowed my gaze, and then leaned back and smiled.

"It is all true to my knowledge," he said.

"Thank you, Rajveer, for giving us your time," Patil said, and we walked out.