Chapter Final

If I am what I have, and if I lose what I have, who, then, am I?

-German psychologist Erich Fromm.

The quiet footsteps echoed in the hallway of the apartment in the dead of night. The figure's feet halted near the door of apartment 221 B, a key appearing and glinting in air as it inserted into the lock. A feminine hand turned the handle once, and about to push the door ahead, when it froze.

A second later, a male voice spoke up to give away his presence, "Are you avoiding me, Ri?"

The female turned around slowly with her fingers still on the handle, a deer caught in headlights look in her eyes as she faced him.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Chotu's face smacked down on the mat as he let out a groan, "Time's up. Time's up."

Riya laughed at his face with a smug look, offering her hand which the man took, after rolling on his back. He got on his feet, cracking his neck as he prepared himself for another round.

"Again?" Shree asked skeptically, making him shoot a look at the latter.

"You were saying time's up." Riya said, even as she circled around him. He shrugged.

"Last try."

Less than five minutes later he was on his face and groaning.

"I am done. I swear." He mumbled. Shree snorted and even a glare from him could not stop him. Slowly, he rolled and sat on the mat, hugging his knees near his frame as he put both arms around them. Meanwhile, Riya took a water bottle from the nearby bench and gulped down half water at once, feeling Arjun's eyes on her all the time yet giving away nothing.

Sameer took a step forward, a smirk on his mouth yet his eyes were calculating. She raised an eyebrow.

"Wanna step ahead?"

"Oh, I love my bones." He replied, making her chuckle.

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" Sakshi spoke for the first time, somewhat horrified and more weary of the ACP than usual. The former shrugged, gulping down a mouthful of water, wiping a streak of water from her jaw, setting down the bottle.

"I had a teacher." She answered, then added, "And Youtube."

"Do you even know what YT is?" Sameer mocked. She gave him a look.

"Hey, I may not be a Hacker, but can surf Internet just fine."

"This teacher must be assassin of something." Chotu spoke up, exhaling a breath. Her lips twisted upward.

"You have no idea." She drawled.

Director Kapoor joined the group after a while, eyeing them all and giving a nod to each of them. Chotu stood up on his feet with lightning fast speed, making Sakshi blink.

"Good to find you all here." She eyed Chotu and Riya, "Freshen up. We have work to do."

Chotu started to move immediately, Riya following, murmuring under her breath, "Yes Mom."

"I heard that." Aisha replied back, rolling her eyes.

In the Private meeting room adjacent to Director's cabin the team met some reputed Scientist of the country who were researching in the field of Germ-ology, under the wing of a Multimillion dollar company who sent their pack of lawyers to ensure not even the name of company doesn't get out. They raised an eyebrow at Sakshi after listening to her job details, politely yet sternly telling Aisha to show the former woman out. One look from Aisha and Sakshi was out of room, amusing the team mates.

3 hour long meeting yet the summery of the case was quite simple - this company's R&D had an ambitious project which was going on for 4 years. They hired reputed scientists from India and outside of country and recently, 1 month ago, had a breakthrough. They were fully prepared to go ahead for the next level when they had a security breach at the R&D facility, which, from the blueprint and security details of it, sounded like a fort. The subject, a genetically modified germ, was gone.

The company doesn't fear, as much, their rival getting their hands on the subject, as the germ getting out in atmosphere. Apparently this level they recently finished, is the most dangerous phase. They had some long term planning for it and this level is the antithesis of those plans. One of the bad stuff the germ can do, as one of the scientist after 20 minutes long lecture filled with diagrams and etymology the team had never heard of explained, is poisoning the water of the dam near the city so bad that half the population can die instantly after consuming that. And the water will be impossible to purify, or use, even after a decade.

"What exactly were you planning to do with the germ?" Sameer asked, flabbergasted after the scientist was done, "If this is the antithesis of your plan, what was your ultimate plan? Mass destruction?" He could not stop himself.

The scientist fixed his glasses awkwardly, the action making Chotu shoot a look toward Shree which he returned with a glare. A lawyer from the company answered them.

"No offense, Officer, but you have no business in knowing so." The female lawyer looked at the Director, "The only thing our company hope to achieve after the failure on it's part is to get our hands on the subject. If it falls in the hand of dangerous people, they may very well use it for mass destruction." She glanced at Sameer.

"You said the subject is in a solid form." Arjun addressed to one of senior scientist, who nodded at him. "Can you elaborate further?"

"I can, but the short form will be this." The old man replied, his gruffness reminding him of Raghu sir when he recently graced them with his presence, "It looks like blue color pills. Like contraceptive pills."

Shree awkwardly cleared his throat and looked away.

"You saying the weapon of mass destruction looks like blue contraceptive pills?" Riya asked, incredulous, as Aisha sighed and Arjun looked away, mirth lurking in his eyes.

The man shrugged, "It was supposed to be a temporary camouflage until we had the final product at hand."

The team was in the hallway near discussion room after the meeting was over when they started simultaneously.

"A pill?!" Sameer exclaimed, "Oh God, I am never having another pill in my life."

"How they know it's the germ which is stolen and, you know, not actual pills?" Chotu asked awkwardly.

"I am sure any female knows better than to keep contraceptive pills in their work desk." Riya replied dryly, then paused, "I mean, they should." Then she glanced at Aisha, "Is not it?"

Aisha didn't bother to reply.

"If every scientist was thoroughly checked and cleared, and no cleaning staff was allowed near testing area, how on Earth it was stolen?" Arjun asked after a while.

"Thank you Rawte for the sensible question." Aisha glared at Sameer- Riya, "You proved once again why you are the Second-in-Command."

He flushed and looked away.

Sakshi jumped on their throat as soon as they got inside the discussion room. Shree-Chotu hurriedly supplied her info, and when they finished, she grinned cheekily at Aisha.

"Don't even think about it." The Director said, making her pout.

"It's a breaking news Aisha!"

"No."

"A blind?"

"Negative. No. Nahi." The Director dismissed her, and eyed her team. A few second later they started having serious conversation about the case.

"They are not bothered about rivals getting their hands on it, but we should check the possibility of being them involved." Arjun started.

"If the facility is as secure as they were claiming it to be, someone with enough resources had to be involved in the stealing." Riya caught on his line of thinking. He glanced at her once, instantly moving his eyes away.

"But does those rivals have the knowledge of this subject?" Shree asked skeptically.

"They had to know something, even theoretically." Aisha leaned on her seat, answering him, "They work in the same field. The stealing may even have accelerated their research, who knows?"

"We have to find two things here." Sameer started, "Who is smart enough to steal from that fort like R&D place, and why. If it's a terrorist related thing, we may need help." He eyed the Director who gave a nod.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next day, the team paid the research facility a visit. Shree holed himself in the CCTV room, copying all footage from last 2 months and talking to the staff there who have rotational shifts. Chotu talked to the security in-charge, who looked like he was already fired, yet put on brave mask and answered all his questions. Arjun talked to the present scientists once again about the potential suspect, while Sameer along with Riya and Liza with her team of CSI did a clean sweep of the area from where the subject was stolen.

"A germ which looks like pill." Liza said, releasing a breath, "My God, scientific advancements are as scary as they are fascinating."

"Just imagine, a tiny innocent pill. You take it and you will never open your eyes." Sameer grumbled, "They put me off colorful tablets forever. I will prefer injections after this case, thank you very much."

Liza shook her head, smiling, "Why Sakshi is not here?"

"Didn't get permission from Mommy." Riya deadpanned. The forensic head frowned and Sameer explained.

"The lawyer of this place didn't want a journalist in their facility."

She nodded, understanding, "Figures. If this news gets out . . . "

"Chaos." The trio turned at a new voice, the new intern of Liza who had a habit to jump in unexpectedly, "Anarchy." He spoke in a dark voice. Sensing their gazes, he blinked and hurried with his work, carefully looking for finger prints under the Blue ray.

Riya spoke after a while, more like asking herself, "How any outsider can steal it?"

"They can't." Arjun joined them, giving a nod to Liza, "No outsider was here. Shree and Chotu double checked. I also talked to the scientist."

Sameer frowned, "You think someone among them is mole?"

"I have a feeling, if we can find out how, we can get to the Who part." He replied, glancing at the room as he took a step toward the middle of room.

They had finished their first visit of facility, the team already heading toward their rides. Arjun took out his phone to give a call to the Director when something ran into his legs.

"Whoa!" He exclaimed in surprise, looking down to see a 6 year old girl in bright blue dress and ponytail hiding behind him.

"What . . . " Before he could make head or tail of why a kid is inside of a germ-ology research center, a male voice boomed.

"There you are! Now come out of hiding, Dad is waiting." The guy panted, trying to catch his breath. Arjun felt the kid breaking to a run once again and caught her by her hand. She struggled against his grip.

"Thank you for catching her." The guy gave him a relieved smile.

"She more like ran into me." Arjun replied, turning to see the tiny girl giving him Mother of glare. Her antics reminded him of one very angry ACP. Instantly he sobered up at the thought, trying to block those images.

"Who's she?" He inquired to the guy.

"The daughter of our head scientist, Mr. Bakshi." Lowering his voice, he spoke with sympathy, "His wife recently passed away in a car accident."

Arjun glanced at the girl once again, face filling with regret. Losing a parent at such a tender age, he thought.

Kneeling down in front of her, he loosened his grip but not enough to let her run again, "Why you were running?"

The girl narrowed her eyes as she replied, "Mom said not to speak with strangers. So I am not speaking with you, because you are a stranger."

He bit his tongue to grin openly, frowning in mock seriousness, "But you just talked to me. And I am a stranger."

Her eyes widen, contemplating his words.

"So I guess we are no stranger then." He went on, now offering his hand, "Hello, my name is Arjun."

She eyed the hand for a moment before putting her small one in it, "Riya."

He was momentarily thrown back by the name. She noticed his reaction and frowned.

"My name is not pretty?"

He snapped out of it, shaking his head, "I know someone who has the same name."

She shrugged, "Daddy says it's a common name."

He nodded once, his eyes softening, "You were going to see him?"

She bobbed her head upside down, "He is always busy. I could not find him." Eyeing the guy who was standing beside them with an amused expression, she lowered her voice so that it's barely a whisper, "He doesn't let me go out. I am bored of painting Pandas and Rainbows."

The guy beside them cleared his throat, "Come Riya, let's go back."

She eyed Arjun sadly and he gave a small smile, "Go. Daddy will meet you when he is free."

"He is never free." She said in a small voice, "Bye Arjun. Do you work here? We can meet again."

He didn't say anything, just gave a small smile as he released her hands. The guy beside them took her hand and lead her away. She waved at him until she vanished from his sight.

He exhaled a breath and turned to meet his team mates.
 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For the rest of week the team issued warrant for every rival that the company had and checked them thoroughly, grilling each and every member to get closer to the suspect list. Somehow, a blind about a deadly virus out in city reached newspaper, but High level (aka IB) intervened and halted the print, and the exact same time Sakshi got a call and earful of Aisha. The team also put their informers into active mode so that they can hear any and every whisper about anything strange.

Besides the new faces and same questions, the week was fruitless.

Sameer along with Riya were coming back from a rival company, wasting 6 precious hours sitting with the CEO and his band of hard-ass lawyers who interrupted even before they asked anything. Safe to say, it frustrated the duo, so much that they contemplated walking out of the 'Questioning', but sat through it because they disliked the disapproving glances of Aisha too much.

He drove past a show room of a foreign Car and noticed his team mate's glance lingering outside.

"Car?" He inquired, intrigued. Riya turned her head to look at him, then shrugged.

"A Girl needs a Car."

"You don't even use ETF provided SUV." He pointed out.

"All the more reason for a car."

"I thought you will be more like Bike friendly." He confessed. She frowned, like she is thinking that comment through.

"I never learnt to ride one. So Car it is."

"Why not?" Sameer slowed down near a Red signal. She snorted.

"With my cool genetic disease? I would be bleeding to death somewhere and I won't even know." She replied dryly. His lips twitched at the reply. Killing the engine, he gave her a look over.

"What?"

"Something happened, is not it?"

Her eyes widen slightly in surprise but her posture stiffened in defense. Keeping her voice light, she inquired, "Why you will say so?"

"We spent a year and few months with you. Because of the bunch of geniuses we are, we are very attuned to the fifty shades of Riya Mukherjee and her defense mechanism." He fixed her with a stern gaze, "So, spill."

She chose to stay silent, but her gaze never lifted from his face. He stared back, hoping her to break but knowing very well she won't.

He huffed in frustration, "You are not alone, you know?"

She snapped, "You guys keep mentioning that, Sameer." Her voice rose slightly as words flowed, "The problem is that I was always alone, so I am really not good at these sharing stuff. Excuse my short comings, among other things."

He nodded once, "I get it."

"No, you don't." She disagreed, "None would. Unless you get me another woman who is damaged like me and wasted years for nothing."

The signal turned green and he started the SUV, but slowed it down after putting it in the corner of road. He switched on the Red light over them so that none disturb them, but killed the sound.

He turned toward her fully, "So this epiphany is the reason of you blowing hot and cold? You didn't realize it before?"

She fixed her jaw once, twice, indicating she is not willing to talk but knowing she had no way to escape.

"No. I always knew I was not normal. I don't fit, that I have a darkness inside me which will never go." Her head hit the back rest with a thud, "The problem is, I always knew how to handle myself. Running away, throwing stuff, partying hard, drowning myself in alcohol even though I can't get drunk, meaningless sex, I did it all. I always knew how to come back, but now, I can't." She pinched her eyes shut, "It can't be the end of me. That ba*tard who ruined my life can't destroy me."

If it was another colleague who was lamenting about her life, Sameer may have reached out and gave a hug. But this was her. She doesn't do touch-y stuff, so even if he desperately wanted to reach out, he could not.

Which gave him a taste of how his best friend might feel around this woman.

