ArNi SS : A Case of Misidentity | Completed - Page 5

Curiosity continues, Neha. The dynamics here are quite interesting. I am actually liking Riya after being annoyed by her in the previous parts. She is the one who is making the most sense to me at the moment. Everyone else seems too casual.

I'm glad you're enjoying it. Will make sure others contribute to the case as well 🙈

She is actually focused on the case and finding the murderer. Doesn't seem that she is dragging Deeya into the mess because she doesn't like her. Riya clearly has valid reasons for wanting to interrogate Deeya and Arjun not doing it himself & even not allowing her to do so Is surely bound to get on her nerves. Getting on mine too. 

Haan, it's not deliberate, just out of necessity. Poor Arjun, needs to check his biases 🙈😶

Arjun knows that Deeya has nothing to do with the murder but it is a bit too much to expect the ETF team to blindly trust Deeya especially when they have evidence against her. Not to forget, Arjun hasn't even told Riya and the ETF members about Deeya being drugged. Why should Riya go easy on Deeya? Clearly, there is no reason.

She's drugged - that's known because of Bartender's confession. But Arjun simply hasn't informed of the intensity with which it has affected her. Uss drug ki reports abhi aayi nahi hai from the forensics so that's awaited. So, per usual understanding, drug effects wear off in 12-24 hours and she should be good - that's what Riya saw. 

When Riya reached Arjun's home to inquire about the murder, Deeya's stance caught me off-guard. Wasn't she too casual? She didn't know that Yash was murdered so I was expecting a bit of surprise from her upon Riya's revelation of the same and even the responses that followed sounded weird to me. 

Dee knows. Arjun told her, indirectly. Next chapter will clear that up.

More or less like she doesn't care who lives and who dies. Her reaction was as they were discussing a broken toy instead of a dead person. As a criminal psychologist, her interest in the case in front of her is quite disappointing. 

Deeya introduces Roshni as Mrs. Arjun Rawte but says to Arjun if you don't put a ringer on her... so are Arjun and Roshni married or not? 

Official wedding baaki hai, but it's just a formality at this point  wo bhi ho jayega

Will wait for the next chapter   

Haanji, it won't be long! 

Not forgiving you for rulaoing my baby 

Originally posted by: SarafWasima

Not forgiving you for rulaoing my baby 

 sowwy 

Thanks for the tag. This is beautifully written, though it is kinda depressing. 

Awaiting the next chapter.

Originally posted by: dhun.laagi

Thanks for the tag. This is beautifully written, though it is kinda depressing. 

Awaiting the next chapter.

Sorry 🙈🙈 🐮 sometimes the story needs it but don't worry, it's gonna be alright! Andhere ke baad hi savera hota hai! 

Trigger Warning (Mild) : Mention of Molestation

Chapter 4 : The Moment of Truth

About an hour later, Riya reached the ETF. Shree looked at her entering her cubicle and followed her as something felt off. 

“Ri!” He greeted her with a smile which turned into a frown as he saw her swollen eyes and red nose. “Kya hua?”

“Kuch nahi.” She put her bag aside. 

“Bata na!” He nudged her side.

Riya took a deep breath and sat on the chair. “I met Arjun sir's wife. She- she's so pretty, bold and beautiful. Of course sir doesn't look at me or anyone else. Why would he? I've been so stupid. Why did I get a crush on him.” 

“That's sad but why didn't we know about it? Maana ke humne 6 mahine pehle hi ETF join kiya hai but batana chahiye tha na sir ne.” Shree pouted.

“I don't know what reason he has but hoga kuchh.. nevermind. There's something else that's bothering me more.” 

“Kya hua?” Chotu walked in. “Tu Deeya ka statement lene gayi thhi na.”

“Haan.” Riya nodded. “Sir ne bola tha ki unn drugs ki wajah se uski tabiyat thik nahi hai but abhi main gayi toh, wo bilkul thik thi. Thodi weakness lag rahi thi chehre pe, but she looked fine. What's bothering me is her statement. She's clearly leaving out important details.” She pulled out her tablet and played the audio recording. 

“Iss ko sunn kar ek baat toh clear hai,” Shree pondered. “Kuchh toh chhoot raha hai.” He rubbed his fingers imitating Arjun.

