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In the bustling city of Kolkata, there lived a brilliant Bengali detective named Arjun Biswas. Known for his sharp intellect and keen observation skills, Arjun had solved numerous complex cases in his homeland. However, fate had something different in store for him when he received an unexpected invitation to assist the police department of the United States of America. Arjun, intrigued by the opportunity to test his skills on an international stage, eagerly accepted the offer. He packed his bags and embarked on a journey to the US, specifically to a small coastal town called Sunset Bay, known for its breathtaking sunsets over the ocean and its picturesque landscapes; unfortunately, this bustling town was now plagued by a mysterious series of burglaries that had left the residents terrified.
Upon his arrival, Arjun was greeted by Detective Sara Hill, who had requested his assistance. Sara was impressed by Arjun's reputation and believed that his unique perspective and cultural background could bring fresh insights to the case. She briefed him about the recent string of burglaries that had been occurring in various neighborhoods of Sunset Bay. The modus operandi of the burglaries was peculiar. The thief would break into houses during broad daylight when the residents were away, leaving no trace behind except for a single red rose placed on the kitchen counter. The stolen items ranged from valuable jewelry to expensive electronics, leaving the victims perplexed, frightened and vulnerable.
Arjun began his investigation by visiting the homes that had been targeted. He meticulously examined each crime scene, searching for any clues or patterns that might lead him closer to the truth. As he observed the surroundings, he noticed a recurring symbol etched discreetly on the window sills of each burglarized house – an intricate design resembling a lotus flower. Intrigued by this discovery, later in the day, Arjun delved into researching the symbolism of lotus flowers in various cultures while admiring the orange sun setting near sunset bay. He discovered that in Bengali folklore, lotus flowers were often associated with hidden treasures and secret passages. This revelation sparked a new line of inquiry for Arjun, leading him to believe that the thief might be using hidden passages or tunnels to carry out the burglaries.
To confirm his theory, Arjun sought the assistance of local construction workers and architects to inspect the targeted houses for any signs of hidden passages. After days of thorough investigation, they discovered a concealed tunnel system beneath the town, connecting several houses together. It seemed that the thief had been using these tunnels to gain access to different properties without being detected. With this breakthrough, Arjun and Detective Sara organized a stakeout in one of the targeted houses. They patiently waited for the thief to strike again, hoping to catch him red-handed. As dusk fell upon Sunset bay, they noticed a shadowy figure entering the house through one of the hidden passages.
Arjun and Sara swiftly moved in, apprehending the thief before he could escape. To their surprise, it was none other than Mr. Johnson, a respected member of the community who had always appeared innocent and trustworthy. The motive behind his actions was revealed when they found a hidden room filled with stolen items from previous burglaries. Mr. Johnson confessed that he had fallen into financial ruin due to gambling debts and saw no other way out but to resort to theft. He had meticulously planned each burglary, leaving behind the red rose as a symbol of his desperation and longing for a better life.
The case was solved and justice served, Arjun bid farewell to Sunset bay and returned to Kolkata. As he arrived in Kolkata, the vibrant atmosphere of the upcoming Durga Puja filled the air, engulfing him in a sense of excitement and anticipation. Immersed in the festivities, he reveled in the joyous preparations taking place all around him. However, just as he was about to fully immerse himself in the essence of the celebration, his phone abruptly interrupted the momentary bliss. Startled, he hastily retrieved his phone from his pocket and answered the call. A deep, raspy voice emanated from the other end, instantly sending shivers down his spine. It was a detective from New York and the unexpected nature of this call immediately raised suspicions within him. The detective's tone was grave and serious as he uttered words that sent a chill through his veins: "Mr. Biswas, we would greatly appreciate your assistance." The cryptic request left him perplexed and intrigued simultaneously. Why did they specifically seek him out? His mind raced with countless questions and scenarios, each more suspicious than the last. The last chapter had come to an end, and a new one was about to start.
About The Author
Shantosmita Biswas, a high school junior currently residing in Minnesota, originally from Kolkata, India. She is a passionate advocate and possesses a deep interest in writing stories that revolve around her cultural background. Through her writing, she aims to captivate readers while also providing them with a glimpse into the unique aspects of her Bengali background. She has been honored with numerous awards in academics and sports as well.
Cover page created by Francine G.
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