Ariya ETF AU An Imperial Affliction pg 31 27th Dec - Page 5

Wow ...this story is something of another level. Like a crime thriller but different seasons

Can you please please update soon 🥰

This story is like i am watching some movie

Like crime thriller...

Brilliantly written...

Please update the next part soon.

Awesome update

Love it

Beautifully written

Continue soon

O my god after so long u finally updated this one..... I literally had to read all the 3 parts together to brush up d story....but i must admit....this is one hell of a story and its mind blowing.....fantabulous....the earlier parts were about riya and arjun....bt this one is about riya and vir....lovely...out of d world....thanks for writing this story....plz do update soon....plz plz plz else I tend to forget the parts....plz help me with that.....plz plz plz

You are a great writer please update soon . And yes can you pm me please

Awesome update

Continue soon please

Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this.

- Homer, Odeyssey

People say, there is light at the end of tunnel, dazzling sunlight after the dark of night. The proverb is just another way of saying hold on, don't give up, even in the midst of great struggle when the willpower is lessening carry on, keep hope. Everyone just failed to mention that before sunlight, the light after tunnel, the darkness increase tenfold. Evening is darker than twilight, night is darker than evening, mid night is darkest. And sometime, keep going on through this pitch black dark is not so easy, especially when one only knows light will be after this but has no idea how long it will take. One need something solid, visible, to keep his or her faith on.

Agent Rahane and ACP Mukherjee walked in silence in the darkness of night, after coming out of the basement of a hacker who just dropped another bomb on their head. His eyebrows were knotted together in frown, thinking how something that should be small, easy, non-threatening, suddenly turned into this big bad ugly monster. Beside him, the ACP had no idea what made the Agent this thoughtful, but even she was thinking just when her life and quest went this crazy. When she had returned to her, she had a distinct idea what her life will look like, work in day, personal work at night. Keep personal and professional life separate. She had thought only she and the Commissioner will be in this together. But now, she scoffed, the said Commissioner was keeping tabs on her about which she had no idea, she was in touch with a IB-RAW officer even though everything that is coming out from that partnership is not making a bit of sense to her, the ETF Director will be soon on her ass the moment she knows the former was in touch with the victim of the case the team handling in his pre-death days, and amidst all these whirlwind the original motive of her returning has lost its way. She has no idea what exactly she is going through, or why she is doing this. Her both worlds in colliding in such a way that she can only do a little to lessen the damage. Nothing is making any sense anymore but then, she had no other choice.

"It doesn't make any sense." Vir mumbled mostly to himself, but she heard anyway.

Tell her about it.

"Care to share?" She asked lightly, to which his head snapped toward her, like he had forgotten her presence. He thought for some moment in his mind before speaking.

"The Man your hacker found," He started, "his presence in this country is not good."

She frowned, "He said that Man is a shady person, but not anything specific can be found about him."

"That's because it's classified." He took a sharp breath, "That Man is a sort of middleman, an agent."

"Between what?"

"Between criminal gangs, shady business man, terrorist gang. You name it. He came under our radar after we found about a weapon deal between two terrorist group somewhere in south Asia." He didn't say more, and she didn't ask anything, sensing he won't and should not say more about a classified person.

"So his presence in India, Delhi means he is doing a match making between terrorist groups? Or working with some shady business man?" She asked, crossing arms over chest. He put both his hands in pocket as the frown deepened.

"This Man is a bad news. He never comes out unless it's big, and important enough. His presence means something big is going on, something related to National Security."

"His connection to Nasir? What about that?" She asked.

"If he is actually planning anything, then Nasir may have been a pawn. Nasir might have helped him in past." His eyes suddenly flashed as he connected another dot in mind, "That explains why he went rigid the moment you show that picture. If Nasir knew even a slightest bit about this Man's reason to be in this country, if he knew how dangerous he is, he would chose to keep quiet. This Man may have got wind of his abduction and sent that arsonist to finish him off. Police will stand aside as external affair negotiate to bring him in, while he will remain free." He finished, excited to see something useful, never realizing how tensed she became beside him.

"That means this Man and the picture guy had a connection." He said after some seconds, looking right in her eyes as she cautiously looked back, "Who is that Man?"

"The origin point of all these revelation." She muttered. He tilted his head in a side.

"Explain."

"He has nothing to do with it."

"Bull." He raised his voice, squaring his shoulder, "Like you said he was the origin point. He was in touch with Nasir, possibly with this Man as well. I know you were in touch with him. Who was he, a friend?"

Her eyes harden momentarily, "You were the one who was looking for him." She linked Raghu Sir’s words.

He exhaled, "My team was looking for him after you show that picture to Nasir. Who was he?"

She looked away, getting pissed at his nosiness, "Why are you asking me now when you can just send your team?"

"You very well know why." He replied sternly, "We didn't find much. So I am asking you, who was he and why you took an active interest in his death? What do you know about his connection to a potential terrorist?"

Her head whipped as his words flowed, "For start, he has nothing to do with terrorist. Secondly, it's only a speculation so you better watch it."

He opened his mouth, "I . . "

She cut in, never listening to him, "Lastly, mind your own da*n business. You want to go after this Middleman, go. Don't drag my business into it."

"You were the one who said we can't get anything without giving back."

"I brought you here and now you have a location." She bit out, "I guess that's enough for now."

He stared at her silently which she mimicked, silently challenging him to back off. He took the hint and sighed, giving in.

"I have to inform all these to Seniors. Only after that we can know what to do next."

She nodded slowly, "What if they send Agents to check the location?"

"Then I will volunteer." He answered, determined, "I would very much like to know how they found our secret location."

He insisted to drop her home, but she was in no mood to go back to her apartment yet, so he dropped her off on the main road. She took a taxi and reached in ETF, giving a small nod to the guards outside who were long used to her entering and exiting in officer as she please. Usually she would head toward Gym after revelation/ confusion like this, but tonight she pushed the door of discussion room and entered inside. Sitting on her usual chair, she drowned herself in this new world of secrets of conspiracies which is startling her every now and then.

Agent Rahane's words instantly angered her, and even after hour later it had the same effect. The thing was, deep down inside his words triggered something else in her mind. No, she was pretty sure her long deceased Lover was not involved with any shady wanted man of any country, but on the other hand, she very well remembers Nasir's number on his cell phone weeks before the blast. He was a hacker, a good one, it is very much possible he stumbled into something dangerous and the big bad guys got hint of that. Maybe that was the reason he was killed. She also thought about what Raghu sir had said to her months ago, that some imposter might be involved into it, who had approached Johny. Maybe that imposter, Johny, Nasir and now this classified guy was responsible for his death because he hit too close to their houses. She should have asked Nasir about Jonhy, she thought and cursed, drumming fingers on the table as she frowned in irritation.

But even if what she was thinking is right, why Neel never ever told her anything? If he was in some kind of dangerous, if Nasir was in touch in him to warn him, or threatening him, why he never told her? She can't find anything out of ordinary weeks or days before his death, he was normal, nothing out of ordinary. Or maybe he didn't have a clue, she thought, but dismissed it the next moment. if he was smart enough to come across something dangerous, he was smart enough to figure out he was in trouble too.

Everything is pointing her to something bizarre, but then, what else is there to see? Here in the question lies, what exactly he had found?

She made up her mind the next moment, she had to go back to his apartment. Go through his stuff.

She exhaled a sharp breath at the prospect. Even when they were together, she seldom used to go there, because his apartment was always messy and she, being a hygiene freak, hated every minute inside there. He soon figured out that staying inside his apartment was not good for her, so he never took her willingly in his place. They mostly spent their time in her apartment, or a special cafe of their choice. After his death, the idea to go there felt surreal, and also, she was busier with the whole revenge thing. Going there didn't look like a choice, or the idea didn't even cross her. But now, she needs to go there. She has to go there and find out why exactly he was killed, because now, she knows the person responsible and the whole thing just increased outside her grasp.

She leaned back on her seat, twirling a pen between her fingers. She had no idea a simple case of a bomb blast, the death of a regular hacker guy could lead to something like this. Really, National security and classified information? Surveillances and abandoned warehouses? What is this thing? She put the pen down and crossed her arms on the table, resting her head on it. Maybe she should not have come back. She should have stayed away like she did these 3 years and would have do all these digging staying away from the department. Maybe she should have taken Raghu sir's help but never should have accepted this job. She is not regreting it, but the way things are shaping up, she don't want anyone to get hurt because of her. Also, it doesn't seem right to stay inside department and not being truthful to the people around her, doesn't seem right to push the Man to such extent to earn surveillance on her because she is unable to come clean to anyone. She hates the way Aisha looks at her, like she knows what is going on but just waiting for her to answer, which she never does. Sometimes she looks so angry at all the secrecies and lash out at her, just to have some answers, but she never gives anything in return. She, deep down in her heart, knows she own to this woman who was an amazing companion during academy days and a good friend during service, even afterwards when she was going through crisis and she did her best to help her get through it, and now just to put up with her. When things become too intense sometime she feels she did the right thing not to involve her into anything, but then she sees the questions and frustration in her eyes and feel angry at herself all over again. It's another addition to her personal hell, not doing anything and condemning her for the same.

Her mind nearly exploded when she thought about the ways this evil gang can come up with the secret location of Nasir's. if except for IB and her none knew where he was kept, did anyone from IB leaked anything? If this Man is meddling with all sorts of people and deals with terrorists, who knows, he might have sources inside IB as well. What if some insider gave up the location? What if this insider is keeping an eye on this investigation right now? What if not only Raghu sir's men, but someone else was watching her too? Or maybe they all are being watched, ETFians, maybe even Raghu sir and Agent Rahane. What if they attack one of them when things hit close to them, just like they did with Nasir? She cursed herself when she thought how she just dragged everyone into this blackhole of sh*t, she used Chotu's informers to seek out Nasir, she went to one of her Computer expert to break into RAW database and now, to find the location of call in Delhi. Also, now Agent Rahane is with her in this mess, Raghu sir knows almost everything and Aisha is suspicious of her. She just endangered everyone just for her own benefit.

She never considered herself an Angel, but she never thought she will become a Devil either.

Cold dread filled her and her mind worked in overdrive mode in the guilt-way, cursing herself and trying to understand, even if she failed, just what she is leading herself and everyone else into. She had a bad feeling about everything, yet, she can't distance herself or push aside everyone else from it. This was the reason she stayed away, she always had this idea that one day, she will get the SOB who killed her Lover, look in his eyes and shoot him in head, and in all those fantasies, she was alone. She never added National security, RAW or other people into it.

Hours might have passed in this trip because when she jerked away from it, there was a hand on her arm, a pair of black eyes staring at her, Sunrays were filling inside the room and there was smell of her favorite McD. But today, not even the smell can push the dark clouds or the worry from her mind. She straighten her back and looked ahead, the black eyes looked confused at her lack of enthusiasm at the caffeine and the lines on forehead.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Want to talk about it?"

Arjun had witnessed many shades of distress on the ACP Mukherjee's face. He had witnessed her fury which was directed toward him, so frightening and dangerous that he never even want to think about it twice. He had witnessed her frustration with something, which she took out on the punching bag. He had witnessed her confusion when she felt guilty that her informer died and she was unable to do anything, even thought she could not have done anything. It's safe to say he had seen her in her best and worst, but nothing can quite compete with this silence, statue like posture which he was staring at right now. She had this habit of expressing two things at once, and he felt something was eating her inside, at the same time it was so serious that she was not fidgeting with worry, but rather sat still, unmoving. She didn't even react to the smell of coffee, or looked irritated that he saw her. She merely sat straight, looking but not quite looking. He knows better than to ask, but he wanted to say something.

To his question, she was silent. He thought maybe it was best to leave her alone, because sometime people want to stay alone when things goes south. He was about to leave, when she started speaking.

"Maybe this was a mistake."

"What is mistake?" He inquired, tilting head to a side. She took a deep breath before replying.

"This. Coming back. Rejoining."

Now he was more intrigued and somewhat shocked, "Why do you think like that?"

She was silent for some moments, and he thought maybe she shut herself down again. He was about to give up on waiting when she opened her mouth again, "I . . . " She paused, thinking over her words, "I was working on something."

His mind went back to months ago, to a conversation between her and the Director one night which he overheard, "The reason you came back, is this work related to that?"

She stared at him at the reply, then nodded slowly, "I thought I can handle this thing alone, but with time people associated themselves with it. And now . . . " She exhaled a shaky breath as she leaned back in her seat, "Now it looks like it's going towards hell, and I am regretting it all. Letting those people in. Coming back. And there is no way to undo it all." She looked sideways in frustration.

"Hey." He scooted closer, gently keeping his palm over the back of her hand, "Answer me one thing, are you afraid that they will get hurt, or that they will get hurt and they will regret working with you? That they will blame you?"

"They should not have been in this." She spoke in a hurry.

"They had a choice. They chose to stand beside you. You can't take that away." He said softly, to which she shook her head repeatedly.

"But they didn't know what they were signing up for. What if the result ended up becoming like a black hole? It just su*k them in? They had no way to escape?"

"Listen to me." He cut in before she can finish, "I don't know who these people are, but they joined you because they trusted you. Trusted this work. Just because the result won't be anything pleasant that doesn't mean they will blame you. They had a choice to work with you, they will have a choice later too. They can either stand with you afterwards, or go back to their own life. You need to trust them to take care of themselves." He frowned after he finished, "Why do you think the result will be like a black hole? Did you come across something?"