“Shree!” Riya chided him. “Let's go to the conference room and discuss. Sir bhi aate hi honge.”

~

Conference Room

The trio settled in their chairs and Sameer walked, greeting them. “Hello team! How have you been?” 

“We are good sir. How was your trip?” Chotu asked. 

Riya looked at the chief, he looked happier than usual. Her eyes fell in his hand, a plain diamond ring on it. “Congratulations on your engagement, sir!”

“Engagement?” Sameer frowned, looking at his hand. “Oh no, this is my wedding ring. I forgot to take it off.” 

“Matlab aapki bhi shaadi ho gayi hai? Hume ye pata hi nahi tha.” Shree pouted.

“Meri bhi? Aur kiski huyi hai?” Sameer looked at the three who looked just as confused. 

“Arjun sir?” Riya said, her voice was doubtful. 

Sameer chuckled, “Who told you that?”

Riya looked at him, trying to understand what was happening. “I went to his house and met his wife.”

“Who?”

Riya felt that Sameer was probably teasing her. “Sir, Deeya introduced her, umm Roshni, as Mrs. Arjun Rawte.

Sameer chuckled again, “Of course! Bola hoga usne, ye meri bhabhi hai.” He imitated her tone. 

Riya’s eyes widened. “That's exactly what she said. Aapko kaise pata?”

“She's been saying it for two years. Lekin ye dono pata nahi kis muhurat ke intezar mei hai.”

“Rathore? Tum kab aaye?” Arjun walked in, greeting his buddy.

“Thodi der pehle. How's everything?”

“Not good.” Arjun said. 

Sameer patted his back, “We'll get through it, together.” he assured. “Chotu, do cutting mangwa do.” Sameer sat down, scrutinising the case files. 

About an hour later, after going through the case details the ETF team sat together to discuss their theories.

“Sir,” Shree began, “I feel this has something to do with the drugs. Like, the people Yash has been getting his drugs from, might have felt that he's being a liability and tried to kill him off, maybe through the bartender or through Sumit. Might be a third person entirely but drugs are involved.” He paused for a moment. “Or, Yash was planning to expose his friends and they killed him before he could do that.”

“Seems plausible.” Sameer thought out loud. Arjun nodded.

“Sumit ne hi Yash ko maara ho, iska chance toh mujhe bhi lag raha hai.” Chotu added. “Even during his interrogation, he was giving answers jaise wo ratt ke aaya ho, use pata hai ki kis sawal ka kya jawab dena hai,” he paused to look at Arjun. “And my informers have told me that last week too, they drugged another girl and she's still missing. I've asked them to keep an eye out.” 

“That sounds like they have a history of this behaviour, bring in their other friends and ask them.” Sameer said.

“Yes sir.” Chotu answered. 

“I have a feeling that it's related to the MLA, someone is trying to get revenge from him. Underworld threats?” Arjun reasoned. 

“That's possible too. Ek murder ke itne motives aur potential killers, it's a lot shadier than we expected.” Sameer said.

“Sir,” Riya looked at Sameer and Arjun, “I have a slightly different theory. Please listen to it objectively, before reacting.” 

“Bolo.” Sameer said.

"I know it's difficult to believe, but Deeya isn't who she appears to be. There's more to her than meets the eye." Riya's tone was urgent yet composed. “What if she's the perpetrator, not the victim?”

“Riya! How dare you say that?” Arjun seethed in anger . Sameer walked over to Arjun. “Let Riya put forth her theory, Rawte, it is part of the case, nothing personal.” Arjun tried to protest but Sameer blinked his eyes slowly, asking him to stay calm. “Apni baat khatam karo, Riya.” Sameer nodded at Riya.

Riya leaned forward, her eyes intent on convincing her theory. "Sir, what if Deeya's grief has driven her to seek vengeance? What if her parents didn't die in an accident, but were murdered by the MLA? And what if Yash's death was orchestrated by Deeya herself, to frame the MLA and avenge her parents' deaths?"

"But why would she do such a thing?" Chotu questioned, his voice tinged with doubt.

"Because she's desperate for justice," Riya replied. "Desperate enough to manipulate those closest to her, including Arjun sir and his family. The drug she took was to prove herself a victim, and a pawn in her game to evade suspicion."

