an: pretty much another last minute update. ugh how much I worked on this despite a migraine today... if you like this story chapter, vote n comment.  also leave a comment bc I need encouragement really badly in this dark phase of my life. truly don't understand why life has to be so tough. 😖😣everyone who voted commented thanks a bunch 😇💞 hope u like this chapter 💗

Their car stopped outside a grocery store. Seated in the passenger seat of Seyon's car, Thiya holds her head in her hands. Seyon went out five minutes ago to restock their snacks and water. He will return soon. She has a couple of minutes to process and repent her reprehensible, unnecessary actions thus far, that have nothing to do with the ongoing investigation. It's appalling how involuntary and natural these actions have become. Embarrassing they are, a blotch on the sanctity of the road trip's purpose.

A glance out of the car window. Evening sun is dipping below the horizon. Thiya can't help but think driving many miles during the night is inevitable, leaving the present village — Manipuram.

With its scenic farmlands, Manipuram presented a serene landscape that calms one's soul. Asking around the villagers for a certain resident meant minging with the folk. Which resulted in farm visits and an eventful day.

Here's where she crossed the boundary. Perhaps it was the lush greenery — her mood was buoyant and she felt like her usual self around Seyon. Like her past, usual self! When they approached a pump-set next to a well overflowing with water, they saw a farmer washing the mud off his clothes under the rushing water. She spoke before she could notice what she was saying—

"Seyon, how unkempt your hair is! You should wash it. You didn't do it at the inn right?"

Those were the exact inconspicuous, involuntary words which made Seyon quirk a sweet smile that was reserved for her. No amount of biting the cheek could undo the effect. She was blushing, watching him join the farmer.

Discarding his blazer, Seyon kneeled on one knee, like a poised knight from the fairy tales. The thick flow of water wet his body in no time. His bangs stuck to his forehead alluringly, his shirt, trousers clung to his body.

The farmer lended him a soap! Surprisingly, it was handmade from soapnuts. She watched as Seyon took it. Soft, enchanting movements of his hands wash tufts of his silken, raven hair. The sight was breathtaking. Ugh, the smug grin he showed her while he stood up, rivulets of water dripping down his tall, slim form, glistening in the afternoon sunlight...

She pretended she didn't notice they enhanced his handsomeness. He strode to her, knowing the effect he had on her. Excuse me Mr, are we still colleagues on an investigation? If we keep doing this... Oh well, I was the one who broke the boundaries first. This has been happening a lot. Hm, hm, why am I the only one acting a lovesick fool? Or... are you being one too?

Her thoughts were jumbled. She completely didn't see what was coming though.

"Your hair is unkempt too Thiya," Seyon said with a grin, "won't you wash it?"

"Huh?"

She blinked coyly, rolling her eyes when he added, "I could wash it for you."

The smug bast—ard. While she was stunned, red-cheeked, he chuckled. "Uh, but that's not for anyone else's eyes to see, sooo..."

He turned to the farmer. "Can we borrow this soap? It has pretty brilliant cleansing properties. The lady here might require one. We don't find good quality chemical-free ones around here, you see."

"Haha! Seyon... who said we'd be privileged to have... Who said about wanting chemical-free...?"

She trailed off in fits of laughter. The embarrassment she felt was gone with the wind which was flowing in soft bursts. Her hysterical laughter caused Seyon to crack up. Joy spread around like waves of an earthquake — a few more farm workers joined them. She felt the laughter-therapy was nice, though it was at the cost of her self-esteem. It was stress-relieving, yes.

But the con was that they had to walk back to their car, Seyon in dripping wet clothes. His allure turned quite a few heads along the way. A few farming ladies along the rugged paths across the fields wondered if they were seeing a film shooting sequence; why are there such less crew and why were they not informed of the shooting?

Thiya rolled her eyes again, ignoring the waves of jealousy in her heart. They made it to their inn. Seyon got changed in his room. As they got back in the car and she piled into the passenger seat, her hands accidentally knocked against the dashboard. The cabin casing within came open and a pack of expensive cigarettes fell on the carpeted floor.

"Seyon, didn't you quit smoking?" Without thinking, she yelled her thoughts aloud and threw the thing out, which fell into a puddle nearby with a clunk. The clunk returned her senses to her. But it was already too late. Who gave her the liberty to act this way?

Just now, she hadn't acted like a colleague or an ex with bitter feelings but like a true girlfriend!

She was too mortified to look at Seyon. But chanced a look, fixing her expression to something neutral. Her heart was racing though.

"Ah must have forgotten to throw this out. Didn't know it was here..." Seyon only smiled sweetly again. The moment soon turned melancholic, almost nostalgic. Her heart was filled with such heavy emotion, she wanted to cry. But she nodded.

And here they are!

What were Seyon's thoughts on her actions? He looked pretty pleased, so... maybe not much to worry there.

