City D – UDC Mall Construction Site, Yamuna Riverside Sector
The morning held an air of optimism and progress at the Yamuna Riverside Sector. The rumble of excavators marked the commencement of The Living Market, an ambitious project designed as a vertical ecosystem combining retail spaces, artisan workshops, and advanced green technologies.
Years of planning and navigating bureaucratic obstacles had culminated in this moment. The construction site buzzed with activity, the land now vibrant with renewed energy after securing final legal clearances.
Rishika Upadhyay, wearing tan field boots, stood on the central concrete slab, surveying the scene. A clipboard holding the project blueprint was tucked under one arm, her slightly askew hard hat shading her focused gaze. Her long, dark braid, neatly plaited and secured with a vibrant scarf, swayed gently in the breeze.
Drone cameras whirred around her, documenting the construction process, from pouring pile caps to excavating foundation trenches. This visual record was intended for the Upadhyay Group's private archive, demonstrating their commitment to transparency and meticulous documentation.
"The artisan market promenade will begin here," she addressed Aarvind , her voice clear and confident, gesturing towards the leveled eastern quadrant. "We envision a welcoming, sustainable space lined with solar awnings, providing shade and generating clean energy. Recycled Jaipur stone will pave the walkway. Our goal is a walkable, shaded area that exemplifies sustainable design."
Aarvind, diligently taking notes, nodded, impressed by her attention to detail. "Your incorporation of thermal layering blends functionality and artistic sensibility seamlessly."
Nearby, Veer Upadhyay, Rishika's older brother, dressed in a crisp navy shirt with rolled-up sleeves, meticulously reviewed structural reports with two engineers. His expression was focused. For Veer, The Living Market represented more than a real estate venture; it was a legacy project.
This project offered an opportunity to redefine their relationship with the city and demonstrate their commitment to responsible development and community engagement.
At the far end of the site, Riyansh Madhvan, reviewed procurement documents. While his official role focused on finances, his involvement ran deeper, encompassing personal and ancestral ties to the land. His presence affirmed the project's significance and its potential to heal and connect.
Suddenly, a shriek shattered the harmony. "STOP THE DIGGER! STOP!"
A site supervisor, alarmed, sprinted toward the back trench, waving frantically. Workers gathered near a deep excavation west of the main foundation. The hydraulic claw of the JCB excavator froze mid-air.
Rishika and Veer, concerned and apprehensive, arrived within seconds, followed by Aarvind and site security.
"What happened?" Rishika demanded.
The site manager, pale and trembling, pointed into the trench.
Everyone leaned in, their gazes fixed on the exposed earth.
Partially concealed beneath old brick and mud lay a grim discovery: human bones. A skeleton, curled on its side, still clad in tattered remnants of a uniform or worker's shirt. Half of a rusted watch clung to the skeletal wrist. A faded belt buckle bore the initials: H.S.
A profound silence, as jarring as a bomb blast, replaced the construction noise.
A worker whispered, "Is this… a murder?"
Another murmured uneasily, "This site was never clean. People disappeared back in 2006. Everyone knew…" His voice trailed off, leaving unspoken fear in the air. The discovery unearthed not only bones but also anxieties and whispers of a darker past. The Living Market, once a symbol of hope and renewal, was now shrouded in mystery.
Two hours later, police intervention brought construction to a halt. The trench, now the focal point of a grim discovery, was promptly secured with yellow tape. City D Police, under the direction of Assistant Commissioner of Police Anjali Rao, arrived, transforming the active construction site into a somber crime scene.
ACP Rao, recognized for her unwavering integrity and resistance to political influence, arrived in an unmarked grey SUV. Her presence visibly unsettled the construction crew and Upadhyay Group executives. Composing herself, she addressed the assembled group. "This area is now designated a crime scene," she declared. "All construction activities are suspended. No further excavation or soil displacement is permitted until the forensic team concludes its investigation."
Veer, displaying frustration and disbelief, protested. "Inspector," he argued, "we possess all requisite permits and court approvals! This land underwent thorough vetting and clearance by both the City D Development Authority and the state government!"
Anjali Rao remained impassive, her gaze unwavering. "Clearly," she stated, her tone level and controlled, "a critical oversight occurred during due diligence. Or perhaps something was intentionally concealed."
Her eyes shifted, fixing intently on Riyansh.
"The Madhvan Group's acquisition history of this property dates back to the early 2000s. We require complete and unfettered access to all files, records, and documentation related to this land from that period onward. This includes internal memos, correspondence, financial transactions, and any other pertinent materials."
Riyansh's jaw tightened, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face. The unexpected development had caught him off guard.
Rishika, the composed and articulate spokesperson for the Upadhyay Group, stepped forward. "Inspector Rao," she began, her voice calm and steady, "The Living Market project was conceived and developed on the principles of transparency and ethical practices. We will, of course, cooperate fully with your investigation and provide all necessary documentation. However, I must emphasize that this unforeseen delay will have significant repercussions, impacting the livelihoods of hundreds of artisans who depend on this project."
Anjali Rao's response was swift and pointed. "I suggest you redirect your team's efforts toward public relations and damage control. The media is already aware of the situation. Drone footage of the discovery has been circulating."
Evening – Upadhyay Group Control Room
As dusk settled, news of the discovery at the construction site spread rapidly across media outlets. The Upadhyay Group headquarters' control room was illuminated by the glow of multiple television screens, each displaying variations of the same alarming headlines:
"Human Remains Found on UDC Mall Site: The Living Market Project in Jeopardy?", "2006 Disappearance of Labor Activist Harish Singh Linked to Construction Land?", "Old Ghosts on New Ground: Whispers of Corporate Cover-Up".
Rishika stood silently before the screens, her expression impassive, her thoughts concealed. Behind her, Veer vented his frustration, pummeling a punching bag with furious blows. The rhythmic thudding echoed the tension in the room.
"How could this have been overlooked during land verification?" he demanded, incredulous and angry. "Crores of rupees were spent on meticulous vetting and due diligence!"
Aarvind calmly interjected, "Sometimes, Sir, the truth is intentionally concealed, erased from official records and public memory. Perhaps someone ensured the body remained hidden until now."