Arjun's hands curled into fists, his knuckles turned white as he struggled to fight his anger. "Do you have any proof, Riya? To support these accusations and speculation." Sameer asked. 

"I'm following the evidence, sir. And it's leading me straight to Deeya. The way she answered in her statement, concealing more details than she revealed, her casual approach, her attitude to a person's death. The presence of her bracelet and broken glass bearing her lip-prints. All of it suggests her involvement. And if she's really innocent, why did she answer the questions only in the presence of her lawyer? Why would an innocent person need a lawyer?" Riya spoke intently.

Arjun counted backwards to calm himself down. If this was being said about an outsider, he would've accepted it. But his Deeya, no. She's not the kind who could do this, he was sure of it. Arjun gulped a glass of water and sat down on his chair. “Theory toh tumhari bahot achhi hai, Riya.” He took another deep breath, “but I'll give you some information. Deeya’s parents were killed in a drunken driving accident around 15 years ago. The driver was blackout drunk and it was an open and shut case. The driver is still in jail, I can provide you with the details of him, as well. About this being a revenge, Deeya doesn't hold grudges against anyone. And us going to that club was not planned. In fact, I chose that club, she didn't. Lastly, if she were to take a drug herself, it would be a simple one that wouldn't have lasting effects, not something that renders her blind, paralysed or dead. She would also have an antidote for it. So, your theory doesn't stand in light of these facts.” Arjun walked out of the room. 

Sameer looked at Riya. He wondered if what Riya just said was incredibly brave or really stupid, she accused Arjun's beloved sister for a crime and almost got away with it. Had it been some other person, they would be six feet underground before Arjun provided an explanation. 

~

“Deeya,” Roshni sat beside her. “Mujhe tumse poora sach jaanna hai, tell me everything that happened, every single thing that you remember.” Her voice was gentle yet stern. 

“Sunshine, I've already told everything I remember.” Deeya voiced softly.

Roshni sighed. “Deeya, I am a criminal lawyer. I can tell when my clients are telling the truth and when they're leaving out details. And if you're worried about Ajun knowing things, I won't tell him, if it's not important or relevant, trust me.” She held her hand. 

“It's not like that bhabhi. I really don't remember.” 

"Did he molest you?" Roshni asked directly. Deeya's eyes widened. Roshni registered the quick reaction and sighed. “He touched you and you don't want your brother to know about it. Right?” 

Deeya took a deep breath. “That's not what happened, really. 

"We were dancing, when you called Dau, so he left. I was on the floor, enjoying my favourite song, when I felt someone tried to touch me. My hand. I ignored it, considering it was a dance floor. But then it happened again and this time he touched my shoulder, I held his hand and politely asked him not to touch me again. I turned around to face him and he- he grabbed my waist and pulled me close, saying something in my ears. I was too angry and shocked at his audacity to react so I simply went back to the bar and ordered another drink. I thought he would leave me alone there as I saw the camera was directly facing us there. While I was having my drink, he came again and introduced himself, which I ignored. I felt something was off with the drink and thought of throwing up, so I went to the washroom. I poured the drink out and tried to throw up but felt numb on the inside. Then I felt someone behind me and before I could react, I felt a strong grip on my boobs. I froze, in fear, anger and disgust. I freed myself from his grip, and pushed him away. He grabbed my hand and tried to pull me again. I slipped my hand and ran outside. My vision started to get blurry and I felt like I saw Dau near the bar counter. I quickly went to him and asked him to take me home. I wanted to run away and hide in a corner.” Deeya sobbed. 

Roshni quickly wiped her own tears and held Deeya in her arms. “I understand why you didn't want to share this with Arjun. He would blame himself for leaving you alone for those few minutes.” She knew he was already blaming himself for her condition. “Deeyu, do you think that when you pushed him, he could be gravely injured?”

Deeya shook her head. “No, I remember he stumbled a few steps back and came forward again. He might've followed me out even, I didn't pay attention but I know he didn't even fall. I didn't have that strength, my body was starting to feel numb. I'm glad I left when I did because if it had been another few minutes, I wouldn’t be here.” Deeya felt a pit in her stomach at the thought. “Bhabhi. Promise me, please, you won't share any of this with dau, or aai, baba. Please, I don't want them worrying about me.”

“You are really strong Deeyu. I won't tell them anything. And if there's another round of questioning, please remember what you said earlier and repeat it. Anything else, you don't remember.” 

