AsYa FF: Silk Ribbons - Chapter 3-10 Updated 10/26 P.11 - Page 8

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

              As soon as she got off the plane, she knew she had to make some calls. The first number that she dialled was that of the person whom she trusted and loved like an elder brother.

              "Rathore," he answered.

              "I'm in Mumbai," she said to him. There was silence for a few seconds before he erupted on her.

              "What? Why? Why didn't you tell me? You know it's not-."

              "I'm feeling better, Sir. Besides, you can't hide the truth forever. The others will suspect something is up and you and I both know that after hearing the name in the news, he's not going to rest until he solves the case," she told Sameer.

              "You're still weak. Really weak," he hissed at her.

              "I know, but my research skills are still intact and I want to help him," she retorted.

              "And Sir, don't worry. I won't be making a comeback into ETF with a bang. The time will come where you all will eventually come knocking at the door," she said to him.

              "I trust you, but I don't trust him. He's got a temper and he can take rash decisions," Sameer told her over the phone.

              "Arjun Suryakant Rawte never takes rash decisions. You and I both know that. I will be staying at my best friend's place. If you need to call me, you can call me on this number," she said to him.

              "Your best friend?" Sameer asked confused.

              "You'll find that she needs me more than anything right now," she replied.

              "Take care of yourself," he told her before he hung up. She hailed a cab and told the driver the address. As the car sped along the roads of Mumbai, ex-ETF officer and research specialist Riya Mukherjee could only pray that the two of the most important people in her life wouldn't be harmed.

              "I didn't tell you, did I?" Zoya asked Asad as they were walking down for lunch.

              "Tell me what?" He asked.

              "Remember how I told you about my best friend?" Zoya asked. Asad nodded as he remembered her talking about the women who took her in, her Prachi Maasi, and how her niece was her best friend.

              "What about her?" He asked.

              "Well, she's coming from Delhi and she'll be staying here with us. I asked Phuppi and she said it was okay but I still wanted to run it through with you," she said. Asad smiled at her softly and wound an arm around her waist, not noticing how she jerked slightly.

              "If you've asked Ammi, then there really isn't a need to ask me," he said to her. Zoya smiled at him and hugged him quickly.

              "When will she be getting here?" He asked.

              "I already got a call from her, she's on her way here," Zoya said simply. Asad stared at her gobsmacked before he shook his head.

              "What is the point of telling me on the day she's coming?" Asad asked dryly. Zoya chuckled and patted his head.

              "Because I knew you wouldn't be able to say no if I tell you on the last minute," Zoya replied cheekily. Asad mock glared at her as she burst into giggles.

              "Very funny," he said.

              "Isn't it?" She asked. The two walked to the kitchen where Dilshad was finishing up preparing lunch.

              "Zoya, could you please put this on the table?" Dilshad asked as she handed her a bowl of rice. Zoya made her way to the table and set the rice down. She glanced at Asad seated at the table, who was making a funny face staring at the plate. Zoya shook her head and went over to set his plate, cutlery, and serviette properly. She made sure to wipe the glass clean of any water droplets.

              "Happy?" She asked once done.

              "Very," he replied, smiling thankfully at her.

              "Zoya call Najma as well. Lunch is ready," Dilshad said. Zoya called Najma and the younger Khan made her way to the table and sat down.

              "Aren't you going to eat, Zoya?" Dilshad asked. Zoya shook her head.

              "Phuppi, she'll be reaching here any moment and I don't want to eat now because otherwise I won't be able to eat with her," Zoya replied.

              "Oh yes, let me know when she arrives. After all, she's your friend, so she must be a wonderful girl," Dilshad said. Zoya could only smile as she remembered her best friend.

              As Zoya was cleaning up after everyone had eaten lunch, she felt strong arms snake around her waist and warm lips press against her throat.

              "Stop running away from me," he whispered into her ear. Zoya smiled and turned around in his arm.

              "I'm not," she whispered before he took her lips against his in a sensuous kiss.

              "Mm, Mr. Khan," Zoya moaned as she tried to pull away. His kisses were intense and always left her feeling weak in the knees. He pulled away from her to quirk an eyebrow.

              "Any complaints?" He asked, his deep voice sending a warm shiver down her spine. Zoya answered by pulling him down towards her lips.

              "Stop talking," she whispered before their tongues intertwined in a heavy battle. As if on cue, the doorbell rang causing the two to pull away sharply.

              "SHE'S HERE!" Zoya shouted and darted out of Asad's arm at the speed of light. He stared at his arms where he was just holding her milliseconds before and now was holding onto thin air. Asad looked up and watched her hair whip out of the kitchen as she dashed for the door.

              Zoya threw open the door and stared at the person on the other side before squealing like a kid who had been told that Christmas had come early.

              Arjun sat at his desk twirling his pen in his hands, his eyebrows furrowed as he read over the case files of JD and Danish. Zainab Farooqui. The name made headlines years ago when the newspaper heard about the factory fire.

              "Arjun," a voice said. Arjun looked up to find Sakshi standing at the door of his cabin with his favourite cutting chai in her hands.

              "Just leave it here and go," he told her, returning back to the files. Sakshi scrunched her nose but set it down at his table.

              "Arjun, you've been reading these files for the last four hours, come on. Let's go have something to eat," she said. Arjun looked up at her with annoyance and Sakshi's winning smile faltered.

              "The entire team is going," Sakshi corrected. Arjun sighed and set down his file.

              "Fine," he muttered as he followed her out. They made their way to the ETF SUV's where the rest of the team was waiting. Liza and Shree were busy in their own quarrels when they arrived and one look from Arjun shut them up.

              They made their way to a nearby restaurant and sat down for lunch. When the newspaper had released Sikander's name, Sakshi knew that Arjun would do anything to solve this case and she also knew that this was the time that he needed support. Though he didn't show it, Arjun was broken beyond repair and Sakshi was willing to do anything to help him.

