ArIya OS: A Tangled Affair

It was another cloudy evening in Mumbai. The ETF (Emergency Task Force) office buzzed with activity. Arjun Suryakant Rawte sat at his desk, meticulously going through case files. His sharp jawline rested on his hand, his mind calculating as always. The sound of the office was routine: phones ringing, keyboards clattering, and occasional bickering.

Riya Mukherjee, the team's research specialist, entered the room, carrying a stack of documents. Her caramel-brown eyes sparkled with determination. She pushed her glasses up and glanced at Arjun, who, as always, seemed lost in thought.

“Sir, yeh reports,” Riya said, placing the papers on his desk.

Arjun didn’t look up but acknowledged her with a curt nod. “Hmm.”

“By the way, sir, yeh naye case mein kuch unusual hai. Victim ki last location ek yacht par thi, aur wahan se kuch logon ka pata chala hai.”

His eyes finally flickered to her, his piercing gaze unsettling but oddly captivating. “Yacht?”

“Ji, sir. Ek private party thi, aur… uh, kaafi influential log shamil the.”

“Kaafi conveniently tum mujhe yeh ab batane ayi ho?” Arjun’s smirk was faint but undeniable.

Riya sighed, rolling her eyes. “Sir, mujhe to pata tha ki aap complaint karenge hi. Agar pehle batati, tab bhi kuch na kuch kehte.”

Chotu, who had been munching on samosas in the corner, snickered, earning a glare from Arjun. “Kya hua?” Chotu asked innocently, his mouth full.

Arjun stood abruptly, slipping on his leather jacket. “Team, prepare for an on-site investigation. Riya, tum mere saath chal rahi ho.”

Riya blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly grabbed her laptop and followed him out, her mind racing. It wasn’t every day Arjun specifically asked her to accompany him.

The yacht was anchored near a secluded harbour, glittering with remnants of the previous night’s extravagance. Arjun and Riya stepped aboard, the scent of sea salt mingling with faint traces of perfume and spilled champagne.

Riya shivered slightly, and Arjun noticed. “Tumhare kapde theek hai?” he asked, his tone brusque but laced with concern.

“I’m fine, sir,” she replied, brushing it off.

As they examined the scene, Riya's sharp observational skills kicked in. She noticed a lipstick-stained napkin tucked under a chair and pointed it out. “Sir, yeh lipstick shade… kaafi unusual hai. Imported brand lagta hai.”

Arjun smirked. “Aur tumhe lipstick ke shades ke baare mein kaafi knowledge hai?”

Riya shot him a look. “Aur aapko har baat pe sarcasm karna zaruri lagta hai?”

“Kyunki tum mujhe mauka deti ho.”

Their banter was interrupted when a shadow moved near the yacht’s edge. Both of them immediately went on high alert. Arjun signaled for Riya to stay back, but she ignored him and followed closely.

“Yeh kya kar rahi ho, Riya?” he whispered.

“Team ka hissa hoon, sir. Akeli nahi hoon,” she retorted.

Before Arjun could argue, a man leaped from behind the railings, brandishing a knife. Without hesitation, Arjun stepped forward, expertly disarming him with a swift move. Riya jumped in, knocking the man out cold with a nearby champagne bottle.

Arjun raised an eyebrow. “Impressive.”

“Thank you,” she said, slightly breathless but triumphant.

Back at the ETF office, the team interrogated the man they had captured. It turned out he was a disgruntled former employee of one of the yacht’s guests, a powerful businessman. The case unraveled swiftly from there, but Riya noticed Arjun was unusually quiet.

That evening, as the team wrapped up, Riya found Arjun alone in the briefing room, staring out the window.

“Sir, sab theek hai?” she asked, approaching cautiously.

He turned, his expression softer than usual. “Tumne aaj wahan kaafi courage dikhaya.”

Riya smiled. “Thank you, sir. Lekin courage ka matlab yeh nahi ki mujhe har baar rukne ke liye kehna chhod dijiye.”

He chuckled softly, a rare sound that made her heart flutter. “Tumhari ek baat maanni hogi, Riya. Tum kabhi apni zid nahi chhodti.”

“Main aapki tarah hoon, sir,” she teased.

Arjun stepped closer, his smirk returning. “Main zid nahi karta. Main bas hamesha right hota hoon.”

Riya laughed, shaking her head. “Aapka arrogance kabhi change nahi hoga.”

“Aur tumhari overconfidence,” he countered, his tone playful yet intense.

For a moment, the air between them changed. Their usual bickering softened into something more tender. Arjun’s gaze lingered on her longer than usual, and Riya felt her breath hitch.

“Riya,” he said softly, almost hesitantly, “Tum… kabhi kabhi mere kaam se zyada distracting hoti ho.”

She blinked, her cheeks flushing. “Sir, yeh toh aapki problem hai,” she managed to reply, though her voice wavered.

Arjun chuckled again, stepping back. “Problem zarur hai, lekin abhi solve karne ka time nahi hai.”

“Matlab?”

“Matlab yeh ki main tumhare har sawaal ka jawab zarur dunga,” he said, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper, “lekin kisi aur din.”

And with that, he walked away, leaving Riya flustered, confused, and undeniably intrigued.

Later that night, Riya sat at her desk, replaying their conversation in her head. A small smile crept onto her lips. She had always admired Arjun for his strength, intelligence, and dedication, but today she saw a glimpse of something more.

As for Arjun, he drove through the empty streets of Mumbai, his mind occupied with thoughts of a certain research specialist who had managed to chip away at his otherwise impenetrable walls.

“Yeh ladki…” he murmured to himself, shaking his head but unable to suppress a faint smile.

The night stretched on, and while the case had been solved, another mystery had just begun—the one brewing between Arjun and Riya.

The clock struck midnight, and the ETF office was eerily quiet. Most of the team had gone home, except for Riya, who was still at her desk, her laptop open. She had promised Rathod sir she’d finish compiling the case report before the next morning.

The silence was suddenly broken by the sound of heavy footsteps. Riya looked up, startled, only to see Arjun entering the office, his leather jacket slung over his shoulder.

“Sir?” she asked, surprised. “Aap abhi tak yahan? Ghar nahi gaye?”

Arjun shrugged nonchalantly. “Tum yahan ho, toh mujhe lagta hai kaam abhi khatam nahi hua.”

Riya rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “Aap mujhpe spy karne aaye hain ya bas mujhe disturb karne ke liye?”

“Dono,” he said with a smirk, walking over to her desk. He leaned against it casually, crossing his arms. “Waise tum yeh sab kaam ghar le ja kar nahi kar sakti thi?”

“Sir, kabhi kabhi professionalism try kariye. Kaafi achhi cheez hai,” she shot back, typing furiously on her keyboard.

Arjun chuckled, enjoying their verbal sparring. “Professionalism? Tum mujhse professionalism ki baat kar rahi ho?”

“Ji, sir,” she said without missing a beat. “Aur agar aap disturb karna band karenge, toh shayad main jaldi ghar bhi jaa sakti hoon.”

“Fine,” he said, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. “Mujhe disturb karna bandh karna chahiye.”

Riya gave him a victorious look, but her triumph was short-lived as the power flickered, and the office was suddenly plunged into darkness.

“Great,” Riya muttered, her voice cutting through the pitch-black silence. “Generator ko kyun chalu nahi rakha yahan?”

“Relax, Riya,” Arjun said, his tone calm. She heard the faint shuffle of his boots as he moved closer. “Yeh sirf ek power cut hai. Tum itni paranoid kyun ho rahi ho?”

“I’m not paranoid,” she retorted. “Bas—"

Before she could finish, there was a loud thud. Riya gasped, instinctively reaching out in the darkness. Her hand landed on something solid and warm—Arjun’s arm.

“Tum theek ho?” he asked, his voice now closer.

“Haan,” she whispered, her heart racing. “Bas… dar lag raha tha ki koi aur yahan ho sakta hai.”

Arjun’s tone softened, and his hand briefly brushed hers. “Riya, main hoon na.”

The simple statement made her pause. His voice, steady and reassuring, had a way of making her feel safe, even in the most unnerving situations.

“Sir…” she started but hesitated. The air between them grew heavy again, like earlier on the yacht.

“Tum hamesha itni ziddi kyun ho?” he asked suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice held a teasing edge, but there was something else, too—something more vulnerable.

“Ziddi?” she repeated, trying to focus on his words rather than the way her pulse quickened at his proximity. “Main ziddi nahi hoon.”

Arjun chuckled softly. “Oh, please. Tumhe pata hai tum kaisi ho. Har baat mein mujhe challenge karna. Har situation mein khud ko prove karna…”

“Toh problem kya hai, sir?” she shot back, trying to deflect.

“Problem yeh hai…” he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur, “ki tum zyada distracting ho ja rahi ho.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure if the darkness was making her imagine things. “Distracting?”

“Haan,” he admitted, the faintest trace of a smile in his voice. “Aur tumhare saath yeh ek problem aur hai… main kabhi tumhare saath argue kar ke jeet nahi sakta.”

Riya laughed softly, breaking the tension. “Aap ne toh maan liya na ki main jeet gayi.”

Arjun shook his head, though she couldn’t see it. “Main kabhi nahi maanta,” he said, his usual smirk audible in his tone.

Before either could say more, the lights flickered back on, flooding the office with brightness. Riya quickly stepped back, realizing how close they had been. She looked away, trying to hide her flustered expression.

“Ab toh lights wapas aa gayi,” Riya said, regaining her composure. “Aapko aur kuch bolna hai, sir?”

Arjun grabbed his car keys from the desk. “Haan. Main tumhe ghar drop karne wala hoon. Itni raat ko akele jaana safe nahi hai.”

“Sir, main…”

“Yeh koi discussion nahi hai, Riya,” he said firmly. “Chalo.”

Riya reluctantly followed him to the parking lot, though she couldn’t help feeling a tiny flutter of excitement.

The drive was quiet at first, the city lights casting fleeting shadows on their faces. Riya fiddled with her bag while Arjun kept his eyes on the road. Finally, she broke the silence.

“Sir, aap hamesha itne serious kyun rehte ho?”

Arjun raised an eyebrow but didn’t glance at her. “Serious? Main toh kaafi funny hoon.”

“Funny? Aapka sarcasm funny lagta hai bas,” she teased.

Arjun smirked. “Aur tumhara overconfidence?”

She laughed. “Touché.”

As they neared her building, Arjun pulled the car to a stop. “Riya,” he said, his tone softer now.

She turned to him, curious. “Ji, sir?”

“Tumhara kaam impressive tha aaj,” he said, meeting her gaze. “Lekin next time… careful rehna, okay?”

Riya smiled, touched by the uncharacteristic concern in his voice. “Main careful rahungi, sir. Waise bhi, mujhe pata hai aap ho na.”

Arjun looked at her for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint smirk, he nodded. “Goodnight, Riya.”