"You are strong." He started, and was immediately paused due to her snort, "I am not joking. You are the strongest person I have ever known. If you are feeling down, that because it's the expected reaction amidst this crazy situation."

"I hate feeling weak." She grit her teeth.

"I know." He said simply, "But allow yourself this weakness, because it will make you stronger. Do whatever you have to do. At the end of the madness, find yourself."

She met his gaze, "Ye big faith." She gave a crooked smile. He turned to drive away once again.

"Giant faith. You have much to live up to." He replied.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"There are exactly 3 person among the group of scientist who consume pills during work hours." Chotu dropped a file in the middle of desk, "None of them complained any missing pills."

"It's because one of them might be guilty." Sakshi chimed in.

"Any suspicion?" Arjun asked, leaning behind on his chair. Chotu shook his head but it was Shree who replied.

"Nada. They all seem okay, no suspicious activity, before the stealing and afterwards."

"The medicals reports are fun to read." Sameer spoke as if he heard nothing what was going on earlier, earning a look from Arjun, "Some prescribed medicines which are not even allowed in India, and all of them are for . . . " Pausing, he gave a suggestive wriggle of eyebrow.

"What?" Shree asked, confused.

"Ignore." Arjun replied, doing his usual pen trick to think what he was missing. They were missing.

Later, he would blame his lack of concentration of this interesting case with a giant mass destruction sign hanging over it, when someone spun him around by holding his chair's back rest and dragged him along with the said chair away from the table.

"What the . . . " Before he could get out another word, a head full with dark black hair messily tied in ponytail filled his vision. A moment later he felt a touch over his legs and nearly jumped.

"How did you get it?" He blinked once, not getting the question. Riya made a face at his confusion and tapped on his leg once again.

"This."

Now he noticed, her finger on his knees and bright green color on the fabric of his jeans which looked like small finger prints. How he never noticed it before, he didn't know.

Why he was wearing 3 day old pants anyway?

Right, because that babbling Forensic intern accidentally dropped a chemical and damaged the jeans he worn earlier.

Coming back to present, he cleared his throat, determined not to glance at Sameer who was, surely, giving him some look, "There was a kid in facility. I think it must have come from her."

"A kid?" Sakshi inquired, but he paid no attention to it, eyes too busy to take in the ACP's mind working in curious ways.

"New theory?" He asked softly. A few beats passed and she looked up, smirking her usual arrogant smirk. He grinned back as she stood up on her feet.

"Someone had to lose medication in the facility. The only reason one won't report it . . . " Riya trailed off.

"If he or she is criminal." Sameer repeated what Sakshi said earlier.

"Or he or she is not supposed to carry that." Arjun caught up.

"Or he or she was embarrassed." Chotu added his two cent.

"Why anyone will be embarrassed?" Shree asked, genuinely confused. Riya shoot Arjun a look as if to say 'Explain', while Sakshi snorted.

"So innocent." Sameer lamented.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After 2 days of further grilling which frustrated the scientists, who complained they are just wasting their time, and ETFians alike, the 'culprit' herself came across, nervously rubbing her palms on her white lab coat.

"I am not supposed to bring it here." The only female scientist in the group confessed in whisper, "But . . . uh, the website said I need to take it three times a day, and here schedule is crazy. So I keep it here, and it went missing, I could not report it."

"You are having medication according to a website?" Arjun asked, raising eyebrows. She flushed.

"It's not exactly available in Asia." Her eyes widen, "I am going to jail, are not I?"

"What is this super secret medicine?" Riya asked. The scientist looked down, her fingers roaming in her coat pocket. She handed over the bottle to the ACP in such a way that none could read the label on the bottle.

Riya looked momentarily thrown away before asking, "How did you even get it?"

The scientist flushed again, "My friend lives in US."

"And she sends it through DTDC?" She mocked, handing over the bottle which the former hurriedly put inside her pocket, "What's the color of pills?"

"Pink."

"This is one hell of a theory." Sameer said as he along with Arjun-Riya stood outside the facility, "So this culprit stole her medicine, color coated it with Bakshi's daughter's colors, and walked out of facility."

"You mean crazy." Arjun said, crossing arms over chest, "It is, but not impossible."

"The people close to both Bakshi's daughter and the scientist should be minimal. The suspect list should be down to a few." Riya narrowed her eyes, looking at the facility, "Or in a way, it's one person only. The female scientist's Boyfriend."

"She's dating her colleague?" Sameer asked, surprised.

"It was implied. Why else she would bring . . . " She made a face.

"What is this medication?" He wondered. She looked at him straight, and Arjun knew it can't be good.

"Increasing female sexual appetite. Three tablets a day."

He coughed, suddenly unable to breath. But of course Sameer will look amused.

"Why I am never there for fun?"

The light mood was gone when Shree nearly ran to them, catching up breath, "Bakshi's daughter is missing white color in her paint box. She threw a fit when I noticed that."

The trio shared a look.

Not merely 3 second later Chotu joined them, his expression dark, "There has been a case of water contamination in a slum of West Mumbai. 13 dead, including 4 children."

Shree hissed in sympathy but the trio looked on expectantly, like they had not listened to the full story yet.

"The initial reports saying it was a deadly germ."

And hell broke loose.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The water contamination story came out as the incompetence of the water board of Metropolitan board, but some people knew better. Like those scientists, who could only twist their hands and think if the research of 4 years of worth it. That CEO, who was feeling pressure from the board to give green signal to a dangerous project like this. The ETF, who could only work fast and pray this madman doesn't let out the rest of germ and kill others.

The hunch of trio turned out right. The colleague of the female scientist was the one who was missing after ETF paid the facility their last visit. He was not in his home, but in his apartment the CSI did find a mini lab with accurate temperature adjustment and other things which ensured, if, he stole it, the atmosphere was safe for the pill-germ to sustain. They quickly spread his pictures throughout the state and country, interrogate his family and friends if they have any idea where he can run.

They had finished interrogating the wife of the scientist (yes, he was married), the group circling outside the interrogation room and deciding if they want to go for another round, when Aisha entered. The expression of her face was no good, so they braced themselves for another shit hitting fan when it comes to this case.

"It's not about the case." She started and everybody relaxed. Riya moved away from the group, her eyes glued to the glass wall separating them from the clueless wife, blocking out the Director's words.

"Rahane called." She picked the words and felt her insides freezing. She forced herself not to turn, but could sense others eyes on her. The one belonging to Second-in-Command burnt through her skin.

"They found a hideout of him." Aisha lowered her voice, to respect her detachment or because of the seriousness of the case, she didn't know, "It was the same place from where he hacked Raghu sir's phone."

"That was a month ago." Sameer's voice could be heard. Then there was a sigh.

"He is many steps ahead of us."

Are you avoiding me, Ri?

Riya closed her eyes and purposely blocked any and everything around her.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

An early morning tip and some skepticism later, the team was heading out of city in the search for on-the-run Scientist. According to his parents, they had a property which he loved to frequent. If these words were not enough, they also mentioned how this was their favorite place because the largest dam of the State was only half a KM away from their property.

It was like a sixth sense, an intuition for the team to go and check it out.

For Sakshi, it was like a tour. She had no idea about the real story behind that slum water contamination, and only thinks paranoid CEO wants ETF to bring back his lab rat. A fair assessment, but not quite. She felt like she was missing something but no amount of poking and prodding could earn her any answers. Even Shree- Chotu were tight lipped.

Once they reached the house, it was rather anti-climactic. The entered, guns blazing, and found it empty.

But the thick smoke of cigarette in air told them he was here just now. They missed him.

They eyed each other, silently reaching at the same conclusion when they found the replica of mini lab in the house and found it empty - if the contamination earlier is anything to go by, this mad guy is likely to head for Water dam so he can do it on bigger scale and kill thousands. They wondered why these companies don't do mental profiling of their researchers, it would be so easy to pin point the crazy without the mass killing sign hanging over them.

Reaching near the dam, they spread out. Sakshi tagged along with Chotu who was not happy, but chose to be silent as he moved. Shree also moved as Arjun made a frustrated noise at the crime journo's antics. Sameer gave him a look, like telling him 'How long did you expect her to stay behind?'. Riya rolled her eyes and got on her feet.

"If she got herself caught I will be very pissed." She muttered to herself. Carefully walking over the water which wet her shoes, then moving through the bushes, her eyes went everywhere, trying to think which will be the best possible place for that nutjob to add those germs in water. Shree showed them the blue print of dam real quick, but standing in this place, she could not place anything like the map said.

A cool hard thing was pressed behind her head, "Don't move."

She tightened her grip over the gun, ready to attack, but the voice cut through her preparation, "Na, na, any defensive tactic and I will put these," He jingled something near her ear which is sure those germ camouflaged as pills, "in the water. Give me the Gun. Turn around, slowly." She did as he told, "Now move."

He threw his gun somewhere and took hers, all the time pointing to her head. The lock was already off, so she hoped this guy at least had good hand movement and not shoot her head. She was not planning to die anytime soon. They both climbed to the top of dam, and Riya was so angry. She felt like damsel in distress, and the anger only rose when this nutjob called out for her team.

"I know you are out there, no need for this Cat and Mouse game."

If only he was not holding the germ!

She didn't know how longer they stood there, like a statue, a good for nothing statue who can't get herself out of a guy holding a gun and kick him in shins, but soon enough her team was there, some ten feet away, pointing gun at them. They seemed genuinely confused, because Duh, they call her Ninja and she is standing there like a helpless doll, before putting their focus on the man standing behind him. He gave some speech about running but not able to put ETF off his back.

"Why are you doing it?" Arjun started, though from his face he would rather punch his face then do the rule no.1 in hostage situation, Keep talking and stalling to distract the gun man.

"To show those money hungry assholes how bad this thing is!" He jerked the bottle for emphasize and now the team noticed it, "The water contamination was a wake up call. They better not fund another dangerous research like this."

Riya could see Sakshi put two and two together but really, this was not a time for observations. She could not fight, but she could say some smartass comments to keep herself calm.

"And putting a gun on my head helps your cause how?" She snarled. The gun's pressure increased on her head, like he was drilling a hole in there. She gritted her teeth and clamped her mouth shut to stop the growl of frustration.

"They got the picture." Sameer said calmly, taking a step further but immediately stopping when the gun man put a hand around her neck and taking a few step back rapidly, choking her in the process, "The board will likely to tell the CEO to step down for giving a dangerous project like this go ahead. They won't do any research like this. They learnt from their mistakes."

"They did, but what about others?" Now due to the closer proximity, Riya's ears were ringing from the loud tone of the mad scientist guy. Holding his wrist, she struggled, and only didn't put all her efforts because of the damn bottle. Out of her corner, Arjun stood erect, silently telling her not to struggle. She huffed, but toned down the struggle.

"All these money hungry MNCs need to see how their so called researches damage our life! They all need to learn. I will teach them a lesson, even if I have to ruin my life."

Pretty sure it's already ruined, Riya kept in check a snort, but stiffened when the mad guy opened the bottle and dragged them both near the edge of dam, hanging it dangerously.

"They need to see the monster they created in their cutting edge R&D facilities. When thousands will die, millions will blame them, then they will learn. Everyone will learn."

"Are you insane?" She struggled against him once again, her eyes glued to the bottle. He hissed.

"Shut up or I will drop it in the water."

Sameer was saying something, Arjun was eyeing Shree and Chotu for the next course of action, Sakshi was staring ahead wide eyed, but none of them could see, or feel, what Riya was feeling. The determination of the mad man which ooze off his body, the shaking of his hand which stilled when he made the decision, the movement of gun as he planned to drop the germ and shoot himself simultaneously, his slow breathing as he made his peace with his own twisted logic. Whatever they did, it won't be fast enough, good enough. He is going to drop the germ and the team was too far, the bullets will be too slow, they are too much on the edge, her struggle will go in vain.

In that moment, there were no other option.

His fingers loosened around the bottle and immediately her fingers reached for it. He was taken aback in surprise, but she was quick. One movement, and the pills were in her mouth. The next second she was down, shielding herself as her team mates bullets sliced through his heart.

Her ears distantly heard the yell of her own name.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Even before she was about to do it, Arjun knew what she was going to do.

Because she was the same person who once ran toward a man who had bombs strapped on him to get a remote to stop the said bombs. If he had not pulled her away, she would have done exactly then.

This time, he was not near enough.

She snatched the bottle from that fuc*er and an inhuman roar came out of his throat which was her name.

"Riya!"

He heard the shots firing but ran ahead anyway, his eyes only for the woman now hunched over on the ground, his heart giving away in tension. He could not even take satisfaction that the mad scientist had 4 bullets in chest and one in head, not when his mind was whirling with the words of that first meeting with the group of scientists.

Germ can contaminate water for 10 years. Who consume it will be dead instantly.

He was panting by the time he reached and kneeled beside her, and it could not have been more than ten feet. He felt like he could not breathe, his hands instantly going for her face. At one point, he had thrown away his gun.

His palms forced her face to meet his eyes, and he immediately noticed her red face and struggle to breathe. Nononononono!

"Shit." Sameer cursed from his side, already on phone. Chotu went to check to make sure the dead guy was dead, his face a mask of panic. Shree looked out of place, like he didn't know how he can help.

Her fingers held onto his wrist, clutching and loosening their holds. Alarms went off in his mind because who the heck knows what are the symptom of something wrong is happening, or how long she even had. He was about to carry her bridal style and ran toward the SUV when her fingers were near his jeans, clutching at it desperately.

"What . . . " His words came out dry. She clenched her jaw, exhaled quickly and pulled at his pocket once, then twice. He realized she was looking for something.

"A tissue?" He asked in disbelieve. She is hygiene freak, but what's the use of it right now? She gave him a glare, scooting closer so that check his pocket and pull at it. He met her fingers halfway there and took out a handkerchief. She looked relieved, and put it over her mouth.

