Bigg Boss 19 - Daily Discussion Topic - 7th Sep 2025 - WKV
CALL FROM CELL 6.6
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 07 Sep 2025 EDT
NASEEB vs BADNASEEB 7. 6
Generation 5:A new chapter in Yrkkh
Baaghi 4 crashes on Saturday
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Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Sept 8, 2025 Episode Discussion Thread
Send tech support a message? All I had to do was update my date of birth in the profile and it worked. :( :( I might have to post 44 in the topic, so people can read it.
oh ok. I updated and still doesn’t work 🙄🙄
Please post here like always with link and password.
Chapter 44
Homebound
Day 7, Delhi
“Good morning!” Pooja and Maahi stuck their heads into her “office” that morning.
“Good morning you two! What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see how our little bean was doing, thought maybe you had time to eat with us. Narmada Auntie called.” Maahi grinned.
Imlie groaned and pouted.
“Yep! That’s going to be us from now on. Your new lunch companions, personally supervising you to make sure little bean grows into a …..” Maahi scrunched her face in confusion, “Well you know what I mean.”
“I suppose it could’ve been worse. Lunchtime….” she glanced at her watch, “Give me 30 minutes? I’ll meet you in the hospital cafeteria.”
“30 minutes, hospital cafeteria. Done.” Pooja nodded while Maahi looked around the room.
“How many people do you share this space with?”
“Mmmm…I don’t know a couple of other ancillary staff. Why?”
“Nothing…I’m just glad it’s a real room and not some closet in the hospital.” Maahi grinned, “See you in half an hour, girl.”
Half an hour later, the three friends met at the cafeteria for lunch.
“Dude, this cafeteria is way nicer than our canteen. I didn’t know LBSIMS had a separate one for employees. Love the food choices here.” Maahi’s eyes sparkled.
Imlie turned to Pooja. ”Job?” She raised her eyebrows.
Pooja grinned. “Are you trying to become like your husband? Monosyllabic questions?”
Imlie’s smile widened. “He does use words sparingly, doesn’t he?”
“You could say that. Stingy man. How are you two doing? I saw the news article about Aryan the other day. Another reason why we came over to meet you.”
Both friends looked at Imlie with solemn eyes.
“First it was that picture of you with us…..that had you freaked out…now this. Imlie, are you doing okay?” Maahi worried her bottom lip and furrowed her brow.
“I’ve had so much time to think.” Imlie carefully chewed on a piece of cucumber, before continuing, “Aryan….is in Michigan for the last several days.”
“So he does not know, does he?” Pooja asked.
“I don’t think so. He’s been busy and with our separate time zones, it's been hard to keep up.”
“Okay so remind me…what time is it in the US right now?”
“Around nine-thirty at night.”
“This night?”
“No last night. So today is…let’s see today is Wednesday noon here, it's nine thirty of Tuesday night in Michigan.”
“Confusing.”
“So we keep missing each other, playing phone tag. That’s been…..hard enough… I didn’t want him to have to worry about this too.”
“You missing him, Imlie?”
“What do you think, Maahi?” She made a face at Maahi.
“But you….don’t believe the stupid article, right?” Maahi asked.
“No….I don’t. Like I said, I’ve had so much time to think. Aryan has been cheated on before. He knows how hurt I was by Aditya’s secret and the fact the Aditya chose to spoil my life knowing he’d never be committed.” Imlie stared absentmindedly at the salt shaker on the table, reached out and began fiddling with it.
She shook her head, “Aryan would never do something so underhanded, Pooja. That and…”
“And?”
Imlie smiled wistfully. “He’s made promises, Pooja. I believe him. He’s a man of his word. Simple as that.”
“So none of this bothers you? Has he told you who this woman is?” Pooja took off her glasses and wiped them carefully.
“He hasn’t told me….quite a few things about this trip, including this woman.” Imlie frowned a little. Arjun….Kamath, the woman who'd called him that.
“And you’re okay with that?”
Imlie shook her head.
“Yes and no. We’ll talk when he comes back, Pooja. His work….” Imlie looked down at her almost finished food and forced herself to eat the last bite and contemplated.
She could not tell her friends about Aryan’s abilities and how that had led him to Michigan.
She looked up at her friends.