She shook head slowly, "I had this instinct, I don't know but I just . . . " She let it hang in there, leaving him to take it all in.

"Then come clean. Tell them everything. Give them the choice so that they can be cautious. Warn them."

She met his eyes instantly, something flashing in her orbs. He felt like she was really looking at him this time, like she was really there.

"Come clean." She repeatedly slowly.

"Tell them something. Just to satisfy the guilt trip?" He gave a small smirk, to which she smirked back, the confusion in her face clearing up finally.

"Arjun Rawte, you give good advice sometimes." She grinned.

"Well," He leaned back in his seat, relaxing, "you made me felt like a counselor in there for a moment."

She chuckled and took a deep breath before getting up, "I better clean up." Before she could take a step ahead, the palm over her hand tighten a little.

"The Coffee." He handed it over with the other hand, "Though it's cold." She took it and took a sip instantly, humming under her breath.

"Still the same." She replied, and stared at him, silently waiting for him to let her go. He did, not before saying the last words.

"Whatever it is, you will figure it out."

An unreadable expression crossed in her eyes, but then it passed as quickly as it came. She left the room, heading toward locker room, taking occasional sip from her McD.

As soon as she was out of his sight, his mind started to work fast. Whatever she said to him, even if it was the most roundabout way to tell anything, it cleared up some things for him. This thing she was working on, she is not alone in it. He was sure Raghu sir, the person who himself recommended her rejoining in here and occasionally took her out for 'Lunch', was helping her all along. He had a feeling maybe the ETF Director too was into this, maybe not thoroughly, but in bits and pieces. Or maybe, it was not about the people she is working with. It's about the people around her, the people she works and lives with. He had no idea about her personal life, but he can make sure the people working with her in this very officer remains safe, which is something falls under his authority too. He don't know what this is which made her worry, and even though it doesn't involve him, but da*n him if he doesn't follow his own instinct and do something to ease her worry, even though chances are she won't notice, too busy in her own world.

Office started to fill up as time passed, and when Sameer Rathore entered through the door, he was out of his seat, taking long steps to the senior officer.

"Can we talk?" He asked the latter, to which he nodded, frowning a little. They went to the balcony, closing the glass door behind them.

"It is no business of me, but still I need to ask." The second- in- command said hesitantly, to which the officer looked half amused, half curious, "Do you spend all your time outside work with the Director?"

The amusement vanished from his face, "Most of the time." He answered slowly, "Not always though."

"Okay." He exhaled slowly, "And does the guards are always present?"

"What this is all about?" The former asked seriously.

"Just answer please."

"Yeah." He frowned, "What is this? Did you come across anything?"

The Second- in- command gave a small smile, "No. I just noticed the guards were not doing a good job. Tell them to keep an eye, will you?"

The senior officer gave a classic look of 'Don't-BS-me', "The truth, please."

He thought for a moment before answering cautiously, "I am not sure, it maybe just overreaction, but do it, okay?"

"Why all of a sudden? What happened?"

"I just had a conversation with Riya. She said something . . . probably not concerning the Director, but still be careful, okay?"

"Did she mention her?"

"No." He pressed, "But like I said, just do it."

"Of course." He nodded, "What exactly did she say?"

"Later." Rawte dismissed, "I will tell later I promise. Just do this, and take care of yourself too. Never leave anywhere alone, and don't let anyone else leave alone too."

"You are making me nervous Man." Sameer said under his breath as they both went back inside, "What's this all about?"

"Later." The former dismissed.

The day was uneventful. There was still no clearance for the burner phone from Service provider company so they had no other thing to go on about that case. The day mostly passed in speculation about it, and paperwork. The crime journo was not present, took a day off to finish an article for her newspaper. ACP Mukherjee was thinking why no summon from the Director's officer till now regarding this case, but she figured maybe Raghu sir told her not to interrogate her right now. The Director might not be much happy about it.

She got a call from Agent Rahane sometime before lunchtime, the former informing he along with 4 agents going to Delhi to check the location right then.

"I don't like this." She said quietly, to which he sighed.

"Me too. Feels like a trap." He paused, "But we will take as much precaution before going in."

"No person will leave a burner phone around for us to find, especially not your classified person." She spoke under her breath in a hurry, eyes going everywhere.

"Maybe we will find nothing." He replied, "Anyways, they are calling for our flight. Will inform you after we get anything."

"You better." She said semi-warningly, to which he chuckled.

"I remember the punch for last time, don't want that twice."

"Be careful." She said before pressing the end button.

She also had some words with Chotu, telling him casually to take care of himself and tell the same to his boys, to which he nodded, looking suspicious but not asking anything more. She felt little after that, smiling to herself after she did like her 'Boss' advised her to. Maybe she should listen to others too.

Next day around the afternoon a delivery Man came with a courier, which had the address of ETF but no name on it. Shree, who was the closest near the door, signed for it and took it, looking over the front and back. There was a card inside, he noticed after he tore the side of the envelope, but he could not open it as there was a call for him.

As he stepped aside, ACP Mukherjee, who was coming to him to ask about the progress on the burner phone, just to make sure she had the latest update, noticed the card. She took the card and opened it. It was blank, but there was a word written in capital letters.

WARNING

There was nothing else in the card, not on the front, back or inside. Her brows knotted together as a bad feeling crept inside. Keeping the card slowly on the desk, she picked up the envelope, immediately making face as something powder like fell on her fingers. At first she looked around for tissue, then she froze, like an alarm went off in her mind.

"Ma'am?" The IT genius came near her as he finished call, his face twisting in confusion at her blank expression, "It didn't have any name on it so I opened it."

"When you opened it?" She asked in a quiet voice.

"Just now, like 2 minutes ago."

"Did you touch anyone?" He was baffled at her question, but shook head in negative.

"Anything wrong?"

"I hope not." She muttered, then looked at everywhere, eyes stopping at the team inside discussion room, "Call them." She ordered, them looked here and there, searching something, "Do you have any plastic bag?"

"No but I can go and bring some." He replied after he shouted for Chotu and motioned them all to come out, which they did, frowning. She shook head vigorously at this.

"No."

They stopped several feet away from them, "What?" Sameer asked.

"Call the Director and Liza, start alarms and clear this floor as soon as you can." She spoke hurriedly.

"Why?" The Second-in-command took a step, but she raised her hand, signaling him to stop, she herself going backwards.

"I think there is virus in this envelope. I think we both are infected and chances are you can be too."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The alarms went off some 10 minutes later and the evacuation of the whole building started. Thankfully it was lunch time, that's why only 19 people were inside the ETF main officer floor. The Director came running, the doctors and forensics followed. For safety purpose they all had to wear body suit and oxygen mask and all 19 of them had to do blood test.

"Here. Careful." ACP Mukherjee handed over the envelope and card to Liza, who cautiously put it inside a plastic bag. Her face looked gloomy with worry as she took blood of the IT genius.

"If it's possible test our blood first." She said.

"Of course Ma'am." She stood up and left, not before giving them all a last glance.

After she left the Director started throwing questions at the duo, "Who brought the envelope?"

"Some courier guy." Shree answered, nervous but handling himself quite well, "There was address of ETF on the front, but no name."

"Anything written in it?" Sameer asked.

"Nothing." He answered, even though took a glance at the ACP beside him. The Director looked at her.

"Do you really think there was virus in it?"

"I hope I am wrong." She replied gravely, and their hearts sank.

The blood tests came one and half hour later. All 17 of them were clear, except for the ACP and Shree.

"I am so sorry." Liza said tearfully.

"You didn't send the virus." Shree replied, trying to appear calm and playful, "Even though you have one evil brain."

She huffed, before continuing, "It spreads just by touching, not by air or anything else."

"That means no need for this suit right?" Chotu was eager to get out of the body suits. She shook her head.

"Thank God." Sameer took off the oxygen mask and helmet, irritated.

"What is this virus?" Rawte asked, crossing arms over chest. Liza turned to him to answer.

"The virus belongs to the same family of Anthrax." Everyone took sharp breath at it, "But it's modified and deadly. Works fast."

"How much time do we have?" The ACP asked.

"10 hours." She replied remorsefully.

The duo took shelter inside the discussion room after the team cleared it up. They closed the door and sat on the floor, cut off from the rest of world as the team outside started to work to catch this SOB who sent virus in their office and infected two of their own. They moved their work station to Liza's forensic floor, just to be cautious. They kept an eye on their two officers through security cams, connected to them through bluetooth. Shree also helped them, even though he didn't have all resources at his hand, but he is someone who can do scary things with a tab.

"I thought attacks like these happens in other countries only.'' Chotu said.

"Now it's happening with us too." Aisha remarked with a touch of irritation.

"But why us? Why not somewhere more important, like Police control room or any other public places?" Sameer asked.

"It might be a trailer." ACP Mukherjee's voice rang through their bluetooth, "To see how much damage it does, then modify it more and do a larger attack on somewhere."

"It might be a diversion as well." Shree chimed in, "So that all eyes are in this while the bad guys plan something more sinister."

"The danger level in country, especially in city had been raised." Aisha informed as she read a text that just came in her phone, "Nothing can escape from our eyes now. We have full support from the department."

"Nice to know." Mukherjee muttered dryly.

"Modifying a virus like these, there can't be more capable people." Rawte said slowly, "They need the money and resources to research." He looked at Liza, "Anyone?"

"Mostly overseas scientists and research companies. Checking them will take days." She replied.

"We don't have days." Sameer said, "Let's focus on the cure."

"I have already talked with a Chennai based lab. They are making the cure as we speak, I will let you guys know once they finish." She said.

"Great, one problem down." The Director rubbed her temple, "What about the courier guy? Anything on him?"

"I called their office." Chotu said, "They said someone came to their office, they caught the person in their CCTV. They will send the picture to my cell soon."

His phone chimed after a minute and they had the picture of a girl. Chotu and Sameer went to check on it, Liza worked with her team to analyze the virus, Aisha standing beside her. Rawte decided it's time to pay the duo a visit, as Shree had muted the bluetooth, sensing the team meeting is over.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Anything on your mind, Genius?" ACP Mukherjee sat on floor, leaning on the glass wall behind as Shree frowned looking at his tab.

"I was thinking what Liza said, about overseas research facilities and scientists. There is too many risk to send virus from overseas, also no other Anthrax cases said anything about virus which came from outside country."

"You think it came from the country?" She asked, bringing knees near chest and keeping hands over them. He nodded.

"In my digging, I can't find any big shot companies. So that leaves scientists." He said, swiping thumb across his tab's screen.

"Most scientists work in collaboration. With companies and Universities. If no companies is raising alarm then. . . . " She trailed off.

"Then it must be Uni scientists." He finished in a hurry, face beaming with this discovery, "Not too many people can modify viruses like this. I should find someone with extra degrees, chemistry and Biology, a couple of PhDs too . . . " He buried himself behind his tab. She smiled softly at his action, even when his life is in danger he is more driven toward work than worrying over it.

"Good work Genius." She said quietly, to which he nodded absent-mindedly. Her eyes fell on someone outside the discussion room and she noticed the Second-in-Command himself walking toward them. He stood near the door as she got up, his eyes fixed on the IT expert. She stood near the door as well, both of them so near but yet far due to the glass wall. She gave a rueful smile at him, which he returned, then typed something in her phone.

UR COUSIN IS GONNA BE OKAY

His eyes widen in surprise and question, wondering how she knows about his and Shree's relation because he never remember anyone ever mentioning it around her, then shook head, because she just knows, there is no How and When. She tilted her head on the other side at his action, then frowned a little as he typed something else in his phone. Her phone buzzed and she read the reply text.

IT'S NOT ONLY HIM THAT I AM WORRIED ABOUT.

Something unreadable flashed in her eyes as she looked back at him, time seems to be freezing. His eyes were so clear that she could see herself in them. But the spell was broken when he looked away from her, and she noticed their resident Crime Journo was running to him, fear etched in her face. He moved toward her and she threw herself in his arms, crying and asking questions at once.

Something happened inside her as the scene played itself in front of her eyes. She could breathe properly only when she turned her back to the glass door, and half heard the victory exclamation by Shree as he found something useful, which he immediately told Liza. She scrunched her nose absent mindedly, and stiffened when she looked at the fingers.

She was bleeding from her nose.

She rubbed near her nose to clear the blood as Shree put his bluetooth down on the table, walking toward the glass door to see Sakshi and Rawte, the former tear stricken and looking animated from this side as no sound can get in or out through these glass. She put the bluetooth in her ear slowly, at the same time looking for tissue without making too much noise.

"Liza, you there?" She asked softly to the forensic expert.

"Yes Ma'am." Came the instant reply.

"Are you alone?"

There was silent for some seconds, then she replied hesitantly, "Director is here, but she can't hear me."

"What are the symptoms of this virus?" She found tissue and wiped her nose, halting only at the sight of blood.

"Bleeding from nose, dizziness, feeling cold." She replied, "The symptom starts after 3 to 4 hours."

"Well I am bleeding from nose right now." She commented dryly, curling the tissue like a ball and throwing it to nearby dustbin, "Anything special with me?"