“I wish I really couldn't remember any of this.”

Roshni consoled her, gently stroking her hair.

__

“Sir!” Chotu looked at Sameer and Arjun, “We've found a dead body. It's the girl that was missing.” 

ETF team reached the house that was filled with stench. The neighbours complained of the odour. 

“She's been dead for at least one day.” Riya said. The girl looked like she was peacefully asleep, some bruises on her hands and feet suggested she was tied up.  

“Lab le jao isse.” Sameer ordered. 

Arjun moved around the house, gathering evidence. 

Chotu walked up to him, “Sir, mere informer ne bataya hai ki ye ghar MLA ki benami property mei se ek hai.”

“Neighbours ne bataya ki yahan aksar kuch youngsters ate rehte hai, Yash aur Sumit ki photo ko ek do logon ne pehchana bhi hai.” Riya briefed,

“Iss MLA ke Ghar ka search warrant nikalo aur use bulao, interrogation ke liye.” Arjun said. 

~

Arjun, Sameer and Chotu thoroughly interrogated the bartender-Luke and Sumit. After hours of grilling, they finally confessed killing Yash.

“Sir” Sumit whispered in pain, “mujhe koi shouk nahi tha apne dost ko maarne ka, lekin uske papa Dinesh ne hume 5 crore rupaye diye thhe aur kaha ki wo Zinda nahi bachna chahiye. Jab wo ladki washroom se bahar aayi toh Maine dekha ki unn dono ka kuch jhagda hua tha, Yash bahot gusse mein tha. Maine chloroform dekar use behosh kiya aur kaafi baar zor zor se uska sar deewar pe patak ke use maar diya. Phir maine Luke se kehkar uss stall pe out of order wali sign laga di aur bahar se band kar ke hum employees wali exit se bahar aa gaye. Iss sab ke peeche Dinesh uncle ka haath hai.”

~

Arjun and Sameer reached the lavish bungalow of MLA Dinesh Rajput. 

"Mr. Rajput, let's not beat around the bush," Sameer began, his voice edged with authority. "We have found the culprits of your son Yash's murder. They have confessed you paid them. Do you agree about your involvement?"

Rajput's lips curled into a knowing smirk, a glint of defiance dancing in his eyes. "Involved? Oh, that's putting it mildly. I orchestrated the whole damn thing."

The officers exchanged a wary glance, taken aback by Rajput's brazen admission. "And may we ask why?" Sameer inquired, his tone laced with incredulity.

"Why?" Dinesh chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an air of superiority. "Because Yash was a hindrance, a liability. He lacked ambition, wasted his time doing drugs and girls. I couldn't have him tarnishing my reputation like that. Also, he wasn't really my flesh and blood either, my wife cheated on me and lied to me for all these years. I wanted to teach her a lesson too. Anyways it's election season and his death gives me sympathy votes as well."

His callousness sent a shiver down Sameer's spine, but Arjun remained stoic, his gaze unwavering.

"So, you hired someone to take care of him?" Arjun pressed, his voice steady despite the turmoil roiling within.

"Precisely," Dinesh affirmed with chilling nonchalance. "That bartender Luke and his friend Sumit. They made it look like an accident. It was good that your girl was there, we put in evidences to prove her guilty or that's what my lawyers would be preparing for. Since I wasn't sure how much she knew, I had asked them to make sure she's dead too."

Arjun clenched his fists. Sameer struggled to contain his disbelief, his mind reeling at the depth of Dinesh’s depravity. "You feel no remorse for what you've done?"

"Remorse?" Dinesh scoffed, his smirk widening. "Please. Yash's demise was a necessary sacrifice for the greater good. My good."

Arjun exchanged a knowing glance with Sameer, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. They had delved into the heart of darkness, confronting a man devoid of conscience, consumed by his lust for power.

"Well, Mr. Dinesh Rajput," Arjun declared, his voice tinged with a steely resolve. "It seems you've made your position quite clear."

Dinesh leaned back in his chair, unperturbed by the weight of his actions. "Indeed I have, Arjun saheb. And I'm not afraid to face the consequences. After all, in politics, one must be prepared to get their hands dirty. But don't you worry, I will pay the lawyers and the judge and nobody will ever know the truth. If you don't want to pay the price, leave this case as it is."