              Arjun's mind, however, was far from thinking about food. His mind kept reverting back to all the information he had about JD and Danish and their ties with Sikander. They were his right hand men. If anyone had the information he required about Sikander, then it was those two.

              His thoughts were interrupted when Sameer's phone started to ring. Ever the vigilant cop, Arjun noticed how his former best-friend's face went slightly pasty. He excused himself from the table and walked out the restaurant to receive the call. Arjun too excused himself, feigning a call and walked out to find out.

              "Thank god you're okay. If anything happens and if you need anything, let me know," Sameer said into the phone when Arjun appeared behind him. There was a pause before he let out a sigh.

              "Rawte is fine. He's studying the crap out of those files taken from the vaults," he said. Arjun raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms in front of his chest as he cleared his throat. Sameer's body froze immediately at the sound. A few seconds ticked by before he spoke again.

              "Yes. I'll talk to you later," he said before hanging up and turning around to face him.

              "Do you want to tell me who you were talking to or should I ask Shree to track the call?" Arjun asked slyly. Sameer's eyes flashed and he grit his teeth.

              "I am the chief of ETF and you are my second in command. Not the other way around. Stay in your limits," Sameer hissed at him.

              "I will but you see, when someone enquires about me from you, you're remarks about me aren't exactly what we would call flattering," Arjun replied.

              "I'm sorry to hear that," Sameer said before he brushed past him and back into the restaurant. Arjun watched his retreating back with a blank face. Although it had been years since they had spoken civilly to each other, Sameer hadn't changed at all and Arjun immediately knew that Sameer was hiding something from his last remark. It was an old habit of his. If he had something to hide, his remarks became sarcastic and he would flare up for no reason, something that he had seen happening for quite a while now. Especially since the last few days. 

              "Hide all you want, Rathore. But nothing can stay hidden from me for long," he said.

              Arjun made his way back into the restaurant and took his seat. Lunch passed by without much but no one seemed to notice the cold glares that were being passed between the two senior officers.

              "RIYA!" Zoya squealed as the two girls practically launched themselves into each other's arms giggling madly. They were meeting after such a long time and both had so much to catch up on.

              Riya pulled back from Zoya and looked at her from head to toe before she smiled at her.

              "You've changed, Zoya," Riya said, noticing a glow on her best friend's face.

              "So have you!" Zoya retorted as she gave her another one-armed hug. Riya chuckled and the two hugged again.

              Somebody cleared their throat and the two turned to look at Asad who stood watching the two with his arms folded behind his back. Riya looked at Zoya with confusion and Zoya smiled at her brightly.

              "Mr. Khan, this is Riya. Riya Mukherjee. My best friend and sister for all purposes," Zoya introduced. Riya raised her eyebrow at Zoya and she just shrugged.

              "Nice to meet you, Ms. Mukherjee," Asad said politely.

              "Just Riya would be fine, Mr. Khan," Riya replied.

              "Only if you call me Asad," Asad said smiling at her. Riya returned his smile and Asad did a double take at seeing another dimpled smile that could rival Zoya's. Zoya had seen his reaction and she chuckled before walking to him and holding his arm.

              "She's a beautiful girl, Mr. Khan and she's my sister. If you do find her pretty trust me, I won't feel jealous at all," Zoya whispered. Asad rolled his eyes at her and kissed her forehead.

              "Unfortunately my heart already belongs to you," he told her.

              "As does mine to you," Zoya replied. Riya watched the interaction from afar and averted her gaze when she felt that she was witnessing a private moment. It hadn't taken her long to realise that there was something brewing between her sister and Asad. The way Zoya had said Mr. Khan was enough proof for her and although Riya had been scolded by her senior officer for being careless when it came to small things, the love between Zoya and Asad was too strong to be ignored.

              Even amidst it, Riya couldn't help but feel a small heart-ache at seeing their love. For Riya, wishing for love was like wishing for a Mithril ring. It was impossible. She was now a weakling left to wander the plains of life alone. No mother, no father, no family left except for Zoya. Then the man she loved, the man she loved would never even look at her twice.

              Zoya had seen Riya's crestfallen face and she pulled away from Asad to walk to her. She placed a hand on her shoulder and Riya jerked out of her thoughts and smiled ruefully.

              "What happened?" Zoya asked.

              "Nothing, I'm just so happy to see you again," Riya said, covering up her grief with ease. At least her police training came in handy some time or another.

              "Riya, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Zoya, I have a few things to do. If you need me, I'll be in my room," Asad said, hoping that she would get the hint to come see him later.

              Zoya, however, was too busy in the excitement of the arrival of her best friend that she didn't get the hint and only nodded with a smile as he left the two alone.

              "Freshen up, I'll get the food ready," Zoya said. Riya started to protest but Zoya waved her off.

              "I've been waiting for your arrival so that I can have lunch too," Zoya said. After hearing this Riya sighed and nodded. Zoya showed her the guestroom and then left her to freshen up.

              Riya looked around her room. It was spacious and had a simple yet an excellent decor. The cream walls clashed exquisitely against the brown shades of the mahogany furniture. She looked out the window and found the view that peered out towards the vast Indian Ocean and awarded her with a subtle breeze.

              Riya sat her stuff down and sat down at the foot of the bed, digging out her phone and dialling Sameer's number.

              "Have you reached? Have you had something to eat? What about your medications?" He started firing questions at her without taking a single breath or giving her the chance to speak.

              "Sir," Riya started.

              "Don't forget your medicines, what ever you do."

              "Sir."

              "If you feel any form of discomfort or pain or any weakness, call me immediately or let your friend know."

              "BHAI!" Riya yelled when he refused to listen to her. She knew it was the only way he would shut up and it worked for Sameer fell silent immediately. Thank god for the fact he considered her his little sister, otherwise she'd be dead for having yelled at him.