"I am only speaking on speculations Ma'am." Liza replied sadly, "But I think it's because the number of Virus in your blood is higher than Specky."

"What does that mean?" She asked, now turning toward the trio some feet away from her, "I am showing signs before the deadline. What does this mean for him?"

"I am guessing that means your state will deteriorate fast. Maybe you . . . " She paused suddenly, but ACP Mukherjee realized anyway.

"I might not have 10 hours then."

"I am so sorry Ma'am." Liza's voice broke at the end.

"Did you send the virus Liza?" She asked lightly, then sobered, "Stop saying Sorry. Let's keep this between us, okay?" She muted the bluetooth, giving a small nod to the 'Boss' Rawte as he took the crime journo away from them, holding her arm.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

7 hours crossed after the virus break out. Even though it was established that it didn't spread by air, the 2 KM radius around ETF was evacuated, police and media alike stood vigil there, speculating each moment as it passed. The latter tried to create panic into the hearts of citizen, because its what they do, take any random statement and twist it to suit their own, while the former tried to dismiss it, and effectively failed.

Inside the ETF, the team was simultaneously getting updates from the Chennai lab for the cure and expecting it in next 3 hours, also worked on the case which hit two of them. After hours of running back and forth, they finally had the culprit, like Shree's hunch he turned out a Versity professor. The thing puzzled them was his motive, which was none. They were grilling him for 2 hours now, but he didn't buzz, like he had sealed his lips with some invisible glue he created in his ultra-modern lab. He was the one who had sent his student to the Courier service for the virus delivery, the girl had no idea what a dangerous thing she was carrying for him. Every one of the team wanted to tear his head at his silence but composed themselves with great difficulty, also the nagging feeling was deep in their heart. Sure, they had a face for the culprit but no motive. A lunatic with less than crazy vengeance for ETF seemed like a nice idea at the face of a 40 something Professor, whose CV spoke he is a nerd for his whole life, going back and forth in Universities for research. Even his colleagues were shocked to know what he did. It didn't make sense in a lot of ways.

ACP Mukherjee's health was showing sign of decline since the 2 hour mark, and now Shree was showing too. Coughing blood, having difficulty to breathe and dizziness had already started. The IT genius demanded a blanket in middle of a team discussion on the 7th hour mark, to which everyone glanced at each other, then Liza was the one who sprinted out of lab to fetch it. Even though the ACP can't feel much of temperature change due to her genetic disorder, from the goosebumps that appeared on her arms it was evident her body needed it, even if the brain could not feel it. Still, she didn't demand one, so used to overlooking her physical need for years. Even if she is different than others, physically and emotionally, she refused to indulge herself. Call it her stubbornness.

Around the 8 hour mark, when the team was observing with great difficulty from the upstairs lab how two of their own suffered badly with each passing second, desperate to comfort them, at the same time punch that professor and scream at the God for this unfairness, their eyes welling up and flashing with fire in a blink, the duo decided to switch on the TV to entertain themselves, because one of them will rather die than to talk about feelings (M), and another one doesn't want pity from the other or anyone (S). It's a case, which just included them. The cure will come and soon Liza will barge through the room with needles and poke them, the team will baby them and lighten up the tense situation for hours and soon they will be back in work, working this case or another. Until the worst moment arrives, they refused to either self-pity themselves or think about final departing words. For them, the worst has not arrived.

Shree was laughing and coughing at the same time when he put on the channel where his favorite comedy show was having a repeat, the tissue turning red with an alarming speed, yet the pain didn't completely take over his face. ACP Mukherjee silently handed over a tissue which he took, wiped his lips, and started smiling again as the funny anchor started to tell another joke.

Rawte clenched his fist as the scene played itself through the CCTV footage in one of Liza's lab monitor, like it's something out of a film, helpless-misery-guilt-anger all mixing inside him and creating one giant emotion, his brain blocking out the noise and discussion behind him and making it sound like a low hum. Beside him Sakshi won't stop sniffing and he wanted her to, because God, it's not a solution. Shedding tears is not solution at all, it's the last option and when it comes to people of his life, and there is nothing which is last or final. They are not going to die down there. The situation doesn't look good, but all will be okay, they all just need to hang on and stop with the waterworks.

It has to.

Sameer kept a hand on his shoulder, supporting at the same time sympathetic, to which he exhaled a bit, thankful for his presence, even though the tension in his body stayed there.

"They will pull through."

"They have to." The latter answered darkly, eyes fixed on the monitor.

The clock chimed outside the Discussion room, which was now worked like a cage, containing the two dangerous virus body and separating them from rest of world, more for the benefit of the world than the two people inside. The sound announced the 9th hour mark, and the door was open, Liza's lab people with additional doctors from different department entering inside to test them, like they did every hour, taking their blood sample, BP level, checking their eyesight and listening if their heart is still taking the pressure well. Their suit contained their expression well, in case they are feeling remorseful for these two officers. Shree struggled to keep his breath intact throughout the checking, like he had run miles, even saying 2 or 3 sentences continuously making them tired.

After the doctors left, Riya wondered why she had to be there the moment the letter came. Is this because she has a history of bad timing? Maybe it's karma, she thought, and then laughed at her silliness. Is this dying talking? Is a twisted part of her mind is already thinking she is going to be dead? Beside her, Shree stirred a little at the sound, but didn't open his eyes behind the glasses.

"What's so funny?" Came the low and terse reply of the Second in command in her ear. She sobered up.

"I was thinking about karma."

He snorted a little at that, "You and karma? You don't believe that." He dismissed it as soon as it came.

"Hey!" She tried to sound defensive, "You know nothing about my thoughts." Even though she said those words, she had a feeling this Man was the only one who knew very less about her, but could predict her how mind works at the same time. The contradiction was weird, and should not exist, but somehow it does.

"I don't think you believe in those things." He said in reply, his voice sounding much like it always do, even though the tension was still lurking there.

"The situation demands right now for those thoughts, doesn't it?" She remarked dryly, at the same time hand reaching for tissue. She stared at the tissue box oddly, suppressing an eye roll.

He didn't answer to her earlier question, instead asked, ''What's wrong?"

"Tissue is finished." She scrunched her nose with fingers, the blood nearly coating all of them, "Geez, if it's not the virus then the blood loss will surely be the cause of death in my autopsy." She didn't say 'Us', "But it's the virus, is not it?"

"You are blabbering." He sighed a little, at the same time curious.

"Is that a symptom?" She asked sarcastically. She heard sharp intake of his breath in her ear.

"You are not going to die Riya."

"Of course not." Her reply was instant.

Around the 9 and a half hour mark, Shree coughed and struggled so badly to breathe that he laid on the floor, pulling knees to chest to stop, at the same time cocooning himself with the double blanket to stop the cold. Thankfully the ACP didn't have the coughing symptom, or maybe it was a bad sign, who knows? But she could not find the flippancy inside herself for the life of her at the sickly state of her Genius. The IT head must have sensed her stare, as he cracked open one eye as the coughing stopped for some moments, exhaling breath through mouth.

"I should not have come to work today."

She laughed that breathy laugh which is so rare, and only in the presence of the other member of his family, "Too tough case, huh?"

His eyes were impossibly sad as he replied, "If I didn't sign the delivery order and opened the envelope. . . "

She cut even before he could finish, because how dare he blame himself for his own deteriorating health? Only the person who sent the da*ned delivery was guilty, "If you didn't have, someone else could have."

"Maybe, maybe not." He whispered, "I dragged you in this as well."

"Did you forget how much of a trouble maker I am?" She arched an eyebrow. He slowly closed his eyes, like he didn't even hear her.

"Sorry." He mumbled. Something twisted inside her at his state, and for the first time in these 9 and half hour, she felt something close to desperation. She was too focused on treating this like another case, another day, maybe different circumstances but a case. She pushed the 10 hour deadline deep inside her mind, because how many time she had those deadlines and she overcame those? Hell, according to her genetics, she should not have been alive after twenty, but here she was. She refused to think about death, or failure, because she didn't fail, if it's not the most important case in her life. ETF doesn't fail. She didn't flinch at the sight of blood, even this lab rat like treatment or the sad faces of the team, but at the shivering sight of the resident IT genius, she felt out of breath, panicky, which has nothing to do with the virus.

Thankfully, the panic didn't stay for long, as nearly after 5 minutes, the team along with those doctors were rushing toward them, even though they can't enter inside. They had the injection with cure, and when they approached her first she shook her head, pointing toward Shree.

"Him first."

She stubbornly refused injection until one of the doctor pushed the needle in Shree's arm while others hovered near him, checking BP and other necessary thing. She shakily stood up after she was injected with the cure, hands on the glass wall on which she was leaning till now, brushing aside the medics who fussed over her, because she was fine and someone else needs all the attention right now. They immediately told her to take a shower to clean up and dump her clothes in a safety bag, which was welcoming since the concern from the welcoming party outside through the glass wall was bothering her now.

She never went back to the team, quietly slipping away in the darkness of the night, amidst the chaos.

Yea, and if some god shall wreck me in the wine-dark deep,Even so I will endure…For already have I suffered full much,And much have I toiled in perils of waves and war.Let this be added to the tale of those.

― Homer, The Odyssey

It's interesting, that whenever something bad happens to someone else, people around him or her seem to be more affected with the situation. A health issue, misfortune, a tragedy, or the giant of them all, Death, all these things touch person of interest or not alike, and leave sometime bigger impact than the situation might have intended. The unfortunate events link minds alike, make them retrospect their lives and choices.

But some people don't have the time, or the interest for the retrospection. There is always something else to do, something important, so hours later, she planned to get back at work, as good as new.

But of course, plans are like your temper, every now and then it keeps changing.

She was hoping there is actually a case and not tons of paper work, no team mate showing excessive concern for her or anything remotely closer. Unfortunately, the world and red tape-ism of Indian Offices doesn't get back at feet as fast as hers. Merely hours had passed after the bio-attack at the ETF had occurred, media was still there in front of entrance of office, the workers were still busy whispering and speculating what happened after evacuation, their imagination letting them go overboard. The Director was out of office, keeping in loops with other Intelligence service about the attack and investigating it further, she is probably pissed at the ACP too, as last night the latter snuck out without telling anyone and didn't receive any calls from her. Not that it's anything new.

The summary is, no new case.

She figured it as much the moment she walked out of the lift, the absence of team in the discussion room only putting a stamp on it. Without the team, the room looked hollow, the emptiness glaringly obvious. She could not remember a day when she had seen the room empty, without any team member inside it.

Irritated, she walked through the glass door and slumped on her usual seat, fingers tapping on the edge of table in impatience. Outside the room, everyone was peeking at the officer, the whisper only intensifying, which she noticed from her peripheral vision. Pursuing her lips in disapproval, she started to think what else she can do if she walk out of here now, and with a surprise realized for the first time in her life, she had nothing to do. No informer visit, no secret meeting with higher intelligence officers, no pissing off Director. She was . . . free.

Which was strange. And so very unusual.

The glass door was suddenly opened and she turned her neck, only to see the Second-in-Command Rawte and Senior Officer Rathore entering inside, brows knotted together.

"What are you doing here?" The Officer asked, "Should not you stay at home or something?"

"I am not contaminated." She remarked dryly, head tilting to a side, to which he made a face.

"He didn't mean that." The Second-in-command replied quietly, intensely staring at her. She stared back for some moments.

"No case today?" She asked instead, shifting her eyes on the officer. He dragged a chair nearby before sitting on it.

"I hope you didn't forget about the case last night? You know a virus which came in ETF inside a 'Dear John' letter."

"It was not a 'Dear John' letter." She answered, then frowned, "You guys captured the Professor, right? What else now?"

"It doesn't add up." The Second-in-Command spoke, "There is no reason why he will do something like this."

"Maybe he was working with the bad guys." Rathore added, "A guess, even though it is not going anything. The Director and other Bosses are brainstorming as we speak in the HQ."

She took it in, and silence descended around them, before a shrill of Phone broke it. Rawte took out his cell and pressed the answer button without checking the ID, already walking out of the room.

"How is Shree?" The ACP asked.

"Healthy physically, mentally torn with guilt, which, frankly, is out of my logic." He rolled eyed.

"He is being silly." She agreed, looking at him straight, "But he is alright?"

"Yes." He confirmed, then narrowed his eyes as he asked, "What about you?"

"I am here, aren't I?" She leaned back in her seat, the flippancy back in her, to which he stared for a moment, before shaking head. They were both silent for a while, and she turned her eyes to the giant LCD near them, watching the news.

And cursed in mind.

Aside from the breaking news of ETF, there was a news of 4 civilians killed in a shootout in South Delhi. The address was eerily similar to the one her 'Personal Hacker' gave her and the IB-Liaison officer 2 days ago.

She was out of the room even before her head could process it all, the thumb pressing the speed dial for Agent Rahane. It went unanswered the first 2 times, to which her impatience and anger increased, foot tapping on the floor. Then someone picked up the call.

"Who’s this?" The voice was of an older female, who sounded as irritated as she felt.

"Rahane?"

"Who’s this?" She repeated.

"I want to speak with Vir Rahane, where is he?" The ACP demanded, jaw clenching.

"I am asking who’s this!" It's like her record is stuck at the same place. The ACP exploded on the old lady.

