Chapter 5 : That lingering feeling...

 Chapter 5 : That lingering feeling...

Arjun moved through the congested traffic, his brow furrowed in thought. Sameer glanced at him, sensing his unease.

"Sam, don't you think something's off?" Arjun's eyes flicked to his friend briefly.

"Yes, Arjun. It feels too easy, like there's a missing piece," Sameer replied.

"I think you should talk to Deeya again. Maybe she heard or sensed something. I feel like there's something she's not telling us," Sameer suggested.

Arjun shot him a puzzled look, but Sameer waved it off. "I trust her, but there might be something she knows that Rajput doesn't want out. Something putting her life at risk, there's been an attack already. Asking her might give us a clue."

Arjun nodded in agreement.

"As for the victim's body, she died of overdose from the same drug and the postmortem report mentioned her being sexually assaulted multiple times. And yet there was no external DNA, like her body was thoroughly cleaned off to leave no traces. And the apartment, too. Spotless," Sameer summarized, frustration evident in his voice.

Arjun hummed in contemplation. "But why leave the body where it links to Rajput? Shouldn't it be disposed somewhere else? They could've damaged her face so that we can't link her back to them. But none of this was done. It doesn't add up."

"Exactly. Someone wanted us to find her there, to make that connection. It was deliberate. But who, and why?" Sameer mused, the weight of unanswered questions heavy in the air.

~

Arjun returned home, noiselessly opening the door, he walked in. The hall was dimly lit with nightlights and reflections of streetlight fading in through the window. He saw a familiar figure in the dark, "Deeyu?" He quickly walked up to her, in the middle of the hallway. "Tum iss waqt yahan kya kar rahi ho?" 

"Dau?" She lifted her hand to find him and hugged him. 

Arjun frowned before putting his hands around her. "Kya hua?" He gently patted her head.

"Kuch nahi." Deeya mumbled.

"Phir raat ke 2 baje tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?" Arjun asked rather sternly, and immediately regretted the tone. "Sorry, I-" he softened his voice. "Is everything okay?" 

She tightened her grip around his torso, "I - I was trapped," her voice was low and shaky, "it was a dark room or tunnel with not end. I could hear voices, of a-aai, Sunshine, baba," she took a deep breath, "but you weren't there. Where have you been?" 

Arjun stroked her hair. "Sounds like you had a nightmare. Don't worry, I'm here now. We will sort this out. I promise."

She hummed and stepped back. Arjun led her towards the couch, sitting beside her.

"Are you feeling better now?" He asked gently caressing her hair.

She rested her head on his shoulder. After a few moments of silence, she asked, "How was your day?"

Arjun paused to think for a moment. "We caught Yash's murderers. His father paid them to do it." 

"Father?" Deeya sat upright. "That sounds awful." She clicked her tongue. 

"Honestly, though, he had it coming, the way he opened his mouth."

"What did he say?" 

"Nothing much, just some lewd comments. I told him keep up and you are going to jail then he didn't bother me." She shrugged. 

"Anything else?"

"Nope." 

"Anything that you felt odd or -"

"Are you still questioning me?"

"Questioning you? No, I'm just asking you some questions."

"That's what questioning means, right?"

Arjun hit his forehead. "Nevermind." 

"I'm hungry." She grumbled. 

Arjun sighed. "What do you want to eat?" 

"Anything. Fridge me kya hai?"

"Let's see." Arjun got up and walked towards the kitchen. He turned around, seeing Deeya standing in the middle of the hallway, looking around in confusion. She had stumbled on the corner table and lost the sense of direction as the pain shot up from her knee. 

His heart felt heavy as he noticed a glint of tear in her eyes. He turned on all the lights and she covered her eyes with her hand. Arjun frowned and lowered the brightness of the lighting. He walked back, holding her hand. "Chal." 

She silently strutted behind him and hopped on the chair as Arjun checked for leftovers in the fridge. He picked up a tub of icecream and scooped it out in two bowls. He crumbled some cookies and put in on top, added another cookie on the side. He placed the bowl in front of Deeya and took a seat beside her. 

"Itadakimasu!" (Let's eat.) Arjun took a bite and waited for Deeya. This was her favourite dessert and she hadn't touched it. "Deeyu! It's ice cream with chocolate chip cookies. Your favourite." He patted her head. "Kya hua, bachha?"

"Uhm." She hummed. 

Arjun fed her a spoonful. After eating a few bites, Deeya turned to Arjun. "Sorry Dau." 

"For?" Arjun furrowed his eyebrows.

"Being a burden on you all. You come home tired after a long day at work and I still make you stay up stay here with me bothering you. I don't deserve any of this love care attention I am getting."

Arjun looked at her teary eyes. "No," He cupped her face. "You're not bothering me. You will never be a burden to any of us, Deeyu. Never. I understand you're frustrated because of the constant medications and tests. I know you don't like going to the hospital and it's emotionally taxing for you but it's important, right. We want you to be healthy, once again. And you're my champ, you can't lose your hope like this, dear. I know you love living your life on your terms and all of this right now is like a nightmare. But we are here with you, and we'll get through it, together." 