              "Thank you! Yes, I've reached. I'm about to go have lunch. I have all my medicines with me. I won't forget. I will let you know. Now will you just relax?" Riya asked.

              "Thank god you're okay. If anything happens and if you need anything, let me know," he repeated. Riya chuckled softly before the reason why she had really called hit her.

              "How is he holding up?" Riya asked. There was a sigh from the other end before he told her that he was fine. Riya heard someone clear their throat and when the line went silent, she immediately knew who it was.

              "I'll call later," she replied before she hung up the phone. She held it to her chest as she stared down at the ground. Oh god, what had she done to deserve this? The sudden desire to see him again coursed through her, just to see if he was okay. She knew the reaction it caused whenever the name "Sikander" was mentioned to him.

              "You haven't freshened up yet! Lunch is ready," Zoya said as she appeared beside her. Riya looked up at her chirpy friend and sighed.

              "I had to make a few calls," Riya said. Zoya knew that something was up but she didn't press.

              "Come on, let's go have lunch."

Scroll down for more 😛

(c)Copyright ShieldsMistress

All Rights Reserved. No part of this written piece may be reproduced without ShieldsMistress' expressed consent. For permission requests, write to the author.

              Asad sat in his study wondering what to do. He had made an excuse of work just so that Zoya and Riya could have time to catch up and now he was at a total loss for what to do. He fiddled around on his laptop and got bored to the point where he started to play Minecraft.

              Asad sighed and leaned back. His gaze then fell on the morning newspaper. Picking it up her read the bold headlines again.

              "If JD and Danish are truly out in the open, Zoya's life is in danger," Asad thought aloud. He had to do something and since ETF was working on the case, Asad realised it was high time that he went calling on old friends. Picking up his phone, he found the number he was looking for and called.

              Two rings, three rings.

              "ACP Rawte," he answered.

              "It's good to hear from you again," Asad said solemnly. There was silence on the other end before a deep sigh was heaved.

              "What do you want, Asad?" Arjun asked. Asad raised his eyebrow.

              "What, is that the latest trend for greeting old friends?" He asked.

              "I don't have time for games, just spit it out," Arjun snapped.

              "You've lost Sam, Juno. You're not losing me that easily. Sam may hold you responsible for Roshni's death but I don't," Asad said firmly. "The quicker you realise that, the better."

              Again, there was silence before Arjun spoke up again. This time, his voice was much more civil, though still hard.

              "I've lost all hope from life, Asad," Arjun said. Asad clenched his eyes shut tightly.

              His two best friends, Sameer and Arjun had helped him along his life after his father's betrayal. Asad had been on the road to recovery and wouldn't have been so uptight had that fateful day not taken place. The day of Roshni's murder changed their friendship. Arjun became cold-hearted and vengeful and the cold war between Sameer and him separated all three friends. Asad hadn't only lost his best friends, but he had lost his brothers. Their broken friendship caused changes within everyone. Asad reverted back to his old self, quiet with pent up anger, while the other two had wiped any form of smiles and fun from their life then disappeared. They came together briefly at Roshni's funeral but even then, the three had spoken not a single word to each other, only mused for the loss of a good friend and wife then parted to never see each other again.

              Zoya had been his angel and she brought him back. He started to feel again, the same feelings that had gotten lost within him arose after years since his friendship with Sameer and Arjun broke. Asad Ahmed Khan started to live again. And if anyone tried to take his life from him, Asad wouldn't rest peacefully.

              "I did too," Asad replied.

              "I'm sure you haven't called for a musing session. Tell me, what's bothering you?" Arjun asked. Although they hadn't talked for years, Arjun couldn't forget his best friends. How could he? A boy who had been disowned by his parents because he dreamt to serve the country had found a family in the form of Sameer Damsingh Rathore and Asad Ahmed Khan. How could he forget his family? How could anyone forget their family?

              "Did you read the headlines?" Asad asked.

              "I'm the second in command of ETF, I always know the headlines," Arjun retorted.

              "JD and Danish," Asad said. There was silence on the other end before Arjun spoke up again.

              "How do you know them?" Arjun asked slowly. His heart had skipped a beat when he heard the two names. After several years Arjun had found a lead on Sikander.

              "I don't, but someone else does," Asad replied. Arjun sat up straighter in his seat.

              "Who?" Asad heaved a sigh. If Zoya required protection, ETF would need to know the whole story, beginning to end.

              "Juno, I need you to come over with your team, specially Sam. There's something that you both should know," Asad replied.

              "When?" Was the only reply he got and Asad knew that Zoya's protection deal had just been signed.

              "Come over tomorrow," Asad replied and told him the address.

              "And Juno," Asad said before Arjun could end the call. "Take care of yourself."

ETF Headquarters

              Arjun ended the call and threaded his fingers together and placed his chin on them. The phone call from Asad had given him a ray of hope at finding his wife's murderer.

              "Sir," Shree's voice interrupted his thoughts and Arjun looked up at the tech expert.

              "Sir, I've checked the call records but haven't found anything that could be remotely suspicious," Shree told him.

              "Nothing at all?" Arjun asked.

              "No Sir. Every call that was made was either made to family or was work related. Nothing out of the ordinary," Shree replied. Arjun nodded and got up to make his way over to the conference room where the rest of the team, minus Liza who was in the laboratory, was discussing the case.

              "I've been contacted by someone who might have information about Danish and JD," Arjun said as he sat down on his chair on the rectangular conference table.

              "Who?" Rathore asked.

              "You'll find out tomorrow. He's asked us to visit him so that he can provide us with the details face-to-face rather than on the phone," Arjun replied coolly.

              Rathore was about to say something but his phone rang and glancing at the caller ID, he let it go and instead said, "We'll see what we can find tomorrow."

