Episode 266

The air in the Malhotra study was thick with unspoken tension, a palpable thing that clung to the mahogany bookshelves and the polished surface of the grand oak desk. Natasha sat opposite Mr. Malhotra, her hands clasped so tightly her knuckles were white. The object of their hushed conversation lay between them: a tarnished silver locket, its surface etched with a crest she didn't recognize, yet which sent a shiver of disquiet through her. Mr. Malhotra, usually a man of booming laughter and firm pronouncements, spoke in a voice that was carefully measured, almost hesitant. "This... this was found amongst your belongings, Natasha. From the orphanage. We assumed it was just a trinket." He pushed it gently towards her. "But then, Mrs. Sharma, who was our housekeeper before she retired, recognized the symbol."

Natasha picked up the locket. It was heavier than it looked, cold against her skin. The crest was intricate, a stylized bird of prey with outstretched wings. "She recognized it?" Natasha’s voice was barely a whisper.

"She said it belonged to a family of... considerable repute. A family with a long history," Mr. Malhotra explained, his gaze steady. "She mentioned it was often seen on members of the Obroye family."