Chapter : Flirting with Disaster

Chapter : Flirting with Disaster

Rudraksh's steel grey Lamborghini slowed near a busy intersection, choked with chaos, honking, and shouting . He slammed his hand against the steering wheel , his temple throbbing with disrelish.

“This Mumbai's traffic is so adamant and annoyingly disgusting !” Vicky muttered.

Rudraskh didn't look at his friend ,who was sitting in the passenger seat .

“ Let me check!”

Rudraksh's hand moved onto his seat belt , but Vicky cut him short, “ Ruk , mein bhi aata hoon!”

With a low mechanical hum, Rudraksh pressed the button. The segment roof panels lifted , then gracefully folded and slid into the rear compartment. The Lamborghini transformed into a sleek open-top Spyder.

Vicky stood up in his seat and peered outside.

As Rudraksh's voice roared with irritation, he shouted ,“ Hey ,damn it!..Clear the traffic..you bloody …

His words stuck in his throat, and his attention snapped back to the road. He stood, mouth agape , momentarily forgetting to breathe.

Four rowdy boys surrounded a woman. She was wearing only a white formal shirt, hair tied in a bun and her stance exuded confidence.

Before he could register what was happening, a loud crack echoed through the stillness of the night.

The girl's elbow collided with one of the men's jaws. Blood spurting out along with a tooth , as if he was spitting out gutka . He stumbled backwards when her black boot slammed into his stomach.

She swirled around so smoothly, like liquid steel—flexible yet durable enough to break bones.

Suddenly , the third man lunged to grab her wrist. She turned back slightly, bent her leg backwards, and landed a kick in his chest .

The man dropped to the road ,frantic and fidgeting pathetically.

The woman dusted off her hands, breathing steadily with irritation flashing across her face.

She didn’t look back once.

Not at the fallen men. Not to the onlookers.

The last man brandished a knife . With a calculative movement, she seized his wrist, causing the weapon to slip from his grip.

Another CRACK echoed through the air.

A whimper escaped the man's mouth as he cradled his injured hand, his eyes watering. He started to run , with a warning “ Mera , boss tujhe chhodhega nahi !’’

Suddenly , her eyes reddened , “ Mein bhi dekhti hoon , tera boss kaise chuho ko pala hai !” She gritted

Rudraskh leaned forward, captivated by the unfolding scene. His hands rested over the car railing and his eyes darkened with interest.

“ Kaun hai yeh?” He muttered in law without knowing . “Police ? Fighter? Yeh Disaster ?”

Vicky chuckled “ puri puri ki puri ATOM BOMB , hai bhai!”

Rudraksh grinned “ Interesting “ he murmured. “ Very interesting “

“ Bhai, don't move ,” Vicky hissed. “ Last year you were involved in a mess , and remember ? And how Uncle and my Dad scolded us both , as if we were declared as most wanted criminals of Mumbai “ Vicky stated quietly

Rudraksh stared at him. Vicky wasn't only his close friend but his partner-in-crime since college.

With nodded reluctantly . And sank down in the car . Slowly, the road cleared . The Disaster Girl was nowhere to be found. He didn't even know her name but an odd ache still remained in his chest , sharp , bitter and surprisingly annoying . As if something important had slipped past him without his permission.

He wondered who she was .

Then—

BANG.

The car jerked to a halt.

The Disaster Girl stood right in front of them .

Rudraksh's heart took off like it had signed up for a marathon.Before he could react,she yanked the door open and pulled him out by the collar, a sugary smile played on her lips.

His eyes shut immediately, he leaned forward his face , lips pouting as if ready to receive a kiss .

“Nalayak!” she snapped. “Kya tujhe neend mein bhi chain nahi hai?!”

Rudraksh’s eyes flared red. Confusion and surprise wash over him .

He stumbled and fell onto the ground.

“ Who the hell are you?” He roared …and

He blinked. Once ..then twice…everything around him looked familiar..yet different. The soft light . Brown curtains. The smell of coffee filled the air .

It was then that his gaze shifted towards the voice . His mother was standing near the bed . Her eyes were beetroot as if Yama himself had offered the job to a female version.

“ Mom…?” Rudraksh rubbed his eyes , confused. “ You?”

“ Haa, “ she said sarcastically. “ I'm your Mom. The unfortunate one , Mother of my Nalayak son “

Rudraksh gulped in fear .

“ It's eleven past thirty,”she continued calmly, which was never a good sign “Don't you have work to do?”

