The Navi colony inspector after talking to (read: threatening) Seyon, walks into yet another desolate building that's due to be demolished on the colony's shabby borders. In one of its moss-covered halls, a slim-built young man awaits his arrival. The sunlight filtering through the cracks in the roofs illuminates some, not all of the halls.

Right now, it flashes over the youth's head like a spotlight beam. The youth appears he's in his early twenties or perhaps late teens. No stark facial features visible; the lower part of his face covered by a white mask that carries an asterisk mark on it. His t-shirt also has the same marking. Asterisk... It's like he's obsessed with the symbol.

"You have done it this time," says the inspector, "CID Inspector Seyon has your number from the constable's call data. Your rotten luck has given you away. If you think killing that constable can stop Seyon you're wrong. I met him twice to know he is the determined sort. Pesky even. You can't escape."

Asterix feels the urge to dive the knife he's been playing into the chest of the man who made fun of him. But he stops, hollow laughter echoing in the halls as the policeman leaves. Yes hollow... That's what is left in the depths of his heart.

The Inspector drives home with hope in his chest, with indignation he thinks, I am a weak man who can't fight Asterix. Here's hoping Seyon will stop him. His courage today was almost awe-inspiring... And his teammates too... It's already proved Seyon didn't kill the constable. I already know. Yet... I threatened him... What was I thinking?

The inspector returns to his duty. That afternoon, he heads home, seeking a temporary respite after officially proclaiming Seyon is innocent. The world knows Asterix killed the constable. How many more will he kill...

The inspector has no answer. Shortly later, he falls to death from his home balcony. In one moment he's sipping his chai, watching the birds chittering on the neighbourhood trees on the street, the next moment, he spots something utterly scary down below. His paralyzed body moves on its own accord hosting himself off of the protective railing down to the hard, unforgiving concrete.

The locals say it's an accident. Asterix may or may not want to take his claim on the murder.

***

When did the woman-on-the-prowl rumours change to power-woman who rescued her lover? Thiya can't understand the change the gossip mill underwent overnight. She braces herself mentally for their snide remarks, trashy talks, and this happens?

Passing by a few smiling colleagues (some of them were wishing her all the best), she arrives at the CID's cafeteria. One extra strong, sugar-loaded coffee should sharpen her wits to understand what's going on. Did the morning air carry voodoo magic? Is everybody having an early-morning hangover? Everybody has turned sweet.

They are routing for her and Seyon which is absurd.

Ramya pokes her head in just then. They find an empty table and plop down. Three sips of steaming, delicious coffee, Thiya can't help but bring the new rumours to the discussion.

"It's good, isn't it? Those nasty rumours have changed colour."

Ramya is chill about the whole thing. Thiya crinkles her nose.

"How?"

"Seyon may be the one behind it."

"Maybe?"

"Okay... I heard him this morning loud and clear. He was with Soham here. Regaling how head over Heels he is for you. How being with you inspires him to solve the current case. How much fun he had discussing tactics all night with you.

"What... That's..."

We did precisely that eight years ago when we got to work on that motorcycle gang case... No. Don't recall that memory.

Ramya has a sly smile on her face as if she heard Thiya's unvoiced thoughts. "I bet he did that to thwart those rumours, Thi. That's a brilliant strategy."

"I don't like these new rumours, Ramya. Can't stand the entire CID routing for me and Seyon. They think we are rekindling our love? We are not!"

"You will live with it." Ramya's disapproving glare settles on her friend. "Do you prefer the woman-on-the-prowl rumours?"

"Of course not."

"You owe Seyon one. Thank him when you see him."

Thiya's shoulders deflate. There's frustration in her chest, but her heart flutters. Calm down heart, there's nothing romantic about this. He lied. He did this to clear the debt he owes her, and now they are in the clear. It's been eight years, you don't need to flutter!

