Murder mystery

chapter 3

EXT. DRIVEWAY OF A MANSION – NIGHT

The car comes to a halt, its headlights briefly illuminating the dark, towering silhouette of the mansion before shutting off. A DRIVER steps out, walks briskly to the back door, and opens it. Inside, two young women sit, their expressions clouded with uncertainty.

KASHVI glances at the mansion with wide eyes. Her grip tightens on her sister’s hand, PRITI, who looks more curious than concerned.

PRITI :-(whispering, almost to herself)"We shouldn't be here…"

KASHVI' :-(ignoring the unease)"C'mon. Let’s see what this palace holds."(squeezes PRITI's hand)"We’re already here."
Both girls step out of the car. The driver nods curtly, gets back in, and drives away without a word, leaving them alone in the growing shadows.

KASHVI :-(surveying the area, voice low)"Why is it so… dark?"
They both glance at the sprawling mansion, its walls looming like a beast hiding secrets. The garden is vast, its flowers barely visible in the night’s thick veil.

PRITI :-(grinning, trying to lighten the mood)"It’s just a big house, Kashvi. Nothing we haven’t seen before."
They step forward, their footsteps crunching against the gravel, echoing through the eerie silence. As they approach the entrance, the nameplate catches their eyes.

PRITI :-(reading)"Sandy William and Tara William."

KASHVI :-(frowning)"This… this feels wrong."
She lifts her hand hesitantly towards the doorbell. Before she can press it, the massive wooden door creaks open on its own.

PRITI :-(surprised)"What the—"

KASHVI :-(grimacing)"Okay, that’s definitely not normal."

PRITI :-(joking, though nervous)"Maybe it’s one of those… automatic doors?"
They exchange glances, the tension between them mounting as a cold gust sweeps past. Despite their growing fear, they step inside, unable to turn back now.

---

INT. MANSION FOYER – NIGHT

The entrance opens into an enormous hall, the sheer size enough to momentarily distract them from their fears. The space is elegantly furnished, modern yet vintage, with gleaming showpieces that speak of wealth and history. But there’s no one in sight.

PRITI :-(breathless)"Wow… This is… this is not just a house."

KASHVI :-(still uneasy, scanning the room)"No rooms… just this open hall. Where is everyone?"
Suddenly, a figure steps into the dim light from a side corridor. A middle-aged woman dressed in black with a sharp, almost too polite smile, approaches them.

MS. MARY :-(warmly, yet formal)"Kashvi. Priti. Welcome. I’ve been expecting you."
Both women glance at each other, the unease clear in their expressions. How did she know their names?

PRITI :-(hesitant, but polite)"Uh, hi…?"

MS. MARY :-(smiling)"I’m Ms. Mary, the caretaker. Mr. William left instructions for me to look after you until they return from abroad. You’re in my care now."

KASHVI :-(slightly suspicious)"Mr. William? Our uncle?"
Ms. Mary nods, gesturing for them to sit down on the plush leather sofa. Both women comply, still exchanging uneasy glances.

MS. MARY :-(calling out to the kitchen)"Gopal, bring hot chocolate and snacks for the young girls!"

KASHVI :-(quickly)"That’s not necessary—"

PRITI :-(interrupting)"But I’m starving!"

Kashvi shoots her a sharp look.

KASHVI :-(under her breath)"Don't have any manners?"

Ms. Mary chuckles softly, clearly amused.

MS. MARY :-(comforting)"This is your home for now, dear. No need for formalities. Whatever you need, you’re free to take or ask for."
Gopal, a silent but efficient servant, enters with a tray of hot chocolate and snacks. He sets it down on the glass coffee table, retreating without a word.

MS. MARY :-(sincerely)"Please, have some. Dinner will be ready in an hour. In the meantime, your rooms upstairs are prepared for you."
Ms. Mary rises, gesturing toward the grand staircase.

---

INT. PRITI'S ROOM – NIGHT

Ms. Mary opens the door to a massive, richly furnished room that looks like it belongs in a luxury hotel.

MS. MARY :-(gesturing to the wardrobes)"I’ll arrange some clothes for you. Freshen up and rest. Dinner will be ready soon."
Priti's face lights up as she takes in the room. She practically dives onto the bed, letting out a satisfied sigh.

PRITI :-(grinning)"Now this is what I call living!"

---

INT. KASHVI’S ROOM – NIGHT

Kashvi, on the other hand, stands at the balcony of her room, the cool night air brushing her face. Her thoughts grow darker with every passing moment.

KASHVI :-(whispering to herself)"In just 24 hours… everything’s changed. What if we’re in danger? Why now? And if he’s not here…"
Her voice trails off, tears threatening to spill over as memories of her father rush back. Alone in the vast mansion, the weight of her uncertainties begins to crush her.
As the wind howls through the darkened trees outside, Kashvi tightens her grip on the balcony rail. Something feels wrong about this place. Very wrong.