And spit something in it.

A small spark of hope filled inside him, maybe she didn't swallow it. She is too smart to endanger herself like that. Maybe it was her plan. Maybe . . .

She twisted her face after rubbing her lips thoroughly with it, folding the handkerchief in several folds and spoke for the first time, putting them out of misery.

"Disgusting taste."

They shared looks with each other, and Arjun laughed. Of course, after nearly giving him heart attack, making them think she gulped down the pills and dying, she will comment on the taste of pills. Her power of flippancy make him angry and yet, so relieved.

She sucked a deep breath and turned to glance at the dead body of mad scientist, "Motherf*cker."

"You didn't swallow it." Sakshi spoke for the first time, the horror of last few minutes still fresh on her face.

"Of course I didn't. I don't have a death wish." She closed and opened her mouth several time while speaking, making faces, "I think my mouth is burnt." She was about to put her fingers inside her mouth, but Arjun stopped her.

"It may be reaction, don't touch anything."

"My mouth tastes like shit." She whined for the first time since he met her. He laughed a little and helped her to stand on her feet.

"I called some scientists from facility. They will meet you in City hospital." Giving looks to both of them Sameer ordered, "Go. Thoroughly check yourself. If they suggest to stay overnight, don't make a scene."  

She narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything. The stiff lines of tension faded from Sameer's shoulder and he sighed in relief, "You made me age 5 years."

Arjun paced in the hallway of hospital. It's been 3 hours since they are here and Riya was whisked away instantly by nurses and 2 senior doctors. He was seeing people getting in and out of room, but nobody informed him if anything was serious or everything was okay.

This woman is going to be the death of him, he knew it by now. Every time she puts herself in danger it doesn't get better to handle, but only serve to point out how scared he become in those moments, how relieved and thankful that he has her in his life, and the only person who bring out this protective streak from him doesn't really want or need it. And every time any life and death situation occurs, it always strips away his frustration on her and leave him bare. How can he be angry, or agitated with someone who saved others by nearly sacrificing herself?

He was just thankful that whenever it happened, she walked away with minimal or no causalities at all. He didn't know how he would react if something does happen to her.

The door was open and Riya walked out, looking exhausted, with a scowl on her face. He stood up instantly, ready to bombard her with questions but then noticed the senior male doctor coming out.

"Everything okay?" He asked tentively. The doctor nodded, smiling.

"Her blood reports are clear. No damage to her mouth or any internal organs. The pills, or germs in this matter, exterior was very hard. She is lucky it didn't crack or the result would be grave."

He glanced at her, noticing her taking offense at the word 'Lucky'. He bit back a smile and turned to the doctor.

"She was complaining about awful taste in mouth?"

"Ah, that's a side effect of the powerful exterior of the germ. Her taste buds are reacting negatively to a strong substance. It will go away with time, nothing to worry."

"Can we go?" She interrupted rather rudely, earning the looks of both male. The doctor's smile widen before turning to Arjun.

"Not a fan of hospitals, is she? Take her home. If any problem arise do give me a call." He handed over his card. He barely gave a nod when Riya was walking away.

Typical, he shook his head, following her.

Near the entrance of hospital, she bought a chocolate bar, tore it away with a vengeance and put nearly all of it in her mouth. Arjun raised an eyebrow at her antics, biting back a smile.

"My mouth tastes like shit." She answered like it's obvious, then looked at her fingers and groaned. In her hurry to get the bitter taste off her mouth she picked the silky chocolate which tends to melt away in normal temperature. It was now all over her fingers. They were near the ETF SUV, he quickly opened his side of door and reached for new box of tissue papers. Handing her a few, he watched as she put the rest of chocolate in mouth and scrubbed her fingers. Arching an eyebrow at him as if daring him to judge, she threw away the used tissues and licked her corner of lips, feeling chocolate slipping down there.

Leaning against the SUV door, he just took her in. Her messy hair do, irritated eyes, her still chocolate smudged fingers, her tongue peeking out occasionally to lick remaining chocolate on her lips. She was here, alive and whole, still shooting him half glares and huffing in irritation when other showered her attention. And he was never so thankful in his life, for this life, never wanted to see if there was any God or King of Universe so that he can thank him. For this moment. For Her. 

He tugged her towards him by holding her wrist and hugged her tight, breathing her in. He could feel her surprise, but in that moment he made himself selfish. It was all about his satisfaction. In their field of work, he may never get this moment back. Another time he might not be this lucky. So he made the best of this moment, savouring the feel of her living body against him, and tried not to think what would happen if another time she doesn't come back.

"What is this for?" She asked slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. He buried his face in her neck, telling himself it's for comforting him, but it was to hide from those scenarios where she never makes it back. At the reminder of that, her hands tighten on her body, one on her lower back, other around her shoulder and squeezing her upper arm.

"For being a Ninja. For not swallowing the pills. For not . . . " Dying. He could not utter it.

He felt her smile, "Hope you didn't think of me as damsel in distress, Boss."

It was infectious, her levity. There was a time when it angered him, how little she valued her life, the risks she take. It still does, but he was not going to waste time berating her. Whatever she did, he would have done that too. Also, how could he be angry at her for something which was so her, and stand here afterwards? Is not her qualities the same reason why he . . .

He released her, but his hands were still loosely around her waist and there were barely a few inches between them.

"Damsel who?" He quirked an eyebrow. She grinned, a bit of chocolate sticking on her front teeth. He matched her grin.

"My only regret," Her face momentarily darken, "is not kicking him where he deserves."

He laughed, distancing himself from her. Getting inside the SUV, he drove away.

But his eyes kept glancing at her.

Reaching ETF, Riya was being tackled by Aisha in the form of hug, "Happy Hug Day." She muttered against her. As soon as it started, it ended. Then she got a slap on her head.

"What was that for?" She grumbled. Aisha levelled her a look and both the ladies glared at the amused team mates around them.

"For pulling a stunt like that. You are not allowed to do that again."

"But I will do anyways." The ACP smirked. Aisha kept on staring, but gave up.

"Yes, you will." She sighed, shaking head, "And you will come back each time."

"To get myself head slapped?" She teased, and when Aisha raised her hand threateningly, she let out an indignant, "Hey!"

When she was heading for the locker room, she noticed the Second-in-Command leaning sideways on a wall. Walking past him, she heard him ask.

"Will you be here for the next time?"

She watched him walk away, and that moment, she was sure of two things.

This team, these people, this place feels like home. It will be physically painful for her to walk away.

And the Second thing?

Her 'Boss', Arjun, was in love with her.

She had already hurt him so much, he didn't even know how and for no fault of his. And once again, she felt self- loathing rising inside, choking her. Why did it have to be her? What does he even see in her?

And why she had to be toxic for the one person whom she never wanted to hurt?

My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.

-Marie Antoinette

Somewhere in the city

In the dead of night, one man in his early 30s walked in a hurry while looking over his shoulder. He pulled down the black hood over his head to obscure his face properly, all the while walking and looking at once. He came to a turn and hid himself in the shadows, crouching down behind a dustbin. Eyes roaming everywhere, he spotted a thick metal rod near him. Reaching for it and gripping it tightly, he waited.

No sooner than 5 minutes later another man appeared, adjusting the strap of a bag as his head moved here and there, seemingly looking for the first man. The former stealthily got up from his hiding place as the second man moved ahead, and gripping the metal rod tightly, he hit the man's head hard. The second man dropped on the ground instantly, his eyes wide open. The first man looked troubled for a moment, then the hesitation was gone and determination took its place.

He spotted the second man's bag and opened it. Taking out various things from it, he put them all on ground, then moved the second man's unmoving body near the filthy drain. He poured some chemical he found in the dead man's bag over his head and face. With hissing noise, the chemical started to react and ruined the man's face. Twisting his face in disgust, he took a couple of steps back, still as he contemplated the consequences of his actions. Then he shook his head, reached for the bag, put all stuff back in, wiped clean the metal rod with his hood for finger prints, and walked away.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next day

BREAKING NEWS - DELHI STYLE KILLING IN MUMBAI; COPY CAT OR KILLER ON MOVE?

An unidentified man was found dead near a gutter in a slum of East Mumbai in early hours of the day. His head was hit with a strong object and acid was used to ruin his face. Local police was already on the investigation, but an unnamed source reported us maybe the Delhi Serial killer has migrated in city and this killing was his way of kick start another innings. For over 3 months Delhi had been terrorized by a killer or a group who has the similar M.O. Delhi Police was slammed by both public and Government for their incompetency. Is the similar fate waiting for Mumbai Police also? Only time will tell.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Somewhere in the world

The same man who had proposed 'The plan' across the border nodded in his phone, then cut it and grinned maniacally. Turning to a side, he faced a room full of computers, operators, telephones, modem and wires which filled every nook and corner of the floor. He met one operator’s eyes, who stopped whatever he was doing. As if on cue, the full room went silent and waited for the man to talk.

The man started speaking loudly, "I have news, from across the borders." He eyed as people started looking at each other, murmuring softly. He raised a hand and everyone fell silent.

"The Magician is dead." A collective gasp can be heard, "It's confirmed."

Several people looked shocked, some downright sad. Ignoring them all, he ranted away, "The Magician was a pioneer in our mission. His death will leave a huge hole in our work, a shoe that's hard to fill." He gave a smile, "But I have no doubt in the ability of my countrymen. I am sure, we will go ahead, successfully finish our mission. This will be the only way to honour him. Who's with me?" He bellowed.

Everyone shouted their solidarity in a chorus. The man's grin glinted, eclipsing the shine of the Sun.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Are you avoiding me Ri?

With a jolt the ACP startled, the white noise in her ear clearing as seconds past. She clenched her fist, determined to get rid of the voice in her mind. Thankfully, none in the team noticed her momentary zoning out, all listening to the Director with rapt attention as she ordered, coating it with sincerity, to finish their remaining paper works. But even the buzz around her was proving futile to successfully block the voice, and before she know what she was doing, her fingers were tearing apart the wrapper of a chocolate bar with more force than necessary, a regular stuff in her pocket nowadays.

Five pair of eyes turn to stare at her with various degree of amusement and exasperation, and Aisha shook her head.

"I will implement food ban in office if that's all it takes you to stop carrying chocolates in here." She scolded, "It's a work place."

"Where people even go to enjoy this?" Riya waved the now empty wrapper, before curling it into a ball and throwing it toward dustbin. It landed inside perfectly. At Aisha's frustrated expression she added, "No ban until this awful taste leaves my mouth."

"We all know no rule can stop you." Sameer quipped. She turned to look at him with a smirk.

"You have started to know me so well."

Arjun did his usual eye roll plus head shake thing, where he feels amused at her antics, and exasperated, but also gave up correcting her. With a glare, Aisha turned to the conversation once again, and Riya sighed internally.

The lecture cum meeting ended after a while and team mates scattered away. Chotu was hunched over a file in a corner, occasionally talking with Sameer just as Aisha stood up to move near the ACP.

"I noticed the guards outside." Aisha started, taking time to stall, but gave up almost immediately knowing it won't work, "Rahane informed you?"

"He learnt his lesson from last time." Riya muttered. At the former's curious arch of eyebrow she sighed, "Long story. Ignore."

Aisha let it pass, "How do you feel about it?"

Riya made a show of shrugging, "Well, they are not for my protection. He sent them so that when my Ex calls, or me and my team mate know anything about him, they will be the first to run." She said, "Faster it all pass, sooner I will be free."

"Do I need to worry about you sneaking off again?" The Former inquired. At the ACP's frown she explained, "After him."

"Like I said earlier," Riya started in a patronizing tone, her voice quiet, "I am done."

"The thing is, I have no idea what's going on with you." Aisha replied, arms crossed over chest as she stared down at her, "You normally do not react like rest of people. But this time, it's one step further. I have no idea what to expect."

The ACP didn't reply, and both women remained engaged in a staring contest, stopping only when the door of discussion room banged open and Sakshi entered, catching her breath. Her eyes caught Chotu and Sameer and she started talking, heading toward them as she dragged a chair to sit.

"Guys, you read today's headlines?" Without giving a chance for the duo to reply, she went on, "Our city is doomed. As if the crime rates were not high enough, this killer now starting his second innings here. Who is going to save us?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Chotu replied. Sakshi opened her mouth to reply but Aisha cut in.

"She's talking about the Delhi serial killer." At the crime journo's quick nod of head, she continued, "There has been a killing in East Mumbai yesterday, the M.O. is similar to the Delhi killer, face ruined with acid and body dumped in gutter. Everyone speculating it's the same person."

"Of course it's him." Sakshi exclaimed, "Delhi was being too difficult, public was alert and government was vigil. It was time he looked for a new place to start."

"How do we even know it's a Male?" Sameer wondered, "Maybe it's female. A Ninja." He eyed the ACP with a glint to which she smirked, keeping quiet.

"Did you even see some of the bodies he dumped? It would be too heavy for a female to carry."

"Maybe it's a group." Chotu piped in.

"Na." Sakshi shot down the theory, "Also, woman are not capable of that much cruelty."

"Then you learnt nothing by shadowing us." Sameer replied disappointed. The former was about to retort when Chotu turned to the Director.

"Will we handle the case if it's really Delhi killer?"

Aisha took a moment to reply, her answer cautious and uncertain, "Most probably not. Given the situation of this case, CBI should handle it. Or maybe NIB."

"Bad luck Sakshi. We all know how much you wanted us to catch the killer." Chotu said with a grin. The crime journo pouted.

"Maybe I will get lucky."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Somewhere in the city

The Man who had killed a person in the dead of night and ruined his face with chemicals, after dumping it near drain, paced in a small, dark room, engrossed in a thought. The room looked like a cheap hotel, a bulb hanging over his head with barely there light. An old TV ran in the background, the headlines of Delhi Serial killer repeating over and over again. The Man suddenly stopped, stared at the TV intently, the next moment he sat on the make shift bed, opening his laptop and typing something furiously.

