"How's life treating you, Sidharth?" Mohit asked, pulling a chair for himself.

Veer followed suit, seating himself next to Mohit. "Yes, I also want to know."

I ignored their questions and instead asked, "Want something to eat?"

I grabbed my phone to place an order. We rarely hang out like this, so it was a bit of a surprise. Both said they wanted tea. So, I ordered three teas along with some onion pakodas.

It's the monsoon season, and tea and pakodas are just like Shehnaaz and me– made for each other. Bad example, but it's a fact.

It's been raining all day and night, and I am seriously fed up with this shit right now. It should stop, just like my so-called friends should stop poking their noses into my life.

"Done with your ordering?" Mohit looked pretty desperate to know about my life. Or maybe about my love life. But I am not going to tell them about my love life. Plus, I am wondering why both of them are acting like nosy neighbors who love to gossip.

I put the phone down and picked up the justice paperweight in my hand to play with it. Whenever I look at this paperweight, it reminds me to be honest at my job and to do my duty rightfully.

"Sidharth?" Even Veer was desperate like Mohit. Seriously! What's wrong with him? Doesn't he have Priya for his entertainment that now he needs to gossip about my life?

"Seriously!? What do you both want to know?" I asked, keeping my voice steady while my hands were busy playing with the paperweight. Deep down, I wanted to throw it at them and ask them to leave. This is not a hang-out place but our workplace.

"We already asked you, now answer us," Mohit insisted, too excited to get some gossip.

"What do you think?" I questioned them back with a big smile. I always smile whenever I am talking with Shehnaaz or talking about her with someone. She is my person, my happy place.

"Hmm," Veer hummed, teasing me as if I would blush at it. "I can tell you are very happy since Shehnaaz entered your life. You are always in a good mood and smiling."

So he noticed.

"Yeah, even I can see that," Mohit agreed, nodding his head. "How long have you been dating her, Sid?" I was about to answer six months, but he added, "Don't include the time you were stalking her. That doesn't count as a relationship."

"I feel offended," I replied with a smile, thinking about her beautiful face. "Four months," I answered, minus the stalking months.

"Uh-huh, good going," Mohit said, giving a thumbs up.

"Is her sister still against your relationship?" Veer asked. I guessed Priya must have told him because I didn't tell him anything about this.

"You know it better," I simply dismissed it. I don't want to talk about that woman, who is a walking snake. A venomous one. Ready to kill anyone with her venomous words. Because of that woman, Shehnaaz cried last night. They fought because of me.

"Oh," Veer nodded in understanding. "Anyways, did you read the report I emailed you?"

Like the smart man he is, he changed the subject of our conversation. For the next three hours, we discussed the new report on the drug dealing cases while having our tea and pakodas, ordering twice. Both are big-time foodies. But amid all this, I was thinking about Shehnaaz and the way she was crying last night because of her sister.

Each bite of the pakodas and sip of the tea seemed to momentarily ease my worries, but my mind kept drifting back to Shehnaaz. Her tears haunted me, and the thought of her suffering because of me gnawed at my heart. A ohit and Veer continued to chatter, I resolved to find a way to protect her from her sister's venomous words, to shield her from any pain. She deserved happiness, and I was determined to give it to her.

At around 9 PM, I received a call from my informer. What he told me left me shocked, angry, and feeling betrayed. But I had to keep calm for the sake of my life. If I lost my composure, many people, including myself, could be destroyed.

"Nikhil," I took a steady breath before asking again, "Are you 100% sure that what you're saying is true? Because if I find out your information is wrong, I might lose everything. I hope you understand the gravity of this situation." I needed confirmation before concluding.

"Sir, I am 110% sure." There was a pause before he added. "Sir, I have sent you some pictures in your email. Please check them,"

I hummed softly and quickly checked my emails. I clicked on his email and saw three image files. I touched those pictures to let them download on my phone. I put my phone back to my ear. "Nikhil, make sure no one comes to know about this."

"Okay, sir. I will keep it confidential." He cut the call.

I checked those pictures, and my blood boiled in anger. My hand curled around my phone in a tight fist. Unable to control my anger, I threw my phone across the room, breaking it.

"Fucking bitch!"

**

It was the next day, evening, I parked my bike outside the café and pulled my new phone out of my pants pocket to check the message from Tina once more, just to fuel my anger. I already hate her for whatever she is doing behind my Bunny's back. She is lying, deceiving, and manipulating her.

Unknown Number: ACP Sidharth Oberoi, I guess it's time to have a good chat with you. Meet me at the cafe near my office at 8. Btw, it's Tina.

What does she think she is? Queen Victoria? This woman has no idea I can destroy her life in a second if I want to. But, I am holding up myself just for the sake of her sister.

Shehnaaz loves her, and I don't want to cause her more pain by eliminating Tina. She should be grateful that I haven't pulled the trigger of my gun on her yet. I want to kill her. Or maybe I will kill her someday soon for fucking with me.