"I am his wife! Now answer me where the hell is he!"

The poor lady apologized and informed the officer has been admitted to a hospital. The ACP took the address, cutting the call without bothering to hear anything else. In the course of shouting she totally missed when Sameer was coming toward her, but stopped and turned immediately after he heard her 'His wife' comment.

Rawte was pacing in room when Sameer returned, "Where is she?" He demanded. The Senior officer looked confused.

"I think she is talking with her husband?" He sounded unsure of himself.

"Her what!?" Arjun rather yelled in surprise, staring at him with wide eyes for a second, before storming out of the room. He looked for her everywhere, before seeing her vanishing behind the lift doors which was fast closing. He ran, and slipped inside, the doors joining behind him once again.

"What's with the running?" She frowned, her voice a strange mixture of exasperation and annoyance.

"Where are you going? And why you even came today? You should have stayed home, you need rest." He went on in one breath.

"Yeah, I was just going to do it, rest and all." Her tone indicated how much of the rest she will take, and he realized for what it is, his expression showing disapproval. He took a step close to her, totally getting into her private zone, but what the hell, she does that all the time.

"Don't ignore your health Riya." He said quietly, concern dripping from it. She could not immediately brush it off.

"I am not." She said after a few moment, "I am alright."

"But you were not." He took another step, which made the space between them mere centimeters now. He looked down for a second, which her eyes followed, and noticed his fingers were hesitating for something, before softly holding her wrist, "Take care of yourself."

She could tell he was now staring at her face, but she could not tear her gaze away from his hold on her wrist, not too tight to suffocate but not loose either. Some other time, she would have pulled back the moment he held on, but now, she didn't. Why, was a question she will ask herself later (never).

"Yeah. Sure." She answered, rather mumbled, pulling her wrist slowly, but suddenly his grip tighten.

"You are running a fever." His fingers now were on the back of her hand, checking the temperature. He gave a stern gaze to her and said, "Home. Rest. Now."

"Yes Boss." She remarked as lightly as possible, and the lift opened almost immediately behind him. She walked out, feet taking her as far away as possible from him, mentally sighing in relief. It's not like she was uncomfortable in the Second-in-command's presence, probably none in the world can make her uncomfortable in her own skin, but she was not overly excited either. Maybe it had to do something with the fact that she hates when people show her concern, and he was doing that too much in there. Yes, that makes sense.

(It doesn't.)

5 hours and a flight later, she was in the hospital room of Agent Rahane, which was, surprisingly, devoid of any IB/RAW colleague of his. He was sleeping peacefully, the room dimmed for his comfort, the nurse walking out as soon as she stepped in, giving them both the unwanted privacy. For a moment, she felt irritated, maybe a part of her had actually hoped he will be awake, given how tenacious and eager he was to come here and check things for himself, but now all turned upside down and they both needed answers. Then the sensible part of her brain kicked in, and she sighed, rubbing her temple. Staring around for a moment, ACP Mukherjee slowly walked toward the furthest sofa in the room and sat on it, exhaling slowly. His injuries doesn't look much, some scratches on face and his hand on sling. The Nurse mentioned something about a car accident, to which she was surprised, then decided it must be another of IB's closing up loopholes. She wondered what else they did in this situation.

In the semi darkness of the room, it suddenly hit how both of them had come close to dying in the last few hours, both for different reasons. She walked out unscathed, he didn't. She always believed in Destiny. There was a deadline hanging on her life since the moment she was born, as with genetic disease like hers, patient do not stay alive for a long time. But she did, and she was sure she must be alive for something, she must have some work to fulfill. If her Destiny brought her at this moment, here, she wondered how her destiny and his are intertwined. When it was intertwined, and why? What's the purpose, what's the endgame?

Feeling tired, she took out her shoes and curled them on the sofa, head falling backwards. Maybe the Boss was right, maybe she was running a fever. The medics did mention something about weakness and temperature after the cure was pushed, even though she was too eager to get out of the office to hear it properly. Her eyes fell shut, the last thought on her mind was this Agent better wake up fast.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When Agent Rahane woke up, it was 5 in the morning.

He blinked owlishly for several seconds, then remembered about the shooting and groaned, eyes falling shut and soft groan escaping from his throat. What a disaster it has been coming here, he has no idea how much damage had happened. He has to contact HQ, get himself updated. But first, he has to check himself out of here . . .

"Oh, you are awake." One older female nurse entered, pushing her glasses over nose, then glanced to a corner of his room and shook her head, "Poor thing, she fell asleep hoping you will wake up."

"Who?" He turned his neck, and saw one figure curled up on the sofa in the farthest corner of his room, the cover on the window near it has not been removed so it was dark over there.

"Your wife." She answered conversationally, to which he snapped his neck so fast that it might crack, "She flew last night, was very worried about you."

Before he could process it all down, the nurse was hovering over him, letting him sit properly and checking his vitals. He frowned a little as he looked toward the figure once again, and as if it could sense his gaze, the figure stirred, then stretched like a cat, feet falling on the ground.

"Hello Husband."

He can never mistake that dry voice mixed with sarcasm and some inside joke only she could understand. ACP Mukherjee.

"The heck . . . " He muttered to himself as she smirked, the nurse giving them both look and slowly left, closing the door behind her as she finished her job. The ACP got up from the sofa, now pushing the cover of the window aside. He was momentarily blinded by the sudden light around her hair, but adjusted his eyes, thousand questions running in mind.

"How do you know I am here?" He asked. She dragged a stool near his bed as she started answering.

"I called your cell." She answered, then tilted head to a side, "I take it you were not in touch with your department?"

He shook head, "I was out since last night. The last thing I remember is being carried to an ambulance." He frowned, "There had been a shootout. It must have made headlines." He straighten his back, "What they are showing?"

"Trigger happy person shot and injured several people in a locality in South Delhi." She answered, "I figured you guys arriving here and shooting can't be co-incidence. Thought it will be better if can just ask you."

"So you are here just for the case." He gave a small smirk, feeling suddenly somber. She rolled eyes.

"How many days do you have to stay here?" She asked instead.

"Zero, starting for now." He pushed the call button beside his bed.

2 hours later, Agent Rahane along with ACP Mukherjee were out of hospital, the former's arm in a sling. The IB-RAW liaison officer had a one hour call with his seniors, now fully updated and in loop with them. The Intelligence Agency was working overtime to mislead the news, at the same time trying to investigate the culprit behind this act. The Officer was summoned back, which he fully intended to respond, but first he along with the ACP were heading toward the shooting site.

The location of burner phone turned out to be a congested and overpopulated locality in South Delhi, the exact location was a narrow lane which literally smelt like sh*t and allowed no signal in cell. They searched the area, the slums owned by manual labors from different states, some old two-three storied buildings which were illegally occupied by tenants from years. One floor of such a three-storied was empty, which they went to check, when all hell broke loose. First they thought it was one person, but soon bullets were getting inside from all direction, making holes in wall and shattering glass, when the IB team realized it was an ambush. They had walked right into a trap, and no matter what amount of preparation they did, it was no match. They could hardly see their enemy, and before they knew they were outnumbered, 3 out of 9 people were dead. They tried their best to fight back, but it was over in less than one hour, 7 from their team dead, 3 terrorist dead. The team has no idea how many more were there.

Rahane and Mukherjee stood in front of the yellow CRIME SCENE DO NO ENTER ribbons, which marked the start of the scene, when the former finished his tell, the veg roll in their hands which they had grabbed earlier forgotten.

"The news saying they were civilians." The ACP said quietly, to which the liaison officer snorted without any humor.

"They were one of us. No civilians were hurt. The terrorists’ obviously wanted us, not any other collateral damage." His face slowly twisted in disgust, "Yesterday they were one of us, today, they are none. One mission stripped them off their identity." He exhaled slowly, half hoping a quip from the ACP beside him, who was occasionally vocal about his intelligence agency and its’ method. But she was silent, maybe feeling merciful for him. It's not like he didn't know the drill, live for the country, die for the country, loyal to the country- but witnessing it has never been easy.

He took a deep breath, calming himself down, and then walked ahead, the ACP following as they both dipped under the ribbon, entering the crime scene. They had to stop for identification several time, and then they were inside the room, where it all started and ended before any of them could grasp what was happening.

It was a simple long hall room, painted in light green. There were big bullet holes everywhere, one side of wall almost falling due to severe holes in it. Blood on the floor was almost dried up, but the amount of it was sickening. The opposite building, where the gunmen took shelter and fired, was damaged too, but not quite as much as this floor.

The duo came out almost after one hour, both of their mind in different shapes. When the ACP started talking, the agent nearly jumped, clearly startled.

"Why it happened, you think?" She asked, looking at the ground but not quite looking, "What was the motive?"

"It was obviously a warning, to show us what they are capable of." The Agent fixed his jaw. She shook her head even before he finished.

"What are they hoping here?" She now met his gaze, "First they left the burner phone and lured you out, then attacked you. You were not even hoping for anything, still they made their first move. Why?"

"There are many things that doesn't add up." He said slowly, "First of all, how they know we are here? It was almost like they were waiting for us to walk right into it. Second, we didn't even find the phone, where is it? I don't think the gunmen had the time to stop and gather a burner phone which they used to lure us. Most importantly, we chased Nasir and reached here. He was not a big fish, still we had to face this. Were we wrong to assess him? Was he much more powerful than we had assumed?" He was now asking questions to himself.

"You didn't reach here by chasing him." The ACP reminded, "You chased that middleman guy. Anything on him?"

He exhaled, "NSA is on him. They are yet to track him in this country." He then frowned, "Why he showed himself? A Man like him won't leave trails behind him so that we can find him. Why he let himself out for us to find him? What is going on here?"

Nobody had the answer for these.

The duo returned to city that night, parting ways at the airport after another brief discussion in the parking lot.

"I will keep you updated." He vowed as his taxi arrived, putting his luggage inside.

"You better." She semi-warned, to which he chuckled, bidding her bye. He watched her figure vanishing into the rear view mirror, and sighed to himself. Watching her in his hospital room has been shocking, to say at least. Was she there just for the case? He wondered if she had anticipated these turn of events when she had first left the IB breadcrumbs to reach her during the surveillance of Nasir. Was these turn of events baffling her as badly as him? Or the reaction was much more intense?

He don't think he can get these answers anytime soon.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What was you up to, Nasir?

Riya was asking herself the same question from past 3 days, since her return from Delhi with the IB-RAW liaison officer, Rahane. There was no new news on the shooting, even though now NSA was involved into this. They wanted to tag this as a terrorist activity from the neighbor country, but the timing and planning was too perfect, so that idea was scrapped. The NSA was still trying to track that middleman, and as he was not spotted in country they assumed he is not here. The Intelligence agency got the burner phone, which was the root, in a dumping ground some 2 KM away from shooting site. There were mostly incoming call, and large part of numbers were untraceable. The IB had made sketch of 4 remaining shooters and spread them across the country, they are yet to hear anything regarding that.

It was a temporary dead end.

AS if IB was not already busy with its’ . . . whatever task it does every day, and the additional liaison case with RAW, they were also handed over the bio-attack case on ETF, which was decided jointly by Home ministry, DIG Raghu sir and several other senior IPS officers. Director Kapoor was not happy, but they could not investigate it and it was a decision, and she is nothing if not strict abider of protocol. ACP Mukherjee nearly dropped her pen when the liaison officer, along with several other IB officers, entered in ETF to collect those files, an ironical smirk coming on her lips which almost everyone missed (but not everyone).

"You didn't mention anything about attack in your office." In a rare moment when the duo were close, the liaison officer asked the ACP in irritation, with a touch of concern.

"Time to brush up on current affairs." She threw back dryly, looking away.

Sameer called on it after the IB peeps were out, "What was that between you and Agent . . . ?" He could not remember the name.

"Rahane." Chotu supplied, to which he nodded, then looked back at her.

"Just trying to be social."

Shree snorted beside them, not even bothering to hide that smirk. She gave a mock glare at that, but didn't indulge more.

But none of the good mood was there in the late night when the discussion room was suddenly filled with a stunned looking Director, furious liaison officer, curious Sameer Rathore and Arjun Rawte, and an irritated ACP Mukherjee, staring at the red eyed crime journo who was glaring at the liaison officer.

"Will somebody tell me what's going on?" Aisha finally snapped, no idea what the hell is going in her officer anymore. Everyone stopped with the staring session, jumping slightly at the loud voice.

"Yea, explain Agent Rahane." Sakshi's voice dripped with anger, to which everyone looked at the agent in question. He huffed, not before his eyes going slightly at the ACP who looked irritated at this whole ordeal.

"Miss Anand here, is holding classified information and trying to leak them anonymously on the internet. I am here to grab those sensitive data."

"What sensitive data?" Rawte asked the same question which run through everyone's mind, the ACP's expression turned curious and slightly surprised.

"My one journalist friend recently came across some information regarding Delhi shoot out case." The ACP stiffened at it, which Aisha noticed, filing it in the back of her mind for the moment and focusing on Sakshi, "She tried to publish them, but some IB officers barged into her home and office and took it all. She gave a copy to me, so that I can publish them."

"There are more copies?" Rahane was appalled.

"What is the information?" Sameer asked.

