Cid Vs The Eye

Chapter 6: Evidence of Betrayal

The sterile corridors of Mumbai General Hospital echoed with the soft hum of fluorescent lights and distant conversations. Twenty-five minutes had passed since Abhijeet and Daya had stepped out to handle urgent calls from headquarters, leaving Poorvi to maintain her vigil beside Shreya's bedside. The weight of the previous night's events hung heavy in the air like a suffocating shroud.

When the two senior officers returned, their faces bore the exhaustion that comes from managing a crisis that threatens to unravel everything they've worked to build. The sight that greeted them was heartbreaking – Shreya sat rigid on the hospital bed, her once-bright eyes now rimmed with red, tears streaming down her face in an endless cascade. The strong, capable officer they knew seemed to have disappeared, replaced by someone fragile and broken.

Daya: approaching cautiously, his voice gentle despite his usual commanding tone, "Sambhalo apne aapko Shreya..."

The words hung in the air for a moment before Shreya turned away, unable to meet his gaze. Her voice, when it came, was barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of her shattered world.

Shreya: her voice cracking with emotion "Sir please mujhe akela chor dijiye... Mujhe is waqt kisi se koi baat nhi karni... Please..."

Daya: taking a step forward, concern etched across his features "Par Shreya..."

Abhijeet: placing a restraining hand on Daya's arm, his voice quiet but firm "Daya..."

The single word carried volumes of understanding. Abhijeet had seen enough trauma cases to recognize when someone needed space to process their pain. Sometimes the kindest thing you could do for someone was to respect their need for solitude.

Daya: after a long pause, nodding reluctantly "Theek hai..."

The silence that followed was deafening. Shreya turned toward the window, her shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs as she tried to make sense of how her life had changed so dramatically in a single night. The memories of the attack played on an endless loop in her mind, each replay making her feel more helpless and violated.

Chapter 2: The Burden of Care

Thirty-five minutes later, the hospital's automatic doors slid open to admit Poorvi, her arms laden with a carefully packed bag. She had made the difficult journey to Shreya's apartment, knowing that her friend would need fresh clothes – the ones from the previous night were beyond salvaging, torn and stained with evidence of the violence she had endured.

The sight of Daya and Abhijeet sitting on the uncomfortable plastic chairs outside Shreya's room told its own story. Their usually animated faces were somber, and the weight of helplessness was evident in their posture.

Daya: looking up as Poorvi approached, his eyebrows raised in question "Tum kapde lekar aayi ho?"

Poorvi: adjusting the bag on her shoulder "Yes sir. Shreya ke hai. Her clothes are not in presentable condition that's why..."

The euphemism hung in the air, everyone understanding the darker implications behind those simple words. Clothes torn in struggle, evidence of a fight that should never have happened.

Daya: clearing his throat, trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy "Ohh... theek hai... Tum use kah do ki ready ho jaye... Hum discharge ki formalities puri karke aate hai..."

Poorvi: "Okay sir..."

As Poorvi pushed open the door to Shreya's room, she was greeted by what appeared to be a peaceful scene – her colleague lying still on the hospital bed, eyes closed, her breathing even and steady. But Poorvi knew better. She had seen Shreya sleep before during their long stakeouts, and this wasn't the relaxed posture of genuine rest.