              Arjun watched his retreating back as he spoke on the phone. Arjun didn't know why but he had a very strong feeling that the ETF Chief was hiding something. The only question was, what?

              "I've been noticing a few things, Ri," Zoya said as they finished eating. Riya looked at her questioningly.

              "Ri, are you feeling okay?" Zoya asked. Riya smiled and nodded.

              "Then why all these medicines? Why the sudden weight loss?" Zoya asked. Riya's smile faltered. She wondered what to tell Zoya about the bacteria incident. How would she tell her sister that she had been snatched from the hands of death at the last minute?

              "It's nothing, Zoya. I just fell ill a few days ago and that's why," Riya explained. Zoya opened her mouth to say something but Riya barrelled onwards.

              "But I could say the same about you. You've changed, Zoe. You look different, I mean you've got this...glow...about your face," Riya said as her eyes narrowed. Zoya jerked and her back went rigid as she let out a laugh.

              "Riya, I'm naturally a glowing a person. What's so wrong about that?" Zoya asked letting out a chuckle. The two girls laughed before they were interrupted by Asad's arrival.

              "How are you finding things, Riya?" Asad asked politely.

              "Wonderful. Your house is beautiful," Riya replied smiling brightly at him.

              "Of course it is, he designed it himself," Zoya supplied. Riya's mouth formed and O' before she giggled.

              "You know Asad, when we were younger, Zoe always used to say, "If I ever get married, it will be to an architect." I used to ask her why and she would reply that if she married an architect, he would build her the house of her dreams," Riya told him. Asad chuckled and glanced at Zoya who had turned slightly pink and had shoved Riya as she was laughing.

              "Looks like your prayers were heard. I haven't known him for long but seeing the love you two share, I can guarantee that he would build you a castle if you said so," Riya said. Asad looked at Riya in surprise and Riya smile back at him.

              "It doesn't take an expert to see that you two are in love," Riya answered his unasked question.

              "Did you need something, Mr. Khan?" Zoya asked.

              "I wanted to talk to you for a minute," Asad replied. Zoya glanced at Riya and Riya got the hint and stood up.

              "I'll head to my room and will try to catch up on some sleep. See you both later," Riya said as she made her way to her room leaving Asad and Zoya to themselves.

              "Kya hua?" Zoya asked. Asad replied by circling his fingers around her upper arm and pulling her up against him, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss. Zoya gasped in surprise and was awarded with his tongue slipping into her mouth.

              "Yeh hua," Asad replied pulling back from her. Zoya frowned at him and shoved him slightly before he led her to his study.

              "Zoya, I've invited an old friend over tomorrow," Asad informed her. Zoya nodded as she made herself comfortable on the couch placed next to the large glass window that overlooked the Indian Ocean.

              Zoya had first been hesitant for the move but the moment she had stepped foot into the mansion in Mumbai, she had fallen in love. It was situated right along the Indian Ocean and had the most beautiful view that anyone could've ever asked for. When she had found his study, the large glass window and the couch in front of it had become her favourite place to relax.

              There would be times where Asad would come home and work in his study and to avoid being away from him for so long, she would slip into his study and lay down on the couch, appeased with the knowledge that he was a mere three feet away from her.

              Asad watched her as she spread out on the couch and stretched, a yawn falling from her lips. He couldn't help but smile at her. Since he had heard the confirmation of Sameer, Arjun, and their team's arrival the next day, Asad had felt that a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He would be meeting his two best friends after such a long time and he wouldn't have to worry too much about Zoya's safety if Arjun and Sameer were around.

              "Hey, where are you lost?" Zoya voice shook him out of his reverie and Asad took a seat next to her.

              "Nowhere. Just wanted to spend time with you," he said to her. Zoya smiled and hugged him from the side.

              "I'm all yours," she said to him. Asad kissed the top of her head gently and the two lovebirds entwined their fingers and started to converse about things that were best left to their ears only.

              Riya woke up from her sleep and checked the time. 7:30. Sitting up she stretched and let out a soft yawn. She picked up the phone, her brows shooting up when she saw the five missed calls from Sameer. Knowing that he would be upset if he didn't contact her soon, Riya dialled his number.

              "Hello?" A voice answered.

              Riya froze with her mouth halfway open to say "Rathore Sir" when she heard the voice of a female.

              "Hello?" The woman asked again. Riya didn't know whether to answer or not. She was under orders from the ETF Chief to refrain from contacting any of the members of ETF until her health had fully recovered.

              "Look, if you don't want to talk then don't call," the woman said sharply.

              "Ayesha?" Riya heard Sameer's voice and then a gasp.

              "I don't think so, Sir," Ayesha said as she sat in front of her boss.

              "Am I the only one that believes Danish and JD did all this?" Sameer asked incredulously as he stared from Ayesha to Sakshi. The two had come to tell him that although the couple was newlywed, the families from both sides weren't consenting and the two had broken all ties with them and eloped.

              "Well, if you really want to know, then yes. You are," Sakshi said smiling cheekily. Sameer rolled his eyes and stood up.

              "I'm going to head to talk to Shree and find out whether or not the families have been contacted. You two head to Liza's lab and see what she has to say," he ordered them before he left them.

              A few seconds after he had left his phone started to ring. Ayesha picked it up and was about to go after him before Sakshi stopped her and glared at her.

              "Excuse me, Mrs. Soon-to-be Rathore, I do feel that you have every right to pick up his phone," Sakshi stated. Ayesha almost smacked her but settled for glaring at her.

              "Are you mad? Where the hell did the whole "soon-to-be" come from? He's my boss, Sakshi," Ayesha hissed at her.

              "Just pick up the damn phone," Sakshi said as she grabbed it and answered the call, pushing it into Ayesha's hand. Ayesha glared at her icily but held the phone to her ear.

              "Hello?" She said. There was silence on the other end of the line.