"That's classified." Rahane raised voice even before the crime journo could open her mouth, "I am asking you to hand over the data, Miss Anand."

"Why should not we publish them? It's our right to bring out the truth." She demanded.

"Because you can't." He pressed, now looking at the Director, "She is your team mate, order her."

The Director looked torn between her curiosity and the duty, but like always the duty won, "Hand over whatever you got Sakshi, he is not going anywhere."

"But . . . " She tried to protest, but was cut by Rawte.

"What is so important in the data that you are ready to imprison yourself?"

She stopped at that, the desperation now turning into coolness, "Why don't you ask that to Riya, Arjun?"

Everyone's eyes were now on the ACP now, who stared back at the crime journo calmly.

"Elaborate." Sameer looked back and forth between the two.

"That's enough." Rahane took a step to the crime journo, but the Second-in-command out himself between the two, earning an impressed and thankful look from the latter. Pleased that the situation was suddenly on her side, she started to tell her story.

"I saw the pictures, you and him in Delhi airport." She said, then looked at the liaison officer, "Interesting, is not it? How do you know him anyway?"

"We are childhood sweethearts." The ACP deadpanned, to which everyone simultaneously rolled their eyes and sighed in exasperation. The Crime journo blinked, clearly not expecting this lie even when the former was in danger of exposing herself.

"Maybe I need to call some help from my department, because clearly, ETF is more interested in drama than following protocol." Rahane was now taking out his cell, but Aisha signaled him to stop, fixing a stare at the crime journo, who looked ready to protest, then slumped in defeat, handing over a pen drive to him.

"It's the last copy." She mumbled.

"If any sensitive data goes out, Miss Anand, then you can kiss your life goodbye and expect 10 years of imprisonment." He warned, taking the pen drive and putting it safely in his pocket. Giving a last look and almost invisible nod to the ACP, he left.

Sakshi slumped on the nearest chair, all energy for rebellion draining, "My friend nearly risked her life and job for this, now it's all gone."

"Don't tell us anything." Aisha rubbed her temple, feeling an oncoming headache. The Crime journo's head shot up at the comment, the glare on the ACP back.

"Why don't you ask her? I am sure she will tell."

"Okay that's enough.'' The ACP straighten her back and fisted hands on both side, ready to end this once and for all, "I don't know what you saw in pictures, so you better watch your words before accusing me of anything."

"I saw you two's pictures in Delhi airport." The crime journo stood up. Near them both the trio scoot closer, ready to intervene before this gets any more heated.

"So? It's a crime for both of us to be in the same place or me and him to stand near each other?"

"In same place? At same time? Away from city? You are not supposed to know him."

"I don't." The ACP looked straight in her eyes, "I didn't before this morning."

"So what were you doing in Delhi?" The Crime journo demanded, to which the ACP glared back, before answering quietly.

"Professor Rao."

Sameer hissed in sympathy, "DU professor, expert in Bio-science?" The team did background search on all people in country who were expert in the field of bio-science during the last case, when the name popped up along with many other.

She nodded, "I was having fever. I thought maybe the virus . . . " She stopped, but what she intended happened. Everyone stared at her with concern.

"But it didn't, right?" The Second-in-command asked in quiet voice, to which she shook head, looking away.

Everyone sighed softly at it, and the crime journo said after a long time in a shaky voice, "That's hell of a co-incidence."

"I think it's enough for one night." Aisha said almost immediately, more like replying to her even though her eyes roamed on everyone, "Go home guys, tomorrow is a new day." Then fixed her eyes on the ACP, "I still didn't get your official statement on the last case."

"I will finish it tonight." She replied in a hurry, before walking out, like she could not bother to stand in the room. The men looked concerned at it, slightly annoyed that the crime journo pushed her to this extent. The journo picked her bag and followed suit, as Rawte walked out in a hurry.

Sameer stood closer to the Director, who was looking outside through the glass door, like she didn't even feel his presence. He frowned at it.

"Are you thinking about the sensitive data on the pen drive?"

"No." She shook head, now looking at him, "Did you ever read anything on Human behavior in your Psychology books? About humans and lying?"

He shrugged and frowned at the same time, "Sure."

"But those rules doesn't apply on exceptions, right?"

"Pathological liars." He confirmed.

"Yeah." She nodded slowly, "Pathological liars."

He understood about whom they were talking, but not the reason. He was ready to voice it out when she started speaking again.

"She will never show herself vulnerable. Even when the situation demand it."

"But she did now." He added, now getting the picture. She exhaled at that.

"She could always look right into your eyes and lie."

He squeezed her hands, feeling for her plight, at the same time curious about the 'why'.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Your journalist friend know that those dead people in South Delhi shoot out were IB officers." Vir was venting frustration in phone with ACP Mukherjee, who was running down the stairs, cell pressed in ear.

"She is no friend." She nearly gritted her teeth at the word, "How?"

"Obviously some footage hungry officer tipped them. Maybe police, maybe ours, who knows?" He paused, "Why she is in ETF anyway?"

"I ask myself the same question every day." She murmured at that, then frowned, "How much does she know?"

"Not about the middleman or Nasir, we are safe." He replied, "How you handled it over there?"

"I handled it." She stressed.

"She looked pretty determined for answers."

"Are not you smitten?" She asked sarcastically, to which he was about to say something when she cut the call, sensing a presence behind her.

"You are running quite awful lot after me, Boss." She stopped walking and turned, facing the Second-in-command in the semi darkness of the basement parking lot.

"You are moving too fast." He took a step toward her, standing too close for a decent space, "You were worried about the virus, that flippancy was all show-off."

She shrugged, "Can't take lightly these bio-weapons."

"You didn't mention about Delhi." He tilted his head to a side, slightly annoyed at her. She gave a look, the infuriating smirk forming at the corner of her lips.

"We are now sharing cooking recipe too?"

He tried to huff in frustration, but it came out as a disbelieving laugh, "You don't cook."

"I don't look like cooking type?" Her words were so similar to the same conversation they had months ago, when they were standing in two separate points, literally, so far from each other even though physically they were near.

"You don't look any type." This time, he didn't say those words in mind, but aloud. She looked away at that, a small smile tugging at her lips, both moving toward their cars.

"But We are okay, right?" He asked hesitantly after some moments when they had to part ways toward their cars. Some other time, she would have picked up on 'We' or throw some dry comment to his question, but this time, she merely nodded her head, before turning around and leaving.

Like that day in lift, she refused to think much about that.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

- Sir Walter Scott.

He was waiting in the Airport for the announcement of his flight, when the headlines in the newspaper caught his attention.

He paid in cash for one of the leading English national newspaper and started reading, the corner of lips twitching as he went. Not that the headline was anything amusing, but of course, he is not a normal person.

He is Azeem Haqqani. Most wanted in 4 countries, suspected in dozens of assassinations and countless massacres. He takes pleasure from the news where media belittle Government and Law enforcement agencies and ask where the culprits are.

Well, he is here, is not he? Dubai International Airport. Come and get me, he wanted to shout, but settled for folding the paper and tucking it under his arms as he leant back, the small smirk in the same place.

Not that his name was on the paper. But the stunt he pulled with Indian Intelligence Agencies, RAW mainly, letting out the GPS of a burner phone which was traced right back to him, he was pretty sure for the 'Shoot out' in South Delhi 3 weeks back, he is in the list of suspects. Why RAW didn't let his name out, or covered the reality about the shootout, he guessed, and the satisfaction increased. He felt pretty powerful that time, bringing down an entire nation on his knees.

He plans to do more, if possible. Only if Islamabad lets him loose . . .

But now, it was time to pull another stunt. 3 weeks and Indian administration was getting bashed left right and center for their inability to capture or get a suspect for that shoot out, both from media and public. From his ears in various part of World, the RAW was as clueless about him as they can get. He was enjoying this cat and mouse game greatly, now it's time to raise the stakes. Show them just how much damage he can do.

Show himself.

The flight announcement occurred and he got up, dragging the wheels of his suitcase behind him as he moved ahead.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Why I am here come again?" ACP Mukherjee mostly spoke to herself in irritation and exasperation, looking around her.

"Because the Director could not make it." Shree pointed out.

"She promised her whole team will represent her." Sameer carried on.

"Whole Team." Rawte emphasized. She gave a half glare to him.

"Yeah. Got that." She replied sarcastically, ducking her face as she c*rsed Aisha and her promises.

The invitation for the Charity ball came in this morning, personally delivered by the manager of the event organizer, Ashok Dixit. He was accused of murdering his wife 2 years ago, way before Riya barged through the ETFians life and turned it upside down. ETF cleared his name that time, and he is returning the favor now, also showing off to his benefactors and social circle how far he can reach inside Government administrations. The party was every bit of 'Hi fi" as Chotu had termed. The vast amount of invitees swam inside the giant party hall, like half the city had turned up for the occasion, and it was not only Indians. They could hear chatter in American English, mumbo jumbo which sounded suspiciously like Japanese, and some other South Asian languages. The grand hall was decorated with chandeliers, rare orchids and white roses, the air smelt like champagne and high fashion and sounded like Jazz. It totally had to do with those musicians on the podium in the corner of the hall who looked as drowned in their music as these people in their bubble.

The whole charade only served as a Deja vu for her. No wonder she hated every minute in here.

Ashok Dixit came into their vision, talking to an older couple, the smile plastered on his face like it's permanent, giving a feeling he is listening if someone doesn't notice the impatient finger tapping on his leg. He excused himself, clearly relieved, and was instantly stonewalled by an American male duo. This time, he looked quite interested.

"So Dixit got away with murder?" Riya was so bored and uncomfortable that she could not find anything else to talk about. Even the silence was uncomfortable, not to say the Jazz, though beautiful, only managed to bring headache. She was way more impatience today, which must have something to do with the gap of three week where she had nothing to do in her 'Personal work'.

"No." Rawte shook head, sipping champagne from his glass, "As surprising as it was, he was not the killer."

"Then who was?" She asked.

"God, you are talking about murder in a party?" Sakshi chimed in disapprovingly, throwing a side glance to the ACP who just looked away, eyes throwing upward, "Enjoy the party, will you?"

Rawte gave a stern gaze to the crime journo, who didn't even notice it, half squealing when she recognized one person from her work circle in there, walking fast in her too-high heels, letting the edge of her light pink gown brushing the floor. His eyes eventually followed the ACP, who looked right back.

"We never found the killer." He answered her earlier question.

"No case talk." She smirked a little, and when he frowned she replied, "You heard the Date."

He rolled his eyes, "The invitation card didn't say Date." Even though it fell into deaf ears, the ACP taking a glass of orange juice off the tray of a passing-by waiter at a lightning speed, then sipping it a little. He narrowed his eyes a little bit in curiosity, which she noticed.

"What?"

"Orange Juice?" He remembered that Apocalypse case and her own confirmation of being a party girl who started a brawl in the bar which she co-financed, probably under the influence of alcohol, though it was not mentioned, and had a feeling he will see her enjoying the liquor. But the sobriety surprised him.

"I am a good girl." She gave a smirk which was half sarcastic, half her trademark 'Wouldn't you wanna know?' comment. He shook head, adding this to the already present list of mystery that is ACP Riya Mukherjee.

Sameer appeared 5 minutes later beside them, looking troubled for some reason, "Where is team?" He inquired.

"Trio went to check out the architecture of this giant party hall." Rawte informed, simultaneously suppressing a sigh, giving a look of 'Don't ask' to the former who raised his eyebrow at the info, "Sakshi met some friend from her circle."

"Both of our dates ditched us then." He took Rawte's drink and gulped the remaining, to which Riya gave a disgusted look, like it was unfathomable to her, "I don't mind of course."

"Probably didn't cross your mind that if Director is not going, you are going to end up with her old secretary as date." Rawte remarked, smiling.

"Oh the guy jokes!" Sameer said dryly, then sobered, "As long as she don't throw up, I am A-okay."

The senior trio made small talk, mostly the males talking and the ACP silently enjoying. It's not like their comfort level with each other and years of deep friendship is anything new, very much visible in workplace too, but here, they were free. No cases, no protocols, no Second-in-Command/ Senior Agent barrier of posts. They were just two lifelong friends, talking and teasing and enjoying the evening.

"Why so serious?" Sameer asked Riya when the duo paused in their banter, grinning at his own joke. She realized it must have been some movie dialogue he was mouthing. Instead of answering, she commented on his look when he arrived.

"You look troubled."

The grin vanished, "Yeah, my ex is here."

The next moment, Arjun and Riya were looking at each other.

"I can't believe . . . " He trailed off.

"Yeah. Mutual feeling." She waved fingers in solidarity.

Sameer stared at the duo's odd communication, like they were not talking language known to world, "Let me in the joke, please?"

She looked away as the Second-in-Command answered, "How amazing it would have been if the Director was here."

He looked horrified, "You are kidding, right?"

A grey suit appeared in the corner of Riya's eyes and she was looking at that, the conversation of the two best friends mixing with the sound of party and becoming a buzz at the back of her head. The suit vanished in the midst of crown, and just when she thought she imagined it all, the suit appeared again, the person adjusting it and tucking both hands in the pants pocket, the action so familiar that she straighten her back, her idle mind suddenly alert.

She stalked forward, keeping the empty glass on a tray of a moving waiter without missing a beat, sauntering through the crowd. When she reached near him, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him to a corner of party, both of them shielded behind a rounded pillar.

