Kavya has a last-minute late-night filming. A song sequence and a stunt scene. Arriving at the hotel, Soham, Mira, were aghast, knowing she was already en route, unescorted. But Sarthak promptly informed them of the sudden change.

They are relieved to arrive at Orion Studios ahead of Kavya. They raced all the way here — two cops speeding on the bike at midnight. To the traffic police on patrol, they may have looked like a young couple. They were stopped and later let go. Without chalan, generous move by the traffic police for hardworking cops.

Other film sets on Orion studios are abuzz, as usual, even at the late hour. Soham, Mira, turn their heads and spot Kavya's car approaching.

Kavya looks exhausted but there's excitement on her face, that Mira supposes is related to the scenes about to be filmed.

"Oh hello, inspectors!"

Mira is at a loss for words when Kavya approaches her and Soham. Soham immediately reminds Kavya of the danger her life is in. He rarely uses such a serious tone. "Miss Kavya, you should have let us know about the schedule change in advance."

"I apologise. It was sudden," Mira responds with a smile. She's dazzling in the bright set lights, though she's only wearing a long shrug over her pyjamas. "I love how the CID Inspectors are always so diligent. But I miss Mr Hollywood-style-detective."

Soham snorts after Kavya walks away. "Hollywood-style detective? I bet Seyon would be pleased to hear that."

Mira stares at her simple women's formal pant suit, wonders when the chance to wear something more girly will arise. She fixes her hair, chastising herself for zoning out momentarily, and gives Soham a nod. "Yep, and Thiya would be displeased."

They share a laugh, then keep vigil.

"Hey, do you think we should call Seyon and Thiya?" Mira asks as they find a spot to sit.

"Will do when needed," says Soham.

The song is a peppy number. Atop the elaborate stage decked in hues of black and gold, Kavya pulls off dance moves her new haven't glimpsed before.

Soham thinks a spy film doesn't need such a number.

But Indian audiences appreciate the surprise element. And movies would bore without songs. The song in the film plays when Kavya, as the spy, gets closer to cornering her target, gathering clues against him. By now, she has already overcome several obstacles he placed in her way. To signify this, she must dance like a possessed hip-hop dancer, leaping over flames on the dance floor that's later set ablaze with VFX.

Soham wonders if the oomph is necessary. A movie can be simplistic without overwhelming audio-visual effects. Maybe they can be. To suit different palates.

"And cut!" The director yells.

"Two hours to film a three-minute song. Still quickly done," Mira remarks. "

"One more to finish!"

Soham, Mira, follow Kavya and the crew to a new setting nearby. The song sequence this time involves the guy, her supposed love interest in the sequel.

Soham clutches his head, unable to wrap his head around the way the artists' minds work. Mira notices and asks him to enjoy the moment. "Come on. I learnt this from you. Smile, no need to be serious."

Soham laughs and resists the urge to tousle Mira's bangs. She always has her hair in a bun, but those bangs are adorable. More so when she lets her hair loose, ahem.

The crew is filming a quiet romantic song at night, full of cosy Tamil vibes. Seated on the veranda of her character's traditional home, Kavya looks stunning in a saree. She changed clothes remarkably fast? Not quite. They draped the saree over her earlier dance suit.

At the director's cue, the camera captures her brilliant smile, the intricate kolam she made, then transitions to the chilly night surrounding her. The male lead arrives home, and the two of them sit on the porch, gazing at the moon for a late-night conversation.

Mira stifles a yawn. Another hour passed already? Isn't Kavya a spy for this movie? Right, this scene depicts the guy imagining her returning home to celebrate Pongal. Poor Kavya is so misunderstood in the movie. Not a soul in her home knows she's a spy.

"Hold on, this story is more similar to Sherry Maran's latest novel!" Mira leans forward in her chair and shakes her head. "Why isn't the crew crediting her? The lead guy seems quite average, working as a software engineer, huh? It's still sweet that he's her cousin. "

Soham nods. He knows about the recent changes made to the story. The director made these recent changes for a potential sequel. Towards the end, the lead guy discovers Kavya is a government spy and supports her. These current scenes are pivotal for their romance. Especially at the end of the song, when he snaps out of his daydream and calls her, only to hear her admit she misses him, too. Such cosy vibes being filmed, such soft music. Do such things happen in real?

The music makes Mira more sleepy. Realising she's about to nod off, she straightens up in her chair. Soham's whisper reaches her from beside her. They are not alone, but most of the crew are quiet except for the director.

"You can take a nap. I will keep watch for the both of us."

Mira finds Soham's kind offer tempting. "No. I'm fine. Let me perform my duties."

Soham, who's about to argue back, is interrupted by a young man who approaches them.

"Aran!"

Soham, Mira, nearly leap out of their chairs. Sleep vanishes from Mira's eyes. Aran is standing before them!

They are sitting in the back, with the view of everything happening around. It's remarkable that Aran could spot and recognise them despite the low lighting.

Is Aran a part of the late night shoot? Did he get summoned to the set? Soham doesn't know what to think.

Mira finds the fresh development troublesome. The beep on her and Soham's phones. Thiya's drone Vyuh that's surveying the area, detected his presence a split-second later. Aran is always quick!

"Hello, inspectors." Aran bows at his waist and straightens up with a soft smile. He holds out two energy drinks and dinner boxes. "All vegan. Thank you for guarding my dear friend Kavya Krishnan. It's a small token of gratitude. I request you to kindly accept."

Mira looks into Aran's eyes. They are blank. But he's quite handsome, with a boyish air. In a daze, she accepts his offer and observes his departure.

Soham jolts her out of her haze. "Mira! Are you okay? You zoned out, didn't you?"

"Lost myself there for a second... Was it Aran's doing? No, it must be the shock."

Mira shakes her head and sighs. Soham pats her shoulder.

"Did you feel like Aran pressurised you to accept?"

"I don't know. I wasn't thinking." Mira places the energy drinks on the floor and lifts the lid of one of the dinner boxes. "Roti, sabzi? They aren't poisonous, right?"

"Haha, you asked the same when Seyon received those burfis on his birthday. Energy drinks can't be poisoned. And the dinner boxes. It's late, but I see some of the set crew are relishing the same. Shall we have our dinner? We forgot to have dinner, right? I'm pretty hungry."

"Yep. Duties can make you forget you need food and water sometimes. Ah!"

Mira stretches her limbs with a slight smile. "But let's throw away these energy drinks, okay? My cousin can get us plenty of authentic imported chocolates. I prefer chocolates or energy bars to energy drinks."

"Me too." Soham laughs but nods. Unaware, they are about to experience a night full of unpredictable events.

***

After a quick break around 2:00 a.m., the director calls for filming a stunt sequence. Soham, Mira, keep their eyes peeled and watch their surroundings.

"Action!" the director yells.

It happens in an instant. Aran and Kavya are having a conversation as co-stars typically do before shooting a scene together. But Kavya suddenly stumbles, confessing she's lightheaded. No one suspects Aran's involvement, give how good he is with people. 

TBC

WC: 1.3k

Up next: Soham, Mira spend the night with Aran, Kavya and crew at Aran's home. What happens strengthens Mira's resolve to tackle the case using her methods!

I'm breaking up this chapter again, so yep 25th chapter has 3 parts lol. next part is short ...  From chapter 26 onwards, things will be even more interesting. This story is a blend of mystery and romance, yeah. Stick further until the end to see how it goes... Thank you for reading. V & C!