I shoved my phone back into my pocket and walked into the café. As I entered, the bittersweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee hit my nose, instantly waking up my senses. The cool breeze from the air conditioner brushed against my skin, offering a welcome respite from the outside heat. People were sitting at tables, sipping their coffee and enjoying snacks, their conversations and laughter creating a lively, warm atmosphere.

I scanned the room, taking in the cozy ambiance. The walls were adorned with vintage coffee posters, and soft Bollywood music played in the background, adding to the café's charm. The baristas were busy behind the counter, expertly crafting drinks and serving pastries with friendly smiles. It was a perfect setting to relax and gather my thoughts.

Despite the pleasant surroundings, my mind was focused on the upcoming confrontation with Tina. I could feel the tension building up inside me, but I knew I had to keep my composure for Shehnaaz.

"Let's do it," I took a deep breath and made my way to an empty table, preparing myself for whatever Tina had planned. If she fucks me, I'll fuck her back.

It had been ten minutes, and Tina still hadn't arrived. Her unpunctuality was grating on my nerves.

"This woman has no value of time," I muttered under my breath. Just as I finished speaking, the door of the café opened, and Tina walked in, clad in a white formal shirt and gray pants. She didn't look particularly good— below average.

"Who can tell they are sisters?" I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry for making you wait, Officer," Tina said, taking a seat opposite me. Her voice was dripping with sarcasm; she wasn't sorry at all.

I cursed her silently, forcing a fake smile for the sake of the people around us. I would have preferred an empty place to talk with her, especially given the sensitive information I had learned about her a day ago from one of my informants. My blood is boiling and my hands have been aching to kill her since then.

"It's okay," I lied. It wasn't okay. Tina could sense the irritation in my voice but said nothing, just returning a fake smile.

"Well-"

I cut her off, "What do you want to talk about?" I already knew it was about Shehnaaz and my relationship. But, still, I acted dumb just to irritate her. It worked. She looked pissed but she maintained her fake smile looking at the people around us.

"Obviously, about you and Shehnaaz," she began, leaning forward. "See, Sidharth, my sister is very innocent. She doesn't know what's good for her and what's not. She is naive."

"I know," I couldn't agree more. She is naive. She doesn't know whom to trust and whom not to.

I let her continue, "But I do. I can tell who is good and who is bad." She said, eyeing me. "And, I know you're not a good man. You are after her beauty. She is your unhealthy obsession."

Look who's talking? I rolled my eyes in irritation.

"Stay away from my sister, Sidharth." It was a clear warning.

I smirked, leaning back in my seat and tilting my head. "What if I say no?" I challenged.

"I will tell her your truth," she replied fearlessly, her voice threatening.

Now a criminal will threaten a police officer. Interesting.

"My truth?" I repeated.

"Yes,"

"What kind of truth?" I was genuinely curious to know what secret she thought she had on me. There were no secrets about me. I was an open book, unlike her, who had a big secret. Oh, not one but two.

"That you kill people. And, she hates those who kill people." She said.

"Yes, I do kill people," I admitted, fearlessly. And a smile comes on her face. I leaned forward and pulled out my gun from my back pocket, placing it on the table. Fear was visible on her face, which made me smile internally. "Like you," I finished.

She looked at me in shock. "What?" Her voice was filled with fear now, and I liked it.

"People like you always fear me. Do you know why?" I ran my fingers along the curves of the gun. "Ask me why?" My voice was firm but low.

"Why?" Her voice was meek, and her eyes were fixed on my gun, following the path of my fingers.

"Because,"' I began, my fingers making contact with the trigger, placing the gun in front of her and scaring the life out of her, "they know they're wrong. They're criminals. And I kill criminals like you, Tina." I looked into her fearful eyes.

"People are watching us," she reminded me, thinking I wouldn't do anything to her in front of so many people.

I put the gun back into my pocket and leaned back in my chair, relaxing. "If you think these people can stop me from doing my job, you're delusional. No one can stop me from eliminating a criminal like you. Who is involved in an illegal business." My voice was firm and filled with rage.

"You can't threaten me like this. I have reasons." She restored.

I chuckled mocking her words. If she thinks I'm an idiot then she is just delusional.

"Why are you laughing? It's not funny," she chided.

I stopped laughing, "It is funny. Do you know criminals like you always get aggressive when the truth is told on their faces, by a police officer?" I mocked.

"I am not a criminal," she argued like an idiot.

"Tina, if you think what you are doing is legal? No. It's not. You don't work for the government. You are not a secret agent who is on a mission. So, yeah, you are a criminal who works at an illegal business company." I showed her reality.

"You, I have reasons." She huffed in irritation.

"Fuck your reasons," I snapped losing my temper.

I usually keep my composer around criminals but this woman was pissing the hell out of me. I know something about her which is enough for me to kill her. I want to pull out my gun and finish her right here, right now. I won't regret doing it. But Bunny's innocent face is stopping me from doing it. I don't want her to lose the last family she has in Tina.

"And I am not leaving your sister. She needs me more than I need her. And you should know why." I smirked.

"What do you mean?" Her voice was cautious.

