Chapter 1 : Who's That Girl?

ranibowsprimkls

@Satrangi_Curls

Special feature : Ms. Deeya Kulkarni, Age 24, Criminal Psychologist.

Rest of the characters same as the show. 

-*-

In the large scheme of things, there's usually smaller things that happen and sometimes it's much larger things that are happening. It's a bright sunny day, here on Earth 326. Let's look at what is new with the ETF team. Although all of their days are filled with interesting cases, and loaded with work, today is particularly peculiar. 

Shree looked over, seeing Arjun smile as he talked on the phone. “Akdu khadoos aaj kuch jyada hi khush lag raha.” 

“Shayad unki mystery woman se baat kar rahe hai.” Chotu added.

“Aur madam, aap kab iss mystery ko solve karengi?” Shree turned to Riya. 

“Bahut jald-” Riya paused as they saw Arjun coming towards the conference room.

News from the HQ is that a new member is joining today.

“Team,” Arjun announced, “Meet Ms. Deeya Kulkarni, Criminal Psychologist and our new team member.” He introduced the team. 

Riya Mukherjee, Research Analyst

Shreekant Sen, Technical Expert

Chandrakant Patil, Tactical Expert

Deeya shook hands with them. 

"We don't have any cases yet, so finish up your pending paperwork. Riya, help her with joining reports and other paperwork and show the office to Deeya before you start."

"Yes sir!" Riya nodded. 

"Sir, you didn't introduce yourself." Deeya smiled.

Arjun raised a brow. "ACP Arjun. Second in Command, ETF." 

"Enchanté." She held his hand for a moment. 

"Bien." Arjun smiled at her before leaving. 

"Oh, we have a polyglot showoff." Riya looked at Shree. 

"Hai, arigatou. (yes, thanks) Would you like to learn a language or two?" Deeya offered. 

"That's very kind of you." Riya hesitated for a moment. "Let's finish your joining formalities first." Both girls went to the HR desk to complete the formalities. Riya turned around, showing her the workspaces of Shree, the Forensic lab, pantry and dining area and the club.

“By the way,” Riya paused for a moment, “Do you know Arjun sir from before?”

“Never met that man in my life. Why?”

“Drop that fake accent now, we know-”

“I’m an OxBridge graduate, this accent is acquired.” Deeya looked at her, “You don’t have to be jealous of me, darling.”

“Why would I be jealous of you?”

She shrugged, “Thanks for showing me around, I guess it's time to get back to work?”

“I have a lot to do, I don’t know what you’re supposed to-”

“Deeya!” Arjun called.

“yes, sir?”

Arjun handed her some files. “Check these reports and fine tune them as needed. I will be in my office.”

Deeya took the files and returned to the conference room with Riya. Shree and Chotu were buried in paperwork.

“Kuch jyada hi aram se aa rahi hai Ri! Dekh tera filing sab pending hai.” Shree said.

“Nahi, mera sab paperwork ready hai, bas thoda sa-

“Ye pura bundle tumhara hai.” Chotu pointed at the tallest one.

Riya groaned as she settled on her chair.

Deeya placed the files on the furthest corner and picked a chair.

“Wo chair Arjun sir ki hai.” Riya stopped her.

Deeya looked at the chair, “I don't see a name on it but I’ll get up when he’s here.” She shrugged and settled on it.

Shree, Riya and Chotu looked at her and then at each other.

“You guys can stop looking at me like I’m an alien, okay? I don’t bite.”

“Aisi baat nahi hai-”

“Chotu!” Riya smacked his hand, shaking her head.

Deeya dug her head into the file, so did the trio. 

Sometime later she looked across the room, Arjun was on his desk. He raised his eyebrows in question. She blinked and smiled in response. He nodded and resumed his work. 

Riya looked at the two, silently interacting. “Guys, I'm going to make coffee, you want some?”

Shree and Chotu raised their hands without looking up. 