Ragini continued , patting her forehead just once .“ And who am I lecturing? She went on “ One of the most Nalayak Raees of our family. Your cousin Prithvi took charge of the family business at twenty. And looked at you , you're twenty-five and haven't even finished your MBA.”

She slid down on the bed , still keeping her gaze on her son “ And Reyansha ? She's your age . She's running an event management company across India and South Asia .

Rudraksh stared at his mother, his cheeks burned with embarrassment. “ Mom , meri company abhi future mein ban rahi hai .”

He flashed his teeth on display, as he continued, slightly terrified and slightly amused “ And If I go abroad and leave you , who will you shout at every morning, huh? “

Rudraksh's grin widened, clearly proud of his logic , being lazy . “ And basically, mein aap ka frustration dur kar raha hoon “ He said very casually . “ And that too at a very advanced professional level .”

Ragini’s nostrils flare and unflare in agitation “ Rudraaaaa…”

Rudraksh's eyes popped out of their sockets , already sensing the impending danger. Fully aware of what was coming next , he jumped up and sprinted into the washroom.

“ Yeh , Mom bhi na, “ he muttered , his chest heaving up and down. Careful enough, his voice was low , “ Mera Jazbaato ko nahi samjhti .“

He rubbed his chest , trying to calm his breathing.

Ragini was busy arranging the rumpled bed .

“ Rudra.. “ her voice rang out sharply “ We're going shopping in the evening. Don't forget.”

“ But why , Mom?”he shouted back , grinning like a goat “Who’s even going to notice you . As far as I know , Dad still hasn't returned from Singapore.”

Ragini's eyes shut , inhaling deeply . Muttering under breath “ Patience, Ragini, patience.”

Sometimes, she genuinely wondered how this boy had even passed school.

Her voice emerged again, this time threatening. “ Pragya's engagement is in ten days to go .I need to buy a gorgeous necklace for her . And I have a meeting for the next three days, and later we have to pack for Udaipur . Your grandfather wants us all to go .”

She paused before adding pointedly. “ And why not , She is the youngest granddaughter of Papa. “ Ragini smiled to herself.

Rudraskh stepped out of the bathroom , freshly showered , rubbing his head with a towel. ' Mom… Pragya shaadi kar rahi hai !’ “ He sighed dramatically. “ Aww, why is she ruining her life so early?”

“ What's wrong with getting married. “ Ragini countered instantly. “ Sabki shaadi hoti hai…teri bhi ek din hogi !”

Ragini grinned wickedly, giving a mini attack to Rudraksh's..

Rudraksh grimaced in response. “ Mom..!!

Ragini stood in front of her son and snatched the towel from his hands and said in a firm voice “ bet chup chap yanha!”

She gestured to him , towards the plush L-shaped sofa . Rudra rolled his eyes, and dropped onto it .

“ I won't get married, “ He said , shaking his head . “ Mein insab jhamelo mein nahi pade wala ” He shrugged .

Ragini giggled mischievously, still rubbing the towel through his damp hair.

“Everyone says that before marriage. And once the marriage happens, especially the boys , they even completely forget their parents”

Rudraskh's rubbed his palm together wickedly “ So , you're saying, Dad forgot his family after marrying you !”

He said flashing his teeth on display.

Ragini laughed softly and patted his shoulder, affectionately.

“ Shaitan kahi ka..! Sometimes I really wonder who will marry you . You still behave like a child “

Rudra smirked , still his eyes were sparking amusement. “ Why are you so desperate to tie me with a knot , then?"

Ragini’s expression softened. “ Because, it's necessary, beta . Friends, work, career everything will come and go . But a right partner stays through every phase of life . Just like your father is doing for me .”

Rudraskh's expression snapped, he said, trying to be reasonable. “Still ,I ain't ready. I'm only twenty-five . And what if that girl comes with full motive and starts ruling the house like a dictator?”

Ragini studied her son thoughtfully , her hand folded beneath her chin .

“ Aarey waha …” she said fondly. “ Mere beta toh aapni family ko leke bhaut sochta hai ,... kya baat hai !”

She waved her hand around Rudraksh's head ,as if warding off evil.

“My sweetu” she pinched his cheeks.

“ Mom..!” Rudraskh groaned “ Don't do this. I hate this.” He complaint

“Alright, alright,” she chuckled. “Get dressed. I’m arranging the breakfast table.”