              "Hello?" Ayesha repeated, her frustration seeping through. Her anger flared when the person on the other end refused to talk and she blew up.

              "Look, If you don't want to talk then don't call," she snapped.

              "Ayesha?" Ayesha's blood went cold as his voice penetrated her ears. Sakshi gasped and stumbled back. Ayesha turned around to face the ETF Chief whose face went from confusion to anger when he saw his phone in her hands.

              Ayesha ended the call and stared at him with fear in her eyes. This was the first time that the dabangg lady cop had ever felt fear in her life and her hands started to shake.

              "Sakshi, out," he hissed and Sakshi obeyed him immediately, throwing her an apologetic look as she went.        

              "What. Is the meaning of this?" He growled at her.

              "Sir, I-I," Ayesha stuttered not knowing what to say. He snatched the phone from her hands and looked at the number. His face went pale but his eyes were alit with anger.

              "OUT!" He roared and Ayesha scrambled out of his office, thanking the God that she hadn't received anything much harsher.

              Sameer's heart was beating frantically as he dialled the last call. If Ayesha found out...He didn't even want to think of the consequences.

              "Hello?" She answered in a shaky voice.

              "Riya, it's me!" Sameer replied. He heard her exhale thankfully and she let out a nervous chuckle.

              "That was a close one, Sir. Say, who was the lady that picked up the call?" Riya asked, a hint of amusement hidden in her voice.

              "Ayesha Kapoor. She's the ammunition expert here at ETF," Sameer told her as he shut the door to his office and went to sit at his desk.

              "Ammunition expert? We didn't have one of those when I was there," Riya noted.

              "A lot has changed," he said absentmindedly before he cringed. The line was silent for a while before she spoke again. Sameer heard the resignation and sorrow in her voice as she spoke.

              "A lot has changed," she agreed. The two were silent as they mused. Things had definitely changed since Riya's accident. ETF had shifted offices, new members were introduced to the team, and the cases were getting rather intriguing and demanding day by day. The one thing, rather the one person, that hadn't changed was the second in command of ETF. If it would please, his anger was getting worse and worse with every passing moment and Sameer was having difficulty figuring out what to do.

              "Sir," Riya's voice broke through his thoughts and Sameer shook his head before he replied.

              "I heard about the double homicide in Lokhandwala Complex," Riya said. "Any news on that?"

              "Nothing so far. The crime was organised and they were smart with cleaning up evidence," Sameer informed her.

              "They?" She asked.

              "I'm highly suspicious that it was a duo," Sameer said.

              "JD and Danish?"

              "Exactly."

              "Have you found out anything about the victims?" Riya wondered.

              "Just that they married against their parents' wishes," he replied.

              "Sir, statistically speaking, in murders that involve a couple who have married without consent, 85% of the time the family is the main culprit," Riya said. Sameer couldn't help but smile as she rambled on with her statistics. This was their Riya. Or Miss. Statistics, as some had taken to calling her.

              "Riya," a voice on the other line said.

              "I'll call tomorrow," Riya told him before she bid adieu and hung up. Sameer set the phone down and then called Shree into his cabin.

              "Where's Ayesha?" He asked.

              "Sakshi and her are with Liza," Shree replied. Sameer kept his cool and nodded before dismissing Shree. He looked at the clock and sighed. 8:30. They were only at the beginning of the case and things were seriously getting complicated.

              Arjun didn't know why he was doing this but for some reason, after he had talked to Asad, he felt lighter. He didn't know if it was the fact that one out two of his best friends still trusted him and didn't call him a killer that soothed him or the fact that tomorrow he would be getting a step closer to Sikander.

              "Arjun."

              Arjun refrained from rolling his eyes as Sakshi stepped into his cabin. He honestly had no idea why Rathore kept her in the office. She was an ex-journalist for heaven's sake with zero police training.

              "Tea?" She asked smiling brightly at him.

              "No," he replied sharply. Sakshi shrugged and pulled out her thermos where she kept his cutting chai and served him.

              "I noticed something," she said. Arjun turned his chair to face her and raised an eyebrow.

              "Really? Pray tell, what has Ms. Sakshi Anand noticed?" He asked sarcastically. Sakshi blinked but settled herself by leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest.

              "A bride always talks to her parents after her wedding," she said as a matter of factly. Arjun rolled his eyes and stood up, leaning down so that his palms were resting on the flat of his desk.

              "Sakshi, if only you noticed things that were actually related to the case, then maybe I would've given your judgements a second thought," he said to her. Sakshi stood up and mimicked his pose.

              "And if you noticed things that were relevant to me, you'd realise that this is related to the case," she said poking him in the chest. His brows furrowed in confusion and Sakshi smiled brightly before she winked at him and disappeared. Arjun stared at the door, his sharp mind already working on the riddle she left him with.

              With a mind like his, it didn't take long for the light bulb to go on and Arjun was soon storming down the halls to where Shree was sitting surrounded with screens that held various types of information.

              "Shree."

              "Sir."

              "Which were the most commonly dialled numbers by the two?" Arjun asked.

              "Sir the calls that were made were mostly to their family members and work related. Both Neha and Kapil talked for long hours to their parents almost every night," Shree told him as he picked up the call details he had printed earlier in the day.

              "That would be normal if they hadn't broken ties with their families," Arjun said. Shree looked up at him as Arjun met his gaze.

              "Call them to the conference room," Arjun ordered.

              Riya had taken a quick shower and had pulled on blue jeans and a grey button up full sleeved shirt with the top few buttons open to reveal the soft violet vest she was wearing underneath. Brushing her ebony hair and pinning it out of her face, she made her way down towards the dining area.

              As she entered she found an elderly woman and a young girl, a few years younger than herself, placing food on the table.

              "Riya beta," the woman said as she spotted her coming towards them. Riya was surprised for a few seconds before she realised that Zoya must've told them about her arrival.