With a final, chilling smirk, Dinesh Rajput had his guards escort Arjun and Sameer out of his house. 

--

Hope you enjoyed reading

Drop in your comments. Last part will come soon, too!

Very interesting update dear 🙂 

Awesome just loved it 🤗 

Well I really don't blame Riya for what she did as they need to check on every possible angle & it made Arjun annoyed to the core 😔 

Hmm 🤔 finally Diya told what had happened & it was obvious that she didn't let Arjun know the real reason & walked out of the bar immediately with Arjun along 

I am happy seeing that case is solved & that MLA along with his paid puppets were in clutches of police. But MLA is really a big brat & we see the glimpse of today's dirty politics involved these days 

Waiting for more 

Hopefully we will get an epilogue 

Thanks for the Tag 

Keep writing 

Originally posted by: Gold.Abrol

Very interesting update dear 🙂 

Awesome just loved it 🤗 

Well I really don't blame Riya for what she did as they need to check on every possible angle & it made Arjun annoyed to the core 😔 

Hmm 🤔 finally Diya told what had happened & it was obvious that she didn't let Arjun know the real reason & walked out of the bar immediately with Arjun along 

I am happy seeing that case is solved & that MLA along with his paid puppets were in clutches of police. But MLA is really a big brat & we see the glimpse of today's dirty politics involved these days 

Waiting for more 

Hopefully we will get an epilogue 

Thanks for the Tag 

Keep writing 

Thanks a lot for your love, dii!! 

Haan, everyone had theories, nothing personal here. 

Dee ke sath bahut bura hua  

Yup, unfortunately people like them are everywhere. But the brat also deserved it, for ruining people's lives like that. Poetic justice?

Yes, last chapter will be like an epilogue. 

Dadi amma, comment ko unres bhi karo 

 Chapter 5 : That lingering feeling...

Arjun moved through the congested traffic, his brow furrowed in thought. Sameer glanced at him, sensing his unease.

"Sam, don't you think something's off?" Arjun's eyes flicked to his friend briefly.

"Yes, Arjun. It feels too easy, like there's a missing piece," Sameer replied.

"I think you should talk to Deeya again. Maybe she heard or sensed something. I feel like there's something she's not telling us," Sameer suggested.

Arjun shot him a puzzled look, but Sameer waved it off. "I trust her, but there might be something she knows that Rajput doesn't want out. Something putting her life at risk, there's been an attack already. Asking her might give us a clue."

Arjun nodded in agreement.

"As for the victim's body, she died of overdose from the same drug and the postmortem report mentioned her being sexually assaulted multiple times. And yet there was no external DNA, like her body was thoroughly cleaned off to leave no traces. And the apartment, too. Spotless," Sameer summarized, frustration evident in his voice.

Arjun hummed in contemplation. "But why leave the body where it links to Rajput? Shouldn't it be disposed somewhere else? They could've damaged her face so that we can't link her back to them. But none of this was done. It doesn't add up."

"Exactly. Someone wanted us to find her there, to make that connection. It was deliberate. But who, and why?" Sameer mused, the weight of unanswered questions heavy in the air.

~

Arjun returned home, noiselessly opening the door, he walked in. The hall was dimly lit with nightlights and reflections of streetlight fading in through the window. He saw a familiar figure in the dark, "Deeyu?" He quickly walked up to her, in the middle of the hallway. "Tum iss waqt yahan kya kar rahi ho?" 

"Dau?" She lifted her hand to find him and hugged him. 

Arjun frowned before putting his hands around her. "Kya hua?" He gently patted her head.

"Kuch nahi." Deeya mumbled.

"Phir raat ke 2 baje tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?" Arjun asked rather sternly, and immediately regretted the tone. "Sorry, I-" he softened his voice. "Is everything okay?" 

She tightened her grip around his torso, "I - I was trapped," her voice was low and shaky, "it was a dark room or tunnel with not end. I could hear voices, of a-aai, Sunshine, baba," she took a deep breath, "but you weren't there. Where have you been?" 

Arjun stroked her hair. "Sounds like you had a nightmare. Don't worry, I'm here now. We will sort this out. I promise."

She hummed and stepped back. Arjun led her towards the couch, sitting beside her.

