Hidden Riddle : The Cryptic Clue at the Depot

As Akash arrived at his modest home, a cozy abode nestled within a peaceful neighborhood, he sensed the lingering concern in the air. His 17-year-old younger sister, Riya, anxiously paced in the humble living room, her worried eyes reflecting the depth of her unease. Unaware of the recent turn of events, she remained oblivious to the fact that Akash had ascended to the position of the new Mafia boss.

With a mix of apprehension and determination, Akash approached Riya, his footsteps treading softly against the worn-out carpet. He gently touched her shoulder, drawing her attention. Riya turned, her eyes widening in surprise and relief at the sight of her elder brother.

Akash: "Yo!"

Riya: "Where were you the whole day? Thank goodness you're safe, big bro! I've been so worried!"

she exclaimed, embracing him tightly.

Akash couldn't help but smile and hug back

Akash: "Today has been quite an eventful day, and I'm still trying to process everything that happened. It's safe to say I'm feeling quite shocked myself!"

Riya looks up confused

Riya: "What do you mean?"

Akash pats her head

Akash: "Riya since you're my younger sister I don't think there's any problem with saying this...or maybe it's not safe?"

Riya gets triggered

Riya: "HUH? We promised to keep no secrets to each other!"

Akash sighs

Akash: "Fine but promise you won't freak out when I reveal it"

Riya nods childishly

Riya: "I promise!"

Akash: "Fine..."

As they found solace in the simplicity of their shared space, Akash revealed the truth, unveiling the secret life he now led as the revered leader of their powerful Mafia family.

Riya's eyes widened in disbelief, her expression a blend of astonishment, concern, and a touch of fear.

Riya: "You... the new boss?... How could this happen?"

Akash took Riya's hands in his own, his eyes filled with a mix of reassurance and determination

Akash: "I never sought this path, Riya. But destiny had different plans for me. Now, I must shoulder this responsibility and protect the family and its legacy"

Riya's initial shock gradually transformed into a steely resolve. She looked into her brother's eyes, her unwavering support shining through

Riya: "Hey Hey, we're siblings, You've always been there for me after father passed away, Akash. Now it's my turn to stand by your side, no matter what"

Akash chuckle

Akash: "Alright alright got it, and from now we won't face any financial problems as per Uncle Arun"

Riya: "Who's Uncle Arun?"

Akash: "Well he's the second-in-command or the Underboss"

Riya: "Oh"

Riya nods

Akash: "So anything happened today?"

Riya: "Well I thought we'd go for Pandal Hopping together but you weren't home the whole day"

Riya says with a sad look

Akash: "Hey it's alright, there's still Saptami, Astami, and Nabami. We can go any you want sis"

Riya's face lights up with the idea

Riya: "Really?"

Akash: "Yeah what happened to your friends? I thought you'd go Pandal Hopping with them"

Riya sighs

Riya: "They're out there probably with their boyfriend or family"

Akash: "I see"

Akash smirks

Akash: "Hey hey sis, do you have a boyfriend?"

Riya sighs

Riya: "Nope"

Akash sighed and noticed the weariness etched on Riya's face and the empty plates on the dining table. Concern filled his eyes as he approached her

Akash: "Riya, you haven't eaten anything all day?"

Riya looked up, her eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and hesitation

Riya: "I... I was concerned about you, Akash. And I've been caught up with some work and lost track of time."

Akash's concern deepened, realizing the weight of responsibility that had fallen on his shoulders

Akash: "Riya, you're my sister. You should never hesitate to reach out to me, no matter the circumstances. Family takes care of each other, always, even if I was busy I would've answered your phone."

Riya's guard softened, and a hint of relief flickered in her eyes

Riya: "I know you have a lot on your plate now, Akash. But I'll remember your words."

Riya puts a soft smile on her face

Riya: "Thank you, Akash. I'm grateful to have you as my older brother."

The scene shifts back to the Mafia's headquarters on Elgin Road, where initially everyone had intended to disperse for the day. However, they promptly arranged another meeting, scheduled for later the same day.

Anindita(Rasakanya/Serpentess): "Why him? you could've become the don yourself. He's just a kid who turned adult recently"

The other higher-ups agree as well

Arun shakes his head as he looks forward

Arun(Underboss): "Don't underestimate the kid, he's the son of that guy"

Everyone was confused as they looked at each other

Partho(Drona/Ravager): "Son of whom?"