"How come you are here?" Agent Rahane looked stunned, then took in her appearance, a black sleeveless gown which had a slip up to her mid-thigh, her hair pinned to a side and falling on one shoulder loosely, letting the other bare, and flushed slightly, "You look different."

She didn't notice any of this, of course, but did notice the supermarket tag on the suit which indicated he bought it not much time ago. Like some 20 minutes ago.

"Look like you came here in a bit of hurry." Her fingers found the hanging price tag and tore away the thread which kept it joined with the suit. He blinked looking at her fingers, then met her eyes.

"Office sent me. Not sure why, they are yet to send me info."

She stared in his eyes, judging his answer, but then let it go, figuring he has no reason to lie.

"How come I see you here?" He asked again.

"It's not only me you are going to see." She caught his upper arm and gently turned him, so that he was seeing the ETF team standing under the chandelier, all of the members sans her had gathered together now.

"They are going to inquire." He muttered, disturbed at the obstacle.

"Good thing you are good at cover up." She replied dryly, earning a look from him.

"Uh oh." Chotu was the first to notice the IB-RAW liaison officer coming towards them, "That can't be good."

The rest of the team followed his glance and was instantly on edge. The liaison officer, on his part, tried to appear as comfortable as he could muster, managing to look surprised at the team's presence as he gave nods to them all and shook hand of Rawte's.

"Fancy seeing you here." He started.

"Mutual feeling." The Second-in-Command replied in the exact same phrase the ACP used not too long ago, earning a look from Sameer beside him, "How come you are here?"

"Oh nothing work related. Just a guy enjoying a charity ball." He replied, a smooth smile on his lips.

"Didn't know Intelligence Officers enjoy balls.'' Sakshi spoke acerbically. The liaison officer turned to her.

"Let me assure you, even if I am taking time off, other highly capable officers are doing their job right now." He answered as smoothly as earlier, with a trace of arrogance underlying, "Protecting National Interest and stopping journalists who don't know when to stop poking their noses."

The crime journo opened her mouth to retort, but the ACP chose to appear that exact time, "Oh, Agent." She feigned surprise looking at him, which fooled almost everyone but the duo looked slightly suspicious, partly due to how she suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"ACP Mukherjee." He nodded, though it was rather difficult not to pretend he was meeting her for the third time and not for the countless time.

"Quite a surprise." She added.

"Is not it?" Rawte commented before the Agent could, earning glances from team mates even though his eyes were fixed on the ACP, like he could not believe it was a co-incidence, like something else was not going on, as it was always with the ACP. In response, she silently stared back, leaving him to solve the puzzle.

The Agent coughed, suddenly the air was awkward, "Likewise, ACP."

It's not that the team didn't have any question for the Agent, but then, they were not friends, or even remotely interested in him. His appearance was part suspicious, part normal for them, so better than to make awkward small talk with him, they chattered among themselves, the Agent keeping a respectable distance between the two as he busied himself in his phone.

Most of the invitees had now taken the dance floor, moving in similar steps in tune of the jazz, laughing and chatting at once. Dixit had shown his face once, thanking them for coming and proudly telling about his initiative, even though he is yet to make the official speech. He even encouraged them to join others in the dance floor, winking at the ladies as he said. Liza was dragging Shree the next minute and Sakshi was making pleading eyes at Arjun for the same.

"Come on." To everyone's surprise, Sameer was the brave heart who asked Riya for dance, offering his hand like a gentleman he is. Her eyebrows shoot up into hairline, then she sobered, the trademark smirk back.

"Not bothered I might step on your toes?"

"I wear metallic bodysuit underneath." He answered without missing a beat. She shrugged, giving in.

"Had to get away from the awkward space." He said as they moved, relief evident in his voice, "Could barely stand the tension."

She was amused, "You are just frustrated your date ditched you."

"Maybe I should have skipped." He replied, not too happy with his date, the elderly PA of the Director, the next moment his eyes were alight, "But then, I would have missed that." He was looking somewhere behind her. She turned, and noticed the Second-in-Command finally giving in to the crime journo, who was dragging him to dance floor and was now snaking arm around his neck. They both stared at the two, one with amusement, other with a blankness in her eyes.

Sameer turned them both so that they were moving again, his face now serious, which the ACP didn't notice until she heard his question.

"So, how long have you known Agent Rahane?"

It's not that she is a bad liar. Hell, she managed to skip past Raghu sir, who is a human lie detector himself, and associated himself with the liaison officer, didn't she? Then what's with the members of ETF who managed to see through her lies every da*n time, sooner or later? It didn't make any sense!

And boy, did it anger her. But she kept a composed face, devoid of any expression of surprise or irritation.

"Three meetings, I think?" She replied. He looked right back.

"I am calling out on your Bull. If you don't want to answer, just say it. Won't be the first time you did."

She skipped a beat before saying, "If it's about those pictures . . . "

"It's not about those." He cut her, "It's about how his face changes every time you come across. How he manages to look at you first when he enters and look at you before he leaves a room."

"I am not bad to look at." She answered dryly. He rolled his eyes.

"Queen of dodging, really." He said, "But know this, I am not the only one who have their suspicions."

Before she could think to say anything to that, the booming voice of Dixit rang through the party hall and he announced something, the next moment the people were changing their dancing partners. Of all people, Riya found herself standing in front of Rahane.

"It's getting weirder." She mumbled to herself, which he obviously heard, making face as he took her hand and pulled her close.

"What's with me and you crossing paths every single time?" He wondered, head tilting to a side. She was surprisingly serious.

"I have no idea." She replied too quietly, looking away from him. He sighed, but his eyes didn't leave her face. They swayed to the music in uncomfortable silence for a couple of moment, when she broke it.

"Supermarket's Suit?" The smirk was back.

"Government don't pay enough to save for Georgio Armaanis, Miss Millionaire." He mocked, but then cur*ed in mind. Maybe the millionaire comment should have been avoided. It's not that she was oblivious to the face that IB-RAW snooped in her private life before offering their partnership, but maybe she could have done without waving it in her face.

"It's Billionaire, actually." She replied, even though the tension didn't leave her body. Before he could react to that, the music came to an abrupt halt and everyone stopped moving. Dixit clinked a spoon to his champagne glass repeatedly, signaling everyone to stop talking and pay attention to him. He was already on the thanking benefactors’ part when Rahane was finally paying attention.

Both of them froze in their place the moment the major benefactor of this R & D Charitable trust showed himself, walking on the podium to stand beside Dixit, smiling and refusing to say anything by a gentle shake of head. The Man in his costly designer suit and shoes, hair set with gel, gold and diamond rings adorning the fingers and a polite smile on his face looked nothing like that sinister middleman of South Asia who trade with Mass murderers and plan destruction of mankind.

Azeem Haqqani was standing in front of them in flesh.

Rahane hissed, unable to look away, "Motherfuc . . . ", pulling phone from his pocket which was vibrating, and put it in his ear, "Yeah, I saw him." He snapped into it, before putting it back.

"What the hell is going on?" The ACP demanded, whirling on her heel, her voice low and angry, "Why is he here?"

"I have no idea." He ran fingers through hair.

"Not that of a good agent, are you?" Her eyes flashed.

Dixit had finally finished his speech and everyone applauded, cheering for him. Riya's eyes went to her team mates, meeting the Second-in-Command's for a moment before going back to the agent.

"I need to get people out of here." By people, she meant her team, rest of invitees can go to hell for all she care. She was already moving when the agent caught his wrist.

"I don't think he will do anything."

"I don't give a da*n what you think." She answered in the same low, angry tone, to which the agent blinked, "You didn't even know he was going to appear here."

"That's because HQ sent me blind in here."

"Then I can't take risk with your blindness or the HQ right now, can I?" She retorted, jerking her wrist away from him. Before he could say anything, Rawte was standing between them, noticing the tension feet away.

"Anything wrong?" He inquired, his body language slightly defensive toward the agent and the question mostly for his team mate.

"No." The ACP didn't take away her eyes from the agent as she replied, but he knew by now that it meant something was up and she didn't want to talk about it. He stared at the agent, who looked frustrated at the situation, lips pursed into a thin line as he looked away. The next moment, his whole body was on alert, eyes widening. Arjun noticed his eyes and saw Dixit along with the major benefactor, Haqqani, was coming towards them.

"There you are." Dixit exclaimed, introducing the Second-in-Command who filled in for ETF Director quickly before he rushed away.

"A pleasure." Haqqani and Rawte shook head, to which the latter nodded, gauzing the Man who didn't look a hair out of place. He turned to Rahane, who was clearly on edge, yet trying to appear calm to attract less attention to himself.

"Agent Rahane, we meet again." The men shook head slowly. With heightened alertness Rawte sensed the agent's body going stiff with tension, beside him Riya having a similar reaction. It worried him, without knowing the reason.

The Man turned to ACP Mukherjee, the smile taking a different glint now, "Azeem Haqqani." He offered his hand.

In the matter of these 10 seconds of less, Arjun was sure this Man with his polite smile and interest in donating was no good news. And he didn't want him anything to do with Riya.

On her part, ACP Mukherjee put on an ironical smirk and put her hand in his, "Have heard a lot."

"Oh?" He looked faux surprised and amused.

"You have no idea." The words came out through slightly gritted teeth. Haqqani seemed to size her up for a moment, before pulling back his hand.

"On the contrary, you came out of nowhere."

She stared back unflinching, the smirk twisting. Arjun kept a warning hold on her upper arm. If she noticed it, she didn't give any indication to it. Haqqani looked clearly surprised, and now kind of intrigued.

"I didn't get a name."

"ACP Riya Mukherjee." She informed, then added with a small smirk, "ETF."

To Arjun, it looked like something went off in Haqqani's mind, his polite smile of earlier didn't look so polite now. It looked predatory, and partly arrogant, like he knew something was up. He blinked in surprise when suddenly Haqqani was looking at him, seemingly interested in current affairs.

"I read about the recent attack on ETF. Very unfortunate, but thankfully you all were unharmed." He said smoothly, and the trio wondered if he is just stalling before he makes an exit. He eyed the agent slightly as he paused, before carrying on, "Incidents like this, you can't take them lightly. Seems like a warning, to back off."

Arjun didn't understand the cryptic words, but clearly Rahane and Riya did, the former's face hardening. He had to tighten his grip on latter's arm when he sensed she was going to move ahead.

"Who knows, right?" Haqqani laughed, eyes going over the trio.

"Trust me, nobody is taking it lightly." Rahane put on a hard smile as he spoke. Both the men were doing a Mexican standoff of sorts, engaging themselves in a staring contest.

"Good to know." Haqqani replied, eyes never leaving the others, "After all, country's security rests on your shoulders."

With that he walked away, leaving the trio stunned, clearly worried and on edge. Riya was the first one to shake it off, turning to glare at the liaison officer.

"Scr*w your HQ."

He opened his mouth to speak, "Riya . . " but by then she was talking to Arjun.

"Where is everyone?"

"Scattered around." He answered, frowning, "What's going on?" He looked at them both.

"Gather them and get out of here."

"I don't think that's necessary." The liaison officer chimed in, and she pinched her eyes close to stop herself from taking a swing at him and make a scene.

"I don't give a fu*k about your thoughts right now."

"Hey!" Arjun raised his voice, irritated that he had to act elder in the fight of two kindergarten kids, to which the agent blinked in surprise and the ACP's eyes snapped open, "Share with the class, alright?"

"First, gather them all and get the hell out of here." Riya countered.

"I will gather them and send them the hell away from here." He asserted, and before she could protest he added, "I am not going anywhere. I want to know what's up with you two."

"You should not be here." She was doing that Getting-in-private-space-and-intimidate-the-opposition thing, but then, he was working with her long enough to overcome its effect.

"Then come with me." His voice was surprisingly gentle, given the curiosity and frustration he was feeling inside. When she didn't answer, he said, "I am going to find others. Don't leave anywhere without me." He gave a squeeze to her wrist before leaving.

Her eyes followed him until he vanished in midst of crowd.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When Arjun met the duo outside party hall, in the Smoking zone, the liaison agent was talking in his phone, while the ACP stood stoic, tension oozing off her. He stood next to her, but she gave no indication that she noticed his return.

They stood in silence, the only sound was the low hum of jazz from inside the party and Rahane's phone conversation, "You should have left." She said too quietly.

He sighed, tilting his head at her, "Were you going to leave?", when she didn't reply, he continued, "Then how can I?"

She frowned for a moment, then it vanished and straightened her back, "Why not?" she demanded, looking right in his eyes like she is noticing him for the first time. He stared back quietly for a couple of moments before answering.

"Leaving alone my team mate, what kind of Second-in-Command I would be then?"

He was not sure why he said that. It's not him to dodge serious questions, but then, the situation was serious enough without him adding anything else. She ducked her head away, he was not sure if she was upset with his answer or irritated that he was using her own methods on her.

Rahane finished his convo and stood near them, mostly talking to the ACP as the words tumbled out of his mouth, "The HQ wants to observe them. No action."

Which was, clearly, the wrong thing to say as the ACP looked murderous, "Really?"

He sighed, "Not my call."

"Nowadays nothing is your call anymore." She said acidly. The Agent looked torn between helplessness and anger.