"Are you feeling better now?" He asked gently caressing her hair.

She rested her head on his shoulder. After a few moments of silence, she asked, "How was your day?"

Arjun paused to think for a moment. "We caught Yash's murderers. His father paid them to do it." 

"Father?" Deeya sat upright. "That sounds awful." She clicked her tongue. 

"Honestly, though, he had it coming, the way he opened his mouth."

"What did he say?" 

"Nothing much, just some lewd comments. I told him keep up and you are going to jail then he didn't bother me." She shrugged. 

"Anything else?"

"Nope." 

"Anything that you felt odd or -"

"Are you still questioning me?"

"Questioning you? No, I'm just asking you some questions."

"That's what questioning means, right?"

Arjun hit his forehead. "Nevermind." 

"I'm hungry." She grumbled. 

Arjun sighed. "What do you want to eat?" 

"Anything. Fridge me kya hai?"

"Let's see." Arjun got up and walked towards the kitchen. He turned around, seeing Deeya standing in the middle of the hallway, looking around in confusion. She had stumbled on the corner table and lost the sense of direction as the pain shot up from her knee. 

His heart felt heavy as he noticed a glint of tear in her eyes. He turned on all the lights and she covered her eyes with her hand. Arjun frowned and lowered the brightness of the lighting. He walked back, holding her hand. "Chal." 

She silently strutted behind him and hopped on the chair as Arjun checked for leftovers in the fridge. He picked up a tub of icecream and scooped it out in two bowls. He crumbled some cookies and put in on top, added another cookie on the side. He placed the bowl in front of Deeya and took a seat beside her. 

"Itadakimasu!" (Let's eat.) Arjun took a bite and waited for Deeya. This was her favourite dessert and she hadn't touched it. "Deeyu! It's ice cream with chocolate chip cookies. Your favourite." He patted her head. "Kya hua, bachha?"

"Uhm." She hummed. 

Arjun fed her a spoonful. After eating a few bites, Deeya turned to Arjun. "Sorry Dau." 

"For?" Arjun furrowed his eyebrows.

"Being a burden on you all. You come home tired after a long day at work and I still make you stay up stay here with me bothering you. I don't deserve any of this love care attention I am getting."

Arjun looked at her teary eyes. "No," He cupped her face. "You're not bothering me. You will never be a burden to any of us, Deeyu. Never. I understand you're frustrated because of the constant medications and tests. I know you don't like going to the hospital and it's emotionally taxing for you but it's important, right. We want you to be healthy, once again. And you're my champ, you can't lose your hope like this, dear. I know you love living your life on your terms and all of this right now is like a nightmare. But we are here with you, and we'll get through it, together." 

She waited for him to finish. "Who taught you to give pep talks?"

"No one."

"Makes sense, you're terrible at it." She chuckled. The air felt heavy and she had to laugh at something before she broke down crying. 

"Huh?" 

Deeya shrugged. "Nevermind. I feel better now."

"Good then, finish your ice cream before it melts."

"By the way, this isn't my nightmare. You know I'm an lil' attention seeking wh-re, I'm loving all the attention I'm getting. But yeah, I miss being independent. Being able to do things on my own, without needing someone's help." 

"You are stronger than you think. I believe in you."

"I don't. I wouldn't even trust myself. Believe? That's out of the question." 

"Pagal." Arjun smacked her head. 

She licked the spoon. "Anyways, tell me, when are you proposing Sunshine and why on earth haven't you done it already?"

"I'm not sure how to do it perfectly." Arjun mumbled.

"So you're dumbass is stuck with perfection?"

"Ayy!"

"You know you can give her a rose and ask to marry you and she'd say yes. It's not rocket science, broski! Stop fussing about and just do it, already."

"But how?" he sighed in desperation.

Deeya smacked his head. "Bar is on the floor and here you are, limbo dancing with the devil."

"What?" 

"You're an idiot, that's what!" She took a deep breath, "Tell me what have you planned or thought of?"

"I have a lot of ideas," Arjun began, "On the beach, in a fancy restaurant or maybe on the terrace?" 

"Terrace sounds good, go ahead." 

"But wouldn't it be too simple?"

"If you want extra, then fill up the terrace with her favourite flowers and maybe diamonds?"

"Diamonds?" He chuckled, "Where do you get such ideas from?"

