Friendship Tales ✔

Part One

Part One

"Daya, I received a call from ACP Sir regarding the Solanki murder case. He asked us to investigate as soon as possible since the accused hasn't been arrested yet," Abhijit informed Daya over the phone, sipping a cup of coffee at his home.

"Okay, we'll start the work early tomorrow. Do you have the voice clip we collected as evidence?" Daya asked, ironing his clothes for the next day.

The stout, tall man in his late thirties was a hot-headed crime branch officer working for the Maharashtra Government for the last twenty five years. Daya's piercing eyes and the whiskers under his chin captured many hearts during his tenure. His rough attitude as a keen detective and his habit of barging into houses by breaking doors had been enthralling for many, and a curse to notorious criminals.

On the other hand, Abhijit, a year senior to Daya in the services, shared a bond with him that was cherished by many. Senior Inspector Abhijit had a keen observing power, his cool and composed mind had always helped in nabbing dangerous criminals. His overcoat above his shirt gave him a stylish look, complemented by his cleanly shaved beard. Despite being an officer, his playful teasing habits set him apart from the rest.

Their separate descriptions might not be as enchanting as their tales of twenty five years of friendship. They revered each other's sanity and honesty in such a way that it was akin to a man worshiping his own soul. They trusted each other like a blind man trusts his walking stick. Their friendship tales could not be described in mere words unless one lived through them. Their bond enabled them to love each other not just as friends or co-workers, but as soulmates ready to sacrifice their lives to save each other. Such was their story of benevolence and companionship.

"I've kept the evidence under total security. It will provide us with the hint to reach the culprit," Abhijit assured Daya.

"Fine. We should get some sleep now."

Wishing each other good night, they crawled into their respective beds, their minds buzzing with thoughts about the Solanki murder case. The night was quiet, but their brains were already churning through the details, preparing for the challenge that awaited them the next day.

The following morning, Daya and Abhijit set out early for their investigation, the weight of Mr. Solanki's gruesome murder pressing heavily on their minds. They drove in silence, each man lost in his thoughts, preparing for the day's challenges. Their first stop was Mr. Solanki's residence.

As they approached the large, gated mansion, they were greeted by the housekeeper, who looked visibly shaken. "Good morning. We are here from the CID, to investigate Mr. Solanki's murder case," Abhijit said, flashing his badge.

The body of the owner of Solanki Group of Companies was found vandalized under a heap of old iron furniture in his own warehouse, and his neck strangulated wildly. He was a merchant dealing in crude oil imports and exports, who spent half the year navigating to distant countries and the rest of his time confined to his warehouse and home.

It happened last Saturday, just four days ago, when the locals reported a pungent odor emanating from the locked warehouse. The investigation was initially carried out by the local police until the murder case was finally handed over to the CID.

ACP Pradyuman, along with his enormous squad, had reached the crime scene and instantly immersed themselves in keen observation of the corpse and its vicinity. Despite the lack of proper evidence that every investigator looked for, the ACP ordered Abhijit and Daya to carry on with their unique inquiry.

"You claim this body to be Mr. Solanki's. Am I right?" Abhijit began, staring at a middle-aged man standing with other locals who had informed the police.