"They said to keep an eye on UnSub, they are keeping him under surveillance."

"He is dangerous." She pressed. Beside them both Rawte had enough.

"I am going to ask one more time, what's going on here?"

Both of them looked at him, the ACP keeping quiet as the liaison agent spoke, heavily editing in his mind before opening his mouth, "Azeem Haqqani is most wanted man in 4 countries. He is bad news."

"Why he came out tonight then?" He frowned.

"We don't know." The agent sighed.

"What a surprise." Riya mocked. The agent gave her a semi glare to which she looked away, annoyed.

"We are trying to figure out. That's the reason HQ doesn't want anyone to intervene."

"But leaving him out in open . . . " It didn't seem right to the Second-in-Command.

"We will monitor him 24/7, even NSA." It was too much information to let out in front of an officer who didn't belong to his department, but he had already revealed too much. Maybe the argument inside the party could have been avoided, but then, he had his suspicion that nobody from her team would have noticed her absence. They seem pretty protective over her.

Thankfully, Arjun was done with the Agent in the meantime, and now looked at the ACP, "How do you know about Haqqani anyway?"

Before Riya could come up with a cover story, Rahane intervene, "It was me. I could not cover up my emotion when Haqqani appeared on the podium, and she noticed."

That sounded okay, and made quite sense, but somehow it didn't. For the moment, Arjun let it go, his mind thinking back to the cryptic words of the man of the topic.

"Why you two reacted the way you did when he was talking about the attack in ETF?" He inquired, the next moment his eyes widen, "Do you think he had something to do with it?"

"We don't have anything on him." Rahane said, "So if you are asking for proof, I can't give that to you. But who knows, maybe it was his little stunt before he made a show of himself appearing in our country, sneaking right under the nose of our administration."

"That little stunt nearly cost the lives of our own." Rawte was angry at the agent for belittling the incident which shook the entire team. Before the agent could take back the words or apologize for his choice of words, the ACP beside them had taken off, clearly having enough of him and his HQ. Instead of apologizing, the Agent turned to give a look to the Second-in-Command, but was taken aback when he too took off, not following the former, but more like hurrying to keep up with her.

Soon the two vanished out of his sight.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Azeem Haqqani is in India.

ACP Mukherjee had a hard time believing it, even though she along with hundreds of people witnessed him less than an hour ago in a party. The grainy picture which appeared in the monitor of a basement computer gave the impression of a wild trigger happy antisocial, who loved to create mayhem and thrived on chaos. The Man who appeared, he was nothing like that.

She was more surprised, or maybe she was slightly anxious, at the nerve of a man. Only him and IB-RAW knows about the truth of South Delhi shoot out, he is the prime suspect, and still he shows himself in the same country which is after him. The man didn't look like someone who just do something without any plan, so she wondered why he is taking so much risk. Does that man has no worry that Government might capture him? Or maybe that's what he wants.

It doesn't make any sense.

Not a new thing. The moment she got Nasir, things stopped making sense and spiraled more out of control.

She was buried so deep in her thoughts that she didn't notice when the Second-in-Command stopped in front of her apartment building. She didn't tell him her address, but then, her address is not exactly a secret. The fact that he remembered, well . . .

He switched off the engine and turned slightly toward her so that his body was facing her, scrutinizing her face before speaking softly, "You didn't ask me how I sent the team away from party."

It was a question which should be asked, like, in the end, or maybe never, but here was no middle ground on which they could walk lightly before approaching the big issue. The ACP snorted humorlessly.

"I don't give a da*n. As long as they and Haqqani are not in the same room."

It was the first time she was letting her fierce protectiveness over the team show so openly. For some moments, he just stared in quiet awe.

"You really think he is behind that virus attack?" She asked all of a sudden, alarming him. He pondered for a few moments before answering.

"Honestly, I can't tell anything anymore. The Professor looks more like a scapegoat who just refused to defend himself. Clearly someone powerful was behind him. Just imagine to what length that powerful had gone to ensure the professor keep his mouth shut, and to what extent his money, and power reaches that he was managed to create a virus and send it anywhere he wants." He paused, "We didn't have a suspect, and I would like to think IB didn't have too. If Haqqani, even though cryptically, mentioned the attack with a subtle warning, I don't see why we should not involve him in suspect list."

With each of his words, the color from the ACP's face drained and her entire body went rigid with tension. When he finished, she was slowly shaking her head.

"He can't . . . he should not . . . " She was mostly saying to herself.

"Why not?"

"Because it doesn't make any sense."

He was silent for a moment, "He can't, or he should not?"

"He can't . . . I hope." She replied, then suddenly looked ahead through the glass, to outside, "I hope he is not. I just hope."

Because if Haqqani is behind this whole mess, if Nasir and Johny and countless informers, 3 years of staying anonymous, of betrayals and lies lead her to this, she can't handle that. It pits her not only against the department she works, but possibly against the entire administration, and she is not ashamed to admit that it's entirely out of her league. If it's outside her league, if there is nothing she can do except letting others play their pawns, then what she put herself through, what she put others through, would be worthless. And after 4 years of hard work, she can't handle that.

Earlier it looked like getting out of control, but now as she looked into it sitting in the SUV of the department she works for, she wondered if this is not a trap. A tangled web, a black hole, which is su*king everything in. The unforgiving darkness, which refuses to let anything out, the hungry monster.

Maybe none of us would live to see the other side, if it does exist.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

-Edmund Burke

5 days after Haqqani showed up in the heart of country, Agent Rahane was summoned to join a meeting between Additional Secretary of RAW South Asia section, A specialist on Afghanistan and Pakistan, IB Joint head, IB Deputy Chief to whom he reports, and some others. Seemed like a lot of development had occurred in the political sectors in this case, because when Rahane got out of it 4 hours later, his mind was reeling.

The summary of the meeting was - Haqqani is Pakistani nationality. He is a headache for his own country. RAW had green signal from Islamabad and Delhi to kill him off at any time they want to.

From approaching caution, they were now set on the mission to finish the Man off and take revenge on the behalf of those 7 dead agents who were tagged as normal citizens in the emergence of the situation. Rahane could not come up with any reason as to why they should not kill him, but if they do, there will be lots of unanswered questions.

He along with IB additional head raised this basic question, which the others took it, deciding to think about it and meet at a later time to take a final decision on it. He hoped they are not going all guns blazing on Haqqani, because he, for one, would like to ask what the man was thinking, walking into a charity ball like its' a walk in a park. He sure has some ulterior motive, and he would hate to be stonewalled by something else after they had killed him off.

He doesn't like obstacles.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Inside an inconspicuous black Mercedes Benz car, Azeem Haqqani was moving through the nearly empty national highway at a lightning speed to the outskirts of Mumbai, his face hard. A few hours ago, he was enjoying his breakfast at a five star lavish hotel. It went to hell from that.

RAW is after him now.

Last he had heard, Indian government was not approaching him, too spooked after the South Delhi incident. What made them change their stance, he is yet to figure out, before he goes dark and saves his skin from them. He was also worried about what he had heard, that they are after him to kill him. Nobody in his circle had ever heard of RAW going all red after anyone, they always, always, procrastinate, find any other way. Also, to be quite honest, those agents in Delhi were not RAW, and even they were, RAW is not known for vengeance.

He wondered what changed all of a sudden. To be more accurate, in one night.

But before that, he needed to remind the government why they were not coming after him earlier. They needed to remember, and change their stance once again.

He searched for a number in his contact list as the car zoomed past the verdant forest, a cottage in the peripheral vision.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Whoa, is not that the benefactor?"

Rathore asked to none particular, his eyes fixed on the news of the LCD screen hanging on the wall in the waiting room of Raghu sir's office. Beside him Aisha looked up from a magazine she was reading, reading the headlines emerging at the bottom.

"From the charity ball?"

"Yep." The Senior Officer confirmed, "He is most wanted Man?" Then shook his head, "Dixit should have done his research. He will be in trouble now."

By the time Aisha finished listening to the full story, Sameer was too quiet, "Anything on your mind?"

"It makes sense now." He looked at her, "Remember I told you Agent Rahane was there?"

She nodded, "His department must have sent him."

"The nerve of this man . . . can't even call it stupidity. He showed himself, why? Must have a bigger picture."

Before Aisha could answer to that, Raghu sir along with IB Deputy Chief were coming toward them, the former signaling them toward meeting room. The four of them entered, and the next 2 hours passed on the discussion of Virus case. At the end of it, they were right where they had started, with no added development.

They made small talk as they walked towards the entrance through where they entered, their car drove by the valets. Raghu sir and the deputy IB chief mostly spoke, Aisha and Sameer standing beside respectfully and thinking when they could get out, that's when something zoomed past the deputy chief's ear.

He looked confused for a moment, but beside him it was already hell breaking loose. The hole on the wooden door frame looked suspiciously like bullet. Before he knew, Sameer was pushing him on the floor, Aisha doing the same to Raghu sir. Then another shot was fired, this time near their feet. By then, every police officer realized what was going on, and they divided into three parts, those who shot back (rather fruitlessly) at the direction of the bullets coming, those who ran in that direction, and those who made a makeshift human wall over the four of them, letting them move inside the office and away from cross firing.

It was only when they were inside they noticed the ETF Director had taken a bullet.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The ETF team ran like bat out of hell the moment the tires of the SUVs screeched into a halt in front of the hospital, parking rules be da*ned. They stalked past relatives of patients, doctors and nurses through the stairs, and reached the floor where the Director was kept. After being updated on her health, they all breathed a sigh of relief, now focusing their remaining energy on the b*stard who did this. Even Sameer, who looked clearly haunted, wanted to do something as a payback, anything but replaying in his mind over and over the horrific moment when they realized she was shot.

The Police was on a Man hunt throughout the city, looking everywhere for the Man who attacked the central Police HQ and shot at their Commissioner. The said commissioner along with deputy chief and rest of ETF were brainstorming at the hospital right then over who attacked them, going over names of various mafias and underworld Dons.

Meanwhile, ACP Mukherjee, who was the champion of rule of vengeance, could not bring herself to mix with others and plan the destruction of gangsters who attacked them. She felt sick, at this hospital, at others for not feeling this burning fire inside which she is feeling but choosing to focus on revenge which was the easy way, sick at the gangster who shot at the woman who is closest to her to a family, even though most of the time she doesn't act civil, at all, towards her, and sick at the God whom she has so much faith, to let it happen. What's the point of believing on an idol made by earth and human hands then, if it could not save the one person who doesn't deserve any crap the universe throw at her?

She gave a disgusted look at the Ganapati idol at the end of passageway, which was illuminated with oil lamps and smelt of marigold.

You are not worth of her faith. She said to him. The calm, serene look on the idol made her feel like the God was mocking her. It made her turn on her wheels and move the hell away from it, leaving the revenge planning team and sh*tty smelling phenyl.

She was not planning to peep inside the room where Aisha was kept, but her feet betrayed her. Standing outside a room and separated only by a door, she regretted so many things at once that her head was spinning.

She regretted to see the strong, protocol abiding woman lying in a hospital room, surrounded by machines and looking intimidate by them. She regretted how each time the former tried to mend their once-upon-a-time friendship, which was damaged, even though she had no reason to. She regretted every time the former called out on her bull, giving her a way to come clean, but she chose not to take them. She regretted seeing the disappointment in her eyes and yet choosing not to do anything with that. She regretted coming back to her life. She regretted befriending the small town girl who had a heart of pure and strong backbone on the first day of Academy. She regretted meeting her, because she had not, it would not have hurt so da*n much seeing her inside that room.

The last part was too selfish, but then, she was always selfish when it comes to people close to her.

She regretted it most when Aisha opened her eyes inside, sensing someone's stare, and looked around, before meeting hers, and when she moved away from the door and stalked past it, unable to meet her eyes.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"It was Haqqani." The Deputy chief of IB informed the ETF team, sans the juniors (Because . . . ) in his cabin, 5 days later, "The shot was directed at me, the Director was collateral damage."

"Which will leave a lifelong scar." Sameer said bitterly, "But then, when will plastic surgeries come to rescue, eh?"

The Deputy chief and Rahane gave a bemused look at the tasteless joke, while Arjun picked up, "There is a manhunt on him. Why he will not run but send people after you?"

Well, it was a question which goes deep into some well buried secrets, so the Deputy took the easy way out, cover story, "Haqqani is a madman. He believes in payback, when we sent men for his arrest, he sent his own. It's all game for him."

"He should not have been allowed in the country at the first place." Sameer scowled.

"We are still looking through the obvious security loopholes." Rahane spoke this time, eyeing the duo even though his gaze linger on the ACP standing in a corner of room, not speaking at once, looking at them with a blank expression which he didn't understand. To his reply, she opened her mouth, putting him on edge, at the same time relief filling in.

"That will accomplish what?"

Nobody had the answer for this, and an uncomfortable silence followed. Arjun was the one who asked the real question again, not some tasteless humor or dark comment.

"Any news of Haqqani?"

"No, but we are close to him." The Deputy replied. Instantly, a nagging question which was driving him crazy in the back of mind, came out of his lips.

"Haqqani is an international criminal who is on most wanted list of many countries. How come our administration is going after him all out, without any red tape or bureaucracy, and no other countries seeking justice putting their foot down? And since when IB hunt down Man by flashing his face on news channels? It's not like you had exhausted all resources, right? Why going with so much aggression behind him? What's the main story?"