“We're just going to have to work out a way to communicate when we’re away from each other. That’s all. As for the article….he’s warned me. News like this, the paparazzi thrive on. If I make a big deal out of it…..they win, we lose. I am not going to let nonsense like that come between us.”
“But you will talk…” Pooja asked again.
“Of course we'll talk about it. We have to. But we both have to do it without sounding...., " She trailed off looking for a word, " accusatory? Of the other I mean…..that’s what we need to figure out.”
“When will he be back?” Maahi asked.
“Soon.” Imlie shrugged. “He couldn’t tell me an exact date.”
Unconsciously, she rubbed her bump when the baby kicked her soundly.
“Speaking of…..you’ve grown quite a bit in the last couple of weeks. Aryan’s going to notice.” Maahi grinned. “What’s the little peanut up to?”
Peanut, Bean. Imlie smiled at Maahi.
“A mover and shaker, this one, Maahi. Some nights the baby keeps me up either kicking or hiccupping. And then during the day, it’s much quieter.”
“Oh…hope it’s not a harbinger of what’s to come. You’d be so screwed and sleep deprived if it was up all night and sleeping during the day.”
Imlie nodded ruefully. "Lord, I hope not. I'd never be able to function at work."
"So how long do you think you'll be off?" Pooja asked.
"Dr. Sahani is supportive of a long leave of absence. I'd hate to be out for too long though....." Imlie scrunched her nose, "Don't know......I will probably have to talk it over with Aryan and Maa."
“Aryan. Make sure he pitches in.” Maahi quipped.
Imlie smiled contentedly. She had a feeling Aryan was going to be a very involved father whether she asked him or not.
Yes, he had some explaining to do, but she had been able to slowly put her insecurities aside. So much had passed between them. They both had come from broken relationships.
He'd said it in as many words in Indore, their marriage vows, he took them seriously. He'd spoken of his commitment to her, their family.
“So….Maahi ve, I’ve noticed…you’re not such a pottymouth anymore.” Imlie diverted their attention to a new topic.
“Who? Me?” Maahi asked innocently.
“Yes….you.” Imlie pointed her empty spoon at Maahi.
Maahi smiled sheepishly.
“Weeeelllll….” she drew out the word.
“OMG! Don’t tell me it's my turn to yell PHAAK???” Pooja asked excitedly.
Maahi chortled.
“PHAAAK!!! MAAAHI! No suspense. Spill it, NOW!!” Pooja was nearly jumping in her seat.
Maahi cleared her throat.
“Anuj asked me to marry him.”
“I thought you were in the never marry camp?” Imlie teased.
Maahi sighed.
“I definitely was, until I met Anuj. He just checks off all the boxes….you know.” She shrugged.
“Have you answered him yet?”
“Nahhhh, I’m going to make him wait for a few more days…but I am nervous…his family. They sound like such a wholesome bunch….and you know me.” She pouted.
“Yes we do. And while I won’t lie and say all will be fine…..it can be fine, you’ll just have to work at it.”
“And, sounds like he lives here and they live in Indore, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well then….just use your filter around them.” Imlie advised.
“Which filter, Imlie? The one that does not exist?” Pooja quipped.
“Hey, hey, hey!!” Maahi protested.
“She can always develop one, right?” Imlie grinned back at Pooja, then turned thoughtful eyes towards Maahi.
“Maahi…you know I love you. But are you sure? I mean….marriage is a big step.”
“Don’t worry, Imlie. Anuj promised me a long engagement, if I said yes. And I’m going to ask him to move in with me, at least a year if not two before we take the plunge.”
Imlie raised her brows.
“What? You think that’s a bad idea?” Maahi frowned at Imlie.
“No….No, I don’t. I think it’s a great idea. You two will get to know each other better. Day to day living is different from dates. Your parents, his parents….how will you convince them?”
“We’ll figure it out.” Maahi waved her hand dismissively.
Pooja glanced at her watch and made a face.
“Okay….girls, I have to get back to Rejuvia. Meet you here, same time tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry it was a long lunch hour and you’re going to have to put in overtime…you really don’t have to come here….” Imlie’s brow furrowed in concern.
“No worries. We are taking turns starting tomorrow. My turn tomorrow, then Maahi….we’ll be fine, Imlie. Remember, you always said, we are family. That’s what sisters do. ” Pooja hugged a watery eyed Imlie.