Arun: "The Fallen"

The entire room goes silent

Soumitra(Nirikshok/Consigliere): "The same guy?"

Arun nods

Arun: "The man who trained Abhishek Da(Brother) himself"

Anindita: "So you're saying that he'll be like Abhishek Da?"

Arun smirks

Arun: "He will excel far beyond what Abhishek could ever have achieved. He'll bring Kolkata Mafia back to the top very soon, I trust him"

Everyone nods and decides to follow his words

Pranab(Netrabarsha/Head Spy): "We'll follow him then"

The meeting concluded as each person departed one by one, as it was already 2 AM

Back at Akash's house, he sits on his bed alone, examining the paper containing the recently received information about the ranks

Akash: "Hmm so these are all the ranks"

Akash turns the paper around as he sees blurry handwriting

"In shadows, I'm veiled, a criminal's delight,

A web of deceit, where darkness takes flight.

Cryptic codes and whispers, my heart does possess,

Unlock my true essence, reveal your finesse.

In me, you'll find power, in crime's shifting sands,

From Shaktisarathi/Underboss to Peshkar/Associate, I pull the strings' commands.

Decipher my enigma, a puzzle complex and deep,

The key to the underworld's secrets, my secrets you'll keep.

Who am I?"

Akash thinks for a while after reading the riddle

Akash: "Mafia Boss's Legacy"

A certain part of the paper glows and a small map appears there

Akash: "Huh?"

Akash observes the map carefully

Akash: "Esplanade Garer Math"

As Akash puzzled over the cryptic riddle and the mysterious map, he couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. The reference to "Esplanade Garer Math" was not immediately clear to him, but he knew it had to be a clue to something significant within the mafia world.

He decided to confide in his loyal Uncle Arun, the Underboss, about the riddle and the map. Arun had years of experience in the criminal underworld and could be a valuable resource in solving this puzzle.

The next day, Akash met with Arun in a discreet location, away from the prying eyes of the mafia's headquarters. He presented the riddle and the map to his trusted uncle.

Arun examined the riddle carefully, his brows furrowing as he read it several times. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke, his voice filled with a sense of revelation.

Arun: "Esplanade Garer Math... This is a clever way to hide a location in plain sight, Akash. It's a cryptic reference to the Esplanade Tram Depot, a significant landmark in Kolkata."

Akash: "But what could be there? What does it have to do with the mafia?"

Arun: "The mafia often uses such clever tactics to communicate and hide information. I suspect that the Esplanade Tram Depot may have some hidden significance, possibly a meeting place, a stash, or a clue leading to something important."

Akash nodded, realizing that he needed to investigate this further. With Arun's guidance, they decided to visit the Esplanade Tram Depot discreetly and see if they could find any leads. However, they knew they needed to be cautious, as the criminal underworld was full of surprises and dangers.

As they made their way to the Esplanade Tram Depot, Akash couldn't help but think about the legacy he had inherited and the mysterious path ahead of him. It was a journey filled with secrets, challenges, and unexpected twists, but he was determined to unravel the mysteries and lead the Kolkata Mafia to new heights.

As Akash and Arun approached the Esplanade Tram Depot, the bustling sounds of the city surrounded them. People moved about, unaware of the hidden world they were entering. The depot, a relic of the past, seemed like an unlikely place for a mafia secret.

Akash's heart raced as he entered the depot, looking for any signs that might lead to the answers they sought. They discreetly inquired with a few local tram operators, hoping to find a contact or a clue to the mysterious message.

Hours passed, and just when they were about to give up, an old tram conductor approached them. He had overheard their inquiries and whispered a cryptic message that sent shivers down their spines.

Conductor: "Follow the tracks to the forgotten car, beneath the tarp that hides the past."

With those words, the conductor disappeared into the labyrinth of tram tracks, leaving Akash and Arun to decipher this new enigma. It seemed the riddle had led them deeper into the heart of the city's secrets, and they were determined to follow the path, no matter where it might lead.

Chapter 4: Kolkata Chronicles - The Rise of the Underworld... the secret is starting to unfold, keep following the story to know further