“Would you make a cup for me, love?” Deeya asked. “Extra sugar, please.”

“Sure.”

Few minutes later, Riya returned with five cups of coffee. Deeya please give this one to Arjun sir and this is your extra sweet.”

“Thank you so much, love. I'll take this to him.” Deeya placed a few files and two cups of coffee on the tree and walked up to Arjun's cabin. 

“Kya chal raha hai? Shree asked. 

“Waiting to see Arjun sir's reaction for that coffee. Remember the last time I got him?”

“Of course!” Shree cleared his throat and imitated Arjun, “Stop wasting your time making me coffee and complete your work.” 

Deeya walked in and placed the tray on the table. “Coffee for you.”

“You know I don't drink.”

“I know but your colleague sent it with so much love I couldn't refuse.”

“And I am still not going to have it.”

“That's fine, I'll have it later.”

“You shouldn't be drinking that much coffee that's not good for you.”

“Tch. Iced coffee tastes better anyway. I had some doubts with these files. Can you look into it?”  

“Sure.” Arjun picks up the file and goes through it.

-

Shree and Riya look at each other “Daant to dur isse to sir ne kuchh sunaya bhi nahin.” 

“Kuchh to chhut raha hai Ri,” Shree imitated Arjun, rubbing his fingers together. “Kahin ye tera patta kaatne to nahin ayi?” 

“Itni aasani se toh nahi.” 

“Yaar, tum log na, bekar mein overreact kar rahe, they could be old friends or cousins!” Chotu shook his head. 

“Chal iski history nikalte hai.” Shree opened his laptop. “Pura naam bata.”

“Deeya Kulkarni.” Riya said.

“Wo to mujhe bhi pata hai. Uske papa ka naam?”

“Nahi pata.”

“Tune uski joining report bharwayi na, dekha nahi kya?”

“Arre wo main- sh-t, nahi dhyan diya.”

“Kya Riya, ab main kaise details nikalu?”

Riya looked at the two, “Uski file abhi Arjun sir ke paas hogi signatures ke liye,”

“Pagal hai kya? Marwayegi tu!” Shree smacked her head. “Waise bhi Arjun sir ki soft side dekh ke dimag ghas charne gaya hai tera.

“Soft side?”

“Arre, wo nayi hai, thoda usko pamper kar rahe honge, kahin ek hi din mein darr ke na bhaag jaye.”

“Hum bhi toh naye thhe, hume kisine pamper nahi kiya.”

“Ye bhi hai.” Shree nodded as he typed her name on Instagram. Lots of profiles opened up. He scrolled through the list, “Waise, kahin yahi toh sir ki mystery woman toh nahi?”

“Pata nahi lekin maanna to padega. Itne time mein hum mein se koi Arjun sir ke sath unke sofe pe nahi baitha, aur madam ko dekho, aate hi-” Chotu remarked.

“Hum bhi Oxford se padh ke aate toh shayad aisi treatment milti. Special special.” Shree teased Riya. 

-

“Deeya, how was your day?” Arjun asked as he signed the last file for the day.

“It was good, although the team members are nice, they find me difficult. A showoff they said,” Deeya chuckled.

“Probably the accent.”

“Especially the accent. Asked me ‘drop it’.”

“Who?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

Arjun looked up from the file, narrowing his eyes.

“Sir.” Riya knocked on his cabin door, and brought in some files. “The last bit is done now.” She placed the files on his desk. “Sir, should I call it a day?”

“Yes.” Arjun looked at his calender. “Riya, how are you going home today?”

“By taxi.”

“Wait for a few minutes, I have some work around that side, so we’ll drop you off.”

Riya smiled and went to her desk to pack her bag. She took a deep breath, screaming internally. “It’s going to be the two of us, long drive-”

“Let’s go!” Deeya tapped her desk.

Riya’s face fell, she picked her bag and walked ahead.