Nearly half an hour passed and the Man sat up straight, his dark eyes glinting in the ray coming from the monitor. He had his suspicions first, but he was proven right, as usual. It also meant They were not taking him as seriously as they should. The hit-man was gone, but he was not safe yet.

There is no time to stay low and procrastinate. He needs to act and fast. It's a dangerous game he is playing, and if he is not careful enough he will get trapped in his own move.

Shutting down the laptop, he quickly packed his things lying around in the room and zipped the bag which he use for quick get-aways. He took the hoodie which was draped over a chair and moved toward door. When he will come back, he won't have much time for packing.

He needs to find a new place soon.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Arjun stood near the glass wall adjacent to coffee machine, taking sip from it and staring outside, mostly at those two 'Guards' who decided to grace them since morning. They didn't come in or talk, just stood outside. His face hardened as he noticed one of them talking to phone, surely with Rahane or whoever the hell it is in IB.

Someone stood near him and he blinked, "You know, this murderous expression should be on her face, not yours." He turned at the voice of Sameer who continued, "Nowadays you guys have switched sides. I can't tell who's who anymore."

"Well, I think I might be allergic to Rahane and IB in general." He replied, taking another glance at the guards downstairs, "Their presence feels like even as he is not here, he is here. And he is pulling all the strings."

"Are we still talking about Rahane?" Sameer tilted his head and crossed his arms. Arjun took another sip.

"I can't tell the difference, really." He answered truthfully. The senior officer grunted in response, both male lost in their own thoughts.

Out of the corner of their eyes they noticed Riya moving toward Shree's desk, saying something to which the IT expert nodded, typing something furiously and giving her print out of something after a minute or two. She asked something and in typical Shree mode, he went on full on rant, stopping only when she took out her phone and waved it in air a little, signaling a call is coming. Her relax posture of earlier changed in a flash, and she muttered something to Shree, which he complied if the fingers flying over key board is anything to go by. He said something and both of the stared at each other in disbelieve for a few second.

Then she was running.

"The hell?" Arjun said to himself, torn between run after her as usual and stop and ask Shree. He glanced at Sameer, who wordlessly took the mug from his grip and pushed him forward.

"Run."

And he did, first in his usual speed while he ran in trade mill or beach, then full on sprint when he missed her around the corner. He cursed when realized in hurry she took the stairs and descended as quickly as he could without falling flat on his face. Once he was downstairs, he saw her running through the parking lot and then outside of ETF building, the guards looking flabbergasted and going after her a few precious moments late.

"ACP Mukherjee wait!" One of them shouted. Even if she could hear, Arjun was sure she was not stopping for anyone.

They divided in three separate directions when they were half Kilometer away from ETF. He got a SMS from Sameer who gave him direction of a specific spot. He didn't even question why or how, just went with it. Answers can wait for later.

The location was a flower market which normally takes place everyday morning. It was afternoon and nobody could be seen in the scorching heat. Even the departmental store on both sides were closed, Arjun noticed as he stood near a heap of garbage which was once upon a time fresh flowers and leaves. Breathing hard, he looked everywhere for the familiar figure with long black hair, but found none. He was about to call Shree to pin her location when he saw her.

This time, he bended on his knees and panted embarrassingly loud after he reached her, the heat, questions and long run catching up with him. She stood beside him, frozen in spot, her eyes looking ahead but not really seeing anything.

He turned around to see something, or rather, someone, knowing fully well he won't see anything but did anyway. He spotted a small shop nearby and headed toward it, buying a water bottle. When he returned, she was sitting on the steps of a closed store, the roof shielding her from the glare of Sun. Her hair was free from its usual ponytail, fingers clenching and unclenching a handful of it as she breathed deep.

Gulping down half the water, he handed it to her. She looked at him strangely, like she was seeing him for the first time. Maybe she didn't notice him running after her.

He didn't ask anything, because history had taught him asking her never solved any of his doubts. The time was long gone when she would either answer him back rudely or quip something sarcastic if he asks something. If she wants to share, she would. Many time she had answered his unspoken questions. Nowadays she was being quite forthcoming without anyone interrogating her.

So he sat there with her, not expecting any answer, not asking any questions. Just sitting there in silence.

"It was him." She spoke after a long time, and he felt a relief he didn't know he was expecting, also something warm because she could have gone back in office and did this confession in front of everyone, but she chose to start here, in front of him, which meant a lot. He turned to look at her and noticed her fingers gripping a section of hair in tight grip, like drawing strength or punishing her for something. He wondered if she feels anything.

"He came to my apartment." She said after a while, making his eyes widen and lips part in surprise, "Asked me if I am avoiding him. His voice . . . sometimes it rings in my head in the middle of nowhere."

"Shree tracked him here." Arjun stated, to which she nodded. He let out a breath.

"How are you feeling?" He asked gently. She let out a humourless huff of laughter.

"Aisha asked me same thing earlier, about the guards. I said the faster it's over, the sooner I will be free." She ducked her head, "The truth is . . . " She paused, licking her lip as she went through her mind for appropriate words, "I have not thought."

He cocked his head and frowned, not getting her statement. She carried on without looking at him.

"Ever since he . . . well not died, I tried to keep my focus at one point. He died, so revenge. Turned out he didn't, so the priority changed and it was Move on. Then Rahane came with all those evidences, the focus changed to help him. I tried not to think much because then, it will be a giant mess. I tried not to feel anguish, surprise, or hatred toward him, because it was easy."

"And now it's catching up." He said aloud her unspoken words. She looked at him, the emotions raw in her dark brown eyes.

"How can it not? Just when I try to pretend he doesn't exist, that the last 4 year never happened, he contacts me. I don't need any answers or explanations from him, but every time his name comes up I wonder Why. He hacks people's phone to reach me, makes me follow him and run away when I get too close. How can I not wonder maybe Rahane was right? Maybe all those evidences were right? Maybe I was . . . " She stopped herself, looking away once again.

Arjun was never good with words, he admits it as much. Especially when she is vulnerable like this, when she is the one who asks him questions which answers he doesn't have. How can he even say anything when he has no idea about the tragedy which has fallen over her?

How can he even keep quiet when she sits beside him, her mind far away, silently punishing herself for no fault of hers?

"I have no answers for you." He admitted, to which she gave a small, rueful smile. As he spoke, she met his eyes once again, running her fingers through hair in a pattern, "I don't know what you should do, or not do, or even react in this situation. But I do one thing." He gave her a meaningful look, "Compartmentalizing never solved anything. The more you try to suppress anything, it returns with double force to turn you upside-down. Not thinking about it, sounds like a great idea at first, but soon it will catch up with you, making it hard to . . . "

"Breathe." She finished for him, casting her eyes lower somewhere. He nodded once.

"So, don't keep it in. Let it out, your frustrations, questions, anger, anything you feel. Even if you don't get any answers, let it out. Talk to others, let them in. You are not alone, you know?" He soothed his voice, "Letting people in doesn't make you weak. It makes you strong."

She smiled a little, "You remind me of someone." He grinned back and watched as she opened the water bottle and emptied it in 3 gulps. When he was sure she was somewhat okay, he stood up, brushing his pant over hips, and offered a hand for her to get up.

"Let's go back to our team mates and their curiosity."

She chuckled and took his hand, both of them heading toward ETF in a slow pace.

Their hands remained linked.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After returning to ETF, answering questions and placating everyone, Sameer was the first to ask, "Am I the only one who sense something is missing in here?"

Aisha glanced at him, her expression carefully devoid of anything. Arjun shifted his weight from one foot to another as Riya sat still in her chair.

"Well, it looks easy enough." Aisha replied, trying to stay normal, "He wants out of country, so he keeps contacting her. He must have noticed guards today, that's why ran away."

"My apologies but that sounds like ton of Bull." Sameer said, "He could stay dead for 4 years but he can't get out of country if Riya don't help? This makes zero sense." He turned toward the ACP for any change in reaction as he went on, "How many people like Nasir are out there who helps people escape and infiltrate the country? He can't find one of them for his cause? He can't be this dumb."

"That's because he is not." Riya answered him, looking ahead, "He is making me come for him. Or maybe IB, or Government. Whoever it is he wants."  

"Why?" Arjun inquired to none particular, "If he did help Haqqani, then he knows IB is after him. Even if he didn't, he faked his death. That's a serious crime and Raghu sir was after him way before this Magician thing came to light. He is a goner from both sides, why he would want Government to come after him?"

Why?

It was the only thing which rang in Riya's mind later in the night as she sat in Apocalypse and sipped her usual Scotch, unfazed by the party mood of people around or the ear blasting music. Her fingers adjusted the grip on glass every now and then, her brow knotted in question.

"Broody co-owner is a no- no for Nightclub business." Vicky appeared out of nowhere, slumping down to the stool beside her. She sipped once again, not indulging him.

"Surprised you are still here." His order appeared and he gulped down the shot at once, making a face at it before he asked. She turned toward him.

"What do you mean?"

He gave her a look, "Hey, I have eyes you know. For weeks I have seen you leaving with new guys every night."

"Every night?" She arched an eyebrow.

"Okay, not every night." He corrected, "But frequent enough. This week you are back to Nun mode. What's up with that?"

"Got bored." She answered with more animation than usual. Vicky barked a laugh.

"Then something must be wrong with you. I am going home with beautiful ladies for years and still ready for more." He shook head, looking at her seriously, "Someone serious?"

"Keep up this not so subtle interrogation and your liquor storage will take some serious hit." She threatened.

He raised hands in air, "Hey, you are free to do anything. Even burn down the club, your money."

She narrowed eyes, "Insurance money will be bigger and better."

"Exactly." He agreed whole heartedly, making her snort. He motioned the bartender for another of his usual just as Riya's phone vibrated. She moved away to a seclude corner, answering it on fourth ring.

"Will you stop accessing . . . where the hell are you?" Rahane's voice went irritated to intrigued in a matter of 3 seconds. She rolled her eyes.

"Access what?" She asked instead. He sighed, realizing he won't get any answers.

"RAW database."

"I didn't." She frowned.

"Of course you didn't." He replied smugly, "Your IT guy did."

"I didn't tell him to do because I don't need database for anything." She replied slowly, "Your IT people got his location?"

He snorted, "Right, because we were so successful last time. We didn't get who accessed remotely, Riya, that's why I called you. Even if he did it, tell him not to. I am keeping it quiet right now because you were so adamant to keep him away."

"I don't think it's him." At Rahane's frustrated noise she continued, "Still I will ask him. Satisfied?"

"Very." He mocked, and after a quick good bye, he hung up.

Leaning against the wall, Riya frowned. His IT guy, as Rahane mentioned, won't do anything like this because one, he is too busy surfing deep web and brush up on his conspiracy theories, and two, he has no interest in seasoned criminals and their profiles which is all that is in RAW database. It's not like she had him on speed dial or something, maybe she will head toward his direction tomorrow and warn him.

She stood up slowly, distancing herself from wall when she heard a group of particularly loud guys moving past her. One of them noticed him and soon they were heading toward her, leering at her and passing comments to each other. Regarding them coolly, she eyed the way she walked in, determined to walk away without making a scene because it will be a scene if she somehow get involved.

And like she predicted, exactly that happened. The comments went louder and more crass than usual and one of them made a mistake of touching her. Soon it was a group of four drunk guys who never went self- defense classes in their life, their movement messy and slow, against her, self -proclaimed ninja who enjoy beating people up more than stand and argue. She mostly remained unharmed while bruising their limbs, even breaking one of the guy's nose. One of them caught her by surprise and the next second there was a deep scratch around her collarbone.

Snarling, she turned toward him to take him down, but then Vicky's voice boomed in air, and soon bouncers cleared the area in no time. He fused over her, dragging her toward his office in the second floor, wincing as he dabbed anti septic to the area of injury while Riya remained mostly amused.

"You know I can't feel anything." She said casually.

"But I am feeling. It looks nasty Ri." He winced again, then a wicked grin crossed on his face, "You know, it looks like a hickey from afar."

"Get out." She ordered, taking the cotton dipped in anti -septic from him. He took a few step back, the grin becoming wider.  

"A nice Love-bite from here." He carried on. She searched for something on his desk.

"I heard there are 12 ways to kill someone using stapler." She threatened. Vicky made a show of running, his laughter booming in the room, but he stopped near door.

"I am sending you a gift in ETF."

She blinked, "Gift?" Then frowned, "ETF?"

"You spend more time there than in your apartment."

"How do you even know where I live?"

"Magic." He answered, closing the door behind him as he went.   

And boy, was this a gift !

She knew it was hers the moment she saw it. Flashy, shiny yellow thing with a long wrapper over it to scream at the world? Subtlety was never Vicky's thing.

She idly wondered if she needs to send a Thank you card as people around her in the parking lot gaped.

"What is this thing?" Shree wondered, eyes wide behind his glasses.

"This, is a beast which is called a sports car." Sameer replied.

"A thing like this even exists?" Chotu asked in awe, his fingers moving forward as if to touch it, but afraid to touch it at the same time.

"What is this gathering?" Aisha appeared out of nowhere, giving others look as they scrambled away. Her eyes glued to the Yellow car and she opened and closed her mouth a few times.

"Whose does it belong?"

"Not sure." Arjun answered, eyeing the thing with appreciation, a total contrast to Sameer's.

Riya cleared her throat and they all turned to look at her.

Sakshi was the first to figure it out, "It's yours?" She nearly shouted, in offense or surprise, none could tell.

"What is this, depression?" Sameer asked wearily, "You feeling suicidal? Only you will go ahead and buy a death trap which is poor excuse of a car."

"It's a gift actually." Riya ignored everything he said, touching the side of car as she smiled at the beauty.

