Back in hall 57 of the CBCID, a gentle morning breeze wafts in through the open windows. Soham encouragingly pats Mira, who squares her shoulders and explains her plan to Seyon and Thiya.

Psychoanalysis. She is not fully adhering to the clinical treatment plan. Her job as a psychiatrist may be a thing of the past, but the psychoanalyst within her persists. Clinical application or not, she can still apply the theories she learnt to real-life situations. For instance, they can be useful in solving intricate cases and comprehending the psychology of violent offenders. It's her opinion. If only the forensic team recognises the significance of psychological analysis support...

The mind is a complex tool. No human has a complete power over it yet. One who has conquered one's mind almost conquers the world. But at that point, the world becomes unnecessary at that stage of self-mastery.

Mira has had bosses who mocked her methods. Her thinking processes were too humane.

Is humanity a crime? Most criminals would have unhealed childhood trauma. If at least half of them could start afresh and contribute to society, or at least find purpose in their own lives, it would have made her feel fulfilled. That is what her mentor taught. Change can be achieved.

Not always, yes. There's no point in trying to mend what's irreparably broken. Repeated offenders, for example. She cannot justify her theories against cops who argue. She knows she is asking too much. But right now, that's her approach to finding Aran's truth. He acts in such bizarre ways. What is going through his mind?

It's not curiosity, though she is curious. She meets Seyon's gaze head on, hoping for the best.

"I will allow it."

Seyon surprises her by agreeing. But then he is one heck of a leader. What else did she expect from him? He has grown from the man who tried to shoulder all the responsibilities of his colleagues. This is unexpected, incredibly kind. Given the team had previously joined forces to hinder his investigation.

She is almost ashamed now, belatedly realising how atrocious it is for her to ask him to consider her ways, when she didn't agree with his.

"I see merit in this," Seyon's amiable smile says he's sensed her feelings. He's ever considerate but also cautious, always looks out for the wellbeing of his teammates. He throws a look at Soham, as if to say, "this is still crazy. You agreed to this?"

Soham shakes his head and stares at the floor. Thiya sighs, worry-lines wrinkling her forehead. Mira clears her throat.

"I convinced Soham. Thank you, Seyon, Thiya... I'm glad to have your consent."

Seyon mirrors Mira's encouraging smile. Thiya touches Mira's shoulder and wishes her good luck.

"Later, then, Mira, Soham. Let's go Thiya." Seyon hurries out.

Thiya runs after him. It is their official responsibility to monitor Kavya's medical tests being conducted at her residence. Then they must address the ACP's summons regarding the symposium preparations — summons they can no longer ignore in the name of work. The SIT officers must dedicate two hours in a day, four days of a week, towards the preps. The DCP apparently allowed executing this order.

Soham sighs once he is alone with Mira in hall 57. She catches his arm and suggests they have coffee. Her bright smile lightens the burden on his heart momentarily, but the worry remains in his heart. The reason for his concern is twofold: she is his beloved, and he sees elements of loss and danger in her plans, much like Seyon did. He pitched his hope for Seyon to deny. But with the dire circumstances around Kavya and her growing closeness with Aran, Seyon had to concede to danger.

"Hey, Soham! What's wrong? You don't think this much usually!" Mira taps Soham on the shoulder. Despite understanding Soham's feelings, she maintains a cheerful demeanour. "Come on, let's drink that coffee."

Soham raises a brow. "Coffee, Mira? We should catch our power nap. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

"That is true..." Mira hangs her head in disappointment that Soham did not show his usual bright smile.

Two hours later, after taking a power nap in their designated lounges, they convene in hall 57 and begin working. Drafting the information they found so far is a task they cannot skip. They document their conversations with Professor Arindam and their observations at Aran's residence. A record of everything is needed. Having it will be beneficial when compiling evidence for the courts.

Two more hours later—

"Soham, you don't need to worry that much..." Mira breaks the heavy silence in the room, sneaking an umpteenth glance at Soham. Unusually, his gaze remains fixed on his computer.

He's next to her, but he takes a couple of minutes to acknowledge her. "If you say so, Mira..."

The lacklustre response irritates Mira. She rises from her seat with a shrill shriek. "I'm saying you don't have the worry!"

Soham's face contorts with pain. He also rises from his chair, barely containing his anger.

"Of course I will worry. I care about you, Mira! You are important to me!"

Mira is pleasantly stunned. A small smile crosses her lips as her heart feels full. Soham only said care, but it felt like a love confession. Whoa, her heart is beating fast. None of her past colleagues or friends have been this protective of her. Soham looks away, bashful. He's not one to easily reveal his feelings. Yet he is aware he has given himself away. What are Mira's thoughts? He should not have raised his voice. But it happened on an impulse which he regrets now.

"Haha!" Mira's laughter clears the awkward air. Soham laughs along, pausing when she speaks.

"I care about you too, Soham. A lot..."

Soham nods. Now that his head is calm, he cannot protest against Mira or her methods of investigating. Her words just now have taken away all his earlier anguish and worry. He can't help but smile at the affection he detected in her voice. It almost feels like their feelings are on the same page no matter where they are, no matter what will happen. It almost feels like they own each other's part of their souls. There is more. He knows he has to work, yet Mira's soulful eyes once again draw him in.

"I know I'm venturing into danger. It is why I asked you to have my back, Soham. You're my partner. And I trust you to keep me safe. Of course I will be careful, but... It's just... When you're with me, I feel I can trust you with my life."

Soham feels touched beyond words. Adoration, love, admiration, reverence for Mira swell in his chest.

I trust you with my life... Mira's soft-spoken words are so heartfelt. No other woman said such things to him or touched his heart this way before. He chuckles and shakes himself out of his emotional state.

"I will keep you safe..."

The words tumble out of his mouth. His lips curve into an affectionate smile. Mira feels a warmth rise in her chest. She got the smile she wanted. Ahem! No personal thoughts.

"Yay! Now let's have that coffee and some healthy brunch. Our work will double and we need our energy at full. Can't slack off. Seyon, Thiya will leave for Madurai tonight. Everything in hall 57 and out of it will be our responsibility for a while. But thank god, we have Ramya, Ulla, Sarthak as backup..."

Soham chuckles, listening to Mira's rambling while she makes two espressos using the coffee machine. As they sit on the couch and stare at the indoor plants, he lets his thoughts fly free.

Psychoanalysis. Mira, what a talented girl she is. Daring to have come up with the plan she came up with. He can't help but admire her courage, though he worries. Of course, he intends to stand with her. It was stupid of him to get emotional despite being duty-bound. He doesn't know why that happened. But then emotions just happen. As he promised, he will stand with her no matter what. His personal feelings aside, it is high time the SIT does something solid for the case.

Seyon, Thiya are going on a road trip. Mira has come up with her own idea. If there is nothing Soham can come up with, the least he could do is support their endeavours.

***

TBC

Up next: Seyon, Thiya plan their roadtrip. And move out in Seyon's car! What transport strike? Railways strike too... Still car is the best mode of transport! When in companion of the you love, even if the trip is for work purposes!

AN: Another short chapter. maybe the next one will be longer? V & C your thoughts on this chap!