Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Lazing on her queen size bed, Tara dialed the familiar number, her heart racing with anticipation. "Hey Dhruv, how have you been?"

"I'm good. How about you, Piya? Are you doing better now?" Dhruv asked. I missed you. What? His mind couldn't comprehend the heart's musings. This is purely professional.

"It's been such a long day. It was a tough case, and I'm just drained."

Dhruv's voice was soothing. "I'm here, Piya. Tell me."

She sighed, feeling a bit lighter. "Well, I can't share the details but can you talk about something else? Like take my mind off?"

Dhruv smiled. He picked up the novel he had been meaning to read. "How about I read you out something from this novel?"

"Thanks, Dhruv. Just hearing your voice makes it better." Her heart felt elated as he read out the novel to her.

After reading a few pages, he paused. "We'll do the next reading later, okay?"

"Sure! Thank you so much for helping me out. You're a life saver, Dhruv."

"Well that's my profession. Doctor's vow to save lives."

"Indeed. You're a wonderful one!" Tara put the phone away. She would always look forward to chat with this stranger. He was so kind. He must be pretty, too.

So was Pratap and you knew him since childhood. He still cheated on you. Her mind chided.

Dhruv is not like that. Her heart protested.

How do you know? You don't know anything about him. Her mind reasoned.

Tara lay on the bed, drifting off to sleep while her heart and mind continued to fight.

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The ETF team gathered in their conference room, the air thick with tension. Their investigation had led them to "DRINKS Beverages," a seemingly innocuous company mixing drugs into soft drinks.

Liza placed a nondescript box on the table. "I analyzed the samples," she said, "Traces of cocaine and heroin."

Tara nodded in agreement. "This isn't just about spiked sodas. It's a dangerous cocktail."

"The manager seems like a tough guy, won't give any details." Chotu said.

"This guy... I think I know him." Aisha looked at the photograph carefully.

"What? How?" Tara asked.

"When I was undercover, I took drugs from him for a while. He used to go by the name Johnny."

"You sure?" Arjun questioned.

"That tattoo on his neck, I remember it very well." Aisha nodded in confirmation.

"When did you last meet him?" Sameer questioned.

"Lonavala, more than two years ago." Aisha remembered the dark alleys.

"Can you give us any details, like who all were with him, where did he get supplies from, anything else?" Arjun asked.

"I don't know where exactly he got it from, it was mostly imported and the quality was really good. He didn't have many varieties but only the best and expensive products. He used to bring them in tiny glass bottles. He also had a friend, both of whom would mostly come together." Aisha recalled her case.

"I confirmed the story that Ricky told, matches with the jail records at Pune and the Jailer confirmed it. That means they both are really working in this factory with a new start of their lives and have had a clean record ever since. They are also involved in local charities and welfare of the poor." Tara placed pictures on the table, supporting her claims.

Chotu received a call, and reported, "Sir, those boxes we collected our samples from, are missing. In fact, the whole series is missing as if it never existed. And there's a death very close to the warehouse of the factory."

"Let's go!" Sameer said.

They reached the warehouse, the body belonged to a middle-aged man, dressed simply and looked like a poor daily-wager.

"Why would someone kill him?" Tara wondered.

"He's been shot, quite precisely with a .35 calibre gun." Chotu checked the gunshot wound on the man's neck. He proceeded to check the pockets for identity.

Tara walked around towards the warehouse to look for evidence when a bullet shot went right past her right ear, "Try harder bitch!" she cursed in the direction of the gunshot, steadying her gun and began looking for the shooter.

The others too pulled out their weapons and were ready for an attack. Tara went ahead in the warehouse, Aisha followed close behind while Sameer and Arjun went to the other side. Chotu and Shree covered the front.

A small shoot-out followed and the team of four managed to have most gunners heavily injured or dead. There were 15 of them. They caught Ricky red-handed.

"S..sir! I don't know anything. I was asked to come here to check the status of shipments and it is my routine." Ricky fluttered like a leaf in the wind.

"And the dead man, do you know him?" Sameer asked.

"Yes, he used to work for us, transporting goods from here to the factory in the truck. He was a hardworking man and honest too." Ricky answered.

"That's why you killed him." Arjun said, holding Ricky's collar, "Now out with the truth!" He slapped him.

"I swear, I don't know anything." Rocky pleaded for mercy as Chotu fisted him.

A few hours of interrogation by Chotu and Arjun, Ricky spilled the beans.

"Two days ago, I got a call and they asked me to keep a carton in my warehouse that would be taken away after some days and I had to do it because they threatened to kill me. I don't know what is in that box and I was told not to open the seal. I don't know what is in the box and how all those drugs came in the tetra-packs for fruit juices. I swear sir, I don't know." Ricky begged. "Johnny knows things sir, find him."

"Why were you jailed?" Tara asked.

"Eight years ago, I stole a man's purse as I was hungry for three days." He said unashamedly.

An empty stomach inspires crimes.

"Shree, get his call details and trace the person who called Ricky. Send the body for autopsy." Sameer ordered.

"Yes sir." Shree nodded.

"Johnny." Aisha placed the picture on the information board. "There's a person who can lead me to him."

Sameer nodded. "Alright then, you and Tara can go, get the information."

Arjun frowned. "Why Tara? Chotu can accompany Aisha for backup."

Sameer sighed. "We need information from him, Arjun, not scare him away."

"I can handle this. Trust me." Tara assured her brother. "Aisha is going to be there, she will take care of me, if needed."

"Babysitting" Aisha muttered to Chotu who stifled a laugh.