              "Hello Aunty," Riya said politely.

              "Please beta, if Zoya calls me Phuppi then you also call me Phuppi," Dilshad said as she came over and hugged Riya warmly.

              "Thank you Phuppi," Riya replied smiling brightly.

              "Wow, Riya. Your smile can seriously take on Zoya's," Najma said as she came over and hugged her too. Riya only laughed as she returned the hug.

              "I tell her that all the time," Zoya said as Asad and her walked into the dining area.

              "Hush you," Riya said as the entire family sat down for dinner. Riya looked around herself at the happy family. This was what she had wanted since the beginning, a loving and caring family who would always be there to support her. She'd lost her parents in a car accident when she was very young. Her grandmother took care of her and after she passed away, her Prachi Maasi took her in. That was when she had met Zoya.

              Soon after Zoya had left with her Aapi and Jiju, Riya threw herself into her studies and got into a police academy where she was trained in martial arts. Her training however wasn't as successful in the shooting department for Riya was yet to overcome her fear of ever being able to shoot anyone. Whenever she thought about that one man that she had shot in the head, her disgust would arise and Riya would start to feel disgusted with herself for taking a life.

              Riya's eyes then fell on Asad and Zoya. A small smile touched her lips as she saw the two exchanging glances over the table. But that smile vanished when she thought about her own life. How she had fallen in love with a man who was impossible to break, Riya had no idea. It was an unrequited love that she had harboured for the last two years. Hell, she hadn't told anyone about him, not even Zoya.

              Zoya, although had half her mind focussed on Asad, was watching Riya from the corner of her eye. There was an array of emotions that were passing over the Bengali beauty's face. Sorrow, happiness, shyness, determination, then back to sorrow. Zoya hadn't met Riya since the age of fifteen and today, 10 years later, Zoya could tell something big had happened that caused such a drastic change in the chirpy Riya Mukherjee. What? She didn't know. But she was Zoya Farooqui and Zoya Farooqui could do anything. If that meant digging into her best friend's life, so be it.

              "Riya, where are you originally from?" Najma asked as they ate.

              "Kolkata," Zoya replied immediately.

              "Ms. Farooqui. Is your name Riya?" Asad asked from where he was sitting. Zoya narrowed her eyes at him and he rolled his eyes at her. Riya chuckled at the exchange and looked at Najma.

              "What she said," she replied. Najma and Dilshad laughed and they got up having finished with dinner.

              "Ammi, I'm having a few guests over tomorrow. They'll be here by ten," Asad said as they were cleaning up.

              "That's no problem. You can attend to the guests while the Najma, Zoya, and I head to a Qur'aan Khawani at Mehjabeen's place," Dilshad said.

              "Woh...Actually..." Asad started his usual stutter causing Zoya to smack her palm against her forehead.

              "There he goes again," she muttered darkly under her breath.

              "Ammi, woh, I was wondering if Zoya could stay back. I wanted them to meet Zoya," Asad said. Dilshad stopped what she was doing and looked at him before she smiled and nodded.

              "No problem, then Najma and I will go," Dilshad said.

              Asad sighed in thankfulness and smiled at Zoya who stuck her tongue out at him. He frowned at her and she immediately sucked her tongue back in and smiled innocently at him.

              As they departed, Riya wondered whether she should stay home tomorrow if there were guests coming over. After pondering the thought, she made her way to Dilshad's room and knocked lightly on the door.

              "Come in," Dilshad replied. Riya pushed the door open and entered the room.

              "Phuppi, I was wondering if I could accompany you and Najma to the Qur'aan Khawani tomorrow?" Riya said as she twiddled her thumbs.

              "Of course. Forgive me for not asking earlier, my dear," Dilshad said looking apologetic.

              "Please Phuppi. Don't apologize. It's just that I think I would prefer to go out rather than stay at home tomorrow," Riya replied.

              "Have you never visited Mumbai?" Dilshad asked. Riya was silent as her thoughts wandered to the numerous cases she had spent working on in this city. No, Mumbai was her home. She knew every nook and cranny of this city. She knew the major drug cartels, the areas where the drug lords were situated before the police raid, the gun traffickers high point. Riya knew the city inside out.

              "No," she replied.

(c)Copyright ShieldsMistress

All Rights Reserved. No part of this written piece may be reproduced without ShieldsMistress' expressed consent. For permission requests, write to the author.

              "There is a link," Arjun said as he leaned down and looked around at his team members.

              "Ayesha had told me that Kapil and Neha married without their parents' consent and that they broke all their ties with the families before they eloped. If this was the case, then why were they calling their parents every night and talking to them for several hours?" Arjun asked. The team members looked at each other, save for Sakshi, who was beaming like the Cheshire cat.

              "Sakshi, he's not handing out chocolates so stop smiling," Shree hissed in her ear. Sakshi shook her head and continued smiling. Chhotu glanced at Shree with a look that said "She's mental."

              "Sakshi, dekho beta, if Arjun Sir sees you smiling like this then he's going to lose his temper and we're going to lose a good night's sleep. So, stop. Smiling," Shree hissed at her. Sakshi glared at him before she returned her gaze to Arjun.

              "Would you like to add something, Ms. Sakshi Anand?" Arjun asked after sighing. He'd noticed her smile and he had been ignoring it for the last five minutes. He'd spoken when he couldn't take it no more.

              Shree and Chhotu smacked their foreheads and shook their heads at her. But Sakshi being Sakshi only needed an opportunity to tease Arjun and smiled ever wider.

              "I didn't know you valued my opinion so much, Arjun," Sakshi said grinning at him. Arjun blinked at her as Ayesha and Liza sniggered.

              "Well, let's call it a day Sameer. We've got to meet the parents tomorrow as well as go with Arjun to his informer," Sakshi said standing up and packing her bag. Sameer agreed and he shut the file he was working on.

