The night of the attack on Thiya, Soham and Mira bask in the relief that Kavya Krishnan is safe. How bizarre it is that the mansion premises are calm.

The actress' security is blissfully unaware the slasher made his mark. The garden is free from any traces of attack except the grass that's stomped on and turned out of shape. If Thiya hadn't been Kavya's body double, would Kavya be attacked? Both those options are unacceptable.

Soham and Mira's shoulders are slightly hunched as they make their way into the spacious lobby. A glaring suspicion weighs heavily on their minds. None of those in the mansion was targeted as if the target had been Thiya Arun all along. Is this a conspiracy? Was Thiya attacked as a cop, or was it because she was the body double? There are no tangible answers to these questions.

"I hope Thiya is okay," Mira murmurs, plopping on the L sofa. She puts aside her wallet which also carries her gun, and lets the cool air-conditioned air seep into her system with a soft exhale.

Soham allows himself a sigh, easing his shirt collar. Being back indoors and into air conditioning is a reprieve from the sweltering weather outside. What a hot and humid night it had been. Of course, it rained in the vicinity but that only intensified the humidity.

He takes a seat next to Mira, keeping a healthy space between them. It's impossible to forget she kissed him. On the cheek, that is. He's casual about it but the thought returns to him when they are alone together. It only makes him want to act more reserved.

This isn't shyness. He just doesn't want to act on an impulse or let his feelings sweep him away. Or let them intensify. They have a case to solve. But wait, what are his feelings, exactly?

"Is Thiya okay? What did Seyon say?" Mira has other thoughts on her mind.

Is she not conscious ever? I should've asked why she'd kissed me. Soham urges himself to respond to her query under her expectant gaze, brushing off his thoughts.

"Seyon says T for tough as nails. Thiya is fine. They are chasing Asterix. I hope they find a clue."

Mira heaves a sigh. "I doubt it. It's bizarre. Did the slasher target just Thiya? At least Kavya is safe."

Soham has no opinions or theories to share. With a bit of shame and guilt, he pulls out a Sherry Maran's novel titled "in love with the mystery from his shirt pocket." The five-inch pocket-sized version is stout, with a purple hardback cover but fits into anyone's pocket. "Seyon gave it to me. Want to read to kill time?"

That's all they can do now. Kill time. Mira understands the situation. Her eyes find the lead couple of the books taking their vantage point behind a tree and the embossed title of the book gleaming golden in the amber lobby lights.

Sherry Maran's novels are popular romance and mystery series written in both Tamil and English. Mira never read them before. But reading one with her colleague? To kill time? Not a big deal but she has to scoot more towards Soham. And she kissed him, no doubt.

She's uber-conscious the whole time while they sit reading, wondering if he's not conscious ever. Her focus remains on the words for a second only to be stolen by the man's presence next to her.

Though they are sitting close enough, under the illumination of golden lobby lights, Soham is so mindful of his boundaries that no part of their bodies is touching. The reverence he shows to her, to the opposite sex in general is awe-inspiring. He's been so sweet to her, not mentioning the kiss even once, not causing her an ounce of discomfort, always treating her like a good friend and colleague. It's so sweet that she doesn't mind kissing him again. This time rewarding him on his lips.

Her heart races at this latest thought. Mira, cut it. What to do, what to do?

Soham smells like... something calm and intoxicating at the same time. She's never felt or thought about a guy like this before. This might be more than a crush.

This is a whole new experience, one she cannot afford to experience while on duty but could indulge in, during her break time. How does Soham feel about it all? Is he calm because he viewed that kiss as nothing? Or is he being considerate of her? Or is it because he's used to women doing that to him?

That can't be. Soham doesn't seem the type. He's more laidback and friendly but not the flirty kind. Besides he did say women liked Seyon.

Unsettled, Mira focuses on the book. They have a case to solve, she reminds herself. This isn't break time.

They read the book for some time. Unlike on other nights, the lobby lighting is bright and comfortable to the eyes. The staff adjusted the brightness to a moderate level, perhaps afraid of another attack. They also double-checked the power supply and arranged a generator. More minutes pass by.

Mira scoots away from Soham, having read a passage that makes her blush. Judging by how Soham closes the book and the slight colour on his cheeks, he must be feeling the same. How did Seyon and Thiya read this? The romance was kinda breezy and cute, but they don't need distractions during work.

"Let's find something else to kill the time. How about we inquire around again or just patrol the house?"

Mira nods at Soham's new suggestion. Thankfully, the night is uneventful.

***

The CBCID complex is ever-bustling that morning. Inside hall 57, Thiya diligently continues working at her desk, her graphite pencil tracing lines and curves on a page in her sketchbook.

