kaaval kaaran

Chapter 14

The morning sun peeked through the curtains, and Siva stretched his arms wide, feeling the tension of the previous days ease slightly. His phone buzzed beside him, and he picked it up to see a message from his best friend, Vetri.

"Siva! Meet me at the tea shop. I've got something you need to hear!"

Siva quickly got dressed, his mind racing. The investigation was moving at a snail's pace, and he could use all the help he could get. As he stepped out of his house, he spotted Dharaani sitting on the porch, her hair tied up in a messy bun, engrossed in her phone.

"Mama! Enga pora kaalangkaathale (Where are you off to so early?)" she shouted, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Just going to meet Vetri. You know, police work!" he said, trying to sound serious but failing as a smile broke out on his face.

"Police work ah? Summa azhaga irukura ponnunga pinnadi sutha thana pora. (More like chasing after pretty girls,)" Dharaani teased, sticking out her tongue. "Be careful! I'll send my future brother in law Ram to rescue you if things go south!"

Siva chuckled. "I'll make sure to keep a safe distance from any pretty girls, especially if they're as mischievous as you!"

As he walked down the lane, he could hear her laughter trailing behind him. The light-hearted banter with Dharaani always made his day better. He reached the tea shop, where Vetri was waiting, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Apdi enna avasaram, Inspector? (What's the hurry, Inspector?)" Vetri grinned, holding out a cup of steaming tea. "Unakku Dharani kooda kadala podrathuke neram seriya irukku pola idhula enga irundhu case ah paaka illa.. (You seem more interested in flirting with Dharaani than solving murder cases.)"

"Very funny, Vetri. What's this about a clue?" Siva asked, taking the cup from him.

Vetri leaned in closer, his expression turning serious. "You remember Dhanush? The guy who used to work for the big shots in town?"

Siva nodded. Dhanush had a reputation for knowing things. If anyone had the scoop on the local powers that be, it was him.

"He contacted me last night," Vetri continued, "He's scared but has some information about the murder. He said he wants to meet you privately."

"Why the secrecy?" Siva asked, his instincts kicking in. "Is he in danger?"

"Probably," Vetri said. "But he'll tell you more when he sees you. He's at the old mill outside of town."

Siva's mind raced. This could be the lead he had been waiting for. "Let's go, then."

---

The old mill stood eerily quiet, surrounded by tall grass and a few scattered trees. As Siva approached, he noticed Dhanush pacing nervously, glancing around as if expecting someone to jump out at him.

"Dhanush!" Siva called out, and the man turned, relief flooding his face.

"Inspector Siva! nalla vela neenga vandhinga (Thank you for coming.)" Dhanush's voice was shaky. "Enakku ungala vitta yaara namburathu ne theriyala. (I didn't know who else to trust.)"

"Modhala unakku enna theriyum ndratha theliva sollu. (Just tell me what you know,)" Siva urged, his police instincts kicking in.

"Solra ana neenga thaan en paadhugaapuku porupu. (Alright, but you have to promise me you'll keep me safe,)" Dhanush said, his eyes darting around. "The people involved are dangerous. They're not just businessmen; they're connected to powerful politicians."

"Dei serial maari ilukama seikiram solli thola da! (Just spit it out, man!)" Vetri said, impatience seeping into his tone.

Dhanush took a deep breath. "The night of the murder, I saw a black SUV parked outside the club. It belonged to one of the big shots in town. I didn't know at the time, but now... I think he's involved."