Riya settled on the back seat. ‘How did I become the third wheel? Who is this girl and how did she speedrun through-’

“Turn down the volume.” Arjun said as he started the SUV. “All the way down.”

Deeya turned off the radio. “Down enough?”

"I can still hear it." He muttered.

After a few minutes of silence, Arjun turned on the radio. 

Welcome to Radio City! Aaj ki shaam…

Deeya turned the volume down and connected her phone. Souvenir by Bump of Chicken played. 

"Ah, finally! You had this song stuck in my head all day. Next, play that peanuts song." Arjun said. 

"Mixed Nuts?" 

"Yes. That one!" 

Deeya was humming the song and looking out of the window. “Stop looking at me.”

“I didn't even-” Arjun looked at her. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.” she muttered.

He shook his head and pulled over. “Go, get something.”

Deeya rushed out.

“How did you know she was hungry?” Riya voiced, hesitantly.

“It's not rocket science.” Arjun picked his phone and texted Roshni. 

Deeya returned with a packet. “Blueberry muffins! They're the best!” She gave one to Arjun and turned to Riya.

“Sorry, I can't have it. I'm allergic to blueberries.”

“Oh dear! How severe is the allergy? Should I put these away, while you're in?” Deeya closed the packet. 

“It's moderate, so as long as I'm not ingesting any, I'm fine.” 

“Alrighty sweetstuff, shall I bring you something?” 

“No, I'm fine.” Deeya resumed eating her muffin. 

They stopped at the signal, a young boy was selling flowers. 

“Bhaiya, didi ke liye phool le lo, na!” Arjun smiled at him. 

“Idhar aao.” Deeya smiled at the child and bought all the flowers. 

“Don't give him that much money. Buy him dinner instead.”

“Good idea" she picked up his wallet, took some cash and left with the child. She crossed the road and got the child a plate of pav bhaji and pani puri. She also had some herself. 

Arjun was watching them from his car. For a moment he lost sight of the year and felt his heart pounding. 

Riya noticed his unease, "Sir, why do you care about her so much?”

“What?”

“For a moment she wasn't in your sight and you started panicking.” 

Deeya knocked on the window, bringing in a plate of pani puri. “This is for you!” She held the plate towards Arjun. “Riya, would you like some?”

“No, I don't eat street food, it's unhygienic.” 

“Well more for us, then.” She poured the pani and fed one puri to Arjun as he began driving. 

“Is it good?’

 “Yes.”

Deeya picked a rose and gave it to Arjun. “A phool for my fool!”

“Thank you.” Arjun placed it in his pocket.

She put the gajra on her hair. “Sweety, you want one?” 

“No thanks.”

“How far is your house, dear?” 

“Less than an hour now.” 

“Call aunty and tell her we'll be a little late.”

“Oh, no need, I've already told her we're not coming.”

Arjun glanced at her, “Then, why am I driving all the way opposite to my house?”

“Because.” She shrugged, “Also, I don't feel like going home.”

“You've been roaming around the world and still don't feel like going home?”

“Not really. Let's have dinner at some good place?”

“Okay, but you choose the place.”

“Tch. Ani, tu na -”

“Tu? Deeya? Arjun sir sirf hamare senior nahi, umra mein bhi hum se bade hai. Thik se baat kar-”

“Ayyaa!! Aai Saheb! Tumhi kadhi aala, mi olakhlach nahi.” (When did you come, I didn't realise.) 

“What?” Riya asked, not understanding Marathi.

“Oh, I thought the holy spirit of my dead mother possessed you. Teaching me manners and all.” 

Riya looked at her, “I was just-” Her words trailed off as she saw Arjun hold Deeya's hand to calm her. “Sorry about your mother.” 

“Tu decide kar kuthe jayacha, mi jhoptey.” Deeya closed her eyes and slipped her hand off his, ignoring Riya. (You decide where to go, I'm sleeping) 

Few minutes later, Arjun stopped the car on the side and got down. He returned with a box. 

