A calm and quiet day in Oakbrook College when SRN sped through the gates on his cycle, narrowly avoiding the closing bars. He was absent a whole week because of his illness.
MON, a girl who joined the college when he was absent, was wandering the college compound with her friends before the class. She noticed him and asked her friends about him. Her friends told her to keep away from him because he recently had a break up and he is especially rude to all girls.
SRN crossed MON and her friends, ignoring them.
ANI his best friend cum brother running towards him and he went to the class gossiping with him after parking the cycle.
In the class SRN asked ANI about 'MON' because he didn't know about her.
ANI's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know her name's MON?"
SRN shrugged casually. "Saw her ID card when I crossed her outside."
ANI nodded, understanding. "Makes sense bro. You have a great vision."
Teacher entered in the classroom, cleared his throat and started the class.
During break, MON approached SRN. "Hi, I'm MON," she said, extending her hand.
SRN deliberately ignored her greeting, turning away to grab his backpack.
MON persisted, standing beside him, "I saw your... impressive entrance earlier."
SRN shrugged, still avoiding eye contact.
When she remained by his side, he grew impatient.
"Not interested", SRN said curtly.
MON's smile faltered. "Whatever," she muttered, turning to leave.
ANI whispered, "SRN, harsh, dude."
SRN shrugged. "Not looking for complications."
Days passed, with MON playing childish pranks on SRN.
One day, she "accidentally" knocked over his books. Another time, she tried to distract him during an exam. Each attempt only amused him.
Days passed very fast. A month later a shocking event occurred.
"A body's been found!" someone shouted.
All the students and teachers rushed into the scene.
A girl, Sophia, was shaken and tearful. "I saw... I saw him lying there," she pointed.
"A MURDER!!!!"
Police and faculty rushed in and started investigation.
Rumors swirled: robbery, love triangle, or rivalry?
When the police were investigating, SRN spotted MON watching, her expression unreadable.
ANI whispered, "This is getting complicated."
SRN shook his head. "No idea, but the police will find out."
Sophia was led away for questioning.
ANI said, "Sophia was Rohan's study partner..."
SRN recalled MON's pranks.
The slept Detective inside him awoke then.
Rumors spread like wildfire: "MON's been acting strange since she joined."
... "Her pranks were just a cover," someone whispered. "I saw her arguing with Rohan last week," another student claimed.
Faculty and police began questioning MON.
"Where were you during the murder?" an officer asked.
MON's eyes darted around. "I was... studying in the library, alone."
ANI raised an eyebrow. "No alibi."
SRN wondered: Could MON's pranks have escalated to violence? It can't be her," a voice within SRN whispered. He recalled MON's pranks, her determination to unsettle him. But murder? He pictured MON's face, her eyes sparkling with mischief, not malice.
ANI noticed SRN's distant gaze. "SRN, you doubting MON's involvement?"
SRN hesitated. "I don't know... Something doesn't add up."
ANI raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"
SRN struggled to articulate. "MON's pranks were childish, not violent. And Sophia mentioned to the police that Rohan was doing a project but didn't told it about anyone... Maybe there's more to this."
ANI nodded thoughtfully. "Could be. Let's dig deeper."
Together, they began discreetly asking questions, seeking clues. SRN carefully examined the crime scene, taking in every detail. Rohan's body lay lifeless, a victim of brutal violence.
As SRN observed, he noticed:
1. Two different shoe prints near the body.
2. Inconsistent wound patterns, suggesting multiple attackers.
3. A faint, second set of fingerprints on the nearby shelf.
His mind racing, he realized: There were two perpetrators. But the police focused solely on MON, convinced she acted alone.
He shared your findings with ANI.
"Two people?" ANI whispered, stunned. "Police think MON's the lone killer."
He nodded gravely. "I'm sure. We have to do something or the wrong person will went to the prisons."
ANI hesitated. "But what if they don't believe us?"
SRN decided to approach the lead investigator, Officer Patel.
