A typical workday at the office was interrupted by a buzz on the intercom.

"Yes?" I answered.

"Sir, there's a gentleman from Max Insurance here to see you," my receptionist announced.

"Send him in," I instructed.

They call me "The German Shepherd of Detectives" for a reason. No case is impossible for me, I'm "The Daniel Brown".

A well-dressed man entered my office. His crisp white shirt, neatly tucked trousers, and polished shoes spoke volumes about his attention to detail.

"Mr. Brown," he began, extending a hand. "I'm William, Insurance Manager at Max Insurance Ltd. I'm here to discuss an important case."

"Please, have a seat," I gestured, all ears. "What can I do for you, Mr. William?"

He slid a red file across the desk. I opened it, my eyes scanning the first page. It detailed a life insurance policy for a hefty sum – 100 million – belonging to Mr. Viren Sabharwal, CEO of YEZ International.

"Mr. Brown," William continued, leaning forward, "Mr. Sabharwal has passed away. The medical report states central nervous system dysfunction as the cause of death. However, according to our doctors, this typically occurs only when brain cells are swollen. Mr. Sabharwal's previous medical history shows no signs of this. Something doesn't sit right. I suspect foul play - murder, perhaps. That's why I'm here. I need you to investigate."

The gears in my mind started turning. "Alright, Mr. William. Consider it done. First, I'll need to meet with Mr. Sabharwal's family and friends. The doctor who attended to him at the time of death is also on my list."

Without hesitation, I grabbed my coat. We were on our way to the hospital where Mr. Sabharwal's life tragically ended.

William introduced me to a rather striking doctor who'd been present when Viren was declared dead. Unlike most doctors, this one had pale skin and piercing dark eyes - a handsome man, to be sure. I couldn't help but chuckle when I heard his name: Dr. Black Anderson. He eyed me with suspicion. I quickly masked my humor and gave him my full attention. 

"Dr. Anderson," I began, "I'd like to hear about Mr. Sabharwal's case. Can you give me a brief overview?"

"The cause of death seems straightforward, Mr. Brown," Dr. Anderson replied. "Central nervous system dysfunction, likely due to swollen brain cells. However, Mr. Sabharwal's medical history shows no prior indications of this. It suggests some external pressure caused the swelling, leading to nervous system failure. Mental stress could be a factor, though foul play doesn't seem likely."

"Thank you, Doctor. I'll be sure to reach out if I need further clarification. In the meantime, could you please provide me with a complete case file?"

Turning to William, I said, "Let's start by learning more about Viren and his family."

William filled me in on Viren's background. "He was the younger son of Mr. Rahul Sabharwal, who tragically died in a plane crash last year. Viren's mother passed away when he was very young. He married a lovely Indian woman named Kamya, and had an older brother, Aditya."

"The 100 million from the life insurance policy will go to Kamya," William continued. "Aditya wasn't involved in Viren's company, YEZ International. He runs his own firm, Yamaha Superb Co., in a completely different industry. No competition there."

Intrigued, I pressed, "Any enemies? Surely a wealthy businessman like Viren had a few?"

William shook his head. "On the contrary, everyone described him as a kind and humble man. His employees even considered him more of a friend than a boss.".

Now I was intrigued. A smirk appeared on my face.  My mind was churning a lot of possibilities and lot of them will be extinguished when I will meet the two main characters of this story, Kamya and Aditya. The two characters probably I thought.  

"Then I need to meet Kamya and Aditya," I decided. "They might be arriving to claim the body, so we can talk then."

Two hours of waiting with still no sign of Viren's family left me restless. "Mind if I step outside for a cigarette?" I asked William.

Stifling a final puff, I flicked the cigarette butt into the designated bin and re-entered the office. Through the glass doors, I saw William chatting with a young couple. As I approached, they turned, and William made the introductions.

"Mrs. Sabharwal, Mr. Sabharwal," I said, offering a sympathetic nod. "I'm Daniel Brown."

"Mr. Brown," Kamya replied, her voice choked with emotion. "I just... I don't understand. I was on a business trip to Virginia. My flight landed at dawn, and then this..." Tears welled in her eyes. She was shivering and what happened next lead me to raise my eyebrows. Aditya held her hand very gently calming her, and she passed a quick smile relaxing under his touch.  Seems they were close. 