“Stop crying you stupid bish.” Maahi hugged Imlie. “We love you and as aunties to be it’s our job to make sure little bean here is well fed.” She hovered a hand over Imlie’s bump, “Does it move a lot…like right now? Do you mind if I….?”
“Go ahead, Maahi ve.”
Maahi put her hand on Imlie’s bump and waited, disappointed when she felt nothing after a whole minute.
“Okay then, fine, if that’s how you want to play it for now, little bean,” She bent and talked, “but once you are out…you and I are going to set the world on fire…right?” She grinned and winked at Imlie.
Imlie’s heart felt full as she returned to her desk, getting ready for her afternoon batch of students. Quietly, she twirled a pen.
Life was good. She was not sure why she’d been in such a funk for so long. She had it all. A husband, a loving family, another loving family outside her own - her friends, her dream job and then ….this baby. Which always brought her back to Aryan.
She swallowed a lump in her throat.
Love was such an interesting emotion. It made your heart thump, your breath catch, it made your stomach flip flop. It brought you peace, content but also anxiety, however at the end of the day, it could also be the one thing that centered you.
Her love for Aryan. It scared her. She was in so deep that sometimes she feared what she’d do without him.
Imlie closed her eyes. Come home soon, won’t you, my love?
*****************************************
Week 28, Imlie’s pregnancy
Day 7, night, Michigan
Aryan came back to his hotel a little past midnight. The day had been long and he wanted to crash. With his shoes and socks off, he lay down on his back, bone tired.
What he wouldn’t give for one hug from his wife? One smile and she could light up his day. One touch and she could soothe his nerves.
Two days. It had been two days since he’d last really talked to her. She seemed to be in good spirits. Since then, they’d only communicated in short, hurried voice messages. Damned time difference.
Imlie. He closed his eyes.
I can’t wait to be home again. And when I do….I’m going to be brave and say it. I’ve already made the plunge, I just need to say the words. Then maybe you won’t feel so lost.
Feeling the need to shower before he went to bed, Aryan headed to the bathroom.
Quietly, he contemplated on what they’d learnt so far. Closing his eyes under the warm spray of water, he visualized Hollister’s whiteboard.
The suspects: 3 brothers, one lead. William McQuaid. Militia backgrounds. Far right wing conservatives. Present in a town nearby, living out of a recently rented apartment. Questionable: hired to kill? Versus enmity with the liberal senator.
They had a team working this angle too. Certainly plausible given the clash of ideologies. But nothing specific to connect McQuaid with the senator so far.
The intended targets:
1. Dr. Alexander Holt. Senator
2. Jeffrey Holt.
Dr. Holt was senior staff at the department of plastic surgery at the University of Michigan. The only connection between him and McQuaid that they’d found so far was Natalie Holt, Dr. Holt’s current wife, Aryan’s ex-wife.
Money transfers. Frequent weekend credit card spendings on retail and restaurants in Colorado of all places. Why Colorado? They had the local Colorado office now involved. Obtaining surveillance videos from restaurants Natalie seemed to frequent.
According to Hollister, that had taken an act of God. But he had pulled enough strings to make it happen. They already had a couple of agents on their way to Colorado.
In the meanwhile, together with Hollister, Aryan had dug up a life insurance policy on Dr. Holt. Aryan grimaced as he thought of it.
With precious little time left, it was going to be solely on the FBI to prove or disprove that Natalie was or wasn’t involved. He was simply here to prevent the shooting. Once that was done, he was getting the hell out of here and back home.
Two more days to D-day. He took a deep breath. His nerves were beginning to feel frayed.
*********************************************
Day 8, Michigan
Manjeera called Aryan while he was getting dressed for another day at the FBI field office.
“Hey, Hollister called. He wants everyone assembled ASAP.”
“Any idea what’s going on?” Aryan asked.
“Colorado. I think they found a connection.”
Aryan’s jaw tightened. “I’ll meet you downstairs in five.”
Fifteen minutes later they checked into the secure field office. Aryan grabbed a cup of coffee before bounding up the stairs to the Hollister’s makeshift command center. He needed to burn off the energy that was building up. His usual exercises, practicing his martial arts form this morning had helped him center a little but he needed more.
As they all filed into the room, he saw Hollister had a podium set up. The whiteboard was on the side.
Pictures of the McQuaid boys, Natalie Holt, Dr. Holt and Senator Holt were displayed prominently.