“Deeyu, this is for you.” 

She held the box as Arjun settled on the driving seat. “Khol.”

“Aata?”

“Ho.” 

Deeya opened the box and smiled. She ate a piece of Ras Malai and her smile widened. She ate another bite and another one. “Omg, it's so good! Mwwah! I love you!”

“Hmm..I-” 

She put a piece in Arjun's mouth. “Riya, you want some?”

“No, I don't eat desserts before dinner.” 

“Whatever.” Deeya muttered and filled a mouthful. 

“We could go to your penthouse, it's close by, right?”

“Relatively.” Arjun nodded.

After eating to her heart's content, Deeya said, “Decided then, dinner and then night out at your penthouse. It's a starry night, will be pretty fun.”

“Perfect.” Arjun smiled. She wasn't sad anymore. 

Arjun's phone chimed. Deeya picked it and replied to Roshni. 

“What are you doing?”

“Making your life chotto (little) spicy.” She winked and quickly typed a reply. 

Arjun heard a few more chimes and giggles. “Stop now!”

“I'm not done yet. The fun has just begun.”

“Who are you texting?”

“Your lawyer, who else?”

“Okay, now, give my phone back.”

“Hold on, the climax is yet to come.”

“Climax? What is going on?”

“Oh, it's nothing like that, we're just talking about How To Get Away With Murder?” (the show)

Riya looked up, “You can't really get away with a murder, though. Not if the investigating officer is someone like Arjun sir.”

“Sweetheart it's not rocket science, no body, no murder. Phir Arjun ho ya uska ba’(p), koi kuchh nahi kar sakta.”

“How dare you bring my ba’ here,” Arjun feigned anger. “Poor thing can barely find his glasses.” Arjun shook his head.

“Baba and his specs, an unseen love story.” Deeya chuckled. 

The phone buzzed again and she answered the call. “Helluu aai!"

“Beta, mi ghari pohochli.” Shalini, Arjun’s mother spoke from the other side.

"Pohochli ka, chhaan!” Deeya chirped.

“Ho, tumhi yetay ka ghari?” (Are you coming home?)

“Nahi ‘ga, aamhi baher jevayla jatoy, mag penthouse la-ch rahu, chalel na?” (No, we’re going out, will be in the penthouse, works?)

“Mastach ki, majaa kara ani jevan vagere vyavasthit kar. Mi jaam damli ‘ye, jhopte aata.” (Good, enjoy and eat well. I’m tired, will sleep now.)

“Accha, take care, sleep well. I love you!” 

“Love you too, baccha, take care.” Shalini disconnected the call. 

“Aai reached home.” Deeya told Arjun who nodded and she continued her texts.

Arjun saw the colourful emojis from the corner of his eyes. “What are you texting now?” 

“The real climax.” She placed a finger on her lips and winked.

“Enough now.” Arjun grabbed his phone from her hands. “Time out.” She pouted. “Sleep.”

“mm'kay, dad.” She mumbled, closing her eyes.

Arjun shook his head and continued driving and finally stopped outside Riya's residence. 

“Are we home already?” Deeya opened her eyes.

“It's my house. Want to come in?” Riya offered. 

“Yes, sure!” 

“Sir, aap nahi ayenge?” 

“No thanks.”

Riya picked her bag and got off. 

Arjun held Deeya's hand. “Where?”

“Gotta change into something cute!” Deeya picked her bag.

“Fine, be quick.” 

Deeya waved her fingers and ran upto Riya. “Honestly, honey, I didn't think you'd ask.”

“It was a formality, I didn't think you'd accept.” Riya retorted.

“Ah! My sleepy dumbass didn't pick on the social cue. Nevermind.” 

Riya rolled her eyes and unlocked the door.

Deeya looked at the well kept apartment. “Neat place. You really like keeping things clean, don't you?”