“ thik hai ..thik hai ..” She chuckled. “ Get dressed . I'm arranging the breakfast table.”

She turned to leave , then paused midway.

“One more thing, you have go to airport today, Reshmi is coming”

Rudraskh's expression snapped .

“ What , “ He stared at his mother, perplexed . “ My sister is coming and you're telling me now ?”

“ Her exams ended two days ago.” Ragini replied causally. “What else can I do!”

And with that, she walked away.

Rudraksh leaned back against the sofa in his room, staring at the ceiling.

His mother's advice replayed in his mind.

“ No way." He muttered , shaking his head .“ I will not marry that easily.”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Sanyogita couldn't share her truth because Prithvi was occupied with sudden urgent calls. As time passed, her heart sank with old guilt.

The doctor came and examined her for the last time before her final discharge. Once all the procedures were settled, her clearance arrived.

As they were headed for Singhaniya skyline, Sanyogita stared at Prithvi who was sitting in the driver seat . His movements were hesitant.

Neither of them could shake off the strom had passed between them since last night .Prithvi felt relieved that she understood him , at least. Meanwhile, Sanyogita sank in the front seat , her gaze flickered towards the outside world as Prithvi's sleek Mercedes Benz rolled smoothly along the road.

The silence stretched uncomfortably thick between them.

Prithvi's gaze flickered towards her , on her , noticing the bandage wrapped around her forehead. She was leaning against the plush seat, still lost in a web of thinking.

He was even ready for a healthy argument with her.

His heart was wrenched seeing the sight . He was expecting, she would say something—anything, even if it meant asking stupid questions.He was ready to argue a healthy argument with her .

Sanyogita's voice came in, breaking the silence “ V- Viraj…” her lips trembled. “ I want to say something to you.”

Prithvi heave a sigh. “ Sanjh , whatever you want to say, let's talk about it when we get home .” he replied, calmly, still focused on the steering wheel, smoothly navigating the street.

Sanyogita squeezed her hand tightly, her words hesitant.

“No , hume abhi kehna hai …. It's important. Please stop the car .”

Prithvi squinted at her , his mind pondering as if her words were a riddle.

Her gaze locked onto him, demanding his attention.

The tyres stretched awkwardly as the car came to an uneasy halt by the roadside.

Sanyogita came out first, breathing unevenly, as the truth inside her chest was suffocating her .

Prithvi followed her silently . They stood near the beach.The sea stretched endlessly before them . A group of teenage boys were playing football along the shore , laughing briskly , carefree and alive , while the morning sun was beaming in the eastern sky .

He stood calmly, keeping both hands tucked into his trousers pockets. He didn't rush her . He just waited.

“ Bolo,” he said calmly. “What do you want to tell me ?”

Sanyogita took a shaky breath.

“ Viraj..” her words quivered. “ I'll tell you everything…but you have to promise me one thing.”

She looked up at him , searching for his eyes. “ Please hear me out…without reacting.”

The words fell between them, fragile and irreversible.

Prithvi looked at her confused , let out a relaxing chuckle instead “Tum mujhe dara rahi ho!”

Studying her serious expression, he stood straight, pulled out hands from his pocket and clasped them before his chest .

Her gaze dropped quietly on her fingers, twisting nervously over her stomach.

“Yeh baat sach hai..” She whispered , hesitantly, “Ku yeh shaadi humne aapne marzi se nahi ki hai. “ She paused, swallowing hard.

“ However,I had a reason . A very strong one.”

A hollow bitter laugh escaped her lips , nothing like humor.

“You talk about betrayal like it’s a knife,” she said softly .

“But sometimes… it’s quieter than that. “ She looked up at him again. “Sometimes, it looks like survival.”

Prithvi stood rooted on the ground, something within him had sunk , before he could even know. “

His jaw tightened. “Tum kehna kya chahti ho?”

She wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling exposed in a way she hadn’t felt the night before.

“ Viraj…I agree that this marriage wasn't because I had no choice. “ Her voice faltered “I married because I thought….”

She dragged air deeply into her lungs .” I thought it would be an escape . A freedom I had been craving so long ”

Prithvi's sharp eyes never left her . His frown deepened.

“ I promise myself it wasn't betrayal .” She continued quickly. “ Because I never planned to hurt you.”

Her voice was laced with embarrassment, "I wanted to fly …but my wings were clipped before I was ready to soar.”