“Goodnight, sir,” she said, stepping out of the car, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

As Arjun drove away, a rare smile lingered on his face. For a man who had always kept his emotions locked away, Riya Mukherjee was proving to be an enigma he wasn’t sure he wanted to solve.

And for Riya, the thrill of the case was nothing compared to the mystery of the man she was beginning to see in a whole new light.

The next morning, Riya walked into the ETF office with a spring in her step. She wasn’t sure why, but the previous night’s conversation with Arjun had left her feeling... lighter. The usually grumpy officer had shown a glimpse of something beneath his tough exterior, and it intrigued her.

As she set her bag down at her desk, Shree walked in with a coffee mug in hand.

"Riya, yeh tumhara usual cheerful mood hai ya kal raat kuch special hua tha?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Riya rolled her eyes. "Shree, tumhe na bas gossip karna pasand hai."

"Arre, mujhe sab dikh raha hai," Shree said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Tumhara mood kaafi achha hai, aur Arjun sir ka bhi... unusual lag raha hai."

"Unusual?" she asked, frowning.

Before Shree could elaborate, Arjun entered the office. His presence, as always, commanded attention. He was dressed in his signature leather jacket and dark shirt, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

“Good morning, team,” he said briskly. “Riya, mere cabin mein aao. Abhi.”

The abruptness caught her off guard, but she quickly followed him, ignoring Shree’s knowing grin.

Arjun’s cabin was as organized as ever, every file in its place. He sat at his desk, looking at a map spread out before him. Riya stood near the door, feeling a bit out of place.

“Sir, aapne bulaya?”

“Baitho,” he said without looking up.

Riya sat down, trying to decipher his mood. His face was unreadable as always, but she noticed a flicker of something—tension, perhaps?

“We have a new case,” Arjun began, finally looking at her. “Ek high-profile kidnapping. Victim ek teenage girl hai, industrialist Devendra Singhania ki beti.”

Riya frowned. “Devendra Singhania? Wahi jo abhi ek major corruption scandal mein phasa hai?”

Arjun nodded. “Haan. Aur yeh case simple nahi lag raha. Kidnapping ka motive clear nahi hai, aur kidnapper kaafi calculated lagta hai. Tumhara kaam hai case ke financial aur digital angles analyze karna. Mujhe tumhari research pe pura bharosa hai.”

His words caught her off guard. Arjun wasn’t someone who freely expressed trust or appreciation, and hearing it from him made her chest swell with pride.

“Main kaam shuru karti hoon, sir,” she said, standing up.

Arjun gave a rare smile—small, almost imperceptible, but there. “Good.”

The investigation took the team to various corners of the city, chasing leads and interviewing suspects. Arjun and Riya, much to the team's amusement, were paired together for most of the fieldwork.

“Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki yeh kidnapping kisi personal vendetta ka result hai,” Riya said as they drove to a suspect’s house.

“Tumhara analysis impressive hai, lekin hamesha assumptions mat banao,” Arjun replied, his eyes fixed on the road.

“Hamesha assumptions? Sir, aapko pata hai ki meri analysis hi team ko solutions tak le jaati hai,” Riya shot back, her tone playful but challenging.

Arjun smirked. “Tumhare confidence mein kabhi kami nahi aati, na?”

“Aapko pasand hai na, sir,” she quipped before realizing what she had said. Her cheeks flushed as she looked away, pretending to adjust her seatbelt.

Arjun glanced at her, his smirk softening into something more thoughtful. “Shayad.”

The duo arrived at an abandoned warehouse, where the suspect was rumored to be hiding. The air was heavy with silence as they crept inside, their guns drawn.

“Careful,” Arjun whispered, his voice low.

Riya nodded, her nerves taut but her determination unwavering. They moved through the dusty corridors, their footsteps light.

Suddenly, a figure darted out of the shadows. Arjun reacted instantly, tackling the man to the ground. But before he could fully restrain him, another assailant appeared, lunging at Riya.

Riya fought back fiercely, using the combat training Arjun had drilled into her. But the man was stronger, and she struggled to keep up.

“Riya!” Arjun shouted, his voice sharp with panic.

He dispatched his opponent with a swift move and turned to help her. But before he could reach her, Riya, summoning all her strength, elbowed the assailant in the ribs and kicked him hard, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Arjun grabbed the man and cuffed him, his expression a mix of relief and anger.

“Kya soch rahi thi tum?!” he demanded, his voice rising.

“I was handling it!” Riya shot back, her chest heaving.

“Tumhe pata hai yeh kitna dangerous tha?” Arjun snapped.

“Sir, main apni duty kar rahi thi!”

“Tumhari duty tumhe marne nahi deti, Riya,” he said, his voice dropping to a hoarse whisper. His eyes were intense, filled with an emotion she couldn’t quite name.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the world around them fading into the background.

Later that evening, after the suspects were handed over to the authorities, the team regrouped at the ETF office. Riya sat at her desk, replaying Arjun’s words in her head.

She didn’t expect him to show up beside her, but there he was, his expression softer than usual.

“Riya,” he said quietly.

“Ji, sir?”

“Tumne aaj wahan kaafi bravery dikhayi,” he admitted, his voice low. “But please… thoda careful rehna.”

Riya looked up at him, her heart swelling at the rare vulnerability in his tone. “Sir, mujhe pata hai ki aap ko meri safety ki chinta hai. Lekin mujhe bhi apne kaam par bharosa hai.”

Arjun’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Mujhe tum par bharosa hai, Riya. Shayad zyada hi.”

Riya’s eyes widened slightly, and she felt her cheeks heat. “Sir…”

Before she could say anything else, he stood and turned to leave. “Goodnight, Riya.”

She watched him walk away, her heart pounding. Whatever was brewing between them, she knew one thing for sure—it was going to be anything but simple.

The next morning, the ETF office was buzzing with energy. The high-profile kidnapping case had shaken the city, and the media was now hounding the team for answers. Arjun, as always, remained unperturbed, issuing orders in his calm but commanding tone.

Riya entered with her usual coffee mug in hand, her glasses perched on her nose. She could feel Shree and Chotu exchanging sly glances in her direction, but she ignored them, heading straight to her desk.

“Good morning, Ms. Mukherjee,” Shree said, dragging the words out with exaggerated cheerfulness.

“Shree, tumhari problem kya hai?” she asked, giving him a pointed look.

“Koi problem nahi, Riya,” he replied, grinning. “Bas tum aur Arjun sir kal raat ko kaafi late tak kaam kar rahe the. Kuch khaas baat hui kya?”

“Shree!” Riya hissed, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. “Tum apne theories apne paas rakho, okay?”

Before Shree could respond, Arjun walked in, his presence immediately silencing the chatter. He glanced briefly at Riya, and for a split second, their eyes met. Her heart skipped a beat, but he quickly looked away, addressing the team.

“Team, we’ve received a lead,” he said, spreading a new map across the table. “Singhania ki beti ke kidnappers ne ransom demand ki hai. But they’ve made a mistake.”

Rathod leaned in, frowning. “Mistake? Kaisi?”

Arjun pointed to a red dot on the map. “They’ve chosen this warehouse as their drop-off location. It’s isolated but not as abandoned as they think. We can use it to set up an ambush.”

“Perfect,” Rathod said. “Rawte, lead the operation. Team, let’s gear up.”

The team arrived at the warehouse in the dead of night, the air heavy with tension. Arjun, as always, took the lead, his sharp instincts guiding every move. Riya, stationed at a vantage point with her laptop, coordinated the tech aspects of the operation.

“Riya, tumhare cameras ka feed clear hai?” Arjun’s voice crackled through her earpiece.

“Haan, sir,” she replied, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “Kidnappers andar hain, aur unke paas ek black SUV hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki ransom ke baad woh usi gaadi se bhaagne ki koshish karenge.”

“Good. Shree, Chotu, tum log peechhe se enter karoge. Riya, keep monitoring.”

The operation unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance. Arjun and Rathod led the front assault, taking down two kidnappers before they could even react. Chotu and Shree secured the exits, ensuring no one escaped.

Riya’s heart pounded as she watched the action unfold on her screen. Despite her confidence in the team, there was always a nagging fear for their safety—especially Arjun’s.

“Sir, ek aur kidnapper tumhare left mein hai,” she said urgently into the mic.

“Got it,” Arjun replied, swiftly disarming the man with his signature precision.

The operation was over in minutes. Singhania’s daughter was found safe, and the kidnappers were in custody.

Back at the office, the team celebrated their success with chai and snacks, courtesy of Chotu. Even Arjun, who rarely joined in such moments, seemed slightly more relaxed.

“Riya,” Rathod said, raising his cup. “Tumhari monitoring ke bina yeh operation itna smooth nahi hota. Well done.”

“Thank you, sir,” Riya said, smiling.

Shree chimed in, “Aur Arjun sir ka kya kehna? Kaafi impressive moves the, sir.”

Arjun, who had been sipping his chai quietly, glanced at Shree. “Shree, agar tumhe mere moves impressive lagte hain, toh tumhara standard kaafi low hai.”

The team burst into laughter, and even Riya couldn’t help but grin.

As the team dispersed, Riya packed up her belongings, ready to head home. To her surprise, Arjun approached her.

“Riya,” he said, his tone neutral. “Main tumhe drop kar deta hoon.”

She blinked, caught off guard. “Sir, main khud—”

“Riya,” he interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. “Chalo.”

Without waiting for her reply, he walked out, leaving her no choice but to follow.

The drive was silent at first, the city lights casting a soft glow inside the car. Riya fidgeted with her bag, unsure of what to say.

Finally, Arjun broke the silence. “Aaj kaafi acha kaam kiya tumne.”

Riya glanced at him, surprised. “Thank you, sir. Aap... aap bhi.”

He smirked slightly. “Main hamesha acha kaam karta hoon.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Aapke ego ka koi jawab nahi hai.”

“Tumhare overconfidence ka bhi nahi,” he shot back, his tone teasing.

As they reached her building, he stopped the car and turned to her. His expression was softer, almost hesitant.

“Riya,” he said quietly. “Kal ki operation mein... tumhare instructions kaafi helpful the. Tumne sab kuch theek se handle kiya.”

Her heart fluttered at his rare compliment. “Thank you, sir. Aapka trust hona kaafi important hai mere liye.”

He nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. “Goodnight, Riya.”

“Goodnight, sir,” she replied, stepping out of the car.

As she walked into her building, she couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face. Whatever was happening between them, it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.

And as Arjun drove away, he found himself thinking about Riya more than he cared to admit. The walls he had built around his heart were beginning to crack—and it both terrified and excited him.

The next morning, the ETF office was bustling with activity. Rathod had called for an urgent meeting, and the entire team gathered around the conference table. Arjun stood at the head, his usual composed demeanor intact, while Riya sat across from him, her attention focused on her notebook.