"It's a secret treasure." She pointed a finger on her head. "Okay, so choose a full moon night or a starry one. Candle light dinner, beautifully decorated terrace and the two of you. Also her favourite food. And the ring, you've chosen it, right?"

"What's to choose? She will be getting our great-grandmaa's ring, like every bride of the house has." Arjun took the last bite of his cookie.

"Ugh, that would be the wedding ring. This is different. Get yourselves matching bands with your initials or something. So cute!"

"Very cliched. Rosh doesn't like them, anyways."

"Then propose her with a paper ring and take her to the jewellers and let her choose."

"Not needed. I know what she likes, I will get it." Arjun determined.

"Jab sab pata hi tha, soch ke bhi rakha tha toh intezaar kis chiz ka kar rahe thhe bhaya?"

"Tere India wapas aane ka."

"Kyu?" She looked puzzled.

"I want you to be a part of my wedding, so."

"That I'll obviously be, but what has it do with your delayed proposal?"

"Because you'll be supervising all of it."

"Nope. I'm not doing your homework, unless you want me to put a ring on her and call her my wife." Deeya winked.

Arjun smacked her head, "Chup kar!"

"Seriously, though, you got this! Keep it simple, make it elegant and memorable."

Roshni peeped in the kitchen, panicked and almost out of breath. "Here you are!" She heaved a sigh of relief seeing Deeya. "Where were you? I've been searching for you."

Deeya looked in her direction apologetically. "So sorry Sunshine, I came out for a walk."

Arjun walked upto Roshni, sliding his hand around her waist. "Sorry for worrying you dear, hope you haven't been awake for too long."

"No. Just a few minutes." 

"Alright," Deeya got up and walked towards the hallway, "you two love birds keep chirping, I'm off to sleep." She faked a yawn and stepped out. "Goodnight." 

"Goodnight," both replied in unison. Arjun watched out till Deeya had reached halfway to her room and turned to Roshni. He stroked her cheek, "I don't have words to thank you, Rosh. The way you've been taking care of Dee-"

"Well, she's our precious princess. I'd do anything for her." Roshni put her hands around his neck.

"Precious princess? Damn, my monster is not a delicate damsel."

"That doesn't make her any less precious."

"Two days and you've gotten so close." Arjun leaned in. "Should I be worried?"

"About her proposing to me? Maybe, I'll say yes." Roshni winked and smiled slyly, enjoying the annoyed expression on Arjun's face.

"As if," He pulled her closer, "I'd let you go."

Roshni flicked his nose and stepped back, "Right now, you should go to sleep."

"Sure, let's go." He winked.

"No." 

Arjun smiled and kissed her forehead."Goodnight, my love."

Roshni tilted her head, where was his usual tease- you dirty mind, I said let's go to sleep. She asked, gently stroking his cheek, "Arjun, are you okay?"

He dropped his mask, "How did you know?"

She smiled knowingly. "What is bothering you?"

"Not sure." He pecked her hand.

Means you don't feel like sharing it. She hugged him in assurance. "It's going to be alright, we got this. Also a good sleep helps clear out the mind." 

"Yes ma'am." 

"Goodnight, sleep tight." Roshni kissed his cheek and went to her room. 

~

Next morning, ETF Conference Room. 

Arjun looked at the team busy with paperwork, "I think we should look at everything from a fresh perspective."

"No need." Sameer said, "There was a call from the ministry to wrap up the case. Don't bother about it."

"Rathore?"

"Arjun, we don't have any solid evidence, and the new post mortem report suggests that Yash's death was accidental, he slipped and fell on his head, causing brain haemorrhage."

"How convenient." Arjun chuckled at the thought. "The bartender and his friend are still being punished, right? I will be pressing multiple charges including attempt to murder. They're the reason my Deeyu is nearly blind. They're not getting away with it."

"Blind?" Riya's eyes widened in shock as she realised Deeya didn't look at the picture when she showed her and that was the reason Roshni was feeding her. Arjun's overly concerned and protective behaviour made sense. 

"The doctors said it's temporary but they weren't sure how long it can last." 

"Arjun! Itna sab ho gaya aur tune mujhe kuch bhi batana zaruri nahi samjha?" Sameer asked angrily.

Arjun looked at him and the team, he didn't realise that he said his thoughts aloud. He hadn't told them about her blindness as he didn't want them to pity her. 