"From who?" Arjun asked in a different voice which she didn't understand. She noticed the same question in everyone's eyes and smirked.

"My sugar daddy."

Sakshi looked away in embarrassment, Sameer huffed and Aisha pinched the bridge of nose in frustration.

"What would I do with you?"

Sensing the worry in her words, the ACP shook off all the levity she was feeling, "I didn't buy it. Vicky was saying he would send a gift. By the looks of it . . . " She waved her hand in air, "Gift."

"Vicky, from Apocalypse club?" Arjun inquired, to which she gave a quick nod.

"You going to give it away?" Sakshi asked.

"Are you serious?" Chotu exclaimed, "Look at this! She's beautiful."

"Boys and their toys." Aisha muttered.

"I take offense of the statement. I think its awful gift anyone can give to another person." Sameer remarked.

The rest of team bickered and Riya went back to caressing the body of car with a fond expression. She used to drive a sports car back when she lived in Hydrabad, and of course, missed it since once someone get a taste of a fast driving experience, it's impossible to settle for anything ordinary. Whatever one thinks, she is not giving it back. She might need to go looking for the Thank you card for Vicky, she mused.

Looking up her eyes met with the Second-in-Command, who stared at her with a strange expression on his face, his eyes devoid of emotion. She frowned, tilting her head to a side as she tried to figure him out. The next second, the blank expression was gone, replaced by what she realized intense anger. There was something else too, as he looked away from her and blinked, fixing his jaw. As moments passed he tried to conceal his emotions but the tight lines on his shoulder and stiff posture gave him away.

She wondered if he thinks she is being suicidal or something.

Not too long after she would realize how wrong she was.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A case arrived in ETF 3 days later, giving them much deserved break from paper works which tested their patience to the extreme. With new burst of energy the team sat for the briefing, excited to go out in the field and get the hell away from submitting reports for a few days. Maybe even weeks, if the case prove tough.

During the briefing of case, a part of Riya's mind nagged as various suspect's picture was shown to them with their total criminal biography, that she knows some of these faces. She was pretty sure she came across them during her MIA years, as she mention it in her head, but for the life of her she can't remember how. It frustrated her to no extent as she kept quiet, she hates lose threads.

It was only on the 2nd day of case, after the team called it a day and headed for their home did she remember where she saw those faces. And her blood run cold.

People who knew her, even a fraction of herself, would have been shocked when she caught the Second-in-Command outside his cabin and told him it would be better if they don't handle this case and pass it to another Department. This was the person who vehemently opposed when the Director wanted to pass that Lunatic bomb blast case to ATS, who swallowed virus pills so that it can't contaminate water dam and kill thousands. She won't call it bravery, rather her dislike for not seeing a case till the last point and satisfaction to put the guilty behind bars. Is not why they all are here?

In another time, Arjun might have asked her why. But he didn't, not in that moment.

"Do you know them?" He asked dryly, crossing arms over chest as he stared down.

"I know their faces. I know they are dangerous." She replied calmly.

"Then you know enough." He said, "Is this one of your MIA years thing?"

It was not his words which surprised her, rather his tone. He tried to come off as frustrated, someone who didn't care, but he was never the one for duality. He says what he sees. The camouflage was her department, so she realized his effort for what it was - Anger.

Suddenly she was angry herself. If there was something on his mind, he should say the damn thing. Was not he lecturing her not a few days ago about the side effects of compartmentalizing?

"What if I say yes?" It's been months since she used that tone with him, when she lowers her voice and warn him to back off, also tries to convey the seriousness into it. Right now, she needed this case to go away so she would do everything in her power to do it. It's not like she can't go to Aisha, but she is more stubborn and more pushy. If Arjun suggest her to pass the case, she would, without asking too much.

He uncrossed his arms and glared, "Then I would say I don't care. Your past is your past, none asking you, you are not opening up your heart to no one." He said, "It's a case. We need to work on it, that's why we are here. You have a problem, stay away from it."

Then he walked away, like he can't get away fast enough. Once again she recognized what it was. He actually had plenty to say to her, but he chose to deflect it, keeping quiet about the real issue. All his talks about letting people in, and he chose not to talk about what's bothering him and ran away.

For a moment she wondered maybe it was just her and not people in general.

Unable to understand him and his sudden burst of anger, she went after him. Spotting him in the same hallway where he dragged her after she nearly choked a serial killer to death, where he yelled at her of being cold to others and punishing them for no fault of theirs, she shouted, "Hey!"

He stopped at her command, fist clenching and unclenching as he stood there with his back facing her. Exhaling a deep breath, she caught up to him, moving right into his personal space. He immediately took a step back, something he never did.

"What?" He looked at her, but didn't really see her, carefully concealing his face from giving away too much except for mild irritation.

"Don't do it." She said quietly.

"Do what?"

"Hide behind the mask."

He let out a humourless laugh, "Suddenly you are Face reader or something?"

"I do it. Not you. Let's not start doing it now." She sighed, "If you have something to say, just say it."

"Funny, this advice coming from you." He mocked cruelly, taking her by surprise. Even on their worst day, even when they were out for each other's throat during her initial days in ETF, he never talked to her this way.

Something was very wrong.

"Just say it." She ordered quietly. Something snapped in him, the careful control vanishing.

"Really? You going to use this passive aggressive crap with me now?" His voice gradually rose, "Just because I didn't do something you expect me to you question what's wrong with me? How dare you?" His voice dropped suddenly in a menacing way, taking a step toward her, "How dare you expect the same courtesy from me when you didn't extend it in the first place?"

A part of her wondered why he is having this meltdown when not 3 days ago he showed incredible patience with her. But then, people around her were bound to break down someday, fed up with the half ass truths and complications and lash out at the person truly responsible for making their lives hell. That part, which loves guilt trips and self- loathing, let him shout at her and talk in that cruel tone, stood there without saying anything and take it all in.

But another part of her realized somehow she hurt him badly, and not because of her secret dual life which she carried on for one year and several months. She sinned too much, every cell of her can account for it in their truest sense. That he somehow came across them, and now repulsed by it, her, made her ashamed, so she dreaded him mentioning whatever it is that made him so angry toward her.

"Tell me, why should I even talk to you?" He went on, oblivious to her internal conflict and tight knot that was forming in her stomach with each word coming from him, "Did you come to me to talk? Or anyone here? No!" He thundered, "No, you decided to seek comfort from outsiders."

That snapped her attention, "Outsiders?" It came out barely above a whisper. He looked away, regret filling his eyes.

"I saw that mark near your neck." He explained quietly.

Now she realized that strange expression on his face near her car 3 days ago. It was Hurt.

She would have laughed if she was not so stunned at that moment. It was true, that she went on alcohol and One-night-stand spree the moment she knew her dead Boyfriend was not so dead after all. She became that Rich spoilt brat who is a regular in nightclub and exceed limit on credit cards, just what the world expects her too. But she was not that wild child who did all these just for the sake of adrenaline, not anymore, not after seeing so much in life. It was a mistake to even think those ways will help her to compartmentalize what she is feeling right now.

She didn't reply anything, but the blank expression on her face finally made him snap out of his anger. With a loud exhale of breath he slumped.

"So you are not even going to deny it." He stated in a tight voice.

"It won't help." She replied in the same tone. His eyes moved around them, as if searching for answers of his implied questions.

"I don't understand." He said after a long time, staring down at her, unknowingly making her feel inferior, "After everything we went through together, after the things we endured, the moments we shared, after all the trials and tribulations of last one year, and you still could not come to Me when you needed people most? To us?" He asked in pained voice, "What were you afraid of? Judgment? Since when any of us judged you for the way you are? We have seen you in your best and worst, stood by you no matter what, and yet you could not come to us and had to seek comfort to random strangers? Really?"

She didn't say anything in return, because why would she? Nothing he was saying was new to her. She was guilty at here, his every word was true.

"You know, some other time I would have wondered where we went wrong, but no, I won't." He said after a few moments passed, "You are at fault here, no one else. It's your inability to let people in, the people who I thought mattered to you. And it hurts you know, because I thought we had something. I thought there will be a time when you will reach out to others and embrace them. The time did arrive," He paused, sighing once again as he drew the conclusion, "but you chose not to react the way I thought. The right way. So maybe I never knew you, maybe I judged you wrong. Maybe you are just incapable of truly becoming part of us." He finished, sounding exhausted.

The one person, the only person, who stood by her when he had no idea what she was up to, never judged her for her secrets and lies, figured her out way before any of them did, trusted her when she least expected or deserved it, opened himself up and let her in despite his initial prejudices, was showing her some harsh realities tonight. They were not new, really, but her mind's brilliant power to shut down emotions also made sure she will never see these truths when she carried on her path of self- destruction. It didn't sting only because the words were coming from him, also because that resigned tone of his made her realize the first person who saw her at her lowest and encouraged her to climb out of the rabbit hole was finally giving up on her as she was a lost cause. His giving up stings.

In that moment, she gave him another reason despise her all the more when she closed the remaining space between them, clutched his collar and pulled him down. Sometime it good to react like a normal human being, like Aisha mentioned, and not cover every emotion with anger or impulsiveness, even when she had no idea what emotion she was feeling at that moment.

He was taken aback by her action, but the surprise was gone when she opened her mouth and said the words which will haunt both of them for a long time.

"So what did you hope, Boss?" She mocked, lips twisting in a bitter smirk as she looked up at him challengingly, "You said 'We', did you mean yourself or someone in the office, hmm? What did you hope for, exactly?" She repeated, taking a small step so that she was on his face, her breath ghosting over his cheeks and lips. Dropping her voice more, she carried on, "That I will come at your house, knock on your door? Seek comfort in you, and not random strangers?" Her eyes searched for something, anything, on his face other than blank emotion or anger which was increasing with each words coming out of her mouth. She knew she was really pushing him but she was past caring for it, blind in her cocktail of emotions and the injustice because he was not supposed to be the one who look at her with disgust and she was realizing it just now. Waiting for his reply for a few second and failing to get one, she started again, "Is this the part bother you most, because I went to someone else and not you? Did you hope for a day when I will let you in? Or it's night, in your dreams? When we are finally together, me in your arms, our lips about to touch . . . "

Yes, she went blind and forget about the time and place, and the person she is saying these things. The same person whose expression of hopelessness makes her mad but at the same time she is not really helping with the stupid things she is saying. But apparently, he had enough sense not to lose himself in her stupidity. She snapped out of it when his fingers roughly grabbed her wrist, the same hand which was clutching his collar. The jerky movement brought them more close if that's even possible, his black orbs boring into holes into her with unknown emotions.

She froze, really seeing for the first time just how close he was, she was. It surpassed all the time they fought and somehow blurred the line of personal spaces. The air suddenly tasted different, not of anger and betrayal and frustration arising out of wrong choice of words, but with something else. Like it was charged with electricity, like the invisible medium can sense something which these two people can't. Not yet, anyway.

His head tipped slightly, making her heart hammering away loudly. She watched his every movement like a hawk, her eyes looked like a Deer caught in headlight.

"Not. Like. This." He emphasized each word with short pauses, removing her grip from his shirt as he did. He took a step back, his fingers loosening around her wrist. She blinked once, swallowing to clear the bitterness in her mouth and failing at the same. With one last look in her direction, he turned on his heels and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

Later, when she would walk aimlessly on road and not head toward Club like she did every night for past few weeks, she would realize why it stung so bad. The Man was supposed to be in Love with her. His every action, every look, every word spoke volumes of his feelings. And yet, in the end, He was also another name on the list of people who loved her, but still gave up her on her. Her family, Neel, they started it. She could blame them for their abandonment, but how can she blame him when she did nothing to help his cause? He opened his heart in best possible way but she never extended the same courtesy. He was right, how dare she demand anything from him, or anyone, when she didn't do the same thing? Things doesn't work like this, the Universe showed her again and again it won't rotate just the way it want it to. She should adjust and move accordingly.

Arjun Rawte was another person on the list, but he was the only person whom she lost, and she had no idea she had him in the first place.

The wind blew softly, as if to soothe her. To Riya, it felt like the Nature was saying the same thing her heart was telling her.

You had him. You just didn't realize.

And now it was too late.

It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.

-Sally Kempton

IB is bad news.

Its one thing Agent Rahane had heard over the course of his career, in the whispers of outsiders, in the outright admission of his own colleagues and seniors. For outsiders, they evoke fear and dangerous situation. To his own department, they are bearer of bad news, called only when internal situation of country is out of control. Only second best to RAW, and that organization is another level altogether. Merciless and dark.

Until a few months ago, he would like to think his days and work in Agency was relatively simple. He had those usual liaison meetings with RAW, discussions with PR and media personnel about potential harmful news running all over print media and news channels, and of course, NSA levels where they were updated about regular infiltration from borders and their own success and failures overseas. It was all about meetings, keeping tabs on assets and suspects in office through his IT team and chosen group of junior field agents, and more meetings. Like many things, it changed when Haqqani came to picture, trying to portray himself as God and dictate their lives on their own soil, thinking he could get away from it. Capturing him, and the stonewalls they hit afterwards due to the alleged breach of contract by Central, then his interrogation threw him off his usual routines.

Deep down he knew it started way before Haqqani's God complex, but that's a thing for another day and too big to dive in in this current state of scenario.

Haqqani's confession threw them off the track. The man knew too much, but not enough for their liking. His confession only established firmly what they had suspected so long - Intelligence Service from across the border was dangerous for the diplomatic relation for both country, as well as for their own safety. Skeptics who always protested the baby steps to fix the relation between two countries and failed cheered at the discovery and pushed for stronger retaliation, people who were minority not too long ago now actually threatened to overpower both IB and RAW. It was a new thing, to hear how weak they were appearing to the globe and what extreme measures they should take to ensure the world that they are next super power, to take revenge from 'Enemy', to punish 'them', every time, and not for one or two minutes in a day as a part of heated argument about India's foreign policies. The changing atmosphere made Rahane squirm, while he supported the thirst for vengeance, having sworn on it over an ex-Agent's grave, he was not too keen on the idea of all -out war. He liked politics and quiet meetings better where they can have victory without the bloodbath.

