AN: Please vote and comment if you're reading this story.🏵😅 It will greatly boost my morale to work on the chapters. Thank you for reading. I hope you like this chapter ~ The new year is coming and 🌻I will try renewing my sprit to bring weekly updates, though they may be short... 🌻This story will most likely end with about 30 chapters MAX (or even less). So stay tuned~~💕😇
edit: oops noticed some inconsistencies regarding Ulla and ACP meeting SIT... will fix them soon in detail

***

That evening, every member of Kavya's film crew receives a GPS tracker from the SIT. Aran, being the crew, has no choice but to wear it.

Soham regards it as a shrewd choice Seyon made. Thiya equipped all SIT officers' phones with the necessary tracking software. Her good work receives everyone's praise. Seyon is primarily the one to shower her in accolades. She flushes ever so slightly, cautioning that Aran could disable the GPS if he wills it. Anything is possible.

But the tides turn in SIT's favour. Aran doesn't disable the GPS. The tranquil days persist as Asterix remains dormant. Dr Shah's equation is proven wrong. The date he foresaw passes, uneventful. Despite these encouraging developments, the SIT has not experienced a moment of respite. Their unwavering dedication to maintaining an extra level of security compels them to conduct round-the-clock studio visits.

The GPS trackers aside, personnel vigilance undeniably is an essential part of investigations. Employing drones and high-end vigilance would take some time to arrange. And with a non-cooperative ACP, technical help is uncertain. Also, who can confirm the GPS signal is authentic? What if it was the work of a genius hacker hiding his tracks? The SIT must ensure it doesn't occur. That's why they survey the studio premises in person. Thankfully, the crew that stays overnight does not include Aran.

Despite being consumed by fatigue, Seyon remains resilient, radiating a cheerful disposition. He continues to encourage his fellow officers, who appear to be teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

"It's not that awful, guys. Old school methods are satisfying. Just 'envision' the triumph we will experience once the slasher is apprehended."

Those words, the new catchphrase that propels the SIT forward. The SIT is fortunate to have officers like Seyon who are passionate.

The first schedule of Kavya's film shooting is in Chennai. After four months, it shifts to overseas. The SIT has three months to catch the slasher and save Kavya. Aran's dual role as a crewman and friend poses a threat to her safety, as he can covertly cause harm without suspicion. As the days pass, Seyon and the SIT are relieved and boggled why he hasn't done it yet.

Soham and Mira reach a consensus: Aran is not guilty. Only Thiya admits to finding the said youngster's business creepy. "He's suspicious, even if he's not the killer. We only need proof."

Seyon wholeheartedly agrees with her. One morning, he's driving the SIT to the Orion studios, venting out his frustration by slamming his fist into the car's dashboard. He's usually tightlipped and has it together, but not today.

"Why hasn't Aran made a move?"

Thiya casts a sideways glance at him as he continues his monologue with his hands on the steering.

"It's too peaceful. Why isn't there an attack? Did he shift his target because he missed Kavya twice?"

Thiya considers the possibility, then hears a murmur from the back seat. Mira says, "What if Aran isn't actually our suspect?"

"Anything is possible, Mira." Seyon keeps his eye on the road. "I hope he hasn't found a new target. That'll overthrow this investigation."

Thiya cringes at the loud smack of his fist against the dashboard. Her eyes are full of empathy as she looks at him. She fights the urge to grab his hand and prevent him from hurting himself again, aware of the unprofessional nature of such an act. She curls into her seat with a sigh, focusing on the scenery passing by the window.

Seyon's grumbling doesn't stop. "I don't like that we are in total darkness. How long we search for clues in darkness?"

He punches the car dashboard again. And again. From the back seat, Soham places a hand on Seyon's shoulder. "I know. Unfair, but let's calm down, Seyon."

Those words anchor Seyon to his semblance. He reminds himself to regain composure, else it will be a shame for a leader. The dull ache in his dominant left hand underscores his stupidity. He can't help but feel embarrassed, questioning whether Thiya and the rest of his team perceive him in this unfavourable light.

Their collective sighs and expressions display no annoyance. Everyone, including Thiya, returns his curious looks with sympathetic glances.

Completing their regular team inspection at the studios, they are ready to go their separate ways. Seyon and Thiya are prepared to watch Kavya and Aran while Soham and Mira are eager to resume their work at the CBCID.

It happens then. Not a bomb detonating, but the ACP summoning all four of them to his cabin. Again! Leave the set without a backup officer? Seyon is reluctant.

Thiya once again enthusiastically enlists the support of her dear friend Ulla, texting the woman officer. To Seyon's inquisitive glance, she responds, "What? She can watch over until we take over. We have no choice."

Seyon can't muster a cheeky response to that. He's grateful despite the absurdity of it all. Soham and Mira, too, nod in relief. Frustration still lingers beneath everyone's calm façade. What does the ACP want now?

***

"Have you seen the day's newspaper, Seyon?"

Seyon peeks at his colleagues' faces and shifts his gaze to the ACP. The cabin is cool, yet the man seethes like the blazing sun outside.