***

Seyon is already present in hall 57 when she takes a step in. Sayon is stating the recent facts involving the case. It's proven he is innocent. The killer, Asterix, is the one who murdered the constable and the inspector.

She can't help but shriek hearing the new facts. "The Inspector is dead too?"

Seyon nods as she takes a seat. "Yes. Sadly. They suspect Asterix did it."

Funny how they are able to converse like this despite everything. Silence fills the hall. Mira opines they must act quickly. Soham agrees.

Seyon reaches for his desk phone when it rings. "Yes," he whispers into the receiver. "Okay."

He turns to Thiya after the call ends. "The forensic expert wants to talk to us. Thiya, come with me. Mira, Soham, continue your case studies."

Thiya feels like she's put on the spot. Why did Seyon pick her? Awkward... but hey this is official business. They step out of hall 57, pass through the hallway to the forensic lab that is situated in the cellar.

Okay, now's a perfect time. She must thank him for what he did.

"Seyon... you..." He glances at her as they continue to walk. "Thank you for rescuing me from the rumour mill."

"I cleared my debt."

As expected, thinks Thiya, though Seyon's internal thoughts at the moment are something else. Why'd I done it? It couldn't be for the case. I did it because my heart's too soft... or maybe it's gone soft looking at you.

They round a corner. Why is it taking them forever to reach the lab? Another left turn. A cheeky detective addresses Seyon and throws a wink.

"Out on a tryst, love birds? Or on your way to the aisle?"

Seyon cringes a little but covers his reaction with a smile. "No. Currently to the forensic lab. Thank you."

"Boring..." the detective says as she walks past him. "Well, invite me to your wedding."

This time, she aims her wink towards Thiya who frowns. Seyon waves and replies 'oh, yes.'

A feeling suddenly grips Thiya's heart: these new link-up rumours will be her death.

"You can smile, you know?"

She clicks her tongue when Seyon says that.

"I can't fake things as you do, Seyon. Never did. Never could."

She refers to their past though she's sure he won't understand. There, at the end of the dimly lit hallway is their destination — the forensic lab. Finally!

Seyon holds open the large metallic door for her to enter, mildly frowning. What she said cut deeper than usual. His frown deepens as she walks past him. Is that a personal jab? Does she talk about him, personally? Maybe she's not pleased with his ways of dealing with the rumour mill. He is frustrated but follows her inside.

The forensic expert Dr Shah, a short but sharp-looking man in his early fifties, skips the greetings and jumps to the topic.

"They didn't mention the killer's weapon. You may want to know it. They call this murderer a slasher but he doesn't use a knife. He uses an electronic device."

"Electronic?"

"Yes. Handmade mostly invented by himself and probably advanced technology."

"You are saying he is a tech genius."

"Yes... It's one guy. I know the previous SIT report speculates multiple but it's one man."

Seyon nods. "Please share all the details with Thiya. She is a computer specialist who also builds tech out of e-junk."

Dr Shah nods and begins his long explanation. Thiya fishes out her mini notepad from her jacket pocket and takes notes. Well, there's her phone but old school note taking is her thing. Praise from Seyon. She's glowing inside. Why does she feel this way? And how did he know Dr Shah could be talking about advanced tech and electronics? Sixth sense?

"One more thing," the doc says just before they can take their leave. "Do you know why the previous SIT gave up this case?"

Seyon and Thiya shake their heads. Dr Shah drops his voice to a whisper.

"They are afraid. This killer wipes out police anyone who stands in their way. The constable, the inspector... you realise?"

Seyon and Thiya freeze. Shah smiles a little. "I ask you to be careful in solving this case."

"Of course sir," Seyon manages the reply and turns on his heel.

"I think this killer is vengeance driven. The forensic doctor speaks again just as he and Thiya reach the door.

"You think he isn't a psychopath?"

"Taking everyone's lives seems like madness but that's what I get after analysing the cases. Good luck. I hope you'll gather fast results from the steering investigation based on the things I said."

