Shattered Reflections : Unmasking the shadows of Lucknow

Chapter 2

Mayor Tyagi has been at the helm of Lucknow’s governance for an impressive 25 years, a testament to his enduring commitment to the city’s progress. Under his leadership, Lucknow has witnessed remarkable transformations, becoming a modern metropolis while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Tyagi’s visionary initiatives include infrastructural development, revitalization of heritage sites, and boosting tourism. His focus on education has led to the establishment of world-class institutions, nurturing young minds. However, despite his best efforts, Lucknow still grapples with a high crime rate, an issue that Tyagi acknowledges and tirelessly works to address. Mayor Tyagi’s significance lies in his unwavering dedication to Lucknow’s growth and his relentless pursuit of a safer, prosperous future for its citizens.

Mayor Tyagi arrived at his residence, where he was greeted by prominent figures of the city, including police officials and political leaders. As Mayor Tyagi entered the hall, he signaled his assistant to begin the meeting and proceeded to greet everyone present. The assistant addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for each person to express their concerns individually. Commissioner Raj Verma was the first to rise and introduced several individuals, including Thanedar Khan from Aliganj, Mehta from Alambagh, and Officer Patel from Aminabad. Mayor Tyagi requested everyone to be seated and inquired about the nature of the issue from Commissioner Raj Verma, who appeared perplexed.

Commissioner Verma explained, “Guddu ji, over the past few days, unknown individuals have been coming to the police stations to confess their actions. Unfortunately, due to the shift timings about to change, they were temporarily placed in the holding cells without a police officer present. However, the following day, we discovered that they had all died.”
Mayor Tyagi responded, “That’s incredibly disturbing.”


Commissioner Verma continued, “These incidents have occurred consecutively in the police stations of Aliganj, Aminabad, and Alambagh. So far, three people have lost their lives.”
Commissioner Verma added, “Furthermore, above each police station on the map, there is a red symbol, along with a puzzle and a picture.”
Mayor Tyagi questioned Commissioner Verma, “Have you personally investigated this matter, Verma? As the commissioner of this city, it is your responsibility to thoroughly examine all the evidence.”

Commissioner Verma replied, “Yes, Tyagi ji, I have personally inspected all the evidence. However, the only conclusion we can draw is that the perpetrator behind these incidents possesses a highly cunning mind.”

Interrupting their conversation, Mayor Tyagi’s assistant approached and whispered something in his ear.
Taking a weary breath, Mayor Tyagi expressed, “Verma, the upcoming elections are just a month away, and it is detrimental to the city’s well-being and reputation to have such incidents occurring while we hold our positions.”
Commissioner Verma inquired, “What do you suggest we do, Tyagi ji?”
Mayor Tyagi responded, “If news of these accidents spreads among the public, it will instill fear, which is not favorable for the upcoming elections. We cannot make any definitive statements from here. It could be the work of a murderer associated with the opposition party, someone with a past connection to this city, or an individual possessing remarkable intellect.”
Commissioner Verma concurred, “You’re right, Tyagi ji. Breaking locked beds without any physical contact is not an easy feat. It appears someone is stealing right in front of our eyes.”
Mayor Tyagi stated, “Do whatever is necessary. Implement strict searches at toll points and checkpoints throughout the city. Additionally, ensure that the next time someone comes forward to provide a statement, they are immediately taken to the nearest police station. We also need to bring in a senior officer.”
Commissioner Verma reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Tyagi ji. I already contacted a higher-ranking officer this morning. He will arrive here by evening.”

Mayor Tyagi replied, “Excellent. If you require any assistance, I’m here to support you.”

With that, the meeting concluded.

In New Delhi, within the grand halls of Veer Palace, a large screen displayed a captivating scene. The setting shifted to the United States, where a determined officer chased an unidentified individual wearing a mask. As the officer closed in, he managed to shoot the masked man, causing him to stumble and briefly reveal his face. However, in a tragic turn of events, an explosive device detonated, claiming the life of the masked individual.

It was dark in the room, maybe a personal theatre hall.
“ Replay it. “

The assistant swiftly accessed the footage, their fingers dancing across the keyboard. Within moments, the familiar scene unfolded on the screen, the man’s determined figure sprinting through the narrow alleyways, his pursuit of the elusive masked figure palpable. As the clip played, anticipation filled the room, capturing the essence of a thrilling chase that had left an indelible mark in his memory. A man played back the video clip, specifically focusing on the moment when the masked man’s face was briefly revealed. He paused the footage and zoomed in for a closer look.

“Pause and zoom in here,” he directed.

Another man complied, pausing the video and zooming in on the specific time frame. “So that’s the face,” the man remarked. He continued, “I want to uncover every secret hidden behind this face, Harish.”

Harish, his assistant, responded, “It will be done, Vihaan Sahab.”
Vihaan then asked, “Can I ask you a question?”
Harish replied, “Of course, Vihaan Sahab.”
Vihaan clarified, “Not as a boss, but as a nephew.”
Harish assured him, “Go ahead, Vihaan.”

Vihaan hesitated before saying, “Did I make a mistake by agreeing to the call?”
The older, white-bearded Harish replied, “In any case, it won’t be easy to return there, but Verma Ji wouldn’t have called you without a significant reason.”
Vihaan acknowledged, “That’s true, but delving into your past after so many years? It will be challenging.”
Harish responded, “Difficult paths often lead to great and meaningful adventures. Sometimes, the answers to the present lie in the past.”
Vihaan reflected, “Papa never shied away from challenges, how can I?”
Harish smiled and said, “You have indeed inherited your father’s spirit.”
Harish then suggested, “I will pack our bags. We will spend a month in your mother’s village.”


Vihaan Veer, the Chief of India’s Secret Intelligence Service (SISOI), is a seasoned and accomplished professional in the realms of intelligence and law enforcement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Veer has held prominent positions in esteemed organizations such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB). Throughout his career, he has successfully managed numerous high-profile cases, showcasing his exceptional investigative skills and strategic acumen.