              "Bye. Bye Arjun," Sakshi said as she blew him a kiss and winked at him before departing in giggles. Ayesha and Liza had to stuff their fists into their mouths to stop themselves from laughing while Shree and Chhotu had gone pale as they spotted Arjun's enraged face.

              "That's enough," Sameer's voice boomed causing everyone to go silent.

              "We'll meet here at seven for a briefing and then head out at nine," Sameer said as he got up and left.

              Arjun made his way to his SUV and slid into it before driving to Ravi Lodge. He had simply refused to go back to the home Roshni and him had shared ever since the night of her murder. There were too many memories of her and if he went back, he would lose himself to his mind.

              As he sat down at his desk at the lodge, he pulled open the drawer to pull out JD and Danish's files when his eyes fell on something. Setting the files down on the top of the desk, he pulled out the slightly dusty dark blue diary. Arjun stared at it for a few seconds before he swiped the dust clean and opening to the first page.

              "Property of Riya Mukherjee" was written neatly in the centre. Turning the pages, he found several notes that were scrawled in a hurry regarding the first case that they worked on together in which Sheen had been kidnapped. Arjun's fingers traced the writing on the paper, the knowledge that her hand had slid across this page as she wrote caused a painful clench in his chest and Arjun let out a deep shaky breath. He flipped a few pages over and found an entry dated September 1, 2012.

Dear Diary,

              The feeling of seeing him walk into the venue at Kalki Devi's place is indefinable. I don't know why but seeing him in the black suit, looking sharp as he always does, made my heart flip. This has never happened before. I have never had this reaction to any man in my entire life. There's just something about him that draws me to him. What? I don't know.

              God, what are the ethical issues of falling for your boss? It's some sort of a stereotype. Except that I'm not his secretary nor am I in any form worthy of a man like him. I can't even shoot a bull's eye on a dartboard for heaven's sake! And he can shoot mid-air while not looking and still hit a bull's eye.

              And then that idiot Shree. Why did he have to say anything about Arjun Sir being my husband? Didn't he know? Aur phir Arjun Sir, he didn't even listen to me when I tried to explain. He never listens to me. It wasn't even my fault that that kid was after me. What's happening in my life right now? It's all a jumble of mess. I can't think straight; I can't do anything without having my mind revert back to him.

What do I do?

              Arjun reached the end of the entry and shut the diary. He shut his eyes tightly and ran a hand through his hair. Why was he feeling like this now? Why was he feeling for a woman who had been dead for over a year? Arjun growled before he slammed the diary on the desk top and stood up roughly, sending his chair crashing to the ground.

              "Damn you, Riya Mukherjee. Get out of my head," he hissed to the silence of his room.

              "Ouch!" Riya gasped as the steel blade of the knife penetrated the skin of her thumb.

              "Riya! Careful!" Asad had just grabbed himself a glass of water and was heading back when he heard Riya's gasp of pain. He turned around in time to see her drop the knife that she was slicing the apple with in alarm as blood rushed down her finger. Asad quickly made his way over to her and took her hand in his to run it under the water.

              Riya felt tears sting her eyes as the water burned the fresh wound on her thumb. She had been shot in the arm once but for some reason, this was much more painful.

              "Let me get the first aid box," Asad said as he headed out.

              "No, Asad. It's okay. It'll heal on its own," Riya protested but he sent her a glare and she fell silent.

              Three minutes later she was sitting at the table as Asad dressed her wound. He applied an antiseptic on the wound and blew on it when she let out a sharp hiss of pain.

              "Is it really hurting that much?" Asad asked when he noticed a teardrop fall from her eyes. Riya hastily brushed it away and Asad smiled as Zoya's face came to mind. When she got hurt and started to cry, she would brush away her tears before Asad or anyone else could see and Riya was just the same.

              "It's hurting beyond words this time," Riya said absentmindedly. Assuming that she had injured herself in a chopping incident before, Asad only smiled gently at her before he decided to tease her.

              "Ammi always says that if you injure yourself with a knife, it's because someone has deprecated you in your absence," Asad remarked. Riya tensed up for a second and this didn't go amiss by Asad who looked up at her and was alarmed to see the colour drain from her face.

              "Hey, hey. I'm joking, relax," he said gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She visibly relaxed but her face was still pallid while her gaze was slightly hazy.

              "So, Zoya has spoken about you a lot. But she never told me what your occupation is," Asad said as he shut the lid to the first aid box.

              "Well I used to be in the Eme-."

              "Riya! What happened to your hand?" Zoya said as she came in and saw the bandage on Riya's hand. Zoya looked at Asad sharply and he held his hands up in mock defense.

              "I promise I had nothing to do with it," he said. Riya chuckled and patted the seat next to her for Zoya to come and sit.

              "Relax, it was just a minor chopping incident," Riya said. Zoya raised her eyebrow and then smiled.

              "If you injure yourself with a knife, it's because someone has deprecated you in your absence," Zoya said. Asad and Riya burst into laughter and Zoya's face morphed into that of confusion.

              "What?"
              "Well now that you both have said, someone most definitely has castigated me in my absence," Riya said jokingly. If only she knew that her Arjun Sir had definitely given her a bad press.

              Zoya lay in her bed drawing patterns on the bed sheet. She was humming softly to "Ho Hey" and didn't hear her door open and close. An arm wound around her waist and Zoya smiled and rolled over to hug Asad around the waist tightly.

              "Thank you," she said after a while. He looked down at her questioningly and Zoya leaned up to kiss his cheek softly.

              "For helping Riya," she said. Asad chuckled and pecked her lips.

              "You know, she's just like you. Strong, independent," he said. Zoya smiled and nodded.

              "Part of the reason why we get along so well. Riya and I used to steal mangoes from a neighbouring house," Zoya said giggling.