"Thiya, are you okay?"

Mira asks the question Seyon has been wanting to ask throughout the morning. On this blessed day, Mira and Soham aren't burdened by the ACP with tasks for the symposium. They are at hall 57, devoting themselves to brainstorming on the slasher case, working as hard as ever.

Seyon snorts under his breath. Saying not what's on your mind isn't you, Seyon. Are you seriously considering if you've fallen for your ex again? In the middle of this huge investigation? Unacceptable.

"Yeah." Mira joins Soham. The two of them stand near Thiya's desk. "Are you okay, Thiya? Maybe you could take the day off."

Thiya responds to their words by putting away her sketchbook. "I'm fine, thanks." She adjusts the collar of her shirt. Then reaching into her trouser pocket, pops in another painkiller into her mouth. Mira hands her a glass of water which she drains in one go.

"Ah, that hurts a bit but I'm fine." Thiya smiles at the other lady cop.

Mira fetches her a glass greenish-yellow drink — ginger and mint tea. "Your voice still sounds hoarse, Thiya. This will help. Thank goodness the red welt around your neck is fading."

Though not a fan of herbal teas, Thiya accepts the honeyed tea with gratitude and refocuses on her book. Taking slow, conscious sips, she sketches the scene of the latest attack.

Again, Seyon can look at the sketches just with a flick of his gaze, thanks to their co-joined desks. She's been drawing several imaginary portraits of the slasher since the morning — including his build, body language as he caught her. The cc camera footage could provide none of that. Not to mention, the slasher wasn't caught on one, last night. So far, Asterix the slasher is a mystery. Sly as a fox. Or an alien.

Seyon returns his gaze to his computer, his brain reworking the theories he came up with — why Kruthi was attacked and then Thiya. He's had these theories for a while. Over time, they only solidified. Now is the time to experiment on them and deduce outcomes.

***

The sun is just dipping below the horizon, bright fluffy clouds coloured in hues of orange and grey moving at a slow pace. Warm, balmy breeze whips Seyon's blazer as he takes it off, the S lapel pin on it, catching the fading sunlight and glinting yellow gold. Today the SIT decided to stop by Aran's place as per his suggestion. This, straight after Thiya partially decoded the meaning of the tattoo on Aran's arm — be warned, moments before they stepped out of hall 57.

Seyon threw all caution to the wind and was keen on putting the tactics he came up with into practice. The rest of the SIT thought his behaviour wasn't new; had no qualms though they were unconvinced Aran could be their wanted one.

Their vehicle parked at a safe distance from the house, the SIT stands huddled together. Seyon asks Soham to put on his blazer.

Soham quirks a brow. "You're leaner than me but it will fit. Even so..."

He trails off, one hand already sliding into Seyon's crisp grey-blue blazer that looks freshly laundered, though Seyon wore it in the office. (Could be the air conditioning in the office and in his car. No trace of sweat.)

As per the SIT team leader's wish, (more likely a command this morning on Let'sChat right after they both woke up in their respective homes), Soham already is wearing formal pants and a shirt, and now this.

"Now! Check on Aran but don't utter a word." Seyon's words don't make sense.

Soham goes along with the plan despite his doubts. This is the effect of crime fiction novels. Maybe Seyon read Sherlock Holmes last night, and is right now being the slightly troublesome genius detective at work, urging his doctor friend to dance to his tunes, no questions asked.

Approaching Aran's home, Soham rings the bell. A young lad in sloppy oversized men's pyjamas opens the door. Though this is Soham's first time face-to-face with the young man, recognition flashes in the latter's eyes. Did he see me somewhere before? Maybe when I was with Seyon elsewhere? He has such a bright smile as if he's greeting a friend.

"It's you. Come inside? Thirsty again, inspector?"

The young lad's words are baffling. But Soham doesn't utter a word as instructed. His eyes scan the scant belongings occupying the dimly lit living room, the flickering tube light in the corner and Aran's sluggish demeanour and his unsteady gait.

Aran is cool as a cucumber though a CID inspector is at his home.

"Have some water, inspector." The bandage on his foot stands out. The same one Thiya supposedly dug the stealth knife in her boot into. Soham doesn't understand what's going on but accepts the water glass. He then overstays his welcome for a couple more minutes as Seyon asked, not uttering a word and just listening to Aran's rants.

***

Soham and Mira brush off Seyon's thanks and leave hall 57. Thiya glances at Seyon, alone with the man in the sparkling bright office room. Just this morning, he proclaimed she no longer was the body double. What now? And what was his bizzare experiment? Looks like he got possessed by Sherlock Holmes again.