Rathod entered, his expression serious. “Team, kal raat ka operation successful tha, lekin yeh case abhi khatam nahi hua. Kidnappers ka leader ab tak missing hai.”

Arjun nodded, stepping forward to brief the team. “Riya ki analysis ke through humein pata chala ki unke transactions ek offshore account ke through ho rahe hain. This isn’t just a random kidnapping—yeh ek bada nexus ka hissa lagta hai.”

Riya spoke up, adjusting her glasses. “Sir, maine un transactions ko trace karne ki koshish ki. Ek naam baar-baar repeat ho raha hai—‘Vikram.’ Mera guess hai ki yeh mastermind ho sakta hai.”

“Good work, Riya,” Rathod said. “Rawte, tum aur Riya is angle ko investigate karoge. Shree aur Chotu, tum Singhania ke competitors aur associates pe focus karo. Humein is Vikram ka pata chalana hai.”

As the team dispersed, Arjun turned to Riya. “Riya, ready ho?”

“Hamesha,” she replied with a small smile, grabbing her bag.

The investigation led them to a luxury hotel in South Mumbai, where Vikram was rumored to be staying under a fake identity. Arjun and Riya entered the grand lobby, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

“Tumhare paas Vikram ki recent photo hai?” Arjun asked, his eyes scanning the room.

“Haan, sir,” Riya replied, pulling out her tablet. “Ye raha.”

The photo showed a suave-looking man in his late 30s with sharp features and an air of arrogance.

“Typical,” Arjun muttered. “In logon ko lagta hai ki apni luxury ke peeche chhup sakte hain.”

“Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki woh third floor ke terrace lounge mein hoga,” Riya said, pointing to her device. “Maine uski location triangulate ki hai.”

Arjun gave her an approving look. “Good work. Tum mere saath raho.”

They made their way to the terrace lounge, a luxurious space filled with plush seating and an expansive view of the city. Among the small crowd, Vikram sat at a corner table, sipping a drink and speaking to someone on his phone.

Arjun motioned for Riya to stay back. “Mujhe handle karne do.”

“Sir,” she began to protest, but his sharp look silenced her.

Arjun approached Vikram with a calm, calculated stride, his hand resting on his holster.

“Vikram,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Vikram looked up, startled. “Tum kaun ho?”

Arjun smirked. “Tumhara worst nightmare.”

Before Vikram could react, Arjun grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the wall.

“Arjun!” Riya hissed, rushing forward. “Sir, log dekh rahe hain!”

Arjun loosened his grip slightly, leaning in close to Vikram. “Tumhare paas do options hain. Ya toh tum quietly cooperate karoge, ya mujhe tumhe force karna padega.”

Vikram smirked, clearly unimpressed. “Tum sochte ho main tumhare threats se darr jaunga?”

Riya stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “Vikram, tumhare paas jitna time hai usse zyada hamare paas patience nahi hai. Tumhare accounts trace ho chuke hain, aur tumhare network ke saare links exposed hain. Agar tum abhi cooperate karoge, toh shayad tumhari saza kam ho sake.”

Her composed tone seemed to rattle Vikram. He glanced nervously between Riya and Arjun before finally nodding.

“Fine,” he said. “Main baat karunga.”

Back at the ETF office, Vikram was placed in the interrogation room. Arjun and Riya stood outside, watching through the one-way glass.

“Tumne kaafi achha handle kiya wahan,” Arjun said, breaking the silence.

Riya looked at him, surprised. “Thank you, sir.”

He met her gaze, his expression softening just slightly. “Tumhare negotiation skills kaafi impressive hain.”

“Bas aapke footsteps follow kar rahi hoon,” she replied with a small smile.

Arjun smirked, shaking his head. “Agar tum aise hi kaam karti rahi, toh ek din tum mujhe bhi challenge kar dogi.”

“Woh din door nahi hai, sir,” she quipped, her tone teasing.

Arjun chuckled, a rare sound that made Riya’s heart skip a beat.

After hours of interrogation, Vikram finally spilled the details of his operation. His network was dismantled, and Singhania’s case was officially closed.

The team celebrated with a quiet dinner at their favorite dhaba. As the night wore on, laughter filled the air, and even Arjun seemed to loosen up slightly.

Riya found herself seated next to him, their shoulders brushing occasionally.

“Riya,” Arjun said suddenly, his voice low so the others couldn’t hear.

“Haan, sir?” she asked, turning to him.

“Tumhare instincts aur skills… main impressed hoon. Tumhare bina yeh case itna smoothly solve nahi hota.”

She blinked, momentarily stunned by the rare praise. “Thank you, sir. Lekin teamwork ke bina yeh possible nahi hota.”

Arjun’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Tumhare saath kaam karke lagta hai ki kuch seekh bhi raha hoon.”

Riya laughed softly. “Aap jhoot bol rahe hain, sir.”

“Shayad,” he admitted, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Lekin tumhare saath kaam karna… alag hai.”

The words hung in the air between them, charged with unspoken meaning. Riya felt her cheeks warm, but before she could respond, Chotu called out for them to join in a group photo.

As they posed with the team, Riya couldn’t help but glance at Arjun. And for the briefest moment, he looked back, his eyes conveying what words could not.

The walls between them were slowly crumbling, and both knew that whatever was happening, it was only the beginning of something much deeper.

The following day, the ETF office returned to its usual hustle. The team, though tired from the recent case, worked diligently, sorting through paperwork and reports. Arjun sat in his cabin, reviewing the interrogation transcripts, his focus sharp as ever.

Riya walked in, a file clutched in her hands. “Sir, yeh final report ready hai. Aap review karna chahenge?”

He looked up, nodding. “Rakho yahan,” he said, gesturing to his desk.

As she placed the file down, their hands brushed briefly, sending an electric jolt through her. She quickly pulled away, pretending to adjust her watch. Arjun noticed but said nothing, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.

“Riya,” he said, his tone softer than usual.

“Ji, sir?” she asked, her gaze meeting his.

“Kya tumhe lagta hai ki... yeh kaam aur personal life ke beech ek balance possible hai?”

His question caught her off guard. “Sir?”

He leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Hum jaise log jo constantly danger face karte hain... kya hume apni personal life ke baare mein sochna bhi chahiye?”

Riya hesitated. This wasn’t the Arjun she was used to—the one who buried himself in work to avoid his past. She chose her words carefully.

“Sir, danger har profession mein hota hai. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki hum zindagi jeena chhod dein. Balance mushkil hai, lekin impossible nahi.”

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Shayad tum sahi ho.”

For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken emotions. Finally, Arjun broke the moment. “Tum jao. Main file dekh lunga.”

Riya nodded and left, her heart inexplicably lighter.

That evening, Riya decided to unwind by taking a walk through a nearby park. The city lights shimmered in the distance, and the cool breeze brushed against her face. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone walking toward her until she nearly bumped into him.

“Careful,” a familiar voice said.

She looked up, startled. “Arjun sir?!”

Arjun stood there, dressed casually in a black jacket and jeans, looking completely unlike the stoic officer she knew.

“Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?” he asked, his tone less formal than usual.

“Bas... thoda walk kar rahi thi,” she replied. “Aap?”

“Same,” he said simply, slipping his hands into his pockets.

For a moment, they walked side by side in comfortable silence, the sounds of the city fading into the background.

“Riya,” Arjun said suddenly.

“Haan, sir?”

“Tumhe kabhi darr nahi lagta?”

She looked at him, surprised. “Darr? Kis cheez ka?”

“Apne emotions se,” he said, his voice low. “Logon se close hone ka, unhe khona ka.”

Her steps slowed as she considered his question. “Lagta hai, sir. Lekin agar hum sirf dar ke baare mein sochein, toh hum kabhi kisi ke saath khul kar jee nahi paayenge. Relationships mein risk hota hai, par reward bhi.”

He stopped, turning to face her fully. “Aur agar risk zyada ho?”

Riya met his gaze, her eyes steady. “Tab toh reward aur bhi important ho jata hai.”

For the first time, Arjun looked at her without the walls he usually kept up. In her calm confidence, he saw something that both scared and intrigued him—a possibility of healing, of hope.

“Tum alag ho, Riya,” he said softly.

She smiled. “Aur aap, sir, jitna dikhate hain, usse zyada complex hain.”

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “Shayad.”

The next day, Riya arrived at the ETF office to find a small box on her desk. Frowning, she opened it to find a pen with a sleek, elegant design. Attached to it was a note in Arjun’s handwriting:

“Good work on the case. Keep it up. - Arjun”

Her lips curled into a smile as she reread the note. It wasn’t just a token of appreciation—it was a step, however small, toward something more personal.

Shree and Chotu noticed her expression and exchanged glances.

“Kya chal raha hai, Riya?” Shree teased.

“Tum dono apne kaam par dhyan do,” she said, trying to hide her smile.

As she tucked the pen into her pocket, she glanced at Arjun, who was busy discussing something with Rathod. He caught her eye for a brief moment, and in that silent exchange, there was a shared understanding.

The walls between them weren’t just crumbling—they were being replaced by something stronger.

Whatever lay ahead, they were ready to face it. Together.

A week later, the ETF was thrust into another high-stakes case. This time, it was a series of seemingly unrelated murders across Mumbai. The killer left cryptic messages at each crime scene, taunting the authorities.

The team gathered in the briefing room, where Rathod outlined the case. “Yeh ek serial killer ka kaam lagta hai, aur uske messages se pata chalta hai ki woh ek psychological game khel raha hai. Humein iska pattern samajhna hoga aur jaldi.”

Arjun, seated at the head of the table, studied the crime scene photos. His sharp eyes caught every detail. “Yeh killer apni victims ko carefully select karta hai. Random nahi lagta.”

“Sir, maine crime scenes ke messages ka linguistic analysis kiya,” Riya chimed in, pulling up her laptop. “Uska pattern classical literature aur mythology se inspired hai. Yeh koi educated aur articulate individual lagta hai.”

Arjun nodded, impressed. “Good observation, Riya. Hum iss angle par focus karenge.”

“Shree, tum uske last ke online activity ko trace karo,” Rathod ordered. “Aur Chotu, tum ground intel collect karo. Har possible witness se baat karo.”

As the team dispersed to their tasks, Arjun called out, “Riya, mere cabin mein aao. Ek baar messages ka deeper analysis karte hain.”

Inside Arjun’s cabin, Riya sat across from him, the crime scene photos and messages spread out between them.

“Sir, yeh messages ka tone kaafi specific hai,” Riya said, pointing to one note. “Isme usne ‘punishment for sins’ ka reference diya hai. Mujhe lagta hai ki yeh kisi personal vendetta se inspired hai.”

Arjun leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “Aur agar uska vendetta societal ho? Shayad woh apne aapko ek vigilante samajhta ho.”

Riya nodded, her mind racing. “Haan, sir. Par agar yeh vigilante hai, toh iska next target predictable ho sakta hai.”