There was a new blank outline of a face with a question mark below Natalie’s picture.
Aryan stared. Had Manjeera been right? Did Natalie really have a lover? Was the woman really that audacious?
Aryan took one of the many chairs around the conference table and Manjeera quietly slipped into a seat next to him as the lights were turned down.
Hollister stepped up to the podium.
“Alright. I have some updates from the Colorado field office. Then a quick recap of what we have so far. Moore has some assignments for today for everyone. We have approximately 36 hours to go before we believe McQuaid is going to try to assassinate Senator Holt and his son.” He started.
A video clip came up on the screen.
“Early this morning, the tech analysts in CO sent this to me.‘ Hollister clicked play.
A slideshow started. Someone had made a great effort putting together photographs from over a three month period of Natalie Holt and a yet unknown male meeting at restaurants. The dinners were clearly not business and had an innate intimacy to them.
“The CO office has also managed to track down the hotel where these two are allegedly spending time after those dinners. We’ve found out that there is a substantial life insurance policy in the name of Dr. Holt, the sole beneficiary of which is Mrs. Holt.”
Aryan felt heat creep up his neck.
She was doing it all over again. Did that mean…..if he he’d agreed to a life insurance policy……could she have planned a similar murder for hire? Had he inadvertently foiled her plans when he’d discovered the affair and escaped…..death?
F**k!!!
“We also have managed to obtain cell phone records. Calls made from a burner phone to McQuaid over the last month. Several of them. Unfortunately difficult to track. But……McQuaid is a dumbass for lack of a better word.”
Hollister paused for a moment and quickly swept his gaze across the room before continuing.
“He sent a text to Mrs. Holt’s phone one time. A single sentence. It’s a go. The day after they met at the nightclub. There is a 2 minute phone call from a burner right after the text. I agree. It’s all circumstantial.” Hollister looked around the room full of frustrated faces.
They were so close to finding that connection and yet so blocked.
“It also appears that McQuaid has had an agenda for Senator Holt long before his vote on the Green Energy Bill, abortion and gun control laws.” He paused and held Aryan’s gaze before continuing.
“Arjun and I found out during our research that McQuaid lost some close family members, uncles and cousins during a FBI raid on militia a decade ago. Senator Holt was instrumental in sanctioning that raid. At the time, William did make some threatening statements towards the Senator. It appears his rhetoric has escalated since his girlfriend reportedly had a legal abortion at a local clinic in Jackson a few months ago. That is the motive we needed connecting McQuaid and Senator Holt.”
Holiister’s face was solemn.
“I want McQuaid alive. You will hear me say this over and over again. It’s our only hope of finding out whose idea this hit was. I want that bas***d singing like a canary in my interrogation room. Is that clear?” His voice brooked no nonsense.
They all nodded in agreement. That was always the best case scenario. An arrest with no casualties.
Day 9, Michigan
“Hey.” Aryan spoke into the phone, his mood somber.
He'd never felt this worried about his own safety before. Sure, he’d known his family would be devastated if something happened to him, but……he’d been in a place where he just could not bring himself to care enough. Now……he had so many more reasons to live, to thrive. His wife, his daughter.
“Hi!” Imlie lay in bed and held the phone close to her ear, like it would bring him closer. “When are you coming home, Aryan?”
“Soon. I think my work will be done tonight. Then I’m going to try to take the next flight home.”
“Aryan?”
“Hmmm?”
Imlie was silent.
Aryan smiled. “When I come home, Imlie….”
“Hmmm?”
“When I come home, we need to talk….I need to ….say something.”
“Something….like?”
“Something that needs to be said in words I guess?.”
Imlie smiled. Maybe? Finally?
“I can’t wait to hear, Aryan.”
Aryan’s smile turned rueful.
“Imlie, if I don’t ….” get a chance...... He could not bring himself to finish the sentence. It was all too real that the outcome of tonight’s sting may not turn in his favor.
Imlie frowned when he trailed off and remained quiet. What was he thinking?
“If you don’t…. What Aryan?” She asked cautiously.
“I just……Imlie …I want you to know…” Aryan swallowed. “Without you, Imlie, I’m….”
She could hear him struggling and decided to put him out of his misery for once.
“Aryan?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
Aryan’s mouth relaxed into a small smile. He needed to hear that.
“I’ll be home soon.”
“And then will you be able to say…..what you want to?”
