Cid Vs The Eye

Chapter 3: The Arrival That Changed Everything

[Disclaimer - This is a work of fiction, created purely from imagination]

Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the CID bureau, casting sharp geometric shadows across polished floors that had witnessed countless confessions, revelations, and moments of justice. The building hummed with its usual rhythm—phones ringing, keyboards clicking, voices exchanging information that would piece together the puzzles of crime.

"Sub-Inspector Mayank reporting, sir!"

The announcement sliced through the ambient noise. Conversations died mid-sentence. Every head turned toward the entrance where a young man stood at rigid attention—pressed uniform, polished shoes, the kind of eager confidence that marked fresh academy graduates.

ACP Pradyuman emerged from his cabin, his experienced gaze immediately cataloguing the newcomer's details. Twenty-something, well-built, ambitious smile. Another bright-eyed officer ready to learn what the streets would teach him.

"Welcome, Mayank. Come here."

The team gathered in their familiar semicircle, a ritual of inclusion they'd performed dozens of times. Each new face brought possibilities—fresh perspectives, untested skills, the chance that this one might become family.

"Ye Daya hai," ACP began, his voice carrying decades of respect for the man beside him.

Recognition lit Mayank's features. "Aree sir, inhe kaun nahi janta?" His enthusiasm was genuine, unguarded. "Hello sir, nice to meet you."

Daya's handshake was warm, welcoming. "Hello."

The introductions continued—Abhijeet's firm grip, Pankaj's friendly nod, each greeting building bridges between stranger and colleague. The atmosphere was comfortable, routine.

Then Shreya entered.

"Sir ye fi—" Her voice cut off like a severed wire. The moment her eyes found Mayank, something fundamental shifted. Her professional composure cracked, revealing glimpses of emotions that didn't belong in the morning's cheerful welcome—surprise, yes, but darker things beneath. Recognition. Apprehension.

Fear.

"Sir ye?" The question emerged carefully controlled, but those watching closely might have noticed the slight tremor.

"Ye Inspector Mayank hai," ACP explained, oblivious to the sudden tension crackling through the room. "DCP Chitrole ne bheja hai. Training abhi khatam hui hai isliye 2-3 mahine yahi kaam karega. Fresher hai to seekhne aaya hai kaam, phir transfer ho jayega."

Abhijeet frowned. "Sir, aapne humein bataya nahi."

"Mujhe khud hi 5 minute pehle pata chala ki DCP Chitrole ne ise appoint kiya hai yahan. Kuch batata kahan hai wo."

Daya and Abhijeet exchanged knowing glances, shared amusement at their superior's perpetual communication challenges rippling between them in silent understanding.

Mayank stepped forward, hand extended toward Shreya. His smile carried undertones of familiarity, as if this meeting meant more to him than simple professional courtesy.

"Hello Shreya ma'am."

Shreya moved past his outstretched hand like it didn't exist. Her body language created an invisible wall—shoulders turned away, eyes averted, every line of her posture screaming rejection.

"Hello." The single word could have frozen blood.

She walked directly to ACP, making her position unmistakable. The conversation—at least from her perspective—was terminated.