Priya's POV: 

"Good morning to all of you," I addressed the officers gathered in the meeting room. When I mentioned the possibility of a serial killer being present, the commissioner immediately convened an emergency meeting of all the chief officers of the local stations. It was to warn them of the impending danger to Mumbai's population, particularly the female population.

"I know you're all wondering why you've been summoned here, so let's not keep you waiting any longer. We discovered a girl's body yesterday," I said firmly. Her pictures were projected behind me as I spoke.

"She was brutally murdered by strangulation and her throat was cut with an unknown weapon-," Before I could finish, an officer spoke up.

"What's the big deal about it? This is a common occurrence for us. Husbands kill wives for dowry, sons murder mothers for money and so on. I believe it was done by her enemy," he stated proudly. Who hired this dumbass? I wouldn't have even bothered them in the first place if it wasn't an important matter.

"Mr..." I said, pausing to look at his nameplate. "Mr. Kulkarni- her body was headless," His face had turned pale and he appeared terrified.

"It could still be a rival who hated her," another officer speculated.

"Yes, I wish it were so. However, we discovered another headless body of a woman who was murdered in the same manner a few months ago. The pattern suggests that it was done by the same person. It's the same style."

When I showed them the two pictures, I heard a few of them gasp.

"This meeting is being held to announce the possibility of a serial killer, and that female lives in Mumbai are currently in danger," I declared solemnly and continued. "We don't have any significant hints. But I believe we know what his motive is." They all sat up straighter.

"Both women were well-known for their infidelity and adultery. From the manner in which he killed them, I believe he hates women like them," I suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

 "We have no idea when he will strike again. But we simply cannot afford it. Till now, the media is unaware of this. But we might not be so lucky the next time. As a result, I'd like you all to collaborate," I said.

They were confused and looked to me for clarification. "I want you to start night patrolling and keep an eye on everyone; I don't want him to strike again," I warned. They agreed and I adjourned the meeting. From now onwards, the nights were going to be days for us.

I returned home and collapsed on the sofa, recapturing today's events. My phone rang while I was deep in thought. It was Father Sebastian, Nila's school principal. I answered the phone right away in panic.

"Hello, father, is there any problem? Nila is fine right?" I asked, concern lining my face prominently.

"No, dear, there is no problem," he assured softly. "She is perfectly fine. I called to let you know that summer vacation starts tomorrow. You're coming to pick up Nila, right?"

"Oh yeah, Father, I am coming to pick her up tomorrow," I replied. It slipped my mind in the midst of this killer thing. Thank God, Father called to remind me.

"Okay, child, take care," he said.

"You, too, father." Our conversation came to an end. But soon, my phone rang again while I was watching an old Hindi movie on TV.

"Yes, Ajay?" I greeted.

"Ma'am, see the news," Ajay replied quickly. I frowned and picked up the remote beside me. When I switched to the news channel, I saw a bold headline. 

Mumbai has become the prey of a serial killer. 

How did this get out?

"Who the fuck informed the media about this, Ajay?" I hissed.

"I don't know, Ma'am," he admitted dejectedly.

"Ajay, find it." 

I was furious. Even after telling them a million times to keep this confidential, it leaked and reached the ears of the media. The media was waiting for something to bring down our department. They had the best opportunity right now.

"The latest news we got was about the possibility of a serial killer on the loose," the reporter stated confidently. "According to reliable sources, this serial killer strangulates his victims and then leaves their headless bodies. By now, the Mumbai police have two headless bodies. What are the police doing to stop this serial killer's killing rampage? Are they going to sit there and watch the smart killer when the lives of Mumbai women are at stake?"

I turned my TV off before I could break it. They made it look like we were useless. Why didn't they ever talk about the times when we succeeded in cases? My phone rang, and it was the commissioner on the other end. I was certain he had seen the news.

"What is this Mehra? How did the media learn about this?" He inquired angrily.

"I'm not sure about the traitor yet, sir. But I told Ajay to find them," I huffed.

"Now I'm going to make a press statement about the killer, stating that there are no bodies and that the rumours were false. You'd better get him before he strikes again," he acknowledged. I replied in the affirmative. 

Soon after our conversation, the commissioner made the statement. The media were only half satisfied, but who cared? 

I, on the other hand, had to find him before it was too late. 

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Author's POV:

(In the cottage)

"Did you see how they just lied, God?" he expressed his displeasure to the other being present there. The young man was extremely proud of his work and seeing the commissioner's statement hurt his ego.

"Don't be worried, child; they will get what they deserve for lying. You might be able to teach them a lesson." 

When he heard God's response, the young man rubbed his hands excitedly.

The man in cassock stood up and walked away. 

"Tomorrow it's your turn to prove your existence to the world," he said as he paused at the door.

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Third person's POV: 

I was standing in front of her house. It was 2 a.m. and she would most likely be sleeping.

'But what if she's awake?' my conscience asked.

This would be a lot of fun if she was awake. I made sure my mask was properly adjusted to cover my entire face. I couldn't risk being caught because my game had only just begun. I climbed the tree near her bedroom window and found her sleeping soundly.

'This is the best time to kill her,' my conscience advised. 

'No, no, not anytime soon!' I countered. 

She had to suffer. And the only way a person suffers is if their life falls apart. They can't suffer in death. At least not according to me.

I quickly placed the spare mask and letter beside her bed and exited the room before losing control.

'She is going to be surprised tomorrow,' I thought and laughed as I walked away.

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