The words poured out of her like a sudden downpour, like a torrential flood, threatening to wash away before they could take root.

“I want to escape from my father's cage.” She said, “ He never supported my dream to pursue singing. However, it doesn't mean he didn't love me. Indeed he did. He took care of me, gave me the best education, all branded clothes and accessories, everything.”

She tasted the bitterness in her throat, eyes went glossy .” But singing, singing and dancing ? Those are something as if one the biggest sins in his eyes. “

Her eyes shifted towards the vast ocean , gaze blur beneath water eyes . “ He said we come from a dignified family. No woman in Goel family dreams to pursue a career in bollywood”

As the old wound shook her body as soon as they had resurfaced.

“ When I was in college, I mustered the courage put my talent out into the world. I just wanted recognition…bas ek mauka .” Her throat tightened. “But , after a few weeks , all the videos were gone . So were my dreams. “

She paused .

“Dad deleted everything."

Silence pressed once again.

“And I felt caged again," she said. “ After graduation, he brought marriage proposals. But I told him I want to study farther. He didn't say anything, instead he encouraged me and also tightened the leash.”

A faint smile forms on her face , almost full of hurt . “Twenty four hours of surveillance. And my friends stopped being attached to me .”

Her eyes lifted to Prithvi.

“ Then I got a proposal from your family.” She shook her head . “ I wanted to reject it , like all the others. But again I thought no matter how much I try , my fate will strangle me with marriage anyway.”

A bitter laugh escaped her mouth . Her gaze flickered back to the Ocean once again , Her mind was a whirlwind of memories of forbidden disciplines.

“ So I agreed.” I promised myself I would focus on my dreams. “

Sanyogita paused , before speaking this time. Her eyes search for his gaze .

Prithvi's expression was calm, unmoving.

She said “ And if our marriage doesn't work we …we will part ways.”

“So I agreed.”

His thoughts froze. Past, present, future—everything collapsed into one unbearable moment.

Prithvi stared at her still. His thought process stops, for a moment. Past, present and future collapsed into one unbearable moment. Her words echoed in his mind.

“And in the morning when you talked about your father…” her lips trembled, “I realised something.”

She pressed her palm to her chest.

“That I walked into your life carrying my own hidden truth. And that makes me… no better than the people you punish.”

She looked at him with naked honesty.

Prithvi looked away first. Not because he was angry. But because if he looked at her any longer, something inside him would shatter. He took a step back, ran a hand through his hair, breathing unevenly.

“So that’s what this is,” he said quietly. “Guilt.”

"Maybe"she replied. “Or maybe fear.”

She looked at him , unwavering. “ Whatever it was …I don't want to keep you in the dark anymore.”

His gaze snapped back to her.

“Then how long were you planning to hide this from me?” he asked sharply.

Sanyogita flinched suddenly against his stern gaze, then steadied herself.

“ I was going to tell you very soon.”

Another silence. It is heavier than before.

Prithvi's voice came slow, but dangerous . "So perform at that local function …was that of the plan too ?”

He looked straight at her , gaze piercing. “A way to grab my attention?”

Her eyes burned with tears. Her cheeks flushed with humiliation and pride.

Sanyogita's eyes welled up, burning. Her cheeks reddened with humiliation and pride.

“ I didn't ask you for anything. You took me there”

Prithvi's temple was throbbing. Beneath the composed exterior, something twisted.. pride, fear , vulnerability, even he couldn't tell.

“So what am I supposed to believe?” He snapped a shot .“ That this marriage came with benefits?”

He asked hoarsely. “Ke mujhe sirf ek raasta samajha gaya ?”

Sanyogita's eyes widened. Anger and shame clashed fiercely.

“ Aap ko lagta hai , humne yeh shaadi apke daulat or power dekh ke Kiya hai?” She hissed.

“All those things you said before.. I believe you genuinely respected my hard work.”

Her voice was shaking. “ Pad hume kya pata tha Viraj,...aap hamari niyat pe hu sawaal uthayenge.”

She stepped closer, eyes blazing with humiliation. “Aap ko apni power aur status mein bhaut ahankar hai na.” …

She held his gaze unflinched." Lekin ek baar yaad rakhiyega if you become the richest man in the world,... I still won't land eyes on your wealth.”

Her voice suddenly softened, but didn't weaken. “I value people for their dignity . For how they treat a human being…like a human being.”

Prithvi stared at her, stunned. Her words struck him like a physical blow to his ego. Precise and unavoidable.