Shifting my focus to Aditya, I inquired, "Mr. Sabharwal, were there any business concerns troubling Viren lately? Any significant tensions?"

Aditya shook his head. "Not at all, Mr. Brown. Viren was a sharp businessman. His company was flourishing."

"And where were you last night?" I continued, my gaze steady.

"I live in California," Aditya explained. "I flew back as soon as I received news of Viren's passing."

I peppered them with a few more questions about Viren, all the while scrutinizing their responses. While nothing blatantly contradicted their stories, something didn't sit right. Their demeanor felt...off. After solving hundreds of cases I can surely put my finger on it however maintaining a poker face, I let them go. There was something which was missing under the hood and my mind was flourishing almost endless possibilities about these two. 

"Thank you for your time," I concluded, making a mental note to keep a close eye on them. They might just hold the key to unraveling this mystery.

Two days bled into one another, yet the cause of Viren's death remained frustratingly elusive. The medical report was a dead end, citing nervous system failure – a seemingly random event that could befall anyone. But where there's big money involved accidents are bound to happen. 

Determined to crack the case, I decided to tail Viren's widow, Kamya. She seemed like the easier target. For an entire day, I shadowed her – a tedious exercise that culminated in her returning to the office well past eight in the evening. Exhausted, I was just getting into my car when a flicker of movement on the company terrace caught my eye. Something didn't feel right. Curiosity gnawed at me, urging me to investigate.

Slipping back into the building undetected by the security guards was paramount. The deserted office echoed with my footsteps as I navigated the maze of cubicles towards Kamya's office. My heart pounded in my chest as I reached the door, only to find it firmly locked. What secrets did it hold? It was completely dark around and my flashlight proved a savior for me. I flickered the flashlight and tried open the door. 

A glint of determination sparked in my eyes. Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved a bobby pin and expertly manipulated it into the cabin lock. Three clicks later, the door yielded. Inside, I conducted a meticulous search, sifting through every drawer and file. 

Disappointment threatened to cloud my judgment, but just as I was about to leave, a glint of metal caught my attention – a makeup box. It was co incidental my eyes landed on that one. As if it was calling me to open it. Hope surged as I pried it open. A triumphant smile spread across my face. Nestled within were two crucial pieces of evidence, there lied the key to unravel the mystery. Smile adored my lips, and I quietly collected the evidence carefully. Although I was 99% sure this case was through the closure, still didn't want to take the chances.  

Knowing I needed to act swiftly, I left the cabin and dialed William's number. "Case solved," I declared with a satisfied chuckle.

His voice crackled with disbelief. "What? How?"

"Patience, William," I assured him. "There's more to the story. First, I need to meet Mr. Black."

It was late, pushing 11 pm, but the urgency of the situation couldn't be ignored. Mr. Black was understandably startled by my call, but his frown softened as he scanned the evidence I presented. Medical reports in hand, he re-evaluated Viren's case, and a look of dawning comprehension washed over him.

"William," I spoke with renewed conviction, "call the police. We need to apprehend Kamya and Aditya for the murder of Viren Sabharwal."

Within hours, both suspects were in police custody. Turning to Mrs. Sabharwal, I offered a knowing smile. "Care to explain your role in Viren's demise, or shall I unveil the details myself?"

Kamya began to speak, and the listener paid close attention. As on many other evenings, Viren arrived home late from work. Dinner was already prepared, and I had been waiting for him. Excusing myself, I decided to take a shower and change into a new nightgown I'd bought that day.

Our relationship had been strained for some time. While we weren't incompatible on the surface, but our personalities differed greatly. Viren was more introverted, content with quiet evenings spent reading or watching television. Me, on the other hand, craved social interaction and a more active lifestyle. The television, which Viren seemed constantly glued to, became a symbol of their disconnect.

A doorbell rang, interrupting me of my thoughts. I quickly finished getting ready and greeted Viren at the door, my outfit revealing a bit more skin than usual. I had made plans of having a sexual intercourse that evening. I was craving for some love. I looked at him with desire filling my eyes but as usual he looked weary, as he often did after work, and immediately inquired about dinner. 

I was very pissed off. I tried every time and craved for his love, but he was always unaffected. Many times, I thought might be he is impotent. He was never interested in sex or love making and it was really strange for me to digest.  