Seyon narrows his gaze and keeps his arms folded beyond his straight back. While the ACP may believe he's cornering the SIT inside his cabin, that's impossible. Soham and the others are unperturbed. Seyon can feel their energy and intense stares as they stand in a perfect row behind him.

"No sir, not yet."

His confident reply puts an irritable frown on the ACP's face. "Then you should."

The ACP places a popular daily newspaper on the desk to emphasise his point. "They are writing garbage, but it's not that simple, is it? Thank God I took measures before this happened. My sources say you're investigating someone. Are you harassing a youth?"

Seyon skims through a section of paragraphs of the printed article titled, "CELEB SERIAL KILLINGS: CID'S SIT TRIES TO IMPLICATE AN INNOCENT IN THE CASE AS THE SLASHER."

Though mildly discomfited and aghast that sensitive information about the investigation leaked to the press, though he has a thousand rising questions, same as his colleagues, Seyon explains how Aran turned a suspect in the case.

"So the SIT is monitoring him, sir. Rather closely, as Aran is also a crew member in Kavya's current film."

ACP only clicks his tongue in displeasure after receiving the update. "Why didn't you inform me, Seyon?"

"Sir, you told me not to find you for everything trivial."

"Brazen to boot, aren't you? Get out! Catch the slasher, but don't drag the CID into trouble."

Seyon's cordial smile hides a small smirk. "Sir, you told the press there was no slasher. No SIT."

"Haven't I spoken of the measures now? That story is one we intend to sell to the public. Do you want public uproar? Outrage on police?"

"But we must remain transparent to the citizens, sir. We can make the news of the SIT and the slasher public."

"Enough with the ideologies. Who has decision-making authority in this organisation? How high are you on the ranking ladder, inspector? Would you challenge your higher-ups? Don't forget, I am your direct superior."

Seyon's fists tighten, yet he projects an impassive facade. He's usually calm and invincible to ACP's approaches to get under his skin. It's boggling that today is different. This anguish. He must find an exit, clearing the path for his teammates who are also affected, while they openly glare at the ACP. "My apologies, sir."

That booming apology helps the SIT members regain their senses. They look away from the ACP and reign in their desire to snap. The ACP, however, lets out a weary sigh and a grunt.

"Enough with the superficial apologies, Seyon. Get out. "

Seyon has settled his nerves, but has one word for the ACP, from all the English vocabulary his mother taught him long ago: curmudgeon. Is that all the ACP has to say? Isn't he gonna give more directives on the case? Seyon pretends to have high expectations at the moment, eyes focused on his superior.

"What are you waiting around for?!" The ACP's snarl is loud; it as well penetrates the thick cabin walls. Even passersby in the hallway can hear him. "I have a meeting with the DCP. You, Seyon! All of you lot are dismissed!"

The SIT shuffles out of the ACP's cabin. Thiya and Mira suck in desperate breaths to calm themselves. Soham sighs softly. His gaze shifts to Seyon as they walk down the corridor as a group of four. "You can let it out, you know? You can curse him if you want for all the unfair treatment we just received."

Seyon barks a laugh. "You know very well I can't curse. Although I just labelled him a curmudgeon. That man is still older than me."

"Are you sure? I'm not thrilled you're on the receiving end. Sure, you're the leader, but... we could have spoken up. Yeah, we agreed only one of us speaks to him so not to rile him up, but..."

"It's fine... I don't want him to target our entire team. This is how it should be."

Thiya refrains from saying, "it doesn't have to be." Mira also tightens her fists in frustration. Neither them nor the SIT is sure if they can invite more trouble than what they already have.

Soham sighs once more. "Now I get it, Sey. You're not kidding about the bad blood between you and ACP. He hates you."

Seyon shakes his head and shrugs. His whispered "thanks" comes in a sardonic tone. Thiya observes his smile is stiff. Earlier too, the way he was banging the car dashboard. Exhaustion is catching up to him so fast, his brazen side appears to have taken a hit. Not that I care... I'm exhausted and so is everyone. She clears her throat and suggests stopping by the cafe for lunch.

"We always have our lunch in hall 57 or the cafeteria. We should venture outside for a change. The noise can help relax, don't you guys think? Let's dine elsewhere. We need to keep our minds open if we want to solve this case."

The SIT is on board. Thiya acknowledges it's a smart move for all. A perfect move for the case. But not for her or Seyon. As she deliberately invites the entire SIT to spend the upcoming weekend (Sunday) at her home, relaxing with CB, Seyon's eyes briefly widen. He's invited as well, even though she hasn't specified. She's not sure what to think. This too is for the case. If only it's as simple as that, to convince her brain.

***

AN: That's all. Short chapter which I broke off from previous. <3 We'll soon move to Seyon and Thiya's past, unlock their secret as to why they parted ways, also dig deeper and see how their journey began all those years ago.... And yes there's the case... I'm quite excited and also ddreading to write further cos... it's not going to be easy. Weaving things together into a chapter though you have the whole plot in your head... how tricky is that? And vexing because nobody actually encourages you... Yeah you get it, don't you? Anyway, I'm here to persist. I will end this story in the coming months.

tysm again~~ toodalooo til the next update!