She waited for him to finish. "Who taught you to give pep talks?"

"No one."

"Makes sense, you're terrible at it." She chuckled. The air felt heavy and she had to laugh at something before she broke down crying. 

"Huh?" 

Deeya shrugged. "Nevermind. I feel better now."

"Good then, finish your ice cream before it melts."

"By the way, this isn't my nightmare. You know I'm an lil' attention seeking wh-re, I'm loving all the attention I'm getting. But yeah, I miss being independent. Being able to do things on my own, without needing someone's help." 

"You are stronger than you think. I believe in you."

"I don't. I wouldn't even trust myself. Believe? That's out of the question." 

"Pagal." Arjun smacked her head. 

She licked the spoon. "Anyways, tell me, when are you proposing Sunshine and why on earth haven't you done it already?"

"I'm not sure how to do it perfectly." Arjun mumbled.

"So you're dumbass is stuck with perfection?"

"Ayy!"

"You know you can give her a rose and ask to marry you and she'd say yes. It's not rocket science, broski! Stop fussing about and just do it, already."

"But how?" he sighed in desperation.

Deeya smacked his head. "Bar is on the floor and here you are, limbo dancing with the devil."

"What?" 

"You're an idiot, that's what!" She took a deep breath, "Tell me what have you planned or thought of?"

"I have a lot of ideas," Arjun began, "On the beach, in a fancy restaurant or maybe on the terrace?" 

"Terrace sounds good, go ahead." 

"But wouldn't it be too simple?"

"If you want extra, then fill up the terrace with her favourite flowers and maybe diamonds?"

"Diamonds?" He chuckled, "Where do you get such ideas from?"

"It's a secret treasure." She pointed a finger on her head. "Okay, so choose a full moon night or a starry one. Candle light dinner, beautifully decorated terrace and the two of you. Also her favourite food. And the ring, you've chosen it, right?"

"What's to choose? She will be getting our great-grandmaa's ring, like every bride of the house has." Arjun took the last bite of his cookie.

"Ugh, that would be the wedding ring. This is different. Get yourselves matching bands with your initials or something. So cute!"

"Very cliched. Rosh doesn't like them, anyways."

"Then propose her with a paper ring and take her to the jewellers and let her choose."

"Not needed. I know what she likes, I will get it." Arjun determined.

"Jab sab pata hi tha, soch ke bhi rakha tha toh intezaar kis chiz ka kar rahe thhe bhaya?"

"Tere India wapas aane ka."

"Kyu?" She looked puzzled.

"I want you to be a part of my wedding, so."

"That I'll obviously be, but what has it do with your delayed proposal?"

"Because you'll be supervising all of it."

"Nope. I'm not doing your homework, unless you want me to put a ring on her and call her my wife." Deeya winked.

Arjun smacked her head, "Chup kar!"

"Seriously, though, you got this! Keep it simple, make it elegant and memorable."

Roshni peeped in the kitchen, panicked and almost out of breath. "Here you are!" She heaved a sigh of relief seeing Deeya. "Where were you? I've been searching for you."

Deeya looked in her direction apologetically. "So sorry Sunshine, I came out for a walk."

Arjun walked upto Roshni, sliding his hand around her waist. "Sorry for worrying you dear, hope you haven't been awake for too long."

"No. Just a few minutes." 

"Alright," Deeya got up and walked towards the hallway, "you two love birds keep chirping, I'm off to sleep." She faked a yawn and stepped out. "Goodnight." 

"Goodnight," both replied in unison. Arjun watched out till Deeya had reached halfway to her room and turned to Roshni. He stroked her cheek, "I don't have words to thank you, Rosh. The way you've been taking care of Dee-"

"Well, she's our precious princess. I'd do anything for her." Roshni put her hands around his neck.

"Precious princess? Damn, my monster is not a delicate damsel."

"That doesn't make her any less precious."

"Two days and you've gotten so close." Arjun leaned in. "Should I be worried?"

"About her proposing to me? Maybe, I'll say yes." Roshni winked and smiled slyly, enjoying the annoyed expression on Arjun's face.

"As if," He pulled her closer, "I'd let you go."

Roshni flicked his nose and stepped back, "Right now, you should go to sleep."

"Sure, let's go." He winked.

"No." 

Arjun smiled and kissed her forehead."Goodnight, my love."

Roshni tilted her head, where was his usual tease- you dirty mind, I said let's go to sleep. She asked, gently stroking his cheek, "Arjun, are you okay?"

He dropped his mask, "How did you know?"

She smiled knowingly. "What is bothering you?"

"Not sure." He pecked her hand.

Means you don't feel like sharing it. She hugged him in assurance. "It's going to be alright, we got this. Also a good sleep helps clear out the mind." 

"Yes ma'am." 

"Goodnight, sleep tight." Roshni kissed his cheek and went to her room. 

~

Next morning, ETF Conference Room. 

Arjun looked at the team busy with paperwork, "I think we should look at everything from a fresh perspective."

"No need." Sameer said, "There was a call from the ministry to wrap up the case. Don't bother about it."

"Rathore?"

