The Silk Thread Murders

The morning sun sliced through the venetian blinds of the Raje Detective Agency, casting long shadows across your desk.

Another rejection email glowed on your phone screen. Three years building this agency, and still, potential clients wanted to speak to a man who didn't exist.

A knock on the door. Your partner, Vikram Nadar, entered, a hint of concern on his face. "The Mehta jewelry case," he said, placing a file on your desk. "They've decided to go with Singh & Associates instead."

"Let me guess - because they have a 'more experienced' team?" You air-quoted, the sarcasm dripping from your voice.

"Because they have gray hair and Y chromosomes," Vikram corrected, settling into the chair across from you. The intercom buzzed. Priya's voice cut in, "Avanti, you might want to see this. They're talking about Rohan Merchant on NDTV."

You grabbed the remote, turning on the TV. Rohan Merchant's face filled the screen. Suddenly, the office door burst open. A woman stood there, breathing heavily, mascara streaking her cheeks. "Are you Avanti Raje?" she asked, her voice trembling. "I'm Sonali Merchant. My husband... Rohan... they just found him in his design studio. He's dead."