Arjun handed her a list of high-profile individuals who matched the killer’s pattern. “In logon ki background check karo. Dekho kis par sabse zyada risk ho sakta hai.”

As they worked in silence, Arjun noticed how Riya’s focus didn’t waver for a second. Her determination mirrored his own, and for the first time in years, he felt a strange sense of camaraderie—a connection that went beyond professional respect.

After hours of analysis, Riya looked up, her eyes lighting up. “Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki next target yeh ho sakta hai—Shekhar Malhotra. Uska financial fraud case kaafi controversial raha hai, aur woh abhi bail par hai.”

“Good work, Riya,” Arjun said, grabbing his phone. “Main Rathod se baat karta hoon. Tum Shree ke saath coordinate karo aur Shekhar ke security ke details nikaalo.”

Riya smiled. “On it, sir.”

That night, the team reached Shekhar Malhotra’s mansion, which was eerily quiet despite its grandeur. Arjun, Riya, Rathod, and Chotu positioned themselves strategically around the property, while Shree monitored from the van outside.

“Riya, tum andar mere saath aaogi,” Arjun said.

Riya frowned slightly. “Sir, mujhe laga ki main surveillance handle karungi.”

“Nahi,” he said firmly. “Tumhare instincts sharp hain. Mujhe tumhare input ki zarurat hogi.”

As they entered the mansion, the tension was palpable. The grand halls were dimly lit, their footsteps echoing ominously.

“Sir, mujhe yeh jagah kaafi vulnerable lag rahi hai,” Riya whispered. “Killer kisi bhi moment mein strike kar sakta hai.”

Arjun nodded, his gun drawn. “Stay close, Riya.”

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the upper floor. The team moved swiftly, their weapons ready.

“Shree, tumhe kuch activity dikh rahi hai?” Arjun asked through the earpiece.

“Sir, top floor ke west wing mein ek movement detect hua hai,” Shree replied.

“Chotu, Rathod, west wing cover karo,” Arjun ordered. “Riya aur main second floor ke terrace area ko check karenge.”

As Arjun and Riya reached the terrace, they found themselves in near darkness. The only sound was the faint rustling of the wind.

“Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki killer yahaan ho sakta hai,” Riya said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Riya, stay alert,” Arjun said, his eyes scanning every shadow.

Suddenly, a figure darted out from behind a pillar, heading straight for Riya. Arjun reacted instantly, pulling her behind him and tackling the assailant to the ground.

“Riya, secure the area!” he barked as he struggled with the killer.

But the assailant was strong and well-trained. Riya, instead of panicking, grabbed a nearby metal rod and swung it at the attacker, hitting him squarely on the shoulder.

The man groaned, giving Arjun the opening he needed to subdue him completely.

“Good timing, Riya,” Arjun said, catching his breath.

Riya smiled, though her hands trembled slightly. “Aapko bachana zaruri tha, sir.”

Arjun smirked. “Lagta hai tumhara yeh hobby ban gaya hai.”

“Main kya karoon, sir?” she teased. “Aap hamesha khud ko danger mein daal dete hain.”

Back at the ETF office, the killer confessed during interrogation, his motives rooted in a twisted sense of justice. The case was officially closed, but the team was exhausted.

As everyone prepared to leave, Arjun approached Riya, who was sorting through files at her desk.

“Riya,” he said.

She looked up, surprised. “Ji, sir?”

“Kal ka kaam achha tha. Tumne kaafi courage dikhaya.”

“Thank you, sir,” she said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

He hesitated for a moment, then added, “Aur agar tumhe kabhi lage ki main tumse zyada harsh ho raha hoon, toh... it’s not intentional.”

Riya’s eyes softened. “Mujhe pata hai, sir. Aap jo bhi karte hain, woh team ke liye best hota hai.”

For a moment, their eyes locked, and the world around them seemed to fade.

“Goodnight, Riya,” Arjun said finally, his voice quieter than usual.

“Goodnight, sir,” she replied, watching as he walked away, a faint smile playing on her lips.

The walls between them weren’t just gone—they had been replaced by something far stronger: trust, understanding, and a bond that words could never fully capture.

A week later, things at the ETF had quieted down. The team was catching up on paperwork and routine tasks when Riya received an unexpected text on her phone. She glanced at the screen and froze.

It was from Arjun.

“Kal raat, 8 baje. Dinner. Ek case ke details discuss karni hain. Address bhej raha hoon.”

Her heart skipped a beat. While the message was curt, as usual, the idea of having dinner with Arjun outside the office felt oddly personal.

Shree noticed her expression and leaned over with a sly grin. “Kya baat hai, Riya? Sir ka message? Kuch special?”

“Shree!” she whispered sharply, trying to hide her phone.

Chotu joined in, smirking. “Lagta hai sir aur Riya ke beech kuch toh chal raha hai!”

“Tum dono apne kaam par dhyan do,” she snapped, though her flustered demeanor only encouraged their teasing.

The next evening, Riya arrived at the address Arjun had sent her. Expecting a formal setting like a café or a restaurant, she was surprised to find herself standing outside a quiet, homely-looking rooftop café adorned with soft lights and greenery.

She hesitated, wondering if she had the right place, but Arjun appeared from the other side of the terrace, dressed in his usual understated black shirt and jeans.

“Riya,” he called out, motioning her to join him.

She walked up, still slightly unsure. “Sir, yeh... kaafi different setting hai,” she said, glancing around.

He smirked. “Office ke environment se thoda alag. Comfortable discuss karenge.”

She nodded, though her heart was racing for reasons she couldn’t quite explain.

They sat at a small table overlooking the city skyline, and Arjun handed her a menu. “Order whatever you like.”

“Sir, aap serious hain? Dinner discuss karne ke liye bulaya, aur yeh setting?”

He leaned back in his chair, his trademark smirk firmly in place. “Kya tumhe lagta hai ki main sirf kaam discuss karne ke liye bulata?”

Her eyes widened slightly, but before she could respond, a waiter appeared to take their orders.

As they ate, the conversation began to shift from professional to personal.

“Riya,” Arjun said suddenly, his tone thoughtful, “tumne apna career ETF mein kyun choose kiya? Tumhare background se lagta hai ki tum kisi corporate job mein easily fit ho sakti thi.”

She smiled, setting down her fork. “Mujhe adrenaline chahiye tha, sir. Desk job kabhi mere liye nahi thi. Aur... ek sense of purpose bhi chahiye tha.”

Arjun nodded, his expression softening. “Wahi purpose jo mujhe yahan laya tha.”

She looked at him curiously. “Aap ke liye toh yeh personal tha, sir. Roshni ma’am ke baad…”

Arjun’s jaw tightened at the mention of his late wife, but he didn’t shut down the conversation like he usually did. Instead, he sighed deeply. “Haan, personal tha. Lekin ab… shayad main zyada clearly dekh raha hoon ki mujhe apne past mein hi atke rehne ki zarurat nahi.”

Riya hesitated, then asked softly, “Aapko kabhi lagta hai ki aap khud ko maaf kar paenge?”

His gaze met hers, steady but vulnerable. “Shayad ek din. Tumne mujhe yeh sochne pe majboor kiya ki shayad main deserve karta hoon ek nayi shuruaat.”

The honesty in his voice took her by surprise. She felt her throat tighten but managed to smile. “Aap deserve karte hain, sir. Shayad usse zyada jo aap sochte hain.”

For the first time, he smiled—not the smirk or half-smile she was used to, but a genuine, warm smile.

After dinner, Arjun insisted on walking her to her car. The night was calm, the streets quieter than usual.

“Dinner achha tha,” Riya said, breaking the silence.

“Discussion bhi,” Arjun replied with a small smile.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while before Riya suddenly spoke. “Sir, ek baat puchoon?”

“Pucho.”

“Kal raat jo aapne kaha… kya woh sirf ek casual baat thi, ya…?” She trailed off, uncertain how to finish.

Arjun stopped walking, turning to face her. “Riya, main zyada baatein nahi karta, aur shayad express karna mushkil hota hai. Lekin tumhare saath kaam karke mujhe ek nayi perspective mili hai. Tum… important ho.”

Her breath caught at the sincerity in his voice. “Aap ke liye bhi, sir,” she said softly.

For a moment, they simply stood there, the city lights casting a soft glow around them. Neither said another word, but in that silence, something unspoken passed between them—a promise of something more.

The next day, the ETF office was buzzing with activity as a new case came in. But amid the chaos, there was a subtle shift between Arjun and Riya.

When Arjun handed her a file, his fingers brushed hers deliberately. When she briefed the team, his eyes lingered on her a moment longer than necessary. And when Shree and Chotu teased her during lunch, Arjun’s smirk betrayed a hint of possessiveness.

As the day ended, Riya packed her things and glanced toward Arjun’s cabin. He was watching her from behind the glass, his expression unreadable but warm.

For the first time, she didn’t feel the need to look away.

Whatever lay ahead—cases, challenges, or danger—they were ready to face it together. The walls between them were gone, replaced by a bond forged in trust, respect, and something that felt a lot like love.

The peace didn’t last long. The following morning, the ETF was called to investigate the kidnapping of a high-profile journalist, Meera Roy. The newsroom where she worked had received a chilling video showing Meera tied to a chair, a timer in the background counting down from 48 hours.

In the briefing room, Rathod addressed the team. “Yeh kidnapping nahi, ek statement hai. Meera ka kaam controversial tha—usne political corruption ke against kaafi reports ki thi. Humare paas sirf 48 ghante hain.”

Arjun studied the video footage on the screen, his jaw tight. “Yeh professional ka kaam lagta hai. Kidnapper apni identity carefully chhupa raha hai.”

Riya examined the timer in the video. “Sir, yeh time countdown randomly nahi lagta. Mujhe lagta hai ki yeh kisi specific event ya deadline ko indicate kar raha hai.”

“Shree, tum video ka metadata analyze karo,” Arjun instructed. “Riya, Meera ke last ke articles aur unke subjects par kaam karo. Dekho koi pattern hai kya.”

“Understood, sir,” Riya said, already making notes.

Riya and Arjun worked closely, combing through Meera’s articles. As they sifted through the data, Riya’s sharp instincts once again came into play.

“Sir, dekhiye,” Riya said, pointing at her screen. “Meera ka last article ek shipping scam ke baare mein tha. Uska ek source missing hai—ek informant jo suddenly contact mein nahi hai.”

Arjun frowned. “Shayad kidnapper ka link iss source se ho. Source ko track karna hoga.”

Shree called out from his desk. “Sir, video metadata se pata chala ki recording ek abandoned warehouse se ki gayi thi. Address bhej raha hoon.”

“Good work, Shree,” Rathod said. “Team, chalo.”

As the ETF prepared to move out, Riya caught Arjun’s arm. “Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki warehouse sirf ek diversion ho sakta hai.”

Arjun paused, considering her words. “Tumhare instincts kabhi galat nahi hote, Riya. Lekin hume har possibility cover karni hogi.”