Staring at the scattered papers all over his desk, he put his palms on the edge of it and leaned, closing his eyes as he wondered maybe he should also sign up on the blood bath list.

Because this was huge. So much more than any of them could ever imagine, sophisticated and different than they have ever encountered and expected from their neighbour. And yet, for all the things they knew, big pieces of the puzzle were still missing, thus not letting them understand what is the final product is.

This latest chunk of discovery started as innocent. After hanging up on the eccentric ACP last night, his mind started to wonder why on Earth her personal hacker guy would ever try to get into RAW database. He remembered that dark, cold basement, boxes and computers parts filling up every corner, the comics’ posters on wall and empty canes of coke on floor. He remembered the man child with over grown beard and round foggy glasses, talking about government conspiracies and how his life was in danger, his paranoia about security and suspicion of Rahane being an Agent. He only visited him once, he didn't even know his name which was a grave mistake on his part, but nevertheless, he had to agree with what Riya said, the hacker guy was not someone who was interested in dangerous criminals who didn't make their names to official guilty list of state police. He liked better to get into banned websites, read hungrily assassination theories, not criminal profiles.

It makes no sense.

So he pushed his IT department, telling them in loud voice that he does not care if they were not successful in getting the IP address of the hacker, he needs everything they could get their hands on. After finishing the command, he had gone out of his cabin, mingling with colleagues and tried not to get a headache with another discussion of foreign policy and revenge talks, which seemed like an default topic of discussion from a few weeks. He excused himself from seniors, eavesdropping on a conversation of junior field agents about the Delhi serial killer case. Apparently that killer was in Mumbai now.

The juniors were exchanging theories among themselves, oblivious to a senior Agent standing less than 3 feet away. Rahane wondered maybe that's how it looks like in ETF, and maybe they would handle it if this killer is really in town. He was confident they will succeed, with a leader like Director Kapoor and her doggedness.

"How is it even possible that police could not identify one victim out of so many?" One female agent was asking. Rahane pursued his lips before taking a sip. It's not unlikely, not to judge the work of police but digital identification had not reached every nook and corner of country. He remembered how he literally hit a wall when he tried to gather leverage over Riya and stumbled across Neel Sahaay, having no idea who was he back then.

"It's police." One male agent snickered, amending himself as the former gave him a look, "If they are not criminal, police will have hard time to identify. Do you have any idea how many people gets missing every day? Many people don't even own Adhaar or voter ID. It's not impossible."

"Maybe they are not from country." A third voice, male, spoke nonchalantly. Rahane narrowed his eyes, now on full attention, and the voice hurriedly explained feeling the stares from his companions, "What? It may be true. It might not have even crossed the police's mind to cross check Interpol or something."

"Well Genius, they looked very much Indian." The first male voice mocked.

"The world have people except blacks and Americans." The former argued, "They might not be Indian, maybe South Asian? NRIs? Who even knows? Just a theory." He shrugged.

For some unknown reason, the conversation was stuck in Rahane's head. Maybe because it was a nice distraction from upper level politics, something normal. Variety is spice of life after all.

He found himself settling on his chair inside his cabin and pulling up articles about the case on his laptop. The death toll was 31, barring the latest killing in Mumbai. The pattern was similar, face ruined by acid and dumping a body in gutter, injury on the back of head with a heavy object which resulted in victim's death within seconds. The bodies had no way of identification, no scars or tattoos, no papers or luggage with them, no witness who can tell who are they or where they came from. A literal dead end in every killing. Rahane could only imagine the frustration Delhi Police might have felt, he could feel headache coming up just by looking at news articles. Usually media gets something on high profile cases and run it, showing how incapable Police is. In this case, even their hands were tied.

The rookie agent's words came back to him and he wondered maybe they were not really Indians. His eyes went over the same lines on article over and over again, a voice on his head nagged he was missing the obvious thing here.

Then he did something he had never done in his life - Going with gut feeling. It was a stupid thing, there is no gut feeling. It's evidences and facts, no sixth sense or taking chance. Taking chances lead him nearly getting killed and 9 other agents being dead in the heart of capital. He never believed in gut feeling, never will. And yet, he was accessing RAW database after opening a new tab in his web browser, at the same time calling IT department so that they send someone up here with the necessary information he needs.

During the remote access, which of the profiles the hacker visited?

He found 5 names in the database. At first nothing made sense, they were from different countries, different jobs, the only exception somehow they were linked with big bad people. But they were small fishes, nothing major. The only reason their profile was on RAW database is because if they ever go after these big fishes, these people will the first step toward the direction.

He then noticed the most important thing of these 5 - they are gone.

2 of them are dead, 1 has no trace as if he vanished, 1 has joined Taliban according to last entry and 1 is trying fresh start in life. It took him several phone calls and countless hours of wait to finally get the result which his mind already conjured up - they have simply vanished. Even the two dead guys are not really dead, their pictures could be found in CCTV footage of another country not less than a week after their 'Death'. The people he talked, they didn't think much of it. It's not unheard of that criminals faked their death to get Spies off their back.

The IT department might be getting sick of him when he stepped on their floor in the afternoon next day but he was too busy getting offended of their frustrated looks. Pointing at the 5 criminals, he ordered them to track them in India through CCTV, credit cards, anyway they can. He didn't leave after ordering, pacing up and down as he dug a hole behind the computer experts, glowering at the searches which went too slow for his liking.

Later in the night he finally got something. One of the 5 guy was tracked in an ATM machine in - Rahane held his breath at the location - Delhi.

It can't be a bloody co-incidence that he vanished around the time Delhi serial killer surfaced and could not be tracked till now. Despite the assurances from the operators that they will find him if he ever step out his hiding place, he was sure. Delhi serial killer had killed this person.

It can't be coincidence. Delhi serial killer's surfacing . . . shit, the timing should have triggered something in him if he was not so busy over Haqqani, right after his capture, death toll reaching to 31 and no identification could be possible, someone accessing RAW database because it was the best shot to connect a theory to case, these 5 person randomly vanishing from their places and one of them captured in a ATM in Delhi. It's all connected. It's too much of something to be just random incidents.

It also means there was someone out there who knew exactly where to look, and what was going on. At least the person had doubts and decided to look out.

That gut feeling he hated so much told Rahane it had to be Neel Sahaay. There are no other possibilities. It's one absolute in countless guesses.

So that's why this killer is in Mumbai now. Neel Sahaay is here, trying his best to get away because dangerous people are after him. And if Neel Sahaay knew the true intention of serial killer, if he knew enough to look into RAW, then he knew these 5 person. The only way he could know these 5 and possibly, rest of victims, is through the 'Mission' as Haqqani mentioned it. This will be the only reason why IB and RAW both could not get their hands on one person from the list of names Haqqani gave them from this mission. It was not because they covered their tracks or escaped somewhere, it's because they were dead.

It didn't take another gut feeling for him to reach the ultimate conclusion, it was inevitable. Intelligence Service killed all these people and now after Sahaay.

He had to give it to them, such a clean cut yet misleading manner of wiping out their existence, evoking fear into public as a serial killer who randomly choose victim. They will never know this is no serial killer, but eliminating lose ends after Haqqani handed himself to India on a silver platter. He won't be able to say what was this Mission, but these people can. They were associated with it, and small pieces of information from them could have cleared all the confusion for them. But they were deprived of it and they had no idea the opportunities slipping by their fingers.

Rahane didn't know if there are more people associated with this Mission, or this 'Killer' had finished them all off. But he knew one thing, Neel Sahaay is the last option for them, someone they just can't lose. He prayed to whoever it was over them, to make sure he makes it through. He survived 4 years, just a few days until their plan works and they get him.

He picked up the landline and pressed the button so that it can get directly to his Deputy. This needs more people.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This was a rare sight to see. In reality, most of ETFian can bet on the number of times they had seen ACP Riya Mukherjee running behind their Director - None. But today was a unique day, when they witnessed the ACP following their Boss like a lost puppy, ticking off another thing on their list of 'Things to see before I die'.

"Why should we?" Aisha was saying as she ticked off something in a file she picked up from a employee's desk to the ACP, who tapped her foot on floor in impatience, "The case barely reached to us a few days ago. It takes time to make improvement in difficult cases like this."

The ACP nodded vehemently, "I know, but doesn't this case fall out of our jurisdiction or something?" At Aisha's arched eyebrow she huffed, "You will know better what we are supposed to do handle and what not."

"Yes that's why we are working on it. At least we are working and you are just standing here." She shut the file and dropped it on employee's desk, giving a nod to him, "Eating my brain."

"They are a gang who smuggle kids." She protested, "We handle more domestic cases."

Aisha turned fully on her heels to face the other woman, crossing arms as she asked, "Oh?"

"What about ATS? Or Special Squad? Or any other law enforcement?"

"Delhi Killer had rattled us all." Aisha replied, "It's an order from Home Ministry, no transfer of cases until they are sure of this killer's presence in city. We also have order to clear our schedule immediately if things go wrong."

The ACP pinched her eyes shut and looked away just as Aisha narrowed her eyes, as if looking at her for the first time.

"Since when you come to me with a request to transfer a case?" She asked curiously, then straighten her back and pierced her with a stern expression, "Spill, whatever it is."

Riya chose to keep quiet and brood. After witnessing it for a few seconds and realizing she is not getting any answers, Aisha gritted her teeth and forced a lighter tone.

"I tell you what, convince your team and I will transfer it."

The ACP glared, "You know very well that it's impossible."

"They like you." She shrugged. Something flashed on Riya's face as she bit on her lower lip.

"Not everyone."

"Oh, new best friend not giving attention?" Aisha mocked. At the eye roll of the ACP she became serious, "Fine, brood and don't tell. We both know sooner or later it going to blow up on your face."

"It's not me I am worrying about." The former replied darkly, pinning her with a troubled look. Before the Director could say anything back the ACP walked away.

Storming inside the empty discussion room, Riya took a couple of deep breath, trying to keep control of her growing agitation as she clenched her fist. Images after images flashed in her head and she bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, determined to stop them but to no avail. Time like this, she wished she was like normal people, able to feel pain so that she can distract herself.

Bracing herself against the table with both hands, she leaned forward, shutting her eyes, her jaw working in a rhythm. The images didn't stop - A man's constant pleading behind the bars, his urgent voice begging anyone and everyone to listen to him, the same man lying in his own pool of blood as several people in police uniform looked down flabbergasted, small card board boxes coated with blood, writing on wall with blood, mocking them all, the thick scent of copper making them nauseous, the severed heads of girls barely reached their teens, eyes open and hollow.

At the last imagery, the ACP let out a strangled sound from the depth of her throat, slammed the table with both hands and threw everything that was on table with a sweep of hand. Ten of fingers pulled on her hair tightly, the heart hammered and teeth clenched so hard that they might crack, all of them begging her overactive mind to stop it. Especially the last image.

There was a reason Sleep stopped coming to her.

She didn't know how much time passed, but eventually her heartbeat slowed and mind cleared enough to realize the mess on floor won't get cleared on its own. Exhaling slowly, she crouched down and started picking up documents, her hair falling over her face and obscuring her from the world. Or maybe from herself, she could not tell.

There was a footstep near the door and she looked up. Chotu was standing there, looking unsure and hesitant.

"Need help?" He settled on asking. She shook her head, declining the offer, casting down her eyes. The Commando of the team didn't leave though, watching her every movement with hawk like eyes.

Unknown of these two Arjun was watching them. He had witnessed her lashing out minutes before and saw how she eventually pulled herself back together, clearing the mess on floor which, symbolically, represented her own life at the moment. He didn't know if it was due to her personal life, or the current case. It's not like he can go ahead and ask, that ship had sailed long ago.

Still doesn't make it easy.

Still doesn't make him not to care.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2 days later, Delhi NCR

The Man who had proposed the 'Mission' in India sat with 3 other people around a round table, opposite of them sat Deputy Chief of IB, Rahane and 2 other person. One of them reports to NSA. The discussion which looked more like an argument broke out after a few sentence exchange, several people from both side talking at once as Rahane kept quiet.

"Gentleman, let's not be uncivil." The person who reports directly to NSA, the senior authority among them all spoke in a higher tone. Everyone immediately quieten. "Please, one by one."

"Frankly, Mr. Ahuja, this meeting is a waste of time." The same person from across the border spoke with bitterness, "We are doing this for months and no settlement point can be reached. Islamabad co-operated with you when you wanted us to, but you stabbed us on back. There is nothing to salvage now."

"At the mention of stabbing in back . . . " Deputy Chief of IB muttered, giving a meaningful glance at Rahane whose lip curled up in small smirk.

"Dubey." Cautioned Ahuja just as the former gave a hard glare.

"It's either Kashmir or same old repeat record of backstabbing from you people."

"Let's not get into Kashmir, Brigadier Sheikh, or the closet of skeletons will open and it won't be pretty." IB DC Dubey replied.

"Gentlemen." Ahuja raised his voice once again, giving a stern gaze to Dubey. He huffed and look away, just as the Brigadier physically shook off his frustration.

"New Delhi and Islamabad had a deal, Mr. Ahuja. Azeem Haqqani was a sore point for us and many other country along with both of us was terrorized by him. We all jointly reached a point in negotiation where we gave you go ahead to eliminate him. We held our end of bargain, but you failed to. The word was to finish him, not arrest him after making a show to the world." He finished, reaching for his glass of water and took a few sips.

"Like I said it before, and will say probably for the hundred times," Dubey started, "Nowhere in the negotiation deal did New Delhi ever said they will kill him. And frankly, I don't see the fuss. What are you afraid of, that he will spill something you don't like?" He provoked.

