A week later, the gates of Taraniketan School reopened.
Students walked in, some still sleepy, others chatting about the holidays. But beneath the usual noise, a sense of unease lingered. The news of Ishita Basu's disappearance hadn't faded. It hung in the air like a dark cloud.
Inspector Ratan and the Masked Detective arrived early.
As always, the Detective wore the white mask, long coat swaying slightly with every step. Students stared. Some whispered. A few even took photos—but no one dared to approach.
Inside the principal's office, Mr. Animesh Basu looked pale.
"You should have told us about the abroad plan," Ratan said, his tone stern.
"I—I forgot," Mr. Basu replied nervously. "I was in shock."
The Detective didn't say anything at first. She simply stood there, watching.
"Where is Ishita's locker?" she asked finally.
"In the senior corridor. Locker 27."
They walked down the hall. Aaradhya's eyes scanned every detail—the posters, the notices, the students. Everything felt too ordinary.
Too quiet.
When they opened Ishita's locker, a wave of perfume and paper hit them. Inside were a few books, a pencil case, and a small blue notebook.
The Detective picked it up carefully.
It was locked.
"A diary," she whispered.
"Can you open it?" Ratan asked.
"Not yet. But I will."
As they turned to leave, a girl stood nearby—watching.
It was Aaradhya.
She said nothing. Just stared at the locked diary in the Detective's hand, her expression unreadable.
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To be continued...