The team arrived at the warehouse, weapons drawn. The space was dark and silent except for the faint hum of machinery. Rathod and Chotu covered the perimeter while Arjun and Riya searched the interior.

“Yeh jagah kaafi obvious lagti hai,” Riya muttered, her flashlight cutting through the shadows.

“Exactly,” Arjun replied. “Yeh trap bhi ho sakta hai.”

Moments later, a loud click echoed through the room, followed by a countdown timer on a hidden monitor.

“Sir, yeh timer…” Riya began, but Arjun had already grabbed her arm.

“Yahan se niklo, abhi!” he barked, pulling her toward the exit.

The team barely made it out before an explosion rocked the warehouse, flames shooting into the sky.

Back at the ETF office, Riya’s theory proved correct. The warehouse had been a distraction, but Shree’s analysis of the debris revealed a crucial clue: a fingerprint belonging to a known mercenary, Sameer Kaul, who had connections to the shipping mafia.

“Sameer Kaul ka current location trace karo,” Arjun ordered.

“Already on it, sir,” Shree said, typing furiously.

Riya added, “Sir, agar Sameer iss case mein involved hai, toh Meera ka location trace karna possible hoga. Uska pattern hai ki woh apni victims ko ek controlled environment mein rakhta hai.”

Arjun nodded. “Tumhari baat sahi lagti hai. Shree, track his financials and movement.”

As the team waited for updates, Arjun turned to Riya. “Tumne warehouse ke baare mein jo kaha tha… good instincts.”

Riya smiled faintly. “Aapke trust ke bina shayad main bol bhi nahi pati, sir.”

Shree’s data led the team to an abandoned dockyard, where Sameer Kaul was believed to be holding Meera. The ETF moved in swiftly, splitting into teams.

Arjun and Riya entered through a side door, navigating the maze-like structure.

“Careful,” Arjun whispered, his gun raised.

Riya followed closely, her own weapon ready. Suddenly, they heard muffled cries from a room ahead.

“Meera,” Riya whispered, her heart racing.

Arjun signaled for her to stay back, but she shook her head. “Sir, main ready hoon.”

They burst into the room together, finding Meera tied to a chair, a second countdown timer ticking down on a nearby device.

“Bomb hai,” Riya said, rushing to Meera’s side to untie her.

Arjun examined the timer. “Shree, humein defusal instructions chahiye. Timer pe sirf 5 minutes bache hain.”

“Main dekhta hoon, sir,” Shree said over the comms, frantically pulling up schematics.

“Riya, tum Meera ko yahan se le jao,” Arjun said firmly.

“No, sir,” Riya replied, her voice steady. “Main aapko yahan akela nahi chhod sakti.”

Arjun shot her a sharp look but didn’t argue. Together, they worked to disarm the bomb, Riya’s calm presence balancing Arjun’s precision.

With seconds to spare, they succeeded, and the timer stopped at 00:02.

Back at the office, Meera was reunited with her family, and the case was officially closed. As the team celebrated, Arjun stepped outside for a moment of quiet reflection.

Riya found him leaning against the balcony railing, the city lights flickering in the distance.

“Sir,” she said softly, joining him.

He glanced at her. “Tumhare bina yeh mission complete nahi hota.”

She smiled. “Aur aapke bina toh kabhi shuru bhi nahi hota.”

They stood in companionable silence, the weight of the day easing into the cool night air.

Finally, Arjun spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “Riya, tum sirf meri team ka ek hissa nahi ho. Tum meri strength ho.”

Her breath caught, but she smiled, warmth flooding her chest. “Aap bhi, sir. Shayad usse zyada jo aap sochte hain.”

For the first time, Arjun didn’t hold back. He reached out, his hand brushing hers. She didn’t pull away.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, they knew they would face them together—not just as colleagues, but as something far more.

The quiet moment on the balcony lingered longer than either Arjun or Riya expected. For someone like Arjun—guarded, reserved, and perpetually haunted by his past—this moment felt like crossing an invisible line. For Riya, it was an affirmation of the bond they had built over countless challenges.

“Sir,” Riya finally said, breaking the silence, though her voice remained soft, “aap kabhi apne dil ki baat bolenge?”

Arjun raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly. “Tumhe lagta hai ki main bolne wale logon mein se hoon?”

Riya chuckled lightly, crossing her arms. “Nahi. Aap un logon mein se hain jo baat nahi karte, lekin unka sab kuch unki aankhon mein dikh jata hai.”

He looked at her, caught off guard by how easily she saw through him. “Aur tum?” he asked, his tone dropping an octave. “Tum kyun yeh sab dekhne ki koshish karti ho?”

She hesitated for a moment before answering, her gaze steady. “Kyunki main chahti hoon ki aap samjhein... aap akele nahi hain.”

The simplicity of her words hit him harder than he expected. His usual deflective demeanor faltered for a moment as he turned to look back at the city lights. “Mujhe akele rehne ki aadat hai, Riya.”

“Toh aadat badal lijiye, sir,” she replied, a playful but tender challenge in her tone.

Arjun allowed himself a small smile. “Tumhare saath reh kar, shayad yeh aadat badalne lagi hai.”

The next morning, Riya entered the ETF office, juggling a coffee cup and a folder. She barely made it to her desk before Shree and Chotu surrounded her with curious grins.

“Kya baat hai, Riya?” Shree teased. “Kal balcony pe Arjun sir ke saath jo guftagu ho rahi thi, woh toh kaafi lambe time tak chali.”

Chotu joined in, mockingly folding his arms. “Humein bata do, Riya. Office mein gossip chalu hai.”

Riya groaned, rolling her eyes. “Tum dono apni imagination control karna seekho. Kuch nahi tha.”

“Bolo, bolo,” Shree said, leaning closer. “Hum samjhte hain.”

“Samajh jao, aur apne kaam pe jao,” Arjun’s voice cut through the chatter as he entered the room, his sharp gaze silencing them instantly.

Riya stifled a laugh at how quickly Shree and Chotu scrambled back to their desks. Arjun’s eyes met hers briefly, the smallest flicker of amusement in his expression.

Before anyone could say more, Rathod walked in with a file. “Team, ek naya case hai. High-profile heiress ka disappearance. Yeh case simple nahi lagta.”

Arjun took the file from Rathod and skimmed through it. “Yeh toh kaafi layered lagta hai. Riya, tum victim ke personal connections ki details nikalo. Shree aur Chotu, tum background check karna shuru karo.”

“Haan, sir,” the team chorused.

As Riya worked through the details of the heiress’s life, she noticed an oddity. Several large donations had been made from the heiress’s account to obscure charities just before her disappearance.

“Sir,” she said, walking into Arjun’s cabin, “mujhe lagta hai ki yeh disappearance kisi financial scam se connected hai.”

Arjun leaned back in his chair, gesturing for her to continue.

“Yeh charities kaafi suspicious lagti hain,” she explained, showing him her findings. “Unka koi solid record nahi hai. Aur sabse interesting baat yeh hai ki unmein se ek charity ek known smuggling racket ke naam pe registered hai.”

Arjun’s eyes narrowed. “Good work, Riya. Yeh lead important hai. Rathod ko inform karo aur dekho ki hum iss racket ke aur connections trace kar sakte hain ya nahi.”

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Aapne phir se ‘Good work’ bola. Aaj ka din special hai, sir?”

He smirked. “Tumhari efficiency special hai.”

“Yeh toh aapko maan na hi padega,” she teased before leaving his cabin.

Later that evening, the team raided a warehouse linked to the smuggling racket. It was dark and chaotic, with gunfire echoing as the ETF confronted armed criminals.

“Cover me!” Arjun shouted as he moved forward, taking down one of the smugglers with precision.

Riya, stationed near a stack of crates, provided cover fire while keeping a sharp eye on Arjun’s movements. When she saw a smuggler aiming at him from behind, she didn’t hesitate.

“Sir, peeche!” she yelled, taking the shot before he could react.

The smuggler fell, and Arjun turned, nodding his thanks. “Good shot, Riya!”

By the time the raid ended, the team had apprehended most of the smugglers and uncovered critical evidence about the heiress’s disappearance.

Back at the office, the team celebrated their success with pizza and banter. Riya leaned back in her chair, watching the others with a soft smile.

Arjun approached her, a cup of coffee in hand. “Tumhari coffee kaafi cold ho gayi thi,” he said, placing it on her desk.

Surprised, she looked up. “Sir, aap coffee lekar aaye?”

“Main bhi kabhi kabhi surprise de sakta hoon,” he said with a small smile.

“Woh toh hai,” she replied, holding the cup. “Aur surprises kaafi acche hote hain.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the noise of the office faded into the background.

Later, as they walked out of the office together, Riya turned to Arjun. “Sir, aapke saath kaam karna hamesha ek adventure hota hai. Kabhi bhi predictable nahi.”

Arjun glanced at her, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “Life predictable hoti, toh boring hoti.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Aur aapka style toh hamesha unpredictable hai.”

He stopped walking, looking at her with a rare openness in his eyes. “Riya, tumhare saath... life kaafi interesting lagti hai.”

Her breath caught, but she smiled. “Aur aapke saath safe lagti hai.”

As they stood there under the city lights, it became clear that this wasn’t just the end of another case—it was the beginning of a deeper partnership, one built on trust, respect, and something far more meaningful.

Riya had just returned to her apartment, exhausted but satisfied after another successful case. She changed into comfortable clothes, made herself a cup of green tea, and settled on her couch, scrolling through her phone.

A notification popped up. It was a message from Arjun.

“Awake?”

Riya’s lips curled into a smile. She quickly replied, “Haan, sir. Aapko kya laga ki ETF ke baad mere paas aur kaam nahi hota?”

Her phone buzzed almost immediately. “Tumhare sarcasm kaafi expected hai. Ek cheez confirm karni thi.”

She rolled her eyes, chuckling. “Sir, aap directly phone nahi kar sakte the? Message karke suspense kyun?”

Before she could set her phone down, it rang.

“Sir,” she answered, unable to hide the smile in her voice. “Aapko suspense maintain karna pasand hai, ya mere response sunna?”

“Dono,” Arjun replied coolly, the faintest hint of amusement in his tone. “Kal subah ek nayi lead ke follow-up ke liye ready rehna.”

“Kya lead, sir?” she asked, straightening up.

“Abhi kuch certain nahi hai,” he said, his voice dropping slightly, “but tumhare bina yeh lead explore karna mushkil hoga.”

Riya paused, her heart skipping a beat. “Aap mujhe zyada important feel kara rahe hain, sir.”

“Bas sach bol raha hoon,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “Aur sach yeh hai ki tumhare bina yeh team adhoori hai.”

For a moment, there was silence on the line. Riya felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you, sir,” she said quietly, her voice sincere.

“Good night, Riya,” he said, his tone carrying a warmth that wasn’t typical of him.

“Good night, sir,” she replied, ending the call but staring at her phone for a moment longer than necessary.