Brigadier slammed the glass on table, "It's about keeping your words! You expect us to be civil and co-operate when you won't do the same. You expect us to crawl on our feet and plead mercy and nod our heads to everything you say like damn dolls. It was the same from past 60 years! And when the diplomatic relation worsen you blame us to the entire world and portray yourself as victims! The reason Islamabad is fussing like you say is because we know how you work, Mr. Deputy Chief. You will cook up some cock and bull story and that PM of yours will sign anything you present him to."

"I will remind you of protocols, Brigadier." Ahuja cautioned once again, "And it's Mr. Prime Minister for you. None of us will tolerate any disrespect toward our Prime Minister on our country soil."

"We are not you, Brigadier Shiekh, constantly in a state of power struggle with Prime Minister to overtake the country." Dubey said sternly, leaning forward on table, "Unlike you, we don't cook up false story. We don't need victimization to get sympathy, we can take care of ourselves."

"Yes, I forgot to add." Brigadier gave a bitter smile, "Threats."

"Do you even see the duality in your words?" Dubey laughed, "You say we portray ourselves as victim, then you accuse us of giving threats."

"Because you are bunch of two faced ser . . . " The former had to stop when Ahuja cleared his throat. Giving the two looks, he started to gather various documents back into his file.

"Why don't we take a break for 20 minutes?" He nodded at Brigadier, "My assistants will show you the way, Brigadier. We will meet in here. Let's cool down, everyone."

Once outside Ahuja made Rahane and Dubey follow him to an empty room, and Rahane heard the Man's angry voice just as he was closing the door of the sound proof room.

"What the hell are you doing?" Exclaimed the Older man, rubbing his temple, "I had heard things in IB were getting rough, but never realized inviting you will be equivalent to declare all -out war on Islamabad."

"Nothing I said was wrong and we all know it." Dubey replied.

"Yes, but its’ called Diplomatic meetings for a reason. We don't call out on bullshit stories, we don't poke sore spots. We just try to get ahead while assuming shitty things didn't happen in past." He answered, taking a sip from the glass of water kept on desk. Finishing the glass at once, he glanced at Rahane, "You, Son, why don't you control your Old man?"

Rahane shrugged, "I am minority there, Sir. Extremists are overtaking the Agency."

"Huh." Came the grunted reply.

"Well, it was about damn time." Dubey said vehemently, "We all know why they are making it about Haqqani. It's a good option to hide behind and not discuss actual problems. And they are talking about back stabbing? What about the peace treaty and everyday infiltration in Border? If you even mention Kashmir, it's all about PoK and not the actual point."

"Okay, let's not start now." Ahuja sighed, realizing there is no getting away from it, "I am under pressure here, alright? Islamabad is stonewalling NSA meetings and being hard-ass about Haqqani. It's been months, and while we earlier went on for years, the PM is not keen to start from scratch."

"There is only one way to solve it." Rahane said, drawing the other two's attention, "But even if Ministry is willing, Agency won't budge."

"Of course we won't." Dubey protested, "We are not handing over the Son of a Bitch without getting the root of this Mission."

"Didn't he confess everything he know?" Ahuja asked Rahane, who nodded, "Then what's the issue?"

"We don't know full picture yet." Dubey said.

"Haqqani is not giving anything else, is he? Then I don't see any point to keep him here and sour the already fragile relation between the two countries." Ahuja replied, moving over as the secure landline in the room rang. Picking it up, he listened to the other side, and whatever it is can't be good because his face become stony. Putting it down, he moved to leave the room, already near the door when he excused himself from meeting.

"I need to leave." He rushed.

"The meeting?" Rahane inquired.

"Screw the meeting, Kid. This is serious." With that, he slammed the door.

The meeting never started 20 minutes later, as Brigadier Shiekh and his group had checked out of the venue during the break time. Dubey rolled his eyes, muttering about throwing tantrums like kids as Rahane sighed beside him, heading toward their respective Cars. It was a waste of time, like he had wondered. While he understood RAW's desire to keep their latest discovery about Intelligence Service and Delhi serial killer under covers, to proceed in that track only after getting Neel Sahaay so that Islamabad don't get away this time, he could not but be irritated. He wanted to rub some parts of the discovery on the self- righteous face of Brigadier Sheikh and watch the satisfaction of him getting tongue tied. His Services was the mastermind behind this Mission, after all.

It was only the next day and an emergency meeting later did he realize Hell had actually fallen over them. For the life of him he could not remember seeing Ahuja seeing this rattled and angry. As soon as the meeting started, he threw some documents and photographs on the round table, fuming as he took his seat.

One of RAW senior Director picked up a photo, frowning at the odd diagram, "What is this?"

"It's a proposed water dam in Gujrat." His tone was grave.

"There was no whispers about it." Dubey said. Ahuja raised his face to look at him.

"That's because PMO had not cleared it yet. This was proposed only 7 days ago. The PM was keen though."

"So how come we have these documents?" One female Director spoke up, keeping a document down, "It looks cent percent accurate. Where did we get them?"

"It was handed over to General Mirza of Lahore 2 days ago." Ahuja replied. A collective murmur of shock rang in the room.

"There is a mole in PMO?" Rahane wondered aloud. Ahuja smirked bitterly.

"Everywhere is a mole, Kid. That's not the issue here." He exhaled sharply, "Only four people were present during this proposition, PM himself, the Environment Minister, the architect of this dam and the CEO of the company who proposed the idea. The CEO and architect is clean, the Minister has no reason to swear allegiance to Islamabad, and PM is out of question." He picked up a photograph, "Saw these? They are not actual documents, rather pictures of them. The meeting took place in a well secured room, second only to panic room in Parliament. The PM himself carried the documents and put it in his safety locker. He was shocked out of his wits when he saw the leak. I am pulling my hair out to understand how this got out." He looked at others, "So, any of you have any theory, feel free. Because I am out of my damn mind here."

"Forget how it happened." Dubey sat up, looking alarmed, "Did it occur to you what else discussion took place in that already compromised room? What else document this General got his hands on?"

"It's a mole, not a fault of room." The same female RAW director replied, making him huff.

"We are trying to find out. Meanwhile, an ambitious 2000 crore project had to be stopped even before it took place because we were compromised." Ahuja said.

"So that's the reason Brigadier ran to escape another scene." A male director spoke up.

"Someone in PM's house?" Rahane asked.

"The secure locker is top class. It has biometric identification system, voice recognition and retina scan. The room always has guards. We are cross checking all of them but it's unlikely we will get anything. They were handpicked by Army General."

After a long pause of silence, a very senior veteran spoke up, "Mr. Ahuja, if I may." Getting a nod from Ahuja, he started, speaking slow, "Things like this didn't to us, ever. There is a general dislike for our neighbour among us which, at least, protected us from leaks like this. But seems like we have a cross border sympathizer here. This doesn't necessary mean Lahore General got it from us, it maybe some other Embassy. After all, new age technology is fast."

"If we take that route, Sir," Dubey soften his tone, giving a bow to the veteran, "Every Diplomat will be under scanner, which is a tiring process. However we act, the truth is everyone is backstabbing everyone under the table."

"Meanwhile more information can slip past." Rahane added.

"Not necessarily." The Veteran countered, "If foreigners are under scanner they will be discreet. The flow of information will be halted. And Mr. Deputy Chief," He paused with a twinkle in eyes, "it's called gaining leverage. Backstabbing is too crass of a word."

Everyone let out heart chuckle and the atmosphere lightened up somewhat. Sobering up, the veteran started speaking again, everyone listening to him in rapt attention.

"The difference between how we used to act 10 years ago, and now, is the advancement of technology. During our time, passing information was not so easy. Things have changed now, so we need to change our outlook too." He gave a meaningful look to Ahuja, "I suggest, you dig deeper than usual. And include Technology. For all their good work, they can be exploited too." He said vaguely.

Dubey and Rahane met each- other’s eyes quizzically.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"We grossly underestimated this Red gang." Sameer dropped a file on the table of discussion room, behind him Shree shifted on his feet, his posture tensed. Riya leaned forward slightly at the duo's presence just as Arjun picked up the file to have a look inside.

The Red gang is a group of scumbags who smuggle kids and teenagers, even toddlers to Middle East, Russia and China. Their activity was always on high alert but recently their hands reached a kid close to a powerful MP's family in Odisha. Odisha CID tracked the kid till Maharashtra, in the City to be accurate, and that's how the case fell in the hands of ETF. Riya was not far- fetched in her assessment when she said they don't handle case like this, but like Aisha said, they didn't have any other choice.

Arjun's face twisted in disgust and he shut the file, "God." He muttered, looking at Sameer who had identical expression on his face, "They were just kids."

Shree handed over the file to Riya, but even before she opened it she knew what will be inside. Her fingers shook lightly as it flipped the first page open and she swallowed hard.

Someone behind her gasped and her fingers dropped on their own, "Is this recent?" It was Sakshi, who had just entered. Sameer shook his head.

"2 years ago. Police got a tip and reached there. Found these instead." Shree answered the crime journo. She looked like she was about to throw up.

"They didn't even reach their teenage years." Sakshi said after a while, "What kind of sick monster are these people?"

"We have to be extra careful next time." Arjun spoke up, his voice hard, "Can't let this same thing happen twice." Looking at Shree he asked, "Any tip about their next consignment?"

The IT expert shook his head, "Chotu's informer have their ears open. Nothing so far." Frowning, he turned to Riya, "Don't you have anyone who can help?"

Riya looked up at him slowly and shook her head once. Shree looked sheepish.

"I guess we are just used to you having someone up your sleeve." Sameer said lightly, but his expression turned into worry when the ACP ducked her head and looked away, her face grave.

"They are dangerous people, guys." Sakshi said eyeing them all, "They beheaded these girls and left them for Police. Clearly, they are ruthless. Should we really engage ourselves with them?"

"We are assigned with this case, what else choice do we have?" Arjun quirked his eyebrow.

"I don't know, feels like this is way out of our league." The crime journo admitted. At the indignant sound from Shree she defended herself, "You know it's true."

"We will handle this case and come out as winner." The Second-in-Command spoke with confidence, giving her an assured look, "Nothing bad will happen."

"Atta boy." Sameer cheered, clearly in agreement. The foursome engaged themselves with further talk about the case, meanwhile Riya found herself looking at the cursed file once again. Giving penetrating look to each of the pictures, she put them aside, her breathing coming as deep and irregular. Coming at the last picture, her fingers halted for the second time in less than a few minutes.

Bloody writing on the wall, mocking the police for their late arrival.

A chill ran down her spine.

"Who tipped the police, By the way?" Sakshi inquired to none particular, "Was that anonymous?"

"A random guy they busted during an illegal alcohol shop raid. He begged them to listen to him, they thought he is bluffing. One of them decided to follow the location he mentioned, that's when they came across these." Sameer motioned toward the pictures and Sakshi cringed, shuddering the next moment.

"If only they had listened to him earlier." She replied, "What happened to him?"

"He died in custody." The answer came from Riya, who never removed her eyes from the last picture of the crime scene.

"How do you know?" The crime journo asked. This time, Riya arranged all the pictures and document exactly the way they were when it was handed over to them, busying herself so that images of incident occurred over two years doesn't haunt her in the middle of a case discussion, not in front of everyone.

"It's written here." She answered, to which Sakshi nodded, before joining the conversation again.

Riya didn't spoke again for the rest of meeting.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When Rahane went inside the Deputy Chief's cabin a few days later to inquire about his theory of 'Delhi serial killer', the DC looked like he's ready to pull his own hair out. There were dark circles under his eyes, his hair was disheveled, clothes wrinkled beyond repair and there were at least 6 empty mugs of coffee.

"I thought you are the Coffee guy." Dubey sounded disappointed. Rahane gave an apologetic look.

"How long you have been here?"

"I guess since the damned meeting." He replied, leaning back on the backrest of his chair and stretching himself as he spoke. Various knots in his limbs cracked at the movement, making Rahane wince.

"Anything new on that?" He took a seat. Dubey sighed.

"Only that the General from Lahore was getting various information of our country since months. Him and some other high ranked army officers. Defense, agriculture, foreign policy, you name it." Dubey replied, rubbing his temple, "Some of the meeting occurred in Parliament, some in PMO, some in PM's residence, and some in various ministry offices. So really, it's not the fault of a single location."

Rahane blew a breath, stunned at the revelation, "This is huge." He muttered.

"No shit." Dubey snorted, "The funny thing? The only person common in all these meetings is the PM. But we both know how Ahuja will react if you say this on his face."

"It makes no sense."

"Exactly. Just have to find what does." Dubey looked at him, "Why are you here?"

 "It's less important than what you are handling." He dismissed it with a wave of hand.

"Sahaay?" He inquired, to which Rahane nodded, "That's a hell of a theory, I will give you that. Maybe it makes sense too, but my head is too filled with this new thing. My apologies."

Rahane gave a nod of head in solidarity, feeling the heat himself. Dubey snorted all of a sudden, making him curious.

"Life would have been so easy if somehow these two things are connected. We get Sahaay and Boom! All problems solved."

"Wishful thinking." He humoured him. The Senior official gave him a mock glare.

"Don't ruin my fantasy."

Rahane laughed.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Everything in the world can have duality, can be leave open for interpretation, but not running. Running is always about leaving something behind, to reach something ahead. A short escape from the problem, though it never make promises of result. No assurances, no guarantee, just another step to reach the goal.

For Riya, running was always about escaping a part of her life and heading toward a new beginning, a new chapter in life. It was true the day she took the train for City and left Hydrabad behind, it was true the day she handed over her resignation and made permanent hole in Ravi lodge, it was true when she hit dead end in the most important case of her life and thought different ways to approach that.