Seyon and Thiya exchange glances; then give their thanks to the senior doctor.

***

That afternoon post lunch, Thiya holes up in the computer lab, trying to piece out what kind of weapon the killer had used. The pleasant lowkey sound of two dozen CPUs running in the background, seated alone in the bright LED-illuminated interiors always makes her focus. The opposite is true when she's alone at home, next to the bay window basking in the sunlight.

Seyon is inside hall 57, going over the information he has. He discussed it with Mira and Soham earlier; the duo are not engaged in reading older reports, going over the case study thing once again. The assistant commissioner told them not to but these little study sessions might give them a clue. Now the facts of case 11 where the model was dead... All the murders are committed in a similar manner. Serial killings yet there's no blood or gore. Here's how Dr Shah's electronic weapon theory comes into play. What kind of weapon...

Seyon's thoughts spiral on from one to another and end in nothingness. He spaces out for a good while looking at his computer. Why, this is rare. He is never distracted. Is it something Thiya said? Why are her words stuck in his head from this morning?

He shakes his head and his attention latches on to the conversation happening in the background.

"Soham, do you think I should celebrate my birthday? Aren't we busy dealing with this mess?"

Seyon hears movement on the other side of the desk divider. Soham turns in his swivel chair so he's now facing Mira.

"All the more reason you must celebrate. Besides, your birthday falls on Sunday so we should be able to squeeze out some hours."

"You may be right Soham. Thanks." Mira's mirthful laughter is a bell's jingle, bright enough to lift the room's sombre mood.

"Another coffee, Mira?" Soham rises from his chair. "One for you too, Seyon!"

The sight of him brewing coffee makes Seyon smile. He gets his favourite hazelnut coffee while Soham and Mira clink their cappuccino cups as if they are shot glasses.

Seyon savours his drink, turns to his best buddy once Mira steps out in need of some air.

"It's going well for somebody..." A smug, boyish grin lights up Seyon's deep tawny, almond-frost facial skin.

Soham leans against the little kitchenette's countertop with a chuckle and folds his arms. Then he blinks as if he can't understand.

"She likes you," says Seyon, still grinning.

"What?"

"Well..."

"It's too quick to say that, Sey."

"You're thirty-five. Things should move at a quick pace."

"Right back at you... What about you?"

"Me?" Seyon shrugs. "I think I had a lifetime of experience falling in love for the first time. I won't ever do it again. Because I ended up hurt..."

He was irrevocably in love he thought but it ended. His world faded into pitch black and spiralled out of control when his Amma (the only family he had) passed away. Goodness, why is he recalling all of that? He doesn't want to remember those days. Not in the middle of his work.

The cheery atmosphere from before is gone. A melancholic melody fills the air.

"Hurt? This is the first time I hear the word on your lips, Seyon."

Seyon sighs rubbing at his eyes which have become heavy and dry due to extensive screen time. Why did I blurt it out? "I guess it did. I was hurt, Soham, but I am fine now."

Seyon turns in his swivel chair so he's focusing on his computer again.

Soham wishes he had better words to say to Seyon. Maybe he can consult with Mira regarding these subtle conversations he could be having. Whoa.. he's already relying on her? Seyon was right in saying they got close. Did they? That's not the point.

He's always doing his best to make Seyon feel comfortable but he doesn't know if he's doing a good job.

How does he change the lingering heavy mood?

One look at Seyon, he knows there's no need for that. The dude is already immersed in his work; he must do the same.

***

At half past six, Seyon is in the parking lot, wiping dust that settled on the edges of the windshield of his car. He has plans to meet that stuck-up telecom company manager who's refusing to disclose a customer's details though they could be a potential serial killer. Stubborn things. But he will find out who that constable talked to no matter what strings he must pull. Maybe here's where his pistol would come in handy?

Soham arrives to collect his bike — a vintage bullet.