"Arjun, we don't have any solid evidence, and the new post mortem report suggests that Yash's death was accidental, he slipped and fell on his head, causing brain haemorrhage."

"How convenient." Arjun chuckled at the thought. "The bartender and his friend are still being punished, right? I will be pressing multiple charges including attempt to murder. They're the reason my Deeyu is nearly blind. They're not getting away with it."

"Blind?" Riya's eyes widened in shock as she realised Deeya didn't look at the picture when she showed her and that was the reason Roshni was feeding her. Arjun's overly concerned and protective behaviour made sense. 

"The doctors said it's temporary but they weren't sure how long it can last." 

"Arjun! Itna sab ho gaya aur tune mujhe kuch bhi batana zaruri nahi samjha?" Sameer asked angrily.

Arjun looked at him and the team, he didn't realise that he said his thoughts aloud. He hadn't told them about her blindness as he didn't want them to pity her. 

"Arjun?" Sameer called him again. 

Arjun's phone buzzed and he rushed back home.

~

Rawte Mansion,

Shalini was packing the passports in her handbag when Arjun came in. "Aai, everything ready?" 

"Yes beta. Your dad will be joining us directly at the airport. I've packed for Deeyu and myself." 

"You've kept all the reports and other files?"

"Yes dear. Everything is packed." Shalini smiled at her son. "You take care of yourself and Roshni."

"I have talked to Singapore police, they will be sending someone for protection. I have also talked to Deeya's friends, they will assist you as needed. Please don't hesitate to call me."

Shalini cupped his cheek. "Beta, I understand. You don't worry, your dad will be there with us."

"Please take care of yourself as well, aai." 

She smiled. "Aaj aisa lag raha ki mera beta sach mein bada ho gaya hai." 

Arjun nodded, "I'll go talk to Deeyu." 

~

A month later.

Arjun and Roshni were waiting at the Airport arrivals. Deeya and Arjun's parents were returning from Singapore after her successful treatment. 

"Hey Sunshine!" Deeya rushed to hug Roshni. "You're looking so much prettier!" she squealed in happiness.

"You're looking cute with those glasses on, princess!" Roshni smiled.

Arjun crossed his arms, "Alright, tum dono ka Bharat milap ho gaya ho toh,"

"Tch! Tch!" Deeya clicked her tongue, looking at Roshni's hand, "there's still no ring, remember my challenge?" She winced as Arjun smacked her head, not so gently.

"Wearing glasses doesn't make the monster sophisticated, you're still an idiot." He chided.

"Alright, kids, continue your banter at home, we are old people, tired of the long journey." Suryakant said to his unruly grownup children.

"Tujhe main baad mein dekhunga." Arjun mumbled to Deeya.

"Kyu, baba ke saamne phat rahi hai?" She retorted.

"Nai," 

Shalini rolled her eyes at the siblings. At least they were all safe and together, happy. She whispered a small prayer for the safety of her family. 

~ 

Later that night, Arjun heard a knock on his door. He turned his head to see Deeya.

"Tu kab se knock karna seekhi hai?" He asked as she walked in. 

"Socha thoda surprise de du," Deeya sat on the couch beside him, trying to peep in his phone, he turned it off.

"Bhabhi se baat kar rahe thhe ya koi aur setting hai?"

"Setting toh tere dimag ki thik karni padegi mujhe." He said, pulling her ear. She smacked his hand off. 

"Dau," Deeya began earnestly, "I've decided, the Intelligence Bureau posting I've got, I'll be taking it." 

"Dee? I thought you would continue with ETF. Ye achanak se, kya hua?"

"Mujhe toh pehle bhi ETF join nahi karna tha, aapki aur Commissioner uncle ki zidd ke chalte maine probationary posting accept ki thhi. I didn't like the way you were questioned because of me. Meri wajah se mere Dau pe koi ungli uthaye, ye main bilkul bardasht nahi karungi." She looked at him, "also, I enjoy living an independent life, having you around all the time isn't much fun. You're too overprotective at times." She pouted.

"Overprotective?" Arjun gasped, "What have I done?"

"I have a list." She shrugged. "Anyways, is your proposal ready?"

"Almost." He quickly pulled out a ring box. "See!"

Deeya looked at the ring, "It's perfect! Day after tomorrow is full moon night, take half day off. Tell Samie bro, not to call or disturb you no matter what. I'll ask Aai Baba to come with me somewhere, overnight trip." 

Arjun chuckled at the plan she was ready with. "Tu aur tere ideas, always perfect."

"Well I was born perfect. But don't you dare mess this up."

"I won't. I've rehearsed my speech 50 times already."

"Then why are you so nervous? You got this, broski! She's all yours, proposal is just a formality. Don't stress, it's meant to be fun and memorable." 

Arjun shook his head. "Baat toh aise kar rahi hai jaise 50 proposal tu khud kar chuki hai." 

"Well, I will do it, if you want." She teased him. 

"Shut up!" Arjun smacked her hand and both burst out laughing. 

~*~

Next up, The Proposal & Epilogue ❤️

What do you think about the case? Normal, something off? Some truths still hidden? 

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