The next morning, the team gathered for the follow-up on the heiress case. Riya walked in with her usual energy, but she couldn’t shake the memory of her late-night call with Arjun.

Rathod briefed the team. “Yeh lead kaafi interesting hai. Heiress ke disappearance ka ek aur angle saamne aaya hai—ismein kisi private investigator ka involvement tha, jo iss case se pehle hi maar diya gaya.”

“Private investigator?” Riya frowned. “Yeh toh case aur complex ho gaya.”

Arjun leaned forward, studying the file. “Murder ka connection aur pata lagana hoga. Shree, us PI ke contacts aur recent activities ko trace karo.”

“Haan, sir,” Shree said, already typing away on his laptop.

Riya chimed in. “Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki heiress khud kisi personal investigation mein thi. Shayad woh kuch expose karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, jo uske liye dangerous ho gaya.”

Arjun glanced at her, his approval evident. “Ho sakta hai. Tum iska pattern analyze karo, Riya.”

“On it, sir,” she replied, grabbing the file and heading to her desk.

Hours later, Riya uncovered a major clue. The heiress had been investigating a network of offshore accounts tied to her family’s business empire. The accounts were linked to illegal arms dealing—a scandal that could destroy her family’s reputation.

She immediately went to Arjun’s cabin, holding the evidence. “Sir, yeh raha motive. Heiress ka disappearance usi network se related hai. Uske khud ke family ke log involved ho sakte hain.”

Arjun looked through the documents, his jaw tightening. “Yeh kaafi bada case ban raha hai. Agar uski family involved hai, toh unka protect karne ke liye woh kisi bhi had tak ja sakte hain.”

“Iska matlab heiress kaafi danger mein ho sakti hai,” Riya said, her voice laced with urgency.

Arjun met her gaze, his determination matching hers. “Aur humein usse jaldi dhoondhna hoga.”

Following the lead, the team tracked the heiress to a remote farmhouse owned by her family. The ETF moved in under the cover of night, their weapons ready.

Inside, they found her being held hostage by two armed men. Riya and Arjun entered quietly, signaling the team to spread out.

“Yeh kaafi risky lagta hai,” Riya whispered, her eyes scanning the room.

“Tumhare saath har risk manageable lagta hai,” Arjun replied, giving her a quick glance.

Before she could respond, one of the armed men spotted them. “Who’s there?”

Arjun acted instantly, taking down one man while Riya disarmed the other. Within minutes, the heiress was safe, and the team secured the area.

Back at the office, as the team wrapped up the case, Riya walked into Arjun’s cabin with a tired but satisfied smile. “Case solved, sir.”

Arjun looked up, his expression soft. “Tumhara kaam kaafi impressive tha, Riya.”

“Yeh toh aapki training ka result hai,” she teased lightly.

He smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Tumhe train karne ki zarurat nahi hai. Tum toh waise hi perfect ho.”

Riya blinked, caught off guard by his words. “Sir, aap... compliment de rahe hain?”

“Bas sach bol raha hoon,” he said, his smirk giving way to a rare, genuine smile.

For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the air between them charged with something unspoken yet undeniable.

“Good work today,” he finally said, his tone softer than usual.

“Good team effort,” she replied, her smile mirroring his.

As Riya walked out of his cabin, she couldn’t help but feel that their partnership—both professional and personal—was growing into something deeper. Something worth fighting for.

Later that evening, the team decided to celebrate their success with dinner at a small restaurant Rathod had suggested. It was rare for them to relax together outside the office, and the lighter mood was a welcome change after the intense case.

Shree and Chotu were engaged in a heated debate over who could eat more samosas, while Rathod tried unsuccessfully to maintain some semblance of order. Riya sat at the table, laughing as she watched the chaos unfold.

Arjun, seated across from her, observed her silently. She seemed so carefree in moments like these, her usual professionalism replaced by an easy, radiant charm.

Riya caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Sir, aap itne chup kyun hain? Lagta hai aapko samosa-eating competition mein interest nahi hai.”

Arjun smirked. “Mujhe competition mein nahi, result mein interest hai.”

Chotu overheard and chimed in. “Sir, result toh clear hai. Main jeetunga.”

“Dream on, Chotu,” Shree shot back, grabbing another samosa.

Riya laughed, shaking her head. “Aap log ka tension-free mode kaafi entertaining hai.”

Arjun’s voice was low but teasing as he said, “Aur tumhara relaxed mode kaafi rare hai.”

She smiled at him, her tone playful. “Kabhi kabhi relax karna zaroori hota hai, sir. Even for you.”

After dinner, the team dispersed, and Riya found herself walking alongside Arjun. The night was cool, and the streets were quieter than usual.

“Sir, mujhe lagta hai aapko bhi aise dinners mein thoda aur enjoy karna chahiye,” Riya said, looking up at him.

“Main enjoy karta hoon,” he replied. “Bas alag tareeke se.”

She chuckled. “Haan, mujhe pata hai. Aapko observe karne ka zyada shauk hai.”

“Tumhe observe karne mein maza aata hai,” he said casually, glancing at her.

Riya stopped in her tracks, caught off guard by his statement. “Sir, aap… yeh kya keh rahe hain?”

Arjun turned to face her, his expression serious but with a hint of warmth. “Main jo keh raha hoon, woh tum samajh rahi ho.”

Her heart raced, but she kept her composure. “Aur agar main na samjhun?”

He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “Toh main phir se samjhaunga.”

Riya didn’t know how to respond, her usual quick wit failing her in the face of his intensity. She looked down, suddenly shy.

Arjun smiled faintly. “Good night, Riya. Kal milte hain.”

As he walked away, she stood there for a moment, her heart still fluttering. Something had shifted between them, and this time, it felt like there was no going back.

The next day at the ETF office, Riya was early, hoping to collect her thoughts before facing Arjun. But to her surprise, he was already there, leaning against her desk with a cup of coffee in hand.

“Sir, aap itni subah?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Bas socha, office ko tumhari tarah punctual banane ki aadat dalni chahiye,” he replied nonchalantly, sipping his coffee.

Riya blinked, unsure if she’d heard him correctly. “Sir, kya yeh ek aur compliment tha?”

He smirked. “Tumhare saath reh kar lagta hai mujhe yeh aadat padti ja rahi hai.”

She smiled, shaking her head. “Aap surprises dene mein kaafi expert hote ja rahe hain.”

“Good,” he said, his gaze locking with hers. “Kyunki surprises abhi aur bhi baaki hain.”

Before she could respond, Rathod entered with a new case file, breaking the moment. But as they gathered for the briefing, Riya couldn’t help but feel that Arjun’s words weren’t just about the cases—they were about something far more personal.

Over the next few weeks, their partnership deepened. Whether it was in the field, deciphering clues, or sharing small moments of banter in the office, Riya and Arjun found themselves growing closer.

One evening, as they worked late on a particularly challenging case, Riya leaned back in her chair and looked at Arjun. “Sir, aap kabhi sochte hain ki life ETF ke bahar kaisi hoti?”

He looked up from his notes, surprised by her question. “Life ETF ke bahar?”

She nodded. “Jaise normal log jo 9-to-5 jobs karte hain, weekends enjoy karte hain…”

Arjun leaned back in his chair, considering her words. “Mujhe lagta hai ki main uss life ke liye bana hi nahi.”

“Shayad aapne kabhi socha hi nahi,” she said gently.

He looked at her for a long moment. “Aur agar sochne laga toh?”

She smiled softly. “Toh shayad aapko realize hoga ki life mein ETF ke alawa bhi kuch hai. Aur woh kuch shayad aapke itne kareeb hai ki aap dekh nahi rahe.”

Her words lingered in the air, unspoken yet loud in their meaning.

Arjun didn’t reply, but his eyes told her he understood exactly what she meant.

As the days turned into weeks, Arjun and Riya’s bond became an unshakable foundation for the team. Whether it was in moments of danger or quiet conversations, their unspoken connection grew stronger.

Though neither had said the words out loud, both knew that something had changed. It wasn’t just about solving cases anymore—it was about finding strength in each other, healing from past wounds, and building something worth holding onto.

And in their world, where every day brought new challenges, that connection was the one thing they could count on.

It was a rare quiet afternoon at the ETF office when Rathod walked in with an announcement that instantly grabbed everyone’s attention.

“Team, kal ek high-profile charity gala hai, aur humein wahan undercover jaana hai. Case se connected kuch bade naam wahan present honge,” Rathod said, holding up the invitation.

“Charity gala?” Shree asked, incredulous. “Matlab suit-boot aur formal dresses?”

“Bilkul,” Rathod confirmed, glancing at Arjun. “Rawte, tum aur Riya primary leads ho. Tum dono ek couple ke disguise mein jaoge.”

Riya’s eyes widened. “Sir, couple ke disguise mein?”

Rathod smirked. “Tumhe problem hai, Riya?”

Riya shot a quick glance at Arjun, who seemed completely unbothered, leaning back in his chair with his usual composed expression. “Nahi, sir,” she replied, straightening up. “Bas… ek second laga digest karne mein.”

“Good. Shree aur Chotu backup pe rahenge, aur main logistics handle karunga. Lekin Rawte aur Riya… tum dono ko lead karna hoga. Aur yaad rakhna, yeh gala sirf investigation ka nahi, ek impression banane ka bhi mauka hai.”

Later that evening, Riya stood in front of her closet, completely lost. She rarely dressed up for formal events, and the idea of looking like someone who fit into a high-society gala was daunting.

She sighed, picking up her phone. “Okay, Riya, tum yeh kar sakti ho.”

Meanwhile, at Arjun’s apartment, he adjusted his cufflinks in front of the mirror. His black suit fit him perfectly, and for a moment, he wondered if Riya would be able to recognize the usually rugged and casual version of him in this polished look.

At precisely 7 PM, a car pulled up outside Riya’s apartment. Arjun stepped out, looking every bit the suave gentleman. When Riya opened the door, she froze.

Arjun’s usual sharp gaze softened as he took her in. She was dressed in a sleek black gown that hugged her figure perfectly, with subtle jewelry and her hair styled elegantly. For a moment, he forgot they were on a mission.

“Sir?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Aap kuch bolenge ya bas aise hi dekhte rahenge?”

Arjun cleared his throat, masking his momentary lapse. “Tum… kaafi different lag rahi ho.”

Riya smirked, stepping outside and locking her door. “Aur aap toh bilkul James Bond mode mein hain, sir. Mujhe lagta hai ki aapko formal dressing kaafi suit karti hai.”

Without responding, he opened the car door for her. She smiled, slipping inside.

The gala was held at a sprawling luxury hotel, with glittering chandeliers and elegantly dressed attendees filling the room. Riya slipped her arm into Arjun’s as they walked in, blending seamlessly into the crowd.

“Yeh sab toh kaafi royal lag raha hai,” Riya whispered, scanning the room.