"Sir, I think there's been a mistake," you began. "My observations suggest two perpetrators."
Officer Patel raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"
SRN presented his evidence.
Patel's expression changed from skepticism to intrigue.
He praised him and said, "Let's re-examine the evidence. But keep this quiet for now."
Days passed, with MON facing relentless police questioning. Her smile faded, replaced by a haunted look. Depression consumed her, and rumors spread.
"MON's cracking under pressure."
"Guilty conscience," some whispered.
SRN continued investigating, gathering evidence.
His findings:
1. A suspicious conversation between two students, Alex and Ben.
2. A hidden log on Rohan's computer, mentioning "Project Eclipse."
3. A cryptic message on Rohan's computer : "Meet me at the old oak."
He sensed a connection between these clues.
One evening, SRN approached MON, now isolated and withdrawn.
"MON, I need to ask you something," he said gently.
She looked up, her eyes sunken.
"What now? Some more torture on me?!!" she whispered.
"I know you're innocent," he revealed. "Just wait one more day, don't be depressed."
MON's gaze narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing", said SRN, leaving MON there.
His mind racing with the truth.
As he walked away, MON's words echoed, "Thank you for believing me... "
ANI awaited for SRN update, curiosity etched on his face.
"Did you told her not to be depressed?" ANI asked.
"Yah", SRN said. "Btw, I've solved the case."
He told ANI the whole story.
The story : "Alex, Ben and Rohan 3 best friends and the students of 4th year, were doing a project named "Project Eclipse". If they sell it they got a big number of money. So, Alex and Ben wanted to sell it, but Rohan denies. So, Alex and Ben hit upon a plan and murderd thier beloved friend. Meanwhile Rohan some how came to know about their plan and destroyed their project. At that night they killed him but in library but they had to returned with empty hands."
ANI's eyes widened. "Alex and Ben, involved?"
SRN nodded grimly. "Their friendship turned toxic. Jealousy and ambition consumed Ben and Alex. Rohan's investigative skills threatened their popularity. Their relationship crumbled, fueling resentment. The perfect motive for murder."
ANI asked SRN, "Then what should we do now?!!"
SRN replied, "Just wait bro. Tomorrow will be the final showdown in our campus!!!"
SRN contacted to Officer Patel at that night. Officer Patel's eyes widened as he recounted the events. Patel nodded, his expression grim.
Officer Patel replied, "Proud of you boy!!! The next day is such a big day! Be ready."
The next day the college compound fell silent.
Alex and Ben exchanged nervous glances.
SRN told the whole story and after that Patel stepped forward, flanked by officers. "Alex and Ben, you're under arrest for Rohan's murder."
The crowd gasped.
MON's eyes widened in shock.
"Alex... Ben... How could you?" she whispered.
Alex snarled, "We just wanted more fame and money, so we killed that meak creature. We will surely succeed to our ventures if SRN is not here."
Ben's face crumpled.
Officers handcuffed them.
SRN breathed a relief, "Justice for Rohan, finally."
Patel nodded in approval, "Well done, SRN. Your sharp mind solved the case. We need more youth like you."
ANI patted SRN's back, "Bro, you're a natural-born detective."
The college principal approached, "SRN, ANI, and Officer Patel, thank you for bringing justice."
Everyone bade sorry to MON.
MON walked up, tears in her eyes. She hugged SRN, her warmth and proximity stirred unexpected emotions. At that moment SRN's heart skipped a beat. For a fleeting moment, he felt a connection beyond gratitude.
MON's blush deepened as she pulled back. "Thank you, SRN," she whispered, eyes locked on yours.
Her gaze held a hint of something more.
SRN smiled softly, unsure how to respond.
ANI nudged him, grinning, "Bro, looks like someone's caught feelings."
SRN shook your head, playing it cool, "No way, just relief."
As MON walked away, he watched her go.
He smiled.
"Truth always prevails."
THE END