“Yes. Thanks. Would you like some coffee?”

“No. Also, thanks for asking me to come in, I was planning to change into something casual. Do you mind if I change here?”

“Umm, sure. Bedroom's that way.” 

Two minutes later, Deeya called her. “Hey sweety, could you please help me with the zipper.”

Riya came in and fastened the zipper. Deeya was wearing a light pink knee length one piece. 

“It's a lovely dress.” Riya complimented her, half-heartedly.

“It has pockets!” Deeya put hands in her pockets and twirled. 

“Nice!” Riya smiled.

Deeya put on some eyeshadow to match her dress. Next, she opened a box of jewellery and put on some rings.

“That's a pretty bracelet.”

“I know right!” Deeya caressed it fondly. “Ani gifted it to me, from his first salary!”

“How long have you known sir?”

“Long enough.” She applied red lipstick. 

 “You think dressing up and being such a pick me is going to help you get cosy-”

“I shall stop you right there, sweety.” Deeya turned to her, “Firstly, never in my life have I dressed up for a man and about Arjun? He simply doesn't care what I wear. Also, your little obsession over Arjun sir needs to go.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sweetheart, going after a married man just  doesn't look good on you. you can do much better darling.” “Married? No, Arjun sir is not-”

“You're simply wasting your time, my dear, the sky has a lot more stars.” She picked her bag. “Thanks for having me over, see you tomorrow and I'll surely stop over for coffee some other day.”

Riya looked on as she walked over to the car. Arjun was waiting outside and he clicked some pictures as she posed. He opened the door for her and they drove off. 

Riya locked the door and closed her eyes. 

Arjun sir aur unki mystery woman, kahin ye wahi toh nahi?

-

Arjun paid the bill and looked over. “Happy tummy time?”

“Oh it's more than happy!” Deeya grinned.

“Good. Where to, now?”

“Club? Gotta get the food settled.”

“Going for a walk would be better, though.”

“I promise I won't embarrass you in the club.” She crossed her fingers.

He sighed. “Let's go, then.” 

Moonlight Shadow Club

“One dry martini and a soda, please.” Deeya ordered the bartender. “Can I request songs?”

“You can try. The DJ is over there.” He pointed vaguely.

“Thanks.” Deeya walked around to the DJ while Arjun stood there, observing minutely, as her drink was being prepared. 

She returned and sipped her drink. “Shall we dance?”

“You go right ahead.” 

She gulped her drink in a go. “Come on!” Deeya dragged him to the dance floor as her requested song God is a Woman blasted through.

Arjun's phone buzzed as the song came to an end. “It's Roshni.”

“Go, talk to her. I'll be right here.”

“Be careful.” 

“Always am.”

Arjun finished the call and returned, a few minutes later. He searched around the dance floor but she was nowhere to be seen. He turned to the bar counter, his eyes quickly scanning through the people. 

“Ani!” 

Arjun heard the familiar voice and turned around. “Where were you?”

“It's you, right?” Deeya held his hand. “Let's go home, I feel sleepy.” 

“Uh, sure.” Arjun slipped his arm around her shoulder and left the club.

“Are you drunk?” He asked as she struggled to wear the seatbelt.

“No, I just had one drink. Two, in total.” 

Arjun looked at her, something didn't feel right. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just tired and sleepy. Had a lot of fun, though.”

“Good.” 

-

Next morning, Arjun woke up as his phone rang. “Hello?”

“Sir, there has been a murder at the Moonlight Shadow Club.” Shree informed.

 “Coming.”

-*-

Ande, tamatar, anything else is fully welcome! 

Aao, apne dosto ko bhi le aao 

Thanks for Reading, hope you had fun!

Note : Special thanks to LizzieBennet (my mumma) for Betareading this chapter and her valuable suggestions.  To Wasima and Noe, who brainstormed the story with me and heard my ramblings for hours