Arjun leaned closer to her, his voice low. “Bas yaad rakho, hum yahan sirf glamour dekhne nahi aaye. Tumhe apne charm ka istemal karna padega.”

Riya raised an eyebrow. “Charm ka istemal? Aap keh rahe hain ki mujhe flirt karna padega?”

“Tumhare liye mushkil nahi hoga,” he replied, smirking.

Riya rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the amused smile tugging at her lips.

As they mingled, Riya struck up conversations with a few of the guests, subtly gathering information about the key suspects. Arjun stayed close, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger.

At one point, Riya leaned into him, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, “Sir, mujhe lagta hai ki woh jo man in the grey suit hai, uske paas kuch information ho sakti hai. Uska behavior kaafi suspicious hai.”

Arjun tilted his head slightly, his voice low and deliberate. “Toh tumhe apne charm ka istemal karna padega, yaad hai?”

Riya smirked. “Aap dekhiye.”

Riya approached the man in the grey suit, her demeanor confident and charismatic. She laughed at his jokes, lightly touched his arm, and subtly steered the conversation toward the heiress case.

Arjun stood at a distance, his jaw tightening as he watched her work. She was good—too good. But he couldn’t deny the flicker of irritation he felt watching her charm someone else.

After a few minutes, Riya excused herself and returned to Arjun. “Mission accomplished,” she said, holding up a small flash drive.

He raised an eyebrow. “Aur tumhe yeh kaise mila?”

“Charm ka istemal kiya,” she replied cheekily.

Arjun shook his head, suppressing a smirk. “Tumhe zyada maza aa raha hai.”

“Main toh bas apna kaam kar rahi hoon, sir,” she said with an innocent smile.

Just as they were about to leave, the host announced a dance for the couples in attendance. Riya turned to Arjun, who was already shaking his head.

“Sir, agar hum refuse karenge, toh suspicion ho sakta hai,” Riya pointed out, barely containing her laughter.

Arjun sighed. “Tumhe toh bas mauka chahiye mujhe awkward situation mein daalne ka.”

Before he could protest further, she grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor. The soft strains of a waltz filled the room as they moved to the rhythm.

“You’re not bad at this,” Riya teased, looking up at him.

Arjun smirked. “Tumhare saath kaam karte karte mujhe kaafi naye skills seekhne pad rahe hain.”

“Good,” she said, her tone light but her gaze warm. “Kyunki aapke saath rehna bhi ek skill hai.”

For a moment, the mission, the suspects, and the crowd faded away. It was just Arjun and Riya, moving in perfect sync, their unspoken connection stronger than ever.

“Riya,” Arjun said quietly, his voice softer than she’d ever heard it, “tumhare saath yeh undercover mission thoda zyada real lagta hai.”

She smiled, her heart skipping a beat. “Toh kabhi kabhi reality aur disguise ko mix karna chahiye, sir.”

As the music swelled around them, Arjun found himself thinking that maybe, just maybe, Riya was right.

After the dance, the gala moved into its networking phase, giving Riya and Arjun a brief respite from their investigative duties. The suspects they had been tracking seemed preoccupied with their own conversations, allowing the pair to step onto the open balcony for a breath of fresh air.

The cool night breeze played with Riya’s hair as she leaned against the railing, gazing out at the city lights. Arjun stood beside her, his hands in his pockets, stealing a glance at her. She looked serene yet radiant, her black gown glimmering faintly under the moonlight.

“Kya soch rahi ho?” he asked, his voice softer than usual.

Riya tilted her head to look at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Bas yeh ki ETF ke cases ke beech yeh ek kaafi different experience hai. Aisa lag raha hai ki kuch der ke liye hum sirf… normal log hain.”

Arjun chuckled lightly. “Tumhe normal ke saath boring nahi lagta?”

She smirked. “Aapke saath boring kuch bhi nahi lagta, sir.”

His gaze lingered on her, and for a moment, the stoic mask he always wore seemed to crack, replaced by something warmer, something undeniably real. “Tumhe underestimate karna mushkil hota ja raha hai, Riya.”

She looked down, suddenly shy under his intense gaze. “Aap hamesha itni serious baatein karte hain ya yeh bhi undercover role ka part hai?”

“Shaayad dono,” he replied, his tone teasing but his eyes steady.

A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne flutes. Riya picked one up and handed another to Arjun. “Ek toast toh banta hai, sir,” she said, raising her glass.

“To what?” he asked, mirroring her action.

“To… new experiences,” she said, her tone playful but her meaning deeper. “Aur us insaan ke liye jo mujhe hamesha underestimate karta hai.”

Arjun raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Agar woh insaan tumhare saamne khud ko underestimate kar raha ho toh?”

She blinked, caught off guard, but quickly recovered. “Toh us insaan ko apne standards thoda high rakhne chahiye.”

They clinked their glasses, and for the first time in a long while, Arjun found himself smiling genuinely, the weight of his past momentarily forgotten.

As the gala wound down, the team decided it was time to leave. The suspects had been identified, and the rest of the work could be handled back at the ETF office.

However, as they exited the venue, Riya noticed a beautiful garden illuminated by fairy lights. She paused, tugging at Arjun’s sleeve. “Sir, ek minute. Mujhe wahan jaana hai.”

“Riya, ab mission khatam ho gaya hai,” he said, though he didn’t stop her.

“Toh kya? Thodi der ke liye hum mission-free bhi toh ho sakte hain,” she replied, already walking toward the garden.

Arjun sighed but followed her, his hands tucked into his pockets.

The garden was deserted, its winding pathways lined with flowers and soft glowing lights. Riya twirled slightly, the hem of her gown swishing as she looked around. “Itna sundar hai, na?”

Arjun watched her silently, his usual sharp focus softened by the way she seemed to light up in the peaceful setting.

She turned to him, tilting her head. “Sir, aap itne chup kyun hain? Aapko lagta hai ki agar relax karenge toh aapki image kharab ho jayegi?”

He smirked. “Tumhe lagta hai main kabhi relax nahi karta?”

“Bilkul lagta hai,” she teased, stepping closer. “Mujhe lagta hai ki aapka version of ‘relaxation’ bas silent observation hai.”

“Shaayad,” he admitted, his voice low. “Aur tumhara version?”

“Yeh,” she said simply, spreading her arms to indicate the garden. “Chhoti chhoti cheezein jo life ko special banati hain.”

For a moment, neither spoke. Then, impulsively, Riya reached out and took his hand.

“Sir,” she said softly, “kabhi kabhi sab kuch chhod kar bas iss pal ko jeena zaroori hota hai.”

Arjun looked down at their joined hands, his mind racing. But instead of pulling away, he tightened his grip slightly, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping through his usual control. “Shaayad tum sahi ho,” he murmured.

As they walked through the garden, Arjun found himself sharing more than he usually did. “Riya, tumhara optimism mujhe samajhne mein waqt lagta hai. Par mujhe lagta hai ki tumhare bina yeh team incomplete hai.”

She stopped, surprised by his words. “Sir, yeh toh kaafi unexpected tha.”

“Main bhi kabhi kabhi unexpected ho sakta hoon,” he replied, his tone serious but with a faint smile.

“Phir toh main officially impressed hoon,” she said, nudging him lightly.

They continued walking, the quiet night wrapping around them like a comforting blanket. For the first time, Riya felt she was seeing a side of Arjun no one else got to witness—a softer, more human side beneath the layers of his stoicism.

As they drove back, the silence between them was comfortable, punctuated only by the hum of the car engine.

“Riya,” Arjun said suddenly, breaking the silence.

“Haan, sir?”

“Tumhe kabhi kabhi lagta hai ki… tumhare choices tumhari life ko restrict karte hain?” he asked, his tone uncharacteristically contemplative.

She thought for a moment before replying. “Haan, lagta hai. Lekin phir main yeh bhi sochti hoon ki agar woh choices mujhe khush rakhte hain, toh unka worth hota hai.”

He nodded, her words resonating with him. “Shaayad tum sahi ho. Lekin kabhi kabhi… main sochta hoon ki apni khushi ke liye kuch alag choices lena zaroori hai.”

She smiled, her heart skipping a beat at his rare honesty. “Aap jo bhi choose karenge, sir, mujhe lagta hai woh theek hi hoga.”

As they pulled up to her apartment, Riya turned to him, her smile soft. “Good night, sir. Aaj ka din kaafi… special tha.”

Arjun gave her a small nod, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary. “Good night, Riya.”

As she stepped out of the car, she couldn’t help but feel that their night together—though part of their undercover duty—had left them both changed in ways they couldn’t yet fully understand.

The following morning, Riya arrived at the ETF office, still processing the events of the previous night. The garden. The subtle exchanges. Arjun’s rare words. Everything felt different, as if they were no longer just colleagues but something more... something unspoken yet undeniably real.

As she walked in, she found Arjun already at his desk, his usual focus intact, but his eyes lingered on her for a fraction longer than necessary. For once, Riya didn’t break the gaze. They were both acutely aware of the space between them that had shifted—changed, even—after the gala.

“Good morning, Sir,” she said, her voice steady but with an undertone of warmth that hadn’t been there before.

“Morning,” Arjun replied, his voice just as steady, but there was something different in the way he said it. Something... softer.

They both sat down at their respective desks, but the silence felt heavier today, filled with things left unsaid. Both knew the truth, but neither was ready to speak it out loud just yet.

Later that afternoon, the team gathered for a briefing on a new case. Everyone was in their usual mode, but Riya couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between her and Arjun. They exchanged brief glances during the meeting, and each time, her heart would race slightly, a reminder that everything was different now.

As the meeting wrapped up, Riya was about to leave when Arjun’s voice stopped her. “Riya.”

She turned back to face him, her expression curious.

“Ek minute,” he said, walking over to her. There was something in his eyes, something serious yet gentle, that made her pause.

Without a word, he reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a tender gesture that felt both personal and unspoken. Riya’s breath caught in her throat, her heart beating a little faster.

"Riya..." Arjun began again, his voice barely above a whisper, "I don't... I don’t say this often, but I... I trust you. More than anyone else."

She blinked, caught off guard by his sudden vulnerability. She had always known Arjun to be a man of few words, especially when it came to emotions, but hearing him say those words made something inside her stir.

“I trust you too, Arjun sir,” she replied softly. “More than I can explain.”

His gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like time had slowed down between them. The usual walls he had built around himself—his stoicism, his control—seemed to crumble in that instant.

"Riya..." Arjun’s voice was almost lost in the weight of the moment. But before he could say anything else, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. Rathod appeared at the door, looking between the two of them with a raised eyebrow.

“Rawte, Riya... case update?” Rathod asked, his voice casual, though there was a knowing glint in his eyes.

Both Arjun and Riya blinked, stepping back into their roles with the seamless precision that came with years of professional partnership. Arjun cleared his throat first, his expression shifting back to its usual controlled self.