“I will. I promise.”
He heard the tinkle of her laughter.
“Fine. We’ll see Aryan Singh Rathore.”
“A dare, Imlie?”
“A dare, Aryan.” She nodded.
He could almost see her tip her chin in challenge.
“And what do I get in return if I win?”
There was a pause. He could imagine her grinning.
“Whatever your heart desires, Aryan.”
Lord! That could be taken so many different ways. Soon. He’d be with her soon, holding her in his arms. He’d tell her he loved her.
And if for some reason, tonight did not pan out the way they all hoped and….Aryan took a steadying breath, he could only hope she knew how much she meant to him.
“I’m going to hold you to that promise, Imlie. Mark my words.” His voice husky, imagining the possibilities.
***********************************
Day 10, Delhi
Imlie put the phone back on the nightstand. 5 AM. He’d called very early today.
She closed her eyes and silently sent up a prayer. He’d sounded….troubled.
And he’d said his “work” that involved young people in harm’s way would be over tonight.
Protect him, Lord. Bring him home to us safe and sound. She prayed fervently, feeling the baby make a big turn.
We’re both waiting, aren’t we my sweet? She soothed their child, feeling a sense of anxiety blooming in her chest.
*************************************
Day 9, Michigan
Aryan dressed casually for the task today. Jeans, a black University of Michigan hoodie, sneakers. His hair tousled, he hoped he looked the part of a young professional enjoying the opening game on a Friday night.
As he took one last look at his appearance he heard a knock on his door. Manjeera, he guessed correctly and opened the door.
As always, she looked cool and collected. Hair up in a ponytail, a black leather jacket, jeans and boots.
She pushed past him into the room and looked around. Aryan closed the door and walked back towards her with a quizzical look.
Manjeera pulled out a small S&W handgun and an ankle holster from her jacket.
“Strap it. Just in case. You brought your permit, didn't you?” Her tone was professional, clipped.
Aryan nodded and took the firearm from her. He hadn’t missed a glimpse of the shoulder holster she had strapped underneath her own jacket when she’d lifted it.
The object was to take William and his brothers before they had a chance to cause any trouble. He prayed that neither of them had to use their weapons tonight. But if they did, he took a deep breath as he mused strapping the holster to his ankle, he was prepared.
Hollister was going to have multiple armed plain clothes men and women covering every entrance, exit, the dance floors and booths tonight, posing as wait staff, helpers, college students, barkeeper’s helper and even a bouncer.
They knew what their suspects looked like. This should not be that difficult.
Aryan and Manjeera headed downstairs where they were to be picked up by two of Hollister’s men a little over an hour before the game was due to start. Aryan glanced at his watch as he settled into the back of the SUV.
The game would be underway in an hour, the club was likely filling as the taskforce met at the FBI field office.
*********************************************
The FBI field office…..
The room was buzzing with murmurs. Familiar faces were dressed down in casual clothes today. Aryan and Manjeera joined them. A minute later, Hollister, a stickler for punctuality strode in.
Also dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, he walked up to the front of the room and turned around. His blue eyes surveying his team.
“Listen up.” He spoke in a loud, clear voice, immediately gaining their attention. “The nightclub will open within minutes. We think today is the day, McQuaid is going to try and assassinate the Senator and Dr. Holt. Senator Holt and his son have already been alerted. Discretion is key. They will enter the nightclub with a full security detail in plain clothes and will promptly be escorted via the back door in a waiting car to a hotel for the night. A secured hotel room has been booked under an alias for them to wait in while the operation is underway.” Hollister paused and looked around as his men and women nodded.
“Work in pairs. You all have pictures of the suspects. Our goal is to nab them alive. Do not use your firearm unless absolutely necessary. Remember what I said earlier. I want the McQuaids alive, especially William McQuaid. I want to know who the mastermind is. AM I CLEAR?” He emphasized his last words.
“Yes, SIR.” They answered in a chorus.
“Moore. Placements and assignments.” He looked at Moore and gestured toward the room.
Manjeera and Aryan waited quietly for their assignment. An unmarked FBI van with audio-video capabilities was parked in a nearby parking ramp, they learned.
He and Manjeera had planned on planting themselves close to the entrance. But Hollister had other thoughts.
They were to pose as a couple and mingle in the crowd while Moore was manning the entrance, Aryan groused as he looked at his assignment.