They still have night duties together. A few hours remain before they can depart. They could have dinner at the cafeteria and chill for an hour if they desired. This mind-boggling case remains unsolved, with zero hints. They have been grasping thin air for two months, which is demoralising.

Thiya rises from her chair and notices Seyon is at the mini kitchenette. Brewing coffee, she assumes, as he's got his back towards her. She could make use of some coffee. The office's air conditioning means she can have a hot drink though it's a warm evening

"Let's gear up for night duties. By the way, as I said, you don't need to play Kavya's body double anymore, Thiya."

"What, why."

Thiya can't catch the expression on Seyon's face even if she tries.

"It was an experiment. I got the results I wanted."

"I didn't know you were experimenting, Seyon."

"I know." Seyon finally faces her. Hands her a fresh brew of cappuccino. "I hated what I did. I hate you were put in danger because of that. That wasn't my desired outcome. I will explain more about my experiment soon."

Thiya stands rooted next to her desk, processing what she's heard. Is he that guilty about what happened? Well, she nearly died but... it's not that serious.

His gaze upon her is tender and expectant. She summons a wry smile to her face.

"I know, thanks, Seyon. By the way, I'm perfectly fine."

There's a tinge of melancholy to Seyon's half smile. His narrowed eyes are affectionate despite his efforts to not show his emotions. "Good to know."

***

Who knew night duties would be nightmares, each night, for a different reason?

The Krishnan Mansion at night is a picture of glam. Thiya doesn't know how Kavya reacted towards Soham and Mira on the night of the attack but tonight, seeing Seyon in person, she breaks into hysterics. Maybe she has a soft corner for Seyon? Maybe her feelings for Seyon are serious?

One moment she's choking, the picture-perfect damsel in distress — her tears glittering in the lobby lights. Then she's hugging him with all her might. It all happens in an instant.

Thiya feels a chill run down her spine. And it's got nothing to do with the ac. Kavya hugged Seyon the moment she laid her eyes on him. So much for vouching for professionalism.

"Ma'am?" Seyon gently pats the pyjama-clad actress' back and pries her arms encircling his waist.

"Am I next? Is he gonna..." Kavya trails off and hugs him again, face buried in his chest, fingers brushing over the s-lapel pin.

Seyon disentangles himself from her arms and makes her sit on the sofa. As she sobs, he offers her his handkerchief.

"Ma'am, please. Get a grip on your feelings." He retains his polite, business tone though he appears moved by the sight of the crying woman. "It's all going to be okay. I heard you got extra security now. And the SIT is working on solving this case."

Kavya calms down a little. That girl is like a puppy. Seyon is her only solace. Thiya clenches her hands, unable to voice a single thought.

"You look terrible. You should sleep, ma'am." Seyon coaxes a smile out of Kavya. This is the guy Thiya once knew, someone who's crazy with a bit of attitude but can be wildly passionate and compassionate.

Now kneeling on the floor, Seyon holds Kavya's hand, offering her as much comfort as he can. He's never had himself at Kavya's mercy or acted on her whims. He did it in the beginning but it was so she'd cooperate. Later on, he drew the line and it still remains. Right now, he's only comforting her as a cop should. In a professional manner. Or humane is the word.

Thiya feels uncomfortable witnessing the scene. The unrest in her chest, the mix of sadness and jealousy feels almost alien. She hasn't felt like this in ages.

She fights back the feeling but it's no use. It's like the numbing chill when you're right under the snowfall, refusing to leave, slowly finding its way through the layers of your clothing. Inescapable.

"Yes you should sleep, Kavya ma'am." Kruthi's voice disperses the snowfield imagery from Thiya's mind.

Seyon raises an eyebrow at the new girl entering the Krishnan Mansion's lobby in her plaid-pattern PJs. "And you're staying here?" he inquires to which Kruthi nods.

"Kavya ma'am and I are friends. I can't leave her alone."

Seyon gives Kruthi an approving nod. The girls walk away. Up on his feet, he turns to Thiya, who's looking pale.

"Are you okay? Are you sick? It's not the after-effects of that attack is it? And you're not pretending you're fine, are you?"

Thiya mentally heaves a heavy sigh. I'm sick, yes. More like my jealousy is making me sick. Stop being so nice and concerned, Seyon! It will mess up things further.

"I'm fine." She lies through gritted teeth and a fake smile. "I just hope it'll be another eventless night."

Seyon nods. She doesn't seem to be saying the entire truth. But if it's nothing regarding her health... for now, it's okay. The lady desires an uneventful night. And bless the heavens, it will be an eventless night.

***

AN: That's all for now! <3 This had been a draft since ages. Duh. Thanks for reading. Please vote and comment. And as for seyons experiment it will be revealed at the end...