              "It used to be so much fun. Gayatri Aunty always had to chase us down the street after we stole her mangoes, but that never stopped us," she continued.

              "If I cannot stop you, I can only imagine what it must have been for her to handle the two of you together," Asad said. Zoya laughed but soon her smile slid off her face and Asad noticed it immediately.

              "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked nudging her nose with his.

              "Mr. Khan, I've been noticing something about her. She's changed. She's not the same Riya anymore. She's quieter and spends most of her time listening than speaking," Zoya said frowning. Asad sighed and sat up. Zoya sat up and looked at him as well.

              "Ms. Farooqui, you last saw her a decade ago. Things have got to change over the course of ten years. You were children back then, now you're adults. Obviously changes will happen," Asad explained in a soothing tone.

              "But not to this extent," Zoya muttered under her breath.

              "Sleep, I'm here for another fifteen minutes before I head to the study to finish up a few things," he said as he lay back down and gathered her into his arms.

              "Mmm, good night," Zoya mumbled as she found solace in the warmth of his embrace.

              The next day found Riya and Zoya sitting at the breakfast table chatting amicably. Zoya was dressed in blue jeans and a loose black full-sleeved shirt while Riya was dressed in a long blue georgette and brocade anarkali suit that included a pink border with golden work on the waist and hem.

              Zoya was admiring the suit while Riya was telling her how she had decided to add more indian clothing to her wardrobe.

              "I don't wear them too often," Zoya said.

              "I know you don't but I've seen you're wardrobe Zoya, it's filled with sarees and suits," Riya said.

              "Riya beta, are you ready?" Dilshad asked as she appeared in the dining room.        

              "Yes Phuppi, I'm ready," Riya said. Zoya looked between the two with confusion before she voiced her thoughts.

              "Where are you two going?" Zoya asked.

              "Riya, Najma, and I are going to the Qur'an Khawani at Mehjabeen's house," Dilshad told Zoya.

              "Why are you taking Riya with you? I won't be able to spend time with her!" Zoya protested.

              "Zoe, I asked to go and besides, Asad and you need to meet a few people. You'll be busy with guests so what's the need for my presence?" Riya asked placing a hand on her shoulder.

              "But," Zoya started to protest but then fell silent not knowing what to say and partially because Riya did have a point.

              "I'll see you later," Riya said as Dilshad, Najma, and her made their way to the entrance and out the door.

              "Did I just hear Riya leaving as well?" Asad asked as he came into the dining room fixing the button of his white button up shirt.

              "Apparently she wanted to go because she knew that I would become busy with your guests and she won't have anything to do. She has a point," Zoya grumbled. Asad sat down next to her and tapped her shoulder. Zoya looked up at him dully.

              "Good morning to you too," he sighed. Zoya turned her head away before she froze and turned her head back and then smiled at him, leaning in to kiss him good morning.

              "Good morning," she said sweetly, giggling as Asad kissed her again.

              "Cut it out, your guests will be here soon," Zoya said as he continued to shower her face with kisses.

              "It's eight, they'll come at ten. We've got two hours to waste," he told her in the midst of kissing her jawline.

              "Mr. Khan," Zoya said as she gently pushed against him. He encircled his fingers around her wrist and kissed the inside of her wrist wringing out a shudder from her.

              "What?"

              "Breakfast?" She asked as she held a plate full of bread and jam. Asad looked at the plate then at her before he started to laugh. Zoya joined him and the two laughed and enjoyed their breakfast like any couple deeply in love would.

              True to their words, as soon as the clock chimed ten-o-clock, the doorbell rang. Asad and Zoya were sitting in the study room, Asad was sprawled across the sofa with his head in Zoya's lap as she played with his hair and told him stories about her and Riya's childhood together, with the occasional kissed thrown in here and there.

              Zoya watched Asad get up from her lap and disappear through door as he went to answer the door. In the meantime Zoya fixed the cushions that had been disturbed from their original location and mentally chuckled.

              He's rubbing off on me. Zoya thought sweetly.

              Asad opened the door and was greeted with the sight of his two best friends. After a long time, Asad's heart felt heavy. His two best friends were right here. Right here standing before him. The only thing missing was the smile. Both of them had looks of arrogance and determination on their faces and Asad felt a pang of sorrow when they made no reaction to seeing him again whatsoever.

              "Come on in," he said as he stepped aside to let them through. Asad watched as the two made their way into the house followed by five other people, three females and two males.

              "Shreekanth Sen," the boy with the curly hair and spectacles said as he held out his hand for him to shake. Asad shook his hand and smiled warmly at him.

              "I've heard about your company, Mr. Khan. You've made great progress over the years," Shree said excitedly.

              "Thank you," Asad replied politely. One by one each of the five introduced themselves and Asad welcomed them into his home. It was only when they had finished introducing themselves that Arjun finally spoke.

              "We're not here for a tea party, get to work," Arjun said. Asad looked at him before he sighed and turned back to the other five.

              "Come on in and make yourselves comfortable," he said as he lead them to the living room area. The five sat down but Sameer and Arjun remained standing.

              "I promise I haven't put any needles in the couches," Asad said as he remembered one of his college memories with his mates where the had stuffed needles in one of the professor's seat and had ended up getting away with it. Asad could've sworn that he saw a flicker of something in both his best friends' eyes but it was gone before he could even identify it. Sighing deeply, he smiled at the other five.

              "Welcome," he said. "Let me get something made for you."

              The five smiled back at him generously as Asad made the offering of food and tea to them.

              "Himakshi Bai," Asad called for his house help immediately.

              "Leave it Mr. Khan. Himakshi Bai is busy with the cleaning so I'll prepare something," Zoya said as she walked into the room.

(c)Copyright ShieldsMistress

All Rights Reserved. No part of this written piece may be reproduced without ShieldsMistress' expressed consent. For permission requests, write to the author.