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Moonlight Blue Club

The club's neon lights flickered, casting shadows on Aisha and Tara as they stepped into the loud bustling dance floor.

Aisha, the veteran, adjusted her earpiece. "Tara," she whispered, "we need to blend in. Act like regular clubbers."

Tara nodded, her heart racing. She had slipped into her wild persona -the fearless dreamer who danced with danger. Together, they navigated the crowd, eyes scanning for any sign of their target.

Near the bar, a hooded figure leaned against the wall. His eyes darted, assessing everyone who passed. Aisha's instincts kicked in. This was their man.

Approaching cautiously, Aisha initiated the coded conversation. "The night's wild, isn't it?"

The informer smirked. "Wild, indeed. Looking for something specific?"

Aisha leaned in, her voice low. "Johnny. Heard he's back in the city."

His eyes flickered. "You seek answers, but they come with a price."

"What do you know?" Aisha pressed.

"The club's heartbeat," he whispered, "is fueled by designer drugs. Follow the neon trail-the DJ booth. There, secrets spin like vinyl records."

As they turned to leave, Aisha slipped him a coded chip. "For your troubles."

He pocketed it, eyes unreadable. "Remember, ladies, some dances lead to redemption, others to ruin."

And with that, they melted back into the pulsating crowd. Tara glanced around, finding a pair of familiar eyes on her. Aisha signalled her and they left the club.

"I didn't understand a word of what he said." Tara rolled her eyes.

"It's okay, this was your first roadie. Chotu and I will handle it." Aisha shook her head, texting Chotu.

"No, I wanna join too! It is fun." Tara's eyes sparkled.

"Sorry baby, you're a noob. We're going to deal with hardcore criminals. You're not prepared for it, yet."

"But-" Tara protested.

Aisha held up her hand. "This is not daddy's adventure park, princess. These are criminals who wouldn't bat an eye before killing you. I can't be babysitting and dealing with them at once. Go home."

Tara pouted. "Fine." She stomped back into the club. Aisha shrugged, waiting for Chotu, who arrived in a few minutes as they headed off to the place her informer indicated.

The bass from the music reverberated through the floor. Tara stood near the bar, drowning a few vodka-shots.

"Slow down, girl!" Samrat walked up to her. He had seen her leave and return.

Tara gulped another shot. "Nobody tells me what to do." She replied curtly.

"Mind if I join you, then?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the music.

"Help yourself," she said. Samrat smiled, hopping onto the empty stool next to her.

"I've been waiting for someone interesting to talk to." He ordered a drink for himself. Tara remained silent. "Shall we dance?" He asked.

Her favourite song played on and she nodded. They danced, bodies swaying to the rhythm. Tara felt the heat between them, the electricity in the air. Samrat's touch was intoxicating, and she wanted more of it.

"Tell me about yourself," Samrat said, his eyes never leaving hers.

Tara smiled. "You want to hear it, or feel it?"

Samrat raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"She's a mystery," Tara replied. "She dances, laughs, and takes risks. She's everything you have dreamed of and more."

Samrat leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "Maybe tonight, you can make me feel it," he whispered.

And just like that, the club faded away, they walked back to his car.

Samrat's car was sleek, its leather seats inviting. Tara settled in, the engine purring to life. The night air was cool, and the city lights blurred as they sped away.

"So," Samrat said, glancing at her, "what's your favourite song?"

Tara grinned. "Tell me yours."

He nodded, scrolling through his playlist. The music filled the car. Tara leaned back, watching the world outside blur into darkness. "Take off your jacket. I wanna see your tattoos."

Samrat's lips curled into a smile as he threw the jacket onto the back seat. "Finally my hard-work in the gym is paying off."

She eyed his biceps and tattoos. "Delicious." She bit her lip.

"Tell me about yourself," Samrat said softly. "The one you become when life gets too mundane."

"Keep your eyes on the road, mine are on you."

"Is this your regular self or the drunk one?" Samrat wondered aloud.

"I'm not drunk. A few shots of vodka barely make me tipsy." She traced his tattoo with her finger.

"Damn, really? You sure you're Suryakant Rawte's daughter? He doesn't even have a sip of champagne, and here you are drowning vodka like it's water." Samrat looked at her from the corner of his eyes.

"Once upon a time he used to drink, a lot. Back when he was in army. It's been years he hasn't touched alcohol. It's good anyway. But I have a high tolerance."

"I can see that." Samrat shook his head. This girl is wild. She hummed the song as it played on.

"Stop the car." She said out of blue. Samrat pulled over to the side.

"What happened?"

"Kiss me."

"Girl, you're drunk. We'll do it when you're sober." Samrat shrugged. Arjun's angry face flashed in his mind. He wasn't risking a punch on his pretty face for a stupid kiss.

Tara removed her seat belt, "Come on." She leaned over, her soft skin peeping from the low cut blouse.

Samrat contemplated the risks, eyeing her cautiously. She's too sexy to say no. He turned off the engine.

"Good boy!" She chuckled, caressing on his tattooed hand. "Let's kiss."

Samrat pulled her closer, his lips slowly brushing across her soft ones. He felt like holding a delicate flower between his lips which tasted like vodka. The kiss was intoxicating.

As they parted for air, Tara settled down on her seat. "Keep driving."

"I'll drop you home."

"Thanks." She remained silent for the rest of the ride.

Samrat wondered what this wild girl wanted. His heart raced, he was determined to have her. The kiss had left him wanting for more.

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~•~

Dhruv and Tara continue their chats, will they find out about each other?

Did you like the case and team ETF?

How was Samrat Tara moment? Can they be a thing?

Are you enjoying the story?

Does it seem too fast?