![]() First edition | |
Author | Chetan Bhagat |
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Language | Indian English |
Genre | Mystery, Thriller |
Set in | India |
Publisher | Westland Publications [1] |
Publication date | 8 October 2021 |
Publication place | India |
Media type | Paperback |
Pages | 352 [2] |
ISBN | 978-1542094085 |
Preceded by | One Arranged Murder |
400 Days is a 2021 mystery novel by Indian author Chetan Bhagat. It is Bhagat's tenth novel and the third installment in the Keshav-Saurabh series, following The Girl in Room 105 (2018) [3] and One Arranged Murder (2020). [4] The novel blends elements of mystery and romance, focusing on a detective case involving a missing child.
After the events of One Arranged Murder, Keshav and Saurabh are living with Keshav's parents in a gated community called Icon. Keshav, preparing to become an IPS officer, is approached by Alia Arora, a neighbor seeking help to find her missing 12-year-old daughter, Siya, who disappeared nine months earlier. Initially reluctant, Keshav agrees due to his love for detective work and the promise of a substantial reward.
Alia recounts her troubled marriage to Manish, a wealthy businessman, and their strained family dynamics, including mistreatment by Manish's domineering mother. Siya went missing during a family gathering, and the only witness, Suhana, Alia's younger daughter, described the abductor as a man with bracelets, a tattoo, and glowing hair. Despite police efforts, the case went cold until Keshav and Saurabh reopened it.
While investigating, Keshav gains Suhana's trust and uncovers clues, including suspicious online messages between Siya and someone named "Roy." Attempting to trap Roy through a fake Instagram account, the plan fails when Roy escapes. Meanwhile, Keshav and Alia develop feelings for each other, though Alia remains married.
A breakthrough occurs when Keshav discovers that Shastriji, the family priest, matches Suhana's description of the abductor. Tracking Shastriji to an abandoned sugar factory, Keshav and his team rescue a traumatized Siya, who reveals she was kidnapped and abused under the guise of a religious ritual.
Grateful for Siya's return, Alia thanks Keshav but chooses to remain with her family for her children's sake. Keshav, letting go of their relationship, shifts focus to expanding Z Detective Agency with Saurabh, including plans for a child security unit.