Sanyogita continued, tears shimmering over blue grey eyes.

“ I started to respect you , Viraj, “ she whispered. "I admire you.”

He gulped down her pride .

“But today you proved something else. Whatever people are saying about my talent ..shayad wohi sach hai.”

They see my surname before my efforts. "She pressed her hand to her chest.“Magar aap hamari baat bhi sun lijiye . Hum koi Cheez nahi hai.”

Her voice trembled with restrained emotion. “Hum bhi insaan hai. Aur hame bhi sapne dekhne ka haq hai .

She straightened. “Shayad woh sapne aap jaise unchi imaaratein na bana paayein.” she paused.

“Lekin , hum jo bhi karte hai, dil se karte hain. kisiko madat karke mahan baniye ke liye nahi .”

Her final words landed like a verdict.

“Aaj ke baad, hum aapne sapne apne dum pe banaenge.” She looked at him, unwavering. “Hume aapki kisi madat ki zarurat nahi.”

The wind roared between them.

Prithvi stood there motionless. Her words echoed in his mind , shape, bitter , unavoidable.

And for the first time, he didn't know—

Whether the cruelty he felt choking him belonged to him or to the name of Singhaniya.

A sudden ringtone shattered the cumbrous silence .

The screen lit up , with Pranali’s face appearing on the screen .

Her smiling photo that usually softened his mornings, but today it only made his heart pound harder .

He answered.

“Hello, Mom…”

From the other side came Pranali’s worried voice.

“Prithvi? Tum dono subah-subah kahaan chale gaye? I sent breakfast to your room but neither of you were there.”

Pranali's worried voice emerged from the other side of the phone.

“ Prithvi?” Where are both of you , now ? I sent breakfast to your room but neither of you were there.”

Prithvi's lips parted, but no words came for a moment .

Sanyogita's head turned slightly towards him . Her brows knitted, sensing his hesitation. Her heartbeat quickened.

Prithvi glanced at her once. Just once. And something in his chest tightened.

He hated lying to his mother. However, he steadied his voice.

“ Good morning Mom. Yes…Sanyogita and I had some early work today . On the way we… meet with a small accident…

Prithvi's face burned. He only knew how that small accident strangled his breathing.

“ What?!” Pranali’s panic was immediate.“ Who's accident? Beta , are you and Sanyo, both are alright na ?” .

Prithvi's throat went dry, he dragged some embarrassing air into his lungs. “ Mom, …we are on the way home . I'll explain everything there .”

Before she could ask more, he disconnected the call.

Silence returned.

He exhaled slowly, guilt pressing heavily on his chest. Without looking at her, he muttered quietly,

“Mom is worried for us … And…

She cut him off mid words

“ Hum , Mom ko kuch nahi batayege. “

She stared at him unmoving . Her gaze unwavering. No accusing , no anger .

Only… understanding.

Prithvi stared at her blankly, and then nodded silently.

For the rest of the way , neither spoke anything.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

It was World Environmental Day .The ruling party had organized a rally to spread awareness—a healthy environment means a healthy nation.

A large banner of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan fluttered beside the road.

One of the rally members casually spat tobacco which landed straight onto the poster. An irony hung in the air, unnoticed by everyone except the few silent onlookers.

Police officers had barricaded the road with metal barriers marked No entry 🚫 ⛔.

In previous years, people had violated traffic rules recklessly and the police were blamed for mismanagement . Hence,this year, trained officers were deployed to strictly control the route .

A steel grey Lamborghini rolled slowly toward the barricade.

Rudraksh sat behind the wheel,one hand lazily resting on the steering, while Vicky lounged in the passenger seat, scrolling through the phone.

Once he told Vicky he was heading to receive his younger sister, Vicky decided to join him since he needed to embark on the same location for personal matters. He had been invited to his grandmother's house for lunch. Rudraksh was even excited to join the meal, but he couldn't dismiss the work given by his mother. A rush of excitement washed over him , imagining finally meeting his sister, as it had been, almost two years since she left for MBA studies in Columbia. They had barely met or spoken during that time.

“ Wo dekho” he muttered sarcastically, “aa gaye netaoke chamche…police!”

Vicky chuckled. “You still hate them “

They act like they’re the only saviors of the country.”

“ Why not , they act like they alone get the licence to bring a Renaissance in the country.

Vicky shook his head . “ Relax. They are just doing their duty…and polishing Politicians”

Rudraksh laughed.