"Arjun?" Sameer called him again. 

Arjun's phone buzzed and he rushed back home.

~

Rawte Mansion,

Shalini was packing the passports in her handbag when Arjun came in. "Aai, everything ready?" 

"Yes beta. Your dad will be joining us directly at the airport. I've packed for Deeyu and myself." 

"You've kept all the reports and other files?"

"Yes dear. Everything is packed." Shalini smiled at her son. "You take care of yourself and Roshni."

"I have talked to Singapore police, they will be sending someone for protection. I have also talked to Deeya's friends, they will assist you as needed. Please don't hesitate to call me."

Shalini cupped his cheek. "Beta, I understand. You don't worry, your dad will be there with us."

"Please take care of yourself as well, aai." 

She smiled. "Aaj aisa lag raha ki mera beta sach mein bada ho gaya hai." 

Arjun nodded, "I'll go talk to Deeyu." 

~

A month later.

Arjun and Roshni were waiting at the Airport arrivals. Deeya and Arjun's parents were returning from Singapore after her successful treatment. 

"Hey Sunshine!" Deeya rushed to hug Roshni. "You're looking so much prettier!" she squealed in happiness.

"You're looking cute with those glasses on, princess!" Roshni smiled.

Arjun crossed his arms, "Alright, tum dono ka Bharat milap ho gaya ho toh,"

"Tch! Tch!" Deeya clicked her tongue, looking at Roshni's hand, "there's still no ring, remember my challenge?" She winced as Arjun smacked her head, not so gently.

"Wearing glasses doesn't make the monster sophisticated, you're still an idiot." He chided.

"Alright, kids, continue your banter at home, we are old people, tired of the long journey." Suryakant said to his unruly grownup children.

"Tujhe main baad mein dekhunga." Arjun mumbled to Deeya.

"Kyu, baba ke saamne phat rahi hai?" She retorted.

"Nai," 

Shalini rolled her eyes at the siblings. At least they were all safe and together, happy. She whispered a small prayer for the safety of her family. 

~ 

Later that night, Arjun heard a knock on his door. He turned his head to see Deeya.

"Tu kab se knock karna seekhi hai?" He asked as she walked in. 

"Socha thoda surprise de du," Deeya sat on the couch beside him, trying to peep in his phone, he turned it off.

"Bhabhi se baat kar rahe thhe ya koi aur setting hai?"

"Setting toh tere dimag ki thik karni padegi mujhe." He said, pulling her ear. She smacked his hand off. 

"Dau," Deeya began earnestly, "I've decided, the Intelligence Bureau posting I've got, I'll be taking it." 

"Dee? I thought you would continue with ETF. Ye achanak se, kya hua?"

"Mujhe toh pehle bhi ETF join nahi karna tha, aapki aur Commissioner uncle ki zidd ke chalte maine probationary posting accept ki thhi. I didn't like the way you were questioned because of me. Meri wajah se mere Dau pe koi ungli uthaye, ye main bilkul bardasht nahi karungi." She looked at him, "also, I enjoy living an independent life, having you around all the time isn't much fun. You're too overprotective at times." She pouted.

"Overprotective?" Arjun gasped, "What have I done?"

"I have a list." She shrugged. "Anyways, is your proposal ready?"

"Almost." He quickly pulled out a ring box. "See!"

Deeya looked at the ring, "It's perfect! Day after tomorrow is full moon night, take half day off. Tell Samie bro, not to call or disturb you no matter what. I'll ask Aai Baba to come with me somewhere, overnight trip." 

Arjun chuckled at the plan she was ready with. "Tu aur tere ideas, always perfect."

"Well I was born perfect. But don't you dare mess this up."

"I won't. I've rehearsed my speech 50 times already."

"Then why are you so nervous? You got this, broski! She's all yours, proposal is just a formality. Don't stress, it's meant to be fun and memorable." 

Arjun shook his head. "Baat toh aise kar rahi hai jaise 50 proposal tu khud kar chuki hai." 

"Well, I will do it, if you want." She teased him. 

"Shut up!" Arjun smacked her hand and both burst out laughing. 

~*~

Next up, The Proposal & Epilogue ❤️

What do you think about the case? Normal, something off? Some truths still hidden?