The scene opens in the dimly lit, book-lined office of Dr. Aditi Verma, a young Sanskrit professor at Banaras Hindu University. The walls are adorned with ancient texts and artifacts. She's engrossed in a manuscript when a knock on the door breaks her concentration.

Aditi: (without looking up) "Come in."

Inspector Aryan enters, his presence commanding yet respectful of the scholarly sanctuary he steps into.

Aryan: "Dr. Verma? I'm Inspector Aryan. We spoke on the phone."

Aditi stands, extending a hand.

Aditi: "Yes, Inspector. You mentioned a shloka?"

Aryan hands her the paper with the shloka. She examines it closely, her eyes reflecting a mix of intrigue and concern.

Aditi: (murmuring) "This is... unusual. It's an invocation, but not one I've seen before."

Aryan: "Can you decipher it?"

Aditi walks over to her desk, pulling out several texts, and begins to cross-reference.

Aditi: "Give me a moment. This symbol, it's not just a random drawing. It's a Yantra, a mystical diagram. And this shloka... it's a verse from the Rigveda, but with alterations."

Aryan watches, impressed by her expertise.

Aryan: "Altered how?"

Aditi: "It's been modified to include references to Kali, the goddess of death and time. It's as if someone is trying to blend concepts of creation and destruction."

Aryan leans in, his interest piqued.

Aryan: "Why would a killer do that?"

Aditi: "Perhaps they're not just a killer. This could be someone deeply versed in Hindu mythology, trying to send a message or... fulfill a prophecy."

Aryan's phone rings, he steps aside to answer.

Aryan: (on the phone) "Yes? Another one? I'm on my way."

He hangs up, a sense of urgency taking over.

Aryan: "Dr. Verma, there's been another murder. I need your help."

Aditi looks up, determination in her eyes.

Aditi: "I'll get my things."

The two rush out of the office, the camera following them as they navigate the bustling streets of Varanasi, heading towards the crime scene.

CUT TO:

Another body, another symbol, another shloka. The pattern is undeniable, and the city's whispers of a serial killer grow louder.

Aryan: (to Aditi) "Look at the forehead. The symbol is different this time."

Aditi: "It's another Yantra, but this one represents Shiva, the destroyer. And the shloka... it's another Rigvedic verse, but again, altered."

Aryan looks around, the weight of the case bearing down on him.

Aryan: "We're dealing with someone who knows the scriptures inside out."

Aditi nods, her eyes scanning the crowd.

Aditi: "And they're using that knowledge to play god."

The chapter closes with Aryan and Aditi standing side by side, the chaos of the crime scene around them, and the ancient city of Varanasi looming in the background, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.