Mira and Soham spring out of their chairs. A doctor on the set assists Kavya. Then announces her vitals are normal. It may only be a weakness that led to her collapse. "We'll still take blood samples and run tests. For now, we let her rest."

The shooting is called off. Aran supports Kavya's semi-limp form by the shoulders throughout her checkup. He then guides her to her caravan, Kruthi trailing behind them.

Soham, Mira watch as Aran leave Kavya to Kruthi and run to the director.

"Kavya's collapse was stress-related. The police constantly watch her. Despite their kindness, the situation is stressful. And staying at the hotel working late night shifts..." Aran sounds genuinely concerned for Kavya's well being.

Mira shakes her head and mumbles, "Wasn't Kavya perfectly fine a moment ago?"

Soham concedes that it's suspicious. Dizzy spells, burnouts can be sudden, but who can say?

Aran presents an outrageous suggestion to the director. "What Kavya needs is a change of scenery. I can take her to my house. Of course, director Nathan sir, you can come and the SIT officers too..."

Director Nathan decides they will spend the night at Aran's home with a handful of crew. The sudden events catch Soham and Mira off guard. Spending the night at Aran's home — Aran seems to want Kavya alone, but is cautious to avoid suspicion.

***

A short drive later, everyone settles in Aran's home. Kavya enters Aran's home cheerfully, while the crew grumbles.

Kavya appears alert, the energy drinks Aran, Kruthi gave her having boosted her energy at the moment.

Soham, Mira, director Nathan, settle in the living room chairs. Aran brings a spare mattress for Kavya to lie down. The actress is excited to try something less luxurious, surprising everyone. Or it might be Aran's magic. Else Kavya Krishnan usually looks down upon everyone. She now downs a vitamin drink Kruthi prepared and prepares for sleep.

Aran and a few crew members sleep on the floor. Director Nathan curses his luck and sleeps in a chair, or at least tries to. Soham, Mira, opt to not contact Seyon, Thiya as backup and wait until quiet descends on the room. Artful muted amber lights on the wall provide a dull lighting. The only sounds are people half asleep, tossing and turning, and the ceiling fan on high.

"Is Aran sleeping?" Mira whispers to Soham. "He's acting suspiciously. Why doesn't he go to bed? Why sit in a corner and sleep?"

"He's being the courteous host giving up his comfort but... He's suspicious, alright?" Soham mutters. "I must speak with Seyon about this. Is this Aran's elaborate plan? He's trying to corner Kavya, but isn't in a rush?"

Soham, Mira remain vigilant. Anything can happen on a night like this. They hope they won't have to call Seyon, Thiya.

Shortly after, Kavya complains about the floor being uncomfortable. Aran fetches her a rocking chair. He carries the heavy wooden chair from his bedroom alone with that slender frame of his.

"Rest..." He brushes Kavya's bangs off her forehead and calls her a sleeping beauty before retreating to his corner.

Around dawn, following Soham's cue, Mira scans Kavya's body for any marks or indications of needle injections. The marks aren't easy to spot, and she can only examine the exposed areas. And there are multiple ways to render a person unconscious, or leave them in a stupor.

The night passes peacefully. Soham and Mira haven't slept at all. Some crew members did. Even director Nathan. Kavya looks revitalised and full of energy.

Aran encourages everyone to freshen up and prepares tea and snacks.

A moment later, an ecstatic Kavya is talking to Aran, giggling girlishly. She acknowledges her tiredness and credits Aran's house and the warm hospitality for alleviating her stress.

Soham, Mira, look at each other uncomfortable looks. Kavya, not minding the rest of the world, shakes Aran's hand.

"Kruthi told me you were the one who suggested this change of scenery, Aran. Thank you. You are my saviour, so thoughtful of others. This is what I love about you."

Aran blushes like a teenager at the mention of love, but dismisses it with a laugh. Soham, Mira find it adorable for a split second. It would have been sweet in a different scenario. Even if Aran gave her a sedative to improve her sleep, that's a creepy way of taking care of someone. His intensions may be unclear. But the closer he gets to Kavya, the higher his chances to nab her. He has already formed a close bond with her. And the emotional and physical distance between them seems to be shrinking with every passing day.

These incidents solidify Mira's resolve to carry out her plans.

Director Nathan gives everyone a day-off. The crew disperses. Kavya goes back to her hotel accompanied by Ramya, Kruthi, and her regular bodyguards.

***

Amid the early morning traffic, Soham and Mira are riding together on his bike, both wearing helmets. This is all but a momentary respite. They must return to work soon. She rests her hand on his shoulder and whispers into his ear.

"Soham, it's about time we execute my strategy to reveal the truth about Aran."

"What plan?"

"I'll tell you. You agreed to help. You think Aran is suspicious, right?"

"Yes..."

"That's why I want to peek into his mind."

Soham shudders momentarily, imagining the void inside Aran's head and all the things he could have filled it with. "How do you think Kavya fainted, Mira?"

"I don't know." The morning wind rushes past Mira. There isn't anyone riding close by. She raises her voice. Aran had a method. Like chloroform spray or whatever."

"What's your plan, Mira? What are you going to try?"

"Psycho analysis. Aran will tell the truth with his own mouth!"

Another shudder runs through Soham. This time, more violent. They pause at an intersection near the red-light. Even with sparse traffic, traffic rules ought to be followed. (Especially as no rush necessary.) He glances at Mira over his shoulder.

"Are you sure? Mira, you know Aran is dangerous."

"He is. It's why I want to perform psychoanalysis. Just cannot drag this on and on, Soham. We need to take action. This approach is better than Seyon's. Yes, he and Thiya are heading to Madurai, but we got to contribute, right?"

"I agree."

Soham reluctantly nods his head. The light turns green. Soham has a feeling the morning sun is brilliantly bright, unlike the dark path that awaits them. Or maybe his fears could be proven wrong and the future will be bright eventually.

tbc

💫up next: Mira tell on thea of her plan. To everyone's surprise say on agrees. Will meera's plans be successful? What is inside aarons mind? Meanwhile are planning their road trip for the case of course. What happens next?
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✍💫❤an: short chapter next might be longer. As an author and long time chronic issue sufferer, it hasn't been easy for me to keep the streak of Weekly updates it is why I am Breaking the chapters. I can only hope it hasn't heindered the fun of reading 💗👓
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