Seyon returns to the car with a large bag of refreshments. One look at Thiya waiting obediently in the passenger seat is enough to inspire nostalgia in his heart and the urge to break the boundaries between them. But he holds back again. She may have crossed this line several times but now enough is enough. Solving the case is important. Besides, it's time to check on Soham and Mira.

"Ready to check on our team?" He asks, getting in the car. Thiya nods and he places the call.

Of all the things they expected to come from Soham, they didn't think they'd hear Mira's psychoanalysis went wrong. A distraught Soham reveals Mira is in the hospital after inhaling a toxic gas of unknown kind.

Thiya frowns, worry etched between her brows. Seyon tightens his fist and narrows his eyes. Lacking the right words to comfort Soham, he hangs up praying that the precarious situations would somehow get better with time.

***

The next day on the road, the mood between them is strained with what happened to Mira wearing heavily on their minds. They didn't stop at an inn, rather sustained with what they had on hand. By afternoon they reached yet another village. Now they are at a small petrol bunk to refuel their car.

"Mira has not woken up." Thiya remarks with a sigh, eyeing the message she just read on her phone.

"Yes." Seyon's eyes remain on the meter. On his phone a similar message arrived. Precisely in the SIT chat group. "Soham is alone at a time like this. I wish I could be with him though I trust him to be strong. Ah, he got this and so do we. Ready to resume our road trip?"

"Yes..." Thiya nods. She doesn't hold back from giving Seyon a gentle, encouraging shoulder pat as he occupies the driver's seat. It's a tiny gesture, like the casual smiles they exchange but somehow more meaningful. Seyon can't help but this change alone is a good omen. Mira will be fine. The murky skies of fate might not look promising. But great things are on the way once the storm passes.

***

The following afternoon. With the help of trusted informers, and based on the temple at the background of the photograph found at Aran's home, Seyon, Thiya, locate Mr Rameswaran. Rameswaran, a man in his late seventies is tan-skinned, with grey, receding hairline. Dressed in traditional cotton lungi and chequered shirt, he's an energetic soul who's friendly towards anyone.

"Who is this man next to Professor Arindam in this photograph? Can you identify the young boy between them?"

Seyon shows the photograph to Rameswaran. Thiya is next to him. They are seated in the modest living room of Rameswaran, on top of jute chairs.

Rameswaran picks his thick spectacles from the side table and slides them up his nose. Wistfulness twinkles in his eyes and a bittersweet smile plays on his lips.

"You mean this one in chequered shirt holding the young boy's hand? Devrajan?" Rameswaran glances at Seyon who nods. "Devraj and Arindam are my friends. I was the one who took this photo. I have a copy of mine with me in which I was also present alongside my friends. This copy was for them. I also had a copy of this photograph but recently lost it somewhere. It is so nice to see this picture after so many years. Brings back great memories."

Seyon doesn't interrupt the old man from daydreaming. Thiya speaks at a casual pace a few minutes later.

"Can you tell us a bit more about Devrajan?"

"Devrajan, I, and Arindam went to the same college. We were childhood friends to begin with." Rameswaran nods at Thiya and continues, "even after we got married and moved on with our lives, our friendship continued."

"That's wonderful," Thiya suppresses a smile, "can we meet this Devrajan in person if possible?"

Rameswaran lets out a better chuckle. "You cannot meet him, my dear. Devrajan passed a long time ago."

"Oh I'm... sorry..." Thiya trails off. Seyon takes over and offers condolences.

Rameswaran struggles with his emotions for a minute. Then composes himself and looks at the officers.

"You said Arindam could not tell you the whole story, right? No wonder you look disappointed. But this is the truth."

Thiya, Seyon nod their heads. Rameshwaran is not done speaking.

"Arindam is emotional and superstitious despite the practicality he exhibits in academics. But then he later on moved to the specialisation of astrophysics. No wonder he has a touch of spirituality to him and a whole lot of humanity. He is a sensitive soul."

Seyon, Thiya listen with rapt attention to Rameswaran's tale. According to him, one of the three friends Devrajan aspired to be a movie star. He began to do well when a conspiracy shattered his dreams once and forever.

"Someone moved the producers council with ill intentions. They wrongly accused Devrajan of accepting a huge sum of money for the film and later refusing to work on it, and even denying he took any money. Dev was shunned. His sprawling career was over before it began. The young boy... the young boy in the photograph is his son, Arjun. Both the father and son are an unfortunate duo. Arjun lost his mother upon his birth. Truly tragic. Then he soon lost his father. You see, Arjun was orphaned an year later when Devrajan committed suicide."

"Devrajan committed suicide?" Thiya frowns while listening to the story. This isn't the first time she heard a tragic tale as a part of investigation. A new sorrow greets her every time. Every time her heart breaks and bleeds for the victims. She pieces herself together so she can fight for justice. She can only do the same now.

