The Crimson Devotion

Episode :- 3 Strange Symbols

The air was thick with an unspoken tension as Anurita Mukherjee stepped into Chandipur's bustling village square the next morning. Despite the bright sun, a sense of unease hung over the villagers, their faces a tapestry of wariness and resignation. Some offered her curious glances, while others quickly looked away, muttering under their breath.

Accompanied by Suboy, Anurita made her way toward the central well, where a group of women were drawing water. The metallic clang of buckets echoed against the backdrop of birdsong and the occasional bark of a stray dog. Anindya trailed behind them, his presence both reassuring and irritating to her.

Suboy spoke first, addressing an older woman with a weathered face and sharp eyes. "Maasi, have you or anyone seen strangers near the shrine recently?"

The woman hesitated, clutching her brass water pot. Her gaze flickered toward Anurita, as though weighing whether to speak. "Sahab, the shrine has always been cursed. We tell our children not to go there. But..." Her voice faltered, and she glanced nervously over her shoulder.

"But what?" Anurita pressed gently, stepping closer.

The woman sighed, lowering her voice. "Two nights ago, I saw a group of men going toward the forest. They carried torches and spoke in whispers. They weren't from our village."

"Did you recognize any of them?" Suboy asked.

She shook her head. "No. But they left marks behind." She pointed toward a cluster of homes at the edge of the square. "The potter's son found strange symbols carved into a tree."

Anurita exchanged a glance with Suboy, her mind racing. "Take us there."

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They arrived at the potter's modest home, a small clay structure adorned with earthen pots of varying sizes. The potter's son, a boy no older than ten, stood barefoot near the doorway, his curious eyes wide as he spotted the newcomers.

"Show us the tree, beta," Suboy said kindly, crouching to the boy's level.

The boy nodded, leading them behind the house to a towering banyan tree. Deep grooves were etched into the bark, forming intricate symbols that sent a shiver down Anurita's spine.

Anindya, standing a step back, whistled softly. "Tantric markings," he observed. "These aren't random. They're meant to channel energy."

Anurita shot him a sharp look. "And how do you know that?"

He met her gaze, unfazed. "I read a lot, Investigator."

Suboy interrupted, pointing to the ground. "There are footprints here. Barefoot, just like the ones near the shrine."

Anurita crouched, tracing the edges of the prints with her gloved fingers. "They're heading west. Toward the deeper forest."

She stood, brushing off her hands. "We'll need to track these. Suboy, can you arrange for supplies? This might take us a bit longer."

Suboy nodded. "I'll make arrangements. But before we venture deeper, we should speak to the village priest. He knows the forest better than anyone."

The trio agreed to meet the priest and went toward the temple where he does his service.

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The priest, an elderly man named Haridas, greeted them in the temple courtyard. The temple itself was a simple structure, its whitewashed walls adorned with faded images of Hindu deities. A small crowd of devotees lingered nearby, their murmured prayers filling the air.

"Inspector Dey, it's good to see you," Haridas said, his voice quivering with age. His eyes, however, were sharp, darting between Anurita and Anindya with curiosity.

Suboy explained their purpose, and Haridas listened intently, his hands clasped in front of him. When he spoke, his voice was grave. "The markings you describe are not unfamiliar. They are tied to the rituals of the Left-Hand Path. Those who walk it seek power through darkness and blood."

Anurita leaned forward, her expression earnest. "Have you seen anything suspicious recently, Panditji? Any unusual activity near the forest?"

Haridas hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the temple's sanctum. "I have heard whispers, child. At night, the forest speaks. Chanting. Drums. And the smell of burning flesh."

Anurita's breath hitched. "Burning flesh?"

The priest nodded solemnly. "It is the way of those who invoke Kali in her fiercest form. They believe sacrifice will grant them favor."

Anindya's voice cut through the heavy silence. "And what about the villagers, Panditji? Do you think any of them could be involved?"

Haridas hesitated, then lowered his voice. "Faith is a powerful force, Mr. Dutta. It can inspire great devotion... or great fear. There are those here who might turn a blind eye, believing it will protect them."

Anurita straightened, her jaw tightening. "We need names, Panditji. If you suspect anyone-"

"I cannot," Haridas interrupted, shaking his head. "I have no proof. Only shadows." And then he went to continue his services leaving the trio at the courtyard. They all shared glances and decided to head from there with whatever information they have gathered.

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As the group left the temple they had more questions than answers. As they walked back toward the guest house, Anurita's mind churned with possibilities. Suboy walked ahead, discussing logistics with a villager who had volunteered to supply them with food for their journey.

Anindya fell into step beside her, his hands tucked into his pockets. "You believe the priest, don't you?"

"I believe he's scared," Anurita replied curtly.

"And you're not?" Anindya said raising his brow.

She stopped, turning to face him. "Fear doesn't solve cases, Mr. Dutta. Evidence does."

He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint smile, he said, "You're braver than you let on, Investigator."

Before she could respond, Suboy called out to them. "We've got everything we need. Let's meet at the forest edge at first light."

Anurita nodded, walking ahead to join Suboy, leaving Anindya behind.

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That evening, Anurita sat on the verandah of the guest house, reviewing her notes by the light of a lantern. The events of the day replayed in her mind-Haridas's ominous warnings, the boy's discovery, the footprints leading deeper into danger.

A soft sound broke her concentration. She looked up to see Anindya leaning against the wooden railing, holding a steaming cup of tea.

"Thought you might need this," he said, handing it to her.

She hesitated before taking it, their fingers brushing briefly. A jolt of warmth shot through her, and she quickly pulled her hand back, focusing on the tea.

"Thanks," she muttered.

He sat down on the step below her, looking out at the darkened village. "You think tomorrow will bring answers?"

"I hope so," she said softly, her voice tinged with weariness.

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the tension between them easing ever so slightly. The stars above shimmered like distant promises, and the forest beyond loomed like a dark, waiting beast.

Tomorrow, the shadows would grow deeper. But tonight, for a fleeting moment, there was peace.
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The End Of Episode 3
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So, this was it for today. I hope you all are liking the story so far. Do vote and comment for sure.

Till then, i'll meet you with a new update hopefully soon. And you, stay tuned to unravel the mystery further.

Byee 💛✨