Ch 11: Cloe's Visit to India

 Written by Kavya and Concept by Sidhant First go to previous blogs if you have not already....

Cloe had long harbored a desire to visit India, but the chance had never come. Detectives, she knew, don’t get many holidays. Their work takes them to distant places, often with little time for themselves. She had heard so much about India—its deep, ancient heritage, the blending of religions, traditions, and cultures. A friend of hers who had visited last year had not stopped talking about it ever since. She raved about the art, architecture, classical dance, music, and the country’s diverse flora and fauna.

But it was the crafts that truly intrigued Cloe—Indian silk and cotton textiles, intricate jewelry, and, especially, the food. Her favorite restaurant in Finland was Punjabi Khazana, where she savored dishes like dal makhni, chicken fry, and buttery naan. She wasn’t sure if her assignment would allow her time to sample the cuisine in India, but it was certainly something she looked forward to.

What occupied her mind now, though, was the cryptic message from Mr. Put:
“Young lady; India; 28.6139° N, 77.2090° E; Shree; hack track locate; good intention; hurry.”

She arrived at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi around 8 p.m. The airport exceeded her expectations—modern, spacious, and efficient. As she walked through, she was drawn to a striking installation of giant hands protruding from the wall. It was part of the "Expressive India" theme, the hands designed as mudras, gestures found in traditional Indian dance. She passed several murals, including one depicting the myth of Hiranyagarbha (the golden womb), another called Indian Odyssey, and the stunning Surya sculpture inspired by the ancient Chola bronzes. In the departure hall stood life-sized statues of an elephant and its calf, symbols of India’s rich cultural history.

Lost in the beauty of the artwork, Cloe soon found herself outside, where a man holding a placard with "Miss Cloe" written on it was waiting. She followed him to the car, which whisked her away to the Raj Hotel.

Mr. Put always believed in a balance of work and pleasure. “In a detective’s life,” he often said, “you might lose many lives along the way—every life is precious, even your own. So, make sure you enjoy the moments when you can.”

The Raj Hotel, nestled among lush gardens, looked like a palace. Cloe arrived in 30 minutes, and after a brief check-in, was led to her room. She had been booked for something called The Chef’s Studio package, an exclusive dining experience. The studio offered a custom-made menu and a private chef, creating an unparalleled gastronomic adventure.

The experience was indulgent—an appetizer of Paneer Tikka and Sev Puri, followed by a rich Mushroom Pasanda in buttery gravy, Mughlai Aloo Matar Gobi, a creamy Dal Tadka with coconut milk, and Hara Dhania Paratha. The meal ended with the sweet indulgence of Malpua, a traditional Indian dessert. Cloe was full, content, and momentarily at ease. The food had been outstanding, but she couldn’t shake the mystery that lay ahead. After a stroll through the gardens, she went to bed early, determined to solve the puzzle that awaited her.

More to come...