Thiya reaches home stifling a yawn, supposing it will be another night when sleep evades her. It has been that way since the big revelation. She couldn't sleep that night, sat on the living room carpet until dawn, thinking about Seyon. The streak went on and on. Even if she'd get some shuteye, she'd jerk awake dreaming of the day she thought Seyon cheated on her.

"Stupid Seyon! Being awkward in the office, making me feel awkward too! I wonder what he's thinking. He is usually the picture of confidence!"

CB welcomes her in the illuminated living room. They enjoy a relaxing shower together (CB is adamant these days), then lounge on the couch. He munches on a slice of watermelon while she offers her arm as a perch.

"We ought to sleep early, CB. This cannot go on. I don't want Seyon to see me sleeping at my desk and jump to conclusions. Like I care about him or that... I'm deeply affected by what happened!"

The clock chimes once. She remains glued to the couch, unable to contradict her inner voice.

"Seyon wasn't a cheater or a jerk, CB! Ugh, I should have chased after him! Why do I feel both relieved and broken knowing what happened? I feel sorry for Seyon and me. We didn't deserve this."

"I loved you, Thiya! YOU! There was none... none when we were together, none after... It was... always you..."

Seyon's anguished words ring in her head. It was the first glimpse of his hidden emotions. She should've known. He often suppresses his emotions, sometimes without even realising it.

"Always you... It sounded like a confession..."

She smacks her head. "Nope. Don't get your hopes up, Thiya! Wait, what hopes? Remain quiet if Ramya or Ulla ask about what's next for Seyon and you. You and Seyon can't pick up where you left off."

What next... will one day this confusion will give way to clarity? What will be the result? Will they be together? Seyon might not, despite her wishes.

He said LOVED. She reminds herself before going to sleep, past tense. He can't love you now after the horrible way you treated him.

The thought upsets her, but she puts CB sleep in his cage and retires to her room. It might be the lack of sleep. She immediately dozes off. Unaware that somewhere in the same city, Seyon is struggling to sleep, dealing with similar thoughts.

As morning arrives, she's ready to dive into work again. Multiple texts from Ramya, Ulla, give her a momentary pause. The recent developments with Seyon calls for a girl's day out, they say. But who has the time? A grim scenario awaits her outside hall 57 of the CBCID.

"The SIT is dissolved?"

Thiya glances at the document handed to her in displeasure. Seyon, Mira, and Soham have already finished reading it. It was delivered to them a moment ago. The direct order from the ACP says:

Here by the SIT ceases to exist as the slasher has been dormant and seems to have given up. Any fresh occurrences in the case will be dealt by the local police as per the jurisdiction. This decision is taken in view of saving the CBCID personnel and resources.

"Personnel and resources..."

Thiya repeats the words in disbelief. Seyon mutters, the curmudgeon cannot be good at English. An assistant must have used the fancy words. How is it a direct order?

Mira shakes her head in exasperation. "This is too much. Why didn't he discuss this decision with us?"

"Because he is ACP!"

Seyon scoffs and turns to his right. Do-not-enter tape seals the entrance to hall 57. With Thiya's digital fingerprint lock in place, no one can trespass, he observes, the ACP had no choice but to use tape.

"What if we crouch down? Maybe we can enter?"

Seyon dismisses Soham's wild idea, though everyone has a good laugh. "Now this calls for a confrontation. Let's see our ACP."

***

The SIT officers' mood is buoyant, despite the long wait in the corridor outside the ACP's cabin. The sun's searing heat tests their patience, but they await their turn. What alternative do they have? The ACP is in a long video conference with DCP and other superiors. It can be intentional or a stroke of bad luck.

Seyon thinks it's the latter. His team spent two hours in the hallway, wilting in the heat, searching for shade and ignoring the pitying looks thrown their way by every passing staff member. The officers, though unhappy, know better than to mention their dissatisfaction with the ACP.

The air conditioning in the ACP's cabin instantly soothes Seyon's nerves. Every SIT officer has identical experience. Seyon hears their small sighs of relief.

"The SIT cannot be dissolved," he tells the ACP. "No one was arrested in the slasher case. There is public outrage, especially among fans and families of the victims, as reported in newspapers. Kavya's life is at risk, sir! She was assaulted twice."

Seyon recites his piece, though the ACP throws him several impatient looks. Nothing gets through the curmudgeon's skull. He doesn't acknowledge the SIT's collective stance: there's a code of conduct, a procedure to sack a team of investigators.

"The decision has been taken, Seyon. First division has arrested a suspect who's likely a slasher. Your team can take the day off for their efforts."

The ACP's smile is calm, haughty for a man who's used to abusing his power.

"Today is Saturday. Consider this weekend as your reward. Get ready for transfers on Monday."

"But, sir, when did this arrest happen? Why weren't we informed-"

"On what basis did they confine this new suspect?"

The ACP disregards the SIT's questions and orders them to leave his cabin. Out in the corridor, Thiya brushes off the terse air, suggesting they take the weekend off and tackling the problems from Monday.

"Why don't you come to my house and spend time with my feathered friend? That should relax you guys. Come over early tomorrow..."

Thiya's words taper off as she glances at Soham and Mira, eventually begrudgingly meeting Seyon's gaze.

"You too..."

Seyon nods, though for a moment his eyes widen. Mira dispels the awkwardness without realising. "What of today? It's already afternoon. Can we hit a cafe and chill?"

"Or visit a billiards club or a horse riding arena!" Seyon shrugs his shoulders. Soham gives him a pat on the back. "Typical Seyon... It should be an activity we all can enjoy together! Let's head to the music bar."

The officers set off in Seyon's car, their spirits suddenly high as the sun above.

***

TBC

Up next: Seyon spends his time at Thiya's house. It brings them both more awkwardness, some realisation, leading them both recall their past and how they fell in love. Expect some bittersweet, cute yet funny moments. Also, Soham and Mira are growing close... Their duties still remain. Will they make the changes they want coming monday?

AN: Short chapter after so long. I will try to update regularly and finish this story. Maybe will come up to 35 chapters Max.