The scent of jasmine and curry lingered in the air long after you left the hospitable Chauhan family home. Last night, spent under the roof of their modest but cozy house, filled with the aromas of spices and the sounds of traditional Indian music, was in stark contrast to your goal of investigating the disappearance of a British MP. Your work as an indologist, usually associated with the study of ancient manuscripts and philosophy, has suddenly turned into a detective investigation full of intrigues and mysteries peculiar to this incredibly multifaceted region.

*The morning sun had already turned the dusty streets of Varanasi into a warm golden color when the Chauhan family's maid, Sana, knocked softly on your door. «Miss,» — she whispered, — «there's a man waiting for you.»

You went out into the street with a slight feeling of excitement. Standing in front of the gate was a tall man dressed in a light linen suit that seemed to match perfectly with his calm, almost meditative demeanor. His dark eyes, calm and penetrating, seemed as deep as ancient wells.

— «Good afternoon, miss,» — he said, — «My name is Ratan Weish. I am the guide assigned to your group. I will help you get settled in India.»*