The CID office buzzed with its usual controlled chaos—papers shuffling, phones ringing, and officers moving with purpose—when the door swung open with a loud creak. DCP Chitrole strode in with his usual air of self-importance, his eyes scanning the room, searching for someone. Trailing behind him was a young officer, neatly dressed in a crisp uniform, his expression eager but nervous.
“ACP Pradyuman!” Chitrole bellowed, interrupting the flow of work as everyone turned to look at him.
ACP Pradyuman, who had been standing at his desk going over case files, looked up, his stern eyes narrowing as he noticed the DCP’s presence. “DCP Chitrole,” he greeted, his tone polite but cautious, “What brings you here?”
Chitrole didn’t bother with pleasantries. “I’m here to introduce your new team member,” he said, gesturing toward the young officer at his side. “This Is Sub Inspector Vineet Kumar. He’ll be working with you from now on.”
The room fell into a stunned silence. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Vineet, taking in the sight of the fresh-faced recruit standing beside one of the most controversial figures in their hierarchy.
ACP Pradyuman’s brows furrowed, his hands folding behind his back as he stepped forward. “You’re appointing someone to my team without discussing it with me?”
Chitrole waved his hand dismissively. “This is not up for discussion, Pradyuman. Vineet has been personally selected by me. You’ll do well to put him to good use.”
There was a subtle shift in the room, the tension rising between the two senior officers. Daya, Abhijeet, and Freddy exchanged cautious glances, their instincts already on high alert.
Pradyuman’s jaw clenched. “And what exactly qualifies him to join CID?”
Chitrole smirked, clearly enjoying the confrontation. “Vineet’s qualifications are impeccable. He graduated top of his class at the police academy, and I’ve personally ensured that he’s been given the best training. You should be grateful to have someone like him on your team.”
Abhijeet, who had been silently observing the exchange from his desk, noticed the way Chitrole’s words were laced with something more—something that didn’t sit right with him. He could feel the undercurrent of manipulation, the way Chitrole seemed to revel in the tension he was causing.
ACP Pradyuman, ever the cautious leader, wasn’t swayed by Chitrole’s confidence. “What’s the real reason you’re assigning him here, Chitrole? We don’t need another officer without understanding why he’s been placed here.”
Chitrole’s eyes gleamed with something dangerous, his smirk widening. “Why so suspicious, ACP? You think I have some hidden agenda?”
Pradyuman’s silence was enough of an answer.
Chitrole laughed, a low, mocking sound that echoed through the room. “You’re always so paranoid, Pradyuman. Fine, if you want the truth—maybe Vineet *is* here to keep an eye on things. You’ve been running this team your way for a long time. Maybe it’s time someone made sure everything is being handled… properly.”
The Insinuation landed like a bomb in the room. The team stood frozen, the weight of Chitrole’s words pressing down on them. Abhijeet’s eyes flickered toward Vineet, who shifted uncomfortably under the sudden scrutiny. The young officer’s face betrayed a flash of confusion, clearly not anticipating the storm his presence had just stirred.
Pradyuman’s voice dropped, his tone cold and measured. “Are you accusing my team of incompetence, Chitrole?”
Chitrole’s smile remained, though his eyes hardened. “I’m saying, ACP, that maybe it’s time someone ensured the CID is being run with… proper oversight. And Vineet will be my eyes and ears here. Whether you like it or not.”
It was all the team needed to hear. The unspoken words had already done their damage, planting the seed of doubt in everyone’s minds. Daya’s fists clenched at his sides, Freddy’s normally jovial expression darkened, and Abhijeet, though his face remained stoic, felt a deep unease settle in his gut.
Vineet opened his mouth to protest, but a sharp glance from Chitrole silenced him. Whatever reasons he had for joining the CID, whatever good intentions he carried, they were already tainted by Chitrole’s brazen declaration.
ACP Pradyuman’s expression remained unreadable, though the tension between him and Chitrole was palpable. After a long, silent moment, he finally spoke, his voice low and resolute. “We’ll work with Sub Inspector Vineet. But understand this, Chitrole—CID works independently. We don’t need watchdogs.”
Chitrole’s smirk only deepened. “Of course. Just remember—I’ll be watching.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the office, leaving behind an oppressive silence.
Vineet stood awkwardly in the center of the room, his posture rigid as he tried to process what had just transpired. The looks he was getting from the team ranged from suspicion to outright hostility. He had come here to prove himself, to make a difference—but now, thanks to Chitrole, his presence was already mired in distrust.
ACP Pradyuman turned to the young officer, his gaze sharp. “Welcome to CID, Vineet,” he said, though there was no warmth in his voice. “But understand this—if you’re here to spy for Chitrole, you won’t last long.”
Vineet swallowed hard, shaking his head. “Sir, I’m not here for that. I just want to—”
“We’ll see,” Pradyuman cut him off. “You’ve got a lot to prove.”
With that, the team dispersed, leaving Vineet standing alone, feeling the weight of their suspicion. Abhijeet was the last to leave the room, his eyes lingering on the new recruit. Something about the situation didn’t sit right with him—Chitrole’s words, the way Vineet seemed genuinely unsettled. There was more to this young officer than the label Chitrole had slapped on him. But for now, Abhijeet kept his distance, watching and waiting.
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Trust in Shadows
FanfictionDCP Chitrole appointed him so naturally no one trusted him but their opinions didn't matter to him what mattered to him was just the opinion of one person. Why even he didn't know. Let's find out shall we.