Seyon lifts his head to greet his friend but his eyes catch sight of Thiya a few yards away, talking rather animatedly to a man. Teary-eyed, she hugs him. They get on her scooty, and drive away.

"I wonder if that's her husband." Microfibre cloth in hand, Seyon wonders aloud.

"Well, she wouldn't have said what she said if she had a husband," Soham says with a chuckle.

"Oh..." Seyon nods, then blinks. "What do you mean?"

"Does it bother you to see her with another man?"

Bother... it does feel weird, yes. Seyon narrows his eyes against the entranceway from which Thiya and the guy rode out. He can see the traffic whizzing at a great pace.

"I don't know, Soham. I was just curious."

Soham laughs hearing the genuine answer. "Well, that guy is her brother. Remember she has one? Earlier she told me they'd be meeting after a long time."

Brother? Oh, yes, now he remembers. Thiya comes from an affluent political family. Her father was an MLA back in the day. He didn't approve of her ways — choosing to be a cop, falling for her colleague this Seyon Harith guy who's basically a nobody. And he disowned her. Looks like she is still in touch at least with her brother. Good for her. Her father is who at present? The state Home minister? Yet she doesn't breathe a word of it. No matter how strained her relationship with her father was, she would have gotten promotions and stuff. Yet she had no urge to use it to her advantage and climb the ladder.

Seyon rubs his temple. Okay, he's drifting too much again...

Just then, his phone rings. The CID's official dispatcher Mathew has two pieces of news to share.

"What? Okay. Understood."

Seyon meets Soham's inquisitive gaze after the call ends. "The constable I caught leaking information and the inspector who threatened me. It's proven Asterix killed them."

Soham frowns. Silence settles between them.

"Well, at least your name is cleared, Sey."

"Yeah. But this is getting out of hand. We must act fast. I want to

"I need to trace down that number. I should be on the way to the airphone's telecom office but... the ACP wants me with him. National Security Symposium preps."

Soham gives an understanding nod. The two cops turn their eyes to the clear skies for a long moment.

"Listen, Seyon... I know you have turned into a hardcore workaholic over these years. You have always volunteered to handle the task for your team. I didn't stop you even when we worked together, thinking you found solace in that. But now is the time to slow down. I want you to entrust some of your tasks to your teammates."

Seyon raises a brow.

"Come on, Soham. It's true I like to volunteer but I wouldn't want my teammates to feel like underachievers. I was about to ask you to get this job done for me."

Soham brightens upon hearing that. Maybe he judged Seyon quickly. He does include everyone in discussions. And it's not like he remains adamant if someone opposes his decisions. Maybe it's his kind heart that always puts others' comfort before his. That's too much selflessness.

"Right. I will get on it."

"Thanks, Soham."

Seyon's grin is bright. Soham finds relief in that. Right then, Mira arrives and pleads with him to drop her home. He agrees. She doesn't need to plead. Or thank him over and over with that bright, infectious smile.

He makes eye contact with Seyon as he and Mira climb on his bike.

"When did you become so close?"

"We are not ..."

"Liar...

"See you later..."

"You can't escape from me."

"Sure. Tomorrow then. Don't work too hard. Make sure you get enough rest, Seyon."

Their telepathic, nonverbal communication done, Seyon watches Soham's bike hit the streets. Then steers his Volkswagen Ameo out . Why did he buy this thing? He's still paying the instalments and the petrol prices are skyrocketing. He sighs, recalling his exchange with Soham before Mira came. The case. Yes. he has a brief respite before he can join the ACP for an all-nighter. And the thing with Thiya...

A smile comes to his face. That's Thiya's brother Arun? The same brother who was supportive of her relationship with him? Arun whose name Thiya took as her surname after their father disowned her. He's relieved of course, but he can't admit that. What the heck? Why is he thinking like this?

"Come on, dude... focus on the case... the case!" He tells himself. "Well once the ACP is done with you, that is..." 

***

AN: Please vote and comment! <3 Thank you for reading!