"After all, someone needs to take care of her after you die at my hands, right?" I mocked, just to piss her off.

It worked!

"You!" she chided. "Stay the fuck away from me and my sister."

"In your dreams." I whisper-yelled. "Don't provoke me, Tina. I have the power to destroy you in a second." I threatened her.

"You can't do anything to me," she tried to sound confident but miserably failed.

"Try me, Tina." I challenged her, confidently.

Fear was visible in her eyes but she dared to say, "I challenge you, ACP Sidharth Oberoi. Because, if you do anything to me, you will lose Shehnaaz forever. One scratch on me, and you will lose your obsession. My sister."

I smiled seeing her guts. "I liked your confidence, Tina. Really. But you don't know who you are dealing with." I warned her.

"I don't want to." She scoffed.

Only if she knew

"Because I already know who you are. A ruthless police officer. Someone who is after my sister. An obsessed psychopath. She told me you stalked her. You watched her from the mango tree in front of our house like a creep. You harassed her mentally. You traumatized her by shooting a man in front of her." She ranted

"He was a criminal." I corrected her. "Who could've harmed her? So I shot him in his leg." I emphasized the word leg. "It was just to stop him. He had a gun!"

Realization hits her finally. "Whatever! But still what you did after that can't be ignorant. You almost killed a guy at her college. So, stay away from her. I don't want her to get in trouble because of you." She finished.

The guy

"Done?" I mocked.

"Yes,"

"Now it's my time to talk, and give you a reality check of yourself." I thought, I wouldn't do it but she forced me.

"What do you mean?" She asked, cautious.

"Don't use my Shehnaaz as your shield Tina. She can't protect you all her life. I won't let that happen. Ever." It was a promise with a hint of warning from me.

"I am not using her," the audacity of this woman.

"You are," I corrected her. "Anyways, even if you are; but how long? Today or tomorrow she will know your biggest secret." My voice was mocking, accompanied by a sinister smile.

Yeah! Take it bitch.

"What secret? That I work for him? That I am trying to put him behind the bars? Trying to give our parents justice? That secret?" She asked.

"No, not that one." I shook my head dramatically. "The other one." My expression hardened.

"What?" Her voice was small and fearful.

"You said, you know me well? Do you know who I am exactly?" I asked

"Of course, ACP, Sidharth Oberoi. I know who you are." She said confidently.

"I liked your confidence. But, you don't know me well. No one knows that much about me, because I never said this to someone before."

She looked confused and eager, "What do you mean? Who are you?"

"My full name is ACP Sidharth Abhimanyu Oberoi." Her eyes widen knowing what's coming next. "The son of the late DGP Abhimanyu Lalit Oberoi." I never flexed my father's power before someone but she forced me.

"You?" She grasped cupping her mouth in shock.

"Yes, Director General of Police Abhimanyu Lalit Oberoi. The man who tried to give your parents justice but got killed by Mahesh Chawla's men at the end. Manish the person I despise the most. Even my Shehnaaz. But you, work for him. You..." I clenched my hands into a fist to control my anger.

"What?" She dared to ask.

"Aren't you his little secret fuck toy?" I felt disgusted to even say that to her.

She looked at me in horror. "It's a lie!" She was lying, and she knew it. "I am not sleeping with him!"

"I have proof, Tina," I nodded, making her gasp in shock. I have pictures of them entering a hotel room where Tina was wearing a revealing dress looking like a slut.

Fear was visible on her face now. "I..I.. it's a lie. I am not sleeping with him. Trust me. It's a lie." She started crying.

Typical women, using their tears as a weapon to make people do things according to them. But her tears won't affect me. It won't work on me. I am not a good person.

"You already know, I'm a bad person. But trust me Tina, I'm the worst when it comes to people like you who play with innocent people's emotions. For example: my Shehnaaz." My jaw clenched and my expression hardened further.

"Sidharth, why would I do that? He killed my parents. I am not sleeping with him." She knows she was lying and she looked guilty about it too that's why she was crying.

"You manipulated her, Tina. You made her hate the whole police community when you were involved with the person who killed your parents. What kind of daughter or sister are you, huh?" My voice was low but filled with venom. I really hated her. I wanted to destroy her and kill her.

"Sidharth, I didn't have a choice," she cried. "I was forced to do that," her voice was small.

"There's always a choice Tina. If he was blackmailing you regarding something you should have come to us. Or at least, me. But you choose to stay quiet and give in to his demand for and become his personal whore." I lashed out in anger making her cry even harder.

"Sidharth please don't tell Shehnaaz about it," she cried by folding her hands at me.

"Don't mess with me, Tina, or else I won't think twice before telling Shehnaaz about you." My voice was a warning.

"Please don't, I beg you."

"Let me live my life with my Shehnaaz so you can live yours peacefully. Because if I lose my temper, you will be dead. And trust me Tina, that time it won't be me killing you, but Mahesh Chawla." I told her. With that, I left the café, not bothering to look back at Tina as I got on my bike and rode away to meet my Shehnaaz to get some peace amid all the chaos in my life.

••

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