“Meeting in 10 minutes,” he said briefly, before walking past Rathod.

Riya stayed behind for a moment, staring at the space where Arjun had just stood. She could still feel the echo of his words, of the softness in his touch. It was as if they were on the precipice of something—something both exciting and terrifying.

As the days passed, things seemed to return to normal at the office. The cases continued, the team worked hard, and Riya and Arjun resumed their usual dynamic—professional, efficient, but now with something new hanging in the air. There were moments, brief moments, when their eyes would meet, and neither would say a word, but it felt like everything had already been said.

One evening, as the office cleared out and everyone else left for the day, Riya stayed behind to finish some paperwork. The silence in the office was calming, but it didn’t last long before Arjun appeared at her desk.

“Tum yeh paperwork kab khatam karogi, Riya?” he asked, leaning against the desk.

“Jab tak aap mujhe break lene nahi doge, sir,” she replied, her voice light, but her eyes serious.

Arjun smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at her. He took a step closer, his presence filling the small space between them.

“You need a break,” he said quietly, “and I think we both deserve one.”

Riya looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the warmth in his voice.

“Sir, yeh... humara kaam thoda complicated hai,” she murmured.

“It is,” he agreed, his voice dropping even further. “But, sometimes... it’s good to step back.”

They stood there for a long moment, the words unsaid but understood. There was so much more to what they were both feeling, but neither of them was ready to voice it—at least not yet. The office was quiet, and in the soft silence, everything felt at peace.

Arjun finally spoke again, his voice gentle. “Riya... jab tum ready ho, tumhe bata dena.”

She smiled, a soft, knowing smile. “I will, sir. Kabhi kabhi... sab kuch apne waqt pe hota hai.”

Arjun nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a second longer before he turned to leave. But before he walked away, he paused and glanced back at her.

“Good night, Riya.”

“Good night, Arjun,” she replied, her voice soft, but filled with a quiet promise.

And as he left the office, Riya sat there for a while longer, her thoughts swirling around the unspoken moments between them. Maybe it wasn’t the right time yet to say what was in their hearts—but she knew, deep down, that they were both waiting for the moment when everything would fall into place.

For now, their bond—unspoken, yet undeniable—was enough. And that, she realized, was just the beginning.

The days that followed were filled with routine—cases, briefings, late-night assignments. But through it all, there was an unspoken shift. The team continued to operate like a well-oiled machine, but there was something different when Arjun and Riya interacted. It wasn’t in the big gestures or the loud declarations, but in the quiet moments, the stolen glances, the small touches that spoke volumes.

One evening, after another successful operation, the team gathered in the ETF office for a final debrief. The mood was lighter than usual, the air filled with the easy banter that came after a job well done. Shree and Chotu were joking around, their usual energy filling the room. But Riya found herself distracted, her mind drifting towards Arjun. He sat at the desk, his posture relaxed, but there was a depth in his eyes that she knew well—it was the same depth that had been there since the gala, since that night in the garden, since those quiet moments they’d shared.

She caught his gaze across the room, and for a brief moment, the chatter around them seemed to fade. They both knew what was unsaid between them. Neither had voiced it, but neither needed to. Their connection had already crossed a line—one that didn’t require words to be understood.

The debrief wrapped up, and the team began to disperse. Riya was packing her things when Arjun approached her, his expression unreadable.

“Tum ghar ja rahi ho?” he asked, his voice softer than usual.

Riya looked up from her bag, her eyes meeting his. “Haan, bas thodi der mein. Aap?”

“Main bhi thoda kaam finish karne wala hoon. Tum... thodi der rukna chahogi?” Arjun’s words were casual, but there was something in his eyes that made Riya pause.

Riya raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. “Aap kuch keh rahe hain, sir?”

Arjun shifted slightly, his usual confidence wavering for just a second. “Bas, yeh... thoda time lena chah raha hoon. Tumhare saath.”

Riya’s smile softened, and without saying anything further, she simply nodded. “Okay. Ek chai ho jaye?”

Arjun nodded, stepping aside to give her space. “Chai. Tumhari favorite, right?”

“Bilkul. Aap toh yaad rakhte hain sab cheezein,” Riya replied, gathering her things and walking over to the small kitchen area.

Arjun followed her, and as she prepared the tea, the silence between them felt comfortable, like a quiet understanding had settled in between them. Riya glanced up at him, finding him watching her with that same intensity she had noticed before.

“Riya,” Arjun began, his voice quieter this time, “kabhi kabhi lagta hai, hum apne emotions ko control karte karte, apne hi feelings ko samajhna bhool jaate hain.”

Riya’s hand paused in mid-air as she added sugar to the tea. She turned to face him, her expression thoughtful. “Aap kya keh rahe hain, sir?”

Arjun stepped closer, his usual sharpness replaced by a rare softness. “Bas yeh ki... hum dono ke beech jo bhi hai, woh... sab kehne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Hum samajhte hain ek doosre ko, bina shabdon ke.”

Riya’s heart skipped a beat at his words. It wasn’t grand or dramatic. It wasn’t a declaration of love. But it was something more profound—something that only they could understand.

“Humne yeh samjha hai,” she replied, her voice steady but filled with warmth. “Ki hum dono ke liye... jo kuch bhi hai, woh... apne time pe samajh aayega.”

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, their presence enough to fill the space between them. The unspoken truth was clear now—not in the grand gestures, but in the quiet moments they shared.

A few weeks later, after another successful mission, the team had gathered at a café to unwind. The evening was warm, the setting sun casting a golden hue over the city. Arjun and Riya found themselves sitting across from each other, the team mingling around them, but neither of them was paying attention to anything but the other.

Arjun noticed the way Riya’s eyes sparkled when she spoke about a new case they were about to take up. Her passion, her dedication—everything about her drew him in, and for the first time, he didn’t feel the need to hide behind his usual armor. He simply listened, allowing himself to feel the weight of her presence.

Riya, on the other hand, noticed the way Arjun’s gaze softened when he looked at her, the way he leaned in just a little when she spoke. She could see it now—the way his guard had come down ever so slightly, how he no longer kept his distance as he once had.

The moment between them stretched, and Riya finally broke the silence.

“Arjun sir,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “Kuch soch rahe hain?”

Arjun met her gaze, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Haan, soch raha hoon... ki tumhe apne favorite chai kahan chahiye.”

Riya laughed softly, shaking her head. “Aap toh humesha apni baat ko halke mein le aate ho.”

Arjun chuckled, but there was a sincerity in his eyes that didn’t escape her. “Mujhe lagta hai, Riya, yeh jo connection hai hum dono ke beech... yeh ek aisa rishta hai, jo kabhi kuch kehne ki zaroorat nahi rakhta.”

Riya smiled, her heart light. “Shayad, par kabhi kabhi... kuch shabdon se zyada, yeh rishta apni samajh se kaafi gehra ho jaata hai.”

Arjun’s smile deepened as he leaned back in his chair, content in the fact that, for once, he didn’t have to hide. For once, he didn’t need to say anything more than the truth that was already there.

And as the evening faded into night, Riya and Arjun sat together, knowing that the bond between them was something more than words—it was a silent understanding that needed no explanation, no grand gestures. It was just them, and it was enough.

The city around them buzzed with life, but in their small corner of the world, everything was perfectly still. The mission, the chaos of their lives, could wait. They had each other, and for now, that was all that mattered.

THE END

One of my longest work ever! Please do share your thoughts on this OS. I have invested a lot of time on this one. Thank you for reading!

Love,

Saraf

One more beautiful os bonding growing between arjun and riya now they r more comfortable after every case they came more closer now they both knows wt they can feel and not necessary to express in magical word they understand their feelings without express to other in between bonding choree teasing riya as well fab os dear luvd it thanks

It has to be 10-15k words isn't it 😅

My heart was thudding the entire time and I couldn't stop smiling. This is so sweet

They have such an interesting dynamic here. Riya has all the answers to his questions. She guides him and it allows him to open up. She's also not that hesitant. She leads him and waits for him patiently. It's not one sided

That's nice how Riya said they know what it is and with time it will.be out.

The scenery and their back and forth is very sweet. I can see it as per serial. Riyas sass would come out sometimes, but she also fears respects his authority. In future when they spend more time i can see Riya letting go of fear and be completely free.

You should write more.

This os kinda felt like the rookie show chenford idk if you watch it

Wow awesome is , Considering each others feeling, standing together throughout the life, trusting eachother is more important than saying I love you right 😍 I loved how they exploring their relationship❤️

Can I have ur autograph for this marvellous os 😍😍😍

Thanks for the pm

Originally posted by: Phir_Mohabbat

This os kinda felt like the rookie show chenford idk if you watch it

I’ve watched few clippings but not the whole show. Didn’t realize it was going that way but now that you mention, damn there are a lot of similarities!

Originally posted by: Phir_Mohabbat

It has to be 10-15k words isn't it 😅

My heart was thudding the entire time and I couldn't stop smiling. This is so sweet

They have such an interesting dynamic here. Riya has all the answers to his questions. She guides him and it allows him to open up. She's also not that hesitant. She leads him and waits for him patiently. It's not one sided

That's nice how Riya said they know what it is and with time it will.be out.

The scenery and their back and forth is very sweet. I can see it as per serial. Riyas sass would come out sometimes, but she also fears respects his authority. In future when they spend more time i can see Riya letting go of fear and be completely free.

You should write more.

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! 😊 You're absolutely right, it is a journey of discovery for both Riya and Arjun, and I’m glad you could feel that connection. And yes, you're right about the word count—14751 words! 😅

I’m so happy to hear that you can picture the dynamic just like in the serial! Riya’s balance of sass and respect for Arjun makes their relationship so interesting, and as they grow closer, I can totally see her becoming more free. I’ll definitely be writing more to keep exploring their beautiful journey in future stories! 💖

Originally posted by: ruhi1985sheetal

One more beautiful os bonding growing between arjun and riya now they r more comfortable after every case they came more closer now they both knows wt they can feel and not necessary to express in magical word they understand their feelings without express to other in between bonding choree teasing riya as well fab os dear luvd it thanks

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the story and the growing bond between Arjun and Riya. Their connection is truly special, and it's heartwarming to see them grow closer with each case. I love that you noticed the unspoken understanding between them – sometimes actions speak louder than words! Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts, it means a lot! 😊

Originally posted by: MariyamBeary98

Wow awesome is , Considering each others feeling, standing together throughout the life, trusting eachother is more important than saying I love you right 😍 I loved how they exploring their relationship❤️

Can I have ur autograph for this marvellous os 😍😍😍

Thanks for the pm

Thank you so much for your beautiful words! I’m so glad you loved the story and the way they explored their relationship. Your feedback truly means the world to me! 😍✨ As for the autograph, I’m honored, and I’m sending all my love right back to you! ❤️ Stay tuned for more, and thank you again for the kind words! 😊

reserved

this story lookss quite long

just 1 version this time?