Chapter 6

~The Spy and the Hunter~

Vikram Mehta sat in the dimly lit office of Inspector Singh, his eyes gleaming with ambition. The inspector, known for his integrity, was seated behind his desk, his stern expression betraying his unease. The air was thick with the unspoken tension between them.

"Inspector Singh," Mehta began smoothly, "I understand that the Desai siblings are struggling to reach a consensus about the future of Masala Manor. This could be a golden opportunity for both of us."

The inspector leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "And what exactly are you proposing, Mehta?"

"I want to buy the land," Mehta said bluntly. "I have the resources to transform the manor into a profitable venture that will benefit the entire community."

Singh's eyes narrowed. "This isn't just about profit. Masala Manor is a symbol of our heritage and history. The Desai family has deep roots here."

Mehta nodded, feigning understanding. "Of course, Inspector. But think of the potential. The modernization, and the jobs it could create. We could turn it into something extraordinary."

Singh's hesitation was evident. "And what about the Desai siblings? They have their visions for the manor."

Honestly, he wasn't against progress but the Manor was very important to the villagers. They won't just give up on it easily. He wasn't afraid of the Desai siblings. Rather, he was scared of the riots that would occur due to this. The villagers were very stubborn.

Mehta's expression hardened slightly. "Let's be honest, Inspector. Their visions are conflicting, and they don't have the resources to make any of them a reality. We can help them, guide them."

The inspector remained silent, his eyes locked on Mehta's. After a moment, Mehta reached into his pocket and produced a thick envelope, placing it on the desk between them. The inspector's gaze flickered to the envelope, the temptation clear in his eyes.

"Think of it as ensuring the manor's future is in capable hands," Mehta said softly. "A little incentive to help you see things our way."

Singh's resolve wavered. He glanced at the envelope, then back at Mehta. With a sigh, he reached out and took the envelope, feeling the weight of the money inside.

"Alright," Singh said quietly. "But there's something you should know. There's a legend about a hidden treasure in Masala Manor. It dates back to the freedom fighters led by Ramesh Desai."

Mehta's interest piqued. "A hidden treasure, you say?"

"Yes," Singh confirmed. "It's said to be hidden somewhere within the manor, safeguarded by the Desai family for generations."

He wasn't sure of these so-called 'legends' but it would keep Mehta busy for the time.

A slow smile spread across Mehta's face. "Thank you for the information, Inspector. I'll make sure this stays between us."

As Mehta left the office, he immediately made a call. "I need you to find someone for me. A spy. Someone who can discreetly gather information on the Desai family."

----------------------------------------------

Kamini Rao had a way with treasure. Whether it called her to it naturally or she was just good at finding it, she doesn't know. But maybe that was why she was a renowned treasure hunter

Just now, she received a call from Vikram Mehta. Elegant and cunning, with a history of finding the impossible, Kamini was intrigued by the prospect of a hidden treasure. She agreed to pose as a historian interested in the manor's history.

Kamini arrived at Masala Manor the next day, introducing herself to Ravi, Radhika, and Rajesh. "Hello, I'm Kamini Rao, a historian specializing in Indian heritage. I've heard so much about Masala Manor and would love to document its history." She knew she had to lie a bit. 

Ravi was the first to respond, extending a polite hand. "Welcome, Ms. Rao. We appreciate your interest in our family home."

Fool.

Radhika nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and caution. "We'd be happy to show you around. This place holds a lot of memories for us."

Rajesh, ever the skeptic, observed Kamini closely. "What exactly do you hope to find here?"

Kamini smiled warmly. "Just a deeper understanding of your family's legacy. The manor is a treasure trove of history."

As Kamini began her exploration, Peppers, the golden retriever, followed her closely. He sniffed around her suspiciously, his instincts alerting him that something was off. Despite Kamini's attempts to befriend him, Peppers remained wary, growling softly whenever she got too close to anything valuable.

By the looks of it, Rajesh also seems wary of her. But it's alright. It will take time for her to convince him.

Kamini was in a local restaurant waiting for someone. Mehta had called her earlier this evening.

"I will send you a spy to help you," he had said. He had given her this location and said to be here by 8. But there were just a few locals here.

Kamini just ordered her food as she waited for the spy to appear. Her order arrived and yet the spy wasn't there. It was nearing 8:30.

It was nearly 9 when she got up to leave. She didn't meet the spy but at least her stomach was filled.

Just then, she got a text message. It was Mehta.

Check the bill
08:56 pm

With a questioning look at her surroundings, she picked up her bill. It looked at it but found nothing. Hopelessly, she clicked a picture of the bill and tried zooming it to find something. And there she saw it.

There was a message in the QR code.

I'll be in the Manor to search for things. It seems as if the legend is true. The kids are onto something. Beware of the dog. It bites.