It's not like the IB deputy chief didn't anticipate this question, but wanted this question to appear at the end, or maybe never. He thought for a moment to skirt around the topic, or to give another cover story, but he had witnessed firsthand what stubborn species can be these ETFians, and decided against it in exchange of a rare moment of truth.

"Haqqani is despised in his own country. The government doesn't want a liability hanging over their head, so when our foreign affairs ministry approached them, they gave us green signal to eliminate him, so that their hands were not dirty." He paused, "But of course, we can't just kill him, he can prove himself to be valuable. In fact, it was me and Rahane who were most vocal about and let them rethink about their approach."

To this, something flashed in the eyes of the ACP along with the Senior officer, and it only intensified when the deputy chief mentioned how they came close to arresting Haqqani in the hotel he was staying, but he slipped off at the last moment.

"Excuse me." Sameer nearly ran out of the room, not being able to stand inside and listen to IB deputy and the big picture of his department anymore. For his 'More info' and 'Asset' policy their Director was shot, who is going to be responsible for that, Haqqani or them?

"But situation has changed now, yes?" ACP Mukherjee said in her usual low, growly voice, which seemed like a default setting in these past couple of days, "He sent shooter after you, is this not sufficient for your approach to be changed?"

The Deputy gave a sardonic smile, "If we have to change our approach every time some unsub decides to come after us, we won't have any work done in this place." Sobering up, he explained, "Haqqani is much bigger than me, or any other person. Capturing him alive not only will give us advantage over his country, but we can discover many hidden operations on our soil and other countries. He is a big fish, an asset. Vengeance have to take a backseat in here." He paused, then added sympathetically, "I understand your point . . . "

"You don't. You can't." The ACP dismissed before storming away from the room, turning on her wheels. Rawte sighed, rubbing his temple. In a way these two are embarrassing his department, but he can't bring himself to bash them for their behavior. To them, Haqqani is a threat who tried to harm one of them, so he should pay for that. For IB, he is an asset, threat be da*ned.

Outside there was a loud commotion which made the remaining trio, Rahane, Deputy Chief and Rawte come out to witness what happened. What they saw made their eyes pop out of socket, the shooter, whom they captured not too long hours ago, was missing a tooth and blood was coming out of his mouth, whom the IB agents were dragging away, semi glaring the two ETF officers who remained standing with a cool expression on their face, giving away nothing. Suspiciously, it was Sameer's knuckle which was bruised.

For some reason, IB didn't make the ETFians pay for it immediately. Arjun didn't know what to make of it, maybe they are saving it for some time else, or that they are allowing this one vengeance for ETF, as 'Big Fish' is out of their reach.

The incident remained in the corridors of IB, so when the trio returned, one of them less than good shape, the office was curious. Sameer shrugged, giving a lie about how his hand got stuck in elevator, giving a look to Riya, who didn't give away anything. If anyone had a doubt about how the knuckles look like he punched someone, they didn't mention.

The Best friend duo found themselves in the medic room after Liza had finished patching up Sameer, telling him conspiratorially that, if he had punched the shooter, then he should take her hearty wishes, and Rawte walking in at the same time the Doctor left. He sat beside the senior officer, silence following them.

"Is this lecture time?" Sameer asked casually, wrapping and unwrapping his bandage. His best friend sighed.

"Do you want me to?"

"No." He stopped playing with the bandage, "Your words will go waste." He stared at a particular space in floor, a twisted smile coming on his lips, "I wanted to kill him, you know? It's pretty dark though, to think about killing someone, but I can't bring myself to feel any remorse about it." He now looked at him sharply, "What that makes me?"

"Human." Arjun said simply. The former inhaled a deep breath, nodding slowly as he processed.

"What we won't do for them, eh?" He gave a small smile. Arjun smiled too, shaking head.

"What we won't, indeed.''

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So, it was official. It was all her fault.

Staring back at her own reflection in mirror in the washroom adjoining locker room, ACP Mukherjee fumed inside silently, like challenging her reflection to counter argue. Surprisingly, it didn't. Every fiber of her being agreed to her that it was her own fault. Everything was her own fault.

That burner phone was a trap. If she was not so desperate to jump the line of protocol and took the help of her personal IT guy, the IB would not have walked right into it and the series of shi*s would not have followed. If by any chance IB itself could have walked right into the trap, at least Haqqani openly would not have targeted them, declared a war on their country soil. It didn't make sense, but the bottom line was, her team would have been safe. She would have been safe.

Her sole reason to work on her 'Personal' case alone was pretty selfish, she wanted to take the credit, satisfy her inner demon. With time people associated themselves, which was inevitable, still she had the ultimate consolation prize, when she will get the person responsible for her lover's death, she will be the one to kill him. Pretty straight forward plan. Until she got Nasir and all spiraled away. Never in wildest dream had she thought her own action will harm people near him, life threatening harm. Never.

Her reflection blinked in a repeated motion in the mirror, looking like it was fighting back the irritation in the eyes.

Her phone rang and she picked up without even looking, "Yeah." Her voice was tight, in control.

"Hey." She nearly jumped out of her skin when Aisha's voice came from the other side, "Did I disturb you?"

She is certainly cutting off her guilt trip time, but she was not going to say that, "No. Anything urgent?"

It was pretty harsh, but Aisha didn't seem to mind, missing a couple of beat before asking, "You doing good?"

Riya had to laugh, "I am not the one lying in hospital."

There was a sharp intake of breath, "You didn't look good." The smile vanished, "I saw you the other day, through glass door. Why didn't you come in?"

She had to swallow hard before answering in a rough voice, "I hate hospitals."

Aisha huffed, not really taking her words at face value but playing along, "Fine, I will be home tomorrow. Come there."

"Maybe I should stay away." Riya said quietly, sadness quoting the words which would have sounded cold normally. She cleared her throat once before Aisha can say something to it, determined to let them both think she just didn't say that, smiling ruefully, "Get well soon, Director. People are breaking rules in your absence."

With that she cut the call, hurling the phone across the washroom wall, shattering it into pieces.

It was 3 AM in morning, and in the absence of Director, Rawte was the one who had to finish Director-ly duties which occasionally ate up his sleeping time. Yawning slowly, he was pouring himself a mug of coffee, when the sound of breaking something came from Locker room. Looking around, he put the mug on the nearby counter, curious as to who was there, because he thought he was the only one who was left.

His feet carried him to locker room, then the bright light of washroom, the door of which was open pulled him towards it and before his brain and limbs can communicate, he was walking right into it.

Which proved to be the right time, as Riya's fist was about to hit the mirror. His hand came between the two in the last moment, instantly curling around her fist and pulling it down. She took measured, controlled breath, like any movement might spontaneously combust her. He took in her every expression carefully.

Even though half the time he has no idea what the wild and unpredictable ACP is doing, he is not an idiot. The injury of Director hit her hard, barring Sameer of course, even though she chose not to attract attention to herself like every other time, and from the look of it, she blames herself, even though he has no idea why, or how. But then, he does not know everything about her. Still seeing the self- loathing in her eyes was not easy for him.

It aches.

It felt like eternity had passed yet no words were exchanged between the two. She neither gave any indication that she noticed his presence, nor she pulled her fist from his curling fingers, just stood still. As he watched her, waiting for any movement, he realized he was holding breath, like the minimal action will set her off.

"I don't think I can take anymore." Her lips barely moved, words spoken in careful control as evident from her voice modulation. Just when he thought they will continue this silent treatment . . .

He realized it's not the guilt she is talking about, but all the things which tormented her the moment she walked into their lives, with the addition of past baggage. How on Earth he started to know her this much well, he had no idea.

"So what you want to do?" He whispered, like rising his voice will ruin her rare moment of talking, taking a small step toward her without even noticing it, "Run?"

"Maybe that will be better." She still didn't meet his eyes.

"Don't run." All hesitancies and soothing voices were gone instantly. Da*n it. He moved ahead, stopping only when he could feel her irregular breath on himself, "You can't run, not now." Not ever.

"Why not?" She asked carefully.

He had to bite his inner cheek to compose himself, "You have come so far. Running away will ruin everything you have worked for." The work about which he has no idea. But his lack of knowledge can be dealt later. She didn't answer to his reply, neither asked anything. The silence made him pretty antsy, it's not like she is one of those people whose faces are mirror of their soul, but seeing her like this made his stomach drop. He didn't want her to punish herself for something on which she had no control.

When too much time passed and he thought she is done talking to him for the night, he tugged her forward, "Let's get out of here." He muttered, pulling her behind him. She didn't refuse, letting him drag her wherever he wants to.

They ended up on the stairs, sitting side by side, soft light covering them like a fluffy blanket on winter night. He stared at her, getting impatient, doing that foot tap which he picked from her, beside him she was perfect picture of stillness. If someone didn't know her, he or she can say she is sitting pretty calm, if unusually erect.

He jumped slightly when she opened her mouth, voice low and cracking, "I don't want anyone else to get hurt."

His heart ached for her, "Hey." He lowered his head slightly, hoping to catch her eyes, in which he succeeded, her jaw fixed in careful control yet the eyes giving away the vulnerability, "Nobody's going to get hurt."

"I don't think I can take anymore." She whispered this time, looking away, lost, confused, at the same time pain filled in her eyes. Against his better judgment, he put his arms around her and pulled her closer, their heads touching. The last time he had seen her emotionally exhausted, in that gym months ago, she was not this much effected. Even in the worst of time she kept herself in check, didn't she? That bomb case, when she was dying due to a virus, when her secret was threatening to come out, every single time she handled it. Seeing her like this, in a way it made him terrified about what may come, because the strongest person among them is falling apart, what chances the rest of them have?

It was a short term peace in the midst of war.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Everyone cheered as Director Kapoor made her way into the bullpen, smiling and nodding at everyone. Some handed her bouquets, some shook her hand, and some were content with the wolf whistling from far, like a soldier had returned from battleground. In a way, she had, and the ETFians joy were boundless.

Her eyes caught the ACP in a corner, but before she could blink the former was gone.

Sitting in the silence of her cabin, she sighed, leaning back on the headrest. What a crazy couple of days. It was supposed to be a regular meeting, like the countless others ETF had with Raghu sir and IB deputy. She was shocked when the bullets start firing, and before anyone could make sense of anything she went down, adding more to the chaos. She already berated herself for the lack of defense.

In the hospital and later at home, while she was recuperating, she came to know that Haqqani was the mastermind behind it. It made sense, but again, she was shocked that a wanted Man in this country will wage a war against the law enforcement itself. It must have taken an amount of power and audacity on his behalf to plan and execute this. She wondered what's his endgame, because the way she is perceiving this, he is going down. Its’ the Union versus one Man.

Keeping aside the whole 'Got shot' thing, she still had her own departmental mysteries to solve. It may have been months, but the Nasir case was still on her mind. The only reason she didn't confront the ACP was . . . well, will it solve anything? She would out rightly deny any allegation, or just give a bull story, neither of which the Director is interested in. From her talk with Raghu sir, she knows that the ACP had reached Nasir before his death. She wondered if she was any closer to that unsolved case, even though recent circumstances had halted the improvement.

Calling her was not a tactical move to loosen the knot of already tangled thread, rather a spontaneous action on the Director's part. A part of her, when she woke up at hospital and was surrounded by family and friends, wanted to see her there, and when she didn't, was very disappointed, maybe even hurt. But with time, as she got better, she remembered even before she met her loved ones and doctors, her eyes had fallen on the ACP who was standing so far away from her, the two separated only by a glass door. The anguish in her face had startled her when she later remembered, arising questions in mind why she was not with her, why she kept her distance?

In rare moments when she had vented her frustration about the ACP to Raghu sir, who neither accepted nor denied that the former was up to something, he had said maybe the reason she was keeping her distance is because she doesn't want her around, which sounded suspiciously like what the ACP had said to her months ago in a late night in Gym. Keeping aside her frustration that two grown up people is not treating her like fellow grown-up, she often wondered what Raghu sir meant, as she knows when Riya had said that, she meant she was too far into her 'personal' work and she didn't want the Director to witness how far she had fallen. But now, the worst had happened, now the Director found herself thinking what if the ACP feared exactly this. And if, she did, the Director wondered how far she is gone, she much she knows, and especially, what will be the consequences.

These are some questions which she cannot get answers of. But she knows one thing, if some big thing is about to happen which will hit them next, and if the ACP knows about it, she won't let them to tackle it blind. Contrary to what the world thinks, ACP Mukherjee is eccentric, but not crazy. Even if her chaotic manners and actions lies deep thinking and planning. The shooting was probably an accident, it's possible the Director is just adding some random point to another.

She can't, for the life of her, answer from where does this faith comes from, even though the person of her faith has never shown an amount of faithfulness.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lost in her thought-world, the Director failed to notice the breaking news behind her, on the mute LCD kept on the table.

Haqqani has been captured.

I always sense this 'tension' whenever I read a Riya-Rahane scene! And to say, I'd always love the guy and that little wish of them becoming something is still in a bubble in my mind🤪 No offense to ariya but Rahane is my guy here😈☺️.

Wow.... Very long update...

Would love to read more...😃