He couldn’t possibly tell Hollister what clothes McQuaid was wearing without inviting scrutiny. Yet, Aryan was the only one who had complete knowledge of what the brothers were wearing and where they’d be positioned.
“I’d rather have stayed at the entrance.” Aryan complained as he and Manjeera made their way towards the bar at the nightclub. Manjeera slipped a hand into the crook of his arm and he looked down at it.
“F**k, don’t look at my hand like it was a scorpion. We’re playing a part. Be convincing.”
“Whatever. I just want this to be over and get …...” He muttered.
“Back home. Yes, I know. “ Manjeera rolled her eyes. “Such a lover boy.” She sighed dramatically.
“Shut the f**k up, Manjeera.” Aryan grumbled irritably.
Manjeera grinned up at him. Aryan couldn’t help but smile as she winked sportingly at him. Her grin faded as she looked around the club.
“We do as we’re told, Aryan. They're running this show. Don’t forget we are on their soil.”
“Got it.” Aryan replied tersely, signaling the bartender and ordering two diet cokes. They sipped their drinks quietly for a couple of minutes discreetly surveying their surroundings.
Their earpieces crackled.
“Holt Sr and Jr are out of the building.” Farmer said.
“Arjun, Manjeera. Keep an eye on their booth with Farmer. McQuaid is sure to head that way.” Hollister's voice was calm.
“Copy.” Manjeera murmured discreetly into the mic clipped to the inside of her jacket. Aryan glanced at his watch. 2100 hrs.
In his dream, he’d seen William enter at exactly 2113 hrs. How he wished he was manning the entrance with Adam!
He grasped Manjeera’s elbow and moved toward the dance floor.
“Let’s dance. I want to get closer to the entrance.”
“They asked us to keep an eye on the booth.”
“We have a better chance of stopping McQuaid. I know exactly what he is wearing.”
Aryan recognized the thrumming music. Manjeera was playing her part perfectly as she danced to the beat of the music. He cast a glance at the entrance. Any minute now, their earpieces would alert them that the McQuaids had been taken down outside the entrance.
Minutes passed. Silence.
Aryan danced with Manjeera, maneuvering so he faced the door, his eyes constantly on the entrance. Why was there no news yet? He tapped on his watch. 2112.
Shouldn’t McQuaid be at the door?
Aryan casually bent down, but whispered urgently in Manjeera’s ear.
“He should be here. Why have they not apprehended him yet? Adam knows what he looks like, for f**ks sake.”
Manjeera looked up at him and shrugged, only to notice Aryan’s brows drawing together in a frown, his gaze fixed on a point over her shoulder and his eyes wide.
“F**k!” He whispered in shock.
“Stay calm.” Manjeera whispered and squeezed his arm.
“Hollister, McQuaid is in.” Aryan muttered into his mic.
“Goddamn it!! Arjun, eyes on him. Do not let him out of your sight.”
“He’s on the move. I’m following him. In the direction of the restrooms.” Aryan took off after McQuaid, with Manjeera close on his heels.
They had all studied the floorplans over and over again, committing them to memory. Aryan followed McQuaid who was striding purposefully with a large backpack slung on his shoulder.
Probably carrying his automatic, Aryan guessed.
As he made his way toward the restrooms, Aryan’s shoulder bumped into someone and he took his eyes off McQuaid momentarily to steady the other person.
His breath caught. Pretty blue eyes. White top. He’d never forget her. The shock, disbelief in those eyes would haunt him if he didn’t….
“Sorry.” She chirped, grinning apologetically, before hurrying away.
Aryan bent his head and breathed.
McQuaid!!! F**k!
He lengthened his stride to catch up with the man.
His earpiece crackled again.
“The two pups are down.” Adam’s voice announced.
Only William remained standing.
If he knew his brothers had been apprehended, William’s body language gave no indication of it.
Aryan glanced at his watch 2114. First shots had rung out at 2115. But with the brothers down, they may have bought some time.
He caught sight of two agents exiting the restroom passageway. Aryan marveled at their efficiency and precision in clearing the restrooms of patrons at such short notice.
Manjeera quickly slipped past Aryan, slowing down to a casual stroll as she passed McQuaid and disappeared from view.
McQuaid followed her with Aryan right behind him.
William's boots rang out in the common hallway outside the restrooms, his footsteps slowed as he noticed the now empty area.
