Murder mystery

chapter 9

INT. OFFICE - MONDAY MORNING

It's the start of the week. Kashvi is seated at her desk, working on a report when an announcement echoes through the office speakers.

Office Speaker (announcing): "Attention, everyone. This Friday, we will be hosting our annual charity function. The event will be managed by Ishaan Avasthi and his team."

Kashvi listens attentively, already sensing the workload to come. The speaker continues:

Office Speaker (continuing): "Responsibilities will be assigned shortly. Kashvi Mehra, you are in charge of the buffet arrangements."

Kashvi leans back in her chair, eyes wide, thinking about the magnitude of the task. The charity function was no ordinary event—it was hosted by her uncle, Mr. William, and carried significant weight.

Kashvi (muttering to herself): "I can't mess this up... Not with Uncle William involved."

She immediately starts making a list of everything she’ll need. Her focus is razor-sharp; this isn’t just another task—it’s personal.

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EXT. FUNCTION VENUE - THURSDAY AFTERNOON

The team arrives at the grand venue, a sprawling estate with lush gardens and intricate décor. Kashvi steps out of the car, taking in the sight. It’s beautiful, but her mind is set on the responsibilities ahead. Everyone splits up to check their respective areas.

Ishaan (calling out): "Alright, everyone! Let's check everything thoroughly. No room for mistakes."

Kashvi heads towards the garden area, where the buffet will be arranged. As she walks, something shiny catches her eye—a phone lying in the grass. She picks it up, frowning.

Kashvi (thinking aloud): "Whose phone is this? Did someone from the team drop it?"

She searches around and asks a few people, but no one claims it. Suddenly, the phone rings. Startled, she answers.

Mysterious Voice (on phone, low and chilling): "Arrange something for the weapons to get inside. There will be eight members. They'll enter the function with weapons. Make sure they don't get caught. I’ll instruct you further."

Kashvi freezes, her heart racing. She looks around, panic creeping in. This can’t be real. She quickly disconnects the call, breathing heavily. Just then, footsteps approach—it's Alok, the function’s security in-charge.

Alok (looking around, distracted): "Has anyone seen my phone? I swear I left it somewhere around here."

Kashvi’s mind races. She scans the phone’s data, transfers everything to her own, then deletes the call log and messages. With a composed face, she steps forward.

Kashvi (holding out the phone): "Sir, I found this near the corridor. Is this yours?"

Alok (relieved): "Yes! Thank you. I’ve been looking everywhere for it."

Kashvi (innocent smile): "I didn’t open it, of course. It was locked."

Alok (laughing lightly): "Of course. Thanks again. This would’ve been a disaster."

He walks off, leaving Kashvi shaken but determined. She knows there’s a threat looming over the event.

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INT. FUNCTION VENUE - FRIDAY NIGHT

The function is in full swing. Celebrities, singers, and dancers fill the venue. The security is tight, with guards stationed at every corner. Kashvi is on high alert, her eyes darting around as she oversees the buffet arrangements. She hasn’t told anyone about the call.

Ishaan (approaching angrily): "Kashvi! Where is the food? It's dinner time, and there's no buffet ready!"

Kashvi, caught off guard, quickly cuts her phone call and faces him.

Ishaan (furious): "You had one job, Kashvi! How could you mess this up? Everyone’s waiting, and there’s no food!"

Kashvi (apologetic but composed): "I’m sorry, Ishaan. Give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll have everything ready."

Ishaan (impatient): "You better move fast! This is a disaster!"

Kashvi rushes to make the arrangements. Despite the chaos, she manages to get everything in place just in time. Guests begin to enjoy their dinner, and the function proceeds smoothly. As the night winds down, people congratulate Ishaan for the successful event.

Random Guest (to Ishaan): "The event was fantastic. Well done!"

Ishaan nods, but there’s something bothering him. As the venue clears out, he notices that Kashvi is still coordinating security, issuing instructions to the guards.

Ishaan (confused, approaching Kashvi): "Why are you handling the security now? You were only supposed to manage the buffet."

Kashvi glances at him but doesn’t respond directly, her attention still on the guards.

Kashvi (distracted): "Just making sure everything’s in place."

Before Ishaan can question further, the venue manager calls him away. When he returns, Kashvi is gone. He assumes she left with the others, but in reality, she’s still at the venue, double-checking everything. It’s 4 AM by the time she finally leaves for home.

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INT. KASHVI’S APARTMENT - DAWN

Exhausted, Kashvi stumbles into her apartment. She barely makes it to her bed before collapsing, still in her work clothes. The weight of the night’s events pressing on her, she falls into a restless sleep, unsure of what tomorrow will bring.