The car was blasted with loud music. They were so much dissolved in their conversation that they barely noticed the barricade ahead.

The NO ENTRY sign ⛔ 🚫

Suddenly, a whistle shrieked, forcing them to halt midway.

Both the boys' eyes went enlarged in their sockets. They saw a lady constable standing nearby Rudra's car .

Once the black-tined window had rolled down.For a second, she forgot her duty. She wasn't sure whether to look at the Lamborghini… or the man driving it.

Rudraksh lowered his sunglasses, just enough to reveal his eyes. His eyes were sparking mischievously.

He said in his flirty tone .“Yes, beautiful lady . Main aap ki kya madat kar sakat hoon !”

The lady constable blinked, completely thrown off balance. Her cheeks flushed, her mouth instinctively opened , then closed down immediately.

She cleared her throat “...uuhh!”

Vicky chuckled inside.

The constable straightened, forcing professionalism into her voice . “This is a no entry zone . Can't you see the board ?”

Rudraksh suddenly blinked , pretending to be innocent. “ I'm sorry, I didn't see it …but this doesn't come with life sentence …Right ?”

The constable shook his head. “ No . But you need to show your driving license . A fine will be charged .”

Rudraksh leaned back lazily, one arm resting on the window frame, sunglasses still on ,a slow smirk forming on his lips.

Vicky learned it , scoffed sarcastically. “ Madam,jaanti hi bhi hai gaadi kiski hai ?”

The constable parted her lips to respond, but then a calm , firm voice cut through the air.

“ Gaadi kiski ki bhi ho. Law is the same for everyone.”

Footsteps approached.

His gaze slowly motion from the polished boots ,to the uniform and then to the face. His hands instinctively remove the sunglasses. Even his smirk disappeared. And he forgot to move and even to breathe.

She stood in his car, posture straight, eyes sharp as a blade .

The Disaster girl .

Just for a moment his gaze flickered to her shoulder where her name was displayed, on the custom plate .

IPS

MAYURI BANSAL “

She met his gaze without blinking.

“Yeh no-parking zone hai,” she said coolly. “Board nahi dikha? Ya sunglasses kya decoration ke liye pehne hain?”

But none of her words reach his ear . He was busy observing the details of her expressions. Her nose ring shimmered under the sunlight. He thought how someone could be both so beautiful yet intimidating at the same time.

Vicky whispered , “Bhai… license nikaal.”

But , no reply came .

Rudra leaned slightly closer out of the window. His words slipped before he could hold them .

“Tum samne se aur bhi bhayankar khubsurat lagti ho!”

Mayuri’s eyes widened surprisingly.

The constable stood there with her open mouth.

Vicky closed his eyes . “Ho gaya.Yeh toh gaya aaj.” He murmured under breath.

Mayuri snapped her fingers in front of his face.

“ Mr…stop your nonsense.” She gritted her teeth “ And show your license.”

Rudra blinked.once ..then twice . And returned to reality. He patted his pockets, searched his wallet, and dashboard but couldn't find the document.

“One .. minute” He muttered.

Mayuri crossed her arms. “ Kya hua nahi mil rahi hai !. Police pe rob jharte aur bakwas karte waqt to zubaan achaa chalta hai.”

Rudra looked up at her seriously.

“ Sach bataun? Aap yuh achanak saamne aa gayi…aur memory short-circuit ho gayi.”

Vicky stared at him, dumbfounded. He hissed “Tu marwayega humein.”

Rudra ignored Vicky's warning.

Mayuri's eyes narrowed.

“ Come out of your car . Utariye gaadi se.”

“ Ji mein ?” Rudra looked at her, blinked innocently.

“ Yes ..you “ She nodded irritably.

As he stepped out slowly, his eyes narrowed. “Aab mujhe aise maat ghuriye...daar lagta hai … traffic signal pe bhi itna laal nahi hota jitna aap ho rahi hai.”

The constable choked.

“Shut up.” Mayuri's face reddened with embarrassment.

Rudraksh's words slipped out again. “ Main nahi bol raha hoon , Officer… situation mujhe bolwa rahi hai.”

“Enough! “ She said , in a stern voice . “This is an official procedure.”

Rudra looked around at the barricade, then back at her.

“Dekhiye , Mayuri Ji…”

Her eyes widened.

Rudra tongue checked .“ I mean Officer.. Main criminal type bilkul nahi hoon.”