Aryan watched in horror as McQuaid swung his backpack forward and pulled out his automatic weapon.
Time slowed down as William turned around and caught sight of Aryan. He looked surprised to see Aryan who quickly went down on one knee, pretending to fiddle with his shoes but ready to retrieve his firearm. In the periphery of his vision, he saw William raise his rifle to take his first shot, point blank at him.
Lord!! He was going to start with him!
Aryan reached for his Smith and Wesson. Holy mother of God, he’d been a good shot, but that had been months ago!!
With his heart nearly pounding out of his chest, Aryan watched Manjeera stealthily slip out of one of the men’s stalls. She came up behind McQuaid and in a lightning fast, practiced move grabbed him in a chokehold.
“Gun, Arjun!!” She yelled as she grabbed William's neck.
Aryan lunged towards William grabbing his wrist and twisting it hard. But William was stronger than they had anticipated.
Grunting with effort, Aryan raised William’s arm upward toward the ceiling just as he fired the first shots. A well placed kick on William’s knee and he was down.
Momentarily stunned, then crying out in pain he gave Manjeera the opportunity to place her weapon on his temple and mutter a threat, as more agents poured into the restroom area.
William tilted his head toward Manjeera with a snarl on his face and she pressed the muzzle of her gun into his temple, her eyes frosty, daring him to move.
A second later, William dropped his rifle to the ground.
Aryan’s heart finally slowed down as William McQuaid was led away by the FBI agents. In the aftermath of the takedown, he leaned back against a wall, coming down from the adrenaline that had rushed his system the moment he'd laid eyes on William McQuaid in the flesh tonight.
Manjeera walked up to him, holstering her weapon.
“You remembered to address me as Arjun in the middle of a shitstorm??? WTF Manjeera?” Aryan asked, trying to belittle the sense of relief he felt at having thwarted another massacre that this country would've had to live with for a long time to come.
“Couldn’t risk blowing your cover, could I?” She replied, coolly scanning his flushed face, the sweat beading his forehead.
“Let’s go.” Manjeera said quietly, tugging on his arm. “It’s time to get you back home, Aryan Singh Rathore.”
********************************************
Late the next morning, following a long debriefing, Aryan waited at the airport for his flight to Chicago. He was flying a direct flight to Delhi from Chicago with his sidekick, Manjeera.
Softly letting out an expletive as the gate agent announced another delay in his flight take off time, Aryan slouched in his chair.
At this rate, he was likely going to miss his flight to Delhi. And by the time he reached Delhi, Imlie would be on her way to work. He’d been hoping to surprise her, spend some time with her before she left, maybe convince her to take the day off.
Manjeera plonked herself in the seat next to him, sipped on her frothy Frappuccino and blew a strand of hair out of her eye.
“F**k this airline! Another delay. We’re going to miss our flight to Delhi.” She complained.
“You think?” Aryan asked sarcastically.
“Oh well excuse me! What side of the bed did you wake up on, ass***e?”
Aryan grinned at that.
He’d never thought he’d let anyone get away with stuff like that. Manjeera though, was in a league of her own. He’d forgive her many times over. After all, she’d gone out on a limb for a precog like him, believed his story and helped bring down the perpetrator.
She made a face at him and sipped on her drink, pretending to ignore him.
Aryan silently pulled out his phone and opened his photo app.
He had limited pictures on his phone. In the past, the majority were of Cheeni. Now…..Imlie had joined the ranks. The corner of his lip lifted in a smile as he clicked on a picture of them on her graduation night.
The night he’d known he was well and truly done for. That night, had evoked so many emotions in him…..he’d acknowledged for the first time that she meant so much more to him. Much more than what he’d been willing to admit at the time.
Imlie. The sweet woman who had burrowed her way into his heart before he knew it. From the moment he’d laid eyes on her.
“Ah, is that the missus you love so much?” Manjeera peeked over his shoulder.
“WTF!? Some privacy?” Aryan held the phone away from her.
“Well if she’s such a well guarded secret, hold your f**ken phone closer to your chest. Shithead.” She grumbled.
Aryan regarded his partner.
Over the past few days, she’d grown on him. Manjeera was incredibly smart, sassy. A quick thinking, skilled, bad-ass intelligence agent. She made him proud. Men and women like her kept their country safe, or by now terrorists would have overrun their land.