Knowing what's on her mind Seyon pats her shoulder, encouraging her in the same subtle way she did regarding Soham. They exchange small smiles and look at Rameswaran.

Rameswaran has fallen into his own bubble. He mutters incoherent sentences, most of which don't make sense. Sometimes, he's stuck on one sentence however, repeating it over and over—

"I wonder what Arindam is doing? The producers council and court had been behind him. Devrajan was an orphan. So there was none who could pay the producers council in his stead. And why should he pay when he was wrongly accused? Why couldn't he prove his innocence before the court? Why did he have to die? I'm a loser. I couldn't save Devrajan. I couldn't help Arindam when he was targeted later. They stripped Arindam of his assets. Vexed by the circumstances, he gave up his properties and left this village. I wonder where he is. How he and Devrajan's young son are faring? Kadavule..."

Rameswaran tears up at the end as his speech gains more clarity. Seyon, Thiya with heavy hearts offer him words of consolation again.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." Rameswaran brushes off his tears and smiles, readjusting his spectacles.

"Good to know, sir." Seyon clears his throat. "If you are worried about Arindam, he has made a name for himself as professor of astrophysics in a renowned University in Chennai. He was also taking excellent care of Devrajan's young son. So don't have anything to worry about."

"What?" Rameswaran smiles brightly. "Oh thank god. This is indeed good news. But why was this photograph with you to begin with? Curse my poor memory, I have forgotten why we are having this conversation. Why would cops have this picture? Did something happen to Arindam or..."

"No." Seyon cuts off Rameswaran. Before Thiya can spell the truth, he crafts a careful lie, one that will soothe old man. "Arindam and the boy are fine sir. You said Arjun, right? Arindam has renamed him with another name. That boy grew into a multi-talented young lad. He's currently finishing college and doing good. But Arindam sure would have wanted to look for his friend. I will leave his contact with you."

"Oh..." Rameswaran heaves a sigh of relief. Smiling brightly, he faces Seyon and Thiya. "Thank you, inspectors."

Seyon pockets the photograph with a nod of acceptance. The inquiry has ended.

To end the discussion on a lighter note, Thiya searches for topics, glancing around the spacious, sparsely furnished living room.

"This is a brilliant house you built on your farm sir. It's cold here. Soothing."

"Isn't it splendid? The sun is blazing outside." Rameshwaram smiles at Thiya. "Oh you are my guests! I should serve you some lassi."

Seyon, Thiya deny the formalities but it is too late. Rameshwaran won't agree. A couple of minutes later, the three are shipping their lassi made by the man himself.

Thiya feels refreshed by drinking the cold lassi. Setting her glass aside, she looks at Rameshwaran who is still tending to his drink.

"Is there nobody in this house, sir? Your farm was also deserted. There are just shrubs and wild plants, no crops."

"Oh yes..." Rameshwaran bobs his head and looks away. "The lands are still fertile I tell you, young lady. Yes, I do live alone on this farm. But thankfully all the villagers are my friends. So I'm not lonely. I'm quite healthy given my age."

He faces Thiya again. They exchange smiles.

"Haha, that's wonderful sir."

"Yes. Once the monsoon sets in, I will surely raise the crops again. But it is also my ambition to start a charity here. If only acquiring permission from the authorities is that easier..."

Rameswaran trails off and shakes his head. Thiya inclines her head and looks at him questioningly.

"Since you know this much already let me tell you the whole story," Rameswaran begins with a light chuckle. "Until 3 years ago, I used to live with my sons' families here. But they tried to kill me. So I jailed them. And now I'm living here alone. I'm used to solitude. As a forest officer, I had spent my life alone, you know? I retired from the job but not from my life. I can turn this barren land green again, start a charity and help the villagers in need."

Thiya is moved by the sincere words she heard and the pain hidden beneath them. Seyon is also moved but lacks the right words to respond.

"You are a smart man, sir," he says eventually, "you are well educated, speak fluent English. You retired from a respectful job and still have great ambitions. Your sons, they deserved it."

"Yes, it hurts my heart but..."

"It's not your fault but theirs, sir." Thiya interjects and shakes her head. Rameswaran smiles weakly.

"They wanted this property. That was the reason they wanted to kill me. I was about to divide this property completely between them yet they could not wait until my death."

"How unfortunate, sir."

"Fortunate for me. I cut the ties of deception. I didn't have to live with my son's poor, faking their love and lying to my face."

Seyon, Thiya fall silent. A few awkward moments later, Rameshwaran himself switches topics.

"Had they been straight sons, they would have helped me with building this charitable trust. But I will find my way. I may be old and may run into corrupt officials who deny me permissions,but I won't stop."

"I salute your resolve, sir," Seyon rises to his feet and salutes Rameswaran. Thiya stands and shakes the older man's hands.