The soft glow of candlelight danced on the beautifully set table. Amiro mio salad, pumpkin cream soup, and a platter of fresh Caribbean lobster with garlic butter sauce promised a delightful feast. I had even prepared lemon sherbet for a refreshing interlude and a decadent chocolate fondue for the finale, all accompanied by a bottle of Chablis, Burgundy's finest.

Viren walked in and scanned the scene.  He was amazed with the efforts I had put in for him. 

"Wow," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice. "What's the occasion?"

"No occasion," I replied, a touch of disappointment lacing my voice. "Just thought you deserved a special dinner after all your hard work."

He pulled out a chair and sat down as I served him the first course. Each bite I watched him take felt heavy with unspoken words. The silence stretched, finally prompting me with a forced smile, "How was your day?"

"Fine," he mumbled, barely looking up from his plate.

"And the food?" I pressed, hoping to spark conversation.

"It's good," he offered, his response clipped.

Dinner continued in a similar vein. By the time he finished, he announced with a sigh, "I'm exhausted."

A pang shot through my heart. All I craved was a connection – a conversation, a touch, a spark of intimacy. But a wall seemed to have grown between us, leaving me feeling unseen and unwanted.

Viren drifted off to sleep as soon as he hit the pillow. Disappointment gnawed at me. Six months of marriage, and not a single night of intimacy. Our wedding had been a grand affair, a whirlwind of extravagance. Money seemed no object for Viren, who showered me with expensive gifts. Publicly, he was the ideal husband, a reflection of his impressive wealth. That's what captivated my father the most.

But behind closed doors, a different reality settled in. Viren excelled at being a CEO, a devoted son, an exemplary son-in-law. Yet, as a husband, he remained emotionally distant. His days were a predictable routine – lost in the pages of newspapers before work, then buried in books until sleep claimed him. It seemed the shareholders of YEZ International held more importance than his own wife and her unmet needs.

Viren drifted off to sleep, leaving me alone at the beautifully set table. With a sigh, I poured myself a glass of Chablis. The expensive wine tasted like a bitter disappointment.

Tears welled up in my eyes. Six months of marriage, and I felt further away from him than ever. My life had taken a sharp turn after the lavish wedding. A vibrant social butterfly, I craved excitement, but Viren was the complete opposite. In the beginning, I'd tried to coax him out of his shell, but his work consumed him. The rising stock prices of his company seemed more captivating than his own wife.

A pang of doubt pierced my heart. Did he even see me anymore? A collage of memories flooded back. Before Viren, I was the center of attention. My confidence and style attracted men like moths to a flame. After graduation, I landed a job at a prestigious company, where I met Aditya. He was everything Viren wasn't – charming, charismatic, a whirlwind of excitement. Our love blossomed during project meetings, stolen glances, and shared dreams. Six months later, he confessed his feelings.

Aditya's declaration echoed in my ears, "I love you, Kamya. Marry me." Laughter bubbled up, tinged with a touch of disbelief. "I love you too," I whispered back, and we dreamt of a future together. But those dreams were shattered when my father presented his plan: a marriage to Viren, the powerful CEO of YEZ International. My world crumbled. Tears streamed down my face, my pleas met with his unwavering resolve. He saw security and a "good life" in Viren's wealth, a future he deemed essential for his daughter.

My vibrant world transformed into a gilded cage. The wife of a business tycoon, yes, but a prisoner, nonetheless, yearning for a freedom that felt as distant as flight itself.

As I was suffering some months back, I met someone who gave me what I was craving for so long. An end to my suffering. She looked at me and then glued her eyes to Aditya. 

I saw her eyes flickered with disappointment, but I let her continue with her story. 

A face in the bustling mall stopped me cold. Tall, fair, and handsome, with eyes that mirrored a memory I held dear. Could it be...? It was. My heart hammered as I approached, hope battling disbelief.

"Aditya?" I choked out, a single tear tracing a path down my cheek.

He turned, his face lighting up with recognition. "Kamya!" A smile stretched across his lips as he pulled me into a tight embrace. Relief washed over me, mingled with a surge of longing.

"I love you," I whispered, the words tumbling out like a torrent. "I missed you so much."

The next two hours flew by in a whirlwind of rekindled passion. Six months of separation had only intensified our feelings. We held each other close, sharing stories, laughter, and stolen kisses.

"Hush, my love," he soothed, his voice a balm to my anxieties. "I'm here now."