“Whoa! Watch with the curses and no need to be a grump.” He raised his brows, watching Manjeera mutter under her breath.
Aryan leaned a little towards her and held the screen in front of their faces, he pinched his index and thumb and zoomed in to Imlie's face.
“That.....is my Imlie.” He conceded, running his thumb lovingly over Imlie’s face.
Manjeera looked at Imlie and then at Aryan out of the corner of her eye. The man was truly smitten by this girl, Imlie.
She observed Imlie's sweet smile, the softness in her eyes, noticed her hand resting lightly on his arm, while Aryan looked straight at the camera, a ghost of a smile touching his lips, his chin tilted proudly.
“Imlie? What an interesting name!” Manjeera exclaimed.
“DO NOT ask me if she is sweet or sour.” Aryan warned her, earning a chuckle from his new friend.
“I won’t.” She grinned, guessing there had to be a story behind his emphatic declaration. “So which is it?”
“TF??? I just…” He trailed off as her grin widened and he realized he was being had. “I’m not telling you. You’ll have to meet her and gauge that for yourself.”
“What makes you think we’ll meet again, Aryan?” Manjeera slurped the last of her drink.
Aryan shrugged. “Hopefully never professionally, Manjeera.”
“Right-o. Once I wave goodbye to you at the airport, I hope our paths never cross again.” Manjeera shook and swirled the plastic cup looking to get to the last bits of her beverage.
“That’s a little harsh.” Aryan smiled at her, changing topics, “You were brilliant, you know.”
“I always am.” Manjeera flipped her hair pretentiously.
He quietly shook his head and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. He’d dreamed last night. About his daughter. Another good dream.
Aryan smiled. Their daughter had been all grown up. And Manjeera didn’t know it yet, but like it or not, she was going to be in their lives for a very long time.
As their beloved friend and more.
*******************************************
Yes, indeed. I like this woman, Aryan. She’s gon be a good friend to y’all. Her destiny is just as cool as me, if you must know.
Oh, oh, oh….In the meanwhile, I can’t wait to tell IMDestiny all about our adventure. And guess what, I heard through the grapevine. Natalie's destiny is checking out the jailhouse in Detroit. Ooooohhhh!! How satisfying that will be....Destiny rubbed her hands. Too bad, we won't be around to watch Aryan, but oh….sweet, sweet revenge for what that tramp did to ma boy.
Destiny closed her eyes, focused.
Watch out, biatch, they comin’ for you. To think you touched my boy, that you thought even for a moment of killing him.
Those pieces of the puzzle will fall in place. Greedy, nasty little wenches like you belong in prison. And that’s where you’ll rot.
Destiny opened her eyes. Yes, she’d cursed Natalie the moment she’d hurt Aryan. Now her curse was going to manifest. Destiny smiled scornfully.
Originally posted by: Fantasylover1
oh ok. I updated and still doesn’t work 🙄🙄Please post here like always with link and password.
Posted. Padh lo 😃
M, M, M.
"Dheere Dheere sambhal Jaunga"....YT recommended this song to me and oh godddd!
Ghabrahat se rang pehne
Dil mein mere titliyaan hai udd rahi.....
Ab tak toh tu aayi bhi nahin,
Phir bhi bani hai tu meri zindagi
Ab joh bhi ho, ho tere vaaste
Tu manzil tujh tak mere saare raaste
Yeh bandhan main
Kaise nibhaaunga
Main jaanta nahin magar
Dheere dheere dheere
Seekh jaaunga....*Sobbing*
Isko sunn ke aapke FF ki yaad aa gyi. Hayee.
I want to dedicate this song to Aryan and Jr. Akkadbaggi. I loved it. Now Imma reading a few chapsss. B byeeee!!!🤗
Listening. Where are you with your reading these days. We are approaching the end. 🥲
Damn..heard the lyrics while I typed this. 😭😭😭😭😀😭😭😭 It's going to make me cry. Definitely going to feature this in Chapter 50. Thanks for the recommendation. 😘😘😘
Bas kya yaar.
Ab thanks bologe kya.😭😭😭
Mujhe jo laga maine keh diya. Imma so glad aapko pasand ayya!!!!
Waise I m reading their PD "SHE IS MY WIFE"....My god the chaptersss are thrillersssss!!!!!!
Anupamaa
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