Ch 31: Unraveling the Mystery

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

Exhausted but determined, the four detectives retired to the police station for Sam's interrogation. They learned that Sam had been prescribed antidepressants 24 years ago due to depression triggered by job loss during the Great Depression's harsh impact on the UK. Newly married at the time, losing his job while Lady Patricia became the breadwinner deeply impacted his ego. He harbored resentment towards the monarchy, who he believed lived lavishly while citizens suffered.

Five months prior, he had stopped taking his medication. For the past three months, he had received disturbing animations on his phone. A shadowy figure convinced him to bring the egg replica and kill his wife. However, his love for her made him attempt persuasion instead. Her refusal led to her imprisonment in their own home.

The details about the Wi-Fi enabled LED bulbs releasing Rendel were found on his phone, but the source of the information remained a mystery.

As midnight approached, the four weary detectives decided to rest. The next day held significance for Shree and Daniel – an invitation to visit the Queen and Duchess at Buckingham Palace.

The next morning, with a private tour scheduled for 7 am, Shree and Daniel were eager to explore the palace. Dev and Hershel, having visited before, decided to join them later and focus on identifying the shadowy figure in Sam's videos.

Their British guide, Harry, shared fascinating details about the palace: its history as the official royal residence since 1837, its 775 rooms, and its role as the administrative headquarters of the Monarch. He led them through magnificent rooms, showcasing art by renowned artists and a captivating multimedia tour.

Shree, especially, was mesmerized by the grandeur. Soon, it was time for the most exciting part – meeting the royals. Harry briefed them on royal etiquette, including the proper bow and curtsy.

Following Harry's instructions, Shree performed a curtsy, and the Queen graciously shook her hand. Tea and cake were served, and the Duchess joined them, creating a truly special moment for Shree and Daniel.

As their departure time approached, Daniel expressed worry about Cloe, his girlfriend, whom he hadn't heard from, while Shree had received a constant stream of messages from her concerned mother. Their flights were in three hours.

As they left the palace, Dev approached Shree, handing her a letter. He hugged her, expressed his gratitude, and whispered, "We'll meet soon, little sister."

Shree was overwhelmed with happiness. Saving the monarchy, visiting Buckingham Palace, but most importantly, reuniting with her brother, filled her with immense joy.

Suddenly, Dev stopped them. He had just received news about a delay in Shree's flight and offered to spend the remaining time showing her the Harry Potter studio. Remembering their childhood movie marathons, Shree readily agreed.

The tour, filled with interactive experiences like wand choreography, offered a delightful trip down memory lane. Witnessing iconic sets like the Hogwarts Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, boarding the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾, and wandering down Diagon Alley—there could be no better way to end her trip to London than this visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

Dev then dropped his little sister at the airport, promising her yet again, "I'll come back to India soon."