Not today, though. She was trying to run today, but it was not helping. The image of beheaded girls never left her mind, neither her ears were free from constant pleading of the man behind bars who begged the police to listen to him. The feelings overwhelmed her, sometime made her pause in track, sometime made her desperate to push herself to the end so that she can get peace, just for a second. But her overactive mind never spared her that luxury, so a brand new level of Hell emerged for her. The fire burnt her constantly, making it impossible for her to function or pull herself together.

Her list of doing shitty things really has a way to come back and haunt her in worst moments.

Slowing down her run, she took several deep breaths, her grip tightening on knees as she bend over. The soothing sound and cool air of beach did nothing to ease her anxiety. It never did anyway, Nature was not her type.

Straightening once again, she freed her hair from the trap that was her black hairband, running fingers through them as she stared unfocussed toward the sea and ships that were too far away. Just for a few seconds her mind was empty, there was no sound, no imagery, and no anxiety. It was as calm as it could be.

Then her phone rang.

The tranquility was short lived.  

Making an irritated noise, she pulled her phone out from her pants pocket and pressed the answer button without even looking at the caller ID, "What?" She barked into it.

There was no response on the other side. She had decided for such an early time in morning it was enough of courtesy she could show and was about to cut the call when the person spoke up from other side.

"Was it for me or you answered your phone before you saw the caller ID, again?"

The irritated expression was gone and shock overtook it, but just for a few second. Her mind still takes time to process the fact that her ex-Boyfriend, whom she thought was dead, was indeed, alive.

She didn't need this too. As if the case was not enough.

"Why are you calling me?" She asked in an exhausted tone, her eyes suddenly filled with unshed tears. She blinked hard for a couple of times.

Neel Sighed on the other side, "I told you, I need your help."

"Then why you don't meet me somewhere? Why can't we talk face to face?" She demanded angrily, "Why you can't tell me what's going on?" Her voice soften, barely above a whisper. For a desperate moment she wanted him to be a victim, wanted herself to be a victim.

Then she remembered all those documents Rahane showed her.

The self- pity was gone instantly.

"They are after me, Ri." He answered quietly.

"They who?" She countered, then added, "If you can't meet me because of them, how are you contacting me?"

"I take precautions."

"Then take the same precaution and meet me." She spoke firmly, "I need to know what's going on, who are after you. What can I do to help?" Her face twisted in disgust but she went on, "Trust me."

He didn't answer for a long time. She thought he won't and would cut the call without saying anything, but he surprised her.

"I will inform the date and time." He answered cautiously, exhaling a breath, "Take precaution, please."

"I will." She said. The breathing stopped on the other side, his tone softer this time.

"Love you."

With that, he cut the call. She tightened her grip on phone so hard that the plastic case cracked due to the pressure.

"F*ck you." She whispered to herself, her lower lip trembling. A treacherous tear made its way down the corner of her eyes and she wiped it away angrily, speed-dialing another number as she sniffed.

Rahane responded immediately. He was desperate himself, went a little overboard with his opinion that she should have prodded him more to meet him, but caught himself before she could say something offensive to that. Ending the call when she had nothing to say, and he had only sympathy to offer, she stared at the ocean once again, thinking about the unfairness of it all. How dare he did that to her? How dare he ruined everything?

How dare the nature remained unfazed the day he did the unthinkable, and still is?

When the second call from Shree came, she turned her back on the ocean and headed out without another glance.

Reaching the office that day, Riya noticed others were already on the move in regarding to their latest case. Chotu's informer had finally something and they had a location now. They are expecting the 'Consignment', nearly 30 kids, boys and girls, before they are shipped off to Russia. The location was 2 KM away from the same port where she and rest of ETF along with Raghu sir went to drop the ransom money to Sheen's kidnapper, which turned out to be a misdirection.

Running seemed like the recurring theme of today. The tip was proven right, and suddenly the ETF along with Local police and Special Forces found themselves on the receiving end of the bullet-rain of the members of Red gang. They retaliate the best they could, utmost priority being the kids and freeing them. After 5 hour of constant gun fighting the Special Forces got an opening and they moved to free the kids and take them to a safe place, leaving ETF and local police to tackle the rest of gang.

The day was slowly coming to an end and visibility was a problem for both the party. Sensing the best way to save themselves is to Run, the remaining members of Red gang started to flee, making ETF and local police chase after them. They all spread out, following the scumbags through various turns and alleys and putting them down one by one.

Riya and a young male officer was chasing down who seemed to be the Brother of the head of Red gang, according to surveillance pictures Shree showed them. He vanished inside a make shift hut which used to be labor colony when the Port was getting build. They two made silent communication through eyes and headed to different directions to trap him.

It was only when Riya entered inside did she realize what place it was. The timing was too late.

2 years and unforgiving weather damaged the make shift room further, but she could still pick up the strong smell of blood. It was worst when her head unknowingly moved toward the wall, half expecting the bloody writing on it, mocking her for her mistakes and failures.

Later she would analyze the situation over and over in her mind and come across only one possible answer - she got cold feet during an encounter, on field. It was ridiculous, because one, she never had one, and two, she would have known if she was not ready and would have pulled herself out, and not put her team and everyone involved in jeopardy, including herself.

The truth was, her body and mind had shut down. She could hear nothing, feel nothing, sense nothing. For a moment she had forgotten the time, the place, the danger she was in. Her fingers were numb on the cold metal, her feet were too heavy to move. Only her eyes were working, staring at the wall as if she had seen a ghost. The logical part of her brain knew there was nothing on it but yet she could make out the dry blood and the words. Maybe if she tried harder, if her body worked with her brain and her neck could move, she would have seen one beheaded body of a girl too.

Something hard collided to her and she fell down on ground hard, shocked out of her wits. A gun shot rang out a second later and several voices could be heard, but she didn't register. The collision had taken her by surprise, true, but she didn't get up at once because she was taking the precious moments to make sure she was not spiraling out of control again, that she was pulling herself back together and now ready to face the world.

"Dammit!" Someone was speaking near her, grabbing her upper arm so that she can turn, or get up, she could not tell, "Please be alright, Girl, or else he won't react well."

Take a deep breath, she moved, squinting her eyes. Sameer swore and the next moment a handkerchief was pressed against her temple. There was Chotu as well, and that young police officer. The Brother of the head of Red gang was lying dead a few feet away from them.

"I am so sorry." Chotu's apology forced her to tear her gaze away from the dead body, "He was aiming at you, there was not enough time. You were . . . " He stopped himself, pressing his lips together.

"Distracted." Riya finished for him. Sameer eyed them both but didn't comment on it, pulling her on feet.

"Can you stand?" He asked. At her nod and his quick inspection he looked satisfied, "Let's get out of here."

Liza fussed around her more than her cut on temple needed. She reminded Riya of her Grandmother, who was always so worried she would die bleeding out somewhere. She even winced like her, she noticed and smiled a little to herself, like a secret joke.

"Sorry." The Forensic expert winced as she sewed the cut, apologizing and handling her gently like she is a precious doll, "The stitch is necessary. It will heal in weeks, no worries."

"Will there be a scar?" Chotu inquired timidly, casting apologetic look at her probably for the thousand times.

"Oh no. It will be as good as new." Liza replied.

"Who cares about scar?" Riya asked to none particular.

"Because they are cool, right?" Sameer added in his usual teasing tone. She nodded once and drew a smile from him, but his eyes were full of questions.

"I am sorry." Chotu started once again, and stopped only when the ACP raised a hand to stop him.

"If you were not there, I would have been dead." Liza's fingers stilled at the word, but the former went on, "Better a cut than dead body, right?"

Chotu looked unconvinced and she sighed, "Do not apologize for saving my life. Thank you, instead. I am in your debt."

A blush rose in his cheeks and he stammered to say anything, just as the other two in the room beamed at him. Time passed and they left, both giving her matching expressions which, could have been of pride, or of relief, because she made it out alive, she didn't know. She was already far away from the building of ETF, inside the same make shift room two years ago in the dark of night, watching the blood spill from dead bodies and mixing with rain water outside.

Someone sat beside her and she snapped out of her dazed state, silently berating herself to be aware of her surroundings. Today, too many times others took her by surprise. She could have been seriously hurt, or maybe that young police officer, or Chotu just because she was distracted in her job.

"There was no mention of someone dying in Police custody linked to this case in the files." Sameer started, looking ahead, sparing her the betrayed look she could feel all of them would have if they had known anything about it. She didn't reply immediately.

"His name was Jayesh." She spoke after a long time, her voice coming quiet and soft, like she was speaking from far. "I had heard he keeps news of various circles. I needed him."

"For your informer squad." Sameer nodded. She didn't respond, just blinked.

"I did the same thing I did when I wanted others. I followed him for a few days, picked up on his routine. He was a regular in an alcohol shop, the license of it was long ago expired. The SP of local PS was friend with one of my batch-mate. They raided the place, caught him and others. For the entire night he kept shouting that some gang is smuggling kids in the port area, begged the officers in station to listen to him. They didn't, thinking he was bluffing. One of them headed toward that location long after midnight, just to satisfy himself. It was raining." She stopped suddenly, but he didn't need her to say anything more. He could imagine the dead bodies, the writing on the wall, the blood on floor and strong smell of copper in the air.

"The gang knew he gave them up?" He asked after a few beat had passed.

"They saw the police taking him. They thought he was their informer." Her lips curled upward, "The irony is not lost on me." Sighing, she continued, "When that lone police officer informed others about what he saw, they left the station. They left him alone. When a constable for the morning shift entered, he saw Jayesh stabbed inside his cell."

Sameer echoed her sigh, lost in his own train of thoughts as he stared ahead blankly. The duo sat there in silence, their feet dangling in the air as they sat on the edge of desk.

"Which part of this story you blame yourself for?" He asked all of a sudden, making her head turn.

"Is not it all my fault?" She inquired back, her expression one of remorse, "Choosing him. Following him. Trapping him. For not listening to his pleads. For getting him killed by the gang. Or maybe the fault started a long time ago. My coming to city. Falling in love with a ghost whose true face I could not decipher. Hell bent on getting revenge when there is no reason for." She lowered her head in shame.

"If you listened to Jayesh and headed toward the Port, you might have been killed by the gang." Sameer argued.

"Maybe it would have been better." Her voice had barely held contempt for herself, "People around me tend to get hurt somehow. I am a curse for them. Things would have been different. Better."

He turned to look at her, "Really? If you were dead Haqqani would not have been here? RAW would have never found out about Sahaay? This mission, whatever it is, it would not have happened?" Shaking his head, he continued, "You overestimate yourself and carry too much of burden on your shoulder. Things were planning to happen from a long time. You were just a catalyst, a character in story. We all are."

"What about the people who got hurt? Who died?"

"Causalities of war." He replied simply, as if it’s obvious, "In every great war, people dies. Shit happens. It's not a particular person's fault, it's the events that lead up to their fates." Giving her a firm gaze, he added, "Besides, it's not like they were innocent person. Granted, they were small fishes, insignificant in the big course of action, but have you ever thought how many kids were affected due to their drug dealing? How many people were murdered because these fishes followed them around and tipped off criminal gangs? How many people were terrorized and looted because of them?"

"So they got what they deserved?" She asked.

"Yes and No. Who are we to say what others deserve and deserve not? Who knows how God works?" At her quiet sigh, he added, "Destiny. It works in curious way. One person can only hope to change the wheel of destiny, but often succeeds."

Keeping a hand on her head, Sameer continued, "It's time you forgive yourself, bit by bit, for everything you ever did. This burden you carry, it will destroy you. It has already started. One day the pressure will be too much. Even the distraction technic won't work."

She wanted to say It's already not working, but kept quiet. He gave a quick pat on her head, hopped down from the desk and stood in front of her.

"Go to your apartment and brood there." His words made her chuckle, "See you tomorrow."

He left the room after giving her one last look, and Riya found herself once again alone. Absent mindedly, she checked the bandage on her temple, seeing if there is any blood coming out or not. Though she knew very well Liza doesn't do weak work.

Just another way to stall, her mind taunted. Rolling her eyes at her own self, she looked right ahead, not really hoping to see something interesting.

But she did, anyway.

Across the hallway in another cabin, Sakshi was wrapping a bandage on Arjun's palm, the latter wincing more than usual and from the shake of the crime journo's head, Riya figured she was apologizing for her incompetence. For a moment she wondered where is Liza, then dismissed the thought. Maybe the crime journo insisted on patching him up. Maybe he wanted her to tend his wounds.

She wondered where this heaviness is coming from. She has no right, after all.

She was not fast enough to tear her gaze from them, which surely looked stalker like. When Arjun moved and caught her gaze, she held it for one second, then looked away. Hopping down from the desk, she opened the door and walked out quietly.

Arjun’s eyes followed until she had vanished at the end of hallway and then inside elevator, an unreadable expression on his face. He snapped out of it only when Sakshi pulled on his bandage with more force than necessary and both of them winced.

“Sorry, sorry.” She apologized. He shook his head.

“Here, let me do that.” He gently got back his hand to not offend her, wrapping the remaining bandage around his palm. A worried look came over her, but it vanished quickly.

“Nice work, today. You saved many kids life.”

“We all did.” He answered quietly, forcefully looking at his palm as she beamed proudly.

“We should celebrate.” Her voice had an undercurrent of nervousness. He finished wrapping his bandage and looked up.

“Sure.” He answered with a small smile. Her grin widened.

“Lunch?”

“Tomorrow.”

She nodded enthusiastically, barely able to suppress her excited squeal. With a quick goodbye, she was out of door, sauntering through the office.

Watching the extra bounce in her steps, Arjun was suddenly hit with a feeling that he did something wrong. Worse was, a part of him knew it was wrong, but did anyway.

With an expression which mirrored Riya’s self-loathing, he pulled at his recently wrapped bandage. Leaving it half wrapped, he put both palm beside his frame and leaned forward, his eyes closed and breath heavy.

A trail of blood fell on the floor, followed by many.