“Accha?” she said cooly, a sarcastic smirk glinting in her lips. Her brow arched , wondering about his defensive logic.

Rudraksh coughed to clear his throat . “Haan. Criminals to police ko dekh kar bhag jata hai. But I stayed . I definitely deserve a good civilian certificate.”

Mayuri rolled her eyes, struggling to control her irritation. “ Lisence.” She hissed

Rudra gaze flickered towards her bandage, just once.

“ Licence baad mein de dunga… pehle ek doubt clear kariye. “ He looked at her eyes “ Aap IPS hain ya public heartbeat testing machine ?”

“What nonsense!” She hissed

Rudra expression turned serious,

“Because mera heartbeat abhi abnormal ho gaya hai. “ He pressed his palm over his chest .“ I need a medical emergency , ..challan cancel kar dijiye”

Mayuri's fist clenched, irritation crawling up her skin.

“ Stop your nonsense,..” She stepped ahead, hand raised slightly in the air , to hit him “unless , if you want to get arrested!”

Rudra flinched back, pretending to be scared.

“Aap arrest karengi? Theek hai… par ek request hai.” He looked at her , peering slightly frightened.

Her frown deepened. “What?”

Rudra’s eyes sparkled wickedly..“Mug shot left profile se hi lena…woh kya hai na , right side mera favourite hai.”

Mayuri's mouth instinctively dropped open, then closed tightly. Her thought process momentarily fused.Her hands slipped down behind her waist, only to pull out the handcuffs.

“ You will not understand easily….

Rudraksh's eyes widened, his expression a mix of fear and amusement as he looked at the cuffs.

He muttered , beaming like a shy groom “Itni jaldi commitment? Hum toh pehli baar mile hain na officer”

“Shut. Up.” Mayuri said. “ Maan kar raha hai, instead of your hands , seal the handcuffs in your filterless mouth.”

Rudra grinned like a scapegoat. “ Hehehee”

“ Main tumhari tarif nahi kar rahi hoon !” She taunted , glaring at him sharply.

Vicky's panicked voice emerged from the car , “ Rudra, tu chup reh ..”

Rudra conveyed in a complaining tone . “Dekha Officer? Dost bhi jealous ho raha! Kyuki aap sirf mujhe hi attention de rahi ho.”

Mayuri chewed her cheeks, looking sharply at him . “I am giving you a legal notice.”

Rudraksh's grin deepened, as he said, very confidently .“Mujhe toh personal interest lag raha hai.”

“ Behave yourself, Mr. I don't stand here to entertain you .” She warned ,her heartbeat quickened impatiently. “ Last time asking, license…”

“ Nahi de sakta.”Rudra shook his head. “Emotionally disturbed hoon.”

“ Why ?” She stared at him , frowning, standing straight, with clasping hands over her chest.

“Aapki wajah se.”

Vicky slapped his own forehead.

Mayuri reached near him to tie the handcuffs. Her jaw clenched. ““Enough. You are under arrest.”

Rudra smiled mischievously. “Coffee pe chalte hain… aap kahogi toh kundali bhi dedunga”

Mayuri rolled her eyes, and her hands were busy fastening his wrists.

“ For now , you'll go to the police station. Jail ke hawa khalo , tab saare akaal thikane aa jaayegi.”

Rudraksh's eyes suddenly softened, slightly sad. “ Sach bataun?Aaj subah ghar se nikla tha behen ko lene k liye… par lagta hai kismat ne mujhe kisi aur se hi mila diya ”

Mayuri freezes for half a second —then clicks the handcuffs.

Rudra glanced at them once… then slowly lifted his eyes to her face.

A slow smile appeared.

“Waise…aap woh pehli ladki ho… jo mujhe pehle din hi bandhan mein baandh rahi hai.”

The constable choked.

Mayuri shut her eyes briefly. For the first time in her career, an arrest was testing her patience more than a criminal interrogation.

“Shut your mouth…nahi to sare daant todh dungi.”

But he wasn’t done.

He leaned a little closer, voice dipped in shameless sweetness.

“ Aap aise mat boliye…darr lag raha hai .”

He added softly. “Aur honestly… aap pe Manjulika version bilkul bhi suit nahi karta. “ He shook his head , negatively .

"Thoda smile kijiye . Criminals khud hi surrender kar denge.”

Mayuri glared sharpened. Her irritation was palpable. She steadied her composure. At this point she held back her hand from murdering this guy.