Chapter Two.

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Teri ada bhi hai jhonke wali
Chhu ke guzar jaane de...
Teri lachak hai ke jaise daali
Dil mein utar jaane de...
Aaja baahon mein karke bahana,
Hona hai tujhme fana...
Chaand sifarish jo karta humari,
Deta voh tumko bata...

- Shaan, Kailash Kher.

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Author's POV.

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Evara's phone pinged, interrupting her focus. She smiled as she saw Aditi's name flash on the screen. Her childhood best friend's message sparked curiosity:

"Hey Aru! I know you're busy, but we need your help. Ishan and his friends are in trouble. Meet me at Bliss Café at lunchtime."

Evara's mind raced. What could have gotten Ishan, Aditi's boyfriend, and his friends into trouble? She pondered the possibilities as she quickly typed an response:

"Okay, see you at Bliss at lunch."

Her work didn't captivate her attention anymore. Thoughts of Ishan's predicament lingered, and she found herself glancing at the clock, counting down to lunch.

....

The clock ticked slower than usual, Evara's anticipation growing. At lunchtime, she grabbed her bag and headed to Bliss Café. Aditi was already seated, sipping a latte.

"Evara, thanks for coming," Aditi said, concern etched on her face. Evara's eyes locked onto Aditi's, concern etched on her face. "What's going on with Ishan?"

Aditi's voice trembled. "It's Abhishek, the cricketer. He's accused of harassing and murdering his ex-girlfriend, Trishna. And Ishan and Shubman are accused of helping him."

Evara's grip on her bag tightened. "That's horrific. But Ishan would never—"

"I know," Aditi interrupted, tears welling up. "Arun, Trishna's new boyfriend, and her family filed the case. They're determined to prove Ishan and Shubman were accomplices."

Evara's jaw clenched. "I'll take the case. We'll prove their innocence."

"I need to meet them, Adi," Evara said, her voice firm and resolute.

Aditi nodded, her eyes locked on Evara's determined face. "Let's go now?" Evara's curt nod was the only response.

The drive to Abhishek's house was oppressive, the silence between them thick with unspoken questions. Evara's mind was already racing with strategies and defenses.

"We're here," Aditi announced, breaking the silence as she pulled up to the house.

Evara's gaze snapped back to the present, her eyes scanning the upscale residence. She nodded, her jaw set.

Inside, Abhishek, Shubman, and Ishan waited anxiously in the living room, their faces etched with worry.

"Did she accept?" Abhishek asked, his voice laced with tension. Ishan shook his head. "No idea. Aditi didn't say anything."

Shubman paced beside the window. "Evara's our only hope. If she doesn't take the case..." Abhishek's eyes narrowed. "She'll take it. She has to." Just then, the doorbell rang, shattering the tense atmosphere.

The doorbell pierced the tense atmosphere, shattering the silence. Abhishek's eyes locked onto the entrance, his expression a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "I'll get it," Ishan said, rising from the couch.

He walked to the door, his footsteps echoing through the hallway. The sound of murmured voices followed, and then Aditi appeared, Evara beside her.

Evara's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on each face. Abhishek, Shubman, and Ishan stood frozen, awaiting her verdict. "Evara," Abhishek said, his voice measured, "thank you for coming."

Evara's expression remained unreadable. "Let's get down to business." She strode to the couch, her confident stride commanding attention. Aditi followed, taking a seat beside Ishan.

"Tell me everything," Evara said, her eyes locked on Abhishek. "From the beginning. Your relationship too.." Abhishek hesitated, glancing at Shubman and Ishan before launching into his account.

Abhishek's eyes clouded as memories flooded his mind. "Trishna and I... we met on a shoot. We clicked instantly. I proposed, and she said yes." His voice cracked. "But then Arun appeared, and everything changed." He paused, collecting his thoughts.

"They claimed to be childhood friends, but I sensed something more. Trishna reassured me, yet... I couldn't shake off the feeling." Abhishek's jaw clenched. "She broke up with me out of the blue, and just four days later, she was engaged to Arun."

His voice dripped with pain. "I'm telling you, Evara, Arun's behind this."

Evara's expression remained skeptical. "I'm not convinced. Tell me about Arun's family." Abhishek exchanged uneasy glances with his friends before sighing.

"Arun's the middle child. He has an elder sister, Ankiya, three years older, and a younger brother, Ahan, two years younger."

Evara nodded, her eyes narrowing. "What was the age difference between Arun and Trishna?"

Abhishek hesitated. "Two years... yeah." Evara's gaze lingered on Abhishek, her mind processing the information.

"Did Trishna ever mention her relationship with Arun's family?" she asked.

Abhishek's eyes sparkled with recollection. "Yes, she mentioned something." Evara leaned forward, her pen poised over her notebook. "What is it? Tell me."

Abhishek's voice dropped to a whisper. "Trishna said she was close to Ankiya and Ahan before Arun proposed. But after she rejected Ahan's proposal, he changed. He became possessive, always watching her, sending gifts..."

Evara's gaze narrowed. "Did you ever notice this behavior?" Abhishek shook his head, confusion etched on his face.

But Shubman's eyes snapped with recognition. "Wait, I have!" Evara's attention shifted to Shubman. "Tell me."

Shubman's voice filled with conviction. "We were at a party, and Ahan was there. Trishna and Abhishek were dancing, and I saw Ahan glaring at them. It sent chills down my spine."

Ishan's voice added to the narrative. "And remember New Year's 2024? Ankiya didi was mixing something in Abhishek's drink."

Evara's whisper was laced with alarm. "That's suspicious..." Her eyes locked onto Abhishek. "Did Trishna ever mention feeling threatened or unsafe around Ahan?"

Abhishek's face paled. "Now that you mention it, she did say Ahan's behavior unsettled her."

Evara's gaze swept the room, her mind racing with connections. "Looks like we have a lead," she muttered, jotting down notes.

Evara's eyes scanned the room, her mind processing the new information. "I think that's enough for today. I'll review the case files and we'll discuss further tomorrow." She closed her notebook, her expression resolute.

"Tomorrow, I'll tell you everything I've uncovered. For now, let's just say that Ahan's behavior raises serious red flags."

Abhishek, Shubman, and Ishan exchanged uneasy glances. "Be careful, Evara," Abhishek said, his voice laced with concern.

Evara's smile was reassuring. "Don't worry, I can handle myself. Tomorrow, we'll get to the bottom of this." With a nod, she gathered her belongings and stood up.

"I'll see myself out. Meet me at my office tomorrow at 10 am sharp." As she walked out the door, the three friends shared worried glances.

"What do you think she's found?" Shubman asked, his voice barely above a whisper. shan shook his head. "No idea, but I have a feeling it's going to be big."

Abhishek's eyes remained fixed on the door, his mind racing with possibilities. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

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Hey hey there lovies! How are you all?

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Who do you think the real criminal is? Ankiya Or Ahan Or Arun Or someone else?

Do tell in comments! Make sure to vote and comment and also follow!

Thanks for reading cuties!

Words count - 1185