"You will get permission, sir. Don't worry."

"I will. I will. The villagers are kind. And countless others in this world. How I wish kindness does things in this world, haha. Wouldn't it be nice, young lady?"

Thiya nods again. "Yes. My father is the home minister of the state. So I promise you. We will see that you get all the required permissions as soon as possible."

"What? That is..." Rameswaran's shock soon transforms to joy. He looks at Seyon and clutches Thiya's hand and brings it to his forehead. "Thank you so much. God bless you, young lady. You too Seyon is the name, isn't it?"

Rameswaran thanks both Seyon and Thiya. Then he finishes his lassi in one gulp, joking it has tasted sweet, absorbing the sweetness of this moment.

***

After exiting Rameswaran's villa, Thiya looks at Seyon in an inquisitive manner. They walk the long mud road that goes through the farm before arriving at the crossroads where their car is.

"Why did you lie, Seyon? You know one cannot hide the truth forever."

Seyon sighs. He knows something has been bothering Thiya. She's the same even now, bothered by trivial and non-trivial things alike. He picks a rag cloth from the dashboard and begins wiping dust from the windshield. Thiya leans against the car and turns her gaze to the villagers passing by.

"You mean, why I hid the truth about our visit and Aran's story, Thiya? Given Rameshwaran's age, I thought it is better if he found things at a slower pace."

"Understandable. Is that why you left Professor Arindam's contact with him?" Thiya brushes her hair,straightens her jumpsuit. The villagers' stares have become too obvious. It's not her fault she sticks out like a sore thumb in her city attire. She sits in the passenger seat with a huff. The evening sky is clear. Seyon is still wiping dust.

"Yes... the two can talk it out slowly, Thiya. It is up to Arindam to tell the truth. That's not the CID's job."

"Right. How are we sure the young boy Arjun is now Aran? That was the conclusion you came to after hearing Rameswaran, right?"

"Yes. Heh, knew we'd be on the same wavelength during any investigation, Thiya. I'm positive that Arjun is now Aran. It is very convenient that this young boy is Aran. Arindam must have given him a new identity. If the three friends are as close as Rameshwaran said, there is no way Arindam can let Arjun live by himself."

"Of course. Makes sense. I had the same thought but like all the facts in this case there is no proof to back this either."

"I know. I wish we find some proof soon. Or proof will find us on its own."

"You think a clue will find us?"

"Why not? One stupid move from Aran and there we have it."

"Oh Seyon. Yeah. I wish that happens. I think he already committed a mistake. Soham will find proof that... he caused Mira harm. That should be enough for us to take him into custody."

"I wish it is that easy Thiya."

Thiya crosses her arms and sighs. Up above clouds obscure the sky but it's still hot weather. Seyon climbs into the car. Without doubt, he knows they have the same thought. The purpose of this road trip has come to an end. It's time to return to Chennai already?

Seyon pauses a few moments before revving the engine. It won't hurt to savour a few more moments in silence this way, in the pleasant village ambience. He kills the engine and looks at Thiya whose gaze is on the road. Immediately, her words with Rameswaran flash in his mind.

"When you reassured Rameswaran regarding government permissions... That was the first time I heard you say you were the daughter of a politician."

"Hm? Oh."

Thiya looks at Seyon with a slight smile. "I wanted to help Rameswaran uncle."

"Haha. I understand the urge. So your father is truly the home minister now? Wow. Kind of unbelievable but... figures."

"Yeah."

A beat's silence. Thiya speaks, knitting her hands together, staring at them,

"Because my father is a straightforward politician, I expect him to come to Rameshwaran uncle's rescue. Our strained ties won't matter here, because people's welfare is his top priority. He won't mind this small recommendation from me. Don't you think so, Seyon?"

"Mm. I think so. I'm glad you'll be able to help Rameswaran."

"God. I promised Rameshwaran uncle. I'm sure of my father's helping nature but...I'm nervous. I have not spoken to Appa in a decade!"

Seyon pats her head soothingly. She leans into the touch and closes her eyes.

"I know. It's okay. Let me know when you see him. I will join you, Thiya."

Seyon starts the engine. Thiya opens her eyes, looks at him and chuckles. The touch of his warmth on her head warms her heart. She's disappointed when he pulls his hands to put them on the steering.

Again, the same thought runs through their minds. They both could have stayed together stronger during these challenges of their lives. Yet the eight-year gap happened. Should they be glad that at least now they are together? With their bond returning to what it was, the upcoming challenges might not feel like challenges at all. Whatever personal feelings, actions they undertake, they can accept instead of resisting them. Back to Chennai they go now. With the Madurai adventures in their memories, and many more to make.

tbc
up next: soham can't take action against aran. seyon thiya are back in Chennai.  what is the SIT's new action?
stay tuned
we are really close to the end

vote and comment guys.
ty for reading