But a flicker of unease sparked in my eyes. "Aditya, I can't stay with Viren," I confessed. "I want to be with you."

His smile faltered, replaced by a glint that sent shivers down my spine. "I love you too, darling. But divorce isn't necessary. You see, with a divorce, you'd only get half his assets. I have a better plan..."

The playful lilt in his voice vanished, replaced by a chilling seriousness. The killer smile that followed sent a wave of apprehension crashing over my initial relief. 

"But how, Aditya?" I pleaded. "He barely even lets me touch him. Why did he even marry me?"

"Don't worry, my love," he soothed, his voice taking on a patronizing tone. "There's no need for physical contact. All you have to do is give him this." He held up a small vial, a glint in his eyes.

"What is it?" I asked, apprehension creeping in.

A chilling smile spread across his face. "Just a little something," he chuckled darkly. "Completely undetectable. They'll never suspect a thing."

A knot of dread formed in my stomach. The playful facade he'd worn earlier had vanished, replaced by something far more sinister.

The night of Viren's death arrived. It was past midnight when I returned home from my fabricated trip, weariness a convenient mask for the turmoil within. As planned, I'd arranged for the maid to slip the substance into his dinner. Viren seemed increasingly agitated, reaching for water constantly. By the time I arrived, he'd consumed an alarming amount. Even after returning home, the cycle continued. A twisted sense of satisfaction bubbled within me, fueled by Aditya's twisted plan.

Panic clawed at my throat as I watched Viren through the keyhole. For what felt like hours, he'd been returning repeatedly, each time downing a glass of water with unnerving urgency. The eighth time was different. He choked, gasping for air before collapsing.

My body went numb. My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs. A strangled cry died in my throat. Dead? The question echoed in the hollow space of my mind.

Tentatively, I approached him. Shallow, labored breaths escaped his lips. His face was pale, glistening with sweat. My feet felt rooted to the spot, a tremor running through my entire body. I reached out, a hesitant touch on his icy-cold hand. A faint pulse fluttered beneath my fingertips. Relief washed over me – he was alive. But for how long?

His blood pressure was dangerously low. Dread coiled in my gut. Every passing moment felt like an eternity. Finally, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. Police would only complicate things. Taking a deep breath, I began the frantic task of getting him to the hospital.

But it was too late. Viren never made it.

############## Coming to the present in police cell ####################

"Love," Kamya whispered, her voice barely a tremor. "I did it for love."

"Love for his brother, Aditya?" I pressed, a knot of disbelief tightening in my stomach. "But the evidence points to him being involved."

Silence hung heavy in the air. Kamya's face remained an emotionless mask, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within her. Her silence spoke volumes – a betrayal as shocking as the crime itself.

"He killed his own brother?" William echoed, his voice laced with disgust.

A weary smile played on my lips. "Not quite, William. But his actions set a deadly chain of events in motion."

Gratitude flickered in William's eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Brown. You've cracked another tough one."

"The key lay hidden in plain sight," I explained. "During my investigation, I examined Kamya's belongings. A boarding pass from Virginia to California caught my eye. The date matched the night Viren died."

Intrigue piqued William's interest. "And?"

"Further investigation revealed a medical report tucked away in the same box. It detailed a highly unusual cause of death – water intoxication."

"Water intoxication?" William repeated, confusion etched on his face.

"An uncommon but potentially fatal condition," I replied, leaving the specifics for later. "Knowing this, the pieces fell into place. The motive, the opportunity, and a method that left little trace."

"Water intoxication," I explained, "occurs when an individual consumes excessive amounts of water in a short period, disrupting the body's electrolyte balance. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, confusion, and seizures. In severe cases, like Viren's, it can even be fatal."

William leaned forward, captivated. "So, the drug you mentioned..."

"Precisely," I confirmed. "It triggered an uncontrollable thirst in Viren, causing him to ingest a dangerous amount of water. This rapid influx overwhelmed his system, leading to a condition called cerebral edema. Essentially, his brain cells swelled, causing pressure that ultimately compromised his central nervous system."

A grimace contorted William's face. "Good heavens. Who knew water could be so deadly?"

"It's a sobering reminder, William," I replied, a hint of satisfaction tinging my voice. "Too much of anything, even something as essential as water, can have dire consequences. And cracking this case, with its unique set of circumstances, has certainly been a challenge."

And yet another case comes to an end. 

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